Embers of Darkness (Through the Ashes Book 2)

by J. A. Culican

  Bells watched as the messenger left with his report that Jaekob would follow Mikah's plan. It was a terrible plan and she felt truly sorry for Jaekob being caught up in it, and for his learning some hard truths about his father. It wasn't every day that a good man learned his father was willing to risk his life as a pawn in some game of politics.

  For Jaekob's part, though, the heir seemed to be taking it in stride. His eyes weren't glowing red anymore, and he seemed to have accepted his situation. A little melancholy, maybe, but not spitting fire. Bells would have been depressed or crying if she was in his situation.

  He turned away from watching the messenger leave and said, "Did anything about that strike you as odd?" His voice was flat, almost monotone. Maybe she'd been wrong about the depression.

  She went to her pack and began putting her few things back inside. "Every part of that. I'm sorry for what your father is putting you through."

  He shook his head. "No, not that. It's his duty to protect dragonkind, even if it risks my life."

  Bells didn't think he sounded convincing.

  He continued, "The bit about the Council and making peace with Darren. That would have been impossible even a few days ago, but now that an infection threatens us all, Darren is done trying to take power for himself? And my father trusts his word? Something is wrong with this. I just don't know what."

  "I don't know much about dragon politics. Before you, I didn't know there were any, or even that the Council was anything more than the First Councilor's advisers. You people are secretive, you know."

  "True. But until we know more about what's really going on, we need to be careful. Trust no one we don't know, and maybe not even them."

  His eyes locked onto hers, but there was something different about his intensity. She glimpsed at his aura; a new color swirled throughout it, burning bright. It wasn't one she'd seen before, sort of a lavender color. At least, that was her impression of it, since it wasn't exactly seen with the eyes, but more like felt. It was hard to describe to non-fae, though few outsiders knew about it. The fae liked it that way. It was a survival tool.

  She said, "I'm ready to get started when you are." The reaction in his aura to the sound of her voice was mesmerizing. She wasn't quite sure why it gave her a weird sensation in her belly, but it wasn't a horrible feeling. Just very different.

  Jaekob grabbed the spear from the ground, which he'd taken from the messenger before he left, and tucked it into his bandoleer sheath on his back. "Very well, little fae. I doubt they have the sword in the city itself, as that would be too risky. Let's get out of Philadelphia, and then we can try some location magic once we're out of the human-built dead zone. If you can't find it then, I know an old elf crone living north of the city who owes my family a favor. Old for an elf, anyway."

  Bells had never seen an old elf. They just always looked like they were young, like a human in its early to mid-twenties. "I didn't know they got old. I figured they'd die after a few thousand years still looking young."

  "That's why she lives outside of town, alone. She was cursed, but it gave her certain abilities that earned her the nickname, 'the witch.'"

  Abruptly, he froze and cocked his head as though listening. Bells didn't hear anything and fought the urge to ask what was going on. She didn't want to interrupt. Then, she had the sensation of Jaekob throwing open a window in his mind, one she could hear through. There was a familiar voice. Darren's voice.

  ...all loyal dragons in the greater Philadelphia administrative area. Repeat, this is a top-priority message from the Council and the First Councilor. The heir, Jaekob, has been found guilty of treason by the Dragon Council for his attempt to use an ancient relic to seize power for himself.

  It is the duty of every loyal dragon to apprehend Jaekob before he can locate the artifact he needs to enslave us all and seize power. He was last seen in the company of his co-conspirator, a fae named Bells.

  The Council is offering promotion, egg rights, and a single Dragonblood Ruby as a reward if the prince is brought in, alive or dead. He is among our best warriors and it is not advised to attack him directly, but to notify the Guardians if he is seen.

  That is all. Long live the First Councilor. Long live dragonkind.

  "What on Earth is going on, here?" Bells asked.

  Jaekob closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "Either my father threw me to the wolves to get Darren off his back and buy himself some time, or he lost some political battle and I was the spoils of war. Darren could be coming after me because he knows it will hurt Mikah."

