The Coming Dawn Trilogy

by Austen Knowles

  “I’m glad you think it’s manageable, because I’ll be asking you to hold her when I have things to do.”

  “Okay, I can do this,” Cobaaron repeated, to himself this time. He leaned back enough that Lu Lu’s head didn’t move when he let go. He then rubbed her little back in a gentle circle and played with her fine black hair.

  They lingered in the bathhouse, as Ky watched him get comfortable with Lu Lu, until Vale came back. The elf made a cradle and essentials for Lu Lu by waving her hand in one swift swoop. With magic, a bassinet appeared low to the ground, sitting on two curved wooden bows for rocking. Stacks of cloth appeared for changing, and long shirts with ugly, pink head-to-toe ruffles appeared beside rags.

  Ky thanked her, and then lingered as Vale promised to check on Ky and to help with Lu Lu before departing. Ky was exhausted, and put Lu Lu in the cradle next to the bed, so she could sleep. At first Lu Lu slept, but when she awoke they stared at each other. Ky wasn’t sure if Lu Lu could see her, or recognize her, but Lu Lu unblinkingly watched her peer over the bed.

  “You should sleep, Ky. There is nothing for you to do.” Cobaaron touched her back, trying to coerce her into bed again.

  “The only thing now is the war Wyt foretold,” Ky said heavily. “Then I can relax.”

  “That isn’t for years,” Cobaaron soothed her, brushing his thumb along her cheek. “You’ll probably have three more kids by then.”

  Ky wasn’t sure if she wanted anymore. The pain of labor was too great and fresh in her mind. She didn’t want to go through that again anytime soon. She changed the subject. “Did you find your brother?”

  “Octavos is still searching for him. Maybe he’s...dead. But I won’t give up on him.”

  “I wish I could remember. I have a feeling he’s gone. And what I know about stolen memories, feelings can be trusted. I’m sorry if I took him from you. I always wanted you to remain close to him.” Ky swallowed. She knew she was to blame.

  “Don’t stress. If anything happened to him, the spirit was right to take your memory. Let’s not dwell on sad things. If I weren’t a Star, I’d be letting go. It’s easier if we have hope, right? I’m satisfied with hoping more than believing at this point. Besides, my family has grown today, and that’s what I want to dwell on.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  For four years, the seasons slowly drifted from Ash of Gorgeon, leaves of Hastily trees, the breeze season, to the wet plains of Normandy. Much had changed over the long thirty-month years. Tyrus’s army settled in the city because most took wives. The few legionnaires that didn’t take partners constantly swept forests, and recruited more armies. While the warriors with partners remained, and continued to build.

  Small villages grew outside the city, between the second and third wall, where small markets and homes sprung up to fulfill the warriors’ insatiable need for more iron for weapons, malt, and food. The city expanded, and several public bathhouses displayed the wealth of the city. Statues were erected in Cobaaron’s honor, most with Ky in provocative poses. Libraries, schools, a concert hall, and a courthouse were built beyond the Odessa Dome.

  Tyrus and Ambrosia had two more children. Their first-born was a girl named O’Dell; two boys followed. The oldest son was named Shev and the youngest was Clay. Octavos and Athaya had one boy they named Trev who came two years after Layla. All the children grew slowly in the long years.

  Onya remained a widow in mourning for a year, until she found a new love of teaching women. Not long after joining the school’s staff, she caught the eye of a councilman. He valued her more than Noxis ever did, and she happily remarried.

  Ky slowly forgot the prophecy. She never thought about it anymore, except on rare occasions when Cobaaron brought up the subject of more kids. The idea never seemed right, because she knew war was imminent, and she didn’t want her children raised around a war that could last years.

  Tyrus and Cobaaron never forgot the impending battle. Tyrus constantly went to the great wall to ascertain his men were sticking to a strict sparring discipline. He worried if they got lazy they wouldn’t be prepared for battle and instead would gamble and drink excessively. Cobaaron talked about the coming war in council meetings and between the few men that proved most valuable. A Star named Thax was as great a seer as Wyt, and his dreams told him the kings were anxious to kill Cobaaron. The stone from Noelya proved helpful, because Cobaaron could eavesdrop when his name was spoken.

