Zargon was a veritable wasteland. In Kentrish only the palace grounds had escaped the devastation his father had wrought. The news of Meglar’s defeat was met with fear and despair.
With his enhanced sight, he sought out his paternal grandmother. The high priestess of Neldin wept as she cradled a small boy in her lap. Farrell screamed again, and she shuddered and clutched the toddler closer. His attempt to find his other half siblings revealed no one other than the child his grandmother held.
The image of the pair was wrenched away as they reached Bendar. The Endless Snows appeared empty and quiet. The few who remained cheered their arrival. He searched for Russen, but the teen was gone. He couldn’t dwell on it as the avatar flew onward.
They crisscrossed the remaining kingdoms of Ardus and spread joy to the few survivors who had avoided Meglar’s minions. Horsemen on the plains of Arvendia waved spears and bows at the winged messenger. Others emerged from hiding places with smiles instead of trepidation.
Moving northwest, they circled Pelipan and Honal and screamed their news. Finally they flew toward Gharaha. Moments later, Farrell saw Rothdin leading the procession over the plains.
To Farrell’s surprise, the avatar did not take them back to the peregrines. Instead he stopped atop a high mountain north of Gharaha.
“Look down,” Honorus said.
Farrell did as instructed. A small city, built around a fortress with soaring towers and thick walls, sat on a plateau facing east. Before he could inquire, Honorus spoke again.
“When the world was new, Khron directed the dwarves to build this fortress at My behest. When they finished, He sent them away and told them to record nothing of its existence. Then I hid it from all beings until today.
“I give this city to you and your family as your new home. From here you and Miceral shall rule Ardus with strength, wisdom, and love.”
Farrell stretched his arm, intending to point below. A broad feathery wing swept through the air instead of his hand. He looked down, and his body had been replaced by a peregrine’s.
“What? How?” He turned to Honorus.
“Merging with your brother has given you Takala’s memories and instincts. Henceforth, you will be able to take the form of a peregrine whenever you wish.”
“That’s…. This…. How is this possible?” Farrell asked. “I don’t know all the details needed to survive the attempt.”
“It will come unbidden whenever you desire it. Consider it My gift to Rothdin. Though it will never heal the loss of Takala, whenever you take this form, he will know I have blessed him and his family.”
Farrell remembered Flemin’s words and nodded. “One with Nendor.”
“As is fitting for Our Champion.” The avatar took off and disappeared in a flash. “Use your new form to return to the others.”
Focusing on Takala’s memories, Farrell leapt into the air and extended his wings. He caught a draft and used it to join his family. As he glided back into position, he saw a large group of Bendari leave the gates. With his peregrine sight, Farrell saw the warriors carried two litters near the front. He diverted his attention. Soon enough he’d find out who else gave their lives today.
Rothdin led the procession back to the ground. The position of his feathers was the only sign he recognized his adopted son. No one spoke as they circled lower and landed back where they’d started.
Back on the ground, Farrell heard gasps from the crowd as four peregrines returned. He doubted anyone knew he was the fourth. Under the watchful eyes of the Six, Farrell concentrated on his true form. He felt a tingle and when he extended his hand, he wiggled his fingers to be sure it worked.
“Nice trick.” Miceral kissed his cheek. “I didn’t know you could do that.”
“Honorus gave me the ability to honor my father.” He bowed to Rothdin, Hesnera, and Grohl. “We can talk about it later.”
Chapter 43
FARRELL WAITED for the group of Bendari to make their way through the throng of people on Gharaha. Someone shouted a command, and the crowd parted to allow the two groups to pass.
Pojas and Esward led their people, and soldiers flanked them on either side. Behind Pojas, Tojas lay atop a bier borne by eight somber Bendari warriors. The lifeless body of Shaman Basje followed his grandson.
Farrell turned away, unable to bear seeing even more casualties among his friends.
“Weep not, Ancient One,” Esward said. “We come to honor our fallen, not grieve for them.”
