“My apologies, Your Grace,” Ardontis said, as he bowed his head. “King Osharus is asking that you join him and the others in the Council Room. There is much to discuss.”
“Of course,” Leonetta said, nodding her head before walking from the room, not even stopping to say goodbye to Holland.
Leonetta took advantage of the dark, dim halls of the tunnels to gather herself and push the thought of Holland from her mind. Though she knew deep down she loved him just as much, she was obligated to bring forth the future King or Queen of the fae now that Asphodul had married a shifter, and that meant her mate had to be a fae. She wasn’t bitter about it, just sad that her heart was leading her somewhere else. Once she reached the light of the stairwell, she had cleared her mood and smiled lightly at Ardontis as they climbed back into the castle.
When she entered the Council Room, King Osharus, Aralea, Georges, and Tyriad greeted her kindly and gestured toward a chair at the center of the table. Leonetta moved with a grace she hadn’t had in Avalon – the grace of a fae. The other royals watched as she took a seat and then turned to Osharus who sat with a grave look on his face and a bloody piece of parchment on the table in front of him.
“It seems not only have we been fooled by Malaya, but by our own Commander as well,” Osharus stated, picking up the parchment and reading from it. “‘Dearest King and family. It seems you have terrible taste in whom you choose to help you. Poor, poor Drago happily handed his allegiance over to the dead King and myself, with just a little persuasion. However, it seemed he had a change of heart, and we know how much I love a change of heart. If you are questioning my allegiance to Ghede, you now have your answer. War is coming, so be prepared. With warmest regards, Malaya.’ It seems as if our Commander had some dark friends. This letter was found stuck into the door, next to his heart.”
“Dear gods,” Aralea stated. “And no one saw her enter or exit this castle? She is a necromancer, not a wizard or fae!”
“And this is why we must find out their whereabouts,” the King responded. “I must also know where Osiris is and when we should be prepared for his attack. Aralea, I will need your gift of foresight.”
“Your Grace,” Leonetta interrupted Aralea, who had a look of fear on her face, “perhaps I can be of service in this area. Aralea has been through a lot lately, and you have shown the fae much devotion through the years.”
“Very well,” the King stated, not noticing Aralea lipping the words, ‘Thank you,’ to Leonetta. “When will you be ready to do this?”
“Tonight. There is no time to wait,” Leonetta responded, looking over at the door as Pike entered. “Pike, I’m glad you’re here to hear this.”
Pike looked at Leonetta with curiosity as he took a seat at the Council table and folded his hands in his lap. Leonetta stood and began pacing the floor, trying to make sure she covered everything she saw in her vision the day before. The process had been exhausting, and she wanted to make sure to word it correctly, seeing as Pike had a sensitive fragility for the subject.
“On my way to meet with Osiris, which we discussed when I arrived, I also had a vision,” Leonetta stated, looking toward the group. “I saw Shayla.”
“What? Where is she? Is she okay?” Pike stood from the table, his nerves showing on his face.
“Please, Pike, let her finish,” Osharus said kindly to Pike.
“She is alive and will continue to be for the time being. Ghede has her held captive and uses her as a servant girl in his mountain lair,” Leonetta explained, watching Pike create a plan in his head. “That being said, it is imperative you don’t go after her right now, Pike.”
“Are you insane?” Pike laughed. “I cannot leave my wife under the servitude of that vile creature.”
“You have no choice,” Leonetta interrupted with irritation in her voice. “I have seen your death and most likely hers as well, at the hand of the dead King if you chase after her.”
“What do you expect me to do then? Just sit here and wait while gods know what happens to her down there?!” Pike shouted.
“I expect you to fulfill your role as Commander,” the King interrupted angrily, then changing his tone to a gentler whisper. “Pike, the fae do not steer us wrong. We want to retrieve your love alive, and you as well. Be patient. And if all else fails, know that is an order from your King.”
