Out of the Mountain

by Violet Chastain

  “She’s pulling him to her like you did with me? But how . . .”

  “Take a closer look at him,” he whispered, and I did. He was pressed against the bars, face stretched in pain, eyes wide and out of focus. I flinched as I watched him trying to force his body through the bars of the cell. He shifted into his enormous bird with no luck at fitting it through either, but he didn’t stop trying.

  “Malachi!” I roared trying to pull his attention to me as I looked at his bruised and bloody arms. He was harming himself.

  “I have to go to her. I need to. Help me, please!” His voice was raw as he pleaded with me. It was unnatural to see him like this; he wasn’t in his right mind. I reached my hand out to his, and he clasped it tightly. I felt the familiar dark magic recoil from me and met his eyes as he cried out in pain. I saw sanity return to him briefly and felt hope swell.

  “Let me in with him,” I pleaded to Farran, and he eyed me pensively.

  “No,” Rowan barked.

  “Please, Farran?” I begged, and without hesitation, he pushed me flush against the bars. I yelped in surprise as Malachi wrapped his arms around me and froze. I could feel the dark magic trying to distance itself from me, and I pushed my hands through the bars, wrapping him in my hold as well.

  “Help me, Vivi.” His voice was rough in my ear. He was desperate, but I practically heard him fighting for control. I felt magic buzz in my veins at his plea for help, and I pulled at it, willing it to build and expand, wrapping it around him and forcing the dark magic to flee. Magic poured from me onto him in a wave that I couldn’t stop, and there was an explosion of light as we both fell to our knees with the force of it. I felt the world tilt and heard the high-pitched wailing begin again.

  “Vinnie!” Rowan caught me before my head hit the ground. His face appeared above mine, beautiful and full of concern. I blinked a few times before finally succumbing to the darkness.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  I awoke in the infirmary, feeling as if my entire body had been yanked in all different directions. I was alone, and it appeared to be night. My mouth was dry, and I lay still as I allowed my mind to catch up with my body. I caught whispers from outside my curtain and strained to hear.

  “It’s been three days. Maybe she’s not ever going to wake up.”

  “Adelaide!” Tasmin gasped suppressing a giggle.

  “What? I’m not saying I hope she doesn’t. I’m just saying we have better things to do than play babysitter.”

  “Your shift is almost up. Tamora was getting ready to head this way,” Tasmin reassured her.

  “I’m just not comfortable being around her. You heard Farran: she has powers of the mind. Who knows the extent of them?”

  “I have wondered if that is what has been going on with Rowan,” Tasmin suggested suspiciously.

  “You think she is manipulating his mind somehow?” Adelaide gasped.

  “It’s just that before she came here, he was untouchable. No offense, but you had been after him for years, and then all of a sudden he’s interested? Maybe he is trying to resist her mind control.”

  “That’s absurd.” Adelaide bristled.

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. She just has us all on edge,” Tasmin apologized.

  “Ah, there you are!” Adelaide sighed with relief.

  “Yes, you can go.” Tamora dismissed them, and I lay still. When I heard the infirmary doors close, I attempted to sit up.

  “Princess, you’re awake!” Tamora exclaimed, rushing to my side. I winced as aches and pains radiated through my body.

  “Yes, it would seem that way,” I whined as she helped prop up pillows behind me.

  “The sun is rising. Rowan will be off duty and coming to check on you as Seraphina makes her rounds,” she reassured me. Her short dark hair was slicked back from her face in her usual style, her dark brown eyes alert and taking stock of my every movement.

  “Malachi?” I asked, almost afraid of knowing.

  “He’s fine, still being held in quarantine for observation and making a ruckus over it, but otherwise he seems totally back to normal.” She patted my arm, and I let go of the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

  “That’s great.”

  “You gave us quite a scare, though. You’ve been out for days. How are you feeling?” she asked, pulling a chair up and sitting next to my bed.

  “I’m OK.” I tried a brave smile, and I could tell I had earned a little respect with that answer.

