Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 13: Eyes Don't Lie

For a fleeting moment, I felt no fear. Time and space blurred into one fixed point. I opened my eyes, and a sudden burst of vigor sent me jumping backwards as a swath of brown brushed past me to the right.

That was close. The thought of being nearly trampled to death turned my limbs limp.

Breathe, Troy. I clutched my chest, gulping the warm air into my lungs.

"Troy." The voice snapped me from my stupor.

Alexander jumped off the horse and rushed towards me. "My apologies, my lord. I promise I was not trying to run you over."

I nodded.

"Sir, did you see anything?" he asked, after a long, uncomfortable silence.

I opened my eyes, panting. "Yes," I breathed. "His eyes were gray. Everything else was dark from his garments to his horse. What I know is that the rider has a dark soul to match."

Alexander cracked a rare grin, "So, this 'dark rider' has gray eyes?"

I nodded.

"That is more than we knew yesterday. That should help speed the investigation along."

"You think that will help narrow the pool of suspects?"

He nodded. "Gray eyes are a very rare find."

I looked into his brownish eyes before his gaze shifted in the direction of our home. Most people in my family had brownish eyes, ranging from almost black like Barbarius to a lighter shade with hints of green like Apollus. The only person I encountered with starkly different eyes was Priscilla, but even then, hers were distinctly blue. Perhaps gray was rarer than I realized.

***

When Apollus came home, I was eager to share my clue. After my lesson with Anias, I rushed from the study to the atrium to meet him. Once again, he pretended I was not in the room.

"Apollus, I have something important to share with you about this dark rider." Apollus went in the opposite direction. I followed him into his room.

"I have an important clue that might help the investigation."

"Can we talk about the investigation later? I am a little busy right now," he said in a terse voice.

"Busy with what?"

When Apollus entered the bedroom, he pointed to the spot where his old bed once lay. "I am getting a new bed made to replace my old one. The carpenter should be arriving soon to start the work."

"That is good news. I know you needed a new bed. But about the case, father insisted we work together."

Apollus rolled his eyes. "Gaius and I are taking care of it. But do not fret. We completed our interviews with all the guests, so you can concentrate on your studies."

"So, what did you find from your interviews?"

"Easy on the questions, Troy. We still need to review all our notes. But so far, everyone we asked returned at once at the courier's word. Nobody saw the lone horseman that you envisioned."

"What about one with gray eyes?" I blurted.

Apollus' brows furrowed. "Where did this detail come from?"

"Maybe if you cared to ask, I would have gladly told you!" I snapped. "Look, I am sorry Barbarius burned your bed and attacked you. He had no right to do that. Ever. But stop punishing me for his sins! This investigation may not be important to you, but it is to me! And if you want no part, just tell me so you can be replaced."