The LEVELER King ✔

BOOK 3: CHAPTER 23

Indel watched the Leveler army disappear from view. They marched nearly every month, returning each time with more and more Summoners, but only children.

Five seasons had come and gone since Boon's rein began, and the Leveler's numbers failed to grow. Indel supposed the mating spells were coming to them regularly. Even he'd felt them now and then, though they rarely bothered Nala anymore.

Life was sometimes lonely but with just the two of them, it was all right.

He'd watch for the army each time, hoping to catch sight of Boon passing by on his way to the caves. Today was the first time he'd spotted Boon. It had to be Boon. A medium sized Leveler with blue on his brow.

From this distance it was hard to make out, but he looked healthy and strong. Indel felt at ease. He listened for the signal and slid down into the brush.

"Come! Hurry!" he called in a whisper. The Summoners, males and females alike, running two by two out of the forest, rushed past him. "There is room enough for ten. We cannot take more!" Indel raised his hand when the limited number of Summoners raced past. "You must move on to the next safe haven. You cannot tarry here."

"Please! Please, if they find us," someone whispered. "Leveler-da, won't you take even me? Just the one extra?"

Indel rested his weary eyes on a familiar face.

"Plesket?"

The Summoner's color darkened. "I suppose you have no reason to help me...."

At least fifteen more Summoners remained but how could he take one?

Letting out a sigh, Indel waved them to him against his better judgment.

A sea of red bodies broke through the brush, snatching each and every Summoner up.

One Leveler moved slower as he stepped past the catch. He nodded and they took everyone away.

Indel swallowed hard, his only thoughts resting on Nala who was back at the barn.

"How are you, Azal?" a voice said from behind the all-red faceplate.

The Leveler took it off with a snap and smiled.

"Boon." Indel gasped. He stared past him to the marching Levelers, confusion making his eyes wide.

"That is a decoy. Come, rest with me for a spell."

As Boon walked by him, Indel stared at the Leveler's back, considering this his chance to make things right. He could try to convince Boon to stop the attacks, to leave the Summoners in peace.... At the very least, make an attempt to kill Boon, his own son.

They reached the farm in no time and Boon sat upon their stone fence. He appeared at ease.

Indel was slow to sit beside him, well aware that there were no less than ten refugees holed up in his barn.

He decided to try his luck.

"Will you come in?"

Boon shook his head, "No. That is all right." He took off the helmet, revealing his own which was nearly blue entirely. Turning it around in his hand, he said, "I always took Crane's things. I suppose this helmet was the last."

Though he made no motion to approach the barn, he stared at it.

"How are you, Azal? You look healthy." He met Indel's gaze finally.

Indel nodded. "I am well."

"And Aza?"

That was a harder question to answer. In time, he settled for the truth.