  Bells frowned. Dragon politics made no sense to her, but then again, fae politics usually only involve deciding who was going to get the leftovers after a communal meal. "It seems like we should get out of the city as quickly as we can, yes?"

  Jaekob nodded. "Indeed." He turned and headed out the doorway and up the ramp that led out of the hideout. Over his shoulder, he said, "Hawking, if we live through this, I'm sorry your safe house was compromised. I'll reimburse you out of my own pocket, if need be."

  Hawking only nodded and followed behind Bells.

  "Hawking, are you sure you want to come with us?” Bells asked. “Surely you have another safe house you could hide in until this is over."

  He snorted. "First of all, you're my cousin. I would be poor family indeed if I just left you to wander off to meet your fate. Besides, the Council's scouts will no doubt find that hideout now that Jaekob has been in it. The only way I'll ever be safe is if you and Jaekob succeed and this Darren is put back in his place."

  Bells wasn't sure which one was really his motivation, merchant and criminal that he was, but it didn't really matter. She was glad to have him with them.

  Once outside, she saw the sun was making its graceful arc down toward the horizon in the West. She wasn't sure how long everything had taken, but it looked like time had gotten away from her. Jaekob headed north and she followed close behind. All around, they saw very few people out and about, and those that were wore facemasks against the infection—as if those would stop fungus spores.

  Something was different, however. She frowned and decided to look at their auras, just out of curiosity, although she told herself it was to ensure their safety. What she saw staggered her. Almost every aura had a crimson tinge and a haze around it like black light. They were angry, scared, and ready to fight. It was the sign of adrenaline, the fight or flight instinct, and everyone outside seemed to feel it.

  "Um, guys? We need to be careful. I don't know what has gone on in the city since we've been a bit out of touch, but you should see everyone's auras. Don't turn your back on anyone."

  Jaekob only grunted and kept walking.

  Hawking, however, said, "This is the wrong way. Heading north is going to be more dangerous. We should head west first, into the abandoned zones, and then head north."

  Jaekob stopped and turned around. "Interesting. But how is dealing with humans any less dangerous than simply walking north? The elf we need to go see is north. So, we go north."

  Hawking frowned. "How can you say that? Humans are nothing, and certainly not a threat to any Pure. But out there in the abandoned zones, there aren't as many Pures who might recognize you. I don't know about you, but I'd rather not fight my way out of the city. If we have to fight, let it be against mere humans."

  Bells was about to mention the dead Pures she saw in the abandoned zone with the spray-painted red "H" circles, but a commotion drew her attention. Twenty yards to her right, two elves stood face to face with a werewolf, shouting and pushing each other aggressively. It sounded like one of the elves had bumped the were in passing.

  Her eyes grew wide as she saw their auras grow darker quickly. "They're going to fight," she said aloud.

  Jaekob said, "It's not our business. Let them."

  Bells took one step toward them, raising her hand to implore them to stop before it was too late, but she never got the chance. In one fluid movement, both elves drew knives glinting
silver, and the werewolf transformed into his half-wolf form, all in the blink of an eye. Both elves plunged their daggers into the werewolf, but its massive, four-inch claws tore into one elf at his collarbone, cleaving through to exit at his waist on the other side.

  The remaining elf pulled out his dagger and plunged it in again and again, looking as though he were in fast-forward, while the werewolf lunged forward and wrapped his massive jaws around the side of the elf's neck. In two seconds, the fight was over and all three of them were on the ground.

  "Come on," Jaekob said, "we'll do it Hawking's way. If the people are this tense and high-strung, even with so few out on the streets, we should get out of the city as quickly as we can. I think we're sitting on a powder keg."

  Hawking led the way to the west while Jaekob and Bells followed, walking side-by-side. They had only gone another block before they spotted two dragons repeatedly kicking an elf on the ground. The elf was curled up trying to protect his head and stomach, but the dragons kept kicking him anyway.

