Ethon (The Other Worlds Series Book 2)

by M. L. Greye

  Velvitors leaped at the High Royals, morphing into their animals mid-air – their clothes ripped to shreds. The Eves sprinted forward to join their sovereigns. Legann called for the release of his archers, and then set loose his own nocked arrow.

  : : : : :

  As Voiel tossed his Sinith into the air and spoke the name of the Eveon world, Tiara eyed her companions with a mixture of excitement and fear. She and Archrin – atop separate horses – made up the middle of four lead riders. To the right of Tiara was Voiel and to the left of Archrin was Sazx. All were equipped for war.

  The three men had donned chainmail, while Tiara wore armor of thick leather over her deep purple gown. Her long hair was pulled back into a single braid down her back and a tiara of gold had been twined into the hair on top of her head. In Kendren fashion, a short sword was strapped to her back. If appearance alone were the standards queens were judged by, then Tiara felt very much the part.

  Behind the four at the front were many more riders who had once worn the green Tiara hated. It was so odd to think that she now led the very same men, except now dressed in the colors of Tlaid, and more anciently, the Saerds. While the horses pranced nervously in place, their breath coming out in clouds on the cold air, Tiara couldn’t help but think over the circumstances that had brought her to this point.

  The weaponry and formal battle attire were really all for show. Protocol demanded that they offer their service to the Eves in such a manner. Tiara and her general assumed the actual attack wouldn’t take place for a few days. The pageantry was meant to display their strength to the Eves. It was silly to Tiara. Of course Olinia would accept their help. Yet, it was tradition, and Tiara had learned one didn’t mess with traditions in Tlaid.

  “Ready?” Archrin asked softly in Saerdian.

  Protocol also required the sovereigns to be the first to venture into the world. Even though Archrin wouldn’t officially be crowned king until they were publicly wed, he was still treated as royalty. Tiara forced a smile. “I’d hate to back out now.”

  With a soft kick to her mare’s belly, Tiara began forward. Archrin kept pace alongside her as together they left the courtyard of Desnbi Castle for the rich, tall grass of Evedon. It was warmer in Evedon than in Tlaid. Tiara was glad for that. They moved further into the world, making room for the men who would follow. Then, pulling their mounts to a halt, Tiara glanced upward at the Crystal Castle.

  It looked just as it had in her Globing, except for the little detail that she was on the backside of it. She’d witnessed the attack from the front.

  “I think we’re late,” Archrin remarked in Arthelian as Voiel and Sazx rejoined them.

  “What do you mean?” Tiara turned, surprised.

  “Listen,” he replied, frowning.

  Tiara strained her ears, but all she could hear were the Tlaidians as they came through the portal. Sazx and Voiel must have caught something, though. They exchanged glances before the general motioned for two of his scouts.

  “Take a quick ride,” he ordered.

  The scouts saluted and uttered a unanimous, “Yes, sir.”

  As they galloped off, Tiara watched Archrin warily. He had his soldier face on. “What is it?”

  “Queen Tiara,” Sazx bowed slightly in his saddle, suddenly very formal, “I think it would be best if you rode with Lord Archrin.”

  “Agreed.” Archrin nodded.

  “Are we in danger?” Tiara blinked.

  “Aye.” Archrin grimaced. “We misjudged the timing. The Velvitors are here.”

  Fantastic. Tiara groaned and dismounted. Archrin extended his hand, which she took and allowed him to help her swing up behind him. “Today was supposed to be easy,” she grumbled.

  He chuckled. “With you, there’s no such thing.”

  Up ahead, the scouts were returning. They reined in their horses in front of Voiel and saluted. The one on the left spoke first. “General, the Eves are under attack.”

  Voiel turned to Tiara, his brow drawn together. “What would my queen have me do?”

  Tiara ran her tongue along the back of her teeth. “We fight, general. Victory must become our future.”

  “As my queen commands.” Voiel bowed and faced his troops. “My men,” he bellowed, “draw your swords! The Eves will owe us a debt this day!”

  The clatter of the men fell harsh on Tiara’s ears. Her fear from before was now vastly overshadowing her excitement. This would be the first battle she’d ever entered willingly that did not include the Kendren brothers.

