The Guardian King

Chapter Nineteen

~ Ember

Phyneas led me inside the castle library. Being a corner room, arched windows flooded the space with natural light from two directions. The corners which natural light couldn’t reach, due to the numerous tall bookshelves, were illuminated by the chandeliers throughout. Every nook and cranny housed a cozy arm chair, where readers could fall into a book, undisturbed.

*

My instructor waited in the center of the room at a large round table. A stack of books nearby told me learning about my truth ability wasn’t going to be as thrilling as I thought. Sadie looked up at our approach and immediately her face soured. “You weren’t invited, Phyneas. Unless you have a recently discovered truth ability, you may leave the same way you entered.”

“The castle library is open to all. Or did you forget, Tick-tock?”

“Make yourself scarce, or I’ll have you banned altogether.” He passed me back my notebook as he muttered, “I’d like to see you try,” before he disappeared behind a bookshelf.

*

“Does he follow you everywhere you go?” Sadie asked me as I sat at the table.

“Well, he is a puppy,” I said with a laugh she did not find the least bit amusing. “You ought to be extremely careful with whom you spend your time, Ember. If the press caught wind of you cozying up to anyone who is not the king, they’ll rake you over the coals and make Phoenix out to be a fool.” It seemed ironic to be getting that type of advice from her of all people. But I didn’t want to get on my teacher’s bad side by making a sarcastic comment. I only said, “Noted.” Satisfied with my answer, she nodded.

*

“These are the books on the power of truth you should begin reading,” Sadie said as she placed her perfectly French manicured hand on the stack of tomes. “The ones with anything of value anyway.”

“You want me to read all these?”

“I have. As well as any guardian worth their salt who possesses the ability.”

“Okay then… I guess I’d better get started,” I said, reaching for the top book.

“And what do you think I volunteered for? To watch you read? You can consume the information within these texts in your own time.”

“Between all my training and whatever Phoenix asks of me, how much free time do you expect me to have?”

“That is not my problem.”

*

Sadie snapped her fingers and called, “Hamish!” A middle-aged butler wearing the castle staff uniform appeared in the doorway. “My lady, how may I be of service?”

“Take this stack of books to Lady Ember’s chambers.” He gave her a bow and proceeded to follow out her command. I grabbed the top three volumes off the stack in an effort to lighten his load. “I can manage these,” I said to him. “Thank you so much.” He gave me a gentle bow of his head and carried the rest of the heavy books out of the room.

*

“You needn’t mistreat the staff, Sadie,” I said.

“And you shouldn’t make assumptions about any guardian. He possesses a strength ability, Ember. He had the task well in hand.”

“It isn’t about what he is capable of, it’s about common curtesy.” She rolled her eyes and said, “Anyway, back to the matter at hand. You’re all about common courtesy for those whose job it is to be here, how about sparing a little for me? I’m investing my valuable time in order to teach you truth, purely as a favor to Phoenix.” I remembered what Phyneas said about her being indebted to the king, but chose not to bring it up. “You’re right,” I admitted. “Thank you for your time.” She smoothed out the front of her blue silk blouse and cleared her throat, before she began her lecture.

*

“There are varying degrees of the truth ability. It can be as simple as detecting dishonesty, or as complex as f0rcing others to tell the truth.”

“That’s possible?” I questioned.

“It’s exceedingly rare, and is usually paired with a compulsion ability, but yes, it is possible.”

“How strong is your ability? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Ordinarily it’s considered a massive social faux pas to ask someone what they are capable of. We like the option of bragging about our abilities or keeping them to ourselves. To ask the question forces a person to reveal their gifts or rudely refuse. In future, that is not something you should ask. I’m sure that will be in your next culture lesson with Ambrosia. In this instance, I’ll let it slide.”

“How very gracious of you.”

*

Sadie ignored my comment and said, “My truth ability is stronger than most. I can detect deceit amongst the most skilled liars. But it took years of practice to achieve this level of success.”

“How did you begin?” I wanted to know.

“Learning how to hone your truth ability begins in studying the physical response in a person when they lie. A few of those books I sent to your room will go into greater detail, but a basic rundown of dishonest tells include avoiding eye contact, beads of sweat, and fidgeting, such as the shuffling of feet, to name a few. More advanced detection involves pinpointing the slightest waver in a person’s voice or dilation of their eyes.”

“And you?”

“I can sense a lie simply from the tone of voice. There is a subtle difference in pitch when a person lies verses when they are being honest.”

“Fascinating.”

“Yes, it is actually.”

