Dawn of Arcane Destiny

Chapter Fifty-Nine

“Alarik!” The name was ripped from Drayce’s mouth before he could restrain himself. He snapped his eyes open trying desperately to take in the room all at once. The room was dark, and he felt several pairs of hands holding him down. His heart rate spiked. His muddled mind left defense to his instincts. He felt power leave him as he let loose an energy surge.

The figures were blasted away, hitting opposite walls. In a moment Drayce was on his feet, he reached for his knife. Where was he? The Istheo camp? Something seemed off though. He had his knife. Shouldn’t it have been confiscated? He’d let loose an energy surge. He hadn’t known how to do that four years ago. His mind was fully awake now, his panic ebbing away. He was in Hanelle’s family bedchamber.

“Holy Non, Drayce. Was that necessary?” Caelum groaned, getting to his feet. A lantern lit, revealing the distressed face of Hanelle in the doorway.

“What was that?” asked the shocked voice of Kavian, as he stood as well. “Ye be a Mystic?” he asked.

Drayce’s face reddened. Stupid, stupid! He hadn’t meant to reveal himself. He stepped over to Lillia and helped her up. “What happened?” He asked.

“You started thrashing around like you were having a fit.” Lillia said, the concern in her eyes sparkling in the lantern light. “We couldn’t wake you.”

“Wish you had been.” Drayce said softly. He was just glad he hadn’t been forced to live through what had happened next. He shuddered thinking about the awful days that had followed. Unbidden images of a dark room, pain, starvation, and isolation flooded his mind. He shook his head forcefully banishing those memories as far back in the recesses of his brain as he could,

“Thank you, Kavian and Hanelle.” Caelum said dismissively.

“But he’s a—” Kavian said still staring incredulously at Drayce.

“You both deserve an explanation, later.” Caelum said.

Hanelle set the lantern on the floor and left without a word. Kavian looked conflicted, but reluctantly followed his mother.

“Sorry.” Drayce said softly moving back to his mattress and sitting down. He took a deep breath that wasn’t entirely steady.

“Alarik.” Caelum said in understanding, sitting down next to Drayce.

“Who is that?” Lillia asked, also sitting.

Drayce just shook his head, unable to speak, for fear he’d completely lose composure.

“He was our squad member four years ago. He—He’s dead.” Caelum finally said with an empathetic glance at Drayce.

“It’s my fault he died.” Drayce said quietly.

“No, it’s not.” Caelum said firmly. “You couldn’t have done anything.”

“If I hadn’t come up with that fool hardy plan, he would still be alive. He could be starting his first term.” Drayce said bitterly.

“You don’t know that.” Caelum said. “There are plenty of other times he could have died.” He put a hand on Drayce’s shoulder. “If we hadn’t gone through with your plan, the war could still be going.”