  Archrin turned to Voiel. “We should advance the way we did in Ommerin.”

  “My thoughts precisely.” Voiel nodded once.

  “Which way is that?” Tiara frowned.

  “We separate into two companies and go around the castle at the same time,” Archrin answered.

  “If it pleases the queen,” Voiel added, “I suggest I lead one group and she the other.”

  “That’s fine,” she said.

  Voiel left them a moment to retrieve his Sinith, and Sazx moved his horse closer to Archrin’s. “I’ll ride with your general,” he told them. “There’s someone I need to find.”

  “Olinia?” Tiara asked.

  “No, King Talik.”

  “Cut off his head,” she retorted.

  “I’ll do my best.” He smiled slightly before beginning again, this time in Saerdian, “Bury your soul. Let your dreams lay be.”

  “For tomorrow we die. And we shall be free,” Tiara finished the verse, thoroughly surprised. “Where did you hear that?”

  “I once traveled through your world while looking for Olinia,” he replied. “While there, in one of the taverns, a drunk elderly woman quoted it to me as advice.”

  Tiara laughed. “Of course someone would say it while drinking.”

  Voiel returned. “Shall we?”

  Sazx bobbed his head to Tiara. “Farewell, queen of the Saerds.”

  “Farewell, former captain of the Nagreth.” Tiara smiled. “Thank you, and good luck with Talik.”

  While Voiel began barking out orders, Sazx separated from Archrin and Tiara, joining ranks with the men the general would be leading. Archrin guided the horse into position – at the front of the group that would advance around the left side of the castle.

  “What did that poem mean?” Archrin asked Tiara over his shoulder.

  “Oh, it’s mostly nonsense,” she replied, “but I guess you could say that in Drivian we think of it as a call to greatness. It means to throw away all your worries as if today were your last day alive, and to do something worthy of the Legends.”

  Archrin frowned. “Is getting into the Legends a life goal of yours?”

  She shook her head. “I just don’t want the Velvitors to win.”

  : : : : :

  It had been a couple weeks since Will had last ridden a horse with Olinia on it behind him. It’d been even longer for her, yet she acted as if it were only yesterday. It was nice to see she hadn’t forgotten how to ride. Porter and Hillary, though, didn’t appear to be having as easy of a time. At least they were managing to keep up.

  After Aeorin disappeared into Zeedyr, Will and Olinia were left to clean up her mess. The three Seekers Hillary freed were thoroughly confused, but there hadn’t been time to explain. Olinia had come up with the idea to free all the DS slaves Talik would have with him in Evedon in one shot. This required bringing Hillary along, which apparently also meant Porter. He’d told them that his cousin wasn’t going anywhere without him. So Olinia, not really in the mood to argue, opened a portal to Evedon and brought three Ethons with her.

  Will had expected to step through into the Crystal Castle or Willowvale but instead he found himself in Grennich at the front door to Sadree and Denon Ald’s home. Olinia had thought it best to stop there for some Other World apparel, weapons, and horses. Grennich was close enough to the Crystal Castle and was a little bit more low key for first time Ethon visitors than the Evedon capital. Also, Sadree and Denon wouldn’
t really be shocked to meet others from Will’s realm.

  Even though Olinia’s former guardians were surprised to see her and the Ethons, they were pleased and willing to help. The travelers were given a change of clothes, food, and two fresh mounts. Will and Porter were offered Eveon blades and Olinia and Hillary long daggers – practically short swords. Once their horses were ready, they headed off for the Crystal Castle. Will felt a little bad for doing basically a snatch and dash on the Eves, but they really were pressed for time.

  Will still thought they should have used the shimmer stone to go directly to the Crystal Castle, but Olinia had insisted they ride. It wasn’t a long journey across Water’s Pathway, perhaps only an hour sprint on a horse. Yet, it was an hour. A lot could happen in an hour if the Velvitors had begun their attack.

  “Slow down!” Olinia called into his ear.

  “Now? Why?” Will tossed over his shoulder as he obeyed. They’d only left Grennich about thirty minutes ago.

