Into Storm

by Jason Hamilton

  One face she did not see was that of the queen herself. Did she fear for her life? She must know that even wounded as Jak was, she was more than powerful enough to single the queen out and kill her. Not that Jak would do something like that, of course. There was a time when she had thought it through, but not anymore. The grudge the queen held against Jak wasn’t all that different from the animosity she’d held against Naem. It was based on the hurt that they had received, and fear of the future, but it was not based in logic or compassion. And both of those were what Jak needed now.

  Wherever the queen was, she hoped she was paying attention.

  She looked up at the large troll standing behind her. He hadn’t said much, as was their way apparently, but he had agreed to come with her and stand by her side. She would need him for what came next.

  She took a deep breath, slowly so as not to further aggravate the pain in her chest. She was about to make a huge gamble. Hopefully it would work.

  Nodding at the large troll, she turned back to face the army. A rumble behind her signaled the troll’s approach as he stepped up immediately behind her and placed his rocky hands on her shoulders. Those hands were so big they covered most of her upper arm as well. It was a good thing the troll was on her side, or she would be helpless against it in a position like this.

  Then the link came.

  For the second time, a rush of mad energy flooded through her. She almost felt like her entire body was awash with light. Surely her skin and hair could not contain such magnitude. Part of her wondered how it was not burning her up from the inside.

  The night was still dark, and the storm clouds had passed, but the air still crackled with power. Her hair rose and fanned out behind her. Again that feeling of elation, that she could do anything, clouded her mind. With this power she could lay waste to the queen’s army, just as she had with the demons. But that was not why she was here. She pushed the thought aside.

  Instead she channeled some of that power into her own body, strengthening her own muscles and organs. Perhaps it could even help her heal faster, though she doubted it worked like that. What she needed now was a strong voice.

  “FRIENDS!” The words exploded out of her mouth when she spoke, loud enough that Seph and Gabriel, who stood beside her, covered their ears in surprise. Jak was tempted to do the same. That volume had been unexpected, even for her.

  She paused, watching as the soldiers ahead of them peered out from their shields to get a good look at her. Yes, she had their attention.

  “YOU HAVE SEEN WHAT WE CAN DO,” she bellowed, growing used to the sound. She was vaguely aware of an increase in the pain in her chest when she spoke, but with all that power coursing through her, it only barely registered. “WE DEFEATED THOUSANDS OF DEMONS WITH BARELY A CASUALTY.”

  She winced as she said it. There had been casualties, and even one was too many. She didn’t like playing it down, but she had to get the point across.

  She raised her hand skyward, calling on the energy of the troll’s link, as well as that of her Thunder brand. Lightning shot through the sky, not from any cloud, but from her own hand. That was the signal.

  From the river, a huge wave erupted out of its depths. It rose through the air like a great sea serpent, twisting and writhing as the Water Fae gathered more and more river water to add to it. It did not come close enough to touch the army, but simply hung in the air, a threat to anyone who would oppose it.

  A ripple spread through the army. Yes, they knew what the Water Fae were capable of. Many of them would have seen their power firsthand at Skyecliff. And those who hadn’t, now had a demonstration to give them an idea.

  To her sides, the other Fae activated their own abilities. Her mother raised a cloud of darkness on her side, so that only the pinpricks of green light that were her eyes shone through. Yewin did the opposite on his side, raising his level of brightness to something far beyond the largest bonfire. Many of the soldiers shielded their eyes. Girwirt stepped in front of Jak and put his hands to the ground. Just like that, it began to melt before her eyes, grass burning in an instant as the rock and dirt congealed together. Hot, dry air radiated at Jak’s face as Girwirt worked.

  The opposing army apparently got their point. Most began taking a few steps back, and murmurs and shouting reached her ears, though some only seemed angered further. She could not make out what they were saying, but she had succeeded in sowing a little fear in the group.

  But fear was not why they were here. With another burst of power to the sky, she sent the second signal. All of her companions immediately stopped what they were doing. Girwirt returned to his place, letting the molten ground in front of him cool. Yewin extinguished his light, and Karlona did the same with her shroud of darkness. Last of all, the Water Fae brought the column of water back towards the river, finally allowing it to fall back into its place.

