Elias sat back and smiled, his eyes gleaming with respect.
“But, my Queen,” Thomas crooned as if I needed pacifying. “This news will help bolster the kinsmen’s spirits. The Kailmeyrians, they grow restless. They openly complain about our circumstance. We need results. Even the most loyal subjects are starting to doubt.”
“And why is that?” My question echoed in the hall. “Could it be because you’ve been feeding them half-truths and trying to paint a rosy picture this entire time? It’s your deception that causes the kinsmen to doubt, not their lack of strength. In the last battle, they defended the castle and proved that they are not as weak minded as you believe.” My head hurt, my heart ached, and I hadn’t slept in days. I rubbed my temples. “Lera knew this. She should have never asked Ester for help.”
The council leader fumed. “Now see here. The Queen was hesitant at first, but we were adamant she meet with the seer. Ester had been useful before. We were only—”
I held my hand up, and he stopped midsentence. “Are you telling me that you’re the reason Lera went against Gavin’s wishes?” My face heated. “What were you thinking?”
The leader grew defensive. “Ester helped you in your most dire moment during the battle in the Badlands.”
Something inside me snapped. “Yes. She did. But Ester’s mind has been slipping since the Dokkalfar tortured her. Had any of you bothered to get to know her all these years instead of using her when you needed something, maybe you would have noticed.” I glared at Thomas. “That’s why Gavin expressly forbid Ester to speak to anyone until we returned. He knew the enemy had twisted her mind. Yet we’d been gone less than a month, and you convinced Lera that Gavin was wrong and that relying on Ester was a good idea. How could you?”
No one said a word. Thomas’ eyes became slits. “With all due respect, Your Grace, we have been helping our Queen lead for centuries. Someone of your delicate years would not understand.”
“We don’t have time for this,” I growled, turning to Jacob. “Assign a guard to each of the council. They’re being sequestered. They are to speak to no one, with mind or words, until the portal is sealed.”
Elias nodded as the council burst out in protest, but the leaders of the guard stood and waited. Seven warriors came through the threshold and escorted them away.
As soon as they were out of the room, I slumped back in my chair, my headache worsened. “What now?”
Elias’ eyes blanked, and he stood. “The scout has made his way back. The Urisk guarding the portal report that Molly and Rune are alive and the Urisk have defeated the Dokkalfar. They sustained heavy losses, but when Mia disappeared, the Dokkalfar fell into confusion, and the Urisk gained considerable ground. They are heading back to the boat now and will stay in the last pure land to defend the portal.”
“What about Weylin and Cali?”
Elias looked away. “No one has seen or heard from them since we entered the cave.”
Disheartened, I closed my eyes and cleared my mind. We’d only seen a glimpse of the battle they had entered. For all we knew, the Dokkalfar had already started retreating when they made their way out of the Cerberus cave. Hopefully, they’d catch up with the Urisk before Rune and Molly set sail. Cali might not be able to survive the harsh climate before Weylin managed to get her south.
My mind came to a grinding halt as emotions wisped through me. I closed my eyes, concentrating on the sensation.
“My lady?” Rena’s voice echoed in the distance. I held up my hand, hoping she wouldn’t distract me.
Familiar warmth threaded through my heart. Protection ... dark intensity ... longing. They softly ran through me like a lover’s caress. Concentrating with all seven strands, my thoughts screamed in my mind.
Don’t give up. Mia needs to die in the abyss ... she must die in the abyss.
The emotions ebbed to nothing.
“Nora, what is it?” Elaine’s concern brought me back. “You’ve grown pale. Are you all right?”
“I felt Gavin. His emotions were weak, but, for a moment, I could feel him. He must have surfaced from the abyss.”
The guard jumped up and cheered; the ache around my eyes intensified to a throb.
Rena’s voice shook. “He’s still alive? Are you sure?”
My hand caressed the bump between my hips. “I’m sure.”
