Black irises faded into piercing green.
Fear of death flashed in them.
His hands fell away from hers as his eyes glossed over.
A torrent of intoxicating mezhik flowed into her, reaching every point within her.
She arched her back and moaned.
The young man collapsed. Dead. Lifeless.
But he still remained within her. His mezhik essence.
“Turn around, Aria.” Cinolth’s voice in her head focused her attention.
She turned and stared at the wall. Each rune glowed a vibrant green, the same color as the young man’s eyes in the end. Behind the runes, the wall glowed in patches of orange and red.
“What does it mean?” she asked through her mind.
“What you’re seeing is the essence of the mezhik’s caster. Each wizard displays a unique essence. Think of it like a signature. There should only be three of them. Yours, Mutius’s, and Bardaric’s. Touch each essence, and it will hide it from view so that you can find others.”
Aria reached out and touched the vibrant green essence. Immediately, the rune spells disappeared in both directions as far as she could see. She then touched the orange and red ones, Mutius’s and Bardaric’s. The wall turned black.
“Okay, I don’t see any more essences.”
“Walk the wall. Be certain.”
From west to east, they walked the wall once more. Nothing came up until they reached the far eastern edge. Three patches of yellow essence glowed. With Cinolth’s help, Aria pulled the tainted portions from the wall.
Satisfied no other alterations remained, she and Cinolth returned to the center of the wall. Someone had cleaned up the mess formerly known as Lord Uli Edersheimer. A stain remained on the ground, and a slight stench still wrinkled her nose, but nothing like before.
Aria pictured the walls once more and reconnected the last virtual rope. As before, thrumming and shaking ensued. The wall melted, vibrated, shimmered, and transformed into glassy rock before the other side of the gateway came into view.
Pravus stood on the other side once again. His eyebrows angled down over his nose. “You’re late.” As before, the gateway delayed his voice.
“Did you not want me to be certain this time?” snarled Aria.
Pravus stepped to the side, revealing that Alderan stood behind him. Aria’s gaze locked onto Alderan, but Alderan just stared at the ground.
Aria approached the gateway. Her nose nearly touched its filmy surface. “Are you okay?” Alderan didn’t answer. Didn’t look up. Didn’t flinch.
Pravus snapped his fingers. Like before, two soldiers dragged some unlucky person wearing manacles up to the gateway. This time, the bound person didn’t beg for their life. Aria didn’t watch. Didn’t glimpse the person who might’ve been sentenced to death. In that moment, the only thing that mattered to her was Alderan.
I love you, brother.
She stepped through the gateway.
† † †
“No!” yelled Pravus, but his words came out too late. Aria had already crossed through the gateway. He rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms. She struggled against him and managed to squirm out of his arms.
Aria backed away from him. Her glare could’ve melted steel. “Don’t you dare touch me right now!”
Pravus took a deep breath. He needed to manage the situation before it spiraled out of control. An entire army stood at his back, and he would not be made to look weak in their presence. “Aria, remember yourself and where you stand at this moment.”
“Trust me, I remember myself quite well. I also remember that you threatened my brother’s life.” She approached Pravus and spoke under her breath, “Touch me again without consent, and I’ll show this army who is truly in control.”
Rage chattered Pravus’s teeth, but he held onto his words and swallowed them down. Dueling with Aria, especially in public, would likely tarnish his reputation. Cinolth had taught her much about mezhik, and she’d picked it up quickly.
It’s the only thing that blasted dragon has done that’s been worthwhile.
The thought of admitting Aria’s mezhik abilities had surpassed his sickened him, but it was undeniable. Still, he’d never give voice to her achievements. Doing so would not only wound his pride, but it would also take him right out of the picture. He would never stand for that.
All this is because of my vision. The glory will be mine.
Pravus leaned down and whispered in Aria’s ear, “I’m sorry about earlier, my love, but we need to present a united front right now. Please stand at my side while I address the generals, and then you can go do whatever it is you desire.”
