Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

Chapter 24

  While they waited for some high ranking officials to join the meeting Alex calmly asked Allahandra “Did you find anything worthwhile in my absence? Did any of my suggestions become reality?”

  She smiled knowingly. “Actually we have uncovered a few details. And you were on to something we all had missed. I’ve had only my most eldest aids, who worked for my father, help me in searching through many documents and ledgers for any spies who entered our city around seven years ago. We have already found two suspected spies and one that is confirmed. He has been imprisoned and Commander Yort is interrogating the man personally as we speak. The latest report I’ve gotten said that he did have accomplices, but as of yet we don’t have a name. Plus we know he was funneling information out of the city from another mystery person in a reasonably high station.”

  A moment later the commander of the stealth force entered the hall first. He spotted his subordinates and walked over to them. “Twins! It is good to see that you both returned safely. How did things fare?”

  The twins began speaking in their unique way again. “There were many royals.” “But it was the swiftest we’ve ever traveled.” “No steed could ever match the speed of the Shadow Fang.” “Unfortunately there were too many troops, but we don’t know any more than seeing the standing military force with our own eyes.” “We don’t know any other details, Commander.”

  “Find a seat, Commander. You look like you need to catch your breath as well. We will convene the meeting shortly.” Allahandra stated calmly from her throne, clasping her hands together again.

  After he sat down, another commander entered.

  Half an hour later, more commanders entered the war room and soon General Rakkian entered the silent room alone. He spotted Alex first and foremost, his dark eyes began searching the new warrior and was confirmed with a sharp nod. He was silently asking if they found something important.

  He stopped to speak after the doors closed. “Your Majesty, this is everyone that could come on such short notice. I’ve left Maiot to attend to my troops until I get back. And as of yet, the informant has yet to give up any more details.”

  Alex looked up at the queen as she stood. “Everyone, Alex has returned, as you can see, and there is a report from Shade. The floor is yours, gentlemen.”

  His head turned in Shade’s direction and Alex saw that he had finally cooled off because he no longer panted and was breathing normally. His golden eyes met grey and took a deep breath before standing up. He had worked so hard these past two days and his muscles were fatigued. He finally made it to his paws and walked between the queen’s side and his brother’s, nails tapping on the marble surface. “Is it time, Alex?” he nodded. “Alright, tell them everything I say; word for word.” He then sat on his haunches.

  Alex looked to the twenty gathered officials and said “Shade says ‘When I entered the enemy camp last night I counted their numbers first. I counted nine thousand three hundred and eleven troops, all prepared to do as commanded. Eight thousand and three are carrying explosive or destructive siege type items. There are seven hundred who have long range weapons, but they are only to protect the siege users. There were few specialists and the rest were healers. In the middle of the camp was a lone tent. I entered it last and found that Alex’s intuition was correct. There is another story besides the attack, a deeply hidden one.

  “‘I found out that the leader of the military contingent was an old enemy of ours. It is Alex’s cousin, Rakkel’.” General Rakkian had instant recognition and anger filled his expression. Rakkian also wanted revenge for what happened to his late commander and dear friend. Alex then resumed speaking for Shade. “‘I couldn’t take him out because he was surrounded by guards and even if I could, it’s against my policy to strike when my opponent’s back is turned. I needed to bide my time so I waited underneath their strategic table. Unfortunately I cannot understand human language so I cannot reiterate what I’ve heard from them, but the information I’ve found will be worth all the food I could eat in a year; maybe even more.

  “‘When Rakkel and his personal guard left the tent for a brief period of time I pulled out of my shadow, just high enough to look atop the table. I was safe for only a few moments, but I’ve learned what they have planned, to an extent. In those plans, were orders to cause a large scale distraction. During the assault there is someone on the inside of the city that is going to do something unprecedented. Apparently there is something this person is supposed to smuggle out of the city and it could strain or even destroy Freelan’s structure and its will to continue the good fight. What could be smuggled that could have that kind of potential, Allahandra’?”

