~ ~ ~
Once past the bloody human remains on the battlefield, Indaran urged his horse into a gallop. He and Tempor thundered down the empty streets of Penutar, passing stone buildings with shuttered windows. The people probably cowered inside their homes or businesses, hoping to stay safe.
Indaran reined in at the towering stone edifice that was the temple and looked around. Nowhere to tie up the horses. He dismounted, setting Shareef down. Pulling the reins over the horse’s head, he dropped the ends on the ground, trusting his mount would stay.
Shareef scurried up the stairs and vanished through the doors of the temple. Indaran hoped the pup knew what he was doing.
He yanked out his sword and vaulted up the stairs, Tempor at his heels. The familiar reek of incense drifted out to meet him. At the doorway he paused, standing to the side of the entrance and peering inside, assessing the situation. He saw only three guards and Kokam—with his hand around Jasmine’s neck.
He didn’t dare dash inside. Although Kokam needed Jasmine for his God, he could hurt her to force Indaran’s compliance.
The statue of Ontarem stared down at Jasmine, as if eager to suck her power. The empty slabs testified to the Evil God’s lack of nourishment.
As he watched, Kokam picked up Jasmine and laid her on the altar that had imprisoned Indaran for so many years.
Rage shook him. Indaran wanted to bolt to her rescue, nearly did. But he forced himself to wait until the Trine stepped away to confer with the guards, his back to the door.
Then he sprinted inside, straight up the aisle.
The two guards leaped in front of their leader. Indaran met the first in a quick slash and stab. Tempor took the second, then the third, while Indaran leaped over the bodies to get to Kokam.
Kokam took several steps behind the slab where Jasmine lay, his gray robe rustling. “Ah, Prince Indaran,” he said, keeping the altar between them. “You come to pay homage to our God.”
“He’s not my God.”
A smile played about Kokam’s lips. “He has been your God these past fourteen years.”
“That time has ended. Ontarem’s rule is over. I have come to assure that.”
Kokam shrugged. “You are in Ontarem’s temple, His most powerful place.” He waved one hand at Jasmine. “And He has someone new to fuel Him. With My God’s power within me, I am invincible.” He slowly drew the sword from the sheath belted around his waist and pointed it in Indaran’s direction. “Prepare to join your lady on Ontarem’s altar.”
~ ~ ~
Jasmine lay on the altar at the foot of Ontarem’s statue. Her limbs had hardened into concrete and the heavy pearl pendent lying between her breasts burned with a cold fire. She could hear Indaran’s voice and the clash of swords, but she couldn’t turn her head to see him.
The agony of not being able to see what was happening to Indaran tore at her. She could sense Ontarem lapping up her emotion, gaining power from her fear. And not just hers. The Evil God reveled in the emotions generated from the fight. She could almost see the smirk on the statue’s face. In fact, so greedy was the God to siphon the emotions whirling through the room, that He was even taking from Kokam, weakening, instead of strengthening, the man.
Jasmine blanked that thought from her mind lest Ontarem pick up on it and change His tactics. I need to distract the God, keep His attention focused on me.
Be dramatic.
She began to scream and attempt to thrash around. The sound stayed locked behind her jaws, and she couldn’t move, but she put on a good emotional show.
And Ontarem attended her performance. He gloated, slavering over her like a dog with a prize bone.
She projected all the terror she was feeling, multiplied by despair and strengthened by anger. The more she worked herself up, the more centered she became inside, losing her fear and gaining strength. With the production she was creating, she hoped the Evil One didn’t notice.
A chittering sound caught her attention. Shareef? What is he doing here?
Claws scrabbled, and then a furry body brushed her face. A long tongue slurped over her lips, and a tiny paw patted her cheek.
She screamed again to cover up the presence of her pet, imagining herself beating her fists against the statue. Ontarem should love that.
And He did. She could feel Him basking in her apparent panic.
Shareef chattered again. With his paws, he lifted the pearl off her chest, then froze, a captive of the pearl’s evil power.