Pike stood from the table and bowed to the King, refusing to look at Leonetta as he walked from the room. Leonetta sighed, knowing how he must feel, not knowing how to protect his closest and dearest mate. She turned toward the door and looked out, thinking about Holland and what he had gone through. She couldn’t help but feel as if she had left him alone with Avalon’s own dead King.
“Well,” the King stated, “as far as the issue with the Commander is concerned, Georges will be leading the Army alongside Pike for the time being.”
Leonetta watched Aralea as she fought to control her facial expression. She knew that even if her father had known about the baby, he had no other choice but to ask Georges to take the position. The King stood and excused himself, followed by the rest of the Council. As Leonetta walked out of the door, Aralea grabbed her and pulled her over to her and Georges.
“Thank you for what you did in there,” Aralea stated, hugging Leonetta. “I am not sure that I can’t perform magic, but until I know, it’s safe for the little one. Well, I don’t want to take the chance.”
“It’s really no trouble,” Leonetta said smiling. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have things to prepare for tonight’s ceremony.”
“Of course,” Aralea replied, bowing her head as Leonetta walked off toward her chamber. “Georges, I think we should take a walk.”
“I know what you are going to say, Aralea,” Georges stated, putting his hand up. “But you need to understand, this decision would have been made with or without the knowledge of your pregnancy. This is something I have waited years for.”
“I know,” Aralea sighed, laying her head against Georges’ chest. “I just don’t want to lose you.”
“And you won’t,” Georges said, pulling Aralea back by her shoulders and kissing her on the lips. “Besides, my magic is to put things back together, so we are covered.”
“That is not funny,” Aralea said, hitting Georges in the stomach and looking up to see Tyriad walking toward them.
“Osiris is waiting,” Tyriad stated in a serious tone. “With his dragons, he could be here within two days. I am going to head back to Avalon and muster the shifters. Vale is your ally, and we will not let this imbecile attack you alone. On top of that, it wouldn’t surprise me if Ghede took this as a good time to make an appearance.”
“Understood,” Georges replied, shaking Tyriad’s hand firmly. “Please have safe travels. We will be waiting for your return.”
“Tyriad,” Aralea shouted as he made his way to the door, “please give my love to Asphodul.”
“Aralea,” Tyriad stated thoughtfully. “Why don’t you come with me? You will be safe in Vale. Your future King or Queen will be safe.”
“I couldn’t leave my kingdom,” she said, shaking her head. “I will be okay. I have seen many wars, and Osiris is no threat.”
“Maybe not,” Tyriad said, looking out at the rumbling sky. “But we don’t know anything about the new dead King.”
Chapter Eleven: A Forbidden Journey
Pike stood looking out over the balcony of his chambers, staring at the dark and ominous clouds over the Fortune. Flashes of his bride screaming while wound tightly in a ball of fire ran through his mind. He rubbed his face and clasp his hands on top of his head, trying to understand how he could continue to move forward, knowing she was alive and scared. Pike stood there until the clouds had pulled overhead and rain began to pour down on him from above. He closed his eyes and lifted his head toward the sky, speaking quietly in his mind to the gods. Suddenly, a face flashed in his mind. It was not his love or his family, but that of a man who alw
ays seemed to have the quiet answer to all problems: Ardontis.
Pike opened his eyes and turned toward the doorway to his chambers, trying to decide whether approaching the Faith was a good idea or not. He walked slowly back into the room, water trailing in puddles behind him. Once again, Shayla’s beautiful face emerged in his memories, and Pike slammed his fists against his side and raced from his chambers. He ran down the hall, not caring who he passed or that he was soaking wet from the rain. First, he checked the chapel, but it was quiet and empty. From there, he checked the Faith’s room, the stables, and the dining hall but he could not find him anywhere. In frustration, he leaned against the door to the gardens looking out over the waterfall of rain pounding the enchanted blooming space.
