“I’m going to check on Selene,” said Virgil.
“Go right ahead,” said Ari.
Virgil set Bloodrose down on the common room table as he made his way upstairs, having no real way to secure the weapon to himself. Eva shifted forms as soon as he’d left the room and shot Ari a concerned look.
“You must take that sword from him, Aristial,” said Eva. “Bloodrose is not like me. She will manipulate him, bend him to her will. Take the sword and destroy it, or at least cast it into the ocean.”
“Virgil has wanted a weapon for some time now,” he said. “It’s not going to be easy to convince him to give a sword like this up, though I understand why it’s necessary.”
He’d seen the way Bloodrose was during Mythril’s visions and had no doubt that she’d be whispering in Virgil’s ear the same way, given enough time.
“I’ll talk to him about it,” said Ari.
Eva crossed her arms and frowned in response to that answer. Ari returned to keeping a careful watch on the surrounding forest through the window as the minutes slowly went by. He’d been half expecting Rin and her warriors to make it to the tower before them, given how quickly they could fly. What was taking them so long?
The answer came in the form of a knock at the door. Ari removed the lock bar and pulled it open to reveal Rin on the other side, along with a dozen male and female Ravarians, armed with a mixture of wooden spears and weapons taken from the fallen during the chaos in Cliffhaven.
He recognized one of them, though she looked vastly different from the last time he’d seen her.
“Mud and blood…” muttered Ari. “Leyehl?”
She was tall, though her blonde hair was much shorter than it had once been. Her features were slender and athletic, and two parallel scars ran across one of her cheeks. She looked much the same as she had the last time Ari had seen her, except for the fact that she was missing her wings.
She wore clothing intended for a normal human, and two small bumps gave contour to her shirt in the spot where her wings should have emerged from. A dull, repressed rage burned in her eyes, and the grip she had on her spear seemed tense, almost quivering.
“She did not want to stay in Cliffhaven,” said Rin. “For good reason. The dead Baron had taken her as a prisoner, and then a slave. That man deserved far worse than he received, chala.”
“I don’t doubt it,” said Ari.
A clicking hiss from a fisher came from outside, punctuating the continued urgency of their situation.
“Everybody inside,” said Ari. “There’s more room upstairs. Come on, quickly.”
CHAPTER 42
He teleported the tower back to Etheria as soon as he was sure they had everyone. The instantaneous shift of conditions was a relief this time, with the sound of pattering rain on the tower’s roof replaced by a stale, open silence.
Outside of Rin and the children, the rest of the Ravarians reacted with various awed noises. Ari waited until they’d calmed down before calling Eva and Rin over to him and preparing to open the door.
“We’ve been gone for long enough that we can’t be sure that Etheria is still as we left it,” he said. “The Sai could already be here, waiting for us. It’s an ugly possibility, but there might also be something like a wild animal or two that managed to sneak in.”
“They’d have to get past the tree fence,” said Virgil. “I made sure it was as tightly knit as I could before we left.”
Virgil was holding Bloodrose again, one hand caressing the pommel stone much in the same way that Ari knew he often unconsciously stroked Eva as Azurelight. He frowned and decided to talk to Virgil about the sword sooner, rather than later.
“Spread out,” said Ari. “Rin, have your people check the underchambers, the kitchen, and the baths. “Virgil, come with me to check the entrance.”
Rin nodded. Eva shifted forms, as much to give Ari Azurelight to wield as to make space in the crowded common room. Slowly, they made their way out into Etheria’s main chamber, footsteps echoing through the massive enclosed space.
Ari waited until he and Virgil were far enough away to be out of earshot from the others before folding his arms and looking over at him.
“Virgil,” he said. “Has she said anything to you?”
He frowned at Ari in confusion.
“What?” asked Virgil. “I… don’t know what you mean.”
“The sword you carry is like mine,” said Ari. “Almost a twin to it, except it’s corrupted by the imprint of the woman it was made from. It’s not a weapon that you should be wielding. You didn’t know, so I don’t blame you for picking it up, but—”
“You wish to take it from me?” asked Virgil, with an edge in his tone. “Is that it? You think it’s too dangerous for a boy to play with?”
“That’s not what I said, and that’s not what I mean,” said Ari.
“What is it you meant then?” asked Virgil.
“It’s too dangerous for anyone to wield!” said Ari. “You don’t understand what she’s like.”
Virgil sneered at him and closed a hand on the hilt of Bloodrose. Ari’s hand went to Azurelight on reflex, but he forced it to relax at his side, not wanting to even consider where the movement might lead.
“So you won’t take the sword for yourself, but you don’t want me to have it, either,” said Virgil. “Just as with Lady Kerys.”
“It’s nothing like that,” said Ari, through gritted teeth. “Kerys is a person, not a thing to be taken.”
He felt a sudden tension in the bond between him and Eva and realized how she might have interpreted the words, meant toward Bloodrose, to also be about her.
“If it is just a sword, then I’m keeping it,” said Virgil. He unsheathed the curved greatsword and set the flat across his palm. “I’m in need of a good weapon.”
