And after Gavin and I had strengthened and the original clan was gone, we could hunt Mia down together like I’d always planned.
My heart raced with the idea.
Yes. I could do this on my own. Gavin and I together would build the land back. We could create enough energy to sustain ...
Wait.
My blood ran cold. What was I thinking? To use the Breath of Creation to get Gavin back would be the same as Jayril using the Sfera to gain energy. Both were rooted in selfishness. I’d die before I became like them.
“Stand back,” I glared at the clan of Jayril. They shuffled to the other side of the cavern.
Stone softened beneath my hands as I carved a passage barely large enough to squeeze through.
Seven crypts lay end to end, creating a circle in the middle of an enormous cave. Tears ran uselessly down my face as Malachi’s clan, forever entombed, came into view. The soft blue light flickered from the well that lay in the circle’s center, throwing shadows across the heavy marble caskets.
The Dokkalfar shuffled forward until everyone had made their way into the cave. I looked at the graves of Malachi’s clan. Even in death, they still guarded the secret of creation. These were the Alfar that had selflessly sacrificed all they were for Kailmeyra’s future.
Panic threaded through as I hoped Gavin’s legacy wouldn’t be the same.
Desolation blanketed the cavern. The air bit and clawed, smothering any thread of hope. Ester stood, her shoulders rounded like teardrops, her wild white hair blocking the expression on her face. Her hands, scarred and bloody, reached for me; I backed away.
“Princess,” she whispered. “It is time.”
The last of her statement melded into an ominous buzz. Ester motioned me forward.
“Come,” her voice grew stronger. “You must take your place. It is time.”
The buzz rolled into a drone of white noise.
My arms protectively folded across my midriff. Hot tears scalded my cheeks. I backed away, but fingers, gray as death, gripped my shoulder, nudging me forward. Startled, I glanced back. Hundreds of almond eyes twinkled in the darkness.
Numerous hands pushed me forward, and I stumbled. The wild child of my mind conjured visions of Kailmeyra, demanding that I draw the last of my strength. I struggled as thoughts flooded through. Thoughts of what could have been ... what was left undone ... what was still unborn.
“Princess.” Ester’s fingers curled around my wrist. “You must fulfill your destiny. It is time ...”
I took a deep breath as I neared the crypts. Running my hand across an Appalachian star carved on Malachi’s tomb, a sob escaped my throat. The clan of Jayril fell to their knees, not daring to cross the ring of coffins. Blue stalagmites jutted along the top of the cavern, stretching far above. Water wicked down their sides, pooling into a collective stream, which ran through the crypts to the center of the floor. The liquid spilled into a chasm, the water sheeting, looking like liquid glass. The bottom of the well ended in bright blue flames. Tears trickled from my face, dripping into the chasm, and the fire flickered as if they understood my pain.
The room grew brighter; the Dokkalfar groaned. Ester fell to her knees.
“It is not possible.” Her hand made its way to her chest.
“Seek atonement, foolish one.” Jabez’s long gray finger pointed at Ester. “Your fate must be decided this day.”
Ester panicked, shuffling to her feet. She stumbled as she blindly reached in front of her. “This, I have not seen,” she muttered, growing restless. “I have not seen...”
“Ester.” I reached for her, but she scrambled away.
“I must have a stone. I need the strength of the Sfera to survive.”
I stopped in my tracks. The original flame of creation lay a few feet away. Why didn’t Ester use the power in front of her?
“Quiet your mind,” I ordered. “Search. You’ll see there is plenty of energy here you can draw from.”
“No!” She snarled, her head jerking this way and that as if she were looking around the cavern. “You’ve changed. And now you lie. There is no energy here. I can no longer see you or feel your presence. You must take me to the stones. Back to the place that is protected. I need the power of the Sfera!” She pounced, frantically flailing as she tried to grab me. “You will give me what I seek!”
I snatched her wrists, struggling to contain her.
