Mirim was tall, muscular, and beautiful enough to be Berfemmian. Her skin was so dark she could’ve been a member of the Vex’steppe tribe, if there were women. She had a pretty, yet stern face with keen eyes that took in everything. Her broad shoulders and confident approach gave Victoria some relief. At least one of them knew what to do on the battlefield.
Bowing stiffly, Mirim nodded, her full lips tight as if holding back every reservation on her tongue. Tori could sense Mirim’s concern that there weren’t enough of them to face Angst. Despite having done an exceptional job training with the zyn’ight, she didn’t know the full scope of Victoria’s plan.
“Your Highness,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity to lead this team.”
“In battle, Captain,” Victoria said. “Otherwise, I’ll be in charge.”
“Of course,” she said, crisply.
“I wish they’d shut up,” Nikkola said, rushing in and closing the door behind her. She latched it and spun around, bracing the door with her back. “Can we just do this without the men, Tori…Victoria…Your Highness?”
Simon cleared his throat and Sean glanced at Nikkola with a disapproving pout.
“Oh,” Nikkola said, noticing the brothers. “Maybe you can hold them off while we escape?”
The 39ish-year-old woman seemed harried and uncomfortable. Nikkola had the pasty skin and ruddy cheeks of someone who drank too much—not a surprise. She’d lost her daughter Kala to Fire, and her sister Janda was killed by Vars. Despite this, she’d begged to come with. Captain Mirim had warned caution, wary about Nikkola’s motivations. No one could deny the woman’s raw power.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Victoria asked, calmly approaching Nikkola. She brushed a strand of long, black hair from the woman’s pale face.
“I’ve lost too many, Your Highness, I won’t let anyone else die,” she said, fury in her eyes. “Except maybe them.”
The pounding on the wooden door made everyone jump. Whatever they were arguing about was loud enough to fill the small room. Nikkola’s advice to leave the men behind may be right.
She closed her eyes and reached out with her mind. It was rarely possible to read minds unless someone actually let her, but she could view people’s futures, all of their futures. Their wants, wishes, and demands appeared in her mind like moving pictures. Most of the futures she filtered out because there could be so many. Some she fought to block because people could be disgusting or morose.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, their thoughts were as loud as their voices. General Mirot, Jaden, and Dallow were arguing about whether she should be allowed to leave. Allowed? It seemed, at least, that Dallow had her back.
“Let them in,” she said stiffly.
The three men practically tripped over each other as the door opened. They became silent at the sight of Victoria’s armor. Mirot’s cheeks went so red, she worried that his quick bow might actually be a heart attack. Jaden opened his mouth wide enough to put his foot in but caught himself and swallowed hard. Dallow bowed smoothly, placed his hands behind his back, and strolled to stand behind Victoria.
“If even one of you suggests that I should stay at the castle ruling Unsel and making heirs,” Victoria said, “your future will be constantly reliving your worst nightmares, and I know what they are.”
“I was just going to say that you look,” Jaden stuttered, glancing at Mirot, “you look, uh…”
“Incredible. And powerful,” Mirim said, impatiently. “As does her champion.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Victoria said.
“Fierce,” Dallow said with a respectful nod.
“Sexy,” Jaden whispered in her ear.
“Those were the right answers,” she said.
“You look like a target, Your Majesty,” Mirot said, his eyes wide. “That rose-gold is not subtle.”
“That’s my fault,” Dallow said, raising a finger. “Two thousand years ago, the creators of the zyn’ight armor were concerned that so much of the body was exposed. They created a spell to harden the armor, not only making it more durable, but also magically protecting the unprotected parts. That spell changes the armor from dusky black to silver.”
“And yet, this is gold,” Rose admonished.
“It’s a complicated spell,” Dallow said, reaching behind his neck and rubbing. “It worked, mostly, but I didn’t get it quite right.”
“Dallow,” Victoria said. “I would pay for more mistakes like this.”
“Good,” Rose grumbled. “Because this mistake will cost him plenty.”
