Ky was tossed into the air, and landed so hard that she couldn’t take a breath. Knowing the king was pursuing, she began to crawl as she choked on the stench of blood drenching the ground. Ky could feel him behind her, and when she spun to her back, the king pointed a sword at her heart. As his cold eyes pinned her to her spot, she groped for a weapon. There was nothing in reach to defend herself. Still in control, the king kept the tip of the unwavering sword hovering over her. “I imagine you’re trying to steal the key. It’s impossible, Queen. I’m surprised they sent a noticeable woman like you to do a man’s job. I will kill you easily.”
Ky began to scramble away from him, and fought the urge to turn her back and run. She desperately felt around, determined to stumble across a weapon.
A streak of golden light zipped into Ky’s peripheral vision. With a loud crash, the king was dragged along the ground. The golden blaze came into focus. Cobaaron rammed into the king so hard and with such speed that the two formed a furrow as they skidded to a stop. The king had a protection charm that engulfed Cobaaron, but repelled everything else from his body. Before the debris cleared the two were fighting.
“Ky!” a familiar scream echoed. Ambrosia held out her hand from within her opened room.
“You’re alive!”
“The dragon tossed me. Quick! Come hide in here with me.”
Ky sprang for Ambrosia’s room. But as she made her way, she screamed. The king’s brother, who watched Cobaaron fight his twin, ran for the key. He was going to open it to save his brother.
“Don’t do it!” Ambrosia pleaded. “Stay with me!”
Ky ran for the key. As she hastened, she was stuck in the back with something so hard she fell. Her skin burst into flames, and her body became an outline of pure fire. She felt nothing as a dactyla speared her. Ky didn’t understand, but then she saw Tyrus rushing toward her with his wand out and ready. He cleared the beasts that attacked her as he made his way to her in three long strides.
“Trust me, my Queen, don’t pursue the key.”
“We must,” Ky screamed. Tyrus shook his head, watching the king bolting for the key.
“The kings don’t know what they do, and this is for the best. I never wanted to win this battle,” Tyrus said.
Ky’s heart broke. Tyrus was preventing her from helping, when they had precious seconds that could change the course of the war. She wanted to trust her good friend, but the key needed to be destroyed. She knew no one could lie to Tyrus, and to be sure, she boldly stated, “You would never betray Cobaaron.” Her words flowed easily, and his magic didn’t stop her tongue. She smiled, knowing it was true. She quickly added, “I trust you.”
Tyrus released her from the spell as her body returned to a pink glow and soaked in the fire. With a quick jerk, she saw the king step into the force field around the key. He opened the box, and a deafening blast erupted as the top blew from its hinges.
The sound was thunderous; everyone stilled and stared at the key. The dactylas exchanged confused glances, but warriors backed away. Cobaaron was soon at Ky’s side, and wrenched her hand.
“Run with me,” he demanded and headed for Ambrosia’s room.
“Wait,” Tyrus said. Ambrosia exited her room, and moved to her lover’s side; they looked up.
A brilliant blue blaze in the heavens caught Ky’s eye. She saw a black comet with a powder-blue halo fall. It behaved strangely for a comet, arching drastically. She stood silently mesmerized. Soon it was too close for comfort.
Warriors stirred and dactylas huffed, not sure what to do. The blue streak fell toward the dactylas, passing and circling back before heading straight for the key. With a mighty explosion, it struck the ground yards from the kings. The blast knocked the surrounding dactylas off their feet. The closest died from the impact. The crater was smoldering.
The object rose. The comet was a man, who stood after landing on bended knee. Ky was sure it was the god, the Angel of Death. A black cloak with a hood partially concealed his face, but the blue haze engulfed him with a brilliant aura. He walked toward the box and the kings, but when the kings approached, a gust of wind from the god’s cloak brushed the twins away. The Angel of Death was unfazed by their evil presence.
The divine man walked past the box, and when his feet touched down, the land shook. He stalked through the bloody field toward Cobaaron and Ky. When he stopped, he was shrouded with his dark cloak.
