by E. L. Todd
The blood pumped in Cora’s ears, and for the first time, she was truly silenced.
The energy in the room changed. The vibrations pressed against the surface of her skin like heat from a stove. Everything in Eden Stare was heightened, emotions and feelings crossing the barrier of the mind and entering the air for communication.
Callon kept his arms behind his back and his posture straight, but his eyes showed his disapproval. “Your Majesty, she has proven—”
“There’s only one thing that she’s proven—that she’s an abomination. Disgusting half-breed, an insult to our race. Our purity is not mixed with the cruelty of the human race. It’s a simple rule—and she has broken it.”
“Your Majesty, she has not broken it. She—”
She turned her wrath on him. “Exiled.”
Callon exchanged a look with the other elves, who clearly looked just as surprised by the queen’s decision.
Cora could hardly believe so much hatred could exist in such a beautiful place. “Your Majesty, I’ve come from my village to speak to you about an urgent matter—”
“You do not speak to us unless you’re one of us.” She turned back to Cora, lava pouring from her eyes. “You are not one of us. You’re in no position to make a request, and I promise you, whatever request you would have made, I would deny. Do not stain my lands with your presence a moment longer. Depart—and make haste.”
Callon stepped back, accepting the queen’s decision.
Now it was up to Cora. If she failed, there would be no chance to change the fate of Anastille. “Whatever doubts I had about my lineage disappeared the moment I stepped into this forest. My heart beats differently, my soul feels lighter—like I’m home. In the village where I was raised, I was never understood. Ludicrous practices like marriage lotteries, children, and homemaking were forced on me, when all I’ve ever wanted to be was an independent blacksmith who could make her own choices. I don’t belong there. I belong here—where a woman can rule without question. Don’t make me go back to a place where I don’t belong. Please.”
The speech only infuriated the queen even more. “Leave.”
“I have nowhere to go. I fled my village after I stabbed a Shaman. I’ve been on the run ever since…”
Callon and the elves all turned to stare at her in disbelief.
“I was captured by the king’s men and tortured, but I managed to escape. I ask for asylum. I may not look like one of you or speak the way you do, but that doesn’t mean I’m not one of you—because I can feel that I’m one of you.”
The heartfelt speech only annoyed the queen further. “Speak no more.” She turned to Callon. “Remove her from our forest. Kill her if she resists.”
Callon looked at Cora, clearly conflicted, and then turned back to the queen. “She’s asked for asylum—”
“I don’t care what she’s asked for. She’s not one of us.” The queen turned around and rose up the steps back to her throne. She took a seat and stared down at them, waiting for them to carry out her will.
Cora searched for an argument to stay—and only one thing came to mind. “I know how to kill the Shamans.”
Callon immediately turned back to her, moving quicker than he ever had.
An almost silent gasp filled the room.
Even the queen had a reaction.
Looks like I said the right thing.
She sat forward, her hands gripping the armrests. “She’s no elf—because elves don’t lie.”
“I speak the truth. I’ve killed one myself.”
“Oh really?” she said with a sneer. “Pray, do tell.”
I’m not stupid, bitch. “Grant me asylum, and I will.”
The queen stared.
Cora stared back.
Callon stared at the queen and waited for an answer.
She never gave it, clearly torn between the choices.
“If her information is false, we can exile her for the lie,” Callon said. “But I don’t think she’s lying.”
Cora turned to look at him, appreciating the support from such an unexpected place.
He didn’t meet her eyes. “And it would be an invaluable asset to us.”
Queen Delwyn rose to her feet once more. Down the steps she moved, her bare feet silent against the wood. Her disdain for Cora had only grown now that she had been given an offer she couldn’t refuse. “There are two paths laid before you. You can leave Eden Star with your life. Or you can stay and risk it. But if you stay and your information is false, I will kill you myself.”
Cora held the queen’s gaze, absorbing her malice with as much grace as possible. “I wish to stay.”
Three
General Noose
Rush opened his canteen then kneeled at the water’s edge. The clear water slid inside the container, cool and still glistening despite the fading light. Tall pines surrounded him, a hawk circling in the sky in search of its final meal of the day. Rush rose to his feet and took a drink.
I’m hungry.
“You said that already.” He took another drink, one foot planted on a rock. Days had passed, and he had to trek on foot because the Shamans were closer on his tail than he wanted. The poisonous frogs were on the opposite side of the crags, and he had no guarantee they were still there. Too much time would be lost if he backtracked or went around.
And I’ll say it again until I’m fed.
He finished his drink, refilled the canteen, and stowed it in his pack. “It’s almost dark.”
The darkness is no obstacle for me.
“It’s not an obstacle for the Shamans either. We’ll eat tomorrow.”
Growl.
Rush continued into the tree line, looking for adequate cover to pass the night. Shamans preferred to search at night when they couldn’t be seen, and they were rarely visible in the day—unless they really wanted to kill someone.
