by LJ Andrews
Dax reached up for the stone, and watching made Killian’s nerves send his stomach into violent twists. Just as he was going to beg Dax to stop, Dax pulled away and pushed his back against the wall.
“Mercedes is right. We should try again later.”
Killian clenched his jaw. Something in the back of his mind began to reason with the fearful anticipation of touching the stone. The fear was unnatural, if he really focused on it, as if it had been placed in his head and was not a true feeling from him.
“Something is deterring us from the stone. I imagine it’s a protection around the ruby,” he said, wishing it weren’t true. Knowing the feeling was false didn’t make the strange, aching anxiety any less real. “I’m not leaving without the ruby.”
Slowly, Killian reached his trembling hand toward the stone again. The apprehension heightened until bile rose into his throat. Pushing the powerful emotion down, he placed his palm on the stone. He could feel it was loose in between the surrounding stones. He pulled the stone and began taking it away from the wall. Finally, he threw the stone on the floor and noticed Dax and Mercedes had backed away and Lucan was watching with anticipation. Gulping down the thick worry in his throat, and exerting every ounce of strength he had, Killian stood on his toes and peered into the empty space.
The dusty lump was hardly visible underneath the layer of cobwebs from years of being stationary, but the glint of silver made his heart pound in his chest. Reaching into the hole, he clasped the lump and brought it out into the cool air.
Rubbing his thumbs over the surface to remove the dust, the brilliant, deep red color blasted through the dim lighting. The intense anxiety began to disappear as the ruby’s power heated up in his hands. The gold charm against his chest burned where it sat as if it was responding to the ruby.
“We did it,” Dax whispered. “It’s Merlin’s power; we have all of Merlin’s power!”
Killian smiled at him and Mercedes covered her mouth, but her emerald eyes blazed with excitement.
“Come on then. Let’s get it up to Miller,” Lucan cried.
Killian wrapped his hand tighter around the ruby, tucked it into his pocket, and followed them toward the winding stairway. Suddenly, his mind was taken somewhere else—a distant memory. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flurry of black mist and his stomach sunk in terror of the recurring dream he’d had before he even knew the Ponderi existed. He could still remember the fear as he tried to outrun the people who wanted to kill him before being swallowed in the mist. Everything started becoming familiar: the room, the stones, the smell of the air—it was the same place he’d dreamed about so long ago.
“Guys,” he said not daring to turn around and face the mist he knew was coming. “We need to go. Something’s not right.”
He pushed up to the next step, but ran into Mercedes who was watching something behind him with an angry terror.
“Don’t leave yet, Kill. We should catch up. It feels like it’s been so long.”
Chills crawled over Killian’s skin, and slowly he turned to face Blake. Blake stood in front of a dozen Trinity soldiers with his arms crossed. He was dressed in all black; with his hair short the two moons tattooed on the side of his neck were more visible than ever. Black mist swirled at his feet as if he were controlling the power.
“What is taking you guys so long…” Dax began coming back down the winding staircase to find Mercedes and Killian.
Dax stopped when he saw Blake and without hesitation unsheathed the gilded sword on his hip and tried to push past Killian. “I’LL KILL YOU!” he screamed as Killian and Mercedes leapt in front trying to hold him back.
Blake laughed wickedly. “Ah, Dax, why are you so mad? I didn’t cause the explosion that killed Soph−ˮ
“Don’t call her that,” Dax hissed.
Black glared back at him. “Wait, maybe I did cause the explosion. It just wouldn’t do to have a skilled fighter like Soph around. Sorry, buddy—she had to go.”
Dax exploded out of Mercedes’ and Killian’s grips and lunged toward Blake.
“Dax, no!” Killian shouted, but Blake had already wrapped Dax in the painful, burning mist.
His skin crawled as Dax’s screams filled the room. Focusing with everything he had, he tried to push some kind of protection around Dax, hoping it would block the mist.
“It won’t work, Kill,” Blake snarled. “You aren’t powerful enough.”
Killian removed his spear from his back. Mercedes and Lucan launched their daggers into their hands. “I’m more powerful than you know, Blake. And I didn’t have to borrow my power!”