The man slowly looked up to Cobaaron, and with equal patience removed his hood, revealing a face of uncommon beauty. In Cobaaron’s light, he reflected gold in a magnificent glory only a god could possess. His features were hypnotizing, and Ky couldn’t look away from his mesmerizing eyes. She felt as if her soul was drawn to him, like somehow she shared a kinship with this unknown angel. Without meaning to, she smiled. When he spoke, his words were soft, yet loud.
“I am the Angel of Death, and you have something I want. I’ve heard for years what the kings’ want. In exchange for my chest, the kings ask that I kill every man that stands in their way of world domination. I’ll grant this. But you have one item I wish to take with me.
“You hold my love’s sword that made it possible for her to come to me. I wish to take it, and give the memento to her as a gift. Only a mortal was able to retrieve the sword, and a great number have failed. Like most things of great value, I must give something in return, and I’m prepared to grant you anything.
“This is my offer. I’ll make you immortal as I am. You could live among the sleeping Stars like a god. I won’t deprive you of your love, as I know what it’s like to live without the one you adore. Give me the sword and you will both be divine for eternity.”
The Angel of Death gazed at Cobaaron as he awaited his response. “I don’t wish for immortality.”
“Any less of a bargain would never show my appreciation. Make no mistake, if you refuse me, I will still return to my lover with the sword this very night, mortal, even if it’s over your dead body,” the Angel of Death replied. The blue glow deepened to a rich purple as if changing with his mood. “Make your wager. What do you wish for most?”
“I ask that all be returned to how it was before the light was taken. When this world was living in peace and women weren’t barren,” Cobaaron replied.
The Angel of Death scoffed. “You have no idea what you’re asking.” The angel stared at Cobaaron who stood firm. “Then so be it,” the Angel of Death agreed. His light slowly shifted to its blue hue. “I suggest you go back to your castle young Cobaaron, and say goodbye to those you love, because with the rising sun, they will be gone. Do it now while I have patience.”
Another blaze erupted in the heavens. Ky wouldn’t have noticed it, but the Angel of Death surprisingly shifted his gaze skyward. This time a yellow light zoomed across the sky. The being fell to the ground with another deafening crash. This time a woman of great beauty marched to the wall. Her face, though beautiful, was stern as she glared at the Angel of Death.
With grace and speed, she rushed for them, stopping next to the Angel of Death. She resembled every statue that Ky had seen of Lu Lush, but her beauty was greater in person. Like the Angel of Death, Lu Lush was captivating. The sight of her drew Ky in, and she stared unashamed. “You can’t make such a bargain. My mother gave me a great gift. They named their child Lu Lu at her request. When she told me about this, I swore to my mother I’d look after her. She will be great if you don’t take her. She will be free like I always wanted. I plan to watch over her all the days of her life. I’ve grown attached in the few years she walked this earth. I’ve sealed her fate, and if you take her I’ll be brokenhearted.”
“Then I’ll spare the child, but every other man, woman, and child on earth will die, and become feast for fowl,” the Angel of Death replied.
“That isn’t what I asked,” Cobaaron choked out.
“It’s a simple solution to a complicated problem. I’ll fulfill my obligations, and go home with two treasures. You’ll see light in three days
. I suggest that when the last person falls you return to the castle, because the birds will eat the dead and the living. Don’t come out of the castle. If you do, I won’t be able to keep the birds of prey from eating you. If you love your daughter, don’t let her wander,” the Angel of Death warned.
“But we’re Stars. We could die of depression,” Ky said.
“Let’s hope your friends comfort you, and your bond has made you strong,” the Angel of Death stated.
Without further warning or instruction, the angel snatched the sword. Without a word, his treasure zoomed into his hand. His robe flapped when Lu Lush sped away.
The angel roared a single battle cry. In the span of time it took for his voice to reach the ears of every warrior, they dropped dead.
Ky gasped. Thousands of corpses lay where they fell. The sight was horrific. She turned in a slow circle, viewing the devastation. The Angel of Death was gone. Cobaaron, Tyrus, Ambrosia, and Ky were the only people standing. The kings were dead.
