Dylap

by A. C. Salter

  The spiders parted as he drew closer to the prisoner wrapped up in silk. The split-wing tried to wriggle away from him, only to find his way was blocked by a large host of arachnids that wanted to do nothing more than feed from him.

  Dylap wasn’t gentle when he began to tear at the strands which bound his mouth, loosening them enough for the split-wing to speak. Instead, the prisoner began to bellow.

  “Help, help, I’m in here. I’ve found the Princess, she’s in the ruins,” he screamed, his face going red.

  Calmly, Dylap hunkered down to the prisoner’s level and propped him into a sitting position, his back to the wall.

  “Shout all you like, nobody can hear you,” Dylap said, as he picked up a sword that lay on the floor. It had belonged to the other split-wing that had been eaten by the spiders.

  The prisoner glared at it, Dylap turning it so it caught the light of the luminous spider as it ventured into the chamber.

  “Are you going to kill me?” he said, raising his chin in defiance. “I won’t talk so you may as well run me through.” He spat on the ground to emphasise his words.

  Dylap placed the tip of the sword on the floor and spun the hilt between easy fingers.

  “I will kill you, I’m afraid there’s no talking your way out of that,” he admitted, keeping his tone steady, not threateningly. “But I can either make it quick,” he tapped the blade against the prisoner’s leg, “or I can let my friends eat you.” The closest spider leaned back to expose its long fangs, saliva dripping from the needle-sharp tips. “All I need is you to tell me what’s through the portal. What’s on the other side of the Obelisk?”

  The split-wing’s breathing became erratic as he stared at the spider’s jaws, the mandibles working back and forth, creating a clicking sound.

  “The Queen holds a second wave of warriors. They await her command and will travel to this side to begin terminating the fairies of Farro.”

  “Why?”

  The soldier glared at him, a snarl curling his lips. “It’s been coming for a while. You humiliated us in the war, so this is retribution. Death to all, we will not rest until every Farrosian is dead.”

  Dylap suspected as much, it was a shame that Urlmince was so easily led. If he knew the true nature of the nomads, he wouldn’t have struck the bargain with Queen Balwass. Things would have been how they should and he wouldn’t be bonded to the Princess.

  “What are you waiting for? Kill me,” the soldier demanded as the spiders loomed closer. “Unless you’re as much a coward as the other fae of…”

  His words were cut short, the soldier stared down at the hilt of the sword protruding from his chest, the blade had disappeared into his body.

  Dylap released his grip of the handle as the split-wing’s head dropped to the side, slack eyes staring up into nothing. He stepped away as the sudden rush of spiders began to tear at the corpse, pulling it apart.

  The Dylap he was before wouldn’t have killed, would have tried his best to reason with the enemy, but Falon, the fairy he was now, knew about the workings of war, knew how soldiers thought and had more experience in fighting than any fae alive.

  Crayl, do you hear me brother? he projected as he stalked along the corridors of the ruined palace he once called home.

  Yes Falon, I’m close. What will you have of me?

  We have much to do, he replied, his strides becoming longer, determination driving him. No longer needing the strange glowing spider to see as his spines began to throb with their own blue crackling light. We’ve got a kingdom to steal back.

  25

  Surrender

  A new day had begun, dew clinging to the tall blades of grass, forming tears that ran down the thick blades as Dylap pushed through. It was a grey morning, dark shadows marking out the way, yet not as dark as the task that lay before him. He led his new wife passed the obelisk, pausing long enough to be seen by a split-wing guard that hovered about the circular portal in the stone structure. The gateway which another army lay in wait beyond.

  “Keep still,” he muttered to the Princess who shuffled to his side. Terina had remained silent for the entirety of the previous day as Dylap worked to put his plan in motion. She had kept her silence in the passing hours and even now as they awaited to be arrested. Only communicating by a subtle nod to let him know she understood her place in the plan, glaring all the while at him with a burning hatred.

  Arrows struck the ground at his feet and he raised his hands in surrender.

  “We are unarmed,” he bellowed, holding his arms wide to show he had no weapons. Although he knew it was a risk to be vulnerable, the split-wings may simply kill them anyway. “I have the Princess,” he added.

