Revelations (Mists of the Fae Book 1)

by Jaime Marks

  Everything about the Shade from the way they treated their young, and especially their women, to their lack of honor and loyalty was a travesty to existence. He had always assumed, ever since he had been old enough to be taught to fight, that they would wipe out the Shade because evil could not win.

  In truth it seemed that fate had other plans. The realms and the Earth were all in a Dark chaos and the Shade dominated it all. How had they slipped under his nose, stealing the reigns of his own Kingdom from him without him even having an inkling?

  He knew the answer, of course. He had allowed it to come to this. His Father would never have allowed the Council to bind him to his throne in such a way when it was so obvious that the King was needed at the fronts. Mythos’ had been trained as a Guardian, had served as such until his Father’s death; as his Father had before him. The difference was that instead of resigning his commission with the Guardians, his Father had fought with them, side by side with the Praetor.

  Mythos had known the decree was a mistake from the start. He had known he never should have allowed it, but the Council had laid forth valid arguments and he was but a child compared to their experience and wisdom when it came to ruling this land. He may have woken over nearly seventy-eight cycles before his Father had passed, but he had not been near ready to claim the throne.

  When they began questioning the ground the Shade were gaining, Mythos had petitioned them to rescind the decree, but they had refused him and he had allowed it. He had been a fool. He was King. He was the sovereign ruling entity of the Fae and while the Council was meant to advise and guide the King, to help him with interpretations of the law, they held no true power. They only held the power he had given them as was granted in the ancient covenants of the race.

  It was true that a lot had changed in the last two days. There would be so much more coming in the days to come. Mythos knew he could not stop it and he was unsure he even should want to. There was one thing he was certain of however. He was going to initiate some change of his own. That damned Council had been a thorn in his side since the moment he had assumed rule. It would be allowed no more. He was taking control of his Kingdom back. He was going to be the King he should have been from the beginning. As for the Council? He was going to strip them of every shred of their power and form a new Council. It was his right, and he was going to use it to right any wrongs that had been wrought by their Tainted hands.

  Marcus surveyed the group. He didn’t know what he expected inside the Council chambers but he was about as ready as they could be.

  “There are still only the three entries into the chamber correct?” Marcus inquired.

  “Yes, their private entrance, the entrance facing the Palace, and the entrance facing the Kingdom. There are also the large stained glass windows to consider.” Grifyn nodded.

  Mythos stood silent. Marcus could feel the King’s determination and knew it best to leave him to his devices. He studied the ten Fae before him, five Light and five Grey. Six to cover the entries outside, three to cover them inside.

  “Iyrus, Aryn and Nycin, on my mark you will mist in with myself, Grifyn, the King and the Princess. I do not want them to know we have a strong force of Gray as of yet. It will make sense to them that Grifyn has been transformed because of the ties to his mate and he is close to the royal line, but having more in the first wave will tip them off.” Marcus explained and Grifyn concurred. “Who among the three of you is best at hand to hand?”

  Aryn rose his hand and Grifyn nodded. “You will station yourself facing the Council’s Private entrance. It would be in poor taste to have you mist in behind them with you weapon drawn, but anything gives you cause to believe there are Shade you throw tradition out the window and draw your weapon.” The Fae bowed.

  “Iyrus you will take the Kingdom entrance and Nycin the Palace entrance. Swords drawn boys, you are protecting the royal line and we are aware of the Taint. It doesn’t matter how they react, there has already been a history of sieges on the Palace to use as a precedent.” Marcus turned to Grifyn, “You will take the King, and I will be at the Princess’ side.”

  He studied the other seven of their group. “I do not want any issues here. By no means do I consider females the weaker sex as some have implied, Princess Reyana will attest to that if you wish, but the Shade notoriously target our females. I want each of the three of you to be of extreme care and I want your backs covered. As such I am pairing each of you with a male. He is not your guard or your superior. He will watch your back and you will watch his. The reasoning is simple. If there are no all-female groupings they won’t attempt to abduct both of you at once and the other can still defend you hopefully ensuring they do not succeed.” He waited until the ladies nodded and continued. “When I call for you, you will mist in ready to fight. I am hoping there will be no need, but if the Shade are here there will definitely be a battle.”

