The Divine Unleashed (Book 3) (34 page)

“You are mad!” Kade said as he turned his back on Morg’s babble and faced the queen.

“What are you talking about?” Darcienna asked as she started down the steps toward Morg.  The Master Chosen sighed.  Doren appeared, as if out of thin air, and stood off to the side, listening.  Kade turned, irritated at Darcienna for even talking to the man.  Kade’s forgiveness was not going to come easy.

“Use the Divine and force the connection,” Morg said simply.

“What does the Divine have to do with it?” Kade asked, contempt heavy in his voice.  Morg flinched from the heat in his words.

“She uses the Divine but only in a very limited sense,” Morg continued.  Doren edged closer, curious.  “How do you think she communicates with you?” Morg asked, amusement in his voice.

“The same as she does with anyone else,” Kade said, hating himself for being drawn into this.  He desperately did not want to accept any help from Morg, but he was not willing to let the queen suffer if there was a way for him to help her.

“Not so,” Morg said as he eyed the queen.  Kade gasped in exasperation.  Morg locked eyes with Darcienna.  “Does she speak to you in your mind?”

“Kade was right.  This is a waste of time,” Darcienna said as she turned to ascend the steps.  “Speak in my mind?  Bah,” she said as she stopped next to Kade.  She glanced at him and then did a double take.  “What?” she asked.

“You have not heard her speak in your mind?” Kade asked and then turned to look at the queen.

“Kade?” Darcienna asked, confused.  “I do hear her speak but…I hear it.  Are you saying…?” she asked and then paused.  Kade turned to look at Morg and then to the queen.

“Rakna.  You have not spoken to Darcienna with your mind?” Kade asked as he tried to grasp what was happening.

“No, Chosen.  Only with you and Doren.  I can communicate with…him…if I choose,” Rakna said as she cast a glance at Morg.  “She is not one with the Divine so I must speak words for her to hear me.”  Kade’s jaw hung open as he looked from the queen to Darcienna and then to Morg.

“It never occurred to me,” Kade said in wonder.  “I just assumed…”  Kade took a moment to let this sink in and then clenched his jaw as he turned toward Morg.  He hated that he had to ask, but if it meant helping the queen….  “How?”

“Force the link.  It will be very painful for her, but it has been done with other queens in the past.  Rarely is a king strong enough to actually make the connection, so the queen is usually put to death, but it is just the use of the Divine.  If you force the link, it should work,” Morg added.

“I believe I understand,” Doren said as he stepped up.  “When the queen makes contact, reach back through the link into her mind.  You need to be filled with the Divine,” Doren said as he cast a glance at Morg.  Morg nodded in agreement.

“If it will help, then I am willing to try,” Kade said.  “Shall we try now?”

“Yes,” Rakna hissed.  All eyes turned on her.

“You would not prefer some time to prepare?” Darcienna asked, her voice full of compassion.

“It is best for the clutch if this were performed as soon as possible,” Rakna hissed.

Kade felt her connect with him as she had done many times before.  He closed his eyes and found that there was, indeed, a pathway back to her mind.  He called on the Divine and started down the path, but before he could move halfway to the queen, he found so much resistance that he had to stop.  He gasped and his eyes flew open.

“Did it work?” Darcienna asked quickly.

“No,” Kade said as he steadied his breathing.  He felt like he had been swimming up river against the current for hours.

“Kade,” Doren said as he tilted his head back thoughtfully.  “This may be why kings no longer try to bond with a queen that has been previously bonded,” he said nonchalantly.

“Maybe if you focus and draw on more of the Divine?” Darcienna asked.  Kade looked at her and she nodded her encouragement.  He nodded once, took a deep breath and let it out.

“Let’s try again,” Kade said to the queen.  She made contact almost immediately.  Kade called on the Divine and started down the path once again.  He opened himself up, trying to call on the unlimited supply of the Divine, but the block just did not want to budge.  Kade struggled to the halfway point once more and found himself pushing against a current that was just too strong.  He gasped and doubled over as he put his hands on his knees, breathing hard.

