by Frank David
Sofia led Luna out into the hall. Sofia stopped and gasped. Two guards lay on the floor. They were not moving.
“Stay back,” she ordered as she rushed to check on the two men. She could not detect any breath. Their chests were not rising. Beyond them were additional bodies. “Lady Luna, get out!” she yelled. The older Imperial rushed for the door. Opening it she was greeted by a cloaked figure.
“Do not rush off so quickly, m’lady,” the man said as he forced her back into the palace.
“Who are you?” Sofia demanded as she came to Luna’s side.
“Princess Sofia,” the man laughed. “What a surprise to find you here. I thought that was your voice I heard talking to the old woman in there.” He pointed to the Great Hall.
“Sir, who are you?” Sofia’s voice became more forceful. She invaded his mind, trying to find out his reason for being at Frostmoor.
“You do not know who I am?” he laughed again. He rubbed his chin. “I guess you would not. I never had the opportunity to be presented to you properly.” He moved closer to the women. “For a brief time, I was Duke of Wardry South, until Braynard brought my title to an end.”
Sofia tried to sift through the thoughts racing about his head. He seemed unhinged as the thoughts he possessed made no sense. They were fragments of ideas.
“Because of your sister and that supposed God my life has been changed. We have come to extract our revenge.” He reached for Sofia.
Luna launched herself at him.
“Enough!” the voice echoed from the back of the long hall. Luna fell to the ground.
Sofia tried to reach Luna. It was no use, she was gone, but how?
“You will come in handy, Princess,” the voice said as the figure stepped into the light. The red hair gave her away immediately.
“Daniella,” Sofia whispered.
Chapter Thirty-Two – Dianites Ascend on Jascaessau
“Daniella.”
“Sofia!” she yelled as she was jolted from her slumber. Stela leaped from the bed and the pain hit her. Harris stirred as his wife did little to stay quiet.
“Braynard!” she called out, as she ran about the room. She held her belly. The pain was increasing.
The man appeared. “Calm yourself,” he suggested as he approached her.
“I heard Sofia.” Stela was in a panic.
Harris ran to his wife’s side. “What did she say?”
“Daniella.” Stela shook her husband as she said the name.
“Sofia is safe in Easterfeld. Do you think Daniella went there? She would have no way of knowing your sister was there.” Harris tried to calm Stela.
“She is not in Easterfeld. She did not go. I can sense her.” Stela ran for the door. “Betsy!” she screamed. She needed to get dressed.
“Majesty,” the guard called out as he ran toward her room. “The city, it is under attack.”
“What do you mean?” Stela screamed. “Betsy!”
“The city burns,” the guard pointed to her window.
Stela rushed back into her room. The light coming from the city caught her eye as she opened the drapes. The houses and shops leading to Rothmar lit the night sky. “Wake the Imperials who are here. Prepare them,” she ordered the guard. “Send word to the other homes where the Imperials are staying. They must be prepared.”
She ran to Braynard. “How did you not see this coming? Why did you not prepare me?”
“Relax, Stela.” Braynard held her. “You have just given birth. Before you can do anything else, you must heal. You will lose if you are not at your best.” Braynard led her to a seat. “Harris, go get Betsy. I will help Stela heal herself.”
“There is no time,” Stela pushed the man away as she stood.
“Not this time,” he said as he used his own powers to force her back into the chair. “Heal the wounds from the delivery. Concentrate.”
Stela placed her hand on her belly. Sitting she could see the blood on her nightgown. She had injured herself. Braynard was right. In her current condition she would fall before Daniella. She concentrated, focusing on the area that was defiled by her daughter’s birth. She could feel the pain being relieved. She could feel her body healing.
“Stela.” Braynard crouched down. “Sofia sent some of the Imperials to the vacant homes in the city. The ones that now burn.”
‘The harbor burns,’ the voice rang in her head. ‘Astrid and I are on the tower. We cannot see anyone, just ships burning.’ She knew the voice was Amanda.
‘Can Astrid use the ravens to survey the area by the harbor?’ Stela asked, as she continued to heal herself.
“The ships in the harbor have been attacked. No one else will be able to leave Jascaessau,” Stela said, standing. Braynard tried to make her sit again. “I am fine. I must stop them. They have my sister.” She rushed to the dresser and removed the outfit she wore when she faced Edmund. “This has brought me luck in the past,” she said as she began to undress, unconcerned with Braynard’s presence.
‘Many men and women are gathered at the harbor. They have burned their own ships as well. It would seem they expect no one to leave the island,’ Amanda’s voice filled Stela’s head.
‘Is there anything Astrid can do until I can get there?’ Stela asked.
‘She is trying to gather animals now. She will do what she can to slow them, but their attacks are long range. They are not even near the city but are burning the houses,’ Amanda responded.
‘I will be with you shortly,’ Stela said as she finished putting the pants on.
Betsy entered and rushed to help Stela finish dressing. As soon as she was dressed, the sword and shield appeared. She was equipped and ready to face the invaders.
“Leave them to the others. You must find Sofia and Daniella,” Braynard stopped her as she rushed for the door.