Dallow looked at her, squinting. She nodded, as if silently expressing that there would be a punishment that Victoria didn’t understand, and didn’t want to.
“How will this protect us from Angst?” Rose asked. “He can just turn it to sand.”
“It’s to protect us from everything else,” Victoria said. “I’m sure you’re all familiar with the many assassination attempts on my life over the last six months. The truth is, they were trying to kill Angst.”
“Is it because the Fulk’han hate him so much?” Simon asked.
“Maybe,” Victoria said. “But there have been attempts made by almost every nation on Ehrde. We’ve stopped or killed Nordruaut, Tribesmen, several from Melkier, and even a cavastil bird.”
“That one sucked,” Rose said with a grimace.
“When Angst left, the assassins stopped coming,” Victoria said. “We’ve been spying on several Fulk’han and Vex’steppe camps, and they’ve all moved off. They must be on the hunt for Angst, like us.”
“How many?” Mirim asked with a frown.
“We have no way of knowing,” General Mirot said. “But we believe quite a few. Nobody is going to face Angst alone.”
“How do we get through them to find Angst?” Mirim asked.
“Carefully,” Dallow said. “We have a plan to stop Angst, but it has to be at the right time. Until then, we’re going to have to stay far enough away that he doesn’t sense us, and close enough to follow whatever path he clears.”
“You’re expecting Angst to fight off hordes of enemies, so we don’t have to?” Mirim asked.
“That’s a lot of faith in someone who’s going crazy,” Nikkola said.
“I don’t think he’s going crazy,” Victoria said, tugging at a strand of hair.
“Right,” Rose said, rolling her eyes. “So, basically, we’re going to our doom.”
“Some champion,” Jaden said with a sneer.
“Don’t make me champion your ass, jerk,” Rose said, peering at the young man.
“Stop,” Victoria said, holding out a hand before Rose. “For now. I may need you to champion him later.”
“How do you propose we find Angst?” Mirim asked. “Do we know how the other nations are tracking him?
“We aren’t sure if, or how, the other nations know where he is,” Victoria said, her eyes dancing to Dallow nervously. “I spent some time with my cousin. Alloria’s future is as fractured as her mind, but she gave me some direction. As for Angst, I believe Rose, Dallow, and I know how he thinks.”
“As do I,” Jaden said, lifting his chin.
“Care to explain what that means?” Rose asked.
“I’m from the future,” said Jaden, coolly. “History has taught me about the disaster he will bring when he goes insane.”
They all looked at each other nervously.
“Right,” Rose said in disbelief. “Maybe I’m from the future too.”
“No,” he said. “You don’t make it.”
“Where to first?” Victoria abruptly turned to Dallow.
“I believe he’s at Potterton,” Dallow said.
“That harlot,” Victoria said, balling her hands into fists.
Everyone stopped breathing to look at Victoria, who blushed furiously.
“Is she…is she taking him to The Fette?” Rose asked, putting a hand to her mouth. She burst out in laughter. “This is going to be easy. He’ll never want to
leave!”
“Why would she take Angst there?” Jaden asked.
“I know my cousin,” Victoria said. “She won’t want to travel in that prison outfit, and The Fette has clothes…more her style.”
“I’m sure that’s not all she wants,” Rose said, laughing again. She quieted quickly under Victoria’s steely gaze.
“I’m sorry,” Dallow said. “What is The Fette?”
Sean and Simon looked down at the ground as if they’d stolen a cookie.
“It’s a sort of party in the woods that moves every week or so. There’s lots of music and dancing and drinking,” Victoria said. “Under twenty-five only…usually.”
“Oh,” Dallow said, hopefully. “Parties are good.”
“How do you know so much about it? Unless…” Rose’s jaw dropped. “Did I see you there? I remember…strawberry blond hair.”
“Hey, you can change your hair color,” Dallow said, as if suddenly struck by realization. “It’s always straight and black when you’re at the castle, but curly and blond when you’re out here with us. Wait, you told us that the trip to Melkier was your first time out of the castle.”
