Then the roof collapsed, right on top of the new demon. Jak heard it scream as several tons of stone and brick rained on it. Jak didn’t wait to see what happened. She pushed herself the last few feet out the hole, some of the falling stones barely missing her head.
Cool water met her next, and she found herself swimming in the moat. A quick glance told her that the hole was now blocked off with rubble. But she wasn’t waiting to find out if the creature had survived or not. Besides, someone might be watching from the wall.
She swam as fast as she could to the edge of the moat and climbed out. She felt the cool night air chill her skin as she began running again. They had designated a spot to meet in case they were separated, a ways off behind one of the nearby hills, a place that would be invisible to anyone in Foothold, unless someone was looking from the tower.
Hearing no signs of pursuit, she slackened her pace somewhat. What had that thing been? It looked a bit like a demon, but much bigger, and less...human looking. Though that wasn’t exactly true. Its face looked human, apart from the dark eyes and sharp teeth. She had recognized that face. Kuldain. But how was that even possible?
Jak never had a high opinion of Kuldain, but she hadn’t really presumed him to be more than he was, a disgruntled officer with a grudge against Fae. Yet the Bright Fae had warned her that there was more to Kuldain than meets the eye. Perhaps they had been more right than they knew. Perhaps Kuldain really was the threat here, and not Gabriel as Jak had suspected. It made more sense after all. Gabriel had been a kindly old man. How could he possibly command a demon army, much less become something like that monstrosity.
Her only hope now was that the collapsed roof had somehow taken care of the monster.
A part of her knew, however, that was unlikely.
22
Blessedly, Jak caught up with the others in no time. They were waiting, clothes wet, and all of them looked glad to see Jak. Karlona, despite her weariness, moved forward to hug her daughter as Jak approached.
“We were so worried for you when you didn’t follow. We thought they had taken you. Naem insisted we wait for you here until dawn.”
Jak glanced at Naem and smiled. He grinned and stared at the ground.
“I’m fine,” she said. “But we need to get back, quickly. There’s something new to worry about, and I’ll tell you once we join the others.”
“What others?” asked Marek.
Jak smiled again. “You’ll see.” They were in for a surprise.
It took almost an hour to get back to the small cottage where the Bright Fae had sequestered themselves. That was mostly due to the slow pace that the Shadow Fae took, particularly Vander who was still barely conscious and hadn’t said a word since they broke him out.
As they approached, the door opened, and Yewin appeared. Marek sprang back and reached for a weapon, which of course, wasn’t there.
“What...what is that?” he said, his face paling.
“He’s a Fae, silly,” said Jak. “A Bright Fae, they’re harmless. I’ll explain later.”
Vander raised his head, demonstrating interest for the first time. But still, he said nothing.
Upon seeing their worn and disheveled appearance, Yewin instantly came to help. Jak was glad to see his natural glow was almost back to normal, and his strength returned.
Together, they took the Shadow Fae inside. There, they were greeted by the rest of the Bright Fae. Marek almost looked like he was ready to bolt and run. But he managed to stay in place, stiff as a board.
Yewin ordered some food be brought and they let the two Shadow Fae sit in the high-backed chairs to rest. One of the Bright Fae brought soup and began helping Karlona and Vander eat. Even in their weakened state, the two responded to the food with ravenous hunger. It would appear that Kuldain had starved them.
Jak found another chair across the room and sat down, feeling her own exhaustion settle in. It was good to have a moment of rest. For a few brief moments, she was content to see her mother and Vander receive all the attention they needed. Another Fae came in with a few cushions and gave them to Vander, who took them appreciatively.
“Thank...you,” he spoke for the first time, though his voice was hollow and parched.
The Bright Fae nodded and retreated to the kitchen.
Naem was the next to break the silence. “Well, now that we’re all here, I imagine we need to catch everyone up.” He was looking at Marek when he said that, still standing petrified in one corner.
Yewin nodded. “I agree. Perhaps I should start.”
