Eternal Sanctuary

by Sela Croft

  But the answer wasn’t that simple. I might give up my life, be willing to sacrifice for others. But I had an obligation to Draven and to the kingdom. I’d long held to the belief that the immortal prophecy had spelled out my destiny.

  I was meant to save the kingdom with Draven, then rule as his queen. That all seemed like a dream now. Such things were easy to conceive of, but were proving impossible to achieve. Plus I’d changed dramatically.

  It had been natural to be kind and good when I’d been sheltered in safety. But what about now? I’d just experienced my own dark side. If I would have ripped Alban apart, what else might I be capable of? The fairy tale that I’d recited since I’d been young no longer seemed real.

  To rule as king and queen, Draven and I would have to defeat the power that terrorized the kingdom. Yet there seemed to be unending roadblocks on that path. Now I had to make a difficult decision.

  I could utilize the support of the servants and make my escape the top priority. With their assistance, my chances were better. But could I do that with a clean conscience?

  Love for Draven filled my heart. He was my other half, and I couldn’t envision living without him. He felt the same; he’d told me many times. I was his betrothed, his future queen. Yet I was stuck with a dilemma.

  I cared deeply about the servants, whose only mistake had been getting captured by Alban. Compassion welled within me, making me realize that I hadn’t lost my human qualities after all.

  Either losing Draven or abandoning the humans would be devastating. I wanted so desperately to be in my love’s arms once more. Yet I couldn’t live with myself if hundreds of people died when I might have saved them. If only I could have both…but I had to make a choice.

  Chapter 21 – Mirela

  My strength was waning, but every second counted. I’d antagonized Alban beyond belief, so I anticipated his return to my cell with dread. With what little time I had, I spent it making preparations. While lying on the table with my eyes closed, I mentally contacted Curtis and Emma.

  There was a lot to arrange, and I needed more information. I learned a couple of important pieces of data. The first was that the Royal Army was housed in barracks behind the palace. The buildings were staggered down the back of the mountainside, so could not be seen on approach.

  That was good, because his generals wouldn’t see any activity on the face of the mountain. For that, they depended upon the palace guards. I savored Alban’s lack of foresight, but only momentarily. It was a slight advantage at best.

  The second vital piece of information was that Alban had a fallback. If his palace was under siege and it looked like all was lost, he had an escape tunnel. Most castles had such a passage, so it was good to know that the king did too.

  The secret passage was meant for Alban’s use alone, yet the servants knew about it. The palace staff knew much more than their master gave them credit for. The humans I’d teamed up with were glad to share that insight. That hidden passage would be the best way for the servants to escape.

  The trick would be in getting the staff past the guards and out of the palace without Alban’s knowledge—at least until they were in a safer area. My plan was flawed in many ways, and by no means assured everyone’s safety. But it was the best one available.

  I’d have to make it work. I was more confident that the servants would live to see a better life than I was that I’d have the future I’d wanted. Having witnessed Alban’s reaction to sorcery, I was sure of one thing: I could certainly serve as a distraction.

  Curtis and Emma were very resourceful, so assured me that they had their part under control. They’d set up teams with captains, so the stronger humans could assist the weaker ones. It would be an orchestrated effort that had a chance of succeeding.

  Whether the humans could escape depended upon not alerting the guards until it was too late for them to stop it. Once the exodus began, things would need to move swiftly. I didn’t need to tell Curtis and Emma that, since they had much at stake.

  But I did stress another point. I asked for their trust, and to have faith that I was in control. I went out on a limb to promise that, but I fully intended to come through for them. I told them that whatever they should see or hear, they should not fear it.

  The humans went about their day as usual, while remaining ready for escape. In an unobtrusive manner, they formed into the smaller groups and paid attention to their team leaders. I reached out to determine if they were prepared. There was a risk that they’d panic, but so far that hadn’t happened.

  There hadn’t been a second to spare, because Alban reentered my cell. He’d calmed from the ordeal I’d put him through, but anger still flared in his eyes. Instead of allowing him to get the first word in, I took control. “So, my king. You have returned for more.”

  Alban’s laugh lacked the confidence that I’d previously witnessed. “You are still the one in chains, my beauty.”

  The king looked me over, taking his time. I had no doubt that he considered me a weak female. Beauty had made me vulnerable on occasion, but I intended to turn it to my advantage. The less of a threat the king considered me, the greater my element of surprise.

  “Ah, you flatter me, royal one.” I pushed aside any last shred of doubt, then took on an air of superiority. I’d gleaned from Selene that the king responded to sarcasm, so I’d do my best to accommodate him.

  “You know you are beautiful,” Alban said. “But then, so are many others. That doesn’t make you special at all.”

  “But you know why I’m special,” I said. “It’s not every day that you capture a hybrid. And the recent demonstration of my powers should have convinced you of my value.”

  “That does me no good, since you cling to Draven like a simpering child.”

  “I think not,” I said. “Draven isn’t here, so I’m on my own. And you’ve shown that you are strong; you are the one in charge.”

  “What are you implying?”

