by Kyle West
It was a face that I recognized instantly.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
“SHARA?”
THERE WAS A MOMENT’S pause before Isaru advanced to finish the job.
“Isaru, wait!”
Isaru, however, stepped on Valance’s arm, which kept him from raising his sword to defend himself. At the same time, Isaru drew his curved dagger and placed it at Valance’s neck. Shara remained still, watching me with her glowing eyes, her chest heaving. Those eyes were no longer her own, but seemed to be possessed by something demonic. Whoever she used to be wasn’t there, now. The Aether had completely changed her, that much I could see.
However, that didn’t mean I couldn’t try to reason with her.
“Shara...”
She went for her blade, untangling herself from Valance and standing up to face me. She lifted her blade until it was at Isaru’s neck.
“Give it up, Shanti,” she said. “There is nothing you can do...nowhere you can go.”
“Shara...what happened to you? Why are you like this?”
“That does not concern you, Elekai,” Shara said, her voice much deeper than I remembered. “All that matters is that you do as I say...or the Prince dies.”
I felt a horrible coldness at those words. They had taken my parents from me, and it seemed as if they had taken Shara, too. Would they also take Isaru?”
“Your mother misses you, Shara,” I said. “Please...put the sword down. Let’s talk sense.”
There was a moment of weakness in her eyes, but it was gone in a flash. “I care nothing for her. Put down your weapon. Do not test me on this. You know I’ll kill him.”
I watched her for a moment, knowing she spoke the truth. I nodded, letting the sword drop to the stone floor.
“Now,” Shara said, “Loose that quiver from your side. Slowly.”
I unlatched the strap and felt it fall to the floor. The arrows jingled as they spread across the stones.
“Now, you’re bow.”
“I can’t harm you with it.”
“Now!”
I did as I was told, setting the bow on the ground.
“Now step forward. Five steps. Slowly.”
Five steps put me halfway to Shara, between herself and my discarded weapons.
“Tell Isaru to drop the knife and his sword.”
Isaru looked at me, questioningly. He looked ready to die, even for a chance to bury his blade in Valance’s exposed neck. I sighed.
“Do it.”
Isaru scowled, but let his blade drop.
“Push it away,” Shara ordered.
Isaru did so. The blade slid, scraping on the stone, until it was far out of reach.
“Get off Hunter Valance,” Shara said. “Loose your sword, push it away, and stand still.”
Isaru did as he was told, until neither of us had a weapon to our name. Valance stood, dusting off his robes while picking up his sword. He looked at Shara, and nodded, giving her permission to continue speaking.
“You’ve come for the Prophecy, have you not?”
Isaru looked at her, curiously, at last nodding his head.
“Hunter Valance speaks the truth,” Shara said. “It isn’t here, and it hasn’t been for over two centuries. The Elekai took it with them to their city in the Red Wild, long ago.”
“I believe you,” Isaru said, after a moment. “I had previously speculated it might be there...”
“We...have no proof,” Shara said, “but it could be nowhere else, and our records show that it was stolen long ago. This is...a state secret. I’m only telling you because the both of you are going to find it for us.”
Isaru and I exchanged a glance, neither of us sure of what to say.
“Why us?” Isaru asked.
“Because we cannot travel in the Red Wild,” Shara said. “We’d be killed, and we don’t know the way. We know Hyperborea lies far to the northeast, but beyond that, our records are spotty. Elekai have a far better chance of making it that far north. It is said the Wild can turn against anyone not of their demon blood. That is why we need Elekai to do it.”
“It’s dangerous for us, too,” I said. “Elekai have sought to go to the city, never to return. That would be our fate.”
“Maybe so,” Shara said. “And if that’s the case, better you than us.”
Her coldness was like a slap in the face.
“If you refuse,” she said, in the following silence, “then your parents die. If you fail to return after three months, your parents die. If you try to come here again without the Prophecy in hand, both you and your parents die. If you successfully bring back the Prophecy, and Valance finds it authentic...you and your parents will be released, free to leave Colonia and its lands, never to return. If you ever return after that, I will kill you myself. If you fail to return after three months with the Prophecy, not only do your parents die, but I and the rest of the Hunters will hunt down and kill you and anyone who matters to you.” Shara blinked, her eyes appearing more demonic than ever. “Do I make myself clear?”
I could only stare at her, tears clouding my eyes. “What did they do to you?”
“You are to tell no one of your mission,” Shara went on. “Not the Annajen. Not the Makai. Not the Samalites or the dragons. And most of all, not the Seekers. Your failure to comply will result in your family’s death.”
“How would you ever know?” Isaru asked.
Shara smiled a merciless smile that let me know, once and for all, that there was no trace of who she formerly was. “Do you wish to test me, Prince? You are to make the journey on foot. That...dragon...of yours is to take no part, nor can any other dragon carry you. If you hurry, you should make Hyperborea within the month. Another month to find the Prophecy. And yet another to return.” Shara paused. “More than enough time.”
“And another thing, too,” Valance said. “You are not to read the Prophecy. Don’t test us on this, either; we will know. Only return it to me unspoiled.”
