by LJ Andrews
Atlas clapped his hands together, seemingly oblivious to Nova’s shameful defeat. “And that is why Talia and Maddox are who I’ll be learning from.”
Kale glared at Atlas, who still watched Maddox retreat with obvious admiration. “Don’t let him get to you,” Kale said. “You said it yourself, look at all we’ve faced. Can that smug urchin say he faced an army of the undead on a cursed island?”
Nova gave Kale a sympathy grin; he was trying to cheer her up. But inside she was still stunned. Maddox was a lot of things, but a weak warrior was not one of them.
“Then teach me,” she shouted across the arena, ignoring how Kale shifted uncomfortably. Maddox turned around slowly. Everything about Maddox was dark, from his black clothing to his dark, narrowed eyes. Nova jogged closer until she was a few feet away from him. “Teach me how to fight like a Djinn. I have too much at stake. I need to learn how to defeat Lurlina.”
Maddox stood like a stone for a pause which created a tense, awkward shroud that seemed to encompass everyone around them. Finally, with a click of his tongue, he turned away. “You will have to prove yourself before I waste any time. I do not instruct anyone I believe to be a hopeless case.”
“Keep trying, he will come around. After all, you are the commander’s daughter,” Talia said once Maddox had stepped back into the outer tunnels.
“He cannot teach you,” Sabryn said, following her tribesmen toward the outer tunnel. “You must learn this for yourself. It is your power alone.”
Nova huffed and turned away, feeling angry and uncertain all at one time.
“What was that all about?” Kale asked when she came back.
“Did you see that?” she asked incredulously. “I didn’t even know he’d taken my dagger. I need to learn how to fight like that.”
“Maybe it would serve you better to fight like you, like Sabryn said. If you fight much like Lurlina does, it may not be to your benefit. You could take her by surprise.”
Nova shook her head, staring blankly across the arena. “No, I need to understand how to move as they do. I feel it here,” she said pounding a fist across her chest. “I just must.”
“Lass,” Briggs’s rough voice broke her from her trance. He rubbed his scruffy beard and nodded his gray head toward the canopied podium with a tunnel leading into the center of the island. “Ye need to come with me.”
“What is it, Uncle Briggs?”
“Them fiends need to visit with ye,” he said.
Nova frowned, feeling suddenly sick. “The brothers?”
Briggs nodded. “Ye need to come alone,” he said, eyeing Kale and Atlas, who had turned their attention back to them at the mention of the brothers.
“Tell them I don’t want to see them.”
“Lass, they have a plan to get yer mam back,” Briggs insisted.
Nova whipped her head around, her curls flapping against her cheeks. “You’re serious? They think they can get her back.”
“Me thinks they’s got a start Lass. It won’t hurt to hear what they’s got to say. No one can hurt ye as long as we be there.”
“You’ll be there?” she asked hopefully when she stepped through the heavy door into the tunnel.
Briggs nodded. “I’ll be just outside the door, but yer pap’ll be there with ye.”
The room the Three Brothers had finally settled on was cold and open. No windows or openings to anywhere in the outside. A single oil lamp burned in the center of a wooden table, casting ghostly shadows along the stone walls. Two small bookshelves held nothing but dust and crumpled parchment, and a rodent with beady red eyes scurried along the floor when Nova and Varick walked into the room.
Patus stood, his thin, wrinkled arms folded across his concave chest. “Welcome,” he said softly.
“We were told you have information on how to get my wife back?” Varick said suspiciously.
“We have a beginning, as we promised. We keep our promises,” he said coyly, watching Nova.
She glared in return, constantly looking over her shoulder for Virtus and wretched Co to make their appearance.
“Well get on with it,” Varick demanded.
Patus tsked and shook his head. “Such manners. It’s no wonder your daughter is such a barbarian.” Patus held up his hand before they could utter any retort and unrolled a crumpled paper. “There is a stone we will need you to retrieve for us. I hope I do not have to convey the importance. I would assume our word is enough to understand its value to our plight.”
