by E. L. Todd
Yes. But we also need to not get caught.
Flare flew through the night, high above the trees, and then chose a landing spot. He glided down and landed in the brush.
Instantly, they transformed, and Rush looked at Cora where she lay on the grass, unconscious. Her breathing was deep and slow, her strong body not weak from the bruises and scars.
What did they do to Pretty?
Rush felt the knife in his stomach, felt the guilt, felt absolute agony. I shouldn’t have let her go alone.
No, you shouldn’t have. What are we going to do? We have no medicine.
Rush lifted her shirt after he turned her onto her stomach, revealing her ravaged back, the whips and lashes that had made her bloody. The skin had been ripped away, and now she was vulnerable to bleeding out or getting an infection.
She’s going to die—
Shut up and give me a second.
Flare went silent.
Rush held himself over her and stared at her injury, thought about the horror she’d endured, the torture that was meant for him instead of her. His throat went wet, his eyes started to ache, and then the drops appeared.
He closed his eyes and felt them fall and land on her broken flesh.
Flare remained silent, but the energy around his mind changed, like there was a gentle hum that had no sound.
Rush kept his eyes closed, and more tears splashed across her back.
He inhaled a deep breath and cleared his throat, the tears coming in greater waves.
The wounds of her back closed up and left gentle scars. The bleeding stopped, and so did the pain. He opened his eyes and smeared the tears in places his eyes hadn’t reached, letting her flesh absorb them.
Her back rose with a deep breath as she regained consciousness, her mind no longer needing to shut down to protect her. Then she rolled over and blinked her eyes a couple times, looking up at Rush.
He stared back, eyes wet.
The memory was sucked away as Ashe pulled his hook from that part of his mind.
Once Ashe had withdrawn, Rush fell forward onto his hands, the pressure relieved from his skull. His eyes opened, and he stared at the grass under his palms, felt the gentle breeze in his hair, felt both memories slowly leave his shoulders.
Rush righted himself and pushed to his feet, meeting Ashe’s look once again.
Ashe had the same hostile stare, his black eyes searing.
What happened to the dragons that escaped?
Rush came back to reality slowly, a headache in his mind. It was painful, and it only reminded him of what he’d done to Flare many times. “I don’t know. I never returned to High Castle. I’ve been on the run ever since.”
You didn’t kill him.
“No. But I will next time.”
You won’t. His skill outmatches yours. King Lux should never be underestimated.
“I don’t underestimate him. But I’m confident in my abilities.”
You shouldn’t be. He’s using the power of his dragon to fuel his fight.
Rush stared.
Flare has no chance against him, even if he helps you. Obsidian is one of the most powerful dragons I’ve ever known. To know his mind has been broken is disturbing. It’s a testament to King Lux’s cruelty and ability.
“You’re more powerful.”
His eyes narrowed. I hope you didn’t imply what I think you implied. Because I will never fuse with a human.
“Not even to save your kin—
Never.
“You could still help us. You and the rest of the dragons here can make all the difference in the world.”
Our numbers will be met with his own. It’ll be bloodshed, dragon against dragon, and no one will win. King Lux will be victorious, and all will be lost.
“You don’t know that—”
I do. And I will not risk the remaining dragons for a hopeless victory.
Rush shook his head, grinding his teeth. “What if I get allies?”
It would have to be a lot of allies to make a difference—and the answer would still be no.
“Why?”
Because you wouldn’t need us. We’ve done enough for humans. If you truly care about avenging us—you’ll do it yourselves. I’ve already stuck out my neck for humans before—and I won’t do it again.
Rush released a sigh so loud it sounded like a groan. “For a king, you aren’t very kingly…”
Ashe’s eyes narrowed. Because I care more about preserving life than risking it? Humans only feel productive in bloodshed. If you aren’t cutting people down and bleeding them dry, you feel restless. I’m proud that I don’t share those priorities.
“That’s not how it is. It’s bravery—”
Bravery is ignoring my anger, rage, and need for vengeance and putting the safety of others before my own emotions. That is the definition of kingly—putting the needs of others before your own. This conversation is concluded.
Rush was hit with so much disappointment that he didn’t know how to internalize it. He’d come all the way here—for nothing. “Then get on with it. Burn us.” He stepped back, ready to accept his death because he was so demoralized.
Ashe remained still, the smoke absent from his nose. I believe your story. Doesn’t mean I like you. Doesn’t mean I respect you. But I will always feel affection for a fellow dragon, even one that chooses to be fused, and if you’re his ally, then I trust that. I give you permission to leave—but not permission to return. Accept my mercy and leave my lands with grace.
“And that’s it?” There was no jubilation that he got to live to see another day. Right now, he felt too hopeless to want to live at all. “Just send us on our way and wish us the best of luck? I came all the way here, assuming I would return to Anastille with the most ferocious allies I could have. And with the element of surprise, we would burn High Castle and everything else to the ground. Guess not…”
Ashe let the smoke rise from his nostrils. I’ve given humans enough. I will give nothing more.