  “If I stay on this table much longer, you’ll take my life—as slowly as satisfies you.”

  Alban seemed to gloat. “It’s my prerogative. I’m your ruler.”

  “I have no argument,” I said. “But I would like to make you an offer.”

  Alban didn’t instantly react, but I observed a gleam in his eyes. “I’m waiting.”

  “I have a choice,” I said. “I can die, which is pointless. Or I can use my sorcery for your benefit.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  I didn’t reply too quickly. This part was crucial. If the king didn’t believe me, then my ploy would be ended before it started.

  “I want to live,” I said. “I’d like to save myself, and I see no other way to do it. If Draven was going to save me, he would have. I’m forced to negotiate on my own behalf. So, I’m offering you what you want…in exchange for what I want.”

  “What do you want?”

  I sensed that I had Alban’s interest. He’d sought to have sorcery on his side for centuries. At last, he had an opportunity. “I want to live in the palace unmolested for agreeing to be your court sorceress.”

  Alban narrowed his eyes. “I’m not the trusting type. At the first opportunity, you’ll run off to Draven.”

  “You have nothing to fear,” I said. “You are well protected, and I’d need to get past your guards. If I was capable of doing so, wouldn’t I have done that already?”

  Alban seemed to relax a little. He wasn’t about to admit fear. I’d given him an argument that he couldn’t reject. “I’m not afraid of you. And it would seem that Selene’s skill exceeds yours, since she has practiced sorcery through the centuries.”

  “I’m sure you’re correct,” I said. “But my abilities are useful. It would be to your advantage to have sorcery working for you, and not always against you.”

  Alban crossed his arms. “Sorcery should have been mine all along. You are only righting a wrong by allying with me.”

  I didn’t want to go too far, lest the king dou
bt my sincerity. “I didn’t say that I’m allying with you. Only that I will do this one thing for you, if you keep to your bargain and let me live.”

  “Agreed.”

  I’d won the first round, but the game wasn’t over. “To wield my abilities, I must be able to move. There are a few things I can do, as you witnessed. But there is much more available to you; all you need to do is release me.”

  The king balked.

  “Your guards are by the door, and I assume that more are in the hall. You have no reason to be concerned,” I said. “I merely wish to show you what you’ve acquired by procuring my help.”

  The king couldn’t seem to resist that. He anticipated a demonstration of what he’d bargained for, and I was just as anxious to show him.

  “Guards…release her.”

  Within seconds, I was freed. I sat up and dangled my legs over the table. It had been a while since the last torture, so I’d partially recovered. I wished to make a show of strength, so didn’t let on that I had any remaining aches and pains.

  To warm up, I did a few easy tricks. I levitated a couple of implements of torture then released them, so they crashed to the ground. Alban watched without interfering. Next, I created fireballs but didn’t put them close to the king. After the flash of fire, I extinguished each one.

  I was certain the king was jealous—even of such minor demonstrations—because they were abilities he didn’t possess. He hated for anyone to be more powerful than he was. Even if someone was, he’d refuse to admit it.

  “Why don’t you try?”

  The king stared at me. “You know very well that—”

  “You just haven’t attempted it before.” I paused for a beat. “It didn’t occur to you. I’m certain that you were being deceived. Sorcery is a skill that can be learned and practiced. But only if you have power.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You are the most powerful one in the kingdom,” I said. “It was a trick not to enlighten you about the extent of your capabilities.”

  “That witch Selene kept that from me. She didn’t want me to rise to my full potential.” Alban puffed out his chest. “She wished to keep it all for herself, to make me think she had great value.”

  “I believe you are correct,” I said. “But you are too smart. You’ve figured it out. Now let’s see what you can do. Try to lift that knife.”

  Alban stared at the knife and strained a bit. His jaw stiffened, and his brow furrowed. But the object didn’t budge. He appeared dismayed.

  “Sorcery takes practice,” I said. “I’ll give a few tips, then I’m sure you’ll catch on. Try it again, only this time…feel your power.”

  Alban looked encouraged and attempted to lift the knife. This time it lurched up but dropped quickly.

  “You see,” I said. “Each time, you’ll be stronger.”

  “You helped me. That’s the only explanation.”

  “That wasn’t necessary. You made the knife lift by yourself.” By the king’s expression, I thought I’d made my point. He was quick to grab on to the idea that he would improve with repeated tries.

  Alban glared at the knife, completely ignoring me. I surreptitiously made the knife rise all the way this time. When the king looked away, startled, the knife dropped to the floor.

  “You lost focus,” I said. “You could have kept the knife in the air for as long as you wished.”

  “What else can I do?”

  “Would you like to try creating fireballs?”

  “How do I do that?”

  “Feel your power like before, but this time get an image in your mind of a fireball, just like one I made.”

  The king looked toward the wall, then stared into space.

  I created a medium fireball that fizzled when the king looked up, aghast.

  “You learn very fast,” I said. “Your power is greater than any other I’ve encountered. I believe you should show your palace guards. They will be very impressed, and tremble before you as their master.”

  Alban couldn’t seem to wait to flaunt his newly gained ability. He ordered the guards to call all the rest to the hallway, so he could demonstrate his great skill.

