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Aloft

Page 19

by J F Rogers


  He bowed his head. “God, thank You for restoring the city of Nica. Please bestow Your blessing upon this kingdom and me as its ruler for a time. We pray for the souls lost in this war and entrust them into Your hands. Most of all, I pray we will never again lose sight of You and Your authority over us all, amen.”

  Everyone gathered repeated the word and moved into the castle.

  Never had prayer had such meaning for me.

  “You are not leaving my side again.” Kai snagged my hand as we headed into the study where the leaders gathered. Everyone present eyed me as I passed. King Abracham approached me. “I understand Morrigan has left you. Is that correct?”

  “Yes. She’s gone, and she’s not coming back.” And I meant it. I still didn’t know how I’d eliminate her. But she would never ooze her lies into my mind again.

  “That’s a relief.” He placed his hands on my shoulders. “If it hadn’t been for you, we would have lost this war.”

  The old me wanted to say, “If it hadn’t been for me, so many wouldn’t have died.” But I couldn’t go there. Not anymore. God allowed what God allowed, and I needed to do my part to keep my eye on Him. And stop belittling myself. It was an offense to Him.

  He tugged his Merlin beard. “There is much to do and to discuss. We must clean up and take time to regroup before we consider moving on to Diabalta, then Ceas Croi.” He turned to Evan.

  Evan! I hadn’t seen him in so long. He was alive. Thank You, God! And Rowan. Both were grungy and disheveled, but alive.

  “Do you have a headcount of those who survived?”

  “We’ll take a census to be sure.” Evan wiped his dagger on his tunic and sheathed it. “But we’re close to two thousand five hundred gachen and selkie.”

  “Thank you, Evan. Does that number include the redeemed?”

  “No, Your Highness. I’ll check with the infirmary.”

  “Very well. And what of the pech?”

  “Pepin is collecting their numbers.”

  “Roughly nine thousand,” came a gruff voice from the door. A pech. Not Pepin.

  “I’m sure it pales compared to the number of fasgadair Morrigan has left standing, but God has shown that He is with us. We must prayerfully consider our next steps. In the meantime, we have wounded to tend to in the great hall. We need to take stock of food supplies and prepare something for everyone to eat. Set up camp in the valley to ensure everyone has a place to rest.”

  Someone grabbed me from behind, lifting me. Once my feet hit the ground, I turned. “Wolf!” I flung my arms around him. “I’ve missed you.”

  He choked. Sorrow filled his eyes. “And I’ve missed ye, lass.”

  “It’s okay. I get it.”

  Cahal appeared over his shoulder. I released Wolf, and Cahal smothered me in a bear hug. This must be what it was like for Mowgli to hug Baloo. If they existed.

  “It is so good to see you guys.”

  “Guys?” Rowan stepped up behind me with Evan. Then Maili. I gave hugs all around.

  “I’m so glad to have you back.” Evan put an arm around me and squeezed.

  We weren’t through the woods yet, but rather than focus on the losses and the difficulties ahead, I saw God’s hand in it all. He was putting things right.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  ◊◊◊

  NICA WAS A BEAUTIFUL city on a hill. From the main entrance, where we’d arrived when I was unaware under Morrigan’s spell, the city seemed to sprout from the grassy mound with random patches of trees before it. Its ideal location provided an amazing three-sixty view. Kai and I stood in the tower at the tallest point, offering the best vantage point without morphing into my bird form. We could see for miles in every direction.

  “I love this place.” I sighed as I peered out at the lake. The backside of the hill sloped into it, its greens blending with where the mountains reflected on its smooth surface.

  “It reminds me of home.” Kai shivered. “But it’s much colder.”

  “It’s winter.” I pulled my sweatshirt sleeves over my hands. “Doesn’t it get cold where you live?”

  “It gets cool at night. But not like this. This is the first time I’ve seen snow. It’s like God covered the world with a sparkly blanket to protect it from the cold.” His chest filled as he breathed deep. “Smells minty.”

