Zerenity appeared in front of the two gnolls in a whirlwind of fury, kicking up ages of settled dust. She raised her hands. “There’s no need for alarm. Rakzar and Urza are with me.”
The fireballs sputtered in his hands and fizzled out.
“And me.” Alderan appeared from within the tunnel, his arm around a young girl.
“Shardan!” Nardus approached his son.
Berggren’s deep voice boomed over the cacophony of mass hysteria. “Enough!” His voice echoed throughout the stronghold and brought the chaos to a halt. “No threat lies within these walls other than your own fears. Gather your wits and think rationally before you act, or you may become the threat you fear.”
Nardus smiled to himself. Berggren, in spite of his many flaws, would make a great leader.
Nardus turned his attention back to Alderan and his strange band of friends. All of them, including the female dwarf who entered the stronghold riding a mastiff, looked browbeaten. Bloodstains covered their clothing and armor. A fair amount of it looked to be theirs and from recent wounds.
Alderan’s gaze held far more pain and sorrow than it had the day before. Nardus longed to unburden him and take it all away but knew all too well that nothing could. He rubbed the scars on his left bicep, a reminder of his own agony.
He looked Alderan over. “What happened? Do you have any wounds that need healed?”
Alderan peered down at himself and shrugged. “I don’t think so. Zerenity is good at what she does.” He took hold of the hand of the girl standing next to him. “Father, I’d like you to meet the love of my life, Rayah.”
Rayah stepped forward and tilted her head. Nardus hadn’t noticed her wings until that moment. They glimmered in the ambient lighting of the stronghold.
How long has it been since I’ve seen a dryte?
Her striking beauty filled him with pride for his son. Alderan had done well for himself.
“It’s an honor to meet you, sir,” she said.
Nardus took her other hand and bent down and kissed her knuckles. “The honor is most definitely mine. Your radiance and beauty fill the entire stronghold.” Her cheeks blossomed with a reddish hue as she withdrew her hand.
“You’re far too—”
Zerenity interrupted Rayah. “Where’s Savric?” Concern strained her voice.
Nardus glowered at her, but then his features softened as he remembered they all suffered. He took her arm and pulled her close. His mouth next to her ear, he said, “Savric sent me a message yesterday. King Zaridus tasked him with keeping Princess Zelanora safe.”
“Auh!” Zerenity swallowed then said, “I didn’t realize she’d escaped. Aria hung King Zaridus and Prince Rictar from the palace rooftop. Alderan was forced to watch her do it.”
Nardus cringed. Cinolth’s hold over her ran far deeper than he’d hoped. Evil and power seduced the best intentioned individuals, but with driving forces like Pravus and Cinolth in her life she stood little chance of recovering without intervention. He released Zerenity and stepped back as his hands curled into fists. Eying his hands, he offered up a prayer.
Ƨäʈūr, guide these hands. Allow them to choke the life from my enemies and free my daughter from bondage.
Zerenity tapped her chin. “Then there’s still hope.”
Nardus brooded. “Hope remains as long as we have breath in our lungs.”
“Speaking of hope, we need to go somewhere quiet so we can talk,” said Alderan.
“Back outside,” said Nardus. “I could use a bit of fresh air.”
“I’ll round up Berggren, Calen, and the others,” said Theyn, “and meet you up there.”
Alderan nodded. “Okay, but bring only those you trust.” He looked at Rayah. “I’ll meet you all in an hour. I need some time to myself.”
Rayah kissed Alderan’s cheek. “An hour. No longer.”
† † †
Alderan stood atop Silex Peak at the edge of an overlook, a stoic statue amidst the chaos below. In front of him, the evening sun began to dip below the eastern slope of the Orbis Mountains. Its rays still warmed his face, but the chill in his bones remained.
He gazed down at Arian Valley, his heart wrenched, and his stomach twisted with sorrow. No semblance of the silvered grass meadows remained. Charred remnants of man, beast, and vegetation spread beyond his vision. Fires dotted the landscape and screams of agony rode on the winds as the enemy’s celebration of victory began. Bright flashes of color burst in the air and lit the cloudless sky, an illusionary display no doubt conjured by Pravus.
