Sleeper Of The Wildwood Fugue (Book 7) -...
Transcript of Sleeper Of The Wildwood Fugue (Book 7) -...
LegendsofWindemere:
Sleeperofthe
WildwoodFugue
Copyright2015©byCharlesE.YallowitzKindleEditionAllRightsReserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyany
informationstorageandretrievalsystemwithoutthewrittenpermissionoftheauthor,exceptwherepermittedbylaw.Reviewersmayquotebriefexcerptsinconnectionwithareview.Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseither
areproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
CoverDesign&IllustrationbyJasonPedersen
LegendsofWindemereBeginningofaHero
ProdigyofRainbowTowerAllureoftheGypsiesFamilyoftheTri-RuneTheCompassKey
CurseoftheDarkWind
Dedication
ToeveryonewhohasenteredWindemere
Andlefttheirmarkuponitssoul
TableofContents
PrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7
Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17
Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21
Prologue
BaronKernaghanrubshiseyesashesitsonhisthrone,theebonywoodappearingtosquirmashismoodplungesintodarkness.Therestofhisfurnitureissplinteredanddashedacrossthestonefloor,aminorannoyancesincetheancient
warlordcanrepairthemwithinminutes.Headjuststhehighcollarofhiscrimsonshirtandflicksapieceoflintoffhispants,butneitheractionsilencestheincessantrantingbeforehim.Athunderousstormeruptsoutsidewithseveralboltsoflightninglancingthroughthe
openwindows,buttheshowofpowerhasnoeffectonhiscomplainingagent.GlancingatTrinity,theBaronflashesanapologeticsmileatherandgesturestowardthearm-flailingdisplaytheyarebeingforcedtowitness.TheQueenoftheChaosElvesrollshervioleteyesandgoesbackto
rubbingasoothinglotionintoherdry,cobaltskin.Theimmortalnoblemanscowlswhenheseesthebruisesandcutsonherbody,theinjuriesdisappearingswiftlyassheappliesthesilverhealingointment.
Shiftinginhisseat,theBaronlooksacrosstheroom
towherehispetisplayingwithitsfavoritetoy.Rakshapurrsasshecirclesagirlmadeentirelyofmetal,thebeast’sbladedtailsharmlesslysmackingthechild’sskin.Thelarge,stripedcatleapsontoMelanie’shead,whichcausesthegirltogiggleandreachup
toticklepowerfulpaws.Rakshajumpstothefloorandstretcheswithayawn,itstailsbeckoningforthegirltocontinueplaying.Intheirownworld,thepairchaseeachotheraroundthelongcurtainsofthedecimatedthroneroominagigglinggameoftag.Witheveryboomingstepof
themetallicgirl,thecrazedspeechgrowslouderandmorehigh-pitched.
“ThatCallindorisgoingtopaywhenIgetmyhandsonhim,”Stephenrants,hisblackhairamessfrompullingonit.Acrazedglintisinhisblueeyesandhescratchesatthepinkscar
acrosshisneck.“MonthsandIstillcan’thealthiswound.I’llmakehimsuffereverytorturethatIcanconceiveof.Physical,emotional,mental,andwhateverelsecomestominduntilhe’sdead.ThenI’llbringhimbackanddoitalloveragainwhileNyxwatchesandIbreakher
spirit.”“HementionedNyx,soI
guesswehitanothertenminutemark,”Trinityinterruptswithatauntingsmile.Shestretchesherarmsoverherheadandwigglesherfingers,thepurplegemsinherpalmstwinklinginthecandlelight.“Thirtymore
minutesandyou’llhitapersonalrecordforwastingtime,littlewarlord.”
StephenappearswithhishandaroundTrinity’sthroat,buthisfingersareimmediatelypriedopenbyaninvisibleforce.HelooksattheBaron,whoiscasuallystaringathimwitheyesof
swirlingash.Withasmallchuckle,Stephenletsgoofthechaoselfandadjustshisdarkgreentunic.Thefuriousnoblecrackshisknucklesandsearchesforanothertargetforhisunrelentingfury.HeturnshisattentiontoRakshaandMelanie,buthebarelytakesabreathbeforeaburstofwind
yankshimoffhisfeet.Ascreamslipsbetweenhisclenchedteethwhenhislimbsaretwistedinunnaturalways,thesoundofboneechoingthroughoutthechamber.WithaquickflickoftheBaron’swrist,Stephenisslammedintothefloorwithenoughforcetocracktheblackened
stone.Beforehecangettohisfeet,thetipofanelegantrapierpressesagainsthisthroatandkeepshimonhisback.
“Ibelieveyourtantrumisatanend,youngman,”theBaroncalmlystates,hisbladegentlytracingtheuglyscaronhisson’sneck.Hetakesa
handkerchiefoutofhisshirtpocketanddabsatthebeadsonhisforehead,revealingthathistemperiscomingtothesurface.“Youhavedestroyedmyproperty,brokenmyfloor,andinjuredmydearestTrinity.Idrawthelineatyouattackingmypets,especiallysinceRakshawasa
gift.”“Iapologize,father,”
Stephengroansashislimbsrepairinaninstant.Hestillcringesinpainfromthephantomsensationofbrokenbones.“Ipromisetoholdmytongueandtemperwheninyourpresence.”
TheBaronsheathshis
bladeandliftstheyoungmanupbytheembroideredcollar.Hebrushesthedustoffhisson’sshoulderswhilestaringhimintheeyes.“YouknowIdonotlikeitwhenyoulietomyface.Iknowyourtemperisgrowingandyouarefrustratedaboutreceivinganinjurythatyoucannotheal.I
alsoknowthatyouhavetakensomeofthisaggressionoutonTrinity.Thatwillend.”
“Asifyou’reonetotalk,”theyoungmansnaps.Thestrikeacrosshisfacemakeshimstaggerandspitblood,atoothbouncingonthefloor.“YouhavetreatedwomenthesameasI.That’s
partofthereasoncertaingoddessesdespiseyou.”
“Mypoorfoolofason.Youspeakofsomethingthatonlytwopeopleknowthetruthofandneitherofusaretalking,”theancientwarlordexplainsinasoftvoice.HewaveshishandandTrinityisgentlywhiskedtohisside,
thechaoselfunabletohideherstartledyelp.“Womenarebeautifulcreaturesandshouldbetreatedassuch.IunderstandthatitisexcitingtofindafieryonelikeourdearTrinityandthisNyx.Thecaptureofsuchawoman’sheartisexhilarating,buttheyarestill
delicateoffleshandheart.Ifyouplanonoverthrowingmeandrulingthenthisissomethingyoumustunderstand.Crueltyhasitsplacetokeeppeopleinline,butyoumustneverrelyonitastheonlywaytogetwhatyouwant.”
“WhatifIenjoycausing
painandbeingcruel?”“ThenIwillmakesureto
killyouonceInolongerhaveneedofyourservices.”
Stephenshiversandtakesahalf-stepawayfromhisfather,whobrieflygivesoffawaveofbloodlust.TheBaron’sfaceisstoic,exceptforatinytwitchatthecorner
ofhismouththatappearseveryfewseconds.Theyoungerimmortalfeelsanicyhandenvelopehisheart,whichstopsforaterrifyingmoment.Filledwithfearandanger,Stephenhelplesslyshakeswherehestandsuntilheuseshisownpowerstocalmdown.Withhislocked
eyesontheBaron,hetakesTrinity’shandandkissesit,alookofdisgustonhisface.
“Iapologizeformypasttransgressionsandwillstrivetotreatyoubetter,”Stephenwhisperswhilelettinggoofherhand.Outofhabit,hetakesabigsniffofherintriguingscentandlickshis
lips.“Isthattoyourliking,oldman?”
“YesandIhopeyoustandbyyourwords,”theBaroncasuallyanswers,turningawayfromhissonandreturningtohisthrone.Hesettlesontotheemeraldcushionandtakesadrinkfromasilvergoblet,the
sweetwinewashinghisremainingangeraway.“NowItrustyourplaninBor’darukisgoingsmoothly.IwouldhatetolearnthatyourgrudgeisplacingyouonthesamepathasTyler.Thoughyoudonothaveanyonepushingyoualongthatroadlikehedid.”
“Mydisguiseisperfect,
sothechampionswillnevernoticeme,”Stephenhappilyreportsasheapproachesthethrone.Hereachesintotheremainsofabrokentabletogrababronzecup,whichfillswithabitterale.“I’vefoundaninterestingtoolthatmaytakesometimetoputintoaction.Thechampionsmay
arrivefirst,butIcansendsomethingtodelaythem.EvenafewhourswouldgivemethetimeIneed.DoyouremembertheBeastofPalquafromjustaftertheGreatCataclysm?”
TheBaronstaresathissonasiftheanswershouldbeobvious,butdecidestohumor
him.“Iknowverylittleabouttheoutsideworld,soyouwillhavetoenlightenme.”
“YoushouldrememberthisbecauseItoldyouaboutitseveralcenturiesago.Iguessevenimmortalsforgetthingsastimegoeson,”Stephensayswithavictoriousgrin.Heclearshis
throatatthesightofhisfather’sfurrowedbrowandmovestoputTrinitybetweenthem.“SoonaftertheGreatCataclysm,oneofthechampionsattemptedtocreateamonstertodefeatyou.Theothersthathademergedatthetimewentalongwiththeplaneven
thoughGabrielsentvisionsthatitwouldfail.TheBeastofPalquawentwildanddestroyedthetownthatisitsnamesakebeforebeingsealedbyabandofnomadicshamans.I’vetrackeditscagedownandamworkingonfreeingthecreaturetouseagainstourenemies.”
“Andthiswon’trevealyou?”Trinitycuriouslyasks,steppingaroundhercompaniontoclaimapearfromatoppledbowl.
“I’veusedascapegoatwithnoconnectiontomyself,”hewhispersinherear,enjoyingthesmellofherskin.Ashudderrunsthrough
herbody,whichbringsafiretohiseyesandhestrugglestoavoidrunningahandthroughherebonyhair.“Imayhavestartedasmallwarthough,butit’snotbetweenanyoneimportanttoyou.”
“Trytouseitinyourplanasadistraction,”thechaoselfsuggests,cuttingoff
theBaron.Shenodsherheadtothewarlord,whoreturnsthegesture.“Speakingoftheplan,Ishouldbegettingbacktomyrole.It’salmostmorninginBor’darukandIdon’twanttorisksuspicion.ThoughitwouldbeeasierifIknewthedetailsofyourplaninsteadofactingasabasic
spy.”Stephenkisseshersoft
cheekandvanishes,leavingTrinitytofindherownwaybacktoBor’daruk.SheisheadingforthelargedoubledoorswhentheBaronsnapshisfingers,thesoundwavemakinghermusclesfeelweakforasecond.Witha
painedexpression,thechaoselfturnstofacehermasterandobedientlystandsatattention.SheturnsintoapuffofpurplesmokewhenRakshaandMelanie’sgameoftagcomestooclose,thebeast’stailsslashingthroughherincorporealform.Driftingonastalebreeze,she
solidifiesnexttotheBaronandcasuallyleansagainsthisthrone.
“Ihateitwhenyoubeckonmelikethat,”Trinitymentions,curlingastrandofherblackhairaroundherfinger.“I’mgoingtobenicesinceyouhelpedmewithyourson.Ihopethatwill
forcehimtobehaveforafewweeks.”
“Iwishhewouldstopthesechildishgamesandactlikeagentleman.Iblamethathalf-elfwhohascausedhismindtogettwistedbyhisownlibido,”BaronKernaghansays,takingtheyoungwomanbythehand.
Hemoveshertostandbeforehim,butrefusestoreleasehisgentlegrip.“Ihavesensedsomethingfromyousinceyouarrivedwithmyson.NowIseethereisaquestionburninginyoureyes.AskitbeforeIgiveyouanewassignment.Stephenalreadyknowsaboutthischangeand
hassetupadefenseforyourabsence.”
Cautiousabouttheancientwarlord’srequest,Trinitymovesawayandrubstheenhancergemsinherpalms.Herblackclothesmadeofpolishedleatherseemtolosetheirlusterandheranxietyrises.Sheaccepts
thecupofwinethattheBaronoffersandsipsatit,enjoyingthetastethatshesorarelygetstosavor.Searchingforthesafestwordstouse,shemovestothewindowandstaresatherhard-workingpeoplebelow.Theyaretoilinginasmallrubymine,afreshseamthat
hasappearedfromthebowelsofthedesolatecontinent.Allofthechaoselvesarecoveredindirtandtheirraggedclothesaretorn,whichpullsatTrinity’sheart.Thesightofademonictaskmasterliftingitsbarbedwhiptostrikeastumblingyoungmanbringsacruelsmiletoherface.With
aflickofherwrist,ajavelinofacidstreaksthroughtheairandstrikesthedemoninthehead.Thebodytopplesoutofviewandshewavestothestartledworkers,whocheerandgobacktotheirtaskswithrenewedenergy.
“Youconfuseme,master,”Trinityadmitswith
somevenominherfinalword.Shesitsonthewindowsill,forcingtheBarontoloudlyturnhisthronearound.“Mypersonalissuewithyouisthatyoukeepmypeopleasslaveslivinginsqualor.Weretainsomeofouroldculture,butthereisnowealthtocallourown.Shaydis
filledwithdepositsofgoldandgems,butwekeepnoneofit.Itisacruellifethatyoukeepusineventhoughitiswithinyourpowertochangethingsforthebetter.Allitwouldtakeisalittlecompassionandmypeoplewouldhappilysupportyou.Whykeepusinsucha
horriblestateofbeing?”“Ibelievethatisa
problemforourdearAmbrosine.Afterall,youstillpraytoherforsalvation,”theBaronbitterlyreplies.Hisvoicesoftenswhenheseesthefurygrowinginhisservant’seyes.“Myapologies,butyouknowwhat
Imean.IdowhatIcanwithoutlettingyourpeoplegaineverythingtheywant.Thinkofmyposition,dearTrinity,andrealizethatIcannotrisklosingthechaoselves.IgivethemtheirfreedombeforeIearnmyownthenIhavenoguaranteeyouwillremainonShayd.
ThesqualorandpromiseofabetterlifeistheonlyleverageIhaveoveryourpeople.TheirplightistheonlythingIhaveoveryou,soyoucanseewhereIamcomingfrom.”
“Andthatiswhatconfusesme,”Trinitypointsout,approachingthethroneandputtingherhandsonthe
arms.SheleansascloseasshedarestotheBaron,herbodyquiveringwithnervousfearandsomethingthatshebarelyrecognizesasprimalexcitement.“I’veseenyoudisplaycompassionaswellascruelty.You’renotamonsterliketheworldbelieves,sowhydoyoupersistinacting
thepart?Don’tletGabrielandhisprophecyforceyouintothispositionanylonger.Freeusand-”
TheBaronpresseshisfingeragainstTrinity’slips,ajoltofrawpowerlockingherbody.“IamkindandbenevolenttothoseIhaveauseforsuchasyourself.Ifit
makesyoufeelbetter,Iwillcreateanorchardforyourpeopleandgivenewclothestothechildren.Idothistokeepyouhappy,butmakenomistakeaboutme.Iamamonster,dearTrinity.Gabrieldoesnotforcemeintoanythingandhehasreasontofearme.Theentireworld
doesbecausethemomentIamfree,yourpeoplewillbetheonlyoneswhoarerelativelysafefrommywrath.SoIrequestthatyounolongermistakemykindnesstowardsyouasasignthatIamanythingotherthantheancientdarknessthathistoryhasforgotten.Doyou
understand?”“Yes,master.Whatisthe
newassignment?”Theancientwarlord
moveshishandtocaresshistrustedagent’schinandstandswhilepushingherbackafewsteps.Hemuttersafewwordsinademonictongue,whichcausesoneofhis
ebonyhairstoturngrayanddrifttothefloor.Acracklingportalthatresemblesastainedglasswindowappearsbeforehim,theangularimageshowingtheedgeofamistyforest.Rakshachargesforwardtoinvestigate,butthelankycatissentscurryingawaywhentheBaronblasts
thefloorbeforeitwithafistoffire.Melaniehurriestocatchuptothebeast,herboomingfootstepsechoingdownthered-carpetedhallway.
“ThespellsthatStephenandyoucreatedinthewoodshavebeguntoweaken,”theBaroncalmlyexplainswhile
swirlingthedrinkinhisgoblet.Hereachesouttoextendtheportal,showingpartofariverthatiscloakedinmist.“Itwasonlyamatteroftime,butIdonotbelievesheisreadytoenterthegameagain.Pleasereinforcethespellsandreporttomeifsuchactionsareimpossible.There
isthechancethatGabrielsentIsaiahtogetinvolved,butitcouldalsobeher.Ialwaysunderestimateherabilities,sothiscouldbeduetoherstruggles.Thelastcontactshemadewasunexpectedandtroublesome.”
“ItisnearlytheDayofDarkness,soI’llhavetotake
shelteruponarrival.Iwon’tgetveryfarifI’mbusyfightingundead.ItgetsreallymessyaroundRodillenbecauseofallthebodiesthatthethieveshidearoundthearea,”Trinitysays,conjuringabagofsuppliesinherhand.Hershirtbloatsuntilittakestheformofathick,brown
jacketandrollsdowntoencaseherlegsindownywarmth.“IsthereanythingelseIshouldknow?”
“Onlythatthechampionsareinthearea.”
“SoI’llbepunishedifIfail.”
TheBaronchucklesandplacesafirmhandonher
shoulder,castingasoothingwaveofwarmththroughtheyoungwoman’sbody.“Onthecontrary,Idonotcareifyousucceedorfail.Ifsheisabouttoenterthegamethensobeit.Iamsendingyouinthehopesofbeatingdestiny.Afterall,shemadesuchamesslasttime.”
“Thatwasbeforemytime.”
“Notreally,”thewarlordstates,staringforlornlyattheportal.Hereachesouttotouchthefaceofthespellandpullsbackthehandwhenhisfingertipsdissolve.“Youwereonlyachildandstillbeingtrainedwhenthelast
setofchampionswasdestroyed.IamsureStephenorNyderwouldbewillingtofillyouinonthatevent,butitisunimportant.”
“ThenIdon’tbelieveI’llwastemytimeasking.DoyouhaveanythingelsetotellmeoramIfreetogo?”
“OnlythatIsayhelloand
wishherluck.”Trinitytakesadeep
breathbeforesteppingintotheprismaticportal,whichripplesandcreaksathertouch.Shefreezeswhenherlegmergesintothestainedglasspicture,apanickyjerkofthelimbshowingthatshecannotbackout.Withher
eyesclosed,thecasterleansintotheportalandgivesintothesensationofherbodybeingcrystallized.Thefeelingnearlyrobsofherofbreath,butsheforceshermouthtoopenwithacracktotakeinagulpofsharpair.Fightingtheurgetopassoutfromthepressureonheraura,
Trinityfinishespassingthroughtheportalandherbodyswiftlyrevertsbacktoflesh.TheBaronwatchesherwalktowardthemistyforestbeforeveeringtotheleftandoutofsight.
“Iguessthispartofthegamewasinevitable,”themansighsashereachesout
toclosetheportal.“Youtrulyareabastard,Gabriel.”
*****Thestrongmuskwafting
offTankitheGoblinGodcausesGabrielandZariatowrinkletheirnoses.Standingwithintheevening-cloakedforest,theelegantgodswaitpatientlyfortheirmore
primalbrethrentoarrive.Tankiscratchesathisredskin,whichjinglesthebellsthathehasbraidedintohisglossy,bronzehair.Thethreeivoryhornsonhisheadglowandhum,causinghimtotenseandclingtohiscrudespear.Withthehissofacorneredcreature,the
crouchedgoblinbacksawayfromthearrivingdeities,hisblackeyesfocusedonaleather-armoredmanwhosebodyispiercedwithaglisteninglongsword.
“Whyareyouhere,Anceron?”Zariaasksoftheblonde-hairedman.Shesmilesatthewolfgirl,who
wagshertailandleapsontoanearbyrock.“Thiswassupposedtobebetweenusandthenaturegods.Didyouinvitehim,Silvestris?”
“Nope,”theNatureGoddessrepliesinahigh-pitchedvoice.Shescratchesherwild,brownhair,freeingseveraldryleavesfromthe
eternalknots.“Hesaidhecurious.Itoldhimnothingwillbedestroyed,butitnotstophim.”
“Ididn’trealizethiswasaprivategathering,”theDestructionGodsays,hisvoicefullofagony.Headjuststheswordinhischestandatrickleofbloodruns
downhisback.“Although,isthereanythingmorenaturalthandestruction?”
“Mushrooms,water,wind,trees-”Silvestrisrattlesoff,hervoicecutoffbyasterncoughfromGabriel.Sheboundsovertotheblack-hairedgodandbowstohim,hertailtuckedbetweenher
legsoutofrespect.“IgotyourmessagefromUli,butInotknowwhatyouwantdowithme.MyhandstiedbytheLawofInfluenceevenifyougivemewiggleroom.Afterall,spellsinquestionmadebymortal.”
“Thatmanisnotmortal,”theDestinyGoddeclaresas
hefacesTanki.ThegoblinjabshisspearatAnceron,causingthehandsomemantograbthehiltofhisblade.“Leaveyourweaponsheathed,destroyer.Youknowyoumakethesmallergodsnervous.Nooffense,Tanki,butyouareshortofstature.Mycommentwasnot
inregardstoyourpower.”“Visionshavealready
beensentaboutawaitingchampions,buttheseonesarenoteasilycontrolled,”Tankireports,surprisingGabriel.Thegoblingrins,revealingfilthyteethandabluetongue.“Ispokewithyourcoreenergytodiscernyour
request.That’spartofmyareaandyourprimalaurascreamswheneveryou’reupset.”
“Nowonderyoustayawayfromhim,dearTanki,”Zariamentionswithanawkwardsmile.
Thegodsstopwhenagroupofstaggeringfigures
stumbleoutfrombehindthenearbytrees,theireeriesighsrattlingthroughtheforest.Anceronhashishandonhissword,buteaseshisgripwhenheseestheunarmedfarmers.Thegroupwandersaround,afewpassingthroughthegods,whoretaintheirphantasmalforms.Blank
expressionsareonthemortals’faces,makingthemresemblezombieswithoutthedecayingfleshandrottingstench.Minutesaftertheyarrive,thefarmerswalkbackintotheforestwherethethickmistenvelopesthem.
“Interesting,”Anceronwhispers,thesmellof
destructiononthebitterwind.“Somethinghasplungedthemintoazombietrance.Whyisthisimportanttoyou?”
“Theservantsofouroldenemyhavecursedthisforest.Anymortalwholeavesthepathwillhearagentlesongandbeplungedintoawanderingamnesia,”Gabriel
answers,fightingtheurgetowhistlethetune.Forabriefmoment,hewondersifhecreatedthiscurseinhisyouth,butdecidesthatsuchafactisunimportant.“Thisisalltokeepthechampionsawayfromthegirl,whichmeanswecansendvisionstohelp.Itisalsowithinmy
powertograntothergodssomeflexibilitywiththeLawofInfluenceaslongastheyhelpwithmyagenda.”
“Perhapsyoushouldhavedonesomethingtodestroythisgirl,”Anceronsays,ignoringtheburstofenergyfromZaria.“Shehasalwaysbeenasourceof
trouble.Ifyouwish,Icansendafollowertotakecareofthis.I’mwellwithinmyrightsaslongasmostoftheforestiswipedout.”
ThePurityGoddessdashesforwardtograbtheswordinAnceron’schestandviolentlyyanksitout,sendingaspurtofbloodontoher
whitedress.Thestainvanishesasthegodfallstohiskneesandgaspsforair,hisbodywrackedwithmind-shatteringagony.Zariawalksawaywiththeweapononhershoulder,acoldexpressiononheralabasterfacewhilethegrassisbathedintheDestructionGod’sblood.The
redheadeddeitywaitsforhimtobelaidoutonthegroundbeforehurlinghisbladewithinhisreach.Hegrabstheswordandjamsitbackintothegapingchestwound,theweaponactinglikeaplugtostopthetorrentofblood.
“Mychosenwillnotbeharmed,”Zariagrowls,
causingSilvestrisandTankitomoveawayfromher.ShemeetsGabriel’schallenginggazewithawitheringlook.“Nobodyaskedthisonetocomehere,sohebroughttheattackonhimself.”
“Sopure,”theDestinyGodteases.
“Angercanbeaspureas
love.”“Sowhywehere?”
Silvestrisasks,herearsnervouslytwitching.“Igoworkrightawaywhentold.”
“Thegoblinsofthisforestareimmunetothecursebecauseourenemieshaveoverlookedthem,”Gabrielexplains,keepinghis
eyesonZaria.ThegoddesswavesherhandoverAnceron,revivingtheweakenedgodandcleaninghissoakedclothes.“Iwillneedyoutosendanothervisiontoyourpeople,Tanki.UnlessyouwereabletopredictwhatSilvestriswillbeaskedtodohere.Ineedour
dearNatureGoddesstoconvincethetreestobuildasafepathfromtheroadtothesleeper.TheymustonlyabsorbthecursedbreezeandoneofTanki’sgoblinscanbechosentoactasaguide.Youtwocangoovertheparticulars,butthechampionsmustreachthegirl.Itistime
forhertogetbackintothisgamewhetherwelikeitornot.”
Ivoryhornsshimmering,Tankigrumblestohimselfashepoundsthebuttofhisspearagainstthemoistground.Hehunkersdownandburrowsintotheearth,thegapingholeclosingbehind
him.Insteadoffollowingtheoldergod’sexample,Silvestrisscratchesherhindquarterswithherclawedfootandmakesherselfcomfortableonarock.ShewatchesGabrielandZaria,child-likecuriosityetchedintoherfeatures.
“Whysendchampionsto
girlthistime?Whathappenothertimesthishappen?”
“Theonlywaytodispelthecurseistowakethesleeper.Inthepast,ourenemiesurgedthechampionsintotheforest,butwecantaketheinitiativenowthattheCompassKeyisonthefield,”thePurityGoddess
answers,hervoicesoundingtiredandworried.“Don’tmakethepathtooeasytofindbecausetherearegreaterdangersaroundher.Anyonewhowandersintoherrangecanbekilledorworse.Ihopethegoblinsstayawayuntiltheyhavethechampionsonhand.”
“I’mintrigued,butthisisnolongermyconcern,”Anceroninterrupts,earningascowlfromtheotherdeities.“There’ssomethingbrewinginthesouth.Itappearstobeawar,butthere’sanundercurrentthathasmyattention.Isenseyourchampionswillbeinvolved,
soI’llbewatchingtoseewhathappens.Don’tworry,HellLord,Ipromisenottogetinvolvedinyourplans.I’mmerelyanobserver...fornow.”
AtearappearsintheairbehindtheDestructionGodandhestepsthrough,thegapingholeswallowinghim
whole.SilvestrisisgonebythetimeZariaandGabrielturntowhereshewassitting,theonlysignofherdepartureatuftofsofthairontheground.Theremnantsinksintothemottledstoneandcreatesacoatingoffurrymoss.
“Iassumeyouwishto
stayhere,”Gabrielsaystotheredheadedgoddess.Hesquintsintothedarknesswhereheseesmorewanderersmovingthroughthetrees,thesemovingmorestifflythanthefarmers.“Itwillbeatleastadaybeforetheymeether.NottosoundlikeIcare,butyoushouldget
somerest.Youarenotyourself.”
“BecauseIputAnceroninhisplace?”
“Thatandyourglowisdim,myoldrivalandally.”
“IwillseeyoubackatAmbervalewhenthisisover,Gabriel.”
“Iwouldtellyounotto
getinvolved,butyouneverlistentomewhenitcomestoher.”
SeveralsilentminutesafterGabrieldisappears,Zarialetsoutamusicalsighandmergeswiththemist.Sheweavesamongthetreesandcursedmortals,noneofthemnoticingherpresence.The
goddessisneartheedgeofaclearingwhenapurplebarrierappearsanddeflectsherrapidapproach.Shereturnstohersolidformandgetsasclosetothepowerfulshieldasshecan.Sparksofmagicburstfromtheglisteningdome,leavingburnmarksonherdressthatsheignores.Allof
Zaria’sattentionisonthecanopybedinthemiddleoftheclearingwhereacloakedformissleeping.
“Onlyamatterofdaysnow,Dariana,”thegoddesswhispers,wipingapristinetearfromhercheek.“Onlyamatterofdays.”
1
“Itoldyouitwouldn’twork,Cunningham,”Nyxwhispers,gentlysmackingherfriendontheshoulder.Theslenderhalf-elfglancesatthedarkeningskyandshiversatthefeelofsinistermagiconthegrowingbreeze.“We’vewastedtoomuch
timewiththesestunts.”“Itwasworthashot,”
Delvinhalf-heartedlycontends.Thearmoredwarriorscratcheshishead,cringingwhenhecatchesaknotinhismessy,brownhair.“Itlookslikeit’stimetogetbacktoRodillen.We’lltryagainaftertheDayof
Darkness.”“Atleastourfriend
didn’ttrytoflyawaythistime,”Saripointsoutwhileshesitsonthebridge’smetalrailing.Theblue-hairedgypsyyawns,stretchingherarmsuntilherbluetoprevealsherslenderbelly.“Comeon,Timoran!Hecan’t
bethatmuchofaproblem.Itisn’tlikehe’sagriffinthistime.”
Thethreeadventurerswatchastheirredheadedfriendhaulsinadazednobleshepherd,theblackandbrowndogviolentlyshakingitsheadasitleavesthemistyforest.Timoranputsthe
animalonthebridgeandremainspoisedtopounceifitmakesarunforthetrees.Instead,thedogrollsontoitsbellyandwhimpers,itsdarkeyesstaringforlornlyatitswaggingtail.Fizzledartsaroundthebeasttocoveritinarainbowmist,clearingitsheadofthemagicalfugue.
Whenthepurpledrite’sbreathisblownawaybyhistranslucentdragonflywings,ablondehalf-elfhasreplacedthedog.LukeCallindorstaysonhisbackandclutcheshisgriffintalonnecklace,alookofutterconfusiononhisdirt-markedface.HeacceptsthehandthatTimoranoffersand
slowlygetstohisfeet,lettinghismuscularfriendguidehimtotheothers.FizzlelandsonNyx’shead,takingcomfortinthefeelofherpowerfulauraastheevilenergythickensintheair.
“Ibelievewehaverunoutofideas,”Timoranstates,helpingLukeleanonthe
railingnexttoSari.Hetoucheshistiger-stripedgreataxeforcomfort,hiskeenearspickingupthestirringsofundeadintheforest.“Wehaveadaytogatherinformationandcomeupwithanewplan.UnlesstheCompassKeyisnolongerdirectingushere.Coulditbe
actingstrangebecauseoftheDayofDarkness?”
“Idoubtit,”Delvincalmlyreplies.Hisicyblueeyesstareintothetreesandheswearsheseesshamblingformsinthedistance.“TheCompassKeyhasbeenpointinghereeversincewereturnedtotheIslandof
Pallice.Thatwasaweekandahalfago.Didyoucatchanyscentsintheforest,Luke?”
“Nothingoutoftheordinary,butthecursecouldhavebeencastfromanywhere,”theforesttrackeranswers,restingahandonSari’sexposedknee.Shepullsitawayandhopsoffthe
railingtolethimtouchhershoulder.“Timoran’srightaboutgatheringinformation.ItookseveraldiamondspheresfromthetreasurevaultIfoundintheGardenofUli.Wecanbribeabunchoflocalstoseeifthey’veheardanything.”
“Becausethievesnever
lie,”Nyxscoffsasshepullsherblackcloakaroundhershiveringform.Hershort,blackhairigniteswithalowflametokeepherwarmeventhoughsheknowsitisnotthewinterchillthathasherfeelingcold.
“Hey!”Sarisnapsbeforeshecanstopherself.She
blushesandsmirksattheothers,heremeraldeyestwinklinginthedyingsunlight.“Sorryaboutthat.Iknowyoudidn’tmeanme,Nyxie.You’vejustbeenalittlesnappyateveryonelately.”
“Canwenotgetintothisuntilwegetinside?”Timoran
requests,leadingthewaytothecitysideoftheL’dandrinRiver.Therailingglowsbrightredandthestonebridgesplitsdownthecentertofoldintoitself,pullingtheadventurerstoshore.“Whatishappening?”
Thesmallgroupwatchesasasmallshipemergesfrom
aroundanearbybendandsteadilydriftsbythem.Afewsecondsafterthevesselpasses,thebridgestretchesacrosstheriverandlocksbackintoplace.Lukeinchesforwardtosteponthefirstslatandputsallofhisweightonit,expectingtofallthrough.Thebrownstoneis
surprisinglysolid,buthecanheartheoddclickofsomethingmetallicintheground.
“Gnomesandtheirinventions,”hewhisperswithawarmsmile.LuketurnsaroundintimetocatchaglimmerofsadnessonNyx’sface.Hestandsandarcheshis
back,feelinghisstiffspinepop.“IjustrememberedthatNyxandImadeacontactduringourlastvisittoRodillen.WecangoseehernowandmeeteveryoneattheTrueRiggingInn.Ipromisewewon’tbelongerthananhourortwo.”
“Whodidwemeethere
thatdidn’ttrytokillus?”Nyxasks,rubbingheramethystnecklace.Thehalf-elf’sfacelightensupandhermouthgrowsintoawidesmile.“Oh,thatwoman!Shemightknowwhat’sgoingonifweasktherightquestionsandshe’sinagoodmood.Though,wecanalwayswait
adayortwo.”“No,Ithinkyoutwo
shouldvisitthispersonrightaway,”Delvinchimesin,takingFizzleoffthecaster’shead.Hestrokeshisfriend’shorns,whichcausesthedritetoflutterhisreddragonflywings.“It’sbestthatwegetthistakencareof
immediately.WeallknowStephenandtheotherswillhavesomethingwaitingforusinBor’daruk.TheyalreadyhadtwomonthsandIdon’twanttogivethemanymore.”
Nyxnervouslybitesherlowerlip.“But-”
“Delvinisright,”Timorandeclaresasheturns
towardtheshadowyRodillen.Hedrawshisweaponandheftsitontohisshouldertomakesureitisvisiblewhenheentersthefamedcityofthieves.“Wewillhavetobepushingforwardtomorrowatdawn.”
Sarisqueezesherbestfriend’sshoulderbefore
movingtoLukeandwhisperinginhispointyear.“Nicetrylyingtousaboutafakecontact.ItwouldhaveworkedifNyxdidn’tstumblewiththefollowup.You’reagoodfriendandIwishyouluck.MaybeI’llhavetimetosetupsomethingspecialattheinn.”
“Arewebackon?”“No...forNyx.I’m
goingtogo,Luke,”thegypsysays,gingerlytouchingthehalf-elfonthecheek.SheturnsonherheelsandcatchesDelvinbythearmasshewalksbyhim.“Ineedyourhelp,dearleader.Averyimportantmissionthatyou’ll
enjoy.”Nyxiswatchingthe
othersdisappearintothegloomthatisgrowingthickerbytheminutewhenLukeputsanarmaroundhershoulders.SheforcesasmileasheleadshertoRodillen,theirfriendsnothingmorethanshadowsfaraheadof
them.Whentheypassthroughthecityentrance,heguidesherintheoppositedirectionoftheinn.Doorsandwindowsareclosingandthesoundofrooftrapsbeingsetfillstheair.Lukenoticessomeofthecurvedtilesontopofthebuildingsshiftingtorevealtheglintofhidden
arrowsandspears.ThenormaltensionofanightinRodillen,acityruledbythethieves’guild,isenhancedbythelightlessskyoftheDayofDarkness.Withinminutes,theonlyilluminationisfromtheenchantedstreetlamps,buthalfofthemhavebeenbrokenbythosewhoprefer
thedarkness.Lukeisabouttospeak
whenhefeelsthetipofadaggeragainsthisback,causinghimtogroanindismay.Beforethesimplethiefcanutterademand,theforesttrackerflipsoverhimandpressesadrawnsaberagainsttheman’sthroat.Nyx
joinsinthefraybyputtingherfingersagainstthethief’sforehead,firecoatingherhandsuptothecuticleofherunkemptnails.Theheatfromhermagiccausestheterrifiedmantosweat,buttheweavingflamesnevertouchhisskin.
“MynameisNyxand
thatisLukeCallindor.I’msureyou’veheardofus,”thecastergrowls,hervioleteyessparkingwithtinyboltsoflightning.Abreezeopenshercloak,revealingaredshirtthatchurnslikelava.“Neitherofusareinthemoodtodealwithyourkindtonight.Runawayandwarnyourfriends
thatweshouldbeleftalone.Ifthievescontinuetoannoymeandmyfriends,IwillpersonallylaywastetotheguildwitheveryspellIcanimagine.”
“Theguildmasterwon’tlikethis,”themanargues.HetensesatthefeelofLuke’ssaberpressingagainsthis
throatandNyx’sflameslickingthetipofhispointynose.“ButI’msurehe’llbeokaywithitforanight.It’stheDayofDarknessafterall,sonobodyreallywantstobeoutside.”
Thethiefsprintsawayassoonasthehalf-elveslethimgo,thepairwaitinguntilhis
footstepsdisappear.Nyxtakesaseatonacrateneartheentrancetoanalley,whichshecoverswithasmallbarrier.Lukeleansagainstthewallnexttoherandstaresatthedisturbinglyemptysky.Noneofthefourmoonscanbeseenandallofthestarshavebeenblottedoutbythe
globaldarkness.Hisattentionreturnstothecityandhefocusesonhissoundsighttotrackthehiddenthievesthataregoingabouttheirnightlybusiness.
“Sowhat’sbeenupsettingyou,bigsis?”Lukequietlyasks.
“Howareyouhandling
thingswithSari?”Nyxswiftlycounters,refusingtolookherbestfriendintheeye.
“Ishouldhaveseenthatcoming,”thewarriorsays,reachingovertoflickthecaster’snose.Hisheadgentlymovestothesideasaninvisiblefingerpokeshimin
thetemple.“SariandIaresurviving.It’sawkwardandweoccasionallyslipupwhenwetalk.Wehaven’tkissed,sharedabed,ordoneanythingasacouplesincewedecidedtocoolthingsdownuntilwemeetwithKira.I’lladmitI’monedgealittlebecauseofthisandIwantto
getthewholethingoverwith.That’sreallyit,soanswermyquestion.”
“Ihopeyourealizethatitwon’tbesolvedsoeasily.”
“Whyareyouhavingmoodswings?”
“Infact,meetingwithKiracouldmakethewholethingworse.”
“Stopavoidingthesubject,Nyx.”
“Allthreeofyouaregoingtogethurt,littlebrother.”
Lukemovesawayfromthewallandrunsahandthroughhisblondehair,pullingoutthesimpletieandlettingithangloose.He
watchesNyxshiftuncomfortablyonthecrateandfiddlewiththethickbraceletonherwrist.Hisattentioniscaughtbymovementinthealleybehindher,buttheapproachingthiefishurledawaybythebarrier.Thecrashcausespeopleinthenearbybuildingstoyell
andcursethroughtheirlockedshutters.Lukeignoresthenoiseandputshishandsonthecratetoleanforward,hisfaceinchesfromthecaster.
“We’veallheardyoucryingorseenyouloseyourtemperwithoutprovocation,”theforesttrackerwhispers,
searchinghisfriend’sfaceforanyhintofwhatsheisthinking.“Iknowyoutoldmetostayoutofit,butIcan’tdothatanymore.PleasetellmewhatthisisaboutNyx,soIcanhelp.Weneedyouatyourbestandyou’renotevenclose.”
“Idon’tknowhowto
explaineverything,”sheadmitswhilekeepingherheaddown.ShenoticesapinkshimmeronLuke’swoodenringandgreenbudsgrowoutofthetop.“LooksliketheRingofUliischangingwiththeseason.Iguesswinterwillbeoversoon,whichmeansourtrip
southshouldbepleasant.”“Areyouterrifiedthat
Stephenwillgetyou?”Nyxtensesandher
breathingbecomesstaggeredassheremembersthetouchofthemanwhowantstobreakher.“Wouldn’tyoubescaredofsomeonelikehim?He’sanunstoppablemonster
andtheonlyreasonwe’restillstandingisbecausehewantstoplaywithus.Itfeelslikeit’sonlyamatteroftimebeforeStephenclaimsme.IknowyouandFizzlecanfighthim,butthatisn’tenough.Ineedtobeabletodefendmyselftofeelsafe.WithStephen,I’mhelpless
andIhatefeelingthisway.”“We’reallhelplessat
somepointinourlives,”Lukereplies,leaningintogiveNyxatighthug.Hesighswhenhefeelshertense,calmingherdownwithagentlepatontheback.“TheDarkWinddidthesametomeandIwasstupid.Youcan
onlydosomuchinthissituationbeforeyouhavetotrustthosearoundyou.”
“TheDarkWindwasmyfault,”thecasterwhispers,wrappingherarmsaroundthewarrior’sneck.Shestrugglestoholdbackhertearsandpraysherfrienddoesnotnoticethemoistspotonhis
shoulderfromherrunningnose.“Stephendidittogettome.Allofyouaregoingtobeusedaspawnstocontrolmeandthere’snothingIcandotopreventit.”
“IcuthimandFizzleheldhisown,”Lukeremindsher.HeholdsNyxawayandgetshertolookintohis
chocolatebrowneyes,agoldringbarelyvisibleinthelamplight.“Gabrielwouldn’tputsomeonelikeStepheninourwayunlesstherewasawaytowin.Iknowhesaidourvictoryisn’tguaranteed,butheneversaidwe’redestinedtofail.Don’tletyourfearmakeyouweak
becauseyou’rethestrongestpersonIknow.ImeanwillpoweranddefiancebecauseTimoranisphysicallystrongerthanallofus.”
“Ifiguredthatoutonmyown,littlebrother.”
Nyxturnsintomisttoescapethehugandreforms
behindLuke,theforesttrackerputtinghishandsinhispockets.Hecansenseheranxietyandthetelltaleheatofherrunningfirethroughherebonyhair.Adistantscreammakeshimjumpduetohissoundsightcreatingabriefpictureofsomeonegettingattackedamongthetreesbya
skeletalfigure.Forabriefmoment,hisbackiscoveredinamberfurthatdisappearswhenherealizesthathewouldhavetoleaveNyxaloneonthethief-infestedstreets.
“Whatelse,Nyx?”hebluntlyasks,walkingaroundtofaceher.“There’s
somethingelsethatyou’reholdingin.”
“I...yousee...”theyoungwomanawkwardlymumbles.Takingadeepbreath,shegrabsLukebythehandsandfixeshimwithathreateningglare.“Swearthatyouwon’ttellanyonewhatI’mabouttosay.NotFizzle.
NotSari.NotKira.NoteventhegriffinandStilettospirits.”
“ThosetwoandIkindofshareamind.”
“YouknowwhatImean.”
“Isweartokeepyoursecretfromeveryone.”
Thecasterletsgoof
Luke’shandsandisabouttospeakwhensherememberstheyareinRodillen.Fearingthatathiefmightoverheartheirconversation,sheraisesadomeofsilencewithsubtlewiggleofherfingers.Theshimmeringenergybathesthestreetinavioletglowandseveralformscanbeseen
escapingthesuddenillumination.Anothercrashisheardfromthenearbyalleyasayoungthiefbouncesoffthebarrierandlandsinapileofgarbage.
“Youmustbereallyseriousifyou’reusingthiskindofmagic,”Lukewhispersmoretohimself
thanhiscompanion.“Whatisit?”
“I’mnotreallysureaboutthis,butthere’salotofevidenceaboutwhatI’vebeenthinkingabout,”Nyxexplains,wringingherhands.Shestompsherfootandstraightensherbackwhensherealizeshowfoolishshemust
look.“IthinkI’minlovewithDelvin.Hemakesmemadandhappyatthesametimewithhisadvances.It’ssweetandhe’saveryniceguy.Completelydifferentfromanyoneelsewhohaspursuedme.SoI’vebeenthinkingalotaboutthisandI’mnotsurewhattodo.Iwasgoingto
talktoSari,butshe’dforcetheissueandIfeelawkwardtalkingtoTimoranaboutthis.Don’tevengetmestartedonwhatIdidwhenItriedtocontactmyparents.Let’sjustsaymydadthinksI’minterestedinbrewingwhiskeyandmymomthinksIhaveanembarrassingrash.Anyway,
I’vebeenonedgebecauseIdon’tknowwhattodoandit’sanoddrelieftofinallyadmitallofthis.”
Lukeopenshismouthtospeakandsnapsitshut,repeatingthemovementafewtimes.Heshrugsandpreparesfortheworstwhenhesays,“Youshouldtell
him.”“What?NoIshouldn’t.”“Whynot?”“Imaginethemessit
wouldmakewithus,”Nyxdefiantlyargues,jabbingafingerintothewarrior’schest.“LookathowmuchstressiscausedbyyouandSari.”
“That’sadifferentsituationthanyouandDelvin,”herespondswithanangryfrown.Herubshispalmsontherubiesembeddedinhissabers’pommels.“Ihaveanopenrelationshipwithanabsentex-fiancéewhileIfindmyselfemotionallydriftingtowarda
gypsywhostilltalksaboutgivingmeupintheend.Whatyou’redealingwithisnothinglikethisandIthinkyoushouldlethimknowyourfeelings.He’sbeenhonest,soyoushouldbetoo.”
“WekissedintheGardenofUliandItastedhisaura,”Nyxblurtsout,unableto
thinkstraight.Sherubshereyesandlicksherlips,afainttinglingonhertongue.“Itwas...amazinganditmadethingscomplicated.Notinthewayyouthink.WhatifIreallylovehimonlyforthetasteofhisaura?Also,StephencalledmeachannelerandsaidthatI’ma
rarebreedthatgivesoffascenttoattractmates.WhatifDelvinonlylovesmebecauseofmyscent?That’snothowweshouldstartarelationship.”
LuketakesNyxbytheshouldersandgivesherakissontheforehead.Withoutwarning,hetakesabigsniff
ofherfaceandcrinkleshisnose.Shakinghisheadandswattingattheairinfrontofhim,theforesttrackerputsonashowabouthatingthesmell.HestopswhenNyxcreatesatinyfireballinherpalmandhitshimintherear.Sheputsthefireoutquickly,blushingwhenshenotices
thatthedamagerevealshisunderwear.
“There’saninterestingscentthatIcanpickupwithStiletto’ssenseofsmell,butitdoesn’tdoanythingforme,”Lukesays,touchingtheburnmarkonhispants.Hegesturestotheholeandwaitsforhisfriendtorepairthe
damagewithawaveofherhand.“Idon’tthinkit’sallaboutyourscentsinceTimorancaughtit,buthasnointerestinyou.Ifanything,itcatchessomeone’sattentionandtherestisuptotheheart.Besides,I’veneverseenDelvinsniffatyoulikeadogandhetooktoyouonsightin
abuilding.Irememberhisreactionandyouweretoofarawayforhimtogetawhiff.”
“Goodpoint,”Nyxreplies,dispellingthesilencedomeandwalkingaway.SheletsLukecatchupassheleadsthemtowardtheinn.“Bytheway,howisitgoingwithmasteringwhatever
powersyougotattheGardenofUli?”
“I’mfine,butIdon’tthinkwe’redone,”theyoungwarriorclaims,ignoringhergroanofdefeat.Heispreparedtochaseher,butthecastersimplytrudgesalongsidehiminaccepteddefeat.“What’sthereal
reasonyouwon’ttellDelvin?I’mprettysureIknowtheanswer,butIwantyoutosayit.”
“No,yousayit.”“Fine,youbigbaby,”
Lukecasuallystates,movinginfrontofhertowalkbackwards.“Iknowyou’rescaredthatyou’lldieagainst
theBaron.You’rethinkingthatthere’snoreasontoadmityourfeelingsandstartarelationshipifyouhavenofuture.Whyadmitthatyou’reinlovewithDelvinandgivehimmoreofabrokenheartthanifhethinkshisfeelingsareunreciprocated?IdareyoutotellmeI’mwrong.”
Nyxtakesaswingatthewarrior’sshoulder,butmisseswhenhegracefullydriftsoutofreach.“Ihateyouandthatwindmovementtrickyoukeepdoing.Canyoureallyblamemeforthinkingthisway?”
“OfcourseIcanbecauseyou’rebeinganidiot.”
“AtitleI’llproudlyholdthistime.”
“Don’tholdbackfortoolong,bigsister.”
“Iwon’t,butyoupromisedtokeepyourmouthshut.”
“Youhavenothingtoworryabout.Yoursecretissafewithme.”
Thepairreachtheshutteredinn,whichisdisturbinglyquietforatimewhereeveryonestaysinside.Lightscanbeseenthroughthecracksintheshutters,buttherearenosoundsofmovementorrevelry.Nyxreachesforthepolisheddoorhandlewithafireballready
whileLukedrawshissabersandnods.Shethrowsthedooropenandisabouttohurlherspellwhenasmallblastofwaterdowsestheflame.
“Happybirthday,Nyxie!”screamallofthepatrons,mostofthemalreadydrunk.
Sarigrinsfromwhere
sheisstandingonthebarandwigglesherfingersattheblushingcaster.SheputsherhandonTimoran’sshouldertohelpclimbdown,thegypsyshowingsignsthatsheiswellintoherdrinking.Withabighug,shepullsthestunnedhalf-elffurtherintothebuildingwithLuke
followingclosebehind.“Didyouknowanything
aboutthis?”Nyxasks,whirlingontheforesttracker.
“I’massurprisedasyouare.”
“Damnit.I’vebeentryingtocutbackonmydrinking.”
“Thisisaspecialevent,
butwe’llmakesureyoubehave,”Saripromisesassheputsamugofaleinherbestfriend’shand.ShegentlymovesNyxclosertoDelvin,whoissharingabowlofapplesliceswithFizzle.“Hereisyourprotectorofbody,mind,anddignity.Treatherwell,Mr.
Cunningham,oryou’llanswertomeinthemorning.”
Delvinchucklesandgesturestowardtheemptybarstoolnexttohim.“Ipromisetobeonmybestbehaviorandkeepaneyeonourbelovedcaster.You’relookingbeautifulasalways,
birthdaygirl.”“KeepthatupandI’ll
drinktheinndrywithinthehour,”theviolet-eyedhalf-elfmutters,smilingasshesipsatherale.Thegenuinesmileonthewarrior’sgrizzledfacecauseshertoturninherchairandfaceSari.“Thankyou,littlesister.Iappreciateit.”
“BestpartisthatsinceyouwerebornontheDayofDarkness,wegettomakethepartylasttheentireday,”thegypsyhappilydeclarestotheapplauseofthepatrons.ThebartenderjoinsinthecelebrationbyclinkingtwofullmugsandhandingthemtoTimoran.
LukewaitsforNyxtolookawaybeforehepullsSaritoaquietcorner.“I’mallforthisparty,butwheredidyougetthemoney?”
“Fromyourmoneypouch,”sheanswers,amischievousglintinheremeraldeyes.“Thisiswhyyoushouldneverspeakabout
yourwealthwheninRodillen.Youneverknowifathiefislistening.”
“Ididn’tthinkyoucounted.”
Withanimpishgrin,Sarileadshimtothebarwherehesoonforgetsthatheislosingthemostamountofmoneyhehaseverhadatonetime.
*****Nyx’sstomachroarsas
sheeyesthelargecakeinthemiddleofthetable.AloneinTimoranandDelvin’sroom,thechampionssettleintotheirchairswhileFizzleperchesonthebirthdaygirl’sshoulder.Thepurpledragon’stonguestretchestowardthe
chocolatecake,butiscaughtbyadrunkSari,whonearlyputsherfreehandintheexquisitedessert.Toastedmarshmallowsfringetheedgesofthecake,thetastydecorationsembeddedinthethickchocolatefrosting.Theoncesmoothtopiscoveredintinycandlesofvariouscolors,
preventinganymessagefrombeingwritten.Buttonsofwhippedcreamsurroundthesides,thegoosothickthatevenastiffbreezeisunabletobudgethem.NyxwaitspatientlyforLuketopassouttheplatesandforks,hertonguelickingherlipsingrowinganticipation.
“Whynoapples?”Fizzleasksashesniffsatthedessert.
“BecauseNyxlikeschocolateandmarshmallows,”Lukecalmlyanswers.Heseesthelookofdisappointmentonthedrite’sfaceandtickleshisfriendonthehead.“Yousee,we
celebrateaperson’sdayofbirtheveryyearwithapartythatinvolvesacake.It’stheguestofhonorwhogetstopicktheflavorandsnacks.Ipromisewe’llmakeyouachocolateapplepieforyourbirthdaywhenitcomesaround.”
Fizzlescratcheshishead
withhistailandfluttersontothetabletogetacloserlookatthechocolatecreation.“ThenFizzlebepatient.Happybirthday,Nyx.”
“Thankyou,Fizzle,”thecasterreplies,givinghimakissonhisscalyhead.
“Theyhaveagreatkitchenhereandthecheflet
memakethecake,”Sariannounceswithaproudsmile.Sheemptiesherlastmugofalebeforesittingdown,herbodystillquiveringwithanticipation.“Ididn’tlightthecandlessinceyoulikesettingthingsonfire.So,blowthemonandmakeawish.”
“Whyarethereforty-eightcandles?”Nyxaskswithanaccusatorysmirk.Shecountsthemagaintomakesuresheisright,eachoneaboveherrealagemakingherfeellikethecakeispartofaprank.“I’monlytwenty-oneandthisistoomuchforajoke.I’msurprisedyou
managedtogetsomanycandlesonthecake.”
“I’mmoreconcernedwithSari’sinstructionsonblowing,”Lukemutters,gruntingwhenthegypsy’sfootstrikeshisshin.“Sorry.Thatwasuncalledfor.”
“Ioverheardsomeoneatthistablementionthattheir
birthdayhappenedwhilewewereintheGardenofUli,”Delvinsayswithayawn.HejerkshisthumbatTimoran,whogroansandgoesbacktohistankardofrum.“We’reafamily,bigman,sowe’regoingtocelebrate.Timoranistwenty-sixandyou’retwenty-one.Weaddedyouragesand
addedoneforCessia,whichisacustomofmypeople.Figureditcouldn’thurt.”
“Thankyou,butbarbariansdonotcelebratebirthdayslikethis,”thescarredwarriorclaims,wipinghismouthonhisleatherbracer.“Thefamilyhasacelebratorymealand,if
oneisofage,ahunt.Thisisentirelyunnecessary.”
“PleaseblowoutthecandlesafterIlightthem,bigbrother?”Nyxbegs,flashingapoutingfacethatmakesLukeandSarilaugh.Shewavesherhandandherfriendsfeelasharpflicktotheirforeheads.“Don’tmake
funofthebirthdaygirl.”“Onlybecauseitisyour
birthdayandyouaskednicely,”Timoransayswithabowofhishead.“AlsoIamcurioustoseehowthiscaketastesandIassumeyouwilldenymeasliceifIrefuseyou.”
Nyxpullsthecakecloser
andtakesadeepbreath,theshimmerofaspellappearingonherlips.Withagentleexhalefromthecaster,allofthecandlesigniteandtheflamesdanceasshesingsanElvenbirthdaysong.HerfinalwordisstillintheairwhenTimorancarefullyblowsouttheenchantedfire,
hisfearofmagicstillstrongenoughtomakehimtense.BeforeLukecancutthecake,Nyxsnatchesamarshmallowoffthetopandpopsitinhermouth.Sheleansbackwithherarmscrossedandhereyesclosed,happilysavoringthetastysnack.
“Iheardsome-”Delvin
beginstosaybeforeSaricovershismouth.
“Presents!”thegypsyyells,pullingtwosmallpackagesoutfrombehindher.Shemovesherhandandgivesthewarrioranapologetichug.“ThankyouforlettingmethrowthispartyforNyxandTimoran.You’re
suchagoodfriend,Delvin.”“Don’tmentionit,”he
sayswhilerollinguphissleeves.
“First,I’msorryIdidn’thavetimetofigureoutagoodpresentforTimoran.IdidthebestIcouldwhileweontheroad,”Sariexplains,watchingherfriendsopentheir
presents.Shereachesouttostealamarshmallow,pullingherhandbackwhentwoofthesmokingcandlesswatatherfingers.“AsforNyxie,thisisadelayedapology.Whenwewerekids,youhadafavoritetoyandIbrokeitwhenwehadafight.Inevergotyouareplacement,butI
usedsomecontacts,yourteachers,tofindonewhilewerestedinGaialastweek.”
Timoranholdsupasetofbracersandturnstheminhishands,abroadsmilegrowingonhisface.Thegiftmakeshimrealizethatithasbeenyearssincehehasboughtnewgearordoneany
definitivemaintenanceonanythingotherthanhisgreataxe.Hetakeshisold,beatenpairoffandslipsthenewonesontohisforearms,tighteningtheleatherstrapsandtuckingthemintonarrowslits.Theflexible,metal-studdedplateisfinelypolishedandhenoticesa
hiddensheatheinhislefthandbracer,completewithasimpleknife.
“Mr.Hissy!”Nyxexclaims,huggingastuffedhydradolltoherchest.Redtonguesoffeltemergefromthedarkgreentoy’ssevenheads,disappearingwhenthehalf-elfbreaksthetight
embrace.“Thankyou,Sari.IknowItoldyouitwasokaywhenwewerekids,butIwasreallyangrywithyou.Ifiguredyouwouldmakeupforitbeforeyouleft.ItakebackeverythingbadIsaidaboutyouduringthatfirstweekofmisery.”
“Mr.Hissy?”Lukeasks
withachuckle.“Italkedtoyourmother
whenwewereinHaven.Youcarriedablue,woolblanketarounduntilyouweresixandcalleditLadyMommy,”thecasterdefensivelysnaps.Sheholdsuphernewtoyandmakesitstickitstonguesoutatherfriend.“Canyoucut
thecake?”Lukecutsabigslicethat
hepassestoTimoranandasliverthathehandstoNyx.Beforethehalf-elvescanfight,thebarbarianswitchesplatesandholdshisoutforextra.Theforesttrackergiveshisfriendanotherslabandserveseveryoneelse,aware
thatDelvinispatientlywaitingtosharehisnews.Withaflipoftheknife,hefinishesslicingthecakeandgesturesforthewarriortospeak.LukeisoutofhisseatwhenDelvintriestotalkwithamouthfulofcakeandnearlychokesonthemoistdessert.Thehalf-elfgiveshimasolid
smacktotheback,whichhelpshimdislodgethefoodfromhisthroat.
“I’lltakethatasacompliment,Mr.Cunningham”Sariteases,handingthegaspingwarrioraglassofwater.“Takeyourtimeandsharethebignewswhenyou’reready.We’re
coopeduphereforatleasttwentymorehours.Norush.”
“Fizzlecansharehisnewsfirst,”theformermercenarysaysinastrainedvoice.
Thedritelickschocolatefrostingoffhislipsandsitsonthetable,histailcurledaroundhiswaist.“Fizzle
invisiblewhenstealingapples,whichallowedhear.Peopletalkaboutmistmakingheadfunny,butnotscared.Thishappenmanytimesinpast.Italwaysgoaway,soweneedwaititout.”
“Moreorless,”Delvinmentions,rubbinghisscruffychin.“CanIhavethe
CompassKey,Timoran?Iwanttotestatheory.”
“Ofcourse,butitisonlyreactingtoNyxsincewearegoingtohertemple,”thebare-chestedbarbariansays,removingtherelicfromitschainaroundhisneck.“Doyoubelievesomeonehastamperedwithittosendus
intothistrap?”“No,butIthinkwe’re
lookingforsomethingelse,”thewarriorstatesashefocusesontheCompassKey.Thesixgemstoneorbsarecoldtothetouchwhilethecentralpearlisstrangelywarm.“Inoticedwhenitsentusherethatthediamondwas
reactingalongwithNyx’sruby.SoI’mgoingtoconcentrateonitandseewhatitdoes.Getreadytosavemefrommyowncuriosity.”
TheCompassKeyhumsandthediamondspinsinthesilversetting,grindingagainstthehardenedmetal.Aflickeringillusionofthe
mistyforestappearsabovethetableandeveryonebrieflyseesaghostlyformstandinginthemiddle.DelvindropstheCompassKeywhenablood-curdlingscreechbuildsinintensity,thenoisestoppingbeforeitcanbehearddownstairs.HeshovesitbacktoTimoran,who
movesawayandstrugglestocatchhisbreath.Theartifactfallstothefloorwhereitcontinueshummingtoitselfforafewmoreseconds.
“Whatjusthappened?”Lukeasks,bravelypickinguptherelic.Hefocusesonthediamond,butstopswhenasuddenwaveofdespair
washesoverhim.“Thatwasscaryand...Idon’tknowhowtoexplainit.Almostlikesomeonewascallingouttome.”
“It’sthesixthchampion,”Delvinsaysashechewsonanotherbiteofcake.Hecovershismouthtoyawnandlooksathisstunned
friends,realizingthatthethoughtneveroccurredtothem.“There’ssomethingaboutthesixthchampionthatmakesitdifferentthanus.Idon’tknowwhatthatis,butthereareplentyoffactstoprovesomethingisoff.Thisisapersonwhosteppedontothepathbeforetherestofus,
butwe’venevermethimorher.It’sbizarreandalittleunsettling.”
“Maybethispersonhassimplybeeninadifferentlocation,”Sarisuggests,sippingatheraleandeyeingtheCompassKey.“ItcouldevenbepossiblethattheBaroncapturedthischampion
andisexperimentingonherlikeStephendidtome.Istillbelieveit’sthatwomanLukeandIsawinourvisions.”
“You’reprobablyright,Sari,sinceshedidn’tstartappearinguntilweretrievedtheCompassKey.I’msureshe’susingitasaconduittointeractwithus,”thebrown-
hairedwarriorexplainsashegetstohisfeet.Heletsoutalongbreathandthinkshardaboutwhatheisabouttosay.“Ifoundsomeotherinformation.Thebartenderconfirmedthatthestrangemisthasappearedmanytimesoverthecenturies.Eachtimeitwentaway,agroupof
adventurershadgoneintotheforestinsearchofagoblinguide.Apparently,thegoblinsareimmunetotheinfluenceofthemistandtheycanleadpeopledownasafepath.Themistdoesn’taffectanyonewhoremainsontheroad,sowecangetthroughinrelativesafety.”
“Soweneedtogetagoblin,”Lukesayswithashrug.HetakeshisfirstbiteofthecakeandpatsSariontheshoulderbeforeswallowing.“Thatshouldbeeasy.We’vehandledthembeforeandknowhowtobehavearoundthem.”
“Ithinkyouaremissing
therealpoint,”Timoraninterjects.HishandsshakeashetakestheCompassKeyandputsitbackonitschain.“Othergroupsofchampionshavegoneintotheforesttohandlethis.Theyeitherdiedthereorfreedthesixthchampiontoendthecurse.Eitherway,thispersonkeeps
endingupbackhere,sotheyaretheonlypreviouschampiontocontinuallysurvive.OnehastowonderhowoldthiswomanisandwhatinformationshehasabouttheBaronandourpath.”
