Kassina approached, grimacing as halves of bodies came through the portal, soon turning to dust after hitting the ground. “Not everyone can make it.”
A young girl stepped out from behind a wall, heading toward Kassina. The smell of fresh blood proved too much for some vampires as they charged toward her. Kassina snarled as she grabbed two of them by the throat, their teeth snapping the air as she threw them backwards. More of them came, the hunger taking hold of their minds.
The young girl cried out as a vampire grabbed hold of her, diving straight toward her neck. Tusdar leapt in, grabbing the vampire by his hair, and straining to hold his teeth back. The vampire’s eyes widened as it reached out with its tongue, licking her neck with its tip. Tusdar slammed his elbow into the vampire’s head, stunning it as he threw it against the wall.
Tusdar watched as Kassina decapitate the blood-lust vampire, sending him to a dusty grave, then slammed another against the wall, keeping her blade to his neck. The remaining runners stopped in their tracks.
“Nobody will touch Adela, is that clear?” Kassina said, releasing the vampire from the wall. “Tusdar, thank you.”
“We’re starving! What are you doing protecting one of them anyway?” a nearby vampire said.
Kassina snarled. “I owe none of you any explanations. You will feed soon. Know that food is scarce, and the rules are changing. If you want to live under my command, then you will not kill any humans. You will feed off animals we encounter along the way.”
Tusdar slapped a vampire that dared to laugh at her. “Have some respect! She just saved our lives.”
Tusdar looked deep into Kassina’s eyes. He saw respect, but something else. She had changed and he didn’t know how. Straining his ears, he swore he heard two heartbeats before him. He sniffed the air, sensing human blood from Kassina.
That cannot be possible.
Mestal approached Kassina, cutting off Tusdar’s thoughts. “What happened? We can’t hear you anymore, and all of us were left in Zhendur to die.”
Kassina paced in front of the remaining vampires, numbering just over twenty. The rest turned to dust in their passage from Zhendur. She grimaced. “The world we thought we knew has changed. Shindar has betrayed us all.”
The room erupted into vocal chaos before Tusdar screamed, “Shut it! Let her finish.”
Mestal narrowed her eyes. “After all we did for him, and after all of the lives lost, he discards us?”
“Sadly, I cannot change what he has done. I can only help shape our future. I am no longer his lap dog, and the agreement for our kind has been broken. Shindar walks the lands of Marithia, and his plans are going to mean the extinction of our kind, and the decimation of everything we know. Our world will be turned to dust, if we don’t stop him.”
“Where is Shindar now?” Mestal said.
“I can only speculate that he is gathering his army, and either heading to Greenhaven, or seeking out Talonsphere. He wanted to use me to activate it, should he fail to destroy it.” Kassina said.
Tusdar nodded. “So we are at war with Marithians, and shunned by Shindar. Where does that leave us? Are we powerful enough to defeat Shindar?”
Kassina shook her head. “No, not alone, I am not. When the Blood Red Moon is fully realised, and Shindar reaches his full potential, his armies will destroy everyone in this land, us included. There will be nowhere left to hide. If Talonsphere is destroyed, so is the only weapon sure to be strong enough to kill Shindar, and his armies.”
“So we wait out the war, hoping that the Marithians will prevail?” Mestal said.
“No. Most of you have not lived through enough years to see what the old ways were like. They were a possibility of peace for vampires, just not well thought out. I am proposing that we form an alliance, as Marithians can use our help.”
“An alliance with those fuckers that killed my father? Never!” Mestal said.
“And they killed both my parents, and I am sure we have all lost many loved ones in wars. We have also killed brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers. Blood is on our hands, as well as theirs,” Kassina said.
Tusdar had never heard her speak like this. “Why the change of view? I thought we were at war with them.”
Kassina nodded. “Yes, we were, and we could continue that war until there are none of us left. There comes a time when one can see that only one future remains. I am trying to save all of you.”