The flames in the well rumbled, growing angry. They lashed, reaching through the crypts.
Jabez shouted over the energy’s roar. “She seeks what she should not. She craves the power of greed.”
The flames snaked around Ester’s feet, and I let her go and stumbled back, my shoulders hitting Malachi’s tomb.
“Princess, what is happening?” She screeched as the blue licked around her calves, igniting her clothes in flames. The energy picked her up, carrying her high overhead. Her screams echoed through the tall cave, the sound held such suffering I was sure it would forever haunt my dreams.
The flames grew white-hot, completely engulfing her until there was nothing left but charred flesh and bone.
The Dokkalfar fell to their knees.
The mountain rumbled as wind whirred around the room. The flames grew to a blinding light before being sucked back into the pit, taking what was left of Ester with them.
Silence.
Fear rippled through the ancient Dokkalfar, but no one moved.
Numb, I locked my knees and stared ahead.
The energy of the mountain had always been a part of me. It was instinctual. I respected it. But up until this moment, I never feared it.
“Light of the Lost, it is time.” Pleading, Jabez called from the darkness.
The energy from the well brightened, and I turned to see the original clan of Jayril kneeling before the crypts of the ancients.
“You serve as the key.” Jabez lowered her head. “You are the only one that can open the door.”
I looked at the blue flames flickering far below.
Intent. That was crucial to everything in this world. If my heart weren’t truly focused on asking for forgiveness, I wouldn’t be able to give the clan of Jayril what they needed.
I searched, hoping to find some way.
Nothing.
I looked at the pit and thought of Ester. The first time I saw her, she stood in the middle of the road, demanding Gavin stop so she could give me a gift. That gift saved me. Even though she was flighty and manipulative, Lera’s council was right. Ester had helped me when I needed it most. And she made my camisole and leggings. She had even foreseen the need to protect Cali too. Empathy welled as I appreciated everything she had done for me and forgave her for not being strong enough to withstand the addiction of the Maker’s stone.
I looked at Jabez, and my heart sank. That’s what I needed. To appreciate what they gave, and forgive them for the rest.
But how could I do that knowing all they had done?
The light flickering deep in the well danced, turning bright. Heat gushed around me as if the flames understood the conflict raging within.
I closed my eyes and concentrated on picturing the clan of Jayril as children. They were born of love and had parents that adored them. They grew up with hopes and dreams of finding their true mate and having a family, raising them in a safe place surrounded by peace and love. A wisp of understanding threaded through.
How were they any different from Gavin, or Malachi, or even me? I would do anything, try anything if I thought it would give my children a better future. And God only knew what Gavin was doing right now so we’d have a chance to make sure Kailmeyra survived. How was that any different than what the clan of Jayril had done? Countless Alfar and humans had died because of our actions too. How could I expect compassion and understanding from anyone when I was so unwilling to give it to these creatures? They had already suffered for centuries trying to undo the mistakes of the past.
Water hissed; White flames shot up, licking the s
talagmites above.
My knees buckled, and I fell beside the well as Urisk memories flooded my mind. Memories of how the world used to be. How man and Alfar once lived in peace.
The original Breath of Creation stayed where it was, waiting to feel my intent.
Humility smothered me as I realized that none of us deserved to be forgiven. Not the clan of Jayril, who had become so consumed with dark energy they created another race. Not man, who had destroyed the Earth for the sake of convenience and greed. Not the Alfar, who looked to the Ancients instead of forging their strength within. Not the Urisks, who had spent years killing in the name of peace. Not me, who moments ago had been tempted to abandon the Lost so I could try and save my mate. None of us were worthy of mercy.
Speaking in the Ancient Language, I forced the words from my lips. “Forgive them, as I hope you will forgive us all.”
The flames roared and eddied, circling high overhead.
No more than a broken plea, I spoke to Jayril. “It is time. Find what you seek, or remain forever lost.”
