Hail to the Queen (Sage Trilogy, Book 3)

by Julius St. Clair

  James closed his eyes, and the hilts of eidolons began bursting out from beneath the mud, rising up slowly until the blades shone off their brilliant and vibrant colors, all of them infused with energy, yearning to be held. Arimus began calling forth his winds, and they began picking up the eidolons, one by one, and swirling them around Thorn, creating a prison of swords, ready to strike at Arimus’ command.

  “These are only the ones I could commit to memory,” James said through his anger. “The eidolons of our fallen warriors. Maybe you’ve seen some of them before…but it doesn’t matter, I’m sure you know these.”

  One by one, at James feet, four hilts slowly emerged from the ground until their owners were easily identifiable: Scarlet’s halberd, Chloe’s longsword, Achan’s scimitar, and Dominic’s machete. The eidolons of the friends he had lost in battle.

  “You will die now,” James said with assurance, fighting back angry tears. “By the blade of each Sage you’ve killed. You can fight back, or you can accept your fate. The choice is yours.”

  “Of course I’m going to fight back!” Thorn shouted. “I am a god! I am a –“

  The first eidolon cut through his torso, stopping his words. Then another, and another, Arimus orchestrating his demise slowly and carefully, ensuring that he was incapacitated but far from death. Arimus picked up Thorn’s wounded body, riddled with blades, and threw him towards James. In one fluid motion, James struck him with each of the eidolons before him, thinking of their contribution to his maturity upon each strike. Scarlet’s halberd struck through Thorn’s right lung as he remembered her fervent spirit and determination. Achan’s scimitar cut through Thorn’s heart as he remembered his best friend’s loyalty and compassion. Dominic’s machete sliced into Thorn’s right rib as he considered the young Sage’s power and confidence. And lastly, Chloe’s long sword stabbed deep into the King’s stomach, as he remembered her cheerful spirit despite the pain of battle, and her inner strength.

  As Thorn’s body was let down to the ground and he slumped to his knees, James cried for each one, remembering how they had turned a boy into a man, how they had each made him into something beyond himself, and he was so, so grateful. Without their sacrifice, he would have never known love, friendship, happiness and peace…and he swore that he would honor them all for the rest of his life, while paying his respects by ending Thorn’s…

  Thorn sat on his knees and swayed deliriously, trying to focus on James as the young Sage called for his white eidolon. He placed it next to Thorn’s neck, and hesitated.

  “Do it,” Thorn coughed through blood. “Do it.”

  “No,” James said. “Not me. Because I’ve seen what pride does to a man. Arimus and Kyran have taught me that you have to know yourself, and I know that if I kill you with my own blade, I’ll get an ego trip, and that’s something I just don’t need. See, I care about this world, and my future wife, and my friends. I want to keep improving on my character so I can be a better friend, a better lover, a better husband…so I contribute to their world. Because if you’re not helping someone’s world become a better place, you’re destroying it, and that means I would become just like you. No, I’m going to let the man, whose wife you kidnapped, have that pleasure.”

  Thorn began to say something, but Arimus had already swung his eidolon forward, making it utterly impossible. James took one look at the fallen King of Zen-echelon and pointed a finger at him. He took a deep sigh, and shook his head.

  “Incinerate.”

  Chapter 17 – Sunset

  The wedding was gorgeous, especially since it was held outside in the meadow at night, and nothing could have gone more perfect except for the shortage of chairs, and the length of the ceremony. All were in attendance as the three remaining Kingdoms, under one proverbial roof, watched their Queen…marry a commoner.

  As promised, James turned down the offer of becoming a King during his vows and that was that. Kyran refused to participate in the ceremony, but Arimus was happy to give the bride away, and her mother, Ashalynn watched from the front row, clapping for her daughter and new son-in-law vigorously. Jennings was the best man though Leidy demanded that she should have been and called the whole thing sexist. In the end, she settled for being a bridesmaid, but she did mutter one more complaint after the ceremony, asking why did she have to get so dressed up if it was only going to be five minutes long.

