by Y W Lumaris
Jolting back to work, Fen summoned the shield, the sheen of purple light the only indication it was there. He held his hands up, concentrating on the magic. His stomach felt sick.
“Can you sense how many there are? They’re magic-based, last I heard,” Ladon asked.
Fen nodded. He closed his eyes, expanding his mental map to follow the traces of magic. He could see them, feel them. “Twelve in front of us. Four behind.”
“Not bad. Men, you hear that?” he shouted. “Twelve bastards this way – we can get them. Aim your weapons!” The men knelt, the sound of dozens of rifles clicking, ready to fire. Fen winced as the powerful beasts pounded against the barrier.
“Fen, at my word, drop the shields!”
Fen nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
These are far more powerful than the Accursed. Fen...do you think this is wise? Going after gods?
Fen shut her thoughts out as he concentrated harder, hands shaking.
Ladon didn’t seem to notice, eyes on the enemy piling up their offenses on the wall. His face fell.
“Fen, can you sense where they are? I can’t see them.”
Fen didn’t want to – he was already getting drained.
“I can try.”
No sooner had he begun, than they heard the thundering steps and growls of the ashinari attacking from either side. Snow the size of cannonballs blasted through their ranks – narrowly missing Ladon and Fen. Fen stared as he watched a man fall into a weapon, the sheer force causing it to stab clean through. The man’s eyes stared at him in shock before death took him. Fen paled.
“Fen, get your head out of the clouds and help!”
Snapping back, Fen glared at Ladon, slightly offended, but definitely worried. His heart thumped as he tried fervently to act and help them. He could enclose them with a shield – but that’d wear out fast. Offensive spells were good – except he’d never thought how to do so from within a group of people. What if he hit someone? Panic hit him.
What AM I doing?
Mouth dry with worry, he used the shield default and wrapped the group around with the defenses. “You have fifteen seconds!” he yelled, legs wobbly.
“More than enough! Captain Rox!” Ladon yelled over his shoulder. The captain ran to the back of the lines. “Everyone, let loose all ya got!”
The soldiers recovered enough to ready their rifles, eagerness in their eyes. These were soldiers, Fen realized. Trained for ten years, most of them. Six for some of them. But across the board, they were, more than he, prepared.
His resolve almost broke, but he shook his head.
You can do this, Fen. Just hang in there.
“Whenever you’re ready, Fen,” he heard Ladon shout.
Relief hit him, and he dropped the shields. His arms hung heavy, his knees threatening to buckle. He winced at the sound of dozens of firearms letting loose into the enemy, tearing them asunder.
He heard Hawk’s voice and the sound of an engine, the rover pulling up behind him. The headlights reflected off the armor and snow covering the men in front of him. Fen felt like this was a dream, oddly enough, staring in a daze as the beasts fell one by one.
The army didn’t kill all of them. Three got away. That was fine, Fen decided wearily.
Fen, you’re getting in that state again. You’re going to change if you don’t be careful.
Fen swallowed and stumbled back. As the army gathered its bearings and checked on each other, Ladon walked to Fen. “You all right?” Fen leaned against the front of the rover and nodded.
“Tired is all. Really, really tired.”
Ladon’s brows knitted, but the look disappeared as he turned to speak with Hawk.
“Get everyone together to march. Three hours to Haven’s wards. Then we rest to recover.”
“On it.”
Ladon exhaled and turned to Fen. “You could have died several times back there, Fen.”
Fen laughed and looked tiredly at him. “I didn’t, though.”
Annoyed, Ladon scoffed and slung his rifle back in its holster. Fen watched the man’s movements, jealous of how fluid they seemed to be. He wasn’t sure he could walk himself.
“Can you walk, Fen?”
He blinked and looked at the unshaven face. “Yes.” He stood, knees immediately protesting by throwing his weight off. He fell back and leaned on his elbows on the rover’s bonnet. “No, actually. I don’t think so.”
Ladon’s lips tightened as if to hold back a smile. “Sit in the rover. I’ll have Hawk drive it.”
