A Legacy of Nightmares

by J. M. Wallace

  The men shifted on their feet and Shaye braced herself for a fight. But none came. Instead, the brothers looked to one another as if sharing thoughts only the two of them could hear. Shaye waited. Wordlessly they drew their swords. Shaye held her hands up ready to call on her magic, but instead of attacking her, or taking her to Bastian to out her as a traitor, they dropped to one knee.

  Holding their swords out to her, Ulf spoke. “Life for life. You have saved our friends, and for that you have our protection.”

  Shaye wanted to yelp with joy. If these two malicious men could offer her their protection, then perhaps there was still hope to turn more of Bastian’s men to her side. Or, at the very least, to turn them away from Bastian himself. She motioned for them to rise. With nothing left to say, the brothers turned away, disappearing into the darkness of the night.

  Shaye was willing to celebrate any victory, no matter how small. She took a deep breath, having found reprieve from the fear she had felt only moments ago. With her nerves settled, she entered the tent, suppressing a smile and instead looking indifferent. Bastian was laid out on her bed, while Brina sat silently in the corner with her hands folded on her lap. The Black Shuck was there too, gnawing on a large, bloody bone. It stained the expensive carpet underneath the beast’s massive paws, and Shaye felt disgusted at the sight.

  When Bastian noticed her presence, he sat up eagerly. “What did he say to you?”

  Shaye held tight to her power as she answered, keeping him shut out of her mind so that he would not know the truth. “Nothing much. Just that I’m making a mistake.” She sat down on the edge of the bed, picking at her nails.

  “And what did you say to that?”

  “I said that he should save his breath. I would rather be on the winning side.”

  Bastian laughed, delighted by her words. “Good girl.” He inched closer to her on the bed. “Once we dispose of him and that traitorous Ceasg, we will be free of distractions.” He ran a finger down her spine and she suppressed a shiver. She hated the way his touch felt; even more, she hated that she had to endure it to make him believe that she was his.

  “Would it be wise to dispose of them when they can still be of use to you?” Shaye could not let him sentence Sorin to death. She was risking everything to trick Bastian until she could make a move against him, but she would not risk Sorin’s life. I love you. She savored the memory of Sorin’s words ringing in her ears. It had taken every ounce of strength in her to walk away from him in that moment; to not say the words back, for fear of who may hear.

  Bastian’s soft touch on her back moved to a tight grip on her arm. He pulled her in close, turning her face to his with his other hand. “I do not need that mortal for anything. Nor do you. Do you understand?”

  Brina bristled in her seat, looking up with a fury that could destroy mountains—but Shaye held out a finger down low, out of Bastian’s sight. Brina sat back again, regaining her composure. Shaye needed to get a grasp on this before things got out of hand. She batted her lashes and caressed his angular face. Staring deep into his black-pooled eyes, she kissed him. Bastian grew hungry the moment their lips touched. He was on top of her before she could stop him.

  She pulled back—this was not what she wanted, but she could not say so without risking his wrath. She smiled sweetly at him as she said, “Bass, not like this, please.” She shifted from under his weight, and he rolled away from her with a raised eyebrow. Shaye was relieved not to see any signs of anger, but the amusement on his face made her breath quicken in anticipation.

  She continued, “It’s just... I would like it to be more meaningful between us. I wouldn’t want the camp to get the wrong idea about me. If I were to become your mistress, they would not respect me.” She was on dangerous ground here and needed to tread carefully.

  He was thoughtful before he spoke, “I’ve been thinking about that as well. That is why, when this is all over, we will wed.” He said it matter-of-factly, as if it were another mundane task to be checked off his list. He had not even asked her if it was what she had wanted, but she could not reveal her true feelings.

  Instead, she told him exactly what he wanted to hear, “I would love nothing more. But if I can make one request...? Think of it as a betrothal gift...” Shaye nuzzled her nose to his neck, keeping her breath even and steady.

  Bastian moaned, “Anything.”