Thunder rolled across the sky above him, and lightning lit up the sky. As the evening light dimmed and the lightning crashed, he saw Ardontis sitting inside the pagoda in the center of the garden, watching the storm. Pike looked up to the sky in reverence before stepping out into the rain and walking carefully toward the Faith. There was no one else in sight, so he entered the covered area and sat next to Ardontis, waiting patiently for him to notice his arrival.
“It’s quite a lovely storm, don’t you think?” Ardontis asked Pike without turning toward him. “Are storms different on land than under the sea? Do you even know when it is raining deep in the underwater fortress?”
“The temperature changes,” Pike responded. “When it rains, the temperature of the water cools, and the rays of light are missing, so it is very dark.”
“Fascinating,” the Faith responded, looking over at Pike. “I do find the lives of other creatures so interesting. I truly believe that humans, despite our constant need to feel superior, are really the inferior creatures of this world.”
“I think every species thinks that about others,” Pike stated. “What you do not know always seems magical and superior.”
“Very wise, young Pike,” the Faith said, turning his body toward the Commander. “So, what has you walking through the rain, looking for me?”
“I need your help,” Pike stated, looking around. “I need to get my bride back.”
“You know, during my time in the Vale, I found the fae to be such interesting creatures. They are wise and safe, and they truly care about the well-being of others,” Ardontis said, looking back out at the storm.
“Forgive me, but what does that have to do with what I am asking?” Pike asked, confused at the Faith’s seemingly dislodged sense of caring.
“Leonetta would never steer you wrong, young Pike,” Ardontis stated. “Especially, above all else, in matters of the heart. She has no ulterior motive here. You would be wise to listen to her.”
“I cannot sit by and let Shayla stay there,” Pike said with frustration. “What kind of mate would I be? She would never forgive me, and if she were to die, I would never forgive myself.”
“I cannot help you find her,” Ardontis stated, putting up his hand before Pike could protest. “However, I may have some things that could help you on your journey. Follow me.”
Pike watched as the Faith stood and walked out into the rain. He followed Ardontis into the castle, through the halls and to his chambers, where the Faith looked around cautiously before inviting Pike in. Once inside, he closed and latched the door and walked over to a large, wooden chest at the end of his bed. He pulled out a long piece of twine that was tied around his neck from under his robes that revealed a key. He carefully opened the chest and pulled a large blanket from the top, tossing it on the bed. Ardontis stood for a moment, looking down in the chest, thinking. The Faith looked at Pike and then back to the chest before pulling out a long, black cloak and a sword sheathed in leather.
“These tools will help you get there, and even help you in your fight against the dead,” Ardontis stated, looking at the items and closing the chest. “But they will not give you knowledge or know how. That, my dear boy, is in your hands.”
“What are they?” Pike asked, looking over at the cloak that seemed to shimmer and move in the light.
“This is the Cloak of Knight,” Ardontis stated as he picked up the cloth and shook it out. “When you wear it, you cannot be seen by anyone, including the dead.”
Pike watched as the Faith twirled the cloak around his shoulders and tied the tie around his neck. He reached up and slowly pulled the hood over his head. As his face disappeared into the dark of the hood, so did the rest of his body. Pike stepped back, intrigued but frightened by the magic the cloak held. Ardontis pulled the hood down, and his form reshaped in front of the Commander. He took it off and handed it to Pike.
“Now this,” Ardontis said as he picked up the long, heavy sword and unsheathed it, “is very old. This is the sword of the east realms and was used many centuries ago to banish the necromancer’s dead back to their own world between worlds.”
Pike watched as the sword shimmered before changing from the sleek, mirrored steel to flaming red in color. Ardontis smiled at Pike’s reaction and pushed the sword back into its leather casing. He looked at Pike for a moment before handing the sword to him.
“I will need this back,” Ardontis stated. “And understand, it is extremely powerful. In the wrong hands…well, in the wrong hands, our realm could be lost forever.”
“I understand, Your Faith,” Pike responded. “And I promise to get this back to you as soon as I return victorious.”