A flash of light came from Bloodrose as she shifted forms, startling Virgil back. She closed the distance between them before he could do anything other than let out a surprised gasp.
“You’re more in need than I think you realize,” said Bloodrose, pulling him into an embrace. She kissed him, and Virgil seemed to go limp against her, dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events.
“No!” shouted Ari.
He drew Azurelight, but the sword disappeared in his hand, Eva taking its place. She hurled herself forward, knocking Bloodrose away from Virgil.
“You vicious harpy!” screeched Bloodrose. “I’ll make you wish for death.”
“Shut your foul mouth,” said Eva.
“Hey!” Virgil reached out an arm, apparently intent on pulling the women apart. Ari grabbed him by the shoulder.
“Don’t,” he said.
The fight was fiercely violent and over almost as soon as it had begun. Eva dodged a punch from Bloodrose, slammed her fist into the red-haired woman’s stomach, and then pulled her into a vicious trip, landing her flat on her back against the ground. Bloodrose flashed with light as she landed, returning to her sword form.
“This is what I meant, Virgil,” said Ari. “Bloodrose is insane.”
“Blood… rose,” repeated Virgil. He shook his head. “She kissed me?”
“She is weakened from the death of her former bond master,” said Eva. “I suppose there is a small upside to us now having control of her.”
“You have any idea what to do with her?” asked Ari. “I know you mentioned flinging her into the ocean, but it’s not exactly close by Etheria.”
“The sword must be destroyed,” said Eva. Despite her words, there was a slight waver to her voice that made Ari think she wasn’t as resolved as she wanted to be.
“I could drain the enchantment from it,” he said. “You mentioned once that if I did that with Azurelight, it would destroy you.”
“Only because I was willing to allow it,” said Eva. “If you attempted it with her, you would first have to overcome her will, which would leave her an opening to bond with you. It may be possible, but it would take time and preparation.�
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Eva walked over to the ruby-hilted greatsword and lifted it from the floor. She reached a hand toward Virgil, demanding the scabbard. He looked down at it, frowning in confusion and disappointment, then passed it to her.
“I’m sorry for what I said before,” muttered Virgil. “It’s just… hard for me, Lord Stoneblood. Perhaps it’s a trick of my ego.”
“I’ll make sure you have a sword, Virgil,” said Ari. “It looks like the Ravarians brought some weapons with them. I can even enchant it for you, like I said I would before.”
Virgil gave a small nod before turning his attention back to the trees blocking the end of the tunnel. He waved a hand, creating an opening amidst their branches, and then he departed for his room.
“What’s the plan?” asked Ari, as Eva fell in step alongside him, still carrying Bloodrose.
“I will bury this where it will not be found,” she said. “By anyone.”
It was a clear night outside Etheria, with no clouds overhead and both moons providing ample illumination. Ari did a slow circle of the arena dome’s exterior, staring off into the horizon for any sign of an approaching Sai army.
To the southeast, beyond the trees, was a small line of smoke trailing upward into the sky, too thick to be made from a small campfire. Ari ran a hand across his forehead, feeling slightly nauseous even though it was what he’d been expecting.
“I can scout them from the sky, chala,” said Rin.
Ari hadn’t heard her coming and flinched at the sound of her voice.
“Only if you can do it without being seen,” said Ari. “I’m sure they’ve already found Etheria and noticed that we weren’t home. Announcing that we’re back will likely only instigate the battle early.”
Rin nodded. She slammed the butt of her silver spear against the ground and flapped her wings, taking to the sky with a vaulting start. Ari waited until Eva returned from burying the sword before slowly making his way back into the dome.
CHAPTER 43
From the behavior of the rest of the members of the settlement, Ari could almost convince himself that everything was still normal. Grena had brought the Ravarian out into Etheria’s main chamber, and they were enjoying themselves. Some of Rin’s Ravarian warriors were joining in, happy to indulge the spirits of the children that they’d soon be fighting for the survival of.
Kerys was in Etheria’s main kitchen, cooking up dinner with what remained of the food that they’d purchased in Cliffhaven. Ari was happy to see the magical, purple cooking fires he’d expended essence on to get working were finally in use.
“Smells good,” said Ari.
Kerys glanced over her shoulder and grinned at him. “As it should. It’s the most complicated meal I’ve made since, well… In a while.”
She was rolling out dough on the table, and she dusted her hands off, her new one still covered by the silk glove that kept it attached to her arm. She had a smudge of flour on her cheek, and Ari reached his thumb out to brush it off.
“There will be stew to go with it,” said Kerys. “Carrots, potatoes, onions, and gazelle meat.”
Ari took a whiff from the large pot hanging over the cooking fire, savoring the smell.
“Well, if nothing else, we’ll be going into battle well-fed,” he said.
Kerys didn’t say anything for a couple of seconds. She shifted her attention from the dough back to the stew, stirring it with a large, wooden spoon.
“Ari,” she said. “Do we really have to fight?”
It was a simple question, but a good one. They still had essence left, enough to take the tower and go somewhere else. Diya had found Etheria, but it was unlikely that he knew where all of the tower’s teleport anchors were located. If they went back to Cliffhaven, they might even be able to live comfortably within the city until the Sai showed up outside the gates.