He then went on to explain everything that had happened to his people, the entire village that transformed into shining creatures of light and truth, and the attack that left all but a few of them dead. He told them about their journey here, to find the source of the rumors of Fae in the mountains. Karlona and Vander’s eyes were fixed on Yewin as he spoke, listening.
“And that is when we finally met this young lady, and she told us everything that had happened to you.” Yewin concluded. Jak noticed that he hadn’t mentioned Jak’s experience that resulted in Naem’s additional brands. She appreciated that. It was a story for another time. Naem also seemed to recognize the emotion, for he absently pulled down one of his sleeves to make sure his brands were covered.
“We never knew for certain that there were others,” Karlona spoke. “But the Annals of Adam did promise a dichotomy of light and dark. It seems you are our other half.”
Yewin nodded, he had heard about the Annals of Adam from Jak. “One day I would very much like to read that book.”
“I’m sure we can arrange it. It should still be safe inside the mountain. But we heard the soldiers talking about a demon army?”
Jak nodded. “Several thousand of them, just holding steady a mile or so outside of the stronghold.”
“What do you think they are waiting for?” Karlona asked.
“We don’t know,” Yewin answered. “Though we think someone might be controlling them somehow, or at least willing them not to attack...yet.”
“Is that even possible?” Marek spoke for the first time.
“There’s a lot more about demons that we don’t know,” said Jak. “That reminds me, I have something to tell you.”
And she started from the moment she distracted Kuldain and his men, running into the wine cellar to escape. She told them of the monster that had followed her, and her suspicion that the creature might be Kuldain somehow. Though she still had no idea how that would work.
When she had finished, Yewin was nodding his head. “That might explain why the demon army remains where it is.”
“How so?” Jak asked.
“Well, if what you say is true, and this monster was somehow greater than the common demon, not to mention somehow managing to hide among the humans in Foothold, it stands to reason that he might be some kind of...demon Captain, holding the army in line until the opportune moment.”
Jak thought about it. That actually made sense. But what purpose would a demon leader have to keep the demons from attacking? What other objective did it have in mind?
Yewin spoke again. “Right now, I think all of you should get some rest. It’s likely that someone will come looking for us now, and you’ll need all the rest you can get in the meantime. Do not worry, we will keep watch.”
Jak could not have felt more relieved. She let the Shadow Fae have the two beds in the cottage, while she, Naem, and Marek slept on the floor. But even on that hard surface, it took only seconds after Jak closed her eyes before she was asleep.
The next day, she awoke with a start, though she quickly realized that nothing was wrong. Some of the Bright Fae were walking about, collecting food from the farmland around them. They had decided some time ago that they would avoid unnecessary fires, in case it attracted unwanted trouble, so all the food they ate needed to be fresh.
She groaned, sat up, and stretched. Her muscles screamed from the effort she had put them through the day before. But her mind
was alert, and she felt well rested. Hopefully her mother and Vander felt the same. Rising from her bed, she checked on the Shadow Fae sleeping in the other rooms. They were still asleep, but peaceful. Jak breathed a sigh of relief.
Marek was also still on the floor, but she didn’t see Naem anywhere. Perhaps he had gone outside to help the Bright Fae bring in food, or stand on the lookout.
Moving past a few of the Bright Fae, she went out the back door of the cottage. Sure enough, Naem was leaning up against the side of the house.
“Hey you!” he said as she exited the house. “Sleep well?” He was in a cheery mood.
“Yeah,” Jak said. “You?”
“Better than ever, thanks to this,” he raised his sleeve to point at the Healing brand. “I didn’t realize how nice it is to have this brand. It keeps any aches or pains from disturbing me in the night, and helps my muscles relax. I slept like a baby! Who needs Sleeplessness when you can have Healing.”
Jak grinned. “With Sleeplessness you only need an hour or two each week. Some people would call that a fair trade-off.”
Naem shrugged, “I’m not complaining, maybe you can give me that one later?” he winked at her.
