CHAPTER 26
“My vision is coming back,” declared Keira, her voice hopeful. “That means we’re getting close to Aykori and Draiven. I see everyone. They set up camp and are waiting for us.”
Aya’s insides burst with joy. She had been helping Keira move for the past few hours, and her legs were ready to give out on her. “What way?”
“Go left.”
The girls walked a few more minutes before they heard voices. They shoved a few palms aside and came out in a large camp. About a hundred men sat in huddled circles by tents.
“Keira!” shouted Rika. In seconds she had her small arms wrapped around Keira’s thin frame. “I knew ya were going to make it. I just knew it. Nothing could keep her down, I said to them. Nothing.”
“Thank the creator,” cried Nanake, as she too embraced her granddaughter in a hug. She then took a step back. “Are you well? You two look like you been through a fire gauntlet.”
Keira remained quiet as her gaze turned to the ground. “I think is better we don’t speak of that at the moment. The important thing now is that we’re back.”
“Wait,” said Nanake. Her eyes darted about. “Where is Lori?”
The girl’s silence was the only answer that was needed. Rika fell to the floor, sobbing loudly.
A set of tears escaped Nanake. She wiped them away. “Perhaps we should call this entire attack off.”
“No!” cried Keira. “Lori and many of our fallen brothers and sisters died for this. I won’t let it be in vain.”
Dozens of soldiers nodded in approval. Behind the crowd towered Raji, looking as stern as ever.
The crowd parted as the two bears made their way forward.
Keira walked forward and met them. She caressed the brown bear. “I’m sorry, Aykori.” With her other hand she patted the black bear’s tangled fur. “I’m sorry to you too, Draiven. I let your sister die. I understand if you hate me.”
The princess seemed to disappear in the bears’ massive bodies as they enveloped her in a hug. Once the bears moved back, Keira once again appeared. Both her animals stood by her side, the massive Aykori on her left, and the even larger Draiven on her right.
“My uncle has brought suffering to a time of peace!” The men listened attentively. “No more! Tonight we will march on him and stop this injustice. No more of our people will be experimented on. No more of our people will be put to the torch for speaking against tyranny. No more of our people will be crucified for not bowing to Hotaru. No more of our children will starve as my uncle and his men eat in abundance.” Keira held her hand to the air. “No more!”
The thunderous shouts of soldiers fused with the vicious growls of bears, creating a cheer against tyranny unlike any Aya had ever heard before.
~~~
The girls met at the middle of the camp under the twinkling stars. Both had bathed in the river and snuck in a few hours of sleep.
“Are you ready?” Keira asked.
Aya nodded. “Of course.”
“Good.”
Rika, Raji, Aykori, and Draiven joined the girls.
“The time is here, men!” cried Keira. “We do not have the numbers to win in an open battle. But it will be up to you to hold them off and take their attention as we sneak behind their lines and take out Hotaru. Many of you will not live to see the morning sun. I’m sorry for that.”
“We know the risks, Princess!” yelled a man from the crowd. “It will be an honor to die if we must.”
Keira pumped her fists. “Let’s go get our home back.”
Aya went over to Sheridan. “How are you feeling?”
Sheridan forced a smile. “A little nervous. Leading an army isn’t really my forte. Hyatt is more suited for that kind of thing.”
Aya patted him on his arm, which seemed to relax him a bit. “You’ll do fine.”
“Hey!” called Keira. “Let’s go. We don’t have another minute to waste.”
Aya waved goodbye and joined the small infiltration group.
“Good fortunes to you,” called Nanake as they took off on their trek.
They walked through the misty forest in silence for over an hour. Aya was surprised at the quietness of the large bears’ footsteps. She supposed it must have been part of their training. Even Raji’s steps were muted.
“Here’s the cave,” said Keira.
Aya scanned the rocks, looking for it.
“It’s right here,” said Rika, rolling her eyes. She walked around a corner and disappeared. “Sometimes I wonder who the blind one is.”