  She looked at Shade and her brow furrowed. Then Alex told Shade what she said by looking up at him. “Allahandra says she hasn’t a clue, but she will have everyone available search everywhere for something that could cause such a devastating problem.”

  Then the twins recounted what they saw and were dismissed back to their stations to get some needed rest. They earned it.

  “Alex,” his gaze shifted to Rakkian. “ask Shade if he knows how or where this person might exit the city with this important object.”

  Shade gave his answer and Alex passed it along. “He says he doesn’t know, it wasn’t on the documents he saw, but he wants to know if he did well on the infiltration and information gathering.”

  The dark, angry face softened into a calm smile. He stood and walked over to Shade and patted his broad neck. “The information you found will be of great aid. None could have accomplished such a task so flawlessly and come back unscathed. Now we have something we can work with. You did very well, Shade.” Alex translated and Shade almost purred in gratitude and pleasure.

  Soon after, Rakkian returned to his seat as Allahandra stood and began issuing orders. “I want everyone to keep the bulk of this information classified. I do not want to alert this spy that we’ve collected such unique information. Tell only the other top commanders, no lieutenants, captains or any lower must know these details. I also want them and you to tell the subordinates to search for something one could easily smuggle out of the city. If it has some form of great value check it out and report back. If you believe it can destabilize my land and my people, send me a report once you receive it. Whatever this object is, I need to know about it. Plus I still want all high priority targets guarded unless otherwise told by me.” She pointed to the door and said “Get on it and keep the chatter down to a minimum. You are all dismissed.”

  Everyone inside the chamber quickly left. Allahandra whispered into Rakkian’s ear just before he departed. Once Shade and Alex were alone with the queen, not including the four guards in the corner, she spoke calmly. “Alex, I want to thank both you and Shade for such a difficult task. I will have a large meal brought up for the two of you. Please just relax. You’ve both earned it.”

  Allahandra walked over to the closet on the wall and opened it. Inside were many items and most belonged to specialists who use information that can travel distances. She found a mirror that was both small and square. She flicked a corner of the reflective item and a different image appeared in the mirrors reflection; it was a young man’s face. Allahandra said “I need a large meal brought into the council chamber room for two of my guests. Tell Mistress Marge it’s for Alex and Shade.”

  “Aye, Your Majesty.”

  She flicked the corner again and the face disappeared. She replaced the item in the cabinet and closed the doors. Her dark eyes met gold and grey and she said “Alex, I’m afraid I must retire for the night. Please rest well and I shall see you in the morning.” She then walked to the back door, intent to leave them alone, but she was too awake to sleep just yet. The information caused her great worry. It looked like she was contemplating many things at once, but she shook her head just before the door closed behind her.

  Thirty minutes later Mistress Marge entered the room and Shade stood up again. She brought them both a large meal. Shade and Alex began e
ating as she left. Both ate their fill and then just a little more. They were both too hungry to enjoy the meal, but it did satisfy their bodies.

  Just before they retired for the night they both entered their room and eased themselves in the warm pool of water. Tension and the accumulated stress in their muscles were eased thanks to the blissful liquid. Heat from the water loosened their fatigue. Once they were both comfortably relaxed Alex helped clean Shade from all the hard work and washed accumulated grime and dirt from his coat.

  Shade and Alex both soon crashed into the bed with complete exhaustion. It was a close call for who began sleeping first. It felt great to relax after such a hard run and ride, but it was clear for the moment and they could sleep restfully.

  During a dreamless sleep Alex felt a strange and comfortable sensation. Something was touching his left hand as he slept on his belly. Whatever it was, felt both rough and smooth at the same time. Then he smelled something different in the room that was usual. A smell that reminded him of home. It was slightly salty, but there was a warm sweetness to the scent. It was the subtle scent of a sea breeze. His mind slowly began working again.

  Grey eyes opened slowly and searched the left side of the room. A strand of raven black hair disrupted his sight and was moved with the tuck of the thumb behind an ear. A faint glimmer of white took the hair’s place. The shimmering white led to a beautiful face, with amethyst irises calmly connecting with his. Alex’s brain sped up once he realized it was Lily.

