“That is why we must stop him. We are the only ones who can. Otherwise, yes, he will kill us all.”
He let out a groan of frustration and urged Sunny back into a walk. “I’m beginning to dislike Celestia’s choice in elementals, but who am I to defy our goddess? I’m with you until the bitter end, if it comes to that.”
“I hope not,” was all I could think to say.
He decided to change the subject. “The terrain is a bit rough the way we are going, but sleep if you can, and I will get us to Cansbroke,” he said lowly into my ear.
“I shall try.” I leaned closer to him, tilting my head back against his shoulder, grateful for his warmth. The air carried the biting chill of autumn in it.
I was only able to sleep for a few moments at a time, for the terrain was indeed rough and bumpy, causing me to startle into wakefulness each time the horse stumbled, my head jerking forward. Up and down the rocky cliffs we trod. I felt sorry for the horse, who willingly did as Percifal asked, taking us the quickest and most hidden way possible to his sister’s new home.
We paused only once when we were through the cliffs, and only then, to water ourselves and Sunny before we were off again through the countryside painted in shades of red and gold.
Not realizing I had fallen into a light sleep, I jolted awake when Percifal stopped us outside of the iron gates standing in the entrance to a smaller palace, dark with slumber. I noted that dawn would come soon as the sky began to awaken with its first light to the east.
“Who hales at this time of morning?” a voice grumbled from the other side of the gate.
“It is Percifal Lacrima, brother of Chelela of Cansbroke. I wish to see my sister.”
Silence followed, and I began to wonder if the guard had fallen asleep when he finally answered, “I will let you through, but your sister’s not here.” The heavy gates opened as we dismounted.
Percifal grabbed the man by the front of his tunic and peered into his face. “What do you mean, she’s not here? Where is she?”
“Percifal!” His sudden outburst shook me.
The burly guard held his hands up in surrender, “Whoa—ho ho. It’s not my place to say. You’ll have to speak to the new duke about that.”
Percifal held on to the guard for another moment, until I placed a gentle hand on his arm. Releasing the large but unintimidating guard he said, “All right. Hold our horse while I seek out your master. We’ll not be long.”
As we started toward the quiet palace, the guard called out behind us, “Weapons are not permitted to guests.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’m family,” Percifal shot over his shoulder.
I remained silent, praying to Celestia that his sister was only away on some sort of errand or visiting friends and something horrible hadn’t happened. My gut told me the latter was more likely.
Coming up to the large, bronze-etched doors, I stood back while Percifal gave a thunderous knock and yelled at the top of his lungs, “I wish to speak with the duke!”
Shortly after, a skinny, middle-aged man with a receding hair line opened the door. Bleary eyed, he yawned, “Who calls at this—”
He didn’t get out the rest of the words before Percifal brought his sword up to rest beside the man’s throat, whose eyes were now as round as the full moon.
“Take me to your master,” Percifal said in a low voice that left no room for disobedience.
I shivered, feeling the icy rage coming off Percifal in waves.
“Yes, my lord. If you will follow me, right this way,” the servant’s voice shook as he beckoned slowly with one hand.
Percifal released his majestic blade from the man’s throat and pointed it at his back when the man turned to lead us. “All right, but try anything, and I’ll run you through.”
We followed the cowering servant through the dark palace, the flame from the torch he held our only light. Down a long, purple carpeted hall, and to the right, was a tall, golden door. We stopped there.
The servant turned around to face us in a pose of surrender. “This is the duke’s chamber. What would you have me do now?”
“Step aside,” Percifal answered before banging on the door with his fist. “Get up, Sir Cansbroke, or I shall end your servant’s life outside your door and burn your palace to the ground.” He said the last part with a glance at me.
I shuddered. It was an empty threat. Even if I could burn the whole palace down, I simply wouldn’t. Who knew how many innocents would be killed if the palace were set aflame? Surely other servants and maids dwelled there who’d done nothing wrong.
