by Daniel, Jake
Wofferd led the large white horses with attached carriage toward us with a straight face. “I figure if I keep letting you borrow my carts, eventually you will come back with one that flies,” he chuckled and smoothed out a horse’s mane.
I grabbed the reins from him and nodded. “We’ll see. Thanks again. Please help Shah take care of DeVito for me.”
Wofferd shook his head. “That damn dog is treated ten times better than I am around this place.”
I shrugged and cupped my large hand on his shoulder. “Maybe you should wear pants once in a while.”
Isobel watched curiously, and I knew she was still trying to feel her way around being bonded and how she fit in with the others. She stepped forward but said nothing. I knew exactly what role I needed her to fulfill. Out of all of my bonded, she was the bravest fighter of them all.
I turned and faced the beautiful wolf-woman. Her pale, grayish-blue eyes stared into mine. “I want you to grab an extra horse and ride alongside the cart. You will act as a guard as we work our way to Necross.”
“Of course.” Isobel nodded and hurried off to grab a horse from our new stable.
As soon as she left, I returned my focus to Alysain and Jun. “I could definitely use the both of you as our eyes in the sky. But Alysain, I want to give your wing as much time to heal as possible, so Jun, I want you to stay overhead and report down if you see anything of note.”
Alysain shook her head and launched up in the air. She circled several times, testing out her damaged wing. She landed gracefully next to me and nodded. “I’m fine. The wound has healed and I’ll cultivate along the way to help clear out the remaining tainted spirit.” She gave both wings a giant flap, sending a gust of wind past me and the others. “I’ll not be as careless in the future.”
As she flapped her wings, I noticed a bit of a wince cross her face. I knew she wasn’t fully healed, but I also knew I’d never get her to stay at the manor.
I cocked my head and ran a hand along her injured wing. “If you say that you’re healed, I’ll believe you, but I need you to promise me something.”
“It depends. I am not sure I can make a blind promise since I prefer to keep them if I make them.”
“No flying until it’s dark.”
The griffon girl’s mouth dropped open for a second before her face hardened. “Okay, you’re probably right.”
“Other than the fact that I can tell you’re not fully healed, I also can’t risk tipping any enemies off to our arrival. They’ll be watching for you after our visit to the Capitol. They already know you are helping us.” I knew that asking Alysain not to fly was like asking a fish not to swim, but I just couldn’t risk it.
Alysain relaxed slightly. “I understand. Should I ride in the cart with the others?”
“No.” I pulled myself up on the back of the large black horse and gave the spot behind me a couple pats. “I want you to ride with me.”
Within minutes, we had a cart and several horses ready to go. I found Fapplejack and Fap’zak near the smithy. I knew I needed to have a plan once we reached Necross and if they’d already relocated my brother, I would need to have the ability to follow. Fap’zak had mentioned that his goblin clan were once great sailors, but that was before Striker took over the seas. “Fapplejack, Fap’zak, I want you and some of your clan to come with us.”
The goblins eyed me cautiously, and Fapplejack finally spoke. “Logan sir, I am your wingman, of course I will come.” He paused and looked over to Fap’zak. “But, what will you need us for?”
“Remember the other night when you were telling me how much you both missed sailing? Well, there’s a chance I may secure a ship, and if I do, I will need a capable crew.”
Both goblins exchanged excited looks and nodded enthusiastically. Fapplejack jumped a little on his mechanical legs and rubbed his hands together. “Give us a minute to gather the others, I am sure they will be very excited!”
I nodded. “Perfect, the faster the better. We need to get moving. I want to reach Necross by nightfall.”
Everyone had gathered within minutes and several residents came out to bid us farewell. Jun gave instructions to the other fairies to help where needed. Cress and Shah immediately got to work gathering all the able-bodied fighters. I knew that they would have everyone ready to go. I climbed atop my black horse and helped Alysain up behind me. Isobel brought a second horse to my side, and Gwen pulled the cart up with Dahlia by her side and a payload full of goblins in the back.
I glanced up and spotted Jun fluttering back and forth, sprinkling dust down on our group. “What is with the dust?”
Jun swept down in a glittering mass and gave me a small laugh. “One benefit of fairy dust, if used correctly, is that it can create a decent camouflage. I figured an extra layer of protection wouldn’t hurt.”
“That is a great idea. Make it rain. We will need as much as possible.” I knew we could face Day Walkers as soon as we exited the barrier, so I planned for Isobel and I to lead the others. With Isobel’s high instinct level, and my high rank in Sight, I knew we would have an advantage.
I surveyed my raiding party, and with a nod we started toward Necross.
Alysain had her arms wrapped tightly around my chest, and her perfect breasts pushed into my back as she rode in the saddle with me. I couldn’t concentrate on anything except for the griffon girl behind me the entire time. She brushed her hair back behind her shoulder and leaned forward. “So, Logan West, what’s your story?”