“We can honor them, yet still mourn their passing.” Farrell met his friend’s gaze. “Nendor is poorer without them.”
The warriors stopped as Pojas and Esward continued toward Farrell. Rojas appeared from the crowd and stood behind his sister. The three bowed deeply. When Esward bent forward, the Shaman’s torque moved away from his chest. Farrell held out his arm when his friend straightened.
“She Who Guides and my grandsire died as they wanted.” Esward accepted the offered sign of friendship. “Like Kel, their time had passed. My grandfather died with his boots on and a sword in hand. There is no better way for a Bendari to leave the Endless Snows than defending our people.”
“Mother knew this would be her last run,” Pojas said. “She went gladly knowing our people are safer than when she arrived in this world.”
“She Who Guides speaks the truth,” the Shaman said with a nod.
Farrell motioned toward Flemin and Kel. “You should lay them next to their friends.”
Pojas nodded. “They would appreciate the honor you give them, Ancient One.”
“Ancient One?” Farrell looked at his grandfather. “I thought that was Kel’s name.”
“Just as there is always She Who Guides, there is always an Ancient One,” Rojas said.
“Are you now He Who Guides?” Farrell asked.
“No,” Rojas said. “There is only She Who Guides. I am nothing more than her brother.”
“You are far more than that, brother,” Pojas said. She rubbed her head against his. “Mother knew at your birth you were unlike any other. You are He Who Unites and are due the same respect as She Who Guides.”
“Only together can we keep the Deceiver’s evil at bay,” Esward said. “He Who Unites ensures the Bendari never drift apart from our sisters and brothers.”
“Rojas is welcome in my household, but even without him I would never forsake you.”
“Nor would we fail to answer your call for aid.” Esward opened his arms and the two embraced.
“May I pay my respects?” Farrell asked.
Esward nodded. “They would appreciate it.”
“Do you still see Them?” Farrell asked as they walked. “The Six.”
“Aye, Ancient One. They are visible to all who follow Their directions.”
Farrell paused and reached for Miceral. When he joined them, Farrell made the introduction. Nerti and Klissmor moved forward, as did Rothdin and Hesnera.
No one spoke as they walked to where Nordric still stood guard over the departed. Kel appeared at peace. He and his friend were together and he would finally reunite with his beloved Teresa.
“They died saving others,” Farrell said.
“They went out on their own terms,” Miceral said. “Do you think he planned to go this way?”
Farrell snorted softly. “I never knew what he planned, he was also so secretive. I think he and Flemin intended for their deaths to have meaning. I doubt they knew what that would be until the situation presented itself.”
They stopped in front of Basje and Tojas. The old Shaman’s head rested on a cushion of furs. His people covered him with a long fur, leaving only his arms visible. Someone had clasped his hands together and rested them on his chest.
Tojas looked ready to pounce. She sat on all fours with her head resting between her front paws. Numerous wounds covered her torso and she had a small one on her head. The Bendari somehow cleaned the blood from her fur and staunched the bleeding. Only the blood of her enemies remained on her mas
sive claws.
“The wizard in charge of the southern part of the army had started to turn the beasts to face us,” Esward said. “Tojas and Grandfather charged through the ranks to kill her.”
Farrell knelt between the two and placed his hand over Basje’s. The guards gasped and Farrell looked up.
“Quiet,” Esward said. “The Ancient One honors our dead in his way.”
Farrell gazed on Basje’s face. “Rest well, old man. You and Kel have earned it.”
He squeezed the thick, callused hand and turned toward Tojas. “Will I dishonor her if I touch her?”
“Treat her as you would a friend,” Pojas said. “That is how she would have wanted it.”
He scratched the tuft of fur between her ears, careful to avoid the injury. “Join your friend and be at peace. The world will always remember the wisdom of Tojas and her final sacrifice.”
Farrell moved away to let the others near. He glanced at Flemin and Kel a last time and walked over to stand before the Six.