  “They’re here Marcus, I can sense them, and a lot of Taint as well.” Reyana spoke as she approached. He nodded to her.

  “It changes nothing. We have to abide by formalities because they are not all Tainted and there will be Guardians present as well. I will assume those untainted will join us when the Shade appear. The Tainted will obviously turn on us so be wary. They may act as friend and then try to stick a knife in our backs.

  “That is the purpose of a second wave. You will be able to see who is switching sides in battle and react upon your entry faster than those who are engaged and likely out numbered.” Marcus studied them. “Sheyna and Valeryn, you will come in directly behind the Council near to their entry. No one is to leave that room until Reyana has cleared them.” They nodded.

  “Alaria and Gavyn, you will mist halfway between the Palace entry and the King. Your priority is to King Mythos. Tryxia and Hyracen you will mist in halfway between the Kingdom entrance and the Princess. Princess Reyana is your priority. Damyrous I want you to assess and jump in where you see the need.” They all nodded.

  “Cymeryn will go directly for Reyana. She is a direct threat to the Shade and the power they possess. She and the King are the highest priority, if concessions need to be made for their safety do so. I expect the Guardians to be able to act on their feet. Do not fail and then claim it was outside the spectrum of your orders.”

  “Yes Praetor!” They answered as one standing at attention.

  “Your Majesty, if you are prepared?” Marcus inquired.

  Mythos remained staring at the building but drew his weapon and nodded.

  Marcus drew the sword of Light. The sword gifted to every Praetor upon their commission by their King. Each had its own form, but the metal was made to conduct the power of Light. He sent his essence through the weapon and watched as the golden and silver hues wrapped around the blade. It felt good to grasp the grip and twirl the blade. He had sworn he would never wield it again, but she had changed all that.

  He took his place by her side. “Ready.” He surveyed the group as they drew their weapons. Reyana held a golden staff in her hands that Mythos had sent one of the Fae to procure from the armory. It was jeweled at strategic points along its length so as not to interfere with its grip and at its top it donned a small curved blade that very much resembled his sword in shape. Her Light and Gray swirled over the staff though she held it almost as a scepter rather than a weapon. It was all about appearances. She appeared docile, but he knew she would was ready for anything. Her essence swirled not just around her hands but over her entire visage. They met one another’s eyes and he felt her love flowing over him as he sent his to her.

  “First wave.” Marcus gave the group one last look. “Luxenim!” Marcus shouted giving the command as they misted directly into the Council Chambers.

  Mythos stood facing the Fae of the Council who sat with gaping mouths at the sudden appearance of the King, the Princess and small contingent of five Guardians, four of them with swords and daggers in hand. He surveyed the seven males who were to be his most esteemed advisors. They had been m
ore like jailors and prosecutors in truth.

  There were four Guardians present in the chambers and he heard Marcus’ hushed tones as he and Reyana conferred over their loyalties. Mythos already knew however. Three had taken to their knees immediately upon his appearance, one had hesitated looking to the private entrance.

  The head of the council, Councilman Navion rose clearing his throat. None of them had had the grace to so much as bow their heads. “This is quite unexpected Mythos, we did not receive word of your request to be heard this day.”

  Mythos noticed their lack formality and it only served to increase his ire. He also noticed the three Councilmen who appeared most uncomfortable in this situation which told him all he need know. “I have no need to send a request, Navion, it is well within my right as King to approach the Council on any given day as set forth by Lucerna in the covenant. Or have you forgotten your place?”

  Merious, Dexious and Jaecyn glanced nervously to each other. Their hands folded and at least had the sense to appear ashamed. The other four however held smug looks in their faces and held their heads high but at least had the decency not to speak.