The Dokkalfar opened their arms wide, each crying out for forgiveness. The flames grew brighter, curling and diving, filling the enormous chamber with a fiery rage. Jayril’s clan became nothing but skin and bone. And yet, their voices seemed stronger, younger, rejoicing in being called home.
Jabez faced me and smiled. Her eyes, no longer black but a beautiful opal reminded me of Queen Lera. “We thank you, Last Light of the Ancients, Urisk Light of Hope.”
With that, the blaze exploded, turning the Lost to ash. Hot air sucked the inferno back into its pit, plunging the cave into darkness.
Emotionally exhausted and beyond the point of pain, I lay beside Malachi’s tomb and wept.
Chapter 33
A New Path
Water trickled. I stirred. Light flickered from somewhere.
My eyes flew open as memories of Ester and the Lost came to mind.
I stumbled as I stood. Taking a deep breath, I took some time to glean enough energy to fill Gavin’s stone. Pulling on the chain around my neck, King Frey’s amulet came from beneath the camisole, and I checked to make sure nothing had happened to it.
The Khiton’s gray energy still filled the stone. I tucked the necklace beneath my shirt and staggered out of the cave.
Closing my eyes, I locked my knees and pressed my palms against the cold, damp threshold, keeping all thoughts focused on fusing the rock together. An hour passed as I coaxed the stone, trying to seal the opening. Still, a large crevice remained.
I wasn’t strong enough, but I couldn’t leave Malachi’s tomb unprotected. I could always ask Rena to get Siana to help, but that meant the child would know there was something behind this wall.
Siana had protected the Sfera caves with ...
My mind raced, and I reached beneath my shirt, running my hand along the front of Ester’s camisole. Soft down grazed my fingers, and I loosened the threads containing Rune’s feather.
Funneling the energy around the rock, I placed the small black plume knee-high, right where the crevice was the most open.
The slate turned to putty, and as soon as the feather fused with rock, the crevice melded into one solid piece.
I stepped back and looked at the slate wall. At least one task was done.
Numb, I put one foot in front of the other and made my way toward Stalagmite Field.
“Oh, my lady!” Rena ran down the long corridor; her panic caused me to stagger.
My knees finally gave out, and I crumpled to the floor. Closing my eyes, I rolled on my back.
Rena’s footsteps flew toward me, her palms ran over my head and shoulders, before resting on my abdomen.
“Nora.” Tark’s calm washed over me. “What happened?”
I cracked open my eyes and smiled. “They’re gone.”
“Good,” Rena muttered. “Now let’s get you home.”
I struggled to stay awake, needing Rena and Tark to understand. “No. Please. I have to get to the abyss. Even though Elias has ordered me to stay, everything in me screams that Gavin needs me.” My speech slurred with sleep, but I fought it. “I appreciate why the Alfar are afraid of pregnancy—I really do, but you understand, right? Please tell me you understand. You won’t have enough energy to do what needs to be done. I have to be there.”
Rena brushed the hair from my face. “Don’t worry, my lady. If that’s where your heart says you need to be, that’s where you’ll go. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Rena,” Tark muttered.
Her eyes cut to her mate. “We’ve discussed this. She must follow her instinct.”
I grabbed her hand. “Promise? I have to be there. I know it.”
Rena smiled. “Nora, you rest. We’ll take you there.”
Tark lifted me, cradling me in his arms.
Relieved, I relaxed and put my head on his chest. “What would I do without you, Reen?”
She darted a few paces ahead. “Hopefully, we’ll never know.”
I ROCKED AND SWAYED in a gentle rhythm. For a moment, I thought it was Gavin’s arms around me, and we were back on the boat.
But then everything flooded through, and my eyes flew open.
Cocooned in Lera’s robe and Edna’s quilt, Tark held me as he ran through the caves.
“The Queen awakens.” Tark’s breath brushed across my face.
“Is her amulet full?” Rena asked, jumping over a jagged rock up ahead.
Tark looked at my wrist. “Gavin’s soul stone is no longer green.”