“Thank you for trying,” the queen said, and the link was gone.

“Again,” Kade growled as he forced himself to stand.  The queen stood watching, unsure.  “Again!” he said firmly.  Rakna was uncertain if this was a command from the king or Kade being stubborn, but she did not resist.

“As you wish,” Rakna said. 

Kade closed his eyes and pulled at the Divine with all his might.  He raced up the path, but there was still the resistance, and he was barely half way.  He ground his teeth hard as he fought the tide.  Inch by inch he struggled, but he hardly made any headway.  He gasped again and fell to his knees.  His muscles ached, as did his mind.  His breathing was ragged.  All eyes were on him, waiting for him to admit defeat.

“Again!” Kade said with heat in his words.

“Kade,” Darcienna said as she got down on her knees next to him.  “Maybe this was a bad idea.  Maybe later when you have your strength back,” she said, but one look in his eyes, and she knew it was useless to try to stop him.

“Again!” Kade commanded.  There was no doubt that the king was speaking.  Rakna made the connection easily enough, and Kade ground his teeth so hard that he was sure to crack them.  Rage exploded in him.  He hated the block and its ability to thwart him over and over.  He wanted to crush it, and with that, he gripped the Divine as though it were the fiercest of creatures and turned it on the block.  It shattered.  The Divine filled him to overflowing.  He grabbed ahold of it and slammed it into place as he forced his way against the current.  The further he got, the stronger the current, and yet, he continued. 

He could sense his goal was close as he clenched his fists into tight balls and shook under the effort.  Closer yet.  He could see thousands of rays of light coming off the queen in all directions. 

This has to be what calls out to other kings,
Kade thought as he steeled his will.

The current was pounding him, and yet, he continued to match it with even more Divine Power as he pushed on.  His goal was now just out of reach…barely.  The current was thunderous as he struggled.  Just one more last step and he would be there, but he felt himself slip. 

NO!
he raged.  He took a deep breath and called on even more of the Divine.  He put his head down, lunging against the current with everything, and then…the link snapped into place.  In the blink of an eye, all rays of light swung together to lock onto Kade.  The current disappeared completely, as if it never was.  The queen wailed loudly; a sound that Kade had never heard before. 

He fell onto his back, gasping.  He gulped air hungrily as he struggled to breathe.  His lungs were on fire, as if he had been under water for hours.  The world was fading as blackness clouded his vision.  After just a moment, he heard Darcienna’s voice and felt her hands wrapped around his head.  His vision cleared, and he looked up into her eyes.

“That’s enough!” Darcienna said fiercely.  “You almost passed out.  You did your best now stop!”

“Kade,” Ven said with worry.  She had returned to her birth form and was wearing one of her form fitting outfits again.  “You push yourself too far.”

Doren was watching with deep curiosity.  He had none of the concern that Darcienna or Ven had.  It was only the quest for knowledge that had him involved.  Kade closed his eyes and saw the link so strongly that he would have sworn there was a bright, blazing trail that should have easily been seen by the naked eye.  But, when he opened his eyes, it was not there.  He could feel the queen’s emotions, and if he listened closely enough, could even hear her thoughts.

“You are right,” Kade said as he struggled to stand on wobbly legs and moved over to the queen.  “I am done trying,” he said as he grinned weakly.

“I am guessing it worked,” Doren said thoughtfully as he tilted his head this way and that way.  Darcienna’s head snapped back around to lock eyes with Kade.  He smiled and nodded once.

“My king,” Rakna said weakly, but Kade quickly cut her off and helped steady her.

“Please, just Kade for now.  It is too soon,” the Adept said as he felt his heart slowing.

“Kade,” Rakna said.  He could feel the relief through the link.  “Thank you.  You continue to save me over and over.  I will never be able to repay you.”

“Keep the arch safe, and that is payment enough,” Kade said as he eyed the way to the bed chamber.  Darcienna saw where he was looking and nodded in agreement.  “We need some rest,” Kade said as he turned to go.  He was mentally and physically wore out. 