She chuckled and ran a hand through her hair. It was only then that she realized how messy and tangled it was from the night before and sleeping on the floor. And now that she thought about it, she could really use a bath.
When she looked up again, Naem had stepped closer. “You were amazing yesterday. All that trouble and you never blinked, even when so much could have gone wrong.”
Jak shrugged. “It wouldn’t have done any good to worry.”
“Yes, but I’m not sure you realize how many people would have broken down and panicked. You kept your cool.”
He was even closer now. Jak found herself torn between wanting to back up against the wall, or shorten the distance between them. The end result was she stayed where she stood.
Naem spoke again. “And listen, I don’t know how or when we’re going to get out of this...predicament.” He waved his hand in the direction where the demon army stood some miles away. “But I...am glad to be facing it with you.”
Jak found her words, “I’m glad you’re here too. I’m not sure I could do this alone. I mean, even with what happened to give you your new brands, and my connection to the Fae, I’m not sure I would ever really be able to…”
Naem kissed her.
His lips were soft and warm, exactly as she had imagined. He put a hand on her face, which when she didn’t pull away, reached behind her neck and pulled her in closer. She didn’t resist. She needed him. All thoughts of her conflicting feelings for Marek, or the stress of the demon army faded from her mind. At that moment, all was right with the world.
Naem broke away and Jak reluctantly let him.
“I...uh.” He scratched his head. “I’m sorry if that was…”
“It’s okay,” Jak said. She didn’t know what else to say. Part of her wanted to keep kissing Naem, to let him hold her and forget about everything. But she also felt her commitment to her mother, the other Fae, and the people of Foothold. They couldn’t stand around while there was work to be done. But biting her lip and smiling, she said, “We can continue this later.”
He smiled back and nodded. “I just...I wanted you to know.”
She understood. Who knew if the two of them would even survive the next few days. But she knew one thing, she was going to do everything she could to make sure they did.
“Jak, Jak!” Marek came bursting through the back door. He paused only a moment at seeing Jak and Naem so close together. To Jak’s embarrassment, he frowned looking at the two of them. But something else took priority. “Jak, they’re coming. Kuldain and the Watchers. They’re on their way here.”
Jak knew it was only a matter of time before this happened. But she hadn’t expected it so soon. They had only left the fortress a handful of hours ago. Her mother and Vander were still recovering. They had nothing to fight with. They couldn’t run. That left only one thing to do.
Jak passed inside the house and out the front door, to where the small band of Watchers were just pulling into the clearing surrounding the farm. Kuldain and Skellig towered over the rest on their horses, and Jak saw the look on Kuldain’s face. Triumph.
“Well, well, if it isn’t that pesky thorn in my side. I believe you took something from me.”
“Someone,” she emphasized the last syllable. “They were never yours.”
“Come, child,” he said in mock sympathy. “We know you’ve been through a lot, your mind is confused.”
Looking closer, Jak noticed that Kuldain did not look well. His face was pale, he had multiple cuts and bruises on his face. But none of that matched his expression. He was gleeful. He thought he had won. And perhaps he had, but not if Jak had anything to say about it.
Skellig sat on her horse beside Kuldain. Her eyes found Jak’s and she could see the questions there. There might be hope for Skellig.
“The Fae are not our enemy,” Jak said. “They helped us, they saved Naem.”
Kuldain scoffed. “You’d say anything, girl. Many of the good men and women of this company died at the hands of the Fae.”
“I wasn’t talking to you,” Jak said. Her eyes had not left Skellig’s. The Major was frowning, taking it in. “You, all of you, know that the Fae only attacked because your precious Colonel provoked them. They were willing to make a peaceful alliance with you, and you treated them worse than demons.”
A few of the Watchers hung their heads, though not all of them, Jak realized. Some looked angry, others confused.
Kuldain smirked. “Your naivete is adorable, young one, but you have been a thorn in my side for long enough, and you have clearly associated yourself with that which is forbidden. I therefore sentence you to death here and now.” He waved a hand to the soldiers behind him. “Kill her.”
