by Walls, Devri
“Taking them with us still carries risk. With one failed attempt to enter the city, the other two will run. We are going to lose another entrance,” Drustan said.
Kiora huffed and looked up at the star-spattered sky. Jasmine already knew the location of two entrances—they couldn’t keep losing them like this. “Before we left, you said I shouldn’t worry about this very scenario because the magic would take care of the problem.”
“That’s when I thought there was one spy—not three.”
“Summon my bow,” Emane said. “I will make sure the entrance stays secret . . . and don’t look at me like that, Kiora. It’s the only way. I will only loose an arrow if they run.”
***
KIORA TOOK THE FIRST watch. She leaned against a tree as the camp fell silent. Once everyone was asleep, she lit a small ball of blue light, rolling it back and forth across her fingertips. She leaned to the side and held the ball out to illuminate Emane’s face. His hair fell softly across his forehead and his hand rested on his bow—ready to spring into action, even as he slept.
Drustan’s voice came from the side. “It doesn’t get easier, does it?” he asked softly.
“What?”
“Loving two people.”
She didn’t bother denying it. “Part of me thinks it would be easier if Emane had someone else. Maybe I wouldn’t feel so guilty.”
“Maybe.”
“Not that it matters—he isn’t going to find someone until he goes back to Meros.”
The bugs of the forest chirped and chattered in the darkness, filling the silence between them. Kiora almost wondered if Drustan had fallen asleep when he asked, “Will you be going back?”
Kiora pursed her lips. She stared up at the sky through the branches, letting the blue light on her fingertips flicker out. “I don’t know. Maybe . . . someday. I can’t really see past Jasmine, to be honest.”
“Will you take Alcander?”
Kiora grinned. “That would be an interesting sight, wouldn’t it? Alcander strolling around Meros.”
“That’s not what I was really asking.”
Kiora glanced sideways. Drustan was leaning up on his elbow, looking at her curiously, his face mostly in shadow. “Then what are you asking?”
“He is bonded with you. Are you bonded with him?”
She slid down the trunk and pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. “I think I am.”
Drustan smiled. “Good. Someone deserves to be happy.” He shrugged and rolled onto his back. “Even if that means it has to be Alcander.”
Kiora chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Will you be glad to go home?”
“Yes, I will. There are some Shifters I miss very much. And my waterfall,” he mumbled, resting his head on his arm. “I miss my waterfall.”
***
EMANE TOOK THE LAST watch. He shook Kiora awake as the sun rose. “Let’s go.”
Kiora pushed herself up, looking around camp. “Any problems?” she whispered.
Emane shook his head. “Nope. They are definitely planning on getting into the city.”
“Let’s get this over with,” she groaned.
The flight back seemed longer as she anticipated what was to come. Drustan landed outside the entrance that Kiora had instructed be manned from the inside.
She pulled the bubble that was currently concealing their group up and over the perimeter of the entrance, ensuring that none of their threads escaped. Emane dismounted and causally strolled to the side of the stone door, facing the Shifters. He prepared his bow and arrow, but left it by his side—looking as causal as possible.
Kiora walked past him to touch the entrance. Magic flared out, running up and around the edges—the sign to open it.
The stone slab rumbled as it slid to the side. The Shifters’ attention immediately fixated on the sheeting magical protection. Nobody moved.
Drustan, having shifted to human form, pushed to the front. “I will go first to show you what to expect,” he said. As he passed through, the magic seized him. It poured around him, searching, and then released its hold.
Killian stepped forward. He clenched and unclenched his fists as he walked. His breathing was labored, but he bravely stepped into the magic. It reacted the same as it had for Drustan. Once he was safely inside, a collective sigh of relief moved through the new rebels. They relaxed, smiling at each other and gripping one another’s hands.
The next Shifter boldly stepped forward, one of the three in question. The smile on his face was closer to a smirk and his chin was pulled up in the most confident of poses. The barrier stopped him. The colors immediately changed from pinks and blues to blood red.
Kiora cursed—she had truly hoped they were wrong. She turned her head away as the magic melted flesh from bone.
The Shifters cried out, looking about in alarm. The mood changed instantly.
Kiora dismally looked back at them. “I warned you what would happen to any who weren’t really with us.”
Two Shifters near the middle of the group began to change, sprouting wings as they turned to flee. Emane pulled up his bow. His first arrow exploded forward and caught one of the fleeing Shifters in the back. The second arrow was dispatched close behind. The Shifter it was aimed at threw a bubble, but it was too late—Emane’s arrow found its target. The Shifter’s bubble dropped almost as soon as it went up and he collapsed to the ground with a thud, an arrow protruding from his neck.
Erina, who had warned them of the trio of traitors, turned to face the jittery group. “You know as well as I do the magic spoke true. If you are truly here for the Solus, you have nothing to fear.” Turning, she smiled at Kiora. She threw her shoulders back and walked into the magic. It searched her, and she walked unharmed into the city.