  The short ceremony was Catherine’s idea, of course. She was never one to be in the spotlight unless she had to rally the people for a worthy cause, which a wedding in her mind, just wasn’t it. All she wanted to do, after fighting for so many years, was just enjoy the rest of her somewhat leisurely life with her husband.

  “Do we have to dance?” James asked as the Prattlian band found their place in the grass.

  “It’s tradition,” she giggled as James rolled his eyes and reached out for her.

  “Not really liking that word lately,” he muttered as Catherine dodged him.

  “Just dance…with Leidy!” Catherine cackled as she threw Leidy into James’ arms. James gave her a look of horror as he saw his Queen navigate through the crowds and away from him.

  “Are you serious?” he shouted. “Where are you going?”

  “To take care of something!” She shouted back.

  “WITHOUT ME? REALLY? WHY DO YOU GET TO ESCAPE?” James cried out as Leidy slapped him lightly on the cheek and forced him to slow dance. “SAVE ME!”

  “I can’t hear you!” Catherine giggled as she ran away as fast as a wedding dress with a long train allowed. No one bothered to follow her as they were suddenly caught up in the music, enjoying the reprieve from years of conflict and fear. There was trust and unity now, a sense of community that no one in their generation had felt before, and for the first time in a while, the Allayans were actually having fun.

  Catherine groaned and finally turned to rip the train off her dress. Once it was good and dead, she continued marching forward, until she found the black cat she was looking for, sitting up in a tree, with the weight of the world still on his shoulders.

  “Kyran, why aren’t you at the wedding?” Catherine demanded. The Sage glanced at her and then jumped out the tree to face her directly.

  “I was at the wedding. This is the reception.”

  “Noted,” Catherine giggled. “But c’mon. You look a little gloomier than usual today.”

  “I am happy for you,” Kyran said without emotion. Catherine shook her head and dug around in her wedding dress.

  “Now where did I put it…” she wondered as Kyran looked at her curiously.

  “You have pockets in your wedding dress?”

  “Ah! Here it is!” Catherine proclaimed, holding the stone of Zen-echelon in her hand.

  “Why are you carrying that?” Kyran frowned. “That’s not safe.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s a gift for someone.”

  “You’re giving gifts at your own wedding?” he sighed. “And one of those gifts happens to be one of the five most powerful stones in existence? Catherine, I don’t know wedding etiquette, but I think you’re breaking it.”

  “The gift is for you, silly,” Catherine said, taking Kyran’s hand and plopping it into his palm. “I’m tired of you brooding all the time.”

  “What am I supposed to do with this? Try to take over the world?”

  “Was that a joke, Kyran?”

  “I…I don’t know.”

  “Listen to me,” Catherine said, placing her hand on his. “I’ve had this on my mind ever since we found them in Thorn’s castle, and I’ve already talked to Zain and Tyuin. We’ve all agreed to destroy the stones. For good. They’ve just caused too much trouble, and eventually, generations from now…its effects will be watered down and eventually disappear.”

  “What does this have to do with me?”

  “Before I get rid of them, I want you to use this.”

  “I can’t. I…I don’t have a carrier…what would I even need it for?”

  “A m
ale usually can’t use the stones of power without a carrier because they would abuse it, but that just means you won’t use it for greed or power, won’t you?”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “The ether is gone, Kyran…” Catherine said, pointing to the moonlight and stars amongst the dark blue sky. “The souls were released upon Thorn’s death. Call her.”

  “No,” Kyran said, clutching the stone. “I won’t. That would be…too painful.”

  “What I mean is…you should use the stone to see her…and then go with her.”

  Kyran looked into Catherine’s eyes in surprise, and then back down at the stone.

  “I’ll give you your space,” Catherine said. “There’s no need to say good-bye. We’ll see each other again someday.”