“We should probably get going,” Victoria said, her cheeks so warm she was practically sweating.
“A constant party filled with hedonistic youth,” Mirot huffed. “It sounds like trouble.”
“Yes,” Victoria and Rose said at the same time, matching twinkles in their eyes. Both of them laughed.
“Rose is right. He won’t want to leave,” Dallow said. “It sounds like we should definitely go and investigate.”
Rose slugged him with her tiny stick arm, which didn’t make him wince. Much.
“He won’t stay, but it will definitely slow him down,” Victoria said. “It’s a window for us to catch up if we leave now.”
“So, there’s no talking you out of this,” Mirot said, already sounding defeated. “You’re more stubborn than your mother.”
“Yes,” Victoria said. “I am. And, I don’t see another option.”
“But, Unsel needs you to be queen,” Mirot pleaded.
“Didn’t she mention a future of your nightmares?” Rose asked, placing a hand on one of the long dagger handles by her side.
“This isn’t just about protecting Unsel anymore. Angst is putting all of Ehrde in danger, and I’m one of the few people who can get through to him.” Victoria sighed. “Make Wilfred king if I don’t survive.”
“He doesn’t wish to be king, Your Majesty,” Mirot said.
“Another reason why he’s the perfect man for the job,” Victoria said.
“Are eight enough to hunt down Angst?” Mirot asked. “Please, let me send a garrison with to keep you safe. Or more zyn’ight.”
Victoria looked over her crew with pride. Captain Mirim stood tall and resolute in her plate armor. Everyone else wore flat black zyn’ight armor, except for Dallow. The tall, skinny man had argued that steel would exhaust him. His arguments had exhausted her, and they’d settled on an armor of light black leather.
“We need to move fast,” Victoria finally said. “And this party will be more than enough. Rose is Al’eyrn now and will keep me safe, just like Angst did the last time I snuck out.”
“You’ll even get to keep your clothes on,” Rose muttered.
“What?” Victoria snapped.
“Nothing, Your Majesty,” Rose said.
Victoria peered at her before continuing. “Not only does Jaden claim to have some knowledge of the events that are coming, he’s also gone toe-to-toe with Angst.”
“For about five minutes before he kicked my ass,” Jaden said under his breath.
“Those five minutes may just save us,” Victoria said.
“I’m willing to go again,” Jaden said, beaming.
“Dallow has more knowledge of magic than anyone else alive,” Victoria said. “He’s both powerful and Angst’s oldest friend. Between the two of us, we may be able to reason with him.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Dallow said with a short bow. “I’ll try.”
“Nikkola is one of our most dangerous zyn’ight. Simon can heal when Rose is fighting. Sean, well, Sean communes with animals or something.”
“He’ll be there when we need him most, Your Highness,” Simon said.
“I hate to say this, Your Majesty,” Mirim said, “but I don’t feel like I bring a lot to the table. I have no magic.”
“Mirim,” Victoria said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You are possibly the most important person here. While I can fight better than any of them—”
“Hey,” Rose said, defensively.
“It’s true,” Dallow said. “She beat Hector. She’s amazing.”
Mirot’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
“I’m no tactician,” Victoria continued. “You were chosen to lead the zyn’ight for that reason. You’re comfortable around magic, know their strengths, and can see situations in a way I can’t. We need that experience.”
“You’ll be our Hector now,” Dallow said, softly.
There was a brief moment of silence.
“I can’t replace him,” Mirim said, standing tall. “But I will do my best to fill his boots.”
“It sounds like you’re in good hands,” Mirot said reluctantly.
Without another word, Victoria opened the door and led them outside. She summoned her swifen. The feathery pink unicorn appeared and nuzzled her cheek. Rose rolled her eyes at the sight as she summoned her wood chip buck. The others did the same until there was a menagerie of large glass, steel, and wood animals.
“My pinto is in the stables,” Captain Mirim said. “It will only take a minute to fetch her.”
“Sorry, Mirim,” Victoria said, “but you’ll have to ride with one of us. Your horse will slow us down if there’s a chase.”
