Queen of the Gryphons: Ishtar's Legacy: Books 1 & 2

by Lisa Blackwood

  “Didn’t see that coming, did you, old friend?”

  Shouting, Enkara lunged forward as Ishtar’s fiery power boiled up from inside her. With a swift thrust, she impaled the Anunnaki on her now flaming blade. The magic roared higher and the host body burned to ash in heartbeats.

  Even over the heat of Ishtar’s magic, Enkara felt the Anunnaki’s cold power, a crisp chill in the center of the inferno. As it brushed past her, she swore she heard the Anunnaki’s laughter before he vanished, returning to the underworld, a dark soul in his grasp.

  Shaking in reaction, Enkara could only stand there and watch the cloud of ash disperse as the fiery power vanished as quickly as the Anunnaki. Gathering her thoughts, she turned to Kuwari.

  Looking him over for other injuries, the only one she spotted was the slice where the Anunnaki’s blade had grazed his thigh.

  “You need to have that looked at,” Enkara said as she set aside the sword she’d taken from the fallen Shadow. She wrapped her free arm around his waist, urging him to take some weight off his injured leg.

  “I’m fine. It’s just a minor wound. A healer will make short work of it. I want to see my family and then later you and I are going to discuss what we just heard.”

  “Fine. Healer first. It looks like your family made it through the battle unscathed. You’re the only idiot who leaped past the defensive line and into the thick of battle.” Enkara helped him limp towards where King Ditanu and the rest of Kuwari’s siblings were gathered.

  Her body was still primed for a fight, and even as she supported Kuwari, she scanned the area for any sign of the next attack.

  “That was an Anunnaki,” Kuwari’s lips brushed her ear as he spoke in a whisper. “The same one in my visions. Worse, he still seems to think he knows me.”

  Enkara frowned in thought. “This discussion needs to wait until we’ve alone.”

  “That’s...” Kuwari stumbled. “I feel strange.”

  Sweat was beading on his skin where there had been only a slight sheen of moisture before. Even though her magic wasn’t warning her of danger to Kuwari’s life, it was clear he was in distress.

  “The blade of the throwing knife. Poison!” Enkara shouted as she met his unfocused eyes. “Kuwari. Talk to me. Don’t close your eyes.”

  She tightened her grip when he started to slump forward.

  “Help! Kuwari has been poisoned!”

  Her shouts for help had others running towards her, but before even the first reached her, Kuwari slumped to the ground in the boneless manner of the dead.

  Enkara’s shouts for help changed to panicked screams for a healer. Then looking down at Kuwari’s still form, she called on the cold power that lived within. It eagerly answered her call. She did not think or hesitate, begging Ereshkigal not to take Kuwari’s soul to the underworld.

  Chapter 27

  Drums pounded in his head and Kuwari wondered what he’d drank the night before and how much, so he wouldn’t do it again. Strange, he didn’t remember drinking, and since he preferred to remain alert for any and all chances to seduce Enkara, he couldn’t dredge up a good reason why he’d overindulged.

  Someone shifted positions next to him and he only then discovered Enkara was curled up next to him.

  “Thank the Goddess you’re awake.”

  He blinked open heavy-lidded eyes and slowly Enkara’s face came into focus. The strange blurriness vanished after a couple more rapid blinks.

  “What?” Flashes of memory returned even as he asked.

  There had been an assassination attempt. Sword fights. Screaming and rushing people.

  Hmm. Enkara was a warm weight pressed against the length of his body. So nice.

  “Kuwari, can you talk?” Enkara’s worried voice roused him enough that he grinned up at her foolishly. “Of course, anything for you.”

  “Do you remember what happened?”

  She was too serious. He didn’t like it. His mind and body were turning to less serious things.

  “Kuwari?” Enkara leaned down until they were nearly nose to nose.

  Grinning, he lifted his head and kissed her on the tip of her nose.

  Enkara spoiled his fun by leaning back. “Priestess?”

  At Enkara’s call, Kuwari’s great-aunt Kammani appeared in his field of vision. Damn. He’d much prefer to be alone with Enkara right now.