  “THERE IS MUCH WE COULD DO TO YOU,” shouted Jak. “BUT THAT WOULD ACCOMPLISH NOTHING. WE DO NOT WANT YOU TO FEAR US. KNOW THIS. WE WILL NOT ATTACK YOU TODAY. WE KNOW MANY OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE US DEAD. WE DO NOT WISH THE SAME. ALL WE WISH IS TO PEACEFULLY COEXIST.”

  Jak paused, letting that sink in. She tried her best to read the expressions on their faces. Were they considering her words, or were they passing them off as the rantings of a mad woman in league with dangerous Fae. Did anyone out there view them as anything more than an advance type of demon?

  She swallowed, preparing for what she was about to say next.

  “TO THAT END,” she said, choosing words she had carefully selected before coming here. “I WOULD OFFER YOU SOMETHING IN RETURN, SOMETHING TO PROVE THAT I AM ON YOUR SIDE.”

  Her eyes strayed to find Seph. He and Gabriel stood side by side, watching her along with everyone else. Though Seph had no skill in combat, she needed him here, if for nothing else than the support his presence gave her.

  The barest nod was all the confirmation she needed. She faced the opposing army head on. “WE ARE PREPARED TO OFFER YOU A DEAL. IF YOU LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS AND JOIN US, I WILL GIVE YOU ADDITIONAL BRANDS.”

  Oh yes, that prompted a response. This time she could almost feel the ripple effect as soldiers turned to their comrades, passing on what she had said to those at the rear of the army, or confirming that they had heard correctly.

  Of course, the queen had probably done a lot to discredit her when it came to obtaining multiple brands. Traditionally, most would assume that an extra brand would kill a person or turn them into a demon. But she also knew that half the population of Skyecliff had seen her fight using more than one brand. The queen wouldn’t have been able to stop the speculation that would have developed.

  “WE KNOW THIS MEANS LABELLING YOURSELF AS A DESERTER. SOME WILL CALL IT TREASON. SOME WILL CALL IT HERESY. BUT WE HAVE PROOF THAT SUCH A THING IS POSSIBLE. IMAGINE NEEDING A TENTH OF THE FOOD OR SLEEP THAT YOU DO NOW. IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD ACCOMPLISH WITH ADDED STRENGTH, GRACE, OR HEALING ABILITIES. YOUR FAMILIES MAY JOIN US AS WELL. TOGETHER WE WILL FORM A GREAT, INDEPENDENT SOCIETY. ONE WHERE ALL WHO SEEK FOR PEACE ARE WELCOME.”

  She stopped, taking a moment to breathe. The wound in her chest was beginning to ache more than usual. Probably from all the energy provided by the link, and from all the shouting. She’d have to rest soon.

  “WE WILL AWAIT THOSE INTERESTED PARTIES APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES INTO THE MOUNTAIN PASS, WHERE IT IS NARROWEST. AND SHOULD YOU WISH TO ATTACK US THERE, WE WILL BE READY FOR THAT AS WELL.”

  For emphasis, she called on her Thunder brand one last time, sending sparks flying all around them.

  Now it was Naem’s turn. Jak did not have the strength to use the Pillar of Eternity for long, so it was his job to do so. In the blink of an eye, Naem disappeared and reappeared right next to her. Relics, but that was fast. Was that what it was like when she moved using the Pillar?

  Naem grabbed her hand and let the magic of time wash over them both. The clink of armor and sound of murmuring soldiers ceased. All that was left was blessed silence.
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  “Great speech,” said Naem. “Now let’s get you somewhere where you can rest.”

  They walked back towards the mountain pass, using the power of the Pillar of Eternity. Unfortunately this meant walking hand in hand, which caused Jak’s face to redden. And not in the good way. When this was over, Jak was going to have to find a way to extend the power of the staff through more than just physical touch. Hopefully such a thing was possible because this was beyond uncomfortable.

