Reborn Read Free Page A

shelf filled with glass jars of clear liquid, along with one or two small creatures floating about. Some looked like rodents, while others more closely resembled reptiles.
    At last his wandering gaze fell on the old woman, whose once grayish skin seemed to have taken on some color as of late. With her wild white hair tied back neatly, and wearing the long green dress given to her by the Queen, Addel looked quite noble these days. A black and gold eyepatch with silver trim completed her fine attire. She forced a smile as best as she could, trying to show support for her good friend, but it faded quickly under the weight of Berkeni’s hard stare.
    “You think I care whether or not any of you questions my dedication?” he hissed in a rare display of hostility. He rose to his feet slowly, his anger-filled eyes never leaving Addel for a moment, before slamming both fists hard against the table. “You think I sit here day and night searching for those kids only to seek approval for my efforts?”
    “No, nobody thinks—”
    “That’s correct,” he interrupted sharply. “Nobody thinks...or wants to think about the current situation, it seems. Now that those poor kids are out of our sight, all must be right with the world. They will somehow find a way to do the impossible all by themselves, or perhaps they won’t. We’ve already done our part, so now it’s up to someone else to step up and give aid to the most important man alive. Of course, even that will only happen when we find it most convenient. I seem to be the only one around here who—”
    A sudden blast of electrical energy surged through his body. The swift jolt stunned the small man, forcing him back down into his seat. “You stubborn old fool,” growled Addel, still gripping his shoulder. “You think I or anyone else here wouldn’t give up everything to see them succeed in this impossible quest, or, by the gods, just to know they are safe? Both Morcel and Azek have been pushing the men to their limits day and night. Poor Ilirra is doing her best to hold this city together by her fingertips, even though she is torn and dying inside. And all the while I continue to monitor these potential entry points in Shangti. There are hundreds, you know, and they shift positions constantly. When the time comes, I will need to identify which one will allow Krytoes entry into our world, giving the Gate Keeper as well as our armies enough time to position themselves for what will probably be our last stand. We are all in this together, so don’t sit there and act like you’re the only one—”
    Addel stopped abruptly, suddenly realizing the line she had just crossed. Although she had only used enough energy to stun him, it was technically an attack on the Queen’s right-hand man, and was punishable by death, but even that was not what stopped her rant. It was the sad look on her friend’s face that shattered her heart.
    He gazed up at her with shame in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Addel,” he said as he shook away the cobwebs still clouding his head. The little man was not angry. In fact, he was grateful that someone was actually not afraid to point out when he was acting the fool. Most in the palace would never show such assertiveness given his high standing, but Addel was nothing like the others. She had more than earned his respect in such matters, as well the Queen’s trust, and could voice her opinion whenever she saw fit. “I don’t know what got into me. I’m aware that everyone is doing all that they—”
    “Not another word out of you,” whispered Addel as she rubbed her hand down his bony chest. He remained seated while she stood at his back, hands on his shoulders. “You may be an old fool sometimes, but you’re my old fool. Of course they need you, but so do others as well. I was being serious when I told you you’re no good to anyone if you are dead. I know you want to mend the world all by yourself, and I fear you’ll attempt to do so if someone