  “Before we attend to the business, I present the Princess Reyana a Mythion, mine own blooded sister, heir to the throne.”

  Merious, Dexious and Jaecyn immediately bowed, the shock and fear evident on their faces. It was Merious who spoke, “Your majesties, you have our greatest blessings, please forgive our….insensitive reactions to your sudden appearance.”

  Navion, Thyrion, Freyion, and Xyphion appeared unfazed by the announcement. Navion had the nerve and audacity to smirk, but he remained silent.

  “I also present, the Praetor Marcus a Cymarcion, bonded mate of the Princess Reyana a Mythion. He will replace Kato in his absence.” Mythos emphasized Kato’s name and saw Freyion’s eyes narrow.

  “There is no need to appoint a Praetor, Mythos, one has been appointed in your absence. Might I present Praetor Falcyn?”

  The Guardian who hesitated to bow rose stepped beside Navion as he spoke. The other three Guardians exchanged looks amongst themselves, Grifyn and Marcus. He suspected Marcus was communicating with those who were untainted.

  “You do not have the power to appoint a Praetor, Navion. Only the King may make such an appointment and the Guardians on the fronts and in the field have been in constant contact with Grifyn as needed until the void could be filled as they were trained to do and as is his station.” Grifyn nodded in reverence to his King as was proper.

  “Did you think, Mythos that disobeying the decree and deserting your throne would have no repercussions?” Navion sneered. “The Council now has the power of the throne as none were available to rule of the ancient lines.”

  Mythos scoffed at his arrogance. “The Fae will not support the Council’s rule, especially now with the Princess Reyana returned to us, Navion. I never deserted the throne, I went forth to secure the future of the race as is my obligation by both duty and birth. Further you have no power to usurp the rule of this Kingdom. Now I will give the four of you but one opportunity, one, to tell me where you have moved Kato to, or I will show you true repercussion under the power so ordained by the covenants set forth by Lucerna. Reyana?”

  “You are correct, my lord.” Reyana nodded with a smile.

  Now the four began to shift uncomfortably. Freyion kept looking to the private entrance. Mythos tired of this game. “Marcus proceed.”

  He nodded and addressed the room. “I am the true Praetor of the Guardians of Light. Falcyn bears the Taint of the Shade as do those who appointed him. I command Falcyn, Navion, Freyion, Thyrion, and Xyphion be taken into custody immediately by decree of my post and your King.”

  The three Guardians stood immediately. Two bathed the Tainted in Light while the third placed their hands in bindings.

  “You are a fool, Mythos, a fool.” Navion spat.

  Mythos felt it before he need move. A Shade was misting in behind him. He spun meeting Trevyn’s Blade with his own. The battle erupted around them.

  Marcus met Crytos’ blade as the battle began. He saw Trevyn fighting with Mythos and Grifyn. He could feel Demytria and Cymeryn but couldn’t pin point them.

  As he and Crytos exchanged blows he saw the Guardians step into action, The Tainted had begun fighting back. Things were still well under control, but he knew Cymeryn had plans to grab Reyana. There was no doubt in his mind. He had the second wave on standby, but so much could go wrong in only mere seconds.

  Crytos tried to overpower Marcus, using his strength to set him off balance but he easily shifted to the side and regained his footing, slicing his blade through the air narrowly missing Crytos’ arm. The Shade lunged forward but Marcus jumped back narrowly avoiding the blade as it thrust towards his abdomen. Marcus dropped and kicked out the Shade’s legs, but the Shade dropped into a roll quickly righting himself to his feet. They circled each other looking for weaknesses and exchanging blows.

  He felt rather than saw Demytria take form, but he could not react. As he parried he saw Reyana, facing off with the Shade. His heart sank but he needed to trust her. She had been trained to defend herself, such was the way of war, but she had not had to use it in more than hundred years. Then again, she was part deity and he needed to remember she had abilities at her disposal they had yet to even discover.

  Where was Cymeryn?

