Powers of the Six Read Online Free Page A

previous scribe in just a few short years.”
    Nolan scowled; he really needed to make more mistakes.
    “That young man has been such an asset here in the manor,” the duke said. “I am most certain his work cannot be matched even by the king’s personal scribe.”
    “Your sentiments are … touching. As if scribbling on bits of paper is an asset.” Kael paused, taking a gulp of ale.
    “It’s more than scribbling,” the duke said, missing Kael’s insult. “I’ve never seen someone with such a perfect hand. Each stroke is … well, it is magnificent.”
    Nolan groaned. His nightforsaken Accuracy always got in the way. One of these days he’d slip up and find himself locked up in a cell.
    The duke began describing some of Nolan’s finer attributes. Nolan shook his head. At least the conversation dislodged the image of Mikayla’s legs from his mind. Sometimes he wondered how long he could keep it all up—hiding his power, avoiding Mikayla. Someday she would catch him off guard. Crows, what would happen then? He’d have to take everything one cautious step at a time.
    He sighed, knowing he needed to get this over with. Nolan pushed off the wall, cleared his throat, and entered.
    Kael’s smirk widened when he saw him. “Nolan! The duke was just telling me how hard you work here at the manor.” He drained his mug in one gulp, set it on a nearby table, and scrutinized the full length of him. “These are new.” He jabbed at Nolan’s spectacles, knocking them out of place.
    “Yes.” He straightened the frames. “Duke Ragnall was generous enough to have them made for me. With all the writing I do, it puts quite a strain on my eyes.”
    Kael laughed. “Now even your eyes are weak. How appropriate. One might say it makes you look smarter. I suppose you need all the help you can get.”
    Nolan strained a smile.
    Kael slapped his hands together and rubbed them as if trying to stay warm. “I suppose you must record the questioning of the prisoner as the law requires. And since you’re here, well, there is no need to wait, is there? Nolan, why don’t you be a good boy and go get the record book? We will have a chat with our friend up in the tower.” He paused and held up a finger. “On second thought, let me grab it. By the time you return, he might die of old age.”
    Kael’s eyes glowed golden-yellow before he sprinted out of the Great Hall in a blur of golden cape and tunic. He reappeared a few seconds later, holding the Book of Records, a quill, and a jar of ink from Nolan’s personal quarters on the other side of the manor. Kael shoved the quill and ink into Nolan’s hands and opened the book.
    “Hm …” Kael’s finger traveled down the page. “So Cadogan was just sitting in a pub? Well, it serves the idiot right.” His eyebrows rose, and the corners of his mouth twitched. “And he used his Shay power.”
    “Ah, yes,” the duke said, wringing his hands. “We won’t have that problem anymore. We’ve blindfolded him. And I doubt he would want to try again; my men made him regret that action.”
    Kael rolled his eyes. He slammed the book closed and shoved it into Nolan’s chest. “Come on. Let’s take care of this annoyance as quickly as possible.”
     
    ***
     
    On either side of the door to the West Tower sat two of Alton’s guards. Their swords lay tucked under their chairs, and their chins rested on their chests in peaceful slumber. One of them let out a soft snore. Nolan cringed.
    Kael cleared his throat.
    The snoring stopped. One guard stretched before opening his eyes. He looked around casually, at least until his gaze locked on Kael.
    Eyes popping open, he slugged the other guard in the arm. Both jumped to their feet. “General Trividar,” he said. “I had no idea you’d arrived in Alton already.”
    Kael grunted and examined them as if doing a routine inspection. “Is sleeping your usual manner of watching prisoners?”
    “Of course not, sir.”
    “So I can expect to never