  “Keep Sorin alive until after the battle. Allow him to witness the fall of his kingdom. It will be a mighty blow to his army to see their leader in Nefari chains.” Shaye kissed Bastian’s neck, and prayed to The Mother that it would be enough. She needed to keep Sorin alive long enough to figure out a way to save him.

  “That is a big request.” He kissed her, then breathlessly whispered, “I will grant it. I will spare him until the battle is over.”

  Relief washed over her, but before she could thank him, he grabbed her by the throat. His fingers dug into her soft flesh. “But do not forget, I hold the power here. The ritual to activate the Sword will go as I plan, or it will be your friends who suffer the consequences.” He released her throat, grabbing her chin and pointing her in Brina’s direction. Shaye fought back angry tears as her dear friend stared back at her with fear-filled eyes. He hissed into Shaye’s ear, “Do we have a deal?”

  She nodded, and he released her. Bastian rose to take his leave. When his Black Shuck stood to follow him, Bastian gave the command, “Stay. Make sure she does not make any late-night visits to our prisoner.”

  The canine bowed in answer, laying back down on the rug. Once Bastian was gone, Shaye gave the beast a vulgar gesture. “I could kill you, you know.”

  The Black Shuck bared his teeth in a challenge, but he did not move against her. She got under the furs on the bed, still dressed in the gown from earlier. She did not have the energy, or the heart, to change. The night had taken its toll, and all she could think about was how worried she was for Sorin. Umbra was a vicious and terrifying creature, and Shaye didn’t want to entertain the thought of what she might do to him, if given the opportunity.

  She heard Brina find her way to her own bed, and was relieved knowing that at least one of her friends was safe tonight. “Goodnight, Brina.”

  “Goodnight, Shaye.”

  Shaye regarded the Black Shuck with a sarcastic tone, “Goodnight, beast.” He rumbled in response.

  Shaye looked up into the shadows of the tent, then closed her eyes. In a hushed whisper, she said the words she had so desperately wanted to say earlier that night: “I love you too, Sorin.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Shaye

  Shaye awoke to shouts in the camp. She tumbled out of her bed, only to be met with the Black Shuck. He was staring at her with suspicious eyes. For a moment, he reminded her of Finn with his fiery attitude. There was intelligence behind his eyes, and, if he were not a hound from the depths of hell itself, then she thought she might have enjoyed having him around. As she dressed, she felt her curiosity about the shadowy beast peak. “Did he even bother to name you when he called you up from the gates of hell?”

  The hound snuffed at her. She removed her gown from the night before and put on a pair of fitted pants and a red blouse that had a deep V down the front. She rolled her eyes at the style that Bastian had chosen for her. Brina was dressing as well, and noticed Shaye talking to the beast.

  “Are you seriously talking to that monster?”

  “It’s not his fault that his master is a horse’s arse.”

  Brina laughed at that. It was the first time Shaye had heard her laugh in a long time. Things had been strained between the two of them since Shaye decided to play the role of Bastian’s pet. She knew it could not be easy for Brina to hold her tongue in the camp, and was actually quite impressed that she had been able to control her temper for as long as she had—particularly when faced with the poor treatment of the human servants. A few of the nastier Nefari soldiers had taken to bedding the unwed women, and using dark magic on the weaker men as e
ntertainment.

  Shaye knelt in front of the Shuck. “We’re a lot alike, you know. Both trapped here, and forced to play a role in this nightmare... Both thought of as nightmares ourselves.” She reached out a hand, but the hound made no move to meet her touch. “Perhaps I will give you a name.”

  At that, she swore she saw a glimmer in his eye. Bastian was feared by his followers, and she saw it in the hound, just as she saw it in his men. She had been clever the night before, taking the side of the guards; they were not likely to forget her mercy. If she could turn even a few of Bastian’s followers toward her favor, then it could make a big difference.

  “No need.” Signe spoke from the tent’s entrance. Her face was bruised and swollen; a long cut ran from her shoulder to her chest. It had been healed by magic but still left a scar. She carried two plates of food over to the table. “He is called Erebus. It means ‘deep shadow,’ or ‘covered,’ in the ancient tongue.”

