by C E Johnson
Emily began each morning with her tai chi movements on the edge of the battlefield, and each morning a growing contingent of soldiers in the army learned the calming routine and began doing the graceful movements. Ammolite spent these hectic days using her camouflage on scouting expeditions. She reported Samil had departed from the Island of Bashan with his squadrons of dragon-riders. Combining his forces with his brother, Cyril, in Eusebius, they trekked to the Plains of Talval with Mavet raa, half-deads, foot soldiers, archers, and cavalry of elephants, mastodons, chariots, and corsairs. His army was large, over twice the size of all of Emily’s forces put together. Once the armies were assembled, Samil signaled that he wanted to converse in a parley. Emily and her father rode forward to talk in the center of the plains where Samil and Cyril waited.
“My prized student,” Samil spoke in a hushed voice. There were dark black circles around his eyes and he appeared almost frail in his voluminous black cloak.
He’s aged, she thought as a strange and uncomfortable sensation of pity formed within her mind. She was surprised at her concern. She could see pain and agony hidden beneath the mask of supreme confidence he wore, like a raging river below a covering of smooth ice and snow.
Your misplaced worry for him likely stems from your progressive assimilation of Suci, his wife, Ammolite theorized. Don’t let him trick you.
Samil appeared just as flustered as Emily felt, but he coughed and spoke with a stronger voice. “Don’t let my countenance fool you. I’m not weak.” He stared at her intently, and Emily could tell he was evaluating her aura. “You now have more green in your patterns. Where is it from?”
The hairs on the back of Emily’s neck rose at his close inspection. “My aura is none of your business.” She didn’t want to tell him her new color stemmed from her mother. She wanted to keep all components of the elves hidden from Samil.
“You’ve always been insolent.” Samil sighed and rubbed his weary eyes. “This will be a horrible battle. Are you sure you want to watch the death of so many people?” He gestured to her armies. “If you stop this foolishness now, I’ll spare the lives of both you and your troops.”
“We will fight with Tiamat and the true dragons of Acacia,” Dr. D spoke in an even tone. He sat proudly on his mare, his shield secured to his horse’s side, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
“You don’t even realize what’s going on, do you?” Samil didn’t even look at Dr. D. He remained focused on Emily. “These dragons want to keep you under their thumb.”
“They’re protecting this world,” Emily retorted.
Samil snorted. “We need to make this place a little more like Earth. Where are your democratic ideals? Why should dragon dictators rule this planet?”
Dr. D scoffed in disgust. “Let’s be realistic. You don’t want equal control for all the citizens of Acacia. You want to be the sole dictator.”
Anger distorted Samil’s face. He finally turned to Dr. D. “I can’t believe the King of Angkor has decided to come out of hiding for a battle. I haven’t heard much of you since my grandfather destroyed your Sky Castle. Can’t a king even take care of his family in his own kingdom?”
“You will lose this battle,” Dr. D spoke with a cold underlying fury in his voice.
Samil’s face flushed. “I think I have enough firepower to take care of you and your little half-elf demon-spawn princess.” Samil glared at Emily, but instead of hate she felt only puzzlement in his stare.
He’s looking at me somehow differently, Emily thought in confusion.
I wonder if your incorporation of Suci is changing him as well, Ammolite suggested.
“I want you both to consider one last offer.” Samil’s fingers tightened on the reins of his horse. “If you take your army back to Angkor, I will let you rule your sector in peace and I will even return Hadrian to you. Only the dragons will battle.”
Cyril’s head whipped around to stare at Samil with wide eyes. “How can you consider giving them so much? We never discussed this option. We must annihilate them.”
Samil ignored his brother. “Hadrian is here with Dysis and his mongrel bondsmate. I’ll release them to you if you will simply ride away.”
He speaks the truth. Emily was amazed to hear honesty in Samil’s words. He actually believed what he was saying.
Don’t trust him, Xena growled.
For some reason, he thinks his dragons can defeat Tiamat. Ammolite was incredulous.