“You’re lucky this means as much to me as it does you.” She turned and faced the army, her gaze hardened.
Pravus turned his attention to the army as well. Nine generals stood at attention, awaiting his command. He paced a few steps, his arms folded behind his back. “Listen to me carefully. I expect the entire army to have cleared the gateway by nightfall. That includes siege equipment and weapons and armor for those under Cinolth’s control. Am I clear?”
“Yes sir,” eight of the generals said as one.
“Crystal, sir,” said the ninth general.
Pravus recognized the burly man as General Rashard. His bald head and thick, yellow beard were hard to forget, especially with the four-inch-long scar that ran from his right temple to the crown of his head. From what Pravus had heard, the man took an axe to the head in a domestic squabble. He ripped that same axe from his own skull and used it to kill and dismember his adversary—a distant cousin aiming to make a move on his sister.
Pravus eyed General Rashard. He’d never heard a response like General Rashard’s before but found it to be quite pleasing. He gave the man a curt nod.
Crystal clear.
He steepled his fingers. “Good. Also, make it clear to your men that any stragglers will be executed on the spot.”
“Yes sir,” they all said.
“Proceed,” said Pravus.
All nine generals raised a fist to their left breast and then dismissed themselves.
Aria glared at him. “Satisfied?”
Pravus bowed. “Beyond measure, my queen.”
Aria turned on her heel and walked over to Alderan. “Talk to me, Alderan.”
Alderan looked up at her for only a moment, but in that moment Pravus glimpsed the disdain in his eyes. “You’re covered in blood. I’m guessing it’s not your own.”
“Huh.” Pravus hadn’t noticed the blood. It covered Aria’s arms and the front of her grey blouse. His eyes narrowed.
What happened while the gateway was down?
He’d certainly find out later, but for now the rift between Aria and Alderan held his interest. It’d grown far wider than Pravus had thought possible, and it delighted him to no end. Soon, given the proper nurturing, there’d be nothing left between them. Once that happened, he’d lock Alderan up for good and would never have to see him again.
Aria looked down at herself. “It’s not, but it’s not what you think, either.”
Alderan pushed his fingers through his hair. “And you know what I’m thinking?”
“I… I tried to save a man, but his wounds were too great.” No inflections in her voice belied the untruth pouring from her lips, but Pravus knew she lied.
Then he saw it. A fleeting look in her eyes. Just like the one he thought he had seen at the café in Daltura.
She does have a tell. Guilt.
Alderan shook his head slowly, his eyes full of hurt. “What happened to you, Aria? You never would’ve lied straight to my face in the past.”
Aria hugged herself. “I swear, it’s not a lie. I didn’t want him to die.” The sincerity in her voice almost fooled Pravus.
She’s almost as good as I am.
“You’re not helping yourself,” said Alderan. “I’ve seen how powerful you’ve become. No one stil
l breathing would die under your care.”
Aria grabbed Alderan’s hand.
“Auh!” Alderan pulled his hand away, his eyes wide with fear. He stared at Aria’s hand as though it was tainted with poison. “His death clings to you like a sickness.”
Aria reached for Alderan again, but he retreated farther. “Alderan, don’t do this,” she begged. “I still love you.”
Alderan turned and walked away, his hands lodged in his armpits and tears in his eyes.
This could not be better.
† † †
Alderan walked through the gateway and into the sea of infected. He had no idea where he was heading and didn’t care. He wanted to be alone.
Somehow, he’d witnessed the truth of Aria’s actions, and it felt nothing like when he’d touched Rayah’s pink scarf or Aria’s bracelet. The vision hadn’t manifested within his own mind but came from the blood of the man she slew. His stomach churned with grief.
Every step jarred him and pierced his heart, just like Aria’s dagger had done to that man. He couldn’t get the vision out of his mind. She’d killed that man so easily. A monster. No mercy in her eyes.