  Only a few months ago Thax informed Cobaaron the two kings were now so confident in their weapon, the key to the universe, that they were eager to show it off. They wanted to prove irrevocably their reign would last forever. The kings planned to not only ransack the city as they had years ago, but also take other major cities and their wealth.

  The kings spent years creating a new breed of strong, hybrid warriors called dactyla. Thax described the creature; it walked and talked like a giant, but possessed an ape’s temper.

  Dactylas weren’t the only beast Thax warned would soon come with the army that rivaled Tyrus’s. It was enough to make Tyrus and Cobaaron nervous, since the prophecy spoke of much bloodshed.

  The thought of war was on Ky’s mind, due to a strange dream that night of shooting stars and falling warriors. She wanted the war over, but it was taking a very long time.

  “Did you ever think we would be here?” Ky asked Cobaaron as she lay in his arms. They were facing each other so Cobaaron could trace her eyebrows. Their skin glistened from lovemaking before Lu Lu awoke.

  “What do you mean?” Cobaaron asked. “Lying here naked or staying in this castle?”

  “I guess everything. I was thinking about my time here. I’m wondering when these concerns will be over—the war, especially—and when we can lie like this and not have a nagging reminder that something isn’t quite right. Everything is so magical. I want to start having more kids, and not worry. I’m starting to think you should find these kings.”

  “Don’t think about it, love. This life is perfect, and I am not in a hurry to go anywhere. I want to stay in this bed with you.” He climbed over her, and kissed her. “If you want kids, I’ll get started right now. It’s about time you want more.” He gave her a smoldering look and lowered his head.

  “Are you making a move on me, Cobaaron?” She giggled. “Because we need to get up and meet our friends for breakfast. I want to ask them to watch Lu Lu while we go for a walk. I need to step away and not feel like a mother for a few hours. It will take forever to get Lu Lu ready.”

  “You dote on her and fuss with her hair. I like it, but you could ask Vale.”

  “No, I’m her mom. She’s the most important job I have. I’ll mess up enough, so I might as well get a few things right,” Ky said, and when he nibbled her neck, she arched into his kiss.

  “What do you think of trying for a boy?”

  “I was thinking out loud. I don’t think so.”

  Ky crooned his name, calling him closer, because he put his knees between hers. She opened her legs, and then grinned, feeling that he was already hard. “You’re going to have to work to get me ready. I don’t flip on like a switch like you.” He playfully pinned her so he could lick her nipples until she willingly submitted.

  “I can’t help it. I want you pregnant. Aaron and Kylie have three kids. I told you I want two more kids than they have. I’m the one with strong seed. Maybe I should start hoping to get you pregnant on my own. It worked with Lu Lu, but I’ve been apprehensive about it since then because I might be successful. I should wait for you, but I’m slowly losing restraint.” He held himself against her, and with his hand he rubbed his tip against her. She let out a quiet moan. “But since you’re going to let me make love to you while confessing that I want more, I’ll wish it this time.”

  Cobaaron hastily got out of bed and wrenched on some clothes. A moment later Ky heard the sound of small feet outside their door, and a second later Lu Lu came flying into their room. “Parents!” she exclaimed the universal term of en
dearment among children, and then jumped onto their bed.

  “Glitter Bug.” Cobaaron pulled on his thick housecoat for an added layer, and scooped Lu Lu in his arms. He tossed her, letting her flop onto the soft bed. Ky smiled while Lu Lu giggled. Ky loved how soft her warrior had become. Lu Lu certainly had a way of bringing out Cobaaron’s tender side. The two had a tight father-daughter bond that warmed Ky’s heart. “You’re dressed. Did Vale help?” He sat next to Ky, and caught her eye.

  Ky knew exactly what Cobaaron was thinking. Vale never chose matching clothes or anything appealing, and so it was hard to tell if it was Vale’s style or Lu Lu’s. She wore three different shades of green between her dress, polka-dot leg warmers, and buckled shoes.

  “No, I got it myself.” Lu Lu crawled between them.

  “Did you bathe first?” Cobaaron asked, knowing she hadn’t. Her hair was dry and a rat’s nest. Lu Lu knew not to lie, and decided not to reply. “Why don’t you use our bathhouse while your mother and I dress?”