  I returned his smile and took in the view with new eyes. In Maine, I’d seen more than my fair share of snow. Enough to be thoroughly sick of it, particularly since Fiona wasn’t one to shovel. That backbreaking work was left to me.

  Snow certainly didn’t impress me. But the dusting of snow covering the trees and circular dwellings built into the mountainside opposite the lake shimmered—magical. I inhaled the sweet, invigorating, eucalyptus scent. Each cleansing breath replenishing my soul.

  Yet an undercurrent of impatience to complete our quest kept me itching to move on.

  Huffing and puffing accompanied heavy footfalls from the tower stairwell. Pepin’s chubby hand appeared on the rail, then his bent body, gasping for breath. “That… is… a lot… of steps.” He reached the top and grasped his sides. His face red, cheeks puffing with each exaggerated breath.

  Kai and I stared as Pepin collected himself.

  “Maili… is looking… for you.” Pepin straightened and gave a final puff, then eyed the window and approached, standing on tiptoes. “Wow. Is this what it feels like to be a bird?” He stepped away, rubbing his eyes. “Other than the lake. I could do without the lake.”

  I laughed. “We’re aware.” How often had I heard him complain about water? Countless times.

  “Maili is in the training room, ready for your lesson.”

  I searched for an excuse to delay my lessons with Maili. But it was no use. There was no way to escape her. Better to get it over with. That was the only thing I didn’t like about Nica—the training room.

  ****

  “Ready?” Her hand hovered over the switch.

  I wanted to say no, but Maili would turn the contraption on anyway. And she never waited for my response. She flipped the switch, and the beast roared to life. The beam I stood upon spun. The only way across was to run. Anything else resulted in falling onto the mat below. Which I had. Many, many times. My body still felt the bruises from the not-so-soft landings. But Maili was relentless, forcing me back with no choice but to attempt not to fall.

  I ran across the log onto the platform and ducked in time to miss the beam swinging at my head. I stayed low for two counts, waiting for the beam’s return swing before standing and running across another spinning beam. Though it seemed safe, I’d learned not to stay put too long. A floor would fall away, or something would knock me over, sending me tumbling to the padding. So, I jumped to the lowest rung before me and climbed. The ground no longer swayed below me. Two months of this torture was curing me of my fear of heights.

  The rung at my feet collapsed. Legs dangling over the mats far below, I pulled myself along the monkey bars to the next platform. I swung my body until I had enough momentum to make the leap and released, landing on the platform. Three beams swung at differing times, with no space to rest in between. I counted their swings until the timing was right, then ran along another spinning log to the finish line.

  “Ha!” I thrust my arms into the sky. “I did it!”

  Maili clapped. “I guess it’s time for a new configuration.”

  What? No congratulations? No well done? She was always ready to move the pieces to ensure I didn’t memorize the course, forcing me to think quick and react according to ever-changing obstacles.

  I’d never admit it to Maili, but nothing I’d done before had instilled me with such confidence. Her training strengthened me.

  “That’s all for today. King Abracham has called a meeting in the auditorium.” She gave me a once-over from the corner of her eye. Her nose wrinkled. “You have an hour to clean up.”

  After I’d cleaned and rubbed Maili’s sal
ve on my bruises, which meant basically everywhere, I found my friends. We sat on a bench near the front of the auditorium. I picked at the callused blisters on my palm as the surrounding seats filled. King Abracham sat on the stage with Evan, Rowan, and General Seung.

  King Abracham stood and tugged his beard. Once everyone had settled and quieted, he clasped his hands behind him. “I know many of you are as eager as I to move out and reclaim my father’s kingdom, Diabalta. After seeing what devastation, the fasgadair have caused here… the slaves they kept in captivity for labor and,” he lowered his shaking head and mumbled, “a food source.”

  Then he raised his head and projected his voice once more. “I’m sure you understand our need for delay to help these wonderful people. Thank you for your patience and assistance as we restored order in the City of Nica. But now it is time to do the same for Diabalta. King Evan and Princess Rowan will remain with a regiment to assist with the rebuilding efforts. Once permanent leadership is established, they will return to their kingdoms in the selkie lands and Bandia. In the morn, I will lead our forces into Diabalta.” King Abracham turned to Evan. “King Evan, would you say a word?”