At least we now know Hadrian and Dysis are somewhere in his camp, Emily thought. “You know we can’t do that,” she spoke with a flat, resigned tone. “Samil, you don’t have to go through with this. You can stop talking to the spirits in Ater and walk away. You can still start over. Please consider what your work with the Mavet raa has done to you. The spirits don’t care for you. They’re using you.”
You’re speaking Suci’s words, Ammolite whispered.
Samil blinked in astonishment and Emily could see a new layer of confusion register on his face. He shook his head as if to clear it from a momentary lapse of focus and gave a short, forced laugh, glaring at Emily. “I’ll give you two days to decide if you will leave peacefully. After that, all the deaths of thousands will be on your hands.”
* * *
Samil stared at the bleak gray sky as he whirled his gelding from the parley and galloped away. The stress of leading the army and using his energy to support the massive cluster of Mavet raa on the Plains of Talval left him exhausted. He again shook his head trying to clear it from Emily’s words.
Skyler, Samil called to his dragon bondsmate through his mind-link, when I first saw the young half-elf arch-mage, my heart skipped a beat.
She has fully assimilated Suci, Skyler whispered.
Samil wanted to scream. I wish Suci had destroyed Emily with her kill spell. She was only trying to make me happy.
Emily now has portions of Suci’s powers along with small portions of Suci’s thoughts and feelings, all blending into her personality, Skyler murmured. She will affect you differently now.
Samil wanted to deny that the changes in Emily were affecting him, but deep down he felt something different. I felt a fraction of kindness for the young girl. He ground together his yellow teeth in anger, attempting to remain focused on his purpose. I tried to let her go.
“Are you okay?” Cyril asked.
“I’m fine, my brother.” Samil paused for a moment, his brain suddenly flooded by visions of Suci. She had spoken to him so many times in exactly the same manner in which Emily Dalton just had.
Cyril’s face grew hard and he narrowed his eyes at his brother. “Keep your eyes on the prize.”
Samil had a sudden desire to simply walk away, just as Emily had suggested. Is she right, Skyler? Is Drogor using us? A light rain began to fall and Samil took a deep breath of the moist air.
I don’t know, Skyler admitted.
Samil groaned as he thought about the wraith-spirits of Ater urging him to conquer more regions, and of Drogor and Loff Retz tempting him with promises of knowledge and power.
Remain focused, Skyler hissed. Samil heard a noise above him, and he watched the arrival of his magnificent black dragon. Skyler’s golden eyes bored into his soul, and his massive ebony wings were unfurled to their greatest extent as he landed. What would Maaca want you to do?
Samil pictured Maaca in the Dothan Forest, waiting for him. She would think I was weak if I didn’t crush Emily. We must win this war, he roared to Skyler with renewed confidence. There is no other choice.
C H A P T E R 3 4
Rescue
Emily sat with her friends from Earth at a long trestle table made of oak in a large tent that was set up for meetings of the Acacean war council. A map with the position of the opposing armies lay before them. Torches sat in braziers, lighting up the room. Xena was under the table, while Ammolite was out scouting. “I want to try and rescue Hadrian before the battle begins.”
“With the elves?” Anna’s eyes were wide, que
stioning.
“I’m not sure who will accompany me,” Emily answered, “but I believe to win this battle we’re going to need Hadrian to personally lead his Javan armies.”
I still think it’s too risky, Xena thought warily.
“Samil will surely be waiting.” Luke’s voice was quiet and sad, as if he had somehow known what she was planning. “I think it’s a risky plan, but I’ll go with you to protect you.”
“My longbow was working pretty well in the desert.” Isabelle gave Emily a resigned smile. “I think I’ll also be able to help you again.”
“What about after this battle?” Elizabeth spoke in a soft and tremulous voice. “Are we heading home after this conflict is over?”
Emily went to Elizabeth and gave her a hug, “You can leave whenever you want. I can ask my mother for a group of elves to guard you and take you to the Portal Lake.”