  Turning on his side, he smiled, without disturbing the hand she was touching. His voice was still both weak and groggy. “Lily? What time is it?”

  She smiled and spoke with a rich and smooth voice. “Do not fret, it is only a few short hours until dawn.” Her eyes moved from his face to his chest. He didn’t realize that he had forgotten to put on a fresh tunic, but at least he was wearing pants. She smiled as their eyes connected once again. “I just received word that you made it back to the city and I had to trade shifts with another guard before I could come here and check on you. You seem alright.”

  A yawn couldn’t be held back. “Our trip was successful and I’ll tell you about it later, but first tell me what I’ve missed since my departure.”

  She shifted her bottom on the bed so she could see him better and he noticed she was wearing one of her old sets of clothes. “Well… Marlin sticks as close to Niranene as he can without getting in her way. When she works on patients he stays back a safe distance, but he is very protective of her. The only time he was away was when I told him to take a restroom break.

  “Niranene has issued all of her healers into strategic points in the city, but she stays within the healer’s building. She continues to treat those who have more critical injuries and cannot be moved elsewhere. I’ve seen her items and they are different. In her bottles are pills that have different properties. Sometimes she grinds up different proportions of pills to change the result. She’ll put the powder in water and make them drink it. It was fascinating to see how quickly they became effective. Oh and once the pills or the powdered liquid entered the body it worked almost instantly. I’ll explain more on that later though.

  “I was also the guard of Niranene and there wasn’t anyone who came close to her unless they were a critically injured patient. Other than that, things were relatively calm and quiet around here.”

  “Thank you for the update, Lily.” He yawned again.

  “I’m sorry for waking you. I just wanted to see if you were alright. Now that I have, you can go back to sleep. Good night and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  When she stood up their hands disconnected. He wanted her to stay, but too tired to voice an opinion. As the door closed his mind drifted back to sleep. Alex began dreaming that Lily had stayed.

  Sunlight flashed across his face and bring him back to consciousness. It was a sure sign that they completely overslept and it was now in the afternoon. The room felt cooler than it did when he first collapsed. It probably rained. Getting out of the warm and comfortable bed was one of the hardest things to accomplish. He mindlessly shaved and attired new clothes that were inside the closet. Once all of his preparations were complete the next job was unavoidable.

  He had to wake Shade up with a poke of the staff.

  Once he finished grumbling and stretching Shade followed Alex into the war room. When they arrived they weren’t alone.

  Allahandra, Lily, Marlin, Mistress Marge and the surprise guest Niranene sat in the room, talking idly. The room held a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere; it felt like things had settled down. On the table were hundreds of scattered documents and the serving tray that belongs to Mistress Marge.

  “Well look who finally woke up!” Marlin stated as he sat between Lily and Niranene. Everyone’s eyes turned upon the brothers. “Your snoring could have shaken the foundation to pieces, Alex.” He then began smiling.

  “The two of you must have been more tired than I originally judged.” Allahandra conceded. “But I’m glad to see you rested. Come sit, have a meal.”

  “Gladly.” Alex said with a simultaneous yawn.

  He took his usual seat between Allahandra and Lily. Lily smiled and mock punched his shoulder. “Don’t worry about telling me about your trip. Allahandra filled me in.” As Lily spoke the head mistress pulled out a cooked goat with a sweet stuffing specifically for Shade. He started salivating before she and Marlin even sat it on the floor. “What I want to know is how we should proceed with your cousin. What do we do if we find him?” Lily stated tactfully.

  Silently contemplated what should happen didn’t take long for him. He was lost in his thoughts until a tray of food was laid in front of him. “Thank you.” He said behind himself and grabbed the mug. The cool water was just what was needed for his body. His eyes eventually sought Lily’s.

  “Honestly I’m clueless as to what should be done. If he continues with his mindless escapade, more people will only end up being hurt. If he dies in this fight then so be it, but if he runs who can catch him? With his item, he can hear over vast distances and use the sounds to find a safe route to escape. If he was captured he should be put on trial for all his crimes against good people and judged accordingly.”

