by Nicki Ruth
∞∞∞
Jason followed behind the boy as they climbed out of the tunnel. He looked to be no more than twelve, but the energy radiating from the dark-haired boy was ancient and almost divine.
This puzzled Jason, since the boy, Valere, seemed to despise him for some reason, casting him dirty looks over his shoulder. He was leading them to his brother, Albus, who he said was in the forest.
Jason ignored his father and brother’s questioning looks, but he was slowly putting together that the whispers he’d heard earlier, the bow and arrow that had come to him was none other than the boy before him. And his brother.
“Albus is this way.” The glowering boy pointed to the thick tree line as they emerged from the tunnel.
Back in the light, Jason paused to look at the cloudy sky, remembering it was about this time in the morning he and Cade would return from their morning romp in the clouds.
“Are you coming?” Valere asked impatiently, interrupting Jason’s reminiscing, as he stomped forward muttering to himself about the oaf he was serving.
Jason glanced behind to see Alexios’ lips tugging upwards. Brandr didn’t bother to hide his amusement. He returned his attention to the boy plowing through the undergrowth, bewildered by why the kid was so disgruntled.
Valere stopped and plopped himself on the ground next to a thick tree and nodded in Jason’s direction.
“You’ll need to call him down if our business with you is finished.” He scowled, then focused his attention on swiping at the grasses around him.
Jason felt Alexios come beside him as he stood rooted before the tree. There, above them was the mage; half human, half reptilian—caught mid transformation—impaled to the tree by a glittering arrow firmly secured through his chest.
But the mage was still alive—barely. He weakly turned his head and gurgled, dark blood bubbling from his mouth. His lips moved wordlessly; the silent last-minute pleas for his life.
Jason stepped forward and looked at the arrow connected to the mage. The arrow pulsed with energy, radiating a noble and pure force that rippled over his skin. It had followed the target, defying natural laws chasing after its prey.
Jason grinned. “You erred coming here. I don’t even know your name, but I won’t waste time sending you to your death. I’ve kept my promise to you.” He took hold of the arrow’s shaft as the mage struggle feebly. “Now, Albus.”
Light burst from the arrow, seeping into the mage, purifying his dark magic from his core to his limbs.
The mage uttered a final curse as his body cracked and withered until it became nothing but a collection of bones that shattered on the ground.
The arrow glowed once more, and as with Valere, a human-looking boy emerged from the light. This one shyly smiled up at Jason and blushed, averting his gaze and tugging at his dirt-spattered robe.
“Albus?” Jason smiled as he stooped down to look at the bashful boy. “Thank you for your help.” Jason turned to look at Valere, who rolled his eyes at him as he chewed on a plucked stem. “And you too, Valere. Thank you.”
Albus, Jason noticed, was different from his brother in that he had silver white hair to Valere’s black. Both had mismatched eyes, each having one of a silver color, and Albus’ glinted as he looked at Jason.
“We . . . we’re here to serve—”
“Albus!” Valere gave his brother a warning look.
“But he’s—”
“A moron! Let’s go.” Valere jumped to his feet and marched over to Albus, before taking his hand and dragging him deeper into the forest.
Jason sighed and looked at Alexios. He hadn’t the energy to deal with those boys now.
“Well, it's over. Should we head back to the others? There’s still much to be done.” Alexios said, watching Jason closely.
Jason knew his father was concerned, and Brandr’s tense shoulders let him know his brother was as well. Jason nodded and trudged forward.
He slipped his hand under his tunic to feel the warm metal of the pendant in his fingers, reassuring himself Cade was there, that he hadn’t died. And that he needed to release Cade, soon.
∞∞∞
Deepa, the girl with the broken antlers, was first to greet Jason when they rejoined the others in the cave. She hugged his thighs and grinned up at him. He patted her head and turned to see the others had quickly gathered around him, cheering his safe return, his return to them.
