Call of the Colossus: An epic fantasy novel (The Mindstream Chronicles Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

her.
    “Remove those dreadful irons,” Rivva said.
    “I humbly beg you reconsider, Your Highness,” Milad said. “She’s a dangerous criminal. A murderer. You could be dead before your guards have a chance to intervene.”
    She turned her blue eyes to him. “I understand she commands beings from another realm to kill for her. Are you saying she cannot do that with her feet and hands bound?”
    He blushed crimson. “No, Your Highness. At least allow me to accompany you.” He glanced pointedly at the crossbow in his hands. “Should she begin to call for her minions, I will end her.”
    “Nonsense,” Rivva said with a look of disgust. She met Jora’s eyes again. “Novice Jora, do you mean me any harm?”
    “No, Your Highness,” Jora said earnestly. “Never. Nor your father. I’m loyal to Serocia, as the justice captain is aware.”
    “Justice Captain Milad, replace the kendern atop her head,” Tornal said.
    “I assure you, that isn’t necessary,” Jora said.
    “On this I must insist,” the elder said.
    “Oh, very well. But remove the shackles,” Rivva said to Milad. “I won’t ask you again.”
    “Is this some kind of trick?” Gastone asked.
    “Trick? What ever do you mean?” the princess asked.
    “Jora has demonstrated her minion’s ability to change its shape, to look like Elder Sonnis.” He looked around at his peers. “She could be doing it again—making it look like the princess.”
    Jora cringed. It was certainly possible. Sonnis could mimic anyone she told him to, but he couldn’t carry on a detailed conversation. He could answer yes or no questions and perhaps supply one- or two-word responses to others, but that was about the extent of his verbal abilities.
    “Are you comparing me to a monster, Elder Gastone?”
    His eyes flew open wide. “No! Gracious, no, Your Highness. Just that you cannot be Observed, and with her ability to summon a shapechanger–”
    The princess pulled her left sleeve up to reveal a gleaming silver wrist cuff. Approximately six inches long, it was marked with several strange characters, deep black as if they’d been burned into the metal. “If there are any present who doubt my true identity, let him or her step forward now. We will address the accusation immediately.”
    Though Jora didn’t know what the cuff was, the rest of the Truth Sayers seemed to. The courtroom was as silent as if it had been filled with statues. Not one foot shuffled, not one throat swallowed. No one dared breathe, especially not Jora, who sensed the princess was inexplicably coming to her rescue.
    “My apologies,” Gastone muttered, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “I meant no offense.”
    “Now,” she said, turning her gaze back to the justice captain, “will you do as I’ve commanded, or shall I have your own enforcers arrest you?”
    Milad pressed his lips together, but he uncocked the crossbow, set it on the desk in front of the adepts, and fished something from his pocket. He strode across the room, his eyes alight with anger and humiliation, and unlocked the shackles and fetters while the two enforcers placed the metal ring about her head and tightened the screws.
    Though the uncomfortable silence descended upon her mind once again, her arms felt immediately lighter, like they might float away. She rubbed her wrists where the metal had chafed her skin, though she kept her eyes directed downward. Humble. Obedient.
    “Very well. Please come with me, Miss Lanseri.” Rivva picked up her skirts and turned before striding from the room.
    Jora cast an apologetic glance at the judges and followed the princess out.
     

Chapter 2

     
    Jora walked with the princess through the corridor, flanked by her six royal guardsmen, their steps timed perfectly. Both hands swung by their sides as if they trusted her not to harm the princess. But why?
    “Oh, if I could be a fly in that room,” Princess Rivva said. A laugh bubbled through her voice, and she cast Jora a