But she was free. She yanked the chain over her head, pulling the pearl from Shareef’s paws.
Shareef shook his body like a wet dog; his fur stood on end. He jumped off the slab.
Sitting up, she twirled the pendant around by the chain, then let it fly. The necklace sailed about five meters away. The pearl thunked against the side of one of the slabs, then bounced to the floor.
At the same moment, she saw Kokam stagger, pausing in the fight.
The pearl’s somehow attached to him.
Indaran’s blade cut Kokam’s arm.
Kokam grimaced as crimson blood stained the sleeve of gray robe. Jasmine could tell the wound was shallow, not fatal, but the pain would be a distraction.
She jumped off the altar, ran over to the necklace, and stomped on the pearl with her heel.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Rounding the altar to attack, Indaran swung at Kokam’s unprotected side.
The Trine parried. “If you kill me, He will raise up another in my place. One far more powerful,” he taunted.
“Well, that’s a worry for another time.” Indaran bore down on Kokam.
The man faltered, his sword wavering. Blood dripped onto his robes.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Jasmine hop off the altar and run out of his line of vision.
Kokam straightened and renewed his attack, stabbing at Indaran’s right side.
He sidestepped, slashing down with his sword.
A pounding noise came from Jasmine’s direction. He didn’t dare turn his head to look. Tempor would watch his back.
A look of pain crossed Kokam’s face. He sidled away, his blade dropping. His chest heaved, and his arms seemed to lose their strength.
Shareef scuttled behind Kokam’s feet, chittering and grabbing the bottom of the man’s robe.
Kokam stepped back onto the pup.
Shareef let out a high-pitched squeal of pain.
Kokam overbalanced and tottered backwards; his free arm flailed for stability.
Shareef jumped under Kokam’s sliding feet, insuring another misstep.
Kokam toppled back, hitting his head on the corner of the altar.
Indaran leaped forward to run his blade across the man’s neck, but paused, noting the angle of Kokam’s head. He knelt and felt for a pulse. Nothing. The Trine is dead.
Now to escape from Ontarem.
~ ~ ~
One last stomp shattered the pearl. Panting, Jasmine twisted around. Seeing Indaran unharmed and Kokam lying on the ground, she leaped to her feet and ran to her love.
He rose, sheathing his sword. Holding out his arms, he took several steps forward, meeting her halfway. He swept her into his arms, holding her tight. She could feel his heart beating against hers.
Ever so slowly, he released her, looking deeply into her eyes. “My beloved,” he whispered. He bent his head and touched his lips to hers.
~ ~ ~
The sound of footsteps penetrated Indaran’s preoccupation with kissing Jasmine. He shoved her behind him and turned, pulling out his sword. Tempor moved to his side, blade extended.
A woman stood framed in the doorway. She stepped inside, walking toward him, sword in hand. Two soldiers followed her.
Indaran recognized her as the leader of the troops from Seagem, and he relaxed.
With a gasp, Tempor sheathed his sword.
She strode halfway up the aisle, then stopped. Her gaze scanned the room, and apparently seeing nothing of harm, she sheathed her sword
and signaled her men to remain. Not taking her eyes off Indaran, she advanced up the aisle.
Indaran sheathed his own sword, trying to puzzle out the identity of the woman. She looked familiar.
She came within a few feet of him. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Emerald eyes.
A black-and-white memory stirred. He strained to remember the color. But then realized the color didn’t matter. Nothing could obscure the loving familiarity of those eyes. The eyes of his father. Of his brother Cihkel and of….
Their heartlines connected, and he knew. “Daria?” he whispered her name, hope rising in his heart.
She nodded, crystal drops spilling over her cheeks. Then Daria threw herself into his arms and burst into sobs.
Indaran held her close, his own tears welling, falling onto her hair. He could feel her body shaking, and he gathered her tighter.
My beloved sister, alive!
The joy of the miracle was almost too much to bear. Vaguely, he was aware of Jasmine’s hand on his back, her loving energy flowing into him.
They remained that way for several minutes. Then Indaran loosened his hold and kissed her forehead. “You still cling like a suckervine,” he teased gently.
