I rested my forehead against Dad’s shoulder and started praying.
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The Defender
The Talented ♦ Book Two
Chapter I
Zezilia
THE SUN PEERED OVER the rosy horizon and stretched its golden arms. The goddess’ city glowed dusky pink in the early morning’s embrace. I couldn’t help appreciating its architectural beauty as we approached by the main road. Positioned in the center of the plain atop the great plateau, it rose strong and sprawling amidst the low brush, tall grasses, and sparse trees. The walls, when not painted by the sun, marched about the outskirts of the city in gray regality. The few buildings I could see beyond the walls boasted of red clay roofs and whitewashed walls.
“Beautiful, isn’t it.” Hadrian’s rich taste filled my mouth as his words unfolded in my mind. He slowed his mount to walk along side mine. Considering his rank as Sept Son, second in rank to the high king, he was exceptionally personable.
“Yes,” I replied.
“Too bad it is for the glory of a nonexistent goddess.”
“Why do you attend the Caelestis Novem when you do not honor the goddess? Isn’t it hard to go through the motions when there is no truth in them?”
He didn’t look at me, but I could sense his sadness. My sensitivity to his emotions seemed to grow the longer I remained in his presence.
For the past week of travel, I had barely seen him because I kept to the company of my brother Blan and his small family. My sister-in-law, Donata, and I became instant friends in the brief time. I reveled in the family time with my one-year-old niece, Ardyne, despite the constant travel.
However, yesterday, the Sept Son called for me and explained that I would be traveling with his company into the city. We left the larger portion of his entourage encamped at the base of the plateau in the pre-dawn hours and moved onward to the city. I had only been three hours in his company, but it was as if I was touching his emotions and feeling them with him.
“I must. It is my duty.” He frowned. “I try to avoid what I can. The ceremonies grow more difficult each year, but I cannot be absent. It would give those who wish me thrown out another complaint to bring before the High King.”
Errol had told me of those who opposed the Sept Son, but the threat seemed suddenly real when the Sept Son spoke of it. Perhaps it was the concern in his voice. “Is there a chance of them succeeding?” I asked.
Hadrian, for he kept insisting I call him Hadrian in private, smiled at me. “Are you planning on changing sides if they do?”
“No, I just want to know what the situation is. Aren’t they going to be suspicious of the camp we left at the base of the plateau?”
“I brought a company with me last year. It is widely know that I am on progress, something that requires a large entourage. It is more likely that they are relieved that I am not expecting them all to be housed and fed by the High King.” He slowed his horse even further as Renato approached.
“The envoys report that the preparations have been made for your arrival, Master,” Renato announced. “It appears that the Kings have all arrived and are in attendance.”
“Isn’t that unusual?” I asked. We were arriving a day earlier than most celebrants were scheduled to arrive.
“It is,” Hadrian agreed. “Is there an official explanation?” he asked Renato.
“The High King called a special meeting to discuss a matter of great importance. Supposedly you were sent an invitation as required by law, but our correspondence is so delayed, we still haven’t received it.” Renato grimaced. “Sounds like the work of the Mesitas.”
“Don’t be so quick to judge,” Hadrian admonished. “We don’t know what exactly it was about yet. When we know, then we will deal with it. All is still in the Almighty’s hands.”
“I hope it is,” Renato commented, “because the goddess has been working with the enemy. Have you briefed Zez on the procedures?”
“Not yet.”
Turning in his saddle so that he could address me, my brother began spouting a list of rules. “Do not discuss anything of confidential nature with anyone outside of the Sept Son’s inner apartments. When within the inner rooms, don’t discuss anything without first requesting that the room be sealed. Speak to no one other than those in the Sept Son’s entourage beyond what is absolutely necessary. It would probably be best for you to not speak to anyone without us.”
Hadrian interrupted. “Stay close to either Renato or me. Your father and many others are going to want to speak to you once they see you.”
I nodded. Already, I had seen a foreshadowing of what was to come. Once I donned my uniform for the first time that morning, everyone in camp began to treat me differently. The non-talents that had ignored me or welcomed me in the days before suddenly held me at a more formal distance. They were respectful, but I was no longer seen as one of them.
I also attracted some interest among the talent also. Their attention was more motivated by curiosity. Just walking from Blan and Donata’s tent to the Sept Son’s tent, I received at least five mental nudges as different talents tested my barriers. I didn’t react, but I noted their tastes. For other talents, their probings would have been undetectable, but my increasing sensitivity made it so I couldn’t completely ignore them.
“What if father wants to speak to me?” I asked.
“Don’t speak with your father.” Hadrian’s face fell into grim lines; his eyes studied my face. “Promise me that you will not speak to your father.”
“Isn’t that a little harsh?” Renato asked.
Hadrian ignored him. His eyes