The rest of the Shifters were allowed into the city, much to Kiora’s relief. Once everyone was through, she looked back at the two dead bodies sprawled across the ground.
“It had to be done,” Emane said.
“We can’t leave them here.” Kiora looked around. There were many large stones similar to the one she had pulled back from entrance lying around. Kiora used her magic to pull one up on its end. “We can use this,” she said.
Emane picked up the first Shifter and laid his body at the base of the large slab. He did the same for the second, laying him next to the first.
Kiora flicked her wrist and the rock fell forward, burying the bodies beneath a nameless headstone. “Let’s go,” she said.
Alcander was waiting for them just inside the magic. “Have the Guardians arrived yet?” she asked him.
“No, not yet.” He glanced down the hall at the line of Shifters. “You came home with more than I thought you would.”
“You need to have more faith,” Drustan said. “Kiora has a strange and marvelous effect. You of all people should know that.” He gave Alcander a deliberate, one-fingered poke in the chest. “Her effect on you has been nothing short of miraculous.”
CHAPTER SIX
Surrounded
EMANE VOLUNTEERED TO WAIT for the Guardians, mainly because he wanted time alone. He had thrown himself into training because it needed to be done, but also because it was a legitimate excuse to be clear of Kiora for most of the day. He was rather impressed with his ability to fake acceptance, but he had his limits. In an attempt to keep his feelings to himself, he spent all his time with the Taveans. Although not nearly as cocky as Alcander, they were still a proud species that tried his patience, despite his constant efforts at lightheartedness.
The cracks around the doorframe lit from the outside and Emane hurriedly moved to open it. The stone was large, and meant to be moved by magic—of course. He threw his shoulder into it, grunting under the effort. It finally slid forward.
Malena and Leo fluttered in, passing through the barrier.
They were just as bright and beautiful as he remembered. He turned to shove the stone back into place, but Malena did the work for him with a simple w
ave of her hand.
Emane gave them a shallow bow. “It is good to see you again.”
Malena fluttered forward. Her blond hair hung perfectly between two shimmering wings and her smile was radiant, exposing tiny, perfect teeth. She gave him a delicate kiss on the cheek. “It is good to see you as well, Prince Emane.”
“How are my people?” he asked as he brushed the dirt from his hands and pants.
“They are well,” Leo said. “Worried about both you and Kiora.”
“And my father?”
“He is worried as well,” Malena said.
“But they are safe?”
“They are. We have kept the Fallen Ones at bay and hope to be able to return your people to their homes soon.”
“Good.” Emane motioned for the Guardians to follow him and headed toward the city center.
“Where is Kiora?” Leo asked.
“I hope she is sleeping,” Emane said. “Although, somehow I doubt it. She hasn’t been doing much of that lately.”
“I am not surprised.” Malena shuddered.
“The state of this world is worse than we understood,” Leo said, flying to the side of him. “Coming through the pass and feeling the loss of good threads was painful. I can only imagine what Kiora must be feeling.”
“That isn’t even half the problem,” Emane said as the tunnel opened up, exposing the city. “She has been through more than I ever thought she could handle.”
Alcander jogged up the steps, stopping in front of Malena and Leo. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“You must be Prince Alcander,” Malena said. “Eleana spoke of you.”
“King Alcander,” Emane corrected.
“It makes no difference—you may call me Alcander.”
Malena looked around the city. “Where would you like us to work?”
“Come.” Alcander waved, leading them toward one of the larger rooms that ran along the perimeter of the city’s center. “Drustan has been waiting for you.”
“Emane,” Malena said as they followed Alcander, “Eleana wanted me to check on your armband. Is it still working satisfactorily?”
Emane quirked an eyebrow, his mouth twisting up. “I think we may have different definitions of ‘satisfactory’. But it is working as was intended. We will leave it at that.”
“We are very grateful for it,” Alcander piped over his shoulder. “Having a healer amongst us has been invaluable.”
“Where is Kiora?” Emane asked loudly, feigning as if to look for her. “Alcander refers to me as invaluable, and she is not here to witness it.”
***
KIORA WOKE TO THE bustle of the city. She rolled over and pulled her blanket over her head. Chatter and commotion drifted through her balcony doors, but it was Drustan’s booming voice that was loudest. He must already be training the Shifters.
Shortly after, Drustan was drowned out by the sounds of swords clanging—lots of swords.
Sitting straight up, Kiora reached for threads. “Malena! Leo!” She threw back the covers. Excitement rose up within her and she grinned as she pulled on her clothes.
She was halfway down the stairs before she came to a sudden stop. There were far more threads than normal within range. She turned her head this way and that, trying to pinpoint the location. Fear pulsed through her and she ran to the front door.