“Your word means nothing,” Nova snarled.
“I do so wish we could get along,” Patus said, sticking out what was left of his thin, sickly lips in a mock pout.
“Tell us about this stone before we do anything in your favor,” Varick said.
Patus sighed loudly and dramatically. “It is a seer stone. It will help us use our combined abilities to dissolve the blockades the Great Djinn is keeping up around your beloved wife. If we can see what she is doing, then we will know how to retrieve her by using our artifact.”
“You speak so highly of your artifact,” Nova said tersely. “How can we even be certain they will work against the Djinn temple?”
“Our artifact is powerful enough the Great Djinn herself built one for the temple. Do not pretend they are not watching you. She has ways of connecting to our minds and learning our secrets. Only our artifact can look into their plans, too.”
“I don’t believe you,” Nova insisted.
“Did we not assist you in finding the Djinn island, that cursed place of bones? Have we not proved countless times of our power? Do you believe your own father would ask for our help were we not of value? We understand the temple defenses greater than anyone. You would do well to begin to trust us, for your survival may depend on our plan. We can foresee many things, including your own fate, should our eyes wish us to see. We have no reason to lead you astray.”
“All right,” Varick interrupted as Patus’ frustration burned to an intense emotion Nova had never seen cross across the man’s pallid face. “If this is what we must retrieve, how do we do this?”
Patus placed both palms on the unrolled parchment. The dim light from the oil lamp revealed nothing to Nova, but it didn’t matter for Patus closed his eyes tightly. After a moment, he rolled the ragged scroll up and tucked it into his gray robe. “I would think Silva Island is where you should begin. I believe you will find the man you need. He will have a seer stone. Take it from him.”
Varick rubbed a hand through his hair, and Nova saw his jaw clench as he tried to keep his temper under control. “How will we know who we are looking for?”
Nova watched Patus expectantly; she was anxious to return to Silva again. Kale would be wanting to inquire about his family. She might even be able to see little Theo again, even if for a moment.
Patus only smiled, staring at the closed door. Just as goosebumps raised on her skin from the unnerving expression painted on his face, the door swung open. Briggs stepped in followed by a ruffled Hadwin. His gold eyes flashed in urgency, and Nova knew something was wrong.
“Varick, we must send some warriors to Silva Island!” Hadwin exclaimed.
Varick’s eyes widened as big as a tea saucer. “What’s happened?”
“It’s the Scarlet Moon,” Hadwin said. “Phoenix has attacked the island. The palace on Koning is burning, and the people are being attacked with all his fury.”
Nova felt her feet turn into heavy stones. She couldn’t move. The Tuckers! Slowly, her neck craned her head over her shoulder toward Patus. His smug smile had returned and yellowing eyes glimmered in a sadistic glee. He shooed them with his boney hands toward the door.
“Remember the stone,” he said. “I suggest you send as many soldiers as you can spare. Now, away with you—a seer stone awaits.”
Chapter 8
The Eye and The Stone
The long glass table spanned the grand dining hall. The opposite end seemed so far away from her, Raine thought if anyone joined h
er she would have to shout to be heard. Excitement settled inside her stomach, which had done summersaults since the day before. Since confiding her fears to Lurlina, a peace had settled over her. Lurlina had spent the better part of the day yesterday trying to reach out to Nova. She was certain Nova would listen to the Djinn and it just might mean she would see her friends at the long table soon.
Raine bit her bottom lip as her thoughts drifted to Atlas’s face. She was hardly capable of denying to herself that she anxiously awaited his arrival.
“You know I can teach you how to twist the fates of his affection toward you.”
Raine whipped her head over her shoulder, a spoonful of sugared berries stopped mid-bite. “Hello, Lurlina.”
Lurlina floated toward her, the wispy blue gown fluttered like wings behind her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. How are you enjoying your meal?”
“It’s wonderful,” Raine said before clearing her throat, trying not to sound so overly enthusiastic. “Although, the room can feel quite empty when I’m the only one dining. Do you and the others not eat?”