“What of any of the other men who may be as compromised? Do I alone get special attention?”
“Right. You want to sit in the back of the truck?”
He stopped. “No...I...”
“Actually, you know...” He rubbed his beard, a wry smile on his lips. Fen frowned. “The leader of the army really ought to show some humility by sitting with his men. You want to show us you’re on our level, not above us.”
Fen regretted his words. He growled under his breath, but didn’t protest further. Ladon walked off, and a few minutes later returned – the truck slowly following. He could see several injured men in there too.
This is going to be awkward. Fen leaned on Ladon’s arm to help him cross the space between them and the van, and sat on the edge of it. He scooted in, minding to keep a crate between himself and other soldiers. At least it was a reprieve against the howling wind and snowfall. He looked around, noticing the stares. Giving them a slight nod to acknowledge them, most looked away to talk among themselves. He rested his head back against the cold interior wall and closed his eyes.
Sleep well, Fen.
Fen wanted a bed. But he sighed and pulled his legs up to lean against the crate. As the truck started up and moved, rattling its cargo, sleep claimed him quicker than he’d have liked.
Chapter Ten
Haven.
The white walls, blasted with ice and snow, stood strong and proud against the powerful wind. Ladon couldn’t believe they had made it. The cities had difficulty trading, and what they did trade was substantially expensive. Next to him, Fen barely managed. Despite sleeping for five hours – three in the truck, and another two during their brief break to recover, Fen looked like a ghost. His steps were haphazard, and he swooned every now and again. He’d grabbed a cloak – unusual given he’d sworn by his magic to keep him warm before. Hawk had asked if he’d return to the truck for more rest – to which the harpy sternly refused.
“I’m the face of this army,” he’d said. “I must be here when we reach the gates.”
Fen, the face of the army. Turning his head to briefly observe the faint man, he recalled the disorientation and fear in him during the last battle. He behaved worse than most his soldiers did as new recruits. Perhaps that’s why he’s given me authority. It wasn’t much, but Fen’s waning confidence was telltale. What would this mean to the thousands of men and women who had sworn allegiance to him, through the king? What of his monologues of hope, of ending this cursed war?
Helping the man would take time they didn’t have. A little guidance is better than none, though. Ladon’s eyes snapped back when they reached the gates and a voice bellowed through speakers. Lights flashed down upon the soldiers, until stopping at the apparent leaders.
“Court-Mage Fen, step forward!”
Fen pushed back his hood, the odd-colored hair spilling out and whipping around in the wind. He raised his hand, producing a small ball of light. The soldiers behind him marveled at it, Ladon included.
The gates groaned and gears whirred and hummed. They pulled open, allowing their entry.
“Aklon Army, please remain in the courtyard as needs and resources are assessed.”
Ladon pulled Hawk aside. “Give the order to everyone in the back to stay in the courtyard.”
Hawk nodded and darted for the truck, bringing down the bike to hop on and drive alongside the army. As Ladon heard Hawk calling over the other captains to spread the word, he
finally felt it – the moment his foot hit the snow just past the walls.
Safety.
For how long, he wasn’t sure. But that was something his profession grilled into him. Learn to enjoy even the briefest of reprieve, for it may be your last.
Once all nearly five thousand men and their vehicles were within the walls, the gates shut. There at the edge of the huge crowded courtyard, stood a man flanked by soldiers. Fen walked quickly toward them, motioning Ladon to follow.
“Court-Mage Fen?” the man asked. Ladon could tell he was a high ranking official, judging by his clothes and features. Clean, well groomed, with dark skin and bright eyes, white hair bound in braids and beads; his clothes were bold blue and striking silver along the trim and expanding out in patterns.
“King Thaleus.” Fen fell to a knee, bowing his head. Ladon blanched and dropped too. King!?Why would the king leave the safety of the castle? He never even seen the king of Aklon.
“Rise. We must move quickly. I have ordered my captains to go about and lead your men to our empty barracks. They will receive food, warmth, beds, and fresh clothes.” He waited for Ladon and Fen to stand before turning. “With me, now.”