  Shaye walked to the plate of food, taking a scrap of meat from it and handing it to the hound. He accepted it gratefully, laying at her feet while he ate. She took a chance and patted his head. His shadows danced away from her touch, but he accepted the gesture.

  “Erebus. It’s fitting.” Shaye rose and dusted her hands off. Regarding Signe she asked, “He released you?”

  “On the condition that I stay by your side throughout the ritual. He still has use for me since he still has a wish to use.” She sat across from Shaye and Brina, who now dug into their breakfast. Shaye knew it would be a long day, and she wanted to be at full strength.

  “The blood moon rises tonight.”

  Brina spilled her drink along the table. “Tonight? So soon?”

  “Yes. We must prepare you for the ritual, Shaye. Bastian has demanded that you stay in your quarters until it is time.” Signe poured herself a cup of tea and looked at Shaye as if waiting for her reaction.

  Shaye gaped at her, “That’s absurd.”

  Signe smiled knowingly. “You put on an impressive show, but he will not take any chances. Not when the stakes are so high.”

  Shaye threw her napkin down in frustration.

  Adella’s high pitched voice cut in cheerfully from the tent’s entrance, “Poor dear, confined and forced to miss all of the festivities of the day.” She walked into the tent as if she owned it, taking a moment to admire herself in the floor-length mirror. She smoothed out her pale hair piled high on her head, and straightened the skirts of her obnoxious gown. Lace and frills had no place in a war camp, nor did she.

  “What are you doing here, Adella?” Shaye did not bother to use her title, knowing the slight would irritate her.

  It worked. Adella bristled and turned to Shaye, her face as red as the apple sitting on Shaye’s plate. “Bastian is with my father right now, you know. They are making preparations for after the battle.”

  “Why would I care what Bastian and your father discuss?”

  Adella sat beside Signe, helping herself to the cup of tea in front of Brina. She did not acknowledge the two women, only Shaye. “You should care. He won’t need you after tonight. Once he has used you, and your power, to get what he needs, he will throw you away.”

  Shaye laughed, and sat back in her seat. She held her hand out below, and Erebus came to her. He nuzzled his pointed snout at her hand and she stroked his rough fur, never taking her eyes off of Adella.

  The arrogant woman shifted in her seat, uncomfortable in the presence of the hellhound, but she did not leave the topic alone. “It’s true. My father is making plans for our betrothal as we speak.”

  Brina let out a loud bark of laughter, “Bastian is going to marry you? You’re crazier than you look.”

  Adella looked as if she would claw Brina’s eyes from her face. She snapped, “Servants should be seen, not heard. I could have you whipped for your insolence.”

  Shaye’s anger flared, and through gritted teeth she said, “You do not address her, Adella. You do not come in here, and insult me, or my friends.” Erebus growled by her side, eyeing Adella’s throat.

  Brina did not back down at Adella’s threat. “You are mortal. Do you not see how he treats us? You honestly think that you will have a place in his court when all of this is over? You will be lucky if he even allows you to shine his shoes. Mortals, all of us, will be enslaved the moment he has full power over the kingdom. Surely you are not so vain as to believe you will be treated any differently.”

  Adella shook her head violently and stood. “You know nothing—and when I am queen, sitting by our lord’s side, you will be sorry.” She left the tent with a swish of her ugly gown.

  Shaye rolled her eyes. “That was fun. Now how will we occupy the rest of our day?”

  Brina smiled wickedly, “Let’s start by making our own plans.”

  The day passed by fairly quickly. Shaye, Brina, and Signe spent the day lounging in the tent, relishing in the cool shade. The days were growing warmer as the Summer Solstice neared.

  Brina hummed to herself across from Shaye. She was in better spirits than Shaye had seen her in since being at the camp. Shaye was relieved to see her friend back to her fierce self. Shaye found her spirits rising as well. She was feeling better than she had in weeks, and even took a moment to tap into her natural magic. It had been a challenge to use it since she had accessed the dark magic of the Nefari. Even now, as she tried to raise the droplets of water from her glass, she struggled. It felt as if her Druid power was resisting her.

