The Divine Unleashed (Book 3) (21 page)

“This is not a day for us to dread but a day for us to celebrate as we make our stand and send a message that we will live in fear of no one,” Kade said as he led Darcienna to the royal table and indicated for her to sit.  The queen was up and translating smoothly as Kade spoke.  “This is the day that we strike first,” Kade said as he put strength into his voice and slammed his fist into his open palm, causing many spiders to jump.  It was having its desired effect.  The spiders started to perk up.  “This is the day that we show Morg that he should be the one living in fear,” Kade said, raising his voice.  The spiders started to come alive.  His words were stronger than any calling he could have ever used.  “This is the day that we let it be known that we are the ones to be feared.  We have overcome much and we will continue to overcome all who make the mistake of believing we are weak,” Kade said as he called on the Great Divine and let light spring forth from his hands.  Both hands were glowing as he purposefully strode amongst the spiders.  It was an impressive sight and even Doren had an approving smile…along with hands that were in the shape of a bowl.  The light was not enough to cause any to turn away, but it was definitely chasing away the shadows.  “Today,” Kade said as he raised a fist and let more light shine, “is the day we take the fight to him,” he finished with such ferocity that a vein pulsed in his neck.  The spiders erupted in a deafening buzz as the hall exploded into life.

“That was quite impressive,” Rakna said as she took her place next to the king.

“Agreed,” Crayken added.

“You have given them something to believe in,” Doren said approvingly, as he studied the light still coming off the apprentice’s hands.  Kade recalled Doren’s reaction the previous day when he had used light to sway the kings and queens.  He saw how Doren was holding his hands and realized what was going on instantly. 
One of these times the Master Chosen was going to figure it out,
Kade thought to himself, reminding himself to be cautious.  Zayle’s wise words about simple callings being just as important as any other callings drifted through his mind.

Maybe someday I will trade him this calling for one of his,
Kade thought, not realizing that he was fully thinking like a Master Chosen. 
Of course, as an apprentice, it would be expected for a Master Chosen to divulge callings to his student,
Kade thought in amusement.

Kade took the empty place next to the king, knowing it was meant for him and Darcienna took the one next to that.  Kade wondered what Doren thought about having to be sat behind him and Darcienna as he took the place three down from the king.  Regardless, he earned this, Doren did not.

Darcienna looked at him with pride, but there was no denying that there was fear there for him to see, also.  Kade stopped, looking deep into her eyes and cocked his head as if to ask what was bothering her.  The image of him floating through the arch sprang into her mind.  She was certain that telling him of her vision would be a grave mistake.  If she told him, he would question his every decision, and that would not do.  Because of this, she knew it would be up to her to thwart fate and keep him from crossing over into the world of the dead.  This was her secret and she was not going to burden him with it.

“I just worry,” Darcienna said as she smiled reassuringly at him. 

Kade nodded, satisfied with her answer.  Had he watched her just a few more seconds, he would have seen fear dance through her eyes, and most assuredly, would have pressed her for more.  He knew her well enough by now to know when she was holding something back.  She swallowed hard and closed her eyes as she steadied her nerves.  She opened them and flinched.  He was locked onto her.

“Is there more?” Kade asked suspiciously as he studied her closely.  Darcienna tried to hold her smile but it slipped.  He could see the fear in her eyes. 

Bloody ash and all curse the Divine!
she thought as she tried her best to put on a brave face. 

“Darcienna?” Kade pressed.

“I am afraid for your life.  I don’t want to lose you.  Just promise me you will be careful,” Darcienna said. 
What I said was true,
she told herself.  It was the only way she could keep the secret.  She had to put some truth in it or he would see that there was more.

“You will be there to protect me.  How can I not be safe?” Kade asked as he covered her hand with his.

“Yes, I will be,” Darcienna said to fate as much as to him.  “Yes, I will be there to keep you on this side!” she said with conviction. 