“Waytokillmybirthdayparty,”Nyxmutters,drawing
everyone’sattentiontoher.Theynoticehermouthisfilledwithmarshmallowsandhervoiceiscomingfromthinair.“Sorrytobetheselfishonehere,butthere’snothingwecando.Weneedthesixthchampion,soweneedtogointotheforestandgetagoblinguide.Besides,we’re
inthedarkunlessIsaiahshowsuptogetquestioned.Solet’sstopdwellingonthisandenjoyourselves.Ifthat’snotenoughthenlookonthebrightside.We’regoingtomeetanewfriendsoon.”
Saricutsherselfanothersliceofcake,holdingituphightoproposeatoast.
“HappybirthdaytoNyx.HappybelatedbirthdaytoTimoran.Hopefullyournewfriendisaniceperson.Cheers!”
ItisanawkwardclinkingofplateswithLukedroppingtherestofhissliceonthetablewhereFizzlequicklydevoursit.Thedritegroggily
crawlsoffthetableandcurlsupontheopenfloor,swiftlyfallingasleep.TheforesttrackerisabouttopickFizzleupwhenafingertapshimontheshoulder.
“Iwanttotalktoyouinprivate,”Delvinwhisperswhilepointingattheceiling.
*****
Theroofoftheinniscoveredinhiddentraps,sothetwowarriorscarefullywalkalongthenarroweave.ThepuredarknessmakesitimpossibleforDelvintoseeanything,whichforceshimdependonLuketoguidehim.Hecanhearthehalf-elfmovingaheadofhim,butthe
stepsarescatteredandinconsistent.Therandomfootfallsaresurprisinglyfaint,causinghimtoforgettheinitialreasonfortheirprivatemeeting.Thequestionisonhistonguebythetimetheyreachaspotthattheforesttrackerissureissafetostandon.
“Whyareyourfootstepssostrange?”Delvinasks,leaningagainstthechimney.
“I’musingthewindtohelpwithmybalanceandkeepmeahairofftheground,”Lukeadmitsashetriestokeephisbreathingsteady.“Pullinganabilityoutofaspiritwithout
transformingisstilldifficult,butI’venearlymasteredStiletto’ssenses.He’seasierthanthegriffin,butthat’snotwhyyoucalledmeuphere.”
Delvingazesintothedarknesswhenaseriesoflightseruptacrossthestreet.Hehearsyellingandcursingasapairofthieveshurryout
ofthealley,theirdepartureilluminatedbythecontinuingexplosions.Oneofthemenhassmokewaftingfromhislegs,whichstillhaveafewflamesaroundthecuffs.Theotherisawomanwhoisnursingabadlyburnedarm,apparentlyignorantofthefireattheendofherlonghair.
“I’llbebriefbecauseIwantoffthisroof,”Delvinsays,hiseyesfollowingthethievesuntiltheydisappearbehindabuilding.“WhatdidyoutalktoNyxabout?Iunderstandifyoucan’ttellme,butI’mworried.Shehasn’tbeenherselfinalongtimeandIwanttoknowif
she’sgoingtoneedprotection.”
“It’stheStephenissuelikeyouandSarihavebeensaying,”Lukecalmlystates.Hegetsclosertohisfriendtoavoidyelling,awarethatpryingearsareeverywhere.“Shefeelshelplessandfearsthathe’lluseallofusto
controlher.Ihatetosayshe’sgivenupfighting,butNyxtalkslikehimwinningisinevitable.”
“That’snotgood,”thebrown-hairedwarriormutters.Outofhabit,heisabouttostartpacingwhenhisfriendstopshimwithafirmgriponhisarm.“WhetherStephen
canblockhermagicorshrugoffanydamageshecauses,weneedNyxtobestrong.Otherwise,we’llspendtheentirefightprotectingher,whichgiveshimtheadvantage.”
“That’sprobablywhathewants.”
“Idon’tfollow.”
LukeflipsoverDelvinandlandsontheedgeofthechimney,leaningcloseenoughforhisfacetobeseen.“Thisideajustcametome.It’spossibleStephenisscaredofNyxbecauseshehasthepowertokillhim.Imaginewhatshewoulddoifshecutlooseonhimandhis
powerswereunabletoputuparealdefense.Keepingherscaredandhelplesswouldpreventthis.”
Withatiredsigh,DelvinrubshiseyesandthinksaboutwhatwouldhappenifNyxunleashedherfullpoweronStephen.Anamusedsmirkappearsonhisface,butit
swiftlyvanisheswhenherememberseveryonewillbestandingnearby.Theamountofdestructionisdifficultforhimtoimagine,sohedecidesthatitwouldbenothingshortofalocalizedobliterationofeverything.DelvinshiversatthethoughtofNyxkillingStephen,herfriends,and
anythingelsethathappenstobeinthearea.
“Evenifshewasn’tscared,itwouldn’thappen.Shewouldn’twanttohurtanyinnocentbystanders,includinganimals,”heclaims,holdinguphishandtostopLuke’sargument.“Thisisapointlessconversation.I
washopingyoumadesomeprogresswithherorfoundanotherreasonshewasupset.Afterall,shewon’ttalktotherestofusaboutwhat’sonhermind.Notforanylengthoftime.”
“Youshouldconsidersittingdownandhavingaserioustalkwithher.”
“ItriedthatandallIgotwasdeflections,avoidances,andsheknockedmeintoalakewhenIpushedtoohard,”thewarriorsays,hisvoiceedgedwithfrustration.“Nyxhastofindthestrengthtocarryonanddependonusjustlikewedependonher.Iwon’tletherfallinto
Stephen’shandswithoutafight.”
“FortheloveofUli,ifStephenisgivingusthismuchtroublethenI’mreallyscaredabouttheBaron,”thehalf-elfclaimswithacrookedsmile.Thedourexpressionontheotherwarrior’sfacecauseshimtoclearhisthroat
andstopsmiling.“He’sstrongenoughtokeepStephenunderhiscontrol,whichmeanshe’sworse.Goingalongwiththeideathatwe’rebeinggroomedtofacetheBaron,I’dbewillingtobetthatStephenissupposedtoforceustothelevelofpowerandteamwork
we’llneedfortherealbattle.”DelvinslapsLukeonthe
back,hishandsweatingeventhoughtheairholdsachill.“IneverthoughtofthatandIthinkweshouldshareitwithNyx.YourtheorymeansStephendoesn’thavetobefoughtalone,whichcangivehercourage.”
Theshrieksoftheundeadcanbeheardfromtheforestanditquicklymixeswiththescreamsoftheirhaplessvictims.BothwarriorsrealizethatthepeoplewhoaretrappedinthemistyforestareeasypreyforthecreaturesthatruletheDayofDarkness.Lukegrowlsand
thesensationoffeathersrufflingaroundhisneckmakeshimshiverinanticipation.Hecansmelldecayandbloodonthefoulwind,whichmakeshisstomachtwist.
“Weshouldhavedonesomething,”theforesttrackerwhispers,hisvoiceedged
withbitternessandanger.“Thosepeoplecouldhavebeensavedifweworkedquickerandventuredintotheforest.”
“Ihatetobeacynichere,butwecouldn’thavedoneanything.AllofusareforcedtoreacttowhatevertheBaronandhisagentsdoinsteadof
takingtheinitiative,”DelvinsaysashemovesaroundLuke.Withhiseyesadjustedtothedarkness,hecanseetheladderthatwillleadhimintothealleynexttotheinn.“IguessNyxisn’ttheonlyhelplessonehere.Getsomesleepandwe’llheadoutassoonastheDayofDarkness
isover.”Lukenodsandwavesto
hisfriend,butrefusestoleavetheroof.Stretchinghislegsandcrossingthembeneathhisbody,thehalf-elfmakeshimselfascomfortableashecanonthechimney.Hespendsseveralhourslisteningtothedistantsoundsofthe
undeadhuntinginthedarkness.
2
Trinitycracksherknucklesasthepackofghoulsmeltsatherfeet,theirdecayingbodiesgettingsteadilydevouredbypotentacid.Hereyesglowadeepredtohelpherseethroughthepuredarknessandobservethecursedforestthat
surroundsher.Shecanbarelymakeouttheseparatetreesevenwithhernightvisionspell,butshecanseethethickmistdriftingthroughtheair.Reachingouttotheforest,Trinityyanksherhandbackwhenachillrunsupherarmandalongherspine.Hersightbecomeshazyand
distortedforafewseconds,recoveringonlywhenshedropsherspellandrubshereyes.
Theenhancergemsinherpalmsandforeheadbursttolifewhenthechaoselffocusesherauraonthespacesbetweenthetendrilsofmist.Ittakeshersometimeto
locatethecurse,whichridesthequickandgentlebreezethatweavesthroughthetrees.Extendingheraura,Trinitysnaresthepowerfulspell,intendingtoinjectitwithenoughmagictodoubleitspotency.Sheissurprisedwhenitbucksandbecomesviolent,thestrugglemaking
herlurchforward.Theinvisibletetherappearsasarainbowropeandshecoilsitaroundherarmstogainsomecontrol,butitonlymakesherhelplesswhenthecursepullsharder.Withanechoingcrack,Trinitystrikesatreeandthesnaresnaps,allowingthepanickedspelltoescape
intothethickeningmist.“Myfathernever
remembershowtrickythiscurseis,”Stephensays,appearingnexttothecasterasshestands.Hesnapshisfingersandthebleedinggashonherforeheadvanishes.“Ifinditdishearteningthathebarksordersandneverpays
attentiontohowthingshavechangedoverthecenturies.Theoldmanisshowinghisagethroughignoranceandanachronism.”
“Areyouheretohelpormakemylifemoredifficult?”Trinityaskswhileshesearchesforthecurseagain.Thistimesheisunableto
pinpointitslocation,drivingherselfintofrustrationandapoundingheadache.“Damnsentientcursesareapaintoalter.Oneneedsthemagicalreflexesofagodtocatchthisone.”
“OrbeaChronos,”hercompanionpointsout,clappinghands.Thesentient
curseappearsonhisarm,takingtheformofaserpentmadeofmist.“Thenagain,there’snopointindoingwhatmyfatherasked.Thechampionswillentertheforestinthemorning.Thegodshavealreadypreparedthesametrickstheyalwaysdoatthisstage,buttheydon’t
thinkwe’llgetinvolvedthistime.Letthislittleoneenjoywhatlittletimeshehasleft.”
Heflicksthecursebackintothemistyforestandwatchesitdartaway.Forthefirsttime,Stephennoticesthepuddlesofmeltedghoulsaroundhim.Oneofthebubblingpoolshasflowedto
theheelofhisblackboot,leavinganuglymarkontheexpensiveleather.Withadisgustedscowl,hewipesthedamageawayandthefoul-smellingichorsinksintothegroundwhenhelowershisfoot.Thesmellofrottingplantsfillstheairasthegrassdiesandthenearesttreeturns
black.“Yourealizethisisnow
asignthatwe’vebeenhere,”Trinityangrilysays,settingthetreeonfireandblowingtheashesawaywithawindspell.“Whydoyoualwaysmakethingsharderthantheyhavetobe?GobacktoBor’darukandleavethisto
me.”“I’msorry,butthisis
whereIneedtobe,yourhighness,”theblack-hairedmanreplieswithalickofhislips.Somethingaboutthecommongestureisdifferent,makingTrinitywonderwhatisonhercompanion’ssadisticmind.“It’satradition
thatIbeherewhenthesixthchampionwakesup.Ialwaysenjoythelookonherfacewhensherealizesshehastogothroughthesamehoopsagainonlytoendupbackhere.Itgetsmoredeliciouseverytime.”
“Whynotkillherliketheothers?”
Stephenflashesanevilgrinthatchillsthechaoselftothebone.“Thatwouldn’tbefun.ThischampionisspecialandhasbeenprizedbyGabrielandmyfatherforcenturies.Bothofthemwenttoofarwithhercreation.”
“Istilldon’tfollow.”Afaintvoiceemerges
fromtheforestandthenearbytreestwist,theirbarksnappingfromtheunnaturalmotion.Trinitycannotmakeoutthewords,butawaveofsorrowandlonelinesswashesoverher.Alldesiretocastadefensespellisdrainedfromhermindandshefallstoherknees.Herbodyshaking,the
chaoselfisunabletofightthetearsthatstreamdownherface,alongherneck,andslipunderhershirt.
“StopitorI’mcomingintheretopunishyou!”Stephencalmlyshouts.Thevoiceabruptlystops,releasingTrinityfromitsclutches.“Besttobecareful.Shegets
desperateduringhermomentsofpartiallucidity.Thosearebecomingmorecommonwitheverslumber.ThistimeshemanagedtocontactSariandLuke.She’lleventuallybeabletobreakthecurseandwakeupofherownpower.ProbablyhavetolockedherintheChaosVoidthenext
time,butI’mnottheonewhomakesthatdecision.”
Trinitystaresathercompanionassherecovershersenses.“You’retellingmethatthechampionwhomademefeelmiserableisstillasleep?”
“Herpowersarestrongerwhenshe’sasleeporina
trance.Itmakesherincrediblydangerous,”Stephenanswerswithatwingeofprideinhisvoice.Hecaressesthechaoself'scheek,wipingaremainingtearawaywithhisthumb.“Iknowyou’rewonderingwhywedon’tkillher,butallIcansayisthatshe’sspecial.Not
likeyouandNyx,sosheisn’tcompetitionformypleasurableaffections.Thethoughtofthattrulysickensme,whichisnotasensationI’musedto.”
“Canyoutellmewhatsheis?”
“It’sbetterforyoutoseeforyourself.”
Trinityfrownsandconsiderslettingthematterdrop,buthercuriositygetsthebestofherwithoutmuchofastruggle.Castingmagicsightandreachingoutwithhersenses,shesearchestheforest.Weavingaroundthevoidsthatsignifyundeadanddodgingthecrazedcurse,the
youngwomanhuntsforanythingoutoftheordinary.Withinminutes,shetastesagreatpowerthatwasoriginallymaskedbythesentientcurseandlayersofdefensivebarriers.Theinstantsheslipsthroughthefinalshield,herworlderuptsinablindinglightandher
sensesarerocketedbackintoherbody.Trinityisbarelyabletobreatheassherealizesthatshecannolongersee,onlycalmingdownwhenStephentouchesherfaceandrestoreshersight.
“That...She...It...Bythegods,shecan’tbewhatIthinksheis,”thechaos
elfwhispersinshock,herheartbeatstilldrumminginherears.“WhywouldGabrielcreatesomethinglikethat?Howdidheevenfindabeinglikethat?”
“Aninterestingstory,whichIwillhappilytellyouoveranearlybreakfast,”Stephenstateswitha
gentlemanlybow.HefeignsapainedexpressionwhenTrinitytensesandleansawayfromhim.“Ipromisetobehaveandtreatyoulikealady.I’llevenpayforthemealandallowyoutohavedessert.Itisyourbirthdayafterall.Though,Ithinkyou’veindulgedabittoo
muchinthedelicaciesoftheouterworld.”
“Beingentirelyniceisbeyondyou.”
“Yes,sogivemecreditforonlymakingverbalbarbs.”
“ThiscouldbemorefunthanIrealized.”
“Rememberthatthere
willbeadaywhenmyfatherisnolongeraroundtoprotectyoufrommyadvances,”theancientnoblemanthreatensinamenacingvoice.Hegrowlsandtakesadeepbreathbeforemeetinghiscompanion’svioleteyes.“IamtryingtobehaveandwhileIexpectyoutotake
advantageofthesituation,Iwouldhopethatyoushowmesomerespect.Ifnotrespectthenwhateveristheequivalentforsomeoneyoudislike.”
“I’llgiveyousomemildapathyandsmugenjoymentofnothavingtofearyourwrathforafewdays,”Trinity
offers,extendingherhand.Sheissurprisedwhenshefindsherselfbentoverbackwards,Stephen’slipspressedagainsthers.“LetgoorIhurtyou.”
Hereleasesherwithaplayfulspin,hishandgrazinghershoulders.“Promises,promises.Now,I’minthe
moodforagoodmeal.Thechampionsareattheportsideinn,sowe’llstayawayfromthere.Noreasontostartthefunwithoutourguestofhonor.”
Withasnapofhisfingers,StephenandTrinitydisappearfromtheforestroad.Apowerfulwindlicks
atthespotthatthepaironcestood,leavingshallowgougesinthesoil.Asifaninvisiblebeastisrampaging,thegaleripsaholeintheearthandanenragedscreamburstsfromthetrees.Thenightgoesstillastheanguish-filledvoiceechoesintothedistance,bringinganewsenseofterror
totheDayofDarkness.*****
Walkinginasinglefile,thechampionsquietlyfollowthefocuseddogthatissniffingthepathbeforethem.Thedawnisstillfreshwithpartoftheendlessdarknessstillvisibleinthedistance.Signsofthenighttimeattacks
canbeseenonthepathwithsplotchesofbloodandscrapsofpeopleleftbehindbytheundead.Afewofthecreaturescanstillbeheardwanderingamongthetrees,theirhungersatedenoughthattheyarenowinacalmingtrance.Nearabendintheroadtheyfindafarmer
inatree,themanhavingdiedfromlosinghisrightlegandtoomuchblood.Luke,intheformofStiletto,growlsandbarksatthecorpseuntilhefeelsthathehasmadehispoint.
“Thisplaceisamess,”Nyxmutters,pullinghercloaktighteraroundherbody.
“IthinkI’mgoingtobesick.”“I’veseenworse,”Sari
claims,hervoicenumbandquivering.ShewalksquickertoputherselfbetweenNyxandDelvin,thepairkeepinganeyeonthesidesoftheroad.“ThisremindsmeofwhenmyclanwaskilledandmytimeinKalam’slair.
Therewassomuchbloodduringthemassacreandbodieswereeverywhere.Duringmytimeasaservant,Ihadtocleanupalotofbloodandbodyparts.Somewerefailedzombiesandotherswere...enjoyyourbirthdayparty,Nyxie?”
“Thankyouagain.
Everybodyknowstheplan,right?”
“LetyoutalktothegoblinswhileItrynottolookmenacing,”Timorananswersfromthebackofthegroup.HeshiverswhenFizzlecovershisheadindragon’sbreath,whichdrivesthewispsofcursedmistaway.
“Thankyouforhelping.Ididnotrealizemyheightwouldposeaproblem.”
“Timoranwelcome,”thedritehappilysaysbeforegoingbacktoflyingafewinchesofftheground.“FizzlenotleaveTimoran.Staysafeincasegoblinsmean.”
“Nostealinganything
shinyforme,”Sarideclares,wigglingherfingersintheair.
DelvinadjustshiswoodenshieldandslowsdowntowalkalongsideNyx.“Ithinkyou’rebeingtoocasualaboutthis.You’refriendswithonegoblintribeandthey’remilesawayfrom
hereontheothersideoftheL’dandrin.Whatifthistribeturnsouttobemorehostilethantheothers?”
“IfthathappensthenI’llhandleitwithself-control,”Nyxassureshim,rollingaballofflamealongherknuckles.“Besides,they’reonlygoblinsandIdoubt
they’regoingtoswarmifweonlywanttotalk.Maybewecansubduethembyusingmildspellsandtheflatsidesofourweapons.Ifthegoblinsareveryprimalthenmaybewecanscarethemwhenoneattacksandisstunnedbymybracelet.”
“You’respoutingalotof
maybes,Nyx.”“AllIaskisthatyou
trustme.”“Idotrustyou,butI
wantmoreofaplan.”“Well,Idon’tfeellike
youtrustme,Delvin.”Sariclearsherthroatand
interruptsbysaying,“Canmomanddadnotfightinthe
middleofacursedforest?”Thegypsyrollshereyesattheblushingpairbeforeadding,“Ithinkthepuppyfoundsomething.”
TheadventurerswatchasLukeexcitedlyturnsinacirclewithhiswetnosetouchingtheground.TheNobleShepherdbarksata
spotwhereanarrowthicketistouchingthepath,mistcurlingaroundtheedges.Beforeanyonecanstophim,thedogpusheshisheadintothedensegrowthandhappilywagshistail.Hewigglesthroughthethicketwiththeothersafewcautiousstepsbehind,noneofthemdaring
tomakeanoise.Itfeelslikethetightthicketgoesonforamileuntilitopensontoacrudedirtpath.Thecursedmistisattheedgeofthesimpletrailandhangsinthelowbranches,forcingTimorantostoop.
Remainingintheformofhisoldfriend,Lukemoves
slowlyasheisbombardedbyscentsthataredifficulttosortout.Hecansmelltherottingfleshofundeadandthesweetscentofwildflowers,whichthrowshimintoemotionalturmoil.Rabbits,squirrels,anddeerarehidingnearby,thethoughtoftheirmeatmakingthehungrydogdrool.
ThespiritofStilettourgeshimtoinvestigate,ignoringthepresenceofthedangerousmistalongtheroad.Unabletofightthepowerfulinstincts,Lukedecidestoreverttohistrueform.Fursinksintohisskintorevealhisclothingandhisfacetransformsintothatofahandsomehalf-elf.Not
waitingforthechangetofinish,henearlytopplesintotheforestwhenhestandsonunsteadycaninelegs,butDelvinswiftlysteadieshim.
“I’msorry,”Lukewhispers,feelinghisvocalcordsshiftbacktonormal.“ThereweretoomanyscentstokeeptrackofandStiletto
wentwild.KindofpatheticthatIcancontrolagriffin,butI’matthewhimofadog.”
“Allyouneedismorepracticeandalongtalkwithhim,”Nyxtellsherfriend,usingaminorwindspelltoshovethemistbackaninch.Thesentientcursepushesbackandtakestheformofa
serpenttohissather.“We’resafeaslongaswestayonthepath.Didyoupickupanygoblinscents?”
“Itwasinthere,butIcouldn’tfocusonitintime,”theforesttrackeradmitsashedrawshissabers.Heuseshissoundsighttoscantheareaandturnsitoffoncehe
noticesthathecannolongerseethenarrow,windingpath.“MaybeIcouldhavedonesomethingifIfullybondedwiththegriffin.Icanmanipulateaircurrentstosomeextent,butIcouldbedoingsomuchmore.IthinkImessedup.”
“FizzlethinkLukedo
right,”thedriteannounces,floatingoverthegroupandshieldingthemwitharainbowfog.“IfnotfeelrightthenLukeshouldnotdo.Allfriendsunderstand.Nomoremoping.”
“Thatsumsitupprettynicely,”Delvinclaimswithachuckle.HeslapsLukeonthe
backandprodshimtocontinuewalking.“Stayalertandtakepoint.Thisisn’tcombat,soyoudon’thavetoworrytoomuch.Goblinswouldn’tattackagroupwithoursizeandvariety.NotwithoutscoutingusfirstandbetweenyouandTimoran,we’llnoticethem.”
“Orwecanlookup,”Sarimentions,pointingatthethickcanopy.
Yelloweyespeerdownattheadventurersfromthebranchesthatspanoverthepath.Theivoryhornsanddarkredskinofthegoblinscanbeseeninthefewbeamsofsunlightthatpiercethe
thicktreetops.Thecreaturespointtheirspearsandstoneaxesattheintruders,alowmurmurrunningthroughthelargehuntingparty.Theirwidefeetgripthebranchesandtheirmottledclawsleavesthinscratchesinthewood.Withaseriesofhissesandsnarls,manyofthebeasts
droptothegroundandsurroundthepath,theirbodiescloakedinthethickmist.Averylarge,malegoblinlandsinfrontofLukeandputsthetipofacrudespearagainsthisthroat.Thehuntingpartyleaderremovestheweapononlywhenthehalf-elfsheathshissabers.
“Wedon’twantanytrouble,”Nyxannounces,holdingupherhands.Sheturnstogetageneralideaofwherethegoblinsare,buttheyaretoowellconcealed.“Weweretoldthatyouknowhowtoremovethecurseonthisforest.Pleaseshowushowandwe’llgetoutofyour
territory.Ipromisethatwemeanyounoharm.”
“Cursenotharmus.Whatyougive?”asksthelargegoblinwhilescratchingthewartonhislongnose.ThecreaturepusheshiswaytoNyx,nearlyknockingDelvinoffthepath.“Whywetrustyou?”
“MyfriendsandIarethechampionsofGabrielanditisourdestinytocleansetheforest,”thecasterexplains,kneelingtolookthegoblinwarriorintheeyes.Thestenchthatwaftsofftheleaderisverypowerful,soshecreatesaninvisiblebarriertoplughernose.“I’m
sureyoudon’tlikepeopleaimlesslywanderingaroundyourforest.Thelongerthecursegoeson,themorecrowdedyourterritorywillbecome.There’sthechancethatitcanreachapointwherecity-folkfindyourwombtree.Letuspreventthatfromhappening.”
Thegoblinleansforwardwithanangrysnarl.“Howyouknowofwombtree?”
“IprotectedthewombtreeofthegoblinsnearHero’sGate.IguessyoucansayI’magoblinfriend,”Nyxproudlyanswers.Sheleapstoherfeetwhenthecreatureseruptinasymphonyof
screechesandshrieks.Thegoblinleaderrushesoutfromamongtheadventurerstoleapbackintotrees.“Wedon’twantanytrouble!”
“Youfriendswithenemy!Intruders!Elderwilljudge!”
“Itnevercrossedyourmindthatgoblintribeshave
feuds,didit?”SariwhisperstoNyx.
Thegypsymovestodrawherdaggerswhenagoblindropsfromthebranchesandknocksheroffthepath.Sari’smindisplungedintoathickfog,makingherhelplessasthecreaturestieherup.Thelarge
goblinrushesoutofthetreestotackleLukeintothemistandpinshimagainstanoak,forcingthewarrior’smouthopentoinhalethecurse.AropefliesoutofthebranchestowraparoundDelvin’sneck,thechatteringcreaturesleapingfromtheirperchesandyankinghimintothe
forest.Nyxisabouttocastaspellwhenthepackrushesforwardanddragsthecastertoherboundfriends,allofthemsuccumbingtothementalfog.
“MyfriendandIasktogopeacefully,”Timorandeclareswhileraisinghishands.Agoblintriestorush
himoffthepath,butisdrivenawaywhenFizzlewhipsitwithhistail.“Ifweareallowedtoretainoursensesthenwecanargueourcasetoyourelder.Thiswouldpreventunnecessarybloodshed,whichIpreferbecauseIdonotwanttohurtanyofyou.”
“Wecankillothers,”thelargegoblinsaysashestepsbackonthepath.
“DosoandIwillendyourentiretribe,”thebarbarianreplieswithafiercestarethatsendsachillthroughthesurroundingcreatures.
“Follow,butkeep
weapononback.”*****
TimoranandFizzlestandverystillinthemiddleofthegoblinvillageastheywatchthecreaturesgatheraroundthem.LiketheonenearHero’sGate,thehutsaremadeoutofmudandtwigswithadeeprecesshollowed
outbeneaththem.Eachwithacautiousguard,crudescaffoldsarescatteredaboutwiththickvinesrunningbetweenthem.Thegreenplantshavewide,aromaticflowersthatbloominthedarknessandattractfist-sizedfirefliesthatilluminatethevillage.Tuningoutthedinof
high-pitchedvoicesandbuzzinginsects,TimoranandFizzlestareattheenormouswillowtreewherecloudsofcolorfulpixiesdartthroughthebranches.Frog-likecreaturescalledtrimmelsleaparoundtherootsandnipatanythingthatgetsclosetotheirrazorsharpteeth.Oneof
theamphibiansmovestooclosetoabatchofmewlinggoblininfantsandisspearedbythelongnailofonethenannies,thesquealingpestswiftlydevouredbythespikey-hairedguardian.ShegrinsatFizzleandlicksherlips,makingthedriteflutterhiswingsandbarehispointy
teeth.Theotheradventurers
havebeenlockedinasimplecagewheretheymindlesslywanderinadaze,occasionallybumpingintothewoodenbars.Theirweaponshavebeenleftontheprisonerssincetheclosestanyofthemhavecometo
usingtheirgearhasbeenDelvinstaringattheedgeofhisshield.Nyxmumblesaroundthegagsinhermouth,asimpleattempttostopherfromcastingspellsduringhertrance.Flamesstillracealongherarmsandthroughherhairwheneveralookofanguishbreaksthroughtheblank
expressioncausedbythemist.Asifunderorderstostopher,oneoftheothersalwaysbumpsintothecasterandbreaksherconcentrationlongenoughforthecursetoregainitshold.
Gentlerustlinginthebranchescausesthegoblinstostopandbowtheirheads,
onlytheyoungestofthemdaringtolookattheapproachingfigure.Amusculargobliniscarefullyclimbingfromthetopofthewillow,hislimbsdecoratedwithbonesthathavebeensharpenedintospikes.Hishornsarelongerthantheothersandendinforksthat
theirownerhascarefullycutintotheivory.Thebatteredhiltofashortswordcanbeseenoverhisshoulderandpatchesofleatherarmorhavebeensewnintohischest.Withawildscream,thegoblinleapsatTimoranandlaughswhenthebarbarianmovesoutoftheway.The
elderramblesinhisnativetongue,butitisclearheismockingthelargewarriorforavoidingtheattack.
“Theynotnice,”Fizzlewhispers.
“Itwouldappearthereisgreatvarietyinbehavioramonggoblins,”Timoranreplies,watchingtheelder
puffouthischestinanimitationofthebarbarian.“ThosenearHero’sGatearepoliteandcivilizedwithadesiretobeleftalone.Thistribeisobviouslymoreprimal.IwonderiftheyareresponsibleforourperceptionofgoblinssinceIseesignsthattheyhaveahabitof
attackingtravelers.”“Whatsigns?”Timoransubtlynodshis
headtoanearbyhutwheretheglintofarmorcanbeseenthroughtheopendoorway.Fizzlestretcheshisneckandsquints,hiseyesturningadullpinkashewhispersaspell.Lookingthroughthe
wall,heseesalargecollectionofweapons,armors,andbackpacksfulloftravelinggear.Thedragoncanevenseeasmallpileofabandonedtoystuckedintothecornerofthehut.AterrifyingthoughtcrossesFizzle’smindandhesteadieshisnerveswhilewatchingthe
rambunctiouselder.Takingadeepbreath,thedritedartsthroughtheair,circlesaroundthechucklinggoblin,andsoarsbacktoTimoran’sshoulder.
“Bonesingoblinarehuman,halfling,andelf,”Fizzledeclares,earningachorusoflaughterfromthe
creatures.“Theygoingtoeatus.”
“Thatchangesthings.”“Cowardnotallowedto
speak!”snapstheelder,drawinghisshortswordandpointingitatthebarbarian.“Youandfriendsareours.Wedecideyourfate.StandthereandbequietwhileDaga
think.”“Ifindmyselfunwilling
toobeynowthatIknowyouplantoeatus,”Timoranreplies,crossinghisarmsandstaringdowntheburlygoblin.“Allwewantisaguidetothesourceofthecurseandwewillbeonourway.Theredoesnothavetobe
bloodshed.”“Youwanttoremovethe
fugue?”Dagaaskswithacruelcackle.Heboundsaroundtheareatogethispeoplewhoopingandshrieking.“Goblinswanttokeepmist.Itmakehuntingeasier.Ifitgrowthenwetakeriverandcity.Thisbeour
landandwefeasteverynight!”
“Goblinnotmakesense,”Fizzlesays,scratchinghisheadwithhistail.“Bonesinbodymakemindhurt?Fizzlenotunderstand.”
“Dragonisafool.”“Goblinisugly.”“Dragonbeeatenfirst.”
“GoblintoostupidtocatchFizzle.”
“Dragoncaughtnow.”“IsFizzle?”Thedritetakestotheair
andzipsaroundthevillage,hisbodynothingmorethanapurpleblur.Hereleasesastreamofrainbowsmokeoverpartofthecrowdand
theycollapseintoatwitchingslumber.Asthegoblinspanic,spearsandrockshurtlethroughtheairatFizzleinanattempttobringhimdown.ThenoiserisesintoadinofmadscreechesuntilTimoranroarsloudenoughtoscareeverylivingthingintosilence.EvenFizzlecatches
hisbreathanddartsbacktothebarbarian’sshoulderwherehefeelssafe.
“Idonotwanttowastemytimewithyou,”themuscularwarriorstatesinavoicethatisedgedwithanger.“MyfriendsandIrequireyourhelp.IwilltakeitbyforceifIhaveto
becauseitappearsyouarenotgivingmemuchchoice.”
“Daganotscaredofcoward,”theelderdeclares,jumpingupanddownwithhisswordheldhigh.Thegoblinslashesattheair,pretendingtoguthistoweringopponent.“Friendswillbeeatenfirst.Startwithdragon
tomakesurenotroublemade.Wetaketimewithcoward.Enoughmeatforeveryonetogetbite.Howacowardgetsobigandstrongwhenonlyrunaway?”
Thebarbarianscratchesthescarsonhisshoulderandgrowlslikeafrustratedbeast.“Whydoyouinsiston
thinkingIamnotathreat?”“Yousurrenderonpath
andavoidmyattack,”Dagaanswersmatter-of-factly.HebravelyapproachesTimoranandgrins,revealingseveralmissingteeth.“Dagaknowyourefusetohurtgoblins.Youweaksoallpowerwithme.Nothingcowardcando.”
Usingafractionofhisstrength,TimorankicksDagaandsendstheeldercrashingthroughoneofthemudhuts.TheothergoblinsswarmtowardthewarriorasFizzletakestotheairandracestothecage,coveringitinrainbowbreaththatsolidifiesintoaprotectiveshell.Witha
fluidmotion,Timorandrawshisgreataxeandholdsitsotheflatsideknocksdownseveralofhisattackerswitheveryswing.HesendsgoblinsflyingandrollingineverydirectionashepatientlymakeshiswaytowhereDagaisgroggilygettingtohisfeet.Thebarbarianchargesthelast
fewyards,sendingthecreaturesinfrontofhimscamperingforcover.
“Daganocoward!”Timoranhurdlesthe
elder’schargeandspinsaroundtobatahandfulofscreaminggoblinsoutofhisway.Hisgreataxeleavesdeepgougesinthegroundas
heswingsandmisseshisnimbleopponent.Daga’sshortswordclumsilyjabsforward,butthebarbarianeffortlesslyblocksitwithhisbracers.Theothergoblinsmoveawayfromthefast-pacedfight,draggingtheirinjuredtothewillowtreeforhealing.EverytimeTimoran
deflectsoneofhisenemy’sattacks,anechoingringdancesaroundthevillage.Thenoisecausesthetrimmelstobeginwhistling,theanimalsmistakingthesoundfortheirownmatingcall.
“WillyoubeourguideifIdefeatyou?”Timoranasks,kickingtheelderaway.He
scowlsatthesmallcutonhisboot,thedamagecausedbyoneoftheelder’sbonespikes.
Thegoblinrollsandjumpsuptohisfeet,chargingbackintothefray.“Daganotlosetocoward.”
“Dowehaveadeal?”“YesbecauseDaganot
lose.”“Excellent.”Timoranstepsoutof
Daga’sway,watchingthegrinningelderharmlesslydivepasthim.Thegoblinisspinningaroundwhentheflatsideofthebarbarian’sgreataxestrikeshimontheheadwithresoundingforce.The
elder’shornssplinter,hiseyesrollback,andhisshortswordslipsfromhishands.Withasprayofspitandamutteredcurse,DagacollapsesintothemudwhereheisflippedontohisbackbyTimoran’sfoot.
“Isthereawaytohelpmyfriends?”thelarge
warriorasksthenearestgoblin.Thecreaturejumpsandfallstoitsknees,preparingtobegforitslife.“Iwillnothurtyouifyouanswermyquestion.”
“Trimmeljuiceorreturntobigpathwillclearheads,”theterrifiedgoblinclaimsinastutteringvoice.“Igetjuice
foryourfriends.Yougetwhenyouleave.”
“Thankyou,”Timoranpolitelysayswhilesheathinghisweapon.HepicksDagaupbythelegsandslingstheunconsciouswarrioroverhisshoulder.“Ineedtoborrowyourelderforalittlewhile.Youdonotmind,doyou?”
Allofthegoblinsshaketheirheadsandbackawayfromthesmilingbarbarian.“Ithoughtnot.”
3
Lukehacksandcoughsatthenauseatingtasteinhismouth,thehalf-elfbarelyawareofthesimilarnoisesaroundhim.Hegrabsanearbywoodenpoletosteadyhimselfwhilehisheadclears,thementalfogdissipatingwithahissthatonlyhecan
hear.Thesensationofhismemoryreturningmakesthewarriorfeelgiddyandsadatthesametime.Itisasifthereissomethingimportantthatpartofhimwantstoexperienceagainandheiskeenlyawarethatitcanneverbeso.Achorusofstifledweepingcatcheshisattention
andheglancesatSaritoseethatthegypsyiscrying.NyxisalreadyhuggingtheshudderinggirlwhileDelvinleansinacornerofthecage,rubbingafewtearsoutofhiseyes.
“Areyouguysokay?”Lukeasksbeforeaharshmemoryreturnstohismind.
Hefallstohiskneesgaspingforairandpunchestheground.“Bythegods,thatwasbad.JustawaveofanguishandsorrowasifIwasrelivingFritz’sdeathandNimby’sbetrayal.Isthatwhathappenedtoallofyou?”
“Isawmyclangettingwipedoutagain,”Sari
whispers,clingingtoNyx.Herbodyisalreadyshowingpatchesoffrostinanattempttodefendagainsttheattack.“ThenIrememberedmytimeinKalam’sdungeonandgettingMirakilledandbeingtorturedand...mylifehasbeenterriblethislastyear.Whatdidyousee,Delvin?”
“RememberedthatIcanneverseemyfamilyagain,”thewarriorstates,takingadeep,cleansingbreath.HeseesaflickerofconfusiononLukeandSari’sfacesandrunsahandthroughhishair.“IthoughtNyxwouldhavetoldeveryonemystory,butIguessnot.I’mfromthe
YagervanPlainsand...aneventinmychildhoodcausedmetoleavehome.Icanneverreturnwithoutmakingtroubleformyparentsandtribe.They’veprobablyforgottenmebynow.Youseemfine,Nyx.”
“Irememberedlosingmyparents,butIfoundthem.
Everythingelse...Ijustcouldn’tfeelthesamelevelofgriefthatIdidintheactualmoment,”thecasterexplainswhileshestrokesthegypsy’shair.Sherunsaredhothandalongthecagebars,turningthewoodintoashesthatarestrewnacrossthepathbythewind.“MaybeI’mmore
brokenthanIthought.IalwaysbelieveddeathsurroundedmesinceIwasachild.Uh,whatareTimoranandFizzledoing?”
Hisbacktothebrokencage,thebarbarianisstandinginthemiddleoftheroadandglaringatDaga.Fizzleishoveringwithhis
tailwrappedaroundthegoblin’slegs,danglinghiminfrontofthetoweringwarrior.WhenDagaspitsatTimoran,heishauledhighabovetheforestwherehescreamsinterror.Thedriteslowlylowershim,occasionallypullinghimbackuptomakesurethegoblinremains
scared.Thisrepeatsitselfafewtimesbeforetheelderisreducedtoacrying,squealingmessofoilytears.
“Fizzlehavingfun,”thedritedeclaresastheothersapproach.HewavestohisfriendsandhappilyspinsDagaoverTimoran’shead.“Badgoblinabouttotellus
wherego.”“Whathappenedwiththe
goblins?”Nyxasks,herarmstilltightaroundSari’sshoulders.
“Unlikeyourfriends,thistribeeatstravelers.Theybelievethecursemakeshuntingeasier,sotheywereunwillingtocooperate,”
TimorananswersashegrabsDagabytheneck.Thegoblingrowlsandhisses,baringhisyellowteethinafeebleattempttothreatenthebarbarian.“Isuggestyourtribefindanothermeansofsustenance.IfIreturntothesewoodsandlearnyouarestilleatingpeople,Iwillcallthe
warriorsofmytribetodriveyouintotheL’dandrinRiver.Nowtelluswheretogotoendthiscurse.”
“Daganothelpwhenthreatened.Tankipromisedrewardforshowingpath.”
“TherewardisthatIdonotcrushyourheadlikeanegg,”thebarbariangrowls,
hispatiencecomingtoanend.“Idefeatedyouandearnedyourhelp.Byyourownhonor,youmustassistuslikeyoupromised.”
“Daganeversaidhehadhonor.”
SariplacesagentlehandonTimoran’sbackandsmilesatthefumingwarrior.“Do
youmindifIhurrythisalong?I’msureIcangethimtotalk.”
“Daganotinterestedinbloatedcow,”thegoblinsnaps,gurglingwhenthehandaroundhisthroattightens.Hegaspsforairwhenheisplacedonthegroundinfrontofthegypsy.
“Dagaknowyourkind.NotworkbecauseDagafindyouugly.Toomuchmeatinwrongplacesandsmelltoosweet.Cowshouldsticktocowardordogman.”
Sarirubsherhandstogetherandbreathsonherpalms,manipulatingthedropletsofspitintofrost.
Withawhisperedspell,shesmacksDagainthechestandcovershiminicefromtheneckdown.Thegoblin’steethchatterandhescreechesinpainfromthecoldthatpiercestheskinthatisnotconnectedtoleatherpatches.Makingsurethefightissuckedoutofhim,Saritakes
hertimecleaningherhandsonaragandadjustinghercolorfulskirts.
“NowI’mgoingtoletyououtwhetheryouhelpusornot.Theonlyquestioniswhatmethodyouprefer,”thegypsycalmlyexplains,strokingthegoblin’scheek.ShefrownswhenDagacries
andwhimpers,pityreplacingthefiercenessinhereyes.“Don’tmakethisanyharderthanithastobe.Idon’tenjoydoingthis,littleelder.TelluswhatweneedtoknowandI’llmaketheicedisappear.Ifyoukeeprefusingthenmyangry-lookingfriendovertherewilluseherfiremagic
toreleaseyou.Onlyhermethodwillbemorepainfulandprobablykillyou.Consideringyourtribeeatspeoplelikemeandyou’vebeenreallymeantous,I’mnotthatconcernedwithwhathappenstoyou.We’llsimplygobacktoyourhomeandgrabanothergoblin.Probably
afewifthey’reasstubbornasyou.”
“Saricanbereallyscary,”DelvinwhisperstoLuke.“ScarierthanNyx.”
“I’msurprisedit’stakenyouthislongtorealizethat.”
Theelderscreamsinpainandfrustrationbeforelettinghisheadhangindefeat.
“Daganotguide,buttoldway.Pathisinairandcanbeheardbyspecialears.Mustavoidbreathingmistorbelost.Followsongtosleeper.Wakehertoendcurse.”
“Wehavetofindawaytoavoidinhalingthemistwhilefollowingasongheardbyspecialear,”Sarisays,
earningarapidnodfromherprisoner.Sherapsherknucklesontheice,whichmeltsintowarmwater.“There’snothingelseweneedfromyou?”
“ThatallDagaknow.”“Thenapologizefor
makingTimoranmadandgohome.”
Withascowlonhisface,thegoblinbowstothebarbarianwhomerelygruntshisacceptance.Cautiouslylookingaroundthegroup,Dagainchestowardtheforest.Whennobodytriestostophim,hefallstoallfoursandracesintoathicket.Theycanheartheelder’spanicky
movementsforseveralminutes,theonlyothersoundanearbyfrogthateventuallyplopsintoanunseenpond.
“WellI’mgoingtoguessthatthespecialearspartisLuke’ssoundsight,”Delvinstates,puttingahandonthehalf-elf’sshoulder.“Youreallygetyouruseoutofthat
power.I’mstartingtowonderifwehaven’tevenscratchedthesurfaceofit.”
“Actually,I’vebeenkeepingitonatalowlevelformonths,”Lukeadmitswithanawkwardsmile.Herubsthepointedtipsofhissensitiveearsandshuddersatthesensation.“Still,myown
hearingwouldn’tbestrongenoughtohearthesong.ThebestIcandoishearheartbeatswhenIfocusonacreature.IwouldneedearslikeTimorancombinedwithmysoundsight.”
“Otherproblemiswalkinginmist,”Fizzlepointsout.
“YourmagicbreathhelpedTimoran,”Sarimentions.
Thebarbarianclearshisthroatandraiseshishand.“Ishouldpointoutthatitalsomademelightheaded.”
“IfwewereconstantlysubjectedtoFizzle’sbreaththenwe’dstart
hallucinating,”Nyxsays,bitingherlowerlipandrubbinghernecklace.Thecastermovesherhandsoverherhair,returningtheebonytressestotheirrollingappearance.“Thatmakesushelplessifwe’reattackedandanyofuswhowanderawaywillbelost.Fizzlewouldn’t
beabletokeepusgoingifwespreadout.That’sifthemistdoesn’tgetmorepotentaswenearthissleeper.”
“Pleasegivemeaminutetofigurethingsout!”Delvinrequestsashepacesfromonesideofthepathtotheother.Hecomesdangerouslyclosetotouchingthemist,buteach
timeheturnsonhisheelsandheadsintheoppositedirection.“Strangehowthebeastsoftheforestareimmunetothemist,butthegriffinandStilettoaresusceptible.Aretheyreallythatdifferentfromotherbeasts?”
“They’repartofLuke
andheremainsincontrol,soit’shismind,”Nyxanswers,aflickerofunderstandinginhervioleteyes.“Thecursemightbefocusedoncertainmentalabilitiesthatdifferentiateusfromwildbeasts.It’spossiblethatthegriffinisimmuneifshe’sinfullcontrolofthebody.Can
yougiveherinstructionsandopenyoursoundsighttoherwhileshebecomestheprimary,littlebrother?Hersensesarealotmoreacutethananyofours.”
Lukerelaxesandcloseshiseyes,lettinghisminddrifttothegriffin’sconsciousness.Theelegantbeastyawnsand
giveshimthesensethatshehasbeenwaitingforhimtopayhersomeattention.Hestandswithhismouthmoving,butnowordscomeout.Theinternalconversationgetsheated,causingthehalf-elftostomphisfootandshakehisfingerintheair.Whenheturnshishead
towardthegroundandgrowls,theycanonlyassumethatStilettohasjoinedinthediscussion.
“Thatmighttakesometime,”Delvinsays,turningawayfromthebizarredisplay.Hereachesouttotouchtheforesttracker,butpullsbackwhenthehalf-elf
triestobitehimwithamouthfullofsharpteeth.“IfLukecangivethegriffincontrolthenwecanputallofourropetogetherfortheotherpartofmyplan.WebindourselvestogetherandtrustthegriffinandFizzletoguideus.Thehallucinationswillcausetrouble,butwewon’t
beabletowanderoff.”“Thatisveryrisky,”
Timoranpointsoutwhilecheckingtheedgeofhisgreataxe.“IsitpossiblethatthereisamagiciteminRodillenthatwecanuse?”
“Areyouactuallypushingfortheuseofmagic?”Nyxasksinsurprise.
“Magicwillbeinvolvednomatterwhat,soImerelywantamoresolidplan.”
Delvinshakeshisheadandputshishandsonthebarbarian’sshoulders.Heletsgoassoonasherealizeshowfoolishhelooksinfrontofthelargerman.“Idon’tthinkwehavethetimetohuntfor
somethingthatmightnotexist.Besides,we’dhavetodealwiththethieves’guildandthat’smoretroublethanit’sworth.”
“Iunderstand,but-”thepowerfulwarriorargues.HestopstalkingandeveryonefollowshisgazetoLuke.“Thatdoesnotlookgood.”
Wherethehalf-elfoncestoodisagrotesquecombinationoffur,feathers,scales,metal,andlimbs.TheycanonlywatchinhorrorasLukestrugglestosortalloftheparts,hisbodybecomingmoredeformedeverysecond.Spurtsofvenomflyfromhismouthwherelongfangsgrow
andpiercehislowerlip.Apointedtaileruptsfromthemiddleofhisbackandsplitsintoagoldenfanthatflapslikeauselesswing.Unleashinganungodlynoisefromhisthroat,theforesttrackerpullshimselfbackintohistrueform.
“WhatinZaria’sname
areyoudoing?”Nyxasks,carefullyapproachingherfriend.
“IfIcombinemultiplespiritualaurasintoonebeingthenI’llbeimmunetothecurse,”Lukegasps,wipingsomeremainingvenomfromhishealedlips.“Shesaidit’scalledachimera.It’srisky,
butshethinkswecanpullitoffandconfusethecurse.Ifitgoesforthemind,it’llbecastoutbytheotherpsychesbeforeitcanenthrallevenone.Theonlyproblemisthattwoofthespiritsarebeingdifficult.ThegriffinandStilettoaren’tgettingalongwiththemeither.That’s
sayingalotsincethosetwoarealwaysarguing.”
“YouonlyhaveStilettoandthegriffin,”Sarisays,pullingNyxawayincaseLuketriesagain.“Whoorwhataretheothertwo?”
“AsnakefiendwhosetailspikeIhaveasatrophyandtheSwordDragonI
bondedwithonce,”thehalf-elfcasuallyreplies.Heavoidstheworriedstaresaimedathim,focusingonthespiritschurningwithinhisbody.“IpromisethatIhavethisundercontrol.I’mnotgivingtheSwordDragonmuchofafootholdandthesnakefiendisn’tsmartenoughtotake
over.They’rejustbeingdifficult.Trustmeonthis.”
Delvinsighsandturnsaway,unwillingtowatchthetransformation.“You’regoingtodothisnomatterwhat,soItrustyou.IwillsaythatIdon’tlikeit.”
“I’mnotenjoyingthiseither.Standback,everyone.”
Takingadeepbreath,Lukefocusesonthespiritsandslowlyentwinesalloftheiraurasaroundhisown.HetakestheformofStiletto,whogrowstothesizeofanadultlionandsproutswingsofbrownfeathers.Ashisheadturnsintothatofaneagle,ascalytailgrowsout
ofhishindquartersandcurvesoverhisbody.Withaviolentspasm,Luke’swingsshedtheirfeatherstorevealapristinegoldthatfoldsagainsthisheavingsides.Arubytriestosproutfromhisforehead,butherearsbackandscreechesinrage,forcingtheSwordDragonfurther
intothebackofhismindandaura.Thebizarrecreaturesettlesdownandeyestheawestruckadventurerswiththebrownandgoldeyesoftheirfriend.
“Let’sgetthisoverwith,”thechimerasaysintheyoungwarrior’svoice.
*****
ThesongthatLukefollowsisunnervingandresemblessomeonewhisperingadepressinglullaby.Therearenowordswithinthetune,butitdoessoundlikeitisbeingmadebyahumanvoice.Visually,themysterioussongappearsasawhitetunnelwhereskeletal
facesoccasionallyloomoutofthesides.Manytimesthepathbringsthemtopeopletrappedwithinthecursedforest.Thevictims’facesaremaskedbydistortedvisagesthathissandscreamatLuke,someevenappearingtospintheirowners’headsaround.Infuriatedbythenoisy
distractions,thewarriorroarsbackatoneofthefigures.Withfadingshrieks,theuglyfacesplitsandtheelfithadbeenattachedtodropsdead.Fortherestofthejourney,LukerefusestoacknowledgethevictimseventhoughtheSwordDragongleefullyurgeshimtoputthemoutoftheir
misery.“Lukedoingokay?”
Fizzleasks,bathingtheothersindragon’sbreath.HewatchesNyxmumbletoherfingers,thehalf-elfgettingangryatherleftthumb.“Fizzlekeepingbreathlow.Ithelpwithcurse,butnotcausepanic.”
“That’sgoodbecauseIdon’tthinkIcanhandlethemthrashing,”Lukegrowlsinagutturalvoice.Histailswaysintheair,comingdangerouslyclosetojabbingTimoranwhokeepstryingtograbthevenomousspike.“Stilettoandthegriffinarebehaving,buttheSword
Dragonisreallypushingmylimits.Thesnakefiendkeepsswitchingsides.I’mscaredaboutwhatwillhappenifIstayinthisformfortoolong.”
“Whathappen?”Thechimerashudders
andaripplingofmetalscalesrunsdownhisbody.Patches
ofsnake-likeskinappearbeforethebrownfurenvelopesthemandshedsthesteelyplates.Forafewseconds,histailbecomesthatofadog,whichwagshappilyinTimoran’sface.Withanurgentroar,Lukeyankstheextremityawayfromthebarbarianandkeepsitoutof
reachwhileitturnsbackintothedeadlyspikeofasnakefiend.
“ThelongerI’minthisform,theharderit’llbetoreturntonormal.IcouldgetstucklikethisorbetrappedastheSwordDragon.Thegriffinsaidtherewouldbeabigrisk,butIdidn’twantto
worryanyone,”Lukeexplains,hisvoicestrainedandgrowingdeeperwitheveryword.Hebreaksintoaloppingrunaspanicsetsin,buttheunsteadywalkingoftheothersslowshimdown.“Whydoyouhavetokeepdosingthemwithyourbreathweapon?They’retiedup,so
itisn’tliketheycanwanderawayifthecursetakesahold.”
“Fizzlebreathcanbedispelledwhensleeperfound,”thedritecalmlyreplies,givinganotherblasttoDelvin.Thewarriorgrinsandholdsouthisshieldarmtopetacreaturethatonlyhe
cansee.“Cursemakefriendsuselesswhenwereachsleeper.IfLuketrappedthenweneedothershelp.”
“You’reright.Icanbarelykeepmymindclearwithallthearguing.It’shurting.”
EveryonejumpswhenNyxbreaksintoaloudsong
andSarijoinsinbyrhythmicallyclappingherhands.Asthesurpriseperformancegrowslouder,DelvinwhistlesandTimoranhumstomatchthebeat.Luketakesadvantageofthejauntytuneandmovesatafasterpace,ignoringtheSwordDragondaringhimtoturnits
flamingoreattackonhisgiddyfriends.Thesongcontinuesforseveralminutesuntilaroareruptsfromtheirleftandablackbearcrashesthroughtheunderbrush.Theenragedpredatorchargesdirectlyattheforesttracker,thescentoftheunnaturalchimeradrivingitssenses
crazy.“No!”Lukeyellsasone
ofhismetalwingsstretchesout.Hefailstostophisbackmusclesfromflexing,whichflicksthewingenoughtobeheadthebear.“I’mnotgoingtoeatit,youevilbastard.Iswear,I’mnevercallingonyouagain.IfIcan
findawaytodestroyyourspirit,I’lldoit.Eventhesnakefiendisupsetwithyouanditdoesn’tunderstandwhytherestofusaresoangry.”
“Lukeokay?”Fizzleaskswhilecautiouslyflyingaroundtofacethechimera.Heisscaredatthesightofsharpteethinthecreature’s
beakandapairoffiery,redeyes.“Weneedfindwaytoreachsleeper.Lukelosingfight.”
“Thatfoollostthesongandhissensesarescattering,”growlsafeminineversionofLuke’svoice.Witharoaringscreech,theteethfalloutandtheeyesturngoldenbrown.
“OurfriendandthestubborndogisbattlingtheSwordDragon,soIhavetakencontrolofthebody.Drasticmeasuresareneededtoendthisjourney.”
“Fizzledowhatgriffinask.”
“Keepupandmakesuretheropeholds.”
Thegriffin’sbodyspasmsanditswingsshatter,themetalfallingawaytorevealsoftfeathers.Withaviolentrushofwind,thebeastsmashesthroughthethickcanopyandsoarsintotheafternoonsky.Thehallucinatingadventurersarepulledbehindthegriffin,all
ofthempretendingtoflyandmakingvariousbirdsounds.Aroaringscreechripsthroughtheairinanattempttosilencethem,butinsteadtheyimitatethenoblebeast.
“Makethembequiet,”thegriffinsternlyrequests.Fizzlepassesoverhisfriendsanduseshisrainbowbreath
totemporarilysilencethem.“Thankyou.ThisshouldonlytakeamomentandIwilltrytobegentlewiththem.Iwouldhavedonethisearlier,butIdidnotthinkLukewouldhavesuchaproblemwiththeotherspirits.Yourfriendsmaybebumped,bruised,andshakenbythe
endofthis.”Stretchinghersenseof
hearingandcombiningitwithLuke’spowers,thegriffinfocusesonlocatingthesongthatwillleadhertothemysterioussleeper.Onceshefindsit,shedivesbackintothewoods,draggingacheeringtrainofadventurers
behindher.Theirwhoopsturnsintoloudcurseswhenthegriffinsmashesthroughthetreesanditspassengersarebatteredbybranches.OnlyFizzlenoticestheamusedsmileonthepowerfulbeast’sfacebeforesheheadsbacktowardtheclouds.
*****
Thecracklingofenergyripsacrosstheskyasthechimerapiercestheglisteningbarrier,whichrecoversassoonasthelastoftheadventurersissafelythrough.Fizzleisquickenoughtocushionhisfriendswithapillowofsoftwind,buttheirscreechingguidecrashesinto
thesolidground.Wingscrackandtwistasshehelplesslythrashes,herbodycontortedbythebattleofthefivespirits.Blackfursloughsofftobereplacedbyscales,whichpoptorevealafreshpelt.Thebeast’stailgrowsandturnsintothemetaltailofaSwordDragon,poundingat
thegrassuntilitfallsoffattherump.Withanagonizingscream,theentirebodyshrinksandLuketakeshistrueform,butwitharubyembeddedinhisforehead.
“Fizzlewakeothers!”thedriteannounces,castingaspellonhistail.Herapidlysmackstheothersintheback
ofthehead,joltingthemoutoftheirhallucinations.“Lukeintrouble!Fakedragontakeover!Lukenotwarnusofdanger!”
“I’mgoingtokillhimafterIsavehim,”Nyxgrowls,racingovertotheforesttracker.Sheisknockedbackwhenhespitsafieryorb
atthegroundinfrontofher.“Atleasthe’sfightingthething.ThoughImighthavetodosomethingdisgustingtosavehim.”
“What’sthat?”Delvinasksashecutstheropeoffeveryone.
“Icanshutdownhisaura.”
“Icannotletyoudothat,”Timoransnapswithagutturalsnarl.“Thatisatrueviolationofhisenergy.Onlythemostevilofcreatureswoulddothat.”
Nyxdeflectsanotherfieryorb,thedeadlyprojectilehurtlingintothesky.“Ididn’tsayIwantedto
doitorthatIwouldenjoyit.Iagreethatit’saterrible,horrificthingtodotoaperson,butI’mwillingtodoittosavehim.I’dratherhavehimaliveandhatingmethanushavingtokillhimbecausehisbodyistakenoverbyamonster.”
“HowLukestoplast
time?”Fizzleasks,landingonDelvin’sshoulder.
SaridashesbyNyxandspinsoutofthewayofanotherattack,thegypsyswiftlymakingherwaytothehalf-elf.Withashimmeringenchantmentonherlips,shekisseshimdeeplyandfeelshisbodyrelax.Tastingafew
bittertearsrollingdownhischeeks,SarimaintainscontactinthehopesofherlovespellgivingLukethestrengthtowinthefight.ShebreaksawaywhenaloudcrashstartlesherandseveralhandsofforceyankhertoNyx’sside.Touchingherlips,Saristaresatthesightof
Timoranpushingagainsttheforesttracker’shands,whichhavebecomemetallicdragonclaws.Thestrugglingbarbarianroarsinthehalf-elf’sfaceanddeliversasolidkicktothegroin,sendinghisfriendcrumplingtothemattedgrass.
“Hetriedtokillme,”the
gypsywhispersasNyxhelpsherstand.“Didyouhavetohithimthere?”
“Iwasnotinthepositiontobekindandhisgutwasprotectedbymetalscales,”Timoranreplies,cautiouslywatchingtheinjuredwarrior.Hechucklesatathoughtthathedecidestoshare.“Itisnot
asifyouwereusingthatpartofhimlately.Wewillgethimtoahealerbeforeyouhaveneedofhisservices.”
“Youknowit’sbadifTimoranisnervousenoughtomakeajoke,”Delvinmutterswithawrysmile.Hedrawshislongswordandrollshisshoulder,causingFizzleto
takeflight.“Wherearewe?”Thewarriorkeepsaneye
onLukewhileturninghisattentiontoacanopybedsittinginthemiddleofthesereneclearing.Thewhitecurtainsareboundbygoldencordsandthewoodenframeisuntouchedbytheelements.Ebonysheetsaretightaround
thethickmattress,thefabric’sephemeralshineshiftingbeneaththegentlysleepingformontopofthem.Tuckedunderacrimsonblanket,theonlymovementfromthefigureisthesteadyrisingandfallingofherchest.Theonlyvisiblepartofthewomanisherhead,silverhairsplayed
acrosstheivorypillows.Witheverybreathofthesleeper,thesoothingscentofcherries,vanilla,andchocolatefillstheclearing.Wheneverthemysteriouswomanbreathesin,thesmellchangestothatofastagnantpond.
“We’rewiththesleeper,”Nyxsays,smackingDelvin
ontheshoulder.“Sheisn’tgoinganywhere.WeneedtogetLukeundercontrolbeforehetransformsintoaSwordDragonandkillsus.”
“Heseemsincapacitated,”thewarriorrepliesashegesturesatthegroaninghalf-elf.ThesightofLukecurledupandholding
hisstomach,makesDelvincringeinsympathy.“Youreallyhithimhard,Timoran.”
“Tobehonest,Iusedverylittleofmystrength,”thebarbarianadmits,scratchinghisheadinconfusion.
FizzletakesaquicklookatLuke,dartinginandoutof
hisfacewithinafewseconds.“Lukesweatyandgrowly.Notsoundlikerightpain.”
“He’salsoholdinghisstomachinsteadofhisgroin,”Saripointsout,drawingtwocurveddaggers.“Thisisn’tgoingtogowell,isit?”
Nyxcracksherknuckles,herrighthandcoatingitselfin
blackauraandherlefthandshimmeringwithwhite.“I’msorry,Timoran,butIhavetodosomething.Thereisamoredifficultandprecisemethodtosavehim.IfIrememberthespellsinvolved,thisshouldworklikeanaurascalpel.I’llsimplyextracttheSwordDragonfromhis
body.”“Niceandgentle,right?”
Delvinnervouslyasks.“Ofcourse...he’ll
live.”Theopposingenergies
cracklebetweenherfingersasshewalkstowardsLuke.Theforesttrackerjumpstohisfeetandroarsatthe
approachingcaster,metalwingspainfullyburstingfromhisback.TherubyinhisforeheadglistensashishandsbecomerazorsharptalonsandhechargesatNyx.Withascreamofrage,sheducksundertheclawsanddivesforwardtoslamheraura-coatedfistsintoherbest
friend’schest.HerswirlingspellspulsethroughLuke’sbody,whichviolentlyshuddersanddistortsasitresiststheburrowingmagic.Anear-piercingscreameruptsfromthewarrior’smouthbeforetheSwordDragon’sspiritisejectedfromhim.Acorneroftheclearingis
bathedincrimsonandgoldfogthatsettlesonthegrass.
“ThatwasharderthanIthought,”Nyxgasps,collapsinginaheap.ShegruntswhenLukefallsontopofher,butneitherofthemhavetheenergytomove.“Problemsolved.Let’swakeupournewfriend.”
“Notjustyet,Nyxie,”Sariwhispersassheinchestowardthecaster.
