CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Brin was in a foul mood. For weeks, she had been training in the lower levels, living like a common pupil in the bowels of the compound. Lakin had rarely even visited, and with her affection for him growing stronger each day, this was quite frustrating. She felt her room pathetic, and voiced this quite often to her teacher. Lakin was amazed at how accustomed to luxury she had become in her brief time at the Tower. Brin also hated that time moved differently. The fact she felt she had been down here for weeks, when in fact she had not, annoyed her even further.
Hiding in her room, she complained loudly to the walls, not aware they were listening. Lakin had to keep a close eye on the development of his queen to be. It amused him to hear her complain. Of course, this was all going as Lakin had planned. He felt he needed to change her routine, get her away from the rumours of her family. Maybe that would finally break her, and he was right. She was more loyal to him than he ever could have imagined. It brought a smile to his face. Her teacher was Vernia, who was an unwilling teacher at best. Brin was not very receptive to the idea either, but soon realized Vernia was a very powerful witch, and learned all she could from the woman. It took Brin three days to master what had taken Vernia almost six months. Vernia had always been able to sense the magic within Brin, and how powerful she was, but wasn’t aware of her strength until she began teaching her. This was a side effect Lakin didn’t anticipate, and Vernia didn’t reveal any information to him, other than what she felt he expected to hear.
She found it amusing he was so easy to figure out lately. His guard was down more often, especially when Brin was involved. He obviously had great plans for this girl. Vernia approached Brin’s room and heard the usual complaints coming from inside. She knocked loudly, to be heard over the constant yelling. Brin pulled open the door so hard that Vernia was shocked it didn’t come off its hinges.
“Why are you here?” Brin snapped. “I have no lessons today.”
“No, actually your training is complete, for now. Lakin has asked me to escort you to his study.”
Brin instantly broke into a grin, and skipped across her room to gather her things. “Thank the gods I do not have to stay in this horrible hole any longer.”
Vernia tried to hide her smile. Brin’s training had been finished for a few days now, but Lakin had made her sit down here, with nothing to do, for the entire time. Strict orders were given to not associate with Brin in any way. Another of Lakin’s plans which worked quite well. With no one to talk to, or give her any information of life outside the Tower, she became withdrawn, and only associated with Vernia and Lakin.
Lakin sat in his study, watching what was going on in Keenley in his mirror. The fools had relied too heavily on the Easterners help, and it was now quite apparent there would be no war. Not for some time, and time was something Lakin did not have enough of. He needed Jeremy and his soldiers, as well as Dubar and his men, to be occupied for his plan to work. If either one realized they were just pawns, and were going to be destroyed no matter the outcome of their war, they may join forces and come against him. Vernia had also reported the twins were indeed in Keenley. He had hoped they would bypass the city, and was disappointed when they went in. If Duke Dubar and his men were to capture the twins, they may ruin all of his plans. He had at first thought to send word to hold them. Perhaps to delay the twins long enough for the war to start. Lakin chuckled to himself. Dubar was too intent on becoming king. He would most likely use them to get Jeremy to give up the throne, therefore moving the war back even more. Lakin could not delay. War or not, his plans needed to move forward.
He had to be ready for when the void came down. Brin followed Vernia up to Lakin’s study, without saying a word. When they arrived, he was seated in his chair, and appeared to be in deep thought.
“I am glad you feel my training is finished, for now. What is next for us?”
Lakin turned his head and focused on Brin. It was a bold question, and he had to make sure he answered properly. “There still is much to be done. Queen Malena appears to be testing the Void. We must make sure she can’t break through. If she can contact anyone on the outside, she may send them after us.”
Brin frowned. “I do not see how she is any threat. She lives in the Void and even if she can talk to someone we are well fortified. It would be quite difficult for her to get in and find us.”
Vernia nearly gasped, but caught herself. Was it possible Lakin had figured out she and Malena were working against him?
Lakin smiled. “And what if she was able to enter the mind of someone in this facility? There are strong magical wards in place, but they will need to be maintained. So far, only Vernia and I have the power to check them. I am now placing the responsibility onto you. Bind yourself to the wards which are in place, and you will be in contact with everyone’s magical energy. Should you feel Malena is trying to contact someone, inform me immediately. There are special wards around my study. Do not worry about what you sense in them. I am constantly using my powers, and it may interfere.”
Brin smiled. Being in touch with everyone’s powers would take a strong and disciplined mind. It was a great honour being given to her, and she didn’t want to disappoint Lakin.
“You may move all your things back into our quarters. I have missed you,” he said with a leer. “Oh and I have news of your family. Your mother is still missing, and your brother and sister appear to be moving closer to their goal. We must ensure our goals are met. It’s the only way to save everyone.”
Brin smiled, and moved towards Lakin’s desk, sitting on the edge of it she leaned towards him. “Then we must make sure it is done.”
Malena stared up at the walls of the school. She remembered back to her youth, when she was positive it existed. It had become her obsession, and ultimately was one of the things which lead to her banishment. Had she not become so enthralled with finding it, she never would have summoned help from evil sources. “Mordekai, may I speak with you?” she said to the walls. Shouting was not necessary. The walls were spelled, and Mordekai knew what was going on near them. He had known for quite some time she had been standing there.
“If you have come to inform me of Lakin’s plans, I am already aware,” came his voice from the wall.
“How did you know?” she asked, confused.
“Because Lakin has had this plan in mind since the school was moved into the Void.”
Malena was now even more confused. “Since the school was moved! How is that possible? Only Gillock knew it still existed.”
Mordekai appeared from the wall. “Lakin knows because he was one of the main reasons Gillock and I moved it here.”
Understanding suddenly showed in her eyes. “He was alive during the war.”
“Not only was he alive, he was the one who started it. It was he who thought wizards should rule, not kings. When he started to draw in followers, we decided we needed to intervene. We were too late, and the war began.”
Malena was mortified. “Kinsley! You are saying Lakin is really Kinsley? He and all his followers were destroyed. I was taught it was the king of the time’s decision to banish the school.”
Mordekai shook his head. “No, Kinsley's followers were destroyed, he was not. I have felt him and it was only recently I realized he had become Lakin. Gillock thought he had destroyed him, and seeing as I could not pinpoint where he was, I felt it best to not let anyone know he was still alive.”
“But how did he hide for so long?”
“He took over the body of a young wizard and made himself the leader of the Maget. Since he had the king’s ear, it was easy for him to start destroying magical beings. He needed their power to hide from my sight. When one possessing magic is killed, their powers are sent into the Void. I have a special stone to catch and hold this power. Gillock and I created the stone for we knew one-day magic may cease to exist and would need to be returned. This stone interrupts my magical sight, and Lakin was easily able to hide because of it. If the twins do not
succeed, the power will be released and will be uncontrollable for some time. If Lakin can gather it, he will be able to enter the school, and I won’t be able to stop him.”
Malena’s face dropped. She knew Lakin’s power had grown, and with Brin at his side, they would be unstoppable. “Is there nothing I can do?” she asked softly.
Mordekai smiled. “Why this change of heart?”
Malena stared at him. “I will still have my revenge for being banished here, mark my words, but I will not allow Lakin to control all of Melarandra. And now I know he was really Kinsley, I can imagine what kind of world he wants it to be.”
Mordekai smiled again. “Your banishment is almost at an end. When the barrier comes down, expect Lakin to attack. Just be ready.” He turned and moved back inside. Malena stood for a few moments longer, taking in all she had learned. A faint call brought her out of her reverie. It was her mirror, so she quickly moved off back to her castle.