Jacob looked from Keeper to Keeper as the guard retook their seats. “But why? Why allow him even the slightest chance to escape? Why not draw every ounce of despair he has and then use him as an example for the others? I would think hanging the King of the Alfar’s lifeless body for all to see would serve as a symbol of superiority.”
The fragile hope that had been building shattered into a million pieces. I looked back at the fire. “Mia never wanted Gavin to die. She wanted him as her mate. She claimed him in the way of the Dokkalfar the day she carved her initial on his chest.”
Revulsion ran around the room.
“She believes that this makes Gavin ruler of both Alfar and Dokkalfar. We’re out of time.” I stood, trying not to think those were some of the last words Gavin said to me. “Jacob, round up as many warriors as we have and head to the abyss. The Keepers will go through the mountain while you take to the woods. If we hurry, Gavin might have a chance.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, the warriors were out the door—all but Jacob.
“We’ve been scouting ways into enemy territory for some time, and so we know the quickest way to get to the abyss undetected. We’ll leave immediately.” He bowed. “I must ask once more, my Queen. Please reconsider your position. Go into seclusion. The Keepers and your guard will fight the enemy. You need to protect our future.”
Tears flooded my eyes. “I can’t. I still have things to do before I rest.”
Frustrated, Jacob clenched his teeth and headed out the door.
Elias’ frank stare reminded me of Weylin, and I half smiled.
“What?”
“Jacob is right. You need sleep.”
Irritated, I looked away. “You and I both know that’s not possible. Not now, anyway. I must take care of the Lost, and where I need to travel no one else can go.”
Elias’ hard eyes stayed on me. “And how will exhaustion help you when you traipse through the mountain with Jayril’s clan?”
I pressed my thumbs against my temples, my head continued to pound. “I have no choice. Jabez and her clan grow weaker every minute.”
Elias stood. “Elaine and I will take the tunnels through the mountain that lead to the abyss. If Gavin is above ground, we’ll find him and let him know what has happened.” He looked at Rena. “Guard the Princess, and go with her as far as you can. Once she’s taken care of the Ancient Dokkalfar, bring her back here. She’s going into seclusion.”
“No, I can’t. Gavin nee—”
Elias slammed his fist against the table. “I made a vow, and I’ll keep it.” His eyes hardened to stone. “Your safety and the well-being of the heirs to the throne is top priority, second only to finishing this mess.”
I looked away. There was no way I would sit idly by while the rest of the Keepers were off fighting in the Badlands. After Gavin killed Mia, he’d have to find his way out of the abyss, and I was the only one who could funnel what energy we had left to seal the thing closed. I had no choice but to be there.
“We’ll see,” I hedged.
“No, we won’t ‘see.’” Elias’ chest barreled out. “You will stay here.”
Elaine stood and placed her hand over his heart. His jaw clenched, and he took a deep breath, shaking his head several times as he stared into her eyes.
Elaine’s hand fell to her side, and she looked at me. “My Queen, please understand. You are half Alfar. Females here do not fare as well as the women of Earth when it comes to carrying young. The only reason Elias isn’t hauling you to your suite and placing guards at your door is because of what is left in the mountain. But he is right. After you’ve taken care of the clan of
Jayril, your priority becomes protecting the young that grow within you.”
Arguing was futile. It only wasted time and weakened everyone. I knew what I needed to do.
“I have to go.” I rubbed my eyes and stood, trying to ignore the fact that I was more tired that I’d ever been in my life.
“You’ve grown.” Elias’ tone gentled.
I sighed and glanced back at the bump that was now a pooch. “I know, but I have no idea why.”
Elias grew uncomfortable. “Gavin’s energy was able to suspend the beginning stages of your pregnancy, but that was months ago. Now that he’s not here, you’ll be developing at an alarming rate, which takes an equal alarming amount of energy to sustain. That’s why I’m adamant you rest.”
“I’ll be fine.”
Exasperated, Elias shook his head. He turned to Rena. “You have your orders.” He and Elaine wove through empty tables and made their way toward the castle.
I closed my eyes, sat back down, and rested my head on the chair. “What did Elias order you to do?”
