“I think you shouldn’t have mocked us, Ordath,” Rose spoke, her voice surprisingly calm, and rushed forward, clasping Ember in both hands as she channeled her full power into the sword.
“What—” Ordath exclaimed, two arrows buried in his left shoulder, and he took a step back and raised his sword to block Ember.
Rose’s blazing sword cut straight through Ordath’s, though it managed to slow her attack somewhat, and he bellowed in pain as Ember cut deep into his right shoulder, flaring with immense heat as it seared through flesh and bone. Kitania quickly spun and stabbed through Ordath’s left armpit, piercing deep into his body, and Ordath froze for a moment, blood beginning to bubble up in his mouth.
“This… won’t kill me…” Ordath gasped, to Rose’s shock as he abruptly grabbed her wrists, clenching so tightly she almost lost her grip on Ember, while his other hand grabbed the shaft of Kitania’s cloudpiercer.
“Will this?” Isalla interrupted from behind him, and Rose saw her friend standing directly behind Ordath with the bow fully drawn, a glittering arrow nocked and aimed at the base of Ordath’s skull.
Before Ordath could react, Isalla loosed the arrow, and at such a close range she couldn’t really miss. The arrow punched into the back of the archangel’s head, and he froze, his eyes going wide as his mouth worked, but his hands slowly relaxed.
The archangel slowly shrank, his eyes rolling back in his head as he collapsed into a heap, and Rose felt the heat that’d been surging through her slowly sizzle and begin fading, leaving her body aching in its passage. She slumped over, groaning softly as she asked. “Was… was that it?”
“I think so,” Isalla said, swallowing hard as she looked toward the door, wincing. “Is everyone alright?”
“I don’t know that I’d say alright, but I think we’re alive,” Vinara said, leaning against the door, amidst the wreckage of the table that’d hit her, obviously dazed.
The mage who’d been next to her was slumped on the ground unconscious, and Rose realized they must have been hit by the crystal ball, based on the shape of the dent in her helmet. The elf was dead, a bloody dagger next to her body, and most of the soldiers who’d accompanied them were injured.
“All but Eziel,” Kitania said, her eyes darkening as she pulled the cloudpiercer from Ordath’s body, slowly approaching the woman’s body.
“She saved my life,” Isalla said, her voice trembling as she looked down at Eziel’s body. “She… she threw me out of the way, and after I’d been so mean to her. Why would she do that?”
“Because she wanted Kitania to be happy. She wanted to make up for her mistakes,” Rose said simply, closing her eyes as grief and relief warred within her, causing tears to well up in her eyes. Rose didn’t try to fight the tears as she shook her head slowly. “I hate sacrifices.”
“You aren’t the only one,” Kitania said softly, reaching down to close Eziel’s eyes. “Perhaps she can be raised from the dead, but… chances are this is the end.”
Rose knew Kitania was right. Even with the body of the dead, less than a third of the time a person could be brought back after their soul had departed. If they’d had someone capable of it immediately, it was more likely, but they didn’t. Instead, Rose nodded slightly, murmuring. “Well, we’ll find out once the others catch up. Assuming they won.”
“I’m sure they did,” Kitania said, letting out a sigh as she straightened. “In the meantime, let’s let them know and get the injured tended to. The dead aren’t going anywhere.”
“I… suppose you’re right,” Isalla said, letting out a sigh. She set down the bow and followed Kitania toward the man who’d been backhanded into the wall.
Rose hesitated, then asked, “So, you have an angelic mantle, Kitania?”
“Apparently so, which is just the tiniest bit disconcerting,” Kitania murmured, prompting a morbid chuckle from Rose as she sheathed Ember.
Turning away, Rose decided to help Karakel first, since having both arms broken couldn’t be fun. She did wonder what the voice in her head had been from, though. It might have been Ember itself, but she wasn’t certain.
Not that it mattered. What mattered was that they’d won.
Chapter 48
“That wasn’t how I expected her to die,” Estalia murmured, and Kitania looked at her mother and arched an eyebrow curiously.