  Reyana turned to face the Shade in shock. She had known from Grifyn’s mind that Demytria had turned, but seeing it first hand was an entirely different story. The Shade before her looked nothing like the friend she had once known.

  “I should have known you were Cymeryn’s new craving.” She spat as she gracefully swung a short sword that Reyana easily deflected with her staff.

  She could feel Kato’s Light in the Demytria. It was faint but it was there. If she could strike her, flow her essence into her, she might be able to instigate a Taint of sorts herself. The Shade already had a small amount of doubt. Reyana could pick up vague impressions of her thoughts, but they were conflicting imagery. Kato had definitely somehow reached something in her heart.

  She blocked another hit and then lunged forward narrowly missing the Shade. Damn she wished she had changed this dress. “Demytria, I wish our reunion was on better terms.”

  Reyana spun and thrust to tip of her staff into Demytria’s side. She barely broke the skin in all honesty, but it was enough to send a jolt of her Gray essence into her.

  Demytria smirked as she licked her lips. She was barely fazed by the blow. “It will be, Reyana. I promise the fun has just begun.”

  She jumped back to avoid Demytria’s blade, but cried out in surprise as she felt a cold hand slide around her waist. She felt his energy seeping into her core. “Such delicious power Reyn. I cannot wait to revel in your flesh. You have no idea how long I have waited for you.”

  She tried to break free but the blade that came to her throat froze her in place. “Cymeryn,” She breathed in fear. There was a part of her that reached out to his Darkness, a part of her that delighted in the caress of his essence as it slid over her skin even now and it terrified her.

  He kissed her neck, “I can feel you Reyn. There is a part of you that wants this as much as I do.” He hissed into her ear. “A part of you that still remembers.”

  “I will never submit to you Cymeryn, never.”

  She could hear the amusement in his voice. “I doubt that very much, my love.” He taunted her. “But we both know if I cannot break you Lord Lazurys will.”

  She felt him begin to drag her backwards as the second wave of Guardians took form. Cymeryn’s annoyance laced through him. “You have been quite busy I see Reyn. We have not the time for such games. I will make you a deal, you tell my twin to call them off and I will not slaughter every unawakened Fae that I have locked in my cells, hmmm?”

  “You’re bluffing Cymeryn.”

  “No, Reyn, I am very serious. I have currently over four hundred unawakened Fae in my cells and I will slaughter e
very single one of them if you do not give yourself to me and come with me now.” His tongue play at her throat as he taunted her.

  Now fear laced through her. She had full faith Marcus could save her, but how would they save those kids? She bet half of them didn’t even know what they were.

  “Cymeryn!” Marcus spat, finally free of the battle with Crytos who now faced off against Valeryn and Sheyna. “Release my mate or I promise I will destroy you.”

  “M- Marcus,” She stuttered in hesitation. She couldn’t believe what she was going to do, but the children, she couldn’t bear the idea of it. “He has the unawakened. He’ll slaughter them all.” She met his eyes pained by the realization she saw in them.

  “No Reyana, no.” He whispered, “I can’t lose you again. I won’t. We will find them.”

  She shook her head. “There’s no time. He’ll kill them, Marcus. Four hundred children.”

  They held the attention of the room, all battles cautiously slowing to take in the scene that was unfolding. Marcus raised his hand. The room froze. The Shade drew nearer to Cymeryn as the Fae fell back at the command.

  “You could come with her brother. You have but to surrender yourself to me.” Cymeryn’s voice lilted.

  She felt the shift in Marcus. He was considering it. “Marcus, no. You have to take care of Star.” Find me she sent into his mind. Find Kato, Trina, the young and you will find me. She felt his resolve harden.

  “Nicely played, Princess, but we both know he will be joining us soon enough.” Cymeryn sneered. “She will be alive, Marcus, waiting for you. I swear it. But she will belong to me.”

  “You will pay for every scratch, every mark that mars her skin.” He promised with venom in his voice.

  “Then I shall look forward to the high levels of pain you will take me to, my blooded twin because I can assure you they will be many.”