Alderan knew because he’d been that man. Stared into Aria’s eyes as she drove the dagger underneath his ribs and into his heart. But he couldn’t comprehend the overwhelming desire he’d felt for her to do it. He, as the man, practically begged her to spill his blood. Grabbed her hand and helped drive the blade into his heart. It sickened him. Confused him. Tortured him. How could he ever look Aria in the eye again without seeing the monster he knew she’d become?
He stopped and dropped to his knees, unable to process what he’d witnessed. Glancing skyward, he beat his chest and moaned with grief.
Ƨäʈūr, I beg of you, tell me I’m not too late. Tell me that she can still be saved. An afterlife without her would not be worth living. My God, bring her back to me.
† † †
The gateway, a quarter-mile-long expanse connecting two distant points, held Wrik’s attention. He’d never seen anything so magnificent. Sure, the mirror portals held a special place in his heart, but they didn’t come close to comparing to the gateway. Besides the obvious size advantage, the gateway also allowed the ʊnzhifʈäd to utilize it. That fact alone stoked the fires of his imagination.
Perhaps the mirrors could be altered to do the same.
Wrik wasn’t sure what purpose or need such a modification would provide, but just being able to make a change like that would be an exhilarating experience. Combining mezhik and technology could have endless possibilities. His mind spun with ideas.
Pravus’s voice snapped in his ear. “Wizard Wrik.”
Wrik turned and faced him. “Ah, Lord Rosai. I was just admiring the gateway.” He removed his spectacles and began cleaning them with one of the sleeves on his robes. “Can you imagine the power Aria must possess to conjure something so complex and grandiose?”
Pravus’s left eye and cheek twitched. Wrik had hit a nerve, as he’d hoped. “I am fully aware of her power. I assure you that we are equally paired and made for one another.” Daggers shot from his golden-eyed glare. “Such power carries into our bedroom as well.”
Jab to the heart. Well played.
Wrik returned his spectacles to his face. “Yes, I’m sure you are. Was there something I can help you with?”
“Yes.” Pravus cracked his knuckles. “You’ve been avoiding me and my wrath.”
Wrik cocked his head. “Is there something I’ve done?”
Pravus’s jaw tensed, and his eyes narrowed. “You lied to me about Ƨʈōn Dhef Dädh and its purpose, you kept Alderan’s presence at the castle from me, you’ve snuck away from the castle several times in the last few weeks, and you scheme to drive a wedge between Aria and me. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re working with that damned dragon as well.” He glared at Wrik. “Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you right now.”
Wrik folded his arms over his chest. “I assure you that the stone was a surprise to me as well. As for Alderan, he came here right before the stone ceremony, and I didn’t want to distract you with the news of him still being alive. I left the castle on several occasions to look after a dying friend, and I’d never dare cause a rift between you and Lady Aria. Cinolth does that well enough on his own. I serve you, as I always have.”
Hatred boiled in Pravus’s eyes. “You may have answers for everything, but it makes no difference. I know the truth. As of this moment, you will manage the daily affairs at the castle until Aria and I return.”
Wrik frowned. “My lord? Isn’t that Master Credan’s job?”
Pravus sneered. “It is, but he will be at my side, advising me on matters of warfare.”
“I had planned on being at the battlefield as well.” Wrik crossed his arms. He wanted to crush Pravus’s narrow skull. “As you know, my abilities extend far beyond prophecy and daily affairs.”
Pravus’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sure you had, but your… abilities will better serve the castle.”
Wrik stood tall, towering over Pravus. “And what does Lady Aria think of this? Or does she not know?”
Pravus pointed between them. “This has nothing to do with her.” Spittle peppered the air and foamed at the corners of his mouth. “And neither will you.”
A single fist to the crown of Pravus’s head would’ve settled matters for good, but his death would be Aria’s as well, and Wrik couldn’t live with that. Wrik tipped his head slightly. “As you say. Anything else?”
