‘Two more to go!’ Sito’s voice flashed in their minds and they looked up to where Phroma, Nesha, and Tomiar fought.
‘Okay?’ Rumal shouted and Kerak tracked Sito’s path, the dragon’s pull through the air easy to follow. About to answer Kassie stiffened and smacked Rumal’s knee.
‘What’s that!?’
Rumal leaned hard out and felt his stomach drop. Over the tops of the mountains leading into the valley more enemy marched. Thousands of troops of armed Arumites. He cursed, pounding a fist against his thigh while Kassie demanded to know who they were.
‘Arumites, Kass. Our guys are screwed.’
‘What do we do? Do we attack them?’ Kerak asked.
‘No, Kerak. We deal with the dragons.’
‘What’ll we do?’ Kassie shrieked against the wind. ‘We need to split up, we could tackle those troops.’
Gritting his teeth Rumal pulled her close, unable to keep the harsh sound from his voice when he spoke in her ear. ‘We deal with the dragons. When the way to the castle is clear, we leave. We have our orders.’
Kassie struggled in his hold, twisting to stare at his face, her eyes angry and lips pale.
‘No! We can’t, we have to help!’
They had seconds before they reached the other griffons. Rumal caught her chin with his fingers, eyes boring into hers and in an angry but even tone, snapped. ‘We follow orders, Kassie. We leave them. There’s no other choice.’
‘WE CAN’T—‘
‘If we don’t kill Jenviet EVERYONE DIES!’
Her lips pressed tight at the furious shout and she jerked back from his grip then gave a curt nod. Turning back she flung her arms wide and sent a gale of wind into the attacking dragons. Rumal breathed in deep through his nose and pulled a short sword free, readying to leap from Kerak.
*~*~*
Chapter Thirty One
Loushka flew faster than I’d ever experienced and I clung tight as she rose over the swarming cloud of harpies. The instant she reached full height above them, she flipped, and I wrenched the ties loose on the leather circlet, tumbling into the mass of creatures screaming for my blood. Nails and teeth scrabbled against the tight shield I held in place and I let them drag me to the center of the hoard. I could get no sense of up and down at the center, and it felt like hell itself as the demonic faces with shining black eyes, glinting talons and teeth, screeched and ripped at me. The moment I felt Loushka reach a safe distance I drew my focus inward, ignoring the monsters and visualized what I wanted. An instant later my energy exploded, igniting every blasted creature. I took a good amount of vindictive pleasure in watching them scream about, wings ablaze before they burned out and fell to the ground—looking like the dirty bits of rubber brushed aside after a bout of fervent erasing. For once, falling through the air didn’t terrify me. After the crush of screaming bodies it was a welcome relief. Air rushed past, cooling my cheeks, and I stretched my arms out, watching while Loushka made an arc in the air, coming back to me. I landed with a jolt in the saddle.
‘The way looks clear and the others are nearly done with the dragons, we leave now!’
I fastened the leather circlet to the saddle then stood, hanging on to the straps while peering over at those on the ground. It took me a moment to pinpoint them, not spotting Loi until she let loose a wave of energy. Like the times she’d practiced on us in the Merrej desert, it rolled down the earth bridge ahead and behind our army, knocking enemies off like skittles. Then I realized why it had taken a moment to place where our army stood.
‘Oh my god, Loushka! Look at all those Arumites.’
I could see that our army had indeed lured away the enemy near the castle, but now another army of Arumites charged down the hillside from where Kassie had made her mock stand. They would reach the earth bridge in minutes.
‘We didn’t come here to fight Jenviet’s army. We came to rid the world of her!’
Loushka’s thought snapped in my mind while I struggled in the harness, twisting back and focusing, flinging fireballs at the Arumites and scattering their troops.
‘CATHERINE! Do you save your friends now and watch them die later? We’re leaving! Alek did NOT die in vain!’
The frantic desire within halted while the rational part of my mind acknowledged Loushka’s words, but I still couldn’t turn from watching.
‘There’s another swarm of harpies approaching, we’re leaving now.’ The griffon’s voice sounded stern.
Swallowing back tears of frustration, I turned and flattened out on the saddle.
‘Let’s go.’
It felt thrilling to fight alongside the Elementals. Ignatius hollered along with the others close by when Laura let loose another devastating wave of earth. Then a shout from someone behind caused him to look up and he braced himself when bodies fell from the sky—harpies burned beyond recognition. Ignatius looked up again, eyes searching and spotted the red tinged griffon flying at a rapid rate for the castle. He didn’t realize he’d made a sound until Belsesus shielded his eyes, looking in the same direction.
‘Ahh, she must be making her run.’
Ignatius gaped at Belsesus in horror, then turned and shoved through the ranks to Laura.
‘What the hell is Cat doing?’
The girl stared at Ignatius in astonishment, brown eyes looking excessively large within the frame of the chainmail hood. Those eyes went vacant and she stared beyond him, then snapped back to his face.
‘Oh fuck! We need to get there now!’
Just when she said that a shout rang out and something black screeched over their heads.
‘Harpies!’
