by LJ Rivers
“Wipe that grin off your face, Irishman. I don’t find this funny at all.”
“I’m sorry, Ru, but it really is.”
“You have three seconds.” Heat bubbled under my skin, and I clenched my fists.
“If you must know, she made me swear to take good care of her queen. She is swept off her feet by you.”
My arms sagged. “Wh—what do you mean?”
“When Morgana died, Cynthia’s heart shattered. She adored the queen, but then she saw you in action, both as a warrior and a queen, though mostly as a compassionate, loving person. One that puts Avalon above everything else.”
I was speechless.
“Cynthia sees Morgana in you. She even told me she would pierce my heart if I allowed anything to happen to her beloved queen.”
“Oh, Brendan. I’ve been such an idiot!”
“How come?”
“I thought—” I put my head in my hands, embarrassed at what I was about to admit. “I thought she was coming on to you. I was jealous.”
“Are you nuts? Cynthia would never betray her love for Michael.”
“Michael?” I recalled her mentioning that name.
“They are promised to one another and were about to get married. Then Auberon came back, and Cynthia joined the Junipers again.”
“And where is this Michael?”
“He’s in Cavalas, as far as I know. I don’t know much about him, other than that he’s a Fae, a fisherman, and generally the bee’s knees as far as Cynthia goes. She’s madly in love with him. Besides, even if she was single, she would never betray you by ‘coming on’ to me. In fact, I think she’s more using me to be close to you.”
I put the tips of my fingers in front of my lips. “Excuse me,” I said. “I’ll just pull this giant foot out of my mouth.”
Brendan sat on the edge of the bed, which I only now noticed was way too short for him; even my modest five-two frame would touch both ends. “What a wild ride, Ru.”
I joined him and he put an arm around me. “It sure has been. To think that less than a year ago, I was dead set on a career in journalism. I was going to tear the whole MagX industry apart with my undercover articles and shocking revelations.”
“You still can.” He pulled me closer. “I mean, if Char is right about the portal and the time stuff, the Harvesters are still roaming the Earth. MagX and PureX didn’t vanish just because you got rid of Colburn.”
“Gemma did, to be exact.”
“You stopped him from making more of the shite, though.”
“True. Maybe you’re right. If I can get Avalon back into the hands of the Avalonians, we can finally return to Earth.”
“We can go back.”
I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Yes. We can go back.”
The last time I had woken up to a rooster’s crow was back on my grandparents’ farm in Perllanafal. Outside the window, the rooster was quickly joined by at least half a dozen others, and although I yearned for a few more hours of sleep, it was no use. Besides, I was eager to hear from the Goblin leaders.
Brendan was already half dressed and was looking out the window. “Rain.”
I sniffed the air. “I can smell it. I’ve always liked the freshness it brings.”
We finished up and joined the others by the breakfast table. Not surprisingly, Trys-Tain had made sure it was filled edge to edge with food. Jen smiled and chewed, while Rowan was cutting an apple into wedges. Charlie and Pullhelli were hunched over Charlie’s notes. Behind us, Alun dragged his feet across the wooden floor, stretching and yawning as he passed us.
“Any news?” he asked.
“Not yet,” I replied. There was a knock on the door. “But perhaps now?”
Galahad, who was closest to the door, opened it. The three Goblin leaders entered, Trys-Tain in front.
“I hope you have had a good night’s sleep, Your Majesty,” she said.
“We have, thank you. And thank you for your hospitality.”
She slanted her head. “It always makes me wonder. Is it not common to share in Avalon?”
I smiled. “For most Avalonians, it is, though not all would give guests their house. Not to mention this much food.”
Get to the point, I thought, straining to keep my impatience invisible.
“We will not join your army,” Blodwen said. “We sympathise with your cause, but have concluded it is too risky for our people to go to war in Avalon.”
“I understand, and I can’t say I’m surprised. Even if Auberon were to rule the whole realm of Gwyn Fanon, you believe you have a better chance of protecting yourselves here.”
“That is the basis for our answer,” Gethin said. “Our weapons are made more for defending than attacking. We use our herb magic for deception, as you might know.”
“I do. Although I already have a few Goblins working on weapons in my army, I get what you’re saying. While you won’t be joining us, however, I hope to return to Pentrefan Cyll in the not too distant future, further strengthening the friendship between our peoples.”
Trys-Tain took a step forward. “While we will not follow you into the fray, Ruby of Morgana, we would be honoured to lend you our fleet.”
My heart did a tiny drumroll in my chest. “Your fleet?”
“We have a hundred ships in Bay Tawel. I believe about seventy of them should be sufficient to get you and your soldiers across the Glaswelt Sea.”
“That is extremely kind of you,” I said. “Thank you, again!”
“Then it’s settled,” Trys-Tain said, as if she had just decided between fish or chicken for dinner. “Bay Tawel is a day and a half by foot.” She pointed at my feet. “Or maybe a little less for those who have longer strides than us.”
The corner of my mouth twitched. “We will leave for Bay Tawel after breakfast, then.”
Trys-Tain handed me a scroll of vellum. “Give this to the gatekeeper. It is our order for your safe passage, as well as for you to have seventy of our best ships.”