  Maybe he could talk her into sending Kammani and the guards away.

  “I know what you’re thinking. Don’t bother,” Enkara snapped at him. “You’re too weak from the poison.”

  “Poison? I feel fine.”

  “Well, you’re not. At least you weren’t when you first collapsed.”

  “Now that I think about it, there is something that would make me feel good.” His suggestion was accompanied with a little wiggle of his fingers along her side.

  “You said he’d be fine,” Enkara’s voice came out more accusation than statement. “What’s wrong with him?”

  “Nothing. I feel fine.” It wasn’t until both females turned to study him that he realized Enkara had been addressing Kammani.

  “As I said earlier, the poison wasn’t designed to kill. It was intended to incapacitate its victim, likely so the Prince could be more easily stolen away. This euphoria he’s experiencing must be a side effect,” Kammani said.

  But it didn’t look like the priestess’s words reassured Enkara.

  Then he remembered more about the attack. Some of the assassins had been Anunnaki.

  He needed to think, but his mind swung in a hundred different directions.

  “Your parents are waiting in the outer chambers. I’ll have one of the Shadows notify them that you’re awake.”

  It took longer than it should for him to realize it was Kammani and not Enkara speaking to him.

  As promised, his parents rushed into the room and were soon lavishing him with hugs and promises that they would hunt down those responsible for this latest atrocity. His father assured him none of their family had been hurt, but fourteen Shadows had been killed.

  Fourteen deaths. He knew each and every one of them. Shadows were masters of their weapons. The number of deaths was shocking. He was still swallowing that bit of news when his father informed him that shortly after he’d lost consciousness, three Lamassu had thundered into the hall and revealed the nature of the enemy.

  Now his parents were aware something very serious was afoot if an Anunnaki was involved. Instinctively, he wanted to guard his tongue, fearing even a hint of a half lie would have Iltani digging for the truth.

  “Kuwari, they need to know,” Enkara whispered along the link.

  She was correct. Now that his sisters and brothers and other innocent lives were in peril, he needed to tell the truth. Or at least enough that his parents knew the true depth of danger.

  Drawing in a deep breath, he told of his visions, how he’d first seen snippets but didn’t understand their meaning. It wasn’t until recently that everything came into focus. He told of how Ereshkigal wished to steal Enkara away from Ishtar and claim him in some perversion of the Sacred Marriage and how only Ishtar’s protection had prevented that so far.

  His parents were in an uproar for most of the afternoon. Angry at him for not speaking of what he knew earlier. Angry at Enkara for following his lead. Angry at the gods.

  Eventually, his parents left him to rest and recover from the poison while they discussed this new danger in more detail. Once his parents were gone, he turned his thoughts towards Enkara, apologizing for the chastising she’d received for following his wishes.

  Enkara dropped down onto his bed and then drew her legs up to sit cross-legged beside him.

  “I knew what I was getting into when you asked for my silence. Besides, it’s not like this is the first time you’ve gotten me in trouble.” Enkara bumped her shoulder against his and Kuwari relaxed.

  “Sleep now,” he urged, sensing her exhaustion through the link they shared. He pulled her to his side. “I’m
safe. We’re surrounded by Shadows and defensive magic. I even saw a Lamassu patrolling by the windows. There’s probably more in the gardens. We’re as safe now as we’re ever likely to be.”

  He didn’t think his reassurance would be enough but eventually, Enkara’s eyelids drooped and she slumped against his side, her breathing deepening in sleep.

  Chapter 28

  The day after the assassination attempt Kuwari and his siblings were bundled up and packed on the backs of Lamassu. The fierce and watchful behemoths were the only deterrent against another attack by an Anunnaki.

  King Ditanu wasn’t taking any chances and wanted everyone back on Nineveh where they’d be safer with its greater layers of defensives spells. Kuwari had scowled and complained vocally, but for once he failed to sway his parents. Enkara was glad he lost that argument.