Theadventurersmovetodefendthefallenhalf-elvesfromthespectralSwordDragonthatrisesfromthecolorfulfogandshakestheforestwithaheavyfootstep.Thesolidifyingbeastspitsa
swarmofghostlyorbsthatTimoranbatsoutoftheair.Fizzlecastsaquickspelltosendthemintothesky,thedritescaredofbeingcaughtinthemiddleofaforestfire.Everyoneduckstoavoidaslashofthemonster’stail,whichsheersoffthetopofthecanopybed.Withasurge
ofpower,thenarrow-bodiedSwordDragongrowstoitsfullheightandshattersthebarrieraroundtheclearing.Itspreadsitsgoldenwingsandshredsthesurroundingtreesasitsaurafinishestakingacorporealform.Whenaredgememergesfromitssteelyforehead,thebeastunleashes
arainofflamingorbs.“Youarenotwanted
here,creature,”awoman’scalmvoiceannounces.“Therestofyouarecordiallyinvitedintomyworld.”
Withoutwarning,blindingcracksoflightripplealongtheSwordDragonanditscreechesinagonizingpain.
Partsofthebeastdisintegrate,leavingthetoweringcreaturewithgapingholesinitscrumblingform.Nolongerinterestedinbattling,themonsterattemptstoescape,butoneflapofitswingssendsthemcrashingtotheground.Alloftheadventurerscanfeelatremorinthepitof
theirstomachsasifsomethingispullingattheircore.
“What’sgoingon?”Delvinasks,kneelingnexttoNyx.Heglancesoverhisshoulderatthesleeperwhoremainsmotionless.“Whatisshe?”
“Ihavenoidea!”the
casterrespondsastheSwordDragon’sspiritcollapsesintoitselfandexplodes.
4
Themarblewallsarewhitewithpulsingveinsofcrimsonandapurelightflowsthroughtheopenwindows.Silkcurtainshavebeenleftuntiedtowaveinthesoothingbreezeandcaressanyonewhowalksalongthehallway.Withevery
gentlegustofwind,thesmelloflavenderandsandalwoodentersthepristinebuilding.Beautifulstatuessitinevenlyspacedalcoves,eachoneofalong-hairedwomanholdingeitheraswordoragoblet.Herclothesdifferfromstatuetostatue,someevenportrayingthefigurenaked.
Bannersofwhitewithasolitaryglowingstaremblazonedoneachonehangfromtheceilingbeamsandremainmotionlessevenwhenthewindtouchesthem.Onlyafewroomsrunoffthehallway,buttheirwoodendoorsareclosedandlocked.Thevoicesofthoseinsideare
lowandmuffledtothepointwhereonebarelynoticestheyarethereafterafewminutes.
“He’sstartingtowakeup,”Sariwhispers,dabbingamoisthandkerchiefonDelvin’sforehead.“How’sTimorandoing?”
“Iamawake,”thebarbarianrespondsashe
standsandgroans.Heslumpsagainstthewall,enjoyingthefeelingofcoolstoneonhisskin.“ThisappearstobeaZariantemple,butitseemsdifferentthantheonesIhavevisited.Unlessweareinasectionthatdoesnothavethecolumnsandstainedglasswindowsonetypicallysees.”
“It’stheZarianMonasterythatwaslostintheGreatCataclysm,”Nyxanswerswhilestaringoutthewindow.ShetakesaseatonthesillandgesturesforTimorantojoinher.“Takealookoutthereandyou’llsee.”
Outsideisabeautiful
gardenthatsurroundsastar-shapedpondwhereducksswimaroundinsearchoffood.AyellowstonestatueofZariastandsinthemiddleofthewater,herdressgivingofftheillusionofswayinginthewind.Thecourtyardissurroundedbythree-storybuildingsofflawlessmarble
andclayrooftiles,eachoneidenticalexceptforadifferentcoloredleafembeddedinthedoor.NyxandTimorancanseeacollectionofwoodenhutsalongthenearbyhillwherecows,sheep,andgoatsgrazeundertheeyesofatrioofyoungshepherds.Asolitarycavesitsatthetopof
thehill,butitistoofarawayforthemtoseeanydetails.Everyflickerofmovementwithinthegapingentrancecanbemistakenforatrickofthelight,butNyxissurethereissomethingalivewithintheshadows.
Themiddaysunmakesitdifficultfortheobserversto
keepstaringintothedistance,sotheyturntheirattentionbacktothecourtyard.White-robedfigureswearingcrimsoncrownsofleavesgoabouttheirchores,cleaningthegroundsandtendingtotheflowers.Anelderlywomansitsonawoodenbench,herpalmsfacingupas
shepraystoZaria.Twoyoungerpriestsrunthroughthecourtyardwithsteamingcauldrons,thepairgettingyelledatwhenevertheliquidinsidesloshesontothealabastercobblestones.Othersarebeatingthedustfromcarpetsandusingtheirspellstocastthebillowing
cloudsintothesky.Itisnothingmorethanthedailyactivitiesofthemonastery,butsomethingfeelsstrangeaboutwhattheyareviewing.
“HowdoyouknowthisisbeforetheGreatCataclysm?”Timoranasksashelooksdownthehallway.Apriestesswalksoutofa
nearbydoor,goingaboutherbusinessasiftheadventurersarenotthere.“Strangethatwewerenotseen.”
“Zaria’sorderstoppedusingisolatedplaceslikethisafterWindemerechanged.Shefeltitwasmoreimportantforherfollowerstobeamongthepeople,”Nyx
explains,reachingdowntotakeDelvinbythearmandhelphimstand.Sheeaseshimagainstthewindowandtriestocoaxthewindtocoolhimdown.“Idon’thaveanymagichere.Howaboutyou,Sari?”
“Notathing,whichhasmeworried,”thegypsy
replies.Hereyesgrowwideandshegrabsthehalf-elfbytheshirt,nearlytearingitdownthemiddle.“Luke!Idon’tknowwhyIforgotabouthim,buthe’snothere.”
“MaybehewasmissedbytheblastsincehewasunderNyx,”Delvingroans,hisvoiceraspyandharsh.
Thewarriorpullsoutawaterskinfromhispouchandtakesalongdrinktoeasethepaininhisthroat.Hestaresatthebagwhenhenoticesthatitdoesnotgetanylighter.“IremembersomeonesayingwewereinvitedandthentheSwordDragonspiritexploded.Therewaslightand
...that’snotimportantrightnow.Itseemswe’vebeensentintothepast.Stephenmusthaveputatraponthesixthchampion.He’saChronosafterall.”
“Idon’t-”NyxbeginsbeforesheisinterruptedbySari.
“ThatmeansLukeis
alonewithhimortrappedsomewhere.We’remissingFizzletoo!”
“He’sright-”thehalf-elftriesagain.
Delvin’scoughingfitcutsheroff,givingthewarriortimetovoicehisopinion.“Thatmakessense.FizzleandLukearethetwo
thatcanhurthim.So,Stephenputthemsomewhereelseifhesentthemintothepastatall.I’mwillingtobetFizzlestillhashismagicandthat’showwecangethome.”
“Whatisthepointofsendingusintothepastwhenwewouldonlyappearatthepointwhereweleft?”
Timoranasks.Histemplesthrobashetriestowraphismindaroundtheconceptoftimetravel.“Unlesswereturnattheapproximatepointwherethetimewespendhereisaddedtothetimeweleft.Doesthatmakeanysense?Imustadmitthatthisentireideadoesnotmakeanysense
tome.”“Shutup!”Nyxscreams
infrustration.Thehallwayshimmersandquakesatthecaster’srage,themotionwrenchingeveryone’sstomach.“We’renotinthepast.Nosuchmagicexistsunlessthegodshaveit,butthere’snoevidenceforthat.
Thesearememoriesofsomeonewhowasaliveduringthistime.Haven’tyounoticedthatpeoplehavecomewithinsightofusandnotreactedtoourpresence?That’sbecauseeverythingislockedinplaceandnothingwedocanchangethings.”
“ThenLukeandFizzle
musthavewokenupfirstandwanderedoff,”Sariguesses,feelingfoolishforjumpingtoconclusions.“Thatdoesn’texplainwhyIcouldn’tremembereitherofthem.Whodowelookforfirst?”
“Fizzle’soutside,”Nyxstateswithatiredgroan.
Theadventurersgather
aroundthewindowandscanthecourtyardforthedrite.IttakesthemafewsecondstonoticeFizzledartingaroundalargeappletreeonthefarsideofthegarden.Hedesperatelysnapsatthecrimsonfruit,hishungrywhimpersignoredbythosearoundhim.Everyattackis
metwithanemptymouthandthetantalizingfruitremainsdanglingamongtheemeraldleaves.Withapout,Fizzlelandsonabranchandstickshistongueouttolickamoistapple.Hecrieswhenallhecantasteistheairandhestompshisfoot,whichcauseshimtopassthroughthetree.
Thedritefallsintothebushesbelowandcrawlsoutlookingdejected,histaillimplydraggingbehindhim.
“Sowecaninteractwiththesceneryaslongaswedonottrytoharmit,”Timorancasuallysays,holdinghisgreataxeintothesunlighttogetFizzle’sattention.Heputs
theweaponawayintimetocatchtheexciteddrite.“NowweneedonlyfindLuke.ThoughIwonderwhyheleftusundefended.”
“Lukenotleave,”Fizzledeclares,hoveringabovehisfriends.Hecoughsandyawns,hiseyelidsfeelingheavy.“Handsreachfrom
floorandtake.Lukenotlookgood.Furandfeathersandscalesandpain.FizzlenotsurewhereLukego.”
“Maleorfemalehands?”Delvinasks,strokinghischin.
“LikeNyxhands,butnotrough.”
“Hey!”thecastersnaps.
Thewarriorpolitelyholdsuphishandtosilenceherandturnsbacktothewindow,hiseyesnarrowingashepeersatthedistance.Heseesapairofstarsstreakacrossthesky,buthelosesthemintheblindingsun.Blinkingthecolorfulspotsaway,helooksdownintime
toseeavaguelyfamiliarfigurestepoutofabuildingandmovethroughoutthecourtyard.Theyounggirlisnotastallaswhenhesawherintheclearing,butthesilverhairmakesherstandoutamongthefollowersofZaria.Thebeautifultressesrolldowntoherankles,never
touchingthegroundevenwhenshecrouches.Unlikethepriestsandpriestesses,sheiswearingapurewhitedresswithlongsleevesandnoshoes.Amobofchildrenrunaroundthegirlasshebalancesapileofbooksinherarmsandgracefullywalkstoalargeelm.
“ShebroughtLukesomewhere.Maybetohealhim,butIcan’tbesure,”Delvinwhispers,pointingthesilver-hairedgirlouttotheothers.“ThesixthchampionhasbeenaroundsincebeforetheGreatCataclysm.Herpowermustbeincredibleifshe’sbeenaliveforsolong
andnotagedmorethanadecadeortwo.AtleastI’mguessingfromthebrieflookIgotofherfacewhenshewassleeping.We’vealreadyguessedthatotherchampionshavebeencalledupon,butthisisonewhohassteppedontothepath,failed,andisalivetotellthetale.Tobe
honest,I’mmoreconcernedwiththewhythanthehow.StephenandtheBaronmustwanttokeepherinvolvedforsomereason.”
“Perhapstheyfearamorepowerfulchampionbeingcalledupontoreplaceher,”Timoransuggestswhilehestretcheshisarms.“Thisis
amysterytobesolvedlater.Weareinthiswoman’smemoriesforareason,whichIbelieveistowakeher.Sheisawareofourpresenceandprotectiveofherthoughts.Lukemusthavebeenarisktohermindduetotheconflictingspiritswithinhisbody.Sheremovedhimto
avoidmentaldamage.Nowwemustdiscoverhowweproceed.”
“Hey,silverhairedladywiththekids!”Sariscreamsasshejumpsontothewindowsill.Thegypsywavesanddancesforeveryonetosee,stoppingwhensherealizesthatnobodyhastaken
notice.“Thesearenothingmorethanmemories,sowehavenocontroloverthepaththatwetake.Theforestcursewasdesignedtokeepeveryone,butus,awayfromthisgirl.Thatmakesmethinkthisismoreofanintroduction.Herstorymustbetoodifficultandimportant
totellinatraditionalway.Allwecandoiswanderaroundandfindawaytomoveforward.”
Afemalevoicecauseseveryonetojumpanddrawtheirweapons.“Watchwhatbefallsandtragedywouldleadyoutome.”
Theskyisengulfedin
flamesandlightningstrikesalloverWindemere,oneboltshatteringthenearbyhill.Thelivestockissenttumblingintothegapingholealongwithtwooftheshepherds,thethirdsentcareeningoverthehorizon.Thunderrumblesfromeverydirectionandthegroundshakeswithenough
forcetoknockseveralstatuesover.Everyoneisscreamingandrunningforcoverwhenaterrifyingcrackdrownsouttherestofthechaos.Themonasteryslumpsandslidestowardagrowingchasmthatisdevouringthecoastallandscape.Thosewhodidnotgetinsidequicklyareunable
tokeeptheirfootingandtumbleintotheabyss,theirscreamingprayerstoZariaabruptlysilenced.Withashriekingcrunch,oneofthebuildingsbreaksfromitsfoundationandfallsintotheravenouswhirlpoolwithallofitsoccupants.ThecentralstatueofthePurityGoddess
soonfollows,smashingseveraltreesasitrollsalongthecobblestones.
Theadventurerswatchinhorrorastheyounggirlwithsilverhairandseveralofthechildrenfalloutofthefirstfloorwindowsofabuilding.Scramblingtostayonherfeet,shetriestosavethe
wailingkidsastheentirebuildingcrumblesintorubble.ThegirlscreamsforZariaandcursesthegoddess’snamewhilethestoneandbodiesareconsumedbythechasm.Onesurvivingboyiswithinherreachandshedivestocatchhishand,butafamiliarblack-
hairedfigureappearstograbherbytheneck.Stephensneersashekicksthechildintotheabyssandvanisheswiththescreechinggirl.
“ThatwastheGreatCataclysm,”thevoicestoicallytellstheadventurers.“LikeWindemere,Ilostalmosteverythingthatday.I
couldfeeltheiraurasfadeawayandIwasunabletosavethem.Thesadpartisthatthiswasonlythebeginningofmysuffering.Iapologizeforwhatyouareabouttosee,butitmustbedone.”
Asearingpainripsthroughtheirmindsandthe
screamofstaticfillstheirsenses.Thechampionscollapseamongtheslidingwreckage,whichpassesthroughthemandintoWindemere’sopenwounds.
*****Sarigroansassherolls
ontoherbackandapointyrockjabsherintheshoulder.
Shesitsupandfeelsthecold,wetgroundagainstherpalms.Theskyisfilledwithstormcloudsthatmoveliketheyarealive,theglimmerofgoldenlightningplayingalongtheiredges.Gettingtoherfeet,thegypsycanseethatNyxandDelvinarestillunconscious,butTimoranandFizzleare
sittingonaflatboulder.Sariwrinkleshernoseatthestenchofdecayasshetakesaseatnexttoherfriends.
Herbreathiscaughtinherthroatwhenshelooksoutuponthedesolatelandscapeofswampsandrockyoutcroppings.Shadowyformsmoveinthedistanceand
flashesoflightningrevealtheiremaciated,cobaltbodies.Adancingfiguremovesamongthem,hergreenhairwrithingaroundhernaked,blackandwhitebody.Everyfewminutes,thestrangewomantouchesoneofthechaoselvesandunleashesaspell.Sometimes
theworkerdropsdeadandothertimestheyarerejuvenated,butthereisnopatterntowhattheeeriefigureisdoing.SariinchesclosertoTimoranwhenYolaBiggsleapsacrossthecontinentandlandsinfrontofthem.TheGoddessofChaoscocksherheadtothesideand
reachesoutforthegypsy,stoppingwithinaninchofhernose.Withachildishgiggle,shevanishesinapuffofblacksmokethatfallstothegroundandcreatesapatchofburpingmushrooms.
“Whowasthat?”Sariasks,hervoiceshaking.
“Idonotknow,butI
sensesheisanotherpowerfulforcethatwewillhavetofacebeforewefighttheBaron,”Timorananswers,glancingoverhisshoulderattheirsleepingfriends.“IhopeNyxandDelvinwakesoon.Iworrythattheyhavesufferedpermanentdamage.”
“Yourfriendsweremore
wornthantherestofyou,soIdecidedtoletthemrest.Don’tworrybecausetheywillstillknowwhatyouseehere,”asmallvoicesaysasasilver-hairedgirlappearsbetweenthepair.SheleansonTimoran’sshoulderandreachesoutwithabarefoottotouchSari’sbluetresses.“I
didn’tnoticeitthefirsttimewemet,butyou’resobeautiful.Iseenaiadbloodandgypsyclothes.Suchagorgeouscreature.”
“Thankyou,”Saricautiouslyreplies.“Iloveyourhair.”
Fizzleyawnsandhoversinfrontofthegirl’sfaceashe
guesses,“Silverchildissleepingchampion.Thisyourmind.Whatweshouldsee?”
“Mypast,mytorment,andmyduality,”shewhispersasglisteningtearsstreamdownherface.
“Whatareyou?”Timoranasks.
“Thechildwhowas
nevermeanttobe.Aweaponbuiltbytwomentouseagainsteachother,”thegirlreplies,hervoicefilledwithsorrowandpride.ShegetscomfortablebetweenTimoranandSaribeforepullingFizzleontoherlap.“Intruth,Idon’tknowwhatIam.MuchliketheBaronand
...him,Iamsomethingunique.YoursleepingfriendsrealizedthatbeforeIpulledyouintomyessence.”
“Youmeanyourmind,”Sarinervouslymentions,thehaironthebackofherneckstandingup.“Thisisyourmind,right?”
Thegirl’seyesturnpure
whiteandherhairappearsmetallicassheraisesherhands.Shewigglesherfingerstopartthestormclouds,revealingachurningseaofenergy.Thelandscapeshineswithanetherealglowasthedarkstonesandgnarledtreestransformintorawmagic.Thechaoselvesand
YolaBiggsaregone,leavingbehindpillarsofaurathatpatientlywaittobeusedagain.Onlythegroundbeneaththefouradventurersremainssolid,buttheycanfeelittwistinaconstantattempttochange.Withtwosnapsofherfingers,thegirlreturnsthelandscapetoits
formerstateandgoesbacktoscratchingFizzle’sneck.
“Mymindandmyauraarethesamething,”shedeclareswithasmirk.Shepicksadeadscaleoffthedriteandflicksitintoapoolofputridwater.“Ipromisethatyourquestionswillbeansweredwhenwemeetin
theflesh.PleaseletmecontinueshowingyouwhatIwishforyoutoknow.Myenergyislimitlesshere,butmypatienceisnot.I’msorry.Thatsoundedveryrudeandthreatening.”
“Weapologizeforwastingyourtime,”Timoranclaims,cuttingoffSarifrom
arguing.Hecanseeworryinthegypsy’semeraldeyesandcomfortinglypatsheronthehead.“Canyoutelluswhathasbecomeofourotherfriend?Thehalf-Elvenwarriorwhocantransformintothespiritsofbeasts.”
“Icouldn’tlethimsuffer,soIbroketherulesofthe
game,”thegirlexplains,placingFizzleonSari’slap.Shecurlsintoatightballasifterrifiedofbeingstruck.“I’monlysupposedtomeetwithyoulikethisandnotgiveaide.LukeCallindorhadtwistedhisauratoapointwherehecouldnotrepairitonhisown.Hewouldnot
havedied,buthewouldhavebeentrappedasachimera.Afterall,thatiswheresuchcreaturescomefrom.Theyarespiritchannelerswhowenttoofarandcanneverfindtheirwaybacktotheirtrueform.I...IrefusedtoletthathappenwhenIfelttheloyaltyandlovethatallof
youholdforhim.ItwasapowerfulcombinationofemotionsthatIhaven’tfeltincenturies.SoIbroketherulesandtookhimtomycorewherehisauraisbeinghealed.Iwillnotbepunishedifyoubreakthecurse.”
Sarihugsthegirlwithallherstrength,usingher
immovabilitytopreventthestartledchildfromescaping.“Thankyousomuch.Ipromisewe’llwakeyouupandyou’llneverbepunishedagain.Pleaseshowuswhatyouwantustosee.Idon’twanttowasteanymoretimegettingtotherealyouandLuke.”
Hereyeswidewithpanic,thegirlvanishesinSari’sarmsandtherumblingstormgrowsquiet.AtrioofvoicesgraduallygrowsuntiloneofthemiseasilyrecognizedasStephen.Asiftheireyesighthasbeenenhanced,TimoranandSariclearlyseetheimmortal
sittingatawoodentablesetontopofacrumblinghill.AcrossfromStephenisthesilver-hairedchampion,whoappearstonowbeinherlatetwenties.Theyoungwoman’swhiteclothesarecoveredindirtanddriedblood,whichisalsoonheralabasterfaceandexposedarms.Theshineof
herhairisgoneandreplacedwithadullnessthatseemsunnatural.Withafeeblecoughandashiver,sheraisesherheadtostareattheelegantnoblemansittingbetweenherandStephen.Theman’sblackhairshimmersinthelightandhiseyesholdacrueltythatchillsthe
adventurerstotheircore.Hisruffledshirtremindsthemofportraitsfromtheancientdayswherepracticalitywasexchangedforeye-catchinggaudiness.
“Arewedonewithheryet,oldman?”Stephenasks,lazilyswinginghislegoverthechairarm.“Thismustbe
thetenthtimeyou’vehadmebringhertoyou.That’stensetsofdeadchampionsandyoustillwantthisonealive.Sheisn’tanyfun,oldman,sowhydoyouinsistonstringingheralong?”
“BecausetheBaronenjoysmysuffering,”thewomanwhispers,glaringat
thegrinningman.“Mytortureentertainshim.”
“Now,Dariana,Idonotwishtoseeyouinpain,”theancientwarlordsayswithatendervoicethatcatchesTimoranandSarioff-guard.Hereachesoverwithaglovedhandtotouchthechampion,healingher
wounds.“Youareaveryspecialplayerinthisgame.Iholdyoudearlyinmyheartbecauseofyourrole.Ifanyoneenjoysyoursuffering,itisGabriel.Sowhydoyoustillrefusetojoinmyside?”
“Thatisn’thowthisworksandyouknowit,”Darianaangrilysnaps.Atthe
soundofStephenchuckling,shepushesthetableandknockshimoffhischair.“I’machampionandthatisthesideIhavetostayon.Youhadyourchancetorecruitandcorruptmelongago,soyouonlyhaveyourselftoblameforthesidethatI’mon.”
“Sohighandmighty.Asifachampionisbeyondcorruption,”Stephensaysashegetstohisfeet.HeappearsnexttoDarianaandslamsherheadagainstthetablewithenoughforcetoputherthroughthesolidwood.“Youshouldstoptalkinglikeyou’resuperior.Itmakesme
angryandforcesmetohurtyou.”
Withnosignofangeronhisface,theBaronhissesaspellthatsendshissoncrashingthroughanearbytree.Severalfallenbranchestwistandwraparoundtheyoungernobleman’sbody,theirendsburrowingintothe
ground.Cursingatthetopofhislungs,Stephenstrugglesagainstthebondsandisstruckbylightningifhetriestousehistimepowersforanythingmorethanhealing.Withawaveofhishand,theBaronhealsDariana’sfaceandplacesthedamageonherattacker.
“WhathaveItoldyouaboutstrikingher?”theimmortalwarlordcalmlyinquires.HestandsandmovesbehindDariana,placinghishandsonhershoulders.“Treatthischampionwithrespectbecausesheisnotentirelylosttous.Iwillalwayshold
outhopethatshewillrealizehertrueroleintheseevents.”
“Shehitmefirst,”Stephenchildishlygrowls.
“Youbrokemyarmyesterday,”Darianaretorts.
“Onlybecauseyouturnedmyeyesightofflastweek.”
“Youlockedmeina
roomwithmydeadfriends.”Stephenlaughs,cringing
atthepaininhisshatterednose.“Theyweren’tyourfriends.Isawhowtheyhatedyoubecauseofwhatyouare.Don’tstarttellingusthatyoucaredaboutthemanymorethanyoucareaboutawaitresswhobringsyouyourmeal.
Eventhatisbeingkindsinceshewouldserveapurposeinyourlife.”
“Stopthisnonsense!”theBaronshouts,shakingtheentirecontinent.HeclencheshisfistandthebranchesaroundStephendissolve,allowingthenoblemantoreturntohisseat.“Thisisone
ofthefeweventsofthegamethatIgettoenjoy.Iwillnothavesomechildishfightruinthismoment.Ifyouinsistonkillingeachotherthendoitonthebattlefield.”
“Justkillmeandletanotherrisetotakemyplace,”Darianabegs,tremblingundertheBaron’s
piercinggaze.Shewipesherfacewiththebackofherhand,amixtureoftearsandmucusonherflawlessskin.“Iwantthistobeover.AllIcandoiswaitinsolitudefornewchampionsandjointhemwhenGabrielcallsforme.Hisnewhanddoesn’tevenlikeme,sohemakesmewait
somuchlongerthanthelastone.”
“Iunderstandyourpain,child,butIcannotkeepyouhere.Itisagainsttherules,”theBaronwhispersintoherear.Hegivesheragentlekissontheheadbeforemovingbacktohisseatandclaimingapomegranatefroma
porcelainbowl.“Iamnotblindtoyoursuffering.Ifanything,IshareyourpainandanguishbecauseIamtrappedtoo.TheGreatCataclysmgavemeShaydtoruleover,butitisnothingmorethanabiggerprison.ManydaysIwishIcouldsleepandlivewithinmy
dreamsinsteadofeternallywaitingforGabriel’spawnstoproveworthyofthefinalbattle.”
“Ifyoucaresomuchthenyoushouldputhertosleepandmakeustheonestobringherintothegame,”Stephensuggestswhilerepairinghisface.Seeingthe
sparkofcuriosityinhisfather’sebonyeyes,heleanshiselbowsonthetableandletshisguarddown.“Letherdreaminaforestwhereshecanonlybedisturbedbythechampions.Ofcourse,weshouldn’tmakethiseasyandGabrielwillhavetofigureoutawaytogetthemthrough
ourbarriers.IwouldrecommendtheMistyFuguethatyouusedtoprotectyournortherntreasurehordebackintheolddays.Notalethalspell,butthepredatorscanmakeeasymealsoftheamnesia-strickenvictims.Ifourenemiesdecidetoavoidherthenwecanwakeher
ourselvesanddeliverhertohernew...friends.”
“Excellentidea,Stephen.Itrustyoucanhandleit,”theBaronsayswithasmile.Hetakesabiteoutofthefruit,revelingintherarechancetotastesomethingsweet.“Doyouagreetothis,dear?Thealternativeiswanderingthe
worldaloneandwaitingtobecalledonforanotherfailure.”
Darianastandsforthefirsttime,herlegsnearlygivingoutasshebracesherselfagainstthetable.Gainingstrengthwitheverystep,sheslowlymakesherwaytoStephenandlookshimintheeye.Shesmirksatthe
sweatbeadingonhisforehead,butherconfidencedropswhenhepatronizinglypetsheronthecheek.ThegirlmovesawaytoglancearoundShayd,herattentiondrawntoabandofchaoselvescoweringunderarockyoverhang.Pityandsorrowfillherheart,mixingwiththe
fearandlonelinessthathavebeenhercompanionsfordecades.Thethoughtofbeinglostinherownmindwhereshecanblockthepainofherpastbecomestootemptingforhertorefuse.
“Iagreetothis,buttherewillbenointrusionsonyourpart,”Darianastates,
extendingherhandStephen.“Iwillbelefttomydreamsandcreatethemonmyterms.Idon’twantyouplayinggamesinsidemyhead.”
“Inthatcase,youareforbiddenfromhelpingtheotherchampionswhileslumbering,”theBaroncountersbeforehissoncan
agree.Thewarlordtossesapeartotheyoungwoman,thefruitfallingperfectlyintoheropenhand.“Ifwearenottogetinvolvedinyouraffairsthenyouaretostayoutofthegameuntilcalledupon.Breakingthisrulewillgiveuspermissiontopunishyouinyourdreams.Dowehavea
deal?”“PleasesayyesbecauseI
wantyoutoslipup,”Stephenwhisperswithagrin.
“Deal.”StephenandDariana
disappearassoonastheirhandstouch,leavingtheBarontoenjoytherestofthefeastthatseemstomaterialize
asanafterthought.ThenoblemanstaresatTimoranandSari,histhumbstrokinghischinasifheistryingtomakeuphismindaboutthem.Risingfromthechair,theBaronappearsinfrontofthechampionsanddrawsanelegantlongsword.Thedeadlypointrepeatedlyleaps
fromthethroatofthebarbariantothechestofthegypsy.Itissuchaquickmotionthatneitherofthemknowwherethebladereallyis.
“You’reeventerrifiedbyaharmlessmemoryofhim,”theBaronsaysinDariana’svoice.Heshrinksand
changesintothesilver-hairedwoman,whoiswearingasatingown.“Thatdoesnotbodewellforyou.Still,allofyouappeartobeyoungandonlytwoofyouhavereachedfullmaturity.Interestingthatit’sonlythewomenandoneofthemisn’tevenusingallthepoweratherdisposal.”
“Areweallowedtomoveon?”Timoranasks,hismouthstilldryfromfear.
Withoutaword,Darianarisesintotheskyandpullsthestormcloudsapart.Thechurningaurathatisinplaceofthestarssinkstowardtheground,absorbingeverythingthatcomesincontactwithit.
SarigrabsFizzleasTimoranrushestopickupNyxandDelvin,bothofthemfearingthattheywillgetseparated.Hemakesitbacktothegypsytotakeherhandamomentbeforethehotenergyenvelopestheentireworld.
*****“Abouttimeyoushowed
up,”Lukesayswithamouthfuloffood.
Thechampionsfindthemselvesinanendlessspanofwhitewithnowaytotellwherethehorizonsits.Nyxisthefirsttotakeaseatatthelargetablewheresheseesmorefoodanddrinkthanshebelievescanexistonasingle
surface.Everytimeshelooksatthetable,sheswearsanewdishhasappearedwithoutpushinganyofthepreviousitemsoffthecirculartable.TheothersjoinherwithSaritakingaseatnexttoLukeandstealingalegofwhatshethinksischickenfromhishands.Onebitemakesher
moaninecstasyeventhoughthefoodtastesnothinglikethemeatsheexpected.Notwantingtowastetimegrabbingherownfood,thegypsyclaimsthehalf-elf’splateandhandshimheremptyone.Heisabouttoarguewhenhenoticeshisfriendsarepatientlywaiting
foranexplanation.“Ifitmakesyoufeelany
better,Ionlywokeupfiveminutesbeforeyouappeared.Iknowaboutwhatyousaw,butit’shazy,”theforesttrackersayswhilepilingfoodonhisplate.Hereachesforaplatterofsmallsteaks,whichmovesclosertohishand.
“So,whatarewesupposedtodonow?”
“Youeatandregainyourenergy,”Darianastatesasanimageofherappearsnexttoeachofherguests.SheseesFizzleflittingaroundthetableinsearchofapplesandasmallerversionofherappearsonhisback.“Imadeaspecial
tableforyou,littledragon.Ireadhowmuchyouloveapples,soIhavetypesfromalloverWindemereandhistory.”
Arecessedtablerisesoutofthefloorandatoweringpileofapplesgrowsfromitssmoothsurface.Therearekindsofeverycolorandsize,
includingoneatthetopthatisshapedlikeacrimsoncrescentmoon.FizzledroolsonTimoran,whoisunfortunateenoughtobesittingbeneaththehoveringdrite.WithasmallnodfromthetinyDariana,thedragondivesintothedeliciousstackandsendsafewbouncing
ontothefloor.Thefallenfruitreappearinthebowl,whichgrowstoaccommodatethedrite’ssloppyeatinghabits.Fizzle’sfirstbiteisfromapurpleapplethathashoneyatitscore,whichcauseshimtogolimpandblissfullynestleamongthefood.
“Thisfeelsawkward,”
Delvinclaimswhiletakingasipofdeliciouscoffee.HereachesouttotouchhisDariana’sarm,buthishandpassesthroughher.“Ithoughtso.You’renothingmorethanaphantominhere.AmIwronginguessingthattheonlysolidversionsofyouarethoseinyourmemory?”
“Thatdoesnotmakesense,”Timoranmentionsfromacrossthetable.“ThechildversionthatappearedinShaydwasabletotouchus.”
“Ihuggedher,”Saripointsoutwhiletastingasweetwine.“Shewasn’tpartofthememory,butshewasn’tdefinitelysolid.”
“Allofyouarecorrect,”theDarianassayinunison.TheybowtoeachotherandpointattheonestandingnexttoNyx,whocontinuestalking.“Mypastisdoneandunchangeable,sotheyaremore...solid.Ifyouattemptedtointeractwithmymemoriesthenyouwouldbe
theonetobecomeaghostandpassthrough.YetIcantouchyouandletyoutouchmeifitisafocusedimagelikethechild.ThisissomethingIcanonlydowhenIhavevisitorsoraminthemindofsomeoneelse.”
“LikewithmeandSari,”Lukeinterjects,leaningback
inhiswide-backedchair.“Sariwasanaccident
whentheCompassKeywasreactivated,”theyoungwomanexplainswithakindsmiletothegypsy.“IsoughtLukeoutintentionallybecauseIfelthimcallingforhelp.Ishouldnothavehelpedyou,youngCallindor,butit
didnotfeelrighttoleaveyousuffering.Oh,I’msorryifmywordsgiveyouthewrongimpression,Sari.Ihavenoromanticintentionsonyourlover.Iknowhowjealousyou’vebeengettingrecentlysinceyouandLukehavetriedtostopyourrelationship.Itmusthurtsomuch.”
Theblue-hairedgirlblushesandstaresatherplate,takingafewdeepbreathstoremaincalm.“Areyoureadingmymind?”
“Allofyourhearts,minds,andpastshavebeenlaidbareforme.”
Apieexplodesandapotofsoupbubblesoverasa
circleofflamesurroundsthesmallgroup.Theflamesturnfromredtoblue,theircrestsreachingforaceilingthattheywillneverfind.Fizzleburrowsintotheapples,hiseyespeeringoutatNyxwhosefaceisredwithanintenserage.Sweatrunsdowneveryone’sbodyand
theygladlydrinkicewaterthatappearsinfrontofthem.Withaloudsnap,thefireturnstoaromaticsmokeanddriftsintothedistance.NyxglaresatthenearestDariana,butissurprisedtoseethatsheiscrying.
“I’mreallysorry,”thesilver-hairedwomansays,her
bodyturningtransparent.Shekneelsnexttothehalf-elfanddesperatelyclaspsherhands.“I’msolonelyinhereandeachofyourmindswascallingtome.Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,mymindandhearthasbeenleftopentoyou.AllthatIamisinyourmindifyouseekforit.”
“Thatdoesmakeitalittlemorepalpable,”Delvinadmitsasheusesaforktoscoopsomepieoffatrayofyams.Withashrug,helicksthegoldengooofftheutensilandissurprisedatthetangyandtarttaste.“That’sanewflavor.Sohowmuchdoyouknowaboutus,Dariana?Do
youknowallofoursecrets?”“Youholdnosecrets,
DelvinCunninghamtheMercenaryPrince,”shereplieswithafriendlysmile.Foraninstant,Dariana’ssmileturnsintoalookofapprehensionandsheglancesaroundthetable.Herwhiteeyesgrowblueirises,the
colorreminiscentofcloudlessskies.“Idon’tknowofanywaytoprovewhatIknowwithoutsayingthingsthatIshouldkeephidden.There’sthelovebetweenLukeandSari,whichI’msureeveryoneknowsabout.Timoran...IwillmakeaspecialcaseforyouandpurgewhatIknow
frommymindonceIamawake.”
“Thankyou,”thebarbarianstateswithasighofrelief.“Whynotdoitforallofus?”
“It’sadangerousprocedureanditwillincluderemovingthispartoftheconversationfromeveryone
else.Iwouldonlydoitincertainsituations.Willyouwakemeupnow?”
“IwanttoknowwhatNyxie’ssecretis,”Sarimischievouslyreplies,grinningatherchildhoodfriend.“Consideritatestofournewfriend’sdeclaration.It’sallbeenvaguestatements
andsayingwhatanymindreadercouldgetwithasurfacescan.”
TheDariananearSariscowlsatthegypsywhiletheonenearNyxrubsherknucklesagainsthertemples.TheonlysoundsareofFizzledevouringapplesandLukeservinghimselfaslabof
cake,bothnoisestravelingthroughoutthewhitevoid.Floatingintothemiddleofthetable,alloftheDarianasmeettowhisperandargueoverwhattodo.Theirwordsarehiddenfromtheothers,butthegesturesshowthatallofthemareannoyed.Oneofthemjabsafingerinto
another’sface,resultinginanechoingsmackinthehead.Beforeafightcanbreakout,thequietestofthemopenshermouthtoreleaseascreamthatonlytheotherscanhear.Withanodofherhead,thevictorreturnstoNyx’ssideandbowsherhead.
“Iwillnottellyour
secretslikeyourfriendwants.Iknowwhatsheisafterandshecangetthatinformationonherown.Itwillbemorefunforherthatway,”Darianaannounces,turningherheadtoSari.Thegypsyholdsupherhandsindefeatandgoesbacktoherwine,frowningwhensheseesthatithasbeen
replacedbywater.“Wouldyoubesokindastowakemeup?WemustbeofftoBor’darukandI’mcurioustoseewhatitislikethesedays.Ihavenotbeentothesoutherndesertsinnearlytwohundredyears.”
“Howdowewakeyouup?”Lukeasks,wolfing
downhisfoodinfearofitbeingtakenawayanysecond.“Eatquicker,Fizzle,becausewemightbebackintheforestsoon.”
“Lukehavegoodidea,”thedritemumblesfrominsidetheapplestack.
TheDarianasglancefromthewarriortothe
dragonandtheonenearTimorancuriouslyasks,“Aretheynormallylikethat?”
“Theyhavetheirmoments,butLukegetsfamishedifhechangesformtoomuch,”thebarbarianreplies,pouringhimselfanothercupofwhiskey.“Thenagain,youprobably
knewthatalready.Iworrythatweareatadisadvantagewithyou.Atleastwheninsideyourmind,soIwouldliketoleave.”
“Iapologizefornotmentioningthisearlier,”Dariananervouslysays.Shecringesatthegroansfromherguestsandnervouslywrings
herhands.“I’mnotpermittedtotellyouhowtoundomycurse.”
“Thenhow-”Delvinbegins.
ThewarriorstopswhenNyxgetstoherfeetandcreatesaballofaurainherpalm,happytohaveaccesstohermagicagain.Aknowing
smileappearsonherDariana’sfaceandshepolitelyacceptstheorb.Thewomanshimmersasherbodyisabsorbedintotheenergy,makingNyx’sfieryauraappearwithafringeofsilverlight.
“Shesaidwecanlookatherpastandmindtoo,”the
half-elfstateswhileshesitsdownandcatchesherbreath.Herheadisswimmingandshecanbarelykeephereyesopen,thesleepinesstellinghershemadetherightdecision.“Thatmeanswe’reconnectedatthedeepestlevels.Theonlythingwedon’tsharewithheristhe
curse,whichiscomingfromheraura.Ifwegivehersomeofourenergythenshecanpurgeherselfofthecontaminationandwakeup.It’sacommonmethodofsleepingcurseremoval.Hurryupandwe’llbeoutofheresoon.”
Delvinisthefirstto
followNyx’sexamplewithayelloworbthatisnearlythesizeofhishead.Likethecaster,hispowerfulauraappearsaroundhisbodywithasilveredgingthatisbarelynoticeableagainstthepurewhite.OnebyonetheothersgivesomeoftheiressencetoapatientlywaitingDariana
untilonlyTimoranremains.Hestrugglestocreateanorbfromhisminimallevelofmagic,hisfearofcastingspellsmakingitdifficult.Growlinginfrustration,thebarbariangetstohisfeetandholdsbothofhishandsout,butonlymanagestocreateaflickeroforangeenergy.
Withnootherideas,hedrawshisgreataxeandfocusesontheweapontogathertheneededaura.Adense,coin-sizedballoforangeauraappearsalongtheedgeandhehandsittothepatientDariana.HefrownsatthelaughterandapplausefromLukeandSari,butthecorners
ofhismouththreatentoturntheexpressionintoaproudsmile.
“Thankyou,mynewfriends,”thefinalDarianawhispersbeforevanishing.“Iapologizeforthediscomfortthatthenextstepwillcause.”
Thewhiteareadissolvesandtheadventurersfindtheir
sensesareswirlingaroundaterrifyingvoid.Forasecond,Delvinseestheforestthroughsomeoneelse’seyesandnoticesthathisbodyhasbeenbound.Sarifeelsthesoftnessofamattressbeforethetouchofgrassstrikesherbarelegs.Nyxcanbarelyfocusontheareaaswhatevershehas
mergedwithzipsaroundtheclearing,themotionmakingherthinksheisafly.Beforetheirmindssnapfromthepressureofbeingtossedaroundmultiplebodies,alowmumblingrollsthroughthetreesandpusheseachofthechampionsintotheirproperform.Theireyesopentofind
themisthasvanishedandtheyhavebeenwrappedinenchantedropes.
“Goodafternoon,dearchampions,”StephensayswhileheholdsNyxbythethroat.Heliftsthegroggyhalf-elfoffherfeet,loweringherwhenTrinitysmackshisside.“Asyoucansee,we
decidedtorestrainyouandItookthelibertyofclaimingatrophy.Howwasyourmeetingwithintheheadofourmutualfriend?”
“WhatdidyoudotoNyx?”Sariasksassheslipsoutofherbonds.Thegypsyimmediatelyfreezes,herhandgentlypressingadagger
againstherownthroat.“Youcowardlybastard.Letmego!”
“Hedidn’tdoanything.Theropesandyourcurrentsituationisallme,”Trinityanswerswithawaveofherhand.Theamberropesaroundherrivalbegintodisappear,butsuddenlygrow
tighterwhenherfingerstwistinunnaturaldirections.“Thathurt,Stephen!Fixmyhandandletmedropthespell.Youdon’tlikeitwhenyourwomenandyourenemiesareunabletofightback.”
“True,butshe’sawakenow,”hereplies,hungrilylickinghislips.“I’msureshe
hasafewgoodscreamsinher.Thelookonherfriends’faceswillbepricelesstoo.”
StephenreleasesNyxatthesametimehesmacksTrinityintheface,sendingthechaoselfintoatree.Thesoundofherimpactismuffledbyacushionofairthatshecreatesagainsther
back,butsheisstilldazedfromtheinitialblow.Impressedbyhiscompanion’sreflexes,StephencasuallyturnsbacktoNyxandreceivesasolidpunchtohismouth.TheunexpectedattackholdsenoughforcetomakehimleanawayfromDariana,who
picksoneofhisteethoutofherknuckles.Sheswingsherlegathisheadandheputshisarmsuptoblock,buthisopponent’slimbdisappearslikeahazymirage.Unabletodefendhimself,thestrongkneetohisstomachcausesStephentodoubleoverandgaspforair.Notwantingto
fightanymore,hedrawshisbastardswordandaimsitatNyx,whichforcesDarianatostepinfrontofthecaster.Theblack-hairedmanmakesaplayfuljabandissurprisedwhenthechampionkickstheweaponfromhisgrasp,herbarefootunharmedbytheedgeoftheblade.
“You’restillanannoyingweakling,”Stephenstates,hisweaponreturningtoitsleatherscabbard.HerubshisstomachashechecksonTrinityandhealsherminorinjuries.“Iguessyou’rebackinthegame.Ican’tsayI’mhappytoseeyousincewe’vebeendoingthisdancefor
centuries.”“LeavemyfriendsandI
alone,”Darianademandsinaquiveringvoice.
“Yourfriends?”“Yes.”“Doyoureallywantto
makeitthateasy?”“Pleasedon’tsayit.”Withacruelsmile,
Stephenclapshishandsandthebondsaroundtheadventurerssputteroutofexistence.HestaresatDarianawhoremainsbetweenhimandNyx,thecasterbathedinfirethatripplesaroundherbody.Turningonhisheel,theimmortalnoblemangrabs
Trinitybythearmandtheyvanishfromtheclearing.Theadventurersrelaxandreleasetheirheldbreaths,butdrawtheirweaponswhenStephenreappears.
“Ialmostforgothowbadyouareatintroductions,”hesays,grinninglikeademon.Hebowstothesilver-haired
championashisbodyfadesaway.“MayIintroduceallofyoutoDariana...Kernaghan.Enjoyyournewfriends,littlesister.FatherandIwillbewatchingyouasusual.”
5
Darianasitsontheedgeofherbed,herwhiteeyesnervouslydartingfromonepersontoanother.Hermusclesachefrombeingpushedsosoonafterwakingup,herrightcalffeelinglikeitisstrained.Thepainisawelcomedsignthatsheisno
longerasleepeventhoughthetensionintheairnearlychokesher.Thewomanistemptedtoreadtheirsurfacethoughts,butknowsitwouldonlymakehersituationworse.Itisdifficultenoughtoignorethesensationssheisfeelingfromtheotherchampions’mixofemotions,
whichcallouttoDarianalikesirens.NyxandDelvinareespeciallyhardtoputoutofhermind,soshefocusesonhummingtheharpsectionofherfavoritesong.Shestopswheneveryoneglancesather,theireyesholdingmorecautionthanwarmth.
“I’llsaytheobvious,”
Delvinannounces,leaningagainstatreewithhisarmscrossed.“Ifearthisisatrap,butitmakesnosenseifitis.DarianaisobviouslythesixthchampionandStephendoesn’tlikeher.”
“Thatcouldbetoingratiatehertous,”Timoranpointsoutfromwhereheis
sittingontheground.“Iamsorry,Dariana,butweneedtobecautious.ItmakesnosensetomewhyGabrielwouldputthedaughterofourgreatestenemyonourside.”
“That’stheonlypartI’vefiguredout,”thebrown-hairedwarriorinterjectsbeforetheirnewcompanion
canspeak.“It’stotakeapowerfulweaponoutoftheBaron’shands.HealreadyhasStephen,soDarianawouldbetoomuch.Thesidesneedtobesomewhateven.”
“Icanexplainifpeoplewishformetospeak,”thenervouswomanoffers,meeklystaringatherfeet.
Sarieyesherwhilejugglingthreedaggersandhermoneypouch.“Youdon’thavetoaskpermission.Beingtimidisn’tgoingtoendearyoutous.Ifanything,itmakesyoumoresuspicious.Sodroptheactandbeyourtrueselflikewhenwewereinyourhead.”
“But...thisistherealme,”Darianareplies,hersilverhairshimmeringwhensunlighthitsit.Shestepsawayfromthebeam,fearingthatsomeonemightthinksheisusingherpowerstodistractthem.“Everyoneisstrongerand...betterintheirownmind.Mypowerisgreatest
whenI’masleep,sothatiswhereI’mmoreconfident.Intherealworld,I’mafreakofmagicandthedaughterofanevilman.Ihaveverylittlereasontobebraveherebecauseitwouldgiveoffthewrongimpression.”
Fizzlelandsonhershoulderandissurprisedat
thewayshetenses.Hestretcheshisbodytostareintohereyes,whichhenoticesaredisguisedbyathickcoatingofsolidaura.UnderneaththelayeredillusionsareblueirisesidenticaltoStephen’sandadepththatmesmerizesthecuriousdragon.Fizzlesnaps
outofhistrancewhenhefeelsacoolhandticklehischin.HelicksDariana’sfingers,causinghertopullthemawayandattempttogetawayfromthedrite.Shefallsoffthebedandstayssittingontheground,refusingtoseeiftheothersarestillpayingattentiontoher.
“Youknow,shedidhelpLukewiththeDarkWindcurse,”Sarisays,tuckingherdaggersintoherskirts.“Thoughshedidtakethathelpback,butthatwasbecauseshehadbeenpunished,right?Soshe’salreadyhelpedsaveyourlife,Luke.”
“Nimbydidthattooandlookwhathappenedthere,”hebitterlyresponds,feelingguiltyaboutthewordsassoonashehearsthem.“I’msorry,Dariana,butI’vebeentrickedbyanagentofyourfatherbefore.YousavedmetwiceandIthankyouforthat.It’sjustthat...I’mscaredto
trustyouandleavemyselfopentoanotherbetrayal.”
“Wewouldbefoolsifwewerenotcautious,”Timorancalmlyadds,narrowinghisgazeatthewoman.HeisquietlyamazedathowfrailandtimidsheisconsideringthatshewasbeatingonStephenlessthananhour
ago.“Thisisalotmore
complicatedthananyofuseverexpected,”Delvingroanswhilerubbinghiseyes.ThewarriorapproachesDarianaandoffersherhelpinstanding,hereyesstilllockedonherdirt-cakedfeet.“Howaboutexplainingwhythe
daughterofourenemywasmadeachampion?Thatmightshedsomelightonwhatwe’redealingwith.”
“Allofyoushouldknowifyousearchyourminds.Mypastispartofyounow.”
“Idon’tlikethatyouplantedmemoriesinmyhead!”Sariangrilysnaps,
stormingovertoDariana.Shehastostandonhertoestogetclosetothetallerwoman’sface,butthegypsyisstilltooshorttobeintimidating.“Irefusetosearchforthesethoughts.Infact,takethemoutofmyheadbecauseIdon’ttrustthem.Doittoallofusbecausethatisn’thow
yougetpeopletounderstandyou.”
DarianaflicksSari’sforehead,creatingasparkofmagicthatdriftsintotheairanddisappearsinthesunlight.Fromadistance,shemakesthesamemotiontowardtheotherchampionswhowinceatthesensationof
beingflickedbyaninvisiblehand.OnebyoneasparkrisesfromtheirheadsandvanishesuntilonlyNyxremains,thequietcasterstaringatthecloudswhilelyingonherback.NothinghappenswhenDarianatriestoremovehermemoriesfromtheyoungwomanwhobegins
whistlinganElvenlullaby.Shetriesagainandfeelsahandofwarmthpushheragainstthebed,thehazyformtouchinghercheekbeforedispersing.Theurgetotryagainrisesinherchest,butsheistooscaredtogothroughwithanotherattempt.Ittakesherafewsecondsto
realizethatshecannotremovehermemoriesbecausethehalf-elfiscurrentlylookingthroughthem.
“Doyouwantmetoshareorletthemlearnontheirown?”Nyxasks,sittingupwithtwigsinthebackofherhair.Sheturnsthetiny
sticksintoashesandwatchesthemdriftonthebreeze,afewneedingtobewipedfromhershoulders.“I’vebeenexaminingyourmemoriessinceStephenleft,soIknowyourstory,Dariana.Ialsoknowyouleftsomethingsout,butIdon’tblameyou.Afteralltheprevious
championstreatedyouterribly,soIcanseewhyyouwantedtoopenyourselfuptous.ThoughI’msurprisedyoutriedthisagainconsideringwhathappenedthelasttime.TrustmewhenIsaynoneofuswilldothattoyou.”
“Keephersecrets,Nyx,”Delvinrequests,holdingup
hishandtosilenceDariana.Hesmilesatherforthefirsttime,whichbecomesafrownwhenshelooksaway.“Iprefertolearnaboutyoutheold-fashionedway.Thatshouldmakethiseasiertohandleandmakeitfeelmorelikeafriendshipifitcangetthatfar.Doeseveryone
agree?”“Ijustwanttoknowwhy
Gabrielchoseher,”Lukestatesashehearsdistantvoicesintheforest.“I’dappreciateitifyoucouldexplainitquickly.Thevictimsofthecursearewanderingaroundoutthereandtheyseemscared.”
“It’ssimplerthanwhatDelvinsaid,”Darianasoftlyanswers,hermindsearchingfortheconfusedpeople.Shegingerlycoaxesalloftheminthedirectionoftheroadwheretheywillgatherandwaitfortheadventurers.“TheBaronandGabrielareancientenemiesfromwhentheywere
mortal.MebeingturnedintoachampionisoneofthefewwaystheTripleGodcanstrikeatmyfather.It’spettyandcausesmepain,butI’mnothingmorethanaweaponinthisgame.Ithurtsmymothertoo,butI’mnotstrongenoughtospeakofhernow.”
“Perhapsweshouldhavethisconversationinatavern,”Timoransuggests.ThebarbarianfingerstheCompassKeydanglingfromhisneckandlooksattheirnewally.“Areyouabletoseethis?”
“YesandIknowithasbeenhiddenfrommyfather’s
agents.”“Inthatcaseitappears
youtrulyareonourside”Nyxpullsasparecloak
outofherbagandbringsittohernewfriend,stretchingtoputitonthetallerwoman’sshoulders.“IagreewithTimoranaboutthetavern.Itdoesn’thelpustobeparanoid
aboutDariana.She’soneofusandthere’snoquestionaboutthat.Bythetimewegettoatown,we’llhavemorequestionsandwecantalkoverrealfoodandale.”
“Idon’tdrink,”thesilver-hairedchampionannounces.
“ThenyouandIhave
evenlessincommon,”Sariquicklyclaims,turningonhertoesandwalkingaway.“I’llbehave,butI’mstayingonguard.”
Thegypsyleadsthewayintotheforestandtheothersfollow,butDarianahangsbackwithFizzleonhershoulder.Shefindsithardto
movewhensheseesLuketaketheleadandstartplayfullyarguingwithSari.Awaveofhappinesswashesoverthetelepath,butsheknowsitisnothingmorethantheemotionsofothers.Herownheartisstillgrippedwithfearandsadness,thememoriesofherpast
threateningtorisetothesurface.Darianaputsherhandsinherpockets,nearlypushingthelooseclothingdowntoherknees.Hermuscletoneisgraduallyreturning,butthebaggyclotheshidehowemaciatedshereallyis.
“Whywereyouquiet?”
Darianaasksthedrite.“Fizzlesenseyousad.
Notmakeworse.Fizzlestayneutralwhilelisten.TrustNyxtoo.”
“Iwonderwhyshetrustsme.”
AsterncoughmakesthewomanjumpandherheadjerksuptoseeNyxwaitinga
fewstepsaway.Withawarmsmilethecasterstates,“Welcometothefamily,bigsister.”
*****LukeandNyxleadthe
mobofconfusedwanderersdownthesouthwesternpath,knowingthatitwilltakeaweektoreachthenearest
town.Afterafewsubtleconversationswiththecollectionoffarmersandtravelers,thechampionslearnthattwodayshavepassedsincetheyweredrawnintoDariana’smind.Mostofthepeopleonlyrememberenteringtheforestatthefirstsignofsunlight,butthereare
ahandfulwhoadmittohavingwaitedadayortwobeforebravingthemist.TheonlysurvivorsfromtheDayofDarknessisaquartetofbarbarianwarriors,whoagreetospreadoutaroundtheedgeofthemobincasetheyareattackedbypredatorsorbandits.Ahandfuloflost
childrenhaveclaimedSariastheirprotector,neverstrayingmorethanafewstepsawayfromthestory-tellinggypsy.Onegirl,whocouldnotbeanyolderthantwo,hasatighthugaroundFizzle,thedritewrappinghistailaroundherwaist.TimoranandDelvinmovethroughthecrowdto
answerquestionsandcheckontheelderlyandinjuredthattheyhaveplacedinthemiddle.Eventually,thegroupoffortyfallsintoasteadypaceandtheiranxietyshrinksintoafainttremorintheirwhisperedvoices.
“She’sstillhidingintheback,”Nyxmentionsasshe
looksoverhershoulder.ShecanbarelyseethetopofDariana’sheadbeyondtherestofthegroup.“Wemadeareallybadfirstimpressionwithher.Wellareallybadrealworldimpression.I’mnotreallysurehowthisworkswith...whateversheis.”
“Don’tyouknowwhat
sheis?”Lukeaskswithawideyawn.“Afterall,youhaveallofhermemoriesinyourhead.”
“Thatdoesn’tmeanIunderstandherandI’mnotgoingthroughallofthem,”thecasteradmits,frowningatoneofthebarbarianswhoisharassingacalicowoman.
Shecatchesthelargewarrior’sattention,causinghimtostophisunwantedadvances.“Asfarasherbirth,childhood,andpowersgo,I’minthedark.IsoughtoutherlifeasachampionandI’mgoingtoaskhertoremovethememorieswhenwereachavillage.Theonly
reasonIkeptthemwasbecauseIthoughtshewouldbehurtbyallofusgivinghergiftback.”
“Itwasastrangegift,Nyx.”
“Iagree,butIdon’tthinkshe’sverygoodatdealingwithpeople.”
Luketurnsandwalks
backwardstoseeDariana,whoishangingevenfurtherbackfromtheothertravelers.Henoticesoneofthebarbariansglaringather,butheabruptlyturnshisattentiontohelpinganelderlyhalflinggetoverapuddle.AshewatchesDariana,Lukebecomesawarethatanyone
wholooksherwayisimmediatelydistractedbysomethingelse.Theonlypeopleabletofocusonthesilver-hairedwomanaretheotherchampions.
“Ithinkshe’susingherpowerstoavoidpeople,”theforesttrackersaysashefacesNyxagain.Heexamineshis
yellowfeastring,theimagesofagobletandcookedchickenclearlyetcheduponthemetal.“I’llusemyringtogiveussomefoodinadayortwo.Fornow,wecanhuntandfindfreshwaterintheforest.I’mstillafraidpeoplemightgetworriedandpaniconcethesungoesdown,
especiallythekids.MaybeyoushouldtalktoDarianaaboutfindingawaytokeeppeoplecalm.”
“Hergoingintopeople’smindswouldcausetrouble,”Nyxwhispers,hervoicetingedwithannoyance.Shemovesclosertoherfriend,fearingthatsomeonemight
overhearthem.“She’salivingbeing.Notsometoolwecanusewheneverweneedher.Darianahasbeenthroughalot,soweneedtobegentlewithher.”
“Ishouldpointoutthatshe’salreadyusingherpowersonpeople,”Lukereplies,staringdownthe
otherhalf-elf.Heletsoutalong,slowbreathandgoesbacktolisteningfortrouble.“Ineversaidsheshoulduseherpowers.Imeantthatweshouldgetherinvolvedinthings.Wehaveaweekofbeingontheroad,sowecan’twaitforatavernbeforeweinteractwithournew
companion.”“Goodidea.I’msorryI
snappedatyou,littlebrother.It’sjustthatweweresocoldandmeantoher.”
Lukewatchesforthesourceofarapidheartbeattohisright.Herelaxeswhenayellowhummingbirdflitsoutofthebushes,curiouslydarts
aroundthegigglingchildren,andreturnstotheforest.Theanimalvanishesquickerthanheexpects,makinghimwonderifitwasrealtobeginwith.HeisabouttomakeeyecontactwithSari,buthiskeeneyescatchtheflickerofasmileonDariana’sface.
“IknowandIfeelbad
aboutit,Nyx.I’msuretheothersdotoo.Stillyoucan’tblameusforbeingcautiousanddistant.Weallhavealotofquestions.WhyhastheBaronkeptheraliveandshownaninterestinher?Doessheknowwhytheotherchampionsfailed?WhyisDarianaimmortalandwhois
hermother?”“IthinkI’mgoingtotalk
toherbeforeIgettemptedtoreadmoreofhermemories,”thecasterquietlysays,wrinklinghernosewhenLuketusslesherhair.“ThoughIthinktheBaronisinterestedinherbecauseshe’shisdaughter.Inher
memories,there’salwaysasensethathegenuinelycaresaboutherwellbeingandisupsetthatshe’sbeenpittedagainsthim.I’llfindoutmoreafterIchatwithher.NotlikeI’manygoodasaforwardscout,soImightaswellmakemyselfuseful.”
Nyxmovestothesideof
thepathandrestsagainstatreewhileeveryonewalksbyher,Sariandthechildrenstoppingtosayhello.Theymoveonaftershecreatesatinydeeroflightinherpalmandhasitjumparoundthekids.Withabeamingsmile,shewatchesthemcontinuewalking,theirexcitedtalkof
themagicwomanechoingthroughthetrees.AminutepassesbeforeNyxfallsinalongsideDariana,whoisseveralyardsbehindthecrowd.Shetakestheotherwomanbythearmandtriestodragherclosertotheothers,buttheyneverappeartomakeanyprogress.
“Whyareyouhidingbackhere?”Nyxasksinfrustration.“Itakeityou’renotusedtocrowds,sothismakesyounervous.”
“WhenIwasachild,Ihadverylittlecontrolovermypowers.CrowdswereasourceofanguishbecauseIcouldn’tblocktheirthoughts
andenergy.Accidentshappened,soIwascloisteredintheZarianMonastery,”Darianaexplainswithoutlookingdirectlyatthecaster.Sheshiverswhenafewstrongemotionsslipthroughherdefenses.“Ilearnedtomaintainshieldswithinmymind,butthey’restill
regeneratingfrommylongslumber.Theydon’talwaysworkwhenIsleep,soIapologizeinadvanceifIwanderintoyourdreams.Imightsleepwalktoo,soI’msorryifthatcausestrouble.”
“Stopwiththeapologizing,”Nyxhisses,puttinganinvisiblehandof
forceoverDariana’smouth.“FortheloveofeverygodonWindemere,wouldyouwaituntilyoumakeamistakebeforeyousayyou’resorry?Don’teventhinkofsayingwhatIknowyou’retemptedtosay.I’llcastaspellonyouthatmakesyoulaughforanhour.”
Darianastaresatthehalf-elf,unsureifsheshouldspeakormoveaway.Thehandoverhermouthdisappearsandsheisabouttoapologize,butclampsherjawsshut.Acuriouscalicolooksbackatthewomen,turningawaywhenNyxpolitelyshooshim.They
continuewalkinginsilenceandletthemixofvoiceswashoverthem.AviolentshudderrunsthroughDariana’sbody,whichstopswhenhercompanionstrokesherarm.
“Ithinkyou’rebettersuitedtobetheoldersisterhere,LadyNyx.”
“You’vebeenaroundforafewcenturies,soyou’restuckwiththetitle,”thehalf-elfwhispers,gentlyreleasingDariana’sarm.“SoLukeandIweretalkingaboutthisjourney.Hethoughtthetwoofusshoulddiscussawaytopreventpeoplefrompanicking.Foodandrest
mightbeanissueaswellasfiguringoutwherethechildrenwillgo.Ihaven’tseenanyonestepupclaimingtobetheirparents.”
“Onemanwasgoingto,buthe’saslavetrader,”Darianatimidlystates,noddingherheadtowardatallelfwithebonyhair.He
hasadazedlookonhisfaceashescanstheforest,hisglassyeyessearchingforbutterflies.“I...changedhismindandremindedhimofhisloveofinsectsasachild.Asforthechildren,Itookthelibertyofscanningtheirmindsforimagesandnamesoftheirparents.Noneofthem
appeartobeorphans,soIplanonaskingSaritohelpmewithdrawings.Icangivethosetosomeoneofauthorityinthedistantvillageandthechildrenwillbereunitedwiththeirfamilies.”
“Sarican’tdraw.”“No,butIcanguideher
hands,whicharemorenimble
thanmyown.AtleastthatiswhatIwilltellher.”
“WhataboutLuke?”“Ithoughtthiswouldbe
abondingeventformyselfandSari,”Darianaanswers,fearingthatshehasmadeamistake.Sheglancedatthegypsy,whoistryingtoconvinceDelvintocarryone
ofthelittleboysonhisshoulders.“Isensedthemostamountofhatefromher,butitstemmedfrombeingprotectiveofeveryoneelse.Mylineagemakesmeapotentialthreatinhermind,whichisunderstandableafterherdealingswithmybrotherandwhathappenedwith
Kayn.Idon’tbelievetheotherswillbeaseasilyacceptingofmeasyouare,Nyxie.Whyareyoutrustingmesoquickly?”