  It wasn’t long before they were surrounded by sharpened steel and hostile faces, dragonfly wings beating a blur in the air.

  He doubled over as a spear shaft struck him in the stomach, stealing the wind from his lungs.

  “What is it?” one of them asked. “It’s not Farrosian, not with those things on its back.”

  Another stepped close to deliver a blow to the back of his head. White flashing dots fizzled at the edges of his vision as he fell to his knees.

  “It’s a freak, a strange breed of fairy and hedgehog, judging by those spines.”

  “I’m a Dylap,” he said, slowly rising to his feet. “I am Farrosian, but the Twine damaged my wings.”

  “The Twine can have you back,” grunted a soldier, enticing a laugh from the others. He pointed his spear at the Princess. “You, take off that cloak and show me your wings. If you’re not the one that idiot Urlmince has been bleating for, then we’ll gut you both now.”

  Raising her chin, Princess Terina shrugged out of the cloak and opened her wings, the morning light brightening as it struck them.

  A gasp escaped a split-wing while the speaker whistled. “Those are the wings of royal blood,” he said, eyes drinking her in, followed by a scowl as he glanced from the grey lines which struck impurities through the membrane in the shape of the spines on Dylap’s back.

  “You have been busy,” he laughed, elbowing another in the side. “I doubt the new King of Farro will like this. Not now that she has been spoiled.”

  “I can’t wait to see his reaction when he sees her,” said another, sword lowering as he chuckled. “Come, let us take them in. This will tickle Queen Balwass some.”

  Prodded in the back, Dylap was pushed ahead of the group as they set out across the clearing, heading for the berry trail.

  He couldn’t see the spiders, but sensed they were near. Creeping in the shadows as they scurried behind them, some following while others climbed the obelisk to weave thick webs over the portal. The wisp providing the few split-wings that remained with an annoying distraction.

  The beetle cart lay broken against the rock at the base of the oak. A wheel torn free and the beetles themselves nowhere to be seen. The back was empty of worms so Merrybone was still about the forest, probably watching the attack and not wanting to venture close. He only hoped that Ebbin had escaped any beating. But like the rest of Farro, the Aviary was under curfew. No fairy was allowed out in the city and only a select few were permitted to carry out duties if it was to benefit the split-wings.

  “Can you not fly?” one of the captors asked, striking Dylap on the shoulder with his spear.

  Dylap shrugged while rubbing the forming bruise. “With these things?” he said, lifting a spine with his fingers before dropping it. “I couldn’t even rise in a gale.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned if I’m walking to the Palace. Give me your wrists,” the soldier ordered.

  Dylap put them together while they were bound with rope. Then he was roughly seized by the ankles and was carried into the air. He hung suspended below four split-wings, his back to the ground as they flew through the city. Princess Terina was at his side, a bowman behind with an arrow notched and pointed at her back. She stole a glance at him, narrowing her eyes in disdain. Dylap offered her a reassuring smile bu
t she turned her cheek, hissing freak between her teeth.

  “Where is my father?” she snapped, venting some of her anger on the split-wings which escorted them.

  “Leobold? He’s with Queen Balwass. He and the other rich-born filth are waiting on her pleasure. Don’t worry, you’ll be re-united with him, ready to witness their execution before the rest of the city is slaughtered.”

  Dylap was about to ask after Elaya, but if she had been shown any leniency because of her race, her knowing him might go against her. The thought of her being hurt drove a heated inner turmoil inside his belly. Like a curled-up viper, it seethed with anger, pierced only by the sorrow of how she would feel knowing the truth of what happened in the old city. Would she ever speak to him again, knowing that he had bonded with the Princess? Perhaps it would be better if she was to return with the split-wings. If anyone had a reason to hate the Farrosians, it should be her.

  They passed over a wooded area, the soldiers dropping him low enough for the leaves of an elm to slap him, the thick twigs they were attached to scraping along his body. They were laughing when they reached the other side and Dylap caught the Princess smirking at his pain. Retribution for what he did to her? Maybe he should have simply let her die.

  Her face softened as they neared the Palace, the white brilliance of the Alabaster radiating amidst the surrounding trees, spoiled only by the mass of split-wings that surrounded it. Perched on every branch and limb or hovering above on patrol. It was a hive of warrior nomads.