*

Sadie sat across from me at the table as she inquired, “Are you familiar with the human party game, two truths and a lie?”

“I am.”

“Good. That’s where we will begin. I’m going to tell you three statements, two of which will be true and the third will be a lie. See if you can pick up on which statement is false.” I sat up straighter in my chair in an effort to pay closer attention as I said, “Okay, I’m ready.”

*

Sadie cleared her throat, then casually stacked one hand atop the other and looked me square in the eyes as she stated, “I have never traveled outside of North America. Before the age of eight, I could speak three languages. I admire you.” I sighed in annoyance and replied, “You don’t have to make it so easy. I know you don’t like me. Your claim that you admire me is clearly the lie.”

“I’ve traveled all over the world,” she corrected, causing me to look at her in confusion as she added, “I told you not to make assumptions.”

“But you made it clear you don’t think I belong here.”

“Here in The Jewel of Ilia, as the king’s companion… that’s true. And it’s true I don’t like you. But I can’t deny I admire the way you followed your instincts by moving to Middlebrook. Plus, you didn’t run home when things got hard. Instead, you’ve dedicated yourself to your training, undiscouraged by the daunting task… and that is admirable.”

*

I stared at Sadie in awe as I said, “I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t read too much into it,” she replied causally. “You may be braver than the average human, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t far too late in your life to become a decent guardian. You’ll end up back at the Ashford’s, helping to run their little inn, by this time next year. Then I’ll finally have my second chance with Phoenix.” I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at her and asked, “You wouldn’t sabotage my training, would you?” She scoffed and replied, “You don’t think beyond the obvious, do you? Your progress with truth is a direct reflection on me. So… let’s continue.”

*

Sadie thought for a minute then said, “In conversation, people don’t ordinarily state unrelated things the way I did with the first test. People often work their lies amongst statements of truth. Let’s see if you can detect which part of my next statement is untrue.” She looked me square in the eyes again and went on, “I drank too much Ruby Rose at the ball, causing me to make out with a palace guard, and we were caught by a maid.”

“Hmm… well, you’ve been caught before so I doubt you’d make that mistake again. The part about the maid is a lie.” Anger flashed across Sadie’s vibrant green eyes. She clenched her teeth and gritted, “You’d be wise not to speak so freely of situations in which you know nothing.”

“You’re right,” I admitted softly. “It’s none of my business.” Her expression eased as she said, “No, it’s not.”

“Did I answer correctly?”

“No, the entire statement was false. I detest Ruby Rose.”

“That’s cheating!” I claimed.

“That’s the lesson. You can’t trust anyone but yourself and your own abilities. Until you can do that, you have no business being the king’s companion.”

*

“That is not for you to decide,” Phyneas stated as he emerged from the bookcases. Sadie leaned against the back of her chair, crossed her arms, and said, “Doesn’t mean I’m not right. Mark my words, this situation is going to blow up in Phoenix’s face. I just hope we all don’t become collateral damage.”

“Ignore her, Emmie. Are you ready for your next lesson?” I merely nodded and picked up my books as I stood. “Thanks for your time, Sadie.”

“If you want to thank me, you’ll read something before your next lesson.”

“Of course.”

***

“So, where are we off to now?” I asked as we entered the corridor. Phyneas took the books out of my arms and said, “Now, Gemma and I are going to tag team your next lesson.”

“Are you saying I’m going to learn empathy and healing at the same time?”

“Not everyday, but starting out you are.” I let out a long yawn, causing Phyneas to say, “Do you need a break? We can stop for lunch a little early if you want.”

“No, thanks. I’m fine.”

*

When I realized Phyneas had led me to an unfamiliar part of the castle, I asked, “Where are we going?”

“To the medical wing,” he answered, “specifically the clinic.”

“Why do guardians have use of a clinic if they can heal themselves?”

“As you will soon learn, healing isn’t completely straightforward. And healers need a place to work their magic, so to speak.”

*

As we climbed a flight of stairs, I asked Phyneas, “So where did our king have to disappear to all of the sudden?” He glanced at my face, searching for signs on why I was interested, before he replied, “He needed to meet with a newly appointed governor. I would have gone with him, but he showed mercy in allowing me to remain here to train you.”

“Mercy?”

“Meetings with governors are always long and incredibly boring.”

“If it’s nothing urgent, does that mean he’ll be back soon?”

“Are you missing your companion already?” he asked with a grin and one curious eyebrow.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I brushed him off. “I am merely eager to begin learning how to move things with my mind.”