“These battles scare me,” Elizabeth murmured. “I realize I’ve become a good shot with my bow, but I’m not the bravest warrior. Just thinking about another battle makes my heart race a little, but something about fighting with you guys is right. I know I’m crazy for saying this, but I also want to go with you to rescue Hadrian. Anyway, I’m going to continue to keep my distance from hand-to-hand combat.”
“Maybe not the smartest decision I ever made,” Anna spoke thoughtfully, “but I’m in, too.”
Emily beamed at her friends. “Good friends make life worth living. I think we can get him out, especially with Ammolite as our scout.”
“Em, before we go,” there was excitement in Elizabeth’s voice. “Can you look at this? It’s from the room in the sunken ship that we explored.” Elizabeth brought over the long case. “I still feel horrible for what I did, but maybe I recovered something interesting.”
Emily ran her hand over the wooden container. She could tell Elizabeth had polished the exterior. Despite being in the water, the wood was exquisite and without significant decay. There was no lock on the exterior. Emily could sense a strong green aura emanating from inside the case. “Elizabeth, this is powerful magic. I didn’t fully realize what you’d found. I was in such a daze.”
Elizabeth’s lips curled into a smile and Emily could tell she was pleased with her find. Emily mouthed her spell of opening, Aneoxa porta, and a crack appeared vertically, along the center of the dark wood. She opened the case, and inside was a gently curving longsword. The metal was pristine without a drop of rust. A rich green glow emanated from the sword at the periphery, like a small green fire dancing on the sharp edge. Emily wrapped her hand around the smooth hilt, and pulled it from the case, astounded at the perfect balance and weight, feeling alive as every nerve in her arm began to tingle. There were flawless magestones imbedded in the metal in a circle on the base of the hilt. Runes were carved on one side of the steel.
Luke pressed forward to see the sword. “Can you read it?” His eyes were glowing with excitement.
“It looks like an elven word that means ‘the taker of light,’ or literally ‘lightleecher.’” Emily stared at the green luminosity.
“This looks like an elven sword for an elven princess,” Elizabeth said while backing away from the weapon. “Now you have your own magical sword for the Dragon War.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth.” Emily took a deep breath and hugged her friend. She wanted the sword with all her being, but she placed it in the case and pushed it toward Elizabeth. “I would be selfish to take this … you found it. I would love to accept it, but perhaps it’s meant for you.”
“Oh, no. There’s no way I’m keeping this sword.” There was a touch of panic in Elizabeth’s words. “That would mean I would need to get in close to our enemies in a battle. I like the distance in a fight that my bow gives me.”
Emily hugged her friend in excitement and picked up the sword once again, pointing it to the sky while watching the green fire burn. “I’m sure Samil suspects we’re coming for Hadrian, but he doesn’t fully realize the extent of our powers.” She lowered her arm. Emily was trying to encourage her friends, but she was worried about this mission. “Tonight, the gloves are totally off. We’re getting Hadrian out of there.”
This is going to be dangerous, Xena warned.
Xena’s right, Ammolite agreed. I’ll give you as much information as I can, but Tiamat wants me to remain hidden from Samil, so I won’t be of much use. She doesn’t want Samil to know I exist until the battle begins, or he may alter his plans.
“Should we ask your father and mother to come with us?” Luke asked Emily. His face was dappled by the dark shadows thrown by the torches. “I like the thought of more magical power and more shield strength.”
“They’re meeting us here tonight.” Emily drummed her fingers on the tabletop.
Almost on cue, Dr. D and Elaina swept into their tent. “I’m not sure if this is wise.” Dr. D had a wrinkled brow. “I want Hadrian back also, but Samil has to know we will attempt a rescue.”
“What if Samil has a large force just waiting for us?” Elizabeth asked as she wrung her hands. “We won’t stand a chance.”
“We can always return if we smell a trap,” Emily answered. She felt a dull throb in the scar on her sword arm. Is it too dangerous? she asked herself.
I think we have to make the attempt, Ammolite whispered. Tell them about the prison.