  “Alex,” Allahandra whispered, gaining his attention. “if he is captured you know our laws, but if you want a trial instead of an arbiter, I’ll put one together. That is if he isn’t killed in battle.” Her expression was tense.

  “Thank you.”

  Halfway through his meal Alex looked to his left. “How have things been going, Niranene? Is Marlin keeping you good company?”

  Her innocent and petite expression widened and flared three shades of red. She then looked into her lap and whispered “Aye, he is good company.” Then her features shifted from a bashful woman into the head healer of this city. “If I understand it, you have overslept today. Marlin had told me that you have never slept that long before. Apparently you are a light sleeper. If you don’t mind my asking, how are you feeling?”

  He scratched his jaw saying “I’m fine. I only slept so long because staying up almost three solid days took its toll. There is nothing you need to worry about. That is, even if your item could work on me it would say I’m healthy.”

  She smiled, but Allahandra interjected. “What do you mean, if?”

  With the help of Lily and Marlin they explained how some items worked on Alex while others are rendered useless.

  After the meal was completely finished Allahandra told Alex about some of the reports she’s received. There were some people that became overzealous in their search in the smuggling hunt, but no one was harmed. She had checked her coffers for something of value, but those were only price worthy objects and wouldn’t cause the alliance to break down. There were a few reports of unique objects, but none of them were verifiable at this time. She ended her report saying “It is really annoying to try and find an object you know nothing about, but I’ll find it for sure. You can be sure of that.”

 
; “Alex,” Lily started up another conversation. “will it be permissible to trade my obligations away from Niranene?”

  The mood of the room shifted and he said. “I don’t see why not, but if I may ask, what are you going to do?”

  Lily’s voice became as unreadable as her expression. “Actually I plan on staying by your side. You have no one to guard your back besides Shade. And you carry a staff, a normally nonlethal weapon. A lot of people are uncomfortable around either one of us, even if they do remain polite. Would it be alright?”

  Alex’s eyes remained stunned as Lily remained expressionless. What is she planning? What could she possibly want to protect me from? She now had that proud warrior look to her again. He noticed. If he were to have said something along those lines to her he’d be blushing if not bruised and beaten. It was like she was suppressing something in her words, but he couldn’t tell what it was.

  “That will be more than acceptable, Lily.” He said and then the playful edge to the queen’s interruptive tone brought him out of his mental stupor. “Since you and Shade have done so much, I’d like to know what your next move will be.” Though she asked that question she was smiling at the two mischievously.

  Things were silent for several minutes while he methodically sought for an answer to her question and not her expression. “Actually, I’d like to assist your warriors on the northern gate. Maybe I could help with something like fortifying the wall and gate. I need to work with my hands. It might help clear my head and be able to better process the cryptic information Shade found.”

  “Do what you can. Oh and keep my medallion on you at all times. Right now I have something to do.” She arose and left through the double doors. All of the outside guards encircle around her as the doors were shut.

  “Marlin, we must also go. I have to do my rounds.” Niranene said and Alex’s friend seemed delighted. Marlin was entranced by her.

  “Hey Marlin, can you help me for a moment?” He turned to look at Alex as he stood up and pulled out the golden medallion from his pocket. “Can you use your hook to put a hole in the top of this for me?”

  “I don’t see why not, gold is especially soft.”

  Marlin caught the circular metal in the air and pulled on his collapsed item. He pulled the three pronged hook along with three feet of line. He placed the hook on the floor and the top of the medallion was placed over one of the hooks barbed prongs. With a quick and powerful stomp, the softer gold was instantly pierced by the hook. He lifted the hooked medallion and caught it. The barb flattened and the medallion easily slid out. “Here you go.” And he tossed it back to Alex. The hole was the perfect size. Then the line retracted the hook back to a resting position.