“First,onlySaricallsmeNyxie,”thecasterexplainswithafriendlysmile.Shesnapsherfingerstohidetherestoftheirconversation
fromtheearsofthecuriouscrowd.“Ireadathoughtwithinyourmemoriesthatcarriedovertheyears.Itwasalwaysthere.Youfearthatyouwereborntobeaweapon,sothisprophecyistheonlyreasonyouexist.Nodreamsforthefuturebecauseyoudon’tfeel...human
enoughtogetthechancetoliveasimplelife.Everyuseofyourpowersandeveryeventthatdealswithyourdestinymakesyouquestionwhoorwhatyoutrulyare.Ifeelthesameway.”
“Isensedthataboutyou,butIdon’tseewhyyoufeelthatway.”
Nyxsighsandrubsheramethystnecklace,thesmoothfacadesanoddcomfort.“I’vebeentoldofmydestinysinceIwasaverysmallchild.NomatterwhatIdid,Ithoughtabouthowmypathwouldbeaffected.IfocusedoncombatmagicandbeingtoughbecauseIknewI
wouldgrowuptofight.Everyfriendwaskeptatadistancebecausenoneofthemcouldfollowme.AtleastuntilImetLukeanddrunkenlymadehimpromisetohelpme.Look,Dariana,wemightnotbeidenticalinbackground,butbothofushavematuredintothesame
mentality.Ifyoucanevencallitmaturing.Anyway,it’sonlyrecentlythatIstartedbelievingIcoulddreambeyondthefinalbattlewiththeBaron.Youcandothesame.”
DarianaflicksNyx’snose,whichremoveshermemoriesfromthehalf-elf’s
mind.Withaswiftwaveofherhand,shecatchestherisingsparkandrollsitinherpalm.Theenergyspreadsintoasmallpoolandflowsupthewoman’sarm,slippingbeneathhertatteredsleeveandreappearingonherneck.Theliquidmemoriesgointoherearandshemumblesasif
havingaprivateconversationwiththem.
“Itappearsyoutookverylittleadvantageofmymemories.Areyouliketheothersandscaredtolearnaboutme?Didyoureallyonlykeepthemforthislongbecauseyoudidn’twanttoupsetme?”
“Itfeltwronglookingthroughyourlifeinsteadofhearingaboutit,”Nyxanswers,nervouslyrunningherhandsthroughherhair.Sheletsafewtrailsoffirerollthroughhershortlocks,thedisplayearningherafewcuriousstares.“Iknowthatpreviouschampionsrefused
tolearnmoreaboutyouonceStephenrevealedyourlineage.Thatwasverycruelofthem.Yettheanswerisn’ttomakeyourselfanopenbooksinceyoudidnothingwrong.Itwasourpredecessorswhowereinthewrong.You’realivingcreaturewhoneedsfriends,
soshareyourstorywithusaswetravel.”
“Iwilltrymybest,”Darianapromisesasshescansthecrowd.Afewpowerfulemotionsstrikehermindandhermouthgoesdry,thetasteofironappearingonhertongue.“Somethingiswrong.Thebarbariansare
gone.Allfiveofthem.I’llcatchup.”
“Goodluck,”Nyxsayswhileshewatchesthesilver-hairedwomansprintintotheforest.
*****Timorancatchesthe
stonemaulbythehandleandcasuallytossestheblonde
barbariantotheside.Hisgreataxeisstillstrappedtohisbackandherefusestodrawitwhilehisarmedenemiescirclehim.Theheavilyscarredmanwithanotchedbroadswordfakesanattacktodrawtheadventurer’sattention,buttheolderwarriordoesnottake
thebait.Theswordsman’scompaniondoesnotrealizetheirplanhasfailedandcontinueshissneakattack.Timoranstepsasideandpushesthechargingspearmanahead,usingtheyouth’smomentumtoknockhimoffhisfeet.Ablack-hairedbarbarianinchainmail
anxiouslywatchesandwaitsforanopportunitytostrikewithhissapphireaxe.Everytimehethinkstheveteranisdistracted,heinchesforwardandstopswhenTimoranwhirlsaroundtofacehim.
“Idonotwishtohurtyou,”theredheadedchampionsaysasheturnsto
watchallofhisenemies.“Thatmakesourjob
easier,”theaxe-wieldingbarbarianstateswithagrin.“Weweren’tsureitwasyouuntilweheardthatwarriorsayyourname.Nowthatweknow,wecanclaimthebountyonyourhead.”
“Andweonlyneedthe
headtoo,”thespearmanjokes,chucklingathisownjoke.Hefrownsathisarmoredleaderandholdsouthishands.“Whyaren’tyoulaughing,Alanik?”
“Shutup,Ralgin.”“RalginandAlanik.That
meanstheothertwomustbeSentrentandBanton,”
Timoransays,hishandfallingtothehandleofhisgreataxe.Heseestheswordsmanandmaulfighternervouslyglanceattheirleader.“Whatrewardcouldfourdesertersclaim?Youwouldbearresteduponyourreturntothetribe.”
“He’sright,Alanik,”
Sentrentsays,lettingthetipofhissworddroptowardtheground.“Ithinkweshouldforgetaboutthis.Besides,wewereneverabletobeatTimoraninthesparringsessions.He’slegendary.”
“Atleasthewasbeforehisexile,”Bantonpointsout,hisvoicegravellyanddeep.
Heswingshismauloverhisheadandslamsitintoasmalltree,knockingitover.“Isaywestopbeingniceandtakehishead.Therewarddidn’tsayweneedtobringhiminalive.”
Ralginchucklesandspinshisspearinanticipation.“That’swhatIsaid.”
“Willallofyoushutup?”Alanikangrilygrowls.“Timoranhasapoint.We’reaswantedasheis,butbringinghimbackalivewouldhelpusgainsomeforgiveness.Killinghimmakesusmindlessmercenaries.Aliveshowswe’reinterestedinjustice,
whichwouldappealtoKingEdric’shonor.Aimforthelimbsortrytoknockhimout.”
Thebarbariansstarttoclosein,buttheyareparalyzedafterafewsteps.Theirattemptstospeakarethwartedbylockjawandtheirmusclesquiverwithimpotent
rage.WhenAlaniktriestobackawayfromTimoran,hisbodyisfreedandhesignalsfortheotherstodothesame.ThesnappingofatwigdrawstheirattentiontoDariana,whotossesthebrokenbranchtothegroundatRalgin’sfeet.Thesilver-hairedwomanlooksuncertainastowhatshe
shoulddonext,sosherubshertempleswithherknuckles.
Beingtheclosesttoher,BantondropshismaulandrushesforwardwithhisburlyarmouttograbDariana.Heissurprisedwhensheleanstothesideanddeliversaquickjabtohisarmpit.Theforceof
theblownumbshislimb,whichhestubbornlyswingslikeafleshyclub.Darianaeffortlesslydodgesthehaphazardattacks,backingtowardRalginwhoreadieshisspear.Hestabsatthewoman,buthismusclespainfullylockafewinchesshortofhittingher.Banton
freezesinmid-flailandgrowlsasthechampionstepsoutfrombetweenthetwobarbarians.
“I’msorry,butIneedtoaskaquestionbeforecontinuing,”shesayswithasmallbowtoTimoran.Decidingtomakeashowofherpowers,shesnapsher
fingerstofreeBantonandRalginfromtheirparalysis.“I’mnotsurewhatthisisaboutorwhyyourefusetotrulyfightback.Iwillfightinyourplacetorelieveyouofthethreatofkillingyourkinsmen.Doyouwishforthemtodie,beinjured,orsimplyknocked
unconscious?”“You’renotgoingto
hidebehindthiswoman,areyou?”Alanikmockinglyasks,tossinghisaxefromhandtohand.Beingsmartenoughtoknowthestrangerissomekindofcaster,theman’sdilatedeyesrevealhisfear.“Doyouknowyou’re
helpingacriminal?”Darianameetsthe
deserters’leaderwithaconfidentgazethatsendsachillthroughallofherenemies.“He’smyallyandIknowhimtobeagoodman.Idon’tknowthedetails,butIsensethisisacomplicatedsituation.StillIwillsidewith
mycompanion.”“She’snotnormal,”
Sentrentwhisperstohisleader.“Let’srunaway.”
“Shutup,Sentrent!”Alanikshouts,throwingarockatthecowardlywarrior’shead.“Weoutnumberthemandshe’ssoscrawny.Evenifshefrozeus,
weknowwherethey’regoingandwillcatchupeasily.Afterall,wewon’thaveaherdoffarmersslowingusdown.”
“MagicalparalysiswouldbeablessingafterI’mdonewithallofyou.”
Timoranlaughsattheprimalfearonthebarbarians’facesandtakesaseatinthe
middleofthecircle.“MyhandsaretiedbecauseIsworetonevershedthebloodofmytribe.Eventhesedesertersareprotectedbymyoath.AllIaskisthatyoukeepthemaliveandinaconditionwheretheycantraveltothevillage.”
DarianasprintsatRalgin
andlandsaflyingkicktohischest,sendingthelargerfightercrashingthroughafullgrowntree.BantonandSentrentrushforwardwiththeirweaponsheldhigh,slammingthemintothegroundwheretheiropponentoncestood.Thenimblewomanswingsoutofthe
branchesandgracefullylandsbehindtheswordsman.ShedeliversapowerfulkicktothebackofBanton’slegs,flippinghimoffhisfeet.Beforehelands,shedrivesherelbowintohisstomachandknocksthewindoutofhislungs.SentrentcautiouslymovesawayfromDarianaas
Ralgineruptsfromtheforestwithanotherroaringcharge.Leapingattheenragedbarbarian,thechampiongrabsthespearandhoistshimofftheground.Spinningonhertoes,shehurlshimatSentrent,whodivestothesideandletsRalginslamintoaboulder.Withalightning
quickkick,shesendstheswordsmanrollingthroughsomethornbushesandintoastumpwhereheremainswhimperingandholdinghisjaw.
ThesoundofablademovingthroughtheaircausesDarianatospinaround,catchingthethrowingaxean
inchfromherface.ShedropstheweaponandmovestostepoutofAlanik’sway,frowningwhentheblack-hairedbarbarianstopsshort.Histightswingsaremetwithprecisebare-handedblocksthathittheaxeheadwiththesameamountofforceasitsowner.Afewstiffkicks
strikethearmoredwarrior,butDarianaisunabletouseherfullstrengthasshemaintainsaprotectivecoatingonherhands.Droppingherdefenses,sheletsoneslashcomenarrowlyclosetoherchest,theedgenickinghershirt.Withafluidmotion,shegrabsAlanik’swristand
yankshimoff-balance.Thesilver-hairedwoman’slegshootsuptoramherbarefootintohisjawandfilltheareawithapainfulcrunch.Thecursingwarriorcrumplestohiskneesandspitsoutseveralteeth,hisdominantarmhanginguselessathisside.
“Weshouldreturntothe
others,”shetellsTimoran,asenseofurgencyinhervoice.
“Letusmakesuretheyareout.”
Darianastompsherfoot,sendingawaveofenergythatshocksthefallenwarriorsintounconsciousness.“Itwillbetwelvehoursbeforetheyawakenandregainmuscle
control.Thepredatorsoftheforestwillstayawaythankstomyresidualaura.Nowwereallymustreturntothegroup.”
Timoranfollowshiscompanionintotheforest,pushinghimselftokeepupwiththefasterrunner.Heclambersoverafallentree
thatDarianaleapsoverlikeafrighteneddeer,thewomanlandingwithoutasound.Thebarbariangraduallyclosesthedistancewithhisally,buthesoonrealizesitisbecausesheisslowingdown.Hermovementsarelaboredandherlimbsspasm,whichmakesherstumbleandstart
tofall.Timorancatchesherbytheshouldersandissurprisedathowherbodycollapsesbeneathhistouch.HecradlesDarianainhisarmsandcontinuesrunningtowardtheroad.
“Mybodyisnotasstrongorasfastasyouthink,”shewhispersina
dreamyvoice.Shereachesoutforoneoftheshiningbutterfliesthatflittersontheedgeofhervision.“Mypowersareofthemindandaura,soIusethemtoenhancemyphysicaltraits.ItwearsmedownifIkeepitonformorethantenminutes.ThisiswhyI’mmoreformidable
inthementalrealm.Areyouokay,Timoran?”
“Iwasnevertouched.Howlongdoyouneedtorecover?”
ThegentlesnoringandabruptslacknessofDariana’sbodyworriesTimoranuntilhehearshervoicesinginginhishead.Holdinghertight
againsthischest,thebarbarianrunsasswiftlyandsoftlyashecan.
6
“Whyarewewithher?”Sariasksassheexaminesthewallofdresses.SheisamazedthatasmallvillagelikeLumbhasaclothingstorewithsuchaselection.“NyxandTimoranaretheonesthatlikeher.”
“We’retheonlyones
whoarefree,”Lukereplies,keepinghisvoicelow.Hegrimacesatalargehatwithtwopuffyfeatherscomingofftheleft-handside.“NyxisbringingthelostkidstotheguardswhileDelvinfindsusaboatthatwilltakeustoBor’daruk.HewantsTimorantostaynearhimincasethose
assassinsreturn.I’msurprisedGeneralVilehadabountyonthebigguyandthisisthefirstwe’veheardaboutit.”
“You’resoadorablewhenyou’regullible,”thegypsycoosasshespinsovertothehalf-elf.Shestopsherselffromgivinghimakiss
andslipsaroundhimtocheckarackofsleevelesstunics.“AsIwasgoingtosay,there’smoretowhathappened.TimoranhasasecretandDarianaknowsit.Ifhetrustshertokeepitandgoalongwithanobviousliethenthey’refreetodoso.Ijustdon’tseewhywe
couldn’tletherbuysupplieswithoutanescort.”
“Shehasnomoney.”“Likewedo?”“Youhaveasmall
fortuneinyourskirts.”SaristaresatLuke,
fightingthesmilethatpullsatthecornersofhermouth.“Somanywaystotakethat
comment.”“Howisthis?”Dariana
callsfromtheothersideofablackcurtain.
Withanervoussmileandastumble,thetallwomanstepsoutofthechangingroomwearingalowcutdressthatbarelyreachesherknees.Theskirtistightaroundher
legs,whichlookverypaleagainstthebrightredfabricoftheclothing.Bluesilkglovesrunuptoherelbows,bothofthemalreadyshowingsignsthattheyaregoingtorolldowntoherwrist.AwhitecapewithafurtrimtrailsbehindDariana,thegoldenclasppressingagainst
herthroat.Shehastroublewalkinginthehighheelsthatsqueezeherfeetandcrushhertoes.
“Iguessthisanswersyourfirstquestion,Sari”Lukewhispers.Hegruntswhenhiscompanionelbowshimintheside.“Thatwasunnecessary.”
“Golookatbeltsorsomething,hero,”thegypsyhisses,shovinghimaway.ShecirclesDariana,alookofintensethoughtonherface.“Thisis...allthoseyearsandnobodytaughtyouhowtoshopforclothes?Redisnotyourcoloruntilyougetsomesun,thoseheelsare
beyondyourability,theglovesareridiculous,anddon’tevengetmestartedonthecape.Whathaveyoubeenwearingalltheseyears?”
“Theclothesyoufoundmein,”Darianatimidlyanswers.Shestaresatherfeet,whicharealreadyswollenandaching.“I
thoughtmycombattrainingwouldhelpwiththeheels.Itrainedusingstiltstohelpwithbalance,buttheseshoesaretooawkwardandpainful.”
“Whataboutthecapeandthetightdress?”Sariasks,afraidtoheartheanswer.Shewavesthe
shopkeeperaway,flashingathreateningglaretostoptheyoungmanfromlaughing.“Ican’tevenfigureoutwhattodescribeyouasbecausethisisallovertheplace.Ithinkthecapeiswhatreallyconfusesme.Withoutthat,I’dgowithexpensivebrothelgirlandescort.Howisthis
evenbattleeffective?”“Youhavetheskirts.”“Theflowingcolorsand
layersworkasadistraction,”thegypsyswiftlyresponds.Standingonhertoes,sheputsherhandsonDariana’sshouldersandturnsherbacktowardthechangingroom.“Gobackinthereandtakeall
ofthatoff.StaybehindthecurtainwhileIpickoutanewoutfit.Whatweapondoyouuseandwhat’syourfavoritecolor?”
“WhiteandIamtheweapon,”thesilver-hairedwomanreplies,herhandsalreadyundoingtheclaspofthecape.“Thankyoufor
helping.”“ThankmeifIcan
salvagethis.”Sariwandersaroundthe
store,occasionallycheckingtomakesureDarianaisstayingbehindthecurtain.Theblondeshopkeeperwavesforthegypsytomovetowardabackcorner,theyoungman
busywithanothercustomer.Followinghisdirections,shefindsacollectionofclosed-toeflatsandtakesablackpairwithgoldembroideryalongthesides.Returningtothemiddleofthestore,whitepantswithstringstotightenthecuffaroundtheanklecatchesherattention.She
frownsatthelargewaistuntilshefindsthehiddenclaspstoadjustthesize.Spinningonhertoestotakeintheentirestore,SarisearchesforashirtthatwillworkforDariana.SheknocksLukeoutofthewaytogetatawhiteshirtthatcrossesoverthebodyandtiesontheside.Aredmermaidis
onthefront,helpingthegypsyknowwhichflapgoesontop.
“Thatlooksstrangeforashirt,”Lukementions,startlingSariwithhissilentapproach.“Itremindsmeofafencingjacket,butsofterandmoreformfitting.Thecollarseemsflexibleenoughto
allowheadmovement.”“Ithinkthestyleisfrom
oneoftheCerascentIslands.It’llmakeherstandout,buteverythingelselookstoolooseorrestrictive,”Sariexplains,holdingtheshirtinfrontofherforabetterlook.Sherunsherthumbsalongthesmoothfabricthatfeels
likesilk,buthasastrangeresiliencewhensheappliespressure.“It’slikeclotharmorinaway.BringthesetoDarianaandI’llseeiftheyhaveanymore.We’llgetenoughforthetriptoBor’daruk.”
Luketakestheclotheswithoutquestionandhurries
tothechangingroom.Heslipstheclothingbehindthecurtain,avertinghisgazeincaseDarianaisstandinginview.Herhandsarewarmastheytaketheshirt,pants,andshoesfromhim.Lettingoutalongheldbreath,thehalf-elfwaitsbythecurtainincasesheneedsanythingelse.He
watchesSarifollowtheshopkeepertotheback,thepairnegotiatingpricesastheygo.
“IthinkIneedsomeunderweartogowiththis,”Darianasaysasshestepsoutinhernewclothes.Sheadjuststhetiesonherside,shiveringatthecoolfabricon
herskin.“Asidefromthat,thisshirtisverycomfortableandIcanmovefreelyinthepantsandshoes.Maybeblackwouldbebettersincemyhairissobright,butmybrotherisfondofthatcolor.ThatiswhyIwassurprisedtoseehimwearingdarkgreen.I’mconcernedthatIwillruinthe
shoesinmyfirstfight.”“Nyxcanenchantthem
tomakethemtougher,”Lukesuggestsashestepsbacktogetabetterlookatthesilver-hairedwoman.“Youlookgood,Dariana.”
Sheblushesandtakesalookatherselfinthemirror,silentlyrealizingthatshe
shouldbuysomethingtocleanherhair.ThesoundofsomethingbeingdroppedbehindhermakesDarianawhirlaround.ThepileofclothesbetweenherandSariisnearlyuptoherknees,thegypsyhandingafewdiamondspherestotheshopkeeper.Simpleundershirtsandpants
aremixedwithinthetopsthataresimilartotheonesheiswearing.Eachofthetopsisadifferentcolorandhasauniquechestpatternrangingfromwind-likeswirlstoaroaringdragon.Threepairsofshoesareburiedunderthenewwardrobe,oneofthemasetofheelsthatDarianalooks
atwithdoubtandfear.“We’regoingto
practice,”Sarisaysasshepicksuptheintimidatingshoes.“We’llputallofthisinLuke’smagicbag.NyxcanmakeyouoneofyourownduringthetriptoBor’daruk.Allweneednowarebasicsuppliesforyou.”
“Thankyoufortakingthetimetohelpmebuythings,”Darianasays,takingSari’shandandgrippingittightly.Herfaceisflushedandherbreathingisheavy,makingthegypsyfearthatsheisabouttopassout.“Neitherofyoutwohadtohelpme,especiallytogether.I
knowhowuncomfortableyouarewitheachother.Itmustbesopainfultobeclosetotheoneyouloveandnotbeabletoshowthatemotion.Thenagain,bothofyouareconflictedandfeelguiltyaboutwhatyouhavealreadydone.”
SarigrabsDarianabythe
armanddragsherintothechangingroom.Shepushesthewomanagainstthesolidwallandwatcheshersinkontoasmallbench.Theforesttrackerisabouttoenterwhenthegypsydrawsadaggeronhim,pointingattheclotheswithherotherhand.Hegingerlybacksawayand
tapshisear,signalingthathewillbepayingattentionwithhissoundsight.Theblue-hairedgirlshakesherheadandcastsasilencespellaroundthechangingroom,whichgivesthecurtainasoft,yellowshimmer.
“Nevergointomymindagain!”Sarishoutsat
Dariana,loomingoverthecoweringwoman.Alayeroficebeginscreepingupthewallsasthegypsyrants.“Ifyouwantustobefriendsthenrespectmyprivacy.Sothenexttimeyoupokearoundinmythoughts,I’llhaveyourunningnakedthroughthemarketplace.”
“YouactlikeIhaveachoice,”Darianasnaps,jumpingtoherfeet.SheleansdowntobenosetonosewithSari,afireinhereyesthatputsthegypsyonedge.“Mypowersarealwayson.Theycannotbesheathedlikeaweaponorrestrainedlikemagic.ThebestIcandois
keeptheambientthoughtsoutofmyhead,butanythingstronggetsthroughmydefenses.IfI’maroundsuchemotionsfortoolong,IfeelthemandIgetconfused.Iprydeepertofindthecauseandtoconvincemyselfthatthesearenotmythoughts.”
“Thatdoesn’texplain-”
SaribeginsbeforeDarianagrowls.Itisanoisethatshecantellismoreofpassionthananger.“Oh...itcan’tbethatbad.LukeandIagreedtokeepthingsfriendlyuntilwetalktoKira.”
ThestrongerwomanpinsSariagainstthewall,hereyesrollingbackintoherhead.
“Atleasttwiceaday,youtwocomeclosetokissing.Wheneveryoupullback,there’sasurgeofdesirethatfloodsmymindwithwhatyou’vedone.Igethitbylove,passion,guilt,andamessofsomanyemotionsthatIcanbarelycontrolmyself.It’smaddeningandhasme
wantingtogettoBor’darukmorethanyoutwo.”
Sarisitsonthebenchandstaresatherselfinthemirrorasthefrostevaporatesfromthepristinesurface.SheglancesatDariana,whocloseshereyesandtriestopushtheoverpoweringthoughtsfromhermind.
Withoutasound,thegypsystandsandgentlytakesthesilver-hairedwomanbytheface,deliveringastrongkiss.ThemuffledresistancefromDarianastopsasaspelldriftsintohermouthandcalmsherdown.
“I’msorryaboutthesituation,”Sariwhispers
whilegingerlyadjustingtheotherwoman’sshirtcollar.“Myemotionpurgingspellwillworkforabit.I’lltalktoNyxaboutapermanentsolution.”
“Ioncehadaringthatblockedthesethoughtsandfeelings,butStephenstoleitduringourlastencounter,”
Darianaanswersinadreamyvoice.Shetouchesherlips,whichtinglefromthesensationofSari’skiss.“HeplacediteitherintheGardenofUliorHelgardbecausethosetempleshadtheweakerdefenses.Weareheadingtowardthesecondlocation,whichisadesertvolcano.
OncewepurifyHelgard,wecansearchforthering.Ifwedon’tfindittherethenwecantraveltotheGardenofUliusingthedoorways.Beforeyouask,thememoryoftheroutetoHelgardhasbeenpurgedfrommymind.MyfatherandbrothermakesureIrememberverylittleabout
thetemplestomakethingsmoreofachallenge.”
“Yourfamilyreallymessedyouup.Let’sgetoutofhereandfinishourshopping.”
Whentheystepoutofthechangingroom,SariandDarianafindLuketryingtoconvinceayoungwomanto
wait.Shepusheshimoutofthewayandmarchesbehindthecurtain,makingarudegestureattheflusteredwarrior.HeisabouttosaysomethingwhenSarigrabshimbytheearsandkisseshim,herfingersticklingthesensitivetips.Lukecollapses,butheisheldupbythe
gypsy’simmovability.“We’llsharearoomon
theboatandtalk,”shesays,movingawayfromtheforesttracker.ShetakesDarianabythehandandpullshertowardtheexit.“Onekissperdaytotaketheedgeoffandwestayclothedwhensleeping.Cuddlingispermittedtokeep
mynightmaresaway.Dowehaveadeal,Mr.Callindor?”
“Yeah,”Lukenumblyanswersashefollowshisfriends.Heseestheshopkeeperstaringathimwithaconfusedlookonhisface.“Don’task.I’vegivenuptryingtofigureoutwhatI’vegottenmyselfinto.”
*****Thesailorswatchthe
bare-chestedfigureinthebluemoonlightashepracticeshisstrikesonacrudesparringdummy.Delvin’swoodenlongswordhitsthepaddedfigurewithdullthudsthatechoalongthedeck.Severaltimeshe
pretendstoblockwithhisshieldandquicklycounterswithwhateverwouldworkagainsthisimaginaryfoe.Hishairstickstohissweatyforeheadandafewdropsgetinhiseyes,forcinghimtostopandgropeforanearbytowel.Agentleroundofapplausecomesfromthe
friendlycrew,sohetakesasmallbowandimmediatelywhirlsaroundtopointhisswordatapproachingfootsteps.HerelaxeswhenheseesDarianastandingwithherhandsup,herflannelpajamastooshorttocoverhermidriffandcalves.
“Iguessit’smyturn,”he
sayswithasigh.Hedabsatthesweatonhisbody,shiveringatastiffbreeze.“Youmightwanttobuynewpajamaswhenwedock.BorrowingfromNyxwasabadidea.You’reatleastsixinchestallerthanheranditshows.”
“IfeltIhadtakenenough
ofSari’smoney,soIdidn’tremindheraboutthis.IhavemyoldclothestouseafterIcleanthem,”Darianareplies,remainingoutofthewarrior’sreach.Sherubshercoolbelly,thegrowingtensionmakingherconsidergoingbacktoherroom.“Whatdoyoumeanbyyourturn?”
“Foryoutotalktoandfindawaytobefriend,”Delvinreplieswithabroadsmile.Hescratcheshisbackwiththewoodenblade,wincingwhenasplinterpierceshisshoulder.“YouwonFizzleandNyxoverimmediatelysomehow.ThenyousavedTimoranfrom
thoseassassins,whichI’mstillconfusedabout.MostlybecauseIalwaysassumedourenemieskepttheirbusinessinternal,soapublicbountymakesnosense.AsforLukeandSari,youusedguilttosoftenthemup.Tobefair,Lukewasonthefencewithyoufromthebeginning.I’m
impressedatyourprogressinsuchashorttime.”
“YoubelieveI’mmanipulatingeveryonewithmypowers.”
“Itcrossedmymind.”“HowcanIprove
otherwise?”“Idon’tknow.”Darianarubsher
knucklesagainsthertempleswhileDelvintakesadrinkofwaterfromanearbybarrel.ShebrieflyconsiderstellinghimhowNyxreallyfeelsabouthisadvances,butrejectstheideabecauseofthelineitwouldcross.Hereyesfallonawoodenpolethathasbeenleftonthedeck.She
flipsthemakeshiftweaponintoherhandsandspinsittogetafeelforitsbalance.Ittakesafewminutesforhertorememberthebasicsofstaff-fightingthatshelearnedcenturiesagointheZarianMonastery.
“Icansparwithyouwhilewetalk,”sheoffers,
lettingthepoleslidethroughherhand.Itthudsagainstthedeck,nearlymissinghertoes.“I’mnotveryskilled,butIcangiveyoumoreofaworkoutthanyourshadow.”
“Whyareyousodesperatetomakefriends?”Delvinasksasheapproaches.Hemakesaquickfeinttoher
side,causinghertojumpaway.“Icantellthatyoudon’twanttodothis.So,putthestickdownandgobacktobed.”
ThewarriorturnshisbackonDarianatogetmorewater,butswiftlygetshisshieldupwhenhehearsherswing.Aloudcrackfillsthe
airasthestaffstrikesandskittersoffthewoodenbuckler.TheformermercenaryflipsitoverhisheadandflickshispracticeswordatDariana’shands,smackingherknuckles.Shedropsthestafftosuckonherbruisedfingers,earningafewboosfromthesailors.
“Iwon’tgetachallengefromsomeoneusinganunfamiliarweapon,”thebrown-hairedwarriorstatesashetakesasteptowardhiscompanion.Heleapsbacktoavoidablurrykicktohishead,feelinghertoesgrazehisnose.“Impressive,butIdon’twanttofightyou.
There’snoreasontodothis.”“You’reexactlylikethe
previouschampions,”Darianaangrilysays,throwingapunchatDelvin.Herfisthitshisshieldandcracksthewood,earningherastiffkicktoherexposedstomach.“Theywantedmetofighttoprovemypower.IfI
coulddefeatthemthenIwasausefultool.Youhavenodesiretobefriends,soIwon’tbothertrying.IbeatyouandthatprovesIhaveareasontostayachampion.”
“Iguessyou’renotreadingmymind,”Delvinmuttersashejumpsoverasweepkick.Thewarrior
dropshisweaponsandputsuphishands,staringatthefistafewinchesfromhisface.“Idon’tcareifyoubeatmeincombatornot.Itwon’tchangeanythingbecauseI’mnotthetypeofpersonyouthinkIam.Strengthandusefulnessisnothingwithouttrust,whichiswhatyouhave
toearn.”“HowdoIdothat?”“Youdoitovertime,”he
sternlyreplies,returningtothedamptowelandwaterbarrel.“Sofar,you’refailingwithme.Gobacktobedandbehaveyourselffortherestofthetrip.Ihaveafeelingthingswillgetbadin
Bor’daruk.”Darianaputsherhandsin
herpocketsandstaresatherfeetasshegoesbelowdeck,feelingDelvin’seyesboreintoherback.Hewaitsseveralminutestomakesureshedoesnotreturnandtakesaseatagainsttheforemast.Thefaintclickofclawson
thedeckcatcheshisattentionandheblindlyreachesouttopatFizzleonthehead.Withachirp,thedriteappearsandnuzzleshispalm,pushinghisarmaway.
“WhyDelvinmean?”Fizzleasks,hoppingontohisfriend’sknee.
“Becauseoneofushasto
be,”thewarriorexplainswithacrookedsmirk.Heslidesoffthemastandletshissorebodyslumptothefloor.“Idon’tlikebeingthebadguyhere,butwecan’ttrustDarianarightaway.Notwithherlineageandthefactthatshe’sbeenkeptalivebytheBaronforsolong.Iwas
hopingSariwouldbestubborn,butthatdidn’thappen.IpromiseIwon’tgotoofar.”
“Fizzlewillhelp.Beinmiddle,”thedriteoffers,pettingDelvinonthehead.“Fizzlekeepchampionstogether.”
“That’swhyyou’reour
secretweapon.”Feelingdrowsy,Delvin
staresatTavonthebluemoonasitnearstheendofitsdominanceofthesky.HecanalreadyseeasliverofCanstthegreenmoononthehorizon,showingthatspringisonlyafewdaysaway.Thetiredwarriorblinkstogetthe
sleepoutofhiseyes,buthefallsintoagentleslumberinstead.Fizzlecurlsuponhisfriend’sstomachandgivesoffanauraofwarmthtokeepDelvinwarmthroughthebrisknight.
*****Thebalmywindisajolt
totheadventurers’system
afterhavingbeenonthewindyseaforaweek.Longpiersrunoffthefloatingdocktowheretheshipssitinthedeeperwaters,safelyanchoredawayfromthesandbars.ThedistancegivestravelersaclearviewofBor’darukwithitsdome-roofedbuildingsmadeof
darkyellowstone,afewofthempaintedaroundtheeavesandcorners.Everystructureistoppedbyamajesticvanethatspinsinthepowerfulwindthatwhipsofftheocean.Spikeytreescanbeseenamongthesmallerhousesandthequickformsofcolorfulbirdsdartamong
thin-leafedfoliage.Animpressivewallofdarkredgraniteprotectsthecityfromsandstorms,thethickstructuretoweringaboveeverythingelse.Anoccasionalspoutofsanderuptsfromthedesertsideofthedefensivebarrier,aventopeningtoreleaseoneofthe
pilesthathasaccumulatedonthetop.Thearch-shapedwallstopsattheshorelinewhereseveralmetalringsholdthetautropesthatkeepthedocktetheredtothecity.Thetopofasmallwallcanbeseeninthebeachbehindthecratesandtentsoftheshipyard,allofwhicharesealedtoprotect
theinsidesfromthewhirlingsand.
Bellsringasthesmallvesselmovesclosetoanopenpier,thesailorsrushingtothrowmooringlinestothebronze-skinneddockhands.Asuddenswellmakesdockingmoredifficultthantheyexpected,sooneofthebare-
chestedBor’darukianscallsoutforalldockedshipstoraisetheiranchors.Theylettheadventurers’craftdriftfurtherawayasthewallropesslackenandtwomastsareerectedtopowerthemovablenetworkofpiers.Amanandawomancanbeseensteeringthedockyard,their
movementsinperfectunisonastheymaneuverclosertothebobbingvessel.Thedockhandsquicklylashthemooringlinesandsignalforthedocktobebroughtbacktoshore.Withinminutes,everythingissteadiedandalloftheshipshavedroppedanchoragain.
“Strangeplace,”Nyxsayswithayawn.SheleansonDarianaandSariastheyhelphergetontotheundulatingpier.“I’mokay.Justworndownfrommakingthatbag.I’llfeelmuchbetterwhenIgetonsolidland.”
“Watchyourstep,ladies,”ayoungmansays
withacharmingsmile.“Welcometotheheat.Youmightwanttogetlighterclothesifyou’restayinglong.”
“Thanks,butwecameprepared,”Sariresponds,pattingherpouch.Shewipesthesweatfromherbrowbeforeremovinghersleeves
androllinguphershirttoexposehermidriff.“Still,IdoplanondoingsomeshoppingandDariananeedspajamas.Arethereanystoresthatyouwouldrecommend?”
“Ifyouwantcheapthentherearethestallsattheendofthedock,”themananswersashetightensthe
mooringline.Hetakesaquickdrinkfromacanteenthathekeepsonhiship,makingsurenoneofthepreciouswateriswasted.“There’salsothemarketplaceifyouwantvariety.Ifallelsefails,youcanpayextraattheGrasdonstores.Theyusuallyhavesalesgoingon,but
thingsarechaoticaftertheincidents.”
“Incidents?”Darianaasksasthedockhandwalkswiththem.
“It’snotmyplacetotell,buttherehavebeenseveralattacksonthefamily,”hereplies,turningtofacethethreewomen.Henoticesthe
threewarriorsandFizzlejoiningthem,hiseyeslingeringonLukeforanextrasecond.“I’msureyou’llfindoutsoonenough.Afterall,youhavethatpoorbastardwithyou.WaylandGrasdonisnotgoingtobehappytoseeyou,LukeCallindor.Youcausedalotofgriefinhis
world.”Theforesttrackergroans
andrubsthesandfromhiseyes,theactionmakingthemmoreirritated.“IforgotaboutmeetingKira’sfather.Youwouldn’tbewillingtogivemeahintaboutwhatI’mwalkinginto.”
“Noclue,sir.Downin
thestreets,wedon’thavetodealwithforeignersmixingwithourtraditions.”
“Sowe’renotgoingtogetpropositionedeverytimewegoout?”Sariasks,wincingwhenNyxsmacksherupsidethehead.Withawaveofherhand,shesendsaburstofwaterintothehalf-
elf’sface.“Don’tmesswithmewhenwe’reneartheocean.”
Nyxsputtersandgagsonthehorribletasteinhermouth.“That’ssaltwater!”
“Yourpoint?”“Ihopeyougethitonso
badlythatyounevergetamoment’speace.”
“Ladies!”Delvinshoutsfrombehindthem,jerkinghisthumbtotheinsulteddockhandstandingnexttothem.“Iapologizeformyfriends.WeknowverylittleofyourculturebeyondtherelationshipLukehaswithKiraGrasdonandrumorsthatI’msureareincorrect.It
appearsweinsultedyouandforthatwe’reverysorry.”
“Thankyou,”theblack-hairedmansayswithasmallbow.Hewrinkleshisnoseatthesuddensmellofsulfuronthebreezecomingoutofthedesert.“Contrarytowhatforeignersbelieve,wedon’twalkupandproposition
people.Westrikeupconversationswiththosethatarenotofourculture,butmanywillnotgofurtherthananicedinnerorromanticwalk.Intruth,it’sseenasdisrespectfulforaBor’darukiantoperformthetestingtraditionsoutsideofthecity.Ofcourse,the
exceptionisifthey’rebetrothedisaforeigner,buteventhenitistobedonewithrespectanddignity.Theonlyreasonanyofyouthinkit’saboutsexisbecausethat’stheeasiestwaytoexplainittooutsiders.”
“Kiradidsayitwasmorecomplicatedthanshemadeit
outtobe,”Lukesheepishlyadmitsfromthebackofthegroup.Henearlychokesonthefoultasteintheairbeforeherecognizesaputridscent.“Ithinkwegetarematch,Nyx.NotthesameonefromVorgabog,butdefinitelythesamekind.”
“Vorgabog?”thecaster
saysinconfusion.Hereyesgowideandsherushesaheadoftheothers,Lukerightonherheels.“Clearthedocks!ASpurgeiscoming!Stopwhatyou’redoingandrunforcover!”
Asmallfigureapproachingfromthenorthernhorizonswiftly
growsintotheclearformofthepowerfuldemon.Stonewingswithveinsoflavasendsgustsofsand-filledwindatthecitywall,thewavesharmlesslyexplodingagainstthebarrier.Fourpowerfularmsarespreadout,eachoneholdingaweaponofpoison-drippingmetal.People
screamandrunforshelterwhenaroareruptsfromthewild-hairedmonster’smouth,whichisfilledwithdeadlyteeth.Originallyheadingforthecity,thedemonchangescoursewhenNyxfiresaplumeofcracklingflameintothesky.
Thedockshakesandthe
piersrisefromthewaterwhentheenormousSpurgelandsamongthecrates.Itsmashestheboxeswithitsswordsandclubs,afuriousragehavingconsumeditsmind.Anyonetoocloseiscutdownbyaweaponoralargechunkoftheirbodyisremovedbythedemon’s
teeth.TheSpurgeflapsitswingstotaketothesky,butitisknockeddownbyafistofforcethatrepeatedlypoundsitintothesplinteringdock.IthurlsthespellawayandgetstoitsclawedfeetintimetomeetthechargeofLuke,Timoran,andDelvin.Thedemonhastroublefiguring
outwhoisthebiggestthreatandisconfusedevenmorewhenoneofSari’sdaggersstrikesitinthenose.
Delvinisthefirsttogetknockedawaybyapowerfulswingthatheblocks,theforcesendinghimflyingthroughapileofcratesandintothewater.TheSpurge
usesitswingtoshoveTimoranoffthedockandturnsitsattentiontoLuke.Withahungrygrin,thedemonracesafterthehalf-elfwhoeffortlesslydodgesitsattacks.HismidairdirectionchangeskeephimoutofdangerasheleadstheSpurgedownanemptypierandaway
fromthecity.AblastoflightningfromFizzleslamsintothemonster’sbackanditstumblesforward,swingingatLukeashejumpsontoapylon.Themonster’sswordslicesthroughtheweatheredwoodandtheforesttrackermakesadesperateleaptothepier.Helandsonhissideand
rollsawayfromtheSpurge,ignoringthesplintersthatstickintohisbody.ThedemonisnearlyontopofhimwhenDarianalandsbetweenthemandknockstheSpurgebackwithapowerfulkicktothechest.
“Irememberthisthingbeingtougher,”Lukegaspsas
heishelpedtohisfeet.“It’spossiblethatyou’re
stronger,”Darianareplies,rushingforwardtokneethedemonintheface.Shefrownsathoweasilyitsteethsnapagainstherleg,noneofthemabletopierceherflesh.“Thenagain,youneverattackedit,soyou’reonly
fasterthanbefore.Somethingisn’trighthere.”
Thedocklurchesandthepierdipsfromthedemonshakingitsarms,causingawavetosloshontoitslegs.SteamrisesintotheairasthewaterevaporatesandtheSpurgescreechesinpain.Asifwakingupfromatrance,
thecreaturelooksaroundattheoceansurroundingitandroarsatthechurningwaves.Hairrisesfromitsbackandthelavaveinsinitswingsbloat,leakingthedemon’sacidicbloodontothewood.TheSpurgewrapsitsarmsarounditsstomach,whichisbecomingdistendedand
glowingasicklyorange.“Someoneturneditintoa
bomb,”Darianasays,draggingLuketowardtheshore.“Idon’tknowifit’sfarenoughawayfromthecity.Ifit’stooclosethentheexplosionwilldestroythefirstfewstreetsandtheairaroundBor’darukwillbe
madetoxic.”Thelongpieristurned
intosplinterswhentheSpurgeflapsitswingsandstrugglestogetofftheground.Ittriestoflyintothecity,butthepainwrackingitsbodyforcesitintoanawkward,jerkypath.Aburstofsoundandheatdraws
everyone’sattentiontowhereNyxhaslaunchedoffthedock.Thehalf-elfispropelledtowardthedemonbyapowerfulupdraft,herhandsholdingcrackingorbsoflightning.UnawarethattheSpurgehasbeenenchantedtoexplode,sheliftsithigherintotheairwithaforceblast
andcontinuesonherwaytoslamherspellsintoitspulsatingbelly.ThecasteristoofarawaytohearthevoicesofherfriendsandhermindistoofocusedonthedemontosenseDariana’stelepathicwarning.
“I’msorry,Luke,”theyoungwomanwhispersas
sheflicksherfingersattheforesttracker.
Takingcontrolofhisbody,sheuseshiswindpowerstogiveherselfanextraboostwhenshejumpstowardNyx.Thefewpeoplewhostayedonthedockswatchasthesilver-hairedchampionrocketstowardthe
caster.Darianagrabsherfriendbytheankle,butisunabletostopthehalf-elffromdeliveringherattacks.FlippingtowrapherarmsaroundNyx’schest,shemakesthecastercreateathick,defensivespellaroundthem.Theforcefromtheexplodingdemonshakesall
ofBor’darukandtheweakerstructuresofthecitycollapse.BeingsoclosetotheSpurge,DarianaandNyxaresenthurtlingintothedesert,theshieldspellshimmeringuntilitvanishesoverthehorizon.
“Grabsomewaterskinsandlet’sgo,”Delvinorderswhileheturnstohelp
Timorangetontothedock.“Thequickerwemove,theeasieritwillbetofindourfriends.Oncetheystartwalking,theymightgointhewrongdirectionandwe’lllosethem.”
“Atthatspeed,theycouldhavelandedinthesouthernjungles,”Sari
casuallymentionswhilegrabbingseveralbagsofwater.Sheleansawayfromthewarriorwhenhegetsinherface,butsherefusestobequiet.“I’mworriedtoo,butI’monlysayingit’sapossibility.Thatwasabigexplosionandtheywererightthere.Idon’tevenknowhow
NyxgotsuchapowerfuldefensespellupintimetokeepherselfandDarianaalive.Let’sthinkandplanbecausewedon’twanttogetlostouttheretoo.”
“I’msorry,butallfourofyoumuststaywithinthecity,”aguardannouncesasheapproachesthechampions.
Heisdressedinblackclothingwithonlyhiseyesvisiblethroughaslitinhisfacialwrappings.Theadventurersnoticethebladesstickingoutofhisleathergloves,eachonesharpenedtoakeenedge.“Bor’darukislockeddownduetoaggressionbytheHelgardian
Nomads.Theyhavealreadytakenthelivesofseveralesteemedmembersofoursociety.WeaskthatyouletusescortyoutoGrasdonManorwhereyouhavebeengrantedfoodandlodging.”
“I’mnotgoingtosithereandleaveNyxoutthere!”Delvinsnapsattheguard.
“Samehere,”Lukechimesin.
Saristandsbetweenthewarriorsandhappilysays,“Metoo.”
WithFizzleperchedonhishead,Timorangivesasilentnodandputshishandontheheadofhisgreataxe.Thebarbarianonlyhas
enoughtimetoarchhiseyebrowwhenhehearsthesuddenburstofairfromseveralblowguns.Foursmalldartshithimintheneckwhilehisfriendsareeachhitbyone,butitstilltakesaminutelongerforTimorantocollapsefromthepotentsleepingdrugs.Heisaboutto
tumbleintotheoceanwhenFizzlecatcheshimbythearmandlowershimtotheground.
“Fizzlegoquietly!”thedriteannounces,holdinguphishandsandtail.
7
Sariisthefirsttowakeupandsheissurprisedtofindherselfsittingatalong,finelycraftedtable.Herrecliningchairisverycomfortableandshehasnostiffnessinherbodyfromhavingbeenlefttosleepagainsttheplushcushions.Hervisionclearing,
shecanseeLukeandDelvinwakingupinsimilarchairsontheothersideofthetable.Timoranisnexttoher,thebigwarriorsprawledonawidesofaandcoveredinlacey,embroideredpillows.Thelargechamberhasthreecrystalchandeliershangingfromthedomedceiling,
whichhasbeenpaintedtodepictthebusymarketplaceofBor’daruk.PaintingsoftheGrasdonfamilyadornthelightyellowwalls,oneofKiraasachildhangingacrossfromSari.Thesmelloftropicalflowersisonthebreeze,emanatingfromthehangingplantsthatareinthe
openwindows.Bronzepitchersofwaterarespreadalongthetablewithagobletofpolishedwoodplacedbeforeeachguest.Theachebehindhereyesforcesthegypsytotakeasmalldrink,thepowerfulherbsinthewaterclearingherheadinseconds.Smackinglipsbring
herattentionbacktothetablewhereFizzleiseatinganappleamongtheplattersoffreshfruit.
“WelcometoGrasdonManor,”avoicesaysfromtheheadofthetable.Abaldmanwithalong,blackbeardgoingdowntohispotbellysitsattheheadofthetable.
Heiswearingapurplerobeandaredsashmadeoutofthefinestsilksandcottons.Hisdarkskinshowssomewrinklesaroundthecornerofhisemeraldeyes,thefurrowscreatedbyyearsofsquintingatreportsinflickeringcandlelight.“MynameisWaylandGrasdon.Allowme
tointroduceAsher,myoldestson,Tambre,myyoungestson,andQuill,mynephew.”
Allthreeyoungmenstandandbowtheirheadstotheadventurers.Asheristhetallestandmoremuscularofthetrio,hisleatherarmorshowingsignsofrecentuse.Hischestnuthairistiedintoa
ponytailthatisdrapedoverhisshoulder.Thescimitarleaningagainsthischairshinesinthecandlelightandeveryonenoticesthathishandisreadytodrawtheweaponattheslightestprovocation.Tambrelookslikehisfather,butwithatuftofblackhaironhisheadand
anarrowerbeard.Unlikehisblue-eyedbrother,hehasthegreeneyesofWaylandandismorerelaxedinthepresenceofthestrangers.Feigningdisinterest,hefixesthecuffsofhisredandgoldshirt,thebackreachinghisankles.Provingtobethemostanxiousoftheirhosts,Quill
keepshiseyesonthestirringbarbarianandhisthinfingersmakeoddmotionsintheair.Thebrown-eyedyouthwearswhiterobesthatarestainedwithink,sotheadventurersguessthatheiseitheranartistorascribe.
“It’sapleasuretofinallymeetyou,LukeCallindor,”
Ashersaysinabaritonevoice.Hesitsdownandsignalsforhisbrotherandcousintofollowsuit.“Iapologizeforthewayyouandyourfriendswerebroughthere.Ourpersonalguarddidn’twanttowasteanytime.”
“Theydruggedand
kidnappedus,”Timorangrowls,rubbinghissoreneck.Hegrabsahandfulofdatesandstuffstheminhismouth,waitingasecondtorevelintheirsweetness.“BethankfulIdidnotusemyragetoreduceyourforces.Nowpleaseletusrescueourfriends.”
“I’mafraidthat’snotpossible,”Waylandcalmlystatesasheeatsasliceofmelon.Hebeckonsthenearbyguardswithhisring-coveredfingerswhenDelvinjumpstohisfeet.“Idon’tknowwhoyouare,butIcantellyou’retheleader.SoIhopeyoucanunderstand
whatI’mabouttosay.Bor’darukisatwarwiththeHelgardianNomadsafteranunprovokedattack.Onlyshipsareallowedinandoutofthecity.”
“Whataboutourfriends?”Saripolitelyasks.Alumpgrowsinherthroatwhenallfouroftheirhosts
lookatherwithmilddistaste.“WhatifIgoalone?I’veafeelingyouwon’tmindifIdieoutinthedesert.”
“Don’tmistakeour...issueswithyouashatred.Wearemerelyonmycousin’ssideinyoursituation,”Quillreplies,cuttingofftheotherswithasoft,musicalvoice.He
bowshisheadinresponsetotheirritatedscowlofhisuncle,themotiondefusingsomeoftheolderman’sbitterness.“Itwouldbewrongtosendanyoneintothedesertconsideringwhatweareupagainst.Evenifweweren’tatwar,thisareaisfullofdangersthatasolitary
gypsywouldbeunfittohandle.Thespadixalonekillnearlyonehundredtravelersayear.”
Delvinshoveshischairawayfromthetableandheadsforthenearestdoor,grabbingtheframewhenhisvisionsblurs.HeiswrackedwithdryheavesandanElven
butlertakesthewarriorbythearmtoguidehimbacktohisseat.Withmuffledcoughs,hechokesdownaglassofwaterthatclearshisheadandhealshisthroat.WatchingDelvingroanandplacehisheadonthetable,theothersdraintheirowncupstoavoidthesamefate.
“TakecomfortinthefactthatitisNyxofRainbowTowerthatisoutthere,”Waylandstateswithaforcedsmile.“Herreputationisoneofadefiantsurvivorandadangerousbeingofrawmagic.MyonlyfearisthatshewillnotfindherwaybacktoBor’darukintimeto
aideusinthewar.”“Youkeepmentioning
beingatwar,butIsawnosignsofanopposingarmy,”Timoransays,wipinghismouthonabluenapkin.“ArethenomadsusingdemonslikethatSpurgetogetoverthewall?IfsothenIbelieveyouhaveabiggerproblem.I
havehaddealingswiththesouthernnomadsoncebeforeandtheydespisecreaturesofdarkness.”
Withoutsittingup,Delvinturnshisheadandinterjects,“EverygroupisdifferentandI’veheardtherearesomethatutilizeevilbeingstodotheirfightingand
hunting.ABor’darukianmerchanthiredmeasabodyguardandwecomparedtribesystemsofourbirthplaces.ThoughIwastoldthattheHelgardiansarenotoneofthem.”
“Wethoughtsotooanditcouldstillbetrue.TheSpurgeisthefirstdemon
we’veseenintheattacks,”Timbreexplainswhileunrollingascroll.Heskimsthroughthenotesandpictures,mouthingwordstohimself.“Strangebeastshavebeensentintothecityandtheyalwaysbypassthewall.Thenomadshavestayeddeepinthedesertwhilethese
monstersdothefightingforthem.Wecapturedascoutonthenearestduneslastweek.ShetoldusthatthesearetheguardiansoftheHelgardians,butshediedofherinjuriesbeforewecouldgetanythingelseoutofher.”
“WhyyoukeepFizzleandfriendshere?”thedrite
asksasherollsontohisbackandstrokeshisbloatedbelly.“Wenotinvolved,butyouwantus.Whycitykingnottalk?”
“Fizzlehasapoint,”SaristateswhenshenoticesabriefflickerofnervousnessonWayland’sface.“Idon’tknowhowthepoliticsof
Bor’darukwork,butit’sstrangethatwe’retalkingtoyouandnotthemayororwhateveryoucallyourleader.Thedockhandthatgreetedusdidn’tactlikesomethingthisbigwasgoingoneither.Tellusthetruth,LordGrasdon,orweleavetofindNyx.”
“Byforceifneedbe,”Delvinadds.
Withafrown,WaylandnodstoAsherandthewarriorstandstomakesurehehaseveryone’sattention.“TheHelgardianshavetargetedtheGrasdonfamily.Wedon’tknowwhytheyareattackinguswiththesecreatures,but
thecityhasdecidedtousetheirforcesonlytodefend.Thismeanstheygoabouttheirbusinessuntilabeastappears.Bythattime,ourfamilyhasalreadysufferedlosses.Theyclaimthatthisistomakesurethesituationdoesnotescalateandtheylosetheirremainingtrade
pactswiththeHelgardians.WhatyouseehereisallthatremainsoftheGrasdonlineage.Everyattackhastakenatleastoneofourkin.”
“Youfourareallthatremain?”Lukeasks,talkingforthefirsttime.Feathersruffleunderhiscollarandhiseyesshimmergoldashis
panicrises.“WhathappenedtoKira?”
“Afraidthatyou’llbestuckwithasimplegypsy?”WaylandGrasdonretorts,polishingarubyringonhislefthand.Hegrinsattheanguishontheyoungwarrior’sface.“Maybeyou’rescaredthatmyonly
daughterisstillalive,butcrippled.Ifyourejectherinsuchastateitwouldmakeyoulooklikeamonster.Thenagain,youprobablyhopeshe’soneofthedead,soyoudon’thavetomakeadecision.”
“TellmewhereKirais,sir.”
Asherleansovertohisfathertospeak,butaquickhandisplacedagainsthislips.Theyoungermansettlesbackdownandsighs,settlingforenjoyingapear.HerefusestolookathisfatherorLuke,hisattentionfindinganunimportantspotontheceilingtoponderon.Timbre
andQuillexchangenervousglancesandfollowtheirelderkinsman’sexample.
“Idon’tknowwhatsheseesinyou,”thepatriarchadmits,poppingagrapeintohismouthandsquishingitbetweenhiswhiteteeth.“ItoldhertotestyourrelationshiporIwould
publiclystandagainstit.Whatdoesmydaughterdo?Picksaclaimedmanwhohasleftourcitybehindanduseshimaspublicproofthatsheisupholdingthetraditions.Meanwhile,Iknowhewasn’tachallengetowhatyoutwohave.I’dbefinewiththatifIdidn’tstarthearingaboutyou
andthisgypsy.”“Kiratoldmetouphold
thetraditionsofyourpeople,”theforesttrackerargues,lettingthegriffinspiritsinkbackintohissubconscious.HecanstillfeelStilettoatthefringeofhismind,thedog’sinfluenceenoughtosharpenhisteeth.“Iwashonoringher
requestandIthoughtshewasdoingthesame.SariandItoneditdownmonthsagobecausewewanttositdownandtalktoyourdaughter.Now,whereisshe?”
“Youdon’tunderstandourtraditions.”
“Thenpunishmeandteachme.”
“Itisn’tmyplacetodoso.”
“Thenstayoutofit!”“Onmybelovedwife’s
spirit,Iwillnotletmydaughterdestroyherlifeforsomeonelikeyou,”Waylandcoldlysays.Aspearmanbreaksrankstowhisperintheman’searandswiftlymoves
backintoposition.“Itappearsthismeetingisdone.Mybutlersandmaidswillshowyoualltoyourrooms.Ifyou’llexcuseme,Ihavesomewheretobe.”
GruntsandshoutsareheardcomingdownthehallwayasWaylandgetstohisfeetandfreezes.The
soundofabodyhittingthedoorechoesthroughouttheroom,thesoundrepeatingafewmoretimesasifsomeoneistryingtobashtheirwayin.AsherandTimbreareontheirfeetwithweaponsdrawn,theyoungerbrotherrevealingapairoflong-handledsicklesthathekeepshiddenbeneath
thetailofhisshirt.Alightlyarmoredguardishurledthroughthedoors,themanlandingonhisbackandrollingoutoftheway.KiraGrasdonstormsintotheroomwithherchainandsickleweapondrawnandacalicomaidnervouslyfollowingbehindher.Theblack-haired
womaniswearingleatherarmorandafuriousglintisinheremeraldeyes.Shemarchesovertothetableandslamsthebladeofherweaponintothepolishedsurface,missingherfather’shandbyaninch.
“Thisiswhyyousentmetocheckonthedefenses,”she
hissesinavoicethatthreatenstoeruptintoascream.Herslenderframequiversfromherangermixingwiththegriefofrecentlylosingsomanylovedones.“Youbroughtmyfiancéeandhisfriendsherewithouttellingme.Iassumeyouwerelessthancordialin
askingfortheirhelp.”“Irefusetoargueinfront
ofourwelcomedguests,”Waylandstates,gesturingforhissonstostanddown.ThemerchantrollshiseyeswhenKiramakesawordlessyellinrageinhischubbyface.“Thisisn’tthetimeforyoutogetinvolvedinthismess.We
bothknowthisrelationshipisnothingmorethanaflingandyourmotherwillneverapprove.Imaginethepainyou’recausingherbycontinuingwithanoutsiderwhodoesn’tunderstandourways.”
“Momhasbeendeadforyears,dad!”Kirashouts,her
armsshakingwithanger.Shetossesherweapontotheuncomfortablemaidwhoripsthesleeveofherblackandsilverdressonthesickle.“LukeandIloveeachotherandwe’reinauniquesituation.TheruleshavetobebentandI’vejumpedthrougheveryhoopyouputinmy
way.Caspar,negotiatingwhatyouthoughtwereimpossibletradeagreements,trainingwiththelocalguards,andcleaningsomeofthemoredisgustingareasofthemanor.Whatelsedoyouwant?”
“Ijust-”“Idon’tcarewhatyou
wantanymore!Ican’tbelieveyou’recontinuingthisfeudwhileourfamilyisbeingmurdered.Getyourprioritiesstraight,dad,oryouwon’thaveanempiretoruleover.”
Quillbravelyslipsbetweenhisuncleandcousin,placinghishandsonKira’sstomachtomoveherback.
“Pleasecalmdown,Kiki.Weneedtoworktogetherandputthesepersonalissuesaside.Iagreethatyourfatherwentaboutthingsthewrongway,butyoucan’tchangethepast.Let’sforgiveeachotherandsurviveasafamily.”
“Onlybecauseyouasked,Quill,butI’ve
businesswithtwoofourguests,”Kirasays,hereyesneverleavingherfather’sfurrowedface.Shetakesadeep,shudderingbreathtoregainhercomposureandputonasmile.“Eileen,pleasetakeTimoran,Delvin,andFizzletotheirsuites.LukeandSariwillbecomingwith
metothepeacockroom.Ialreadyhavethecooksendingcoffeeandaplatterthere.”
“Yes,milady,”thebrown-hairedcalicosayswhilehandingthekusari-gamabacktohermistress.Sheturnstotheadventuresandflashesthemapleading
look,hertailrandomlyflickingbehindher.“Pleasefollowmetoyourchambers.Iwillhavebathsdrawnforyouandfreshpajamaslaidoutonyourbeds.”
TimoranandDelvingettotheirfeet,thesmallerwarriorbegrudginglywalkingaroundthetable.Heletsthe
barbariannudgehimtowardthedoor,buteveryonecanseethetiredexpressionofdefeatonhisface.Fizzlegrabstwoapplesbeforefollowinghisfriends,histailsnaggingafakeoneoutofadecorativebowlnearthedoorway.Theyquicklyhearaslewofdraconiccursesand
thewaxfruitishurledbackintotheroom.
“Nochancewegettorestbeforethis,huh?”Lukeasksashewalksaroundthetable.
“Iwanttogetthisoverwith,”Saristates,grinningattheheiress.“Besides,it’snicetofinallymeetmyrival.”
“Thepleasureisgoingto
beallmine,”Kirasayswithawidersmilethatsendsashiverdownherfiancé’sspine.“I’vebeendreamingaboutthismeetingforalongtime.Downtothelastdetail.Followme,loverandhisgypsy.”
LukeglancesatWayland,whoisbackto
polishinghisringsandtalkingtohissonsaboutthemanordefenses.Lettingoutatiredsigh,thehalf-elfputshishandsinhispocketsandtrudgesafterKira.ThesparkleinSari’seyesmakeshimevenmorenervousaboutwhatheiswalkinginto.Hestopshimselffromchuckling
atthebriefthoughtthatDarianawouldbeabletoputhimtosleepandsavehimfromthismeeting.ThoughhequicklyrealizesshecouldalsobeconvincedtoputSariandKirainhisheadtocontinuethefight.
“Ican’twinhere,”hemuttersunderhisbreath.
*****Theroomiscomfortably
warmduetothesunlightpassingthroughtheglassdomethatactsasaceiling.Tropicalplantscovertheedgeoftheroom,whichhassoftgrassgrowingoutofthespongyfloor.Agentlerainfallsoutoftheceilingand
ontothefoliage,givingtheairacrispfreshnessthatinvigoratesthewildlife.Peacocksandpeahensstrutaroundtheroom,themalesbrandishingtheircolorfulplumagewhenKiraarriveswithherguests.Analbinopeacockstandsbyalowtableandhopsintotheheiress’slap
whenshesitsonthelushgrass.AgraciouswaveofherhandisallshedoestogetSariandLuketojoinheronthefloor.Withacordialcough,sheredirectsherfiancéetositattheheadofthetable,placinghimbetweenthetwowomen.
“Ididn’trealizethe
peacockroomwouldhaveactualpeacocks,”Sariadmits,reachingouttoanearbybird.Theanimalpecksatherfingersanddisappearsintothesurroundingplants.“Thisplaceseemskindofrestrictiveforthem.Poorthingsmustmissflyinginthefreshair.”
“Therearehatchesinthewallsthattheyusetogetintotheoutsidegarden.Ourpeacocksaretrainedtostaywithinthemanorgrounds.Youwouldhaveseenthemalreadyifyouwereawakewhenmyfather’smenbroughtyouhere,”Kirarepliesasshestrokesthe
ivoryfeathersofthebeautifulbirdinherlap.Shereachesouttopouracupofcoffeeforthegypsyandslidesitacrossthetable.“Sowefinallymeet,Sari.IcansaythatI’mnotdisappointedinyourbeauty.I’vealsoheardstoriesofyourvictoriesandpublicdisplayswithLuke.”
“Thankyou.You’remoregorgeousandelegantthanIexpected,”thegypsyreplieswithagenuinesmile.Shetakesasipofthestrongdrink,whichmakeshershudder.“LukeandIhavebeentryingtokeepthingsplatoniclately.Knowingthatwewerecomingto
Bor’daruk,wethoughtitbesttotoneitdownuntilwespeakwithyou.”
“AmIsupposedtosaysomethingduringthismeeting?”Lukeasksasheunstrapshissabersandplacesthemonthegrass.