“You have to remember one thing,” Ardontis whispered as he handed Pike the sword. “If you are to lose your battle and you are facing death, you must throw this sword into the fire pits. The dead King cannot take possession of this weapon.”
“I understand,” Pike nodded. “I give you my oath.”
“Good,” Ardontis stated, standing upright and changing his ominous tone. “Then good luck, young Pike. May the gods give you strength.”
The Faith walked over to his chamber doors and opened them, signifying to Pike that it was time to leave his chambers. Pike bowed slightly to Ardontis as he left and made haste back to his chambers so as to not get caught with the items in his hand. He knew if Leonetta were to see them she would know exactly what he was up to.
Once inside, he waited until he knew that the others would have retired to their rooms for the night before packing a satchel and dawning the cloak, the sword of the east realms hanging from his side. Pike stopped at the kitchen to grab some food for the journey and the headed out the doors and through the kingdom gates. As the tall, etched gates closed behind him, he looked up at the Faith’s balcony. Though he was wearing the cloak, it almost seemed as if Ardontis could see him from his balcony.
As he made his way out of the port, Pike watched the rolling waves of the sea and hoped beyond hope that he would one day return to his home, victorious. Pike turned toward his path and looked out in the distance at the mountains that were not yet in view. The sky flashed in the distance with large lightning bolts, and as Pike stepped forward on his journey, he knew there would be no turning back until his love was in his arms once again.
***
Asphodul buried her face in Tyriad’s chest, his smell and his comfort lifting her from the ball of nerves she had been since he left. She had known him her whole life and, up until they had finally realized their love for one another, had been fine when he was absent. But now she was different. Tyriad was now the fae Commander, the fae King, and the first person in line when it came to a battle. Though she was confident in her force’s ability to take down Osiris, especially after their last meeting, the unyielding terror of the dead King lingered on her mind.
Tyriad wrapped his arms around Asphodul and kissed the top of her head. She was always so strong and vibrant as the Queen when she was in front of subjects, but alone, he was the only one who witnessed her fragile side. Though he still knew the flighty, excited girl of his childhood, Asphodul had blossomed into a woman of great strength and valor. However, Tyriad often worried that his wife had been thrown into her place in the kin
gdom too soon, leaving a stain on her heart. He pulled back from her and leaned down, kissing her pale, smooth skin with his warm lips.
“Aralea sends her love and well wishes,” Tyriad stated kindly. “I tried to get her to come and stay at the Vale, but she refused to leave her kingdom.”
“As would any princess,” Asphodul responded, smiling. “I have sent out an enchantment that will help protect her and her unborn child during these unpredictable days.”
“Walk with me,” Tyriad said, holding out his arm. “I am very hungry.”
“Of course, my love,” Asphodul stated, happy to have her husband home.
They meandered through the white marble halls, enjoying being close once again. They hadn’t had many chances to spend time together after they got married, so Asphodul learned to take advantage of every moment he was home. She grasped onto him as they walked, feeling the warmth from his shifter body radiating outward.
“How is Holland?” Asphodul asked.
“He is doing well,” Tyriad responded. “Though I can’t quite figure out where he and Leonetta stand.”
“She is a wise woman. She will know where to take it from there,” Asphodul nodded. “And the Kings? King Osharus and King Ebin?”
“They send their love and thanks,” Tyriad responded. “Prince Pike has become a human and is helping to lead the Cascading Army against Osiris.”
“Yes,” Asphodul replied calmly, “I saw him in my vision when the dead King arrived on the Solstice. It is quite a shame. He is on his way to save Shayla, so hopefully everything turns out okay.”
“He is what?” Tyriad said, stopping and turning toward Asphodul. “Leonetta specifically warned him not to go. The consequences of his actions could be dire.”
“Dear Tyriad, I think you of all people should remember what love makes one do,” Asphodul said, smiling kindly. “Besides, Leonetta still has not remembered that visions of the future are volatile and can change in the flap of a butterfly’s wing. In fact, the future has already changed without us even realizing it.”
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