“This is not for the humans—”
But General Rush is making this request—and I will forever despise you for what you’ve done to my kin. If you killed your father long ago, it would have made all the difference in the world. But you didn’t. You’re not the hero in this story—you’re the villain. And don’t pretend that your interests are entirely altruistic. If you were to succeed, you would be the king of Anastille—having ultimate power. Power does horrific things to people.
“I have no interest in being king. I told you I want to die—”
And I’m sure that will change once a crown is on your head.
“It won’t. Once King Lux is overthrown, the dragons will rule once more. You will be the king of Anastille.”
You believe that Queen Delwyn and the elves in Eden Star would allow that? They hate us as much as the humans—as they should. History will repeat itself. As long as man lives, the bloodshed, violence, and greed for power will continue. You’re the plague to this land. There can be no peace with beings as weak as you.
Rush clenched his jaw before he fired back. “King Lux and his brothers are the plague. The rest of humanity is good. I understand why you don’t see that, but there are good people out there…more than you realize.”
The smoke disappeared, and his eyes turned bored. Leave and never return, General Rush.
“Don’t call me that.”
Your crimes will never be absolved, even if you free every dragon and fulfill all your dreams. To us, you’ll always be General Rush. There’s not enough good to counteract that kind of evil.
Nineteen
The Armada
In silence, Rush and Bridge returned to the ship.
“At least we get to live, right?” Bridge walked beside him, his pack over his shoulders, rising up the crags and to the meadow where they’d first landed.
Rush’s lips were pressed tightly together in constant disappointment, the kind that would never leave, not even after days passed. �
��Without them, we have no chance. All hope is lost.”
“I disagree. We can get the slaves from Rock Island. And then the elves—”
“I have no update on the elves because Cora refuses to talk to me, and if we take over Rock Island, what will that do? King Lux will send his men to fight us, and who knows if we’ll have enough resources to gain victory? We have nowhere to harbor the men after we rescue them. Pointless.”
“What about the allies of the dragons? Maybe we can find them.”
“They’re probably just a handful of nerds…”
“Whoa, that was rude.”
“No offense, Bridge. But dragon-obsessed scholars aren’t going to help us.”
“Well, Liam is a dragon-obsessed scholar who helped us get here, and my sister saved our asses from Captain Hurricane. You never know how useful someone will be.”
Rush kept his eyes ahead, the wall of mist far out over the horizon. “You’re right…I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I know you’re pissed right now.”
“I just can’t believe we made it this far—”
A loud roar split the skies.
Rush stopped walking and stared at Bridge.
Bridge did the same.
Then the ground shook as Ashe landed on the ground right in front of them, fire visible inside his nostrils, his eyes lethal. You lied.
Rush immediately backed up. “Lied about what? What are you talking about—”
Ships have pierced the mist. He inhaled a breath, the fire increasing.
“I came alone,” Rush said as he ran to the edge of the cliff, seeing the open blue. “We didn’t tell anybody…”
Bridge came to his side and looked at the same view. “Shit.”
Stunned, Rush just stared, seeing the symbols on the sails. “You’ve got to be kidding me… They followed us.”
Who’s they? Ashe released a jet of flames, narrowly missing them.
Rush turned back to him. “Captain Hurricane. They’re pirates we met along the way.”
Then I will burn these pirates you met along the way.
“Wait, hold on.”
You lied to me. I will burn you next.
“I didn’t lie! Look, I can fix this—”
You brought them here. They will rip our wings off our bodies. They will yank our teeth out of our dead—
“Not going to happen. I’ll get rid of them, alright? No one needs to die.”
If they aren’t your allies and you didn’t lead them here, why do you care?
“Because their fleet will look for them and their broken ships will drift out of the mist, so they’ll find you. It’s less risky for me to get them to leave. Just let me fix this, alright?”
More smoke came out of his nostrils. How will you accomplish this?
“I don’t know yet…but I’ll figure it out. Just stay low and have the dragons do the same. I’ll handle this.”
More smoke came.
“You need to trust me. The last thing I ever want is for someone to know where you are. I know you believe me.”
Ashe looked at the ships once again before he flicked his gaze back. I don’t trust you, nor will I ever. But you’ve given me no choice. Get rid of them like your life depends on it—because ours does.
Flare stayed low and hid behind the mountain as he carried Bridge back to the boat. They landed on the beach, and Flare instantly changed into Rush.
Lilac stood on the deck, hands on her hips, looking livid. “Took you long enough—”
“Jump off! We need to sink the ship.”
Bridge turned his head to Rush, moving so quickly he practically gave himself whiplash. “Say what now—”
“Grab your stuff and jump.” Rush moved farther into the water, his boots getting wet.
Zane and Liam appeared at Lilac’s side. “What are you going on about—”
“Just do as I say.” Rush literally had just a few minutes before Captain Hurricane rounded the island and spotted them there. “We don’t have time to talk about this. You need to trust me.”
Lilac gripped the rail and leaned over. “Without a ship, how are we going to get out of here, huh?”