  “I have been invited to the evening meal.” Niranene said for Alex. “We will see you later tonight. I hope we can become good friends, Alex. And I cannot forget about the marvelous Shade. He is a rare creature that I must study while the chance is available to me.” His ears perked from the sound of his name. He then smiled at her. She blinked at him for a moment. “I’m sorry, but my duties cannot wait much longer.”

  She left the room with Marlin following suit.

  “So what’s on our list for today, Alex?” Lily asked with a rosy smile.

  “We are going to see where they could use assistance. But first I need to string this onto a thong.”

  Before the three of them left the palace he found a leather string from his pack and threaded it through the medallion. After that, he hung it around his neck, tucked it under his tunic and departed.

  The three made it to the northern gate and on the enormous stone wall, waited the busy warriors. The main gate was closed and barricaded from the inside, but there were still three lines of guards blocking anyone who might want to leave. Every warrior’s eyes focused on their approach, but said nothing.

  Just before they stopped, Alex’s eyes caught sight of a familiar item on top of the wall. There were three hooked claws on top of each hand. He took a deep breath and called out to him. “Captain Maiot, can we come up!?”

  Extremely dark eyes searched until he found them in the middle of the road. He gave a half smile and ordered his men. “Allow them passage.”

  The guards moved away and showed them the way to ascend up the wall. There was a semi-large stone staircase which they used to reach the top of the wall. They had to walk in a line up the stairs, but up here, ten men with their arms stretched out still couldn’t touch the others fingertips. There was much room and it was needed. The entire northern side was lined with guards and weapons, waiting for the inevitable battle to ensue.

  Many heads turned in their direction, but everyone remained at their posts.

  Maiot met up with Lily, Alex and Shade, looking calm and sure. “What brings all of you up here? Do you need the general for something?”

  Alex smiled, shifting his weight. “I was wondering if we could do something to help. Where do you think we could be of use?”

  He grinned. “We can use all the able bodies we can. Follow me and I’ll put you to work, ya.” He turned and they followed.

  Over the next seven days several things have happened.

  After Captain Maiot gave them something to do, Alex helped the men fill up the oil cauldrons and set them up atop the wall, ready to be lit and poured into the moat should the enemy get too close. Someone made a special leather harness for Shade so he could assist with pulling heavy objects up onto and along the top of the wall. With Shade’s help they pulled large chunks of stone onto the wall. They would be ammunition for the few people who also have extremely large items such as their own catapults, ballistae and trebuchets. There were even a few strange item users who could shrink the stones and throw them and once the stone leaves the item they grow into its original size and crush the enemy.

  Everyone appreciated the support and especially Shade’s strength.

  The captured spy didn’t give up any more information about who his accomplice was; even till the day he died. During a break in the interrogation process, the man somehow managed to bite off his own tongue without making a single sound. When the interrogators returned they found his lifeless body.

  The hunt for the special item still remained elusive to all. There was one artifact that the queen inherited from her forefathers, but it was just too enormous to move. Allahandra was getting frustrated on what it could be; just like the rest of them were, but she still hasn’t given up on finding it yet. Whatever this thing is, it must have a deep rooted meaning, but being blind to its presence left everyone’s stomach knotted in difficult ways.

  Lily rarely strayed from Alex’s side once they exited the castle. She was telling him about a new book she has been studying from the queen’s extensive archive. There was a lot of military tactics and jargon that she was explaining. He didn’t find her explanations relevant, but he did love hearing the sound of her voice. He missed her humming most of all. It felt good to have her talking comfortably rather than go insane when she becomes quiet.

  Two nights ago they saw their first glimpse of the orange light. It was off in the far distance, at the very edge of the forest. Everyone was preparing for the unavoidable battle. The drawbridge was raised and everyone took defensive positions. Weapons were prepped and ready and the oil had been set to boil.

  All day today Shade, Lily and Alex watched from above the outer wall as the intruders slowly approached, but stayed just out of range for the night, preparing themselves for the morning fight.

