"You know this training depends on Sherra," he said, his words sober.
"I know." I scuffed the heel of my boot against the concrete floor of the abandoned mess hall where we'd met. "Did she talk to you about yesterday?"
"She refused to talk about it. I guessed it, though. She will never do anything or say anything that will paint you in a bad light, Thorn. You should know that already."
A part of me did know that. "Armon, you know as well as I do that every relationship has its ups and downs."
"I do." His words were dry.
After a moment's reflection, I considered how foolish it was to say that to someone who'd been bonded for sixteen years.
"I'm sorry—that was stupid." With a thumb, I rubbed a throbbing area above my left eyebrow, where a headache was forming.
"I think it would be better if you said the same thing to Sherra. Not that I'm offering advice or anything."
"I suppose I should say it soon; I need her to start training them tomorrow. I'll have to ask Cole and some of his to come, to help her."
"I wish I could get away to do it, too. I suppose I'll have to rely on her teaching me after hours or a couple of days a week," Armon sounded wistful.
"You'll take to it faster," I said. "You have since the beginning. You, Levi and your escorts. I'm sure Sherra will give you special attention, too. Without yelling at you or making you feel like an idiot."
"Coming around, then?"
"I see a very deep, contrite apology in my future," I said.
Sherra
"Like ducks to water," Cole laughed as we watched Anari, Laren and Kyal floating above us in their own bubble shields.
"We'll have to raise turbulence beneath them when they're more comfortable—so they'll learn how to make adjustments," I said. I'd gotten the worst version of the same lesson the day before, and it still left me in a sour mood.
"They can take turns holding the shield and combining blasts," Cole sighed. "I can't wait to see that happen."
"Call them down, and ask them to do it now," I suggested.
Anari
I never thought I'd be able to fly through the air like a bird. Laren and Kyal thought it was the best thing we'd ever learned, and we'd learned a lot.
When Cole called us back to the ground so we could practice flying together, Sherra taught us something else, too.
Something that everyone with power needed to know.
"This is your line," she'd said, while we closed our eyes at her bidding. She'd looked inside each of us, showed us our power, and then the line that we shouldn't allow our power level to drop past, or we could die.
"If you ever wanted to know how power is burned out of someone, this is how it's done," Cole explained, once our eyes were open again and we were staring at Sherra in shock.
"Most warriors and escorts who die on the battlefield, die because the escort's power has been drained past that point," Cole said. "When that happens, and the enemy bombs are still dropping, it's easy to see how they'd die—unless the warrior is able to get himself away in time. Until recently, the escorts weren't trained to step. Or fire blasts, or several other things."
One of Kyal's hands gripped mine as he stared at Cole. "We're not letting that happen to Ani," Laren declared.
Sherra ducked her head. I realized after a moment that she was hiding a smile. Not because she found it funny, but because she agreed with Laren.
"So, when they burn the power out of someone," I began.
"Then they're just like anyone else—who doesn't have power," Cole said. "Most of the time, that happens before a sentence is levied against wrongdoers."
"Can their power be restored?" Kyal asked.
We knew the power had been muted in Jeen and Ferni. We also knew, because Cole told us, that they'd sided with the enemy. The enemy killed them himself, because he didn't want to let them answer the King's questions.
He said Sherra saw what the enemy did to them. Even though they'd broken the law, she still didn't like what happened to them. Cole wouldn't tell us how they'd died, only that they had.
"The power has been restored to many who washed out of the army in the past," Sherra said. I could tell she held something back, though. I wondered what it was, or whether she'd ever tell us.
"Now, since you all have mindspeak," Cole said, going back to our lessons, "It's up to you to tell each other when your power levels are low. You can make adjustments if that happens, or break away from the battle or whatever, if need be. You can all step. If you are all nearly drained, I suggest combining your remaining power and stepping away together."
"I think we can do that," Laren agreed.
Sherra
I didn't want to tell them that Kaakos managed to restore power to criminals in Az-ca—from his palace in Ny-nes, I told Cole when he asked. That's frightening enough for adults to know.