  Evan stood. “Uh. Eh-hem.” He bowed to King Abracham, then the audience. “Yes, thank you, King Abracham.”

  He looked green. Good thing he had a chance to practice being king here with Rowan before returning to his permanent kingdom.

  “Thank you for the honor of allowing Princess Rowan and me to aid you in this war. Though it pains us to remain behind for this final battle, we know this is where God would have us. Our prayers, and God, are with you.” The green subsided a bit as he surveyed the room, building confidence. He faced me, and a warm smile emerged. “Fallon, we’ve been through so much together. You are a dear friend. Though we’ve been through many difficulties, we’ve come through them stronger. I have no doubt God will see you through to the end.”

  Evan’s eyes roamed the crowd once more. “God is for us. None is powerful enough to stand against us. The battle is already won!”

  The crowd cheered.

  “Thank you, King Evan.” King Abracham patted Evan’s back. “Everyone should know what their role is. Please confirm with your regiment and advise me tonight if there are any changes. The total number joining the war in Diabalta is shy of twelve thousand.”

  King Abracham bowed his head. “God, we thank You again for reestablishing this kingdom under Your sovereign rule. We ask that You go before this army and defeat the enemy that seeks to undermine Your authority. Protect our people and bless this mission, amen.” He lifted his head. “Rest up. We move out in the morn.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  ◊◊◊

  AT FIRST LIGHT, WE loaded up our packs and started toward Diabalta. Marching along with so many men, silent but for their clanking armor and resolute footfalls, their jaws set in firm determination, filled me with inexplicable overwhelming emotion. I swallowed a lump in my throat, blinking back tears as I set my jaw and focused on keeping step.

  I wasn’t eager for the walk ahead. But it should only take three days to reach Diabalta. That was nothing compared with what we’ve already been through. And I needed to keep close to my brothers. Just in case we required the triplet fire.

  The ground felt soft thanks to my new shoes. No more rocks poking through. I’d never had tailor-made shoes before. They seemed good so far. The soles provided ample padding yet moved with my feet better than sneakers. They laced up over my jeans and the thick, wool socks Declan scavenged for me. But, with the cushy grass and melted snow, the ground was softer. The true test would come should we travel a rockier path.

  We hadn’t walked far, and I was already growing warm under my coat. I’d need it for the winter months. But what would I do with it while I walked and overheated? I unbuttoned it and fanned the flaps to cool myself down.

  “Here.” Kai slid my pack off my shoulder as men circumvented us. He motioned for me to give him my coat.

  I removed it, and he tucked it through the strap, draping it over my pack.

  “Put it back on.”

  I pushed, but it would only flatten so much. Oh well. A little bulky, but it worked. “Thanks.” I sighed. “Is it bad I’m tired of walking already?”

  “No. It’s like getting on another ship.” He cringed. “And I love the sea. But I never want to set sail again.”

  “Same.” I kicked a pebble in my path. “If only we hadn’t lost Turas. I wonder how difficult it will be to seize Diabalta without it.”

  “We’ll find out in a few days.”

  “But last time Morrigan thought she could take me out of the game. Now she knows she’s lost that battle. She’ll be prepared for me. Somehow.”

  “If she’s there. She may be at Ceas Croi.”

  “I almost wish she’d be there, just to get it over with. Having to deal with all these battles before getting to her is like being that last in line to give a presentation.”

  “Huh?” He gave me his tilted I-have-no-earthly-idea-what-you’re-talking-about face.

  “Trust me. It’s bad. Very bad.”

  He shrugged. “Just remember. She’s no match for God. No one is.”

  True. I trust You, God. Help me trust You more.

  ****

  After a day’s walk, the trees thinned, and civilization emerged. At least, there were buildings. But no signs of life. The place reeked of death. Something creaked, banged, and creaked again. I jumped, facing the sound, ready to act. But it was only a door blowing in the wind. Bent fences choked cadaverous houses like shackles with rotting or missing links. The thatched roofs sank inward, gaping holes visible. Windows like gouged-out eyes gawked beyond absent or crooked shutters.