“Get the other Imperials,” she ordered. “I will need them all present to stop Diana’s forces from gaining ground.”
Harris grabbed her. “I do not have time for this Harris,” Stela said pulling away.
“Stela,” Harris pleaded. “I cannot let you leave without saying good-bye. We both know this could be the last time we see one another.” The tear in his eye caught the light from the window. “Thank you,” he said as he pulled her close. “We have not been together long, but you have made me very happy.” He kissed her.
“This will not be the last time we see one another, I promise you that,” Stela said, ending the kiss. “Please go help Astrid and Amanda. I must figure out where Sofia is and get to her before it is too late.” She rushed out of the room.
Harris hurried to the tower. He found Astrid and Amanda standing watch. The fires lit the night sky giving the impression of daylight. He looked out beyond the city. The ships in the harbor had smoldered, the smoke rising through the air. He could smell the charred wood and flesh coming from the city. He wondered how many Imperials lost their lives in the homes. Did they have enough to hold off the attackers?
“We will be fine,” Amanda said, touching his arm. “Astrid used the sea creatures to help extinguish the boats. She is now gathering the animals of Jascaessau. She will have them attack the invaders. Where are the other Imperials?” Amanda asked.
“Braynard has gone to bring them here.” Harris said. “Are the people gathered together?” he asked Astrid.
“Yes, they are not advancing,” Astrid responded. She appeared in a trance like state. “The ravens are watching them, but they just stand there.”
“There seems to be no need for them to come closer,” Harris responded. “They are able to hit their mark from their location. Why risk any danger coming closer?” Harris concentrated. If they could successfully reach the city from where they were, he could surely return the favor. A bright flash grew in the distance, near the harbor.
“You got them,” Astrid squealed. “A direct hit in the middle of the mob. They are scattering.”
The night became loud with screams as hordes of animals began
their descent upon the shores of Jascaessau. Amanda watched as winged creatures of all sizes and varieties flew overhead. She looked beyond the palace walls as hoofs and paws hurried toward the harbor.
A man appeared next to them. “Maurice,” Amanda greeted the man. “How did you get here?”
“God brought me, Princess,” he laughed as the words left his mouth. “I can only assume he thought I could be of some assistance.”
“The invaders are down by the harbor but are making their way toward the palace,” Amanda brought Maurice up to speed.
“I can stop some of them,” he squinted, trying to see the small figures in the dark.
“This may help,” Harris sent a fireball out over the city toward the harbor, providing illumination to the ground below.
Maurice saw a group running up the road to the right, leading deep into the city. He raised his hand. The group was tangled in the vines rising from the ground beneath their feet. His victory was only momentary as the vines began to shrivel and fall from the legs of those they held. “There must be another Terra among them.” Maurice rubbed his head.
“Look,” Amanda pointed down to the courtyard.
They saw a number of Imperials gathering, appearing from nowhere. “Braynard must be bringing them!” Amanda yelled. ‘They are approaching the palace. Stop them.’ She sent the message to those gathered below.
The courtyard glowed brightly as the flames came to life in the hands of the Ignis preparing for battle. The group assembled ran for the gates of the palace.
The ravens showed Astrid the effects of her animals meeting the mob. Many fell at the hands of the Magisters. Some animals were successful in ending the lives of those moving toward the palace. Hooves crushed skulls. Teeth ripped flesh from the bones of those who would stand against Stela. The ground shook and opened beneath the paws and swallowed some of the animals whole. Others fled as their hides were burned by the flames of Ignis. Astrid could not allow the animals to suffer any further and had them retreat to the forests.
“I am sorry,” Astrid cried. “I could not allow them to suffer any further.”
“It is okay,” Amanda comforted her cousin. “Use the ravens to keep them in sight.”
“I am going down there,” Harris rushed down the stairs of the tower before anyone could stop him.
He took the stairs two at a time. He reached the bottom. Madeline stood in his way.
“What am I to do?” she asked. Her body was shaking.
“Get somewhere safe,” he said as he rushed past her. He had no time to console her. He needed to stand beside the other Imperials and stop the Dianites from taking the castle.
****
Stela stood quietly in the Throne Room. She tried to sense where Sofia was. It was difficult. Imagines ran through her mind of the battle taking place beyond the palace walls.
“You must concentrate. Your powers are all trying to compete for your attention.” Braynard entered the room. “You must learn to allow them to work together. They are working against one another now.”
“I do not know how to do that.” Stela ran her hands through her hair. “This is too much!” she screamed.
“You can do this,” Braynard said, placing his hand on her shoulder.
A calm came over her with his touch. She was able to sense her sister. She was with Daniella and another.
“Frostmoor!” she yelled. “Daniella has Sofia at Frostmoor.”
“Go to her,” Braynard commanded. “Allow the powers to lead you. Do not fight them. They will protect you.”
She rushed out of the room. Harris was coming down the hall. “Where are you going?” she asked.
“I am going to help,” he said as he ran past her.
“No, you must stay safe. You must live for Joseph!” she yelled as he rushed out the door.
She ran after him. She ran down the palace steps. She placed her foot on the courtyard. Her surrounding changed. She was no longer at Rothmar. She had been transported to Frostmoor.