  It was a few hours after midnight while the three of them carefully watched the stationary contingent, from high above the siege walls. The nine thousand fighters stayed just out of the city’s weapons range, but only just. The city was on high alert and everyone was on lockdown until the threat could be eliminated.

  “It’s the calm before the storm, ya.” Alex almost yelped at hearing a voice come from behind. The city and everyone were quiet, which made his voice carry. They turned around to find General Rakkian standing
behind them. “No matter how many battles I’ve been in, this feeling still puts an ache in my belly. On the other hand, it lets you know that the threat is real and your about to put your life on the line for something you believe in.”

  “Truer words have never been spoken.” Lily admitted with a dazzling smile. “Is there something we could help you with, General?”

  “Not really. I just needed to take my mind off the battle that will rage when the sun burns the sky, ya. We can all barely see in this wretched night so they will wait until morning to increase their accuracy.” It was strange because Alex could clearly see them, even in this minimal amount of light.

  They all turned to stare down at the enemy camp and Rakkian leaned against the walls ledge. All remained quiet and even Shade didn’t have anything to say. Alex couldn’t tolerate the silence any longer. “Rakkian, could you tell me what it was like being under my uncle’s command? I have only seen him as my uncle and never a warrior, like you have.”

  An honest and nostalgic smile appeared on his dark skin. “That I can do,” For the next hour or so he told them what it was like serving under Gambit the Red Soil. Apparently Gambit was a risk taker like Alex, but he always pulled through his missions somehow. In Gambit’s entire career against the king, he had only lost ninety one men in battle. Rakkian was still in awe on how he could do such feats. The general said he has over twenty scrolls filled with the names of those who’ve lost their lives under his command, in the attempt of freeing the people.

  And then somehow Rakkian began speaking on a different topic altogether. He seemed to like to talk and was actually gifted in telling stories in detail. This one was about his closest subordinates and cherished friends. Apparently Rakkian rescued Captain Maiot from a raid when he was just a boy. Maiot and Gyro have been almost inseparable as long as the general has known them and they work together like no other in his entire force. And his third officer, Gyro, was the next topic he spoke of fondly. He explained on how they became comrades about six and a half years ago. Apparently he was critically injured and took a long time to heal after the battle in which the walls were breached. From the descriptions he gave them, Gyro was in bad shape from that fight.

  Things became quiet again and Alex watched the enemy camp. Even from the distance he saw a change in the enemy. He saw everyone standing, almost as one. “General, they are all getting up!”

  He took Alex’s words seriously, even if he couldn’t see what the young Furion could. He took a deep breath and shouted. “Everyone! Prepare for battle! Light the missiles and…”

  Instantly everyone on alert and setting up for the battle. The siege weapons were already preloaded and everyone was brandishing their items.

  Suddenly there was a horn being blown from the enemy camp.

  The battle was underway.

  Shade, Lily and Alex were of no use on the wall because they were all close range fighters and they needed long and midrange fighters up on the wall. They then ran to the center of the northern road and stood behind the now seven thick lines of tense warriors.

  Suddenly there was a simultaneous flash of light with the sound of an explosion. Something powerful struck the outer wall, but the fortification didn’t even shake. That was a great relief. There were orders shouted from officers and groups of warriors were running over to different areas. Then there were explosions only they were further away. Freelan was fighting back.

  The calm was over. The tempest was here.

  Ten minutes after the battle began all watched as General Rakkian jumped off the top of the wall. Everyone moved away for some reason. Many were afraid he was knocked off from such a deadly height, but the way he moved said otherwise. His body looked calm and sure, rather than frightened as he plummeted to the solid ground. Just before he made a solid impact with the road he brought his fists forward. His enormous arm muscles were perfectly straight and his gauntlet covered fists were clenched. It reminded Alex when they first had their skirmish and he tried punching the ground. The multitude would soon see what Rakkian was planning.

  The moment his fists impacted the road, the ground rippled it a wave and caught him safely. Suddenly the entire ground beneath everyone’s feet began shaking. The general’s gauntlets could actually create earthquakes.

