Free Talan's Treasure by Amber Kell

magical match among the stars.
    Odwill grabbed Chalice by the arm and turned the younger man to face him.
    “No matter what anyone says, you’re not cursed…you’re special—so special the gods have created an entire other person to help you with your magic. All you have to do is find him.” Odwill gave him a final gentle shake before letting him go. With a sad smile, he reached into his pocket. “I’ve been saving this to give to a child of my own one day but I never ended up having any. You are the closest thing to a son I will ever have.” Odwill opened his hand. A ring engraved with a hawk holding a rare Tinarean ruby lay on his palm. “It was given to me by a soothsayer who told me this ring would lead my son to his future.”
    “I can’t take this,” Chalice protested.
    “You can and you will,” Odwill said in a firm voice. Before Chalice could refuse again, the servant took Chalice’s hand and slid the ring onto the middle finger of his right hand.
    “Keep it to remind you of me when you’re far away from home. Know you are the son of my heart even if you aren’t of my seed.”
    Chalice gave Odwill a tremulous smile. “Thank you, old friend. Enjoy your days as a man of leisure.”
    Zipping up his bag, Chalice slipped it onto his back barely feeling the added weight.
    The pack only contained two sets of clothes, his credit chip, an emergency communicator and his mother’s journal. A pet wouldn’t need much. His new owner would provide for him.
    With one last nod to his servant, Chalice left his childhood bedroom. He knew he’d never be back…at least not as only his father’s son. It was time for him to become his own www.total-e-bound.com
    person. The thought made him both sad and triumphant. Optimistic he would find his answers in the stars, Chalice headed for the outer gates.
    The path to the front exit thankfully lacked the presence of anyone who would care about him leaving. Chalice nodded to the guards as he went, but no one stopped him until he reached the actual outer barrier with its full contingent of warriors.
    “Excuse me, Prince Chalice.” Shreel, captain of the king’s guard, stepped in front of him and blocked his path.
    “Is there a problem?” Chalice kept his voice calm and steady, refusing to reveal his jangling nerves.
    Shreel looked at the pack on Chalice’s shoulder. “Going somewhere?”
    “Yes, and if you don’t move I’m going to be late.” Chalice locked eyes with Shreel. He let flames flicker in his pupils to show his annoyance, an easy trick that always unnerved others and one of the few small magicks he could perform without a partner.
    Shreel shivered before the sight but didn’t back down. “Does your father know where you’re going?”
    “No, and as I’m of age, it isn’t any of his business.” He hoped he covered his nervousness well. If the guard sensed anything out of the ordinary, he might detain him until he could verify with the king Chalice’s right to leave.
    Shreel’s gaze swept over Chalice’s bag with new eyes. “Pardon, I didn’t know you were seeing someone.” He raised a hand towards the soldiers behind him. “Let Prince Chalice through.”
    “Have a good afternoon, Shreel,” Chalice said as he passed. His father’s right hand man had always treated Chalice with the respect often lacking from his own family.
    “Good evening.” The guard bowed as Chalice walked by.
    Chalice didn’t let out a breath until the palace finally vanished behind him and the busy streets swallowed him up. Raising his hand, he hailed a passing floater. The vehicle pulled to stop right before him. Chalice slid into the back.
    “Where to?” the driver asked in an indifferent tone. His eyes revealed a complete lack of interest in his traveller. Perfect .
    “The spaceport, please.”
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    “Sure.” The driver waited a moment to speak as he merged with traffic. “So where are you heading to, young sir?”
    “Off-planet.” His