I took the vellum and her hand at the same time. “Avalon will never forget your generosity and loyalty, Trys-Tain of Pentrefan Cyll.” I gestured at the other two. “That goes for you, as well, Blodwen and Gethin.”
“You know you have to defeat Auberon for those words to have any meaning at all, young queen?” Gethin the Wise said.
I drew a breath. “Yes,” I said while exhaling. “I know. I have no choice.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Bay Tawel was a sight to behold. A few ships were moored to the quay while most were anchored further out, making it about a hundred in total, seventy of which had been promised to me and my still-growing army. Every cottage had a small garden out front, and the scent of herbs was thick in the air. Like in Pentrefan Cyll, the streets were paved with what reminded me of asphalt, and lanterns lit every dark corner, bathing the entire port village in an amber glow. It was crawling with Goblins, and my mixed group of Shifters stood out like a sore thumb. At least we had the vellum from Trys-Tain and the others, and once the gatekeeper had taken one look at it, the wheels were set in motion. Ten Goblin guards had escorted us through the quaint, yet vibrant, port village, and my promised fleet was already being loaded with all kinds of additional weapons and provisions. Mostly in the form of potions and herbs, but experience had taught me those could be just as useful as a blade.
My closest allies and I had been given lodging for the night in one of the now-familiar magical cottages of the Goblins, while the larger part of my Shifter army was preparing the ships for our journey. Galahad and a handful of his men had insisted on guarding me and were now taking turns outside the front door.
Inside, Jen, Jack, and Erica had made themselves comfortable in front of the hearth, while Pullhelli was snoring in a rocking chair next to them. My brother and Brendan had slumped down in a corner, where Rowan was trying to teach my so-called intended how to play the famous game of Chonkle. Charlie had placed herself at the short end of the table where, by the look
s of it, she offered her fair share of input and advice, too. When she had learned the game, I had no idea, though I was hardly surprised.
Erica turned her head to me as I tiptoed to the doorway. “Where are you off to?”
Everyone looked at me, including Pullhelli, who only opened half an eyelid.
“Just wanted to get some air. We’ll be leaving for Pelles in the morning, so this might be our last night in friendly territory.” A part of me was worried that Taryn’s mission had failed, but I had to have faith in my Master of War, so I was ready to find Pelles under his command when we arrived.
“You want us to come with you?” Jack asked. “I’m not afraid of any old Goblins.”
“Nor am I, Jack. I’ll be fine.”
Erica craned her head as if she wanted to press me for more details, then tossed her hair over her shoulder and shrugged. “Take a knight with you, at least. If nothing else, they’re a handsome bunch.”
“A little old for my sister, though I suppose she could do worse,” Rowan quipped.
Brendan straightened in his seat and cleared his throat. “Perhaps I should come.”
Shaking my head, I took another step towards the door. “Honestly, I just need a few moments alone with my thoughts. Besides, you should stay here and enjoy yourselves.”
Before anyone else could object, I slipped outside.
Galahad gave me a sideways glance as he caught sight of me. “My Queen.”
“Going for a stroll.” I strutted past him, waving my hand.
“Not alone, you’re not.” He fell in step with me as I tried to hurry away from him. There didn’t seem to be any point in running, however, so I slowed down.
“We’re in Goblin territory, no one will attack me here.”
He scoffed. “Right. Like no one ever attacked Morgana within the confines of her castle, or no one ever captured a Goblin for slavery in these parts. You never know where the enemy might be hiding.”
“But—”
“I’m guarding you, and that’s final.”
I held my tongue and continued down the winding street to the port. It was quiet, though a few people were still carrying chests and barrels onto the ships. “This place smells like heaven in a bottle.”
“Goblin magic is the primary reason we have all survived this long. Hardly anyone else can make anything grow anymore. I fear for the future of this world if we do not prevail.”
“We will.” I forced more confidence into my voice than I felt, although I was beginning to think that we might somehow succeed, despite the odds. “But even after we win this war, I don’t know how to bring the light back. It’s always on my mind, however, and I will do everything I can to make it happen.”
He gazed out at the inky surface of the sea. “Light is a peculiar thing. I have often wondered how it was for my father to spend the rest of his days in the darkness. Living without sunlight made me think I knew, though I suppose it’s not the same.”
“The Realm of Shadows—” I wasn’t sure if I should continue, but the knight looked at me expectantly, and he deserved to know. “It wasn’t like this. It was an ominous void, like walking among the stars, only there were no stars. It was the very absence of light, an endless abyss of nothingness. It’s hard to explain.”
“Thank you for telling me the truth.”
“If it’s any consolation, they did venture out of the prison realm on those few occasions when they went to capture Auberon. Also, they seemed comfortable with the shadows, as far as I could tell. Their duty was always their main objective.”
He gave half a smile and filled his lungs with air. “As is the way of a knight.”
“Now, I have another confession. The reason I came out here is that I wanted to slip into the shadows for a bit. I’ve been learning how to control them better, and Pullhelli thinks it might be vital that I do so.” I paused and held my palm out. “I’ll disappear for a while, so don’t be alarmed. It’s perfectly safe.”
