Supernatural soldiers of every species stopped fighting and backed away. My brain rang with mind control alarm bells. Someone had sent a message of compulsion using the lines.
A truce is in place. Stand away from the ring.
Isaiah was controlling the torcs.
I immediately sent out a mind to mind for the entire team to continue to move toward the north shore, unlocking torcs whenever possible. A temporary truce had been called, but they should hold onto their weapons and fight if they were attacked.
The Archdemon Naberia and the Queen of Faerie gazed at Isaiah with wary expressions. The females were striking, tall and slender, both dressed in battle armor designed for a female’s body. Naberia’s dark hair was pulled back in a braid, then coiled and pinned at her neck. Her skin was a shade lighter than her son’s, her lips thinner, her irises an orange so bright, Isaiah’s looked dim.
Until now.
Isaiah’s right eye matched Naberia’s perfectly, but his left had taken on the rich purple common to the most powerful fae.
Naberia’s head tilted, her brows came together. She spoke in a rich and sonorous tone. “Isaiah. What game are you playing?”
Isaiah had magicked away his simple battle gear and was now at his most impressive, dressed in warrior attire that shined brightly in the moonlight. Despite the appearance of two beautiful females, Isaiah drew the eye, his confident posture, his narrowed focus, his seething anger held in check with the control of a master. “Mother. How opportune to meet you on a field of battle.” His tone dripped with sarcasm.
Aine lifted her hands to strike while he was occupied, but Isaiah turned his head to meet her gaze. Something about his expression made the Queen of Faerie change her mind. Her full lips turned down and her hand patted her golden blonde hair in what seemed a nervous gesture. She glanced at Caelen who hovered nearby on a green dragon. He flew closer, pounding his fist against an invisible barrier that blocked everyone on the outside from interfering. Closing his eyes, Caelen used his magic in an attempt to dissolve the wall that kept him from protecting his mother, but the three thousand-year-old fae didn’t have the strength.
How had Isaiah gotten in?
“Are you here to support your realm?” Naberia asked. “The realm you will one day inherit?”
“Yes.” Isaiah surveyed the bodies of the dead, most of them trampled as soldiers moved away from the barrier. “I am.”
“This is…”
Isaiah waved his hand in front of Naberia’s face, whispering words I couldn’t make out. She froze as did both dragons.
Aine didn’t notice. “With whom do you fight?” Aine asked.
“Charles.”
“Charles fights with…me.” She couldn’t really believe that.
“Charles fights for his own realm, now. Perhaps if Finvarra becomes ruler once more, he’ll change his mind.”
“The king and I are as one.”
“The King of Faerie fights for the survival of your realm while you fight only for revenge. Your people are dying in Faerie. Why are you here?”
“I do not run from a demon’s challenge.”
“Well, I do not wish to challenge you. I am here for the same reason you are. May we call a truce while I have a chat with my mother?”
“You interrupted our battle.”
“I apologize, but mine takes precedence.”
“If you insist on getting in my way, I will be forced to retaliate.”
“Queen Aine.” Isaiah nodded in the fae way. “I’d rather not have to kill you. It would cause excruciatingly uncomfortable family problems, and those are always the worst sort. I believe you are an expert in that department.”
She pouted. It was shocking how much Fionna looked like her mother.
“May I begin?” Isaiah asked. “I agree to a truce with Queen Aine so that Isaiah may interact with his mother, the archdemon. Now you.” He swept his hand toward Aine.
“Must we do this?”
“Yes.”
“I agree to a truce with Isaiah for a short time while you speak…”
“Interact.”
“Interact with your mother, the archdemon.”
“Excellent.” Isaiah’s smile was one I hadn’t seen him display for a very long time. It held a touch of evil intent. As much as he might deny it, he had a few of Naberia’s traits.
After more whispered words, Isaiah waved his hand and Naberia spoke as if she hadn’t heard Isaiah and Aine’s conversation. The dragons also came back from the time freeze without showing any bad effects.
