Reborn Read Online Free

dau— You gave Jade a special ring that was supposed to ensure the two of you stayed in constant communication, yet you have no idea where she is? No idea what has become of the Gate Keeper? Fool!” She whirled about and headed for the door.
    “Your Majesty, please. It’s not his fau—”
    A raised hand from Berkeni cut off Addel in mid-sentence.
    The Queen halted just short of the door but never turned around. “My patience wears thin, old man.” The frost in her voice sent a chill through Addel. “Find them,” she hissed before gliding from the room, slamming the door behind her.
    The two of them stared at the door for some time, half expecting her to burst back through it with a blade in hand. “I’ve never seen her like this,” said Addel, finally breaking the long silence. “But can’t she see we are doing the best we can? Her authority does not give her the right to—”
    “It gives her every right,” interrupted Berkeni as he turned to face her. However, there was no anger in his eyes, just lingering frustration and sadness due to numerous failed attempts to locate the group that had set out to Shangti. “She speaks the truth and nothing more.” He let out a long sigh before dropping his forehead down into his open palms. “This failure is mine and mine alone. I was charged with their safekeeping, yet somehow they continue to elude my sight.” Addel watched as his shoulders quivered, his face buried in his small palms. Berkeni’s voice dropped to barely a whisper. “My hands are stained with their blood.”
    She watched him a moment longer, then crossed her arms over her chest, impatiently tapping her foot. “So that’s it then? The mighty Berkeni Ajal, legendary wielder of ancient magics and personal advisor to the Queen of Taron, has given up his duty because he is frustrated like a child? Are you seeking my pity, old man? Shall I feel sorry for you now simply because the mighty Berkeni faces a challenge? Well, if it is pity you seek, I cannot help you. I have a job to do, just as you.” The harsh edge left her voice as she turned away from him. “I will not take you by the hand and force you to do what you must. I’m not sure what happened to the strong, confident man who saved me from a life of misery, but he better return soon. We need him now more than ever.” With that, she marched from the room.
    The little man remained slouched in his chair long after Addel was gone. His bones felt weary, and his spirit all but broken. Addel’s words had not fallen on deaf ears, but he just couldn’t tell them yet... How could anyone accept such harrowing news? Sure, he tried to deny it himself. He worked tirelessly day and night, hoping that through sheer effort and determination, somehow he could deny this dark reality. He kept trying to deny the facts that were becoming impossible to ignore, no matter how hard he tried.
    With a sigh, he reached down into his shirt pocket and returned with the silver ring, sister to the one he had given Jade. He gripped it hard, trembling with anger. It was cold as ice to the touch, giving no clue that the poor soul wearing the other ring was alive, yet alone their location. He loosened his grip as icy salt water dripped from his hand, forming a small puddle on the floor. Bekeni dared not tell anyone. Hope was all they had, even if they clung to it by a thread. The ring fell from his trembling fist, bouncing off the floor with a light clang. He wanted to scream, but only dropped his head back down to the table. He wept softly as he sat alone. Sent to a watery grave by my own hands. By the gods, I’ve failed them .

Chapter 2
    “Yes, Captain, as you command,” barked the young soldier, crouching low while gripping a wooden short sword in each hand. His long, brown hair, matted with sweat, wrapped around his neck and clung to his face, helping to hide his dark brown eyes. A cool breeze chilled the beads of sweat on his face, while blowing a few stray strands of