Lucin smiled at him. “I made a promise to myself the night you killed twelve of my soldiers and the innocent Elven girl, Siole, that I be the one to personally see to your death. I do this for Maree and Miah and Titus and all of the Cyman people you ‘ave tortured and abused.”
“A little early to declare victory is it not, Captain? You see, I have powerful wards set at the Keep. Galen Starr will not be able to touch me there. And, let me promise you something, Lucin. As soon as Galen has gone back to the Highworld where he belongs, I will travel back to Nordik and hunt down your wife and daughter. I promise you, Lucin, that their deaths will not come quick or easy.”
The Cyman Captain just stared at him. “Would you like to finally ‘ear the third prophecy, Mage?”
“This is your last chance, Lucin! Get me back to the Keep now, and I will let your family live!”
With battle raging all around them, Lucin recited the words. “At the final battle, there is hope for the land, all Men, Elves, and Dwarves, it is out of your hand; The angels will battle for liberation, the demons will battle for domination; It all ends as it once began, between the raven and the star; Who will prevail at the end of the day, is yet to be decided from afar.”
“GALEN STARR!” bellowed Lucin.
“Lucin! Quiet!”
Lucin continued to scream over the mayhem. “GALEN STARR! GALEN STARR!”
The forbidding white angel with flowing hair and a sword of light heard the call.
Adrian looked up in contemptuous acceptance as his mentor and nemesis rushed toward him, and he did not utter a sound as Galen’s white sword cut him in half.
With a powerful jolt, the world turned light.
Epilogue
A NEW WORLD
The Island of Massa won the battle, but would be forever changed by it. Adrian Ravener was right—it truly was a New World, and the aftermath brought many surprising events as proof of that fact.
After learning from Galen that the passive Cymans only fought for the Raveners under extreme duress and the threat of death for themselves and their loved ones, the Kings agreed to allow them to go home to Nordik and reunite with their wives and children. The huge Cyman Captain, Lucin, was so overwhelmed with emotion that he cried. He wept even harder when Kiernan Everard told him of his son’s final words.
The three Kings of Massa agreed to institute a new council for the unification of the island. They would meet once a month to discuss all matters necessary to strengthen and revive the island and its people.
King Rik Rojin reminded Rogan Radek of his promise to return to Deepstone. There was much they needed to discuss the King told him with a pat on the shoulder, and Prince Erik was anxiously awaiting his cousin’s return.
King Jerund J’El pledged to Airron Falewir that he would teach him what all Elves but he knew how to do—summon animals. He also agreed to teach him the Elven Morning Song to Elán.
King Maximus Everard declared to his daughter and all on the battlefield that day that there would be no more exile for magic users. Kiernan embraced her father and promised to be home very soon.
The three Kings and their armies departed the Valley of Flame.
Gemini and the sorceresses of Elloree gave farewells to their sister, Kiernan, with heartfelt assurances to stay in touch. They did not seem surprised when Kiernan told them that she would not be advancing to the next level within the coven. Beck Atlan made a mental note to ask Kiernan what that meant.
The Tribe Leader of the Halfies was most pleased with the outcome of what was being referred to as the Demon War. Not a single Halfie was killed in battle. Vinni Vee and his Halfies vowed to try to be good citizens of Massa as they searched for a new home. Then, Vinni reflexively kicked Beck Atlan in the knee before he departed.
Of Avalon Ravener, there was no information. The witches of Elloree declared that they would hunt her down, but it was generally agreed that without her brother, she would probably remain in hiding and not cause further problems for the people of Massa. If she did reappear, the people were confident in the sorceresses’ ability to deal with her.
The angels, having defeated the demons, returned to the Highworld through The Protetor. Unless dire circumstances arose, it would be the last time they would see each other, they said, but that was the way it was meant to be.
They said that often, thought Rogan Radek.
The biggest shock came from one of the Draca Cats. After they laid Bajan to rest in a touching ceremony that Kiernan translated for the Massans, Felice approached to tell her she was going to have Bajan’s cub. She promised Kiernan that the cub would be Kiernan’s first child’s bondmate. This touched Kiernan profoundly, and it took some time before she was able to stop crying. Prophecy took one of their own, but left another in his place.
Finally, it was just the shifters left. Plus one. Unbeknownst to King Rik, the resourceful Deepstone soldier, Janin, infiltrated his entourage of Fists and traveled unobserved with them to the Valley of Flame.
Janin snuck up behind Rogan and wrapped her arms around his waist. Startled, the Dwarf turned to look at her and his face and ears turned bright red. But, he did not move away. He put his arm out and Janin ducked under, still clutching his middle.
“Don’t worry, Janin,” said Kiernan loudly, “it took Beck a long time to figure it out, too.”
“I figured it out!” countered Rogan. “A long time ago, I might add. But in case you have not noticed, Kiernan, I have been a little busy lately.”
They all laughed as they started south after the Draca Cats. The four friends did not know what the future held for them—knew only that they were not yet ready to go their separate ways. The Dracas invited them back to Callyn-Rhe for rest and time to heal from the shifting and the effects of battle.
They were at peace.
The fighting was over, there was a profound comfort in knowing that their family and friends were safe in the Highworld, and they had a new magical life ahead of them.
“Besides,” continued Rogan, “what kind of decent young lady would want to be with a magic shifter like me?”
“This one,” smiled Janin. “I have no shame.”
Of course, Airron roared in laughter at that.
And, when Airron Falewir laughed, they all laughed with him.
The End
About the Author
VALERIE ZAMBITO is a graduate of Alfred State College and lives in upstate New York with her husband and three children. A great love of world building, character creation and all things magic, have led to her first novel, ISLAND SHIFTERS, AN OATH OF THE BLOOD. She is currently immersed in Book Two of the Series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, AN OATH OF THE MAGE. Her website is www.theshiftersofmassa.com.
Island Shifters: Book 01 - An Oath of the Blood Page 40