“What happened to your eyes?”
“The unicorns gave me a present. They didn’t know if you and the Prince would make it back, so they used the lore of their kind to strengthen me. I know their stories now, and I’m able to contain the enemy with power like they do.” Her expression turned serious. “Papa says we’ll use that as a last resort. He’d rather me fight the war from the inside the mountain.”
I crouched down, letting her go as soon as her feet touch the floor. “So, the Dokkalfar are back?”
Siana kept her gaze on the mist. “They attacked the castle the day you left. They now rule the southern plains.” She looked up. “Why didn’t Rune come home?”
Horrific visions of Rune lying at Mia’s feet streamed through my mind, and I kept my expression neutral. “He and Molly are leading the Urisk in the war on Earth.”
Siana tugged on my hand, and I leaned down. “I put Rune’s feathers where they were supposed to go when I heard the white noise in the forest. I did what he asked and didn’t tell anyone, not even Papa.”
“That’s good, Siana. That’s really good.”
Thunder rumbled through the caves, and Siana sighed. “It’s happening again.” She closed her eyes, and a streak of weak light flew past us, heading south. “I’ve taken the energy from the northern caves and moved it to the south. The caves guarding the abyss are the only ones completely full. Everywhere else has just enough to keep the enemy out.”
Her troubled eyes, so knowing and intelligent, stared at the nearly empty cavern, and guilt burned through me. No child should have so much responsibility thrust on them.
I placed my hand on her shoulder. Concentrating on Gavin’s stone, I released some of the power there. Siana squealed as gray and blue light exploded into the room. They swirled, fusing together to form one massive ball of white-hot energy. The walls hummed as if to say thank you, and Siana jumped up and down.
“You’ve grown stronger!” Arms outstretched, Siana twirled and danced around me. “Wait till Papa hears. The enemy doesn’t stand a chance now.”
Her pure belief caused the light to churn and dip, and the mountain rumbled as if it agreed.
I took her hand and started back toward the stalagmite field. “I would love to stay and play, but we have to hurry. I must speak with your father.” I grabbed her hand, and we rushed from the cavern. “Now tell me about Ester.”
“Oh, that.” Siana kept her eyes on her feet.
“Yes, that. How did she make it into the mountain?”
We rounded the bend where the two paths converged and then veered away from the stalagmites looming ahead. I picked up the pace.
“The morning after you left, a foul smell blew in from the south, and that awful hissing noise was in the forest. The Queen ordered everyone within a day’s ride to come to the castle. She closed the gates, which was good because the dark elves attacked that night and every night after. By the week’s end, we were afraid the gates wouldn’t hold. So, the Queen called for Ester.”
I kept my voice calm. “Then what happened?”
“Well, Ester told Queen Lera that she could strengthen the gates, but she would need liquid from one of the Maker’s stones to do it. At first, the Queen said no. But then the Dokkalfar came back over and over, and we lost a lot of young warriors. By sunrise of the fifteenth day, a few of the demons had made it over the wall, but Papa killed them before nightfall.
“That’s when Queen Lera called for Ester again. She told her guards and her servants to leave, and then she took Ester into the upper chamber. No one knows exactly what happened, but the maids got worried when Ester didn’t come down. They sent the Queen’s guard to check on her, and they found her body in a back room that had the royal archives. Ester was gone.”
Shocked, I stopped. “Lera’s dead?” My legs wobbled, and I sat down.
Siana patted my back. “I’m sorry, Princess. The Queen’s advisors insisted the kingdom would weaken further if the kinsmen knew, and so they ordered the Queen’s servants to not speak of it. Only the guard knows.”
“Ester must have taken the stone Gavin left for his mother and used the escape route meant for King Frey.”
“That’s what Papa thinks. He and Micah were the only ones other than me that knew about the stone.”
“Siana. Do you know where Ester is?”
“No. She was with me when Keepers entered the mountain, but as soon as I told the Captain where we were, Ester ran away.”