  It wasn’t long before the door opened, then a guard waved toward the outer hall. Alban stepped out of the cell, and I followed. He stood before his stoic guards, like a magician about to perform a trick.

  “You’ll do it even better this time,” I said.

  Alban looked over the row of guards standing along the wall. There were twenty in all, including the two who had watched over me. He stared into space, squinting his eyes, then flames burst forth in the air.

  The guards stared at the fireball, apparently unsure what to do.

  “I am more powerful than you imagined,” Alban said. “You’d do well to remember that.”

  An image of the first teams of humans moving toward the exit entered my mind; they’d made it that far. I blocked out any distraction. I couldn’t afford to lose Alban’s attention. I was aware that Curtis had obtained keys to the cells from servants who tended to the prisoners. It was important that the guards remain entertained, while the humans were extricated, along with any incarcerated vampires.

  “Your king can do much more than that,” I said, loud enough to make the guards look at me. “He cannot be personally attacked, because he is able to create a shield that protects him.”

  The king turned to me.

  “It’s not much different than what you’ve already achieved,” I said. “Imagine a force field around you that is so strong that even all your guards couldn’t break through.”

  Alban’s eyes glowed as he refocused. He was certain that he was achieving magical things. I created a shield around him, hoping it was strong enough for the demonstration.

  I waved at the guards, who came forth timidly at first. They weren’t used to attacking their master. “There’s no danger,” I said. “The king is all-powerful.”

  The guards pushed forth in a throng, with surprised looks on their faces when they were unable to get any closer than a foot from their master. The king stood firmly behind the shield, in awe of himself.

  While the king was distracted, I waved my arms to control the weather on the mountaintop. Thunder boomed above, then bolts of lightning sliced into the icy slopes and hail pummeled the ground. It was my signature performance. If Draven was near—which I prayed he was—the sudden shift in weather would assure him that I was in the palace.

  Chapter 22 – Draven

  I’d prepared my troops then ridden through the castle gates faster than I’d thought possible. I’d informed my comrades that Alban had taken Mirela. There could be no other explanation. We rode hard, focused on arriving before the ultimate disaster.

  I didn’t know what to expect, so brought any available soldiers with me. We raced to the mountain region, but halted before approaching. I didn’t want to alert the royals. There was no sign of Alban’s army, and I wished to keep it that way.

  It might be possible to slip past the gatekeepers, get inside the palace, and save Mirela. That was my first priority. Battle might ensue, but I intended to get her out beforehand. It was a very dicey proposition. I’d already witnessed the royals in combat, and hoped to delay any encounter with them.

  The lieutenants organized their men, taking factions to different areas. Instead of staying together, it was better to divide up. The royals would have a more difficult time taking us down. My soldiers were ordered to remain under cover at various locations around the base of the mountains.

  Then I went with Quin, Spence, and Jon closer to the palace. We had a unit of soldiers with us in the event of a fight. The palace looked quiet, which might indicate that the Royal Army hadn’t anticipated our arrival.

  With my men right behind me, I wove toward the mountain slope, staying out of sight. We approached the side, not the front, where other peaks blocked the view from above. I commanded my soldiers to spread out over the mountain and be prepared.


  Then I took my closest comrades with me, along with a handful of other soldiers. If I brought too many, it would be difficult to stay out of sight. Yet I needed reinforcements, in the event that I had to face the palace guards. We moved slowly toward a path leading up to the fortified walls.

  It was smarter to creep upward than to levitate, as it gave us a greater chance of not being spotted. The dark sky was filled with clouds that hovered above the spires of the palace like a fog. The stars seemed hidden in the inky black, and the moon cast a pale glow over the scene.

  Then a roar of thunder made me look up. The air crackled and lightning bolts rained down from above, followed by buckets of hail. I turned to my comrades. “It’s Mirela.” My heart soared. My love was alive. I couldn’t bear to think of what condition she might be in. My greatest desire was to get her to safety.

  We sped our pace, while keeping out of sight near the backside of the mountain. Then I paused, unsure what was happening. A stream of people flowed down a narrow path on the far side of the mountaintop. They were human.

  I held up my hand. “Don’t attack. They don’t appear armed.”

  Quin followed me toward the progression of people. When we got close, a thin, middle-aged man walked toward us, holding the hand of a petite woman. “Are you the leader?” I said.

  “Yes, I am guiding all the servants out. My name is Curtis, and this is my wife Emma.”

  “What is going on?”

  “Are you Draven?”

  “Yes, I am. I lead the Guardians.”

  Curtis sighed. “That’s a relief.” He proceeded to relay the plan, describing how the servants had fled the palace.

  “What about Mirela?” I said.

  “I don’t know,” Curtis said. “She told us not to be concerned, that we should get out quickly. Then she would deal with the rest.”

  “There are so many of us,” Emma said. “I’m worried for the sick ones.”

  “Spence…Jon…get more soldiers. Help these people get to the bottom of this mountain,” I said. “And be discreet. I don’t want the entire Royal Army to descend upon them.”