Arwynn nodded eagerly.
“Okay, let’s do it,” he affirmed as he held out his hand and pointed his index finger at Liberty’s ship. By now it had already set sail several hundred feet out to sea. Whatever Raxxil planned to do it was their last shot to stop him from escaping.
Even before Samantha saw anything happen she saw the sweat forming on Raxxil’s face. He waivered, his shoulders and chest falling as his back slouched a bit. He grunted and straightened again.
Samantha felt the air around them grow hotter, a small ember forming just beyond the tip of Raxxil’s finger that grew steadily. While all of this was happening, Arwynn stood behind Raxxil and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Her eyes were closed, her face scrunched as she concentrated on something that Samantha could not detect. The ember suddenly swelled, nearly knocking Raxxil to the ground.
He held firm, his finger following Liberty’s ship for a few more seconds until a dense beam of fire shot forth from his finger. It had the girth of his arm, and it traveled faster than any arrow Samantha had ever seen.
In seconds it was already at Liberty’s ship—
The blast dissipated as soon as it reached him, and though the four of them were left guessing as to how such a devastating attack had failed, Samantha had an inkling of the truth.
Raxxil could not keep himself from buckling, and if it weren’t for the efforts of both Samantha and Arwynn he would have fallen face-first into the water.
It was the first time that Samantha had seen him in such a vulnerable state.
“I got him,” Arwynn said, though her tone was not the least bit positive.
“What did you do to him?” Samantha asked, ignoring her comment and continuing to keep Raxxil up.
“My element is time,” she explained, a subtle smirk forming at the corners of her mouth, like she had bested Samantha at something. “I focused my power into Raxxil so that he could charge his attack faster. It’s something that we have been working on for some time. I guess you could say that we are a great duo.”
Samantha eyed the young woman. The gall of Arwynn to say something of the sort at that moment. They were fighting a war, and her mind was focused on such pettiness? “Do you have no remorse for the fallen?”
To Samantha’s surprise, the young woman softened.
“I did not ask for anyone to die,” Arwynn said. “We fight because we must.”
“That only perpetuates conflict,” Samantha replied.
Arwynn shook her head. “It keeps us breathing.”
“Her eyes see only veiled things, like yours did at that age,” said Kavem inside Samantha’s mind.
Raxxil stirred as he lifted his head up and watched Liberty’s boat sail away. “How did Incindir use the Fourth Flame so easily? Even with Tanaria’s help it still took me time to charge it…”
The mention of Tanaria caused Arwynn to grimace, but she held her tongue.
“Who is Incindir?” Samantha asked.
“Someone who I used to call friend, but it is no matter,” Raxxil replied with gaunt face. Samantha was sure that he would pass out again at any moment. “What matters is that we give chase. There is only one place where Liberty will go now.”
“You’re going to die from exhaustion,” Samantha warned, but Raxxil would not have it.
“I’ll rest on the ship,” he said, brushing aside both Samantha and Arwynn as he marched back up the beach to where their horses were. “We must hurry to Port Banton. The Taja is waiting for us there.”
“You’re going to take on all of Lenas with four elementalists?” Samantha called out to Raxxil as she watched his back.
“Alone or with a thousand, it makes no difference to me,” he said without stopping.
Arwynn was the first to speed up to join Raxxil, leaving Samantha and Darius to look at each other.
“Are you going with him, too?” she asked.
Darius swept back his coat, placed his hands on his hips, and smiled to the east. “Still got a debt to pay, missy.”
“To who?” Samantha asked.
“To the world,” he said as he turned and followed after the others.
_ _ _
“We’ll drop off the Orb of Life, then leave immediately for the next one,” said Incindir as he, Halcyon, and Doriel found themselves moments away from reaching Arcadia’s southern gates.
“Actually, there is something that I need to speak to you about,” Doriel replied. “I can no longer accompany you.”
“What?” Incindir blurted. “What happened?”