“Do you know where she went?”
“Ester didn’t mean to hurt the Queen.” Siana’s words came in a rush as she grabbed my hand. “She told me she only wanted to strengthen the gate. She was trying to help.”
I closed my eyes as innocent belief ran over me in waves.
“Siana, Ester isn’t as nice as she seems. I’m afraid she’s been manipulating you.”
Angered, Siana stomped her foot. “You don’t understand. She’s been helping me. She gave me some gold paint to help keep the Dokkalfar away. The energy coming from it was so strong that my papa was the only one able to come with me. We painted strips along the top of the wall, and the gate now glitters in the sun.” Siana looked up. “And Ester was right. After that, the Dokkalfar couldn’t attack because they died if they got too close.” Desperation flashed in her expression. “She said it was okay. She said she was your friend. That you would want me to help her.”
“She lied to you, little one. She’s wanted a stone since before we left, and she got mad when Gavin told her she couldn’t have one.”
Siana’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re not mad, are you?”
“Of course not.” I patted her head. “You did what you thought was right, Siana. That’s all anyone can ask of you.”
She visibly relaxed.
I stood and dusted off my pants, and we started forward once more. “Does your father know Ester gave you the paint?
Siana shook her head. “No. Ms. Ester said that if I were a good girl and didn’t tell anyone where she was or where I got that paint from, she’d stay with me and make sure the stone was protected until you got back.”
I’m sure she did.
We hurried down the corridor, and I pulled Siana to a stop. “I don’t want you talking to Ester again. If she contacts you, please promise that you’ll let one of us know right away.”
Her silver-lined eyes turned grave. “I promise.”
Chapter 31
The Council and the Guard
The power of the mountain divided the space between the Archive Room and the Keepers’ Hall. Artwork now cluttered the inner cavern, the massive table overfilled with scrolls.
“I brought it all in here.” Siana pointed to the empty shelves on the other side of the blue. “When the white noise stayed in the forest, I wanted all that stuff back in the mountain. That way, the Dokkalfar wouldn’t ruin it.”
“Good thinking.” I patted her head.
The energy cordoning off the space hummed, and Siana and I looked through the blue, watching the Elite Guard pass the empty shelves and make their way across the room.
Siana bit her lower lip and kept her chin high, her eyes stayed focused on the guard milling about. “Are you going to tell them about Ester?”
I bent down, pulling her to me. “I won’t until you’re ready. Siana, we’ve asked more of you than we had a right to ask. And you’ve given more than any child should.” I pulled back to look into her eyes. “No one will blame you for believing the best in someone. I promise.”
She teared up. “I ... I didn’t know about Ester and the stone.” Her breath hitched. “I didn’t know.”
She fell into my arms and let go. Sobbing, she tried to speak through broken breaths, telling me of all she’d been through. I calmly stroked her hair. I had a feeling this was the first time the child had allowed herself to grieve—not only for Lera’s death and Ester’s deception but for all the responsibilities that her small shoulders had carried.
“I’m here,”
I whispered, gently patting her back. “Shhhh ... I’m not leaving again. You won’t have to come back in the mountain unless you want to.”
Siana sniffled. She wiped her nose with the back of her sleeve. “I like being in the mountain. Just not alone.”
“Then Ms. Rena and I will make sure you have someone with you. And thank you. You’ve done a great job, sweetie.”
She finally smiled. “You’re most welcome, my Queen.”
I startled at the title.
Jacob and Wyn burst into the room, desperately looking for a way through the barrier.
“We’d better let them know you’re all right,” I whispered, hugging Siana one last time.
Her small hand found mine, and we crossed through the energy together.
“Oh, thank God!” Wyn reached for the little girl and then hugged me. “I’m so glad you’re back. When Rena told the guard what was in the mountain, I thought I would die.”
“What’s in the mountain, mama?”
Her question was met with silence. Jacob’s eyes, so haggard and worn, blanked as he looked at Wyn.