  “I’m glad you are OK.” She grinned, brushing my hair back from my face and attempting to put it into some kind of order. I blushed when I accidently leaned into the feel of her hand in my hair, and she grinned knowingly at me. She had her own set of moves, and apparently I liked having someone run their fingers through my hair.

  “You might be the only one,” I grumbled, remembering what I overheard before she arrived.

  “I assure you she is not,” Rowan murmured from the doorway, and Tamora moved her hand away from my hair quickly. She stood and winked at me before leaving. Rowan assessed me with his eyes, looking for evidence of some sort.

  “I’m fine.”

  “I can see that,” he replied, crossing his arms over his chest. I wanted to smack myself for the way my eyes lingered over every part of him, as if starved of the sight of him.

  “Well, now that you see it, you can leave. I am no longer in need of babysitters,” I complained and his eyes narrowed on me. There was the Rowan I knew.

  “Look who is up!” Seraphina slipped by Rowan and into the small space. She put both her hands on my arms and closed her eyes.

  “What are you doing?” I puzzled after a moment when no explanation was given.

  “I may not be able to heal with a touch, but I can look into you and take stock of your injuries. I can sense illness as well. It allows me to make the best potions for each person.”

  I looked at Rowan for confirmation, but he was watching her, so I followed suit. When she opened her eyes, she pulled back with a sympathetic smile.

  “I’ll get you something for the pain, but other than that, you seem absolutely healthy.” She grinned as she swept back out of the room.

  “Pain?” Rowan asked, and I frowned at him.

  “I said I was fine.”

  “I did not realize you were lying.”

  “I thought you said you could feel my emotions.” I goaded him.

  “It seems to have stopped when the burst of your magic pulsed forth.” He frowned, but I sighed in relief.

  “Good,” I whispered, but he looked like he thought it was anything but. Seraphina returned with a vial, and I gulped down the sweet liquid, allowing it to settle into my stomach before jumping off the bed. I felt better already.

  “Where do you think you are going?” Rowan asked, and I pushed past him. I could smell myself; three days was a long time to go without a shower, and I didn’t even want to know what they had done about my need for the toilet. I grimaced, pushing the thought away. It was better not to know.

  “I’m going to take a long shower, eat something, and then go and visit Malachi,” I said, marching out of the infirmary where I abruptly ran into my group of friends. A smile split my face.

  “Vivi!” Briony yelped, running toward me quickly, followed by Luca. I threw my hands out to stop them from plowing into me. I felt Rowan at my back and stiffened, taking a step closer to them.

  “You’re awake!” Luca’s smile lit up his face.

  “Yes, and I smell horrible. Stay away from me,” I joked halfheartedly. I seriously did feel gross and didn’t want them to get too close. Briony laughed, pulling me into a hug despite my protests.

  “We were so worried!” she cried, releasing me. Luca pulled me into a hug then and I didn’t even worry about my smell any more as he did.

  “I’m so glad you are all right,” he said, voice rumbling in my ear. I felt a shiver at the soft contact and smiled when he kissed my cheek as he pulled away. My hand found my cheek, and I wa
s blushing.

  “I am sorry to interrupt your little reunion, but the princess has matters to attend to,” Rowan said formally from behind me, and I rolled my eyes.

  “He’s right,” I said, thinking of Malachi, I needed to get him released from where he was being held. I knew in my heart that he was completely fine. I had felt it.

  ***

  I showered quickly, rushing through my routine. I conjured a comfortable outfit of a loose shirt and leggings and quickly piled my damp hair into a knot on the top of my head. I slipped my dragon coin around my neck and felt a brief sadness. I missed the monks. I blew a long breath from my lungs and exited the bathroom to find Farran sitting happily at my desk.

  “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” He smiled, jumping up to pull me into a quick hug. He conjured breakfast for me, and I dove into it hungrily. Hey, a girl’s got to eat.

  “The Six have been keeping Malachi locked up in the lab,” Farran said answering my unasked questions.