Jason smiled weakly and tried to take to heart their warm gratitude, but his shoulders remained slumped with heaviness. How would he ever tell them about what he’d done to Cade? How would he be able to face their resentment?
“Jason, welcome back. Thank you,” Karina said regally as she approached them. “All of you.” She nodded to Alexios and Brandr. “Come, let’s discuss our next move.”
She ushered Jason to the back of the cave, shooing away Mira who wanted to personally give Jason her thanks.
Wushien, Alexios, and Brandr decided to take a few of the others back to the village to assess the damage and make sure no threats lingered. Garland insisted on going, so Davina and a few women remained with the children.
Karina was quiet, silently looking at Jason, who couldn’t bring himself to look into her amethyst gaze. He worked to form the words he needed to say, but they failed to come to him.
“Don’t be discouraged. You are here, you are now, because it is what was meant to be.”
Karina leaned forward from her perch, reaching out her hand to lift his chin. “It’s no coincidence you’re reunited with your true self in this place, in this time. There’s still much that’s to be seen, still many shackles to be unbound, and so many waiting to feel your touch and divine your mercy. And, as one closes, a new era awaits.”
Jason frowned at her cryptic words.
“For both of you,” she added with a tilt of her head and crooked smile.
“Karina, I . . .” Jason shook his head, heart pounding in his ear. “Cade.” He heard the strangled cry that erupted from him as he buried his face in his hands. “What’ve I done?” Jason trembled from the quiet sobs seeping from him, unleashed from their cage.
“Jason, I know you worry for him. But there is a way to heal him.”
His head jerked up, and for the first time since he returned to the cave he looked into Karina’s eyes. Assurance and hope gleamed in their depths.
“How? I mean . . . you know what happened?”
“Yes, my children tell me everything,” she said with a knowing smile.
Jason glanced back to the other side of the cave, where Davina was making faces with the laughing children.
“Not those children. My other children,” Karina said.
At Jason’s confusion she dipped her hand into her bodice and pulled out a tiny, green seed.
“This one will soon be born and will stay here, even after I’ve returned.”
She fingered the seed and it cracked open; a small green stem peeked out, soon to unfold into the light. The bud of a new life bound to the earth.
Jason’s understanding grew; Karina gave green life to the sanctuary and was responsible for the rumbling in the tunnel. The earth goddess who’d stayed behind when the other gods ascended.
Jason and Karina gazed at each other, sharing unspoken words that filtered into his ear as he saw into her being. His chest constricted again as cold fingers of sadness touched his heart, now knowing of another loss soon to be endured.
∞∞∞
Jason gripped the necklace in his hand, determined to be successful at this mission—the most important of his life. Karina’s portal opened into the dark of the cave, linking them to another world, the realm of Drogal—the fire god whose eternal fire was once stolen to shape the very first fire-breathing vahana.
According to the plan he’d devised with Karina, he’d enter that realm and gather the liquid fire that flowed there to restore what was lost from Cade.
“Don’t tarry there, Jason. Not all gods are as accommodating as I. My uncle is vola
tile and is neither friend nor foe. It would be best to conceal your presence as much as possible. You’d better leave the necklace behind. Cade’s presence will be felt there.”
Jason frowned. “How will I bring back the liquid fire?”
“With this.” Karina handed him a hollowed cylindrical block of dark rock, rough and crude. “Only this, forged by me, will be able to contain the fire.” She jabbed a strip of metal into either side of the block and twisted it at the top.
“There. This will make it easier for you to carry.”
After he’d argued and convinced Davina he’d be extra careful about his safety entering the godly realm, Jason was ready.
He turned to Karina and placed the necklace gently into her hand. He’d brave the fiery realm for Cade, even if it cost him.
“When you get back, you’ll release him,” Karina reassured him.
Jason nodded and turned towards the portal. He’d only taken one step when he felt arms folding tightly around him from behind.
“Come back to us, to me,” Davina whispered into his back. “I won’t be able to face him if you don’t.”