“Should I bring one of my captains?” Ladon asked. The king halted and glanced over his shoulder.
“If you believe you must. General Ladon, I presume?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Ladon inclined his head. He turned and motioned at Hawk. Hawk broke from the lines and jogged after, catching up. “This is Captain Hawk. He’s served the longest of my captains. Most trusted and efficient in his rank.” The king gave a disinterested look before turning and continuing. Ladon and Hawk exchanged glances before following. Fen mumbled something incoherent under his breath.
“Who is this?” Hawk whispered as they marched.
“The king. Thaleus.”
Hawk’s eyes widened in quiet shock, hesitating and hastening to match pace again. “Either bravery or foolishness leaving the castle!”
“Sh, let’s not discuss this behind his back,” Ladon warned. He paused as they walked, noticing the soldier to their right move and beckon Fen to walk next to the king. Shoulder to shoulder. The two began talking – like old friends.
“...how would they know each other this well?” Hawk muttered, confused. His brow dipped in suspicion while Ladon remained unchanged.
“He may know him from before the Fall.”
Hawk blanched. “Wait.” He seemed to only add up the numbers. “He looks twenty, maybe. How in the blazes—” he clamped his mouth shut as the hazel-eyed harpy turned and looked shrewdly over his shoulder. He didn’t give them an opportunity to defend themselves before turning back to refocus his attention to the king.
“He’s a harpy, Hawk,” Ladon reminded him, voice edged. The man winced.
“Right, right. Magic does things.”
“Yeah. Try to keep quiet from here on,” Ladon warned. “We need to be on good terms with them.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Hawk rolled his eyes. He adjusted the hilt of his dagger to rest his hand on it lazily while they marched up a set of stairs and through a limestone archway. The whole city in this area was made of limestone. Snow covered the angled rooftops, icicles glistening against the dying sunlight. Most windows were frosted over if not hidden behind locked shutters.
Haven was huge, though only half the size of Aklon. It possessed a charm Aklon didn’t have though, with more harmonious architecture. People went about their days, wearing coats for the weather, heading to shops, education centers, restaurants, warehouses. Trains flew across rails winding several stories above them. The soft blue lamp lights added additional light to the already bright cityscape. Soon they reached a car painted white with ornate gold trim. It revved to life at the sight of them, and the driver stepped out to open the door for them.
Once inside the coach, the driver returned to his seat, shut the door, and the car started off smoothly. Ladon and Hawk sat awkwardly on the cushioned seat, cramped and shoulders pressed against each other. Across them sat the king and Fen, who, without armor, had more elbow space and appeared relaxed.
“The journey here undoubtedly was a perilous one,” King Thaleus said slowly, eyes scanning Ladon. He felt those strange azure eyes on his face. He knew that his newly grown beard hid only part of the green veins that seemed stained that odd color. His gray skin had to have been obvious. “You look ill, General Ladon.”
Fen glanced as Hawk began to explain.
“He got bit by an Accursed – should’ve died, but—”
“But miraculously recovered.” Fen interrupted. “I applied a salve to the wound and just hoped he’d fight off the infection. He did...but not without losing part of his cells to it. It could take years for his skin to recover.”
Hawk’s brows raised, and Ladon lowered his eyes to the floor, unsure if he should say anything.
“The first to survive,” King Thaleus mused. “A lucky man. I’d say the gods smiled upon you, but...”
Everyone grew quiet.
“How is the state of Haven’s wards?” Ladon asked. “The ashinari were larger than I’ve heard.”
“They grow bigger, in larger packs, and – the wards are compromised.”
Fen’s head snapped up. “What does that mean?”
Thaleus gave a bitter smile. “It means we don’t have enough mages to keep them stabilized. Our court-mages tire and have aged. We have only a handful of magicborn who can replace them – and they won’t be ready for a several more years. We have been training our army to fight skirmishes when a mage falls ill and must recover.”
