War (The True Reign Series) (31 page)

“
They’re not doing so willingly,” Parek revealed, shaking his head.

“
I don’t understand what’s going on,” Rema said.

“
Barjon and Lennek have kidnapped hundreds of the soldiers’ children.”

“
What?” Rema yelled, jumping off the sofa and pacing the room. “He kidnapped children? He’s using them to control the army!” She balled her hands into fists.

Darmik had always known his father and brother were ruthless, but this was excessive, even for them.

“Yes,” Parek answered. “Lennek claims that once Rema and Darmik are dead, the children will be released.” He rubbed his face. “There’s more,” he said. “For each person who defects and joins Darmik, a child is killed.”

T
hat accounted for the lack of men here from the King’s Army. The few that had managed to come join him must have done so before Lennek implemented his demented plan.

“
Where are the kids being held?” Darmik asked. They had to be in a secure location, but he couldn’t imagine the army guarding them since the children belonged to their fellow soldiers.

“
No one knows. They haven’t been seen.”

“
We’ll just have to defeat Barjon and Lennek with the men we have,” Rema said, seething with rage.

“
I’m not sure we’re fully equipped to go up against ten thousand soldiers,” Darmik admitted. “I intended to have my men on our side. Now I’ll have to fight them.” He didn’t think he could kill people he’d trained.

“
We have weapons here,” Rema said. “We will succeed.” She stared into Darmik’s eyes, a fierce determination taking over. “We will.” He wanted to believe her, but he’d been in battle before, and he knew what was ahead of them.

“Is there anything else, Parek?” Mako asked.

“Yes. Barjon has the army out searching for the rebels.”

Darmik rubbed his face. This location was no longer secure.

“I suggest we organize and leave as soon as possible—before Barjon discovers we’re here,” Mako suggested.

“I agree,” Darmik said.

Rema nodded her head. “Very well. Prepare for battle.”

Rema

After
receiving the news from the scout, Rema climbed into bed, exhausted. How was she supposed to be responsible for all the people here? For the entire island? For Emperion? She couldn’t do this. People’s lives were at stake, and it was up to her to save them.

How could Barjon and Lennek steal
the army’s children? Those poor kids—taken away from their parents and locked up, not knowing when and if they’d be released. The only option Rema had was to quietly lead her army to King’s City, and defeat Barjon and Lennek before the King’s Army was raised to fight against them. Then the soldiers could have their children back.

She tossed and turned, unable to
relax. Ellie and Vesha each breathed heavily, indicating they were asleep. Throwing her blankets off, Rema slid out of bed and padded across the room to the window. The stars shone brightly overhead. Grabbing her robe, she left the room, quietly shutting the door behind her. Two Emperion guards stood in the corridor.

“
Is something the matter?” one asked in his thick accent.

“
I can’t sleep,” she answered, “I want to go outside to see the stars.”

“
We have orders to keep you inside the premises,” he said, “for your own safety.”

“
I understand. What about the roof? Am I allowed to go up there?” She felt silly asking if she could or could not do something, since she was the empress and technically in charge of everyone. However, she knew Darmik and Neco set parameters with her guards for her own safety, and she would respect them.

The guards looked at
each another. One shrugged his shoulders and replied, “We don’t see why not.”

Rema had no idea if she
could even get to the roof, but it was worth a try. She went up the stairs to the top floor, and then searched the hallways. She finally saw what she was looking for—an iron door. She shoved it open and sure enough, there was a ladder. Climbing up, Rema found herself on the top of the castle. She pulled her robe tight and went to the edge, looking out upon the land before her. Breathing in the fresh air, she stared at the stars and thought about the task ahead of her.

This was
her
island. These were
her
people. It was
her
duty to make things right and help everyone live peacefully.

Someone cleared
his throat and she spun around, coming face to face with Savenek. “What are you doing here?” she asked. She waved to her guards, indicating she would speak with him. They melted into the background, out of sight.

“
I couldn’t sleep,” he said, his voice soft. “I was pacing in the corridor when I caught a glimpse of you going upstairs. It didn’t take long to figure out where you went.” He shrugged his shoulders.

Rema turned around and leaned against the half-wall, gazing back at the stars. Savenek came
to stand next to her.

“
Have you considered staying behind?” he asked.

She
’d wondered when someone would make a suggestion such as this.

“
You won’t consider it, will you?”

Rema shook her head.

Savenek sighed. They stood side by side in silence. “After we get rid of Barjon and Lennek, are you going to Emperion?” he asked.

“
Yes,” she replied. “They need me.”

“
We need you here, too.”

“
I know,” she said. It wasn’t that she necessarily wanted to go to Emperion, but she had to. If she didn’t return, someone else would steal the throne and they could be even worse than Hamen. It was her responsibility to bring peace and stability to Emperion. She hoped to leave Mako on Greenwood Island to see a smooth transition and to act on her behalf.

