Discovery at Nerwolix

by C. G. Coppola

  We’re only a few steps out when the Lynzees fly in front of me again.

  What you seek is not ahead. You must come with us, Fallon. The princess does not have long.

  “Clarence!” I shout ahead. “She’s not up here. She’s…” I gesture to the three Lynzees drifting around my face.

  Tucker follows my focus and spotting them, he jets forward. They take off in a hurried flight and he’s right behind them, leading us further down the right side of the beach. Reid races after the Rogue Leader, pulling me along behind him. My legs are pained and I’m overly exhausted, but I keep pace with them, pushing through as my feet sink into the sand.

  I know the others are behind me, but I can’t stop and look back to check. We need to get to the princess. Now. The Lynzees said so and there’s something in my gut telling me we need to find her. We need to be there now.

  Why doesn’t she have long? I ask.

  The one who seeks to do her harm is near…

  “What are they saying?” Reid breathes next to me.

  “She’s in trouble….” I pant, trying my hardest to keep up with him. “The princess—they’re saying she doesn’t have long. That someone’s about to do her harm.”

  “Who?” he throws me a look. “Do you know?”

  “No.”

  He grips my hand tighter and we race behind Tucker who is flying across the sand like he’s only using the ground to propel himself further. Faster. We’re rushing after him, rounding the far side of the beach and past giant gray boulders. But then Tucker stops. He’s completely motionless and once we reach him, we immediately halt.

  Ariana is bound to a stake out in the shallow water and Varielle moves for her, a sleek black blade in hand.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven: Discovery

  Clarence is the first to speak. “Princess, you don’t need to do this. You—”

  “Do not tell me what I need. I know what I need,” Varielle scowls with a loathing glare at each of us. “I need to be rid of your putrid existence. I need my mother to finally understand that her political stance only brings death and destruction. I need to be brave for my people, to make this sacrifice so I can take my place as the true queen next to the future leader of Mybyncia.”

  “Please…” Ariana struggles with her restraints. “Varielle… you must understand this cannot possibly—”

  “You never understood,” she whips back, keeping half of her focus on us and half on her sister. “You always believed in the sanctity of the Arizals! You see what their alliance has given us? Invasions! War! I only want to protect Mybyncia. That is all I have ever wanted. This needs to be done.”

  “No…” Ariana tries again, her terrified eyes flickering to us. “It does not have to be this way. I want to protect our home too. I want—”

  “You want that human,” Varielle tosses Tucker a look of utter revulsion. “You want to poison our homeland. That will not happen.”

  “And so you’re just going to kill your sister?” Clarence frowns, approaching the water with a cautious step. “How will that help you?”

  “Won’t Perio be upset?” I ask.

  “She is not strong enough for him. And he will know that one of you filthy humans took her life. It will fuel his need for revenge and I will be there to soothe him. This is what needs to be done.”

  “If you touch her,” Tucker growls low in his throat, “I will tear you limb from limb.”

  “Oh I would like to see you try, human. You are not even from the original Three Worlds—you are weak. Pathetic. A poor excuse for a living—”

  Tucker lunges at Varielle but she spins, taking off into the water, rushing forward with dagger in hand. Ariana screams, eyes wide with terror as the black blade comes for her. But before Varielle can reach her sister, the Rogue Leader crashes into the princess, knocking her back and slamming her into the shallow water with both hands wrapped around her neck.

  It all happens so fast. Reid is over there, along with Clarence, Walker and the Rogues as the group attempts pulling Tucker off the princess. He won’t let go. She’s thrashing beneath him, hissing and squirming but Tucker won’t let go. He’s consumed with rage, his entire body starting to shake.

  I want to watch, to see what will happen, but I know I have to get to Ariana. Racing past the entangled group, I make for the princess out in the shallow waters. She’s in a long, fitted white dress which is soaked from the knees down. I retrieve my blade and cut the restraints around her wrists. Mae is beside me in a second, holding Ariana as I slice open the twine keeping her feet to the post. Other than a bit of red on her wrists and ankles, she’s unharmed.

  “Are you okay?” I throw her arm over my shoulder and Mae does the same. Together we prop her up and it takes a moment for her to regain her balance.