“Wait.” The voice was Skellig’s. The Major had not raised her voice, but the command rang throughout the clearing. Kuldain looked at her, fire in his eyes.
“Excuse me?”
“Can I talk to you in private?”
“Whatever you have to say can be said in front of the band.”
“Very well,” Skellig cleared her throat. “You have forgotten our oath.”
“Pray, enlighten me.”
“We do not kill humans. We kill only demons.”
Kuldain rolled his eyes. “She is hardly just another human. She supports demons and she’s a Gifter. She’s probably making demons on the side, picking off unwilling humans and using them in her experiments.”
Skellig laughed. It was not the response Kuldain was expecting. His face flushed.
“Seriously, that girl, a demon maker? Look at the child, Kuldain, she only barely received her brand. She couldn’t possibly know how to use it yet.”
Jak felt a flicker of pride knowing that she had indeed figured it out...though not perfectly of course. But she wasn’t going to tell anyone that.
Kuldain was shaking now. “I don’t have time for this. Obey my orders or I will have you court martialed, removed from our ranks, and imprisoned in Foothold until I can find something to do with you!” he nearly spat the words.
“What’s the matter, Kuldain?” Jak said, pushing her advantage. “You don’t look so well. Are you sure you’re feeling yourself?”
Kuldain stared at her, his eyes suddenly colder. She met those eyes, stare for stare. She knew, and he knew that she knew. Without another word, Kuldain leapt off his horse and reached for his sword.
A lot of things happened at once. Skellig pulled her sword and held it to Kuldain’s neck faster than he could blink. The sound of weapons being unsheathed filled the area as other Watchers, some in support of Kuldain, others in support of Skellig, readied themselves for a fight. Naem and Marek, who had waited inside on Jak’s request, came running out of the door, brandishing some of the farm tools as weapons. They didn’t look all that impressive, but t
hey were followed by all twelve of the Bright Fae, their faces shining with an almost regal splendor. Many of the Watchers dropped their weapons at the sight of the Bright Fae, jaws slack and arms limp. Kuldain’s face was a mask of fury. Skellig, on the other hand, remained admirably calm.
“You don’t want to do this,” said Kuldain to Skellig.
“I don’t,” she agreed. “But you have forced my hand.”
“You really think these good people will fight for you?” Kuldain waved an arm at the other Watchers, but stopped as he saw them slowly dividing. With their weapons out, each Watcher was taking a side behind Kuldain or Skellig, watching the others warily. Jak got her first glimpse of Estel, who was frowning in confusion, but eventually moved towards Kuldain’s side. Typical. And Skellig was her brand master too!
“I’ll take my chances,” said Skellig. “Right now we have bigger things to worry about than a small girl and the Fae. I don’t know what they are, but my experience and instinct tell me that they are no more a threat than any human.” More soldiers began inching to her side. Clearly, she had the larger majority of supporters.
“Colonel Kuldain, as your second I am declaring you unfit for duty. You will relinquish your weapon or someone will take it from you. I would have you imprisoned in Foothold but,” she glanced at the soldiers backing up Kuldain. “I’m not sure we’ll have that option.”
“This is mutiny!” Kuldain cried.
“History will decide,” said Skellig.
Kuldain took a step backward, away from Skellig’s sword, and away from Jak. His eyes scanned the Watchers on Skellig’s side, as well as Jak and the Fae. Jak saw the decision in those dark eyes. He knew he was outnumbered.
With one smooth motion, he grabbed the reins of his horse and began leading it away.
“Kuldain, I told you to relinquish your weapon.” Skellig ordered. It was a symbolic gesture, as Kuldain could take a weapon from any of his followers, but the former Colonel turned to face her.
“I do not need something as petty and weak as a weapon to take you down.” With that, he unstrapped his sword belt and let it fall to the ground. Then he and his followers marched away. It was a long time before anyone spoke. They all continued to watch Kuldain until he and his party had disappeared.
Out of Shadow: An Epic YA Fantasy Adventure (Roots of Creation Book 1) Page 19