“It’s an illusion,” Keira clarified. “From an angle it appears that there is nothing there.”
Aya followed the bears and blind girl into the musky cave. Her hands raced to her nose as the fetid stench reached her.
“This cave leads to the castle sewers,” said Keira, noticing Aya’s discomfort. “From there we can use the hidden trapdoor to infiltrate the castle.”
They moved at a steady pace for most of the day. Aya made it a point to breathe through her nose. It seemed that the deeper they went into the cave, the stronger the smell became. She was so engrossed with the stench that she barely registered the lack of soft thuds behind her. She turned to find Raji removing his two massive axes from the back where they hung.
“What are you doing?” said Aya.
Everyone else stalled and looked back.
“We have been followed for some time now,” Raji growled.
“Damn,” said Keira. “They knew we were coming and waited until we were trapped inside to make their move.”
“We’re not the ones who are trapped,” thundered Raji. Dozens of armored soldiers materialized out of the shadows. Aya made out all kinds of weapons in their hands: spears, broadswords, sais, nets, halberds, and many other killing tools she’d never seen before.
“Go,” ordered Raji. “No one will follow you.”
Keira stepped forward. “But…”
Raji looked back at her with without saying a word. Aya knew that a silent understanding had passed between them.
“Let’s move, everyone.” This time she did not look back.
“But there must be over one hundred soldiers back there,” said Rika, her complexion pale.
“She’s right,” added Aya. “Is it really a good idea to leave him alone?”
“Raji knows what he’s doing,” said Keira. “I believe in him; you should too.”
Aya gulped, hoping that Raji would be fine. If the soldiers got through him, it would force Keira to abandon her mission in order to fight to stay alive.
The group once again pressed forward. Moments later the sounds of weapons clattering and shouts echoed through the walls. Aya thought she heard Raji’s loud grunts from time to time, but she wasn’t sure. As they continued to move, the sounds died off, replaced by a chilling silence.
“I see it,” whispered Rika. She dusted off a layer of dirt and grime on the floor, revealing a large, square metal door. There was no lock or handle on it. “Now what?”
“Rika, you do your thing,” Keira ordered. She pointed at a dark hole in the corner of the cave. If it hadn’t been for Keira, Aya doubted she would have seen it. “Why do you think I insisted you come with me? I need that small frame of yours.”
Rika smirked. “I won’t let ya down.” She crawled on all fours and forced her body inside the hole.
“Wow,” said Aya. “I didn’t think she was going to fit in there.”
Keira grinned. “Yes. She can squeeze through anything.”
There was a loud clatter from inside the metal door. Seconds later the door squeaked up an inch.
“Help me,” whimpered Rika. “This thing is heavyyyyy!”
Aya and Keira took hold of the door and pulled. Sweat formed on their foreheads as they strained to no avail.
Suddenly a black paw took hold of the door. It became as light as air as it flung open and clattered on the other side of the floor, raising a plume of dust.
“Great job,
Draiven,” thanked Keira as she hopped into the hole. “You too, Rika.”
Aya followed the princess into the hole, followed by Draiven and Aykori. Once on the other side, she scanned her surroundings. They appeared to be in a library. The walls were stacked with countless books. Dozens of oak tables were spread out throughout the large room.
“This is where we part ways, Rika. We have to go after ‘em on our own now.”
“But…but I need to go with ya.”
Keira bent down and caressed her cousin’s cheeks. “No. You did your part, now I have to do mine. Stay here where it’s safe.” Rika pouted at first, but a moment later she gave Keira a hug and took a seat on the patterned floor.
Keira stood before the brown bear. “You stay here with her, Aykori. I need you to protect her.” The bear growled softly, but did as he was asked. “See you two in a bit.”
Aya bit her lower lip, hoping that Keira’s words would come true and she would return to her loved ones, though she was sure that there was a high probability they wouldn’t. If only she had her wielding.
They snuck out of the library and hurried through large, golden double doors and through a luxurious hall filled with jade statues. Minutes later, they reached a set of long stairs.