Rena glanced back and smiled. “That’s good news. We’re almost there.”
“Why didn’t you wake me? I could have walked.” My voice, husked with sleep, barely made it over the distant rush of water.
“You needed the rest, and carrying you was quicker,” Tark said.
“How long have I been out of it?” I mumbled as we finally stopped.
Tark put my feet on the floor, steadying me until I found my balance.
Rena pulled out bread wrapped in cloth. “Nearly two days, my lady.” She looked at me and frowned. “You must eat. You’ve lost weight and grown at the same time.”
I looked down. She was right. My stomach pooched beyond my hipbones now, but everywhere else seemed thinner.
“Humans are only pregnant for nine months, but Gavin said the Alfar can keep their young in the womb for over two years.”
Rena smiled. “The measurement of our kind is not through time, but scent.”
“Really?” I took a handful of raisins and popped them in my mouth.
“Oh, yes. Your mate can smell your essence. As your child grows, your essence changes. When the child enters this world, their initial scent is revealed to both parents. However, through time, the scent grows and matures, changing completely when they find their mate.”
“The Alfar have such a beautiful way about them—from the soul stone to sharing gifts with your mate to the scent of your young. It’s all so beautiful.”
“That it is,” Rena smiled, handing me a drink.
“I wonder how strong my scent has become.”
Tark cleared his throat, and Rena grinned. “That is extremely personal. And only Gavin can answer that, but I do believe you still have a way to go.”
“Let’s hope so. I’d like them to stay put. I know they’re protected in there.” My stomach flipped as I looked down.
Worried, Tark stepped forward. “Nora, if you grow tired or you need anything, you must let us know. We don’t have the luxury of hearing your mind, and I’ll not lose you or the future heir because you were too stubborn to ask for help.”
“I’m fine.”
He scowled before grabbing a slice of bread and walking away.
Rena patted my back. “He’s just worried, that’s all.” She grabbed her pack, and we started forward.
I kept my eyes on Tark’s broad shoulders. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. A very stubborn part of me demanded that I keep the status quo and not acknowle
dge anything had changed—even though I’d slept for two days straight and my exhausted body ached like I’d only had a small nap.
The temperature dropped as sounds of rushing waters echoed up ahead. The cavern grew darker as if the energy lighting our way fought to exist. The acrid smell of bitterroot, cloying and pungent, hung in the air. Weak light filtered through the end of the tunnel.
The energy protecting the mountain’s entrance coated the dismal scene in blue. Rena held my hand as we took a stepped closer to the mouth of the cave.
Thick ooze bubbled and churned as Dokkalfar crawled toward the black sandy bank. Petrified cedars, covered in white ash, framed the perimeter as far as the eye could see. The stark contrast of blacks and whites made it seem like the world had gone colorblind.
A crew of Dokkalfar worked furiously to build a platform a few yards away.
This looked familiar. Why did this look familiar?
Rena and Tark remained strangely calm.
“What is it, my lady?”
“I don’t know. It’s like I remember this, but I don’t—”
“Are you ready?” Tark handed me a bottle of water.
My hand trembled as I took a drink. “I can’t help but think this is part of one of those dreams I don’t remember.”
Tark’s expression turned fierce. “Best not to dwell on it. Keep your focus on finding Gavin.”
Rena looked through the energy covering the mouth of the cave. “The sun’s headed west. It’s getting late.”
I pointed to the Dokkalfar guard standing at the edge of the platform. “How are we going to get out of here without them seeing us leave? Besides, Mia knows this entrance is here. We won’t make it three feet out of the mountain before we’re surrounded by her army.” I looked at Tark. “What are we going to do?”
He strapped on his pack. “Do you remember all those days Gavin and Elias studied Malachi’s personal scrolls?”
I nodded.
“They were learning how to create new passages within the mountain. Gavin was adamant that we have another way to the abyss. One that the Dokkalfar would never suspect.”
The Heart of the Ancients Page 34