Arcane Enchantment (Unbreakable Force Book 2) by Kara Jaynes

of wielding that much magic at once.” Matias merely smiled, pleased by my awe. He started to turn away.
    “Matias,” I said. He requested I call him by his first name. “In private we may speak to one another as friends,” he had said during our first meeting. “Why are the people upset with you?”
I regretted asking the minute the words left my lips. As he looked back at me, a look of pain crossed his face and he sighed heavily.
    “I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to ask uncomfortable questions. I—”
    “No, it’s alright. You may ask me anything.” Matias seated himself on a white stone bench, motioning me to sit beside him. I did so.
    “People are upset with me, and rightly so. Brigands roam the surrounding countryside unchecked and, for the most part, unchallenged. I have sent as many soldiers as I can spare, but the outlaws are wily and fight like lions. Taxes have had to be raised to pay for the additional resources needed to track down the brigands. It’s not an ideal situation, but I don’t see any alternative. The brigands must be stopped.”
    I nodded, my brow wrinkling in thought. I wasn’t sure of any alternatives, either. “I wonder if Fyrsil is behind this.”
    Matias looked at me, his eyes widening in alarm. “Fyrsil? What do you know of him?”
    I looked up, surprised by his reaction. “Not much. A friend of mine heard some . . . some rumors that he might be leading the outlaws, that he was their leader several years ago . . .” I trailed off, intimidated by Matias’ stare. He looked shocked to his core, but I couldn’t tell why.
    “And what do you think happened to this Fyrsil?” Matias asked.
    I shrugged. “He may have died. I can’t imagine the life of a brigand is very peaceful. Or he’s still out there, looting the countryside as we speak. I don’t know.”
    “Do you have any interest in finding him, then?”
    I looked at him, considering. How far could I trust this man? He smiled warmly. “Your secrets are safe with me, Adaryn.”
    “I . . .” I hesitated a moment before rushing in. “We think the outlaws have something we need. An artifact of sorts. We need it to protect our clan up north. From the Oppressors. They’ve taken too many of us as slaves. We heard that Fyrsil might have it.”
    “I see.” Matias nodded. “And you think this . . . artifact, this arcane enchantment . . . will grant you adequate protection?”
    “If the legends are true, it will,” I said with certainty.
    Matias was quiet for some time. “If this artifact is giving the brigands an unfair advantage over my men,” he said at last, “then it seems that it would be to my advantage if you were to take it.”
    My breath quickened with excitement. The king was on my side?
“You wouldn’t use this artifact against my subjects?” Matias looked at me again, his eyes hardened steel.
    I swallowed. “Of course not.”
    He nodded. “My men have heard rumors of a brigand hideout in the abandoned ruins of Tyrko, just west of the city. They still haven’t managed to find it, though. You probably haven’t been there, but the ruins are massive.  But perhaps you and your friends will have better luck.”
    I grinned, and bowed my head in gratitude. “Thank you,” I said happily. “I will be sure to tell my friends. We will do what we can to find the artifact, Matias. I am certain that if they have it, it must be what is giving the brigands the upper hand.”
    Matias nodded his head and smiled, but his eyes looked distant. “Did you know Fyrsil?” I asked timidly.
    “I knew of him. It was a long time ago.” He stood. “I must return to the palace. Good day, Adaryn. I hope you will come again.” He walked off without another word or look in my direction.
    I studied his retreating form with some confusion, not sure what had come over him, then wrapped my arms around myself in a hug, excited. If Matias was right, then it was only a matter of time before we found the brigands and, I