They ran up the red carpet, twisting up the circular stairs for what seemed an eternity.
“Finally!” cried Keira as they reached the last step. They stood in a long corridor adorned with dozens of paintings. Silk yellow curtains hung in front of the many windows.
“Where is it?”
“Past those doors,” said Keira, pointing at two giant doors that stood open at the end of the hallway. “Let’s go, Draiven.”
The bear snarled, exposing his sharp fangs. He took off, followed closely by both girls.
Aya slowed her pace as she entered the throne room. It was large, nearly empty, and had a magnificent red-and-white tile floor. Tapestries depicting dragons and tigers adorned the walls. The left side of the room had a large opening with an oval balcony.
From the opening Aya saw Keira’s soldiers engaged in battle against Hotaru’s forces. Beside them there was a large ocean, extending as far the eye could see.
“Hello, niece,” came a loud sneer. “I see you made it past my little trap in the caves.”
Aya forced herself to look away from the ensuing battle and toward the voice. At the end of the room sat an overly fat man atop a grand throne. He was short and completely bald. A long mustache dangled at both sides of his lips.
At the sight of him, Draiven took off on all fours. But a few short feet away from reaching him, a cage sprang from under the floor. The bear slammed viciously into the thick bars that now encased him. Draiven shrugged and stood, pushing on the bars.
“I see you’re still using those savage beasts,” said Hotaru. “All muscle and no brain.”
Keira’s balled fists turned white. “The only savage I see here is you.” Her voice dripped with anger. “How could you betray your own family?”
Hotaru yawned. “No vision, just like your useless father?” He brought out a short scroll and tossed it. It rolled to Keira’s feet.
“What is this?” she asked.
“That, my dear niece, is a binding contract. By signing it you relinquish the city to me. I hold power here in Sugiko, but the Va’siel consul won’t recognize me as the leader unless I have a signed contract.”
Keira kicked the scroll aside. “I will never hand over my father’s kingdom.”
“I thought you might say that.” Hotaru grabbed a handful of blueberries from his bowl and stuffed them in his mouth. Purple juice squirted down his lips as he pointed to the battle raging outside. “You see your men? They’re all going to die. Their blood as well as your grandmother’s will be on your hands.”
Keira gulped.
“I can save them.” He smiled, revealing a series of yellow teeth. “All you have to do is sign the contract.”
Despite her initial apprehension, Keira looked up, her fiery gaze meeting her uncle’s. “How about I just kill you?”
Hotaru grimaced. “Have it your way, then. Senjubo. Baka!”
At his command two men emerged from behind the throne. One wore a brown mask that obscured his eyes and nose. The other had a squared jaw and deep scars on his face. But what shocked Aya wasn’t their faces; it was their blue uniforms.
“You’re Rohads?” asked Aya, unable to suppress the unexpected surge of anger brewing inside her.
The one with the brown mask brought up his hands. “Yes, I’m Senjubo of the Missea Rohads.”
Aya gritted her teeth. “How dare you use the title of Rohad. You’re a disgrace to everything we stand for.”
Senjubo turned to his companion. “It appears that Rohads over at our sister academy in Ladria are not too bright.” He cackled loudly.
Hotaru stood. His flabby chin dangled uselessly as he opened his mouth. “Senjubo and Baka understand that money and power are the meaning of life.” He pointed at Aya. “You’re a Rohad too. Abandon this losing fight and join me. You hold no allegiance to my niece. I can make you wealthier than a lifetimes of missions will ever make you.”
Aya’s eyes blazed. “My loyalty is to my friends, not to gold.”
“Have it your way. Kill them.”
Senjubo rushed at Aya. Baka took after Keira.
A block of earth appeared under Senjubo, tossing him through the air. Once in the air, he flapped his arms. Blocks of rock appeared behind him. They shot forward.
So he’s an earth wielder. Aya dashed out of the way at the last second. To her right, Keira had just dodged a mind wave.
Hotaru gargled loudly. He caressed a stone in his hands. “This little special emblem allows all my men to wield. You have no chance.”