  Porter noticed Will’s decrease in speed and carefully pulled back on his own horse. Even though this was Hillary’s first time riding, Porter had been out a few times before with his parents. His little experience was proving useful now.

  “What’s wrong?” Hillary asked, shouting over the ocean roar and wind.

  “I talked to Zedge,” Olinia replied. “The Velvitors are at the castle, and so is Legann.”

  Will frowned. “Where’s Dagon?”

  “Legann sent word to Yrond that Dagon’s on his way,” she answered.

  “So, what does that mean?” Porter glanced between Olinia and Will.

  “It means we do this from here,” Olinia said.

  “Here?” Hillary blinked. “In the middle of the ocean?”

  Will smiled. She had a point. Water’s Pathway had never seemed all that safe to him. It was just big enough for two carriages to pass by on, and was paved with gravel. On either side, waves crashed on the sand that was a foot or two below the road. Both cool and warm winds tore at Will, causing him to constantly brace against the possibility of toppling over.

  “It’s actually two oceans, but it’s an easy mistake.” Olinia slid off the horse and motioned for Hillary to do the same. “I can’t do this without you.”

  Hillary pulled a face as she joined Olinia. “I don’t really know how to remove more than one Bead at a time.”

  “Why can’t we just use that necklace?” Porter asked. “It’d be easier than doing this.”

  “Talik has his own amulet,” Olinia told him. “Anything we might say would be countered by him.”

  “Then just take his amulet, too.” Porter retorted. “Like what you did with Aeorin’s.”

  “I already tried.” She winced. “I can’t do it. I think he has some sort of bubble around him.”

  Hillary exchanged a quick look with her cousin. “Emily Harpe?”

  “She’s the only one I know of that can make a forcefield.” He nodded. “You’re right. You need to take out their Beads.”

  “Let’s get it over with.” Hillary tried to keep her hair out of her face with one hand, but was losing terribly to the wind.

  Olinia smiled out the side of her mouth. “Start your magnet.”

  22

  ------------------

  Tiara’s heart was pounding inside her chest. Her grasp on her sword was so tight it was turning her knuckles white. She knew she was shaking and was grateful for her bouncing in the saddle so that Archrin wouldn’t notice.

  Less than a year ago, Tiara had been a simple Drivian with humble expectations for her life. The most excitement she ever had was from her long rides through Ildatch Forest. Those days were gone forever. The moment the Kendrens stepped foot into Drivian, her life made a drastic change. She’d wondered countless times during the past few months about what would have become of her if it hadn’t been Archrin sent to her home. It didn’t really matter what the scenario, if the outcome didn’t include Archrin in it, then Tiara doubted she’d ever be truly happy. Even though she’d been in mortal peril on more than one instance since that first day, Tiara wouldn’t change a thing so long as her life included her Tlaidian Craele.

  Now, as she and Archrin rode into battle, she was faced with the very real possibility that she or he could die. Oddly enough, it wasn’t her own death that frightened her – it was the thought of Archrin dying. Tiara hated the idea of living without him. She might have been his mate, but he was her family. If he were to die, she would be basically alone. Yet, if the time they’d spent together was all she was meant to have with him, it would have to be enough. Archrin wouldn’t want the fire inside of her to die with him.

  Tiara fought back tears as she felt her braided hair hit her back with each stride of the horse. If Archrin should die before the day’s end, Tiara would give her enemies a brawl they’d never forget. Even if it killed her, Tiara would make it into those Legends as the first Saerd Queen to terrify the Velvitors.

  Slowly, Tiara raised the hand holding her sword high above her head and glanced back at the faces of the men she led. Each one held the determination of a skilled warrior. These were men she’d once despised, unaware of their own hatred toward the Kendren brothers. Now, Tiara was proud to be their queen.

  “To victory!” She screamed.

  Somehow the men heard her. A thunderous war cry was her reply, followed by a repeat of her own words. “To victory!”

  They were almost to the front of the castle. Just before they rounded the last corner, Tiara felt an intense pain in the back of her head. She nearly fell off the horse. If Archrin hadn’t been gripping onto her arm around his middle, she probably would have. Blinding hot flames spread into her brain and then through her veins. Something was terribly wrong. It was as if her mind were trying to shut itself off. Tiara cried out as another wave seeped through her.