"I agree with your assessment," Cole's response was soft. After Anari, Kyal and Laren successfully floated a shield together, and fired a few blasts at piles of rocks on the beach, we'd let Caral and Levi practice floating their own bubble shields with the young ones. As I imagined, both found it easy enough, once I'd touched them to show them how.
"Even if you were to walk from here to Ny-nes, these shields will allow you to cross the wide river," Cole said. We watched Caral laugh as she moved her shield this way and that, playing bubble-shield tag with Anari.
Levi was grinning like a fool, swiftly moving his shield along the shoreline while Kyal and Laren chased after him.
"We'll have to teach those floating into Ny-nes how to get past his barrier," I said.
"I think a few may be up to that challenge. I doubt all will be able to accomplish that feat," Cole advised. "You may have to set a separate shield around the ones they construct, just to get them inside."
"Excellent idea," I said. "Sounds tiring," I added.
"I would imagine so, depending upon how many times you're forced to do it. I hope some of mine will be able to learn from you—well enough to help."
"I think they're planning to start training the troops tomorrow," I said. "I'd like for you to help with that. If you want, choose a few others to bring with you. They can help us teach what they already know. On some things, though, we'll all be learning at the same time."
"What time do you want us there?"
"Meet me for breakfast. I think I can manage a few extra spaces at a table, somewhere."
"Perhaps in the garden? We don't see those types of flowers often."
"I'll set it up. Let me know how many are coming."
"I can tell you now—I'll bring five others with me."
"I think Armon and Misten will be there, too, so we'll have at least nine at breakfast. That means another table. I'll ask Hunter to make the arrangements."
"Anything else?" Cole asked.
"I think," I said. "Yes. I probably should have considered this long ago. I keep worrying about Ani and the boys. Will you mind if I put up another, special shield around your village?"
"Not if it's for the purpose I imagine."
"I'm hoping I know enough about Kaakos to keep him away from here—and away from all of you, if he thinks to target Laren or Kyal. He failed with those two girls, so I hope he'll forget Anari exists. Merrin never knew the extent of her abilities anyway. He likely assumed it was one of the boys who stepped them away. Unless I'm very wrong, much of Kaakos' information came from Merrin."
"I think the same," Cole agreed. "If Kaakos invades a mind, he can strip away every thought and action, if he so chooses. It requires direct contact, I think, but he is capable."
"Is something wrong?" Cole's eyes narrowed as my hand went to the collar of my uniform, attempting to loosen it. Suddenly, I'd felt warm, and then hot.
Hunter didn't have time to call for help; my dreamwalker streaked to the surface of my consciousness and stepped to the palace in a blink.
Kerok
"Get back," I shouted at the guards, while facing a raving
lunatic that had once been Hunter.
"You will die," Hunter hissed at me, his words spitting saliva in my direction. It wasn't his voice.
This was deeper. Menacing. Hunter's transformation had happened between one breath and the next. My heart raced as I considered what needed to be done—the necessary thing that would snuff out the life of perhaps my closest friend and ally.
"No," Sherra screamed as she landed near Hunter. He turned toward her, Kaakos' eyes peering through Hunter's pupils.
"Ah. The putrid Queen of Az-ca," Hunter's face contorted into an ugly grin. "Come closer. I wish to kill you myself."
"Sherra, no," I launched myself in her direction, as her hand reached out. Before I could stop her, her hand had connected with Hunter's forehead.
I will never forget the screams as long as I live—hers and Hunter's.
"We've made them comfortable—as comfortable as we can, inside the lockup," Barth set a glass before me, then poured a generous dollop of whiskey into it.
Neither had awakened after Sherra touched Hunter and both had screamed as if their lives were ending.
Cole had followed Sherra here; he paced in the garden, waiting for news that could be good or bad.
I doubted it would be good, and we'd be forced to kill both of them.
