by K.N. Lee
She whimpered, too afraid to open her eyes. She heard the footsteps draw closer, the screams radiating all around. Nani could feel the heat drawing closer and squealed when Rowe picked her up.
Nani’s wings were damaged by a sharp dagger and she had almost been killed by an elf. She had never felt so helpless before in her entire life.
What was she if she couldn’t even fly away to save her own life?
Rowe flung her small body over his shoulder as if she was a child and she felt the vibrations on the ground as he ran with her.
She peeked, seeing only dead branches and darkness. She was glad that they were running away from the fire and death, but it felt as if it were following them. It was as if death chased them, right on Rowe’s heels. His tight muscles were hard beneath Nani’s stomach the smell of sweat strong in her nostrils. She wished she could fly.
“Where are we going?” she asked softly, afraid that if she spoke too loudly, that Wexcyn would take notice and head their way.
“Shh,” he whispered and she understood. He suddenly stopped, ducking to the forest’s floor.
Nani opened her eyes wide then, searching the darkness for what made Rowe stop so abruptly. They crept close to a tree trunk and waited as silently as they could. Rowe was still shirtless and covered in blood. Nani wanted to touch him, to heal him. At least she still had that part of herself intact. But the light would draw attention to them as they hid.
Rowe had a hand on her thigh, to keep her still. She pressed her lips together, she heard footsteps crackling along fallen branches and crunching on leaves.
She saw a flash of red flicker by and sucked in a deep breath. She wished Liam was there to save the day like he used to.
But Liam was dead. No matter what the Shadow Elves were convinced of, she had seen him stabbed by the woman who had claimed to love him. Nani had watched helplessly as he had fallen overboard into the raging black sea. That hole in her heart would never be filled. She would never stop missing him.
Rowe tensed and Nani nearly screamed when a beast hovered above them in the tree. It was red and large but resembled a snake. Its yellow eyes were merely slits and it sniffed with its nostrils which were only holes in the center of its head.
Nani held her breath, knowing that a single sound would alert the creature of their presence. They watched as a Shadow Elf man stepped through the forest, searching got them. Nani’s heart turned to stone and her blood boiled with rage. He walked carefully, his dagger lit in as he searched for his prey.
He called the beast and with a loud noise, it jumped from the tree and Nani noticed that it had three sets of hairy legs and shivered. It ran to the Shadow Elf and followed him away from them.
When the elf was out of sight Nani slowly came to her feet. Rowe followed her example and hugged her.
“We made it,” he whispered with relief. They had narrowly escaped the Shadow Elves. Rowe was impressive. With only his two weapons he managed to kill many and save Nani from being torn to shreds.
“Ah, there you are,” the Shadow Elf appeared behind them and they both gasped. The beast had its eyes locked on Nani and she gulped.
Two more Shadow Elves approached from either side and Rowe balled up his fist. He had lost his weapons. They were buried in the dead bodies of two Shadow Elves as they made their hasty escape.
Nani knew it was up to her to do something. She couldn’t lose Rowe, and the thought of what torture they would experience if they were captured made her blood curdle. She’d never used her powers on anything but healing and regenerating. But she hated those evil elves.
The Shadow Elf looked at her amused. “What are you doing?” he asked as Nani stood there.
“Do it. Go on…you know what to do,” voices said in unison.
Nani flushed. “Who are you?”
“The Winds.”
Nani began to change. Something ignited within her, and she finally understood. She always knew her bond with Liam was special.
Nani stood in a blaze of smoke. It came from her feet and up her body, taking her healing ability with it. It took her healing gift, and replaced it with another. She couldn’t hold both powers at once. Her choice at that moment was to exchange her healing power.
She exchanged it for a deadly power. Her hair went white and her eyes went gold with light.
She began collecting light and energy from the plants around them. She balled all of that energy up and into her body and out through her fingers. The result was a force so strong that Nani felt her body warm and sweat collected all over her.
The Shadow Elves finally understood what Nani was doing and began to charge at her.