  Flying through the throng, the captors landed on the platform that hung outside the tree. Yillk, Urlmince and several split-wings stood about Queen Balwass who sat on a throne placed out in the open. Behind her, chained together and fastened to the bark of the tree, were the King and the high-classes. It appeared as though they had spent the night outside.

  “I’ve found Princess Terina, my Queen,” said the soldier who had tied his wrists. They landed before her, Dylap’s suspended body slamming into the platform before rolling to a stop.

  He was dragged to his feet as the others landed, the Princess rushing to her father before being intercepted by Urlmince.

  “Terina,” he said, embracing her tightly before holding her at arms-length. “I’ve been beside myself with worry.” His eyes roved over her and the bedraggled way she appeared.

  Dylap used the distraction to look more closely at the prisoners that were linked together. He couldn’t see Elaya amongst them, but found Sabesto. The huge master of the Aviary appeared battered with a patch covering one eye but mercifully alive. Prince Rybal, Edvin and the general were also alive and watching, and somebody else he recognised. Captain Fenwick. He was leaning against a tall staff, bound in a maple leaf, Limble by his side. They must have returned earlier, only to be taken as prisoners by the split-wings.

  “Don’t touch me traitor,” The Princess said coldly, flinching from Urlmince’s hands. “I want nothing to do with you.”

  “Nonsense my love, you are to be my wife – to be by my side as Queen of Farro. I did this for us, for the future.”

  The slap she gave him rocked him back, shock opening his mouth as he placed a hand to his cheek.

  “I would never choose to be yours,” the Princess said, stepping once again towards her father, until Urlmince caught her arm and spun her around.

  “You will, either willingly or by force.”

  “No, not even by force,” she said, opening her wings for all to see. “I am spoiled.”

  Gasps escaped the prisoners tied to the tree and Dylap caught the frown creasing the King’s brow as he looked at his daughter before his eyes locked onto him.

  For a time, nobody spoke until Queen Balwass began to laugh. Her throaty chuckle echoing around the Palace.

  “I didn’t see that coming,” she said, clapping her hands. She threw her leg over the arm of the throne, tipping her head back and barked another laugh. “And bonded to the Dylap no less.”

  “But…” Urlmince stuttered, the red print of Princess Terina’s slap blazing bright upon his face as she pulled her arm free and walked towards her father. Urlmince stood, mouth open wide until his fingers curled into a fist and he turned towards Dylap. “I’m going to tear you apart,” he growled. “You, you’ve ruined everything.”

  Dylap rose to his feet to meet Urlmince square-on, but wasn’t ready for the punch that sent him reeling onto the floor where he struck the back of his head.

  “No, Urlmince, you ruined Farro when you plotted with Balwass,” Dylap said as he sat up, tasting blood on the inside of his lip. He brought his hands before him to catch the knee as it came raging towards his face, but the impact still bowled him onto his back.

  “That’s Queen Balwass, freak,” Yillk said from beside the throne, his deep voice rumbling like grinding mill stones.

  “Not my queen,” Dylap replied as he rolled away from Urlmince’s foot, his boot slamming into the platform beside his head.

  “How dare you,” Yillk continued, folding his thick arms as he watched Urlmince continue to beat him. “If you weren’t such a pathetic whelp I’d cut you down myself.”

  “He is pathetic,” Urlmince raged as he kicked Dylap in the thigh and then again in the gut. “He sleeps with a split-wing whore, one of your kind,” another kick in the base of the back. Dylap tried to roll away but there was nowhere to go. “A wretch this city saw fit to let live after the previous war. Well, once I’m done with you, Dylap. I’ll be tearing her apart too.”

  “Control your rage, Urlmince,” Queen Balwass said, eyes gleaming with the violence. “Is this true, the Dylap has a split-wing mate?”

  “It is the one we found amongst the high-born, my Queen,” Yillk offered. “She is in the Palace, awaiting execution.”

  Execution? Dylap couldn’t let that happen. But he had to balance keeping everyone’s attention and staying alive long enough time to allow his plan to work.