Not wanting to alert anyone in the city, she paused to collect herself before opening the doors and walking as calmly as possible down one of the tunnels, schooling her face into an impassive mask. Once she was far enough down the hall, she broke into a run. Bubbling herself, she pulled back the stone and exited the protection of the city.
She felt the threads better out here, but her mind refused to believe—she needed to see it. A tree to her right had low-hanging branches and she scrambled up. She climbed until the foliage grew thin enough that she could look out, and her fears were realized. The armies of the Shadow were coming in on all sides, completely surrounding the lake.
“No,” she whispered. She frantically looked for a hole in the lines that were approaching. But there was none. The enemy was marching in an impeccably organized solid circle around them.
This could not have come at a worse time. The rest of the rebel camps were on their way here, and now the enemy stood between them and every entrance to the city.
Kiora dropped from branch to branch as fast as she could, hitting the ground harder than she had intended. Grunting, she stumbled forward, limping through the magical protection and sealing the door behind her.
Alcander, meet me in the library. Bring Emane and Drustan—as fast you can. Don’t alarm anyone.
Kiora left her bubble up and ran, dodging and weaving to avoid being discovered. If anyone stopped her now, there would be no hiding it—they would see panic written all over her face and alarm would flood through the city.
Alcander and Emane casually exited the training room ahead of her on their way to the house. Emane stuck his head into the room where Drustan was working, motioning for him to join them.
Kiora ran past, throwing open the door to the house. She dropped her bubble and began to pace inside the main entry, her mind racing. They had to do something or every rebel out there would be lost.
Drustan, Emane, and Alcander walked in. Alcander made sure the door was firmly shut behind them before asking, “What is going on?”
“Jasmine’s armies have us surrounded,” Kiora said. “Completely. There isn’t a single entrance for the rebels to use.”
“Are you sure?” Drustan asked.
“Yes. You will all feel the threads soon enough. But I went outside to make sure. Tavean, Shifters, Shifter-Dragons, and others—all of Enzo’s army. And it looks like he picked up more from the camps. They were smart—they surrounded us far enough out that we couldn’t feel their threads before they approached.”
“The rebels . . .” Alcander said.
“They are going to run right into them. If they haven’t already.”
“We need a distraction,” Emane said. “Something to draw them away.” He paused, looking at the group.
Plans whirled though Kiora’s mind. “Jasmine’s armies are looking for entrances. Maybe we should give them one.”
When there were no objections, she nodded. “Come on.” She ran to the library.
She ripped maps off shelves and unrolled them on the table, pushing books aside. “We need to make sure an entrance is clear on either side of the lake for the rebels.” She tapped at two. “We need to draw the enemy away.”
“Which entrance are we going to let go of?” Drustan asked.
“This one,” Alcander said. “It’s between the other two entrances we are trying to leave open and should pull forces from both sides.” He drew with his finger, pulling imaginary troops from both entrances toward the center.
“I’ll go,” Kiora said. “Arturo should be within range.”
“We’re going to need a bigger distraction,” Alcander said. “I’ll go too. The Taveans still want me dead—and they want the staff back.”
“What about me?” Emane asked.
“Someone needs to be in charge here,” Kiora said. “The doors need to be opened from the inside and everyone needs to be kept calm.” Emane pursed his lips. “I am not leaving you behind. I will contact the rebels, but if some of them get caught in the crossfire, we are going to need a healer. I need you here.”
Emane nodded his consent.
“Drustan, do you have any Shifters on board with your new philosophies?”
“A few, but most are fighting it.”
“We need a distraction big enough to pull the majority of the forces in our direction.”
“Done,” Drustan said.
“Good. I will keep moving outwards. Hopefully I can get some to chase me.” She rustled through the stack of papers Lomay left. “Alcander, use the incantations to apprise the rebels of the situation. I need to talk to Arturo. Meet me at the exit.”
**
*
KIORA PACED BACK AND forth in front of the rock blocking the door. She kept telling herself to stop, but could only pause for a moment or two before her legs acted of their own accord, setting her moving again. Her nerves were on fire and every second that ticked by increased her worry.
Alcander finally turned down the tunnel and headed toward her.
“Did you make contact?” she asked as soon as he was close enough that she didn’t need to shout.
“The first group of rebels saw the armies assembling and held back. The next group has since joined up with them and the others are close behind. We have to work quickly or we will lose everyone.”
“Are the rebels close enough to make it into the city if we clear a path?” Kiora asked.
“Yes.”
“That’s good.” She wrung her hands in front of her before forcing them to be still at her sides. “We might only get one shot at this. A distraction isn’t likely to work the second time.”
Drustan and four other Shifters, including Erina and Killian, ran down the corridor.
“Drustan, do you think we could get a repeat of the creature you came up with in Tavea?”
“Exactly what I was thinking. That worked rather brilliantly.”