  Lu Lu stared at Ky, wondering if she really had to leave. Ky kissed her, but didn’t undermine Cobaaron. Instead, she said nothing and let Lu Lu decide. Their daughter eventually scooted off the bed, and pouted as she walked toward the large warm tub in the other room. Cobaaron exchanged a smirk with Ky; Lu Lu’s alligator tears or attempts to make them feel guilty never affected them.

  Cobaaron changed into a white robe with the symbolic streetlamp embossed on the chest as Ky brushed her hair with a Star-crystal pick. Once Lu Lu was ready, they went downstairs and walked to the great hall where breakfast was being served to council members and their families.

  Lu Lu ran up to her friends, O’Dell and Layla, the only girls among the eight children born to the City of Lights.

  “We have successfully made everyone nuts listening to our kids,” Athaya said when Ky sat at their table.

  “My kids are normal when your rowdy son isn’t around,” Ambrosia teased Athaya. Ky didn’t agree with Ambrosia, though it was true. Athaya was lenient, rarely correcting her children.

  “Trev is four years old. He’s supposed to be a wild one.”

  “Do you want us to watch Lu Lu while you go on your walk?” Ambrosia asked Ky. “We’re taking the kids swimming at the public pool.”

  “That would be great.”

  “Good,” Ambrosia said. “She keeps O’Dell busy. Tyrus is at the wall speaking with Parson. He’s very strict about the warriors not having too much idle time. I need my kids busy to make time fly.”

  “He’ll be home soon. It’s only a few miles walk from here.” Cobaaron took a few slices of bread, and a plate of eggs. He built two sandwiches and then continued, “Speaking of a few miles walk. I think we’ll get going before a member of the council stops me to talk business.”

  “So soon?” Ky asked.

  “We’ll eat along the way. Lu Lu is in good hands.” Cobaaron held out an egg sandwich for Ky as he thanked Ambrosia and Athaya.

  Cobaaron and Ky strolled to the grasslands outside the second wall. They always enjoyed the leisure hike, going often, but sometimes it was days before they could get away. They liked to escape from their responsibilities and be alone. After traveling and seeing so much of the world, neither Ky nor Cobaaron enjoyed feeling trapped in a city. They even talked of traveling with Lu Lu once the war was over; they wanted Lu Lu educated about the world.

  They hiked close to the third outer wall where the wind blew the yellow grass in gusts like waves. They were out so far, the castle’s glow no longer covered the land, and darkness enveloped them. Their lights shined bright, but there were no worries of beasts, because creatures fled from the castle’s protective light and the invisible dome that shielded the perimeter of the third wall. Besides the dome, there were magical instruments placed to protect the city. No charms could penetrate the outer circle, unless bombarded.

  It gave them peace of mind, and they stopped before the small woodland area toward the west. They sat, warming themselves with their light, and enjoying the lazy afternoon while getting back to where they left off before they were interrupted. Ky was talking about taking a nap, when a warrior sprinted toward them.

  “My King!” he yelled from a distance. When he was closer, Ky could see Parson. He ran without stopping until he was only feet from Cobaaron. “Rozz of Hornfels is here to see you. He’s brought his entire army, and speaks with Tyrus. You’re needed at the great wall’s front gate.”

  “We’re coming,” Cobaaron said. “Lead the way.”

  Cobaaron hurried behind Parson, with Ky hot on their heels. Cobaaron was uncharacteristically quiet, and Ky remembered that Rozz was chief to one of the few large armies that declined to join Cobaaron. Only four great armies wandered the dark world. Most of them spoke bitterly about Cobaaron defeating them in the past. Rozz was one of those men.

  They ran to the gate, where Tyrus was waiting atop the wall walkway. He came to meet Cobaaron when he and Ky approached with Parson. “Rozz is here. He wishes to bring his army into the gate. He states the kings are marching here and saw them among the moss lands,” Tyrus informed him.

  “Let Rozz in to talk with me.”

  Tyrus motioned for the gate to open, and as the thick iron was drawn, his warriors swarmed the entrance so only Rozz could enter.