  Jaekob muttered, "Before you say anything, no, we're not getting involved. We have to get out of here before they spot us."

  Hawking already had the right idea—he turned north, and after another block, headed west again to put distance between them and the fight behind them. Bells only shook her head. It was hard to believe everyday people were acting like this—none of the people fighting had been soldiers. Was that level of evil in the hearts of all people, not just humans? The thought saddened her.

  As the sun continued its descent, Bells felt a shiver run up her spine as she realized what time it was. Soon, the werewolves and other weres would be out and about in even greater numbers, being nocturnal, while the elves and dragons would abandon the streets for the night. She didn't want to see what the streets were like at night, not if this sort of horrifying event could come even from Pures. And her little party would stand out like a sore thumb at night, having no weres in the group.

  "Perhaps it would be better to hide out for the night?” Hawking suggested as if reading her thoughts. “Or would it be better to keep going and get clear of the city before daytime?"

  Nodding my head, “I agree, the last thing I want is to have a run in with some weres.”

  “It’s settled then.” Jaekob answered. “Let’s find a place for the night.”

  The last of the sun's dull, red rays were just dipping below the horizon when Hawking said, "This building should do for the night. The weres are coming out soon."

  "I agree," Jaekob said, "but which building do you mean? They both look pretty run down."

  Bells looked to where Hawking and Jaekob were indicating, and all she saw were two run-down houses with a vacant lot between them, piled with trash. There was nothing to any of them that would make them special, no reason for Hawking to have picked one of them.

  But as she stared at the scene, her view of the field flickered for just a moment, and she thought she saw a flash image of a well-maintained house where the vacant lot had been. As quick as a blink, the trashy field was back. She said, "Um, did either of you see that? The field..."

  Hawking replied, "Of course I did. I saw through the illusion a few moments ago. If you stare at it long enough, you will, too. There are illusion glyphs on it, but they're very old. The building is abandoned and the magic is fading. It'll do for tonight."

  Bells stared at the vacant lot until it flickered again, this time lasting a bit longer. Abruptly, the illusion vanished and all she saw was an old house that was in much better shape than its neighbors. She gasped at the same time Jaekob did.

  "Do you think somebody lives there? They may not welcome us." Bells had no intention of forcing her way into someone else's house.

  Hawking rolled his eyes. "Use your senses. I don't see any sign of life, do you? No, I think this house was taken over by a Pure, then recently abandoned. In another few months, I imagine the glyph itself will break and the illusion will be gone. But like I said, it will hold for the night."

  Jaekob shrugged and headed down the walkway toward the house. "Are you two coming? We need to get off the street, and fast."

  Bells agreed. She certainly wasn't going to argue the point, though it still made her uncomfortable to break into a house that may have still been claimed by someone.

  Jaekob tried the handle and found the door locked. He raised his leg to kick it in.

  Bells interrupted him, saying, "No, wait." She nudged him aside and held her hand over the doorknob, almost touching it but not quite. Yes, it was a simple lock. She wouldn't even need to pick it with her plant trick.

  "Aielistra," she muttered, and heard a faint click. The knob turned easily and the door swung open. "After you, mighty dragon."

  Jaekob chuckled. "You're just full of tricks, aren't you? Thanks, little fae." He stepped inside and stopped to look around, but Bells' senses had already told her the building was vacant. After a moment, he seems satisfied of that, too, and stepped aside for the others to come in behind him before closing the door and locking it again.

  Once inside, the first thing she noticed was that all the furniture was covered in white sheets. It confirmed that the house was vacant, at least temporarily. There was a fireplace on one wall packed full of firewood and kindling. Of course, they wouldn't be using the fireplace, but if they had wanted to, they would have had to re-stack that wood off to the side.

  There were also a couch and a love seat, as well as one recliner, and covered paintings adorned the wall. Irritatingly, the walls were lime green except for the fireplace wall, which was a deep burgundy.