“We’ll go,” I said, “if you truly promise to return my parents unharmed and healthy.”
Valance nodded. “That was the agreement we’re hoping to make.”
“You must take care of them as if you were caring for yourself,” I said. “Plenty of food and water. Allow them to go home.”
“We will give them the best we can possibly offer,” Valance said.
“I have an additional request,” Isaru said.
Both Valance and Shara looked at Isaru.
“Do not kill Jorla. Call your men off immediately, or I refuse to take part. She is raging because of the dragonling, and when her rage is spent, she will depart the city. I’ll make sure of it. But no one can stop a dragon in the midst of her rage.”
“The dragon dies,” Valance said. “She is too powerful an enemy to let live.”
“Then you do not have my help.”
“Then Shanti’s parents die.”
“No!” I said.
“How do we know you’ll keep your promise?” Isaru asked.
“We have the means to save them,” Shara said. “They will be healthy within the week.”
That alone seemed unbelievable, especially for my father, who seemed so close to death that he could pass at any moment.
“How? They are near death’s door already. Even if you save them, they will never be the same!”
“We will heal them, Shanti,” Valance said. “As soon as you are out those doors and on your way.”
I went silent. There was no way I could trust what Valance was saying, but I had no choice in the matter.
“What will it be, Prince?” Valance asked.
“Jorla does not die.”
“Isaru...” I said. “It’s my parents.”
“And what makes their lives more valuable than Jorla’s?”
I wanted to say that she was just a creature, but I knew that wasn’t true. Jorla was a sentient being who was just as entitled to life as either of my parents.
“She canno
t remain alive,” Shara said.
“You have no other choice,” Valance said. “But we will honor our end of the bargain...assuming you honor yours.”
“It’s a trick,” Isaru said. “We hand you the Prophecy, and what is to stop you from killing us all? If you think Jorla is dangerous to leave alive, then you haven’t seen me.”
“Jorla cannot be reasoned with,” Valance said. “She is a beast. You, however...though Elekai, you at least know some restraint.”
Isaru glowered, but said nothing in response.
“So, what will it be?” Valance asked. “Either accept our terms, or Shanti’s parents meet a terrible end. That is the only question of this equation. Are you willing to let her parents die?”
“Isaru is right,” I said. “We are just as dangerous an enemy to leave alive as she. By your logic, that means both of us will die upon returning the Prophecy...along with my parents. Jorla lives, or all of us die. And if all of us die...how long will you have to wait until another Elekai comes to do your dirty work?”
Both Valance and Shara stared hard at us, but Isaru and I needed to stand together on this. They needed us more than we needed them. Valance, at last, gave his answer.
“I will call my Peacemakers off,” he said. “Jorla must leave Colonia within the hour, assuming she is not already dead. Your parents will remain safe with us until your return.”
“Move them out of that dungeon,” I said. “I want them well-cared for. They must be treated like royalty.”
“Very well,” Valance said. “That should not be difficult. But you must leave now if ever you are to save your dragon friend.” He nodded at Shara. “Go. See that the men are called off.”
Shara gave us both a venomous glare, but in the end, put a hand over her heart, grabbed her helmet that was still on the floor, and ran on her way.
Once she was gone, Valance stood alone. He sheathed his blade, and for some reason, did not seem to fear for his life.
“And what’s to stop us from killing you right now, Hunter?” Isaru asked.
“The fact that you will never leave here alive if you did,” Valance said. “The entire Bastion is on lock down. You only go by my leave.” He nodded toward our weapons on the floor. “I suspect you’ll need those. Annara speed your journey.”
I stared Valance down, but in the end, I did as he said. I grabbed my sword, along with my bow and quiver of arrows, as Isaru strapped on his own sword and dagger.
Isaru and I exchanged a glance. It was completely pointless to go against Valance, unless we wanted ourselves or my parents killed, and for that matter, Jorla. That said, the walk through the torch-lit red halls was tense, and every second I expected a betrayal. But by the time we reached the empty entry hall, it was clear that we weren’t going to be pursued.
I turned back to see Valance, who had followed us silently, his face unreadable and obscured by shadow. He had followed us to the entry hall, and he drew up his hood. Isaru and I continued walking out of the Bastion.
We walked for half a minute through the Bastion courtyard before we started running.
BY THE TIME WE MADE it past the Inner Wall, Jorla’s screams no longer filled the city, though the cries of humans still did. Several large fires blazed below, sending up plumes of smoke that obscured the stars. I could smell the burning of wood on the wind.
When we arrived at the Plaza of Sands, Jorla was lying down, surrounded by a circle of soldiers bearing halberds. Jorla, however, was in no condition to fight back. Her chest heaved, and large gashes covered her body, and bolts were still stuck in her softer areas. Even if they had ordered their soldiers to cease attacking, the damage had already been done.
“Out of the way!”
Isaru pushed his way through the soldiers while I followed in his wake, until we were both standing right next to Jorla.
“Jorla...” Isaru said.
Go, she said, addressing both Isaru and me. I return now to the Xenofold, the singing harmony of creation. That is something these dark ones will never know. Only remember me. For your time will come, too...and when it does, we will all truly be one.