“They will never go for it. What do we have to offer them that they don’t already have?” Tusdar said.
Kassina approached him, but spoke to all vampires. “We can offer them peace, and return our lives from the shadows. More than anything, we can offer them a singular enemy, and help them defeat him.”
“And you would trust them?” Mestal said.
“I believe that we can. They would be tired of the war, as are we. It is our best chance of survival.”
Tusdar’s thoughts were conflicted. He had not expected a return to a normal life, and more than anything, he had already begun to accept a darker fate. He imagined facing Vartan again, and the thought made him wince.
Tusdar stepped forward. “Suppose you are right. Do you think that they will let us simply walk into Greenhaven to discuss a truce?”
“I know, this all seems like madness. But it is the only chance we have at a future. If they prevail, and we help them do so, then we can have a place among them. But this time, I will make sure that nobody is executed for their differences,” Kassina said.
“All right. If you feel this is best, then we will follow you,” Mestal said.
Tusdar took Mestal’s hand, smiling at her.
Kassina stepped toward the exit from the portal room. “Come then, there is no time to waste. We leave for Greenhaven, now.”
Vartan held onto the serpent’s scales, gripping it tightly as they powered through the deep water. Once they had leapt into the water, they had removed their armour. The serpents had assured him that he would be unable to swim while wearing it. They did, however, retain their lightest clothes and weapons.
Serpents’ scales and heads were very similar to dragons, but riding them was completely different. He glanced right to Anakari and Yuski, both riding their own serpents. They gripped the beasts tightly as they slithered through the water. They had seen hammerhead sharks, giant red crabs, and even sea turtles the size of fully grown men, on their trip. Schools of fish would disperse when they neared.
Vartan had no idea that there was so much life under the surface. When the first mermaids accompanied them, Vartan saw his companions’ eyes widen, expecting a likely battle. But when the mermaids smiled at them, warding off any approaching sharks and whales, Vartan relaxed.
The serpents headed toward the mouth of a giant underwater cave. He had attempted to talk with them, but they were not as open as dragons.
Tell me, are you and dragons from the same stars? Vartan thought.
The serpent paused before replying. We are both of Mother Dragon, but we were not created the same.
Vartan wondered if their secrecy was because his companions did not share their blood. They entered the cave, the other serpents following behind Vartan. As they travelled, there were many mermaids, all appearing from behind structures and walls. Glowing fish with translucent bodies lit their way. The fish were a stunning sight, but Vartan also spotted their razor-sharp teeth. The light was nothing close to the excitement painted on the mermaids’ faces. They revelled at the sight of him, swimming in swift circles before following in tow.
The serpent’s voice filled Vartan’s mind. This has been a long awaited time.
How long have you been waiting? Vartan said.
Another serpent’s voice entered his mind. Far longer than your lifetime, but not long enough to forget.
Forget what? Vartan said.
The serpent Vartan hung on to shuddered before his darker voice filled Vartan’s mind. Some things do not need to be repeated. A new age is coming for all of us. Once you activa
te Talonsphere, and this war ends, then we can be reborn as winged ones. We are here now. Look up and swim.
The serpent stopped and Vartan saw a large crack above him. He nodded to the serpent before swimming upward. Thank you for the safe journey.
Vartan looked down to see the serpent’s whiskers shake. His companions approached and he continued upward. The walls surrounding him glowed blue, and he looked closer. Sea worms crawled on its surface, creating the lighting. A mermaid swam up to accompany him, grabbing him by the arm and shaking her head. She pushed her hands down, and Vartan understood her.
She wants me to slow down.
His head began to hurt, and he nodded to her, easing his ascent. He looked down to see Anakari and Yuski nearing him. They had their own mermaids with them. At first, Vartan thought that there were larger glow worms beneath him, but then he saw Anakari clearer and his eyes widened. Her symbols were also glowing blue, many of them projecting light through her clothes. She followed his gaze, crying out.
