For the course of the entire war the lords assembled around him had fought to give Symphony her throne, and she had rewarded them with disappointment after disappointment at every turn. With every given opportunity to lead Symphony had failed, and now she was not only failing she was proving herself a coward as well as far as Neph saw it.
Faramir whispered into the Empress’s ear once more and Symphony nodded before turning her attention back to Jala. “I give you the honor of protecting my city Lady Merrodin. I know I will not be disappointed by your efforts on my behalf.” Symphony called before turning on her heels to retreat further into the palace.
“The Empress is much too valuable to risk in such an endeavor Lady Merrodin, it was wrong of you to suggest she might place herself in harm’s way.” Faramir scolded and glared at Jala before turning to hurry after Symphony.
“Far be it for us to suggest our leader should lead.” Neph said dryly as he glanced at Jala before turning back to gaze up that the sky once more. “Well do we fight?” he asked softly.
“We have no choice but to fight.” Jala returned firmly. “If we do not fight we are damned. We must face them together or die alone in our own lands when they come for us.”
“So we fight.” Madren said with a nod as he moved forward to stand beside Jala. The witches that had accompanied him as his entourage spread themselves into a semi-circle behind their lord and Madren smiled confidently. “So we win.” He amended and gave Jala a firm nod.
“We win.” Jala repeated and her eyes narrowed as she struggled to gauge the distance of the approaching forces.
“But first we send the ones too young to fight to safety.” Valor pointed out with a smile as he hefted Legacy gently in his arms. The child had been so quiet and well behaved during the council that Neph had almost forgotten he was present until Valor brought attention to him. “I believe Avanti has a son here as well that is too young to fight.”
“You’re mad if you think I will entrust my heir to you.” Truce snapped defiantly.
“Would you entrust him to his Grandfather?” Jala asked as she waved a hand to the crowd near the palace doors and motioned Sovaesh forward. The Assassin moved swiftly to her and bowed before turning to regard Truce.
The High Lord’s face fell in defeat as he nodded to Sovaesh and gave his wife an apologetic look. “I will.” He relented as he gently pushed not only his son, but his wife forward as well. “Please Sovaesh if you would see them to safety I would be grateful.”
“I would rather stand with you!” Nallia Avanti protested and tried in vain to cling to her husband’s arm.
“And I would rather you were safe.” Truce countered as he carefully handed his loved ones over to Sovaesh.
“Take Legacy as well Sovaesh and keep them all safe no matter what the outcome of today is.” Jala commanded softly. Turning back to the sky she gripped the holy symbol around her neck and Neph heard her begin muttering to beginnings of a prayer.
A snort of amusement rose from the crowd behind him and Neph turned to regard one of the priests who had been utterly silent till now chuckling softly as he moved away from his fellows to stand at the edge of the stairs for a better view. Shaking his head Neph tried his best to ignore the man as he began his own silent prayers. With the odds they were about to face they would need all of the Divine intervention they could get.
* * *
Shaking with outrage Zoelyn rose from her chair to stare at the scry and then glared at her mother. “This is what must happen?” she demanded fiercely and pointed a finger at the assembled lords. “My brother must stand like a lamb for the slaughter against the combined forces of Rivana and Nerathane?” she added in an incredulous voice.
“Morcath too, they haven’t noticed the forces approaching from behind them yet.” Cora replied in an apologetic voice.
“And you expect me to stand here and watch as my Brother and friends bleed for an Empress that is so cowardly she flees in the face of her enemies?” Zoelyn snarled as she pushed back from the table and shook her head at Cora in disbelief.
“It is not something I wish to witness either Zoey, but it must happen.” Cora said sadly and carefully moved Syrah from her lap to a chair as she rose to her feet. “You and I are both powerless in the matter. What else can we do but watch?”
“Is my Daddy there?” Syrah asked softly and Zoelyn could see the terror written in the child’s eyes.
