by J. B. Jenn
Maik studied the woman. His sea green eyes were pensive. Janessa placed her hand on his arm. It drew his intense stare from the woman. She looked toward her brother, giving him a small, kind smile.
“Maybe you should both start from the beginning. We have no idea what’s actually happening. All we know is Hartland is in trouble. We don’t even know who’s behind the attack on Kenokel.”
“I may as well start,” the older woman said. “Perhaps I’m the reason this is all happening.”
“Perhaps? You are the reason this is happening,” Trester snapped. “If not for you and your damn prophecy all those years ago, none of this would have happened. King Barend wouldn’t be insane. My father and brothers would still be alive.”
Janessa clasped her brother’s hand. When he pulled it from hers, she tried not to appear offended. “Please, Trester, this isn’t helping.” She turned back to the woman, realizing she had no idea what her name was. “How do I address you?”
“My name is Rosha White.” The woman gave Trester an odd look before turning her gaze back to them. “Your brother may be angry with me and for good reason. He never wanted to come here. I made him return. He’s a good man and doesn’t mean what he said.”
“I meant it,” Trester growled. “I meant every damn word. If not for you, none of this would have happened.”
Rosha laughed. “If not for me, someone else would have had the same prophecy. There are other Seers in Hartland. Better Seers. It might have been a blessing I was the one to receive it as the prophecy was vague.”
“If another Seer had the prophecy, King Barend may have never heard it,” Trester countered. “So, yes, this is your fault.”
Rosha sighed. “You don’t understand. This was something that was meant to happen and it’s going to happen.”
“People are meant to die? I don’t believe it. No God, new or old, would want people to die,” Trester argued.
“Some things are even out of Their control. They try to help by sending convoluted messages through Seers.” Rosha looked to everyone, meeting each of their gazes. “Some things must happen.”
Janessa placed her hand on her brother’s arm. He moved away from her. “Please. There’s no need to place blame. We just need to know what happened. We have a way to stop all this, but we still need information. We can’t fight something we don’t understand. We can’t protect people if we have no idea what’s happening. Please, if you could start at the prophecy and work forward from there, I’d appreciate it.”
“I’ll try,” Rosha said, giving what seemed like an indifferent shrug.
Janessa furrowed her brow. There was something odd about the woman. “Thank you.”
Mercea
After running for two days to escape King Barend’s men, she sat against a cave wall in the dark. Taking in a deep breath, she tried to relax. She had a feeling they wouldn’t move again until morning. She was exhausted and Arem was unconscious.
She looked to the wytch she had set against the rock wall. They seemed to be on the same side for the moment, but it could change. She wasn’t about to trust him.
As she rose, taking on a sudden chill, to find some firewood, she heard a noise outside of the cavern. Mercea drew in a sharp breath. When no further sound was made, she approached the opening. Her hand rested on the hilt of the sword she had taken from Thac. Her golden eyes scanned the area, praying whoever had made the noise was just someone passing by. It was the reason she had remained inside the entrance.
She inched away from the opening, careful where she stepped. Further within the dark depths of the cavern, she stood there, watching, waiting. Everything around her was silent.
“Mercea?” Arem whispered at her side.
The sound of his voice made her jump. A small scuffle sounded as her foot hit a loose rock. She turned toward him, placing her finger to her lips and tilted her head toward the entrance. She hoped the small amount of noise wasn’t heard. Arem nodded, remaining where he was.
When no other sound was made, Mercea breathed out a sigh of relief. She must have imagined it, letting simple sounds of nature run wild with her thoughts. Turning to Arem, she saw him frozen in place, staring straight ahead. Mercea turned to see three people standing in the cave’s entrance. They were just standing there, unarmed. Mercea knew the reason she had thought they left was because they had meant her no harm. It was why she hadn’t felt them approach.
“Who are you?” the person standing in the middle asked.
Mercea was surprised to hear it was a woman. Still, she didn’t answer. She stood there with her hand on the hilt of her sword, prepared to do whatever was necessary.
“From your silence, I assume you’re the people King Barend’s creatures are searching for?” Still, she didn’t answer. “If that’s the case, we could be friends.”
“Doubtful,” Mercea responded.
“Believe me when I say we’re no friend of King Barend. He was our king, but the moment he started using his people to create those… those demons, he made enemies. We were his people once.
“Now, we travel about Carthoda, trying to kill his men before they can turn any more people into those monsters. We have even killed some of those demons, despite knowing they were once people.” She lowered her gaze. “Once people we knew.”
Mercea didn’t know how to answer. She’d seen the demons and had wondered how King Barend had gained so many. Now that she knew, she was speechless. This was worse than she had imagined. She closed her eyes for the briefest of moments, grieving for the loss of all those lives.
“I’m sorry this has happened to you.” Mercea stepped forward, offering the woman her hand.
The woman gripped it. She gasped the moment Mercea stepped from the dark entrance of the cavern.
“You’re a Servant! They said you didn’t exist. They said you were false just like the Old Gods. This…” She couldn’t help but smile. “This means we’re saved.”
