The Apprentices (The Crimson Guard Trilogy Book 1) (19 page)

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It did not take him long to reach the dungeon exit.  Sitting on a stool behind a short wall facing the free world was a tall man.  The man was dressed from head to toe in the Queen’s royal colors.  “Maybe Matlintoc was right.”  Taxem thought out loud. 

“What, sir?”  The man jumped from his seated post standing straight.  “Nothing, as you were, soldier.”  Taxem continued on to the Queen.

He found her hunched over a small crystal ball centered in the room.  She was an impressive sight with brilliant black hair and silver eyes.  She looked up from the crystal and smiled at him.  “Ah Taxem you have come, finally, I have been calling for you for what seems like hours.”  Taxem entered the room and closed the door.

“What new developments have arisen my Queen that you need me on such short notice?”  Taxem said was he bowed. 

She looked at him smile turning into a frown.  “Any development I call you for is important. Do you think your time more important than the Queen’s?” 

“No, your majesty, I apologize.”  He bowed lower. “I was speaking with Matlintoc regarding the prophecy, I think the old man is starting to fail, he knew nothing of the new group of apprentices.”

“Good, I have seen a great thing, but I have also heard a great disappointment.”  Taxem stood up straight waiting for the Queen to continue.  “My soldiers that you sent west in search of the boy and his companions have been destroyed.  From what I hear in the wind a great force of strength came down from the North to rescue the insignificant group.  I do not care nor am I afraid of anything.  My power is limitless.”

“Yes, my Queen. They were weak soldiers, nothing can stand against your might.”  Taxem quickly added.

She again smiled at the man before continuing.  “The great news I have seen is the Lighthouse has returned to whence it came.”  Taxem’s spirits jumped.

“You mean the house has returned to the Red Beach?”  Taxem asked.

“Yes, it was returned. You must leave here immediately with all the protectors in my dungeon. Nothing will stop you from seizing its power for me.”  She clenched her fists in front of her face.

“I will leave immediately, with your desire my Queen.” Taxem turned to leave, but before he could, she said, “Take some of my guards. Failure is not an option, or the King will have some company.”  She pointed to a man curled up in the corner, gnawing on a bone.  A shudder went up Taxem’s spine and he jogged from the room.

He stood outside the closed door separating him from the Queen’s glare. 
I may have something to fear more than you my Queen
Taxem thought. 
The soldiers I sent to retrieve the boy were the best I had.
  Not wanting to dwell any longer he set off in the direction of his room.  “Time to pack.”  He directed to the creature in the shadows. 

Epilogue

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A young boy sat resting on the beach trying to build a sand castle in the reddish tinted sand.  He was trying to recreate the great castle at Ogland, which he had only seen from illustrations in books.   Behind him his mother yelled to clean up and come home. 

He reluctantly stood, hating that he had to leave so soon.  It wasn’t even getting late.  Behind him, he left drag marks from his feet as he sauntered home. 
I guess I could always come back tomorrow and finish it
he thought.  Before he went too far a loud crash and rush of air caused him to look back at his little creation.  Instead of the small sand castle, a giant building stood with a single great tower.  Terrified, the young man ran screaming for his mother. 

A light shone brightly in all directions from the top of the tower.  Far above the sand a pair of silver eyes watched the little boy run. 

Dana Journey is originally from Crescent, Oregon.  After attending Eastern Oregon University, he moved around prior to settling in the Columbia Gorge Region of Oregon.  He shares his home with his wife, son, and dog Vader.  When not working or writing, Dana enjoys outdoor activities, and star trek. 

For updates on the second and third book of the Crimson Guard Trilogy or to contact Dana Journey, please contact his publisher at Wizardskeeppublishing.com