“I am not powerless.” Zoelyn growled to Cora and then turned to Syrah and tried to think of anything she could say to the child that might reassure her, but she couldn’t think of a single word that seemed appropriate. The sad truth was her father likely was somewhere in the city and the odds of Grim escaping the assault on the city were slim. “I promise you Syrah, if I see him I will do everything I can to send him back to you.” She said at last then shook her head sadly at her mother. “How could you ever expect me to just watch this.” She asked sadly as she paced as far from the table and scry as she could.
“What other choice do you have Zoey? Be reasonable.” Cora said in pleading tones.
“Anything is better than nothing.” Zoelyn shot back and closed her eyes as she slowly pulled her gloves from her hands. She knew what she had to do and just the thought of it made her heart thunder painfully in her chest. Swallowing heavily she held her hands out before her and willed her curse to drain away the wards protecting her brother’s room. “Seth.” The name burst from her lips in such desperation that it rang like a war cry through the halls beyond.
The air before her darkened before her mouth had fully closed and the shadows coalesced into Seth’s lithe form in under a breath. His gold eyes were lit with interest as he studied her face and he raised an eyebrow at her in question. “You called?” he enquired sweetly. “Rather desperately too I might add, yet I don’t see a threat here.” He added as his gaze skimmed over Syrah and Cora then came to rest on her once more.
“Zoelyn what are you doing?” Cora demanded as she hesitantly took a step toward her daughter.
“Something rather than nothing.” Zoelyn replied quietly as she met Seth’s gaze fully and let out a long slow breath to steady herself. With effort she reined her curse back in before it could destroy all of the wards of protection on the house. She had only wanted to disable the ones preventing Seth from coming to her, and apparently she had succeeded. “You wanted a test from me.” She reminded him.
“I did.” Seth agreed and the interest in his face deepened. “I take it you have thought of an adequate way for me to prove myself then?”
“I want you to help me save my friends.” Zoelyn replied without hesitation and motioned toward the scry.
Seth glanced toward the scry then back at her before he walked slowly toward the table and stared down at the scene unfolding in Sanctuary. Absently he tapped his fingers across the polished table top as he studied the images for a long moment. “Jala, Neph, Valor, and Madren are the ones you are referring to?” he asked softly.
“Since I don’t know where Grim or Shade are presently yes. Those are the friends I am referring to.” Zoelyn agreed as she watched him closely for any sign of his feelings. It was of course possible that he would laugh at her and refuse her request, most rational people would, but she didn’t think Seth would.
“They won’t abandon the city to their enemies.” Seth observed thoughtfully and glanced back at her. “So you are essentially asking me to save the city as well.” He pointed out in a matter of fact voice.
Cringing slightly Zoelyn nodded sheepishly and felt her certainty fading quickly. “I suppose I am.” She admitted quietly.
“The city of Sanctuary is an extravagant bridal gift.” Seth mused then turned to face her fully forcing her to meet his eyes. “You do realize that this is what it will be correct? If I do this, if I save your friends and that city you are mine. Our little story will have reached its ending and you will truly be the Crow King’s wife. Is what you ask worth what you will pay?”
Swallowing heavily Zoelyn nodded firmly and took a step toward him still holding his gaze. “Help me save my brother and my friends and I will consider myself blessed by both sides of our bargain.” She said fervently.
“Zoelyn you can’t!” Cora objected loudly and started toward her as if she meant to pull her away from Seth before she could approach the demon any closer.
“She can and she has.” Seth announced with a wicked smile. He was at her side before Cora could take two steps and within a breath the halls of Delvay were fading from her vision as Seth’s magic enveloped them both. “Mine.” His breath was warm against her throat but it was the tone of his voice that brought the goosebumps to her arms. She had never heard anyone speak with such devotion and satisfaction in the same breath.