Rena scooted closer, ignoring the question. “Where do you hurt?”
“My head is killing me.”
Rena rested one palm on my forehead, the other at the base of my skull. “You need to drink more. You’re dehydrated.”
I sighed as the pain faded away. “Thanks.”
“Are you all right? I mean everywhere else.”
I took her hand and placed it on my abdomen. Heat warmed through as the etched Urisk feathers tickled.
Rena’s eyes filled with tears. “My lady. I feel them,” she said with wonder. “And yes, they’re fine.” A giggle escaped her lips as her hand rubbed a small circle across my stomach. “Oh, Nora, in the midst of so much tragedy here are two little miracles.”
I put my hand over hers. “I’m so glad you can sense them.”
Rena’s tears spilled over as she placed her other hand on my midriff. She closed her eyes. “Yes, I feel them. They’re strong like their mama and fierce like their papa.”
My smile slid off my face. “What are your orders?”
Rena’s eyes deepened with caution. “Elias and warriors are going to wait by the abyss until we send the word that the Lost are no more. Only then will they attack.”
“Is that all?”
“We’ll deal with the other issue later. First, let’s get you something to drink. I believe the twins are thirsty too.” She smiled before reaching for a pitcher and a glass. Rena insisted I eat a little more before we left and made our way back into the mountain.
The air grew cooler as we wound through the labyrinth of corridors. Groans echoed in the distance as the Stalagmite Field came into view.
“This is where your journey ends,” I whispered to Rena and Tark.
Tark frowned. “Are you sure we cannot travel with you?”
“I vowed to Malachi in the Ancient Language. He was adamant that only Gavin and I know.”
Rena hugged me. “All right. Listen, my lady. I know you will do what you must to fix the mistakes of the past, but don’t forget you also carry the hopes of the future.”
That thought sent a shiver down my spine. “I know. I’ll see you soon.”
Chapter 32
The Ancients’ Tomb
“Move back,” I mumbled to Jabez, focusing energy toward the place where Rena had fused the stalactites together.
One fell away, leaving a space large enough for the ancient creatures to pass through.
Jabez’s eyes met mine. “We weaken. We must hurry.”
“Come on.” I redirected the energy, surrounding the Dokkalfar in light so they wouldn’t try and escape. They groaned and tightened their ranks; I didn’t care.
Part of me wanted them to suffer.
I placed my hand on my belly deciding not to focus on the past or the future. I would concentrate on right here, right now. Gavin had done that so many times these past few months, and I never fully understood it. I would focus on this moment. This one moment. Jayril’s clan—I wouldn’t think of their past mistakes, nor would I blame them for the situation we were in. And the young in my womb, I wouldn’t think about their uncertain future or even if my exhaustion might be putting them at risk. No. I’d think about the feel of the cold air, the scent of wet rock, the soft rush of the subterranean stream, and I wouldn’t stray from this nightmare called fate.
We passed the small corridor that led to the Sfera cave. The Dokkalfar slowed.
“What’s down there?” Jabez asked.
“Nothing that concerns you,” I muttered.
Urisk feathers gleamed through their rock encasement. An old woman with wild, white hair stood yards away from the secret entrance to the cavern that held the golden stones. Blood trickled from her fingertips as she clawed at the harsh rock.
“Ester?” I called.
The Dokkalfar stopped as Ester whipped around. Her brows above empty sockets rose as her hand made its way to her chest.
“I didn’t feel your energy. Why didn’t I feel your energy?” She muttered, turning back toward the stone wall.
I clenched my hands into fists. “I should burn you where you stand.”
Ester kept touching the jagged rock as if she hadn’t heard me. “I feel them. They call to me,” she muttered, inhaling deeply through her nose. “They are here, but they are protected. I’ve tried everything, and yet I cannot get past the barrier.”
I increased the energy on that side of the cavern until the walls almost rang white. The Lost hissed, and Ester struggled before finally backing away.
“I don’t have time for this.” I grabbed Ester’s elbow and pulled her forward.