Chapter Fourteen
“My story? Hmm, let me see.” I paused and glanced into the sky as I tried to decide what I wanted to tell her. “Well, I grew up spending a lot of time with my grandfather. Had a decent childhood, even without ever knowing my birth mother. Took a strong liking to hunting and fishing, and ended up opening my hunting lodge in the mountains. Then I met Gwen, and now I have a beautiful winged woman riding on the back of a horse with me as we are going to take on things I only thought existed in fantasy novels.” I chuckled softly and shook my head. “Crazy.” I craned my head back slightly to catch Alysain out of the corner of my eye. “How about you? I feel like I know nothing about you.”
Alysain shrugged, her blonde hair falling beautifully on her shoulders as she adjusted. “Well, I can guarantee that a human with a pure core is more interesting than a griffon in the King’s Guard.”
“Oh, I think that’s very interesting. I mean, I didn’t even know griffons existed until recently. Tell me more about this King’s Guard.”
She adjusted her grip around my chest slightly and sighed. “Well, let me see. Griffons formed the King’s Guard after the Great War ended. My great grandfather was one of its founding members. We swore to protect the Capitol and the King at all costs…” She trailed off.
I nodded slowly. “So, you’re probably having a hard time breaking that vow then, correct?”
“Not exactly. I feel I let my father down, but I just couldn’t let the King get away with treating monsters the way he was.” I felt her heart pounding in her chest as she pressed against my back. I knew it was hard for her to talk about.
“That’s because you’re compassionate. Something I don’t think the King, or Aether were capable of.”
“Yes, I suppose so, but my father won’t see it that way. He feels a vow is binding no matter what. I don’t know how I’ll face him again.” She let out a long breath and shook her head. “Although, I suppose I’ll find out soon enough.”
“Your father wouldn’t turn on you, right?” I asked.
“He takes our vow seriously. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. I really hope I’m wrong.”
“I hope so as well.” Our horse picked up the pace slightly as we headed up a large hill. “So, have you lived at the Capitol your whole life?”
“No, none of us actually live at the Capitol.” She paused and pointed north. “Far off in this direction, there’s a high mountain that we call the Roost. That’s where we spend most of our time when we a
re not on duty.”
“That makes sense.” I paused. “So is the Roost nicer than the manor?” I studied her expression as I waited for her answer. I’d become quite defensive of my manor and wasn’t sure how I’d react to her response.
“I wouldn’t say nicer. I’d say different.” She paused for several seconds before continuing. “It’s where all of my books are, so of course it will always hold a special place in my heart.”
“All of your books? How many do you have?” I asked.
“Thousands,” she responded as if unfazed by the question.
“Thousands? How have you come across so many books?”
“I’ve collected them for many years. I absolutely love reading.” She let out a contented sigh and I could tell she was daydreaming about her collection. “They open the door to so many possibilities. It’s simply amazing.”
“That’s impressive. I’d like to see your collection someday.”
Alysain let out a sweet laugh. “Well, then it’s a date.”
I reached back and touched her leg, prompting a little gasp out of the griffon. She tightened her grip and let her warm breath wash over my neck, sending an excited shiver through my body.
We ran into several patrols along the way to Necross. Most I was able to spot from a long distance away. They were in groups of three or four and spread along the path. I was sure they were instructed to keep an eye out for us, but we had the advantage.
Jun flew high above us and alerted me if anything looked out of place. Each time, I’d confirm their presence and we would sneak our way forward, remaining unseen by using Jun’s fairy dust, and my Camouflage skill.
Each time we reached a group, Isobel and I dispatched them quickly and without a sound. With our skills at such a high level, our progress was barely hindered. By the time Gwen arrived with the cart we had a line of bodies along the road.
We continued along the path, with everyone on high alert. Jun flew several hundred yards in front of us and reported back every few minutes to inform me about what she had seen.
We nearly ran out of daylight by the time we crested the hill on the outskirts of the city, but overall the trip went faster than I expected it would. Out of the hundreds of structures that once marked the city, only three remained. The tavern where I’d rescued Gwen’s sisters was one of them.
We stopped at the top of the hill and I found an area to tie off the horse. I helped Alysain down and pointed toward the forest a short distance away. “If we stick to the tree line, there’s a way we can make it into the city without being seen. I want you to stick to the shadows. Fly only as much as you absolutely have to.”
She craned her neck and looked down the tree line and the rocky terrain leading down into the city. “I can do that. Use the trinket I gave you to call me and I will be there within seconds.”
“Be careful. Do not take any unnecessary chances. I mean that.”
Alysain nodded and gave me a small smile before lifting off back into the air.
I turned to the others and knew I was putting each of their lives in danger. If we did everything right, though, there was a chance we could get away without any casualties. I saw how readily my bonded were willing to give up their lives and it filled me with an insane amount of pride. I loved these women more than anything. I knew that it would take all of them to get my brother out of the mess he was in. That is, if he is somehow still alive. “Gwen, Isobel, Dhalia, Mona, and Jun, I want you five to stay close to me. Jun, please fly slightly ahead of us and each time it is clear for us to move forward, give me a signal to indicate it is safe for us to proceed.” They each nodded in understanding and I turned to the group of ten goblins. “I want you all to hang back in the forest until I give you the all clear.”
Fapplejack gave me a salute and straightened. “Absolutely, Logan sir.”