With a curse Laura threw a shield up, trapping some of the vicious creatures inside with them. Ignatius didn’t feel the claw that sliced his forehead open, but the blood in his eyes made it difficult as he fought the harpy, snatching its tail, face turned from the horned wings that beat at him and with a brutal sword thrust killed it. Laura kept the shield strong against the barrage of ugly faced shriekers outside the shield, and healed all those beneath it. Ignatius wiped the rest of the blood from his face and seized Laura’s shoulder.
‘I’m going to get Belsesus and go after her.’
She nodded, eyes fierce.
‘Do. We’ll be there as soon as possible. Don’t let her take on Jenviet alone!’
The centaur stood at the forefront with those from the Rodhite division all firing their bows. The excessively fast harpies proving a challenge even to them.
‘Belsesus! We’re joining Cat.’
The Cavalry Lieutenant twisted to look at him then looked higher, face hardening. Ignatius turned and swore. Ranks of Arumites charged down the mountainside toward the earth bridge they stood on, cutting off any chance of retreat. Laura gave a cry of shock and Larvaste took charge when the Medanga centaurs sounded their horns in alarm. Those remaining of their army drew together, gathering at the narrowest section of the earth bridge.
‘Get after her!’ Larvaste pointed at the castle. ‘Don’t let her fail!’
Ignatius seized the arm Belsesus offered, swinging up onto the centaur’s back. A hail of needle-like icicles blasted around them, pinning the remaining harpies to the ground. Sito flashed past, Sian’s victory cry just audible before the dragon vanished and reappeared high in the sky where the griffons fought the remaining rapthnas. Belsesus slipped his crossbow back over a shoulder and held his battle axe loosely while starting the run, allowing the centaurs ahead to clear the way. Ignatius leaned close to Belsesus’ back while the centaur galloped hard, loading the chambers of his crossbow as they drew closer to the enemy.
‘They know and aren’t happy,’ I thought to Loushka. ‘I’ve shut the link off.’
‘Good. I’ll keep watch from outside, make sure to keep your mind open so I can see what’s going on.’
‘I will.’
‘And be careful, Cat. Jenviet is cunning.’
I gulped.
‘I’ll try.’
I could
see now that our army had done exactly as desired but the massive gap between the enemy and castle just reminded me of the atrocious position they now stood in—where we’d left them. The land bridges created by Loi did mean a large group would have difficulty in moving en masse but still…
‘Don’t despair, Cat. The chance of anyone getting home was always slim. If we succeed here, then it is a worthy sacrifice.’
Leaving good men to die felt anything but worthy and I clenched the saddle handle tight, building the fury against Jenviet while focusing on the castle ahead. High formidable walls surrounded the towers, and a solid metal gate that would be an issue if we weren’t flying in. The tower roofs looked like the conical hats worn by workers in rice paddy fields, the tan stone tiles weathered dull in areas. Loushka dropped to the silent courtyard and I sat there, staring around. The smaller towers merged into each other, two on either side of the largest tower.
‘What’s the bet our evil sorceress picks the biggest tower to hang out in,’ I thought ironically to Loushka.
‘Good I would think. She wants you to find her.’
I smiled bitterly.
‘Indeed. Can’t suck me dry if I’m not there.’
‘You’re fully evolved as an Elemental, Cat. You have a very big advantage.’
I resisted commenting, knowing like Loushka that Jenviet would likely be well aware of that. The witch had every advantage over me; centuries of experience, and numerous natural abilities along with all the abilities she’d stolen over the years. The absolute enormity of the task I was about to attempt hit. My mouth went dry and heart raced while I squeezed my hands where they lay on my thighs and desperately wished the others were here.
‘They’re not at their full abilities, Cat. She could take them too easily,’ Loushka thought, making me start, unaware I’d projected my thoughts.
‘Right. Okay, keep watch, I’ll send everything I see through.’
I matched this decisive thought with action and slid down her leg then turned back to say goodbye. Loushka’s beautiful ochre eyes regarded me with affection and she nuzzled me with her beak. I wrapped both arms around it, hugging tight and then stood back when she launched into the air, landing on the roof of the tall tower.
‘Hurry, Cat! Belsesus makes his way here now. The others will be right behind him!’
The speed with which Belsesus raced at, axe swinging back and forth, caused most foe to leap to the wayside. Halenine fae, attracted by the thrill of the dangerous task, flew alongside the centaur biting anything that offered even the slightest resistance. Navigating the earth bridges challenged both Belsesus and Ignatius. He clung to the saddle with his thighs and fired bolts off, hitting Arumites and goblins ahead of them.
‘Hold on!’ Belsesus yelled when they neared a gap. Ignatius tensed, rising in the seat and hung tight to the molded pommel when the centaur launched into the air, clearing the gap with ease. The jarring thud of the landing rattled Ignatius’ teeth but he barely noticed, eyes glued to the castle, so much closer yet it felt impossibly far away.
Got to get there before anything happens, he thought while desperation leached in, Cat’s midnight confession to ‘Alek’ resounding through his mind.