  “I will trade her life for Urlmince’s,” Dylap shouted, dropping his chin to avoid a fist which glanced off the corner of his forehead.

  “Trade my life for the whore’s? I’m a King you little freak,” Urlmince said, swinging his meaty hand around to jab him in the throat. Dylap rose on his toes, taking the strike on his chest. It was painful, but not as immobilising as it would have been if it had connected on target.

  “Because that is the plan, isn’t it Balwass,” Dylap continued, weaving under a flurry of blows, any of which would have floored him. “Once you’ve secured the Princess, kill all the royalty to prevent a retaliation and then send your second wave of soldiers through the obelisk to wipe out the rest of Farro.”

  Balwass was speechless, eyes narrowing as she rose from her throne. “Kill him, Urlmince, I tire of his whining.”

  “You don’t deny it,” Dylap pressed, rolling amidst thrown punches, this time coming more wildly, yet not one hit him. “She plans the execution of all.” He watched King Leobold take a step closer, his daughter clinging around his waist, holding him back. “Is this true, Balwass? You told me that if I surrendered, nobody else would suffer. Where is your honour?”

  The Obelisk is sealed brother, Crayl informed him, projecting the image of the tall structure, a thick shroud of web covering the top portion. Nothing was coming through. And the brownie has brought friends of the forest. They are near. Dylap saw only the shadows of animals as they skittered, crawled and slithered through the underbrush, staying close to the ground to avoid detection from above. He only needed to keep the split-wing’s attention until they arrived at the Palace.

  “Finish him, Urlmince,” Yillk growled, turning to a guard beside him and snatching his spear. He tossed it to the general’s son. “Run him through.”

  Urlmince caught the weapon, spinning the shaft so the blade was held aloft, face contorted in rage.

  “They will kill you,” Dylap whispered to him, subtly shifting his feet to prepare for a counter-attack. “Throw down the spear, you don’t need to die.”

  His words we
re falling on deaf ears, Urlmince was so consumed with hatred that he couldn’t see reason.

  The muscles in the upper arms flexed as he darted forward, the blade of the spear coming down with all the hate, anger and fury that Urlmince had in him. It was a blow that would split his head in two.

  Side-stepping to avoid the weapon, Dylap came up, tapping the side of Urlmince’s forearm while jamming his heel down behind his attacker’s knees. The momentum of weight carried him on as he fell, the back of Urlmince’s head struck the top of Dylap’s shoulder, snapping it back and exposing his throat. Dylap’s hands were already in position, coming down on the neck, the rope that bound his wrist twisting around the Adam’s apple, cutting deeper. The huge body surged on as Dylap strained the other way, rope tightening, muscles stretching and then a sickening crack as a vertebra in Urlmince’s neck snapped.

  Relaxing his grip, Dylap stepped away from the body and it slumped to the ground, pale wings bending beneath the weight, folding the wrong way and as the membrane ripped, the sound tore through the silence that had descended around them.

  “No,” gasped the general, his bald pate a sheen with sweat as he stared at his son, now dead at Dylap’s feet. Princess Terina had gone a deathly shade of white, as pure as her wings had been before being spoiled. She buried her face in her father’s chest, shoulders heaving as she sobbed. Dylap wondered if she would have felt the same had the body on the floor been his. To her side, Captain Fenwick tapped his staff to get his attention, appearing to want to tell him something, but Dylap couldn’t understand what, but it was clear he didn’t want to draw attention to himself.

  Almost there, brother. Keep them occupied for a little longer.

  Subtle movement from below, a dark creature scrambling through the grasses on the forest floor, the jarring of leaves, the knocking of twigs with the brief glimpse of many hairy legs, or the furry pelts of rodents.

  “You’re full of surprises, Dylap,” Queen Balwass said as she slumped back into her throne, her gaze briefly falling on Urlmince as the wind teased at an erect corner of a wing. “He, on the other hand was predictable. Greedy, bull-headed and if you hadn’t have killed him, I soon would have done so myself.” A sly smile forced dimples in the corner of her mouth. “The triumph of the fight you may take with you into the next life. You at least have honour, but alas, you know too much.” She raised her bare arm before slashing it across the air. “Guards, kill him.”