  Alex barely managed to maintain his balance from the tremors, but some of the men around him weren’t so lucky and ended up on their rear ends. Shade growled at nothing except the ground because he didn’t like the feeling of the ground shaking. Lily had both of her swords drawn as she stood by Alex’s side, completely composed.

  Rakkian then shouted, gauntlets still submerged in the road. “Don’t be afraid! My item is doing more damage to our enemies outside!” His words were true because all could faintly hear screams from the men outside the gate and the rumbling sound was greater out there too.

  A few seconds later the ground stopped shaking and the general stood and ran back up on top of the wall. Many expected him to do it again, but Alex realized it sometimes take longer for certain items to recharge their effects. It would have to if Rakkian’s items were as powerful as he imagined.

  For the next fifteen minutes the fight continued and Alex had the growing feeling that he knew something definitive now.

  Something had formulated in his mind, but it wasn’t fully concluded. Like a puzzle, all the pieces were there, it had to be put together. He focused on everything that he’s learned thus far. First, this battle was an obvious distraction for something bigger. Next, there was something that could be detrimental to Freelan once it was stolen and snuck out of the city. Finally, there was something in the general’s earlier stories that made Alex think, but what could it be? He turned it over in his mind for several minutes. It was something he said…

  Alex’s head jerked up when he figured everything out and it now made complete sense. And once he did have the answer, his heart began pounding once again. It wasn’t a thing they were after, it was a person. Heat began rolling off of him. It wasn’t just any person. His body began getting stronger and swifter. It was a person only a select few could get to. Things began to slow down in his vision. It wasn’t just one, but two traitorous spies.

  He turned to a scared Lily once she saw his furious expression. He grabbed her hips and put her on Shade’s back in under a second, making sure his burning skin didn’t harm her. Shade was instantly alerted to his brother’s state and his ears flattened against his head and a growl escaped his teeth.

  He had to slow his voice down because when he spoke the first time it was too quick for his brother to understand. “Shade, we need to hurry back to the castle!” Alex then gave him a quick reason why.

  Shade launched himself down the road at his swiftest. His large muscles powered him forward at an amazing speed, but Alex had to slightly slow himself down so they could run together. They were running so quickly that anyone they could see only saw a dark flash from their perspectives.

  Lily screamed and her words seemed to drag in his racing mind. “Alex, what is happening!?”

  Long strides remained uninterrupted as he ran parallel with Shade. “We need to get to Allahandra! She is the key to the distraction and we need to get to her! It may already be too late!”

  Not a second later Alex watched as Lily cut a shallow wound in her forearm. She pressed her crescent blade to the oozing blood and kept it there. He watched as the blade drank the blood of its master and grew into a crescent bladed sword that was nearly half as tall as she. She removed the blade from her arm and flipped it backwards, into a defensive position as she expertly rode on Shade’s back.

  They rounded the corner of the inner wall to see it opened and were horrified to find twelve guards dead inside the queen’s open courtyard. Some were disemboweled and some were flattened with what looked like spikes had driven through them. Blood was everywhere, but the problem was that the dead guards were killed where they stood. They knew their attackers personally.

  They couldn’t waste
time; they had to get to the nineteenth floor. Shade and Alex leapt over the corpses and into the castle. Together they ran up the spiral stairwell and found several strewn bodies as they raced to be in time. The kills were no more than three or four minutes old. They ran to the highest floor in under a minute.

  Once they reached the floor Alex saw the same piercing spikes lining only the bottom of the flooring and the four initial guards were already dead, but only by a minute. Some lifeless bodies continued to twitch. We might make it, he thought.

  They shot down to the corner of the hall and there were scorch marks on the walls and more crushed bodies. the guards fought back, but didn’t eliminate the enemy.

  At the sound of a terrifying scream they raced for the double doors.

  With a single forceful kick Alex shattered both doors inside the war room. Everyone in the room had died except for three standing figures.

  Inside the room of six dead guards stood Gyro and Maiot.

  They were holding Queen Allahandra by her arms, struggling for freedom.

  They were the traitors!