Across the valley, only a handful of battle flags remained that bore the coat of arms of House Zaridus—a field of turquoise donning a black lion’s head on a silver shield and two iron swords crossed under it—, but the battle flags of House Rosai—a red dragon’s eye against a solid black field—couldn’t be counted.
Alderan exhaled. Master Savric warned them. Would it have made a difference if they’d listened and prepared for battle? Days, maybe. A week at most. King Zaridus’s delusional complacency blinded him from the truth and crippled his army. They never stood a chance against a mezhik wielding army, let alone the resurrected Cinolth and his army of infected.
Somewhere amongst the horde below, Qotan did Cinolth’s bidding—not because he chose to do so, but because of the poisonous plant he’d been infected by. Master Savric would’ve been wrought with sorrow if he’d been there to witness the hundreds of bodies smashed and half-buried by mounds of earth and rock. Alderan had no doubt most of that carnage came at the hand of Qotan.
Prophecy had warned of this day, but how could anyone have known the way it would unfold?
Alderan looked skyward. You did, Ƨäʈūr. He breathed deep. That’s why I’m here.
A strong gust of wind whipped Alderan’s cloak, ruffled his hair, and carried with it a deathly stench. His eyes stung and teared up, but the tears had little to do with the wind.
Alderan lowered his head and gazed at the valley again. I know this isn’t your doing, Aria. I know your heart. Cinolth and Pravus will pay for what they’ve done to you.
He thought about Nardus, his father, and how difficult everything must be for him. How could anyone live a lie for several decades without being jaded and calloused? The strength Nardus displayed despite everything he’d suffered at the hands of Pravus filled Alderan with pride and bravery.
I will try to be strong and brave like you, Father.
His mind focused on prophecy, death, and what awaited beyond.
The afterlife… Alderan’s heart ached, and he trembled. Ƨäʈūr, I’m not ready.
Alderan wiped his eyes and shook his head slowly. “I’ll never be prepared for what must be done…” His voice quavered, and he took a deep breath to calm himself. “But there is no other way. I must save Aria.”
With a deep sigh, he turned back and headed toward the stronghold.
Ƨäʈūr, help me. The morning comes too quick, and death awaits.
† † †
Alderan stared at the dozen—eleven not counting Bakkan—members representing the last hope of the Ancient Realm. They all sat in a circle in the middle of the woods, not far from the hidden entrance that led down to the stronghold. Tension hung thick in the air. Every one of them, including Eshtak, held their tongue and awaited the news he’d brought with him from the King’s Palace.
Every which way he thought of twisting the words wouldn’t change the message they conveyed, so he just blurted out the ultimatum. “Father, I am to deliver you into the hands of Pravus and Aria tomorrow morning, and you will be executed. Doing so will end the war and save countless lives.”
Gasps and murmurs came from every direction.
Theyn shot to her feet. “No,” she growled. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that Pravus cannot be trusted.”
“Agreed,” said Berggren. “The slippery bastard killed my son.”
Nardus stood and raised his hand. Theyn h
uffed and sat back down, and the others quieted. “Hold on, friends.” He squared his shoulders with Alderan. Concern trenched his brow. “And what is the consequence if we don’t comply with their demand?”
Alderan sighed and raked his head with his fingers. “They will destroy every city in the Ancient Realm, starting with Duos Flumen, and will take no prisoners.” He purposely left out the part about Aria’s threat on Rayah’s life. Rayah needed no more fuel to hate Aria with.
“It sounds like they’ve left us with little choice,” said Zerenity. “However, I don’t see how acquiescing to their demand could possibly help our cause. If we allow them to eliminate Nardus, what would stop them from destroying all the cities anyway?” She stared hard at Alderan. “I don’t want to speak ill of anyone, but I don’t think Alderan has the ability to save the world no matter what the prophecies say.”
Rayah flew from her seat and got right in Zerenity’s face. “Maybe if you’d spent more time teaching him, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
Alderan grabbed Rayah around the waist and pulled her away from Zerenity. “Stop it, Rayah. This isn’t her fault.”
