Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 11: Boiling Point

I found myself riding into the sunset. I could feel every bump underneath as the horse galloped over the untamed terrain. In front of me was the edge of a cliff. My breath left me the moment I saw the bluish waters that churned hundreds of feet below. I pulled the reins as the horse's front legs dangled in midair. I opened my mouth to scream.

A panicked breath escaped my throat as I grappled with whatever my hands could grab. I released my grip on the linen sheets, now soaked with sweat. Moments ago, I was chasing the sun, but now there was only darkness. Once again, I woke up just in time. I may not remember how I got on a strange ship, landed in the middle of the woods, or on the back of a horse, but I never forgot how the dream ended.

When Cornelia entered the room with a lighted lamp, I sighed in relief. Her warm smile eased the cloud of doom that hung over me most days. The best thing to keep the nightmare at bay was losing myself to my daily ritual of being dressed and groomed before making my way over to the indoor latrine to ease nature.

When I came out of the latrine and back into the open-air garden, I spotted Apollus strolling through the tiled pathway that cut through the garden. Coming from the opposite end of the garden was Barbarius.

I scoured the room, wondering who would break the silence.

"No morning greetings!" Barbarius scoffed.

I looked up at Apollus as he quickened his pace to the shaded portico that wrapped around the gardens.

Barbarius heaved a sigh. "I thought we could at least be civil if we must live under the same roof again."

Apollus stopped to glare at Barbarius before disappearing through the arched doorway of the triclinium.

I stared back at Barbarius, who mumbled something under his breath. I expected to see a glimpse of dejection. Like the fleeting look on his face before leaving dinner yesterday, but now his features only hardened into stone.

The only person who seemed to be in a good mood was grandfather who greeted us brothers upon arrival. But even his warm smile could not thaw the icy tensions that were growing. After long silences in between bites and clanging utensils, Father reminded Apollus about his duties at the Basilica, where the Council met, and my horse lessons with Cornelius, as well as my upcoming lessons with Anias tomorrow.

"What would you propose I do all day?" Barbarius asked.

Father stared at him for a moment before answering. "You just came from a long and arduous trip, son. I think public engagements are the last thing that you should fret about. The day is yours for the taking. Just remember what we talked about last night."

What did they discuss? After Barbarius dismissed himself, I was not aware Father spoke with him. While I wondered what it would be like to have Father's undivided attention, something told me Barbarius was not keen on sharing.

Father then added, "Troy, you are awfully quiet about your upcoming lesson with the horses. It was brought to my knowledge that you have an irrational fear of horses. I hope you will still have your lesson with your trainer. We would hate to disappoint Cornelius."

Barbarius, who reclined next to me, peered over his shoulder. It was now or never.

I cleared my throat. "It is not just the horses I fear."

Father leaned in closer.

"I do not feel safe outside. Everyone keeps telling me that when I fell off the horse, it was an accident. But nobody could tell me why I lost control. Now I know why. Someone purposely scared it...I was chased that night."

Grandfather's knife clanged against his plate while Father furrowed his brows. "What makes you so certain you were chased? Who would have seen that?"

"Um...I saw these images in my mind of another black horse. I only saw it when Alexander began riding the horse in the fields. We were trying to see if we could ignite my memories by his riding on the same grounds I trotted."