“Unfortunately, I am not sure when he’ll return. So, you’ll just have to settle for healing, empathy, cloaking, and truth.”

“Oh, I forgot about cloaking. Will I be able to make myself invisible?” He laughed and replied, “No, it’s not that powerful. But that would be really cool.”

“I’ve always wanted to be invisible.”

“Why’s that?”

“Being surrounded by people who treat you as though you are invisible, you come to realize it would be easier if you really were.”

“You don’t live in that world anymore, Emmie. Here you are seen and you are valued.”

“You’re right. I don’t care about being able to make myself invisible anymore.”

“Thatta girl. Now lets see how prominent your healing ability is.”

*

We entered a large wooden door marked CLINIC inlaid with gold letters. Inside, I detected no scent whatsoever. No bleach, no antiseptic, none of the typical hospital smells of any kind. “It doesn’t smell like a clinic,” I stated.

“What kind of guardians would we be if it smelled like a human clinic? We have no use for disinfectants. Our healers do their job quite thoroughly and the vanishers take care of any mess.

*

“Are healers able to heal anyone of anything?” I asked. He let out a regretful sigh. I had my answer before he even said, “No, our abilities have their limits and those limits are often linked to God’s greater plan. When it’s time to die, it’s time to die. There’s no way around that, I’m afraid.”

*

When I grew quiet, Phyneas looked at me with compassion and said, “I’m sorry.”

“What?” I responded in surprise.

“It just occurred to me you were thinking about your mom.”

“Am I that obvious?”

“You have a kind heart. And I didn’t have to know you for long to see you were close with your mom. Aside from the fact she was your mom, she was also the only guardian you grew up around.”

“I suppose that does play a part in why I can’t bring myself to be mad at her despite everything she kept from me.”

“Everything happens for a reason, Emmie. You’ll understand that better the longer you’re in our world. We have to believe in purpose, otherwise what’s the point of our existence?”

“That’s very deep.”

“More words I’ve stolen from the mouth of our king.”

“Are you ever annoyed by it? The way Phoenix seems to have an answer to everything?” Phyneas burst into a fit of laughter. I gave him a puzzled look and said, “Okay, clearly there’s something I don’t understand.”

*

When Phyneas finally got control of himself he said, “ Nic isn’t nearly as sure as he would have people believe. If he was he wouldn’t need us.”

“You and Gemma?”

“And you.”

“Me?”

“Nic needs you more than you realize.”

“How so?”

“Remind me to tell you a story someday.”

*

I wanted to press Phyneas further, but I got the feeling he wouldn’t budge on the subject. Just as we rounded a corner into a lavish recovery room, Phyneas said, “Ah, here’s Gemma.” My raven-haired cousin looked up from her book as we entered the room. “Hey, Em. How was your lesson with Sadie?”

“It was… interesting.”

“That good, huh?”

“As good as can be expected from the ice queen,” Phyn clarified.

*

“Are you ready to dive into empathy?” Gemma asked me with excitement.

“I think so. The only experience I’ve had with empathy was… overwhelming to say the least.”

“Even if it doesn’t end up being your dominant ability, it will always be your most disorienting. Which is why you should master it. It’s important to differentiate your own emotions from those around you. Control your ability and don’t let the ability control you.”

“Okay, I’m ready.”

“Good.”

*

The three of us occupied a small sitting area near a set of windows. “Now,” Gemma said as she scooted to the edge of her seat, “when was the last time you consumed the empath’s brew?”

“You mean that tea? Um, with breakfast.”

“So, let’s see, four hours ago. Yeah, that’ll do.” She plucked a scalpel from a tray on the side table and slashed Phyneas down the length of his arm. “Dammit, Gem!” he exclaimed. His opposite hand automatically covered his wound. “Give a guy a little warning next time!”

“Gemma!” I yelled in shock. “Good Lord, why did you do that?” Blood was already seeping through Phyneas’ fingers. “We agreed it was the best way to jump start your training,” Gemma replied. “Physical pain is the easiest to empathize. Emotional pain is more subtle. Now concentrate, Ember. What do you feel from Phyneas?”

“I… I don’t know. Pain?”

“You’re guessing.”

*

I couldn’t think straight with the sight of blood making my head spin. I swiped a cloth from the same tray Gemma took the scalpel from and gently pressed it to Phyneas’ wound.

“Focus Emmie, you got this,” he calmly told me.

“Why don’t you heal yourself?”

“Because that’s not why we’re here.”

“You agreed to this?” I guessed.

“Yeah, but I didn’t know she was going to cut me without warning.” He sent a glare in her direction, to which she responded, “I thought she could sense your feelings easier if you were surprised.”