  “I am fine…” Ariana pales, as if trying to piece together what just happened. “I-I…”

  “Where were you?” Pratt asks. “We’ve been worried!”

  “Perio,” Ariana blinks, her focus on her sister, “Perio kept me with him… he…”

  “Did he give you the bud?” Pratt prompts.

  Ariana merely nods.

  “So you’re healed?”

  “But you’re unharmed,” I force her to look at me. “Right? Tell me you’re unharmed.”

  “I am fine…” she exhales, her concentration still off. “Other than being taken from my home, I have not been mistreated. In fact,” she swallows, “I have been treated extremely well. They act as if… as if…”

  “You’re their future queen?” Mae asks.

  Ariana simply nods.

  “You are not fit!” Varielle screams as Jace, Booker, Walker and Werzo struggle to hold her down. “You do not deserve him! You are not worthy!”

  “Of Perio?” Ariana scowls, advancing for her sister before her focus redirects to the Rogue Leader laid out on the beach. A deep red line mars the lower part of his abdomen, staining the beige sand beside him. “Tucker!” Ariana rushes out of the water and falls to her knees next to Reid, Clarence and Able. “What…”

  “Princess,” he smiles, his entire expression lifting as he raises his hand to brush her cheek.

  “You are hurt,” she takes his hand in hers, examining the wound with terrified eyes. A lump rolls down her throat, her mouth hanging open with unsaid words. She shifts her focus back to his face, her brows rising with pain and confusion. “Why… why did you…”

  Tucker’s smile widens.

  “But…”

  “Let me up!” Varielle screams, still struggling under Walker and the Rogues as she thrashes in the shallow water. “Perio! PERIO!”

  “Here,” I hand Jace the ropes used to tie Ariana to the post. “Shut her up while you’re at it.”

  “How?” he starts passing the twine around, binding her flailing arms. “I don’t have anything to cover her mouth.”

  “Just knock her out.”

  Jace stops, looking between the Rogues and Walker. “She may be a crazy, evil bitch, but I can’t hit a girl.”

  “I can,” Pratt steps forward and sends her fist across Varielle’s temple. The princess stops struggling, falling limp in the boys’ arms.

  “One shot,” Walker laughs, sitting back on his heels. He smiles with a nod at Pratt, praise in his eyes. “Christ, girl, what’re you, an assassin?”

  “That’s what it means to be a Rogue,” Reid winks at Pratt.

  “She had it coming.”

  “Sure did,” Tucker nods with a wince.

  “Let me look at it,” Clarence places his hands over the red gash and closes his eyes. After a second he nods. “It’s deep, but it will heal. We’ll get some Vilbrees on it soon but for now,” he lets his hands hover a moment longer. Tucker’s wince fades as he lets out a deep breath. “Does that feel better?”

  “A little.”

  “Good,” Clarence glances over his shoulder as Sampson and Blovid rush closer.

  “Everything alright here?” the Fychu looks to each of us, settling on
Ariana. “Princess—it is good to see you.”

  “It is good to see you, Fychu,” she nods at the Arizal Leader. “Blovid.”

  “Princess,” he offers her his hand, helping her to her feet. “I am sorry to hear of your troubles. I am glad you were reconnected with your family…” he tosses a confused look to the unconscious Varielle.

  Before he can ask, Ariana lifts her head. “She is not family—not anymore. Varielle has been against my mother this entire time. I will see to it that she is banished from the kingdom along with the Muskos, who I expect are now in custody?”

  “Uh…” he exchanges looks with the Fychu, “some, yes. It seems Perio has escaped with a handful of the Muskos. They fled alongside the Vermix… we are still unsure as to why the two were working together, but I promise you, Princess, we will find out.”

  “So that’s it?” Pratt asks. “They left? The Vermix?”

  Sampson nods. “Once Keller’s forces showed up, there was nowhere for them to go. They were surrounded from all sides.”

  “Won’t they come back?”

  “Oh they will... but not anytime soon. Reuzkimpart brought an enormous fleet with him, but now he knows it’s not just the Zingfinolds he needs to worry about. He has the Nerwos and Mybyncians too.”