He found cover inside a shallow cave. His pack was unrolled, and he lay in the darkness, watching the light fade until darkness descended. Owls hooted into the night. Twigs snapped under the paws of the coyotes. The nighttime creatures reclaimed their territory under the full moon.
So…are we going to talk about it? A deep baritone resonated, powerful but also comforting.
“Talk about what?”
A quiet chuckle sounded. That was one hell of a kiss.
Rush crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. “So much for privacy…”
Couldn’t block out your thoughts. Too loud. He chuckled again.
“Goodnight, asshole.”
Silence.
Rush breathed in and out, doing his best to clear his mind and drift away. It was no use.
You’re worried.
“I’ve got to kill my father, my uncles, unfuse all the dragons from their masters and save them, and somehow find an army to support that. Yeah…I’m a little worried.”
That’s not what you’re worried about.
He opened his eyes and stared at the rock ceiling.
I think she’s okay.
He inhaled a deep breath and let it out slowly, but his heart raced anyway. “I can’t reach her.”
The magic of the elves is powerful.
“Even so…”
Her elvish traits are impossible to ignore. They would never hurt their own. Worst-case scenario, they would eject her from their lands. We waited four days, and she never came. She’s inside—which means she’s been accepted.
He released another deep breath.
She’s softened a man as hard as you. She’ll do the same with them.
Rush continued to stare at the ceiling, his eyes still and focused on a spot in the darkness.
I have faith she’ll do what needs to be done.
“Convince the entire elvish race to help their enemies?” he asked incredulously.
Yes. And I know you have faith too.
This is taking too long.
“I’m going as fast as I can.” He stopped his jog to catch his breath and wet
his throat with his canteen.
It’s not fast enough.
“Well, I can’t fly, asshole.”
Yes. But I can.
“No.” He took another drink then stowed away the canteen, moving to a brisk walk because he’d been running all day. “It’s too dangerous. You know that. The second the Shamans see us, they’ll be on our asses the entire time.”
They’ll remain on our tails. I fly faster than their steeds.
“Okay, smartass. What happens when we get to Bridge and turn back into me?”
Doesn’t matter because Bridge won’t be there if we take too long.
“No, he’ll wait.”
I wouldn’t.
“Because you’re incapable of being patient.”
I’m a dragon. No need to be patient.
“Shut up. It is what it is.”
Growl. There’s no guarantee that the Shamans are following us. They may be watching Eden Star.
“Flare, you’re visible from hundreds of miles away.”
True. Because of my glorious scales.
Rush rolled his eyes.
If only I could see them reflect the sun as I soared…what a sight that would be.
Rush continued his pace, moving through the trees before he rested enough to pick up the pace once more.
Rush jerked awake.
The tendrils of the dreams drifted away like the final wisps of smoke from a fire, and he blinked his eyes a few times as he tried to hold on to it. His fingertips wiped the sleep from his eyes before he put his pack away.
Flare’s taunts came to the forefront. Steamy…
“Shut up.”
Do you need a tissue?
A loud sigh of annoyance escaped his lips. “What part of stay out of my head did you not understand?”
A chuckle erupted. Don’t worry. I won’t tell Cora.
Rush readied his pack and continued forward. He pulled out his map and took a look on the way. “I’ll swing by Beacon and get a horse.”
Like that will help.
“I’m a little tired of running.”
Weak.
“Excuse me?”
Nothing.
“That’s what I thought, asshole.” He jogged down the hillside, approaching the river, the sun at his backside. Hours passed, the sun moving to the highest part of the sky and then beginning its descent.
Rush stopped by the river and refilled his canteen.
Let me fly.
Rush didn’t bother to answer.
I’m not scared of them.
“You should be.”
Maybe if I rip them in half, that will work. Never tried it before.
“The answer is no. If we’re captured, everything is lost.”
And if we take too long, they’ll find us anyway.
Rush straightened and refilled his canteen. “I have to protect both of us—”
Silence.
Rush went still.
Hide.
Without question, Rush dodged for the boulders to the side of the road. His canteen spilled, and he quickly tightened the lid and stowed it in his pack. His hand ached for his sword, but he didn’t draw it.
Men approach. Several.
The sound of falling hooves became louder. Several pairs. Rush counted at least seven. The scent of the air changed as well, filled with the stench of sweaty men.
Rush risked a peek over the top of the boulder.
Decked out in black armor, they wore the symbol of King Lux on their chests as well as their shoulders. A hand tangled in dragons. In the lead was General Noose. His bulky muscles were noticeable by the thickness of his armor. The black horse he rode was bigger than average, requiring a steed to bear that immense weight.
They’re searching for us.
General Noose suddenly brought his horse to a halt.
I must fly.
“Wait,” Rush whispered.
What he sees, what he smells, I do not know. But he knows we’re here.
The general left his horse, landed with a heavy thud, and then examined the riverbed.
“Shit…my tracks.” Rush began to sneak through the boulders in the opposite direction.