“Oh? How did you expect her to die, then?” Kitania asked, not really wanting to look at the pyre that was consuming Eziel’s body. It was painful to watch, and looking at Anna and Estalia helped distract her, as did Isalla holding onto her tightly. At least her mother’s mantle was good for something.
“Honestly, I half-expected her to eventually die as your servant, not as a hero,” Estalia said, prompting a slight smile from Kitania, though it simply sharpened her pain.
Kitania was surprised at how much Eziel’s death hurt, in the end. It wasn’t as though she’d been close to the angel, especially not since she knew that her mother had broken Eziel’s mind. Yet at the same time, for weeks Eziel had been a quiet, attentive presence doing her best to help Kitania get through her life, and she’d saved their lives when they ran into Sorm. It wasn’t a surprise when the attempt to resurrect Eziel failed, but Kitania had been a little startled by her need to dab tears from her eyes.
Now they were watching her pyre burn below the incredible skies of the heavens themselves. It was a private pyre, relatively speaking, and Kitania could sense the watchful gazes of members of the Order of the Phoenix watching them in the distance. She was more surprised that the angels hadn’t tried to kill Estalia after they’d taken many members of the Society of Golden Light into custody, but she supposed they didn’t dare, after the damage the heavens had taken over the last few days. The numerous craters and destruction surrounding the Eagle Citadel had shocked her, though at least it hadn’t exploded like Rosken had.
Even so, the heavens had boiled over with a full-scale rebellion, from what Kitania had heard, though the loss of its leaders and many of their plans going awry had kept the rebellion from gaining as much ground as they might have hoped, especially as the rumors spread that the Lord of Light had been the creation of the society’s leaders. Still, the fragments Kitania had heard indicated that the rebels had managed to take over several regions and minor continents, which meant that the heavenly orders had their hands full, and didn’t want to risk alienating the archangel of war, not when Estalia had informed them that she’d be heading home soon.
Soon was today, in fact, and a part of Kitania was relieved to be leaving. As beautiful as the heavens were, there was also a great deal of grief here, as far as she was concerned. They’d taken a trip to where Isalla had grown up, escorted by wary angelic soldiers, and the sight of the burned-out husk of a house and overgrown fields had caused Isalla to break down in tears. Kitania thought her lover would be grieving for a long time, and she hoped that distance would help.
Even more frustrating had been how nearly twenty elders from the Emberborn family had shown up and demanded that Rose return Ember to them, as she’d betrayed the family. Kitania had been fairly certain that Anna had been about to interfere, but Rose had stopped her with a look, and had carefully placed the sword on a pedestal and invited them to take it if they could.
After virtually every visiting member of the family had burned themselves trying to reclaim the sword, they’d ended up leaving much less pompously than they’d arrived, which had been surprisingly satisfying, from Kitania’s perspective.
“So, you’re planning to stay in the Forest of Sighs for a time?” Anna asked, looking at Kitania, then her gaze flicked up to take in the sight of Alserah behind Kitania. “I should say that I don’t object, I just would like some time to talk more, Kitania.”
“Mm, I think it’s more comfortable for Isalla and Rose, and the food is much better,” Kitania replied, smiling wryly. “Oh, I intend to come back and have some words with you, but it’s going to take some time. I also need to sort things
out with Niadra. I’ve no idea what she’s been up to, and I’m… well, confused.”
“I think you may find that she’s moved on,” Alserah interjected politely, letting out a soft sigh as she spoke. “I’m a trifle disappointed, but… I fear that my permission to court you caused her to lose restraint more than anything.”
“Really? That’s… well, a bit surprising,” Kitania said, blinking at the goddess, and her mood dimmed a little more. A tiny part of her was relieved, but at the same time she noticed that the goddess was staying rather close. That was particularly interesting, since the rest of the deities who’d participated in the battle had already left.
“Indeed, but such is what it is,” Alserah said, smiling at Kitania warmly. “Regardless, I’ve already taken measures to correct some of her mistakes. Cecilia isn’t in quite as honored of a position, but she’ll be in charge of your stay when you visit. If she messes it up, she’s never going to return to court, however, and she knows it.”