Kade smiled at her determination, satisfied, and turned his attention to his plate of food that was set before him.  The fruits, nuts and vegetables were a welcome change to the meat, cheese and bread.  Not having to cook was a relief.

The room was full of animated gestures and loud, excited buzzing.  Kade had his fill of food and leaned back, allowing the meal to settle.  As he sat looking around the room, a spider raced in and came straight to the king and queen.  It cast a quick glance at Kade and then moved to the other side of the king to include Kade in the conversation.  He buzzed dramatically as he looked back and forth between the apprentice and the king as though Kade could understand. 

The queen quickly translated as the spider rushed to give all the information.  The more the spider spoke, the quieter the room became.  By the time the spider finished, the room was deathly quiet with all eyes on the royal table.  The spider withdrew while the king and queen talked in quick whispers.

“It would appear that things are not well,” Doren said thoughtfully.

“Morg has scouts in the area,” Kade said.  “They are scouring the land as they move, searching.  They are heading in the direction of the cave.  The spider says they will be there soon,” he said as he looked between Doren and Darcienna.  The Master Chosen nodded thoughtfully as he clasped his hands together and placed his fists under his chin, giving off the air of someone who is about to solve a complicated puzzle.  Darcienna pressed her lips together.  Kade watched her as a fierce determination flashed through her eyes so strongly that he wondered what was going through her mind.  He touched her hand and she jumped.  Her eyes focused on him but the determination did not fade.  He was about to ask what had her so tense when a voice directly behind him drew his attention.

“The spy from the previous day did not return,” Ven said in her huge beastly form.  That was all that she needed to say.  Everyone understood.

“It would appear that things are progressing faster than we had hoped,” Doren said as though they were discussing gardening techniques.  His nonchalant attitude irked Kade.

“We either protect the cave, or we go after Morg, but we must decide,” Crayken said.

“It is imperative that we protect the cave,” Doren said with some intensity.  “If they find the tunnel, Morg will not wait for us to come to him.  He will come to us in force, and it may very well end badly,” he said as he turned his attention on Kade.  It was clear he was expecting Kade to continue on with what he was saying.  Even though Doren made perfect sense, there was a smugness about the way he did what he did.  It was as if he believed he was directing the conversation and Kade was no more than a puppet waiting for a cue. Kade sighed, not liking being manipulated.  Doren very much enjoyed showing how smart he was and it was starting to grate on Kade.  He knew Doren was correct in his thinking, but the Master Chosen enjoyed showing how brilliant he was just a little too much.  Pompous, was the word that came to Kade’s mind.

Why did it not bother me when Zayle showed his superiority?
Kade asked himself.  He knew the answer before he even finished the question.  Zayle was not concerned with what others thought.  He taught what he needed to teach without trying to impress.  Zayle was not pompous.  Zayle was just knowledge, power and an excellent teacher who cared more about his students than what his students might think of him.  Kade smiled at the memory of his teacher and then returned his attention to the spiders.

“We need to know exactly how close they are to finding the tunnel.  We must avoid engaging the enemy for as long as possible.  It is important we see how they are scouting,” Kade said as he stood.

“The queen shall join you while I lead the clutch to the caves,” Crayken said.

“Let us scout ahead, and when we know more, we can formulate a plan,” Kade said.

“I shall ready the clutch and we will await your command,” Crayken said.  Kade felt odd at the implication that he, a mere Apprentice Chosen, was to lead them all.

He stood and faced the spiders once again.  This was the last pep talk he was going to give and it had better be the best of his life.  Many of these spiders would never dine here again, and he was painfully aware of that fact.  Darcienna gave him a slight nod of her head for encouragement.