“Youcansaywhateveryouwant,lover,”Kira
replies,emphasizingthelastword.Shetakesasipofcoffeeandpassesthedrinktothehalf-elf,makingsurehenoticesthelipstickmarksontheedge.“Thisisgoingtobeawkward.Traditionally,wediscussthispriortotheinterestedpartiesdoingwhateveritistheywishtodo.
I’massumingyou’vedoneeverythingwithLukethatI’vedone,sothisisgoingtobemoreofa...review.”
Alarge,stonetrayisplacedinthemiddleofthetableandthesmelloffreshfoodpermeatestheair.Bowlsofinsectsandseedsaresetaroundtheroomwhilea
Dwarvenmaidreleasesseveralsnakesintotheplants.Lukekeepshissoundsightontheserpents,oneofwhichispouncedonbyapairofpeacocks.Heturnshisattentionbacktothemeal,whichconsistsofhollowedoutbreadpocketsandawidevarietyoffillings.Kirais
alreadyfinishingupacombinationofbeans,spicedlamb,anddicedtomatoes.GlancingatSari,thehalf-elffillsabreadpocketwithatanpasteandwhatheguessesisshreddedchicken.Thegypsysettlesforchoppednutsinhoneycombinedwithadark,juicymeat.
“Whatisthis?”Lukeasks,swallowingtheflavorfulandthickfood.“IthinkImadeabadcombination.”
“WhateverIdidtastesprettygood,”Sarigloatswhilelickinghoneyoffherfingers.“It’ssweetwithastrangenumbingsensation.”
“Youmixedhoney,
walnuts,andlargescorpionmeat,”Kiratellsthegypsy,dippingsomebreadintothetanpaste.Shesavorsthebite,herstomachstillrumblingafteramorningofpracticingandcheckingthemanordefenses.“Luketookthechickpeadipandmixeditwithspicedchicken.I
probablyshouldhavetoldyouthatthisstuffisfordipping.Finishthatandtrycombiningthecinnamonrice,sweetpickles,andscorpionmeat.Ifindthatmixtureissweet,spicy,andticklesyourtongue.”
“Scorpion,”Sarirepeatsasifthewordfinallyregisters
inhermind.Theheiressmakesa
sandwichofthedarkmeatandacrunchy,greenvegetable.“It’sacommondishinBor’daruk.Ifyouwish,youcanleaveinsearchofsomethingelse.ThatwouldforfeityourclaimonLukesinceourreviewhas
begun.”“You’replayingdirty,
Grasdon.”“Thisisn’tevencloseto
dirty.”“Icanbemeantoo.”“Whywouldyoudothat
ifyoualreadyexpecttolose?”Kiraasks,flashingasmileofvictory.Placingthe
albinopeacocknexttoher,thebrown-skinnedwomanleansoverthetabletogetabetterlookatthefireinherrival’seyes.“Forawhile,IwasundertheimpressionthatyouwereusingLuketomakeyourselffeellikeyouweren’talone.IthelpedLukebecausehewantedtoabidebymy
traditionsandyouenteredhislifewithnostringsattached.Nowitappearsthesituationhaschangedandyoudon’twanttolose.”
“ThisiswhatIwasafraidof,”Lukegroans,grimacingatthestrongcoffee.
“Let’sfocusonyouabithere,”Kirastatesinanangry
voice.Herpethurriestoabowloffood,thebirdkeepinganeyeonitsmaster.“HowmuchdoyouloveSari?Ican’tsayI’msurprisedthatshefellforyou,butI’dbelyingifIsaidIhaven’tbeenworriedsinceourtimeinGaia.Ididn’tthinkmuchofitatthetimesinceshewas
inamagicalslumber.Nowthatshe’sawake,areyoumoreinlovewithherthanyouarewithme?”
“No!”Lukequicklysnaps,seeingthehurtonSari’sface.“I...Ican’tsayIloveoneofyoumorethantheother.You’rebothspecialtomeandIcanseemyself
spendingtherestofmylifewitheitheroneofyou.”
“Wellwecan’tshareyou,”Saripointsoutwithanedgetohervoice.Shetakesabigbiteofherfoodandexaggeratesherchewinginanattempttotakethewindoutofherrival’spompoussails.“Kiraisright.Iletthis
gotoofar,butI’mnotgoingtobetheonetobackout.HowdiditgettobethisbigofamesswhenIthoughtwewerebeingcareful?”
“BecauseKirawasn’taround.”
TheheiressjumpstoherfeetandsmacksLukeacrosstheface,whichcausesSarito
standandslaptheblack-hairedwoman.Thepeacocksshriekatthepalpabletensionintheairandtheraingushesoutoftheceiling.SarihasthewatercoilaroundKira,whonervouslywaitsfortheangrygypsytochangetheliquidintosomethingdangerous.SheissurprisedwhenLuke
pusheshiswayintothewaterytrapandfacestheblue-hairedchampion.Withagruntofannoyance,theblue-hairedgirlturnsthewaterintovaporandpushesittothesidesoftheroom.
“I’msorry,”LuketellsKirawithoutturningaround.Afewtearsescapehiseyes,
whichhefeelsSarimagicallyerasefromhischeeks.“Ididn’tmeantopointafingeratyou,butyounotbeingaroundispartoftheproblem.SariandIhavehadtimetomatureourrelationshipwhileyouandIhaven’thadthatluxury.Thisisthefirsttimeinmonthswe’vebeen
togetherwhereIwasn’tdepressedorinjured.Ourtimeapartputsusatadisadvantage.”
“Iknow,”Kiraadmits,returningtoherseat.Shesmirkswhenthehalf-elfsitsnexttoher,butsherefusestotouchhim.“Ithoughtyourtimeawaywouldbeeasierif
youfollowedBor’darukiantraditions.Instead,it’smadeamessofwhatshouldhavebeenabeautifullong-distanceromance.Ishouldhavetrustedyoutorejectalladvanceswhileyouwereaway.Bythegods,Ishouldhavedonesomethingtoremainincontactwithyou,
butIwassobusydefendingustomyfatherthatIdidn’tevenworkonholdingontoyou.”
“Whatdoesyourtraditionsayaboutthis?”Sariaskswhilemakinganothersandwichofscorpionmeat.Sheaddssomerelishandwhatshethinksisshredded
cheese,buthasastrangetexture.“Iwouldsaywepickawinnernow,butthatcouldstillcauseissues.AfterourbusinessisdoneinBor’daruk,LukeandIcontinuetravelingaschampionswhileyoustayhere.Theonlywaythatwouldn’tcauseamajormess
isifI’mtheonehechooses.”“Wouldyouwanttowin
outofconvenience?”Kiracounterswithawrysmile.Sheseestheanswerinthegypsy’seyes,aflickerofself-loathingthatshehadbeenhopingfor.“There’snotraditiontosettlewhatwe’vecreatedhere.Thedatingand
marriagelawsweremadewhenBor’darukwasmoreisolated,soforeignersdon’teasilyfitintothem.Lukebeingontheroadandmebeingunabletofollowmakesitinfinitelyworse.Allwecandoismakeanagreementbeforeyouleave.Still,it’sunfairthatyou’vehadmore
timewithhim,soIaskthatLukebewithmewhileyouarehere.”
Sariscowlsattherequestandtakesabiteofherfood,slowlychewingthescorpionmeatuntilhermouthhaslostallsenseoffeeling.Unabletositstill,thegypsygetstoherfeetandwalksalongtheedge
oftheleafyplants.Shepetsafewpeacocksthatcomewithinreachandhopsoverasnakethatismakingabreakforthedoor.Adaggerfliesfromherhand,butitiscaughtwithinthechainofKira’skusari-gama.Thesickleendoftheweaponimpalestheserpentandtheheiressflicks
thetwitchingmealtothealbinopeacock.
“Iconcedeyourpoint,”Sarisayswhilegentlyfingeringablueflower.“Itwouldn’tberighttocallawinnerwhenwe’refinallyinapositiontofightonequalfooting.TheoddshavebeeninmyfavorsinceImetLuke,
butonlybecauseofourshareddestiny.Aslongasheisokaywithit,yougethimalltoyourselfduringourtimehere.ThoughIwillnotdenyanyadvancethathemakestowardsme.”
“Iunderstand,”theheiresssaysasshestandsandtakesthegypsy’shands.
“Thankyouforgivingmethistime,Sari.IreallymeanitandI’lltrynottobemeanaboutit.”
“Withanyluckwe’llbetoobusytoworryaboutallofthis.”
“Itdoesseemthatway.”Lukesipsathiscoffee
andmutters,“Ifeellikethe
grandprizeofatournamenthere.”
“Youare,”bothwomenreply,sharingahalf-heartedgrin.
“Canwestillfinishthismealtogether?”
Sarieyesthedoor,butthethoughtofbeingdistantfromLukepusheshertotake
aseatatthetable.“Onlyuntilwe’vehadourfill.I’llkeepmymouthshutifyouwanttotouchhisleg,butIdoaskthatyouavoidrealintimacywhileI’maround.I’ddothesameforyou.”
Kiranodsandgoesaboutmakingasandwichofpicklesandostrichmeat.Sheshifts
closertoLukeandletsherkneetouchhis,enjoyingthecontactthatshehasdreamedofforsolong.Saritakesadeepbreathandfocusesonpouringanothercupofcoffee.Theliquidviolentlyswirlsinhercup,calmingdownwhenLukeuseshisbootedfoottopathercalf.
Shelooksuptoseetheapologyonhislipsandwatergatheringinthecornersofhiseyes.Whisperingaspell,shewhiskshistearsawaybeforeKiracangetacloselookathisface.
“Youreyesaredifferent,”theheiressstates,takenabackbythebrownand
goldthathavereplacedthegreensheisusedto.“Ilikeit,buthowdidithappen?”
“Ihaveafewstoriestotellyou.”
“AllowmesinceI’mamuchmoreentertainingstoryteller,”Sariinterrupts.Shecreatesillusionsofherandtheotherchampionson
thetable.“ItallstartedwhenweleftfortheGardenofUli.”
*****“HowlongDelvin
pace?”Fizzleasksasheloungesontheedgeofabathbasin.Thearomaticwatermakeshimdrowsy,soheletshisheaddangleonthefloor
side.“Fizzleverysleepy.”“Istoppedpaying
attentionanhourago.Atleasthetookhisarmoroff,soheisnotmakingaracket,”Timoranadmits,relaxingonaplushcouch.Hestaresoutthewindow,whichoverlooksacolorfulgardenmaze.“Iamhopinghecalmsdowntotake
abath.Weshouldtakeadvantageofsuchlavishquartersbeforewearepulledintoanotherbattle.ThepillowsandcouchesareverycomfortableandIenjoythelookofthesilkcurtainsthatarearoundthepillars.Itisalsoverynicethatweeachhaveabedroomconnectedto
thismainarea.AlthoughIwouldhavepreferredthatthebathbeprivate.”
“Darkcloaksonroundtowers,”Fizzlesays,pointinghistailatthemarblepillarscirclingthebasin.“Timoranforgot.Delvintoodistractedtonotice.Fizzlenotcare.”
“Myapologies,my
friend.Isthatabalconyoutsidethatwindow?”
“You’reattemptingtogetareactionfromme,”Delvinclaimsashecontinueswalkingacrossthebeautifullyfurnishedroom.Heflickstheleafofasmallpalmtreeandturnsonhisheeltoreturntoaporcelainvaseoforchids.
“YouwantmetocalmdownandtrustthatNyxisgoingtobesafeinthedesert.You’repointingouteverythingthatIcantakeadvantageofinanattempttorelax,soI’llbereadyforaction.YouthinkIshouldstopwastingenergyandtimebydwellingonthefactthatNyxisoutthere
alone.”“OneofthethingsIlike
aboutyou,Delvin,isthatIcanbesubtle.Asabarbarian,itisaskillIrarelygettoutilize,”Timoransayswithafriendlysmile.Whenhisfriendturnstomakeanotherpass,hesitsupandswingshislegstothefloor.“Yetyou
arebeginningtopokeatmypatience.”
“Thewomanyouloveisn’taloneandoutofyourreach!”thesmallerwarriorexclaims,whirlingontheredheadedbarbarian.Delvinfreezeswithhismouthopenwhenawaveoffuryflowsoffhisfriend.“I’msorry.
Thatwas...unnecessary.IknowyoucareaboutNyxtooandwishtohelpher.Ioverreactedandletmyworrygetthebestofme.Asyoucansee,I’mnotmyselfrightnow.”
Timoranletsoutalongbreathandheadsforthebalcony,hisfriendtrailinga
fewstepsbehind.Theylookdownatthegardenwherepeacockswanderamongflowersofeverysizeandcolor.Apairofmonkeysleapamongthepalmtrees,screechingandhootingatthecrimsonparrotsthattheyupset.Itisabrightcontrasttothesimplercolorsofthecity
thatsitsbeyondthemanorwalls,whichisbarelyvisiblefromthebalcony.Alloftherooftopsarebrownandgray,unlikethewhitemarbleandglassofthemanor.Thereisacurioussenseoftensioninthewindthatdrawsthewarriors’attentiontotheirright.Oneofthenearbybuildingshasaten
footlonghornofcrimsonbonepuncturingtheroof,areminderofthecreaturesthathavebeenplaguingtheGrasdons.
“Iunderstandyourplightmorethanyoucanimagine,”Timoransays,breakingthegentlesilence.HeclapsDelvinontheshoulderand
returnstotheroom,hishandgrazingthesilkcurtainsaroundthedoorway.“Itisastoryforanothertime,butIcanassureyouthatNyx’ssituationisnotasdireasyouimagine.Whatyoufeelisnothingmorethanhelplessnessandworry,whichisadmirable.Ifitwas
anyotherwoman,Iwouldsayitisunderstandabletoo.”
“DidyoueverthinkwegiveNyx’smagicandwillpowertoomuchcredit?”thebrown-hairedwarriorpolitelyasks.Hemovestoaloveseatandputsapillowbehindhisheadasheslidesontohisback.“She’svery
powerful,butsheisn’tunstoppable.Stephencouldbeoutthereorsomethingevenworse.Whataboutsomethingthat’simmunetomagic?I’mnottalkingaboutabsorberslikethekrypters,butacreaturethatherpowerssimplycan’taffect.Thesouthernregionhastalesof
suchbeasts.She’llbealoneanddefenseless.”
“Nyxalwaysholdback.Scaredtohurtothers.Notproblemindesert,”Fizzlesaysashelazilyrollsintothebasin.Hepokeshisheadoutofthewaterandfloatsonhisback,directinghismovementswithhiswings.
“WhyDelvinsayNyxalone?Darianawithher.”
“Westilldon’tknowherwellenoughtotrusther,”Delvinclaims,battingatacurtaintasselthatishangingwithinreach.“Shemaybeachampion,butIstilldon’tunderstandwhyshe’sbeenallowedtosurviveforso
long.We’vebeentoldthatallthepreviouschampionswerekilled,yetDarianaisstillaround.Somethingfeelswrong.”
“Itisbecausesheisnotbyyourside,”Timoranpointsout,returningtothecouch.
Delvinturnstofacethebarbarianwhilehe
absentmindedlytakeshisbootsoff.“I’mworriedthatwhatwesawbetweenDarianaandStephenwasashow.Shecanmanipulatememories,sohowdoweknowsheisn’tplayingusforfools.TheBaroncouldbeahorriblecreaturewithasoftspotforhisdaughter,butshe
couldalsobeoneofhisagents.Wesimplydon’tknowandNyxisouttherealonewithher.”
“DarianatrysaveNyx.ThatwhyNyxnotdead,”Fizzlestateswhilereleasingafewbubblesfromhisnostrils.“Delvinneedbequiet.Fizzlegiveupbath.”
ThedoortotheguestsuitescreaksupandEileenwalksin,thecalico’sorangetailswishingalongtheground.Sariisbehindherandthegypsylookslikesheisabouttoeithercryorscream.Shemuttersathankyoutothemaid,whobowsandhurriesbacktothecomfortof
thehallway.Theblue-hairedgirlbendsdowntoslipoffhervelvetandleatherboots,wigglinghertoesonthewarmstonefloor.Glancingattheadjoiningbedrooms,shetossestheenchantedfootwearintooneofthemandjoinsherfriends.
“IhopeIdidn’tmiss
anything,boys.”“Delvinisstillworried
aboutNyxbeingaloneinthedesertwithDariana,”Timorancasuallyreplies,gesturingtoanearbychair.“IsLukejoiningus?”
“Kira’sturnandwe’llleaveitatthat,”Sarianswerswithapout.“Cheerup,
Delvin.Nyxiewillbebackwithusbeforeyouknow.”
“AndwhatdoIdountilthen?”thewarriorforlornlyasks.
Grindingherteethtogether,SarigrabsDelvinbytheshirtanddragshimoffthecouch.Sheletshimstandupbeforeclutchinghiswrists
andactivatingherimmovabilitypower.Thewarriormakesafewfeebletugseventhoughheknowsherholdisunbreakable.NotwantingtomakeiteasyforSari,hedeadweightshimselfandletshisbodyslumptowardthefloor.Rollingheremeraldeyes,thegypsyturns
herpoweroff,sitsonDelvin’schest,andagainmakesherselfafleshyboulderthatcannotbebudged.Theweightoftheimmovablegirlonhisribsmakesitdifficultforthewarriortobreathe.
“Hereisexactlywhatyou’regoingtodo,”Sarisays
inaslow,sternvoice.Unabletoholdbackheremotions,sheletsafewtearsrolldownhercheeksandfallonDelvin’schest.“You’regoingtohelpusdefendtheGrasdonsandthinkaboutNyxieeveryday.WhenshecomeswalkingbackintoBor’daruk,youwillhugher
andtellherthatyouloveher.Itdoesn’tmatterifshesaysittooornot.Webothknowshe’llgetthereeventually,soit’smoreimportantthatyoumakesureshedoesn’tforgethowyoufeel.Also,allofusaregoingtothankDarianaforprotectingNyxieoutthere.DoyouunderstandwhatI’m
saying,Mr.Cunningham?”“Yes,ma’am,”he
answers,gaspingforairwhenshestands.“WantTimoran,Fizzle,andItoleave,soyoucantakeabath?”
“I’mgoingtobed.Wakemeintimefordinner,”thegypsysaysasshehelpsDelvintohisfeet.Shewalks
tothebasinandleansonthecurvedrimnexttoFizzle,herfingerticklinghisbelly.“Doyoumindkeepingmecompany,Fizzle?Idon’twanttobealoneandaskingoneoftheboysisjust...wrong.Youcansleepbythewindow,butIreallydon’twanttobealonerightnow.”
Thedritecrawlsoutofthebasinandclimbsdowntheside,hisclawstappingagainstthestonefloorashefollowsSari.Sheclosesthedoorbehindthem,leavingherfriendstositinawkwardsilence.Afterafewminutes,Timoranheadsforthebalconytogetawayfromthe
faintsoundofthegypsyweepingintoherpillow.
*****Lukerubsthebudding
leavesonhiswoodenringashelooksoutoverthemanor.Heshiversatthecoolbreezeonhisbarechest,butrefusestostepbackintothewell-furnishedroomevenwhen
thesunvanishesbehindthedunes.Glancingoverhisshoulder,hecanseeKira’sformshiftingunderthesheetsofthecanopybed.Herarmisdrapedoverwherehewaslyingafewminutesearlier,whichcausesaneedleofguiltandpaintopiercehischest.
“Icanletyousleepif
youwish,”thegriffinoffersfrominsidehismind.“Though,Isenseyouaretroubledbysomethingelse.Isitbecauseyourefusedheradvances?”
“Ididn’treallyrejecther,”Lukereplies,leaningonthebalconyrailing.Hewatchesanelephantcasually
walkthroughthegarden,itstrunkwavingintheair.“WekissedandItoldherthatIcouldn’tgofurthertonight.Itdidn’tfeelrightsosoonafterwhathappenedwithSari.Sheunderstood,sothat’sgood.”
“Youarestilltroubled,”thebeastsayswithatiredsigh.Herconsciousnessrises
closertothesurface,butstopswhenanotherrushesaheadofher.“Pleasetellyourdogthatthereisnocompetitionforyourattention.Hedoesnothavetoshoveme.”
Thehalf-elfpatshisownheadandfeelsthespiritofhisbelovedcompanionrelax.
“Behave,Stiletto.Letourfriendspeak.”
“Yourhearthasbeeninturmoilsinceyouarrivedatthismanor.Icantellthatyoulovebothofthesewomen.YouareafraidthatyouaremoreinlovewithSari,butareunsureifitissimplybecauseKirahasbeenabsent
forsolong.YouarealsoharboringguiltoverSariandresentmenttowardKira.Thereasonyouareawakenowisbecauseyouwonderifyoudeserveeitherofthem.”
“It’samessthatIlethappen,”Lukemutters,turningbacktowatchtheheiress.Hetakesastaggered
breathandsitsontherailing,unafraidofbeingsohighofftheground.“IthoughtabouttransformingintoyouandgoingafterNyx,butIwasafraidofwhatwouldhappen.Theycouldbeanywhereoutthere,soIwouldbegoneforalongtime.KiracouldwakeupandthinkIsnuckoffwith
Sari,whichwouldcauseafight.”
“Youfeelthatthissituationisdangeroustoallofyourrelationships.”
“Isn’tit?”“Griffinsmateforlife
afterthemaleattractsafemale,”thebeastcalmlyexplains.SheeasesbyStiletto
andpausestogrowlatthecurioussnakefiend,sendingthereptilebackintothedepthsofLuke’smind.“Themalesmakecomplexaerialdisplays.Manyattemptdangerousfeatsandgetinjuredintheprocess.Itshowsalackofmaturitythatwefindunappealing.”
“SoyouthinkIshouldcontinuegoingalongandchoosetheonethatfitsmebestwhenallthreeofushavematured?”theyoungwarriorasks,scratchinghisheadinconfusion.“It’spossiblethatwe’retooimmaturetomakearealdecision.I’mstillmoreinterestedinwanderingand
havethebattlewiththeBaronhangingovermyhead.KiraishavingissueswithherfatherandtheirtraditionsaswellasreallywantingtobanSarifromme.She’sfakinghercomposureverywell,butIcantellshe’sunhappy.Thenthere’sSariwhostillslipsintosayingthatshedoesn’t
carewhenit’sobviousthatshewantstowin.Noneofusareinthebestpositiontomakesuchabigdecision,somaturityshouldbefactoredin.”
“Actually,Imerelywantedtopointoutthatgriffinmatingritualsaremoresimplisticthanyours,”
thespiritbeastsayswithalaughthatslipsfromLuke’smouth.“Idonotunderstandthesituationyouarein.Iknowyourheartisbeingtornandthelongeryouwait,theworseitwillbe.”
“Iknow.”“Iwillletyougetsome
sleepinsteadofthe
meditation.”TheexhaustionhitsLuke
withinsecondsandhestumblestothebed,yawningaswideashecanwithoutdislocatinghisjaw.HeslipsintothebedandputsKira’sarmoverhimbeforeswiftlyfallingasleep.Withhisbacktotheheiress,henever
noticesthathereyesareopenorpicksuptheweakstutteringofhercrumblingheart.
8
“Ihavetoadmitsomething,Nyx,”Darianasaysasshetrudgesupthedune.Sandisstickingtohersweatyfaceevenwiththeprotectionofherhoodedcloak.“ThisistheworstbeginningadventureI’veeverhadsincebecominga
champion.Evenbeingdraggedintoaswampfullofacidicleecheswasmoretolerablethanthis.”
“Itisn’tthatbad,”thecastersaysfromthetopofthedune.Shereachesdowntohelpherexhaustedfriend,sendingacoolingspellthroughDariana’sbody.“We
madeitthroughthenightandwe’llbebackinBor’darukbeforethesunisatitspeak.Imean,wecouldn’thavebeenthrownthatfar.”
Withatiredgroan,thesilver-hairedwomanfallstoherkneesandgaspsforair.Darianacannolongerignoreherstrainingmusclesthat
desperatelywantwater.Fumblingwithhermagicpouch,shepullsawaterskinoutandtakesafewsipsoftheliquidthattasteslikeleather.ShestrugglestostandandoffersittoNyx,whotakesaquickdrink.Dariananoticesthatthehalf-elf’slipsarecrackedandherskinis
showingsignsofbeingsunburnt.Shecanonlyimaginehowterribleshelooksconsideringithasbeenyearssinceshewasinsuchbrutalconditions.Still,thetiredwomanknowsshehassurvivedworseandtakesthecloakofftohandittothesufferingcaster.
“Takethisback,Nyx.Icanusesomethingfrommybagasanumbrellaorahat.”
“You’refairerskinnedthanme,soyouneeditmore,”thecasterstates,pushingthecloakaway.“I’monlytiredfromkeepingusinvisibleallnight.Thatkindofmagicisstillachallenge
forme,especiallywhenmaintainingawakingsleeponmyself.”
“Idon’tseehowyourskinreddeningandyourlowerlipstartingtobleediscausedbyyourmagic,”Darianacalmlyargues.Sheholdsthecloakoutandmentallycoaxesherfriendto
putiton,maskingthegarment’spresencefromher.“I’msorry,butithastobedone.”
Nyxwondersatthemysteriousapologyforafewminutesbeforesherealizeswhathashappened.Unabletoseeorfeelthecloak,shestormsdowntheduneand
swatsatwhereshethinksthehoodwouldbe.Irrationalfromherthirstandtheheat,thecastercoatsherbodyinfireandaltersthespelltoburnthecloak.AshorttrailofflamesfansoutbehindherasshevictoriouslygrinsatDariana,butshepanicswhenhersweat-stainedshirt
ignites.Bythetimethefireisout,Nyxhaslostmostofthebackofherfavoritetopandthefrontiscoveredinsmokingholes.
“Yourrageisaproblemwhenyou’reunderduress,”Darianastateswhilesheapproachesthemutteringhalf-elf.“Weshouldfinda
placetorestandwaitoutthesun.Lukeboughtmeatent,whichwillshieldusfromexposure.I’mnotsurewhatitwilldoabouttheheat.”
“Myheadfeelsfunny,”Nyxsays,rubbingherbloodshoteyes.Asurgeoffrustrationrollsthroughhermindandshehurlsafireball
atadistantdune,turningittoglass.“It’slikethere’saneedleinmybrainthat’smakingmyminditch.Drivingmenutsandmakingmewanttolashoutateverythingthatangersme.IttookalotofwillpowertoavoidattackingyouwhenIrealizedwhatyoudidwith
thecloak.”“Doesyourtempercause
youtooveruseyourmagic?”“Imightoverreactwhen
angry,butI’veimprovedsinceImetLukeandtheothers.”
“Butit’sstillyourmainemotionaltrigger.”
“I’dliketothink
defianceistherootofmypower.”
“Soit’syournegativeemotionaltrigger.”
“Sortof.”Darianarollshereyes
andgentlytouchesthesidesofNyx’shead,herthumbsrubbingtheotherwoman’stemples.Whenshetriesto
stepintothehalf-elf’smind,sheisshovedawaybyapanickyforce.ThefaintsoundofgnashingteethandhissingmakesNyxjumpeventhoughitismoreofasensationthanactualnoise.Darianacalmsherbytakingavividchildhoodmemoryandusingittogiveherfrienda
burstofhappiness.Again,thetelepathcirclesthecaster’sthoughtsandpokesatthestrangebarrierthatiskeepingherout.Sheseesaflickerofmovementontheedgeofhervisionandfollowsthehazy,wigglingformuntilitdisappearsintotheastralshadows.Confidentthatshe
knowswhattheproblemis,DarianabreakscontactandtenderlyholdsNyxbytheshoulders.
“ThegoodnewsisthatIfoundawaytogetusoutofthesunandheat,”sheannounceswithacrookedsmile.Lickingherlips,sheshiftshergazetothedistant
dunesthatseemtogoonforever.“Thebadnewsisthatyouhaveaworm.”
“Aworm!”Nyxyells,herhairblastinglightningintothesky.“Whereisit?Canyougetitoutwithoutopeningmeup?Wherediditcomefrom?”
“Calmdown.It’sanaura
wormanditprobablygotintoyouwhileyouwereconstantlycastinglastnight,”Darianasaysinasoftvoice.Shetakesanotherdrinkofwaterandwaitsforthehalf-elftostophurlingspellsatthesky.“Theyinfectanyonewithmagicandcausethehosttooverreacttotheirmost
sensitivetrigger.Forexample,makingyouralreadyshorttempertobecomeevenshorter.Whenyoucastaspell,theaurawormabsorbssomeoftheenergyyourelease.You’llnoticethatyourspellsaren’tasshinyastheynormallyare.I’lladmitthathavingone
insideachannelerisverydangerous.Ifyouenteracitylikethis,you’llprobablydestroyitbeforeanyonecanstopyou.”
Nyxbacksawayandsendsforceboltsineverydirection,narrowlymissingDarianawiththreeofthem.“Getitout!”
“Notjustyet.Wecanuseittofindanoasisoracity,Nyx,”shewhispers,reachinghermindoutandthinningitouttoslipthroughthebarrier.“Ifwemaketheenvironmenthostile,itwilljumptomeandIcancontainit.Mymindandpowerswon’tgiveitasgoodamealanditcan’tgetout
withoutmypermission.Icanmakeitguideusinreturnforitsfreedom.”
“Won’titdosomethingtoyournegativetrigger?”
“Yes,soyouwillhavetocarryme.TheonetimeIgotanauraworm,itmademeverydepressedandIateanentirebakery.Thegoods,not
theactualstoreandowners,”Darianaanswers,steelinghernervesforwhatshehastodo.“NowIneedtounlockdepressingmemoriesinyourmind.Thiswillmakeyourpsychesourandgloomy,whichtheaurawormwillfindsuffocating.Iapologizeforthis.”
Nyxcrossesherarmsbehindherbackashermindfillswithdarkmemories.Visionsoffellowapprenticesattemptingdangerousspellsandexplodingappearwithvividclarity.Thesensationofdyinggoblinsstrikesherheartlikeaspearanditisquicklyfollowedbythe
memoryofbeingorphaned.Untiltoday,sheneverknewhermindrememberedtheheatfromherburningvillageorthesightofhermotherchargingattheshadowydemons.Nyxcollapsestoherkneesandleansforwarduntilherforeheadispressedtothehotsand.Tearsstreamdown
herface,thedropssparkingwithlightningwhentheyhittheground.Withaloudsnap,hermindisclearedofdespairandtheitchingdiscomfortfromtheaurawormisgone.
“Igotyou,”Nyxgasps,leapingtoherfeetandcatchingDariana.“Whichwaydowego?”
Thesilver-hairedwomanweepsandwails,emphaticallypointingtotheeast.ThecasterpullsablanketoutofhersatchelanddrapesitoverDariana.Gettingunderthemakeshiftcloak,shegetshertallfriendontoherbackandmagicallyincreasesherstrength.She
trudgesthroughthesand,dependingentirelyonDarianaandtheauraworm’sdirections.Theheatofthesunseepsthroughthelightweightblanket,whichmakesitalongandtorturousjourney.Bytheendofthethirdhour,Nyxisthinkingonlyofhowmuchshemisses
Sarirandomlydousingherwithicewater.
*****Themiddaysunandheat
isunbearable,drivingthepairtotheirkneeswhentheycrestanotherdune.Darianatwitchesandgroansastheaurawormthrashesinsideherhead,excitedthatitwillsoon
befree.Withstiffmuscles,Nyxshakestheblanketoffandstaresatthesightbeforethem.Arockyoutcroppingjutsoutofthebottomoftheduneandhangsoverabeautifullake,thewateramesmerizingshadeofblue.Severalsmalltreessitattheedgeofthewater,theirroots
archingoutoftheshallows.Thewomencanhearagurglingstream,butitishiddenfromviewbythenearbyrocks.Aherdofred-hornedantelopedrinkatthefarendofthelake,butonlythelargestonewatchesastheadventurersstaggerintotheoasis.Theycollapseonthe
thickgrassthatgrowsaroundthelakeandNyxreachesouttotakeDariana’shand.
“Wemadeit,”thecasterwhispers,enjoyingthetouchofsoftbladesonherskin.Theticklingonherbellyremindsherofthebadlydamagedshirtsheiswearing.“Howareyoufeeling?”
Darianacurlsontohersideandwretches,startlingtheantelopeenoughthattheyboundintothedesert.Aglowingwormthelengthofherpinkyfingersquirmsoutofhermouth,draggingbehindalineofprismaticoozethatevaporatesintheheat.Theorangeparasite
burrowsintothegroundasDarianarelaxesandclearsherheadofthedespairshehasbeentrappedinformostoftheday.Feelingherstrengthreturn,sherollsontoherbackandtakeshershoesoff.Asighofblissrisesfromherdrythroatasherfeetarecaressedbythegrass.
“Ifeelweakanddirty,”Darianasaysinahoarsevoice.“I’mhungrytoo.”
Nyxsitsupandpeelsherbatteredbootsoff,grimacingatthelookofhersand-cakedtoesandheels.Withherstomachrumbling,shepullsoutafewhardbiscuitsandahandfulofdriedfruitfrom
herbag.ShegiveshalfofthefoodtoDarianawhodevoursthemealandwashesitdownwithadeepdrinkfromherwaterskin.Achingmusclespopandsorejointscreakasthepairturnaroundtowatchsunlightdanceonthewater.Gentlebreezessendripplesalongthesurface,makingit
appearasifthelakeiscallingtotheexhaustedpair.
“Howcleandoyouthinkthatwateris?”Darianaaskswithamouthfulofbiscuit.Shestrugglestoswallowtheblandmeal,needingadrinktohelpwashitdown.“I’dhateforustogetotherparasites.Thatisifyouwant
abathasbadlyasIdo.”“I’vebeenthinkingofit
sinceIsawthewater,”Nyxadmitswithanimpishsmirk.“Icantrytocleansethewaterwithapurityspell.That’smoreholymagic,butcastershavevariationsthatinvolvelowlevelheatspells.”
“AllIsenseareanimals
inthearea,sowehaveprivacy.”
“Arewegettingentirelynaked?”
“Iassumedwewouldbecauseweneedtogetclean.”
“Together?”“Areyouuncomfortable
aroundanothernaked
woman?”Nyxwavesherhandto
castherpurificationspellwhileshethinksofhowtoexplainhersituation.“No...IhaveafeatureI’membarrassedabout.It’susuallyhiddenbyanillusion,butIletitdroplastnightandneverputitbackup.Only
SariknowsaboutitandI’mnotsureIwantotherpeopletoknow.”
DarianatouchesNyx’sbellythroughoneoftheholesinhershirt.Thewoman’sfingerstouchtheexposedscarandshesmileswarmlyatthehalf-elf.Shepullshershirtcollardowntoreveala
scarinthecenterofherchest.Theoldinjuryisashockofpinkagainstherfairskinthatrunsforseveralinches.Desperatelywantingthatbath,Darianastripsherclothesoffandwadesintothelake.Herlegsbumpintosmallfishashertoessinkintothesoftsandthatsucksat
hersoles.Shedivesunderthewatertogetherfaceandhairwet,allowingthecoolnesstoenergizeher.Floatingtothesurface,shehearsNyxswimmingnearbyandturnstofacethecaster.
“IgotmyscarfromStephen,”Darianacasuallymentions,pouringmorewater
overherdullhair.Shescrubsathertresses,usingherreflectiontocheckforhernaturalshinetoreturn.“Itwasourfirstmeetingandhedidn’tknowwewererelated.HeslashedmefrombellybuttontothroatandIrevealedmyidentityoutofdesperation.I’malive
becauseheusedhismagictoreversemyinjury,butheleftthisscarasareminderthathecouldhavekilledme.”
“Ihaveamatchingoneonmybackfromathroughandthrough,”Nyxsayswhilewashingthesandoffherfacewithacloth.Sheuseshermagictokeepherheadabove
waterafterhavingfollowedthetallerwomanintothedeeperpartofthelake.“AHellfireElfwasafterLukeandusedmeasamessage.Thearrowendedupbeingatransformedvampirethatwehadtokill.Thatwasmyfirstadventureandeverythingwentdownhillaroundthe
timeIgotthis.”“Mostfirstadventures
aredisasters,”thesilver-hairedwomanpointsout.Shenoticesherfriendblushingandfloatscloser,turningonherstomachasshenears.“I’msorryifImakeyouuncomfortable.Ithoughtyouwereokaywithbathing
together.Saritoldmethatyouhavesharedbasinswithherinthepast.”
“Whenwewerekids!FortheloveofGartheLoreKing,thatgirlseemstoforgetwe’readults,”thehalf-elfgroans.Shebrieflydipsunderthewatertoscruboffthelayerofsandonherlegs,
gaspingforairwhenshesurfaces.“I’mnotaprude,butI’malittleself-consciousattimes.Sariissobeautifulthatit’shardformetoavoidcomparingmyselftoher.You’reprettytoowithyourperfectskin,uniquehair,and...biggerparts.”
Darianapausesto
comparetheirbodies,unsurewhatthehalf-elfisreferringtoorwhysheisupset.“AndyetDelvinissmittenbyyouinsteadofSariormyself.Youareachanneler,whichmeansthere’ssomethingaboutyouthatwillbeseenasenchanting.There’sthescentthatattractspotentialmates,
butit’salsothepedigree.Apresencethat’simpossibletoignorewhenyou’rewithinyourelement,whichismagic.Wheneveryoucastaspell,youareoneofthemostbeautifulcreaturesinWindemere.”
“I’dbelyingifIdidn’tadmitthatIfeelbeautiful
whenI’musingmymagic.HowmuchdoyouknowaboutDelvin’sfeelings?Iknowyoutwoaren’tveryclose.”
Darianagoesbacktofloatingonherbackandcloseshereyes,thesloshingwatermufflingeverysound.Sheletsherminddriftin
searchofthetracesofDelvin’semotions,hopingtofindtheperfectwordstoanswerNyx’squestion.IttakesafewminutestobattlethroughtheresidualpassionleftbyLukeandSari.Shepromptlypurgestheuncomfortablesensationsbyinjectingthemintoanearby
lizard,whichscurriesoffinsearchofamate.
“Iknowenoughtotellyouthatyoursuitor’scalmfaçadewillnotbeinplacewhileyouareaway,”shecarefullyexplains.Openinghereyes,shefindsNyxisswimmingnexttoher,theirheadsbumping.“Thisisa
situationthatIshouldn’tgetinvolvedin.Delvindoesn’ttrustmeandwillbeangryifIoverstepmybounds.Besides,hehasneverhiddenhisintentionsandfeelingsfromyou.Ibelieveit’stimeforyoutofocusonyourownemotionsandmakeadecision.”
“Iknow,but-”Nyxstartstosay,stoppingwhenshehearsaloudshuffling.Thecasterstopsfloatingtogetalookattheshore,herheartleapingintoherthroatwhensheseesthecreaturessurroundingthelake.“Wheredidallofthosespadixcomefrom?Ithoughtyouwere
keepinganeyeorthoughtoutformonsters.”
“I’msorry.”Theshorelineteemswith
screechingspadix,thescorpionmenwavingtheirrustyweaponsandpincers.Belowtheirwaists,theyhaveeight-leggedcarapaceswithnaturalarmorthatisonpar
withplatemail.Deadlytailsarchoverthemuscularcreaturesandbobinthebreeze,afewoftheprojectionsbeinglongenoughtotaptheirownersontheirhairlessheads.Abarb-coveredspadixpicksupDariana’sclothesandsniffsatthefilthygarments.
Turningitsheadtowardthefiguresbobbinginthewater,thebeastbaresitsteethandhisses.Severalofitsbrethrentrytoenterthewater,butscramblebackinfearwhiletheystabatthelake.
“Theycan’tswim,”Darianawhispers,gettingclosertoherally.“Youcan
pickthemofffromhereuntiltheyrunaway.”
“Can’tyouuseyourpowerstoforcethemaway?”Nyxasks,hereyesneverleavingthespadix.Shefiresanacidicarrowfromherpalm,butshemissesduetohavingtokeepherselfafloat.“IthinkI’mtooexhausted
fromtheheatandaurawormtofightatfullstrength.I’mnotgoingtohavealotofluckunlessItakemytimeaiming.Firespellswillheatthewaterandboilyou.Lightningwoulddothesame.Icewoulddotheopposite.Ifthereareanyarchersoutthere,we’resittingducks.”
“They’retooprimalformetodoanything.TheyknowwhattheyseeandIcan’tconvincethemotherwise,”Darianasays,herheadpoundingfromtheattempt.“You’dbesurprisedhowstubbornabeastcanbe.Acreaturethatthinksabouttheirworldiseasierto
manipulate.Icouldkillallofthembyturningtheirmindsoff,butthat’srather...Ireallydon’tlikedoingthingslikethat.”
“Inotherwords,you’redefenseless.”
“Icouldleapoutofthelakeandfightthemwithmyfists.”
“Toodangerous.”Aspadixscreechesfrom
behindthewomenandraisesalongbowthatitclumsilyfires.Thearrowplunksintothewaterseveralfeetawayfromitstargets,butothersattempttoshootavarietyofprojectiles.NyxhugsDarianaandputsupabarrierthat
deflectsthreewell-aimedcrossbowbolts.Thebarragestopswhenthespadixrunoutofammunitionandcrouchattheshoreline.Theystretchtheirtailsbackasfarastheycanandswingovertheirheadstosendjetsofvenomintothelake.
“Spadixcanthrowtheir
venom!?”Nyxexclaims,strengtheningthebarrier.Putridliquidsplashesagainsttheshieldasthewaterturnsblack.“Ican’tdropmyspelltofightback!It’stheonlythingpreventingusfromgettingpoisoned.”
“Theydothisiftheyaresurroundingadifficulttarget.
Theattackwillrupturetheirstingers,whichiswhytheydon’tdoitoften,”Darianaanswers,kickingherlegstokeepthemafloat.“Ifyoupropelusintotheair,youcanthrowspellsatthemfromabove.Justforgetthatwe’renakedandgo.”
Withherheartracing,the
castershiftsherfriendtoherbackandlaunchesthemintotheskywithastartlingboom.Thesuddenchangeoffocusweakenshershieldenoughthataboltofvenomsplattersagainstthesideandasquirtpassesthrough.ThedeadlyliquidhitsNyxintheeyes,causingherscreaminagony.
Unabletoseeanything,shecannolongerkeepthemintheairandareflexiveburstofforcehurlsthemintoanearbydune.Thecasterfightstheurgetorubhereyes,whichburnasshewrithesontheroughsand.
“Stopstruggling,”Darianawhispers,straddling
herfriendandplungingintohermind.ShecanhearthespadixchargingassheusesNyx’sauratorepairthedamage.“Itwilltaketimeandrealmedicinetofullyheal.Isavedyoureyesightbyturningitoff,butyoushouldbeabletofireblindlyatthenoise.”
Ahigh-pitchedwarcryeruptsfrombehindtheduneandcharginghorsescanbeheardbarrelingtowardthem.Thesmallforceofscimitar-wieldingwarriorschargeoverthesandandcrashintotheswarmingspadix.Arrowsflyfromoutofview,causingDarianatostanduptosee
black-clothedfiguressittingoncamelsandfiringintothemonsters.Spadixarekilledbyeverybarragefromthearcherswhoshootwithsuchprecisionthattheirmountedallieshavenofearofbeinghit.Withinminutes,thesurvivingcreaturesareretreatingintothedesertand
thewarriorsarecirclingbacktowardthewomen.
“Donotgiveusanytrouble,”theleaderoftheirrescuerssays,hisvoicecleareventhroughhisprotectiveheadwrappings.HepointsalargescimitaratNyxwhileheleansdowntolookatDariana.“Youarenow
prisonersoftheHelgardiantribe.Getdressed,gatheryourthings,andcomewithus.Comequietlyandyourfriendwillgetthemedicinethatsheneeds,spyofBor’daruk.”
*****Nyxtouchesthe
medicinalwraponhereyes
whenshecanseethewhitefabricinsteadofunnervingdarkness.Rememberingthewordsofthewarrior,sheissurprisedthatherhandsarenotbound.Blindlygropingalongherbody,shefindsacuffaroundheranklewithaslackenedchain.Gentlypullingonthetethercausesa
familiarvoicetogrumbleandabarefootshovesNyx’sthigh.Takingoffthewrap,herfuzzyvisionadjuststothetorchlightandsheseesDarianasleepingamongapileofpillows.Theadventurershavebeenchainedtogether,buttheirbondsarelooseenoughto
allowthemtoroamaroundthesmall,auburntent.Apitcherofwaterandabowlofdriedfruitareonatable,whichNyx’srumblingstomachurgeshertocrawltowards.Thefoodisalreadyinhermouthwhentheideaofitbeinglacedwithpoisonortruthserumcrosseshermind.
Shelooksforaplacetospitthemealout,butallthecasterseesarepillowsandrugsthatsheknowsshewillbesleepingonforatleastanight.
“Youmightbewonderingwhywerefusetobindandgagacaster,”adeepvoicesaysfromthecornerof
thetent.Thestatementisfollowedbyadeepchuckle,thenoiseremindingthehalf-elfofTimoran.“Feelfreetoeatanddrink.Wedon’tdrugourcaptivesandpoisoningyouwouldbepointless.Ifwewantedyoudeadthenwe’dhaveletthespadixdothejob.Afterall,doyouknowhow
difficultitistodisposeofabodyinthedesert?Wellrathersimple,butit’snotourway.”
Nyxswallowsherfoodasshelockseyeswiththebare-chested,smilingman.Hisebonyskinglistensintheflickeringtorchlight,whichilluminateseveryscaronhis
muscularframe.Awhitetattooofahoodedserpentisonhisbaldhead,theglintofrubystudscomingfromthecenterofthecrimsoneyes.Hisemeraldpantsarealittlebaggyandareheldinplacebyablackbeltthatismadefrominterwovenleatherstrips.Themancasuallyruns
hisfingersalongthesheathedscimitarthatlaysonthethree-leggedtablenexttohim,buthemakesnomovetodrawtheweapon.Heswirlsawoodencupofherbalwaterbeforetakingadeepdrink,givingoffanairofcalmcasualness.
“MynameisNyx.DoI
havetoasktheusualquestions?”thehalf-elfinquiresasshesnapsherfingers.Ablueflameappearsonherthumbandshewaitsforareactionfromeitherthetentorhercaptor.“Noanti-magicdefensesoranyonejumpingin.You’reobviouslynotscaredofcasters,Mr.
Nomad.”“IamMisraeandIlead
thistribe,”thewarriorrepliesthrowingtherestofhisdrinkonNyx’shand.Anamusedchuckleescapeshislipswhenheseesthattheflamestillexists.“ThePalquasensedyourpowerassoonasyouarrived.Shetoldusthat
bindingyouwouldonlymakeyouangry,sowesettledforchainingyoutoyourfriend.You’llnoticethatyourleftanklesareboundtoeachotherinsteadofrighttoleft.Ifyoutrytorun,oneofyouwillbetrippingoverthechain.”
Nyxflexesherfingers
andstaresintothegrayeyesofhercaptor.“Icoulddestroythebondswithmymagic.”
“Thatwouldtaketimeandwe’dbeuponyouquickly,”Misraepointsoutashegetstohisfeetandcrouchesinfrontofhisprisoner.“Thisisthetest.Aspylikeyouwouldlaywaste
tothetribeandmakeherescape.ThePalquasaysyouaresomethingelse,butIforbidherfromvisitingyouuntilIamsureyou’reharmless.IfyouandyourfriendremainourcaptiveswithoutusingyourpowertodestroyusthenIwillgiveyoumorefreedom.”
“Youmeangivememyfreedom,right?”
Thetribeleaderflashesanothergrinthatmakeshisteethshineintheflickeringlight.Hestrokesthehalf-elf’shairandcautiouslymovestoDarianawhoisstillasleep.Thenomadtriestogentlyshakeherawake,jumping
backwhenshelashesoutwithakicktohisstomach.Herubsatthescratchleftbyhertoenail,amazedthatshecamesoclosetostrikinghim.Theslumberingprisonerrollsfurtherintothepillows,mutteringincoherentlyaboutsand.Returningtohissimplechair,Misraegrabsaslabof
warmmeatfromaplateandtakesabigbitefromit.SeeingthehungerinNyx’seyes,hetossesherapiecethatisgreedilydevoured.
“Howdidyouendupinthedesert?”heasks,leaningbackuntilhisheadtouchesthesideofthetent.“It’sstrangetofindtwowomenso
farinthewildernesswithnosteedsandverylittlesupplies.Yoursignsofexposureareminimal,soyoudidn’twalkoutofBor’daruk.Perhapsyoutraveledwithacaravanandpartedways?”
“WearrivedwithourfriendsinBor’darukaboutadayago,”Nyxanswerswhile
pouringherselfanotherdrink.SheconsidersthrowingitatDariana,butsomethingaboutthemumblingwomantellshertoleaveherfriendalone.“ASpurgeflewinfromthedesertandattackedthedocks.Someoneturneditintoamagicalbomb,soDarianaandIcarrieditintotheair
beforeitblew.Theexplosionsentusintothedesertandwe’retryingtofindourwaybacktoourfriends.Hopefullythey’restayinginthecityandnotrushingintothedesertlikeidiots.Itrustoneofthemtokeeptheothersinline.”
“Bor’darukhaslockeditsdoorsanddeclaredwaronus.
Yourfriendsaretrappedwithinitswalls,”Misraesays,breakinghissmileforthefirsttime.Hepullsablackenedfangoutofhisbeltandholdsittothetorchlight.“WefoundtheremainsofaSpurge.ItwasdestroyedinawaythatitdiedinsteadofreturningtotheChaosVoid.
Thisdoesn’tmeanIbelieveyouwereinvolvedwithit,buttheevidencehelpsyourstory.What’syourbusinessinthesouth?”
“It’sdifficulttoexplain,”sheawkwardlyreplies.SomethinginhermindstopsherfrommentioningtheBaronorbeingachampion.
Rubbingheramethystnecklace,shewishesshecouldcontactherparentsforadvice.“Oneofmyfriendshadadream,whichledushere.It’saboutfindingalosttemplethatcanbedangerousinthewronghands.Webelieveitwasunearthedsomewhereinthisdesert.”
“You’relying.”“Notreally.I’mtelling
youthebasics,whichwillprovewe’renotspies.Neitherofusarefromaroundhere.Soyoucan’tgetanyinformationfromusbecausewehavenothingtotell.”
MisraestrokeshischinandeyesNyx,whogoesback
tohersmallmealofdriedfruit.HewatchesDarianatossandturnamongthepillows,hermouthstuckinaproudsmirk.Drawinghisscimitar,hecrossesthetentintwolongstridesandstandsabovethesleepingwoman.ThebladeofhisswordemanatesapurpleglowwhenMisrae
pointsitatthesilver-hairedprisoner.Herbodytensesandlocks,theonlyremainingmovementbeingtherisingandfallingofherchest.
“Yourfriendisparalyzed,butcanbreathe.Stillmuscleatrophyhappensquicklyunderthisspell,”thenomadexplainsinacold,
steelyvoice.Thewarmthinhiseyeshasvanishedandallthatremainsaretheorbsofahardenedleader.“Ihavebeenpoliteandpatient,butIdonotacceptlying.Evenpartialstoriesareliesinmyworldbecauseitmeansyouarehidingsomething.Tellmeyourconnectionto
Bor’daruk,NyxofRainbowTower.Yes,Iamawareofyouroriginandstatus.”
“Thenwhythegame?”sheasks,flamesappearingalongherarms.
“Attackmeandmypeoplecometomydefense,”Misraestates,movinghisbladeclosertoDariana.A
flutterofthewoman’seyescatcheshisattentionandhegrowlsashebreaksthespellandreturnstothetable.“ThePalquahasdecidedtodoherowninvestigation.Itappearsyourfriendisbusyandnottobeinterrupted.ThatmeansIhavenoleveragetogetthetruthoutofyou.”
“Youhaveamindcasterinyourtribe?”Nyxasks,shrinkingawaywhenMisraeflashesheranangryglare.“I’msorry.IfI’mnottellingyoumysecretsthenIshouldn’texpectyoutobeopenwithme.Look,Ireallydon’twanttodragyourtribeintomyadventures.Soitisn’t
thatI’mlyingtohideanything.”
Thedark-skinnedmanlaughsloudenoughtostartletheguardsoutside.HewavesthetwomenawaywhentheyenterwiththeirspearsaimedatNyx.Leavinghisscimitaronthetable,Misraesitscross-leggedinfrontofthe
half-elfandtakesherhand.Hissmilehasreturnedalongwithhisjovialdemeanor.
“Youhaveagoodheart,youngcaster,”hestates,puttingtheslightestpressureonthecenterofherpalm.Heletsgowhenherealizesthathisactioncanbemistakenforathreat.“There’sarumorthat
Ihavebeenhopingyouwouldeitherconfirmordeny.AsIsaid,Ihaveheardofyouthroughvarioussources.IknowyoutravelwithaforesttrackerwhoissupposedlybetrothedtoKiraGrasdon.Areyouandherfriends?”
“I’venoproblemwithher.Ihaven’treallyinteracted
withKiraenoughtoconsiderusfriends.Wewerenicetoeachotherthelastfewtimeswemet.Iguesswecouldbecomefriendsovertime.”
“That’sunfortunate,NyxofRainbowTower,”Misraesighs,gettingtohisfeetandgrabbinghissword.Hestandsinfrontofthetent’sentrance,
hishandontheflap.“TheGrasdonfamilyhasbecomeourenemy.Wearemarchingtoeithernegotiatethereturnofourpropertyordeclarewarbeforetheycauseirreparabledamagetotheregion.IfyouareafriendofaGrasdonthenIcannottrustyou.”
“Thenwhathappensto
us?”Misraeshakeshishead
andleavesthetent,whisperingorderstotheguards.Thehumofaspellfillsthetentandthebrownfabrictakesonadarkerhue.Nyxsnapsherfingerstocreateaflameonherthumb,holdingherbreathin
anticipation.Aninvisiblehandsmacksherinthebackoftheheadwithenoughforcetostunher.Shewavesthefireawayandlaysdownamongthesoftpillows,quietlyhurlingeverycursewordsheknowsathercaptors.
*****Darianastopsrunning
backwardsandcatchesthespearswingingforherhead.Shehasseveralcutsonherbody,butnosignofbloodonherpristine,whiteclothes.Withatwistofherarm,sheyankstheweaponoutofherdark-skinnedopponent’shands.Thespearvanishesandreappearsontheother
woman’sback,shrinkinguntilitisnothingmorethanfootlongrodofpolishedwood.Theirwoundsarealreadyhealingasthepairlooksaroundtheemptyvoidthattheyhavebeensparringinforwhatfeelslikeanentireday.
“Thankyou,Dariana,”
thetonedwomansaysassheattachesagoldenlizardcliptohershortbrownhair.Herrighteyesparkleslikeasapphire,butherleftisswollenshut.“Youareapowerfulwarrioronthementalplane.Inevergettosparinheresincenobodywishestodamagetheir
preciousPalqua.”“Ithoughtyourname
wasSharne,”thechampionreplieswhilefocusingonerasingherinjuries.“Iapologizeformyfriend’stardiness.Ithoughtshewouldhavefallenasleepbynow.”
“Yourfriendisslumberingnow,soyoucan
gether,”Sharnementionswhileshemendshertornclothes.Thered,flowingskirtgoesdowntoherfeetfromabeltofgoldenscales.Hermatchingtophaslong,widesleevesandanintricatepatternofpolishedstoneandivoryrunningfromtheshoulderstoherbelly.“You
andyourfriendmaycallmeSharne.ThePalquaismytitlewithinthetribe.Itisanameofhonorhandeddowntothechildbornineverygenerationwiththesight.”
Darianaconcentratesandreachesherhandsintotheground,circularripplesrollingintothehorizon.She
slowlydrawsouttheslumberingformofNyx,alayerofwhiteenergyonthecaster’snakedbody.Afieryshirtandpureblackpantsappearonthehalf-elfashereyesopen,theirvioletlightsendingbeamsintotheendlesssky.DarianaandSharnestaybehindNyxwhen
shetriestofacethem,neitherofthemwillingtostandintheprojectionsofrawaura.Withafewhardblinks,thebeamsdisappearandhereyeslosetheirvividshine.
“IfeelasleepandnowI’minavoid,”Nyxstatesinadullvoice.Sheexperimentallywavesher
handandcreatesathroneoflivingflames.“IfI’mgoingtobeinthismentalrealmthenI’mgoingtobecomfortable.ThoughI’mnotsurewhyImadesomethingthisflashy.Who’sthis?”
“I’msorryfornotspeakingsooner.ThisisSharnethePalquaandwe’ve
beentalkingsincewebumpedintoeachotherinourdreams.Wellwe’vebeensparring,”Darianareplieswhileaggressivelyrubbingtheleftsideofherface.Sharneturnsinacircle,herswolleneyehealedbythetimeshefinishes.“Sheistheholywomanofthe
Helgardians.I’veexplainedoursituationandshebelieveswearenotspies.”
“IfyoutwoweretalkingthenmymeetingwithMisraewaspointless,”thecasterangrilygrowls,herthroneflaringandfillingthevoidwithheat.“IshouldprobablygetridofthisthingbeforeI
hurtsomebody.”“Ihavearequest,Lady
oftheFlame,”Sharnesayswithalowbow.Theholywomancreatesafakeversionofherselfthattakesseveralstepsawayfromtheoriginal.“Pleasedestroythisillusionwithanyspellofyourchoice.IpromisethatIwillbefine.I
simplywanttogetatasteofyourtruepower.”
NyxlooksatDarianaandgentlybitesherlowerlip,unsureofwhatisgoingon.“I’mnotsureaboutthis.Mymagicisverydangerous.I’machanneler,whichmeansI’llbemorethanwhatyouexpect.”
“She’llbefine,”thesilver-hairedwomanassuresherfriend.
Withatiredsigh,Nyxgetsoffthefierythroneandwhipsitoverherheaduntilitturnsintoacracklingfireball.TherealSharnemovesclosertoDarianaastheholywomanstaresintothechurningspell.
Unleashingasmallshout,thecasterhurlsherattackattheillusionandanarrowexplosionengulfstheentirevoid.Abubbleofsolidwindprotectsthethreewomenfromthespell,buttheystillfeelenoughoftheheattosweat.Theinfernodiesdown,leavingscatteredpillarsof
smokethatdottheblanklandscape.
“Thatwasimpressive,”Darianawhispersinamazement.“I’mrealizingthatI’venoclearideaofyourabilities,Nyx.Nowondermybrotherwantstoclaimyou.”
“That’snotreallycomforting,”thehalf-elf
hissesbetweenherteeth.“Idon’tbelievethere’s
anywaytocomfortyouabouthim.”
SharnetakesNyx’shandsandpressesherforeheadtotheotherwoman’sknuckles.“Irecognizeyourpower.Youarethechampionwhowill
bravethechallengesofHelgard.Mytribeisnamedafteryourtemplebecauseourancestorsoncecalledithome.WeweretheloyalservantsofGabrielandwetendedtotheguardianbeasts.Adangerousmonsterforcedusoutandwebecamenomadswhilewaitingforthetimeweare
calledhome.”“I’mconfusedonwhat’s
goingonhere,”Nyxadmits,gentlyfreeingherhandsfromthefriendlynomad.“AllIwanttodoisreturntoBor’darukandmyfriends.Idon’twanttoworryaboutHelgarduntilthen.”
“IbelieveSharneis
sayingthatthetribewillhelpuswhenthetimecomes,”Darianapolitelyinterjects.Shesensesherfriend’smentalanguishandpushespositivethoughtsather.“Wewillbeokayaslongaswestaywiththetribe.They’regoingtoBor’darukandwillreachthecityinafewdays.”
“They’remarchingtoawar.”
“SharneandMisraedon’twantittocometothat.”
“Thenwhat’sgoingonwiththeGrasdons?”
“We’llfindoutwhenwegetthere.”
“I’mallforhelpingthesepeople,butIwanttoknow
what’sgoingon.”NyxandDarianaare
pushedapartbyagoldenlightthattransformsintoathreefoottallscepter.Thesmoothobjecthasamultifacetedrubythatrisesoutofabluelotus.Ancientrunesspiralfromthebottomofthejewelflowertotheroundedbase.Strange
figuresdartwithinthecoreoftheruby,movingtooquicklytobeseenwithanyclarity.Nyxismesmerizedbythescepterandreachesouttograbit,buttheobjectabruptlyspinsintoSharne’shands.
“ThisistheScepterofPalqua.Itisthesymbolofmy
station,theholiestrelicofmytribe,andtheonlytreasuremyancestorsfreedfromHelgard,”theholywomanexplainswhilepolishingthebeautifulruby.Shegentlytwirlsitoverherhead,releasingashowerofcrimsonsparks.“Itwasstolenafewweeksagowhenwewere
attacked.ThebanditwecapturedforinterrogationtoldusthathimandhisallieswerehiredbytheGrasdons.Misraeisangryatthem,butIthinksomethingelseisgoingon.Foronething,onlythePalquaandtheTribeKingknowthetruthbehindthescepter.”
“Whatisthetruth?”Nyxasks,hereyesstilllockedontheenchantingobject.
Sharne’seyesturnblackandtheairbecomesshockinglycold.“Therearemonsterswithinthisscepter.Onebyonetheywillescapeuntiltheworstofthemissetfree.Thenthedesertwill
burnforeternity.”
9
Stephentakesabiteoutofthelargeturkeyleg,hiseyesscanningthefacesofhisthreecompanions.Trinityistheonlyonetomeethisgazeasshedrinksfromadeepgobletofwineandrelaxesonasoftcouch.Shetriesherbesttoignorethewhiteand
black-skinnedhandthatisplayingwithherebonyhaireventhoughsheswearsthereareatleasteightfingerstouchingherscalp.Withatiredsigh,thechaoselfglancesattheGoddessofChaoswhoisstandingonthedomedceiling.YolaBiggssmileswideenoughthatthe
topofherheadnearlyfallsoff,whichcausesTrinitytoshudderandturntothebroodinggnomenexttoStephen.Thegreasyinventorquietlypicksatthesandwichplatterinfrontofhim,makingsurenottogetanyonhisbrightyellowshirt.Healreadyhasafewstainson
hisgreenpants,theyarefromaspinachdipthathappenstoblendintothehideouscolor.Nyderslideshisthickgogglesfromhisforeheadtohisdarkredeyes,buthetakesthemoffaminutelater.
“Remindmewhoisrunningthisoperation,”Stephensaysthroughgritted
teeth.Heflexeshishand,whichmergeswiththetableandsproutsdandelions.“Iwasn’tgoingtodoanything,Yola.Releasemeandbehaveyourself.”
“Nydertoldmetonegateyourvile,putridtemper,”thegoddessstates,wavingtothegnomewithherfoot.She
stretchesalockofgreenhairtograbsomebreadandswallowsthechunkwhole.“Thismealissoboring.Irememberlavishmealswherethefoodranintoyourmouthandworkedyourteethforyou.Adifferenttastewitheverybite.”
“That’showyouate
breakfastandit’sbecauseyouonlychewyourfoodoncebeforeswallowing,”Nydermentionsashesipsathiswater.Withatiredsigh,herubshiswaxybeardandpetsapeacockthatisrestingnearhim.“IhavetoagreewithStephentosomeextent.Wecan’tplayfavoriteshere.
KillingthedaughterwoulddealamajorblowtoLukeCallindor.Ifwewaittoolongthenshemaybecomesuspicious.”