“I saw a child with my fath… my grandm… with Meglar’s mother. He’s another half sibling.” His words were a statement, acknowledging what he saw.
“He is,” Seritia said.
“Neldin already has a new champion.” The implication reminded him he’d never be free.
“No,” Lenore said. “Neldin will not choose another champion until He is ready to challenge Us again. The child is too young for that.”
Her words reminded him Geena almost inherited the mantle. “So we’ve only earned a short measure of peace.”
“Not so,” Honorus said. “After Trellham, the peace lasted for more than three thousand years. There is much to suggest this one will be equally long. The child you saw may never rise to challenge you. It may fall to a different heir to be Champion.”
“Do you require I hunt down my father’s relatives and kill them?” Farrell feared the answer.
“You must combat Neldin’s servants wherever you find them,” Falcron said. “Whether this child is a servant has yet to be determined. You are proof that birth does not determine what is in your heart.”
Farrell shook his head. “I was different. As long as he remains with… Neldin’s priestess, he will never choose anything other than a dark path.”
“You have the power to change his fate,” Honorus said.
“To what end?” Farrell asked. “He will always be of the House of Meglar. Neldin will speak to him.”
“Before you slew Vedric, you said to Me you were sorry you never had the chance to save him,” Seritia said. “You have that chance with this child. Do you no longer wish to save your siblings?”
“Though I would still save them, I see things more clearly now than I did then. Neldin’s servant will come from Meglar’s family. How can I change that?”
“There are many others who carry the blood of Vedri,” Arritisa said. “Our Brother will choose His servant as He will, but you can still save your brother from that fate.”
“But his descendants could become Neldin’s vehicle to destroy the world,” Farrell said. “Neldin has an affinity for my immediate family.”
Seritia smiled and came toward him. “Vedri had many descendants. As a child of both Vedri and Kel, you were the Champion both sides sought. Once you made your choice, the outcome was not in doubt.”
Standing this close to the goddess would have unnerved him in the past, but now he felt calm in Her presence. “Because of the Gifts?”
“Only you could possess the Hand without Neldin taking it back.” She touched his face and he smiled. “Once you had all seven Gifts, how could even Meglar defeat you?”
“And it’s why I couldn’t have descendants.” He sounded more disappointed than he felt. He had Miceral and the children; he didn’t need anything else. “They would be a greater danger to the world than any of Vedri’s other heirs.”
“No, Chosen, that is not correct,” Seritia said. “Neldin made certain Vedri’s tree has numerous branches. There are many of his line who do not know their true lineage. Now that Tilerstig is one with the world, there is a chance the two houses will mix again.”
“But…. He said….” Farrell realized how foolish he’d been.
“Forget the poison Neldin fed you and think back to when you met Miceral.” Seritia smiled warmly. “We selected Miceral to be Our Champion’s mate long before you were sired. You are how you are so you two could live a long, happy life together.”
Farrell flushed in embarrassment as he tried to answer Seritia. He had believed Neldin, at least when it came to why he was attracted to men. “I’m ashamed to admit I accepted His explanation.”
“He is not called the Deceiver for naught,” She said. “His words had a ring of truth. When you and He spoke, you were the only child of both houses.”
“I believed Him.”
“You did, yet you did not accept Him. Do not chastise yourself for listening to Neldin. Despite His best efforts, you remained in the light. That is what I remember.”
Farrell stared into Her eyes and his guilt evaporated. The darkness he feared resided in his heart never existed. He’d rejected Neldin and embraced the Six.
“Thank you, Blessed Mother. You were always there for me. Even when I doubted myself.”
“You are welcome, Chosen.” She took his hands again and kissed his brow.
Before She withdrew he silently asked, “Honorus isn’t the first of the Six, is he?”
“Dear child, why would you suggest such a thing?” She appeared amused but didn’t release him.