Holding one of the many daggers Ignatius insisted I carry, I swept the blades from my sleeve up with the other hand and walked purposefully toward the studded iron doors, easily three times my height. When I started up the few stairs that led to them the doors swung open and I froze on the top step, eyes and ears pricked for sound or movement. The pounding of my heart sounded so loud I didn’t think I’d hear anything else. I drew a sheer shield of energy around while I edged through the doorway. Beyond the door was a wide corridor with large ornate lamps suspended on heavy chains from the double height ceiling and I stayed put, carefully noting everything for Loushka to see before moving forward. A thick carpet covered the floor, muffling my footsteps while I continued along and the room opened out into a wide arc, following the shape of the tower. A central column of wall in the middle of the room suggested more rooms behind the wall, but no doors were visible amongst the intricate molding and wood panels. I stood in what looked like a continuation of the wide corridor, moving around the large central wall. Full size portraits covered much of the dark glossy paneling and I kept a quiet steady pace, following the wide curve around, searching for the staircase. Strange bulbous lights set far apart in the ceiling offered a muted watery glow and I squinted up at them. Some of the bulbs looked shadowy, like they contained something. Movement made me flinch and I jerked to the side, blinking, my eyes still adjusting to the dim bluish light.
The images moved.
The closest portrait showed a young man with intriguingly light eyes and soft brown hair. He ducked his head, smiling shyly like he could see me and I swallowed hard, pivoting on a heel to check behind me while the hairs on the back of my neck rose. The corridor was empty and I saw the other portraits moving too, confirming my other thought.
Enchanted frames.
I felt a hint of relief then glanced back at the one of the young man, wondering what seemed so familiar about him. He looked to the side like he spoke to someone then turned back, chin down while silently laughing. When his gaze lifted to meet mine I jerked back with a gasp.
His eyes shone stark white.
*~*~*
Chapter Thirty Two
The air around me crackled with screams of anguish and my knees turned to water when I recognized Alek’s final cries from that awful morning. The sounds rooted me to the spot as I heard the labored breaths, the groans and whimpers of pain before it started—the slight crackle of energy followed by his inhuman, bone jarring, shrieks of agony. My chest heaved and I gulped breaths, holding back tears until the sounds grew quiet and I heard his broken whispers to me, his tortured voice shattering my heart. Tears fell, plodding on the thick carpet at those final words.
Then it vanished. The room still and silent like when I’d entered.
Swallowing, and swallowing again, I shook off the sudden, overwhelming grief and turned to glare at the portrait, dagger itching against my palm. The gaze looked blankly past me.
Stumbling on the thick pile carpet, I stiffened my limbs and ignored the portraits, continuing my way around the curving corridor. Those bulging lights continued and I counted two more, then three, before I spotted the unlit staircase. The stairs looked like they vanished up into a black abyss and I regarded it grimly. While I knew it might be a waste of time, I didn’t want to reveal my full abilities yet so resisted lighting the area, climbing the stairs in the dark. The staircase was wider than expected and I fumbled my way up each step, groping blindly for the outer wall, inwardly cringing as I edged further and further out. Finally my fingers brushed the smooth coolness of the wall and I paused in relief, hand against the wall.
A heavy weight slammed into my back, teeth chomping against my shoulder and claws scrabbled against my back. I shrieked, toppling backward down the stairs, hearing the snarls of whatever attacked me loud in my ears.
‘Ballista!’ Ignatius yelled and launched himself from Belsesus’ back when an almighty CRACK broke the air, the massive wooden bolt just missing them, whistling overhead. The trolls operating the colossal piece of machinery made angry ‘hnkk hnnk hnnkk’ grunting noises while winding the cables back, slotting another bolt in.
‘Back on!’ Belsesus barked, and Ignatius seized the offered arm, swinging up onto the centaur’s back. Just this final line of trolls to navigate then they’d have a clear run to the castle.
‘Do you have any more bolts?’ Belsesus called back to him.
‘Three,’ he replied, drawing the crossbow up and sighted the trolls around the ballista while they aimed at him. With two easy pulls of the trigger the first two trolls dropped as they charged by, then he twisted back, bracing to make the final shot.
Another CRACK reverberated through the air before he got the chance to pull the trigger, and the world spun when Belsesus slammed into the e
arth. Cursing, Ignatius scrambled off the centaur then froze. The bolt had speared the Cavalry Lieutenant fully through the lower body, ripping through his first set of lungs. Belsesus still breathed but didn’t have long. Fury made Ignatius react in an instant, the final pull of his trigger killing the one responsible for his dying comrade.
‘Iggy,’ wheezed Belsesus, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth when his second set of lungs began to drown in it.
‘Do your job, get her home. Make sure the witch dies!’ The centaur hacked, gasping for breath, face taut with pain and punched the earth. The frustration and brief look of despair flashed across his face before he swore and glanced at Ignatius with a grimace of a smile.
‘Fuck.’
Ignatius crouched beside him and returned the grimace.
‘Yes,’ then he swore too. ‘I need you there, dammit!’
Belsesus made a wheeze of a laugh, breaking off into a hacking cough. Flecks of blood hit the ground in front of him.
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