They rushed at the small group of Trinity as the soldiers unsheathed their own weapons. Killian pushed a burning energy toward two soldiers knocking them flat against the far wall where they fell in a crumbled heap. Lucan was wailing his daggers through the air against a cloaked Trinity soldier whose hood completely concealed them. Lucan’s knife cut a deep gash across the thin feminine wrist as the soldier reached out for his neck. The hooded woman shrieked in pain and backed away from Lucan, falling into the mix of her fellow soldiers and hiding behind them.
Blake stepped away from Dax, bringing the painful mist with him, and shot a blast at Mercedes, who ducked in time to miss the shot. She sliced one of her daggers at Blake, but he disappeared on the spot and reappeared behind her. Blake grabbed her shoulder and she screamed in pain as white steam billowed out from underneath his palms.
Killian threw his spear, commanding it to hit Blake, but a Trinity soldier tackled him from behind, and his spear flew off course, landing five feet from Blake. The soldier raised his sword above Killian’s head. Killian was spinning after his forehead had smacked onto the stone floor, but he knew he needed to dissolve the weapon or he was dead. He could hear the whistle of the sword flying through the air toward him and he knew he didn’t have time to stop it.
With extreme force, the soldier on top of him flew back against the wall and the sword exploded into a fine dust that fell onto Killian’s face.
White blasts of powerful light filled the room, and deadly shots of black mist burst back. Killian looked up from the ground and saw Axel pulsing powerful surges toward the Trinity fighters. Rhetta and Dalia were gathering Mercedes and Lucan, who both had large red welts all over their skin, and rushing them up the stairs.
Get your friend, Axel’s calm voice filled Killian’s mind as he shot a blast of power at Blake and threw stones from the wall at a few soldiers without lifting a hand.
Quickly, Killian ran to Dax and wrapped one of his blistered arms around his shoulders. Dax moaned and didn’t open his eyes, but as if on instinct, his feet moved lazily with Killian toward the stairs.
Blake’s curses and shouts filled his ears as he battled Axel and watched Killian escape with the ruby. Making sure Dax was well out of the way, he rushed back down the stairs to help Axel. Just as the room came back into view, he saw Blake glare with such malice he thought it might destroy Axel.
Blake grinned in Killian’s direction when he noticed he’d returned. The darkness that stained his once happy eyes sent a strange sadness into Killian’s soul. He mourned the friend he thought he knew, and for a brief moment he’d never wanted the old Blake back more as he watched the darkness encompass his old friend. “I’ll be sure and tell your mother and mama Laura hello for you when I see them, Kill.”
Before he could respond, Axel raised his hands and balled them into fists. The surrounding walls began cracking and crumbling. Blake snarled and the black mist wrapped around him. He was gone, and he had abandoned the soldiers just as Axel opened his palms causing the ceiling to burst open, pummeling the remaining Trinity members with large stones until they were completely covered from the cave-in.
Killian gaped at the scene. Axel turned around, his eyes blazing with adrenaline.
They needed to die, his voice said in Killian’s head. We must find out how they knew where to find you.
Killian just nodded and stared at t
he carnage before him.
Did you find the ruby, Axel asked in his head.
Again, all Killian did was nod. Axel patted his shoulder and smiled, tearing him from his surprised expression.
Turning away from the ancient stone room, Killian reached into his pocket and clasped the ruby tighter. His power had seemed useless against the mist Blake had borrowed from Maurelle. His stomach clenched tightly as the thought crossed his mind that maybe he wouldn’t stand a chance against Maurelle when they met one another again.
Chapter 13
Rise of the Realms
The room was somber as each person mulled over what had happened. Killian looked up and met Axel’s eye. He thought about the truth he’d learned. Axel had killed the Queen of Cimmerian centuries earlier, and yet he’d just saved them from the surprise Trinity ambush. The conflicting emotions tightened his neck muscles and as he stared at Axel, he subconsciously rubbed the knots underneath his skin.
Egan was speaking to Mercedes and Dax in a hushed voice in the corner, causing them to periodically nod.
Finally, Miller cleared his throat, bringing everyone’s attention to the center of the room.
