Read Online Prophecy's Promise (Prophecy of the Edges Book 1) by Lauren Amundson - Free Book Online Page B

would be so valuable. But, it was a very nice present and gesture. I took the medallion and put it around my neck. “You’ve all been very good to me.” I could feel tears glistening in my eyes.
    “Sir?” I could hear the voice of the front butler calling, and a pair of footsteps racing toward us. I wiped the back of my hand against my eyes as Altis entered the courtyard.
    “I didn’t realize that you kept such well-connected friends,” he sneered.
    “Somehow I doubt that,” Garth said as he stood up and then bowed his head. “Your Highness. Welcome to my house. I’m honored.”
    Altis said nothing, but pursed his lips.
    “What’s wrong?” I asked Altis.
    “Nothing is wrong. As your Initiate Sponsor, I am summoning you to your Journeyman Rite.”
    “What? Now? I’ve hardly had enough time to say goodbye.”
    “Now,” Altis grumbled.
    I hugged Garth and thanked him again for all he’d done for me. “You’re a smart girl,” he said, squeezing my arm affectionately. “You’ll make the right choice.”
    I promised Meena that we would meet up on the morrow. She expected a full account of my Rite. She studied Warriors and was exceedingly interested in hearing a firsthand, fresh account of the Rite, or at least of the parts that weren’t sworn to secrecy.
    “Nice bauble,” he said as soon as we were out of earshot. My hand darted toward the silver medallion over my heart. “I knew you were close with the daughter, but I hadn’t realized the father thought so highly of you.”
    “I’m a family friend,” I replied nonchalantly. “It’s not that fancy, at any rate. And I don’t like fancy, so it’s quite perfect for me.” The chain upon which it hung was a bit too large for my frame. The intricate carving on the disk itself showed much skill, but there were no gems or rubies imbedded, besides the chips of diamonds.
    Altis raised his eyebrows as he inspected the medallion. “The value is not in the quality of the material.”
    The medallion meant something—something deeper than the allegiance of a wealthy merchant. Something that Altis understood very well. At least that made one of us. I shrugged and tucked the medallion, cool from the night’s air, under my shirt.
    The sun had mostly set, throwing its last burned auburn rays against the underbellies of the clouds. I hustled after Altis, two of my steps matching one of his. Families wandering down the sidewalks stopped and inclined their heads as Altis passed.
    At our pace, it took us less than ten minutes to reach the Keep, but instead of using the primary entrance near the library, Altis led me around the side toward the castle grounds. We walked along the full length between the Keep and the castle. The manicured gardens gave way to wild grasses.
    The sun was fully set now. Shadows engulfed us. Altis didn’t Weave light, so I followed him in the near dark aided only by the sliver of moon and the dim light trickling from the city behind us.
    Once we had reached the back of the buildings, we continued to the Wall.  Three men stood next to it. I recognized them as Warrior Initiates, but I had never spoken to them before.
    The wall was ancient. It significantly predated the rest of the Keep.  Its smooth stone didn’t appear interesting although I’d been told that the materials and technique matched the wall at the Edge.  Unlike the Edge’s wall, this wall opened.  Not only did it open, but a Mist motor controlled the door. The technique to create it had been forgotten by history. The motor opened the door using fortified Mist, but the Mist never ran out and the door could be opened with a flick of the wrist, no Weaving required.  Even those who were unable to Weave could operate the Motor.  I’d always intended to study it more.  I supposed that I’d never have the opportunity now that I was to be a Warrior. 
    “We welcome you to our ranks, Apprentice. Are you ready to become a Journeyman?” The oldest of the three men spoke.
    I