Eryanth ignored them all, his attention purely on Diamond, though his senses and the astute gaze of his dragon were absorbing all the movements and sounds of the people surrounding them. If anyone so much as twitched in Diamond’s direction, he would end them, grab her and get her out of there.
Elexon met his gaze and smiled a little. The red warrior knew it too.
No matter what Diamond thought of Eryanth’s reappearance in her world, he would protect her until his last breath.
The warrior female looked to Diamond. Her voice was clear and strong. “Majesty, I come to honour the pledge of my family, to offer my army and my allegiance, to you.” Her dark eyes found Eryanth. “You should know that this warrior is not of Avalonia. His name is not and never has been Hugo Casimir. He is Prince Eryanth Arjuno of the Fire Mountains. And he is my brother,” she said, her voice quivering slightly.
My sister! Eryanth blinked, holding onto his warrior’s calm with everything he had. This dark-haired, striking female was Queen Ilya, the young queen Gorian had told him to search out. He swallowed hard. Had Gorian known? Eryanth almost scoffed at his thoughts. Of course the old goat had known! He wouldn’t have told us to head to the Fire Mountains otherwise.
Eryanth watched his sister approach. His dragon rumbled a sound that was suspiciously like a longing whimper. It fixed its silver eyes upon her.
Ilya smiled a little, though her progress towards him raised worried murmurs from the wizards. Eryanth realised that their concern wasn’t for him but for the High Wizard who stood beside him. He turned and looked down upon the powerful man whose head currently did not reach Eryanth’s shoulder.
Eryanth’s brow furrowed. There was an air of utter confidence and contempt seeping from this ancient being. His disgust as he glanced at Eryanth’s chest and Ilya’s face was obvious. His face twisted into a mask of arrogance and superiority, as if he believed he was more powerful than any here. “Stop where you are, and do not think to allow any of your men closer to me or my son,” he barked at Ilya. “Or I will kill them all where they stand, and then kill you.”
Ilya halted, clearly considering his words. Ignoring that threat, her dark-haired soldier stepped up to her shoulder. His face was stoic, but his eyes burned with fury. He clearly did not appreciate the High Wizard’s words. He touched Ilya’s shoulder, and she relaxed and took a deep breath. She schooled her face into a pleasant mask and opened her mouth to speak.
The High Wizard ignored her, instead he addressed the tall Fire Priest. “You have a nerve returning to my lands, traitor. Arrest him!” he barked to his commander.
Eryanth blinked as the Fire Priest shimmered into nothing, as if the desert had swallowed him. A split second later, he appeared behind the High Wizard. A small metal star was clutched in his hand, its points ready to rip through the High Wizard’s neck.
“Otekah! No!” yelled Diamond.
The Fire Priest froze, his hatred for the wizard evident in his tense muscles, but his respect for Diamond won out. “Majesty, my daughter died and my son is a slave because of this man,” he growled, yanking on the High Wizard’s hair.
“Your son is where he deserves to be. No Ionian should dare touch my offspring.” The High Wizard shuddered as if the idea were abhorrent. “And your daughter died because you tried to fight me. That is treason! As is what you’re doing now!”
Otekah’s nostrils flared, his top lip curling. Hatred burned from him.
Against the pressure of the sharp star, blood began to seep from the High Wizard’s neck.
“Otekah. Please don’t,” panted Rayan. Using his hands, he groaned and pushed his bulk up, first sitting, then standing, though he paled as he did so.
Eryanth watched through narrowed eyes as Diamond moved to help steady him, concern upon her face. Who is this man to her? Jealousy burned his heart. It took all his self-control to remain silent and not pull her towards him and away from the other male.
Wizards began to chant, preparing to free their lord. The air boiled with mistrust and magic. Every faction of each kingdom nervously stared down the others.
Elexon and Havron pushed a little magic into their wings, as did each fae present, including Attion. The wolf crept closer to Diamond, brushing against her legs. With two strides, Eryanth stood by Diamond’s side.