“Ah, I see. Well, it sounds like you have things planned out,” Rose said, a hint of amusement in her voice, as well as melancholy. She paused for a long moment, then murmured, “What do you think the consequences of all this will be?”
No one spoke for a long minute. Finally, Anna sighed and murmured, “I think that the unity of the heavens and the northern alliance has broken at last. If the hells decide to attack, things may go… poorly. That’s something I fear, especially after the destruction in the hells.”
“On the other hand, the devices have been destroyed, and the angels who created them destroyed their research,” Estalia said, smiling thinly as she shrugged. “I wish I could say that nothing like them will be created again, but there are no guarantees in this world. I’ll try to mitigate any calls for war, but there’s only so much I can do.”
“We’ll just have to deal with it a day at a time,” Isalla said softly, speaking at last.
“I’m mostly surprised you didn’t decide to claim one of the mantles yourself, if I’m being honest. Either you or Rose would make excellent archangels, if you asked me,” Estalia teased, her smile lighting up the clearing a little more.
“Thank you, but no. I don’t want that power, or the responsibility which would come with it,” Isalla said, shaking her head firmly, then grinned at Kitania as she added, “Kitty can keep hers, too. She obviously needs it.”
Kitania let out an exaggerated sigh, and laughter echoed around the clearing in response. After a moment she replied softly. “I like them as they are, Mother. Life will move onward, no matter what choices we make. You have your choices, and I have mine.”
“Very well. I just hope to see you in the near future, hm?” Estalia said, smiling a little more. “That said, I think it’s time that we paid our final respects to Eziel.”
Kitania nodded, looking back toward the pyre with a pang of guilt. She looked at what remained of the angel, taking a deep breath, then let it out uselessly as she bowed her head to pray for the woman’s soul.
Beside her, Isalla murmured. “Thank you, Eziel. I’m sorry I didn’t treat you as well as I should have… but you saved my life anyway. I’ll remember that, I promise.”
The only answer was the crackling of flames as the pyre slowly continued burning, but despite that Kitania felt the faintest sense of relief. She hoped it was from Eziel.
Chapter 49
“Hello, Niadra,” Kitania said calmly and resisted the urge to grin as the elf almost jumped, pulling away from the blonde woman she’d been about to kiss.
The gardens in Alserah’s palace were as beautiful as they’d been the last time Kitania had visited, though different flowers were now in bloom, and the sun was shining brightly overhead, even if there was a faint haze in the sky. She’d been told that was from the destruction of the portal, as an immense amount of dust had been thrown in the air.
More importantly, she hadn’t seen Niadra when she returned to the palace, and no one had seemed to know where she was. Considering for a moment, Kitania had decided to check the corner of the gardens where Niadra had taken her during the ball, so she wasn’t too surprised to find the princess here. With Alserah’s warning, she also wasn’t surprised that someone else was with her, though both elven women were blushing brightly.
“Oh, Kitania! I didn’t realize you were back!” Niadra exclaimed, quickly climbing to her feet, smoothing out the deep purple dress she was wearing. Her hair was a little mussed, Kitania noticed in amusement, though Niadra probably didn’t realize that. More importantly, Kitania could see the faint frustration in Niadra’s gaze, and realized that Alserah was right, which reinforced her decision.
“Mm, of course you didn’t. I only got back about half an hour ago and thought I should come see you,” Kitania said, glancing at the blonde, who was looking between them skittishly, looking like she was about to bolt.
“I see; that would explain it. Well, I was just—” Niadra began, but Kitania forestalled her by raising a finger and shaking her head.
“There’s no need for excuses, Niadra,” Kitania said gently, looking back at her calmly. “In fact, I came here to thank you, and to say goodbye.”
“What?” Niadra asked, blinking in shock.
“You saved me at one of the lowest points of my life, Niadra. Your company kept me from collapsing into despair, and for that I’ll be forever thankful. However… it’s obvious to me that it was fleeting. You and I come from different worlds, and not in a figurative sense, either,” Kitania said, staring into Niadra’s eyes, keeping a lid on the faint sense of loss that struck her at the sight of Niadra’s confusion, then trepidation. “You’ve moved on, I can see that. I’ve also moved on, I’m afraid, so… I think it’s time for us to part. Live well, Niadra. I will be in the country for a time, so feel free to call upon me, but… I think all we are at this point is friends.”
