Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) Jonathan Michael (red novels .txt) 📖

daughters to roam alleys looking for trouble,” I say, hoping I’m not out of line.

“Yeah, well, it’s all I have.”

“What about me? I can be your brother,” I say to her. She remains silent and looks at me as though I’m a halfwit. “Well, maybe not a brother, but I could be your friend. Everyone needs someone whom they care about in their lives.”

She leers at me. “What’s your name?”

“Elder Alderock. What’s yours?”

“Ellia Rosewood.”

“Can I escort you back to your home?” I offer a hand.

She grimaces and dismisses it as if my offer is poison. But then she looks at me. I don’t know what’s running through her mind, but something changes. “Yes,” she replies with a cautious smile.

There is a phantom fury lingering over the realm. The rage has softened, but the damage is done. I tolerated the weak-minded for too long, and it has destroyed us. It leaves an unseen pain that neglects to flee the people. An everlasting pain. Another failure. Never again.

29 Harris

“T

aoiseach, sir, I have news of your current plans of extraction,” Nigel informs me as he steps through my chamber door.

His voice deflates all delight of my morning refreshment, watching the orange sun rise over the Arrow Points to the east. I don’t turn around to greet him properly and instead wait for him to continue. He doesn’t. He’s more hesitant and insecure than normal. He’s on edge. He knows I’m responsible for General Greyson’s death. He’s a man of knowledge, of course he knows.

“There’s no better way to start the day,” I reply. “A dirty scotch and a warm summer breeze. Although, have you noticed a slight chill? The weather patterns have been rather odd lately. Anyhow, thank you for interrupting my serene morning.”

“My apologies, Taoiseach. I can come back, but I thought this an urgent—.”

“Nigel,” I interrupt. He, and all of Parliament, bring out the worst in me. “I learned something new today. And the day is early yet! Do you have a favorite number, Nigel?” I change the subject momentarily. I care not for his urgent matters. I may lead others to believe I care, and I do to an extent, but not so much as these men hungry for more. Hungry for power, greed, and lust. I’ve been at this too long.

“Uh…” Nigel fails to answer.

“Do not fret, Nigel. I doubt many men think about such irrelevant matters. Urgent matters are far more important for men like you. I, however, do. And my favorite number is the number zero. Do you know why, Nigel?” I don’t let him answer because he doesn’t know, and to listen would only be vacuous for both of us. “Zero is the origin of all numbers, the center point. Yet, it is absolutely nothing. And without it, there would be no other numbers. It is nothing and everything at the same time. It is the creator of all other numbers, and from it, there is only growth in all directions. It is a fascinating number. Come. Walk with me.”

“Yes. Of course, Taoiseach, sir.”

I lead the way out of my office chamber, and Nigel fails to speak up. Odd. He wouldn’t behave like this in the Crimson Chamber with the other members of Parliament.

“Well? What is it? You had urgent matters to discuss.”

“There is progress, sir, but they have not met the headway you were expecting. They are unseen and effective, but not efficient. They have kept the process in the shadows without question, but the cost is time. The Celestial Cloaks are as professional as they come. However, this task is unique and proving to be grander than expected.”

He fidgets with his fingers as he walks. There is no doubt. He knows. There is a fear behind his voice that is new. But why? I’ve killed men before. Why does he fear the death of the general? He was a weak and powerless man. That is no cause to fear me. Unless he feels I’m erratic and capable of killing on a whim’s notice.

“How much progress?” I reply.

“All of the townships and villages directly south of the capital along the Forest Road have been extracted along with several of the more remote and hidden villages. However, there is much resistance and unpredictable traps affecting the progress. To better align with where your head is at this morning, the resistance is nowhere near zero. And there is no origin to the rebel forces that we have discovered. It appears to be random, occurring across the entire realm, and the growth is beyond our capacities. The Celestial Cloaks are doing what they can to fight it. And, oddly, they are finding many empty graves in the process. Beyond that, there is still no sign of the girl or her brother.”

“Little progress, indeed,” I say flatly. He knows nothing of my attainment of the McLarin girl, so that is good. I bypass that matter and stick to what is urgent. “So, the facts are Carib Reign is indeed leading this rebellion and he targets Dihkai, which we can only presume is to eliminate the strength of the realm to better his odds.” A deep sigh escapes me. “We’ve had peace for so long. This is both upsetting and invigorating.”

“Another fact, sir. They’re robbing graves. I haven’t discovered why this is yet, but my investigation continues.”

You don’t want to know. And I don’t want you to know. This is the knowledge I’ve been protecting all these seasons. Knowledge that will be our demise. And it’s finally upon me to press harder. “This rebellion must be eradicated before it grows into an army.” I halt in a long, empty corridor, free of staff, free of guards. I turn to face Nigel to ensure I have his full attention. “You won’t fail at this. Do you hear me?”

“Yes, Taoiseach,