Broken wings and half as tall as them, Nani looked like a goddess of horrors as a surge of black and blue light was freed from her fingers like a flood of knives. The elves were defenseless. Their screams were cut off when their bodies caught fire and ripped at their throats. It was almost instantaneous as the bodies dissipated into a thousand pieces of bone and guts. Ashes flittered into the air like tiny lights.
The beast curled into a ball like a frightened child and seeped into the soil, vanishing. Nani stood there, spent of energy, yet full of satisfaction. She took a moment to change back to her healing stance and fell to the ground, utterly exhausted.
Her hair returned to purple and her eyes changed from the gold to gray in an instant. She’d never used her Death Stance before. She came out of the fog of her mind when Rowe shook her.
“Nani you ok?” Rowe finally let her eyes meet his. “That was amazing! I didn’t know you could do that!”
Nani didn’t know why, but she surprised herself when she felt the tears finally pour. “I told you Rowe,” she said through tears. She smiled then. “I am not just a Cleric.”
“You are the Inquisitor,” The Winds whispered. “You are ready.”
Chapter 50
Lilae’s heart pumped with poorly hidden anxiety. She stood before the mirror in a dress that would have made even Jaiza and Risa blush. Eastern fashion tended to be more revealing but this was ridiculous.
Her bosom looked to be seconds away from spilling out of the dress. The only thing that provided some coverage of her cleavage were layers of thin gold necklaces and crystals. The silk dress was red and clung to every curve of her body. Her entire body had been dusted with a sparkling powder and her arms had been drawn on with black ink, depicting various designs that made her hands and arms look like murals.
Lilae didn’t recognize herself as she gawked at her reflection. Her hair looked more gold than it ever had beneath the elegant golden circlet that was secured with pins to the top of her head. Her eyes were stained red. She had soaked for what seemed days, cleansing her of any impurities or dirt. Then she had been scrubbed raw, then soaked again, and subsequently scrubbed once more. Finally, she had been slathered with thick cream and scented oils.
The process had been daunting, leaving her with her thoughts of fear. She had been so optimistic, and now, she feared that something was going to go wrong.
King Ayaden, her brother, was here.
Lilae was finally summoned. She felt faint as she followed Vasira out of the room. A trail of twelve beautiful young girls followed behind her, lifting the long train of her dress. She was seated on a gold pallet and carried by strong men in crisp white pants and glistening exposed muscles.
Not only was there a grand orchestra in the main hall, there were smaller rooms along the outer walls of the room with smaller bands. There were also acrobats and performers, dancers and magicians.
All of this, to convince the Aurorians to surrender.
She and Kavien were seated on a raised cushion on top of a pedestal at the head of the hall and people were positioned to view the meeting with the notorious king of the North.
An announcer stepped forward and dropped a scroll before reciting from it.
“Prince Ayaden of Auroria, lord of the North and King of the Black Throne.”
Lilae gasped, her smile tran
sforming into a look of bewilderment.
Her eyes met his and she nearly stumbled from the pedestal. He had her same red hair, yet his was cut very short. His green eyes were the same as well. It was like looking at the male version of herself. She wondered if he knew that they didn’t share the same father.
“Welcome King Ayaden,” Kavien said with a smile. “It is a pleasure to host you in my fine Empire.”
King Ayaden gave a bow of respect. “It is funny though, only a year ago you were threatening my kingdom and now we are exchanging pleasantries.”
Kavien nodded but didn’t show any signs that he took offense. He was cordial. “Amazing what can happen in a year, isn’t it?”
“It is fortunate that you’ve found my sister.” He bowed to her. Lilae couldn’t help but notice the look of skepticism on his face.
Brother, Lilae thought. She yearned to hug him. She knew she needed to speak to him in private. She had to warn him. Lilae looked from Kavien to Ayaden. Ayaden was looking her over more carefully this time before turning away. For some reason she got the feeling that he wasn’t convinced of who she was.
“May I present you with gifts, for your gracious reception towards my Guard and I.” King Ayaden extended his hands out as chests upon chests were marched down the aisle.