“ThegirlisdistractedbySariandtheactionsofherfather,”Trinitypointsoutwithasmallyawn.Hereyelidsdroopandsheshakes
herheadclear,chuggingasmallcupofbittercoffeetostayawake.“Shewasgettingsuspiciousuntilwesenthertohandlethosefakenomadsfivedaysago.IttookawhiletosetthatupsinceourdearlydepartedGeneralVilecontrolledourcriminalcontactsdownhere.Now
she’scaughtupinherlovelifeandwon’trealizethatwe’resavingherfortheend.”
Stephenchucklesandreachesforanalbinopeacock,pullinghishandawaywhenTrinitylanceshiswristwithalong,piercingnail.Thebirdhurriesintothetropicalplantsastheman
snapsthetalonoff,enjoyingtheflashofpainonthechaoself’sface.Witharollofhishand,thewoundvanishesandhegrabsanotherchunkofturkeytodevour.Thelackoftablemannersrevealshowdifficultithasbeenforthemantomaintainhisdisguise,ataskthathaslefthimvery
littletimetoeat.“Isaywekillthegirland
enjoyLukeCallindor’sanguish,”Stephendeclareswithacruelsmirk.NoticingthatTrinityisholdingoutherhandtocheckherbrokennail,hesnapshisfingerstorepairtheminorinjury.“She’sfightingwithher
father,soit’stheperfecttimetokillher.ThefingerswillpointattheoldmanandLukeCallindorwillattack.Imaginethechaosthatwouldensueifachampionkilledtheheadofamerchanthouse.”
“WhatifhekillshimselforgoesinsaneorswimstoCerascentormurdersalitter
ofkittensorstormsShaydtodestroytheBaron?”Yolaasksatarapidpace.“Ohmyme,whatifhecomestokillme?”
“There’sthechancethatLukeCallindorwilldosomethingunpredictable,”Nyderagreeswhilehemakessomenotesonascroll.He
flipsdownhisgogglestogetaclearerlookatthepageandtapsthefeatheredquillagainsthisfatnose.“It’soneoftheproblemshere.Theboyhasconsistentlydonewhatnobodyexpects.Eventhegodshavebeenwhisperingabouthowherejectedhisfullpowertokeepthatgriffin
spiritaround.Yethewasstillabletoinjureyou,Stephen.PerhapsweshouldwaittokillKiraGrasdon.”
“Thetimingisperfect!”theancientwarriorshouts,slamminghisfistonthetable.Hischairtransformsintoagelatinousblobthatengulfshim.“Yola!”
“Insidevoice,”thegoddesscoosasalongstrawappearsinherhand.Shesucksuptheooze,herbellybloatinguntilshereleasesadaintyburp.“Wedon’twanttheservantstodiscoverushere.”
“MayIsuggestanotherscenariothatwouldappealto
yoursadism?”Trinitypolitelyrequestswithafriendlysmile.Shelicksherlipsastheplanswiftlyunfoldsinhermind.“YouwanttocauseLukeCallindorpain.Whatbetterwaytodothatthantomakehisfiancéesuffer?He’llfeelhelplesssincethesedeathswillhappenunderhisnose.
Thinkaboutit,Stephen.ThegreatherooftheCallindorlinefailingtoprotectthefamilyofthewomanheloves.”
“IthinkIseewhereyou’regoingwiththis,yourmajesty,”Nyderinterrupts,tuckingthescrollintoanoilcoveredsatchel.“AndIlike
whatI’mhearing.”Thechaoselfleansover
thetable,hervioleteyessparkingwithexcitedenergy.“BythetimeyoustrikeKiraGrasdondown,Lukewillalreadybenearhisbreakingpoint.Thatfinalblowwoulddestroyhim.EvenNyxandthatdritewon’tbeableto
healhimifyouattackhisheart.Ifhegoesberserkandtriestokillwhohebelievesisresponsiblethenthatwillforcetheotherstofightagainsthim.StillIwouldbetmoreonhimbecomingnothingmorethanabrokenhuskthatisn’tevenworthdestroying.Wouldn’tthatbe
moreentertainingtowatch?”Withaheavysigh,
Stephenwalksovertotheplantsandreachesintopullahoodedsnakeoutoftheleaves.Theterrifiedcreaturehissesandbaresitsfangs,butitrefusestobitehim.Hecoilsthesnakearoundhishandandwrist,calmlyobservingthe
beastashethinksabouthiscompanion’sidea.Thetemptationtokilltheanimalismaddeningwhilehetouchesthevilescaronhisthroat.Beforehelosescontrol,heputsthesnakebackintotheplantsandreturnstohisallies.
“IwishtodestroyLuke
Callindorforwhathedidtome.MyhatredofhimrivalsmydesiretoclaimNyx,”Stephenexplainsinaslow,steadyvoice.Hisbreathingbecomesheavyandhegripshisforearmstocalmdown.Gentlecrackingcanbeheardashecontinuouslybreaksandhealshisbones.“Yourplan
makessenseandIthankyouforkeepingmyangerincheck,dearTrinity.I’mnotmyselflatelyandit’sbeginningtoshowintheformI’vetakenhere.Iwillfocusoncontrollingmyself,soasnotruinmychancesofgettingrevengeonthatirritating,foolish,pathetic
whelpofahero.Withinafewdays,I’llbreakhim,feedhisbodytothedemons,andtoywithhisshatteredsoulforcenturies.Nobodyscarsme!”
YolaclapsherhandsandStephencollapsesonthecouchnexttoNyder.Thegnomepropsthesleepingman’sheadupandmovesa
pillowunderneath,shakingwarmdrooloffhisgreasyfingers.Helooksatthegoddesswithasternexpressionbeforegoingbacktotryingdifferentbreadandfillingcombinations.
“Youtoldmetostophistemper,”Yolamentionswhileonthevergeoftears.
“Idid,butIfearhe’llbeworsewhenhewakesup,”Nydersays,gaggingonthescorpionmeat.“Whatmasochistwouldenjoythishorriblesensation?”
“It’sadelicacy,”Trinitywhispersassheswirlshergobletofwine.Shestaresattheunconsciousmanacross
thetablefromherandsmirks.“Thankyou,Yola.It’snicetohaveapeacefuldinnerforonceduringthisouting.YoumayhavesavedhislifebecauseI’msickofhisranting.”
Thegoddesssquealswithdelightandlandsonthecouchnexttothechaoself.
“See,Nyder,Icandoagoodjob.HethoughtIwasgoingtomakeamistakeandcauseabigmessthatyouwouldhavetofix.”
“Flowersaresproutingoutofhisnostrils,youloopydeity,”thegnomegrumblesoverthelipofhiswaterglass.
“Oh,that’sjusttomake
himlookprettier.”“Howfarindotheygo?”“Tohisbrain,sopulling
themoutwouldbebad.”“Howdowegetridof
them?”“They’llfalloutwhenhe
wakesup.”“Tellmehowtowake
himup.”
“Heneedsthekissofadangerousbeauty.”
Trinityfreezeswithacherrystickingoutofhermouthasherfriendsturntoher.“I’llgofindthatsnake.”
*****Saristretchesherlegs
underthetableandrubsherbootedfeetagainstthecalfof
hercompanion.Quillclearshisthroatandreachesdowntopushheraway,butfindsherlimbsimpossibletomove.Shestopsteasingtheyoungmanandgoesbacktostaringatthemenueventhoughshedoesnotknowwhatmostofthedishesare.Thelocalcuisineislikeadifferent
languagetoherandshealreadymadeamistaketryingtoorderadrinkthatendedupbeingnothingmorethanherbalicewater.Theotherdinerscontinuetakingquicklooksatthegypsy,herwhiteskinandbluehairmakingheracuriosity.Enjoyingtheattention,shemovesher
handsoverherwaterglassanddrawstheliquidintotheair,formingangularshapesabovethetable.Withaclapofherhands,theliquidexplodesintoamistthatshimmerslikearainbowinthecandlelight.
“Thatwasanicetrick,”Quillsoftlysays,wavingto
theirwaiter.HepointsatafewdishesandtakesthemenufromSari,handingittotheyoungman.“Thankyouforcomingoutwithme.Inormallywouldn’tinvolveaforeignerinmyaffairs,especiallyonewhoisinvolvedwithmycousin.”
“Butthesituationhas
takenawayyourchoices,youfindmeenchanting,andyou’venoticedthatI’vegrownrestlessinyourhome,”Sariaddswithanimpishgrin.Sheleansonthetableandlicksherlips,makingtherobedmannervous.“Youcanalsolearnmoreaboutmethroughourdate.Thiswill
onlybelunchandaromanticwalk.I’mnotgoingtomakemylifeanymorecomplicated.”
“Iagreeandhavenointerestingoingbeyondamealandconversation,”heresponds,reachingforanappleonapassingcart.Thepieceoffruitdartsfromhis
handsanddisappearsintotherafters,startlinghimandseveralnearbypatrons.“Whatkindofspellwasthat?Youdidn’tevendoanythingtocastit.”
ThegypsygrabsanotherapplefromthecartandtossesittoQuill,pointingherfingerattheceilingasiftogivea
warning.“Thatwasn’taspell.Ibroughtafriendalongforsomeaddedprotectionandtokeepmecompanyincaseyouleftmealone.He’ssupposedtobeasecret,butthelittleguyloveshisapples.Now,howdoesthiswork?Ionlyknowaboutthephysicalsideofyourtraditions.”
“It’sverysimpleandnotunlikethecourtshiptraditionsofthenorth.Wetalkandgettoknoweachother.Attheendofthenight,wedecideifweshallgofurtherornot.Though,we’vealreadyagreedtoendthisatlunch,sowe’llsimplyenjoyourselves.”
Sarinodsherheadandliftsherwaterglassforadrink,forgettingthatitisempty.Withafrown,shelooksaroundforawaiter,butallofthemarebusy.Spottingasweatingpitcheratthedistantbar,thegypsyfocusesonitandhastheicewatersnaketowardthetable.Sari
fillsherglassandstaresattheremainingliquidintheair.Nothingflashycomestohermind,soshesendsthewaterbackintothepitcher.Agentlechorusofdisappointedgrumblesrollsthroughtherestaurant,whichmakeshergiggle.
“Howareyouabletodo
thatsoeasily?”Quillasks,crackingasmileforthefirsttimesincetheyleftthemanor.
“I’mpartnaiad,”Sarianswers,enjoyingthecrispdrinkagainstherlips.Hertongueslipsouttopullanicecubeintohermouth,thecoldrunningthroughherparched
body.“I’mnotenjoyingtheheat,sothisicewaterisperfect.So,whatissuedoesyourfamilyhavewithme?Ididn’tthinktherewouldbeanyhardfeelingsifLukepickedmeoveryourcousin.”
“Therewouldn’tbe,butthingsarecomplicatedwiththecurrentsituation.Ithas
createdalotoftensionbetweenUncleWaylandandKirathelastfewweeks,”thenoblemansaysasthewaiterputsthreeplatesoffoodonthetable.Hewaitsfortheyoungmantofinishandleavebeforeleaningoverhiscookedpheasant.“Myfamilyhasareputation,whichis
crucialtobusiness.KirabecomingengagedtoaCallindorwasn’ttheinitialproblemuntilmyunclediscoveredLukewastravelingwithnosignofstopping.Also,mycousinwasrefusingtotestherrelationship.Thishappensmoreofteninmygeneration,
butUncleWaylandisold-fashioned.Ibelieveyou’reawareofhertimewithCaspar.”
“Ihadthepleasureofmeetinghim,”thegypsyadmitswhilechewingapieceofsteakthatmeltsinhermouth.“Iwasn’tveryimpressedwithhim.Fromthe
soundofthings,he’snotagoodexampleofyourpeople.”
“He’sanegotisticallout,”Quillsnaps,unabletohidehisdistasteoftheman.“YouhavetounderstandthatUncleWaylandwasthreateningtopubliclydenouncetherelationship.
Thatwouldhaveembarrassedmycousin.It’slikeifsomeoneaskedaparentforpermissiontomarryandwasrejectedinfrontofapackedarena.Personally,IthinkKirapickedCaspartoangerherfather.Though,she’dneveradmittoittothefamily.”
“Theyfightalot?”
“EversinceAuntBreapassedawayduringanoutbreakoftheserpent’skiss,UncleWaylandandKirahavearguedoverherfuture,”theyoungmanreplies,pickingathisfood.HesmileswhenSarireachesoverandwipesatearfromhischeek.“ThissituationwithLukeand
yourselfhasbecomeaheadacheforthefamily.TheideathataGrasdonmightlosetoacommongypsydoesn’tsitwellwiththeoldergeneration.WeyoungstersaremerelyconcernedforKirabecausewedon’twanttoseehergethurt.So,itisn’tapersonalissuetowardsyou,
Sari,butonemustsupportfamily.”
“Iunderstandandadmirethatinpeople.Itwasthesamewithinmyclan,butweweremorephysicalinourdefenses,”theblue-hairedgirlstates,hervoicechokingupfromtherisingmemoriesofhermurderedfamily.She
putsafewscoopsofyogurtsauceonherfood,watchingitmixwiththemeat’sjuices.“Sowhat’sdifferent?YoutalkasiftheirfightingandthesituationwithLukehaschanged.”
QuillrefusestolookSariinthefaceandcutsuphispheasant,jumpingwhenhe
seesanotherappledisappearfromanearbycart.Heslowlychewseverybitewhilehedecidesonhowopenheshouldbewiththegypsy.Ontheonehand,sheisapowerfulallyagainsttheHelgardiansandhasdonenothingwrongtowardshim.Theproblemisthatsheisthe
rivalofhisbelovedcousin.Afterlosingmostofthefamilyinashortamountoftime,thenoblemanisreluctanttocausefrictionamongthesurvivors.HewatchesSarieathermealandtryeverythingthathasbeenordered.Therelaxedcasualnessofhiscompanion
helpsputhimateaseandforabriefmomentQuillbelievestheyareonarealdate.
“Myunclehasbeenveryshort-temperedandaggressivetheselastfewweeks,”hesays,formingasteeplewithhisthinfingers.Heleansforwardinordertoconverseinawhisperthat
onlySaricanhear.“Kirahastakenthebruntofitbecausesheopenlyquestionshimanddoesn’talwaysobey.Theyreallygotintoitwhensheventuredoutofthecityandwasnearlykilledbyanomadscoutingparty.Pricelessvaseswerethrown,butwe’renotsurewhichoneofthem
losttheirtemperfirst.Thisandotherthingshavemyself,Timbre,andAsherworriedaboutthefamily’sfuture.”
“Whatotherthings?”“UncleWaylandisreally
obsessedwiththiswarandkeepsbringingupAuntBrea.”
“Itisn’tstrangeforaman
totalkabouthisdeadwife.”“Shediedtenyearsago
andnowhetalksaboutthelifetheywillhave.”
“Youthinkyourunclewantstodie?”
Quillrubshiseyesandsitsbackinhischair,takingadeepdrinkofwater.“It’scrossedourminds,buthe
seemsverydeterminedtowinthewar.Ifamanwishestodiethenhewouldn’ttrysohardtolivethroughthis.IwishIcouldexplainitbetter,butyouwouldhavetohaveknownUncleWaylandbeforehechanged.”
SariisabouttospeakwhenFizzledartsoutofthe
raftersandtheclangofteethonmetalrings.Thedritelandsonthefloorandscampersovertothegypsywithanarrowdaggerinhismouth.Patronsscreamandrushforthedoorwhentheslenderbartenderleapsoverthebarwithashortspear.HechargesatQuill,butSari
jumpsinthewaywhileFizzlelandsonthenoble’sshouldertoturnhiminvisible.Herdaggerspushtheweapontothesideandshestepsclosertokicktheassassininthestomach,knockinghimintoacart.
“TakeQuillhome,Fizzle,andstayinvisible,”
thegypsyorders,forcingthemanbackbyquicklyslashingathim.Sheistoocloseforherenemytousethespear,soherisksgettingcutbypunchingather.“Let’sfindoutwhoyouare.”
Saridartsinandisafewinchesfromusingakisstodeliveratruthspellwhenthe
manstopsfightingback.Sensingthatsomethingiswrong,shestopsandducksaroundhim,deliveringakicktothebackofhisknee.Theassassinspinsashefallsandslamsthesideofhisspearagainstherthigh,knockingherintoatable.Foamisdrippingfromthesidesofhis
mouthandheleapsatSariwithasuddenburstofspeed.Shebackflipsoverthetabletoescape,thepointofthespeargrazingherarm.Witharoar,theassassinsmashesthefurnitureinhispathandchasesthegypsyintothestreetwhereshehasmoreroomtododgetheclumsy
attacks.“Theguardsarereally
slowaroundhere,”shemutterswheneveryoneclearsoffthestreetstoavoidthefight.“Whyareyoustillafterme?Gotoahealer.”
“Returnthesceptertothem,”theassassindronesinanumbvoice.“Theywillkill
allwhokeepthescepterfromthem.”
Sarihurlsadaggertostartletheman,butheletsitflybyhisear.Shedeflectsajabofthespearandslamsherheadintotheassassin’sjaw,thedrippingfoamburningherscalp.Wavingherhandswhilemovingaway,shepulls
wateroutofseveralbarrelsleftonthestreetforpublicdrinking.Thegushertakestheassassin’slegsoutasitapproachesSariandtransformsintosmallplatformsthatleadtothenearestrooftop.Shejumpsonthelowestoneandislaunchedtothenext,
ricochetingoffherwateryledgesuntilshegracefullylandsnexttoacamel-shapedweathervane.Saritakesasteptowardtheedge,buttheassassinslamsdowninfrontofher,themanhavingjumpedfromthestreet.
“Someonedruggedyou,”shewhispers,backingaway
withherdaggersdrawn.Shethrowsoneoftheweaponsatherattacker’sthigh,thebladetearingachunkoffhim.“Noblood.I’mguessingyoudon’thavemuchlonger.”
“Returnthescepter.”“Whatscepter?”“Thescepterofthe
Helgardiantribemustbe
returned.”Sariputsthebronze
weathervanebetweenherselfandtheassassin,hopingtothinkofanideatocuretheman.“Ithinkyoumean‘us’insteadof‘them’.Unlessyou’renothingmorethanahired,andobviouslybetrayed,assassin.ThoughI
didn’tthinkthenomadswouldhireanoutsider.Wherewouldtheyevenfindoneifthey’reoutinthedesert?”
Theassassinhisseslikeacorneredbeastandchargesupthedomedroof.Sariwaitsforhimtogetcloseandputsallofherstrengthintoshoving
theweathervane.Themetaldecorationspinsandhitsthemaninthenose,sendinghimstumblingaway.Hetripsoverhisfootandflailswildly,hittinghimselfintheheadwiththespear.Forasecond,hiseyeslosetheirinsaneglintandSariseesalookofconfusedterroronhisface.
Beforeshecanreachtheassassin,hefallsofftheroofandlandswithasickeningcrunch.
“Somethingisn’trighthere,”Sariwhispersasshestarsatthecrumpledformbelow.Sheturnstothedistantdunes,hopinginvaintoseeafamiliarformonthe
horizon.“Iwishyouwerehere,Nyxie.Wecouldreallyuseyourhelp.”
*****“Thisisn’tvery
hospitable,”Delvinmentionswhileheexaminesthehandcuffskeepinghimtothewoodenchair.“Isthishowyoutreatyourguests?”
AsherglancesupfromthemapofBor’darukandthesurroundingdesert,meetingtheotherwarrior’sgrinwithanamusedchuckle.HegruntsandscowlswhenWaylandgrabshimbytheearandforceshimtoreturnhisattentiontheirplans.Figurinesarescatteredabout
themapwithmostofthemoutsideofthewall.Whisperingtohisfather,Ashermovesseveralpiecesbackintotheareadenotingthemanor,whichisnotveryfarfromthecity’stoweringdefense.TheolderGrasdonrollshiseyesandputsthepiecesback,slammingthem
downwithmoreforcethannecessary.
“I’mnotfeelingverywelcomedhere,”Delvininterruptswhilehetriestomovehistinglingarms.
“Youwerewelcomedintoourhome,MercenaryPrince,butyou’repushingyourluckwithme,”Wayland
angrilysnaps,smackingthreeofthepiecesover.Heleaveshissontofixthesmallmessandstormsovertothewarrior.“Icanhandleaguestarguingwithmeandbeingdefiantinthefaceofmypoliterequests.MywifeandIdrawthelineatonewhoknocksoutfiveofourguards
andtriestorideoneoftheelephantsthroughtheouterwall.Doyourealizehowstressedthatbeastisbecauseofyou?Theyaren’tlikehorsesandcamels.”
“Iapologizetoyou,yourwife,andyourelephant.I’veonlyseenthemonceandtheywereaggressivemountsused
byorcs,”Delvinsays,bowinghishead.Exhaustionsetsintohisbodyandhetriestoleanforward,hisarmswrenchedbythehandcuffs.“PleaseunderstandthatI’minlovewithoneofthewomenwhoisoutinthatdesert.I’dgiveanythingtosaveherandyouhavemecontainedhere.You
woulddothesameifyourwifewaslostoutthere.”
Waylandappearstakenabackbythewarrior’swordsandcoughsuncomfortably.Hecoilshisbeardaroundhishandwhilehisminddriftsaway.ThesoundofAsher’sswordclunkingagainstthetablejoltsthemerchantoutof
histhoughts.Grumblingincoherently,hetosseshissonthekeytoDelvin’scuffsandheadsfortheexit.BothoftheyoungmennoticeWayland’sslumpedshouldersasheleavesthemandsoftlyclosesthedoor.
“WhatdidIsay?”Delvinasks.
“Myfatherunderstandshowyoufeel,butit’shardforhimtofacesuchemotions,”Asherreplieswhileunlockinghisguest’scuffs.Returningtothemaptable,heoffersthewarrioracupofcoffee,whichheleavesonthedesertsection.“Youheardhimmentionhiswife,butmom
diedtenyearsago.Hegetsconfusedwhenunderstressandactslikeshe’sstillalive.Whenhe’sremindedthatshedied,hewandersofflikethat.It’sbeenverybadsincethismesswiththenomadsstartedandmylittlesisterhastakenthebruntofit.I’veheardhimcallhermymom’sname
insteadofKiratwiceinthelastmonth.That’sreallyroughonhersinceshestillslipsandoccasionallysaysparentsinsteadoffatherwhentalkingaboutthefamily.”
Delvintakesasipofthewarmdrink,enjoyingthearomaticscent.“I’msorrytohearaboutit.Iknowit’sten
yearstoolate,butyouhavemycondolences.”
“You’reaverykindmanforsomeonewhohasrepeatedlytriedtobreakout,”thenoblemanmentions.Thewide-eyedlookofcautiononhisguest’sfacecauseshimtosmile.“Iknowofallyourattempts.Scalingthewall
yesterdayandbeingsentbackdownbytheguards.Myfavoriteistryingtobribethenightwatchwithanapplepie,whichyourlittlefriendatebeforeyoucouldfinishyournegotiations.I’vekeptallofthemsecretfrommyfathersinceKiratoldmethereasonforyouragitation.Icouldn’t
doanythingabouttheelephantsinceyouknockedoverafewtreesandscaredthepeacocks.”
“Atleastnobodygothurt.”
“I’vebeentoldthatyou’reatalentedtactician.Caretolookatthisandgivemeyouropinion?”Asher
politelyrequestswhilehepourshimselfaglassofwine.Thearmorednoblemanrunshishandalongthemap,hiseyesconstantlyexaminingtheterrain.“IcanonlyplacemyownforcesonthemapsinceIdon’tknowexactlywhattheHelgardianswilldo.Myfather’sagentshavegathered
someinformation,butitisnothingthatIdidn’tseecoming.Theyapproachfromthenortheastandwehavewordthatmostoftheothertribeshavemadecampfaraway.NobodywantstorisktheirtradeagreementswithmyfamilyorthewrathoftheHelgardians.Onlyafew
smallertribeshavejoinedourenemiesinthehopesofearningmorereputationfromthebattle.”
“TheHelgardiansdon’ttradewithyou?”
“Theydo,whichiswhythiswarisverydelicateandtroubling.”
Delvinnodsashethinks
aboutwhatAsherhastoldhim,hiseyesfallingonthedetailedmap.Strokinghisstubbledchin,heremembersthetimeshewashiredtodefendawalledcityorattackafortifiedarea.ThelayoutofBor’darukisrefreshinglysimplecomparedtosomeofhispastjobsasamercenary.
SymbolsontheoceansideofthecitytellsDelvinthatawallcanriseupandthedocksbecomeeitheracombatvesselforsoldiersoralargeescaperaftforthecitizens.Hefrownswhenhenoticesthatonlyafewtinyfigurinesarescatteredaboutthecityproper.MostoftheGrasdon’s
forcesareoutsidethewallandliningthetop,whichheassumesmeansarchers.Stiflinghislaughter,hegetsacloserlookatfourknightsstandingalongsideadragonandaprincesswithinthemanor.
“I’mgoingtoguessthatthesearemyfriendsandI
protectingKira,”Delvinstates,tappingoneoftheknightsover.“Yourfatherwantstouseusasafinallineofdefenseincaseyourforcescan’tholdthewall.I’dratherbeinthecitysincetheonlywaysintoBor’darukarethefrontdoorandtheocean.Ourobjectshouldbetoprevent
theHelgardiansfromgettingintothemanorbecauseonceyourouterwallisbreeched,wehavetoworryaboutnoncombatants.Atleastinthecity,peoplecanhideintheirhomesandthenomadswillleavethemalone.”
“Iagree,butmyfatherswearsthecitywillhandle
thestreets,”Asherexplains,drawinghiscurvedswordtoshiftfigurinesaround.Aftermovingtheknightstothestreet,hepushesafewarchersanddesertforcesintothemanor.“ThisiswhatIkeepproposing.Themanorguardswouldbedefensiveonlytogivenoncombatants
timetoescapeintotunnelsthatleadtoasafehouseinthedesert.Wealsosetuparcherstoslowdowntheenemyadvance.Ihavenoideawhymyfatheronlywantsarchersonthecitywall.Infact,Idon’tunderstandanyofthesetactics.”
“Isheamilitaryman?”
“Myfatherisamerchant,buthe’sstudiedtheoldwars.”
“Thatisn’tthesamething.”
“Irespectmyfather,butI’mforcedtoagreewithyou.”
Crouchingtostretchhislegs,Delvinfindsabasketof
figurinesunderthetableandaredcastercatcheshisattention.Hetakesthewoodenstatueandturnsitoverinhishands,theshorthairandpointyearsremindinghimofNyx.Thewarrior’sconcentrationisbrokenbyAshercoughingandhelooksuptoseeifhis
companionischoking.Whenheturnshisattentionbacktothepiece,herealizesthatthefigurineisreallyofalong-hairedhuman.Withaheavysigh,Delvinplacesthecasterinthedesertandinchesittowardthecity.
“Myrecommendationistoletyourdadthinkhe’sin
chargeandmakesureyou’retheonetogiveassignmentsinthefield,”hetellsAsher,raisinghishandtostopanargument.Hetapsthenearestwarriorfigurinewhileimaginingthebattle.“Therearetoomanymenouthere,somovemostofthemtojustwithinthedoors.Utilizeyour
archerstoweakentheapproachingforcesandeliminateasmanyenemiesaspossiblebeforemeleecombatbegins.Ifyoucanuseseveraloftheswordsmanforcesintocrossbowmenthendothat,butmakesuretheyknowtodrawtheirbladeswhenthenomadsreachthisspot
outsidethewall.Onceourenemiesgetthisfar,itwillturnintoameleewithintheconfinesoftheentranceandthestreets,whichshouldgiveyouanadvantageoverwarriorswhoareusedtofightinginopendesert.MyfriendsandIwillhandlethingsourway,butitwill
dependonifthiscasterishereornot.”
Thenoblemanpicksupthefigurineandturnsitoverinhishand.“Whatdifferencewouldthiswomanmake?Iguessshecouldhandleanymoremonstersthattheysendourway.We’restillafraidthattherearemorecreatures
ontheway.”“Iftherearebeaststhen
we’llhandlethem,”Delvinstates,rubbingtheexhaustionfromhiseyes.“Myhopeisthatshecanshowadisplayofpowertoscarethenomadsintoagreeingtoapeacefulnegotiation.I’duseFizzle,butadragonmightbetoo
much.Thenagain,Nyxisn’tknownforrestraintandmightscaresomepeopletodeath.Bytheway,haveyoufiguredoutwhytheHelgardiansareattackingyou?”
“Nothingconfirmed,”Asherstateswithatiredsigh.Hesitsinanearbychairandsignalsforabutlertobring
himawarmclothtowashhisface.“Forafewweeks,therehavebeenrumorsthatmyfamilystolesomerelicfromtheHelgardians.Somepeoplesayit’sascepterwhileotherssayastaff.Itholdsareligioussignificancetoallofthenomadtribes,butitiscarriedbytheHelgardians.Suchan
itemwouldexplainwhytheyaretreatedlikeroyaltyoutthere.”
Delvindragshischairacrossthefloorandsitsinfrontofthenoble.Hetakesthetowelofferedtohimandpressesittohisface,massaginghisforeheadthroughthesoftfabric.The
soothingwarmthnearlyputshimtosleep,butheshakeshisheadclearandrubshisneckuntiltheclothhascooledoff.Leaningbackinthesimplechair,hewatchesAsherforanysignofanxiety,butallheseesisfatigueonthenobleman’sface.
“Didyourfamilytake
thisrelic?”thewarriorasks,leapingtohisfeetwhentheothermanstands.Heputshishandontheotherman’ssword,stoppinghimfromdrawingit.“YouknowIhadtoask.Idon’tknowyouoryourfamily,soIcan’tjumptoconclusions.Itcouldevenbesomeoneinyour
organizationthatdidit.Sopleasetellmeifit’spossible.”
“Anythingispossible,butIdoubtit,”Asherstates,removingDelvin’shandfromhisscimitar.“Wedon’ttradeinstolenmerchandise.TimbreandQuillarerulingmembersofanorganization
thatmyfatherfoundedtopunishthosewhostealculturalrelics.Ifsomeoneinourhouseholdhasdoneitthentheywouldnothavestayedonthegrounds.We’vehadnodisappearancesorfiringsamongourstaffinyears.”
“Soyouwereframedby
anoutsideparty?”Thedark-haired
noblemantakeshisseatandstaresatthemaptable,thecleandepictionofwarturninghisstomach.“Itwouldbethemostlikelyscenario,butmyfatherhasproofthattherelicwasneverstolen.Apparently,hehadoneofourclerks
travelingwiththeHelgardiansandcontactedthismantoseeifthestoriesweretrue.Therelicwassaidtostillbewiththenomads,butouremployeewasfounddeadatthefrontgatetwodayslater.”
Delvingroansanddrapesthecooltoweloverhisface.
Bothwarriorsarefallingasleepwhenastrangescufflingfromoutsidecatchestheirattention.Theyarealreadyheadingforthedoorwhenagurglingscreameruptsfromthecourtyard.
*****Timoran’ssapphireeyes
sparkleatthesightofthe
exquisitedecantersonthetable,eachonefilledwithadifferentalcohol.HecansmellrichDwarvenalesandexpensiveCalicanliquors,theiraromasseepingthroughthecorks.Eileengingerlyhandshimalargeglassandclapsherhandsforoneofthehalflingbutlerstobringa
basketofwarmbread.Shebowstothebarbarianandgoestopolitelysitnexthermistress,whoisrelaxingonalowcouch.Kiralazilyrunsherfingeralongthemarblerailingofthebalcony,hereyesonthesinkingsunandthepinksofthesky.Shecanhearthepeacockscallingout
toeachother,butherthoughtsaresofarawaythatshewouldbelievesheisimaginingthem.
“Iamunclearastowhatwearedoing,”Timoranadmitsashepourshimselfacupofdarkgreenliquor.Thedrinkistartandhasthefainttasteofblackberriesandmint.
“ThisisahalflingmeadfromCanst’sFields.Ihavetriedsomeoncebefore,butIneverthoughtIwouldgettotasteitagain.Thankyouforthetreat.”
“Mypleasure,”Kirasayswithacasualwaveofherhand.ShelooksovertherailingtowhereLukeis
practicinginthecourtyard.“YouandIarestrangers,SirWrath.Weknoweachother’sreputation,butnothingpersonal.OurcommongroundisLukeandIwishtospeakwithyouabouthim.Asperyourpeople’straditions,I’vesuppliedalcoholforourdiscussion.ThoughI’mnotin
themoodtoindulge.”“Hashebeendistant?”
thebarbarianasks.HetakesaquietsipofhisdrinkwhenKirashootshimawitheringlook.“Iwilltakethatasayes.ThisiswhathedidwhenhewasconfusedaboutstartingarelationshipwithSari.Lukeisrather...
terribleathandlinghisconflictedfeelings.Youwillhavetotaketheinitiativewithhim.”
Theheiressmovestothetableanddipsapieceofsoftbreadintoadishofoliveoil.Shelistenstothedistantsoundofmovement,imaginingherfiancée’severy
motion.Herheartbeatsfasterwhensherememberssparringwithhimattheacademy.Itfeelslikealifetimeagothattheyweretogetherandinblissfulignoranceoftheloomingdisaster.KiraknowsthatSarihasfoughtalongsideLukemoretimesthanherandthechampionswould
continuetodosoaftertheyleaveBor’daruk.Shechewsonthebreadandcringeswhenshebitesherinnercheek.
“I’vemadethefirstfewmovesandhe’sbeenattentivethelastfewdays,”Kiraexplains,sittingonapillowandcurlingherkneestoher
chest.“Ican’tevensayhe’sbeenverydistantsincewetalkandarefallingintooldhabits.It’swhenhethinksI’masleepornotpayingattentionthatthingsgowrong.Iseethepainineyesasheturnsbacktome.Hespendsthenightsittinginthewindowinsteadofinbed.I
knowhedoesn’treallysleepanymore,buthegoessofaraway.”
“Itisadifficultdecisionthathewillhavetomake.”
“Youdon’tthinkI’mawareofthat?”
Thebarbariansighsandclaimssomebreadtosopuphalftheoil.“Icantellyou
wanttohearspecificanswers,butIdonothavethem.ThetruthisthatLukelovesyouandSari,whichistearinghimapart.”
“Ishouldn’thaveletitgetthisfar,”Kirawhispers,shakingherhead.Partofherregretsthewordsandsheclenchesheremptyhandinto
afist.“ButdeclaringSariasbadforLukewouldn’tberight.She’sgoodforhimandI’dbetraythetraditionsbydenyingher.It’sonlysupposedtobedoneifthepersonisobviouslyapoorchoiceordangerous.DoyouunderstandwhatImean?”
“Yourculturehasalaw
thatsaysaprimarypartnercanturnawayarivalonthegroundsofdangerorproofofpoorcompatibility,”Timoranreplies,pouringhimselfacupoffrothyDwarvenale.“Thedangeristhatifyouusethislawincorrectly,youcoulddamageyourrelationship.Perhapsitcouldevenleadto
youbeingreplacedbyyourrival,whowouldinevitablyusethelawtoremoveyoucompletely.”
“Youcatchonveryquickly.Doyouhaveanyadviceforme,SirWrath?”
Timorangrabsthebottleofaleandgoestotherailing,thesunnearlyhiddenbythe
distantdunes.Henoticesseveralformsmovingintheshadowsbelow,butLukeisnowheretobeseenamongthepalmsandflowers.Alargecreaturelumbersoutfrombehindabuilding,thefullygrownelephantgrabbingleaveswithitstrunkasitmakesitswaytothe
drinkingpoolinthefarcorner.Thenightisveryquiet,whichmakeshimwonderifthisserenityisbeingsharedbyhismissingfriends.
“DonotpushLukeforadecisionoryouwillcausehimtomakeamistake,”Timoransaysasheturns
around.Hetakesalongswigofhisdrinkandsmackshislipsinadmirationofthecrisptaste.“Thebestthingforyoutodoismakehimrealizehowmuchyoulovehim.IdonotmeantoproveyoulovehimmorethanSaribecausethatwillmakeyouappearastheweakerchoice.Something
thatIhavecometonoticeincitiesisthatpeoplefightromanticrivalsinamethodthatisratherself-destructive.AvoidthatbyfocusingonbeingthebestKirathatLukehaseverknown.”
“Andifherejectsme?”“Thenitwasnotmeant
tobeandthegodsarecruel,”
thebarbarianbluntlystates.ArumbleofthundercauseshimtomutteraquickprayertoGabrielandKerr.“Iapologize,butyouwantedthetruth.AsonewhohasseenLukeandSarigrowasacouple,Icannotguaranteethatyouwillbechosen.Yethehasnotgivenuponyou,
whichisagoodsign.Takehisconflictedheartasanopportunitytorekindlewhatyouhadlongago.”
“SoIprobablyshouldn’tconfrontSari,”Kirasoftlymentionsasshefinishesanotherpieceofoilybread.ShegesturesforEileentobringheradamptowelto
cleanherhandsandface.“Idon’tevenknowwhatIwouldsaytoher.TherearetimesIfeelbadaboutignoringherandkeepingLuketomyself.She’sneverintentionallydonemeharm,butI’mtreatingherlikeanenemy.”
Timoranputsdownhis
drinkandleansforwardtolookKiraintheeye,holdinghishandouttostophermaidfromdrawingadagger.“Inthisarena,Sariisyourenemy.Rememberthatapersoncantreatanenemywithkindnessandcompassion,whichiswhatmakesthemarival.Bydoing
this,youincreasethechanceofretainingafriendshipandnotcreatingillwillwhenthefinaldecisionismade.Intheend,youaretheonewhodecideshowtodealwithherandourmutualfriend.Iwouldoffertohelp,butIdonotwishtogetinvolvedanymorethanIalreadyhave.”
“Thankyoufortalkingtome,SirWrath,”theheiresssays,givinghimasmallkissonthecheek.
Timoranstandsupstraightatthesoundofsuspiciousshuffling,hiskeenvisionnoticingastrangeshadowdartingaroundadistantcorner.Hereaches
downtogethisgreataxeoffthefloorandisimpressedwhenheseesKirahasdrawnherweaponoutfromunderthetable.Whenthenightisshatteredbyagurglingscream,thebronze-skinnedwomanisthefirsttoreact.Sheisalreadyovertherailingandslidingdownherkusari-
gama’schainasthefleet-footedbarbarianrushesdownthemarblestairs.
10
Kira’sscreamofhorrordrivesTimorantorunfaster,thebarbarianchargingaroundthecornerofthebuildingwithhisgreataxeheldhigh.Seeingthesplatteredgoreahead,heswiftlyturnsaroundandblockstheyoungwoman’sviewasbesthecan.
HelooksoverhisshoulderatapproachingfootstepsandwavestoDelvin,Asher,andagatheringofarmedguards.Themenstareatthebloodyscenewhereabodyhasbeenevisceratedanddismembered.Evenwiththefacebittenoff,everyonerecognizeswhatisleftofTimbre.Chokingdown
hisgrief,AsherkneelsnexttotheremainsandwhispersaprayerthatInyotheInnocenceGodtakeshisbrotherintoThePasture.FrustratedwithTimoran’sinterference,Kiraelbowshiminthesideandtriestoruntowardherbrother’scorpse,butfallstoherkneesweeping
afterafewsteps.Afewminutespass
beforeanyonerealizesthatLukehasbeenwiththemtheentiretime.Heisleaningagainstthebuildingwithhisdrawnsabershanginglimpathissides.Thehalf-elfiscoveredinblood,buthissteadybreathingassuresthe
othersthatheisnotseverelyinjured.BruisesareformingonhisfaceandDelvinseesachipofbonestickingoutofasmallcutwhenhegetscloser.Lukepickstheforeignshardoutanddropsittotheground,lettinghisnumbarmdangleagain.NeitherofthewarriorsarereadyforWayland
Grasdon,whobarrelsintothehalf-elfandslamshimintothewallbyhissweat-stainedshirt.
“Whatdidyoudotomyson?”themerchantgrowlsinachokedvoice.HeknocksLukeagainstthesolidmarble,theblankexpressionontheforesttracker’sfaceangering
himevenmore.“Iwanttoknowwhathappened.TellmeorI’llthrowyoutothecityguardsasamurdererandhaveyouexecutedatdawn.”
“Leavehimalone,dad!”Kirashouts,strugglingtoherfeet.“Lukedidn’tkillTimbreandyouknowit.Lookathisfaceifyoudon’tbelieveme.
That’sshock.”Achokedcryfrom
behindTimoranstopsWaylandfromarguingwithhisdaughter.ThelargewarriormovestorevealQuill,whohasfaintedintoSari’sarms.Thegypsystrugglestostophimfromfallingontothebloodyground,theslender
manheavierthansheexpected.FizzleappearsabovethemandwrapshistailaroundQuill’sarmtodraghimtoanearbybench.Withtheunconsciousnoblesettled,theblue-hairedgirlwalksovertotheothersandgentlyremovesWayland’shandsfromLuke.Shespinsonher
toesandbowstoherrivalbeforerelaxingthehalf-elf’smuscleswithakiss-deliveredspell.DelvinhelpslowertheforesttrackertothegroundwhileKiraandSariprythesabersoutoftheirbeloved’shands.Theheiressrefusestolookthegypsyintheeyeastheystepaway,eachholding
asurprisinglycleansword.“Itdroppedfromthe
roof,”Lukesays,hiseyeslockedonTimbre’sbodyastheguardsputasheetoverit.Featherssproutaroundhisneck,buttheyretractwhenDelvinputsacomfortinghandonhisshoulder.“ThethingwentrightforTimbre
andIgotinitsway.Istabbeditinthechest,butthewoundwasgonebythetimeIwithdrewmysword.Thecreatureislikealargemonkeywithscalesandfangs.Itsimplycouldn’tbeinjuredevenwhenTimbregougedoutitseyeswithhissickles.Thatdidn’tevenslow
itdownandthat’swhenitgothim.”Heleansclosertohisfriend.“Idon’tthinkIshouldbesayingthisinfrontofKira.”
“I’llseewhatIcando,”Delvinpromises,risingtofacetheheiress.Thefierceglaresheaimsathimmakesthewarriorstepawayfrom
thehalf-elf.“Ithinkyou’regoingtohavetokeepgoing,Luke.She’sdetermined.”
“Itmightbebestif-”Waylandbeginstosay,stoppingwhenhisdaughterpointsthesaberathim.“Verywell.Sufferfoolishlyifyouwish.”
Groaninginpain,the
foresttrackerusesDelvintohelphimstandandgathershisweaponsfromthetwowomen.Heslipsthemintotheirsheaths,rubbingtherubiesinthehiltsashethinks.Waylandmovestoyell,butissilencedbyAshercoveringhismouth.
“Givehimtime,father,”
theyoungmanstates.“Youdon’tknowwhatit’sliketofightthesemonsters.Letmetellyouthathisshockismorethanappropriate.”
“AsIsaid,wecouldn’thurtthecreatureandeverythingwedidtoitwasignored.Inarealfight,itwouldhavebeenkilledat
leastseventimes,”Lukeexplains,regainingmoreofhissensesandcomposure.Hecloseshiseyestorememberthefightindetail,shiveringatthesightofthestrangebeast.“Ineedtogivethisthinganame,soit’seasiertotalkabout.The...Felcriknockedmeawaywithitstailwhen
Timbrethoughtheblindedit.Sohedidn’texpectitto...riphisarmsoff.Itriedtogettohim,butthatthinghitmewiththeseveredlimbs.YouseewhyIdidn’twanttotalkaboutthis?”
WaylandwalkstowhereQuillisrestingandsitsnexttohisnephew,drawinga
glassorboutofhisrobes.Themerchantfocusesonthecommunicationsphere,whichturnsadullyellowandrotatesinhisshakinghand.Hedoesnotreacttoanythingaroundhim,leavingAsherandKiratoordertheguardstotakethebodyinside.Eileenissteppingaroundthecorner
whenhermistressgesturesforhertogobacktotheroom,themaidhurryingtoletthegroundskeeperknowthatapriestshouldbecontacted.
“Wheredidthiscreaturego?”TimoranasksLukeinalowvoice.HecursesunderhisbreathwhenKirajoinsthem.“Ialreadyknowyou
willargueaboutgoingonthishunt.Icanseethedesireforafightinyoureyes.Howdidanheiressbecomesoquicktoenterabattle?”
“BlameLukeandSelenia,”shereplieswithaforcedsmile.Shewrapsherkusari-gamaaroundherbody,lettingthesickledanglein
frontofher.“There’salsothefactthatthesemonstershavekilledmostofmyfamily.I’vealreadybeenonseveralhuntsforthesethingsandkilledaflyingoneovertheoceanlastweek.Myexperienceandknowledgeoftheareawillbeuseful,soI’mgoingwithyou.”
“BythedrippingfangsofUrgas,youaren’tgoingonthishunt!”Ashershoutsasheapproaches.Withaboredyawn,heslapshissister’sfingeroutofhisface.“Don’targuewithmeonthis,Kiki.I’mgoingandtakingyourfriendswithme,butyou’restayinginthemanorwhere
it’ssafe.We’llhavethedritestayheretoguardeveryone.”
“Thesearemyfriendsandyoucan’tstopme,Ash!”
“Thereareplentyofwaystostopyou.”
“Youwouldn’tdare.”“Wehavehealersfora
reason,dearsister.”Asherdrawshissword
andKiraexpertlyunravelsherweapon,knockinghisbladeasideasshebacksup.Theystareateachother,neitherwantingtomakethefirstmove.Thedark-hairedwomanflickstheclubendofherkusari-gamaatherbrother,smackingthebloodygroundathisfeet.Whenhe
stepsforward,shedartstothesideandswingsthebluntendathisback.TheclangofmetalonwoodechoesthroughoutthecourtyardwhenDelvingetshisshieldintheway.Asherisabouttotakeadvantageofthedistraction,butLukedisarmshimwithaquickflickofhis
sabers.Withagrin,Kiratriestocopyherbrother’stacticandattack,onlyforTimorantocatchthesickleandyanktheweaponoutofherhands.
“Thisisn’tthetimeforafightthatbothofyouwillregret,”Sariannounces,steppingbetweentheangrysiblings.ShegivesAshera
calmingkissanddoesthesametoKira,whostillmanagestoslapthegypsyintheface.“I’vegottolearnabetterwaytodeliverthatspell.Thankmefornothittingyouback,princess.”
“Ihaveaquestionifwe’redonewiththismess,”Delvinstateswhilethe
Grasdonsputtheirweaponsaway.“Howhaveyoukilledthesecreaturesifyoucan’thurtthem?ThisFelcriwalkedawaywithoutsevereinjuries.Cometothinkofit,whydidn’tittrytofinishLukeoff?”
“ItranawayinapanicwhenTimbrescreamed,
whichwasfromthegutting.YourbrotherwasreallytoughsincehekeptkickingattheFelcriafterhelosthisarms,”theforesttrackersays,puttinganarmaroundKira.HeseesaflashofpaininSari’seyesandletshisarmdropbacktohisside.“It’spossiblethattheloudnoisescaredit.Some
animalsgetterrifiedwhenapersonraisestheirvoice.Almostliketheythinkwe’recallingforothersandtheyhavetoescapebeforemoreofusarrive.”
“Sothesecreatureshaveabestialmentality,”Timoranclaimswhilesheathinghisgreataxe.Hebendsdownto
examinetheground,gesturingforLuketodothesame.“Thereissomethingstrangeaboutthetrackstoo.DidtheFelcrieverfaceyouofitsownaccordoronlywhenyouattackedit?”
Thehalf-elfsniffsatthegroundtopickuptheFelcri’sscent,asmallgrowlrollingin
histhroat.“ItwasfocusedonTimbre.Thisisstrange.Icanonlysmellmyself,Timbre,andthemanor’sanimals.Thisthingdoesn’thaveanidentifiablesmell.DoyouthinktheFelcriismorelikeaspiritthatthenomadsaredirectingafterspecifictargets?”
“Itdoesn’tmatterbecausewedon’thaveawaytokillit,”Delvininterruptsashecrouchesnexttohisfriends.“We’llworryabouttheotherstuffwhenwehaveaplanonhowtostopit.I’mguessingtheFelcriiswaitingforanotherchancetoattack.”
“Thesebeastscanbe
destroyedbyregularweapons,butwe’renotsurehow,”AshersaysbeforeclearinghisthroatandblinkingawaythelastofSari’sspell.“Forexample,theonethatKirakilledwasstruckbymanyarrowsandspearsbeforeshefinisheditoff.Wedon’tknowhowshe
diditandthecorpsealwaysdissolvesimmediatelyafterdeath.Ourbestguessisthatdamageisincurred,butnotshownonthebody.MaybethisFelcricouldhaveitsheartinadifferentplacethanitschestanditcouldhaveabackupsenseifblinded.”
“I’mstillgoing,”Kira
demands,shovingSariawayandgettinginherbrother’sface.“I’llfollowyouifIhaveto.”
“Let’snotstartthisagain,”thegypsyhisses,grabbingtheheiressbythearmandpullingheraway.“Thisisn’tthetimeforactinglikeachild.”
TheshatteringoftheglassorbagainstthebuildingstartleseveryoneandtheyturntofaceWayland.Hehasaproudsmileonthisfaceandhurriestothewall,drawinganoldkeyfromaninnerpocket.Withadullhum,therustyobjectsinksintothestoneandturnswiththeclick
ofanopeninglock.Adoorswingsopentothestreetandasmallgroupofwarriorsenterthemanorgrounds,fourofthemalltoofamiliartoTimoran.HegripshisgreataxewhenhiseyesmeetthecruelsmileofAlanikandtheotherbarbarians.
“Iaskedthecityguardif
therewereanymercenariesintownandthesemenwerestayingnearby,”Waylandhappilysays,pattingSentrentonthearm.HemovesawaywhenRalgingrowlsathimandBantonlazilyswingshismaulathisside.“TheLuckGoddessmustbesmilingonusbecausetheyhadsuch
goodfortunegettingtoBor’darukfromthenorth.I’msuretheirgoodluckwillhelpinhuntingthismonsterdown.Thankyou,Cessia.”
“Ihaveanoddfeelingthatanothergodisbehindthis,”Lukewhispers,hisvoicelowenoughsoonlyTimorancanhearhim.“Life
onAmbervalemustbereallyboringforhimtokeepdoingthistous.”
“Allofyouwillgo!”themerchantannounces,pointingathisremainingchildren.“Bothofyouarecapablewarriorsandmustavengeyourbrother.QuillwillstayhereandIwillkeepthedrite
asabodyguarduntilyoureturn.Thisisanexcellentplan.”
“ItappearsIamnottheonlyonethatGabrielistoyingwith,”TimoranmutterstoLuke,thetwoexchangingalookofdread.“Iassumeheisboredandwantssomeentertainmentout
ofus.Canyouhandlebothofyourwomenbeingonthishunt?”
“Wheredidthebeastgo?”Waylandasksasheclapshishands.
LukesighsandpointsatwhereQuillisstillresting,thenoblerollingoverandwhimperinginhissleep.
AsherhurriestohiscousinandFizzleisintheairreadytocastaspell,buttheystopwhenthehalf-elfwhistles.Joggingovertothearea,hepicksupastoneandrollsitunderthebench.Insteadofhittingthewall,therockfallsintoaholeandbouncesforafewsecondsuntillanding
withawaterysplash.“Ithinkitcameinthis
wayandwaswaitingontheroofforanopportunitytostrike.Byattackinghere,itcouldmakeaneasyescapeintoaplacemostpeoplewouldthinktwiceaboutentering,”Lukeexplains,removinghisblood-soaked
shirt.Thefourbarbarianmercenariesareconfusedandgestureforhimtoexplainfurther,causinghimtorollhiseyes.“TheFelcriisinthesewers.”
*****Everyoneinthehunting
partyblinksinthedimlightofthesewers,the
illuminationcomingfromgemsspreadalongthemoistwalls.Arollingriverrushesafewfeetbelowthewidewalkwaysthatrunalongtheedgesofeverytunnel.Thesmallgroupisabletowalkinpairs,exceptforthebarbarianswhoaretoobigtocomfortablywalknextto
anyone.AlanikandhismentakeuptherearwhileTimoranplodsalongbehindLukeandSari,thestenchturningallofthelargemen’sstomachs.Muck-coveredladdershelpthemmovebetweenthelevels,causingthehuntingpartytogetlostwithinthetunnels.Itdoesnot
helpthateverytunnelismadefromthesamegraystoneandnoneofthemunderstandtheglyphsthattheyfindateveryintersection.Afteranhour,theironlyhopeoffindingtheirwayaroundthesewersistodependonLuke’strackingskills.
“Haveyoufoundany
signoftheFelcri?”Sariaskswhentheystoptoletthehalf-elfexamineanotherladder.“Wecangotothesurfaceandseeifitwentupthere.Thatwaywecangetsomefreshairtoo.”
“Isthewaterprincessfeelingsick?”KiramuttersfrombehindTimoran.She
scowlsatthelargewarriorwhenhefacesherandopenshismouthtoscoldher.“Naiadsarefairyroyaltyandtheydon’tdowellaroundpollutedwater.Therearepurifyingbarriersthroughoutthesewers,butmostofthemarenearthedocks.Thiswaterisfilthy,somyquestion
standsevenifitwassaidwithdisdain.”
Sarimakesanotherattempttocleansomeofthenearbywater,butthesmallpatchisswiftlydevouredbythedirtyriver.“Ihaveabadheadache.Thankyouforyourconcern,Kira.IguessI’lllooktoyouforprotectionif
wegetintrouble.Afterall,I’msureyou’reashiningexampleofwarriortrainingandhavehonedyourskillssincegraduating.Especiallywithalltheadventuresandbattlesyou’vebeenon.”
“StopitorIwilldragbothofyoutothesurfaceandleaveyouthere,”Timoran
snapsbeforecoveringhismouthandfightingtheurgetoretch.“Iamsorryforthat,butIamnotinthemoodforinfighting.Letusgetthisdonequickly.”
“Thisway,”Lukeannounces,beckoningforeveryonetofollowhim.
“Howdoyouknow?”
Asherasks,earningamumbleofagreementfromthemercenaries.
Alanikblowshisnoseandspitsintothewater,grinningatTimoran’sfrown.“Thelittleguyislost.There’snowaytocatchascentinhereandhedoesn’thaveabarbarian’sears.Ihaven’t
seenanytrackseither.”“Well,you’renothim,”
Delvinstatesfrombehindthearmoredbarbarian.
Alaniktriestowhirlaroundatthesoundoflaughter,butslipsonapatchofslimeandnearlyfallsintotheragingsewage.HisarmsarecaughtbyDelvinand
AsherwhileKirawrapsherchainaroundhiswaist.Theyhaulthebarbarianbackandhepresseshisbodyagainsttheslimywall.Hetakesabiggaspofairandvomitsintotheriverduetothehorrifictastethatconsumeshistongue.
“Hemeansthankyou,”
Sentrentnervouslysays,scratchinghishead.
“Canwestopwastingtime?”Lukeimpatientlyaskswhileidlyspinninghissabers.“IcanheartheFelcri,butitisn’teasy.Thefurtherawayitgets,theharderitistotrack.Ifweloseitthenwe’llhavetowaitforittoattack
again.”“Howareyoureally
trackingit?”Sariwhispersastheyleadthepartyaroundasharpturn.Sheglancesdownintoadarkabyss,sensingtheroilingwaterbelow.“Youhadtoputanewshirtonandtherestofushadtogetourgear.TheFelcriwouldhave
beentoofarawayforyoursoundsight.What’sthesecret?”
“There’snosecret,”Lukesayshelpingthegypsyoveracoldstreamofbrownishgreenwater.“Ican’tpinpointthecreature,butIhearitaheadofus.Ithasn’tmovedsincewegot
intothesewers.That’swhyItookmytimejustnow.Istoppedbeforetogiveussometimetorestourlegs.TheFelcriisfast,vicious,andIthinkit’swaitingtoambushus.”
Thegroupentersalargechamberwheremanyofthesewertunnelsmeetand
emptyintoanenormousshaft.Theycanseeaswirlingpoolfarbelowthem,thecrashingcurrentsmixingandflowingintovariousopeningsintheslickwalls.Alargegratecanbeseeninthedistantceilinganditletsinseveralnarrowbeamsofbluelightfromthewintermoon.
Thewalkwaysarenarrowerthanthetunneledges,sotheyareforcedtowalksinglefilebehindLuke.Itisachallengeforhimtousehissoundsightduetotheloudwater,soheisforcedtodependmoreonhiseyesight.Hescanseveryshadow,stoppingwhenhethinksheseesaformmoving
nearthetopofthechamber.“Thisistheperfectplace
foranambush,”Kirasaysovertheroarofthefilthywaterfallsaroundthem.“Ihopedadlistenedandhassomehealersreadytopurifyuswhenwegethome.Idon’twanttothinkaboutthediseaseswecouldgetdown
here.Doyouthinkthere’sanythingincurableinhere,Ash?”
“Goodchanceofthat,”herbrotherreplies,peeringdownatthepollutedpool.“Thisiswhyyoushouldhavestayedhome.”
“Nowisn’tthetimetohavethisfight.”
“It’sonlyafightifyouargue.”
“Watchoutfortheslime.”
Asherstopshisfootafewinchesaboveaglobofoozethathasalreadybeentreadonbysomeone.Hestepsovertheslipperygrowthandsignalsdownthelineto
becareful.HefrownswhenAlanikcontinuesonhisway,thebarbarianrefusingtowarnthosebehindhim.Mostofthepartyhaspassedthedangerousspotwhenoneoftheothermercenariesslips.Thearmoredwomantriestobalanceherself,butthesuddenmovementmakesher
situationworse.Withascream,sheplummetsintothechurningwaterandthelastthinganyoneseesofherisaflailinghandthatisdraggedintoatunnel.AsherisabouttoyellatAlanikwhenahissingscreechechoesthroughoutthelargechamber.
“Ifyoufallintothewater,keepyourmouthclosed,”Delvinsaysashedrawshislongswordandwatchestheshadows.“Youcanprobablysurvivethefallandavoiddrowningifyoukeepyourheadaboutyou.”
Ascalyhandsnakesoutfromunderthewalkway,
grabbinganElvenmercenary’slegsandyankinghimoffhisfeet.Theswordsmancanonlyyelpbeforeheissilencedbythesoundofsomethingdevouringhim.Everyonewatchesthegroundinfearofbeingthenextonetaken,soRalginandanothermercenary
arenotreadyfortheFelcri’sattackfromabove.Theyoungbarbarianstumblesawaywithadeepcutonhisshoulder,buttheothertarget’sheadisrippedcleanoffhisneck.Beforeanyonecanreact,themonsterpouncesonAlanikandgetsitsclawsstuckinthewarrior’schainmail.The
green-scaledmonkeyisastallasanogre,butleanlikeanelfwithabonyridgedownitsback.ItspowerfultailswingsasAlanikturnsaroundandthethickextremityknocksKiraoffthewalkway.
“Igother,”Sarisays,takingcontrolofanearbywaterfall.Shecatchesthe
heiresswithawateryhand,butthestrainofcontrollingthesewagecausesthegypsytogrowfaintandtumbleovertheedge.Kirasnagsherwithherkusari-gamaandbothwomendisappearintothechurningpool.
“We’rehelplesshere!”Alanikshoutsashegrabsthe
Felcriandhurlsitatthewall.Thecreatureflipsinmidairandlandswithaslap,itsbodyadheringtothestonelikeaspider.“Gettothetunnels,boys!”
Thebarbarianstrytopushtheirwaybacktothewiderpath,notcaringiftheyhavetoknocktheiralliesinto
thepool.OneofthemercenariesthatRalginthrowsoutofhiswayisimpaledthroughthechestbyalancingtongue.WhiletheFelcrisavorsitsnewestmeal,AlanikpanicsandaccidentallyshovesDelvinoffthewalkway.LukeandAshersheaththeirweapons
anddiveafterthearmoredwarrior,grabbinghishandsbeforetheyplungeintothewater.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Timoranasks,lungingtograbtheblack-hairedbarbarianbythearmandspinhimaround.SeeingAlanik’sclenchedfist,hepunchesthemaninthe
faceanddrawstheattentionoftheothers.“Allofyouareputtingouralliesindanger.Helpmetokillthatcreatureandsavemyfriends.”
“Thatmonsterisbutcheringus,”Alanikargues,gesturingforhisfriendstokeepmoving.“Weneedtoregroupandlurethat
thingintoatightspace.Afterthat,we’llhandleourissueswithyou.”
“Nowisnotthetime.”“It’stheperfecttime
sinceyoudon’thavethatwomanguardingyou.”
TheFelcrilandsonAlanikagainandopensitsmouthtosinkitsfangsinto
hisneck,butTimoranpunchesthebeastinthenose.BantongrabsthethrashingtailwhileSentrenttriestofindawaytostrikewithhisbroadsword.Withawildhoot,RalginmakesarunningjumpovereveryoneandgetsbehindTimoran.Heshoulderrushesthered-headed
warrior,sendinghimcrashingintothewaterbelow.ThefourbarbarianscontinuewrestlingwiththeFelcri,thebeastshriekingatthemandbaringitspoisonousfangs.Withaviolenttwistofitsflexiblebody,thecreatureforceseveryoneoffthewalkwayandintothe
whirlpool.*****
Kiragaspsforairandviolentlyspitsoutthefoulwaterthatdripsfromherhairintohermouth.Shepullsherselfontothelowwalkway,draggingtheunconsciousgypsybehindher.Theflooriscoveredinfilththatsmears
onherleatherarmorasshecrawlstothewall.SheuncoilsherweaponfromherglovedhandandthebarearmofSari,whichiscoveredinbruises.Sittingagainstthecoldstone,Kirastaresdownthetunnelinthehopethatoneoftheirfriendsorherbrotherwillbreakthesurface
oftherunningwater.“Whathappened?”Sari
asksasshewakesup.Shetriestostand,butfallsbackdownwhenawaveofnauseagripsherstomach.“IthinkIswallowedsomeofthesewerwater.ThoughI’mnotsurehowIfellin.”
“Youtriedtouseyour
powerstosaveme,”Kirareplies,runningahandthroughherebonyhair.Sheshuddersatthetouchofslimygarbageinhermattedtresses.“NextthingIknew,youwerefalling,soItriedtosaveyouandwebothfell.AllIcouldthinkofistoholdon,sowedidn’tgetseparated.”
“Goodidea,”thegypsyagrees,focusingherpowersonthefilthinherstomach.Hereyesbulgeandshelurchestothesidetovomit.“Thankyouforsavingme.I’msorryforwhatyou’reseeinghere.”
“Honestly,afterseeingalotofbodiesthelastfew
weeksandbeinginthissewer,I’mnotreallyphasedbyyoupuking,”theheiressadmitswithahalf-heartedsmile.Shepullsacordfromherpocketandtiesherhairback,shudderingatthesensationofthickliquiddrippingdownherneck.“Let’sgetmovingincasethe
Felcrishowsup.I’drathergiveitamovingtarget.”
Kira’sbackaudiblypopsasshestandsandstretches,apatheticwhimperescapingfromhermouth.ShehelpsSaritoherfeet,butthegypsygentlypushesherawayandtriestowalkonherown.Withasighofresignation,
theheiressletshercompanionusethewalltomovedownthetunnel.Itisaslow,frustratingpacethatgratesonKira’snervesastheywanderthesewersinsearchofaladder.Whentheydofindawayup,Saritakessolongtoclimbitthattheotherwomanistemptedto
leaveherbehind.TheonlyreasonsherefusestoabandonthegirlisbecauseeveryshadowisaplacefortheFelcritolurk.