Chapter 21
Sanctuary
The streets of the city were in complete chaos as they emerged from the prison forcing Shade to struggle just to keep up with Grim as the Priest roughly cleared a path through the crowds. He could hear Lex laboring to keep up behind him and the Fionaveir’s rasping breath was a testament to how long he had been held captive. Shade had known Lex for years and he had never seen the man break a sweat aside for the rare times the Fionaveir had crossed blades with Finn Sovaesh at the Spring Games.
“Where to?” Grim demanded as he broke through the last of the escaping prisoners to the less chaotic side streets that led to the Market district.
Thinking quickly Shade scanned the chaos behind them then pointed toward the Academy. It would require them to cross a good portion of the inner city, but as far as Shade could tell it was their best option. “There. The school isn’t in session due to the war and the courtyards behind the main building will be big enough for my Spell hawk.” Shade said quickly and Grim was moving again before he had even finished speaking.
Charm’s weight was leaden in his arms and Shade had to fight to keep the pace Grim was setting. The Priest moved as though he had no burdens despite the fact that he held Ingrid braced with one arm while Ryvenken was bare and ready in his other hand. Shade could see him scanning every street as he moved, but he didn’t hesitate as he made a bee line toward the towering stone walls of the Academy.
“Shade.” Lex called from behind and Shade turned back expecting to see Lex faltering, but instead he found the man pointing toward the palace with a shocked look on his face. Frowning Shade followed the Fionaveir’s gaze and nearly tripped over his own feet as he caught sight of the High Lords assembled on the palace stairs. Panic rose in his chest as he recognized Jala and Neph amongst them. They were the last two people he wanted to bump into and they were less than a block away.
“What?” Grim demanded and Shade glanced back to see the Priest staring at him with more concern than he would have thought possible. Wordlessly Shade pointed and watched as Grim spotted the High Lords but his gaze didn’t stop there. If anything Grim only glanced at the High Lords before his attention moved past them and his face paled. “Move, Get to the school now.” It wasn’t fear that fueled Grim’s voice as he spoke, but it was close and Shade felt the hairs on his arms rise in response.
Glancing back he stared past the High Lords and noticed the dark forms in the sky that had caught Grim’s attention. “Dragons?” he gasped in confusion.
“Dragons and Spell Hawks and a hell of a lot more of them than I want to face today.” Grim agreed as he moved swiftly back to Shade’s side and shoved him roughly toward the school. “Let’s go. This is not our business. That fight belongs to the High Lords.” He added sternly.
“Shouldn’t it also belong to her?” Lex observed coldly and Shade frowned as he stared at the two retreating figures emerging from the back of the palace that Lex was pointing toward. It only took Shade a breath to recognize who he was seeing and his pulse quickened in response. Symphony was in the lead followed by several guards, but it was the last figure that caught his attention and held it, Faramir.
“Guard him with your life and do not harm him. Follow Grim and I will meet you at the Academy.” Shade ordered hoarsely as he pushed Charm into Lex’s unwilling arms. “Do not leave him behind!” Shade added furiously as he wheeled toward the fleeing Empress. He could feel his pulse pounding loudly in his ears and his pace quickened as the rage he had felt at the sight of Charm’s broken body returned with a vengeance.
“Shade! No! We need to leave the city now, Shade!” Grim called loudly after him, but Shade ignored his friend’s logic. There was too much anger in his mind for logic to find space in his thoughts. “Bloody hell. Here hold her, don’t drop either of them. Just stand there and wait for us!” Grim snarled behind him and Shade could hear the grunt of effort from Lex as he was saddled with Ingrid as well.
Not bothering to slow or to glance back Shade continued toward his quarry with a determination he had never felt before. He couldn’t pull his eyes from Faramir despite the tread of heavy boots closing behind him. At any moment he knew Grim would catch him and pull him back and try to force him to flee, but that was an argument that Grim couldn’t win. Shade would not for love nor friendship turn away from this. Faramir would be punished no matter what the cost.
“Has to be right now eh?” Grim asked calmly as he fell into step beside him. “Right at this exact bloody moment, with dragons closing from the north and Spell Hawks coming in hard from the west.” He added with wry amusement rather than the anger Shade had expected.