“Jorla...I’m sorry. I wasn’t fast enough...”
Do not blame yourself, dear friend. Never blame yourself for what has happened. Blame only this dark city and these dark ones. Only leave while you still can. I feel your sorrow that this plan did not go as hoped. But I rest knowing the dragonling was avenged, such as she could be. Already, I feel her calling me from the Xenofold. I killed no less than two hundred this night. Long shall they know my terror...long shall they tremble in fear. Do what you must, Isaru, but always remember me...and avenge my name. Tell me this one thing, before my memories depart.
“I will, Jorla,” Isaru’s said. “I swear it by my blood. Every hour I breathe, my entire core is dedicated to this path. Though there is nothing I can do now, I will watch and wait for the opportunity to strike. This, I solemnly swear.”
Jorla watched Isaru with a single white eye. The eye, once pained, seemed to soften and be at peace.
It is well, then. Be well, friend Isaru. Be well, friend Shanti. Do not underestimate these dark ones, for their hatred runs deep. Show them, Prince of Haven, that our hatred runs deeper.
On impulse, I ran forward to lay my hands on Jorla’s ravaged scales.
Heal... I thought. Please...
Let me go, Jorla said. Not even your hands, Anna, could save me now.
I felt surprise. You know?
As death comes, all things previously hidden are made clear. I now know the end is near...the day the Elders passed down to us. The day of Xenofall draws nigh...
Xenofall? Jorla...
Goodbye, she said. Go north. North is your home now, in the Land Beyond the North Wind. Find the True Hyperborea.
At those last words, Jorla’s eye closed, and her chest fell. She had breathed her last. Every muscle relaxed and rested against the stones.
Everyone was quiet, as if in disbelief. I wiped a tear from my eye, feeling an anger I never knew I possessed. Isaru’s gray eyes blazed, seeming to shine in the darkness. I knew he had meant every word he’d said about avenging her death. Whatever chance there had been for peace between the Elekai and the Covenant, small as it was, had been broken this night.
Beginning now, there could be only war.
“Let’s go,” I said. “I can’t bear to watch anymore.”
Isaru stood for a final moment, resting his hand on Jorla’s scales. “Be at peace, Jorla.” Then, more quietly, “You will be avenged.”
We left the Plaza of Sands and didn’t look back. The streets were empty, though people watched from windows as we passed below. We had come for my parents, only to fail. We had come for the Prophecy, only to fail. And now, with Jorla dead and my parents nearly so, it was failure once again.
No, I thought. Not yet.
The only thing we knew was where the Prophecy had been taken. Over two centuries ago, the Elekai had taken it with them into the Red Wild and to Hyperborea, the epicenter of their civilization. At least, that was the story. For all we knew, we were being sent to our deaths by Valance and Shara.
My mind spun, too overwhelmed with the events of the night. A numbness settled over me, until movement was all that was left. One foot after the other.
As we walked, I could only wonder at Jorla’s final words: to find the True Hyperborea. What did it mean?
Isaru and I had a long journey north to figure it out.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
DAWN WAS BREAKING. WE STOOD on a bleak, forlorn hill, beyond the last of Colonia’s periphery villages. We had run up the Colorado Road without pause.
On this hill, we caught the last sight of the city, basking golden in the sunrise. I hated to think the city of our enemies so beautiful, but it was — though it paled in comparison to Haven and the alien beauty of the Red Wild.
The western Red Wild would be incredibly difficult to traverse. We were told not to use dragons and to let no one kno
w of our journey. I didn’t know how they could force us to do that, but so long as my parents’ lives were in the Covenant’s hands, I didn’t want to take any risks. The Selvan would be nearly impossible to traverse, which meant we had to enter the Wild by another way — a path that would take us far to the north before we could head east again, toward Ragnarok and Hyperborea.
First was the Barrens, and then the Ruins, a great Old World city plagued with bandits and gangs. Then there were the Exiled Lands. I didn’t know what came after that, but I did know we’d have to travel a long way before turning east.
“We should go,” Isaru said.
We headed north down the hill, the city fading from view.
The river ran on our left through mangled hills and wide canyons, and we followed the road north, walking the first of countless thousands of steps toward our goal.
I wondered what was happening in the Sanctum, and what, if anything, they had managed to piece together. It would be long before we saw any of them again, if ever we did. I thought of Isaru’s father, from whom Isaru had been missing for two days. The King would have to wait much longer before seeing his son again. I thought of Elder Isandru, of Isa, Aela, Deanna, Ret, and Samal, and all the rest. What were they doing now? Had Isa told anyone where we were going, and would they be able to follow our trail? Would Isandru be able to even guess?
I wanted nothing more than to despair and give up hope, but I thought of my parents waiting for me — the same parents I was getting further and further from every second. That was what hurt most of all. Would they know how hard I was working to keep them alive? I hoped that Valance would keep his promise regarding their health and well-being, because if he didn’t, I’d make sure his death was especially unpleasant.
Though our path was now set before us, I couldn’t help but feel that we had lost it all. Jorla’s death only served as a reminder of the evil of the Covenant, something that I, and especially Isaru, would never forget.