“Today, we get our chance to rid this world of an evil that threatens all peaceful creatures.  Today, you get to be the protectors of the world.  Today, the world will know that you saved it from a torment so horrendous that peace would have never been a possibility ever again.  I am honored to stand with you in this fight,” Kade said loudly.  The kings from all the clutches nodded their approval as he spoke.  Kade’s courage and conviction were contagious.  The spiders knew that this was going to be a bloody war, and with Kade to lead the charge, they were ready for it.  They started a chant that grew into a crescendo.  Kade wanted to cover his ears but that would not be very kingly at all.  He stepped onto the table as the buzzing echoed.  “Today, I am proud to fight alongside each and everyone one of you!” he shouted, almost becoming hoarse.  “Fight for your people!” he chanted as he pumped his fist in the air.  “Fight for your family.  Fight for your king and queen, but most importantly, fight to destroy this evil and make him regret ever setting foot in our land!” Kade thundered as he stomped hard on the table.  To Kade’s shock, the spiders responded in kind.  They hit their tables as one and it echoed throughout the cave.  They started pounding over and over, hitting harder with each strike.  He expected tables to start splintering under the assault, but miraculously, they held.  The booming picked up pace as they worked themselves into a frenzy.  Kade feared if they became any more excited, they would race off to confront Morg without waiting for the order to attack.

He stepped down from the table and reached a hand out to Darcienna.  She took it with a gleam in her eye.  Doren nodded his approval.  The smug self-satisfaction coming from the Master Chosen irritated Kade, but he nodded back, regardless.  He should have liked the approval he was getting, but for some reason, he did not.  He hated to think he was going to have to study under this Master Chosen, but he could not see that he had much of a choice.  As an apprentice, he had to study under a master until he was assigned the rank of Adept.  It was true that Doren could help him reach the next level, but studying under the Master Chosen as an apprentice just did not sit well with him.  He mentally sighed and looked around the room as the spiders calmed.

“I leave you in the hands of your capable king.  He will know the right time to bring the war to them,” Kade said as he looked to Crayken.  The spiders erupted again, eager for the bloodbath.  By now, Kade was certain he could just throw his hands into the air and the spiders would go into a frenzy.

“We should be going,” Doren said as if Kade needed prompting. 

Kade tensed and glanced away so Doren would not see the look of pure irritation on his face.  Darcienna wrapped both her hands around Kade’s arm for support.  He looked at her and she shook her head just barely enough for him to see.  He knew she was right.  Now was not the time to let personality clashes get in the way of what they must do. 

Doren is correct, but wasn’t I just saying that already? 
Kade thought as he headed for the exit.

The shapeshifter was close behind Kade and Darcienna as they exited the tree.  Doren was next, followed by the queen.  Kade mentally called out to the dragon.  Rayden swooped in from out of the sky to land gracefully in front of the small group without the extra pumps of its wings.  Kade expected the usual playfulness from the dragon, but even Rayden seemed to understand that things were about to get very dangerous.  Kade opened his mind to the link and connected with his friend.  Yes, even Rayden understood, but there was also an eagerness for battle.  Rayden was all killing machine now and Divine help the creatures caught in his path.

“It is time for us to leave.  We must go to the cave as quickly as possible.  Morg’s scouts are closing in on it, and we must stop them.  We have to ride now,” Kade said as he indicated for the dragon to kneel.  Rayden was restless and huffed several times, resisting Kade’s directions. “Rayden, we must go,” he urged, but the dragon’s agitation grew.  Rayden eyed the hulking creature that was standing close to Kade.  The dragon’s lips quivered as the fangs flashed into view and its wings half opened as it readied to attack.  Kade felt the dragon’s desire to kill assail him through the link.  It was overwhelming and made his head spin. 

Is this what I am like when I thirst for revenge; not thinking or caring, only wanting to give in to the desire to kill?
  Kade asked himself as he struggled to communicate with the dragon.  The shapeshifter was too valuable to leave behind, but Kade was not convinced that the dragon could be calmed.  Hate came off Rayden in waves.  For the first time that he could recall, Kade became angry at the dragon’s stubbornness.