Diamond took a deep breath and glanced up at him. Just as quickly, she dropped her eyes. Eryanth did not bother holding in his growl. His soul ached for recognition from hers. Another trickle of sweat ran down his spine. He looked to his mate as he once again tugged gently on their bond. Guilt swamped him before she slammed up her defences. He swallowed his nausea at the rawness of her feelings; he knew this was not the time to assert his dominance. They needed privacy when they spoke for the first time.
The High Wizard began to chant.
“Shut up!” hissed Otekah, pushing the star further into the soft skin on the High Wizard’s neck.
The High Wizard chuckled but stopped.
Eryanth had to restrain himself as Diamond walked forward carefully. She placed a hand on Otekah’s bare arm, looking him in the eye. “This is not the way. You know this,” she said gently. “Do you want more people to die today? There has been enough blood spilled by our common enemy without us fighting amongst ourselves. You know what we face and so now do the people of the Southern Hotlands and the Fire Mountains. If you hurt or kill the High Wizard, our chance of any kind of alliance will be done. Is that what you want? Your vengeance will not help your son or your people, Otekah, it will only cause them more pain. Erebos and Griana are the common enemies of all who stand here. Do not give them the chance to take the souls of your people. Please—let us destroy them together.”
Otekah’s resolve weakened, his face falling.
“But the guardians just killed Erebos,” Rayan piped up, looking confused.
Eryanth took a breath, hoping Diamond would forgive him for his interruption. “No, we did not. He is merely regenerating.” He noticed Diamond’s nostrils flare at that. “There is only one way to kill him.”
“Which is?” growled the High Wizard, who stood deceptively relaxed in Otekah’s grip.
Eryanth recognised the wizard could break Otekah’s hold on him if he wished, but was astute enough to weigh all his options first.
“Diamond’s blood and life energy,” stated Eryanth. His voice tight as he revealed the hateful truth.
Diamond’s face paled, but she did not seem as shocked as Eryanth expected.
At that moment, the High Wizard spat out words. Snakes of blue sand wrapped around Otekah’s feet, solidifying into a clear, solid substance.
The other Fire Priests bellowed their rage. Otekah yelled an order to them and they began to disappear into thin air, like a mirage.
Eryanth realised they were using the sunlight to cloak themselves. Otekah’s body began to shimmer and he released the High Wizard.
“Ha! You cannot use your trick again. You are mine now,” gloated the High Wizard.
Otekah swore and pulled against the cage that confined his legs.
The High Wizard raised his hand and the wizards began to chant.
Energy and magic charged the air. Tawne growled and snarled. Elexon and Havron turned back to back, wings armoured and magic swirling around them. Their eyes glowed fiercely as they readied to protect their queen.
“Father! Please, stop this!” barked Rayan. “Can you not see what you are doing? There are forces of darkness, of Chaos, that threaten our very existence. Surely your people, your lands, are more important than killing one Fire Priest?” he entreated.
The High Wizard whipped his head to his son. A flash of magic whipped out and caught Rayan’s cheek. “Do not think to tell me what to do, boy! You are yet still a child. If you inherit my immortality then, and only then, will you have any right to question my orders.”
Rayan clutched his cheek, immediately dropping his eyes. Not because he was scared, Eryanth realised, but because he was furious and did not
want his father to see it.
Diamond looked around. Her demeanour was outwardly calm but her eyes betrayed her anxiety. She recognised the volatile nature of this gathering.
Queen Ilya moved closer to Eryanth’s back, her men following. The Fire Priests disappeared, leaving the wizards with spells at their fingertips ready to throw.
Elexon pushed magic toward Eryanth, letting him know the Red Legion were ready to fight.
With her head held high, Diamond turned, her boot sinking into the fine sand. “My Lord Wizard, there is a real danger to our very existence. You have seen first-hand the damage a mere handful of Ashmea can do; imagine thousands upon thousands of them invading your kingdom. You have ruled here for almost as long as Erebos has ruled Chaos. You will lose everything you have built if Erebos succeeds. If we do not band together and fight alongside the other kingdoms, if you start a war amongst us all, it will not matter who wins; Erebos will return and he will take your soul and everything you have ever held dear.”