“Then whose fault is it?” demanded Ridan. “Yours?”
Alderan shrugged. “As much as anyone’s.”
“Gods, people. Stop your bickering,” said Urza. “We’re not here to lay blame at anyone’s feet. We need to find a solution, or we’ll all be dead sooner or later.”
“Look,” said Rakzar, “giving up the old man solves nothing and puts us into a far worse situation. As I understand it, killing Pravus will also kill Aria, and that will kill Cinolth as well. Is that not the best solution? Three birds with one arrow so to speak?”
Nardus fumed. “Don’t you dare threaten my daughter’s life!”
“Then give us another solution,” said Calen. “We’ve all lost people in this. Can you not see the benefit of sacrificing one to save many?”
Eshtak shook his head violently. “Eshtak hates idea.”
“So do I,” said Calen. “A sacrifice should be willing, not chosen. But what else can we do?”
“There must be a way to sever the bond between Pravus and Aria,” said Theyn.
“It’s unbreakable,” Nardus countered.
“Everyone, please sit down.” Alderan waited for compliance and continued, “I’ve been thinking about the situation for a long time. First, the solution to kill Pravus and or Aria and remove all three of them from the picture sounds good on the surface, but you must also consider the fact that every last person under Cinolth’s control will be killed as well.”
“Is that true?” asked Zerenity. She looked to Nardus for an answer.
“Where did you hear that?” asked Theyn.
“Wizard Wrik. According to him, it’s some sort of failsafe trigger Cinolth built into the curse.”
“Gods,” said Theyn. “That’s far too many people to sacrifice.”
“Still better than the entire realm,” Ridan retorted.
“My aunt is one of those… if she’s still alive.” Calen’s lower lip quivered but he didn’t cry.
“And Qotan,” said Zerenity.
“And my mother.” Niesha scrunched up her face. “But I’ve got Iceberg now.” She looked up at him. “You care about me more than my mother ever did. Not that it’s saying much,” she added.
“Yes,” said Alderan. “Everyone knows someone under Cinolth’s influence.”
“I don’t,” Ridan argued. “Fact is I don’t care.”
“Thought I’d be the one to say that,” said Rakzar.
Alderan saw the change in Rakzar’s eyes. The beast cared more than he’d ever let on. Why else would he be there?
“We’re getting off track.” Alderan stood and walked the inner circle. “Let me get to the heart of what I’m trying to say without further arguments. Agreed?” The others nodded. “Good. Now, despite what any of you may think, the bond between Aria and Pravus can be broken without killing either of them. While a guest at Galondu Castle, I read the prophecy about the soul binding Pravus cast on Aria and himself.”
“That’s great news, darling,” said Zerenity. “What must we do to break this bond?”
“It requires self-sacrifice.” Alderan glanced at Rayah but couldn’t stand to look her in the eye knowing the next words that would fall from his lips. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.
I am the savior of the world.
Somehow, Rayah sensed his fear and hesitation. She flew over to him. “Don’t say it, Alderan!” Her eyes were wide with fear.
“I’m sorry, my love, but we’re out of options.” He pulled her close and kissed her cheek.
To the others, Alderan said, “I must be the sacrifice.”
“Absolutely not!” growled Nardus. “That would solve nothing.”
Rayah cried on his shoulder. “You can’t do this to me.”
Rakzar stood. “So what then? We kill you and everything goes back to normal?”
“If it were that simple, I’d let you kill me now.” He carried Rayah over to Urza who took her from his arms. “Look, the last thing I want is to die, but it’s the only way to free Aria from Pravus.”
Nardus crossed his arms. “Explain yourself, son. Even if I were open to such an idea, which I am not, how would killing you break their bond?”
“Aria and I are twins. Nearly identical other than being opposite sexes. We share a bond and the same blood. Why do you think Pravus sent Rakzar to kill me and then, ever since he married Aria and bonded his soul with hers, has gone out of his way to keep me alive? If he kills me now, even through a third party, then the bond between him and Aria would break.”