She glanced at him and nodded. “Never you mind that. Come, nugget. I’m sure you’re hungry.”
Siana’s silver-lined eyes sparkled as she grabbed her mother’s hand. “All right.”
Wyn looked up, speaking to Siana while looking at me. “And you’ll be sleeping at home from now on. The Queen is back, and so she’ll take over the responsibility of the mountain.”
Siana’s expression became serious as she glanced my way. “Promise you’ll call if you need help.”
“Promise.” I patted her head.
The guard milled about; everyone waited to speak until Siana was well out of the room.
I sat at the head of the table. “Where are the Keepers?”
Jacob took a seat next to me. “They’re meeting with the council.”
Several servants appeared at the door. They quickly came forward, laid trays of food and pitchers of water on the table, and then backed away.
“What’s the status?” I asked.
“Let’s eat first,” Jacob said. “You look like you’re about to drop.”
I stared blankly at the fire. What little I felt when Siana was near had dimmed, making me understand how numb I’d become. Funny, I didn’t even recognize hunger anymore.
Jacob’s tone gentled. “My Queen? Are you all right?”
The question rang through the quiet.
“My Queen?”
Looking around at the faces of the guard, I realized everyone was expecting an answer.
“No.” I cleared my throat. “I’m not all right. Earth’s a complete disaster. We left Rune and Molly at the mercy of an army of Dokkalfar while Mia took Gavin to the abyss. God only knows what she’s doing to him right now. Weylin can’t come home because he’s bonded with a human, one who is the last of her kind. And I look like I’m about to drop because I carry the heirs to the throne.”
Jacob’s eyes grew steadily wider as I spoke.
“Heirs?” he asked, thunderstruck.
“I’m pregnant with twins.” Exhausted, I rubbed my face and sighed, looking at the flames dancing over their grate. “So, no. I’m nowhere close to all right.”
Chairs scraped over stone as the leaders of the guard stood, preparing to leave.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
Jacob’s eyes blanked; the warriors nodded at the silent comment.
He stood and faced me. “The fact that you carry the future King changes everything. I’ll let the kingdom know you’re in seclusion.”
I scowled. “You’ll do no such thing.”
The guard froze.
I motioned everyone back to the table. “Please, sit. Eat.”
They glanced at Jacob. His nod was no more than a tip of his chin, but it seemed to appease them because they made their way back and took their seats.
I grabbed a piece of bread and took a bite while the others passed bowls and plates around. Jacob filled a goblet and handed it to me.
“If you aren’t going into seclusion, then what do you plan to do?” he asked.
I kept my eyes on the blue energy not more than a few yards away, blanketing the entrance to the Keeper’s Hall. “I have things to take care of in the mountain.”
“Please. Your Grace.” One of the warriors at the other end of the table spoke up. “The energy needed to sustain one life, let alone two, is tremendous. It’s unheard of for an expecting female to be out of her quarters, much less go to war.”
“I’ll be fine.”
Speechless, the guard openly stared.
I leaned back in my chair and dusted crumbs from the table. “Now, where’s Micah? Weylin said I needed to speak with him about a replacement Guardian.”
“Micah’s dead,” Jacob flatly stated
My heart jumped into my throat. “How many have we lost?”
“At least a third of the Elite Guard, and twice as many lower.”
My hands tightened into fists. “And the kinsmen?”
Jacob took a deep breath and aggressively exhaled. “Most seek refuge within the castle’s walls. Those that couldn’t make it here in time have fled to the north.”
“Tell Elias that the Keepers are to escort the Queen’s council here. I need to speak with everyone right away.”
He put his hand on my shoulder. “Please, Nora. Rest. We cannot lose the Last Light of the Ancients and the future heir to the throne. The Kingdom wouldn’t recover.”
I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples. “I’m aware of what’s at stake. But there is no choice.”
