Maybe I should’ve gone with Zahara, he thought.
That’s one feeling that I do not miss, Tarron’s voice said, breaking into Anders’ daydream.
Anders rolled his eyes. He still hadn’t figured out how to keep the soul inside the sapphire from hearing his inner monologues. I thought I told you to keep your thoughts to yourself unless you have something important to say, Anders said grumpily.
I was only going to point out that walnut tree, but if you want to wander around this deserted camp looking for scraps of garbage like a peasant, be my guest.
Anders surveyed the trees nearest him and saw the feather-shaped leaves of a walnut tree to his right. Even from dozens of yards away, he could see the brown nuts bursting through their green shells, indicating that they were ripe. Walking quickly to the tree’s base, Anders said, I’m sorry for that, Tarron. I’m just tired and frustrated.
You seem to be quite temperamental toward me in particular, Tarron observed.
I have a lot on my mind and when you barge in unannounced, it irritates me, Anders said, picking several nuts from the tree and deftly husking their shells. He popped the walnut meat into his mouth as he shelled them, stuffing himself like a child eating unlimited candy.
How would you have me announce myself? I don’t have a body, Tarron pointed out.
Taking advantage of speaking telepathically, Anders spoke while gorging on the tree’s produce, It’s not your fault, I guess. You came into my life at a strange time.
Because you killed the host taking over your father’s body?
Anders pushed his emotions surrounding Ivan’s death down as they tried to rise to the surface again, Yeah.
The being controlling him did it, you know. You were just protecting Maija’s life and your own. Where I come from, self-defense is not a crime.
Why didn’t you stop Merglan from moving his corrupted energy into the crystal? Anders asked in an attempt to change the subject.
I didn’t have any control of my being. I thought I told you, the only way I can be released from the walls of this sapphire are to be exposed to the energy of a dragon’s bonding.
But you aren’t free. You’re still confined to the crystal.
Physically, yes, but I’m a soul. I need a vessel to inhabit if I wish to continue to have consciousness. If I were to leave the sapphire in your sword, I would be inducted into the energy flowing through all of the natural things around us.
That sounds peaceful, Anders said.
It is and would be, but that’s not what I want. I believe that by successfully transitioning my soul into the crystal, I must serve a greater purpose. I have a duty to the world and that duty is to steer its people in the right cultural direction.
But why do I have to be your voice? Can’t you be put into another crystal and influence someone more powerful than me?
That’s not how it works, and besides who among your settled nations is in a more powerful position than you?
Anders thought for a moment. The sorcerer’s soul was right. Other than him, only Maija was in a similar position. Though now that Ivan had died, Anders had inadvertently become the true heir to the throne in Southland and, therefore, the rightful king of the human race.
You know I’m right… your Majesty, Tarron said.
“Don’t say that!” Anders spat, losing control of his emotions. He quickly looked around to see if anyone had heard him. I’m not a king, he thought. I’m just a guy who can do magic. Because this other dragonrider has a problem with me being alive, I’m forced into this situation. I’m doing this for selfish reasons, and I shouldn’t be rewarded for that.
You and I know that’s not true, Tarron said.
“Hello?” Anders heard someone call out.
“Who’s there?” he replied, halfway through chewing on a walnut. Anders saw a tall youthful-looking, black-haired man walking across the encampment. “Max!” he called out in surprise when he recognized him.
You were born to bring balance into the world, Anders. Let me guide your rule, Tarron’s voice said, fading out into the back of his mind.
“I thought I heard someone shouting. Was that you?” Max asked, coming swiftly into full view.
Anders flushed, trying to think of an excuse without coming up with one, “Yeah. I’m just frustrated.”
“Tell me about it,” Max said. “I just had a run-in with Tony, my former step-father. Well, you can imagine how that went down.” Anders nodded. “It wasn’t pretty. That guy really wants to hurt me. I just hope I got through to them.”
Anders frowned, “To them?”
“There’s a whole group of soldiers up on the bluff in this lodge. I told them what was happening, but not before Tony, apparently their ringleader, tried to pull his sword on me. I don’t know if they thought I was trying to cause a distraction or telling the truth.”
“Either way, I would assume they have enough sense to come check out what’s going on?” Anders asked. He held out a walnut to Max, “Hungry?”
Max nodded, taking the nut from Anders, “Looks like the word to head back to Brookside made it through camp?”
“Yeah. I was just looking for Rune or someone who could show me to the others in charge of this outfit.”
“Apparently Tony is one of them. He’s up there, but I’d let the alcohol wear off before talking to him,” Max said.
“You don’t need to prove anything to him, Max. Everyone already knows you’re a great person.”
“I don’t want to prove anything to him. I would be fine not seeing him again, but, given the circumstances, I would bet money that I’ll be seeing more of him soon enough. If we make it through this without him stabbing me in the back, I’ll be surprised.”
“I’ll make sure he knows your importance. I won’t let him touch you,” Anders said.
“He probably won’t listen to you. He thinks we’re working together to undermine this revolution,” Max said, shaking his head.