“The towrth who I killed was not someone deserving of death,” Doriel explained. “I want to help you on this mission, but I’ve dedicated my life to preserving things, not destroying them. Halcyon is right, those elementalists were not our enemies, and there was nothing to glean in fighting them.”
Incindir sighed. “We had no choice. They had no remorse in taking our lives, and would not have stopped until Halcyon was within their grasp.”
“But they did,” Doriel argued. “The archer did not want it. I’ve seen misguided souls clash, Incindir. I’m a teacher, after all.”
“This isn’t some petty quarrel between teenagers,” Incindir said. “The fate of the world is at stake.”
“And I will not see myself become that which I abhor despite the magnitude of this mission,” she said. “Careful, Incindir, or you will cross a line and become like them.”
“I will do what it takes,” he replied.
Doriel nodded. “I believe you.” She looked up to Halcyon. “Where will your quest take you next?”
Incindir tapped Halcyon’s foot as he looked up at the boy riding on his shoulders. “Well?”
“In Falrethar lies another orb,” said Halcyon, which garnered an eager reaction from Doriel.
“Really?” she said with excitement. “I would have loved to explore the secrets of Falrethar. I’ve read texts claiming that many Ancient Ones rest in the northern continent away from civilization. Who knows what could be found there?”
“Not anything good,” replied Incindir. “Don’t you remember the last time that we met an Ancient One. Does Gadgadoon ring a bell?”
“You must forgive me,” Doriel said. “My thirst for adventure gets the best of me sometimes. You must understand that devoting a life to teaching does not allow one to travel often.”
Incindir grinned. “I would have thought you boring like the rest.”
“No person who devotes their life to learning could possibly be boring,” Doriel said, almost offended at Incindir’s statement.
“Halt,” said a guard peering down at them from atop his watch tower as they approached the gate. “Who do you align with, Arcadia or Lenas?”
“Lenas?” repeated Doriel, her confused expression matching Incindir’s thoughts. “What does the Order of the Faith have to do with Arcadia?”
The guard relaxed his stance, though his face remained as grim as a grave. “The Order of the Faith was able to unite all of Onturi, and just weeks prior marched the Bellford Plains seeking to destroy Arcadia. Fear not travelers, for his forces were driven back. Where do you hail from?”
The three of them exchanged worried glances.
“My name is Doriel Faler, I am a Master at the School of Eight,” Doriel said.
The guard bowed. “My apologies for not recognizing you, Master Faler. I’m afraid that I’m not particularly familiar with the Magia sector.” He then gestured to someone behind him, and not long after the large gate was pulled up to reveal the city within.
Doriel took a few steps forward, then turned to Incindir and Halcyon when they remained where they were. “Aren’t you two coming? Won’t you stay at least for a few days?”
“It’s better that we don’t,” Incindir said. “Time is of the essence. We need to get the other orbs before they do.”
“This is where we part, then,” Doriel said. “I will take the orb straight to Graeme. He will know how to keep it safe.”
I
ncindir did not reply immediately, his mind wandering to what-if scenarios in light of the grave news. He expected eyes to turn to the kingdom at news of Halcyon, but outright war? Were the orbs really safe here?
“A kingdom’s walls are sturdier than the flesh of a single mortal,” Halcyon said, somehow reading Incindir’s mind.
Incindir clicked his tongue, then reached into his pack and withdrew the Orb of Life. He handed it over to Doriel without a second thought. “Maybe it’s better that you stay, then. Will you preserve this kingdom even if it means taking more undeserving lives?”
“Defending my home does not cross my conscience,” Doriel said.
“That’s what I was doing back there,” Incindir said.
Doriel looked down at smiled to herself. “Goodbye, Incindir, Halcyon.
“Goodbye, Doriel,” Incindir said as he smiled at the veri.
She looked up, solemnly at first, but then she raised her brows and brightened at Incindir.
“What?” he asked. “Do I have something on my face?”
“No,” she replied, her lips curving upward in a toothy grin. “It’s just that that’s the first time I’ve seen you smile so warmly. It’s as bright as Halcyon’s.”