  “And us,” Pratt says.

  “That is right,” Blovid nods as Qippert and Vix approach with Ehan, Norhra and Warze behind them.

  “So what’s next then,” I ask. “They’ll try for the Shadow Bag again?”

  Sampson shakes his head. “No… there needs to be some time for recovery. Reuzkimpart will want to reevaluate his plan… his objective may have shifted.”

  “What do you mean?” Reid asks, still crouching low by Tucker.

  “He may try to win over Dellapalania; use the entire population to obtain the Gifts for him. Basically, Reuzkimpart can’t continue fighting two wars. He tried his hand at this one and lost for the time being…” Sampson exhales. “It is likely he will redirect his energies into winning the other one.”

  “Then the Arizals are not safe,” Qippert says.

  “They haven’t been safe in years,” Clarence shakes his head, “not publicly, at least.”

  “He will execute more…” Blovid locks eyes with the Fychu, something passing in the look, “terrorize them into allegiance. It will get even bloodier than it has been. We must do something.”

  “An offensive strike?” Qippert frowns. “Against Dellapalania?”

  “Against Reuzkimpart,” the Arizal Leader nods. “He seeks the Gifts for his own use… this war would not exist without his selfish motives.”

  “There are several who fear the prophecy… they may seek its end as well.”

  “But enough to continue war on the Three Worlds?” Clarence rises. “I’m not so sure.”

  “This is definitely something that needs to be discussed, but at the right time,” Sampson says, eyeing Tucker on the ground. “It seems there are more pressing matters at the moment. The Vermix have left and they won’t be returning for a while, so let us deal with what we can now and readdress this conversation later.”

  “Of course, Fychu,” Qippert nods, turning to Ariana. “Princess, I am pleased to see you are well. Your absence cast a dark shadow on the kingdom… it has affected us more than you will know,” he inhales. “It is my pleasure to escort you back home.”

  “No escort is necessary,” she shakes her head, “not at the moment, at least. I am not ready to return just yet. I must stay here…” she glances at Tucker, “…and make sure everything is healing as it should.”

  “Your mother…”

  “…will know I am safe soon enough. For now, I believe it is more beneficial to stand in her absence, so she may have a full understanding of all that has occurred and all that is planned for future happenings.”

  “Of course,” he bows.

  “I do believe Tucker is in need of serious aide,” she turns to Clarence. “Is this something that can be done here or would it be better at Zinnollo?”

  “Probably the city,” Sampson says. “But King Hozfin will be busy regrouping after the Vermix attack, so he may not be able to host you as your deserve.”

  “That is fine. We merely seek safety and shelter,” her gaze drops to Tucker, “and aide, of course. If we can find that at the city, we can forgo traditional greetings.”

  “I will take him,” Qippert scoops down to pick up the Rogue Leader. They disappear and Vix approaches Ariana.

  “Princess?” she offers her hand. Ariana nods and taking it, the two disappear seconds after the first pair.

  “What now?” Pratt asks again, hands on her hips. “Can we finally sleep?”

  “I am afraid we are far from that, little one,” Blovid smiles, turning to Ehan and Norhra. “I must thank you for your generous assistance during this time. Please pass on our gratitude to King Thias and advise we are in his debt.”

  The brother and sister nod, Ehan stepping forward. “We are happy to help. Unfortunately,” his eyes flicker to Sampson, “I do not believe Thias wishes to continue any further involvement. This matter will stay between the Dofinikes,” he glances at Warze, “and the Zingfinolds, if they choose. I am sorry,” he focuses on Sampson again, “I wish we were able to assist further but at this point—”

  Ghion, the Commander of the Northern forces, appears with an expression consumed by rage and confusion. “Something has happened.”

  “What?” Ehan frowns.

  “You must come now—there was an attack.”

  “An attack?” Norhra steps forward. “But we—”

  “It was in Gwhenderlin and Vhelsbern. It was…” Ghion’s eyes flash terror. “We must go now.”

