A little late to worry about that.
Damien grinned. He couldn’t argue with her there.
The battle had cleared the streets and they didn’t encounter another soul until they reached a rundown dockside inn. Damien had seen worse places, but not many.
“Get what you need,” Damien said. “I’ll stay here and make sure you’re not disturbed.”
Jen nodded and led the way inside. Damien stretched out, but sensed nothing threatening. Nathanial wouldn’t be stupid enough to take him on directly. The danger would come when he wasn’t expecting it.
Maybe they’ll just make a run for it.
“No, that’d be too sensible. These are fanatics we’re dealing with. They’ll fight to the last even if they have no hope of winning. Have you ever heard of anything so stupid?”
I’ve been observing humanity for a long time. The depth of your potential foolishness has never ceased to amaze me. Sometimes I wonder how your species has survived.
“The stupidest ones tend not to live long enough to bring the rest of us down.”
Jen and the others emerged once more in uniform and armed to the teeth.
“Are we walking again?” Damien asked.
“Not this time,” Jen said. “Innocents might be injured in another ambush. We’ll travel by air.”
Edward groaned, but no one else made any complaint. Damien conjured a chariot, everyone boarded, and he rose into the sky. “Where to?”
“The lord mayor’s mansion,” Jen said.
Damien grimaced. Nothing but bad memories there. Not to mention traps and hidden rooms. When this was over he was going to burn the place down and blame the cultists.
“I sent a message to the archmage that we were moving early,” Jen said. “She probably won’t be thrilled.”
“She seldom is unless she’s fully in control of a situation. But I don’t think we can wait.” Damien willed the chariot forward.
He didn’t reach anything near full speed as they made the short flight to the city center. The familiar structure of the mayor’s mansion looked just like he remembered, dark and brooding, surrounded by a garden perfect for ambushes. At least they’d avoid that this visit.
Damien sensed fifteen people inside, including one especially strong presence that had to be Nathanial. They were gathered near the center of the building. Didn’t look like they planned an ambush this time.
After explaining what he’d detected Damien asked, “How do you want to do this? I recommend the direct approach.”
“You always recommend the direct approach. But in this case I think you’re right. The cultists have nowhere else to run. This farce ends here, one way or another. Take us in.”
Damien conjured a bubble around the chariot and dove.
They smashed through the roof and continued on, crashing through the second floor and sending debris raining down on the gathered cultists. When the dust settled they stood facing Duke Carmichael, Nathanial, and their followers, including two more sorcerers and eight warlords. The remaining people looked like ordinary nobles who, from their expressions, wanted little more than to be somewhere else.
“So my final attempt to dissuade you has failed,” Duke Carmichael said.
“Did you really think attempting to capture me and kill my men would convince me to walk away?” Jen sounded incredulous and Damien didn’t blame her. If there was one thing guaranteed to bring down the wrath of a St. Cloud it was attacking people they cared about.
“No, I suppose not.”
“You seem too calm for someone in your position,” Jen said.
The duke, or maybe former duke would have been more appropriate, smiled. “You think our defeat means you’ve won, but you haven’t. My master is coming. Had you surrendered this kingdom peacefully, he would have been generous, but now you will face his full wrath. Whatever you do to me is nothing compared to what he will do to you.”
“Is this your official surrender?” Jen asked.
“It is.” Carmichael raised his hands and his followers did the same.
Damien drew Lizzy, took three steps, and brought her down on Nathanial’s neck. There was no resistance as he took the traitor’s head.
He spun and blasted the remaining sorcerers with focused beams of soul force that burned fist-sized holes in their chests.
The duke gaped at his dead followers but seemed incapable of speech. Just as well given Damien’s mood.
Flicking the blood from Lizzy’s blade, Damien turned to find his sister staring at him. “What? We don’t have a prison capable of holding sorcerers and anyway locking them up is just begging for trouble later. Better to deal with them now. Nathanial did try to kill the king after all.”
“I dispute none of that,” Jen said. “I just wish you’d said something.”
“And warn them? Couldn’t risk it. What do you want to do with the rest?”
“There are cells designed to hold warlords in guard headquarters. We’ll lock them up until the king arrives then he can decide.”
Damien started to nod when a flash of pain lanced into his head. An instant later he was in the psychic world.
Dreamer towered over him, looking every bit the majestic creature he was.
“You couldn’t have brought me here more gently?” Damien asked.
“My apologies. I’ve come to warn you. The Binder is preparing to move. His forces are gathered. You have a day, perhaps a day and a half to prepare.”
“That’s crazy. No way could such a force cross the Western Ocean that quickly.”
“Do not underestimate Binder’s power.”
“What about Marie-Bell?” Damien asked. If she hadn’t gained the gold dragon’s blessing they had no hope of winning anyway.
“I can no longer see her. Only Golden Dawn’s power could block her from my sight. If she has reached my sister’s side, we can only hope she succeeds in convincing her to help. Quickly.”
You could say that again.
