Powers of the Six Read Online Free PDF

the duke that the traitor must be kept here until I return from the Tournament of Awakening. At that point, I will escort him to Faylinn. The soldiers of Alton can continue their watch. And, I can see by his current condition, they’ll give him everything he deserves.”
    Nolan stooped and turned the ink bottle up, staining his fingers in the process.
    “I hope you can remember all of that, without having to jot it down,” Kael said.
    “I’ll do my best, Kael.” Nolan laced his words with sarcasm.
    Kael sneered. “That’s General Trividar to you.”
    Nolan didn’t respond; instead, he studied the ink bottle to see how much remained. He’d had enough of Kael to last until next year.
    Kael’s Shay light brightened. “I’ll return in two weeks for the tournament. Try not to screw this up, Nolan.” And without another word, Kael sped away.
    Nolan’s head pounded, his leg still throbbed, and half his ink coated the stones. But despite that, he felt much better now that Kael had left. He started to relax, but his blood froze when he realized Kael had left him alone with the prisoner.
    Nolan fixed his gaze on the ink-stained stones. Several minutes crept by. Nolan knew he should leave, but he couldn’t. Not yet. He had to find out what the man knew. As time continued, his fear passed along with it, ebbing away until curiosity took hold.
    Nolan raised his eyes slowly, expecting to find two purple orbs glowing. Instead, Emery sat on the ground, his head hung low as he took slow, labored breaths. He coughed, and his body went rigid while his face contorted.
    Nolan took a step toward him. Emery’s bruised face raised, but instead of a violet light, kind brown eyes studied him.
    Emery smiled, his swollen lips stretching across white teeth. “Are you always impressed when someone gets beaten?”
    Nolan started. “What did you say?”
    “You were impressed when the general beat me.”
    He’d been horrified and frightened. But impressed? He didn’t remember feeling that way at all.
    “No, you’re right,” he said, as if answering Nolan’s thoughts. “It wasn’t when he beat me. I felt your emotions afterward.”
    His question finally took form in Nolan’s mind. He was impressed, but it wasn’t because Kael beat him.
    At that moment, Nolan realized this traitor was no different than he was. He’d evaded the army. Nolan could easily be him, trapped in some tower, waiting for death. And it could still happen if his secret got out. However, the difference between Emery and him was that Emery fought while he hid.
    Emery stared, as if waiting for an answer.
    Nolan finally said, “You impressed me because you stood up to him.”
    “Ah! So that’s why.” He chuckled. “Yes, I suppose I did. It’s partially habit, I’m afraid. I was his superior at one time. And then there’s just the enjoyment of antagonizing him. He’s always been easy to annoy.” Emery flinched while taking a slow breath. “So why would that impress you? You stood up to him as well. You even called him by name.”
    “Brothers at odds still call each other by name.”
    “Brothers, eh?” He nodded. “Yes, I can see the similarities, especially in the eyes.”
    As he examined Nolan, his Empathy light glowed, and his power pushed into Nolan’s mind. Nolan recoiled, and the Empathy abruptly left.
    “Forgive me, Nolan,” Emery said. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
    Sweat trailed down Nolan’s face, his instincts nudging him to run.
    “I am sorry,” Emery said, his eyes pleading. “I promise. I won’t search you again.” He studied Nolan again before speaking. “How old are you?”
    Nolan tensed. Why does he want to know? Nolan considered making up a random number, but then he changed his mind. The man was an Empathy user, for Brim’s sake. He’d know if Nolan lied. And honestly, what difference did it make? It wasn’t as if he were hiding his age. “Seventeen,” he finally answered.
    Emery’s brows raised in surprise.