****
“It has begun!” the boy screamed from his bed. He ran to his bedroom door. The guards outside tried to stop him but he threw them aside as he ran for the balcony. The doors flew open as he approached. He stared off in the direction of Hulsteria. The tears streamed down his face.
“Joseph!” Roderick approached the boy. “What is it?”
“The war has begun!” he screamed, not turning his eyes from the direction of his home.
“How do you know?” Roderick knelt next to Joseph.
“I saw it,” Joseph said, now turning to his uncle. “The city burns. Imperials were trapped inside homes. The water burns bright.”
“What of your mother and the others?” Roderick shook the boy.
“Mother, she is going to save Aunt Sofia,” Joseph replied. “I must help them.”
“We would never reach them in time,” Roderick responded. “Who is with your mother?”
“No one,” Joseph whispered. “She is going to face them alone.”
“Who is she going to face alone?” Roderick’s heart was racing.
“The siblings,” he said. His eyes became dark.
“Joseph!” Roderick called. “Joseph!” The boy did not respond.
****
The Imperials formed a line at the edge of the city, prepared for the invaders. The screams grew as the crowd got closer.
Those gathered watched as several Dianites lifted from the ground and were sent flying into the flames consuming the homes along their route. The Imperials looked around to figure out who was responsible. Several of the Dianites collapsed as they approached. Their bodies laid lifeless as their comrades continued their march toward Rothmar. The winds began to increase. Several Imperials fled fearing it was the Dianites.
The young boy appeared in front of them. The air swirled around him as it lifted him in front of them. “Stop!” he yelled.
The approaching army paused. Fixated on the boy who rose above them.
“Leave now!” he shouted. “If you refuse, your lives will be ended. Either way, you will fail your Goddess!”
The invaders were only momentarily halted. They resumed their advance, screaming as they moved. Fireballs lit the sky as they headed toward the Imperials.
Joseph moved the winds and sent the balls back to their originators. Those leading the group fell to the ground, avoiding the returning fire. They watched as some of their compatriots fell to the inferno.
“I will give no additional warning. Return to your Goddess and you will live. Continue and you will die!” Joseph called out. The skies above opened and the rain began to pour down. The lightening danced between the clouds before crashing to the ground in front of the young Emperor.
Someone behind Joseph called out as the spear headed in his direction. A shield of ice formed in front of him. The spear shattered the shield. The projectile continued through the boy, hitting an Imperial standing behind him. The boy was untouched. He turned to the man who had taken the spear intended for him.
“Remove this,” he ordered those around him. A man standing next to him quickly removed the object. The blood poured from the wound. Joseph knelt and placed his hand on the man’s chest. The golden light flowed from his palm. It spread out over the man’s body. The gaping wound began to heal itself. The skin around the hole started to come together. Soon the area once torn apart was again whole. The man stood and thanked the young man.
“I tried to be fair, but you will not listen to reason!” he shouted as turned his attention back to the mob. His eyes darkened as the winds once again carried him above the others. A wall of flames appeared, separating the Dianites from the Imperials. The sky became dark as the wave approached. It crashed down upon the Dianites, dragging many back into the bay. The wall of fire protected the Imperials from the watery attack.
The water receded. Several Dianites remained. Joseph turned to see others approaching from the other side of the city. He raised his hand. The Dianites on the right
stood motionless. He focused on those coming from the left.
“You have brought this upon yourselves. If you had only returned in peace, your lives would have been spared.” Joseph said to those approaching. “Please, I do not wish to harm you, leave here!” he commanded. The mob ignored his plea. They continued toward the boy and the Imperials standing behind him.
“I cannot do this,” he said turning to those gathered behind him. “The fight is now yours. Use your gifts to protect yourselves and your realms.”
An older Imperial approached Joseph. “You cannot leave us. You must help us. Without you we will fail.”
“You will not fail, but I cannot take another life. I will take many lives before my time is finished but this is not my fight. I should not have come here.” The winds calmed. The boy placed his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Remember, the blood of the true God is in your veins. He will guide you.” The boy vanished. The Dianites who he had incapacitated were once again able to move.
****
Joseph turned to face his uncle. “I could not do it,” he whispered.
“Do what?” Roderick asked.
“I could not take any more lives,” the boy sobbed.
“What do you mean?”
“I went to Jascaessau. I tried to help the Imperials face Diana’s people. I heard their cries to God as their lives ended. In the end they knew their loyalties were with the wrong God. They did not cry out to Diana to protect them. They cried out to our God, Braynard. I know now, she has misled them, deceived them. I could not do it. They are victims, as are the Imperials.” Joseph fell to his knees.
“How did you go to Jascaessau? You were standing here the whole time.” Roderick sat next to the boy.
“Braynard showed me how to do it,” Joseph said.
“What of your mother and my sisters?” Roderick pulled him close.
“My mother has gone to face her destiny. Aunt Sofia will meet hers as well.” Joseph’s sobs increased. “We will not see either again.”
****
“The young Emperor is right. This is our fight. We must protect Hulsteria. If she falls, our realms will not be far behind,” an Imperial called out to the crowd. “We fight for Saaveth!”