“At every critical juncture, it was You, not the others, who provided the needed aid. Trellham, Agloth, Gharaha. When I faltered, You were there. When I grieved, You comforted me. When I needed help, You sent me who I needed. Jolella championed me when no one else believed I knew what to do. Honorus may rule the skies, but You rule us all.”
“Love is a powerful force. It inspires beings to fits of rage and acts of violence, but it also pushes them to great deeds of courage and sacrifice. Just as you cannot survive without food, water, and air, neither can you thrive without love. But you are wrong. Honorus is the first.”
“But You saved the world,” Farrell said. “At Trellham and today.”
“Neldin doesn’t understand love, so He believes Me powerless. Being invisible to Him gives Me the freedom to act in ways Honorus and the others can’t. You are the Champion of the Six, not any one of Us, because the Six work together as one.
“You felt unworthy of love because of your sire. I did what I could to help you see otherwise.”
“Thank you.”
“As you have been before, so shall you remain favored of My heart. Do not fear to love he that others find unlovable.”
“My half brother?”
Seritia nodded and stepped back.
“What should I do?”
“Trust your heart,” Seritia said. She and the others nodded once and faded away. “We do.”
Chapter 44
FARRELL STARED out the window, a real window, and watched the sun rise. From the tower in the new palace he could see the curve of the horizon. A cold breeze blew across the threshold. It triggered the warming spells he’d cast when they arrived. It would take some time to transition from living inside a mountain to living on top of one.
And living in a new palace.
“Are you ready?” Miceral asked.
“No,” he said without turning around. “I’ll never be ready.”
Miceral slid his arms around Farrell’s waist and pulled them closer. “Let me rephrase that: are you ready to go to the ceremony you have to attend?”
Farrell drew a deep breath and exhaled. “Yes.”
He didn’t want to rule. Not any one place, let alone most of Ardus. “Why can’t you be the emperor and I be your consort?”
“Leaving aside I don’t want to be the emperor either, I’m also not the Champion of the Six.”
He almost pointed out that Kel never had to be emp
eror, but they been over that before as well. “True, but doesn’t that mean I belong to everyone, not just Ardus?”
“You can’t get out of this that easily.” Miceral spun him around, cupped his face, and kissed him. “Honorus told you that we had to rule. That means both of us. Besides, everyone likes you.”
“Right.” He didn’t have time to list all the people who wished him ill.
At least Horgon agreed to stay and help. With Northhelm gone and Haven reverting back to a school for wizards, the Muchari, unicorns, and peregrines who wanted to stay on Ardus needed a home. The new city was perfect for all three. Just as the Six had planned.
Farrell took a last look out the window. The line to get into the palace stretched halfway to the outer wall. People had been arriving for days from all over Nendor. It wasn’t every day Ardus crowned new emperors with the blessing of the Six.
“Have all the arrangements been made?” he asked as he summoned his staff from the far wall.
“Mostly. Everyone but Jagwin knows of our plans for them. Only Aswick, Drendar, Thrinton, and you and I know what’s going to happen to him.”
“Serves him right.” Farrell smirked at what he was about to do. “He tortured me when I was king.”
“He’s going to be mad.”
Farrell shrugged. “He’ll get over it. Trellham needs a good king, not just a king.”
“Agreed.” He held out his hand. “Lisle didn’t take the news well either.”
“Really?” Farrell laced his fingers between Miceral’s. “Who wouldn’t want to be a princess of Yar-del?”
“Well,” Miceral laughed. “I’d prefer to be a prince.”
“Funny.”
“She suspects it’s a plot by your mother to take ‘her babies’ away.”
Farrell rubbed his face with his free hand. “I’ll deal with her tomorrow.”
“So you say.” Miceral led them to the front door. “I’m sure she’ll try to corner you today.”
He stopped to compose himself. So much for trying to do something nice for her. “No one is taking the children away. Mother adopting Lisle into our family makes her their great-aunt. She’ll get to supervise their upbringing, but with the authority as my aunt. Why is she angry?”
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