  Thankfully, Naem seemed to sense her discomfort, and let go once they were a safe distance away. As his hand left hers, he blurred from her vision and then departed completely. Within seconds, Karlona, Gabriel, Seph, and all the others were there, having been led by the hand, all connected to Naem as he wielded the Pillar of Eternity. Even the troll managed to travel this way, causing a rumble that shook the whole earth.

  To the queen’s army, it would have looked like they all vanished within seconds, adding to the mysterious illusion of power that they wanted to present. Hopefully she had done her job in impressing some of them. At the very least, she hoped they would not attack after this. She was sure the queen had heard her proposal, and would do everything she could to prevent deserters from joining Jak and the Fae. Perhaps no one would leave, but as long as they did not attack, Jak would be satisfied.

  When they were all assembled a safe distance away from the army, they began walking back to the mountain pass at a normal speed. Naem was out of breath from running back and forth for each person.

  “Well now we’ll see how many of those soldiers are loyal to the queen.”

  “I knew they wouldn’t just agree not to attack us,” said Jak. “That’s why I offered them something in return.”

  “Yes, more brands.” Gabriel stroked his beard. “It’s a dangerous call. And do we really want the type of people that would abandon their loyalties for such a reward.”

  “Some no, but some will come because it's right, because they’ve become disillusioned with the society they live in. People will come. We’ve just given them one last incentive to do so, not just with the brands, but with a promise of a more fulfilling life, a promise of peace.”

  “Illadar,” said Seph under his breath, but loud enough that Jak could hear it.

  She met his knowing eyes. “Yes, I suppose so,” she said.

  “The last thing we need is more giants ruining everything,” said Girwirt. Jak cocked an eyebrow at the gnome. He hesitated. “But I suppose it would mean we’d have more hands to find mushrooms for us. And strong backs to climb on when we’re tired.”

  Jak grinned and shook her head. That gnome. Why was he the representative of his race again?

  “We’ll see what happens,” said Gabriel. “Either they’ll come, or they won’t. But I think we gave them enough reason to refrain from attacking. At least for the time being.”

  “I agree,” said Yewin. “I saw the truth in their eyes. Those that won’t join us will be too afraid to attack. I would guess word of this night will spread far and wide. You might not know what you’ve unleashed in offering more brands, Jak.”

  Jak nodded. She knew that would be the case. In fact, that was probably why she had been hesitant to give any brands to Elva and some of Seph’s other followers. It would only open the floodgates. But now that was out in the open. She would deal with the consequences.

  “And let’s not forget—” Seph began, “—that you’ve now set yourself up as a direct opponent of the queen. Even if you do claim to be peaceful, she will see this as an aggressive, competitive act. She will think you’re trying to tear the kingdom away from her.”

  “Yes, I knew she would,” said Jak. “And there was a time when I might have considered doing just that. But we can’t just take authority because we can.” After another moment she chuckled and added, “The queen herself told me that a monarch can’t do anything that the people oppose. Well this has to be the people’s decision. If they choose to follow us, to follow me, then let them.”

  “And when the queen chooses to attack?” Seph asked. He did not say ‘if’.

  “We’ll be better prepared,” Jak answered. “While I don’t plan on attacking first, our goal should be to become powerful enough that she would not dare attack. Force her to restrain herself.”

  “Out of fear?” This time it was Karlona who spoke.

  Jak pressed her lips together. Yes, unfortunately fear would likely become a tactic they could not get around. People were going to fear them, whether she wanted them to or not. It just didn’t have to be the only tactic they used. “That will be up to the queen. She knows that I won’t be the first to attack. Let her make of that information what she will.”

  They passed the edge of the battlefield where the demon army had stood. Dead bodies littered the area. If they weren’t about to leave, they would work at piling the bodies together and burning them. As it was, they had no time, so the corpses would likely stay here to rot. Travelers would have to avoid the region for weeks or even months due to the smell of decay.