“I… I…” Niadra began, but she didn’t manage anything more, and after a few moments Kitania inclined her head slightly and turned away to leave the elf behind.
It hurt a little, Kitania had to admit, but now they were both free to do what they willed with their futures.
“You really like our food that much?” Cecilia asked, carefully pouring tea into the cups. “I often wondered why you seemed to enjoy meals here so much.”
“Oh, you have no idea,” Kitania said, picking up the cup and inhaling the fragrance with half-lidded eyes, a happy smile on her face. “Compared to the hells, food here is… is ambrosia. Mostly, anyway. There are some good wines there, and a few other things.”
“I particularly liked the apples,” Isalla chimed in, taking her own cup as well.
“The apples?” Alserah asked, looking over curiously. Her presence was a little odd, but the others seemed to be slowly adapting to the goddess’s aura, and Kitania enjoyed her company. A tiny part of Kitania wondered how Maura and Yain were doing on their way back, since she’d been told they were being teleported to the coast.
“They’re interesting, like they almost have a bit of cinnamon mixed into them. Not quite as sweet as most apples, but tasty,” Isalla explained, and Kitania chuckled softly.
“You particularly liked the pie I made,” Kitania murmured, smiling as she opened her eyes and took a sip of the tea. After savoring it for a moment, she looked at Cecilia and nodded at her. “Thank you, Cecilia, I think I needed this.”
“You’re most welcome. I’m simply glad I’m not stuck at home, dealing with my parents’ disappointment,” Cecilia said, setting the pot down and busying herself with rearranging her cart.
“I can’t say as I blame you. I had some difficulties with my family as well,” Rose said sympathetically, taking a moment to stretch, then looked at Alserah. “So, were there any plans for today?”
“Not in specific, but I thought I might invite you to go hunting with me,” Alserah said, gracefully taking a sip of her tea, and the goddess smiled. “I particularly like the outdoors, and even if we don’t take any game, I find hunting restfu
l.”
“Mm… that seems like it could be nice. Particularly in an environment where most of the wildlife isn’t inclined to eat me,” Kitania said thoughtfully, sitting up straighter. “What do you two think?”
“Sure, I wouldn’t mind,” Isalla agreed, rolling her shoulders as she added, “My wings need to stretch, anyway. I slept funny last night.”
Rose laughed softly, and Kitania blushed a little, since she knew that it wasn’t that Isalla had slept oddly, but more that she’d rolled onto Isalla’s wing.
“After lunch, then?” Rose asked, looking at Kitania with a warm smile, and Kitania felt herself relaxing as she nodded.
“Sure, that sounds absolutely lovely,” Kitania said, and her blush deepened as Alserah looked at her, a faintly predatory look in the goddess’s eyes.
She had a suspicion that the goddess wasn’t planning on just hunting game, as it were. Based on what she’d seen, Kitania suspected that the goddess was settling in for a long chase where Kitania was concerned, which amused the demoness. She also didn’t particularly mind it, either.
At least the other two didn’t seem to object.
Epilogue
Looking into the room, Anna shook her head incredulously as she glanced at Estalia. “I cannot believe you got away with that, dear.”
“You’d be surprised at how easy it was to make a couple of bodies go missing,” Estalia replied, grinning broadly as she did so. “Besides, would you rather those zealots had gotten their hands on them?”
“No, of course not. They’re bad enough as it is,” Anna said helplessly, then chuckled under her breath. “The question is, what are you planning to do with them?”
Sitting in the room on a series of tables were the bodies of three angels. Not just any three angels, either, but three archangels, including Aelon himself, which somewhat startled Anna. The man had fallen rather far from where Estalia’s army had been, so she had no idea how Estalia had gotten her hands on it. More importantly, all three bodies still held their mantles, which would probably give most of the heavens heart failure if they knew about it. Any angel who got their hands on the bodies could absorb the mantles, after all.
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