Jason turned to the vampire queen and smoothed a hand over her cheek. “I’ll be back. I must.” He offered her a crooked grin. “Father may never even need to know.”
Davina gave him a sour look and gripped his arms. “Remember what Karina said: in and out. We’ll be on standby. I’ll come to you if you need me to, please know that.”
Jason nodded and turned back to the portal, avoiding her gaze. He’d never let her enter such a dangerous place, but he kept that to himself.
“Okay. One hour, right? I’ll be back.”
He looked at Karina, who replied, “One hour is all I can do.”
Chapter 25
Jason had underestimated what it meant to be in the fire realm. This must have been the hell that humans spoke of.
The terrain was desolate and littered with exploding mountain peaks that seeped lava and sulfurous gases. The ground was streaked with glowing veins that hinted at the fiery danger lurking underneath. Occasionally, it rained brimstone, the impact of which released plumes of noxious fumes from the earth. Not to mention, it was hot.
Not hot—sweltering.
Despite this, he couldn’t help but chuckle. Cade would be at home here. Jason could picture him lounging against one of the heated rocks, stretching his wings.
He had no idea where he was going, but Karina said when he saw it, he’d know he’d found the Lake of Cacus, where he was to collect the healing fire that would restore Cade.
Jason first thought to take to the air for an aerial view of the landscape and hopefully find the lake, but he didn’t want to take the chance of revealing himself unnecessarily. Who knew what untold foes lay hidden between the endless mountain ranges. Deciding to head to the left, he started down a curved path that lead to a line of boulders he could hide behind if necessary.
“Not that way,” a voice said behind him.
Jason spun around to see Albus wringing his hands before him.
“Albus! What are you doing here?” His sudden appearance surprised Jason. How did he get through the portal? Karina wouldn’t have sent the boys. “Why did you follow me here?”
“We . . . we could help you. It's our duty,” he stammered.
“We?” Jason peered over Albus’ shoulder to see Valere pouting a few feet behind him.
“You boys need to head back. This is no place for you. You could be killed,” Jason almost shrieked, thinking of the danger they could be in.
“We’re not boys. We’ve been around much longer than you have,” Valere grumbled as he stepped forward. “And Albus decided to drag us here so that you don't get yourself killed,” he sneered. “Honestly, Albus, why did you have to choose him. He can barely take care of himself!”
“He needs our help. He has a pure heart,” Albus replied as he turned to face his brother.
“A pure heart and an empty head. Why did he think it a good idea to come to this place?”
“He has a noble mission. We must protect him.”
Jason stood, speechless at the exchange between the brothers. What the hell was going on? And what was Valere’s problem?
“Listen, you two. As much as I’d love to stand here and listen to you bicker, I have something to do. Now, go back!”
“You see? He’s slow.” Valere pretended to knock against his head.
Albus took Jason’s hand. “We’re your holy weapons, and are never far from your side.” He blushed and looked down. “But to get to the Lake of Cacus, we must go that way.”
Jason followed the direction of Albus’ finger as he pointed to the distance off to the right.
“It's not very far. Her Ladyship put you as close as she could.”
These boys confused Jason, but clearly, they were of divine origin. Were they also vahanas? He didn’t have the time to spare for getting the answers.
“Fine,” Jason sighed in resignation. “But at the first sign of trouble, you guys split, okay?”
Valere sniggered, and Albus gave Jason a small smile.
They started at a brisk pace in the direction Albus said the lake would be found. Luckily the place showed no signs of habitation. Obviously. Who could live in a place like this?
“There’re hungry creatures here. You’d better keep your shield up,” Valere said behind him. At Jason’s questioning glance he shrugged. “Just saying.”
With a frown, Jason took his advice. He would really need to sit these two down when they got back. The ground shook beneath them and a fissure spat rock and magma high into the air a few feet ahead. When it quieted, Jason motioned for them to creep forward, now inspecting where he put his feet.
“Why is there only one arrow? Can you turn yourself into more than one, Albus?” Jason asked, breaking the strained silence.