Fascinated by Diamond’s confidence and bravery, Eryanth gathered his magic and watched.
The High Wizard peered at Diamond, then stepped towards her, leaving Otekah stranded.
“Close enough, wizard,” growled Eryanth.
The wizard smirked at Eryanth and snorted a soft insulting response. His gaze returned to Diamond before his expression turned thoughtful.
Eryanth felt Rayan shift, and every nerve in his body snapped to attention. If the wizard prince was worried...
The High Wizard gave a tight cold smile and glanced at Ilya before fixing his glare back upon Diamond. “You are descended from an old enemy of mine, though you are not her. The last I heard, she was rotting in a cave in the Fire Mountains. So who are you?”
“I am her daughter, the true queen of Avalonia. I realise you are not bound to aid me—as Queen Ilya of the Fire Mountains is—but I beseech you for help in fighting the Lord of Chaos.”
The High Wizard did not respond, he merely looked back at Eryanth. “Her blood and energy, you say?” he asked, thoughtfully.
“Yes,” Eryanth confirmed, his voice gravelly and deep.
The High Wizard turned to his son.
Rayan held that ancient gaze well, as if used to the weight of it. “Hmm, so what is my son doing with the descendant of my enemy?” he asked.
Rayan’s blue eyes held resolve, but he hesitated.
Eryanth’s heart thundered, though he could not say why.
“He saved me from the Dust Devils and Ashmea that have overrun Stormguaard,” Diamond explained.
“I did not ask you. I asked my son.”
Rayan glanced at Diamond, then met Eryanth’s gaze. He gave the tiniest nod, as if he were aware of the dread in Eryanth’s soul.
Relief raged through Eryanth as Rayan squared his shoulders and answered, “Diamond is under my protection, father. I have taken a vow to provide her sanctuary whilst she is in our lands. As such, I would ask the honour of my father welcoming her, and the other sovereigns who wish to aid her, into our kingdom and home,” Rayan requested gravely, his gaze holding his father’s.
The High Wizard stared at his son. Silence. Anger burned in his eyes. In that moment, Eryanth realised Rayan had crippled the High Wizard’s chance of ending Diamond. He could not break such a vow of protection. It would mean war with his son.
The High Wizard fixed his narrowed gaze upon Diamond. Then smiled. There was no warmth in it, only a cunningness that sent Eryanth’s blood cold.
“Well, in that case, I will of course, honour my son’s vow of protection, Queen of Avalonia.” He indicated Otekah. “On one condition.”
“And what is that Lord Wizard?” asked Diamond.
He gave a wide smile. “That this traitor stays in my custody and service.” His attention rested briefly on the Silverbore weapons carried by Eryanth’s legion of red fae. “I should also like to discuss the rights to the Silverbore trade routes and the trade agreements Avalonia currently has with the Ice Witches.”
Otekah’s eyes widened. “No. I will not be his prisoner,” he hissed.
The High Wizard flicked his hand and spat out words.
Eryanth looked on in horror as Otekah’s mouth was sealed shut. He could no longer protest.
Diamond calmly met Otekah’s gaze. “I am sorry Otekah, but the fate of this world outweighs your need for vengeance and freedom. I agree,” she said to the High Wizard. “However, I have a condition of my own, before we discuss the trade rights of the very lucrative Silverbore mines; I feel it necessary to discuss an alliance between the three kingdoms who stand here today. Those mines will be worth nothing if the Lord of Chaos razes our kingdoms to the ground.”
The High Wizard turned his cold gaze on Ilya and her entourage. “Queen Ilya, would you care to join us? You may bring one warrior with you,” he told her.
Ilya inclined her head but looked directly at Diamond. “Is this your wish, majesty?”
Diamond blew a little air from her lips and lifted her chin. “Yes, it is. Personal issues will have to wait,” she said, deliberately looking at Eryanth. “It is more important we establish an alliance, one strong enough to fight Erebos if, or when, he returns.”
“I will join you. However, my brother seems to have some knowledge that may be vital to ending this war. Perhaps he can accompany me too?”