“…wonderful.” Naberia tilted her head in Aine’s direction. “Isaiah, show your true loyalty by killing the fairy queen.”
Isaiah and Aine stared at each other for a moment. He turned back to the archdemon. “No, Mother. We had a nice chat while you were napping and we’ve called a truce. I am not interested in killing Queen Aine. She is Father’s queen, after all. It wouldn’t be proper.”
Naberia’s expression darkened. “So you know? Who told you?”
“Not really important. Father and I were both shocked, but then you’re the queen of lies, aren’t you? No one should believe anything you say on any subject. Makes trust difficult, doesn’t it?”
“I have not lied to my…” She surveyed her army. “Why aren’t they fighting?”
“No one is fighting at the moment. It’s break time. You know, union rules. Now I believe we were discussing the lies you told your supporters to get them to follow you.”
“I have not lied. I will award all those who…”
“Blah, blah. What have you promised those big guys with the small brains? And why are they wearing togas?” He stage- whispered the next bit. “Not a good fashion choice on a battlefield. Leaves legs vulnerable and you can catch a chill. And when the wind blows the hem up…” He made a show of shuddering.
“You are still ridiculous. You take after your father in that regard.”
“I’m not as ridiculous as you imagine, Mother.”
“I promised that lot territory. Riches. The usual thing.”
“And the vampires?”
“They may claim any territory they prefer.”
“In our realm?”
“Of course not. I will also place no restrictions on how they feed and I have already designed blood spells to enhance their strength. Their short lives will be as perfect as a nocturnal blood drinker’s life can be.”
“You say you will place no restrictions. Will they have to answer to you?”
“I am the one freeing them, after all.”
“And what happens when human governments discover vampires exist? Because if vampires are allowed to run wild, the armies of the world will come after them. What if they knock on the door of a nest with a missile or a bomb?”
“They will find a way to deal with the problem. I know nothing of modern weapons.”
“In a true alliance, allies support each other during times of peace and war. Otherwise, what’s the point?”
“For now, we have a temporary arrangement.”
“And what of the demon nobles who follow you?” Isaiah crooked his finger and a large group of males and females reeking of nobility crept forward.
“One of them shall marry my daughter and inherit her land and riches.”
“You’ve killed every one of your children, except me, which brings me to a question I’d like answered: Why haven’t you killed me? Drowned me as a baby or tortured me to death as an adult. You always stopped and let me heal. Why?”
“I had such hopes for you.”
“You can’t kill me, can you?”
“What?
“Fin did something, right? In case you got pregnant?”
“Something of that sort isn’t possible.”
“When Faerie is healthy, it bursts with the energy of creation and harmony. Balance, they call it. Very few fae are able to have children, but they celebrate each year with hope and affection. King Finvarra was a grown male and knew the demon
mindset. He would not have taken you to his bed without a plan to ensure you never harmed his child, even if conception was considered impossible.”
“You do not know all that you imagine.”
Isaiah walked to the invisible wall. “Have any of you seen her daughter?” The nobles looked to each other and shook their heads. “Naberia’s only child is standing right here and sorry, but I have no plans to marry.”
Aine finally caught on. Her face grew pale. “You are Finvarra’s son?”
Isaiah grimaced. “He didn’t tell you? Yeah, this is a bad way to find out, right? Horrible timing. Sorry.”
She slid her sword from its scabbard.
“I suppose you want to kill me now?” he asked.
“I do.”
“But unlike Naberia, you are a female of honor, Queen Aine. We have a truce.”
She froze, curling her lip in a silent snarl as she slid the sword back in place.
He faced the crowd and spread his hands. “My mother is the queen of lies and my father is the King of Faerie. Who better to end this war before any more citizens of the Mortal Realm, Faerie, or my realm die?”
“Your realm?” Naberia growled.
“I’ve cared for my realm since the day I walked out on you the first time. What was I, fifteen? You dragged me back again and again, but you never broke me. Never made me hate the world so much I wanted to spread my hatred into every corner. You are the only soul in the three realms I truly despise and after today, I will never have to lay eyes on you again.”