Vartan shook his head as he had no answer for her, but smiled.
Everything is falling into place, he thought.
He continued upward through the opening. His spell dissipated as his breathing turned ragged. He continued with a slight increase in speed, until he emerged through a marble floor.
This must be Alyanti.
The closer he got to Talonsphere, the more he wanted to activate it. He imagined a way to be with Helenia, even if it was not in Marithia. His thoughts were overcome as he looked around, still below the surface. Most of the city’s structures were underwater, but a large circle of mermaids surrounded him. Many had dropped bags of algae and treasures, and he watched them glide to the floor. They all looked to him, then to his companions. For a moment, he wondered if he would be attacked or have to prove his worth, but no mermaids moved toward him in anger.
Vartan became dizzy, and one of the mermaids pointed upward. He nodded, then swam toward the surface. He saw a wide set of stairs and headed in its direction, checking that his friends followed him. Laying his hands on the steps’ cold surface, he climbed and then breached into air. His gills sealed shut as he emerged, and he spat out liquid before taking a breath. He surveyed their surroundings with glowing blue eyes, checking for all signs of life. Once he was satisfied that they were not in any danger, he focused on the water in their clothes, waving his hand as he dried them. He blinked back to normal.
An ornate mermaid approached him, cocking her head as her eyelids blinked vertically. Her gold armour shone as she gripped her pearl trident, and she wore a tight crown of sparkling rubies and amethysts. “Welcome. We have been long expecting you. I am Nathalia, sister of sisters.”
“I am Prince Vartan, the man born of dragon’s blood. Can you show us the way to Daessar?”
She turned to the growing crowd of mermaids and cried out, “He has arrived!”
Alyanti was filled with the sounds of cheers, shrieks, and clapping.
Scanning along the many jewel-covered walls, Vartan spotted a young man catching his eye. Seeing other outsiders in Alyanti was strange, but Daessar was where he needed to be, and time was of the essence. Golden statues gleamed by ambient light, and he wondered who they represented.
In the massive cavern full of wonders, he only wanted to move forward. All he could think of was Helenia, and his mission before him.
Nathalia offered her arm and led him past many buildings, waving off the surrounding mermaids. “Man of dragon’s blood, you don’t need to be in a rush. Would you care to spend some time with us? There is much to learn from our long history.”
Anakari continued to glow, and the intensity increased as they travelled through the underground city. Dryden and Yuski checked their weapons.
“Forgive me for my rudeness, but I must get to Talonsphere without delay. Marithia depends on it,” Vartan said.
“As you wish. I hadn’t expected you to be in such a rush, but will take you to Daessar.”
Vartan shared a glance with his companions. The determination on their faces gave him strength. They soon reached a staircase, guarded by mermaids wearing golden armour from head to toe. The guards stepped out of the way as Vartan approached.
“We have waited a long time for you,” Nathalia said.
“Why stay here?” Anakari said.
“Because it is our purpose. Once that is fulfilled, we can leave this place,” Nathalia said.
They descended the stair case, lit by blue light, soon outshone by Anakari’s symbols. Vartan reached over to brush over her arm. “Kari, are you all right?”
He noticed that her hands were shaking, but she replied in a confident voice. “I am fine. Don’t worry about me.”
The stairs opened up to a large room, with a small circular door that was covered in symbols. Four similarly armoured mermaids waited on either side, standing to attention at the sight of them, gripping their swords.
Nathalia waved her hand toward the door. “The entry to Daessar stands before you. Passage will be granted, but only once you have passed the test.”
Chapter 20 : The Final Journey - Part II
“What happens when you repair a heart that was once destroyed?
Someone can become the person they once were, or hoped to be. This was the best gift I could have given her.”
(Niesha)
Vartan cocked his head toward Nathalia, narrowing his eyes as he surveyed her. He was a short distance from the door to Daessar and the weapon that would save them all.