“No.” Pravus turned around and walked through the gateway. Then over his shoulder he said, “By the way, we will be shutting the gateway down once the entire army has come through. Wouldn’t want anyone attacking us from behind.”
Gods forbid.
Pravus continued on toward a massive white tent in the distance.
“Good riddance.” Wrik unfolded his arms and headed toward the castle gates. “I’ve got matters to attend to. The castle can watch itself.”
† † †
Savric stood atop the outcropping, his heart sinking farther as each hour passed. Soldiers and siege equipment had poured through the gateway throughout the afternoon and finally slowed to a trickle just before dusk. He’d never seen so many people and beasts gathered in one place. They covered the plains as far east and north as he could see.
Bugger bees.
He took out his small, leather-bound book and scribbled a quick note to Morcinda. “Morcinda, the situation is far graver than I could have imagined. I cannot begin to count the numbers in Cinolth’s army, but there must be more than two hundred thousand of them. Warn King Zaridus that time is running out. We are only about sixty miles south of Elatos. Given the distance, Elatos will most likely be attacked within the next seven days. I will let you know when the army heads north. Once they do, I must journey to where Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä rest and awaken them before all is lost. Please keep me informed of any developments on your end. In əllíʈ Hiz. -Savric”
Calen climbed up onto the outcropping and stood next to Savric. “Is everything okay, Master Savric.”
Savric fussed with the fountain pen. The wretched thing wouldn’t slide back into its pouch. “Yes, fine.” His hands trembled profusely.
Calen touched Savric’s wrist. “Let me do that for you.” He took the book and fountain pen and slid the fountain pen into its pouch. Then, he closed the book and handed it back.
“Thank you, my boy.” Savric took a deep breath as he stuffed the book back into the pocket within his robes.
“What are we going to do?” Calen’s gaze focused far in the distance. “How can we stop this war from happening?”
“Some events are inevitable.” He put his arm around Calen’s shoulders. “I fear this is one of those.”
“And Aunt Tahmara? What will happen to her?” Calen trembled.
Tears blurred Savric’s vision. After seeing Zerenity use her mezhik to kill those men, he
had no doubts as to what came next. He desperately wanted to protect Calen from all that went on, and lying to him would do just that, but it would only prolong the inevitable truth and sow seeds of mistrust between them. There was nothing he could do but tell him the truth, so he did.
“As with all the infected, she will fight against us. There is also a good chance that she will die.”
Calen nodded as tears streamed down his face. “Thank you for being honest with me, Master Savric. I knew that would be the answer even though I’ve been praying that it wasn’t.”
Savric tousled Calen’s hair. “Be strong, keep praying, and never lose faith. Ƨäʈūr has a plan for us all.”
“Eshtak prays too.”
Savric startled. He hadn’t seen Eshtak standing next to Calen. “Very—”
The gateway flashed, thrummed, and shook the ground. Calen and Eshtak huddled closer to Savric.
“What’s happening?” asked Calen.
The entire wall turned black, and the thrum died down. A minute later, the ground stopped shaking.
“I believe they have disabled the gateway so that no one can come through it and attack them from behind.”
“Eshtak scared.”
“Me too,” said Calen.
As am I.
Savric knelt, laid Qotan’s staff down, and pulled Calen and Eshtak to himself. “Ƨäʈūr will never abandon us.”
He believed those words with all his heart but knew it didn’t mean that they would all live through the war. Perhaps none of them would. Everything rested in Ƨäʈūr’s hands.
Ƨäʈūr help us all.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Nardus lay on the cavern floor, staring up at the underside of Peorvem’s head. He didn’t know how long he’d been laying there, but his entire backside ached from the hardness of the rocky floor. Especially his head. He would’ve shifted his weight a bit or moved into a different position, but the tingle of mezhik touched every part of him and prevented him from moving.
A low, mournful groan escaped from deep within Peorvem’s throat and resonated throughout the cavern. The deep, guttural sound penetrated his chest and shook his bones. It reminded him of the sound a ram’s horn made when blown.
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