And I meant it. Even though I had encountered my father inside, my recent trips to the darkness had been enlightening. The whispers were gone, and I had accepted the truth about who I was. In me, I held two sides of the same coin, and it no longer scared me. Instead, it gave me an odd sense of hope. Accepting every piece of who I was had given me a stronger sense of direction.
“I have heard of only a few Sorcerers who could wield the shadows in such a way. It does not surprise me that you are one of them.” His green eyes lit up, and he relaxed his stance. “I’ll be here, awaiting your return.”
I took another step back, commanding the shadows inside to spill out. It was different from how I used to do it when I pulled them to me. Now, all I had to do was tap into the darkness that was already there, inside me. Part of me. I eased into them and felt myself merge with the world around me. Ripples of darkness broke away from my skin, swirling around and encasing me in a pocket of shadows. Galahad’s face distorted and became distant as I allowed myself to sink further into the void.
Pullhelli had been right, it wasn’t that different from flying. I was weightless, floating inside the nothingness until all I saw was the obsidian space on either side of me. I became one with the night and allowed it to carry me forward. Aware of Pullhelli’s advice, I kept my healing light close. Power radiated through me, fuelling me with intense energy. My feet touched the soft ground that was there, but wasn’t, and I strode onward. My skin shifted like grains of sand made from the darkest onyx to the clearest diamonds. Both light and dark, as was how it was meant to be. I conjured an orb of healing light in one hand, an orb of fire in the other. It had always been a challenge to use more than one of my powers at the same time, but here, in the void, I was in control.
I paused for a moment. Veins of light spun through the nothingness like cracks in a wall. Sparkling particles of tiny stars twinkled in the night and spears of light stretched across the emptiness as though the sun itself was trying to break through. This wasn’t right, was it?
“Is someone there?” a deep voice called out.
Father? No, it didn’t sound like him.
“Pullhelli?” I asked.
Two figures emerged from somewhere up ahead, and the sound of clinking steel grated against my ears.
“Who are you?” the voice said. It sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place it.
“I’m Ruby of Morgana, Queen of Avalon,” I said with all the authority I could summon into my voice. I retracted my fire in case it would make me appear threatening, but kept my healing light in place while clinging to the shadows.
“Queen?”
The two figures stepped closer, and I knew who they were.
I gawked, unable to form a coherent sentence.
“Since when?” the other man asked. The other knight.
Finding my voice again, I crossed the distance between us. “Since Morgana’s passing.”
“She passed a long time ago.” A tear twinkled in the corner of Lancelot’s eye. “Why have you come?”
“I—I’m not sure. I was just in Awarnach, then I entered the darkness and wound up here. Is this the afterlife?” It was a silly question, but I had no other explanation for it.
Gawain raised his chin. “This is what is left of the Realm of Shadows. A fraction of what it used to be. When you destroyed it, we tried to get out, but kept returning to this place.” He fixed his deep-set eyes on me. “You broke the link, yet here you are.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “You’re alive!” Then a wave of guilt washed over me. “And you’ve been trapped this entire time. I’m so sorry for everything.”
The two knights looked at each other, then back at me.
“Time is of no importance.” Gawain shrugged. “We spent a thousand years, then hundreds more in the darkness.”
Lancelot’s brows knitted. “Where is Auberon?”
“A long story.” I let out a long breath. “You were right all along, and I was wrong for doubting you. My father is not the man I believed him to
be. I went to Gwyn Fanon, got to know Morgana, and I’m deeply sorry to have to tell you that she was killed. After which, I was made Queen of Avalon, but Auberon took the throne. And now I want it back.” The words came out in a rush, weirdly hollow in this strange place, and I wasn’t sure if I had been able to convey what I needed to say to make them understand.
“We left Avalon more than fifteen hundred years ago,” Gawain said. “How?”
I proceeded to tell them as much as I could about the portal and what I understood about the differences in time between the two worlds. Once I had finished my recount of the most important details of what had happened since I last saw these men, I allowed my light to slip under my skin and placed my hands on their shoulders.
“That is some tale.” Lancelot smiled. “My Queen.”
Taken aback, I let my hands fall to my sides. “You’re not angry with me?”
“You did what you believed was just, and you continue to do so. That is all we can ask of our queen.”
Gawain nodded.
“That sounds like someone else I know.” I shook myself. “Someone who is waiting for me right now. He’ll be so happy to see you both.”
Gawain’s face lit up, and it was the first time I had seen any resemblance of joy in his features. “See us? You mean, you’ll be able to take us out of here?”
I tugged at the chords of my magic. I was in control of it, not the other way around. “I believe I can.”
One hand clasped with Gawain’s, the other with Lancelot’s, I emerged from the shadows in the same spot I had left.
On the horizon, the dim, grey sun was making its ascent. Had I been gone all night? It had only felt like minutes. Galahad stood in the very same place as when I entered the darkness. He turned his head to me.
“I was beginning to worry, Your—” His mouth fell open. “Father?”
The knights let go of my hands, and Lancelot strode ahead of me, flinging his arms around his son.