Page 36 of The Missing Sentinel
“Drexley, of course.”
“I pose no danger to Drexley.”
“Whatever he believes, Fate did not bring you here. My fading magic and your curiosity are to blame. What business did you have traipsing around Blackwell Manor?”
“The Sentinel Brotherhood has been searching for Drexley for years. It was not uncommon for me to return to the place Alaric last recalled him visiting to discover if we had missed any clues. We could not understand how his necromancer could be dead yet Drexley was not returned to the compound.”
“At least everyone believed the tales of my demise.”
“No one guessed you had escaped to a secret realm. The Arch Lich himself told me you had crossed the veil.”
Adney’s eyes narrowed. “When would you have had the chance to discuss anything with the Arch Lich?”
“You have made judgements about me without learning anything about who I am or what kind of person I may be. Therefore, I see no point in explaining my life to you.”
“What I like least about you is your unbelievable arrogance. Even at Drexley’s arrival, he did not speak to me as you do.”
“It took me minutes to discover he is far kinder than I am.”
“That is the basis of my objection to your matebond. You are not good enough for Drexley.”
“Fate disagrees.”
“I have no time to bother with fairy tales about goddesses prancing around matching couples based on compatibility. What concerns me is Drexley’s future. If you care for him at all, you will ensure he is brought to the Order of Necromancia themoment my realm crumbles. Despite his creation spell, he is no sentinel.”
“Adney, I know you do not trust me. But if Drexley wishes, I will take him directly to the Arch Lich himself.”
“I doubt you will gain an immediate audience with the Arch Lich, but perhaps one of the elders will take pity on Drexley and continue his education.”
“The elder council no longer exists, and most of those who remained in their now-dissolved positions are dead.”
“I did not consider their ages,” Adney muttered. “Why were new ones not appointed?”
“Because your Arch Lich is more than capable of running the Order of Necromancia in the way he sees fit. Fate chose him. No one else. The Arch Lich is one of the most respected rulers in the Council and leads his people well.”
“I suppose he could have learned things from the elders in the past five centuries.”
Ducarius could not help his eyeroll. Adney was deeply entrenched in the past and ridiculously stubborn.
“The Arch Lich is an intelligent man,” Ducarius said, refusing to get into any further argument with Adney. Although Adney would never approve of Ducarius’s relationship with Drexley, there was no point in antagonizing the elderly necromancer. It did nothing to help the already sad, tense atmosphere at the castle.
“Yes, of course. He was educated by the elders.”
The last damn thing Ducarius wanted to discuss was the horrible elders, so he made no further comment. If Adney wanted to believe a lie, that was his business. Perhaps after he crossed the veil and could peek in on the Arch Lich with the magic he’d regain in death, Adney could learn for himself how Chander thrived and offered the best lives possible to his people. As for the elders, their most notorious accomplishment wasforcing Chander to resign his title and nearly joining their rival government.
Ducarius had explained the spell, which drained memory at the compound, to Drexley earlier. The other sentinel was surprised at the knowledge and blamed himself for having poor retention. That confirmed for Ducarius that Drexley was likely unaware of Adney’s weaker version wreaking havoc in his own realm, but now that he had a private moment with the necromancer, he wondered if he’d answer directly about his choice.
“Is Drexley aware that you are draining his memory?” Ducarius asked.
“It is for his benefit, so do not think to judge me for it,” Adney snapped. “If you have any sense, you will tell him nothing. He is not likely to believe you anyway. What proof can you offer?”
Since Adney was at least correct that Ducarius could offer no evidence, he opted to end their discussion.
“You should retire before you unduly tire yourself,” Ducarius suggested.
“I hope to learn someday how sentinels were blessed with immortality they do not deserve while necromancers like myself must face certain death,” Adney complained as he lumbered toward the door.
It was on the tip of his tongue to remind Adney that sentinels were the creation of necromancers so Adney had his own people to blame for their eternal lifespans, but Ducarius knew sometimes silence was the better part of valor. It was a lesson he’d learned at the dinner table when the discussions grew heated and interesting but the Arch Lich demanded everyone shut up and eat.