  The flight was swift and brutal. From her seat behind Kuwari, she watched with tearing eyes as their Lamassu’s vast wings ate up great distances with each flap. Below, the ocean sped by as wind tore at her hair, making speech almost impossible. Well, verbal speech.

  Kuwari continued grumbling about being well enough to fly in gryphon form.

  “No, you’re not. Stop whining,” Enkara mentally blasted along their mental link. Ahead of her, Kuwari flinched, no doubt his ‘mental’ ears were ringing.

  “You’re correct,” Kuwari countered, surprising her. “It’s not the Lamassu that’s bothering me. There’s another problem that presented itself just before the start of the festivities yesterday.”

  “What?! Why didn’t you tell me?” Enkara fought the urge to grab his shoulders and give him a shake.

  “I didn’t have time and it certainly isn’t something I’d consider life or death. More of an inconvenience I just haven’t found a solution for yet.”

  Kuwari told her what Councilor Nakurtum had learned about her heritage and the ultimatum she’d issued.

  “Ultimatum? It’s blackmail and treason against the royal family! I will kill her,” Enkara said in earnest.

  “You won’t.” Kuwari’s voice was calm. “For now, I’ll allow the Councilor to believe I’m willing to go along with her plan.”

  “This is my fault.”

  Kuwari laughed. “Hardly. We don’t get to choose the family we’re born into. It’s not your fault that fate dropped your soul into a nest of treasonous snakes. Your heritage won’t remain hidden forever. If not Nakurtum, someone else would have eventually unearthed the information.”

  “I hate that she’s using this against you.”

  “Can’t say I’m happy about it either.”

  “And she’s willing to use her own daughter horribly.” Enkara scowled at his back. “Are you sure I can’t just kill Nakurtum?”

  “No killing.” Kuwari twisted around to grin at her. “My beautiful Blade is developing a bloodthirsty streak.”

  “It’s not bloodthirsty when it’s a necessary duty.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “You haven’t told your parents yet, have you?”

  “No. They have enough to concern themselves with. This problem with Nakurtum is just an annoyance, not a deadly threat. If I can’t handle one unruly councilor, then I’m not fit to rule one of the city-states, let alone all of New Sumer.”

  “Very well.” But if Kuwari couldn’t find a way to neutralize Nakurtum, she’d have a very firm word with the councilor, reminding her that a Blade’s duty was to protect the crown from all threats. That included the Council.

  Chapter 29

  In the days following their arrival back on Nineveh, routine slowly returned to the palace. There were no more mysterious visitations by Anunnaki, assassination attempts, or councilors trying their hand at blackmail. Kuwari hadn’t had any visions either. Enkara was grateful for the reprieve even if she was sure it was only temporary.

  The healers were still fussing over Kuwari, much to his displeasure, but they assured his family he was healthy. Though, they still wanted him to stay in bed for another day to be certain there were no symptoms still to manifest from the poison.

  Even though everything seemed to be peaceful, Enkara hadn’t wanted to leave Kuwari’s side for a moment. But Burrukan and Iltani had insisted that she continue her training, saying it was now even more critical that she master all forms of weapons and battle tactics. She couldn’t disagree with that logic.

  Shortly after noon both her instructors freed her from the morning-long training session since they had a council meeting to attend. Their slumped shoulders said they’d much rather stay and continue her lessons.

  As Enkara made her way back to Kuwari’s chambers, she hoped the healers’ duties would pull them away elsewhere to give her some time alone with him. They still needed to concoct a plan to deal with Nakurtum.

  She nodded to the guards outside Kuwari’s suite and then proceeded within. Voices drifted from somewhere deeper in the chamber and Enkara followed the sound of conversation.

  “What? Can’t you smuggle me something more palatable than that weak broth the healer’s keep shoving at me?” Kuwari’s voice held more humorous affection than annoyance.

  “If I tried to smuggle food, the Shadows would grow suspicious.”

  The feminine voice was familiar. Enkara halted outside Kuwari’s bedchamber to observe. Lady Kullaa was perched in a chair with a scroll unrolled in her lap trying not to laugh, while Kuwari sat in his bed glowering down at the bowl of broth in his hands.