She drew her dagger and morphed it into a sword.
Isaiah jumped onto the black dragon’s back and unlocked his torc. The dragon bucked, throwing Isaiah and Naberia off. They dropped gracefully, landing feet first in the sand. When Isaiah drew his dagger, the hilt shined with the orange of his demon aura and the gold of his fae line. Royal bloodlines. Isaiah’s armor glowed with the colors of his aura and dagger.
In this moment, I knew for sure he was going to end Naberia and pick up the crown. He would rule and the Demon Realm would heal. No more denying his place on the throne. No more telling me he’d have the royals fight it out. I stole a glance at the armies who’d followed Naberia into battle. All eyes were on my brilliant mentor. Isaiah was going to turn the DR on its ear.
Isaiah glanced up at Aine. “Forgive me, lady queen, but Mother and I need privacy.” Aine disappeared and reappeared outside the barrier beside her son, Caelen.
I sent out another mind to mind to the team. “Everyone to the barrier. Dragons too. If anyone approaches they get one warning.” This was Isaiah’s moment and it was a long time coming. It was my job to make sure no one got in his way.
Our teams arrived, most of them splattered with blood and looking like they’d like nothing better than a bath, a meal and a full day or night’s rest. We’d been fighting on and off for almost nine hours and dawn would be peeking over the distant mountains soon.
Our team found spots around the perimeter of the ring. Mom and Dad to my left side, our shadows, Sash, Farrell and Jay beside them. To my right, Brina, then Kaera sitting on Indigo’s back. I wondered if he’d been successful in bringing back any of the Cascade dragons. I followed the circle, ticking everyone off, more for my peace of mind than anything else. Liam, Kellie, Elle, the Cascade council members we’d saved. Several dragons, including Vantor and Wyn. Aaron, King Rylen, Khent, Zerian. Wait! Zerian had come to fight with me? I’d have to thank her if any of us made it through the next few hours.
Ethan and Kyle, both bandaged but still looking fierce. Coven leaders, clan leaders, council members, including Rob, one of Garrett’s close friends who now sat on the Crescent City Shifter Council. I only counted four masters from the seven nests Garrett had called in. A vampire named Manuel had come, representing NAVA, but the last time I’d seen him he was working with a group of Gabriel’s wolves. I checked the circle again. Gabe and Sinc were both missing.
My old friend, Samson, growled beside me. “You did good today, boy!” His butt wiggled as he attempted to shake his stubby tail. He’d taken down at least seven particularly nasty demons, leaving them for me or Jay to finish.
“Archdemon Naberia.” Isaiah’s voice rang out. “You are charged with and condemned for turning traitor against your realm and your people, whom you swore to protect with the Blood Oath of Transition, Obligation, and Trust. What say you?”
“I do not have to answer to you for anything, son. You have no authority over me.”
“You are mistaken, Mother. The realm demanded my help when you stripped it of resources. My people demanded my help when you enslaved them and brought them here against their will.”
“You must speak of a different realm. My realm prospers. The lines are healthy. Magic runs through every community and my citizens are prosperous.”
“What realm is that?” a demon in the middle of the crowd yelled out. “That ain’t our realm.”
“The archdemon no longer knows truth from lies.” Isaiah’s voice carried to the farthest squadrons. “Step forward, farmer.”
“My family was starving until the brat taught us to farm. He bought the supplies and everything. Even worked the land with us himself for a day.”
“Nah, it wasn’t a day. He left after lunch,” a second man said.
“Maybe so, but we’re eating good, now. Sold the extra to the town for a fair price.”
“You overcharged last time,” the second man said.
“Had to charge more. There’s a drought in the south. Can’t the archdemon fix the drought?” the farmer asked.
“What do you say, Mother?” Isaiah stepped closer. “Will you bring rain?”
“They can carry water from the rivers. Rain requires energy needed elsewhere.”