“Ammolite saw a prison cage in Samil’s camp.” Emily glanced at the doubtful looks on her friends’ faces. “Even camouflaged she couldn’t get close enough to see Hadrian. It’s too well guarded, but it must be him. She identified an area north of the prison with a cluster of trees that could shield us if we get close.”
“I’ll provide support from the trees,” Elaina spoke with an icy touch of finality in her voice. “We have to try.”
Dr. D nodded to his wife. “I like the thought of you there with your longbow, but I don’t want you to be seen, as Samil would then know your elves are on our side.” The queen inclined her head in acknowledgement.
“Why not simply link with Hadrian?” Anna questioned Emily as she shifted uncomfortably where she sat. “He can not only tell you when there’s an opening to sneak in, but he can finally tell you which one of your friends is the traitor.”
“Once I dream-link with Hadrian, Samil will know,” Emily answered. She sat next to Anna at the table. “He might listen in and who knows how much information he’ll gain? Our only chance of success is to surprise him.”
“You could send Samil misinformation.” Luke spoke slowly, thoughtfully. “I’ve always loved movies where there are double agents.”
“What’s your idea?” Emily leaned forward in her chair.
“I’m thinking that tonight we can free Hadrian and set in motion our own plan to figure out which of your friends is the traitor.” Luke sounded hopeful. “Why don’t we tell each of your three Acacean friends a different story, and ferret out the informant?”
“Great idea.” Anna’s eyes began glittering with excitement. Her doubts seemed to fade away. “Emily can dream-link with Keaton, Claire, and Cameron and tell each friend a different, false approach that we’re going to take tonight to try and save Hadrian.”
A faint smile appeared on Isabelle’s lips. “Ammolite can tell us if Samil repositions troops on the field.”
“Tell Keaton we’re coming from the west, Claire the south, and Cameron the east.” Luke pointed to the map on the table, speaking passionately. “We might gain some time if this works.”
I like the plan, Ammolite watched the developments through Emily’s eyes. I’ll find an opening for you between his dragon reconnaissance flights. We might have time to spring Hadrian before Samil knows what’s happening.
“Is there any other misinformation you can send?” Elizabeth spoke hesitantly. Her eyes were lost in thought. “Something concerning the dragon-war battle. This might be your last time to confuse Samil.”
“I was hoping to attack Samil during the battle with a hand-picked squad.” Emily understood what
Elizabeth was suggesting. There was really no risk by trying Elizabeth’s plan. Emily allowed herself a small smile. “I can suggest I’m going to attack Cyril during the dragon-war, to possibly change their pattern of body-guards.”
“I don’t think you’ll be attacking anyone without me.” Dr. D studied the map. “But I like Elizabeth’s idea.”
Emily felt guilty at the misdirection, but she went into her dream-link with each of her Acacean friends and passed along the misinformation. Afterwards, the group exited the tent to find eight elf dragon-riders standing at attention with their green dragons. Elaina smiled proudly. “Each of us will ride with a dragon-rider across the plain into the forest just north of the prison when Ammolite finds us an opening. Our riders will remain hidden, waiting in the forest for our return.”
While evaluating their supplies and weapons, Emily pulled out her new sword, Lightleecher and examined the blade. She could almost feel a distant memory of using the sword in the past, but she hadn’t fully assimilated all her dead relatives and she didn’t fully comprehend what she was experiencing.
“Where did you find that?” Elaina strode to Emily’s side and studied the sword with wide eyes. “That’s Lightleecher, my grandmother’s sword.”
“Elizabeth found it in the Vatten Sea.” Emily handed her mother the weapon.
Elaina took the sword into her hands. “Your great grandmother would be so proud that you’re using her sword. Her weapon supposedly can slowly steal away magus-energy from opponents in battle and give the wielder the added strength.”
As they studied Lightleecher, Achcat Tat came out of the forest and approached their position carrying two beautiful swords of his own. His jaw was set stubbornly. “There are rumors that a group is embarking on a special mission tonight to help my king. Will you let me fight with you?”
“We need to keep you here to lead your armies into war if we’re unsuccessful.” Emily hoped he understood just how important the Javan forces were. They needed him to fight even if they failed.