*

Gemma spoke with a calm even tone as she said, “Ember, close your eyes and think only of Phyneas’ aura. What does he feel?” I did my best to ignore the blood staining the otherwise pristine white cloth. “He’s mad,” I said.

“Nope,” he said. “Sorry, Em.”

“Alright, let’s switch things up,” Gemma suggested. “Concentrate on healing him.”

“You can do it, Emmie.”

*

I covered the cloth with my hand and tried to focus energy into making Phyneas’ wound disappear. A tingle came to my fingertips. When it dissipated I let go. Phyneas lifted the cloth.

“Well?” Gemma asked.

“Not quite, but a decent first try.” He showed us the wound. I’d only managed to stop the bleeding.

*

My frustration rose to the surface. “Relax, Ember,” Gemma kindly said. “Don’t forget this is your first lesson. At the academy, you’d spend months on theory, whereas we skipped straight to execution.”

“My idea,” Phyneas said, “I learned better by doing.”

“What is the theory behind healing?”

“This is why we decided to train you at the same time, because both empathy and healing have to do with understanding the electrical impulses within the body.”

“I took anatomy in college,” I stated. “Does that help?”

“It’s a start. Now,” Phyneas turned to Gemma, “is it my turn to cut you?”

“Please don’t!” I pleaded.

“Ember, I know it’s unpleasant,” my cousin said, “but creating a situation of urgency will jump start your instincts and help you tap into your abilities quicker.”

“Then let me be the one to be injured,” I pleaded. Gemma and Phyneas looked at one another in consideration. “Healers do typically learn to heal themselves first,” Phyneas pointed out.

“Are you sure, Em?” Gemma asked.

“Absolutely.”

*

Without hesitation Gemma picked up a clean scalpel and ran it across my arm. I hardly noticed the initial slice due to the sharpness of the blade. The sting came seconds later as blood dripped from the open wound. I ignored the mounting queasiness and focused on Phyn’s voice. “Clear your mind of everything but your injury,” he coached me.

“It’s kind hard to think of anything else at the moment.”

“Concentrate on the cells in your skin and will them to knit closed.”

“I can’t feel my cells.”

“Here,” he picked up my arm and rested it gently in his hands as he said, “Let me help you channel your ability. Focus with me.” I closed my eyes and willed my wound to heal itself, but the same tingle I’d felt when healing Phyn, remained elusive.

*

“Emmie, open your eyes,” Phyneas commanded. My eyelids rose and my arm came into focus. All that was left of my wound was a faint pink line. “I did it?” I questioned.

“You did it.” I sensed a slight waver to Phyn’s voice, leading me to claim, “You’re lying.” His eyes dilated ever so slightly, confirming my suspicions. “You healed it for me.” Gemma looked at Phyneas and said, “At least we know her first lesson with Sadie went well.”

*

Phyneas looked at me apologetically. “Em-”

“Don’t, Phyneas!” I cut him off. “You can’t help me by lying to me.”

“I was only trying to boost your confidence.”

“Falsely. You are the one always telling me to trust you. How does lying inspire me to trust you?”

“You’re right, Emmie. I’m sorry.” I avoided his eyes and said, “I need a break. I’m hungry.”

“Of course,” Gemma said. “Let’s go to the dining room and grab a bite to eat. You should also have some vita latrare, to replenish your energy.” I could only nod as I moved toward the door. I stopped when I realized I didn’t know the way. I turned to Gemma and said, “Do you mind leading the way, Gemma? I haven’t learned the layout of the castle yet.”

“Sure,” she replied softly.

*

My anger with Phyneas over his poor judgment, albeit good intentions, wouldn’t last forever. As we made our way in silence toward the dining room, I spared him a glance and found he looked like a wounded puppy. He was regretful. I couldn’t determine if that was the empath ability finally aiding me or simply a normal observation based on what I already knew about him. He wasn’t one for silence. He always had something to say.

*

I stewed over my upset while we ate lunch, but afterwards, when I felt revitalized from food and guardian tonic, I decided to put him out of his misery. “I know you were only trying to help,” I said.

“I was,” he admitted.

“But you can’t help me by jeopardizing my trust in you.”

“I know.”

“I don’t have many friends,” I paused to collect my thoughts, before stating, “I need you.”

“I know that too.” He pulled me in for a gentle hug and added. “It goes both ways you know. I need you too.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author’s Note:

Chapter 20 coming Sunday, March 5th.

Thanks for reading!

~ E. K.