I turned to Mona. “Please stay with Fapplejack and the other goblins for an extra layer of protection.”
She nodded and stood next to Fapplejack. “Of course. If you find your hands full, be sure to let us know.”
Alysain dropped back down as we moved into position. “It looks like one ship is already headed out, but if we hurry we may still catch the other one before it is too late.”
I used my Sight to survey what remained of the city, and was sad to see the city was completely devoid of life. I thought about Sven and his family. If he would’ve won the tournament they would’ve gone far away, yet instead I was forced to kill him, and from the looks of it, it spelled death for his kids and wife as well.
After I ensured it was clear I led the others down toward the tavern.
We pressed up against the tavern and I waited for Jun to survey the situation before we moved any further. It didn’t take long for her to return and she pointed out toward the ruins of a building a short distance away.
Several pale-skinned Day Walkers were sifting through the ruins and collecting discarded weapons and other materials I assumed they would be able to use back in Darkholm. They were taking their time and didn’t seem concerned about anyone challenging them.
The only thing that stood between us and them was the tavern. I stepped to the edge of the building and motioned for Dahlia to join me. I spoke to her in a loud whisper while the others held their weapons at the ready. “When I give the signal we are going to use our vines to tie them up.” She raised her wrist and I saw the tip of a vine find its way out. I raised my hand in a similar fashion, but lowered it as I spotted a frightened woman shaking on the ground by my feet. She had covered herself with an old burlap bag to hide herself and she looked to be moments from death.
She almost let out a scream as Alysain joined my side, but stopped and eyed me cautiously. She looked to be in her fifties and her matted black hair stuck to the dried blood from the cuts down each side of her face. “The... the Huntsman?”
It took a moment to remember that I’d practically become a household name overnight. I nodded and cocked my head. “What happened here?”
She shook her head and her eyes darted back and forth as if expecting something to attack at a moment’s notice. “They came without warning and loaded everyone up. They already sent a ship north.”
“To the north? You mean the Capitol?” Alysain responded.
The woman struggled to breathe as she responded. “I don’t know. I fled the Capitol after my Sven died, and was hoping to make it back to my children, but I was too late.”
I crouched down closer. “Did you say Sven?” My heart raced. “You’re Sven’s wife?”
She nodded her head slowly and I was able to see the extent of her injury. Dahlia crouched at her side, but there wasn’t a potion that would heal the damage she’d received. “Yes. Thank you for showing mercy. You gave us more time… but now…” She trailed off. Her face was pale and sweat beaded on her forehead. By the look of her shirt, she’d lost a ton of blood.
A gigantic explosion cut me off before I could respond, throwing all of us away from the tavern wall. I laid on my back for several seconds and stared into the dead eyes of Sven’s wife. A large piece of bloody timber protruded from her chest. I turned the opposite direction and Alysain rolled onto her side, coughing several times, her face full of black streaks from the explosion. “Are you okay?” I asked. My voice sounded muffled as the ringing in my head drowned everything out.
I spotted my bonded as they got back to their feet. They appeared to escape unharmed. Except everyone held their hands to their ears, as if trying to stop the ringing brought on by the explosion.
I helped Alysain up to her feet. Before we even had time to gather ourselves, another building exploded, sending us flying once more. As if the tavern was the first domino, the explosions continued one after another through Necross, sending huge pillars of smoke and flame into the air and taking out the remaining buildings scattered around the city.
I led the others through the smoke, along the outskirts of the city, and found shelter along the seawall. I stopped along the
way and picked up a poleaxe, to add to the small arsenal of weapons the women had brought along with them.
I knew they must’ve found the rest of the explosives that they’d been holding onto. We kept hidden as we relocated, but I held everyone up as I saw a familiar face step to the bow of the ship and look out over the destruction.
Chapter Fifteen
I watched as the man ordered the troops around from the top of the ship. I turned to Alysain. “It’s Striker. Why the fuck is he destroying the city?”
Alysain moved forward and leaned around me to get a look at Striker in the distance. “He hates all life. He’d kill his own mother if it made him richer. I’m sure he’s loving this right now.”
I remained crouched and hurried along the wall as the explosions erupted across the city. “I hope most of them made it out in time.” I closed my eyes as I heard a scream in the distance and when I reopened them a woman ran past, engulfed in flames. She fell to the ground, writhing in pain, and in seconds, she was dead.
I closed my eyes again and scanned the ship. I saw the outlines of the hundreds of dhampir and other warriors, presumably King’s Guard, and the tainted spirit that ran through them. Something inside of me pulled me toward them, and I knew it was what remained of the tainted spirit within my core. It took everything I had to fight the urge to join them. Teng had warned me that tainted spirit would do that to me, but what I hadn’t expected was for it to be so strong.
I knew it would only get worse as the tainted spirit around me intensified. I shook the feeling from my head and took a deep breath. Jun fluttered down and landed on my knee as I remained crouched. “Most of them have returned to the ship.” She paused and tore off her clothes. She looked at me like it was completely normal and bit her bottom lip seductively. “I warned you not to let the tainted spirit reach me. I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to fight it off much longer.”