Free The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series by J.G. Gatewood Page B

the brink of collapse. They attacked Havenbrook from the sea, and attacked Melina from the ground. They attacked for a full day to weaken both nations, and then they offered both an alliance. Shakiel would pull out their forces if both nations ceased their battle and swore fealty to their king. They declared Shakiel as the capital city of The Alliance. Both rulers agreed to the demands and accepted the positions of lords, with the ability to run their nations as they saw fit—with little control coming from Shakiel. All of the heirs to the nations followed what their predecessors had set forth and we’ve been at peace ever since.”
    Tirene deliberated the information. “It seems odd to me.” He shifted his gaze to face hers. “What did Shakiel have to gain from the Alliance? That is, if in fact they don’t control the other nations?”
    She nodded her head in understanding and said, “Is peace not reason enough? No useless deaths? All nations living together?” She waited for his response. “I thought not. Well the answers you seek are tied to the wound on your hand.” She couldn’t believe she had given away this much information and tried to correct her mistake. “That is a journey you’ll have to take on your own though, as I can’t divulge this information.”
    He turned his head toward her. “Wait, so you can give me some sort of information that could link me to my past, but you won’t tell me about it?” He looked confused and wanted more information. “Liniana, I just don’t understand. I...”
    She cut him off. “One day you will understand, but until that day, I’ve vowed to keep some secrets hidden.” She stood and prepared to leave. She continued talking as she made her preparations with her back toward him, “I ask you to trust me and push me no further on the subject.” He tried to say something, but she shrugged him off. She cocked her head over her shoulder to look at him. “It’s time we were on our way. We’ve wasted too much time with idle conversation.” She hoped she had covered her tracks well enough to keep him from asking questions. Her father had told her he thought Tirene was a keeper, and the burn on his hand only re-iterated is point, but she felt she had already given away enough. Her job was to guide him, and gather information her father could use. She couldn’t do that if she was the one providing the information to Tirene.  She had to let him discover it on his own.
    They mounted their horses and headed for the bridge which would take them over the river.
    Tirene did his best to hide his exasperation. When they crossed, he spoke up. “While I will abide by your request, I would think any information could spare us from this quest.” He smiled at her. “But, I will accept your wishes and will try to pry no further.” It pained him to leave it alone, but he didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize her services as his guide.
    He didn’t want to ride in silence, so he switched subjects. “Tell me more of your brother.” Her eyes lit up at the request and she quickly delved into several stories. It didn’t last long though, as he died at such a young age. He could feel the love she had for her brother and he listened with great interest.
    After a brief moment of silence, she surprised him and answered his previous question. “My father searched for a possible pairing for me when I realized I could summon the powers of light. I could conjure basic healing, just by willing it to happen. My mother had taken ill and we didn’t think she would survive. I prayed to the gods day and night. When I thought she would surely die, I gathered her hands in mine, and prayed one last time. I prayed for her health, and for the sickness to be gone. I prayed that if she died, the gods would accept her with open arms, and would guide her in her new journey to their realm.”
    She considered her words before continuing. “At that moment I felt a surge of power run through my