As soon as we came within a few feet of the Dokkalfar, Ester stopped in her tracks. “Who’s with you?” She sniffed the air. “They stink of the enemy.”
“We are the Lost,” Jabez answered. “And we are seeking answers.”
“You want a stone,” Ester stated, her face lighting up again.
“No. We seek redemption.”
The statement fell on deaf ears as Ester swept her matted hair from her face. “I’ve seen what is to come. I can help.”
“No, you can’t,” I said, annoyed. “But if I tried to kill you now I might end up hurting Jabez too, and I can’t take that risk.” I jerked her forward, and she stumbled before finding her footing again. “And if you so much as step one toe out of line, I’ll throttle you with my bare hands.”
Ester frowned. “You’ve changed, Princess.”
“Yes, I have.” I directed the light behind us; the Dokkalfar shuffled back on the path. We started down the rocky tunnel. “Tell me. Did you watch her die?”
Ester said nothing, her expression becoming neutral.
My hand tightened on her elbow. “The Queen. Did you watch her die? Did you hold her hand as she passed onto the higher plane, or did you leave her to live out her last moments, panicked and alone?”
The Dokkalfar backed away.
Ester’s matted white hair covered her face as shame washed over her. “You must understand. I hadn’t spoken to anyone in weeks, and I was without a source. No one but the head of my guard with which to speak, and he answered only in riddles. My sight started dimming, and I thought I surely would go mad. Then Lera summoned me.” Her emotions swung from regretful to petulant in the blink of an eye. “My intent was to fortify the gates.”
I gritted my teeth. “No. Your intent was to get your hands on another stone. Did you watch Lera die?”
“Princess, I never meant to—”
“Answer the question!” I shouted, pulling her to a stop.
The Dokkalfar shuffled as far from me as they could.
“Yes!” Ester’s shriek rang among the rock walls. “I watched as the light dimmed in her eyes, but I mourned the loss.” She changed tack. “Please. You have to believe me. It was an accident. I’d been so focused on getting the stone that I forgot how it affected others.”
My grip tightened. “I find that hard to beli
eve as your mate died the same way.”
“She must come.” Jabez pointed her bony finger at Ester’s face.
I scowled. “Absolutely not.” Gavin knew that Ester was dangerous. She’d proven him right by manipulating Siana and killing the Queen.
Jabez kept her eyes on me. “As you wish. Just know that the black flames of the abyss are not the only things in this land that can weaken the mountain.” Her tone darkened. “This seer was born of love. She must be given the same chance as the Lost. She must decide her own fate.”
Exhausted, I turned toward the tunnel. The way Ester shuffled, her hands stretched in front of her, made it obvious that she had lost most of her vision. I’d take her with me, and if she managed to survive this day, she’d spend the rest of her life encased in the prison I’d made for the Lost. Regardless, she would never come near the Sfera cave or Malachi’s tomb again.
“Fine. She comes with us,” I muttered.
Increasing the light behind us, I pushed the Dokkalfar close, and we started forward once more.
The corridor widened, one side darkened with time, the other smooth, brighter as if it were newly formed.
Cruel wasn’t a strong enough word to describe this. These frail creatures were the same ones that had slaughtered the centaurs and murdered King Frey. They had helped annihilate most of Earth and were the reason Mia was now practically invincible. Giving them a chance at redemption seemed so unfair. Like all the souls that had lost their lives fighting them would never be vindicated.
The Urisk’s prophecy came through with haunting clarity. She will surrender all that is within and is to come, for only in that which she willingly gives, will the hope of man be redeemed.”
If the Creator cared at all, why would he do this?
I placed my hands on the new, smooth rock wall. Thoughts somewhere deep in my mind whispered an idea. I was the Keeper of Ancient Power. I could change Gavin’s fate. Instead of giving the Lost their chance, I could direct the energy to the southern corridors first, force it out of the mountain and into the abyss. It was the breath of life. That had to be powerful enough to snatch Gavin back from the depths of hell. And then, if there was enough left to let these things be redeemed, so be it.
The Heart of the Ancients Page 33