Valere scoffed. “You only need one. If you know how to shoot a bow, that is!”
“I know how to use a bow and arrow, Valere,” Jason snapped. This kid drained even his usually large reserves of patience.
“Don’t worry. We’ll show you how to use our sacred powers. And now that we’re tied, it’ll come easy to you,” Albus reassured.
Still confused, Jason turned to ask another question, but Albus tugged at his hand.
“Wait.”
“Hide,” Valere whispered and shoved Jason behind one of the large boulders dotting the
terrain.
Just as they settled behind the rock, a piercing hiss sounded, followed by another rumbling of the earth. The flat, wide head of a towering serpent appeared, the gaps between its black scales glowing a sinister orange. Another serpent slithered next to it, black and equally terrifying with long fangs at the top and bottom of its large mouth. They gnashed and spat at each other, the sound of their snapping jaws like high-pitched screeches.
Jason crowded the boys behind him as a third head, which seemed to look their way, came into view. It flicked its forked tongue back and forth into the air, and Jason prayed it didn't pick up on their scent. Its head reared back, and it hissed, gaining the attention of the other two serpents whose heads swiveled around. With three glowing pairs of eyes peering in their direction, it was time to go.
“You boys grab onto me,” he whispered, keeping an eye on the serpents who were slowly beginning to make their way toward their hiding place.
He spread his wings and heard Valere’s sharp intake of breath. They scrambled onto his back, and Jason leapt into the air. The snake heads jerked upward and lunged at them. Jason flapped his wings, taking them higher, just barely out of the reach of their wide-opened jaws.
From this height, he saw they were not three snakes but one large, three-headed serpent. The heads drew close together and blew a ball of fire at them. Jason swerved sharply to the side, the ball of flame narrowly missing them, although it managed to singe a few feathers. Albus yelped as he slid off Jason’s back.
“Holy shit!” Jason grabbed onto the b
oy and hauled him into his arms.
“Keep going. The lake is near!” Valere yelled in his ear from behind.
They flew on and came upon a large lake of lava and prancing fire that boiled and sizzled. The Lake of Cacus—finally! As they neared, the air hung thick with gaseous fumes that clouded Jason’s vision and choked his lungs, so he tried to find a suitable place to land.
After locating a spot that wasn’t glowing or steaming he landed, rolling as he crashed to the ground. Albus and Valere cried out at the rough landing, Valere having been thrown from Jason’s back.
“Sorry about that. Not used to passengers,” he said sheepishly as he got to his feet.
“A winged vahana who can’t fly,” Valere sneered with derision.
“I can fly,” Jason shot back. “I’m just not accustomed landing with a brat on my back!”
As Valere was about to retort, with something just as caustic no doubt, Jason stopped the boy. “I swear, I’m in no mood for your sharp tongue, Valere. Keep this up, and you’ll be back in the box I called you from.”
At Valere’s stricken face, Jason grimaced, instantly regretting his words. He heard a gasp and looked down to see he was still holding Albus, who looked about to cry.
“Look, I’m sorry.” Jason said, his tone softening as he eased Albus to the ground. “I didn’t mean it. That was a vile thing to say, and I shouldn't take my frustrations out on you.”
Albus bit his lower lip and toed the ground. His brother, however, now looked murderous, ready to launch himself at Jason.
Jason should be the last person to threaten anyone with confinement. He closed his eyes and rubbed his hand across his sweaty neck as thoughts of Cade ran through his head and remorse prickled him for his careless words.
He let out a steadying breath. “No one is ever returning you to the box. Not me, not anyone. I promise you, Albus, Valere. I’m sorry for even mentioning it. I do want us to be friends, though. Can we try to be friends?”
He looked at Albus, then at Valere, who was now also worrying his lip and toeing the ground. Jason saw the similarities between the brothers. Where Albus was shy and gentle to Valere’s brash and rude attitude, both mirrored a doleful vulnerability in the face of having their freedom stripped from them.