The four looked at each other in horror. “Why are we not dead, Tyrus?” Ambrosia queried in a quivering voice as he made his way to his wife.
“We’re healers; we’re not human. At least that is my guess. Dactylas still stand,” Tyrus said with uncertainty in his voice.
“But you knew this would happen?” Cobaaron asked.
“Yes. Well, I had glimpses of this,” Tyrus said, scanning the horizon. Had any Stars survived after witnessing the heartbreaking event? If Cobaaron and she hadn’t changed each other to be strong, they would have died, also.
“Parson!” Tyrus yelled. “PARSON!” There was no reply. Death was not fooled, and it was evident Parson was gone.
“We need to get out of here,” Cobaaron called urgently as dragons circled overhead, and dactylas shifted to surround them. Cobaaron threw an orb, giving them time to run. They sprinted toward the castle, as the dactylas charged.
Tyrus blasted the gate, knocking the stones out from under the bars. The gate began to close. Then he shouted gravely: “Our children!” They ran faster, eager to comfort their children and shield them from what they possibly saw within the castle walls.
Tyrus waved his wand, and they flew over the trench and wall. They hurtled over the dead as they ran toward the castle that lost most of its dazzling light. Cobaaron and Ky were faster, and reached the middle wall within seconds. Cobaaron scaled the wall, and raised the gate.
They ran through the city; no one was spared. When they reached the last gate, Cobaaron stopped. He saw his best friend, Octavos, lying without a hint of life. “No,” he breathed a sharp exhale, and then covered his mouth as if he’d be sick. Death had not spared Octavos. Cobaaron’s face was bleak and heartbreaking. The playful line, “I thought you were dead,” while receiving the reply never, wasn’t true this time. The strong warrior side of Cobaaron crumbled when he saw Octavos lifeless; he wept. Ky came to him, pained to see him struggle.
Tyrus put a hand on his shoulder. With a jerk of his wand, a casket grew around Octavos, and then a statue covered his body. “He flooded the tunnels when it was too late. He ensured the castle was safe, and died with honor. We’ll build a tomb without magic when this is over, but this will keep him from the birds.”
Cobaaron didn’t reply, but Ky was sure it meant a great deal to him to see that his friend was not forgotten. Honor was important for a warrior, and Ky knew enough to agree with a silent nod.
Cobaaron ran, leaving them behind. Ky understood. He couldn’t face his friend’s death as an emotional Star. They hurried alongside him.
Tyrus wielded his wand again, and the castle door opened. They hurried through the halls toward Hyun’s cupboard, where the women and children hid. They didn’t reach the cupboard, because Hyun, Ebony, and their son, Torus, led the children in their direction. They were outside the great hall when they halted.
“Parents!” Lu Lu screamed, and burst into tears. Ky ran to Lu Lu as Taja flopped wildly in her arms. Ky picked her up, and squeezed her tightly. Lu Lu wasn’t the only child sobbing. Ambrosia’s daughter O’Dell ran to her, while Shev and Clay huddled around Tyrus. The three clutched them like security blankets. Even Cobaaron clung to Lu Lu and Ky as if he needed their closeness to survive the entire human race dying. Ky started to sob, though she tried not to, because she didn’t want to scare the children.
“Don’t leave...me in…that room. They...all fell...down.” Clay hyperventilated with grief and fright. It broke her heart to hear someone young be so terrified.
“No one will make you, Clay,” Hyun spoke to his grandson, but then addressed Tyrus and Cobaaron, “We left when the elves were still in the cupboard. They promised to take the bodies outside with magic, before they were sick with grief. I’m afraid the Stars didn’t make it once the women and children died. They weren’t strong enough to see...” Hyun glanced at the four youngsters and changed the subject. “They will be here any moment to join...” Before Hyun finished, Vale burst into the corridor, leading a group of elves.
“My King and Queen!” Vale called, rushing toward them. “We thought we lost all Stars!”
“We all need to enter Ambrosia’s room. The pond has enough fish to last us. We will explain later,” Tyrus rushed in a command. No one argued. Ambrosia opened her room, and then ushered the children inside. “This way our children can’t run off,” Tyrus confided to Cobaaron in a whisper.