  He disappears, leaving Ehan and Norhra to look at each other. Their focus drifts to Blovid, Sampson and Clarence. Bewildered and worried, Ehan steps forward, focused on the Fychu. “I am sorry… we must see to… the villages.”

  “Can we assist?”

  “It is in the northern territory,” Norhra glances at her brother. “It is not allowed.”

  Ehan gulps, looking at Sampson again. “The Fychu is more capable at handling attacks than we are. If something has occurred… it may be beneficial for him to attend,” he shifts his gaze to his sister, “only this time. It will not get back to King Thias,” he turns to Sampson again. “Gwhenderlin and Vhelsbern…do you know them?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then we shall see you there,” Ehan disappears, followed quickly by his sister.

  Once they’re gone, Sampson, Blovid and Clarence exchange glances. The Fychu speaks first, addressing the other two. “Have you heard anything?”

  “No,” Blovid says. “I have been with King Hozfin. I would expect you being with the Nerwos you might have heard something.”

  “Me neither, but we need to go,” Clarence gestures to us. “The kids?”

  “I would prefer we all stay together,” Sampson says. “I think we’ve spent enough time apart so, if we can, let’s try to keep from getting separated,” he motions for us to form our groups again. We break into three circles and this time, Blovid, Clarence and the Fychu each take part in one. “It sounds like the attack is no longer occurring, but as you know, that doesn’t mean the danger hasn’t completely abated. I am not allowed in the northern territory, so it is asking a lot of Ehan that I be allowed to assist. Let’s try to get in, assess the situation and help if need be as quickly as possible, yes?”

  The lavender cloud billows around us next, sweeping the beach away. It must be seconds before the same soft purple smoke evaporates, and in its place, the familiar Nerwolix forest appears. Sky-high Eckles with long, lime Yulu leaves hang past thick, rough trunks, and in between them, rounded copper and black stone cottages sit huddled together.

  Ehan, Norhra, Ghion and a crew of other Nerwos are entering the nearest house just as Blovid and Clarence’s group appear. They look at us, then back to the cottage.

  “Let’s see what’s happened,”
Sampson heads over and Reid is right behind him, holding my hand. The rest follow as I scan the trees, looking for something. Anything. There was supposed to have been an attack, but I don’t see anything. Everything looks peaceful. Quiet.

  The cottages are on top of one another, separated by short walkways of the same copper and black stone. They wind in and out of the Eckles while Yulu leaves obscure most of the roofs and partial sides of the squat little homes which go on as far as the eye can see. It really looks peaceful here. I’m not sure how you would know there was an attack. Reid tugs me closer to him and—

  A body lies just off the doorway. A deep gash drains red liquid from her torso, spilling onto the copper stone leading up to the cottage entry. Her face is turned to the opposite side, but I can still see it. She’s older—older than any Dofinike, Zingfinold or Nerwo I’ve seen—and a red stream spills from her nose. Her pointed ears push past silver hair and her eyes, a deep brilliant blue, stare ahead and at nothing.

  Jace curses.

  Sampson glances at the body, then at the bare foot hanging just out of the doorway. There is blood on it, having trailed from further up the leg which disappears into the cottage. He steps over the calf and through the entry. Reid is right behind him. He pulls me past the foot and I take my time, trying not to stare at the butchered body. It’s another female—but this one is much younger. Maybe just a kid. She has long blonde hair that is now matted with clumps of dark goo, sticking it to her golden face and shoulders. A crimson stream leaks out of her open mouth and like the one outside, her blue eyes are blank; lifeless.

  I look into the home and all air leaves my lungs.

  The entire floor is covered in Nerwos—all butchered, all females. Blood lies splattered across their bodies and the copper-white walls, a few specks hitting the dark ceiling above. It looks like the floor is wooden, but it’s hard to tell. Too many Nerwos fill it up, mouths open and gashes cut so deep some of the bodies are severed. And they’re all female. All children and elderly. All dead.

  “Jesus Christ,” someone mutters.

  “Holy mother….” I hear Able behind me.

  For a moment we all sort of stare. I’ve never seen anything like this. What the Vermix were doing on Harrizel, the experiments… it was grisly… but this? With so much death, so much blood and all stuffed in one place…