"I have word from Kyri," Adahi appeared inside my study, where I sat, fingering the glass of whiskey.
"What word is that?" I asked, my question little more than a growl.
"Planes are missing from the manufacturing facility in Ny-nes," he said. "I think they have been sent in our direction."
"It could take days to get them close enough to fly them into Az-ca," I mumbled. Lifting the glass of whiskey, I drank it in three swallows.
"Not if Kaakos expended his power to get them very close," Adahi warned. "He thinks to attack us on two or more fronts, at the very least. He killed his spies, then attacked Hunter. That is one front. As for the other; those planes could be in the sky now, flying toward us, if they aren't here already."
"Barth, get Armon in here. Cole, too."
"Right away."
Armon
We'd been so full of ourselves, thinking our plan to attack Ny-nes was a good one. Solid. Until Kaakos attacked us, first.
We thought to surprise him. He'd surprised us, instead. I had little doubt that our killing a few spies the day before had somehow shoved his plans forward. Killing his spies after we'd found a way to locate them? It was prudent enough—if you were Kaakos.
We were moving too fast for him, and the only way to deal with that was to level his arsenal of attacks first. No doubt, he'd read in Hunter's mind exactly what our plans were, and there'd be no surprise coming from Az-ca, now.
Cole told me what Sherra said to him earlier—that Merrin had supplied information to Kaakos, willfully or not.
Hunter was Merrin's uncle. Kin. Merrin knew too much about Hunter, making him a target for the filth sitting in the seat of power in Ny-nes.
Why hadn't we realized this before?
Colonel Armon, the King wishes to see you. The message came from Barth.
On my way, I replied.
When I arrived in Thorn's study, I found Cole and Barth also there. As was Kage, Thorn's assassin.
"No," I said aloud, focusing on Kage. He'd been called for one reason only; in case two we loved had to be destroyed.
"Armon," Thorn said, holding up a hand to stop my protests. "I need you to take the troops now in the city and deploy them around the eastern and northern borders. We believe Ny-nes is sending planes packed with bombs against us. Cole, will you bring some of yours, too?"
"How do you know this?" I demanded of Thorn, my heart thumping a painful, irregular beat in my chest.
"The spies we have in Ny-nes," he replied, lowering his eyes. The King looked worn. Defeated. Barth poured more whiskey into a glass for Thorn.
"What about?" I couldn't say their names. Couldn't. Fear gripped me—more so than it had in years.
"We wait—for a little while. If the worst becomes known to us, well." He shrugged.
"Fuck." The word escaped my lips before I could stop it.
"Did Caral and Levi learn how to make the flying bubble shields?" Thorn went on, still refusing to meet my eyes.
"Yes, my King." Caral had been overjoyed by it, as had Levi. That joy was very short-lived.
"Good. We may need to train quickly. You understand why."
"I do."
"Go. Spread your troops. Look for signs and sounds of an attack. If you see or hear anything, report it to me immediately."
"It will be done, my King." My standard reply sounded angry.
"Go, then," Thorn sounded just as angry. "Do your duty, as my Commander of the army. And I will do my duty, as the King of Az-ca."
Without thinking I dipped my head to the King, then turned and stalked toward the door. My job was difficult. I wouldn't trade it for Thorn's, no matter what was offered. Depending on the outcome of this night, my respect for him could crumble.
Doret
"Let me see her, you oaf." I attempted to shove my way past a guard burly enough to be a sumo wrestler. Not that anyone living in Az-ca at the moment would know what a sumo wrestler was.
Except for Adahi—and he couldn't be counted among the living anyway.
"Let her through," the chief guard barked at the blockade masquerading as a sentry. Brushing past him, I walked the few remaining feet to Sherra's cell. It was located beside Hunter's—they'd kept them together, in case, well, in case.
Kyri, they're both unconscious, I reported, once I stood outside Sherra's cell.
Tell me Thorn is waiting until they wake to do anything drastic.
That's what Adahi says, too. He's with Thorn, now, but he says the King's assassin is in the King's study with them.