“Oh yes, we do. But I believe you will find Pacem and Kamali rarely able to rise with the sun, whereas I am up several hours before. If you would prefer us to sit with you, though, I can arrange it.”
Raine waved her hand, feeling the heat of embarrassment fill her cheeks. “No, please. I can eat alone. It was something I did quite often as queen.”
Lurlina smiled and sat daintily on the neighboring chair. Raine pushed some of her food around on her plate, swallowing the awkward pause lingering between them. “So, what were you saying when you came in? Something about fates?”
“The young man you fancy, you can bring his affections toward you.”
Raine’s mouth dropped. “What…how did you…”
Lurlina chuckled, patting the top of Raine’s hand. “There is nothing to be ashamed of. You can reach into me as well. I will teach you how. Once you find comfort at the temple we are connected to one another, which is why my siblings and I are so close. We know what troubles each other, what makes each other happy.”
Raine raised a hand to her head as if trying to protect against any intrusion. “That isn’t a very private life, is it?”
“We do not intrude often. Forgive me, you seemed as if you may have been troubled, which is why I peeked inside. I will not if you are uncomfortable.”
Raine nodded. “Thank you,” she said hoping to make it clear she did not want anyone else inside her head.
“But it doesn’t change what I said about that young man.”
“I don’t understand what you mean?”
“You are drawn to him, from what I gather. You have been for some time. But I can sense your concern he may not feel the same. Would you like to tell me about him?”
Raine wrung her hand around her neck until it turned red, the nervous habit she’d unconsciously developed while living in the palace of Koning Island. “I…uh…well, Atlas, he helped me escape the king. He and Nova…were both pirates on the ship that…well they weren’t exactly pirates by choice, you know.”
“Yes, I’m aware of the situation,” Lurlina nodded. “And you both took to one another after he rescued you?”
Slowly, Raine shook her head. “Not exactly. Honestly, he…he cared for Nova. They had a difficult relationship at times, but I believed Nova cared for Kale instead.” Lurlina sat silent, listening to Raine spill her inner heart. Raine looked down, feeling like a silly girl talking about her small attraction to Atlas. But perhaps it wasn’t so small. “It’s nothing. I’m sure it’s just because he helped save me. It’s difficult not to be attracted to someone who does that.”
“But it isn’t just that, is it, Raine? You truly care for him, but something stops you, and I think I know what it is.”
“What?” Raine drawled out slowly, unsure if she wanted to know.
“Nova,” Lurlina responded simply. “You are worried if Nova found out, she might refresh her old feelings for this Atlas, and because of their history you run the risk of him choosing Nova.” When Raine sat speechless for too long Lurlina continued. “It is nothing to be ashamed of. What woman hasn’t had such concerns? But you are a strong, powerful young lady who deserves every bit of happiness that Nova does. You say Nova truly wants this Kale; help her along to realizing her true passion. It will leave the pathway clear for you to pursue Atlas.”
Raine shook her head. “That seems like cheating.”
“If you choose to look at it in such a way. How well do you know Nova, Raine?”
“I would say well,” she admitted. “I’ve spent a lot of time with her and have watched her power develop.”
Lurlina nodded. “I see. Have you seen the arrogance of a Djinn, the superiority? The desire to have whatever we want? These are weaknesses of our race, Raine. Weaknesses we must try to overcome every day of our lengthy lives. How can you be so sure Nova’s Djinn side won’t get in your way? Perhaps she cares for Kale, but she must care for Atlas, too. She could simply twist her own fate that may keep Atlas infatuated with her for years.”
“She wouldn’t do that,” Raine said defensively.
“Never with malice, never intentionally. But I assure you, sometimes the powerful side of the Djinn wants to have it all, and leave nothing for anyone else. You could simply steer her closer to Kale. Keep her free of Atlas, and then see where your own relationship goes.”
“It seems petty, honestly.”