“First, thanks are in order to you−ˮ he pointed at Killian, Mercedes, Dax and Lucan –“for being incredibly resourceful and wise in finding the ruby. Having this in our possession is incredibly valuable and has given me a renewed hope we may be able to stand firmly against the Trinity.”
Miller brushed his thumb over the large ruby and stared at it absently for a long moment before continuing. “But I also must admit how troubled I am that the Trinity breached our walls yet again.”
Miller scanned the room, clenching his jaw. His pause lengthened, causing a thick tension to increase in the room as the rest were determining if it was safe to speak or if Miller had more to say.
Surprisingly, it was Gwyniera who stepped forward. Her tone was not frigid, and as she lifted her shoulders Killian was overwhelmed with a feeling of uncertainty. “It is clear vee are not able to trust even zose around us,” she began. “I am certain a spy let za Trinity into za basement after za ruby had been located. I am not accusing any of you,” Gwyniera eyed each of them who had found the ruby.
Closing her eyes, Gwyniera took a deep breath and spoke quietly. “I believe za time has come to raise za realms.”
Killian scrunched his eyebrows remembering Mercedes saying the same term once, and looking around he knew he wasn’t the only one.
Rhetta stood and clasped her hands in front of her. “Empress, are you suggesting dissolving all barriers between the four realms?”
Gwyniera nodded. “Za people must rise up and defend za Hemisphere. Vee all know it is true. Zis is no longer a Ponderi problem. It vill affect every realm and za people must be able to band together and defend zere homes.”
“I agree with Gwyniera,” Egan said. Killian saw Miller lift his eyebrows in surprise. Egan chuckled. “I know that doesn’t happen often, but the Empress is right. Every realm is filled with powerful people who deserve to be given the opportunity to stand against the Trinity. If we don’t allow them proper defenses, they will be slaughtered. No realm is unreachable to Maurelle and whatever dark plan she’s trying to implement.”
Miller rested a hip on the corner of his large desk and rubbed his fingers over his mustache. “You all understand how difficult it will be to dissolve the barriers. It took James Thomas nearly his entire life to ensure the realms remained separate and all tracks came to the Praetorium.” His voice raised, but Killian detected a hint of surrender to the suggestion.
Owen turned his back to the room and leaned in close to Miller, speaking softly, but Killian heard what he said. “Miller, you know they’re right. The people will rise up, but it will also be harder for Maurelle to hide Marie if the barriers are gone.”
Miller met Owen’s eye as if considering what he was saying, then he slowly nodded in agreement. “I will set Connor to work immediately on dissolving the barriers. It will be around the clock labor, even for him.”
“I thought Connor was on supervision,” Killian said.
“Desperate times,” was all Miller replied.
“I will return to Ignisia,” Egan said. “Mercedes and Dax have agreed to join me. It’s time the people met their princess anyway.”
Mercedes blushed, but Killian saw her lips turn up in a subtle smile.
“I will come as well,” Killian said drawing Owen’s attention. “I can help reach out to Deshuits in Ignisia. We’ve already had encounters there.” He smiled coyly at Owen, but his father just looked sick as he remembered nearly killing Killian months earlier.
“Killian, I don’t think it’s necessary for you to go,” Rhetta said, a hint of concern in her voice.
“Blake confirmed Maurelle has my mother,” he began sternly. “But he also said they took someone else.”
“Who is it?” Owen asked.
Killian looked at the ground and dug his finger into the seam of the sofa. “Laura Peterson, my foster mother.”
Owen clenched his jaw and looked angry, as did Miller.
“Wait, you mean the woman who sent you to prison?” Mercedes said sympathetically.
Killian nodded. “I don’t know why they would’ve taken her; Marie is enough to draw me out.”
“I’m not quite sure why you would want to save her anyway after what you’ve told us,” Dax said.
Killian smirked in his direction. “I’m not just going to let them kill her, even if she…did what she did.”
“You mean betray you,” Owen snarled. “Allow you to be hurt every day. Trust me, I’ll have a few words to say to the woman if I meet her.”