Jaden summoned a Nordruaut Bokeen made of soft grass and large enough for several people. “I promise, it smells better than the real thing,” he said with a smile.
“General,” Victoria said. “As discussed, take our entire army and the remaining zyn’ight. Skirt the borders of Rohjek and Melkier then wait for us at the appointed spot in Meldusia.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” he said, tugging nervously at his long mustache. “But is it wise to leave Unsel undefended?”
“If we don’t succeed,” Victoria said, “there won’t be an Unsel left to defend.”
9
Angst and Alloria rode the steel ram swifen along a path not much wider than a deer trail. The ram he’d summoned was as powerful and confident as ever, thudding noisily against the forest floor with every step. Alloria rode in front of him because she was afraid of falling off. She settled more comfortably into him than Tori ever had. At least, she seemed comfortable.
The path finally widened to reveal two barely clothed young men leaning against trees and casually chatting.
“We’re here,” Alloria said, wistfully.
“Welcome,” a scruffy young man said with a bow. “I’m Kale, and this is Gahn.”
“Dropping off your daughter, sir?” Gahn asked, eying the large foci over Angst’s shoulders.
The twenteensomething had wiry muscles and a friendly face. Long dark hair fell to his tanned shoulders in a way that screamed, “Do you notice how much I don’t care?” The little blue vest that covered his nipples looked like it belonged on a monkey, and his pants were baggy enough to carry potatoes. Angst hated him.
“He’s with me,” Alloria said.
“Oh?” Gahn asked in surprise.
Alloria stretched back, revealing her tummy as she wrapped her arms around the back of Angst’s head and pulled him closer. Both men were mesmerized as her prison top crept up to reveal the bottom of her breasts.
“Gold,” she whispered into his ear before licking it.
He jerked back, making her laugh and sit upright. The men sighed in disappointment. Angst pulled out two gold coins that made Gahn roll his eyes. The eye rolling stopped eight coins later.
“Just passing through,” Angst said, handing over the coins. “Won’t be here long.”
“Right,” Gahn said, taking them greedily.
“We’re weapon-free here at The Fette,” said his dark-skinned, equally perfect counterpart. With an extra twenty pounds of muscle, he braved the pleasant weather by forgoing any sort of top. His navy pants were so tight that his ‘weapon’ made Angst uncomfortable. Angst hated him too.
Both young men looked at him with broad smiles and bravery. They positioned themselves in some sort of action-stance as if bracing against a strong wind. Angst wondered how much effort it would take to scare them into peeing themselves.
“Angst?” Alloria said. “It’s safe here.”
“Right,” Angst said sharply. “My swords are what keep us safe.”
The olive-skinned man lifted two fingers to his mouth and let out a loud whistle. Within seconds, three more men pranced toward them with bows notched, each making him feel old and fat. Oh, and short. Don’t forget the thinning hair. There were a lot of people here to hate. Their eyes did a funny little dance, darting between the swords, the metallic ram, the gorgeous young woman between his legs, and each other. Angst wrapped an arm around Alloria’s waist, making her ‘ooh’ as he released the swifen. He dropped to his feet as it disappeared and set her on the ground.
“Ehrde isn’t safe anymore, so I don’t like leaving my friends behind,” Angst said to the crowd, jerking a thumb at the swords. “Would you like to take them from me?”
“Angst, it’s okay,” Alloria said, gently. “This is a happy place, a safe place.”
“But—”
“I feel safe here,” she said. “And we won’t stay long, I promise.”
Something about Alloria’s words eased his tension. Her promise was as good as any salesman’s selling hair-growth tonic, which Angst had no experience with at all, ever. But the fact that she felt safe meant something. He didn’t, but would he ever?
“Fine,” Angst grumbled. He removed the swords from his back and pressed his way through the young herd. He placed both foci upright on their tip to hover vertically over the ground. Chryslaenor stood on the left side of the entrance, and Dulgirgraut on the right. He whispered something fancy in the ancient Acratic language before saying aloud, “If they touch you, turn them into slugs.”
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