Ladon’s chest tightened in worry. He couldn’t imagine Aklon falling to such a state – but it was entirely plausible. Magicborn were rare now. Especially now with all of humanity holed into three measly cities.
“This isn’t good. I hope it does not take us that long to...to fight them...win the war...” Fen looked down. Ladon realized he was choosing his words carefully in Hawk’s presence. Hawk didn’t know about their goal yet. He’d not made a public announcement of how they were going to win the war. Only that the answer was here. In Haven.
Surely that answer was the gold the army now yearned for.
The rest of the drive to the castle remained tense.
Chapter Eleven
Fen sat in the chair, the comfort seeming to beckon his body to sleep. No, he chastised himself, trying to keep his eyes focused on the king. Ophelia’s voice pierced his dozing thoughts.
Eyes open, love. You’ll be able to rest soon.
He griped inwardly, but bit his tongue on any words trying to escape.
The study they were in was the most beautiful he’d seen – and it felt like home. Nostalgia overcame him: the winter pine smell, the wallpaper the same pink and white, ending just before a break in the wall, filled by white granite. Columns supported the tall vaulted ceiling, rows of books in between. General Ladon and Captain Hawk sat to Fen’s left at an oval table, both looking out of place and nervous. The king sat opposite of Fen, a fire cackling behind him.
“You haven’t aged a day, Fen,” the man said with a grin. Thaleus had been in his twenties when he’d seen him last. Fen returned the smile sheepishly.
“Yes, well, I think it’s the magic helping me with that,” he laughed. “If I could give it to you, I would.”
“Thank you,” the king chuckled, eyes twinkling. “But magic is the only thing helping you. I need clarification now, Fen, before my court-mage arrives.” His tone fell into a serious note. “What you did thirty years ago devastated everyone. There’s still a lot of soreness here after that. We lost so many good people. I need to know whatever drove you before no longer is at the mantle of your motivation. That this is truly, then, for the better of all.”
“Thaleus...” Fen closed his eyes, head whirring from a lapse of surprise sleepiness. He dismissed it and looked back at the king. “I understand what I did. But if the gods were benevolent, their reaction would not have been to slaughter
us all. This is for the people, Thaleus. Not for whims. Not for personal gain. For the people.” The king nodded. As a prince, he’d understood Fen well. He smiled.
“I’d hoped this day would come.”
“As did I…” Fen paused, smiling. “I missed our talks.”
Thaleus laughed. “So have I. Those of the stars, of song, dance, and how best to woo your favorite lady.”
Fen’s cheeks flushed, and he looked down, aware of Ladon and Hawk’s eyes on him.
That wasn’t your fault, Fen.
It doesn’t take away the pain, Ophelia.
“So...where is Court-Mage Eli?”
“Eli is on her way. In fact—” He lifted his head as the door opened and a woman dressed in white with gold-trimmed mage robes entered. Her red hair was pulled up in a bun. She smiled at Fen and walked directly to him, offering a hand. Fen managed to push himself to his feet just in time to grasp her hand and shake it.
“Sorry for the lateness – I had to tell off a student for setting her classmate’s shoes on fire.” She shrugged. “It’s nice to meet you in the flesh, Fen.” She looked him up and down as they released the handshake and she took her seat next to the king. “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting you to look so...”
“Androgynous?” Fen expected. She smiled.
“Human.”
He coughed and felt his cheeks burn. Hawk laughed and Ladon elbowed him.
“Anyway, let’s go over the whereabouts of Cernuin, shall we?” Fen asked as Thaleus stood, leaving. He returned with a map. He could hear Ophelia’s giggling in his mental ear. Shut up, spider.
To his relief, she didn’t retort, and Fen helped spread the map along the table. Thaleus set the paperweights. Eli leaned over, tilting her head as she scanned the area. Meanwhile, Hawk sat awkwardly, eyes darting between them all, startled. Fen could sense what was on his mind without asking. Eli tapped the map.
“Cernuin has been spotted here,” she said, “— in the west marshes. It is dangerous to go there; only written messages have returned by bird.”