  “One roll, that’s all I asked for.”

  Lady Kullaa snorted. “And have them think I have nefarious plans in mind? No, thank you.”

  Kuwari grunted and sniffed at his broth. “The only nefarious plans are the ones your mother has set in motion.”

  Kullaa glanced down at her scroll, a stricken look on her face. “I am so sorry about that. I can’t express how much I wished I’d kept what I’d learned to myself. But I foolishly thought I could challenge my mother into allowing me to court…someone else.”

  “Oh, stop beating yourself up over that. Like I said earlier, even my father has lost a few rounds in the council chambers to Nakurtum.”

  “I should have found a way to get a warning to you before she spirited me away to Nippur.”

  “Things don’t always happen as they should or how we’d wish. That’s life.”

  Kullaa murmured her agreement and then returned to reading the scroll out loud. It was details taken from Nippur’s ledgers. Not exactly a romantic ballot, but Enkara couldn’t help but read more into it.

  Kuwari and Kullaa would make a beautiful pair. If life had taken a different path and if Ishtar, or perhaps it was Ereshkigal, hadn’t chosen Enkara as her Blade, would she ever have met the prince? Likely not. Or, at least, she wouldn’t have known him as she did now—as a friend and the man she loved.

  He would still be the Crown Prince of New Sumer, but she would be just another noble, one working to increase her house and personal status. Enkara could see how if she and Kuwari had never met, Lady Kullaa might have ended up mated to the prince.

  The thought made Enkara infinitely sad. And yet it would be a happier outcome than if the Queen of the Underworld managed to spirit Kuwari off to her realm.

  Enkara had no plans to become a tool for Ereshkigal, but she wasn’t so foolish to think it couldn’t happen. Perhaps Nakurtum had the right of it all along.

  Enkara took a step back, retreating the way she’d come.

  “I know you’re there,” Kuwari called from his bed. “Don’t you dare go sneaking away again. I’ve been waiting half the day to see you. Enkara!”

  Groaning under her breath, she turned on her heels and crossed into Kuwari’s sleeping chamber. Sometimes she forgot the deep soul tie that linked them flowed in both directions. He always knew where she was.

  It was somewhat of a hindrance in this case.

  “Ah. There is my betrothed,” Kuwari said with a grin and then rolled his eyes towards Lady Kullaa. “She’s been avoiding me since yesterday.”

  “I haven
’t been avoiding you.” Enkara snorted and arched her brow. “Queen Iltani and Burrukan have been keeping me busy. They only now released me from weapons practice.”

  “What about this morning?”

  He just wasn’t letting it go. Well, maybe that shouldn’t have been unexpected. She had left before he’d awoken this morning.

  “Your father was questioning Queen Iltani and I earlier this morning. He wanted to go over every detail about the attack again. He was concerned that the Shadows and the Lamassu didn’t sense them until the attack was underway. He assumed it was a spell anchored to a medallion like what the enemy has used in the past.”

  Kuwari grunted in answer. Whether he was unhappy with her excuse or his broth, she wasn’t sure.

  “The Shadows looked over the bodies carefully. No medallions were found. High Priestess Kammani was there as well. She wasn’t able to discern how the assassins hid their intent.”

  “That’s easy to figure out.” Kuwari smiled, though it was more a flash of white wolfish teeth against his brown skin than an expression of humor. “Certain Anunnaki are more powerful than others. The seven judges of the underworld can hide their presence from even a Lamassu for a short time if they are careful not to call on too much power while they are in the mortal world.”

  “How do you know that?”

  Kuwari looked momentarily puzzled. “I must have read in somewhere in my studies. My tutors made me learn everything. I’m sure I’ve forgotten more than I remember.”

  Enkara frowned. “The ancient texts mention the seven judges of the underworld, but I don’t remember reading anything about Anunnaki with special powers.”

  “Perhaps we should travel to Uruk and see if the scrolls might give us other more useful clues,” Kuwari suggested, a new purposeful look entering his eyes. “Besides, I still wanted to research Asharru and Tirigan more, to look for similarities with our…problem.”