Daria gave a sobbing laugh, looking up at him, rubbing her sleeve across her eyes. “I thought you’d died. I felt our heartlines sever.”
“Ontarem captured me.” He nodded at the statue. “He broke our connection. I’ve been His prisoner until just a few days ago.” Keeping one arm around Daria, he took Jasmine’s hand and placed it in his sister’s. “Lady Jasmine, meet my little sister, Princess Daria. Jasmine saved me, Daria. I’d be dead if not for her.”
Daria leaned forward and kissed Jasmine’s cheek. “Thank you.”
A blush tinted Jasmine’s dark skin. “Words cannot express how glad I am to meet you, Princess Daria.”
“And I you.” Laughter danced in Daria’s eyes. “Your friend, Khan, is very anxious to see you.”
Jasmine’s eyes lit up. “He’s here?”
“Yes.” Daria grinned at her. “He’s helping Anza evacuate Seagem’s people to the ships.” She released Jasmine’s hand. “But enough of talking. We need to head to the ships.”
Jasmine looked up at Indaran, her brow creasing. “Ontarem still feeds on our emotion. Even in our happiness, we give Him power. We must leave. Now. Before He grows too strong.” She bent and scooped up Shareef, tucking him under one arm.
“You’re right.” Indaran clasped Jasmine’s free hand and one of Daria’s. “Come on.” He pulled them down the aisle, Tempor following. Daria’s guards and Tempor made way for them. Outside, five horses milled around. Not enough for all of them. Jasmine would have to ride with him.
A small creature perched on one of the horses. It gave a screech and launched itself at Daria, who laughed and held out her hand.
With a flutter of wings, the animal landed on her arm, then scrambled to her shoulder and clutched her neck. He studied them with intelligent blue eyes.
“This is my monkey-bat, Shir. A valiant little companion.” Daria frowned at the animal. “You were supposed to remain on the ship.”
The animal preened, not looking the least repentant.
Shareef chittered at the monkey-bat.
Daria raise one eyebrow at Jasmine. “Later, we will have to exchange stories about our little ones.”
Tempor trotted around to give Daria a leg up. She smiled at him. “Tempor, glad I am to see you alive.” She hoisted herself into the saddle, looking down.
“And I you, Princess. My sister will be also.”
Shadows darkened Daria’s eyes. Watching her, Indaran knew she was thinking about their brother, Cihkel, lost at the futile battle to defend Seagem. “Elanath.” She touched Tempor’s shoulder. “I look forward to seeing her.”
They mounted up. Daria pointed down the main street in the direction of the harbor. “Our people will be heading to the ships. The wounded are being carried on makeshift stretchers. We need to go directly to the harbor. We’ll cast off as soon as everyone’s on board.”
Indaran nodded, helping Jasmine onto the horse. Then he climbed up behind her, glad to have her safe in his arms. Taking the reins, he turned the horse toward the harbor.
Toward freedom.
~ ~ ~
Indaran stood at the railing of the Comali, watching the ship sail out of the harbor. The wind filled the sails, and the steep cliffs of Penutar rapidly dropped away. The deck swayed under his feet. He listened with pleasure to the snap of the rigging and the creak of planking. He didn’t remember a ship ever moving so fast. But, then again, his memories were flawed.
The more Penutar receded in the distance, the more the knot in his stomach loosened. Soon, they’d pass beyond Ontarem’s control.
They’d taken the wounded onboard this ship so Jasmine could work on healing them. The minute she’d stepped onto the ship, she’d gone below to begin the healing. He’d only caught glimpses of her, and even fewer of his sister.
In a few minutes, he’d have to wade back into the tumult of people below decks and try to create order out of chaos, reassure his people that they were finally free. But for now, he had paused to see Louat disappear into the distance. He never wanted to see that country again.
Daria joined him, leaning companionably against his shoulder.
Shir fluttered above them, then landed on the railing.