Incindir looked away and took a deep breath. “Sorry, it’s an old habit of mine. Every time my brothers and I would leave the house my mother would smile at us and make sure that we reciprocated.”
“I’m sure that she was a wonderful woman,” Doriel said.
“She was,” Incindir said as his mind wandered to better times.
“We’ll be back soon with the next orb,” said Halcyon, who had been quiet thus far.
Doriel waved as she turned around and stepped foot inside the kingdom, leaving Incindir and Halcyon standing just outside. When she was on the other side the gate was lowered, and Incindir stared at the iron gate.
He was alone again, as it should be. Not only was his name cursed, but his hands as well. This way, another good soul did not have to perish in his presence.
It would be his only solace if he failed.
_ _ _
It was odd being in the Arcadian Command Center without the presence of Cad. Graeme could not shake it. He phased in-and-out of the present, his mind wandering to points in time when the room had been more lively with outbursts and shenanigans from Cad that were most of the time unwarranted but entertaining nonetheless.
During the recovery effort after the battles, many had come to Graeme seeking answers as to why they’re loved ones were dead and what they fought for. As of late even he had difficulty in explaining the importance of keeping the Child of Light hidden.
Such was his heavy heart that he casted doubts on what he believed in. No word of Doriel, Incindir, or Halcyon had yet to reach his ears. Had this war been fought for naught?
“Graeme?” spoke Laralen, and Graeme’s attention shifted to the veri standing opposite to him.
“I’m sorry, Laralen, what were you saying?” Graeme replied.
“We’ve reported two-hundred-twenty-three-thousand casualties,” Laralen continued with a stern face. “That’s over half our combat-able population.”
Graeme sighed, squeezing the top of the chair that he was holding onto until his knuckles went white. He looked away, his eyes falling upon the portrait of Cad that was hung on the far wall. Graeme was never able to get a good view of it before, for Cad was always standing in front and blocking it.
But now, it was in plain view.
“Guy is organizing his service as we speak,” Laralen said as he followed Graeme’s gaze. “The Tomb of Arcadia will be built near the Delanar Promenade. Cad will be the first leader of Arcadia to be buried there, and his likeness will be the first statue erected in the court leading to the tomb.”
“We can remember him all we want, Laralen, but all I will remember is that he is gone,” Graeme said.
“Cad died because he believed in Arcadia, and because he believed in you,” Laralen said.
“I have no reason to lead you all astray,” Graeme defended.
Laralen shook his head. “Don’t read my words incorrectly, Graeme. Prophecy or not, we wouldn’t just hand over a boy like Halcyon. He is the first light elementalist in what may be centuries, or even longer. There is something special about him, and Liberty attacked us for that reason. We only did what we had to do.”
“Forgive me, Laralen,” Graeme said.
Laralen let slip a frown, contorting his normally smooth face. “There is no need for that, Graeme. However, I must tell you that Guy does not remain so convinced of your prophecy. After the funeral, and after the people have chosen Cad’s replacement, he wants to convene about what you claim.”
“I don’t blame him,” Graeme said as his heart sank. “There is yet to be any evidence of the prophecy other than Halcyon himself.”
A knock came at the door.
“Yes?” Graeme said.
It opened, revealing the face of someone who Graeme was hoping to see.
“Come, come, Doriel,” Graeme urged as relief washed over him. He pointed to an empty chair. “Have a seat.”
“Grand Arcanist, Ohrl’han the Supreme,” Doriel said as she greeted each leader with a slight bow before rushing to take her place amongst them.
“Tell me everything, Doriel,” Graeme said.
Before answering, Doriel reached into her robe and pulled out a glowing orb. “It’s true, Grand Arcanist. The prophecy is real.”
_ _ _
“Milk, please,” Sanjin said to the tavern owner, garnering a few raised brows from around the cozy room. No, it was something else, wasn’t it? All eyes had been on Sanjin and Mellin the moment that they had stepped foot on the docks of Port Yjur.