Killian opened his mouth to speak, but Rhetta interrupted. “Owen Thomas, that’s enough. Really, everyone! Is Killian the only one willing to rescue a woman who is no doubt being tortured by people she never even knew existed? If anyone should be reluctant to save her it should be Killian. But he is willing to rescue her and that’s enough for me.” Rhetta straightened her top and sat in one of the wing-back chairs against the wall in a huff. Killian looked at her in surprise, but Rhetta only winked at him.
Owen cleared his throat. “You’re right mother. Killian, we’ll do what we can to get your mother and Laura back safely.”
“So we’re agreed that we should rally the people of the realms?” Egan asked.
“I vill set out to Glaciem tomorrow. Za people should hear za news from their empress,” Gwyniera said.
Egan nodded. “And we will do the same in Ignisia,” he pointed to Dax and Mercedes. “Killian, will you be joining us?”
Killian looked around at his family. Rhetta smiled, Miller looked stone-faced, and Owen hung his head. Killian nodded back at Egan and breathed deeply. “Yes, I will reach out to the Deshuits while we’re there.”
“Plus, you kind of want to see what Mercedes looks like in Ignisia,” Lucan chimed in from the back of the room.
Everyone laughed, except Egan and Gwyniera who seemed confused.
“What do you mean?” Egan asked.
Mercedes smiled. “Apparently, when I go to the realms of my heritage, my appearance changes. In Glaciem, my eyes turned blue and my skin lightened. I didn’t change in Cimmerian, so I can only assume my appearance will alter when we go to Ignisia.”
“I did not expect zat to happen,” Gwyniera admitted.
Egan beamed. “Just proof of how powerful you are. Descendant from two great realms,” he said. Clearing his throat he smiled sadly at her. “I truly wish your mother could see what kind of young woman you’ve become.”
The room grew somber. Gwyniera stood after a short moment and looked at Mercedes as if she wanted to say something. Instead, she faced Miller. “I vill prepare to leave. Good luck to you all. Until vee meet again.”
The empress held her head high and left the room. Dalia stood and clenched her club tightly. “Rhetta, Axel, and I will go to Cimmerian and reach out to them.”
Axel touched her elbow.
“I stay,” he said in his choppy accent when he spoke out loud.
“Axel, why do you want to stay here?” she asked softly.
“Protect,” he replied pointing toward Miller.
“You want to protect the Praetorium.” She stated. Axel smiled and nodded. “All right, if that is acceptable to you Miller, then Rhetta and I will go to Cimmerian.”
“I don’t like any of this,” Miller admitted. “But I cannot think of anything more to do but appeal to the people of the Hemisphere for their help.”
“Then it’s settled,” Rhetta said. “We all should prepare and get some rest. Tomorrow is a busy day.”
“Killian,” Owen said, calling him back before he left the room. “I think I should be the one to go to Ignisia. I was a Deshuit you know.” He smiled.
“I think you’re the best person to look for Mom. You know what to look for more than I do.”
Owen pursed his lips and crossed his arms. “All right, you’re right. If you meet any clans in Ignisia, be sure to tell them who you are first thing. Show them the relic, and they’ll believe you. And seek out Eldora if she’s there. She’s the one who helped me understand the ruby; she’s a friend. I’m sure she’ll be able to help.”
Killian nodded. “I’ll ask for her.” He turned toward the open door once more, but Owen stopped him again.
“And make sure you avoid fire wisps and you know to avoid too much of the sun. Ignisian heat exhaustion is nothing to joke about.”
“Owen,” Killian said nudging his elbow. “I’ll be okay. I’m going with the Ignisian chief, and I’ve been there before. I’ll be fine.”
Owen smiled, embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m new to all this…you know…worrying dad thing.”
“I get it. You be careful here, too. There’s no telling if the Trinity will come back or not. Like Gwyniera said, who can we really trust anymore?”
“Each other,” Owen said with stern seriousness. “You can always trust me Killian, I will always be there. Even though,” his voice cracked and he cleared his throat. “Even though I wasn’t with you while you grew up, I was always there for you, fighting to keep you safe. I failed in a lot of ways, but I will do everything I can to never fail you when you need me.”