  "Ugly," she said.

  Hawking chuckled. "I'm sorry it's not up to your standards, Your Majesty," he said with a grin. "I don't think we'll be here long enough for you to have to worry about the decor, though."

  While Jaekob checked every room of the house, Bells sat on the couch. It was remarkably plush and comfortable, drawing out a smile.

  Hawking sat on the recliner, pulled the lever to tilt it back and extend the foot rest, and then sighed in satisfaction. "I see what you mean. This will do nicely, yes."

  Bells tilted her head, looking at him. "What about the beds? I'm sure there are bedrooms in this house."

  Hawking shrugged. "I doubt our dragon friend is going to want us split up throughout the house. I think this is going to end up being our bedroom for the night."

  Well, that made sense. As her muscles relaxed from the day's events, her mind wandered to the things she had seen. The dragons kicking the elf, the elves fighting the were. She tried not to think about what the open call for Jaekob's capture might mean, though. He would know much better than she just what Darren was up to. Still, had Darren done anything so different from everything else going on out in the streets? Things seemed to be falling apart at every level, from the top to the bottom.

  And for the first time, she wondered whether they perhaps deserved it. She had spent her whole life believing that there was good in everyone, and as uncomfortable as it was to consider, maybe she had been wrong. Maybe there was no good left in the world if even dragons had evil in their hearts. Clearly, Darren had.

  She looked up as Jaekob came back into the living room from his room check.

  He said, "All clear. We should be safe here. I made sure all the doors and windows are locked while I was at it." He crossed the living room and sat on the couch next to Bells, close enough to be friendly and far enough away that he wasn't crowding her or pressing her personal space. Ever polite. He smiled at her and then leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

  She looked at Hawking, but his eyes were closed and his mouth was open, making a faint noise. She hoped his snoring didn't get any louder than that, and envied him for being asleep already.

  Lost in her own thoughts, she heard Jaekob's voice but didn't grasp the words. "What? Sorry, I was just thinking."

  "No problem. What were you thinking about?" He gave her a brief smile.

  "Nothing important." She paused. Was that
true? Was it nothing important? Or was it the most important question of all?

  Hesitantly, she said, "I'm just thinking about all the people we've seen. All the things we've seen them do. It's just depressing, seeing people turning on each other and acting so badly with this crisis facing us. Yet here we are putting our lives on the line to save them." Her mind whirled, trying to process and understand her thoughts and feelings at the same time she was trying to explain them to him.

  "I know what you mean."

  She opened her eyes to look at him. His words had taken her by surprise. "What? I mean, what do you mean by that?"

  With his eyes still closed, he replied, "You know that for the most part, I haven't wanted any part of the war. I wanted us to Rise when the elves penetrated the Wards in Safeholme, but that was for revenge. When my father didn't get that well-deserved revenge and didn't let me do it, either, I sort of went back to my original thinking."

  "Which is?" Bells was genuinely interested, although lately, she had found herself interested in just about everything he had to say.

  "What is there to fight for? The people? From what I've seen, they aren't worth fighting over. People die in wars, and if my own people are no better than the other guy's, what's the point of getting a bunch of people killed?"

  Bells pursed her lips. What he said was remarkably similar to what had been going on in her mind, and that was a little depressing. She said, "Is there really any good in this world? I thought we Pures were supposed to be it. We're supposed to be better than humans."

  Jaekob let a huff of air out through his nose. "Have you forgotten about the Dark Court? They certainly bring no good to the world, even if everything else you said was true."

  "Yeah. But I mean, the real Pures are supposed to be different, right? But I haven't seen any difference. From what I've seen, they aren’t much different than humans."

  Jaekob's face scrunched up into a scowl. "The 'real Pures?’ We aren't like humans. Even the worst of us is better than a human. Have you forgotten they were once like us? But they were Pures with no purity, losing their connection to Creation. What a horrible fate, but they deserved it."