He considered thanking Morg but he just could not bring himself to show that man gratitude.  His mind recalled, very vividly, how Morg had used the staff to crush the life out of him.  With a glance at the Chosen still sitting slumped over, he turned with Darcienna holding onto his arm and worked his way to his room.  With a smile for Ven as she stood guard at the door, he and Darcienna slipped into their chamber.

It should have been a night of peacefulness as they stood victorious against their foes, but it was anything but.  That night they both tossed and turned as nightmares assailed them over and over again.  In one dream, Kade died violently as lightning exploded from every pore of his body.  In another dream, Darcienna watched as Morg crushed the life out of the man she loved.  The shield phased in and out around their bed throughout the night as she saved him over and over again.  It would be a night of restless sleep.

*CH9*

Kade awoke to the sounds of life throughout the Great Hall.  Neither he nor Darcienna felt very rested as they climbed out of bed.  She ran her fingers through her hair as she attempted to make herself more presentable while Kade just mussed his hair and called it good.  Darcienna rolled her eyes and pushed his hands away from his head while she did her best to flatten some of the more wild tufts.  She shrugged her shoulders as if in defeat.  Kade grinned in amusement as he turned and walked out the door with Darcienna close behind.  Ven fell in behind the couple as they walked.

Kade and Darcienna entered the Great Hall.  Ven had changed in to her beast form, which Kade was grateful for.  Doren and Morg were talking quietly in a corner.  Well…it was more like Doren was doing all the talking, and Morg was doing all the listening.  The beaten Chosen was still an empty shell of what he used to be, but he was looking better, even if just slightly. 

Doren turned to watch as Kade and Darcienna entered the room.  Several spiders skittered over to usher the two to a table that was set with so much food it would be impossible for them to eat even half of it.  Kade knuckled his eyes to rub the final bit of sleep out and then lazily sat.  Darcienna followed suit.

“We will be going to Valdry’s home to perform the last rights,” Kade said to Doren.  “Then, most likely, returning to my parents’ place in the country.”

“I shall wait here until you are finished with Valdry,” Doren said casually.

“And then?” Kade asked, feeling his appetite fading.

“And then go with you to meet your parents, of course,” Doren said plainly.  “I should know where to go in the event that I need to find you.”

Kade turned cold.  The very idea that Doren would even consider letting Morg anywhere near his parents almost pushed him over the edge.  He turned his eyes on Morg and glared, his appetite gone instantly.  Doren sighed as he caught the look.

“Morg will be staying here under the watchful eyes of the spiders,” Doren said.  Morg gave no reaction.  Somewhat mollified, Kade gave Darcienna a look that very plainly said, “I am not pleased.”

“We shall be back soon…as long as we do not parish from any traps,” Kade said, still unhappy with the situation.  He shook his head and refocused on his task. 
If Valdry has as many traps as Zayle…,
Kade thought as he recalled the demon from the book.  He left the thought unfinished. 

Doren stopped what he was doing as something occurred to him and opened his mouth to speak, but Kade spoke first.  “We are going alone,” Kade said firmly, easily anticipating Doren’s motives for wanting to join them.  He was surprised it took Doren this long to wonder what secrets Valdry might have.  The Master Chosen let his shoulders sag momentarily and then turned back to continue his talk with Morg
.  It was good not being an apprentice,
Kade thought.  But, he still knew that he had to be cautious with how he interacted with the Master Chosen.  There were still lines that should not be crossed as an Adept.

After eating very little, the couple left the tree and stopped as they took in the sight of both dragons.  Rayden flooded the link with joy at seeing his friend.  The green stood and watched warily, as the couple started toward them.  The familiar feeling of hunger assailed him through the link.  Kade smiled, sure that his feedings were going to be much more acceptable.  He had not tried his gift since the previous night, but he was certain there was a change.

Kade planted his feet and squared his shoulders.  He could not keep the grin from spreading as he prepared to call on his special gift that was unique to just him.  He reached for the Divine and found…that the block was gone.  He opened himself up and felt connected to the world.  The power was exhilarating. 