“Given the fact that if either of them kills each other then they both die, wouldn’t that apply to them killing you as well?” asked Theyn.
Alderan really liked Theyn. She had a sharp mind. “No, because that’s not quite how it works. The prophecy spells it all out.”
“Which prophecy?” asked Nardus.
“It was called Fädinzh dhä Bəllek,” said Alderan.
“The Black Wedding,” confirmed Nardus. “That prophecy has been fulfilled. I attended the abomination of a wedding.”
“Yes, between Aria and Pravus,” said Alderan.
Nardus grimaced. “Don’t remind me.”
“The wedding is only part of the prophecy, but it also speaks of how it can be broken.” Alderan paced. “I don’t remember the exact wording, but basically the person who shares the same blood as either Pravus or Aria can break the union through self-sacrifice. It must be Aria and me that share the blood.”
“Or me,” said Nardus.
Alderan shook his head. “Not true. You only share part of Aria’s blood. Besides, if the prophecy were true for you as well then Pravus and Aria wouldn’t be trying to kill you.”
“I don’t get it.” Ridan stood and approached Alderan. “Why would they be scared of killing you if the prophecy speaks of self-sacrifice?”
Nardus snorted. “Pravus interpreted it wrong, just as he does everything else.”
“That makes sense,” said Zerenity. She tapped her nose. “Let’s pretend we agree to go through with a plan to make you the sacrifice. How would it be possible to get either of them to kill you?”
“In truth, it’s simple. I’ve been thinking about it for several days.” He looked to Nardus. “My father and I will switch places.”
“I don’t understand,” said Urza. “How can you switch places?”
Nardus sighed. “We create an illusion.”
“Exactly,” Alderan agreed. “We will switch places, and that’s how Pravus will kill me. I will serve as the self-sacrifice required in the prophecy.” Hearing the words out loud twisted his stomach into knots.
Ridan nodded and paced. “It would allow Pravus to be killed. Once he’s dead, the blood bond between the orcs and gnolls will be severed.”
“And then we’d kill Murtag,�
�� Rakzar finished.
Ridan smiled. “Exactly.”
Alderan continued, “Yes, but that’s only part of the solution.” He sat back down. “Figuring out how to kill Cinolth and save those he controls will be up to the rest of you.”
Alderan swallowed hard. Somehow, he’d managed to get everything out without breaking down. But he still couldn’t look Rayah in the eye. Instead, he stared at his hands. Calloused and worn from hunting and chores. Bruised and scabbed by war. His middle finger, where he’d wear a wedding band, would never bear the honor.
Forgive me, Rayah.
Rayah pushed out of Urza’s embrace and flew to the middle of the circle. “Are you all mad?” She spun around, eying each of them in turn. “This asinine plan does nothing but kill Alderan! Not only that, but it will likely send Aria into a rage that can’t be stopped. She’ll destroy Duos Flumen and every other city in the realm. Can’t you see it?”
Nardus groaned. “I hate this.” He knelt down in the middle of the circle and lifted his head skyward. “Lose one child to save another. How cruel can You be, Ƨäʈūr?”
“No!” shouted Rayah. “This plan won’t work. You’ll end up killing Aria in the end anyway.”
“Agreed.” Nardus’s face visibly relaxed. “We must find another way.”
“We only have two choices, and one of them is flawed,” said Zerenity. “We must kill Pravus.”
Alderan’s heart crashed in his chest and tears flooded his eyes.
Aria… How can I save the world if it means you’re no longer in it?
† † †
Nardus stared into the flames of a flickering torch while his mind searched deep into the past. So much planning and preparation went into setting a trap for Cinolth the first time he defeated him, but he hadn’t acted alone. It took him, the other members of Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä, and a multitude of other wizards and allies to take down Cinolth and Magus. Even so, they’d almost failed.
Now, the threat they faced seemed insurmountable. Magus Carac had wit and unsurpassed knowledge but didn’t possess Aria’s raw power. Combined with Aria’s growing power, Cinolth would prove a far stronger adversary than before.
Rended Souls Page 58