“Twelve boxes of gold. Eleven crates of Northern fire stones. Ten Aurorian crystals. Nine pixies from the frozen plains of Gordanere. Eight Ordinivan giant eggs…” and he went on and on with gifts that were beautiful and yet she had no idea what most were. She was preoccupied with staring at her brother, amazed by the resemblance.
“…and one enchanted mirror, created by Inora herself for Ancient Telryd as a peace offering in the Realm Wars. I hope you accept these gifts with the same regard.”
Kavien finally cracked another charming smile. “I do. Avia’Torena thanks you.”
King Ayaden nodded and began to walk away. He had a haughty air about him, as if despite the occasion and Kavien’s threat to his nation, he felt that Kavien was somehow beneath him.
“But…” Kavien said, causing Ayaden to pause.
King Ayaden looked back with furrowed eyebrows.
“What of the Talisman of Osmund?”
King Ayaden’s face flushed.
Lilae felt nervous about this sudden question, it seemed to change the mood between the two powerful men.
King Ayaden spoke slowly. “You can’t expect me to give you everything, can you?”
Kavien’s smile widened. “Of course not. I just wanted to make sure you actually had it. Knowing that you do, I am satisfied. You may go now.”
King Ayaden looked surprised. Kavien had outsmarted him somehow. Lilae needed to know what this talisman was. Was that what he wanted? A talisman?
King Ayaden walked away, trying to keep his composure as best as he could. He was good, obviously trained well in royal etiquette, but Lilae had heard the exchange that most of the court had not been close enough to eavesdrop on. It had been tense.
Lilae watched her brother walk away. She wanted to rush after him and ask questions. She wanted to meet her mother. She needed someone to bond with to fulfill the void of grief that Pirin and the twins had left. She even missed Lhana. Anic’s final scream still haunted her.
King Ayaden finally stopped in his private section and their eyes met again. Lilae could see it on his face. He didn’t believe she was his sister. It hurt. That was exactly what she feared from her mother. How could they know? She had been taken as a newborn, barely an hour into her birth. She strengthened her resolve. One way or another, she would get to him. She would warn him, even if it meant losing Kavien’s affection.
Chapter 51
“Nice actress you’ve found. How did you do it?” King Ayaden sneered at Kavien. Kavien knew that he was bitter for being outsmarted for revealing where the human talisman was. “Red hair. Green eyes. Even the Osmund mark on her left shoulder. What an insult since you’ve carved your brand into her right arm. And what were those other symbols?”
“It is of no concern. She is in good health, as promised. And technically she is mine now. Unless you hand over the Talisman. She’s more Avia’Torenian than she ever was Aurorian, and she is not an actress.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore, does it? I’ll pretend that she is my sister to keep you and your band of dogs out of my territory.”
Kavien mocked a look of surprise. “Dogs?” He grinned wickedly. “I have millions of gifted soldiers that are ready to raid your lands at my command. They may be beasts, yes, but they’d slice through your army in seconds if I set them loose.”
Ayaden frowned. “You’re a fool.”
Kavien shook his head. “And so the insults continue. Shall we forget treaties, alliances, and so forth and give the whole bloody war a try? So I can massacre every living creature north of Sabron?”
Ayaden held his shoulders up defiantly. “A man can voice his opinion here can’t he? I simply want you to know that I am not easily fooled.”
Kavien raised an eyebrow. “Is that what that was? Well I think you’re the fool, Ayaden. The girl has been hiding for eighteen years. We could have killed her, but like civilized people, we decided to try diplomacy first. Of course my terms still stand. Naturally, you’ll be stripped of your title as king for there are no kings in Eura anymore. There is only one head of authority to rule all men…me. Sure, you can still govern Auroria however, you will govern with my rules as Duke of the North.”
“What is this Duke nonsense?”
“It is the highest title given in Avia’Torena.” Kavien smiled. “Why, aren’t I generous?”
“Like Elahe himself,” Ayaden said under his breath.