  One question still nagged at Jak’s mind. What had Cain been up to in sending that army against them. Had he been trying to convince the queen that they were in league with the demons? That seemed the obvious answer, from the way they had avoided attacking until provoked. But was there more to it? It seemed an awful waste to send such a large army there, when Cain likely knew what she was capable of.

  Or did he? Was the army merely a way of testing the waters, seeing what she could do? That thought did not give her much comfort.

  Whatever Cain was up to, they needed to be prepared for it, whatever that took.

  26

  “I’m glad you’re back safely,” said Skellig upon their arrival. They were at the entrance to the pass now, with the mountain towering over them. “What was their response?”

  “Well they haven’t shown signs of attacking yet,” said Seph. “I’d say that’s about as good of a response as we can expect from an army led by Telma.”

  “We gave them the option of joining us,” said Jak. “We’ll wait for a while to see if anyone takes us up on the offer.”

  “But we have some time at least?” Skellig asked. When Jak nodded, she added, “Good, because we need to see to the matter of burying our dead.”

  That brought a soberness to the group. Everyone stared at the ground, even Girwirt had a look of sorrow on his face.

  “Of course,” Jak said. “Where are the shovels?”

  “Not you, Jak. You’re still recovering.” Skellig folded her arms.

  The wound burned, but she was still standing. And the bleeding had long stopped. She could help. But Skellig didn’t look like she was backing down. Well that was fine. She could find the shovels by herself. She brushed past Skellig and found the nearest wagon, rummaging through the belongings there. The others didn’t stop her.

  When she finally found a shovel, she made her way to the mouth of the pass. There was a small foothill overlooking the plains that would make a good spot, a fitting memorial to those who died on the battlefield.

  She plunged the shovel into the ground, and heaved up a clump of dirt. Instantly her body protested. She was already tired enough as it was, even with Strength and Sleeplessness on her side. But she could rest later. This was more important.

  She dug the shovel in again, and again. Soon others arrived and began to pitch in. Seph was first, giving her a small smile before he dug his own shovel into a patch of ground beside hers. That smile did not have the same enthusiasm that Jak was used to seeing. A touch of soberness darkened his eyes. And Jak could understand why. Elva and several others that followed him were among the dead.

  The digging reminded Jak of another time she had done this very thing. That time she had been not far from here, digging her own father’s grave. In both cases it represented a sobering experience, but there was something almost cathartic about it as well. Perhaps it was the fact that it felt like she was doing something, that her situation wasn’t helpl
ess, even though the deaths of her friends and family certainly made it seem so. It was an odd dichotomy of emotions.

  After just a few minutes of steady work, a series of thundering booms that shook the ground announced the arrival of several trolls. Jak looked up at the arrivals. Hadn’t most of them retreated further into the mountains? She hesitated, as did everyone else holding a shovel. It would take a while before everyone fully trusted the creatures.

  The big one, their leader, stepped forward to where Jak was digging her grave. With a giant hand, he dug a huge trough into the ground, accomplishing in seconds what it had taken Jak several minutes to complete. The large troll tossed the dirt aside, before bending for a second handful. The other trolls fanned out, and began to follow suit.

  They were helping to dig the graves.

  With the troll’s help, it didn’t take them long to finish up. Soon just over a dozen pits lay before them on the small hill. By that time, Skellig had arranged for the bodies to be brought beside them. Then began the even more sobering task of laying each one in their respective graves.

  Jak supposed it could have been worse. Their casualties remained under twenty, and could have included their entire army had it not been for Jak. But the magnitude of their victory only made things worse in a way. If Jak could have called that lightning storm much earlier, perhaps the others would not have needed to fight at all.

  Jak wiped a tear from her eye as Elva was brought forward. A hand grasped her shoulder from behind, and she turned to see Yewin there, his face a somber mask.

  “She saved my life,” he said. “If it hadn’t been for her, we could not have established the link.”

  He was right. While it was Jak that had killed the demons, it would not have been possible without Elva. “We owe her everything,” she whispered as two of the Shadow Fae began lowering the woman into her grave. “I never fully understood Elva. She was almost too devoted. That devotion eventually claimed her life. But it saved ours.”