  Nothing had survived here.

  I passed a filthy teddy bear with one eye. Stuffing escaped where an arm should be. My heart broke as I imagined the bear’s owner being carted off in a cage like Alastar had been, reaching through the bars for the fallen bear, crying. Was he or she still alive somewhere?

  I was letting this place depress me like Atreyu’s horse in the swamp of sadness.

  God, I feel as if I’m walking the last mile to my death. Don’t let me forget, no matter what’s ahead, You are with me. If You are for me, nothing can stand against me.

  ****

  As we journeyed the next day, the houses grew closer together. Stone buildings replaced the rotting wooden structures. Crumbling and half decimated, they lay like skeletons on an old battlefield, chilling me to my core. I hated to think what happened to all the people.

  If Diabalta was another day’s walk—though the scouts clearing the way slowed our progress—this must’ve been an impressive city. Still, Nica and Bandia didn’t compare in size. The stone structures elevated into multiple stories with alleyways, staircases, and balconies. The castle towers jutted above and beyond vacant dwellings and storefronts, reminding me of the goblin king’s castle beyond the labyrinth. Snow-capped mountains loomed like malevolent leaders, protecting its inhabitants with a heavy hand.

  If this was Morrigan’s kingdom, why was she rarely here? Each time I’d seen her through Turas, she’d been in Ceas Croi—her lair hoarding all her witchcraft. She seemed to prefer to lurk on the sidelines, allowing others to take front stage, such as Aodan and Alastar.

  And where was everyone? Her bloodsucking minions or their captives?

  I prayed our plan would work, whatever it was. Although they were trusting me more, they weren’t telling me much. Conversations still hushed when I neared. Not that I blamed them. I wouldn’t trust that Morrigan was gone either. I didn’t even have any way of knowing for sure.

  At least, I hoped they had a plan.

  My heart grew anxious as we neared the skeletal towers ahead. It was third-grade science class all over again. I had an incomplete project. And it was almost my turn to present.

  ****

  With no room for our tents, many took shelter in the abandoned
buildings. I didn’t believe in ghosts. But I still couldn’t bring myself to sleep inside one of those places.

  We found what might’ve been a park. Dead gardens lined a crumbling brick path. An area of patchy, overgrown grass and weeds overtook the center.

  “How’s this?” Declan asked.

  It wasn’t ideal, but nothing here was. “It’ll do.”

  We put down our things, claiming the spot.

  “Is this smart?” I asked Kai as I tore dead branches from vines along the wall for the fire. “Won’t they come out here and attack us when night falls?”

  “That depends on whether their plan is successful or not.”

  I dropped my tinder. “Plan? What plan?” Since when was Kai privy to the plans?

  With a fake smile curving his face, worry lines crept across his forehead. “Ah… ”

  “It’s okay. It’s okay. Don’t tell me.” I stooped to pick up the kindling and discarded it in a pit in the middle of the park and set it on fire.

  Hooting and hollering emerged from the edge of the camp and made its way to us. Declan came running. “It worked! The castle it ours!”

  “What?” What had I missed?

  Everyone whooped and gave each other congratulatory back pats. Had they all gone mad? I huffed at them, placing my hands on my hips. Their excitement and my cluelessness frustrated me.

  “Will someone pleeeeease tell me what’s happening?”

  “Remember Le’Corenci?” Declan bounced as if he’d downed a case of energy drinks.

  Why did that name sound familiar? Then it clicked. “The fasgadair Wolf led to us and everyone thought he was a traitor? The one who told me to go to Ceas Croi last year?”

  “Right. He said an angel led him to guide you. And he was right. Because you followed his instructions, you fulfilled the prophecy and killed Aodan.”

  “I didn’t kill Aodan.”

  He held up his hands and blew out an aggravated breath. “Right. Morrigan killed him. But it was because of you and all part of the prophecy.”

 

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