“You mean the rivers that dried up?” the farmer asked.
“It rained near the dragon caves,” Isaiah said.
“I can’t allow the dragons to go thirsty.”
I jumped on Indigo’s back so they’d see me. “Fae citizens join together and create rain when they need it. Even demi fey can bring mist or dew to a garden. They don’t have to rely on the king or queen’s magic to grow crops.”
Isaiah nodded. “Traditionally, fae rulers share magic with their people. Naberia gives you barely enough to survive.” Isaiah paced around Naberia, never taking his gaze off hers. She turned in place, following his movements with her glowing eyes. They spoke in ancient Rux, an angry exchange.
I scanned the crowd, catching Winter standing in the front row. His smile seemed genuine enough, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling of spiders creeping on my spine.
Isaiah’s words were having an effect. More and more soldiers threw their armor to the ground, grumbling in disgust. Some of them used the keys we’d distributed to unlock the torcs of their fellow fighters.
“Is what the brat says true?” asked the farmer.
“Uch! For the purpose of this inquiry could everyone please refer to me only as Isaiah?”
A noble stepped forward, his fancy armor covered in dirt, blood and slime, his enormous plume had bent in half and hung partially in his face. “Bring forth your daughter, Archdemon.”
“A battleground is no place for an innocent maiden.”
“More lies. Her aura is the dark gray of a storm at sea!” I shouted out.
“Who are you?” the demon noble asked.
“Charles Cuvier.” Several groups took a few steps back. “I did not want war. Faerie did not want war. Naberia stole your magic to raise her army. She forced many of you to fight by enslaving your bodies with the torcs you wear on your necks. I traveled in your realm. Land that used to be lush is dry and useless. She has betrayed you and your realm. Naberia’s reign must end!”
As a few thousand fae looked on in amazement, the demon armies called for their archdemon’s death.
“Do you hear them, Mother?” Isaiah’s body glowed with power.
The chanting grew louder.
“You cannot kill me. Yo
u do not have the power.” Naberia’s aura brightened, but not as brilliantly as her son’s.
Isaiah raised his dagger, transforming it into a longsword. “I have the power of demon and fae, and I’ve recently discovered how well they work together.”
The first spell she cast was meant to kill him. The second almost did. The third missed completely. As her rage grew her focus failed.
Isaiah was ice, steel, stone and flame as he went on the offensive.
24
Winter
“Winter!”
“Yes, sir?”
“You’ve done very well on the field. You’re needed where the bulk of the fighting is going on,” Gabriel said. He was one of the alphas under Aaron.
“Thank you.”
“Join this squad of wolves and magic users. They’re running to the northern shore of the island. Naberia and Aine are dueling there.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Go now.”
* * *
I ran beside wolves in human form as the wolves in animal form raced ahead. Two legs couldn’t keep up with four, but the race to fight another battle, perhaps the most important one, stirred my blood.
To hold a sword once more, to fight with pride for a purpose larger than my own small desires. This was liberation in a way few things in my life could ever match. Because of the difference in body shape, my balance was off, and the sword they’d given me left a lot to be desired. But I’d built up my muscles tending fields and building cottages in the Skye Sidhe and I’d had a chance since I’d arrived in this realm to boost my skills by sparring with a wide assortment of creatures.
Lord Kennet had killed many demons in battles fought for the same selfish reasons that brought Aine and Naberia together. I’d used magic as easily as one might use a simple tool. But today, I’d killed three demons, one in warrior form, and two of the vampires who’d worn the strange necklaces. I’d fought hard using only my brain, my training, and my determined will. When a few wounds slowed me down, I put my small store of energy to use by healing my body then racing back into battle to take up my sword once more.
If I died today, I would be grateful I’d died bravely and with honor for a worthy cause. If I lived, I would face my fate with acceptance. Someone would mention me in passing to someone else who would tell the king or queen, or worse, Fionna. Father would call me back and what would happen then was not worth my time worrying about. Not today.
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