It didn’t matter anyway, because the duke opened the door in his night shift with his own sword in hand.
Both men lifted their blades to each other’s throats. The forgotten servant stood frozen behind me.
“Who dares enter my household this late at night with a weapon and threaten me?” the duke, Asked with a sneer, his dark mass of curls all out of sorts.
I knew instantly I did not like this man. He reminded me of a rat, who only cared for himself. It seemed Madam Lacrima had made a poor choice for her daughter when choosing her husband. I couldn’t believe she would deem her daughter to a fate with this man.
“I have come in search of my sister, Chelela. I’ve been informed she’s not here. Do tell me, where is she?”
“Ah, that.” His smile was full of malice. Keeping his sword raised, he bargained, “If you lay down your weapon, I’ll tell you.”
Percifal paused for a moment. “If I let mine down, you will do so as well?”
“That’s fair.”
Slowly, both men lowered their swords. Nonetheless, tension remained in the air. The scent of sweet incense wafted out from the bedchamber, making my stomach turn.
“I’m sorry to inform you that you’re correct, your sister’s not here. Unfortunately, my brother, who was her husband, took to illness and left our world two full moons ago. He left everything to me. I had no use for your sister, so I—” he paused. A pensive look crossed his face before he continued on. “I sold her, and—”
Either this man was stupid or overly confident in his own fighting skills.
“You—you what?” Percifal’s sword snapped back up, knocking the dukes to the floor before resting on his throat. I had never seen him so furious, his face twisted and red with rage.
It pains me to say it, but in that moment, even I feared him, but I knew I had to intervene, or else he would kill this man before he told us who he’d sold Chelela to.
Gathering up my courage, I cried out, “Percifal, stop! Killing this poor excuse of a man won’t help us find your sister.”
He didn’t move. It was as though he hadn’t heard me. And then he lowered his sword, just a little, and said, “All right then. Tell me, who exactly did you sell her to?”
“T—to some important man from Gwon.” His voice shook as he held up his hands.
“I need a name. Give me a name,” Percifal demanded through gritted teeth.
“I believe his name was—Jehvad? He sells women for their—er—talents.” He winced.
So just stupid, I thought. My first guess was right.
“You sold her to be a sex slave?”
Before the man could answer, or I could blink, Percifal stuck his sword right through the duke’s throat.
I forgot to breathe as the duke’s eyes widened in horror.
Percifal pulled his sword out of the duke’s neck in one swift motion. The rat-like man gargled on his own blood before crumpling to the floor with a loud THUD.
Before I could gather my wits, Percifal caught me by the hand and led me away from the bloody scene and out of the palace. I walked hurriedly behind him, my mind in shock, playing the image of the death blow over and over again.
I noticed the sky outside had lightened a shade right before I bent over and retched on the dewy grass. I was living in a nightmare. Perhaps the duke deserved to die, but I didn’t like being there to witness it. I didn’t know this
side of Percifal, and I hoped I wouldn’t see it again anytime soon. If Percifal and the guard exchanged words when he took Sunny back, I did not hear them.
About to help me mount, Percifal noticed my distressed state. Taking my shoulders, he looked into my eyes with compassion, not a trace of that rage remained. His eyes scanned my face. I noted the dark circles beneath them, the lines of stress around his mouth. “Zephyra,” he whispered gently. “I’m sorry you had to bear witness to such bloodshed again, but we must go.”
“Go?” I looked up at him with confusion. Chelela was gone. “Where?” I asked dumbfounded.
“To Gwon. I have to save Chel from whatever torment she’s in before we can even try to stop King Zaeden.”
I put my face in my hands, squeezing my eyes shut. The whole world suddenly spun. Of course, we must find Chelela first, but how much more could we endure? I was just a lady from Solis… a queen’s shadow of a cousin. Since when did my destiny have so much purpose? Oh yes, when Celestia saw fit to bless me with the power of fire. I felt more cursed than blessed, and I’m ashamed to say that I wanted to give up right then and there.