Thepairgroanandcursewhentheyreachaplacewherethewalkwayhasfallenintothelowerlevelsofthesewers.Sarikicksarockinto
thepitandwaitsforittohitwater,butonlytheechoofstonebeingstruckcomesback.Kiraisalreadycoilingherchainaroundherarmandpreparingtobindherselftothegypsywhensheseeshercompanionhurryontothenarrowremnantoftheledge.Grumblingcursesand
focusingonthefarwall,shefollowsSariandholdsherbreathassheinchesalong.Hertoesstickoutovertheedgeandshepressesagainsttheslimywall,thetemptationtolookdownmorepowerfulthansheexpected.Sheglowersatthegypsymovingswiftlyaheadofher,the
womanhavingabettersenseofbalanceandmoreexperiencewithperilousledges.
Turningacorner,KiraishappytoseealadderthatSariisalreadyscaling.Shegetsexcitedandattemptstojumpthelastthreefeet,herarmstretchingforarung.Theone
shecatchessnapsinherhandandherfootslipsonanotherthatiscoveredinmuck.Herchinstrikestheladderbeforeshecanhookitwiththesickleendofherweapon.Withathrobbingpaininherhead,sheclimbstowardadarksquareintheceilingandstopswhenadirtyhand
comeswithinview.ShebatsSari’sofferawayandfinishesonherown,massagingherachingjaw.
“What’swrongwithyou?”thegypsyasks,reachingoutwithiceonherfingertips.Again,herhandissmackedtotheside.“Ionlywanttohelp.”
“Ifyou’regoingtorejectmyoffersthenI’mgoingtodothesame,”Kirasays,cringingfromthepainoftalking.Shecantastebloodinhermouthandhertonguefindsacutonherinnercheek.“I’mnotgoingtobetreatedlikeadelicateheiress.Lukemightnotbehere,butIhave
myprideandIplanonbeingyourequal.”
“Iapologizeforbeingstubbornearlier.IthoughtyouhelpingmewouldmakeyouaneasiertargetfortheFelcri,”Sariadmits,walkingtotheedgeofthewalkway.Thewaterappearscleanerthanwhatshehasseensofar,
butitstillreeksofsewage.“Let’sgetoutofhereandwecantalkaboutthis.It’sobviouswehavewordstosaytoeachotherandwekeptthemhiddenwhenLukewasaround.Soforthesakeofourfriendship-”
Kiracutsoffthegirl’swordsbygettinginherface,
comingdangerouslyclosetotacklingherintothewater.“We’renotfriends!We’rerivals,Sari!”
“Butyourtraditions.”“Forgetmydamn
traditions!”theheiressscreams,spittingbloodoutofhermouth.Shestepsawayandstrikesthefloorwiththe
clubendofherweapon.“IletyouhappentoLukeandnowyougettospendmoretimewithhim.There’snowayIcancompetewiththatandhe’snotgoingtoletmetravelwithhim.TheonlytimeIhavewithhimisnowandwe’retraipsingaboutasewerafteramonsterthatatemy
brother.Let’salsomentionthatyou’rehangingaroundmyhomemopinglikeawoundedpuppy.Heseesyouwallowinganditkeepshimupatnight.Soeventhoughhe’swithmeandpromisedthatthisismytime,he’sstillthinkingaboutyou.”
“I’lltalktohimafterwe
killtheFelcriandbreakthingsoff,”Saristates,turningawaytohidethepainandangerinhervoice.“ThatwayyougetwhatyouwantandonlyIgethurt.I’mfinewiththat.”
KirasmacksSariacrossthebackoftheheadwithenoughforcetosendthe
gypsystumblingaway.Shedropsherweaponanddartsintodeliveranotherstrike,catchingherrival’sear.Withalowgrowl,Sarikickstheheiressintheshinandthrowsapunch.Beingmoreexperiencedathand-to-handcombat,Kiradeflectstheattackandslamsherfistin
theblue-hairedgirl’sstomach.SheholdsontoSari’sshoulders,preventingherfromfallingtothefloor.Athrillrunsthroughherbodywhensheseestheangerinherrival’semeraldeyes.
“Neversaythatagain,”Kiragrowls,shovingSaritowardthewall.“WhenIwin
Luke,Idon’twantittobebecauseyoutookpityonme.Besides,he’llneverbehappywithmeunlesshemakesthechoiceonhisown.WouldyoubehappyifIquit,soyougettobewithhimbydefault?You’dalwayswonderaboutthetruth.”
Sarigrimacesatthe
tightnessinhergutandtakesinacoughingbreath.“Iliveinthemoment,soitwouldn’tbotherme.Sowheredowestandwitheachother?Istilldon’thateyou,butI’mgettingthere.”
“We’rerivalswhohavetobecivilwheninpublic,”Kirareplies,pickingher
weaponupandshakingthefilthfromthesickle.“Asforthehate,Idon’tknow.YoufrustratemeandI’mtryingreallyhardnottodespiseyou.LukeandIweregoingtohaveadifficultrelationshipfromthebeginning.It’smademequestionalotaboutmyselfandit’sbeenhardto
findanswerswithouthimbymyside.Nowthatyou’remoreofathreatthanIexpected,I’mnotsurewhattosayordoaroundhim.Icanonlyhopethathe’sasuncomfortablewithyouasheiswithmeafterheleavesBor’daruk.”
“Oh,thatisn’tpetty.”
“I’mnotdenyingthatitis.”
“Likeyousaid,youbroughtthisonyourself.”
“Tobeperfectlybluntandhonest,Ithoughtyouwereonlygoingtousehimforsexandtosshimaside,”Kiramentionswithashrug.Shenoticesthetwitchof
Sari’seyeandcannotstopherselffrompushingalittlemore.“Afterall,gypsiesaren’tknownforrelationshipsoutsideoftheclan.Loyaltytofamilyandalloutsidersaretoystobeplayedwith.SoIwassurprisedyoubecamesoattachedtomyfiancée.”
“Lukeismyfamily,”the
gypsystatesinavoicetingedwithrage.SheissurprisedwhenKirasmilesandgentlytouchesheronthecheek.“What’ssoamusing?”
“AndthatiswhyIneverbelievedyou’dgivehimupsoeasily.Maythebestwomanwin.”
Thetunnelrumblesanda
rushofputridwindrushesfromupstream,makingthepaircovertheirmouths.Adullroarrollsfromtheshadowsandthedistantsightofsomethingmovingtowardthemcatchestheirattention.ItisanundulatinglineofwhiteagainstthedarknessthatKiraquicklyrealizesis
anincomingfloodofsewerwater.SheglancesatSari,whoisbackingawayandblushing.Notwaitingforanexplanation,theheiresssprintsdownstreamwithhercompanionafewstepsbehind.
“Whatdidyoudo,gypsy?”
“Thisiswhyyoushouldn’thavemadememad,heiress.”
Glancingoverhershoulder,Kiraseesthatthefloodisgainingandwilltakethemiftheycannotfindaladder.“You’vebeenhavingtroublewithyourpowersthiswholetime.HowwasI
supposedtoknowyou’dmakeaflood?”
“Ididn’tknoweither.Itjustkindofhappened...sothat’swherethatfloodcamefrombackthen,”Sarireplieswithasmirk.Shedartsforwardtograbhercompanion’shandandlocksherfingers.“Holdontome
andyou’llbefine.Ithink.I’mreallynotsurewhat’sgoingtohappenhere.”
Kiraopenshermouthtoargue,butseeshowclosethefloodisandtakesadeepbreathinstead.Thesewerwaterengulfsthetwowomenandtheyholdeachothertightastheyarecarriedthrough
thetunnels.Sariisabletostopthemfromgettingdashedagainstthewallsbyusingquickburstsofcontroloverthecurrentaroundthem.Thisdoesnothelpwhentheyhitawaterfallandburstoutofthesewage.Spinningwildlytowardanoverhang,Kiratakesthebruntofthe
impactandisbarelyawareoffallingbackintotheracingflood.Shemanagestogetanothergulpofairbeforetheyareswirledinaneddyandsuckeddownadrain.
Fearingthattheheiresswilldrown,Sarikicksherlegstostrengthenthecurrent,whichlaunchesthemoutofa
smalltunneltowheretheirfloodmeetsanotherblastofwater.Thegypsyissurprisedtoseeoneofthemercenariesfranticallytryingtoescapetheriverofsewageaheadofthem.Henolongerhashischainmaillikesheremembers,soheisabletobreakthesurfacetogaspfor
airandgraspatladders.Shetriestocallouttothemanwhensheseeshimbreakthesurfacedangerouslyclosetoaholeintheceiling.Thefilthywaterchokesherthroat,soshecanonlywatchashisfaceissmashedintothesolidstone.Hisheadflopsaroundonhisbrokenneckasthe
currentcarrieshimalong,hisbodymovinginaneerie,unnaturalway.
AhumcanbeheardwithintheroarofthewaterandSaricraneshernecktoseeabarrierofwhiteenergyaheadofthem.Sparksflyoffthewaterthatstrikesthepurificationwall,which
disintegratesallofthepollutants.Thecorpseofthemercenaryevaporatesasithitsthebarrier,makingSaridesperatelytrytocontroltheflood.Shemanagestoslowtheiradvance,butitisnotenoughtoavoidthespellandshecloseshereyesasshefeelstherawenergypullat
herhair.AhorriblepainburnsthroughherveinsandsheseesKira’seyesflyopenasthepurificationwallattacksalloftheimpuritiesintheirbodies.Beingstillalive,thepairarenotmistakenforrefuseanddestroyedlikethedeadwarrior.Unconscious,butstillbreathing,thetwo
womenpassthroughthebarrierandarelaunchedoutofthetunnel.Theylandnexttothenorthernmostpierwithaloudsplash,startlingatrioofdrowsysailorswhoaresuddenlywideawake.
*****Timoran’sknucklesare
whitefromclingingtohis
greataxe,theweaponlodgedwithinanarrowtunnelentrance.Hislegsandbackachefrombeingbracedagainstthewalltopreventhimfromgettingsuckedawaybytheunexpectedflood.Thewatersubsidesandisleftasaweakrivuletinsteadofthestrongriverit
wasbefore.Wringingthefilthyliquidfromhishair,thebarbariancatcheshisbreathandfreeshisaxe.Thestenchofexposedmuckisanightmaretohissenses,sohefumbleswithapouchofaromaticherbs.Hestickshisnoseinsidetoinhaledeeplyandrelaxesforthefirsttime
allnight.“Iguessyourstomach
getsweakerasyougetolder,”Alaniktauntsashewalksintothetunnel.Hisfriendsareafewstepsbehindhim,allofthemdrenchedandcoveredinmuck.“Itmustbefatethatwefoundeachotherinthisplace.Alonetodiscussourbusiness.
Kerrmustbeonmyside.”“MorethatGabrielis
bored,”Timoranmutters,puttinghisbacktothewall.“Ihavenobusinesswithyou.Itwouldbebestifwegoourseparateways.Besidesmydisappearancewillbringmyfriendsonyourhead.”
“Youroathmeanswe
havetheadvantage,soyoushouldlisten,”Bantonsaysfromthebackofthegroup.HewaitsforAlaniktonodhissupportandmoveswithinafewfeetoftheredheadedchampion.“Wediscussedouroptionsifwefoundyouagain.Well,weactuallyagreedtohuntyoudown,but
disagreedonwhattodoafter.”
“Iwantedtokillyoursilver-hairedfriendandchopoffyourarms,”Ralginclaimswithaproudgrin.“I’mstillmissingteethfromthatfight.”
“Ivotedforcapturingyouandyourfriendsthansellingthemtopirates,”
Sentrentadmitswithhishandraised.Theheavilyscarredwarriordropshisarmwhenhiscompanionsgrowlathim.“ThatwasactuallyAlanik’sidea.Iwantedtogointheoppositedirectionandneverseeyouagain.”
TimorankeepshiseyeonBanton,whoiswipingfilth
offtheheadofhismaul.“Thatwouldhavebeenthebestidea.Sowhatisthedecisionthatyoufourcameto?Iassumeitissomethingthattakesadvantageofmenotbeingabletotrulyfightback.Iamnotinthemoodforaguessinggame.”
Bantondrawsascroll
fromunderhisbracer,thecrushedparchmentstainedwithsweatandsewage.HeputshismaulonthegroundandhandsittoTimoran,whowrinkleshisnoseattheotherbarbarian’sstench.Ralgingrinsandchuckles,earninghimasmacktothefacefromAlanik.Theexchangemakes
thechampionmorenervousandheeyesBantonwithsuspicion.Theblondemancasuallyrecovershisweaponandreturnstohisfriends,patientlystandingbehindhisleader.
“Thisisimpossible,”Timoranstateswhilehetriestoreadthescroll.Hehears
thegrowlsfromtheothersandflickstheparchmentintothestream.“Imeantthatsweatandfilthhavemadethescrollineligible.AllIcoulddiscernfromtheremainingwordsisthatyouwantmetosignacontractofalliance.”
“Thatisthebasicidea,”Alaniksays,approachinghis
fellowkinsmanandputtingameatyarmaroundhisshoulder.“Allfiveofushavebeenbannedfromeverreturninghomeduetoarchaiclaws.MyfriendsandIdidn’tleavethefieldofbattleduetocowardice.Weleftbecausewedidn’tbelieveinthefight.Killingogresbecausethey
tookanextrapieceoflandandourkinggotnervousaboutanattack?Werefusedtodieforhisparanoia.”
“Theogrestookthelandfromourhalflingallies.Itwasabouthonoringourtreaties.Ifyoudidnotabandonyourpostoutofcowardicethenyoudiditout
ofdisrespectforourpeople.Abarbariannevergoesbackonhisorherword.”
“Howmanypromiseshaveyoubrokensinceleavingthetribe?”
Timoranremovestheotherwarrior’sarmfromhisshoulderandshoveshimbacktotheothers.Hechokes
downtheurgetoattack,hisprimalragemakinghisheartbeatloudenoughtofillhisears.Repeatinghisoathinhisheaddoesnothingtoquellhisangerashewatchesthefourmengrinandchuckle.Withashakyhand,hetakesanothersniffoftheherbstocleansehisnoseandcalmhisnerves.
“Wedon’tneedthispatheticloser,Alanik,”Ralginargues,pushingtothefrontofthesmallgroup.HetriestotaphisspearonTimoran’shead,buthisweaponiseasilybattedaway.“Iguesshe’sfastandstrong,buthewon’tbeanyhelp.Remember,hecan’tshedthe
bloodofhistribesmen,sohe’dbedeadweightinourplan.”
“Whatareyouplanning?”thechampionasksasheshiftshisfeet.Hismusclestenseforapounce,whichcausestheyoungerbarbariantobackaway.
“TheSnowTigerTribe
needsfreshleadershipandnewlaws,”Alanikdeclaresasherunshisthumbalongtheedgeofhisaxe.“Thelawsareallabouthonorandcourage,butthatisn’thowtheworldworksanymore.Menlikeusarecastoutbecausewerefusetolaydownourlivesforabattlewedidn’tbelievein.
Howisthatfair?”“Yousworeonyour
honorandancestorstofightforthetribe,”theredheadedwarriorangrilygrowls.Heflexeshisfingersinpreparationofhavingtodrawhisweapon,thetensioninthetunnelgrowingpalpable.“Ifyoudidnotwanttodoso
thenyoucouldhavebecomesomethingelse.Itisnotmandatoryforustoremainwarriorsafterourtwoyearsoftraining.Youhavenobodytoblame,butyourselves.”
“Thetribehasnorespectforthosewhorefusetofight,”Bantonmentions,spittingonthefloorindisgust.“Evenif
webecamefarmersorblacksmiths,we’dstillhavetofightwhenthekingdeclaredafull-scalewar.Itwasbettertogetalloftheperksofbeingawarriorthanbeseenaspretenders.”
“Youplanonoverthrowingtheking.IassumeAlanikwouldbethe
newruler.”“Well,itwouldn’tbe
you,”Ralginsnaps,chucklingathisowncomment.
“Shutup,Ralgin,”thearmoredwarriorsaysinacold,threateningvoice.HestandsbeforeTimoranandlookshimintheeye,refusingtobackdownfromthe
brewingrage.“Afterthishunt,we’regoingtotraveltoArxandnegotiateapriceforasmallforceofwarriors.Maybegetafewassassinstoo.Thenwe’llconquerStonehelmandputtheSnowTigerTribeonanewpath.Ifyou’rewillingtobreakyouroaththenwe’llletyoujoin
us.”Releasingatiredsigh,
TimoranturnsawayfromAlanikandwalkstotheedgeofthewalkway.Hestaresintotherisingriverofsewageasheconsidershisoptions,drawinghisgreataxeforcomfort.Apangofhomesicknessisinhisheart,
butitisdwarfedbytherageandhatredhefeelstowardthefourmenbeforehim.Hiseyesfallonthetiger-stripepatternedheadofhisweapon,theobjectsignifyinghispassageintoadulthoodandhismostpreciousbelonging.Heremembershisearlierdaysofexilewherehewould
talktothegreataxeandpraythatKerrwouldanswerhisquestionsthroughitspolishedsurface.Thishabitstoppedwhenhesworetolivebyhistribe’stenantsandbringhonortoiteventhoughhecanneverreturnhome.Hesteelshisspiritandacceptsthattheseselfishmenwill
havebroughtthisfateonthemselves.
“Onecannotgotowaragainstthetribeifheorsheisstillamember,”Timoranwhispers,wipingatearfromhischeek.Hetakesashudderingbreaththattheothersseeinhisbackandshoulders.“Doyouforsake
thetribe?”“Let’snot-”Sentrent
startstosaybeforeBantonsmackshim.
“Ifthat’swhatittakes,”Alanikproudlystates,takingaconfidentsteptowardtheotherbarbarian.“Let’snotpretendanyonehereisstillamemberofthetribe.We’re
allexiles,sowhyshouldanyofusremainloyal?”
TimoranwhirlsaroundtotakeAlanik’sheadoffinonesavageswing,thebodystandingforafewsecondsbeforetumblingintothesewage.RalginandBantonrushatthechampionwhileSentrentholdshisground,his
legslockedinplace.Thepairfindsithardtoattackduetotheirmuscularbodiesandthewidthofthewalkway.Bantoncomesclosetohittinghisfriendwitheveryswingwhilethespearmanfranticallyjabsattheirenemy.Ralginloseshispatienceandrushesforward,buthisclumsy
attackiseasilydeflected.Theredheadedbarbarianthrustshisgreataxeatthecrazedwarrior,thetoppointspiercingtheyoungerman’schest.Witharoar,TimoranmovesRalgininthewayofthemaul’snextswingandtheforcedrivesthegreataxeintothespearman’sheart.
“Youcowardlybastard!”BantonshoutsatSentrent,whosebroadswordislimplyhangingathisside.“Iknewweshouldhaveabandonedyouyearsago.”
TimoranswingsatBantonandtheirweaponsclash,theechoringingdownthetunnel.Aquickjump
backbythechampionmakesthemaul-fighterstumble,leavinghimopentoacrushingblowtothebackoftheneck.ThesnapofhisspinesendsashiverthroughSentrent’sbody,theswordsmanlettinghisweaponslipfromhisgrasp.Timorankeepshiseyeonthe
shudderingsurvivorashecrushesBanton’swindpipewithasolidstompofhisheel.
“Willyouletmelive?”Sentrentasks,fallingtohiskneesandholdingouthishands.“Ididn’tforsakethetribeorattackyou.I’mnotmuchofawarrioranyway.I...didn’tknowwhatelseto
dosoIwentalongwiththem.Ididn’tevenwanttodesertthetribeinthefirstplace,butAlanikthreatenedme.”
“TakeyourswordincaseyourunintotheFelcri,”Timoranstatesinacoldvoice.Hepullsaragoutofhispocketandcleansthebloodoffhisgreataxe.“IfI
everrunintoyouagain,Sentrent,itwillbebyaccidentandyouwillhavefoundareallife.Iamsurethereisaplaceforyou,butIcantellyouthatitisnotwithinthetribethatIholddearoronthebattlefieldthatIhonor.”
“Thankyou,SirWrath,”
themansays,scramblingtohisfeetandgrabbinghisweapon.Hurryingintothetunnelbehindhim,Sentrentstopsandturnstofacetheotherbarbarian.“Ifitmeansanythingtoyou,Ihopeyoufindpeacesomeday.WiththeblessingofKerr,I’msureitwillbewithintheSnowTiger
Tribe.”Timoranwatches
Sentrentdisappearintotheshadowsandsighswhenherealizesthathehasbodiestodisposeof.Sheathinghisweapon,hegoesaboutthrowingtheremainsintothesewageandwatchingthemdriftintothedistance.The
soundofarustlingcapemakeshimpausewhilehestillhastheheadofAlanikinhishands.Heturnstoseeablack-hairedmaninebonyplatemail,anauraofpowerfillingthetunnel.
“Iwaswonderingwhatyouwoulddohere,”Gabrieladmitsasheapproaches
Timoran.Alowwhistleslipsfromthegod’smouthandAlanik’sheadturnsintoapileofsand.“Iwashighlyentertained.Didyoulearnalessonfromthis?”
“MypastisoutthereandwillforeverhauntmeuntilIfaceit.”
“Thatsoundsgood
enough.Itisyoursharpmindandpurewisdomthatmakesyouoneofmygreatestcreations,”thegodsayswithawidesmilethatsendsachilldownthemortal’sspine.“KeepthatinmindwhenyoureturntoStonehelm.Youwillbegoinghomebeforeyourtrialsaredone,Timoran
Wrath.Iguaranteeitandlookforwardtoyourtrials.”
Gabrielvanishesinapuffofblacksmoke,leavingthebarbariantothinkabouttheominouspromise.Lookingatthesplattersofbloodandafewscrapsboneleftontheground,Timoranpraysthathisreturnhome
willnotbeforaverylongtime.
*****Lukeinchesalongthe
wall,keepinganearoutforsoundsofmovement.Thesquishofrottenfilthbeneathhisbootshasbecomepartofthebackgroundashecautiouslymakeshisway
throughthemazeoflowertunnels.Hesensessomethinglargerthanarat,theformcreatedbyhissoundsightofamanwithacurvedsword.ThisisthefourthtimeinthelasthourhehasfoundAsher,whichgiveshimsomereliefandfrustration.Lukeishappythatthenoblemanisstill
alive,buthewisheshissenseswouldstopfocusingonhim.Asitstands,heisnolongersurewhereDelvinortheFelcriaresincetheirlastencounter.Ithasbeenachallenginghuntwithrepeatedambushesthatthethreewarriorshavebarelymanagedtosurvive.Every
timeoneofthemhasbeenattacked,theothersrushtotherescueanddrivetheFelcriaway.
Turningacorner,Lukeseestheglintofchainmailinanarrowbeamoflightthatcomesfromapulsingorbinthewall.HethinksitisAsheragainuntilheseestheround
buckleronthefigure’sarm.QuietlymovingthroughthemucktoDelvin,heclearshisthroattogethisfriend’sattention.Witharollofhiseyes,hebatsthedirt-coveredlongswordoutofhisface.Thedimlightmakesbothwarriorsappearfilthierandmoreexhaustedthanthey
actuallyare.Lukenoticesthewoundabovehisfriend’seyeisstillseeping,whichbringshisattentiontotheburningcutalonghisownribs.Hesticksafingerthroughthegashinhisleatherarmorpatch,feelingtoseeiftheinjuryisstillbleeding.
“Howareyoudoing?”
Delvinwhispers,wipingthebloodoutofhiseye.
“Stillbleeding,butitwon’tslowmedowntoomuch,”Lukereplies,gesturingfortheotherwarriortofollowhim.HepinpointsAsher’slocationandguessesastothequickestwaytothenoble.“Asheris
movingaroundsomewhere,butIhavenoideawheretheFelcriwent.Maybeit’sfullfromeatingallthosemercenaries.”
“Idon’tthinkithadtimetoeatanyofthem,”Delvinsays,checkingaroundacornerwhileLukecasuallystepsintotheopen.“There
wassomethingstrangeaboutthelastfight.TheFelcricameinfierce,butitranawayonceoneofushurtit.It’spossiblethatit’snolongerinvulnerable,sonowit’sscared.”
Lukenodsandgoesovertheencounterinhismind,everydetailcrispandclear.
“Itdefinitelycameinwithoutacarewhenittookthatfirstmercenaryout.It’sashamethatshesurvivedfallingintothewateronlytogetkilledinthenextencounter.ThoughIthinkshemanagedtohurtittoobecausetheFelcrihadabriefmomentofconfusionbeforewegatheredourwits.
It’spossiblethatthemonstersbeingsentaftertheGrasdonsareimperfectandtheirinvulnerabilityisunstable.Theyneverknowwhenthey’llbesusceptibletodamageagain,butitdoeshappen.MaybewecancaptureitaliveandFizzlecangetalookatit.”
“HemightevenbeabletotalktotheFelcri.”
“Yeah,butI’msureWaylandwouldhaveitkilledonsight.”
“Themandoesseemprettystressedandirrational,”Delvinreplieswithawrysmile.HegentlypunchesLukeintheshoulderand
stifleshislaughter.“That’syourfuturefather-in-law.Yousureyouknowwhatyou’regettinginto?”
“Canwenotgetintothisconversationrightnow?”thehalf-elfrequeststhroughclenchedteeth.“We’rehuntingadeadlybeasthere.”
“Iwasonlyteasingand
tryingtolightenthemood,”theotherswordsmanreplieswithatiredsigh.“Iguessthere’salwaysthechancethatyou’llmarrySariinstead.You’reright.Thisisn’tsomethingIwanttotalkabout.It’llonlymakemeworrymoreaboutNyxandcontinuehatingyoufor
havingbothofyourlovesaround.”
“Hateme?”“Maybetoostronga
term,butI’vedefinitelyhadmomentsofwantingtopunchyouthelastfewdays.”
Luketurnstostarehisfriendintheeye,noticingthatthemanisnotentirelyjoking.
“I’mmiserablebecauseI’mgoingtohavetohurtsomeoneIlove.You’remiserablebecausethewomanyouloveismissing.I’dtradepositionswithyouonlybecauseIknowyou’reproblemwillhaveahappyending.”
“Howcanyoubeso
sure?”Delvinasks,walkingaroundthehalf-elf.Heslashesatanearbyshadowwhenitcomes,terrifyingagroupofratsthatrushintoanearbyhole.“Wedon’tknowwhereNyxisorwhat’shappenedtoher.ShecouldbekidnappedbythenomadsorinStephen’shands.”
“She’swithDariana,soIdoubtStephenwillhaveher.Evenifshe’snotreallyonourside,sheobviouslydoesn’tlikeherbrother,”theforesttrackerexplains,hurryingtotaketheleadagain.HerisksusingStiletto’ssenseofsmell,stoppingimmediatelywhen
hisstomachlurchesfromthestench.“Asforthenomads,Ihopetheydon’thaveNyx.I’mhavingtroublethinkingofanyonewhohasbenefitedfromcapturingher.Ittendstoendwithherunleashingdevastationonthearea.Sostopworryingaboutyourextremelypowerful,
unrequitedloveandfigureouthowtogetintothatdesert.Preferablywithoutanelephanteventhoughthatwashilarious.”
“It’snotlikeIcangooutthefrontdoor,”thebrown-hairedwarriorscoffs,scratchinghisheadwithhisknuckles.Hegroansatthe
feelofsewagedrippingfromthetipofhisswordontohishair.“Thisistrulydisgusting.I’vebeeninsewersandswampsbefore,butthisplaceisamazeofladders,tunnels,andfilth.”
Thewarriorscometoaroomthatresemblesagiantbowl,thesidesslickwith
slimeandthebottomcoveredinafootofstagnantwater.Agrateintheceilinghasrustedoutandtheremainingmeshisdanglingintheshaftofsunlight.SquirmingformsmoveinthewaterasLukeandDelvinstruggletomaketheirwaytotheothersidewithoutfallingintothepool.
Theysheaththeirweapons,freeingtheirhandstocrawlalongtheslicksurface.Witheverymove,thewarriorsslideclosertothebottomandthemysteriouscreaturesgetmoreagitated.AfangedeeleruptsfromthewaterwhenDelvinslipswithinreachofthecreature.Hefeelsits
sharpteethpiercehisbootandfoot,butcannotdrawhisswordtofightback.Theothereelshungrilygatherinanticipationofhimfallingin,theslimybeastsroilingintoafrenzy.Anechoing,roaringscreechscaresthepredatorsintoretreatingtothebottomofthepool,thesurface
becomingcalmandserene.“Pleasetellmethatwas
you,”DelvinwhisperstoLukeasheclimbstowardhisfriend.
“Nope,”thehalf-elfsays,noddinghisheadtothewallontheothersideofthepool.“TheFelcriseemstobeabletomovewithoutmakinga
sound,includingaheartbeat.Ithinkit’sbeeninheretheentiretime.”
Thewarriorsturnaround,grindingtheirfeetintotheslimeuntiltheyfeelsolidgroundandcanawkwardlystand.Theydrawtheirbladesastheywatchthegreen-scaledbeast,itsbodyashade
lighterthanthedarkwalls.TheFelcrislowlyclimbsdowntotheslopedfloorandcrouchesamongthefilth.ItswhiteeyesdartfromDelvin’slongswordtoLuke’ssabers,thedeadlybladesmakingthevulnerablecreaturenervous.Withathreateninghiss,theFelcrifiresitslongtongueat
thearmoredchampionandyanksitbackbeforeitcanbechoppedoff.
“Idon’tthinkitknowswe’reatadisadvantage,”Lukewhispers,pointinghissabersatthemonster.Hestopswhenitwhimpersandbacksagainstthewall.“Thisthingisterrifiednowthatit
knowswecanhurtit.Whatuseisasummonedcreaturethatgetsscared?Seemslikeawasteoftrainingormagicorwhateveritisthatmadeit.”
“We’reobviouslymissingsomething,”Delvinstatesashetakesasteptohisright.TheFelcriwatcheshimandbeatsthegroundinan
attempttowardhimoff.“Itdoesn’twanttofightus.Allthataggressionisgone.IfIhadn’tseenthisthingfightbefore,I’dneverbelieveitcouldbesovicious.Maybewecantakeitaliveandlearnmoreaboutthenomad’smonsters.WaylandcanchokeonhisfavoriteringforallI
care.Uh,don’ttellKiraandAsherIsaidthat.”
“Deal.Circlethatwayandwe’llseewhatitdoes.”
Withasnarl,theFelcriturnsitsscalyheadtowardoneofthenearbytunnelsandpreparestopounce.Itsniffstheairandhungrilylicksitsfaceasifadeliciousmealhas
beenlaidout,thearomarevivingitscourage.ThecreatureglancesatLukeandDelvin,abriefexpressionofconfusiononitsface.PrimalaggressionreturnstoitseyeswhenithearsechoingfootstepsandAsherwandersintothechamber.
“Youhaveitcornered,”
thenoblemansayswhiletakingastepintothebowl.
“Notgood,”Delvinmutters,shufflinghisfeetthroughtheslime.Hefallstohishandsandknees,slidingnearthepoolwheretheeelsareroilingthewaterinanticipation.Rollingontohisback,thewarriorbeheadsthe
firstbeastthateruptsfromthepool,buttheothersrefusetocalmdown.
EverythingisablurofmotionwhenAsherslipsandfallsonhisface,hisscimitarskiddingoutofhisreach.TheFelcripouncesonlytobeslammedinthesidebyLukewhoissproutingfeathers
fromhisbody.Surprisedbytheattack,themonstershoveshimawayandscreecheswhenitsarmisslicedoffbythehalf-elf’ssaber.Enragedandstartledbythepain,theFelcriroarsatitsattackerandcharges.Itiswithinreachwhentheyoungwarriorfinishestransformingintothe
griffinandbatsthecreatureawaywithherwings.ThebeastscircleeachotherwhileDelvinmakeshiswaytoAsherandhelpshimcrawlbackintothetunnel.
“Idon’tunderstandwhat’shappening,”thenoblemansays,hiseyeslockedonthewingedbeast.
Hewatchesherstruggletomaneuverinthetightquarters,herwingsrepeatedlycomingclosetohittingthewalls.“IsthatLuke?”
“We’llexplainonthewalkback,”Delvinwhispersashegoesbackforthescimitar.HedropstothegroundwhentheFelcriissent
flyingtowardhim,thebeast’sthrashingtailgrazinghisback.“Watchwhereyou’rethrowinghim,Lucy.We’renotinanopenspacelikeyou’reusedtointhatform.”
Withaburstofwindthatshakestheroom,thegriffindartsattheFelcrisoquicklythatittakesasecondforthe
warriorstorealizewhathashappened.Herbeakpiercesthescalyhideoftheothercreatureandshecracksitssternuminhalfbeforesheiskickedaway.Agashonherfrontlegmakesherhobblethroughthemuck,butshegracelesslyleapsacrosstheroomtomaultheFelcri’s
face.Rearingbackonherhindlegs,thegriffinsnapsforwardtodriveherbeakintoitsenemy’sskull.Sheopenshermouthtosplintertheboneanddeliversafewsolidstrikestotheexposedbrain.TheFelcridropsdeadatherfeetandsheliftsitbytheneck,callouslytossingitinto
thepoolwherethefangedeelsdevourthecorpse.
11
Darianafallstoherkneeswhilecoveringherears,butthedeafeningscreamcontinuesatfullvolume.Thenomadswatchasshecollapsesonthecoolingsandandspasmsforaminute,mostofthemfearingthattheforeignerispossessedor
diseased.Onlyasmallboyiswillingtogetnearherandofferoneofhisfigs,whichshetakeswithashakyhand.ThechildliesonhissidenexttoDarianaandmakesfacesatherinthehopesofmakingherfeelbetter.Shedoesherbesttolaughandreturnthesillyexpressions,butthepain
istoomuchforhertoconcentrate.Tohersurprise,theblack-hairedboycrawlsclosertoliftherhandoffherheadandwhispergibberishinherear,anincomprehensiblejokethatmakeshimlaugh.Thementalscreamcutsoffandisreplacedbyfaintwhimpering,thevoicenow
clearlythatofSharne.“Thankyou,”Dariana
saystotheboyasshestands.“What’syourname?”
“I’mthree!”“Okay...Three.”Theconfusedwoman
gentlyrubsherachingears,feelingafewdribblesofbloodseepontohercheek.
Thenomadsarebusypreparingfoodfortomorrow’sjourneyandrepairinganytentsthatweredamagedbyabriefsandstorm.Herheadisstillfuzzyasshewalkstothelargecentraltentofbeautiful,ivorycloththatshimmersinTavon’sbluemoonlight.
ArmedguardsstandatattentionattheentranceandtheypointtheirspearsatDariana.Asifsomeonehasorderedthemtostanddown,theyshiftbacktotheiroriginalpositionandobedientlystareahead.Keepinghereyesonthewarriors,shestepsintothe
tentandquicklysealstheflapwhensheseesthecarnagearoundher.
AlowtablehasbeenoverturnedandthehammockthatSharnesleepsinisstillwildlyswinginginabreezethatdoesnotexist.Pillowsappeartohavebeenburrowedintobyanimalsandtheir
stuffingisstrewnacrosstherugs.Splotchesofdarkgreenoozeareonthewallsandtheydriptothefloorintheformoflongfeathers.IttakesDarianaafewminutestofindSharnecurledbeneathapileofquilts,onlyherbarefootvisiblefromthecorrectangle.Thewomanisbarely
consciousassheiscarriedtothemiddleofthetentandgentlylaidonalongpillowthathassurvivedthedestruction.
“Whathappenedhere?”Darianaasks,snappingherfingersatthehammock.Thehangingbedstopsanddangleslimplyfromthe
supportingbeams.“Itlookslikesomeonetriedtoattackyou,buttheguardsdidnothing.Although,Iseeauraresidueonthewalls,whichmeansyourattackerwasnotnormal.”
“Therewasnoattackersotospeak,”Sharnewhispers,pushingherselfinto
asittingposition.Shiningaurastreaksherface,whichshewipesawaywithanearbycloth.“AsthePalqua,Iamconnectedtothescepterandthebeastsinside.Weshareanessence,whichiswhyIknowtheyareinBor’daruk.”
“Didsomethinghappentothem?”Darianaasksasshe
poursacupofwaterfortheholywoman.“Icanshareyourpainifneedbe.”
“You’rekind,buttooquicktoofferhelp,”theotherwomanrespondswhilesippingatthecooldrink.Herfaceiscoveredinscratches,especiallyhercheeksandneck.“Anotherofthebeasts
hasbeenkilled,whichmeansthegreatmonsterwithinisclosertobeingfree.Duetomyconnection,thedeathmakesmefeellikemyverycoreisbeingtornapart.ItissomethingIneverexpectedbecausenootherPalquahashadtosufferinsuchafashion.Sothankyoufor
offeringhelp,butthisismyburden.”
“Iheardyouscreaminginmyhead.Pleasedonothesitatetoseekmeoutforsupportifithappensagain.”
Darianaflipstoherfeetandwandersaroundthetenttocleantheauraresidueoffthewallswithsteadywaves
ofherhand.Shecollectstheglowingslimeinherarmsandtriestoturnitintoaball,butittakestheformofagriffinsittingonitshaunches.AflashofLukepassesthroughhermindandshedropstheaura,lettingitsplatteracrossthefloorandontoherfeet.Herthroatdry,
thestartledwomangrabsanotherglassandgreedilydrinksseveralcupsofwaterfromabarrelinthecorner.
“Isee,”Sharnesaysasshefindsthestrengthtostand.Thepuddleofauraflowstowardheranddisappearswithinhershadow,givingherdarkskin
ahealthiershine.“Thegriffinthatkilledtheguardianwasoneofyourfriends.Isensedsomethingdifferentaboutherwhensheattackedandtouchedmymind.Itwouldappearsheisbeingmanipulatedintofreeingthehorrorofthescepter.Wecanassumeyourotherfriendsare
involvedtoo.FromthestoriesyouandNyxhavetoldme,I’msurethey’reunawareofthedanger.”
“Thenexplainittome,”Darianasays,bowingtotheholywoman.Shefallstoonekneeandputsherhandsoutwithherpalmsfacingtheceiling.“NyxandIhavenot
pushedforinformationonthescepter.Shehastakentousingyourlibrarytodoresearch,butIknowtherearesomethingsthatonlyyouwouldknow.PleasetellmesothatImaywarnmyfriendsassoonasthey’rewithintherangeofmypowers.”
Withaflourishofher
greenskirt,SharneturnsherbackonDarianaandstaresatapaperlantern.Thecandleflickersbehindthewhitecoveringandsparksfloatoutofthebottom.Theycircletheholywoman,steadilybecomingaswarmoflightsthatblocksherfromview.Whispersfilltheairand
Darianasensesthatsheisbeingobservedbyunseeneyes.Thetouchofinvisiblehandslingersontheedgeofherawareness,disappearingwheneversheattemptstofocusonthesensation.Herheartstutterswhenaskeletalfigurestepsoutofthesparksandextendsaboneyhandto
her.Trustingtheholywoman,shegripsthecreature’sfingersandisdrawnintotheshimmeringcyclone.
Nolongerinthetent,DarianafindsherselfnexttoSharneandsurroundedbyacouncilofaura-coatedskeletons.Theghostlybeings
standinacirclearoundthem,nothingelsebutpristinedunesextendingineverydirection.AllbutoneoftheeeriefiguresareclothedinbeautifulrobesthataresimilartothebillowingonesoftheHelgardians.Theshortestskeletonstandsuponasmalldune,wearingthe
crimsonandsapphirerobesofaCelvarynpriest.Sparksandtinypiecesofhailsputterfromthewandemblemetchedintothecreature’swideforehead.Wispsofhairareonitshead,afewofthemcatchingfireandburningdowntotheskull.Theodddisplaygetsmorechaoticas
thefigurehopsofftheduneandmarchestowardthetwowomen.
“Don’tbescared,Dariana,”Sharnewhisperswithapleasantsmile.“ThesearetheformerPalquaofmytribe.Idon’tknowtheirlivingnames,buttheyhaveallheldmyposition.They
willshowyouwhatyouwishtoknow.”
“Thisisnottheonewewishedtosee!”theskeletondeclaresinahigh-pitched,femininevoice.TheWildMagicGoddess’ssymbolexplodesinashoweroffireandice,threateningtoharmthelivingwomen.“Ithought
youwerebringingtheotherchampion.Wecanalreadysenseherpresenceanddemandshebebroughttous.”
“AndItoldyouthatNyxisnotinterestedinmeetingyou,”theproudnomadarguestoDariana’ssurprise.“Imadetheofferandsherefused.
ThisisanotherchampionwhowishestoknowabouttheBeastofPalqua.”
Theshortskeletonstompsherfootinthesandandturnstofacetheothers.Chatteringteethcommunicatewithchaoticchangesinthespeedandvolumeoftheirnoise.Itisclearthatthe
councilisdebating,butDarianacannotdecipherthediscussion.Sheattemptstoscanthemindoftheshortskeleton,butisimmediatelyfedtheimagesofanogredevouringherface.Thevividvisionsnapsherbacktoherownmindandshefindsthecouncilstaringatherwitha
renewedsenseofcuriosity.“You’retheonewe
neversaved,”theskeletalpriestesswhispers,gettingclosertothesilver-hairedchampion.Shetouchesthewoman’sbellyandshiesaway,spittingattheshiftinggroundandbowing.“Youarethecrossingofpurityand
evil.AnabominationofnecessitythatmyalliesandIchosetoignoreinexchangeformyboldidea.”
“Youwereachampion,”Darianawhispersindisbelief.
“Iwasthemostpowerfulandthegreatestfailureofourkind.”
“Thenpleasetellme
aboutthescepter.”“Itisnotyourplaceto
know.”“I’machampion,soitis
myknowledgetohave!”“Nottherightone.”Sharneclearsherthroat
forattentionandbowstotherobedskeleton,herhairtouchingthesand.“I
apologizeforthisandwilltrytoconvinceNyxtomeetwithyou.I’msurewecanfiguresomethingout.Darianawillhelpus.”
“Gobacktoyourmindsandletmehandlethechannelerwhenthetimeisright,”theskeletonsays,turningitsbackonthe
women.Ittucksitshandsintoitssleevesandfloatsbackontothesmalldune.“Itisinevitablethatthescepterwillfallintothischampion’shandsafteralltheguardianshavebeendispatched.Oncethathappens,bringhertoHelgardbeforemycreationawakens.Onlythencanthe
totaldestructionofthedesert,andpossiblyallofRalian,beavoided.”
“SotheBeastofPalquacanonlybecontainedwithinthetemple?”Darianapolitelyasks.Alloftheskeletonslaughandtheshortoneappearsinfrontofherface.“Iwasundertheimpressionthat
thisbeastwouldburnthedesertifsetfree.Whydoyoufindmyquestionlaughable?”
“Oh,mycreationwillcausegreatdamage,butitisnotthetruethreat,”theundeadpriestesswhispers,grinningaliplesssmile.“ThechannelermayposeevenmoredangertoWindemere.
Imaginewhatwouldhappenifshelearnedthetruthbehindthebeast.Herpeoplearepronetofitsofgod-likeragewhentheirownkindhasbeenharmed.Wewillhavetocontendwithtwobeastsofmagicsopowerfulthatthegodsthemselvesmightbeforcedtogetinvolved.”
“Iwilltalkto-”thesilver-hairedwomanstartsbeforeshefreezes.HermindisblankandshecollapsesintoSharne’sarms,theholywomannoddingattheskeleton.
“Iamgladtoseeshedoesnotrememberherfirstencounterwithme,”the
boneyphantomsayswitharelaxedsigh.“Sheisnottoknowthetruthbehindmycreation.Ishallremoveyourpowerifyoubetraymytrust,Palqua.”
“Iswear,milady,thatthiswillbeoursecret.”
Thesandsswirlaroundthetwowomenandthe
skeletonsdisappearintothestorm,replacedbythewallsofthetent.Sharnedragstheunconsciouschampiontothehammockandstrugglestoputherinside.Shefrownsatthesightofdirtybootsinherfavoritebed,butshecanonlyimaginetheamountofsandthatwouldfalloutifshe
removedthem.Withatiredsigh,shegoesaboutcleaninghertent,alwayskeepingawatchfuleyeonDariana’sthoughts.
*****“I’msorryIwokeyouup
withsomethingyoucan’thelpmewith.Ididn’tknowyouhadaroughday,mom,or
thatyouweredoingpaperwork,dad.ThoughI’mprettysurethatmeansyouweredrinkingornapping,”Nyxsayswithherheadpressedagainstthetabletop.Sherubsheramethystnecklace,thegemglowinginherhand.“I’mnotbeingasmartassorwhateveritisyou
calledmeinDraconic.Don’tyellathim,mom,becauseyoucalledmeanidiottentimesyesterdaywhenIcheckedinwithyou.Yes,chargingaSpurgeshouldonlybedoneifmybrainhasbeenreplacedwithabowlofcoldoatmeal.I’mnottakingatonewithher!Youfightwith
herallthetime,dad.Technically,youtwostillaren’tmarried,sothatexcusedoesn’twork.Okay,okay,okay!I’msorryItookthatshotandI’llneversayitagain.Whatdoyoumeanyou’vebeendiscussingarealdate?Haveyoutwobeentalkingwithoutme?Yes,I
knowyou’readultsandImadethesenecklacestoletanycombinationofustalk.IjustthoughtIshouldbeincludedinsomethingthatbig.Atleastbeforeyougetthatfaralong.Youtwoaren’tanyeasiertogetintouchwiththanme!NotmyfaultIhavetosavetheworld.No,I’mnot
tryingtoexaggeratemypurposetoguilttripyou,mom.Ihearyoulaughing,dad!Luke’sstillalive,Sari’snotinjail,TimoranisstillTimoran,andDelvin...No...Idon’t...Itisn’tlikethat...I’dnever...I’vegottogoandfinishmyresearch.Loveyouboth.Night.”
Nyxsoftlybangsherheadonthetable,sendingglitteringsparksintotheairwitheveryimpact.Shestopswhenadeliciousscentstrikeshernoseandherstomachrumbles.Therealizationthatshehasnoteatensincelunchmakesherhungerevenworse,soshehappilyturns
herheadtofaceMisraeasheentersthesmalltent.ThesmilingTribeKingplacesalargeplateofskeweredmuttoninfrontofthecasterwhosnatchesapiecebeforeheremoveshishand.Themugofcoldwaterheoffersherissloppilydrainedandshewipeshermouthonthe
sleeveofheryellowshirt,earningagrimaceofdisappointmentfromherhost.
“You’renotmuchonmanners,LadyNyx,”Misraepolitelysaysashetakesaseatatthecirculartable.Helooksatthesixneatlyorganizedbookshelvesthatsitwithinthetent.“Itappears
youcleanedupourlibraryandsortedeverything.Iseecategorylabelstoo.Thankyoufortakingthetime.”
“Themesswasdrivingmecrazy,”thehalf-elfmumbleswithamouthfulofjuicyfood.Asternglancefromthedark-skinnedmanmakesherswallowthe
muttonandbowherhead.“I’msorryfortherudeness.Iwasstarvingandfrustrated.Thankyouforbringingmesomedinneragain.IpromiseI’llpayattentiontothetimeandmystomachtomorrow.Afterall,youdon’thavetowatchoverme,Misrae.”
“Istillfeelsorryforhow
Itreatedyouduringourfirstencounter,”hestates,cautiouslytakingapieceofmeatfromtheplate.“Itwasdisrespectfultothewomanwhomaybeabletobringmytribetoourancestralhome.ThatiswhyIhaveacceptedtheresponsibilityofmakingsureyouarecomfortable.At
theveryleast,fed,bathed,andrested.”
“I’dappreciateitifyoudon’ttrytotakethatseconditemintoyourownhands.ThoughIguessIdoneedtowashupsincewe’renearapond.I’lltakeDarianawithme.”
“Sheisbusywiththe
Palquaforthenight,soIwillhavesomeguardswatchoveryouwhenyouwishtogo,”Misraedeclareswhilehelicksthetangysaucefromhisfingers.Heseesaglintofanxietyinhereyesandsmilesather.“Ipromisetheywillallbefemale.Mypeoplearenotveryconcernedwithbeing
nakedinfrontofeachotherduetobathingbeingaluxury.Ishouldn’texpectyoutofeelthesameway.”
“ThankyouandI’lltrynottotakelong.”
Nyxburnsthesauceoffoneofherhandsandreachestoashelfforoneofthefewbooksshehasnotmemorized.
Layingitoutonthetable,shegoesbacktoherdinnerwhileflippingpageswithacasualwindspell.Misraewatchesherlipsmoveasherefillshermugandclaimsanotherpieceofmutton.Thelanterndimsslightly,snappingthecasteroutofhertranceandcausinghertoflickthreefloating
flamesintoexistence.“Whatisityou’re
lookingfor?”theTribeKinginterruptswhileheoffersahandfulofdriedfruittothehalf-elf.Sheblindlygrabsafewraisins,soheplacestherestonthetable.“Youtoldmeyesterdaythatyoufoundverylittleaboutthescepter,
soI’mconfusedonwhyyou’restillinourlibrary.Istheresomethingelsethathascaughtyourattention?”
“Thescepterresearchisadeadend,”Nyxadmits,rubbinghereyeswithheronlycleanknuckle.Shestaresblanklyatoneofthefloatinglightsaboveherheaduntil
Misraeknocksonthetable.“IfoundafewmentionsofHelgard,soI’vebeengatheringasmuchasIcanaboutmytemple.Mostofitisuselesslikealistofnames,afewmentionsoftreasure,andwhatIthinkisacrudepictureofadragonnamedCudgel.”
“Thedragonsounds
importantbecauseyou’renowawareofthedanger,”thenomadpointsoutinanattempttobehelpful.Atthesightofherannoyedglare,heleansbackandholdsouthishands.“Iapologize.I’msureyouhaveverylittletoworryaboutwhenitcomestonaturaldragonsandmostare
benevolentcreatures.Whatwastheusefulinformation?”
“WhyisittakingsolongtogettoBor’daruk?”
Misraenearlychokesonhiswaterandcovershismouthtoavoidsprayingitonanyofthebooks.Hecoughsandhackstogettheliquidoutofhisthroat,poundingonhis
chestfornootherreasonthanitseemsliketherightthingtodo.Afewtearsrundownhisfaceandhewipesthemawaywithanapkin.Withadeepbreath,theTribeKingregainshiscomposureandlooksNyxintheeyetoconfidentlydefendhisactions.Instead,heseesarollingflameinthe
middleofhervioletorbsanddecidesasimpleexplanationwouldbesafer.
“We’vehadtotakeawindingroutetothecitybecauseofthepoliticalsituationamongthenomadtribes,”Misraeexplainsashegoestopullalongscrolloffashelf.Heunrollsittorevela
mapofthedesertwithoddlyshapedpatchesofcolorcoveringtheregion.“TheotherlargetribeshavebeeninthedesertlongerthantheHelgardians.Webecamenomadswhenwewereexiledfromyourtempleandweweremadenobilityforsomereason.Thishascausedsome
badbloodbetweenusandtheothertribes,butthescepterkeptthepeacebecauseofthelegendssurroundingit.Withoutourholyrelic,weareopentoattacks,sowehavebeenusingscouts,birds,andthePalquatokeepaneyeonourenemies.Ithascausedustobacktrackandprogressata
cautiouspace.Pleaseunderstandthatwehavechildrenandelderlywhoneedtobedefendedincaseofanattack.”
Nyxplacesagentlehandontheman’stattooedheadasshehasseenothernomadsdowhenbeingrespectful.“Itwouldn’tberightformeto
demandthatyouputmyfamilyaheadofyourtribe.Itrustthatwe’llgettheresoon.Lookslikeanotherdayortwoifwegostraightthroughthatgreenpatch.Withmearound,youwon’thavetoworryaboutbeingattacked.Icanbesurprisinglyintimidating.”
“Youhavemypeople’s
thanksandloyalty.Doyouwishtoshareyourfindings?”
“YourtribewasforcedtoleaveHelgardbecauseofoneofthechampions,”Nyxanswersasshegrabsthelastpieceofmutton.Sheheatsthemeatwithaquickburstofflameandtakesabiteoutofit,thefirestillcracklingon
hertongue.“Ican’tpronouncetheperson’sbirthname,buthecalledhimselfTheCrafter.Hisspecialtywasmodifyingcreaturesandmakinggolems,sohetriedtomakealivingweapontokillourenemy.Itbackfiredandeveryoneinvolvedwaskilledwhentheysealedthecreature
intothescepter.TheothermonstersofthetemplewereusedaslayeredguardianstocontaintheBeastofPalqua.Anyofthissoundfamiliar?”
“It’sremotelysimilartoachildren’sstoryaboutthenoblebeastsofthemanytribesjoiningforcestodefeatthefiredemon,”Misrae
admitswithanamusedsmile.“Itwouldappearyourdestinyistiedtothefateofmytribe.IhopewecanfinishourbusinesswiththeGrasdonswithoutbloodshedandswiftlyescortyoutoHelgard.Doyouwantanyhelpwithpiecingtogetheryourfindings?”
Nyxyawnsandpopsthelastofherdinnerintohermouthbeforeitcloses.Usingabookshelfforleverage,shegetstoherfeetandmassageshertinglylegsuntiltheycanmovewithouttwingesofpain.Stretchingherarmsoverherhead,thehalf-elfwhimpersatthepoppingof
herstiffjoints.Withaweaksmirk,the
casterlooksatherhostandsays,“Ireallyneedthatbath.”
*****Guardspatrolthetents
beneaththecloudlesssky,theirkeensenseshonedbyyearsoftrainingandpractice.Theirswiftreactiontoevery
suspiciousmovementmakesitachallengeforthedarkfiguretomovethroughoutthecamp.Slippingfromoneshadowtoanother,shesoonfindsherselfcorneredbehindawaterbarrel.Armedwarriorsinalldirections,itisonlyamatteroftimebeforetheintruderisseen.She
knowsthatputtingafewpeopletosleepwouldriskbeingdetected,sothecloakedwomancastsaspellwithnowordsorgestures.Theentiretribefallsasleep,includingthefemaleguardsatthetopofanearbydune.Anoccasionalsplashofwatercanbeheardfromtheother
sideofthehill,guidingthestrangertohertarget.
Sneakingaroundthedune,sheseesNyxfloatingonherbackinthepond.Thehalf-elfhashereyesclosedandisgentlysinginganElventuneasshedriftsonthesurface,seeminglyunawareoftheapproachingfigure.
Thewomanstripsoffherclothes,thebluemoonlightmakinghercobaltskinevenmorebeautiful.SheslipsintothepondandsilentlyswimstowardsNyx,hereyesglowingwithrawpower.Pushinghertarget’slongblackhairoutofherway,thestrangerreachesoutwitha
handbathedinwhitefire.Movingasifsheison
land,thewomandartsawayfromafistofelectrifiedwaterthateruptsfromtheplacidsurface.TheillusionofNyxshiftsandwarpsastherealoneremainshiddeninthepond.Sensingthelocationofthehalf-elf,theothercaster
dispersesintothewaterandreappearsbehindherenemy.Withaglintinhereyes,sheboilsthewaterandissurprisedthatNyxisunaffectedbythechange.Aspearofforceiscasuallybattedawaybythelong-hairedwoman,whosefeaturesnevercomeinto
focus.Pushingdownherinstincttokill,sheinstantlyturnsthepondtoiceandelectrocutesthehalf-elfenoughtoknockherout.Whenthewaterthaws,Nyxfloatstothetopandgaspsforairwhileherheartstutters.Unabletofightback,sheiseasilypushedtotheshallows
bythestrangerdirectingthecurrents.
“Iwashopingformore,”thewomansaysasthespellmaskingheridentityfades.TrinityfloatsnexttoNyx,usinghermagictocontrolhermovements.“You’reluckyIdon’tknowyoubecauseIcanseethatyouexaggeratedparts
ofyourillusion.Thehairiseasilyoverlooked,butyourchestismuchsmallerthanwhatyoumade.Suchabeautifulchannelerandyou’reself-consciousofyourbody?Suchashame.”
“WhenIcanmovemylimbsagain,I’mgoingtokillyou,”thehelplesshalf-elf
growls.SheissurprisedwhenTrinityflipstoherfeetandsitscross-leggedonthewater.“You’remuchstrongerthanbefore.Whyaren’tyourgemsglowingwhenyoucastmagic?”
“Soyoucan’tcastspellswithoutgestures?”thechaoselfasksindisappointment.
SherunsafingeralongNyx’sbody,revivingtheyoungwoman’smuscles.“Isensedyouwerethestrongerone,butthisonewascloser.Mypowerisstilltooweaktoreachyoufromsofaraway.Thoughitmightbemoreofaproblemonyourend.Apatheticspecimenofa
channelerandachampion?Youmakemewanttocry.”
“Whoareyou?”TrinityhelpsNyxtoher
feet,frowningwhenthehalf-elfnearlyplungesintothewater.Awarmwindwhipsattheirbodiesanddriesthemastheywalkbacktotheshore.Ittakesthehalf-elfafew
minutestogetdressedwhilehermysteriouscompanionisclothedintheblinkofaneye.Thetasteofimpatienceanddisappointmentisthickintheair,butthefakeTrinityrelaxeswhensherisesintotheskyandNyxrocketsbyher.Thechaoselffloatsinawidecircle,hereyesa
shimmeringwhiteassheexaminestheothercaster’smindandaura.
“IthinkIunderstand.Youweren’ttrainedasachanneler.Yourmindisstilllockedingestures,spells,andwords.Evenworse,youhaveaspecialty,sotheoppositeareaisachallengeforyou.”
“Whoareyou?”Nyxrepeatswhileflamesdancethroughherhair.Shepanicswhenthefireturnsintoapillarwithoutherinfluence.“Neveraltermyspellsunlessyouwantafight.”
“Youwouldlose,butit’snicetoseeyou’reprotectiveofyouraura,”Trinitystates
withafriendlylaugh.Sheglancesoverhershoulderandpicksoutadistantdune,whicheruptsintoatreeofshimmeringcrystal.“Canyoudoanythinglikethat?Whataboutdestroyingacityorsingle-handedlylayingwastetoanarmy?Withouttheuseofyourhandsorwords,of
course.”“I...Inevertried
anythinglikethat,butIcastaforbiddenspellonce,”Nyxreplies,staringatthebeautifulcreation.Choosingherowndune,sheattemptstowillthesandtochangeandonlyfeelsapaingrowinginherskull.Shecursesunder
herbreathandthesandburstsintoahungryflamethatsheswiftlyputsoutwithasnapofherfingers.“Ididn’tmeantodothat.I’mnotalivingweaponoranythinglikethat.”
“Allchannelersarelivingweapons.It’swhatwewereborntobe,”thecobalt-
skinnedwomansayswithawaveofherhand.NoticingthedisheartenedlookonNyx’sface,shepullsthehalf-elfintoatighthug.“Mypoorchild,youaresoclosetounderstanding.Don’tfocusontheweaponpart,butontheliving.WeareGola’sgreatestcreationsandthe
MagicQueenmadeustobepowerful.Destructionisatourfingertips,butwecanalsolove,create,anddowhatalllivingthingsdo.Bytheway,IhopeyouandthisoneplanonbreedingbecauseIdon’twantmylineagetoend.Iworkedtoohardtocreatemultiplechannelerlinesand
therestaredormantorsickeninglyweak.”
“Yousoundlikemymother.”
Trinityreleasesthehugandfloatsawaywithwhiteenergytwistingaroundheroutstretchedarms.Fireballs,lightningbolts,andenchantmentsthatNyxhas
neverevendreamedofleapintothesky,highenoughthatthepeopleofBor’darukcanseeitfrommilesaway.Someofthespellsdisappearamongthestarsorgoracingintothedistance,onlyTrinityknowingwheretheywillland.
Awarmthspreadsover
Nyx’sbodyasifsheisbeingenvelopedinathickblanketonawinterday.Closinghereyes,shetriestojoininthedisplaywithoutmovingherarmsorwhisperingwords.Mostofherspellsheaddirectlyfortheground,whichshecutsoffbeforetheycanhurtanyone.Onlyafew
fireballsgowhereshedirectsthemandthelastoneracesforTrinity,whoputsoutherfoottostopthespell.
“Youusedagesture,”Nyxstates,hereyesflyingopen.Hercouragegrowswhensheseesthearrogantsmirkonherrival’sface.“Iwanttoknowwhoyouare.
WhatdoyoumeanIwasn’ttrainedasachannelerandwhyishavingaspecialtybad?Stoptalkingwithoutgivingmeanswersorexplainingyourself.”
“Underpressure,achannelermightuseagesturetofocushisorherspell.It’snothingtobeashamedoflike
havingtouseone’shandsforeveryspell,”Trinityexplains,cuttingoffthedisplay.Shedriftsclosertotaketheotherwoman’sfaceinherhands.“I’veseenyoucastspellsbywillalonewhentheyaresmallandpersonal,sothepowerisinsideyou.Thatabilityiswhatyoushould
havebeentaughtsincebirth.Thenagain,Isensethattheknowledgeofwhatyouarewaslostafewcenturiesago.ThosedamnfoolsandtheirGreatCataclysmmadeamessofeverything.Asforthespecialty,itweakensyouinsomefashion.Youareamasteroffire,butwaterand
icehavebecomeunnecessarychallenges.Achannelercanhaveafavoriteareaofmagic,butoneshouldneverallowtheconnectiontobecomeasweakasyouandyourdislikedelement.”
“Ialwaysthoughtillusionsweremyworstsubject.”
Trinityavertshergazeandscanstheareatoseeifanyoneisconscious,puttingapersistentvoicefromthecampintoadeepersleep.“OurpeopleareveryclosetotheauraofWindemereandeverylivingthinguponher.Wearebondedtoitalland,unlikenecrocasters,wedo
notviolatetheaurasofthosewemanipulate.Channelersrespectandembracethisenergybecauseweareitsnaturalconduit.Thisdoesmeanthatdiscerninganillusionfromsomethingrealcanbeabit...problematicforus.”
“Sowhywon’tyoutell
mewhoyouare?”Nyxasks,gentlytouchingTrinity’shands.Ajoltofenergycoursesthroughherbody,makingherlickherlips.“MaybeIshouldbewonderingwhatyouareinsteadofwho.”
“I’myourmother,”thechaoselfreplieswithatired
sigh.“Notofthebody,butofyouraura.Thelastofouroriginalclanandtheprogenitorofthechannelerbloodlines.Allofyourmagiccomesbacktome.Atleastthatwhichcanescapefromyourpatheticstyle.Perhapstheweaknessofmychildrenisonmyhead,butitis
beyondmycontrol.”Nyxfloatsbacktothe
ground,feelinglikesheneedsanotherbathtorelax.“I’vehadenoughriddlesandmysteriestolastmeawhile.Ifyou’renotgoingtogivemeastraightanswerthenletmewashupandgotobed.”
“Wewilltalkmorewhen
ouraurastrulymeet,”Trinitypromises,landingonthepondandexaminingherElvenfeaturesinthereflection.“Imustreturnthisonetohermischief.CometoBor’daruksoontobeginourpeople’srebirthordeath.Itreallydependsonhowyouanswermyfinalquestion.”
