Rise (The Order of the Krigers #1)(27)

The light sparkled on the polished sapphire, reminding me of Morlet’s eyes. “It’s beautiful, but what is it?”

Vidar lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “Everything,” he responded, flinging his arm over his eyes. “It means everything.”

The stone felt warm, as if it had a life of its own. It began pulsing slow and steady, a soft glow emanating from the middle, growing until the entire sapphire shone brightly. “It recognizes I’m a Kriger, doesn’t it?” I asked, captivated by the blue light that somehow felt familiar.

“Yes.”

I carefully placed the stone back in the box and closed the lid. I lay on my stomach next to Vidar, waiting for him to explain.

“Grei Heks gave it to me,” he said. “It’s a sapphire infused with a sliver of magic. It allows me to properly identify a Kriger. Although, I’ve been doing this for so long, I can feel a Kriger’s power. The stone also allows me to communicate with Grei Heks—similar to the way you do with Morlet.”

“But you yourself have no power?”

“No, none at all.” He sighed and moved his arm down so he could look at me. “Today, in the kingdom of Nelebek, only two witches exist. Grei Heks and Skog Heks. They always have to be balanced with one another. When they’re not, something happens to right the wrong and create balance again.”

Thunder boomed. I hoped it didn’t start raining until after Anders returned. He shouldn’t have to travel through treacherous conditions on my account.

“You look tired,” Vidar commented.

Laughing, I said, “Haven’t been sleeping well.” I rested my head on my arms. “How are you involved with the Krigers?”

His penetrating blue eyes stared at me. “Like you, I’m faced with a destiny whether I want it or not.”

“What about Anders?”

His eyebrows drew together. “What about him?”

“He’s an assassin who considers you his best friend, as close as a brother. How does he fit into all of this?”

“He’s cursed like you and me. He won’t be free until the twelve Krigers defeat Morlet.”

“Who cursed him?”

Vidar chuckled. “Hard to say.”

“What was he doing in the capital the day I met him?”

“Why are you asking me? Why don’t you ask Anders?”

I wanted to scream that Anders never spoke to me and refused to answer any of my questions. “Was he there on a mission? Or for some other reason?”

“He was checking on the Krigers,” Vidar admitted.

“Aren’t they locked in the dungeon?” He nodded. “Was he going to rescue them?”

“He can’t.” Vidar rolled onto his side, propping his head up on his hand, facing me. “The Krigers are in cells that have a magical ward on them. Only a Heks or someone with power”—he looked pointedly at me—“can break the ward.”

My stomach dropped. “Why don’t they free each other?”

“The ward prohibits them from accessing their powers while in the cells. You can free them so long as you’re not in there with them.”

“And you’re going to ask me to break into the fortified castle and rescue the Krigers, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m not going to ask you. I’m going to train you. And when you’re ready, I expect you to save your fellow Krigers. Because then, and only then, can the group of you link your powers together to defeat Morlet. Once he’s gone, we’ll all be free from his tyranny.”

“Why doesn’t Grei Heks save them?”

“When she created the twelve Krigers to defeat Morlet, she greatly diminished her own magic. She rarely leaves her home.”

My eyelids were getting heavy. “How do you propose I make it through the night? Are you going to tie us together again?”

“Speaking of which, you never told me about Morlet’s visit. You simply said he came here to see you. Was that the only reason you were so afraid?”

I didn’t want to reveal anything about the strangely intimate encounter.

His eyes narrowed. “You can tell me. I’ll help however I can.”

“He still wants me to go to his castle.”

“What did he do to entice you this time?”

How did he know Morlet had done something different? I shook my head and yawned, wanting to end this conversation.

Vidar got up and took the box over to the bookshelf, putting it away. “Just know that Morlet has been around for a century. He’s very good at manipulating people to get what he wants. Always remember that, and whatever you do, don’t trust him.” He turned and faced me, rubbing the back of his neck. “When he visits you, how does he appear?”

I fidgeted with the edge of my sleeve. For some reason, revealing that Morlet had shown me his face felt like acknowledging I’d done something wrong. “He’s always wearing a black cape.” Which was true.

“Well,” he said, coming to stand before me. “His magic is probably depleted after reaching all the way out here to visit you in your dream. It takes much less effort on his part to bring you to him.” He rubbed his face. “I’d like to try and catch a few hours of sleep. Would you mind staying in here tonight?”