  A prominent sea-monster etched chest plate covered the abs of the warrior that slowly sauntered into the gate with his arms swinging. He was brawny, and his height was impressive, towering over Cobaaron by several inches. He approached warily. “Cobaaron?” Rozz sounded unsure. Her husband’s golden skin and youthful appearance were foreign. Rozz clearly didn’t recognize him.

  “Yes, Rozz. Why have you come?”

  “I saw the two kings marching here with an army larger than I’ve ever seen. You are outnumbered, I’m sure of it. I’d estimate twenty-miles-long at thirty dactylas in each row. These beasts are towering in height. The kings bring with them the key to the universe. I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” Rozz’s voice was stern as he reported. Ky was certain his allegations were true, because Tyrus cast a charm on himself after becoming chief that no man could lie in his presence, and he stood next to Cobaaron listening. “They’re maybe three weeks behind us. We took a portal at the mount of Marapesh, which is too weak to transfer so many. You have precious days to prepare.”

  “Thank you for the warning, Rozz.” Cobaaron spoke to Tyrus, asking him to light the watchtowers to warn that a battle was imminent. “We have known they’re coming, Rozz. We’re prepared, but your news is welcome. We can send men out and see the key for ourselves.” Cobaaron addressed Tyrus again, saying, “Let him out. He may march on before the kings arrive.”

  “We have come to fight!” Rozz interrupted. “I didn’t understand until the other day why you recruited. I know the battle will be bloody, the worst this world has seen, but it would be disgraceful to learn of the kings’ army and not participate.”

  “Then come and mingle as we ready for war. Eat our food. There is plenty.”

  “Thank you,” Rozz bowed. “And you, Cobaaron? Will you fight? My men won’t fight for the new chief. They won’t fight for a man they believe to be weaker. We heard you have become stronger. With such skills, and now the power of light, you’re truly unconquerable.”

  “Your men are mistaken to think Tyrus is weaker than me. His skill is proven when we spar. For the past two years, he’s defeated me more times than I’ve overpowered him. He’ll have the opportunity to prove your conclusion is unjustified. I’ll fight alongside Tyrus, with him as my chief; I’m confident in him. The army is Tyrus’s now and rightly so.”

  “I won’t tell my men that your warriors fight for another. They’ll think you have lost your nerve, and worry you’ll fall on your sword.” Rozz glanced at Ky. “They don’t trust a new inferior chief.”

  “He easily defeated Jaman, and he’s a healer. He has talents I never possessed.”

  “A healer? No, they stick to their kind and rarely leave their city of
birth.” Rozz frowned in disbelief; sure Cobaaron was wrong.

  “Not this healer.” Cobaaron glanced at Tyrus who didn’t speak as the two bickered.

  “This is he? He’s a child.” Rozz eyed Tyrus. “No, I won’t tell my men about him. He looks like a stud!” Rozz glared at Tyrus.

  “Do what you think best,” Cobaaron said.

  “I’ll send out scouts tonight, and have them ring the bells when the kings’ army are seen approaching.” Tyrus waved for the gate to open, letting Rozz’s army flood into the safety of the wall. “Will you tell Ambrosia what is happening? I want her to keep our children in the castle until the war is over.”

  “I’ll go tell her now.” Cobaaron took Ky’s hand. They went directly to the public pool house. Cobaaron didn’t want to cause alarm, so he casually asked Ambrosia and Athaya to bring the children to the castle. He told them he’d wait, as they waded out of the water. The mothers noticed his odd request; but didn’t comment as they rounded up the kids.

  “What’s this about?” Athaya asked when they reached the steps leading to the castle.

  “Rozz has come with information that the kings are less than three week’s march away. The children need to stay safely in the castle,” Cobaaron said calmly.

  “Where is Tyrus?” Ambrosia asked, at the same time Athaya said she needed to find her partner at the courthouse.

  “He’s still at the wall. We’ll take the kids to our room, if you two want to find your partners.”

  “Thank you, Ky.” Ambrosia ran toward the front gate.

  Athaya left quickly, hurrying to the city court.

  “Come on, kids.” Ky ushered them toward the castle. Their charges hustled into the bedroom and went nuts roughhousing in the large bathing pool. “I don’t see this ending well,” Ky said, unsure if she should stop the horseplay.