Schism: The Battle for Darracia (Book 1) (17 page)

“
Where?”

V
’sair pointed then stood; the spot was empty.

Zayden staggered to his feet.
“Where is he?”

“
I got him. He was there!” V’sair’s eyes scanned the room.

Generals Swart and Vekin barged into the throne room
, their Fireblades bloodied. Taking in the body of Drakko, they fell to their knees before V’sair and murmured, “Your Majesty. Long live the king. Long live King V’sair!”

The crowd repeated the call
, and V’sair bowed his head in acceptance.

Zayden walked to the wall of glass that heralded a new dawn. Both suns rose
, filling the pewter sky with the colors of rose and cream. Blood stained his cheek, and he pulled out Hilde’s ribbon from the inside of his armor. He held it to his cheek as he inhaled the last scents of his beloved. As he tied the ribbon clumsily around his muscled upper arm, he saw a destroyer quickly pull away from the castle. Its identity was emblazoned in bold paint—
The Grand Mestor
. It was the ship of Staf Nuen.

Chapter 31

V’sair stood in his rooms as he looked out the vast window.

“
She has gone?” It was his mother.

The king shrugged.

“She’ll return.”

He spun, his face tormented.
“I wanted to marry her!”

“
She loves you,” Reminda said, putting a bandaged hand on his shoulder. “She has much to learn. She has just discovered herself.”

“Tulani
could learn everything she wants from here,” V’sair responded petulantly.

“
Yes.” Reminda smiled. “You would think so, but you must trust that when she learns what she needs to, she will return.”

V
’sair sighed.

“
You are feeling alone?”

“
Dado and Emmicus are gone,” he said sadly. “Tulani has left to find her soul.”

“
You found yours.”

“
But I have lost half of it. Zayden is leaving today.”

“
What? He has refused the office?” Reminda was shocked.

“
He told me there cannot be two grand mestors. He will return when he can claim that title for himself alone.”

“
Hilde.” She shook her head sadly.

“
I would say he is heartbroken, but he is Darracian.” V’sair looked at his mother. “Sadly you have given me a Planta heart, and I am sorry to tell you it is making its presence known.”

Reminda pressed her forehead against her son
’s. “Have faith in the Elements, Voso. I am positive things will fall into place.”

V
’sair looked at the dual suns of Darracia and agreed. “Sradda willing.”

About the Author

Born and raised on Long Island, Michael Phillip Cash always has been fascinated with science fiction and fantasy. After earning a degree in English and an MBA, he worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. H
e resides on Long Island with his wife and children.

Follow
Schism
on Twitter: @michaelpcash

www.michaelphillipcash.com

If you
found this book enjoyable, please leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble under
Schism: The Battle for Darracia
. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the author directly at
[email protected]
.