Sovereign of the Seven Isles 7: Reishi Adept Read Free

dismounted and opened the door to his Wizard’s Den. Jack’s colors stood at the threshold, his visible form cloaked by magic.
    “We’re good for now,” Alexander said.
    Jack threw his hood back as he strolled out onto the rocky mountaintop, stopping well short of the edge and peering over.
    “Quite a view,” he said, tossing a rock into the sky and cocking his head to listen for its impact.
    “I think we’ll stay here for a while,” Alexander said, hobbling into his Wizard’s Den and straight to his bed.
    “Tore your wound open again, didn’t you?” Lita said, pulling a chair up in front of him and inspecting the blood-soaked bandage wrapped around his leg.

Chapter 2
     
    Alexander materialized in the room where Isabel, Lacy, and Wren were eating lunch. He knew in a glance that their situation had gone from bad to worse. Isabel’s colors swirled in a contest between her will and Azugorath’s. Lacy and Wren wore Andalian slave collars. All three looked like they were on the verge of breaking.
    Isabel stood, forcing a smile.
    “You’re still alive.”
    “Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
    Her smile turned more genuine.
    “Phane said you were a prisoner. I feared the worst.”
    “The Andalians had one of those collars on me for a while, but I’m free now. How are you holding up?” he asked, worry creasing his brow.
    “Phane has discovered a spell that makes me lose control to the Wraith Queen,” Isabel said, matter-of-factly.
    “But you’ve managed to resist, ” Alexander said. “I can see the turmoil in you. I know this is hard, but you have the strength to fight this. Just hang on a little while longer. I’m coming for you.”
    “No . You can’t,” Isabel said. “Phane told me that Elred Rake is going to blindside the Ruathan Army from the north and that Abel has been charmed by the Sin’Rath. You have to fight this war … coming here would probably just get you killed.”
    “Isabel,” he said sharply, snapping her back to reality. “Don’t you dare give in to him.”
    She nodded tightly, a tear sliding down her cheek. “I’ll keep fighting, Alexander, I promise. But you have to go help Ruatha and Ithilian.”
    He could see that she was almost out of hope. She seemed to be holding on more out of habit than conviction.
    “Things have changed, Isabel,” he said intently, trying to reach through her despair and speak to the woman he’d fallen in love with. “Mithel Dour has fallen, the force lances are gone, and Mage Gamaliel has crafted a weapon from the vitalwood capable of banishing Azugorath.”
    She blinked several times , then smiled at him, her colors overwhelming the dark taint and banishing it in a rush.
    “ You’ve been busy,” she said. “But you still have to go see about Ruatha and Ithilian before you come for me.”
    “I will,” Alexander said. “I plan to have a good look around before we move again.”
    “I love you,” she said.
    “I love you,” he said, fading out of sight and moving to Ruatha with a thought. He found General Talia on Kai’Gorn’s highest battlement, startling the man when he materialized beside him.
    “Lord Reishi,” Tal ia said with a respectful nod.
    “Report,” Alexander said.
    “Our insurgent offensive destroyed sixty percent of their shipbuilding capacity along the northern coast. In addition, we’ve employed many of the displaced shipbuilders in several new shipyards we’re constructing in the Western Province.”
    “Well done,” Alexander said. “I’ve borrowed Kiera and her wing rider for the moment, but you’ll have them back soon.” Alexander spent a few minutes briefing General Talia on Andalia’s recent misfortunes.
    “I recommend we press our advantage,” Talia said.
    “I agree. Wage war against Andalia as you see fit, General.”
    General Talia saluted, fist to heart, as Alexander faded out of sight.
    He decided to evaluate the threat against Ruatha before visiting his father and the wizards. After a