“Or a kindness,” Lurlina argued. “Djinn are not above the help of others when we get trapped in our own cycles of power. How could it hurt Nova to end up with the young man she truly cares for, while allowing Atlas the freedom to find happiness with someone else. Someone like you?”
“Yes, but taking away their choice? It seems wrong.”
Lurlina shook her head. “Twisting the fates doesn’t always give you the outcome you try for. People are still allowed their agency. Think of it as a little nudge. A small thought here and there, something to encourage. There are no guarantees with fate; it can always change depending on the choices of the present.”
Absently rubbing her neck again, Raine pondered Lurlina’s proposition. It seemed to go against the natural order, twisting fates. But hadn’t Nova tried to do it before? Was this so terrible? As Lurlina said, it wasn’t like she was stealing their freedom to choose, just helping them on in a direction that could suit everyone. This was for Nova’s benefit.
She squared her shoulders, pleased with the generous gift she was going to offer Nova. Now if she could not be so bull-headed not to take it.
“How do I do this?” Raine asked.
“Follow me. I will help you since you will need the full power of the Djinn to open the way.”
They made their way down a spiral staircase inside the tower of the temple. The marble steps grew colder the further they descended. Once windows were no longer viable in the lower tower, crystal lanterns lit the way in the sun’s place. The flames bounced in the glass cages excitedly, buoying the anticipation to help work with the fates even more. Raine felt exhilarated and wondered why Nova didn’t use the power more often. It was thrilling to think of having some type of control over destiny.
Finally, Lurlina led her through a large doorway into a small room with a wooden table. On the tabletop were two silver boxes embossed with ivy vines and a gold keyhole. In the center of the table was a gold stand which curved into a half moon, with two cups on either end and a large, oval piece of glass in the center.
“In here,” Lurlina said, opening her hands toward the table, signaling for Raine to step forward.
“What is this?” Raine asked running a finger over the top of the glass oval.
“This is the Kismet. It is a tool used by many Beholders in Launi. You may have figured many of those with the gift of Beholding came from similar lines of Djinn as you have. Their powers of Beholding are associated with remnants of our power in their blood. The Kismet was gifted to my family
by very powerful Beholders long ago. It has been very useful in keeping the peace in Unten. If used properly, it will help us reach Nova.”
Lurlina took out a small silver key that hung from a chain around her neck. She unlocked each of the silver boxes and took out the contents. In one hand, she held a small black stone. The surface was smooth and polished. In her other hand, she held a vibrant blue stone with fiery blasts of golden color swirling beneath the surface.
“What are those?” Raine asked.
“Powerful objects. Here, you can touch them but be gentle,” she said, placing the black stone in her hand. “A seer stone, and this is an Eye of a Beholder.” Raine took the blue stone. They were surprisingly lightweight and radiated a faint electric current through her palms until Lurlina took them back and placed each stone gently into a cup on either end of the Kismet. “Together they can delve into the supernatural space between Unten and Launi. It will help us find Nova and reach her line of fate.”
Raine glanced between the two stones nervously. She’d heard of these types of stones when she was queen. King Insel had never found them, but part of her believed he was too frightened to handle such things. “How does the Kismet work?”
Lurlina smiled, placing both her hands on top of the stones nestled in the cups. Closing her eyes, Lurlina breathed deeply, and Raine waited with anticipation for something to happen. After a moment, the glass oval filled with wisps of smoky fog. Lurlina’s eyes burst open. Their color was bright and nearly translucent, much like the Kismet. Her arms tensed, and each muscle seemed visible through her smooth skin. Her eyes were unblinking at the ceiling, and her breathing haggard as if something was causing her significant effort.
Raines strained her neck to see what was causing such a change within Lurlina, but only white and gray wisps floated lazily through the glass. Her heart pounded against her chest as the worry of what was happening with the Kismet overwhelmed her.
“Lurlina,” she said softly. “I can’t see what is happening. Lurlina? You are only trying to find her fate, right?” she asked with uncertainty. Lurlina kept her fierce focus upward, as if completely unaware of Raine’s presence.