I must fly.
“No.”
We have no choice. I will evade the Shamans.
Rush continued to maneuver the terrain in a silent attempt to flee. “Give me a chance—”
“I know you’re here.” General Noose projected his loud voice, his footsteps heading in Rush’s direction. “I can smell a coward from a mile away.”
“Shit.”
Now?
“We’re too close to the mountains.”
Then run.
“Show yourself,” General Noose said as he moved forward. “I have a message from your father.”
Rush straightened then stepped onto the path, revealing himself fully, twenty feet away. He didn’t reach for his sword or bother with a defensive stance. Twelve against one were reasonable odds if they were ordinary men or tower guards—but not a hunting party like this. Every man was enormous. Heavily armored. Equipped with the best swords and shields.
They hopped off their horses, staying behind their leader, wearing steel helmets with only their eyes visible. General Noose remained in the lead, wearing a helmet that covered everything above and below his eyes. His voice was muffled, which caused him to speak louder, and the result was an eerie sound.
Rush knew he had no chance—not under these circumstances. “Congratulations on the promotion.” He stepped farther away from the mountains, keeping his posture relaxed like this was just a pleasant conversation between old comrades. “I wondered who would take my old job.”
One of the men moved to a vacant horse and readied a large crossbow.
Yes, I see him.
His brown eyes stared down Rush, his muscled mass still like the boulders against the bottom of the cliffside. “King Lux is a merciful man. He’s granted you another chance. All you have to do is accept it.”
Lies.
The general continued. “You’re his only son. Return and everything will be as it was.”
“Back as it was, huh? Murdering innocent people, enslaving an ancient race that granted us hospitality, ruling Anastille through dictatorship…good times.”
General Noose reached for his sword, knowing how this would end. “You’re the heir to the kingdom. It will be yours someday.”
Rush furrowed his eyebrows. “I don’t think you understand how immortality works…”
He stepped forward and unsheathed his word. “I grow tired of this.”
“No surprise there—you don’t even understand what immortality means.”
The general advanced with his sword raised. The others followed.
Rush sprinted. “Now!”
Flare transformed, instantly becoming the brilliant red dragon with claws that could rip through a person with a single swipe. Wings opened and the air flowed underneath, giving them an instant lift.
The crossbow launched, the spear flying through the air.
Flare immediately turned, missing it by inches. Nice try. He flapped and gained ground swiftly, reaching the tallest part of the mountain instantly. You can’t outmatch a dragon like me. A dragon with scales that shine brighter than the sun. A dragon with an inferno in his lungs. A dragon that can crush skulls in a single bite—
Focus.
Fire unleashed from his snout, burning the air in his vicinity. I wonder how beautiful my scales look from down there.
The sarcasm was loud. Stunning.
I think so too.
Keep a lookout. If General Noose is here, that means the Shamans aren’t far behind.
They’ll be far behind soon.
Four
Galeco Clan
Wooden steps led to a wooden platform in one of the tallest trees, covered in shade but with shafts of sunlight. Songbirds tweeted overhead, flitting through the small branches, poking their heads out of the elven-made birdhouses that hung from littl
e strings.
A large table sat in the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs.
Queen Delwyn sat at the head, her elbows on the armrests, flanked by one man and one woman, her advisers.
Melian stood slightly behind the queen, her sword sheathed, but always ready to draw. Her eyes remained on Cora, like she was still the enemy.
Cora sat directly across the table, Callon at her side, even though his allegiance was to the woman at the opposite end. Hostility was fragrant on the air, but the sunshine, songbirds, and the breathtaking view of Eden Star nearly made her forget that.
The queen’s two advisers spoke in hushed whispers, while she kept her eyes glued to Cora. She gently tapped the fingers of her left hand against the wooden armrest. Her nails were long and painted crystal white. Her flower crown attracted a small bird, who landed on her head and hopped around. Her head didn’t move, her trance didn’t break, as if she either didn’t notice or didn’t care.
She turned to Callon. “What now?”
With a rigid posture, his shoulders back, his hands together on the table, he kept his eyes on the queen down the table. “We wait.” His age was difficult to decipher because he looked only a decade older than Cora, but he handled himself like he’d experienced several lifetimes.
The hushed whispers stopped. Both of her advisers faced forward, giving Queen Delwyn the floor.
The wrath was ever present, bleeding into a face too beautiful to be so foul. “Under the eyewitness testimony of my advisers, Heralla and Fimath, I grant you asylum in Eden Star in return for your information.” A long pause ensued, another tide of hostility. “Speak.”
After being captured and tortured, Cora hadn’t believed she could be intimidated by anyone. But the elves were different. There was no promise of violence or punishment. It was their stature, their poise, their infinite knowledge and beauty. Something so pure was innately intimidating to her. “They’re killed by poison.”
Callon turned his head to regard her, his green eyes searching her face for more information. “How did you manage to get them to drink or eat?”