Schism: The Battle for Darracia (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

did not call him over. “Those were different times. I have only you, V’sair. Things are changing. The Quyroos will not continue as they have before. I brought back Emmicus to ensure you had the best education. You are the future of this world.”
    “ But the customs…” V’sair implored him.
    “ We will circumvent this custom.”
    “ Circumvent!” V’sair was shocked. “You cannot. Every king, every soldier, everyone—even Emmicus—has been tested by the Fireblade.”
    “ I can circumvent whatever I want. I am the king!” His father pumped his gloved fist into the air, his voice booming.
    The room quieted ; the music stopped; and V’sair noticed that everyone stared at them. His father glowered at the crowd and waved off the musicians, who gathered up their instruments and left. He stalked to the other side of the room, and V’sair knew the subject was closed. A cluster of advisors and top generals surrounded Drakko, and V’sair angrily stopped himself from following. Emmicus wandered over to the group, his shaggy gray head deep in thought.
    Night was falling, and the great hall was illuminated by bright lights that reflected off the polished red walls. Screens hung from four posts ; the nightly news was on. A female Darracian newscaster was speaking, the image of a raging fire behind her. Concerned Darracians surrounded the screens, murmuring softly, watching the news unfold. Drakko was deep in discussion with several council members. One of them appeared quite angry; General Swart was arguing fiercely with the king. He was one of the older officers and was walking a fine line. V’sair wondered whether his father would erupt during General Swart’s tirade. The prince wandered over to one of the screens and caught only that the fires were in the eastern provinces, where lately there had been Quyroo unrest.
    “ These are troubling times, Your Highness.” V’sair knew Emmicus was standing next to him before he spoke.
    “ Why do they build on Aqin? It is foolhardy as well as against the law. That land is considered sacred.”
    “ Think, sire. Why would the Bottom Dwellers tempt Darracian wrath?”
    “ I don’t understand,” V’sair said. “The Quyroos finally desire peace. My father has met with them.”
    “ Yes…”
    “ The settlements only put off the peace talks. How can my father trust them if they can’t control their own…Oh, Emmicus! I understand!” Light dawned on V’sair’s face. “It’s a power play to keep the accord from happening.”
    “ Just so, young master.” Emmicus beamed. “Our lesson continues after all. As long as the Bottom Dwellers continue to settle on the forbidden lands of Aqin, there will be no peace accord. Should their tampering with the holy land of Aqin awaken the wrath of the volcano, the whole of Darracia will be in danger. Just look at those fires,” Emmicus noted, clicking his tongue. The reporter on the giant screen continued to speak of a growing rebellion in the eastern provinces.
    The newscast suddenly was drowned out by the blare of trumpets announcing V’sair’s uncle.
    Staf Nuen enter ed the room, his son—V’sair’s cousin, Pacuto—walking purposefully next to him. They wore flowing black capes, and the red dust of their planet covered their boots. They must have just come from the outdoors. They wore full armor, and while Staf’s braid was wound tightly, Pacuto’s looked slightly disheveled. Staf wore a neatly manicured beard that covered his pitted face. He was battle scarred and a pale imitation of his handsome twin brother. Staf brushed past V’sair without even a nod and approached the king, dipping his knee ever so slightly, almost an insult. His father never seemed to mind, but it bothered V’sair. His cousin, as usual, ignored him.
    “ Highness,” Staf growled in a raspy, powdery baritone, rudely interrupting General Swart.
    Drakko inclined his head as he smiled benignly. “Staf. I can see by your impatience that you have