  Archrin noticed. “Tiara, what’s wrong?”

  She couldn’t answer him. It took all her effort just to fight back the numbing darkness that was attempting to force itself into her mind. Her hand pressed up against her forehead as if to push out the pain. Tiara realized she’d dropped her sword. Not that it really mattered at the moment. A sword couldn’t help get rid of the absolute torture.

  Sweat beaded on her forehead. She was vaguely aware of Archrin engaging with a wolf. She clung to him, afraid that if she let go her body would give into the nothingness. It hurt. She hurt. Her lungs struggled for air – squeezing and contracting inside of her. She was dying. Perhaps she wouldn’t have to live without Archrin after all.

  “Tiara!” Archrin’s yell penetrated into her skull. He sounded desperate. Could he feel her weakening lifeforce? It’d be so easy to give in to the numbness. As easy as falling asleep.

  No! Tiara’s mind shouted in rebellion. She couldn’t die now. The Legends wouldn’t take note of a queen who died silently without any wounds. Tiara clenched her jaw and forced her head up, but almost immediately wished she hadn’t.

  She was in the middle of a warzone. The carcasses of both human and animal were strewn around her. Tiara desperately wanted to clamp her eyes shut but couldn’t. It was easier to fight the internal pain with her eyes open.

  “Stay with me,” Archrin pleaded to her as he faced a new opponent. This one was human. Gray-skinned – a Nagreth. He was on foot. Archrin had the advantage from on horse even though he had the disadvantage of Tiara restraining his mobility. The Craele reflexes seemed to help, too. Archrin sliced through the Nagreth, but not before Tiara saw the blank look in his steel eyes.

  The numbness. Tiara gasped. The Nagreth looked like what Tiara felt like she would have if she had succumbed to her pain – if she let it shut off her brain. There was only one thing she held in common with the Nagreth, and that was that they both had Talik’s Bead inside of them.

  Tiara would have cursed if she could have spoken. She gritted her teeth. All this pain was from Talik! This realization gave her vigor anew to push it back. She was not going to become some Velvitor slave jus
t because there was a mix-up between her and Olinia.

  “I’m going to take you out of here,” Archrin told her, while batting away a bird the size of a horse. “You won’t last like this.”

  He couldn’t retreat now. What would her men think? She’d be nothing more than the coward who brought them into peril only to flee from it moments later. She might as well kiss her throne goodbye.

  Archrin clasped the reins in one hand and his sword in another before barreling his horse forward. Tiara tried to yell at him to stop but all that came out was a grunt. It was no use. She could barely breathe, let alone stop him. Her idea to help the Eves was falling into shambles.

  Suddenly, the fire that coursed through her slowly retreated into the back of her neck – condensing into one location. Although the movement caused her some relief, it wasn’t quite enough to make Tiara all better. Something was going on with her Bead. She could feel an unseen force trying to yank it out of her. The Bead wasn’t willing to let her go, though. Tiara cried out as the Bead dug its grip deeper into her tissue. What was going on? Was someone really going after her Bead, or was it some sort of crazy malfunction? Tiara was confused and in agony. She cringed against Archrin.

  The stubborn Bead apparently wasn’t as strong as the force that wished to remove it. After one more quick jerk, the Bead shot out the back of her neck. Tiara went flying backwards, knocked from the horse at the Bead’s sudden release. She hit the ground on her back, and her breath rushed out of her.

  Tiara sat up, wheezing for air and relieved to be free of the Bead. She wondered if Archrin had detected her fall, but couldn’t see to search if he had. Her eyes were blurry again – just like when the Bead had been implanted.

  “Well, well, who have we here?”

  “Aeorin?” Tiara croaked, blinking upward. She’d recognized the voice.

  “You keep managing to find me,” Aeorin sneered.

  Tiara wanted to point out that it was Aeorin who had spotted her, but it required too much effort just to breathe at the moment. So, again, all that came out of her was a grunt. Aeorin must have taken the noise as a sign Tiara was injured because she laughed. “I was told as a child to never kick an ailing dog, but it gives me so much pleasure.”