Blue sand skittered over her boots as Diamond turned to Eryanth. She stared up at him. He did not miss the way she bit her lip then swallowed hard. Instantly, he pulled his dragon in and his bones shrank. He did not wish to tower over her, only be closer to her.
Moments passed as they held eye contact. The guilt and confusion in those violet depths was almost too much to bear. He resisted tugging on their bond again. He didn’t need to. This close to her, he could feel the storm of her emotions. As if of its own accord, his hand lifted. He gently, hesitantly, stroked the back of his forefinger down her dust covered cheek. That small contact almost dropped him to his knees.
Diamond’s eyes filled with sadness and tears.
His hand dropped and she stepped backwards.
“I don’t know who you are,” she whispered, her voice thick. “My mate was taken from me. He was carved up and died in front of my eyes, and here you are wearing his skin. Only it’s different. There are no scars, no evidence of his life or struggles. You are too perfect to be him. Hugo was never perfect, and I loved him for it.”
“I am no longer Hugo Casimir, my love. My name is Eryanth. I was given this second chance at life by your grandmother and the gift of another innocent soul. I came back for you, to be with you and to help you fight this evil. Please—let me help you.” Eryanth ground his teeth as a tear tipped from her eye and ran down her cheek, leaving a line in the dirt on her face. “I truly am your soul-bonded, my love.” He tugged gently on that precious link they shared.
She shook herself, coughed, and swiped at the tears on her cheeks. “But I watched you die,” she croaked, her voice breaking.
“I know,” he responded. He glanced around at all the curious faces watching them. He just wanted to be alone with her, to talk about how she had saved him, to explain about their son. It killed him to do it, but he stepped away. “Perhaps, I can explain what happened later, when we are alone,” he suggested.
Diamond took a deep breath and nodded, but she rebuilt that wall up between them as she moved her attention to Otekah.
Eryanth folded his arms over his chest, deciding not to push her any further, though hope warmed his heart as he let the weight of his gaze rest upon the woman he loved.
Chapter 33
Otekah met Diamond’s eyes; instead of the hate she expected, they contained understanding. He knew what she was doing. He appeared to be whispering to the wind as he quietly awaited his fate.
Rayan looked on unhappily as two wizards took Otekah by his arms. They cast a spell, and Otekah’s arms and ankles were immediately secured by shackles, then they dragged him away.
Diamond pla
ced a hand on Rayan’s arm, hoping to quiet any protest he wanted to make. “Don’t worry. He will be fine. We will make sure he is,” she said reassuringly, hoping she told the truth.
Rayan nodded stiffly. “Shall we adjourn to my tent, father?” he suggested, without making eye contact with the High Wizard. “We can start our negotiations there. Though I think we should return to Ion Kugat as soon as possible.”
The High Wizard nodded coldly.
Diamond could only wonder what thoughts and deceptions were in that ancient head as he turned on his heel, marching through the crowds of warriors. No matter their allegiance, they all gave way for him, but only the wizards bowed their heads in reverence; all other warriors, soldiers and healers were too busy tending the injured.
Feeling the weight of Eryanth’s attention, Diamond could not help but glance back over her shoulder.
He smiled gently, and a pressure tugged inside her chest. Her face flushed. It was becoming so hard to ignore that touch on her soul or the way she felt drawn to the perfect version of the warrior she had loved.
His eyes blazed at her continued attention. She hastily looked away. Despite her confused feelings about him, she just wanted to hold him, to feel his arms around her. With determination, she pushed thoughts of Eryanth to one side. Right now, she had to convince a High Wizard he needed an alliance with a magicless, kingdomless queen. No problem, she told herself. I can do this. Her palms were slick as she headed after the retreating wizard.
Bodies covered the camp. Those that had risen again as Dust Devils now lay in piles of black dust mixing with the glittering blue sand. The injured begged for help, for relief from the agony of their severed flesh and broken bones. It was hard to ignore their cries and continue onward. Healers ran from injured to injured, doling out potions and aide. Warrior and soldier alike used makeshift bandages made from the canvas of the tents and any other material at hand, staunching blood flow and covering wounds.
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