“You think I’d tell you to sink the ship without a plan?” Rush said. “Drop the supplies overboard and sink the goddamn ship.”
They hustled, throwing stuff overboard before they jumped in the water.
Bridge gave him a wild-eyed look. “You know I can’t swim, right?”
“Yes. Haven’t forgotten.” He shielded his eyes from the sun and looked at the sea, waiting for the sails to appear.
When everyone was in the water, Rush transformed into Flare and released a jet of red-hot flames that instantly caught the ship on fire. He added more and more, engulfed every piece of wood in flames. The ship creaked as the spirits of the sailors left the deck and bow, and slowly, it started to sink. The mast cracked and fell over, splashing in the water.
The crew swam to shore and watched it disappear.
Lilac gave Rush a glare as hot as the flames that broke the ship. “What the hell, Rush?”
Just as the ship descended underwater and the flames were extinguished, the armada came into view.
Rush watched the three ships with the tall sails, the pirates that had somehow followed them from miles away, expertly hiding in the glares from the sun, the small islands on the way, stalking them without their having any idea. “That’s why.”
They all turned quiet as they watched the ships round the island, as if they were looking for something.
“This still doesn’t explain why we had to sink the ship.” Lilac kept her eyes on the ships.
“Because we need to get them away from this island,” Rush said.
“So that means you found something?” Liam asked hopefully.
“We’ll talk about it later,” Rush said in a clipped tone. “Right now, we need to focus on Captain Hurricane and his brigade.”
“How are we supposed to get them away from the island without a ship?” Bridge asked.
“We’ll tell them we shipwrecked and need a lift home.” Rush raised his arms in the air and waved them both. “Ahoy!”
“Uh, what if they say no?” Lilac asked. “You do realize we’ll be stuck here forever.”
“Come on, that’s not going to happen,” Rush said. “You think he’s going to leave his fair maiden stranded on an island?”
Her eyes turned to daggers. “I’m not his fair maiden, alright? And now he’s going to think I’m a terrible captain—”
“No time for vanity right now,” Rush said. “We need to get on their ship and get out of here.”
Lilac threw her arms down. “You obviously don’t know anything about pirates because that’s not what they do. They don’t save shipwrecked sailors. They aren’t going to give us accommodation on their decks without something in return.”
“I have money,” Rush said.
“It’s gonna have to be a lot of money to entice them,” she said. “They prefer treasure. And they’re going to search this island for lost treasure unless you give them a bigger fish to fry.”
Rush continued to wave his arms, and Bridge and Zane did the same. “Then I’ll think of a bigger fish.”
“You better do it fast.” Bridge stuck his fingers in his mouth and gave a loud whistle. “Because they’re headed this way.”
Captain Hurricane dropped anchor right behind their shipwreck and stood at the edge of the bow, in his captain’s uniform, his hat on his head, his sword at his hip. He looked down into the shallow water to the ship graveyard below before he regarded them again. “You have to be the worst pirates I’ve ever seen.”
Lilac released a loud sigh, keeping her retort locked in her throat.
“Because we aren’t pirates,” Rush said. “We’re sailors. And right now, you’re our saviors. It’s great fortune that you happened to be passing this way.”
Captain Hurricane gave a smile. “Yes. What a great coincidence.”
&n
bsp; “Have room for a couple more on your crew?” Rush asked. “You know Lilac is a good sailor, and the rest of us can help in whatever way we can. We’ve been stranded on this island for days, and we scoured the place for essentials, but there’s nothing here, not even a waterfall.”
He bobbed slightly on the little waves that came in from the sea, one foot planted in front of the other. “If there’s nothing here, why did you come?”
Rush didn’t underestimate him again—not this time. “We mistook this place for another. In case it wasn’t clear before, we’re not the best sailors, and we didn’t bring a map with us. Then we crashed on some rocks. After we complete our work at Rock Island, we’ll remain in Anastille—on land.”
“You’re a long way off from Rock Island.”
“Well, when I heard about the opportunity, I couldn’t say no, even if I don’t know shit about sailing.”
Are you really making this up as you go along?
Pretty good, huh?
He’s smarter than he lets on. I wouldn’t rejoice just yet.
“Opportunity?” Captain Hurricane asked.
“Yes,” Rush said. “It’s a long story, but we have a business opportunity there. Well, not really business because the other party doesn’t know about it… You get what I mean.”
He slowly crossed his arms over his chest. “What business do you speak of?”
Play this carefully. He might take the information and just leave us here.
You’re right. “I won’t bore you with it. We just need to get to Rock Island, so it would be helpful if you could give us a lift.”
“You obviously don’t know much about pirates, General Rush.”
I’m so sick of people calling me that.
Well, that was your name for a very long time.
“You want a cut of the deal? It’s a big operation, not digging up a treasure chest off the beach somewhere.”
His eyes narrowed in offense. “That’s not what we do. We plunder. We steal. We kill.”
Rush snapped his fingers. “Then that’s perfect. That’s exactly what we need.”
“To accomplish what?”
“To liberate Rock Island.”