While it wasn’t uncommon for the Blue Swords to receive attention wherever they went on Makka, this time it was different. Wary eyes glanced their way. Eyes not full of admiration but apprehension. Yjur itself felt different, a foreboding aura filling its salty air.
“You feel it too, don’t you?” said Mellin, who was sitting across from her. While a glass of milk was brought out for Sanjin, Mellin’s preferred drink was a spicy one.
He downed his drink in one gulp when normally he was the type to savor it. He wagged his finger at the tavern owner for another and tried to avoid everyone else’s eyes in the process.
“I didn’t want to say nothing, but my heart goes out to you folk,” said the tavern owner as he came back again with Mellin’s second drink.
“What do you mean?” Sanjin asked with narrow eyes, though she already felt fear rising from within.
The tavern owner rubbed his temple. “You two were away, weren’t you? Enept-Ihs is no more.” He pointed at the blue sword emblazoned on Sanjin’s breast plate. “The ones who made it out say it was one of you.”
Sanjin and Mellin both looked at each other for a split-second before they got up and darted for the door.
Chapter 13
Unknown Day
Quinn reached over and grabbed Gilbel by the shoulder and shook him. “Who the hell was that?!”
“Shushana the Shadow,” replied the demon flatly. “Are you humans daft?”
“I don’t care about her damn name,” Quinn said, refusing to let go of Gilbel. “Why is she like me?”
Gilbel shrugged. “You’re not the first human who has been able to use the black sludge at Vaikar’s Heartrend. If you want to know why or how, I’ve no idea.”
Quinn removed his grasp of the demon. He was only partially covered by the black goo while she had worn it like it was armor. She had wielded it with more mastery than he, even if he didn’t want to admit it.
He shook off the silly sentiment. It didn’t matter. He was reunited with his best friends. That was why he came, so all that remained was getting back.
“What happened to you after we were banished?” Xai’jet asked, his body jangling repeatedly as Garjuun continued his bumpy sprint.
“The warlock almost got me, but a witch named Tar
la stepped in,” Quinn said.
Gilbel perked up as Quinn finished the sentence.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Xai’jet continued, placing a bony thumb on his chin. “A warlock banished us and tried to kill you, but he was foiled by a witch? How does that make sense?”
“You know, I still haven’t found out myself,” Quinn replied. “She’s just a nice person, I guess. She never gave me a reason as to why she helped.”
“Is she pretty?” Zavalin asked.
Quinn gave the aeuviai a look. “Really?”
“I just want to know,” she said.
“Well, no…” muttered Quinn. “I mean, why does it matter?”
“Because it does,” Zavalin said.
Quinn opened his mouth to respond, but his attention was diverted instead to a mass of pure light. It had high walls—just like the ones of Bastion Return. Where the demon-inhabited city's architecture was spooky to say the least, the structure growing larger as they neared was the complete opposite.
“You said that this was the Prison of Luyce?” Quinn asked Gilbel.
“I did,” said the demon.
“Shouldn’t we be getting away from there, then?” Quinn continued. “We need to leave Hell as soon as possible.”
“Then why don’t you?” asked Gilbel.
“Tarla said that we need to return to the same spot that I appeared at,” Quinn explained. “That’s where the rift is.”
Gilbel nodded. “Then we’ll just make a quick pit stop.”
Garjuun skidded to a halt before the towering gate of the Prison of Luyce. Unlike Bastion’s Return, there were no guards here, nor was there a gate to be hoisted up. It was wide open, inviting almost.
“What are we here for?” Quinn asked as he hopped off Garjuun’s back.
“Well, I needed to speak with Lion about something,” started Gilbel as he marched toward the pure light without an ounce of hesitation, “and since he wasn’t at Bastion’s Return, I’ll just have to talk to the other Lords.”
“About what?” Quinn continued as he looked to the other demons for answers, though from their faces they were just as confused.
“Come with me or stay here,” said the demon. “It will only take a second.”
Silent Requiem (Tales of Ashkar Book 3) Page 17