  “Thank you,” Kyran said low, turning around to face away from Catherine. He patted the stone while he thought about what to do, and then he placed the stone on his chest. He closed his eyes as it began to melt through his coat, his skin, and attach to his heart. He took a big gulp, and then wished for Chloe to appear. He felt a warmth on his chest, and then someone tapped him on the shoulder.

  “It didn’t wo -“ Kyran said as he turned around, but Chloe interrupted him as she leapt into his arms and gave him a long and hard kiss. He embraced her tight and they held it for over a minute. Chloe parted from his lips to wipe away the tears streaming uncontrollably from his eyes.

  “Kyran,” she said gently. “I’m…I’m proud of you…for hanging in there.”

  “I tried…” Kyran bowed his head. “I…I want to die…but, I don’t want to die if it means we’re apart forever. I don’t know if it was enough. I don’t if –“

  “It’s enough,” Chloe said with a smile. She kissed him once more and began to cry herself. Kyran embraced her again and Chloe burrowed her head into his shoulder.

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” she whispered. “They love you here. Catherine getting married. Arimus finding Ashalynn. It’s –“

  “ – causing me to think of you too often,” Kyran said, looking in the distance at the celebration going forth. “I’m ready.”

  “I’m just sad that you’ll die with everyone still thinking you’re still the same old person. You’ve changed so much over the years, and only I can see it. I wish they could see what I see.”

  “What would you have suggested? I do something completely out of character?”

  “You should have danced,” Chloe giggled. “I would have.”

  “But I’m not you. I…I,” Kyran’s head began to bow on his own as he fell to one knee. “I…what’s wrong with…”

  “It’s okay,” Chloe said, reaching down and rubbing his back. “You’ve reached the end of your life…must not have had too many years left, Mr. nine lives.”

  Kyran coughed and closed his eyes as he felt a deep pressure in his chest.

  And then it was gone.

  He took a deep breath and opened his eyes quickly, surprised by how good he felt. He stood up and saw Chloe smiling, her hands behind her back, her green sundress looking just as stunning as ever against the dark backdrop. Kyran began to speak when she pointed down. He looked, and there his physical body remained, lying face down in the grass. Kyran looked back at Chloe and she kissed him tenderly on the lips.

  “We’re really together forever now?” he asked, and she nodded. She grabbed his hand for them to go, but he held up a hand.

  “Just one moment,” he said. He took his hand back, and then one at a time, removed the buttons on his black coat, and when he was finished, threw it violently to the ground. Underneath was a green dress shirt, the same color as Chloe’s dress, and black pants. Chloe smiled as he took her hand and kissed it.

  “I won’t be needing that anymore,” Kyran assured her, and the two began to walk towards the tree line. Kyran looked back only for a second to see Catherine staring at them with a grin on her face. He smiled back, and then continued forward as Chloe leaned on his shoulder.

  And then they disappeared into the moonlight.

  Catherine got up from her spot in the grass, retrieved the stone that had removed itself from Kyran’s fallen body, and crushed it in her bare hands, destroyed under her own stone’s might. Then she walked away, and joined the rest of the celebration…

  * * * * *

  “You’re needed,” Jennings whispered into James’ ear as he tapped him on the shoulder. James gave Leidy an “oh, well” look and let her go. Leidy scowled but easily picked up a Langoran partner who was eagerly waiting to join in nearby.

  “What is it?” James asked.

  “Just that you’re needed out in the meadow.”

  “We’re already in the meadow.”

  “Do I really have to spell it out? Catherine wants you.”

  “Oh! Geez, why didn’t you say so? Giving me cryptic messages and stuff…”

  “Sage or not, you’ll always be the same old James to me,” his friend replied.

  “Good,” James said, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Keep me humble.” James gave him a little wave and then made his way through the crowd. As he passed, he couldn’t help but smile at seeing how much fun everyone was having. The way the guests were acting, one would never surmise that less than a month ago they were devising ways to kill one another. As he reached the end of the crowd, he had to stop - for just a second.