“We don’t have a choice this time,” said Ari. “Emperor Diya is the type of man that would chase us if we ran. Fighting here, fighting for our home, is what we have to do. It’s what I have to do.”
Kerys moved back over to the dough, pounding it flat with the palm of her new hand. Ari set his hands on her shoulders and gently kissed her cheek.
“Promise me that you’ll win?” she asked. Her voice sounded very girlish and small, and it betrayed the depths of the fear she was harboring inside.
“We won’t lose,” he said. “I can’t promise that we’ll win, but we won’t lose.”
Dinner was served shortly after, with everyone in the settlement gathering in the kitchen. It was cold in most parts of the settlement, and being close to the cooking fire made it easier to stay warm. They didn’t have enough bowls to go around, so the children ate first, followed by the adults who’d be fighting the next day, and then everyone else.
The stew was thick, with big chunks of lean gazelle meat, soft potatoes, and a delicious broth. Kerys had baked the dough she’d been working on into a simple bread, which was still warm and fluffy as Ari used it to mop clean his bowl. He waited until everyone else had finished eating and the children had left for bed with Grena before making his way to the front of the group and gathering their attention.
“The Sai are here,” he said. “They’re camped a couple of miles away from Etheria.”
Rin had described their numbers to him when she’d returned, the two of them having a quiet conversation away from the others. There were just over a hundred Saidicans, by her count, and it was impossible to know how many were mages or how well-equipped they were. The thought of each of them having a combat mystica along with a rune sled was Ari’s worst fear.
“Most likely, they’ll attack tomorrow,” said Ari. “It might be before dawn. It might be sometime during the day, possibly in the evening. We have no way of knowing what will happen.”
He kept expecting someone else to butt in and either put voice to their fears or make a confident quip about how Etheria would stand strong against the invaders. Nobody said anything, which left him shouldering the heavy tension by himself.
“Everyone who isn’t able or willing to fight will hide inside the tower,” said Ari. “The teleportation wards can be activated by any of the Hume, not just me. I’ll walk Kerys and Amber through how to use them so you’ll still have the option to escape if the front line falls.”
He looked over at Kerys and Amber, and they each nodded in turn.
“We are outnumbered,” said Ari. “But we still have some advantages. Namely, Etheria itself. The tree fence along with the tunnel means that we can hold against the Sai in the same way we do against the Weatherblight, forcing them to attack at a choke point and fighting them evenly.”
He could see Eva and Skinner nodding. Rin, Leyehl, and the other Ravarian warriors looked more skeptical, and Ari knew that their preference would be to be outside, fighting from the air if they could.
“We hold the line, and we don’t let any of the Sai get by us,” said Ari. “Do you understand? Our plan will only work if we prevent them from getting by us into Etheria.”
“Er, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how is that a plan?” asked Skinner. “It sounds kind of like you just want us to fight them and let the cards fall as they may.”
“The best plans are the simplest ones,” said Ari. “Why make it any more complicated than it needs to be?”
The discussion continued, opening up as Eva, Rin, and Skinner began to talk about the specifics of their strategy and how they’d organize themselves into a line. Ari was distracted, his attention instead shifting across the group, looking for one face that he knew would be listening intently.
Lady Prestia had been keeping a low profile since they’d returned to Etheria. She hadn’t said anything to Ari or spoken much with anyone else. She’d been quiet in light of the fact that an encampment of her people, the Sai who she longed to return to, were almost within shouting distance.
Ari hadn’t worked it out entirely on his own. As was often the case, he owed his Ring of Insight for reminding him
of the fact that Etheria was a settlement of diverse people with occasionally diverging interests. Lady Prestia was not a warrior, and she hadn’t been with the group long enough to owe them any loyalty. She didn’t want to die, and she would have rather been with the Sai, with her people, from the start.
He waited patiently while the battle discussion continued, and he pretended not to notice as Lady Prestia parted from the group, heading for the baths. He watched for a minute, and was finally rewarded when she quietly walked around the edge of Etheria and out through the tunnel.
“I’ll be right back,” said Ari.
The others shot him curious glances. He grinned back at them and started after Lady Prestia, making sure to follow at a distance far enough back to keep his presence hidden.
Virgil had left the tree fence open, just as Ari had told him to. He watched Lady Prestia slip out through the branches and break out into a jog that required her to pull her skirts up. The Sai bonfire in the distance was visible as a partially obscured orange light through the trees, though he was sure it would still be an uncomfortable trip to make through the dark.
Ari watched, and let her go.
“What was that about?” asked Eva, as he returned.
“Lady Prestia is going to tell Diya everything we just worked out.”
“That Saidican bitch!” Rin snatched Varnasaria off the ground and started toward the tunnel.
“Don’t,” said Ari. “She’s our only chance of coming out of this battle alive. Now, it’s time for us to talk about the actual plan.”
CHAPTER 44
Another hour went by with everyone present adding their ideas to stir into the proverbial pot. Ari insisted on everyone getting a full night’s sleep aside from those on watch, which Eva dutifully organized into shifts.
Reborn Raiders (The Weatherblight Saga Book 4) Page 27