“I can’t stay,” Mercea said trying to be as gentle as she could. “I am so sorry, but I must leave.”
“You must stay. This is why so many people strayed from the way of the Old Gods. They stopped answering our prayers. You Servants stopped caring and stopped working for the people.”
“The Gods never stopped answering your prayers. Just because They don’t answer in the way you think They should, doesn’t mean They don’t respond.” Mercea stared at the woman with her jaw clenched. “You don’t understand the entire situation, lady. I’ve been summoned by someone in need. I cannot ignore it. The person who has summoned me has also been affected by this and is trying to save peoples’ lives, too.
“Before you judge me and the Old Gods, it’s best you know what’s happening. If there’s not a way for you to know, keep your judgments to yourself.”
“I…”
“The Servants shield the people from the harsh truths of the world,” Mercea continued. “We protect you against yourselves. Nothing is ever good enough for any of you. We are not meant to solve your problems. We were created to fix them when they go so horribly wrong.”
Mercea shoved past the woman.
“Your Gods should have sent more than one Servant to deal with the mess here. We’re losing and can do little against King Barend and his growing army. How can we possibly fight a horde of demons? They outnumber us and out power us. Please, I beg you to reconsider, or ask the Gods to send more help.”
Arem watched Mercea continue on her way out. He looked toward the woman and shook his head. “Just so you know, she isn’t forsaking you. She’s in need everywhere. Do you have any idea what befell Kenokel?” The woman nodded. “So you do know the city was destroyed then. That’s what she must address. The monster responsible for that. She will return as soon as she can despite how you’ve treated her.
“Besides, you know there’s little a single Servant can do against King Barend’s demon army. When she returns, she’ll have an army behind her. What she said is true. The Old Gods don’t e
xpect the Servants to solve our problems. They expect the people to help themselves.”
The woman allowed a single tear to slide down her cheek. She wiped it away with the back of her hand. “I hope you aren’t too late when you return.”
Mercea looked to Arem with gratitude before turning away again. Once away from the people, she kneeled and closed her eyes for a moment. She felt inadequate. She needed help. Mercea raised her golden eyes, flecked with green, to the heavens.
“Why won’t any of You speak to me?” she cried out. “Where have You gone? Why abandon me now?” Mercea took in a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “There’s too much for one Servant to handle! Please! I need help.”
She remained there, waiting to feel Their presence. When nothing came, she shook her head, wondering what was wrong. Wondering why They wouldn’t speak to her.
Barend
“Tell me again how you allowed the Servant to escape?” His fists were clenched at his side. The man stumbled backwards, gulping. Barend lunged at him, wrapping his hands around the man’s throat. “We needed her! We had to have her! How could you have failed so miserably? She was here! It was the perfect chance and all of you failed me!”
He watched as the man’s face turned colors. Despite the man clawing at his hands, trying to get air, Barend didn’t release him. Nor did he release him the moment he went limp, waiting a few moments longer. He stared at the dead man crumpled on the stone floor. Looking toward the other soldiers, he shook his head. He looked toward the Tharroh behind them and smirked.
“Send them to the yard. I have no use for them as they are. They have proven themselves useless.”
“No!” one of them screamed as one of the Tharroh grabbed him. “You can’t do this! She had the help of that wytch you employed! Arem Dale! How are we supposed to fight a Servant and a wytch at the same time?”
“You had hundreds of demons at your disposal! There is no excuse.”
Barend watched them leave before he turned away, leaving the throne room and heading toward his room. As he stepped into his room, he felt a familiar presence pushing at him. He glanced toward the ball and snarled. He couldn’t wait until they were stronger than Verite, then they could rid themselves of the demon.
With reluctance, he placed both hands on the glass ball. It swirled with different shades of orange. The presence inside of it delved into his mind. Barend gasped from the rough intrusion. It would leave him with a splitting headache once their contact was ended.
I felt her. Where is she?
He hated the way Verite spoke. It was snide and demanding. It often left him wondering what he’d gotten himself into. No, it was his wife. De’Nae had gotten him into this. She was the reason everything was happening.
We were unable to capture her. The wytch who was supposed to bring her to me betrayed us. She now knows everything.
Verite’s loud, irate scream stopped all thought. Barend released the ball, collapsing to the floor, holding the sides of his head. When the blinding pain subsided, the globe was glowing angrily, demanding his touch again. Barend lay there for several moments, staring at it before deciding he wasn’t going to obey. At least, not while Verite was so angry.
You have no choice. Barend’s eyes widened. Verite no longer needed the globe. You will find her. I will not have a weakling such as you.
The connection was broken. Barend looked to the glass orb, crawling away from it. More than ever before he wished De’Nae would contact him.
Ogden
The trail of blood had disappeared days ago. All Ogden could do now was hope he reached the North Gardens Palace before the monster did. He hated to think about the small towns on the way likely to get destroyed, but there was little choice.
As he took another step forward, he felt a vibration coming from the sword. He looked down in fear before his eyes darted about the landscape. It felt as if his heart had stopped beating with the possibility of running into him again. He didn’t think he’d survive another lone encounter.