“
I need you here,” Savenek whispered.

Rema peered over at him.
He stared into the night sky, not looking at her. She wondered why he revealed such a thing. “I’ve agreed to marry Darmik.”

He nodded, like he alre
ady knew. “I’d like to accompany you, to be a member of your royal guard, if you’ll have me.”

She wasn
’t sure that was the best of ideas, especially if he still had feelings for her. In addition, Savenek was reckless and unpredictable; yet, she trusted him. “I would be honored,” she answered, not wanting to turn him down again. “But you have to know, my heart belongs to Darmik. It always will.”

“
I know.”

She reached over and placed her hand on Savenek
’s cheek. “Thank you for your friendship and loyalty.” His eyes softened. Rema hurried and walked away.

****

Rema woke to a flurry of activity. People had already started assembling outside. She quickly dressed while Ellie braided her hair. When the three girls were ready, they headed downstairs together. People ran around, some carrying armfuls of weapons, others bags of food.

Maya and Kar rushed
over to her. “You’re not going with them, are you?” Maya demanded.

Rema sighed.
“Of course I am,” she said. “It’s my army, after all. I can’t send them to do my bidding without me.”

“
Yes, you certainly can,” Maya said, crossing her arms.

“
Your aunt is correct,” Kar added. “Now that you’re in charge, you can send your army and servants to do jobs for you.”

“
I know I can,” Rema replied. “But just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.”

“
I’m not sure if I should be proud of you,” Kar said, “or slap you across the head to knock some sense into you.”

Rema laughed.
“I’ll take the first option.”

Mako came over.
“I want everyone who’s coming, outside,” he said.

“
Very well,” Maya mumbled. “If you’re going along, so are we.”

Rema stood
, staring at her aunt and uncle. They were too old to partake in such a journey. However, she always despised when someone told her what to do. Therefore, she would to allow them to make their own choices.

“
Are you reconsidering?” Maya asked, a smug look across her face.

“
Absolutely not,” Rema replied. “We should all head outside, since we’re all going.”

Kar chuckled.
“That’s my girl.”

Squinting in the bright sunlight, Rema saw that
Darmik had everyone organized into smaller groups. He walked around, giving instructions to what she assumed were the squad leaders. Someone came over and ushered Maya and Kar to one of the groups.

“
I’ve been meaning to talk to you about the command situation,” Mako said, recapturing her attention.

“
What do you mean?”

“
Well, exactly who is the commander of the army? Me? Darmik? You need to make it clear.”

Rema intended to have Darmik head her royal guard, but seeing him in charge right now,
made her realize that he had to be commander of the army. Wanting him to be on her royal guard was a selfish request on her part, and she should never have asked it of him.

“
Darmik is the commander of my entire army, both here and in Emperion.”

Mako nodded.
“Very well. And who is in charge of your personal safety?”

“
I will speak with Darmik on the matter.” Her inclination was to choose Neco as the permanent head of her royal guard; however, Darmik might need him more.

As if sensing her, Darmik glanced
up and she waved him over. “I am officially appointing you as commander of my entire army.”

His eyes widened.
“As you wish.”

“
As commander, who would you suggest head my royal guard?”

“
Neco,” he answered without hesitation.

“
I think you may need Neco by your side,” she countered.

He rubbed his chin, lost in thought.
“I agree. If I’m to head the entire army, then I want someone I trust.”

“
So that leaves Mako, Audek, and Savenek,” Rema mused.

Mako cleared his throat.
“I would be honored to hold the position. However, I would like to stay here on Greenwood Island when this is over.”

“
I understand,” Rema answered. “And I would like you here, protecting my interests.”

“
I want Savenek in charge,” Darmik said, surprising her. She didn’t think he cared for Savenek. “He will have your safety as his priority,” he explained.

“
I will ask if he’ll take the position.” Mako nodded and left.

Rema and Darmik stood alone.
“I didn’t think you’d choose him, giving his feelings toward me.”

“
That is precisely why I selected him.” He kissed her on the forehead.

“
I’d like to address the people before we go,” Rema said.

“
Of course.”

Within five minutes, Darmik had everyone
’s attention. Rema stood on the steps by the front door of Trell’s house, Darmik at her side. She felt silly wearing the standard army uniform—pants and a tunic—since she also donned her crown. The weight of it atop her head reminded her of the responsibility she bore to these people.

“
Thank you all for being here,” she said in a loud, clear voice. “Today, we begin our trek to King’s City. Leading my army is Commander Darmik. He will be appointing temporary positions of captains and lieutenants for our mission. We have but one goal—to quickly and efficiently storm into the castle and either capture or kill Barjon and Lennek, thus ending their tyranny.” Cheering and applause rang through the air. “Let’s move out!” Darmik descended the stairs and began shouting out orders to his men.