Fuck.
I'm worried Kaakos will take them, I said.
Like he took Jubal?
Yes. And we know what he did to Merrin.
I think Jubal is still in his right mind, although that isn't saying much. I'm sure Kaakos couldn't wait to get him out of his sight.
What does North say?
I haven't told him.
Kyri, this is Sherra we're talking about. And Hunter. If he knows anything useful.
I'll tell him when he's done healing this woman.
Kyri, you can send mindspeak. Tell him. Now.
Kyri
I hate to interrupt, but there's been a development in Az-ca, I sent. I almost used his real name, too, and that would be a mistake.
The planes can't have gotten there yet, he grunted, pulling the leg to settle the bone back in place, while Garkus knelt behind the woman to hold her still, both arms wrapped around her waist.
That's not the problem. Kaakos took Hunter over, and Sherra tried to stop it. They're both in the lockup now, and unconscious.
I watched as light glowed around his hands, bonding the pieces of bone together.
Unconscious, you say? He stood, patting the woman's shoulder and nodding to Garkus to let her go.
Yes.
That's not the worst news, I suppose. They could both be awake and raving, right now.
Doret wants to know if you have any ideas or suggestions. We can't lose Sherra.
Yes, you can. You've known that all along—that none of us are invulnerable. Adahi fell, and he was powerful. Kaakos made short work of him, I think.
He was protecting me.
As you say. "The leg will be fine in three days," he said aloud to the woman and her family, who now crowded about her. "Try not to walk on it until then."
You're telling me there's nothing we can do?
I'm saying that in order to intervene, someone would have to connect with one or the other of them, and help fight Kaakos' power with their own. Even long distance, his mind is powerful. I have no hope for your friends.
Fuck you, I snapped. Turning away, I broke into a run to get away from him and his vile, insufferable logic.
>
Armon
"We don't have any idea where those planes could be coming from?" Caral studied my face as if she were looking for clues. She, Misten, Levi and I were in the training camp commander's office in the King's City. In the barracks nearby, every elite warrior and escort waited for my command.
"There aren't enough troops in the entire army to cover the perimeter of Az-ca." Levi pointed out what I already knew.
"Then what's your suggestion?" I barked at him, before reeling in my temper.
Levi knew I was upset. He also knew why I was upset, because my fears were his, too. "I think," he began, "that Kaakos targeted Balsom for a reason. It's flat there. Might be a good place to land a plane if he had too."
I went still as I considered Levi's words. "Levi," I breathed after a moment, "You're a genius." I kissed him without thinking about it, then shouted mindspeak to Claude.
I'm sending warriors to Balsom, I informed the Quadrant Leader. Get those people out of there, and from any other villages close by. The enemy is on his way.
On it, came Claude's reply.
"Gather the elite troops," I snapped at Caral. "We're going on a special mission."
Kerok
"The bodies are jerking. I think they're having seizures," the physician reported. Adahi's eyes narrowed as he sat across from my desk, as if assessing my reaction to this news. One glimpse of Barth showed me a stone-faced Chief Diviner. He disagreed with my assessment—but wouldn't speak it aloud.
Kage stood near the door, waiting for me to give the word.
Perhaps I'd dallied long enough. Kaakos had my rose and my Crown Prince in his grasp. Neither would wish for the fate Kaakos intended. If this happened to me, I hoped someone would grant me the same mercy of a quick death.
"Let's go," I said, abruptly rising from my chair.
Adahi cast a dark look in my direction before disappearing in front of me.
"We'll walk out of the palace," I said, choosing to ignore Adahi's exit. "Then step from the courtyard to the lockup."
Chapter 17
Kerok
When we arrived at the lockup, I found Doret there already, staring at Sherra through the bars of her cage. Sherra writhed as if in pain upon her bunk, while Hunter, in the adjoining cell, only jerked now and then.
Black Rose Queen: Black Rose Sorceress, Book 3 Page 23