Jacob frowned; his eyes blanked. Silence weighed heavily in the room as the guard ate. I knew they were voicing their opinion telepathically, but for once it didn’t bother me. I focused on the fireplace, watching the flames flicker and dance, casting shadows along the wall.
The image of Mia’s hand on Gavin’s chest blazed in my thoughts. I hated that that was my last picture of him before he disappeared.
I now understood that Gavin knew he’d be forced to leave me and go it alone. That’s why he insisted on the simulation ... why he demanded Weylin train with me as if we were a team.
Our trip through the Between had served as a distraction, but after Siana asked about Rune, I couldn’t shake those horrible images of his unconscious body laying at Mia’s feet. He never stirred. Even after Mia took Gavin, he still was on the ground. What about Molly and the other Urisks? Or Weylin and Cali?
And Ester. Lord only knew what secrets she’d managed to finagle from the child. Thank God we never told Siana about the Sfera caves.
And Lera, dead? The past few years had aged her considerably, but the idea that she wasn’t here didn’t seem possible.
The familiar ache of sorrow bubbled up, and I fought it with a vengeance. We had no time for grief. Right now, the only thing that mattered was getting rid of the Lost and then finding Gavin.
“Elias sent a scout through the portal.” Rena entered the room, pulling my thoughts into focus. “We should expect a report back within the hour.” She made her way past empty tables and shelves, followed closely by Elias and Elaine. Tark grimly brought up the rear, escorting Lera’s council to the table.
The leaders of the guard stood, and everyone found their seat.
Elias’ expression turned forbidding. “And what of Ester?”
I rubbed my eyes. “She’s hiding in the mountain.”
The table buzzed at the news.
Jacob sat up; his eyes narrowed. “How could that be? Siana would have known.”
Everyone quietened down, and I tried to find my last ounce of patience. “I would ask that you not discuss Ester with the child until this is over. Siana was deceived. We’ll have to deal with Ester later. Right now, our most important issue is finding Gavin. We have information he needs.”
Surprised, Jacob’s brow rose. “It was my understanding the Prince had been taken by the Dokkalfar and was being held captive on Earth
.”
I looked back at the fire. Rena was the one to speak.
“We believe he’s in the abyss, and if so we must find a way to get word to him.”
Elias wrapped his knuckles on the table. All heads turned toward him. “Our scout in the other realm should be back soon. Hopefully, we’ll know more about the Urisk, Weylin, and Cali, at least. What are the reports on the Dokkalfar?”
“They attacked nightly until three days ago, but then they seemed to have disappeared altogether. From all reports, they’re headed back to the Badlands.”
“Why would they retreat now?” Thomas, the council’s leader, asked.
I cleared my throat. “They think they’ve won.”
Thomas glanced at the council. “They very well may have. It’s only a matter of time before the energy in the gold Siana sprinkled along the wall diminishes.”
Frustration tinged through me as I realized that Lera had been forced to put up with his negative attitude all these years. I looked at the council through fresh eyes. The purple sash lying across their chests no longer looked like a symbol of trust and wisdom, now it just seemed pretentious.
Sitting up straight, I placed my hands on my lap. “That well may be true, but the Dokkalfar aren’t aware we found a way to close the abyss for good.”
The room buzzed with excitement.
“You know how to close the dark portal?” One of the other council members asked. “Why that’s wonderful news! Alert the kinsmen. We’ll tell them Queen Lera’s last plans were a tremendous success. It will help lessen the sting of grief when they learn of her death.”
The council members droned on, speaking over one another with plans of spinning Gavin’s sacrifice in the best light possible. The guard sat silent, their expression blank as they glared ahead.
Anger burned through me for the first time since we’d been back in Kailmeyra.
I slapped my hand on the table, and everyone froze. “We will address your poor handling of Lera’s death another time. For now, I decree anyone who even mentions this meeting took place will be exiled from the kingdom. We say nothing about the portal until it’s sealed.”
The Heart of the Ancients Page 32