A glove of hard rock encased Senjubo’s hands. He swung in precise attacks. “Give it up. I owned all the martial arts records during my time at the academy.”
Aya dodged a knee. She weaved around two punches. Seeing an opening on his left side, she moved in. A hard punch sent her tumbling back.
Senjubo chuckled. “Falling for the classic feints. You new Rohads are truly pathetic.”
A wave of sand wrapped Aya’s arms and legs.
Senjubo waved his sand toward him as he took out a long knife that hung under his waist. He brought Aya face to face with him. “And now you have no weapons.”
Aya rocked her neck back. She brought it forward as fast as she could. There was a loud crunch as both the Rohads’ foreheads met. The sand dissolved.
Her kick landed on Senjubo’s jaw. He threw a wild punch. Aya grabbed his arm. She wrapped her hand around it and flipped him onto the floor. Before he could react, she pounced. The crunching sound of bones filled the air as Aya broke both of Senjubo’s wrists. Still on the floor, she flipped over to his legs. Her hands locked around his knees as she applied pressure. The sounds came again.
“Aaaaarghhh…You broke my—”
An elbow to the face rendered her adversary unconscious. “You talk too much.” Aya stood. “And by the way, I broke all those records.”
Hotaru held up his hands. “Hey, wait a minute. Let’s be reasonable about this.”
Aya took after him.
Click!
By the time she realized what was going on, the bars had already encased her.
“Got you!” cheered Hotaru. His belly jiggled as he laughed.
From inside the cage Aya breathed a sigh of relief as she noticed Keira standing over Baka. She might have been trapped, but at least Keira was free to finish off her uncle.
“Ooops!” said a high-pitched voice. Aya turned just as Hotaru threw a thick tapestry over the cage with the bear, covering it entirely. “I’m sorry, niece. Did you need your monster to see?”
A loud crack echoed as Baka kicked Keira on the face. She staggered back.
“Let’s so how you like this. Waves of the mind!” Clear ripples flew from Baka and slammed into Keira’s chest.
; Keira staggered back.
“Tough girl, I see,” said Baka. “I’ve never seen anyone survive that. But you won’t survive this next attack. Bloody nightmare!”
Aya gasped as purple tentacles stretched from Baka’s head. She had learned of this particular attack from books. It was widely used on criminals as a slow, painful form of torture.
Keira shrieked as the first tentacle pierced her torso. Blood splattered to the floor. The tentacle retracted and another moved in. The second one pierced her hand and moved back. Another gash of blood dripped to the pristine tile.
“To your left, no, to your right!” cried Aya. But her instructions were having no effect. The blind princes stood in a defensive position. But the attacks were too fast and unpredictable.
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!”
Aya cringed at the pained scream. She had never seen anyone take so much punishment.
“How are you still standing?” yelled Baka. Two tentacles dug under her elbows.
Keira wobbled from side to side. Blood oozed from a half a dozen holes in her body. “I’m not going to let my people down. My friends…my family…”
“Will be dead!” finished the false emperor. “Finish it, Baka.”
“As you wish.”
The bear growled and the cage shook uncontrollably.
“Don’t give up, Keira,” cried Aya. “You can win.”
“I…I can’t see…”
“So what? The girl I fought wouldn’t have given up just because she couldn’t see. The Keira I know wouldn’t let something like that stand in the way of freeing her city.”
“How touching,” said Baka, “but it’s over.” He pushed all eight tentacles forward.
To Aya’s surprise, Keira didn’t appear scared anymore. Her feet were steady. Her hands rested on her side. A grin spread across her lips.
The tentacles moved as one. Keira rolled under the attack. The tentacles followed, each moving in for the kill.
Aya’s heart raced as Keira expertly weaved between attacks, while closing in on her opponent.
Baka’s legs trembled.
Hotaru stood from his throne. “Get her, imbecile. She’s a blind girl!”
Legacy of Chaos (The Void Wielder Trilogy Book 2) Page 19