  “Why didn’t they just let him go?” I huffed, angry.

  “There was quite a scuffle when he tried to release the prisoners and escape.”

  “He tried to release the prisoners?”

  “It seems that Narissa was able to ensnare him while he was checking in on the prisoners. Much like she tried to do to me the day you blocked her, I expect.”

  “She marked him?” I asked, aghast.

  “Oh no, she only manipulated his mind to her will. He must have held eye contact with her underling long enough for her to ensnare him and push her magic through. She manipulated him to thinking that he had to let the prisoners free and return to her at all costs. I imagine if he would have succeeded she would have marked him upon his arrival.” He frowned.

  “A guard member marked and planted would certainly be in their favor,” I growled, glad that her plans hadn’t come to fruition.

  “Tamora noticed the shift in him immediately and alerted the other guards. She fought him as best as she could without injuring him. The other Shuni were able to distract him long enough for me to pull him into a cell and vanish as they locked him in.” He grinned as I finished my bacon and grabbed the dagger from the desk, strapping it to my waist.

  It looked odd next to my soft clothes, and Farran shook his head. With a wave of his hand I was wearing a loose, thin sleeveless white shirt that hung low under the arms, reveling a black lace bralette. Thick and tough black leather pants hugged my form tightly, and my feet were covered in my mother’s boots, the perfect match to my ensemble. I looked myself over in the mirror above my desk and smiled.

  “Now you look like a badass princess.” Farran grinned, and I laughed.

  “You are the best uncle ever!”

  “That isn’t saying much compared to my competition,” he quipped, and I glowered at him before cracking a smile. I spotted the small dagger on the desk, and as I was about to put it into my boot sheath, I decided to show Farran what I had discovered.

  “I need to show you something,” I whispered as I pricked my finger on the tip of the dagger and let a drop of blood hit the blade. Light burst from the dagger, and Farran stood, eyes wide.

  “That magic . . . it feels somehow familiar to me. It is very similar to the magic you poured into Malachi . . . but it feels somehow more controlled.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “I think maybe you can use the daggers to channel your magic more efficiently! The amount of power you forced at him was way more than enough to serve its purpose.”

  “I didn’t know how to control it; I just pushed with all I had,” I said honestly, and he nodded.

  “That must be why it took you so long to recover.”

  “So what does that mean? I have to stab people to help them?” I balked, and he shrugged.

  “I’m not sure, but let’s go find out!” He rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

  “Malachi first,” I said, sliding the dagger into my boot.

  “Oh, all right.” He pouted and led the way.

  The lab was empty except for Silas, and he smiled when he saw me. I returned his smile as I looked around the room. The slabs were cleared, and there was no one in sight.

  “Where’s Malachi?” I asked, and he sighed as if in aggravation.

  “The Six are currently observing him.”

  “What? Why?”

  “It is unclear.” He didn’t sound happy about it.

  “Take me to them,” I demanded, and a smile quirked on his lips.

  “If you insist,” he said, turning to a recessed panel in the wall and pushing. It slid back to reveal a hallway that was lined with thick windows. The rooms we passed were empty, until we came upon the one that wasn’t. The room was larger than the rest, and in it the Six sat with their backs to the window. Chained to the wall, was Malachi.

  “They moved him here this morning and have been in here since,” he growled. It didn’t appear that anyone within could see or hear us. Likewise, I couldn’t hear what was being said.

  I sensed a power shoot through the air and saw Malachi flinch, and that was more than enough. I barreled through the door, banging it against the wall in the process. Startled, everyone jumped and turned to me.

  “I thought I made it clear that we weren’t to be disturbed!” Mauve growled before registering who was in the room.

  “The princess demanded to be brought. I obey her command,” Silas said, deliberately eyeing Mauve.

  “Princess, you’ve awakened!” Mauve said, voice just a bit too easy to let me sense the lie in her words. She already knew.

  “What is going on here?” I asked, crossing the room to stand with Malachi. I placed my hand on his shoulder, and he leaned into me.