  Arimus and Ashalynn were making out by a tree on the side. It was a little disgusting to watch, but still, he was happy that his mentor and friend had found his long lost love. Knowing how much they loved one another, what he endured, and how long they had been apart…seeing them kiss so passionately…well, it wasn’t TOO gross. And James had the feeling that the couple were going to be anti-social for quite a long time, just enjoying the lost years of their marriage…

  James kept walking until he saw what he was looking for right in the middle of the grass, a few hundred yards from the wedding. His bride…already having turned her wedding dress into work clothes. He chuckled as he approached and Catherine placed her hands on her hips.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Catherine laughed. “Well, get used to it.”

  “So, it’s time, huh? Are you sure you want to do this now? I mean, the reception is still going on.”

  “If I stay any longer, I’m going to literally start manifesting dragons just for a little action.”

  “Fair enough,” James chuckled. “But, you’re absolutely sure you don’t want to go somewhere real?”

  “Like where? The ruins of Prattle? The tunnels of Languor? No, I’ve had enough of the real world for a while. I want to go to our place.”

  “And the Kingdom will be fine while we go on our honeymoon?”

  “Zain and Tyuin have agreed to watch things, and besides, Arimus is around.”

  “I take it Kyran is with his loved one?”

  “Yes,” Catherine said with a grin.

  “Good for him,” James said. “Now…as requested, one special honeymoon coming right up!”

  The meadow and the trees vanished, and their haven appeared in its place. The wooden boat lying on the sand. The sunset and the calm breeze massaging the ocean. The wharf where they had their first real kiss. This truly their paradise.

  As soon as it was manifested, Catherine ran down the sand beach and started pushing the boat out onto the ocean. James laughed but followed curiously as she jumped in and began paddling it out to sea.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” James laughed. “I don’t know where that leads. It’s just there.”

  “Then let your imagination get to work,” Catherine said as she waved him in. James chuckled and climbed in, picking up a paddle of his own.

  “So…where are we going? Seriously?”

  “I’ll tell you where,” Catherine said, kissing him quickly. “We’re going away from wars and violence, pain and loss, torture and death. We’re getting away from chores and making hard decisions, training and school. We’re getting aw
ay from duty and obligation, tradition and rules. We’re going away from all of those things, and that, just makes me wants to cry out in joy. Maybe you had to learn how to become an adult, but I was forced to grow up since birth. I want you to show me what it’s like to be a kid. I want you to show me what it’s like to not have to worry about anything.”

  “After all I’ve went through, you want me to go back?”

  “It’s different. This time, you’re going back with me,” Catherine said as she kissed him again, slower this time. “Take me through your imagination. Let me play in your world, and show me everything about you. I love you, James, and I’m ready to give myself completely over to you.”

  “Well…” James smiled. “That can be arranged.”

  “It better,” Catherine laughed. “Because once we get back from our honeymoon, it’s all work and no play.”

  “Ugh! The sound of it!” James said in disgust. “Don’t you worry then, my love, I’ll give you your heart’s desire. Just look out there and marvel. Welcome to Paradise!”

  James stretched his hands out towards the sunset as Catherine just happened to give him another kiss.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, and then turned around to see what he had manifested. Her eyes lit up and her mouth dropped open in awe as she leaned forward in the boat, a look of wonder and unbridled happiness upon her face.

  “James,” Catherine whispered. “I think I love you.”

  James shook his head and laughed as he grabbed her paddle and began to work with both. She continued to lean forward and point as he smiled and took in the ocean air. Sailing off together and finally being able to be together after so much fighting, James just closed his eyes and realized that this was a dream come true, what his heart longed for and what his soul needed above all else.

  James cast his eyes upon Catherine, his wife and sighed heavily.

  Why do I need an eidolon? He thought.

  When I have her…

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