“I think it’s wise. Only Ambrosia can open her room, and she won’t. I wouldn’t feel Lu Lu was safe any other way.” Cobaaron clapped his back with a strong hand, and nudged him into the room.
They all filed into Ambrosia’s room and she sealed them in; the kids couldn’t sneak out. Ky took a deep breath, knowing Lu Lu was safe. Bright white lanterns lit the forest and kept the woods from burning. In the years since Ky stepped foot in the secret realm, much had changed. The wooden warriors were replaced with scores more, and ventured out of their invisible castle to play with the children.
The wild teddy bears roamed as short hunters, pretending to eat leaves. There were healing gnomes, druix, flurries, phoenixes, glowing hummingbirds, butterflies, and unicorns. The pond was larger with glowing turtles and rainbow fish. The atmosphere was tranquil, balm for the heartsick.
No one spoke, as they built fires next to blooming Hastily trees, and the men fished. They dawdled, coming to grips with their thoughts and emotions silently. Cobaaron was trying to cope with seeing his lifeless friend. Ky saw that he was depressed, but at least his light wasn’t dim.
She strolled to his secluded spot. She ran her fingers through his hair, and then sat beside him. “Are you okay?” Ky rested her arm against his.
“I now understand how you could weep over Huntra’s death in Elder. I will miss Octavos daily, and grapple with the sorrow that I can never see him again.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“If I had known being a Star would save me in the last battle, I would have encouraged Octavos to do the same. I feel his loss more than my brother’s.”
“I’m sorry. I wish I could help.”
“Just sit quietly with me.” He held her hand, stared into the water, and watched fish swim aimlessly until they were the last people by the pond.
After the children were asleep, the elves wanted details. They sat around a campfire as Cobaaron explained everything. “The dactylas weren’t men, and they survived. The birds will eat them.”
“And light in three days? You did the right thing! A stupid decision to turn down immortality with your lover, but the greatest of men knows what is best for this world. You did us a great favor. You may still be granted deity for such valor,” Hyun said.
Cobaaron didn’t care. The depression was still in the air, but it was interrupted when Vale spoke, “Seventeen trapped in this forest for three days? I hope some of us are good storytellers.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Three long days and restless nights passed as bone-chilling screeches penetrated their realm. Everyone woke early, eager t
o see what lay hidden outside. In a line, protecting the children, they cautiously left Ambrosia’s room.
There was a strange silence, matching the odd mood. No one spoke, worried what they would see. They headed toward the entrance of the castle.
“If there are any more birds, be ready to duel with magic,” Tyrus said to the elves.
“Protect the children.” Ky clutched Lu Lu.
After opening the doors, everyone shaded their eyes. Outside, a big yellow sun shone. The brightness not only lit their world, but the peach moon was brighter. And there was a new moon, smaller and pale blue.
“Have you ever seen anything like it?” Ambrosia said, with so much emotion in her voice that she sounded close to tears.
“Only in my dreams,” Tyrus admitted.
“Look!” Little Lu Lu cheered at the sun, wriggled from Ky’s arms, and ran down the steps.
Cobaaron grabbed her. “Stay with father, Glitter Bug,” Cobaaron cautioned, lifting Lu Lu to his shoulders.
“The city is empty,” Vale said glumly. She scanned the sky, and behind them at the castle. The stone of the castle, city, and walls were intact, but blood stained the white granite. The sight was eerie. Ky was accustomed to seeing a thriving city, busy with citizens. “I don’t see any birds.”
“Let’s keep a slow pace until we’re sure,” Ambrosia said, as she held hands with her two youngest children.
They made their way to the edge of the last wall. They reached the gate when it became undeniably clear that the dactylas all died. The shed blood bathed the yellow grass until crimson.
“What is all that red stuff?” Lu Lu asked Cobaaron.
Cobaaron sighed, and then replied, “Ask me when you’ve reached your second maturity.” Ky smiled, liking the answer.
The Coming Dawn Trilogy Page 91