As if my thoughts were written on my face, Percifal said, “Listen, if this is too much for you, I can go find Chel, and you can stay in Aquila with my mother until we return—”
“No!” I cut him off, coming to my senses. I inhaled, and then I continued, “No, I’m coming with you. You may need my power, besides; it’s no longer safe for me in Aquila. I’m not used to so much death, is all.”
“For that, I wish I could say I’m sorry, but I had to end him for what he did to Chel. He sold her like she was some cow for him to make a good fortune from.”
“I understand why you did it. That doesn’t make it any easier, though.”
“Death should never be easy, but you’re going to see much more of it if we’re to annihilate King Zaeden.”
I swallowed hard. “I know.”
“Come on.” He held Sunny still for me. “Let’s leave this place.”
We rode in silence, and I didn’t question our direction until the welcome sign to Ambedar came into view.
Exhausted, my voice sounded gravelly to my own ears, “Ambedar? Is it safe for us here?”
“I have a friend here who owes me a favour. Don’t worry. We’ll not be visiting any inns or taverns where I might be recognized this time.”
“Oh.” I didn’t have the strength to question further.
Percifal tightened his arms around me. He kissed the delicate spot behind my ear and whispered, “I am truly sorry for all that you’ve had to endure. I hope you know I won’t let any harm come to you.”
Goosebumps rose on my skin at his gentle touch. “I know. I’m just tired.”
He squeezed me in reply.
We rode the rest of the way in silence, until Percifal reined Sunny in to a halt. “Here we are.”
We stopped at a small, wooden cabin right by the sea. I could taste the salt in the air as the wind blew off the endless body of water and whipped at my face and hair.
As soon as Percifal and I dismounted, he began removing our saddle bags and tack from our horse.
“Here is where your journey with us ends, my friend,” Percifal said to the magnificent stallion as he patted his neck and set him free.
“You’re letting him go?” I asked with disbelief.
“The sea is no place for a horse, and the admiral has nowhere to keep him for us. We’ll purchase a new horse when we need one.”
I raised an eyebrow, watching Sunny trot off. “I sincerely hope he finds a good new master to take care of him.”
“He’ll be fine. Come on. Let’s get out of the cold.”
I nodded and followed him up to the small cabin.
Percifal wasted no time with knocking. He swung open the door and called in, “Admiral Ruess! I know you’re in there, you filthy bastard!”
Silence… and then, “Who hales there?” called a gruff voice from within.
“It’s your good old friend from Aquila.”
“I have no—wait, Lacrima? Is that you?” The admiral came forth. He was a stout man with salt and pepper hair and a beard to match. I guessed him to be near his sixth decade, though his icy blue eyes still looked sharp with life.
Percifal chuckled as the admiral embraced him and thumped him on the back in a friendly manner.
“By heavens, Lacrima, I thought I’d never set eyes on you again.”
“You can’t get rid of me that easily.”
The old man stepped back, his gaze sliding over to me. “And who is this pretty lassie?”
“Admiral Ruess, this is Lady Zephyra from Solis,” Percifal introduced.
He bent forward, taking my hand, and planted a big, wet kiss upon it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my beautiful lady.”
I grinned at him, my cheeks growing warm. “The pleasure is mine, Admiral. Percifal tells me you two are friends.”
“That we are.” He eyed Percifal and then grinned widely at me. “Perhaps I’ll tell you that story later. It looks like you both have been to the ends of the earth and back, aye? Please make use of my washing basin.”
“Do we smell so bad that a man of the sea is telling us we need to bathe?” Percifal wrinkled his nose in distaste.
“The lady doesn’t, but you on the other hand…”
Percifal raised his hands in defense and laughed. “Well, I did come here straight from a dungeon. Give me a break, old man.”
“Now that is a story you must tell me.”
“I’ll catch you up while Zephyra takes use of the washing basin first.”