  “We are interrogating the traitor,” Zoran said as confusion lit on his features. The others shared similar looks. Dahlia was frowning.

  “This man is no traitor,” I barked, and Mauve stood.

  “He deliberately tried to set free our prisoners and attacked our guard!” she hissed, face flushed.

  “He was under the control of dark magic, and I released him from it,” I growled at her, and her face darkened.

  “You expect us to believe you—a barely trained child—released the hold of blood magic from him?” she scoffed, and I seethed.

  “Release him.”

  “We will do no such thing.”

  I turned to Silas. “Release him,” I said, and he hurried to do as I asked.

  “You should think about what you are about to do,” Mauve threatened, and the rest of the Six gasped at the thinly veiled threat in her tone.

  “Take him to HQ,” I said, and Silas smiled proudly at me before heaving Malachi to his feet and helping him out the door. Farran was at my side, and I walked to stand directly in front of Mauve. I suppressed a gasp when I felt the dark magic radiating from her. She was under Narissa’s control. I walked to Zoran, placing my hand on his shoulder, and felt him relax as the magic surrounding him recoiled.

  “She is right, Mauve. This is unnecessary,” he said, and Mauve’s eyes widened before narrowing on mine and then Farran’s in turn.

  “Leave us.” She seethed and Farran pulled at my arm firmly. I could feel the magic here. How had I missed it before? My powers were growing, but I knew I couldn’t help everyone here. I was out for three days after helping Malachi, and I certainly couldn’t start swinging weapons around to test our theory without someone getting killed. I nodded to her and exited the room. I needed time to come up with a plan.

  Farran didn’t speak until we were back at Guard HQ, and when we entered, he promptly started waving his arms around and magic filled the air. This was good magic, protective magic. Everyone was gathered around Malachi, and I took a seat next to him. He looked exhausted and sickly. I laid my hands on his arms the way I saw Seraphina do this morning and called my magic. It took me a minute to figure it out, but everyone sat in silence waiting. I took stock of him, and what I found shocked me. He felt even worse than he looked;
his mind was battered and frail, and his power was nearly drained. I whimpered at how weary and weak he felt. I wanted to help him.

  I pushed my magic into him differently, and when he realized what I was doing he jumped back, knocking me to the ground. I blinked in confusion and then realized I was too weak to stand back up.

  “It’s OK, Malachi, I was only trying to help you.”

  “No, you’ve already done more than enough. I’ll be fine now . . . sorry,” he said as Luca pulled me to my feet. I tried to stand on my own, and when that didn’t work, I leaned into him as he wrapped his arm around me for support.

  “It’s OK.” I sighed.

  “Anyone want to explain the ward?” Tamora pointed to where Farran was standing, arms crossed.

  “It’s for our protection. No dark magic can enter here.”

  “That ward is already on the perimeter,” Tasmin remarked.

  “I don’t think its working,” I said truthfully.

  “I’m inclined to agree.” Malachi sneered.

  “The council are being influenced by Narissa,” I said boldly, and received mixed reactions.

  “You’re out of your mind,” Adelaide scoffed.

  “Surely not.” Tamora seethed.

  “How do you know?” Briony yelped.

  “Let her speak,” Rowan barked, silencing everyone.

  “I recognized the feel of her magic from the time I . . . blocked her from attacking Farran.”

  “It’s true,” Farran said as if he needed to assure them.

  “I felt the same magic in the creatures and again in Malachi. Imagine my surprise when I felt it seeping out of the Six. I touched Zoran’s shoulder and felt it recoil from him. His eyes cleared and he agreed with my decision to release Malachi before Mauve sent me from the room.” I straightened my shoulders and strengthened my voice, tired of always being second guessed.

  “What are we going to do?” asked Peyton, distraught.

  “Well, first, I’m going to stab someone,” I quipped, pulling the dagger from its sheath. Farran laughed as the group shifted uncomfortably.

  “Lead the way,” I told him, and he did.

  ***