During the escape, they face many problems forcing them to use their affinities by trial and error. They also meet Alizand, the son of the ruling prince of Wesren. Zand has an affinity for Fire and this will keep him from gaining the rule.
Dom Senet, an advisor to his father, and once a friend of the quartet’s parents suspects Zand’s affinity. He wishes to corrupt the teen and use him to gain control of the four princedoms of the land and of the highlands. The evil dom has all four affinities. The four must reach a secret place and find teachers before the evil man discovers them
When the first summoning bell sounded, Alizand left his chamber. He’d donned the silk tunic and breeches he’d found on the bed. As he walked along the corridor, he heard footsteps behind him. His spine prickled and the scarlet crystal flared.
Mandir grabbed his arm. “Happy name day, halfling.”
“Where’d you get this?” Lodar reached for the stone. He yelped. “You dare hit me when you have no armed guard at your back?”
“I did nothing.” Alizand struggled to keep fear from his voice.
Mandir’s ebony eyes glittered with menace. “Where’d you get the bauble?”
“A gift from my mother.”
Both boys laughed. “Do they dead walk?” Mandir asked.
Lodar dug his fingers into Alizand’s arm. “Give me the crystal.”
“No.”
Mandir whirled Alizand around. “You dare deny us?” He reached for the stone and stumbled backward. He rubbed his hand.
The second bell rang. Lodar twisted Alizand’s arm behind his back. “Give me the pretty or I’ll break your arm.”
A door closed with a bang. A tall man with flowing fair hair emerged. When Lodar released Alizand, he nearly fell. He heard the thud of boots as the bullies retreated. “My thanks, Dom Senet.” Alizand stared at the crystal on the man’s chest. The colors swirled red, blue, green and clear.
“Name day greetings, Alizand, son of Zedron, son of the House Wesren.”
Alizand kept his gaze on the Dom’s stone. He sidled away.
“Where did you get the crystal?” The man’s sonorous voice bristled with curiosity and veiled threat.
“’Twas my mother’s.” Alizand looked up to see the man’s pale blue eyes narrow.
“So the tales are true. Though you haven’t the startling coloring of most halflings, you have the eyes. Perhaps we share a kinship. Something to think on, Prince Heir.” Dom Senet stroked Alizand’s crystal.
Alizand swallowed. “The feast … I’ll be late.”
“Then let us hurry,” the Dom said. “Hide the stone beneath your tunic or that greedy pair will pry it away. ‘Twill protect you from all but me. I’ve keyed it to mine.” He smiled. “No matter where you go, I can find you.”
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Buy
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