Chapter Eighty-One
Binder returned to the imperial capital directly after leaving the new Lady Shiv to gather her forces. She’d better be quick because he needed to move in a day. His knights had failed to stop the paladins from reaching Golden Dawn. And while they were still attempting to stop the mission, he held no faith in their success.
His only hope for total victory lay in crossing the ocean and killing one of the other dragons’ champions. That should buy him all the time he needed to bring this world under his control.
His servants across the ocean hadn’t sounded optimistic in their last message. He’d held high hopes for them, but probably should have known better. Trusting in mortals was a good way to end up disappointed.
He and his companions landed in the palace courtyard just as Ling emerged from the castle proper. She bowed. “Welcome back, Master. Was your mission a success?”
“Partially. Are you and the others prepared to move? We’re leaving tomorrow for the Lost Colony.”
“We await only your command.”
“Good.” Binder strode past her and into the main area of the palace. Inside, the floors had been scrubbed and the fixtures polished. It appeared Qang had settled into his new role.
Binder pushed through the doors into the throne room. His new valet stood beside the throne. She smiled as he approached, the only person to do so. That alone made him happy he’d raised her to her new position.
As he sat Teng asked, “Can I get you anything, Master?”
“Not right now, thank you. Step away from the throne. I don’t want you to get hit by any errant energy.”
Her eyes widened and she scurried to one side.
Satisfied that she was out of the danger zone, Binder sent divine soul force into the throne. What he was about to do, no mortal emperor could accomplish, but his strength made it possible.
A rumble ran through the floor and the chains covering the throne writhed like serpents. The throne rocked from side to side, shattering stone and bending t
he bolts securing it to the floor.
With a mighty crash it ripped free and rose into the air. If he was to take control of the eastern continent, he’d need the throne’s power to enforce their oaths. He certainly couldn’t ship any prospective followers across the ocean and back, it would be too time consuming. Bringing the throne to them would be much easier.
He held out a hand to Teng. “Will you fly with me?”
“Yes, Master!” She rushed over and grabbed his hand.
Binder lifted her up and set her on the arm of the throne. Chains wrapped around her so she’d be sure not to fall.
“Let’s go!” Binder flew out of the palace with his knights in tow. If anything happened and he failed, Qang would remain in charge of the empire. He shuddered at the horrible thought.
It took far longer to fly to Sheng-Zen with the throne. Not because of the power required, but because it was an unwieldy thing and he had his valet at his side. But at dawn the next day the city came into view. Over forty ships choked the harbor. Not her entire fleet, but enough for his purposes. He quickly spotted Lady Shiv’s flagship, it was the biggest in the harbor.
Binder landed the throne at the rear of the ship a safe distance from the wheel. Shouts went up, some alarmed, but most excited. The young Lady Shiv emerged from below deck and ran up the steps to greet him with a bow.
“I gathered as much of the fleet as I could with such short notice.” She had changed into an all-black outfit that was a near duplicate of what her mother had worn when she killed her.
“I’m impressed with your speed,” Binder said. He meant it too. Gathering this many ships in a day and a half was amazing. He’d expected thirty at most.
“Thank you. We have a system of communications in case of emergencies. Our sorcerers helped with a magical wind and here we are. With all due respect, Master, even with sorcerers, there’s no way we can cross the ocean in a day.”
“Leave that to me. Now kneel and swear your oath.”
Lady Shiv knelt and he administered the oath. Binder allowed her to retain the final black dagger so he couldn’t make her a knight. That might be just as well. Given what he was about to attempt, it would take all the power he could spare.
She stood and asked, “What now, Master?”
Binder rose as well. “Tell everyone to hang on.”
She cocked her head for a moment then shrugged and started shouting orders. Binder flew straight up and raised his hands.
Massive chains encircled the ships and lifted them out of the water. He grimaced and fought, pumping out every drop of soul force he could muster. The ships rose one by one until the entire fleet of forty ships hung ten feet above the water.
His wings snapped and they were off, flying above the water twenty times faster than any ship had ever sailed. At this rate he should reach the Lost Colony in a day, give or take.
Chapter Eighty-Two
Uncle Andy, the archmage, Al Elan, and Imogen joined Damien and the others in Port Valcane just before sunset. While everyone was pleased to learn they regained control of the city, minus hunting down a few stray cultists, the news that the Binder was on his way shook them to the core. No one knew what was happening with Marie-Bell since Al Elan didn’t have any better luck locating her than Dreamer. For the moment at least they were on their own.
The group had gathered at Watch headquarters in a meeting room situated at the rear of the first floor. They sat around a big, rectangular table with the king at its head. He looked them all over then said, “I’m open to suggestions.”
Not the most rousing start to the meeting, but to the point. “We need to evacuate as many noncombatants as possible,” the archmage said. “If this city is going to become a war zone, we can’t be worrying about collateral damage.”
“What about defenses?” Jen asked. “I know time is short, but anything that might slow the invaders down would help.”
Uncle Andy shook his head. “We might be able to rig up some temporary barriers at the dock, but beyond that I don’t know.”
“I might be able to help,” Damien said. “Assuming a friend of mine took my suggestion to visit the underground city.”