“As Duke of Auroria, you will be protector of the Northern territory and execute my laws. Nothing shall change. Your people can still be free to live their lives as they see fit. However, you’ll pay my taxes and open your gates to the Sisterhood.”
Ayaden’s eyes widened. “That wasn’t part of the deal!”
Kavien shrugged. “It is now, Duke. You no longer have a say against my rules.”
Ayaden’s face turned red, and Kavien went on, pacing now.
“As I was saying… you’ll allow the Sisters of the Fallen into the north where they will set up monasteries. Of course, every child born with a special trait shall be sent to the monasteries as they are here. There they will be trained to serve.”
Ayaden’s face went from red to white and Kavien smiled. Just like his sister, he couldn’t hide his emotions. He did however nod. “We shall obey your terms, your imperial majesty,” he agreed through clenched teeth.
Kavien clamped a heavy hand on Ayaden’s shoulder. He may have looked gangly, but the young man was as toned as steel. Perhaps his sword wasn’t just for show. “Good man. Your people will be grateful to still have their heads.”
Ayaden’s face softened slightly. “My sister, I will be taking her home immediately.”
Kavien tensed. It was time to follow through. “After you give me the Talisman. It was created to protect the humans, and I will be its protector now.”
Ayaden shook his head and glanced towards the door that led back into the grand reception hall. “And if I told you that I didn’t have it?”
Kavien’s face hardened. “Then we would no longer have a deal. And you will be considered an enemy.”
Ayaden looked at him and understood that his meaning. “Good thing I didn’t say that. I know where it is, and if she is really my sister, then she has had the talisman the entire time.” He grinned then, and with a bow, he walked away.
Kavien watched Ayaden leave the room and head directly towards Lilae. She stood there, taller than most of the people around her, surrounded by attendants, personal guards, and diplomats. Her eyes went to Ayaden and he saw her fumble with the sash of her dress.
Lilae was nervous. Her hair went from gold to red. Kavien glared at Ayaden. He’d better deliver the talisman, or there would be blood covering that entire room
. He nodded towards Dragnor, and Dragnor slinked into the crowd.
King Ayaden went to his guards. He spoke in whispers and turned towards Lilae. Kavien stiffened. She didn’t hesitate in hugging him. Even Ayaden was stunned by her actions. Kavien began to walk over, sensing something was wrong. Lilae’s eyes glided to his and her face was pale as ever. He knew that look. She had just done something. She had just betrayed him.
King Ayaden pulled away from Lilae and motioned for his men. Kavien’s jaw tensed and he started to push his way through the crowd. He would kill the Aurorian king. He could not let him leave.
King Ayaden, however, took off his cape. He drew his sword. Every man in the room drew their swords with him. Lilae stumbled backwards. Kavien stopped in his steps. King Ayaden Split. Kavien felt he color drain from his face. This was something he had never seen before.
One of the rarest skills to exist in humans. The Aurorian kings body multiplied a dozen times until red hair and shining white swords filled the room. Ayaden and his troupe of men started to kill every Avia’Torenan man. Kavien watched in stunned silence as the blood of his men sprayed into the air. Women and delegates ran screaming.
It was chaos in the ballroom. People trampled each other to reach the doors. This was not what he was expecting. He had intended on causing a scene. Whatever Lilae had said to Ayaden had alerted him to his plan.
Kavien’s eyes went to Ayaden, who was escaping, while his men and copies of himself did all of the fighting. Fury rose within his veins.
He glared over at Lilae. She was leaning over, reaching for a fallen sword. His eyes widened. She could not be allowed to take a sword. Kavien outstretched his arms and an inaudible blast of power exploded from his body. Everyone in the room doubled over in pain. Men, women, he didn’t care. Their faces became covered in black veins that choked them. Every copy of Ayaden disappeared, obviously called back to him.
Kavien cursed under his breath. Lilae was still standing. She searched under the bodies for that sword. He ran over to her and grabbed her by her hair, slinging her to the ground.