No one can stand in my way,
he thought as he drank in the feeling.  He realized where his thoughts were going and felt bats in his stomach.  The world spun momentarily as his eyes flew open
.  Power corrupts
, he reminded himself as he tried to erase the thought from his mind. 
I am not going to turn into Morg,
he told himself vehemently.  Darcienna saw the look in Kade’s eyes and tilted her head at his as if to ask, “What?”

“Just hoping this works,” Kade said.  Darcienna smiled.  Kade felt a twinge of guilt for lying to her, but if she knew what just went through his mind, a seed of doubt about his humanity may begin to grow.

Kade closed his eyes and started through the moves.  He pictured a large, steaming chunk of meat and felt it fall through his hands to hit the ground with a thud.  Darcienna clapped her hands excitedly and ran up to wrap her arms around his neck.  He smiled broadly as he returned the hug. 

How could a man not love a woman who is so supportive?
Kade thought as he looked deeply into her eyes.  His heart filled with the image of her.

“What?” Darcienna asked with a gleam in her eye.  She was still beaming.

“I was just thinking how much I love you,” Kade said as he felt his heart swell.  “Even to say I love you does not do justice for what my heart feels.”

His brief, romantic moment was interrupted as a burning craving for the food blazed through the link.  Kade looked up and saw that the dragon’s eyes were locked onto the meat.  The green was also staring eagerly but still stood its distance.

“Well,” Kade said as he smiled at Rayden.  “Eat,” he said as he indicated the meat.  Rayden practically pounced on the food, as if it were about to escape, and tore into it.  He ripped huge chunks off and chewed eagerly, enjoying the large mouthfuls.  The silver dragon closed its eyes and savored the taste as the juices slid down its throat in large quantities.  The link was filled with pure pleasure.  Kade could not help but to laugh deeply as he watched his dragon enjoying its morning meal.

The smell filled the air so much so that Doren and his new apprentice came out of the tree.  As much as they tried to feign uncaring, it was clear that the smell of the fresh cooked meat was making their stomachs rumble. 
Sometimes, the simplest callings are the most powerful,
Kade thought with a grin. 
Two Chosen Masters at the mercy of an Adept.

“Stay here,” Kade said to Ven as he pointed at the spot where she was standing.

The green looked between the food, Rayden and Kade as it fidgeted eagerly.  Its nose worked furiously as it started to salivate.  It edged closer and then quickly retreated, still not trusting the man.  Kade smiled and marched straight at the green.  The massive dragon watched intently as Kade approached.  Its nostrils flared and it huffed, but Kade continued to walk without any signs of slowing.  Rayden stopped chewing, and Kade could feel irritation flood the link.  Kade smiled and let out a laugh as he cast a glance at his friend.

“You worry too much,” Kade said as he confidently continued toward the green.  The dragon’s wings twitched as Kade closed the distance.

“Kade,” Darcienna said, irritation showing in her voice.

The Adept continued on, pretending not to hear.  Darcienna gave a huff as she ran to his side.  She flexed her fingers and rubbed her palms on her pants.  Kade glanced at her and could not help but to laugh again.

“You are not funny,” she said in all seriousness.  This, of course, caused him to laugh even more.  She glared at him but then turned her focus on the massive dragon.

Green’s lips twitched as Kade approached.  Rayden grabbed the huge chunk of meat in his mouth and quickly bounded after Kade, who was almost to the green.  The monstrous dragon backed up as its muscles flexed.  Kade stopped and closed his eyes. 

Maybe it was good Darcienna came,
Kade thought.  He did not realize how unpleasant it would be to shut his eyes while this close to such a deadly creature.  But, even still, he would not have changed what he did.

Kade reached for the Divine and could not help but to enjoy the feeling as it filled his mind and soul…but not his heart.  That belonged to Darcienna. 
Maybe that would be enough to keep me on the right path,
Kade thought, and then, he was on to making the meat.  It hit the ground with a thud.  Some of the juice from the meat splattered against his legs.  Kade opened his eyes and watched as the dragon locked onto the food.  Kade backed up slowly, step by step as he watched the green.