“The Builders you told me about?” Jen asked.
“Yeah. They could raise a proper stone fortification in half a day. We also need to warn Lookout Island. The garrison there won’t last long on their own.”
The archmage slapped her forehead. “I forgot all about them. You and Imogen can handle that after you check on the Builders.”
“The other dragon champions should be coming soon,” Al Elan said. “Perhaps they can be of use.”
“I’m sure they could be,” Uncle Andy said. “But I have my doubts about their willingness given the dragons’ attitudes. I wouldn’t count on anything there until the final confrontation.”
Al Elan slumped in his chair. “I fear you’re right. I gave them too much credit. Having lived under the Fire King, I should know better.”
Uncle Andy waved him off. “Every idea is welcome. If we’re going to survive this we can’t leave anything off the table. Anyone else?”
“What about the students and instructors at the Tower and Citadel?” Imogen asked. “I’m sure we can use their help.”
“I already sent messages,” the archmage said. “I expect everyone capable of lending a hand to be here within hours.”
“None of them will be of any use against something as strong as the Binder,” Damien said. “It’ll be a slaughter.”
“They’re not here to fight,” the archmage said. “They’re coming to help with the wounded and evacuations. Once that’s done, they’ll evacuate too. Hopefully Marie-Bell will have joined us before then and they’ll handle the archangel leaving only regular soldiers for us.”
“Hopefully.” Damien sighed. “If everything hinges on hopefully I fear for our chances.” He stood. “If there’s nothing else, I’m going to see if I can find Dahlmis and talk him into lending a hand.”
He took a step toward the door and froze. Incredible pressure squeezed his head. Two powerful soul forces were approaching, one from the south and the other from the north. The dragon champions were even stronger than when they left. Good thing they were on the same side. Hopefully.
Jen put a hand on his shoulder. “What is it?”
“Sig and the Voice are on their way.” Damien looked to his master. “Can’t you feel them?”
The archmage closed her eyes for a moment. “Very distantly. Fifteen minutes out I’d say. Go check on the Builders. We’ll greet them when you return.”
“What some company?” Imogen asked.
“Sure, just be careful to control your reaction when you first see them. The Builders have an interesting appearance.”
Damien led Imogen out of the guard building and they made the short flight to the mayor’s mansion. The entrance he was sure about was through a trapdoor on the first floor. There were probably others, but now wasn’t the time to go searching.
They landed in front of the doors and Imogen asked, “So what are they like?”
“Blind, pale, four fingers on each hand, and they’re all telepaths. They read thoughts the way we read expressions. On top of all that, they’re the best and fastest shapers I’ve ever seen. I mean I always considered myself pretty quick if not especially refined, but their sorcerers make me look like a rank amateur. Assuming we survive the next day or two, I’m hoping to find time for some lessons.”
Imogen smiled and her face lit up. Sometimes it was easy to forget how beautiful she was. “Think they’d accept two students? I’ve missed spending time with you.”
“I don’t see why not.” Damien pushed through the doors and entered.
They’d cleared the building earlier when they rounded up the cult leaders, so the place was empty. It took a couple minutes but he eventually found the right hall. The trapdoor had been boarded up. That was nothing a blast of soul force couldn’t fix.
He sliced a disk out of the floor
allowing access to the descending shaft. He sensed nothing below, but the Builders weren’t all that strong individually. He’d have to get closer to know for sure.
“Race you down.” Imogen leapt through the opening, a glow appearing around her as she fell.
She’ll never change.
Damien grinned at Lizzy’s comment and hopped in after Imogen. “No. I find that oddly reassuring.”
At the bottom of the shaft the huge cavern opened up revealing a smaller, but still gigantic Builder city. Damien hadn’t had much time to explore during his first visit, he’d been too focused on catching Connor’s flunky. And now he didn’t have time.
Imogen was floating fifteen feet above the rooftops looking all around. “I don’t sense anyone.”
“Me either. Let’s make a quick flight around the cavern. It’s possible Dahlmis and his people decided not to make the journey.” He really hoped he was wrong. Having the Builders’ help would give them a huge leg up.
As they flew around the silent city, Damien could help noticing the differences between this one and the bigger, multilevel cavern he’d explored with Professor Dorius. The first thing was a total lack of dragon iconography. There wasn’t a single reptilian image to be found. Whoever established this city must have worshipped something other than Dreamer. Maybe they were another sort of heretic.
Five minutes into their search something tickled the back of his brain. He froze. It was faint and partially hidden, but something was definitely there. A weak external soul force user.
“What is it?” Imogen asked.
“I think I found them, but I’m not sure they want to be found.” He slowly descended. There was only one way to find out for sure.
Damien landed on a stone path and Imogen joined him a moment later. There was no point trying to sneak up on them. “Dahlmis! Are you here? We need to talk.”
“By the dragon, you are a noisy people.” The familiar, pale figure of the Builder leader seemed to materialize out of the solid earth. Dahlmis bared his pointed teeth in what passed for a smile among his people. “What brings you back to us so soon?”
On Blackened Wings Page 28