I took that as my cue and asked, “Where am I to find this washing basin, Admiral?”
“Right this way.” He showed me to the back of the cabin, leading me to a small closet with a basin inside.
Percifal followed and handed me one of our saddle bags. “I noticed my mother packed you some clean dresses. I figure you might want some fresh attire.”
“Thank you.” The corners of my lips lifted. He returned my smile with a warm one of his own.
“My room’s right over there. Feel free to use it to get some rest,” the admiral offered, breaking my warm thoughts of Percifal.
I dipped my chin in thanks, and the two men left me to catch up on previous events.
The water in the basin was frigid, but I delighted in washing the filth from my skin nonetheless. When I’d finished and donned the simple, light blue dress that Madam Lacrima had given me, I stole quietly into Admiral Ruess’s tiny bedchamber and took up his offer for rest.
A quick rest, I told myself. I just needed to rest my body and close my eyes for a moment. But as soon as I closed them, sleep claimed me. The next thing I knew, movement stirred me awake. I cracked my eyes open and saw Percifal peering down at me.
He must have finished catching up with the admiral and cleaned up himself. His hair was damp, his face freshly shaven. The sight of him quickened my heart and captured the breath from my chest.
The corners of his lips curled up, and he gently kissed my forehead. “You look like a goddess who has just awoken from her slumber.”
I blushed. Not knowing how to answer such endearments, I changed the subject. “So, is Admiral Ruess going to take us to Gwon?”
His brow creased, and I made room for him to sit on the bed. “Yes, though it wasn’t easy to convince him.”
“I thought he owed you a favour?”
“He does, but he argued that taking us across the sea with winter so close is no favour but a death wish.”
I swallowed my fear, ignoring the part about a death wish. “Why did he owe you a favour?”
“Let’s just say, the only reason he still has a ship is because of me.”
“Oh,” was all I said as he brushed a strand of my hair from my face. The touch sent quivers of pleasure throughout my entire body.
“He only agreed because I told him it was to rescue Chel.”
“At least he agreed in the end.”
“Yes. We leave at dusk, and then we will be at the mercy of the sea. I’m sorry you must risk your life for my sister,” he apologized with sincerity.
“Don’t be. I’m risking it for all of us. Besides, if I’m to die on this quest, it will be for a good reason—and I’ll have you by my side.”
At that, he took my face in his gentle hands and kissed me deeply. Flames coursed through my veins and warmed my soul as we slowly peeled off each other’s clothes and explored one another’s bodies. For a moment, I worried that I might set us all on fire, but the warmth at my core was soothed to a warm glow by Percifal’s touch. And when I finally let him take me, I didn’t regret it.
I smiled to myself afterwards, feeling happier than I ever had in my whole life. We both fell into slumber in each other’s arms, lulled by the sound of the waves outside the cabin.
Chapter 30
The sunlight outside of the small window had transformed into darkness by the time I opened my eyes again. The only light came from a candle burning low on the table across the room. I heard a rustling beside me and rolled over to see Percifal donning his dark blue tunic, looking quite refined.
He caught me eyeing him up and chuckled, “Keep looking at me like that and we’re never going to make it onto that ship.”
“It’s just that you’re so beautiful. I simply cannot help myself,” I cooed, batting my lashes at him.
That earned me another laugh. “Be that as it may, the admiral has The Blue Angel ready and waiting.”
I sat up and yawned. “I’m quite looking forward to sailing, actually. I once dreamed of adventures to faraway places. Only, I’m sorry for the circumstances for which we’re travelling,” I added as an afterthought. Surely he wasn’t excited about having to travel to a foreign island to rescue his sister.
“I hope the sailing is smooth and the weather is in our favour. Come here, and I’ll help you with your dress.”
I went to him, thankful that this dress had only buttons and not suffocating stays. He finished with the buttons going up the back of the dress and smiled in awe. “It seems blue is your colour. It suits you well.”
The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series Page 23