Rayden plopped his meat down next to this freshly prepared food and continued to tear it apart.  Kade turned and smiled at him as he continued to move back.  The irritation that was previously in the link was gone, replaced with contentment.

The green crouched to the ground as if it were stalking the meat.  It flinched back slightly, causing Kade to let out a burst of laughter.  This incredibly deadly creature was not crouching to hunt but crouching to flee if the meat so much as twitched. 

Fear of the unknown,
Kade thought.  Rayden stopped chewing as a piece of meat hung from his mouth and turned to watch the green.  The silver dragon made a guttural sound around the food.  The green glanced at Rayden and then move up to the meat.  It sniffed rapidly and then a tongue came out to taste it.  Satisfied, it took a small bite, but Kade could see it was only moments before it would be tearing hungrily into the food.

“We can let them eat, and then we will go,” Kade said as he walked back to the tree.

“You know that was not very smart,” Darcienna said but there was no strength to her words.

“Nothing as intelligent as a dragon bites the hand that feeds it,” Kade said as he glanced over his shoulder.  “Especially dragons who love to eat,” he said as he chuckled.

“I see the dragons are well fed,” Doren said as he stood with his arms behind his back.

It appeared that not all were content with just fruits and vegetables.  Kade knew the feeling as neither he nor Darcienna ate much themselves.  Kade stopped and made a piece of meat.  He handed it to Doren and paused, not allowing himself to even so much as to glance at Morg.  He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes.  He made another piece, but this one was not quite as large.  He opened his eyes and handed this one to Doren, also.  Kade could not watch as Doren turned and handed the smaller piece to Morg.  As humbled as Morg was, Kade still could not find compassion in his heart for the man.  It was going to take a lot to convince him that the man he knew deep, down inside, was no longer there.  He ignored the men and turned to watch the dragon.  Both Master Chosen moved over and sat with their backs to the tree as they ate.

“Do you know where Valdry’s place is?” Darcienna asked.

“I do.  His name was in the black book, so I should have no problem finding it,” Kade said as he felt the muscles in his back slowly unknot.

“Good,” Darcienna said and then turned to look at him.  “Now, how about making me some of that?” she asked casually.

“I am such an ox,” Kade said as he instantly forgot about everything to focus on her.  “I am so sorry.  I did not even think to ask,” he said as he quickly conjured the food.  He handed it to her and smiled as she sank her teeth in and took a bite. 

It did look good,
he thought as he conjured a piece for himself.  Kade and Darcienna moved to the opposite side of the tree from the masters and sat with their backs against the tree.

There wasn’t a person or animal that did not find immense pleasure in Kade’s cooking. No one spoke as they devoured the tasty, mouthwatering food.  Well…no one but Doren.  The Master Chosen appeared to love to hear himself talk.  After finishing their food, Doren and Morg made their way into the tree.  Doren was lecturing at great lengths and Morg was trudging behind with his head down.

Serves him right,
Kade thought, but he could not help but to feel just a little pity for Morg. 
The threat of having to listen to Doren’s prattle alone would be enough to keep me from turning into an evil Chosen,
he thought.

Kade waited for Rayden to finish his food and then called to him.  The dragon trotted over and laid down.  He and Darcienna mounted.  Before he could give Rayden the signal to go, Ven changed into her monkey form and swung up to hang on Kade’s neck.  He put his hand on her back and held her in place.  Darcienna tensed just slightly and then relaxed.

“Hold on,” Kade said as he gripped the dragon’s ridges tightly.

Be safe,
Rakna said in his mind so clear that it was as if she were standing right next to him.  Kade flinched, not yet accustomed to this close contact.  But, it was something he had to get used to.  Never again was he going to be alone.  He never fathomed it would be a spider queen that would keep him company, but it was not as bad as he might have feared.  As a matter of fact, he found it surprisingly pleasant.

The dragon turned and then turned back as if missing the direction it wanted to go.  Kade and Darcienna shifted rapidly, and Kade almost lost his balance.  His eyes half-lidded in suspicion as he felt amusement drift through the link
.