  She took a sip of her lemon water as they plotted against Bastian. They were careful to speak in whispers so that the guards outside would not be able to hear them. New guards were assigned to her for the day, and Shaye hoped it was because Gorm and Ulf had been needed elsewhere—not because someone had overheard their declaration to her the night before.

  As she continued to try to raise water from the pitcher in front of her, she said, “I need to speak to the twins.”

  “Gorm and Ulf? Why in the world would you want to speak to them?” Brina bit into a plum.

  Shaye released the droplets. She was out of breath from the strain of holding them. “Because Bastian messed up last night. He humiliated and brutalized his men like they meant nothing to him. By saving their friends, I earned their respect.”

  “Life for life,” Signe whispered.

  “Exactly.” Shaye sat forward. “We target the powerful Nefari, closest to Bastian. When the time comes, they will hesitate to help him.” She smiled wickedly. Holding her hand out to a bare patch of dirt, she called on the land to sprout life. She closed her eyes, feeling the resistance again. Nothing came.

  Signe put a hand on hers. “Give it time, Shaye. Your magic will return to its full strength, you just have to be patient.”

  Shaye wanted to believe her. “What if losing my divine magic is the cost of the black magic I have used?” It was something she had feared more of as of late. When she had not been able to fully heal the punished guards, she had been terrified. “What if each time I use black magic, it eats away more of my natural magic?”

  Signe shook her head. “I cannot say for certain. I fear I do not know much of Druid magic. But I know you. I have seen you these last weeks and Ingemar has told me of your strength. If anyone can overcome this and heal from it, it is you.”

  Shaye appreciated the sentiment, but deep down grieved for her magic, and for her soul. Shouting came from outside of the tent again. It sounded as if the camp was readying for battle, and it was driving Shaye crazy being confined to the tent. She needed to have eyes on Bastian and his men.

  A whistle cut through the noise—it was coming from the back of her tent. She held a finger up to Brina and Signe and said, “Stay here.”

  “Shaye, you don’t know—”

  “I would know that whistle anywhere.” She grinned, hurrying to the back of the tent and lifting the canvas off the ground. A mousy teenage girl was peeking from underneath. She was dressed in Nefari garb, gloves on her hands. Gloves to cover her untain
ted pink hands. Runa smiled up at her mischievously. Shaye helped her crawl inside of the tent, and the two of them embraced.

  “Runa, what are you doing?”

  “Cap’n was worried. He heard you had been placed under house arrest, so he sent me. The Nefari are too distracted to notice someone like me.” She smiled proudly. Her hair was longer than Shaye had remembered, brushing past her ears. She had no words for how happy she was to see her friend.

  “Tell him I am fine. I’m more concerned about all of you. Is everyone okay?”

  “Yes, the crew is with King Sorin’s people... Your people. When the king was taken, Ingemar and Mavka escaped with Bron. They are all awaiting word.”

  “Word from Sorin will not come. He is under heavy guard, not even I can get to him.”

  “No, Shaye... They’re awaiting word from you.”

  Shaye was surprised. She had been worried that Bron and the others had not forgiven her for the attack on them. And after how she had ignored them all on the island, doing as Bastian had bid, she thought they would all have believed the worst of her. Shaye put her head in her hands and then brushed her long hair back away from her face. She needed to think. Knowing that the others were depending on her was a weight she did not want to carry. Not when she still had to figure out a way to stop the ceremony tonight.

  “Okay, look, we’re vastly outnumbered here. And with Sorin captured, there is no one to lead the army. Runa, I need you to tell Bron that I have convinced Bastian to stay Sorin’s execution. If we cannot free Sorin before tomorrow, then Bron will need to lead the army.”

  “The clans are awaiting his orders as well. When they arrive, their forces will level the playing field.” Runa looked hopeful.

  “Not if the Sword is activated.” Shaye scrambled to keep her thoughts straight. She was trying to think of what Sorin would do in this situation. “Mavka and Ingemar will lead the clans. With them and Bron occupied, it will be up to you and the rest of the crew to bide your time. Keep your eyes on Sorin, and the moment you see an opening, take it. Get him far from here, and keep him there, no matter what happens to me.”