He put his arm around his sister, inhaling a deep breath of gratitude for her presence at his side but didn’t take his gaze off the receding land. “I won’t believe we’re really free until we leave Ontarem’s waters—until the sea gleams turquoise, and the sky is lavender. He trapped us in these waters before. He might still be able to do it.”
“He’d need to fight Withea for us then.” Daria’s voice sounded confident.
He glanced down at her. “Withea?”
A smile lit her face. “I have much to tell you, brother.”
A second, larger monkey-bat flew to join Shir. It turned intelligent blue eyes on Indaran.
“How many of those creatures do you have?”
“Just two.” She patted the second creature. “This is our brave Shad.”
“Our?”
“As I said, I have much to tell you. But first—” She held out her hand to a dark-skinned man wearing a green uniform.
Indaran stiffened.
The man took Daria’s hand, in a possessive yet loving gesture.
Daria pulled the man closer to her. “This is Khan. He’s a friend of your Lady Jasmine, and a priest of the Goddess Withea.”
“I’d never heard of your Goddess Withea before Jasmine mentioned Her,” Indaran said with a wary eye on the man.
The pair exchanged amused glances before Daria spoke. “She is the Goddess of the wasteland bordering Seagem and Ocean’s Glory.”
“Although it’s not a wasteland anymore,” Khan said. He had an unusual accent, similar to Jasmine’s.
“When Thaddis sacked Seagem, Father ordered me to flee with Micfal into the desert. Some wild beasts killed Micfal and wounded me. Khan saved my life.”
“Withea saved your life,” Khan corrected.
“And who got me to Withea’s shrine?” She raised an imperious eyebrow, looking so much like their father that Indaran had to smile.
The eyebrow lowered. “Together we managed to defeat Thaddis. Withea turned him into an old man. She restored the desert. It’s a beautiful land now. Our land.” Daria glanced at Khan and smiled.
“Khan!” The cry came from behind them.
Indaran whirled around to see Jasmine race across the deck and throw herself into the man’s arms.
“Jazy, Jazy!” Khan hugged her, kissing her on both cheeks. The two babbled back and forth in a language he couldn’t understand.
Indaran stepped back, his heart frozen. He wanted to run from the reunion scene playing out in front of him. In all his fears about having a relationship with Jasmine, he’d never dreamed she mi
ght love another.
Khan kept one arm around Jasmine’s shoulders and turned to Daria. “Jasmine, have you met my lady wife?”
Lady wife? Indaran made a choking sound.
Daria smiled up at Khan, a look so full of love that Indaran blinked. Then with a sideways glance that obviously observed his dumbfounded expression, she laughed. “Khan and I are married, Indaran.” A dimple appeared at the right corner of her mouth.
He remembered that dimple. Married. Indaran glanced at Jasmine to see her reaction. To his relief, she was beaming at Khan with pride.
Then Indaran studied Daria. She glowed—a beautiful picture in living color. He inhaled a deep breath, trying to reconcile the little girl he’d loved and thought he’d lost, to this poised, adult woman. A woman in love. A woman with a mate. He had to choke down a lump in his throat, before holding out his hand to Khan. “Welcome to the family, brother.” You don’t know how glad I am to call you brother.
Khan released Jasmine and clasped Indaran’s hand in a firm, confident grasp. “This must all be strange to you, brother. Our story is much longer, but there will be time for the telling later.”
Indaran nodded and touched Jasmine’s shoulder. “How fare the wounded?”
“I’ve used up all my energy, but there is still so much need. I’ve done as much as I can to stabilize everyone, but, if I can’t replenish my energy soon, many will die. I came up here to see if you could help.”
“Of course. I’ll do what I can.” He held out his hand to her.
She slipped her hand in his.
“Wait,” Daria said, placing her hand on top of both of theirs. “Khan and I can combine our othersense with Withea’s. She will give us enough power to heal our people. Then later, once they learn about Her, they can give Her homage.”
Khan stacked his hand on theirs. “With everyone’s energy working together, we’ll also have a swift passage home.”
Reaper of Dreams (The Gods' Dream Trilogy) Page 28