“Damn it,” he muttered as he looked out across the sand. There was nowhere to hide.
Ogden turned another circle, looking up the sand dune. Right now, all he knew was the monster was somewhere near him. He continued forward. He needed to get to the palace, but he was still two weeks away, if his calculations were correct. For all he knew, he could be further away.
Just as he crested a sand dune, he saw the black monstrosity below. He skittered to a stop, sliding back down, making the sand slide around him. Its featureless face was pointed in his direction. He leaned against the sand, taking in several deep breaths, praying it hadn’t seen him. There was a good possibility it had and didn’t care. It seemed as if something drove it forward. Something he’d never understand or be privy to.
He had hoped he was ahead of the monster. At this rate, he’d reach the palace just as it did. They wouldn’t have time to form any kind of attack.
Ogden slid the rest of the way down the sandy hill. If the monster wasn’t already alerted to his presence, he hoped the sound of the shifting sands was common place enough it wouldn’t alert it.
He looked at the sand dune in dismay. As long as the vibration of the sword at his hip didn’t intensify, he was certain he could walk beside the beast and keep the sand dunes between them.
At least he had a plan. If he didn’t reach the Desert King in time, disaster would result. With the thought, he urged his aching body forward. If he forced himself to walk through the nights, taking breaks only when his body forced him to, he might arrive a day or two ahead of the beast. That was if the monster’s pace didn’t hasten. It was the best he could hope for.
He was pulled from his thoughts as the vibration of his sword increased. Ogden stopped mid-step, afraid to make the slightest of noises. When the vibrating lessoned, Ogden released his breath. He had to remain focused. He couldn’t fail. Hartland was counting on him not to.
Galtrand
They hadn’t invited him to attend and he knew he shouldn’t be there. Hyal was now Janessa’s temporary guard, but when King Maik had taken Janessa from her rooms, he had followed as they had passed him. He wanted to find answers as to what was happening. Now, as he stood behind Janessa, listening to everything Rosha and Trester related, he felt his blood run cold.
What had Hartland come to? Those things were demons? He had seen the massive one in Kenokel as he fled.
Galtrand looked to Trester. A sour expression was on his gaunt face. The man was thinner than Galtrand remembered, and oddly, shorter. Trester nodded toward him. The man looked as if he’d had a difficult life.
“Thank you,” he heard Janessa whisper. Galtrand watched her turn to King Maik who nodded at her, giving her a gentle smile.
“I have arranged for rooms for the both of you. There are also fresh clothes being sent up. Thank you for your cooperation.” Maik nodded toward the two.
Galtrand stared at Rosha and Trester wondering how Carthoda could make demons out of their own people. It was horrid. He didn’t understand how any sovereign could make such a decision. As a soldier, he wondered if there was a way to counter what was happening. If there was, he didn’t know what it was. He hoped Queen Janessa and King Maik had a plan. From where he stood, everything seemed hopeless.
“Thank you.” Trester gave a stiff bow.
Janessa turned toward him, caught his eyes for a moment and left. Galtrand looked toward Trester. “I’m glad to see you’re still alive.” He followed Janessa out of the room. She was waiting outside the door for him. A pensive look had captured her narrow face. Her brilliant blue eyes turned to him.
“Please walk with me. We have things to discuss. It’s time I tell you about everything. I’m going to need your expertise on the battlefield before too long. Lord Osrin is too old to fight. He can help you strategize though.”
“Yes, my lady,” he said as he fell into step next to her.
Janessa
After telling Galtrand everything she knew,
she found herself entering Maik’s chambers. They had much to discuss. Much to plan. Part of her thought she should invite Trester, but after the way he had responded to her, she didn’t think he’d come. He had been away from Cascade for so long and he had just learned of his father’s and brother’s deaths. He needed time. She had needed time, too, and would have taken more if not for Maik. She looked toward the Desert King with appreciation.
As she sat down, her thoughts were distant. What were they going to do? How could they fight an army of demons? The impossibility of everything was overwhelming. Maik glanced at her. She barely noticed him. Her heart raced with the thought of being helpless. So many were going to die. So many had already died. Janessa buried her head into her hands and wept. She should be able to do more.
Maik’s arms enclosed around her. She leaned her head against his chest and let herself feel weak for a moment. It was easy to be herself with him. She met his eyes, remembering the kiss they had shared. It had been fueled with such passion.
“I told Galtrand everything,” she whispered. “He knows about Urian. He knows we’re expecting Mercea. I put him in charge of leading the Cascadian soldiers for the coming battle. Lord Osrin will advise him.” Janessa sighed heavily and rested her head on his chest again, taking strength in his closeness.
“I want you to be my wife,” he whispered.
Janessa shook her head. “Why does everything have to be so complicated?”
“It doesn’t have to be. You just have to choose what you want. You have to do what you want to do and the rest will fall in place. It’s the only way you’ll ever be happy. I discovered that a few years ago.” Janessa sighed heavily. “Speaking of complication,” he said, gently, “you have to decide who’ll lead Cascade. Will it be you or your brother?”