Glancing to the west Shade raised an eyebrow at the tiny dots of black against the blue sky then turned his attention back to Faramir without slowing his steps. “Hadn’t noticed the other Spell Hawks to the west actually.” He admitted. He was so close behind them now he could smell Symphony’s perfume wafting back on the breeze.
Bitter memories rose in his mind of Faramir’s guidance over Symphony and Shade felt the rage inside him bubbling over, demanding release. He should have stopped her then, before he fled Sanctuary. He should have called Faramir out before she had a chance to destroy Charm and corrupt Symphony. He had fled instead, and now two of his friends had suffered because of it.
“Mm and it shall be devastating.” Grim crooned softly. “I can practically taste your anger it is so thick about you.” He mused with what sounded like satisfaction in his voice.
Ignoring him Shade quickened his steps and was nearly upon the two women and their guards before any of them noticed him approaching. A young Fionaveir Shade didn’t recognize stepped in front of Symphony with his hand going to the hilt of his sword, but Shade didn’t even acknowledge the action. His eyes were for Faramir alone. As easy as another might breathe Shade honed his reflexes and increased his speed pushing his agility far past normal means.
“Bitch!” The single word tore from Shade with the force of years of repressed emotion fueling it. Symphony staggered back to cringe behind her guards wide eyed and obviously too stunned for speech, but Shade didn’t even spare her a second glance. Lunging forward he brought his arm around for a bone shattering punch to Faramir’s jaw and summoned a spell that would detonate the moment his blow hit her. The Fionaveir woman reeled back and a squeal of alarm broke from her lips then turned to laughter as she caught Shade’s fist before it could connect and squeezed savagely.
Shade’s knees buckled as the bones of his fingers shattered under Faramir’s grip and gasped in silent agony when his own spell rebounded on him sending waves of jarring pain through his entire body. Stunned he strained to remain conscious as he tried to focus on what was happening. He could still hear Faramir’s laughter but the rest of the area around them was as silent as death. It took Shade a long moment to realize that Grim wasn’t coming to his rescue. Grim couldn’t come to his rescue Shade realized as the world around him came into full focus. The Priest was frozen in mid step as was every other figure around him aside from Faramir herself. Even the leaves of the trees above them were unmoving without so much as a breeze stirring them.
The pressure on his hand increased and Shade’s eyes snapped back to Faramir
as her form slowly dissolved into one that he knew all too well and Shade’s throat went as dry as sand as he stared upward into the blue eyes of his father. His anger faded as swiftly as it had come and for a breath he was a child again looking upward into eyes filled with disgust. He bit his tongue just as he was about to babble apologies and forced himself to remain silent.
“Now that I have your attention.” Myth said calmly as he tightened his grip once more sending waves of agony through Shade’s arm as the bones of his hand crumbled to shards. It took every ounce of will he had to keep from screaming but he couldn’t contain the ragged groan that tore from his lips as Myth whispered a spell sending pulses of lightning through his mangled fingers. His entire arm went numb and Shade collapsed at Myth’s feet gasping from the waves of magic wracking his body.
Sighing heavily Myth stepped back and regarded his son with distaste. “Really? That was it? Had I known you were going to provide such little entertainment I wouldn’t have bothered stopping time for this.” He said with disappointment clear in his voice. Giving Shade a bored glance he rolled his eyes before stepping nimbly around him to head straight toward Grim’s stasis held form.
“Stay away from him!” Shade tried to yell the words, but the electricity coursing through his muscles made speaking nearly impossible and the words were barely coherent through his clenched teeth.
“Him?” Myth enquired innocently as he stepped closer to Grim and stared up at the Priest’s face. “Pretty, I can see why you chose him.” Myth observed calmly then paced a small circle around Grim as if inspecting a horse at a fair. “Too pretty actually, he is far beyond what a Shifter should be.” Myth added thoughtfully and glanced back at Shade with a raised eyebrow.
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