Read Online The Key by Jennifer Anne Davis - Free Book Online Page B

stalky, his hair pulled back into a ponytail, and his beard cut short. He grabbed her shoulders and spun her around. Lifting her bound wrists, he read her band and released her. “You were delivered a royal summons?” he asked.
    Aunt Maya pointed her chin in the air—her sign for Rema to hold her head high and be brave. Rema knew she could do this. Understanding that these men were here to intimidate her, she took Aunt Maya’s advice—she wouldn’t let them see her fear.
    “Yes, ” Rema replied in a loud, clear voice. “But I had no escort.” Her bound hands clutched into fists. Sweat dripped down the back of her neck.
    He laughed. “Don’t worry, I ’m here to escort you.”
    Rema looked at Uncle Kar. He shook his head ever so slightly. But if she didn’t agree, they would be executed. Having no real choice, she said, “Fine. Release them, and I’ll go willingly.”
    “Oh you’ll come,” the officer replied. “Willingly or not.” The guards lowered their swords, and Rema’s shoulders relaxed.
    “Trust me,” Rema said with as much venom as she could, “my cooperation is in your best interest.”
    “It will be a pleasure delivering you to Prince Lennek .” The officer chuckled so softly that Rema wasn’t sure she heard him correctly. “Serves him right—a feisty girl that he won’t be able to easily control, quite the change from his usual mistresses.”

 
    Darmik
    Darmik left Usavo to rejoin the First Company passing nearby on its way to King’s City. He found them on the outskirts of Escenar, dismantling their camp in the early morning light.
    “Good morning, Captain Phellek,” Darmik said.
    Phellek was the captain of the First Company. Each company of the army consisted of four platoons, a lieutenant leading each one. Each platoon was further broken down into five units, a sergeant in charge of each. The units divided into three or four squads, a corporal leading them.
    “We’ve been expecting you, Commander,” Phellek replied, bowing his head.
    “Go ahead and give the order to mo ve out.” The rain had lessened to a mist, but it was only a matter of time before it picked up again, and Darmik didn’t enjoy traveling in the rain.
    Seconds later, a horn blew and the captain yelled, “Positions!” In unison, one thousand soldiers lined up according to rank. The only soldiers on horseback were the officers and Darmik’s personal squad.
    Darmik loved the organization and precision of his army. Once he considered having a competition between the squads to foster pride and efficiency, like they did at Emperion’s military training school. However, Darmik realized there were better ways to achieve that goal. Having respect for themselves, their squads, and their army came from equal treatment—not competition. He wanted to instill fear among the people of Greenwood Island, but his army was a different matter. All Darmik’s experiences had taught him that fighting alongside one another in battle, and being willing to sacrifice one’s life for another, came from honor—not fear.
    Phellek rode alongside Darmik with the flag ensign to his right, carrying the kingdom’s flag along with the First Company’s emblem. Darmik liked Phellek. He was his oldest captain at forty-nine. Phellek was tall, with large shoulders and a square face. Even though his hair was turning gray, he still had the energy of a twenty-year-old soldier. Phellek had come with King Barjon from Emperion. He was part of the unit that stormed the royal castle, capturing the queen and bringing her to King Barjon for execution. After the invasion, Phellek worked his way up in the King’s Army, quickly becoming a sergeant and then a lieutenant.
    When Darmik had first joined the army, he was placed in the same company as Phellek, serving in his platoon. Phellek always had time for Darmik, often teaching him tricks with the sword or fighting tactics. After Darmik was promoted to lieutenant, Phellek gave Darmik his prized