“Have I not proven myself enough?” Vartan said.
Nathalia smiled. “Before you came here, maybe so, but we cannot let just anyone step through that door. Beyond lies their sanctuary, and our agreement was to wait until the one of the Talonsphere prophecy arrives and activates the great one.”
“So, what about us?” Yuski said.
“If he is truly the man he says he is, then you may follow him, but only until Talonsphere is activated. Then we can all be free.”
Vartan stepped forward. “Tell me what I have to do and it will be done.”
“You are the first to be tested. This room has been engineered by the ancients themselves,” Nathalia said.
“You know much. Can you tell us what to expect?” Vartan said.
Nathalia’s face turned grim. “There are no rules that I know of. All I know is, you need to step to the centre of the room to begin, and we are not to remain behind to spectate.”
“Let us begin then,” Vartan said.
“Guards, you may leave,” Nathalia said.
Vartan’s companions turned to follow the guards marching out of the room, but Nathalia raised a hand to stop them. “Wait. If the one of dragon’s blood was to reach this place, with others, then they would all need to remain in this room for the test.”
Vartan looked to the others, and they smiled at him. “Then we will stay.”
Nathalia bowed to them. “Good luck, and may we meet again.”
Vartan wondered what she meant, but before he could ask any more questions, she promptly left the room. His heart thumped as he turned toward the door. To reach the door meant he had to step toward the centre of the room.
He tightened his grip around the hilt of his sword, wishing that he hadn’t abandoned the shield, but knowing it would be safely returned to Greenhaven.
Greenhaven.
Everyone was counting on him, and Shindar could already be at their doorstep. There was no time for hesitation.
Vartan marched toward the door to Daessar, and looked around. His footsteps were only answered by their echoes and the sound of heavy breathing. The room quaked, and he nearly jumped out of his skin. Dust fell all around him. Drawing his sword, he saw no threats, but the staircase was covered by a wall falling into place. They were captured there.
The walls continued to glow blue, and Anakari’s symbols flickered. She stepped toward the door to Daessar, seeming mesmerised by it before coming to a halt an arm’s length away. She began to speak wo
rds, but none of them made any sense. She spoke another language, and when she turned, her eyes shone bright white. Her voice changed, and not to one he recognised.
Oh shit.
Vartan invoked Mazu. He surveyed his surroundings, seeking sources of any danger. He may as well have been blindfolded. The room must have been protected with magic, as he could not see anything else around them.
“Something’s controlling my magic,” Vartan said.
Dryden circled around, spinning his sword and watching for danger. Yuski looked to her orb, which didn’t appear to be doing anything.
Anakari turned to him with a sharp twist. “Your magic will not work here, mortal. This room was crafted to keep our enemies out of Daessar.”
Yuski’s eyes widened as she approached Anakari. “Who are you?”
Anakari raised an open palm. “Stop. All of you. This girl will be returned to you, once we are sure. My name is not important, and neither is yours, for now. What matters most is who you are.”
The room shook again. This time, the roof opened up, revealing long metal spikes along the entire ceiling. They covered the entire surface, and were barely inches apart. If it fell on them, there would be no escaping death.
“What is this?” Dryden said.
“This is for our protection,” Anakari said.
“It doesn’t look like protection to me,” Yuski said, easing her sword out.
“If you harm me, you harm your friend. Well, at least her mortal self. Losa would be returned to the kingdom above the stars.”
Vartan spoke through a clenched jaw. “Enough of this. What do you want us to do?”
Anakari approached Vartan, looking him over. “If only it were so easy. Your soul interests us greatly. But first, I need a small amount of your blood.”
Vartan grimaced and ran his arm against the tip of his blade, ensuring only a small cut, then held it out to Anakari.
“I see you waste no time. This is good,” Anakari said, approaching him and running her finger over the cut.
Legends of Marithia: Book 3 - Talonsphere Page 23