“Whichis?”“Thisisn’tthetimefor
it,”thechaoselfwhispersasshesinksintothepond.“WhenIsayfinalquestion,ImeanitmaybethelastthingIeveraskyoubeforeyoudie.”
NyxwaitsforTrinitytoreturnandtriestosensethe
otherwoman’saura,butthechaoselfhascompletelyvanished.Theideaofasecondbathnolongerappealstothehalf-elf,soshewalksaroundthedunetofindthenomadsarestillasleep.HalfwaybetweenthetentsandtheduneblockingthepondisDariana,thesilver-
hairedwomanapparentlyhavingfallenasleeponherwaytothepond.
“Thanksforthework,oldwoman,”Nyxmuttersasshepreparestowakeeveryone.Aninvisibleforcecatchesherwristsbeforeshecanfinishclapping.“I’mnottestingmyabilitiesonthese
people.Icouldhurtthem,youcrazyfossil.”
Trinitymaterializesinfrontofherandreleasesherhandsasiftossingawayafoul-smellingpackage.“MynameisCasandra.Respectyourelders,infant.”
Thewomandisappearsagainwithaloudcrackof
soundandanexplosionoflightthatsendsNyxtumblingbackafewfeet.Everyonewakesupandgoesabouttheirbusinessasifnothinghappened,mostfallingbackintoanaturalsleep.OnlyDarianaisconfusedandshestaresatherfriendinthehopesofgettingananswer.
Instead,Nyxshakesherheadandsilentlyheadsofftosleepwithinthelibrarytent.
12
Delvinwatchesthelargegatheringofpeoplesurroundingthetinygroupofmournersinthecourtyard.Afewyoungchildrenrunafterthepeacocks,buttheadultsallhavethesameexpressionontheirfaces.EventheGrasdonslookemotionally
exhausted,asignthatthiseventhasbecomefartoocommonintheirlives.Theformermercenaryknowsthefeelingfartoowellafterburyingsomanybattlefieldbrothers.Heissurethatmostofthemhaverunoutoftearsandaremorefocusedonwhentheirnextlovedone
willfall.Fromthehighbalcony,hecanseethatonlyKiraiscryingassheclingstoLuke’sarm.Theforesttrackersitsquietlyandholdsher,buthisattentionisobviouslymoreonWaylandwhooccasionallyscowlsathisdaughter’sheartbreakingdisplay.
“Somethingaboutthatmanisworryingme,”Sarisays,snappingDelvinoutofhisthoughts.Shebacksawayfromtherailingafteraquickglance.“HeisreallyangryaboutLukebeinghere.DidyouhearhimyellingaboutnotwantingafreakofnatureinthefamilyafterAshertold
himaboutthetransformation?”
“Itwasoverthetop,butIcan’tsayI’msurprised.ThemanneedsatargetforhisrageandLukeistechnicallytakinghisdaughteraway,”thewarriorstates.HebowswithhisfisttohischestwhenAsherlooksinhisdirection,
thenoblenoddingathankyou.“Therestofthefamilyarenice,butIstillhavetoleave.AtleastAsherunderstandsandwon’tstopme.QuillandWaylandmightbeanissueiftheycatchme.Whyareyouuphere,Sari?”
Thegypsywalksovertotherailingandfrownsatthe
peoplebelow.“IfNyxwasstandingwithanotherguyandhisfamily,wouldyouwanttobedownthere?Besides,Idon’twanttomaketheGrasdonsuncomfortablewithmypresence.It’snotthetimetocompetewithKiraeventhoughshekeepsdemandingit.Shereally
wantsmetofightforLuke,butI’mafraidI’dcrushherandruineverything.”
“I’msorrythingshavebecomestrainedandcomplicated.Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,I’mreallyhappytohaveafriendseemeoff.”
“Sheisnottheonlyonehere,”Timoranstatesfrom
thedoorway.Fizzledartsoffthebarbarian’sshoulderandlandsonDelvin’shead.“IcanunderstandnothearingSarientertheroom,butIamnotasilentwalker.CanIrequestthatyouremainhereortakesomeonewithyou?”
“Ican’tdothatbecauseKira’sfamilyneedsushere,”
Delvinanswers,walkingintotheroomtostartpacking.Hetosseshisclothesintohisbottomlessbag,notbotheringtofoldthemorseeiftheyareclean.“Allofyouareveryimportanttothedefenseofthemanor.WithAsherhere,I’mnotreallyneeded.Heknowstheterrainandisan
excellenttactician.ThatmeansIcangolookingforNyxandDarianawithoutcausingtrouble.”
“FizzlegowithDelvin,”thedritedeclares,leaningforwardtolookthewarriorintheeye.“Helpfriendnotgetlostoreaten.”
“Theyneedyourmagic
here,Fizzle.”“Sarihavespells.”“Iwon’tletyoufollow
meintodanger.”“Fizzlenoletyougo
alone.”“Iforbidit.”Thedragonhopsoff
Delvin’sheadandhoversupsidedown.“Howyoustop
me?”Mutteringcomplaints
underhisbreath,thewarriorjamsthelastofhisclothesintothebrownbag.Heignorestheexpectantstaresofhisfriendsashecarefullyfillstwowaterskinsandpacksthemaway.Rubbinghischin,DelvineyesFizzleandopens
hismouthtoargue.Thedritevanishesfromsightanddartsaroundtheroomtorepeatedlytaphisfriendonthenose.Itisimpossibleforthewarriortocatchorblockthetinydragon,provingthathecandonothingtostophisfriendfromfollowingunseen.Asanactofacceptance,hedumpsa
bowlofapplesintohispouchandputsuphishands.
“I’lltakeFizzle,butyoutwostay,”Delvinorders,fixingtheotherswithasternglare.“IknowTimorandoesn’thaveaproblemwiththis,butIknowyouhateithere,Sari.Pleaseholdoutalittlebitlongerbecausethings
willgetbetteronceIbringNyxback.She’llgiveyousomeonetoventtoormaybeshe’llsmackLukearoundtosettlethings.”
“Whatkindofmotivationaltalkwasthat?”thegypsyasks,stormingovertothewarrior.Shejabsafingerintohischest,pushing
himbackuntilhefallsontoacouch.“I’mmiserableandstressed.I’veentertainedmyselfbysecretlychillingKira’sbathwater,butIseemtoalwaysgetLukeorhermaid.Thatwomankeepsunknowinglydodgingmypranks.Waylandhasbeendrinkingwatereddownwine
forthelasttwodays,whichiswhyhe’sdrinkingtwiceasmuchasbefore.WherewasIgoingwiththis?”
“Ihavenoidea,”Timoranadmitswhiletakingaseat.
“I’mguessingyouhaveareasontostayinaplacethatmakesyouupset,”Delvin
suggestsashedrawshissword.Hecheckstheedge,frowningatafewnicksleftoverfromthefightwiththeFelcri.“Ishouldfixthis,butIdon’twanttolosemychancetoescape.MaybeIshouldlookintoanenhancedlongswordoradurableone.Bothofthosemagicweapons
areexpensive,buteasytofind.”
“I’msureKiraorherdadwouldbehappytobuyyouone,”Saribitterlystates.Shesinkstothefloor,herskirtspoolingaroundher.“GivemesometimebeforeI’mmyperkyselfagain.Beingtoldthatsomeonehatesmeand
willhatemeevenmoreifIgiveherwhatshewantsisn’tsomethingI’musedto.MaybeI’llfeelbetterwhentheyunlockthewinecellarandIbeatTimorantoit.”
“LockstopSari?”Fizzleasks,scratchinghisheadwithhistail.
“I’mtryingtobehavefor
Luke’ssake.Atleastwiththestealing.”
Strappinghisbucklertohisforearm,DelvingetsoffthecouchandholdsoutanappletoattractFizzle.Thedritelandsontheedgeoftheshieldandwrapshistonguearoundthefruit,coveringitcompletely.Thewarriorturns
toleave,butstopsandhurriestoabowlofchocolates,dumpingthemintohispouch.Sariflasheshimagrinofapprovalandflipstoherfeet,walkingoutontothebalcony.DelvingesturesforTimorantocheckonherbeforeheadingforthedoorandslippingoutintotheempty
hallway.“Doyouthinkhewillbe
okay?”thebarbarianasksashejoinshisfriend.“ItrustFizzleandknowDelvinissmartenoughtostayoutoftrouble.YetIfeelweshouldhavetriedhardertotalkhimoutofthis.Nyxcouldbeanywhereoutthere.”
“Iknow,buthe’stoodeterminedtostop.Nicetoseeamanwillingtoteardownawallandconqueradesertforthewomanheloves,”Sarireplies,hervoicedevoidofemotions.Shesquintsatthecrowdbelow,mostofthemlookingboredasWaylandgivesaspeech.
“Somethingiswrongdownthere.Where’sQuillandhisfiancée?”
Timoranturnstogobackintotheroomwhenthedoorsslamshutandlock.Hegrabsthehandlesandasurgeofmagicrushesthroughthebalcony.Amagneticpulseeruptsbeneaththetwo
championsandslamsthemtothesolidfloor.Sarihitswithenoughforcetofallunconscious,thespellrollingherontoherback.Timoranisstillawake,sothepulseturnsonandofftopoundhimagainstthemarble.Afterfourstrikes,herefusestopassoutandusesthedoorknobsto
helphimstruggletohisfeet.Thedoorsflyopentoyankthedazedwarriorintotheroomwhereanaura-infusedpunchmeetshisjaw.Withastrangespin,Timorangroansandcollapsesinfrontofhisattacker.
“Takethehintandsleepnexttime,youstubborn
brute,”Trinitygrowls,massagingherachinghand.SheflicksTimoranontothebalconywithagustofwindandlocksthedoorsbehindhim.“Thatshouldkeepyoutwooutofthefun.Sweetdreams,littlechampions.”
*****Delvinpeeksoutthe
backdoortoseeifanyoneisinthenarrowalleybetweenthewallandthemainbuilding.Hehastowaitforacooktofinishthrowingtrashintoabin,thethinmantakingasmuchtimeashecan.Oncethealleyisclear,thewarriorslipsoutofthestorageroomandeasesthedoorback.He
pauseseverytimethehingescreakandwonderswhyawealthyfamilydoesnotbothertohavethemoiled.WithFizzleonhisshoulder,Delvinhurriesinthedirectionofaservantexitthathestumbleduponadayago.Heslowsdownwhenhehearsastrangenoisethatreminds
himofwoodencanestappingonstone.Pressingagainstthewarmbuilding,heinchestowardthealcovewherethesoundiscomingfrom.Eventhoughhekeepsacalmface,hisheartleapsintohisthroatwhenhelooksaroundthecorner.
Atwelvefoottallbird
withlonglegsandmassivefeetisfuriouslypeckingattwooddlyshapedpiles.Thecreaturehasfourheads,threeofwhichresemblebrightlyplumedstorks.Thefourthheadhasashorter,glossybeakandaboneycrestonthetop,whichitscrapesagainstthewalls.Rufflingitsblack
feathers,thebirdrevealsitswidewingsthatuselesslyflapatitssides.Asthecrestedheadhissesatoneoftheothers,thecreaturestompsononeofthepilesandbendsdowntotearfleshfromwithintheremainsofwhatwasonceanelegantdress.Enjoyingthesoundof
snappingbones,thebirdkicksbothpilesafewtimes,whichgivesDelvinaclearlookattheremainsofQuillandhisfiancée.
“It’soneofthemonsters,”thewarriorwhisperstoFizzle.Hecarefullydrawshisswordandadjustshisshieldasheslips
outofview.“GotellTimoranandSari.I’llkeepaneyeonthisthing.”
“Fizzlenoleave.Monstertoodangerous.Delvinneedmagic.”
Unwillingtoargueandriskbeingnoticed,thewarriornodsandpeeksaroundthecorneragain.Hewatchesone
ofthebird’slong-beakedheadsswallowQuill’sentirearmwhiletwootherscrackopenthedeadfiancée’sskull.IttakesDelvinasecondtonoticethattheonewiththecrestisnolongerinview.Abriefhazeappearsinthesun,revealingthestretchedneckofthemissingheadisgoing
overtherooftop.PredatoryhissingrollsfrombehindDelvinandhewhirlsaroundintimetotakethebird’sattackonhisshield.Thecrestedheadappearstoweavethroughtheaironaninvisibleneck,whichmakesitdifficultforthewarriortoanticipateitsstrikes.Hehears
therestofthecreaturecawingandscreechingasitlumberstowardhim.
“Firstruleofmercenarywork,neverbeafraidtorunforbetterground,”Delvinsaysashesmacksthemonster’sheadtotheside.Hedodgesandparriestheotherbeaksthatcomeathim
fromaboveandbehind.“Orwasitstandyourgroundbecauseyou’regettingpaid?Icouldnevergetthehangofthoserules.”
Spinningonhisheels,Delvinavoidsapecktohissideandslamshisshieldintooneofthecolorfullyplumedheads.Thedazedcreature
stumblestotheside,givinghimachancetosprintforthenearestexit.Withafuriousshriek,thebirdturnsaroundandchargesintothenarrowerpartofthealley.Itsfeatherybodyissqueezedenoughtoslowitdown,butitisstilldangerouslyclosetotheretreatingwarrior.He
repeatedlyturnstoslashattheheadsthatcomewithinstrikingdistance,hisbladeskitteringoffthebeaksorharmlesslyslicingofffeathers.Delvincanseetheendofthealleycoming,knowingthatthebeastwillbemoredangerouswithroomtomove.Heconsidersholding
hisgrounduntiltwooftheheadslanceforwardtoramhisshieldandsendshimskiddingaway.
“Fizzlemakeyougopoof!”thedritedeclaresashefliesbackwards.Hefiresadisintegrationspellfromhistinyhorns,butthecrestedheadswallowstheattack.
“Fizzlenolikeyou!”“Ineverheardofa
creaturethatcouldeatmagic,”Delvinadmits,knockingagarbagebinovertoslowthebirddown.“Idoubtthatwilldoanything.Ihopethemournershaveleftthecourtyardbecausewe’recomingtotheexit.”
Rushingoutofthealleyandturningtowardthegarden,Delvincursesloudlyatthesightofthegatheredcrowd.EveryonelooksattheintrusionasWaylandopenshismouthtoyellatthewarrior,noneofthemappearingtohaveheardanyofthebattle.Themerchant
snapshismouthshutwhenthebirdemergesfromthealleyandviciouslystrikesatDelvin.AlloftheattacksareblockedbyhisshieldorswordwhileFizzlesmacksatthecreaturewithhistail.Thescreamsofthemournersdrawthebeast’sattentionandthreeofitsheadsturntofacethe
freshpreythatareattemptingtoescape.Delvinlungesatoneofitsnecks,butiskickedwithenoughforcetosendhimcrashingthroughahedge.Refusingtostaydown,heleapsbacktohisfeetandchargesforwardwithhisswordheldhigh.Hisswordmissesawingand
anotherkicksendshimrollingtowardtheothers,thebird’stalonssnappingafewlinksofhischainmail.
“I’mafraidoftheanswer,buthaveyouseenQuill?”AsherasksashejoinsDelvin.Thetwowarriorsseparatetoavoidaquickstrikeanddeflectaflurryof
attacks.“Isawhimgointothealleywithhisfiancée.Thatwasnearlyanhourago.”
“I’mreallysorry,”Delvinreplieswhilefendingoffthecrestedhead.Itrearsbackandslamsagainsthisshield,crackingthewood.“YourcousinandhisfiancéeweredeadwhenIgotthere.
Maybeyoushouldrunsincethesethingsareafteryourfamily.You,Kira,andyourdadarewhoit’safter.”
OneoftheplumedheadswhipsaroundandtakesDelvin’slegsoutfromunderhim.Stillonhisback,hekicksatthehissingbird’sbellyandjamshisshieldinto
theapproachingmouth.ThemonsterpullshimintotheairandwhipshimaroundinattempttobatFizzleaway.Hecutsthestrapsoftheshieldanddropstothegroundtodrivehisswordintothebeast’sfoot.Withascreechofrage,thebirdkicksDelvinawayandthecrested
headramsAsherinthechest.Thenoblecanfeeltworibssnaponimpactandafewmorebreakwhenhelandsagainstthestonerimofafountain.Fizzletriesanotherattackspell,whichisdevouredasthemonsterchargesatthedownednoble.
Thechainwrapsaround
oneofitsnecksasKirarunsandslidesbetweenitslegs.Shepullswithallherstrengthtobringthethrashingheadtowardher,causingthebirdtotripovertheextendedneck.Lukequicklydartsintochopthetrappedheadoffandexpertlyblocksthebarrageofattacksfromtheremaining
ones.Kira’ssickleslamsintothebird’sbackandshesprintsbackbetweenthelegs,draggingtheweapondownthebird’sspine.Flickingthebladefree,shewhipsthebluntendofherweaponatthecrestedheadtodriveitawayfromherunconsciousbrother.Itswingsbackto
attacktheheiresswhopressesthechainintothemonster’smouthandturnsitasidebeforestabbingitintheeye.Luke’ssaberssendaplumedheadflyingintothefountain,forcingthebeasttobackawayandhissthreateningly.Itonlymakesitafewstepsbeforeitsbodytensesandit
collapses,thecrestedheadleavingadentinthegroundwhenitlandswithanechoingthud.
“I’mnotinthemoodtoplaywiththesebastardsanymore,”Delvinsaysashesheathshislongsword.Thewarriorpicksuptheremainsofhisshield,buttossesthem
tothegroundinfrustration.“TakecareofAsher.I’vegotsomethingtodoandmaybeI’llputanendtothisalongtheway.”
“Wait!”Lukeshoutsashisfriendheadsforthenearestdoorinthewall.
“Lethimgoandhelpmybrother,”Kirapleads,making
herwaytothealley.“I’mgoingto...gathertherestofQuillandhisfiancée.”
ShestopsshortwhenTimoranstepsoutofthealley,thebarbarianlookinglikeherecentlylostafistfight.HeblocksherfromgoinginandnodstoSari,whoisgroggilystumbling
acrossthegardenwithhealingpotionsgiventoherbyEileen.ThemaidisbusytryingtocalmWaylanddown,theportlymanlividlyrantingontheothersideofthecourtyard.Lukenoticesbruisesonhisfriends’faces,signsthattheywereattacked,whichexplainswhythey
missedthefight.AragegrowsinhischestanderuptswhenhehearsthedoorclosebehindDelvin.
“Ihavetotakecareofsomething,”hesaystoKiraashestormsbyher.
*****Cityguardsarehurrying
throughthestreetstoattend
tothescreamingcrowdstampedingoutofGrasdonManor.TheyaresobusyhandlingtheincreasingpanicthatnoneofthempayanyattentiontoDelvinslippingoutofadoorthatclangsshutbehindhim.Hecalmlywalksacrossthestreetandtakesthefirstturnhefindsthatisnota
shadowyalley.WhenhecannolongerseeGrasdonManorloomingovertheotherbuildings,thewarriorstopstorestonacrate.Fizzlelandsnexttohimandputshisheadinthebottomlesspouchtograbanapple.
“Nothing’sbroken,soIwon’tslowusdown,”Delvin
saysashetoucheshisbruisedsides.Thepainisalreadyfadingawayandherollshisshouldertotestitsmovement.“Fullrangeofmotionwithonlyadullache.I’llneedtoreplacethedamagedlinksinmyarmor,butIwon’tbewearingthisoncewegetintothedesert.Lostmyshield
again,whichwasneveraproblemuntilImetupwithallofyou.Finishyourappleandwe’llheadout,Fizzle.”
“You’reactuallygoing,”Lukestates,steppingoutofthenearbyalley.“Afterwhatjusthappened,you’reheadingintothedesert.Notonlyyou,Delvin,butFizzletoo?”
“FizzleprotectDelvin.Nyxgonetoolong.NeedNyxtostopmonster.”
“You’venoideawheresheis,”theforesttrackerargues,notlookingawayfromthestone-facedwarrior.“EvenwithFizzle’shelp,you’regoingtogetlostoutthere.We’llhavetowaste
timeandmanpowertorescueyou.IfNyxshowsupwhileyou’regonethenshe’sgoingtogobackoutsearchingforyou.Thisisamistake.”
“Ifthat’syourworrythendon’tcomelookingforme.KeepNyxhereifsheshowsupandI’llturnbackaroundintwoandahalfdaysifI
don’tfindher,”Delvincontends,hoppingoffthecrate.Sensingtheconfrontationbrewing,heunstrapshislongswordandputsitinhispouch.“Ofcourse,I’llgrabsuppliesthenheadbackouttheretosearchinanotherdirection.”
“Wehaveacrisishere,”
LukeclaimswithawavetowardGrasdonManor.“Yousawhowmuchtroublethatlastmonsterwas.TheFelcritooklongertokill,butthatbirdkilledtwopeoplebeforetheycouldmakeanoise.Wecan’taffordtolosesomeonelikeyoutoawildsearchinthedesert.”
Theformermercenary’spunchconnectswithhisfriend’sjaw,knocksthehalf-elfoffhisfeet.“Youselfishbastard!You’reonlyconcernedaboutprotectingKira,whichhasmademewanttopunchyouinthefacefordays.Nyxwascrazedwhenyouweredyingofthe
DarkWindcurse.Shewouldhavefoughtdemonsandgodstocureyou.Nowthatsheneedsyourhelp,youwon’tevenworryabouthermuchlessgointothedesert.I’mbettingthegriffincouldhavefoundherandbeenbackwithinourfirstdayhere.”
“Thisisadifferent
situation.”“Becauseyouleaving
wouldgetyouintroublewithKira?”Delvinasksinamockingtone.Hewatcheshisfriendstandonshakylegs,thehalf-elf’sfistsclenchedinanger.“Nyx’slifeisindangerandsheneedsyou.Thismessyou’reinwillbe
waitingforyouwhenyougetback.I’msureyouwouldsearchthatdesertuntilyoupassedoutifKirawastheoneoutthere.Don’teventrytosaythatsheneedsmoreprotectionthanNyx.Werescuetheoneswelovewhenthey’reintrouble.”
Lukemassageshisjaw
whilehewalkstothecratetoputhissabersnexttoFizzle.HereturnstoDelvin,whobracesforastrikethatnevercomes.Instead,thehalf-elfcirclesthewarriorandrunshishandsthroughhisblondehair.Withagrowloffrustration,Lukegrabsarockandhurlsitdowntheroad,
startlingaflockofseagulls.“I’mnottheonlyselfish
personhere,”theforesttrackerstates,crackinghisknucklesandfidgetingwithhisfingers.“Allyou’vethoughtaboutisgoingintothedesertwithoutaplan.Itisn’tforherowngoodthough.It’sbecauseyoumiss
her,youworryabouther,andyou’retooblindtorealizethatNyxisn’taloneoutthere.WhatwouldyoudoifyoufoundNyx,butDarianawasstillmissing?Wouldyougolookingforherordoesyourcompassiononlygotothewomanyou’reinlovewith?”
“Everyonekeepssaying
Nyxwillbeokay,”Delvinsayswithanervouschuckle.NotwantingtostoponceheleavesBor’daruk,heremoveshischainmailandreplacesitwithayellowcloak.“NoneofyousawhowshakenshewasagainstStephen.Sheisn’tanunstoppableweaponthatknowsnofear.Nyxisaliving
beingwithweaknessesliketherestofus.She’sintroubleandneedssomeonetoputhislifeonthelinetobringherhome.”
“Fizzlethinkfriendsstopfighting,”thedriteinterrupts,noticingthatasmallcrowdisgatheringonthestreet.“Nyxstrongandmissing.Noideaif
safe.Darianastillnew.Besttolookforher.”
“Exactly,”thebrown-hairedwarriorproudlydeclares.“Sinceherbestfriendisunwillingtoreturnthefavorheowesher,I’llgoanddoit.”
LukegetsinDelvin’sfaceanddriveshiselbowinto
thewarrior’schest.Anotherpunchmeetsthehalf-elf’sjawandhestumblesback,leapingforwardtokickhisfriendintheside.Forgettingfinesseandtheirtraining,thetworainfistsandfeetoneachother.Neitherbothertoblock,sotheyarebruisedandbloodywithinminutes.Using
thelastofhisstrength,LukerushesforwardanddeliversaswiftkicktoDelvin’sstomach.Theforesttrackerstandsoverthegaspingwarriorandwaitsforanotherstrike.Instead,hisfriendrollsontohisbackandstaresatthecloudlesssky,refusingtocontinuethefight.
“I’mdonelisteningtoyouclaimIdon’tcare,”Lukesaysinastrainedvoice.HewipesbloodoffhisupperlipanddropsacleanragonDelvin’schest.“I’vebeenworriedaboutNyxthisentiretimeandhatethatI’mstuckhere.ImaginewhatwouldhappenifIwenttofindher
andKirawaskilledbythenextmonster.Yousee,nomatterwhatIdo,IhavesomeoneIcareaboutindanger.”
“Thenwhystopme?”hisfriendwhispersashegetstohisfeet.“IcouldhavetakenthepressureoffyouandhandledtheNyxsituation.”
“You’renotatrackerandyou’regoinginwithoutaplan.”
“I’dfindaway.”“You’dgetyourself
killed.”“Soyouweresavingmy
lifebycontainingme?”“Ifyouwanttolookatit
thatwaythenyes.”
Delvinpullshisswordoutofhispouchandstrapsitonhisbelt,adjustingituntilfeelscomfortable.“Youcan’tstopmefromgoing.Nyxhasbeengonefortoolongandwehaven’tseenanysignofhertryingtocontactus.KeepingmehereispointlessbecauseI’munfocusedand
distracted.Icouldgetsomeonekilled.”
“Fine,butIwon’tbeabletosaveyouuntilthingsarefinishedhere,”Lukestateswhilegatheringhisswords.HepetsFizzleonthehead,takingsomequietcomfortinthefactthatthedritewillbegoingtoo.“Thenomadswill
behereanyday.Withanyluck,you’llbecapturedbythemandbroughtbackasaprisoner.It’llkeepyououtoftrouble.”
“Istillthinkitshouldbeyou,”thewarriorsayswhilehedabsatacutoverhiseye.“IloveNyxwithallmyheart,butIadmityou’rethebetter
tracker.Though,Iseewhatyoumeanbyyoubeingdamnednomatterwhatyoudo.Nowwouldbeaterribletimeforyoutogo.Arealmessyoumadehere.”
LukescratchesFizzleontheheadandcringesatthepaininhisarm,bruisesappearingfromthehitstohis
forearm.Hecanalreadyfeeloneofhiseyesswellinguptoalterhisvision.Withthebrieffightover,thecuriouscitizensofBor’darukwalkbywhilegivingthebatteredwarriorssidewaysglances.Mostofthemheadforthesoundoftheguardshandlingtheloomingriotcausedby
thelatestmonsterattack.TheirstaringmakesLukefeelevenworseaboutwhatheisabouttosay.
“I’mwellawarethatI’mlettingNyxdownafterwhatshedidforme,”thehalf-elfexplainsinasombertone.Herubsthehiltsofhissabers,revealinghisnervousness.
“WhendealingwiththeDarkWind,Nyxknewhowtohelpmewithoutsacrificingotherpeople.Ican’tfigureouthowtodothathere,whichmakesmethinkIshouldn’tcallmyselfherfriendmuchlessherbrother.”
“Iwouldn’tgothatfar,”Delvinsayswithacrooked
smirk.“Maybethisishowitshouldbe.Eachofusisexpectingtheothertohelpprotecthislovedones,whichiscausingfriction.Wecan’tignoreeithersituationanymore,whichmeansIhavetogointothedesertandyouhavetostayhere.It’dbeeasierifKiraandSariwere
outthereandNyxwasbeingtargetedbymonstersinthecity.”
“Guessourenemiesplannedthisbetterthanwerealized.”
Thebrown-hairedwarriorscratcheshischinandnods.“Youknow,Ineverconsideredthatthiswaspart
ofStephen’splan.AllthistimeIthoughtthesituationwithNyxwasluck,butmaybehewantedherinthedesertatatimewhereyoucouldn’tfollow.GoodthingFizzleiscomingwithmeandDarianaisoutthere.Watchoutincasethatbastardisprowlingthecitybecause
you’retheonlyoneherewhocanhurthim.”
“I’llstayalert.Becarefuloutthere,Cunningham.”
Lukeducksintothealleyandsprintsbacktowardthemanor,leavingDelvinandFizzletomaketheirwaytotheironandwoodgateofthecity.Thedritecastsaspellto
makehimselfandthewarriorinvisibleastheyapproachtheonlywayoutofBor’daruk.Theystartletheguardswithrapidknockingatalowpointonthedoor.Fizzlecreatesthehazyillusionofalostchildonthedesertsideofthewall,promptingtheguardstoswiftlyopenthegates.The
illusionfadesawaylikeamirageasDelvinslipsthroughtheopeningandtrudgesintothedesert.
13
TimorankeepsavigilatthewindowwhileEileenmovesaroundtheroomwithastackofclayplates.Sheplacesthemaroundthewell-furnishedbedroom,leapingontothefurniturewhensettingoneonahighshelf.Standinginthemiddleofthe
room,KiraspinsthechainofherweaponandrunsherfingeralongtheDwarvenrunesonthesickle’shandle.Whenthemaidputsthelastplateabovethedoor,shehurriestothebalcony.Crouchedonthestone,EileenurgentlygesturesforTimorantojoinher.Withatiredsigh,
thebarbarianstepsoutsideandleansagainsttheopendoor.Headjustabluecurtain,whichishidingaboxofvasesandpaintingsthatusedtoadorntheroom.
“Doesshedothisalot?”heasksthecalico.
“Onlywhenshe’supset,whichhasbeenrather
commonlately,”Eileenanswers,hertailtwitchingintheair.HertuftedearsstickupatthegentlewhineofKira’sweapon,thesickleshatteringtwoplatesinoneswing.“MymistressisnothappythatLukehastoldhertostayinherroomwhilehegoesonpatrolwithSari.She
knowsit’sforthebest,butshedoesn’twanttobeleftout.Itdoesn’thelpthatAsherhasbeensentwithoutanescorttothecityguardtoaskforhelp.”
“Thatisstrangeconsideringheisatarget,”Timoranadmits,admiringthegracefulmovementsofthe
heiress.ThewaysheshiftsandspinsremindshimofhowSarifights,butwithafocusonwidearmmotionsinsteadofsuddenwristmovements.“HastherebeenanymorenewsonthereasonthenomadsareaftertheGrasdons?Iheardsomerumorsaboutastolen
scepter.”“I’veheardthesame
stories,”Eileenclaimsasshestretchesherbackandyawns.“IdoknowthattheothernomadsbelievetheHelgardiansarenobilitybecauseofaholyrelic.Ifonewastostealitthenthetribeswouldgotowarwitheach
other.ThoughIdon’tseewhymyemployerswouldbeinvolved.There’snobenefittosuchawarbecausetheyhaveagreementswithallofthebigtribes.”
“Everyonecallsthisawar,butnotruebattlehasoccurred,”Timoranpointsout.Themaidnervously
watcheshermistresspracticewhilenoddinginagreement.“Therehavebeenmurders,butIwouldnotcallthemcasualtiesofwar.Atleastnotyet.”
TheshatteringofplatesbecomeslouderandmorerapidasKiraincreasesherspeed.Herweaponstretches
onitsenchantedchain,whichshesmoothlyflicksatthelastsecondforaquickerstrike.Whenshebreaksthelastplate,sheisstillangryandlashesoutatoneofherbedpostswiththekusari-gama.Thechainsmoothlywrapsaroundthepostuntilthebladeslicesdeepintothe
darkredwood.Kiratugsonherweapon,butitisstuckandsheisforcedtograbthehandleofthesickletoyankitfree.
“Caretorepeatyourstatement,SirWrath?”theheiresscoldlyasksassheapproachesthebalcony.ShenodstoEileenwhobounds
intotheroomtocleanupthemess.“I’velostmostofmyfamily,soIcallthisawar.TheHelgardiansmightnothavesentanarmyafterus,buttheydidsendmonsterswithoutprovocation.”
“Iapologizeforoffendingyouandyouhavemycondolences,butthereis
somethingwrongaboutthis,”Timoranarguesinasoftvoice.HeputshishandsonKira’sshoulderstobothcalmherandpreventherfromusingherweapon.“Atruewartomeiswhentwosideshaveaclearreasontofightanddosoonthebattlefield.Youhaveyettouncoverthe
reasonyouarebeingtargetedandthenomadshaveneverappearedtotakeadvantageofamonsterattack.Iwouldalsoliketopointoutthatyouarenotawarriorfamily.WhywipeoutsomanywhoarenotwarriorswhileleavingyouandAsheralone?”
“Becausethemonsters
attackwhoevertheyfindfirst,”Kiraswiftlyanswers.Sheslipsfromthebarbarian’sgraspandtakesaseatontherailing,danglingherlegovertheedge.“Itmightnotbeafullwaryet,butitwillbewhenthenomadsappear.Thishasallbeenaboutstrategyandmyfamilyis
losinginsomanyways.Myfatherisbarelyabletoholdarationalthought.HekeepsyellingaboutmymotherbeingupsetbythisorhowthisisbecauseI’mnotgoingthroughwiththetraditions.Earlier,heblamedAsherfornotprotectingQuill.Idon’tevenknowwhatwe’llbelike
afterthisisover.”“Itmightbebestto
worryaboutthataftervictory,”Eileensuggestsasshehandshermistressacupofwater.“Yourfatherisundergreatpressureandgrief,sopleasegivehimtimetoheal.I’msurehe’sveryworriedaboutthesafetyof
hisremainingchildren.”“Iknow,butthedamage
hasbeendonetothefamily.TheGrasdonlinecouldeasilybewipedoutbytheendofthis.Allbecausethenomadsthinkwehavetheirholyrelic.Iheardtherumorstoo.”
Timorannodswhilehisthoughtsdriftoff,thefacts
andrumorstryingtosortthemselvesinhismind.Hehastroubleputtinghisfingeronwhatiswrongabouttheentiresituation.Everybattlehehastakenpartinhashadaclearreasonandtheenemieswereintheopentosomeextent.EvenwhenhelpingtheguardsofHero’sGate,
Timoranremembersthattherewasanobviouspresencefromthevariousthreats.Theuseofthesepowerfulmonsterswouldnormallystrikehimasamethodforsofteningasuperioropponent.Yettherehasbeennocommunicationwiththenomadsorevena
requestforthereturnoftheirrelic.Infact,theonlysignthattheyarenearbyhasbeenthepoisonedassassinwhoattackedQuillandSariadmittedthattheencounterhadtoomanyanomaliestobetakenatfacevalue.
“Withatradeagreementontheline,onewouldexpect
theHelgardianstomakedemandsbeforeattacking,”thebarbariansays,grabbingEileenandKira’sattention.Hecanseetheunderstandingappearintheireyes,thecalicomaidemphaticallynodding.“IamrememberingwhatSaritoldmeabouttheassassinwhoattackedQuill.
Themanseemedconfusedandscaredduringhisfinalmoments,soitisclearhewasanoutsideagent.Wouldanynomadtribecommissionaforeignerasanassassin?Haveanyofyourkinbeenkilledbyanythingotherthanthemonsters?”
“Thetribesareself-
containedandwouldn’ttrustanoutsidertofightforthem,”Kiraexplains,slidingofftherailingandheadingintoherroom.Shegrabsahandfulofdatesfromabowlwhileshesearcheshershelves.“Asforyourotherquestion,Idon’tbelieveso.Thatdoesmaketheassassinanoddity.Even
whenanattackhappenedinthecityproper,itwasdonebyamonster.Cometothinkofit,oneoftheearlierattackswasonthedocksduringalastminutedeliverythattwoofmyuncleswereoverseeing.Mydadwaslividandfiredthefewemployeeswhoknewaboutit.”
“Idon’tfollowyourlogic,mistress,”Eileenadmits,cleaningherfacewiththebackofherhand.Shehurriestocatchabookthattheheiresstossesoverhershoulder.“Doyouneedhelpfindingsomething?”
Kirascratchesherhead,seeminglyunawareofthe
offer.Snappingherfingers,shecrawlsunderthebedandcomesouttheothersidewithathin,whitenotebook.Sheflipsthroughthepagesuntilshegetstohernotesontheattacks.Tearsrolldownhercheeksasshereadsthetimesandlocations,thevividmemoriesofthebodies
returningtohermind.TheonlycorpsesshehasnotseenisthatofQuillandhisfiancéethankstoTimoranblockingherview.Atthetime,shewasfuriouswithhim,butnowsheisthankfultonothaveanotherpainfulsightthatwillhauntherdreams.Shedropsthenotebookon
thebedandusesthebedposttostand,herlegsshakyfromthesorrowthatisurginghertocollapseandcry.
“Whatisthatbookandwhywasitunderthebed?”themaidasks,helpinghermistresswalktoachair.“Didyouuncoversomething?”
“I’vebeenkeepingnotes
ontheattacksinthehopesoffindingapatterntopredictthem,butIgaveupwhenthereweretwoatonceafewweeksago,”Kiraexplainsasshewatchesherguestpouracupofwine.Whenhecomesnear,shesnatchesthebottlefromhishandandtakesadeepdrink.“Thebookfell
undertherewhenLukeandIwerebusy.Iwasgoingtoshowittohimandseeifhecouldfindapattern.Givemeaminutetoorganizemythoughtsbecausethewholethingiscomplicated.”
“Takeyourtimeanddrinkwhatyouneed,”Timoranstates,takingaseat
inanearbychair.Heliftsthecupofwinetohislips,butKiragrabsittodrinkinonegulp.“Perhapsyoushouldtalkfirstandthendrink.Idonotbelieveyoucanhandlealcohollikeawarriorandyoudonotwanttomakeyourselfsick.”
“Thatlastonewasfor
courage,”theheiresspromises,takingadeepbreath.Sheshakesthetensionfromherarmsandlooksatthepictureofdolphinsonherceiling.“You’rerightthatthisdoesn’tmakeanysense,Timoran.Thetradeagreementisabigclue.Iguessthegriefandconstant
attackshavepreventedmyfamilyandmefromrememberingthat.We’vebeensoconcernedwithstayingaliveandavengingourlovedones.ThatassassinisanothercuriositybecausetheHelgardianshavenotbeencloseenoughtoBor’daruktomakesucha
deal.HowwouldtheyknowwhereSariandQuillweregoinganyway?That’stherealproblem.We’vebeenfightingmonstersthatarecomingfromadistantenemywhoseemstoknowwhereweareatalltimes.”
“Couldtheyhaveagentsinthecity?”thecalicoasks,
hertailcurlingaroundherwaist.“Ithoughtwealreadysaidtheydon’tbringinoutsiders.”
“Exactly.Thatmeanssomethingelseisgoingon,”Kirasaysbeforetakinganotherlongdrinkofwine.Herheadswimsabitfromtherushofalcohol,soshe
putsthebottledown.“It’spossiblethatacompetitororsomeonewithagrudgeagainstmyfamilyhasbeenbehindthisentirething.Wedon’tknowifanythinghasbeendonetothenomadssinceourcontactwaskilled,whichcouldhavebeendonebyathirdparty.Myfatheris
lookingatthebarefactsandnotbeyondthem.NowthatIthinkaboutit,thepersoncontrollingthemonstershastobeinthecity.Howelsewouldtheseattacksbesopreciseandsudden?NoneofthesecreatureshavebeencaughtsneakingthroughBor’daruktogetintothe
manor.TheflyingonethatIkilledseemedtoappearintheskyoutofnowherebeforeitateoneofmybrothers.Theyhavetobegettingsummonedwithinthecitywallsbysomeonewhoknowswhenmyfamilyisvulnerable.”
Timoranstopsherfromhavingmorewineandsmiles
atthedark-hairedwoman.“Ibelieveyouansweredmanyofourquestionsandchangedthedirectionofthissupposedwar.Ifwebringthisinformationtoyourfamilythenwecanstopthisbeforemorebloodisspilled.IsuggestwesendLukeandSaritotalkwithyourfather
becauseitisstilltoodangeroustoletyououtofhere.”
“Goodpoint.Afterall,oneofhercousinswaskilledinthehallway,”Eileensaysasshepicksupthenotebook.Shetucksitintoherapronandbowstohermistress.“Iwillbringthisandyour
theorytotheothers.I’mnotatargetandyouwillbesafebehindthedoorwardsandwithSirWrath.Yourfiancéeandthegypsywillbeabletoconvinceyourfather.Onewayortheother,I’msuretheywillmakehimseethelight.”
“Ifmydadpushestoo
muchthenSarihasmyfullpermissiontocharmhim,”Kiratellshermaid.Thecaliconodsemphaticallyandhurriesforthedoor,skiddingtoastopwhenhermistresscallsoutagain.“Warnherthatifsheenchantsherwayintothefamilywill,I’llmakearugoutofherhair.”
“Yes,mistress.”Kiraslidesoutofthe
chairandwalkstoasmallcabinet,slingingherweapondiagonallyaroundherbody.Sheexpertlycatchesthebluntendbeforeitcanhitherinthefaceandhangsthesickleinfrontofher.Pullingapairofglassesandabottleofrum
outofthecabinet,shebeckonsforTimorantojoinheronthebalcony.Herguesttakestheoffereddrinkandsitsacrossfromtheheiresswhoissittingontherailingagain.
“Tothefutureandthehopethatitdoesn’tdestroyus,”Kiraproudlyannounces,
holdingupherglass.Sheslingstherumwithoneswiftmotionanddropstothestonefloor,herheadfeelingfuzzy.“Letthegodsdotheirworsttome.I’mnotgoingdownwithoutafight.”
“Youwouldmakeanexcellentbarbarian,LadyGrasdon,”thelargewarrior
statesbeforetheslenderwomanpassesoutathisfeet.“Ormaybeanaboveaverageone.”
*****“DoyouthinkStephen,
Trinity,oranewminionisbehindthis?”SariasksasshewalksalongsideLuke.“Thesubtletymakesmethinkof
Trinity,butthedeathremindsmeofStephen.Iwouldn’tbesurprisediftheyhaveanallythatfallsinthemiddle.”
“ThatwouldhavebeentheLichandhe’sgone,”thehalf-elfrepliesinahalf-heartedvoice.
“Sorryfortryingtomakeconversation.”
“It’snotyou.I’mjusttiredanddistracted.”
“You’renottheonlyone.”
“Doyouhearthat?”Thepairslowdownand
pressagainstthewall,silentlyslidingalonguntiltheyreachWaylandGrasdon’sbedroom.Thedoubledoorsarecracked
open,whichletsalittlelightintothedimlylithallway.Saridartstotheotherside,sobothsheandLukecangetcloseenoughtohearthepeopletalk.TheyrecognizeWaylandimmediatelyeventhoughhisvoiceissofterandkinderthantheyhaveeverheardit.Awomanistalking
tohim,butshedoesnotsoundfamiliarandshespeakswithmorerefinementthanaservant.LukesignalstoSaritoremainquietandwaitforhimtomakethenextmove,thehalf-elfintentongettingasmuchinformationoutofthisopportunityashecan.
“Thenomadsarecamped
outafewmilesbeyondthedunes,”Waylandsaysashemovesachairacrossthefloor.“We’velostsomanytothemonsterstheselastfewweeks.OnlyAsherandKiraremain.Areyousuretheywilldieunlesswesendthemintothebattle?Thatseemstheoppositeofwhatnormally
happens.”“Ionlyknowvague
possibilities,mydearestWayland,”thewomanreplieswithamusicallaugh.“Thegodshavegrantedmetheabilitytoseeglimpsesofthefuture.Itmaynotbeclear,butIsawthattheywoulddieinthemanorandliveonthe
battlefield.ThelastoftheHelgardianbeastsiscoming,soitispossiblethattheywillbeprotectedbythearmies.”
“Whatofthescepterandmywish?”
“Withthedeathofthefinalbeast,theHelgardiantribewillhaveuseduptheenergythatbindsthewish
withinthescepter,”thewomananswers,hervoicesuddenlyappearingfromtheothersideoftheroom.“Wewillbetogetheragainwiththefallofthefinalbeast.I’msorryaboutallofthesacrificethefamilyhasendured,mylove.”
“Itisnotyourfault.How
werewetoknowthatthenomadshadusedallbutoneoftheflawlesswishestosummonmonsters?Atleastourmangotthesceptertousbeforeallofthemwereused.”
“Itisashamebecauseanextrawishcouldhavehelpeduswipethenomadsout.”
Waylandcoughsandtheclickoficefallingintoanemptyglasscanbeheard.“Thatisprobablyforthebest.Theothertribesmightuniteagainstusiftheybelievewehavethepowertodestroythem.Withabattle,theHelgardiansappearastheaggressorsandourremaining
tradeagreementsremainsafe.It’sashamebecauseMisraeandhispeoplewereourtopsuppliersofdunecrystalsandscorpionmeat.”
“Don’tworry,mylove,”thewomansays,followedbyagroanfromWayland.“Wecanhirespecialhuntersandminersafteryoumakeyour
wish.Itwon’tbemuchlonger.Though,IfearKiraandherfriendsmightgetintheway.”
“Shewillunderstandandherfriendshavealreadyhelpedus.”
“You’reright,buttheyarenotpartoftheGrasdonfamily.”
“IftheygetinthewaythenAsherwilltakecareofthemwithhisnewweapon.”
Thewoman’svoicefallstoawhisper,forcingLukeandSaritoputtheirearstothewarmdoors.Thegypsygivesupandsneaksbacktothehalf-elf’sotherside,dragginghimafewfeetaway
fromtheroom.Shecastsasilencecocoonaroundthem,allowinghertospeakwithoutfearofbeingheard.
“AmIwrongordoesitsoundlikeKira’sdadcausedallofthis?”Sariasks,keepinghereyesonthedoubledoors.“I’venoideawhothemysterywomanisor
whatthey’regoingtowishfor,butIdon’tlikeit.”
“Asher’snewweaponhasmeworried,”Lukeadmits,rubbinghiseyes.Heloosenshissabersintheirsheaths,hopinghewillnothavetousethem.“Canyouuseaspelltoimitatethatwoman’svoice?Kiramight
recognizeit.Maybeshe’sabusinesspartneroranothernoblethat’spromisedhimsomething.It’salongshot,butitdoesn’thurttoask.I’mgoingtohatebringingthisupwithher.”
“I’llbethereforyou,”hisfriendpromisesasshetoucheshisarm.Hersmileis
warmandloving,hidingthetwingeofpaininherchest.“Wedon’tknowexactlywhat’sgoingon,soWaylandmightbeapawn.ThatcouldhavebeenTrinityindisguiseasafakeoracle.It’sacommonploythat’ssimilartomyfortunetellerscam,whichIswearIhaven’tdonesinceI
wasfourteen...sixteen.”“Thatseemslikethe
mostlikely...damnit,”Lukemutters,puttinghishandsup.“Thatsilencespellmeantwecouldn’thearanythingoutsideoftheshell,right?”
Sariturnsaroundtofindtenarmoredguardswiththeir
weaponspointingatthepair.Shedropsherspell,whichpopswithablueshimmerthatleavesdustatherfeet.Oneofthemenwalksaroundtheadventurers,hisspearneverstrayingfurtherthanafewinchesfromthem.Heknocksonthedoubledoorsandopensoneofthemforhis
employer.Takingaquickglance,LukeseesnobodyintheroombehindWayland,whosefaceisredwithanger.Thebeardedmerchantadjustshissilkrobeandclosesthedoorbehindhim,signalingfortheguardstotakehisguests’weapons.
“Howlongwerethey
here?”heasks,examiningoneofLuke’ssabers.“Iwasinaprivatemeetingwithanimportantpartner.Thispersonwantstoremainsecretandcouldbeoursalvationagainstthenomads.”
“WefoundthemherewhenonourwaytogiveareportfromAsher,”a
swordsmanwithafeather-cappedhelmetstates.“Theywerewhisperinginasilencebubble,soit’ssafetoassumethattheywerespyingonyou.Whatdoyouwantustodowiththem?”
“Thisisgoingtobeaproblembecauseofmydaughter.Shewill
undoubtedlydefendtheyoungman,”Waylandexplainsashetapsthetipofthebladeonthewall.Testingtheweapon,hehitsthestoneandchecksfornicksinthemetal.“Probablybesttokeepthemlockedupuntilthebattleisover.MyplanisverydelicateandIdon’twant
themgettingintheway.Takeourgueststothedungeonandputtheminthecleanestcell.Sendaservantdownwithfreshfoodanddrinktomakethemcomfortable.”
“I’mnotsureweshouldarrestthem,sir,”oneoftheguardsnervouslyadmits.“Itcouldturnyourdaughter
againstyou.Thatmightbemoretroublethanthesetwo.”
“Letmeputthisrequestanotherway,”themerchantkindlyannounces.Heslamsthebladebackintoitssheathandbangsitagainstthedoor.“PutthesetwointhedungeonorIwillterminateyouremployment.Anyfuture
employerswillbetoldofyourrefusaltofolloworders.Iknowallofyouhavefamilies,sodon’tmakethemsufferbecauseofmydisobedient,rebelliousdaughter.”
TheguardssurroundLukeandSariwhiletheirbosshandsthesabersoverto
themanwiththefeatheredhelmet.TheyletWaylandthroughthetightcircle,themerchantapproachingtheemerald-eyedgypsy.Herunshishandsthroughherhairforoveraminute,runninghisfingersdownherbodyandintoherboots.Shefrownswhenheslipsthemoffand
handstheenchantedfootweartotheheadguard.ReturningtoSari,herudelychecksdownhertopanduphersleeves,removingdaggersfromtheirhidingplaces.Waylanddropstheweaponsonthefloorandfirmlygrabsherbythejaw,forcinghermouthopen.
“Nothinginthereorherhair,”themerchantsaysashereleaseSari.Heturnstotheheadguard,butkeepsatighthandonthegypsy’sshirtcollar.“Haveafemaleguardstriptheyoungwomancompletelyandputherinasimpledress.Wedon’tknowhowmanymoredaggersand
lockpicksshehasonher.”“Tooscaredtostripme
downyourself?”Sariasks,smackingLuke’shandawayfromhermouth.
“Mywifewouldn’tapprove,”Waylandrepliesashereturnstohisroom.“IwillalwaysbeloyaltomyBreaandnowhorishgypsywill
temptme.Telltheguardswhatyouwanttoeatandtheywillhaveaservantbringittoyou.Weshallspeakagainafterthebattle.”
Lukethinksheseestheflurryofawhiteskirtdartoutofviewbeforethedoorclosesandlocks.HeisabouttomentionittoSariwhena
guard’sspearpressesagainsthisback,forcinghimtowalkdownthehall.Throughhissoundsight,hecatchesaglimmerofthewoman’svoice,butitdistortsintogarbledstatic.Thehalf-elfpusheshissensesalittlefurtherandahideousscreecheruptsinhishead.Hisears
bleedandhecollapses,grabbingSaribythearmandtakingherdownwithhim.
*****Lukewakestoagentle
handonhisforeheadandroughclothagainsthischeek.Rollingover,hecantellthathisheadisinsomeone’ssoftlap,butheistoogroggyto
rememberwhohewaswithbeforehelostconsciousness.Whenhiseyesfocus,heseesSarismilingdownathimandapangofguiltkickshiminthestomach.Withagroanofpain,herollsoffthecouchandlooksaroundthebizarrecell.Therearetwochairsandasmalltable,allthreeof
whicharecoveredinscratchesanddents.ThecouchthatSariisonhastorncushionsandthesolitarybedisnothingmorethanaraisedmattresswithwhitecottonsheets.Awoodenpartitionissetuparoundacorner,whichLukeguessesissupposedtobeaprivatebathroom.
“I’masconfusedasyouareaboutthisjail,”Sariadmitsasshetugsattheuncomfortable,browndressthatbarelyreachesherknees.Sheskipstothebarsandsticksherlegoutside,smirkingatthewhistlesoftheguards.“I’mhopingtoteaseandflirtmywayintoareal
dress,whichistheoppositeofwhatonenormallyusesthosetoolsfor.Thisthingisnothingmorethanasackwiththebottomcutoffandsleevesattached.I’mgoingtohaveafullbodyrashifIdon’tgetsomerealclothes.UnlessIgonaked.”
“I’msurethatwoulddo
something,”Lukecasuallysayswhileheclimbstothebarredwindow.Allhecanseearethefeetofpatrollingguardsandanearbyelephant,sohedropstothefloorandsits.“WaylandprobablyhasTimoranandKiralockedinherroombynow.Theyhavenoideahe’suptosomething,
sothey’renotgoingtofightback.Doyouknowwheretheyputourweapons?Maybewecanescapeandfightourwayoutofthemanor.”
“Ourgear’sinalockerattheendofthehallway,”thegypsystates.Sheslipsherdresstothefloor,causingthehalf-elftofacethewall.“I
guessthingsmustbegoingwellbetweenyouandKira.We’vebarelyseeneachotherandnowyoucan’tevenlookatmybody.Ishouldn’tbesurprisedsinceyou’vebeenavoidingeyecontactfordays.Doesthismeanyou’vechosenKiraovermeandthecontestisover?”
“Itisn’tassimpleasthat,”Lukeclaims,placinghisheadagainstthewarmstone.
“ExplainittomebecauseI’mpartofthis.OrhaveyouforgottenthatI’macreaturewithabeatingheart?”Saricuttinglyaskswhileputtingherdressbackon.Not
waitingforananswer,shestormsacrossthecellandsmacksthewarrioracrosshisshoulders.“Youkeepactinglikethisistheendoftheworld.Justmakeadecisionandlivewithit.PickherandI’llrespectfullykeepmydistance.Someoneisgoingtogethurt,sostopdrawingthis
outandchoosewhoyoulovethemost.”
“Shutup,Sari.”“Nobecausesomebody
hastopushyoutofinishthis.”
“Thisisn’tthetime.”“Asifthere’saperfect
timeforsomethinglikethis.”“Stoptalking.”
“I’mthroughbeingquiet.”
“Shutup!”“Makeadamnchoice!”Lukegrabsherwristas
hespinsaroundandkissesthegirlhardenoughtobendherbackwards.Herarmscurlaroundhisneckwhileheliftsheroffthefloor.Turning
around,hepressesheragainstthewallandrunshishandthroughherdarkbluehair.Withasuddengrowl,Lukebreaksthekissandbacksawaytothecouchlikeawoundedanimal.
“Soyouchooseme?”Sariasks,touchinghertinglinglips.
“Idon’tknow,”thehalf-elfreplies,shatteringherblissfulmood.Hegathersthecouragetogetwithinreachofthegypsyagain,barelyabletohidethetearswellingupinhiseyes.“Iloveyou,Sari,butI’mnotreallyoverKiraandwestillfeelthatsparkattimes.Idon’twanttochoose
oneofyouuntilI’msurebecausethere’snogoingbackonceadecisionhasbeenmade.It’sdifficultbecauseyouandIwillcontinuetravelingtogetherafterthis,soIcan’tputyoucompletelyoutofmythoughts.”
“Isthatreallyabadthing?”
Lukeputshisforeheadagainsthers,theirlipswithinreachofeachother.“ItmeansIcan’tfocusentirelyonwhatIfeeltowardsKira.Thatmightstillbepartoftheproblem.I’mremainingdistantfromherbecauseIknowI’llendupalonewithyouontheroad.Things
won’tchangeunlessIhurtsomeone.”
“Thenwaitforthefinalhouranddowhatyourhearttellsyoutodo,”Sariwhispersasshehugshim.Shefightstheurgetokisshisneckandticklehispointyear.“I’llbehavefromnowon.Thankyouforthekissandletting
meknowthatyouhaven’tforgottenaboutme.I’llbehonestandsaythatIhopeyouchooseme.Thatwaywecanspendtherestofourliveswanderingandbeinghappy.”
“I’mnotgoingtobewanderingmyentirelife,”thewarriorsays,pullingawayfromthegypsy.Worryand
regretcreepintohisheartwhenheseesthefearinheremeraldeyes.“There’sgoingtobeadaywhereIwanttosettledowninonespot,haveafamily,anddosomethingstationary.Myfamily’swanderlustdoesn’tlastforeverlikethatofyourpeople.I’dbefinewithgoing
ontrips,butitwouldn’tbelikeitisnow.”
“Ofcoursethingswillchange,”Saristates,slippingaroundLukeandwalkingtothebars.Shehangsherarmsoutside,wavingtowardthedistantguardstoseeiftheyarestillsittingattheirdesk.“Maybethat’spartofthe
problem,Luke.Ifyouaskedmetomarryyounow,I’dsayyes.Ifyouwantedtosettledownandhavekids,I’dsayno.Thatcouldchangeinthecomingmonthsoryears.Isthiswhatyou’vebeenthinkingaboutallthistime?”
“Thatandhowoneorbothofuscouldbekilled,”he
answers,walkingupbehindher.Hesighsandsitsonabatteredstoolinsteadofholdingherlikehewants.“Kiraseemstobetheonlyonewhoknowsexactlywhatshewants.YouandIareenjoyingwhatwehave,butneitherofusarethinkingaboutthefuture.”
Unabletowraphermindaroundwhathercompanionisworriedabout,Saritakesaseatonthefloornexttohim.“Isitreallythatimportanttoyou?Can’twebehappytogetherandhandlethefuturewhenitappears?”
“Iwantto,butIcan’tbelikeyouaslongasIhave
evenasmallsparkwithKira,”thehalf-elfexplains.HetriestotakeSari’shand,butitislockedinplaceonherleg.“IknowKirahasthoughtaboutmarriage,kids,andalifeafterI’mdoneadventuring.We’vespentalotoftimetalkingaboutitlately.Notwithanycertainty,
buttoseewhereourdesiresmeet.YouandIneverreallydiscussedanythingmorethanthenow.”
“BecauseIdidn’tknowIwantedyouforeveruntilrecently.IspenttoomuchtimeactingasKira’ssurrogateanddenyingthatIwantedtobetheonewith
you.Iguesssheisn’ttheonlyonewhowasawayforsolongthatshehurtherchances.”
AsmallcoughdrawstheirattentiontothedoorwhereEileenispushingacartoffoodintothecell.Twoguardsarewaitingoutsidewiththeirweaponsdrawn,
buttheydonotappeartobeworriedaboutanescape.Adeliciousaromafillstheroomwhenthecalicoliftsthecoverofftheplatterofmeatandbread,asmallpotofsteamingstewinthemiddleofthedisplay.Sheplacesthemealonthenearbytablealongwithapitcherofwaterand
glassesbeforequietlyleavingthecell.Theguardslockthedoorandtakethecartaway,butEileengesturesfortheprisonerstocomecloser.
“Mymistresssendsherapologiesaboutthesituation,”themaidwhispersassheturnsherbacktotheguards.Shepullsasquareof
bluefabricfromherapronandslipsittoSari.“Thatisafoldeddressforyou.Itissimple,butitshouldbemorecomfortablethanwhatyouarewearingnow.”
“Thankyou,”thegypsysays,steppingawayfromthebars.
Sariopensthedress,
whichhastheimageofanelegantsharkrunningfromthebackoftherightshouldertothebelly.Thereisahighnecklinethatflairslikeacrashingwaveandtheskirtisfringedbyflufftoresembleseafoam.Shestripsofftheuncomfortableshiftandsqueezesintothedress,the
topalittletightaroundherchest.Sarifrownsatthehighslitupthemiddleoftheskirtandtheshorttraindraggingbehindher.
“Itwasfromaformalballwithanoceantheme,”Eileentellsthegypsywithacrookedsmile.“Idon’tbelievemymistressexpects
thedresstosurviveitstimewithyou.Though,sheurgesyounottoattemptanescape.”
“Issheokay?”LukeaskswithenoughconcerninhisvoicetomakeSariscowl.
“Herfatherhasputarmedguardsinfrontofherdoorandonherbalcony.
MostlytokeepTimoraninline.Mymistressisduetomeetwithherfatherwithinafewhours.Shewilltalksenseintohimandgetyoureleased.Doyouhaveamessageforher?”
“Onlythatherfather-”SaribeginstosaybeforegettingcutoffbyLuke
havingacoughingfit.“Areyouokay?”
“I’mfine.Somespitwentdownthewrongpipe,”thewarriorstateswithasmirk.Heseesaglintofunderstandinginhisfriend’seyesandturnsbacktothemaid.“TellKirathatherfatherappearstobeundera
lotofstress.Wedon’tknowwhathewasdoinginhisroom,buthe’sbecomeparanoidaboutassassins.Whatevershedoes,shehastotreadcarefullyandnotupsethim.Idon’twanthimmistakingherforaspyoradoppelganger.”
“Iwilldeliveryour
message,”Eileenwhispers,movingawayfromthebars.Shenodsherheadandwavestotheguardsthatsheisdone.“Eatyourfoodbeforeitgetscoldorbugsgettoit.Theroachesinthedesertgetprettybigcomparedtothenorth.”
Thethoughtofbugs
eatinghermealcausesSaritohurrytotheplatterandquicklymakeasandwichofscorpionmeat.ShehandsLukeaglassofwaterwhenhejoinsher,whichheputsbackdown.Hisstomachrumbling,hemakeshimselfasandwichandquietlydevoursitwhilethegypsyeyeshim
suspiciously.“Whyaren’tyoutelling
yourfiancéeaboutWaylandandthatwoman?”
“Ihaveafeelingit’stoodangerousforhertoknowaboutthat,”Lukeanswers,takingaseatatthetable.Hegrabsaspoonandtriesthestew,surprisedtofindthatit
hasbeefinsteadofamoreexoticmeat.“IfKiraargueswithhimwithoutlettingonthatsheknowshissecretthenhewon’tbecomeasdefensive.Atthispoint,hemighteventrytokillherifhesuspectsshe’sontohim.IwishDelvinwasstillheretohelpmefigurethisout.”
“NooffensetoMr.Cunningham,buthe’snottheoneIwanthere,”Sariclaims,hermouthfulloffood.Swallowingthelargebite,sheseesthequestiononLuke’slips.“IwantNyxiehere.She’dhavethisentiresituationhandledbytheendoftheday.Atleastshe’d
havetakenWaylanddownafewnotchesorsetsomethingonfire.Thosemonsterswouldn’thavebeenmuchofaproblemeitherwithherkeepinganeyeoutforthem.Iwishshewouldstopplayingaroundinthedesertandgetbacktous.Imissher.”
“Imisshertoo.I’msure
she’llbebackandhurlingspellsaroundbeforeweknowit.”
“Howdoyouknow?”“BecauseNyxwouldn’t
leaveusinasituationlikethis.Notevenifthegodswerestandingagainsther.”
*****Torchesappearonthe
topofBor’daruk’swallasthesunsets,fillingtheskywithpurplesandpinks.Theshadowsofpatrollingarcherscanbeseenbytheeagle-eyedwarriorsofthenomads.Nyxismorefocusedonthearmyslowlymarchingoutofthefrontgate,agrowingmassuponthesandthatshewishes
shecouldremovefromtheirpath.Crouchedatopthedunes,thehalf-elfimaginestossingthesoldiersoverthewallandintotheoceanwithawindspell.ShestopsthedaydreamingwhensheremembershowCasandracouldcastspellswithamerethought,apowerthatNyx
mighthaveburiedinsideher.“Youwouldneedtobe
trainedtodosuchathing.Alsothesoldiersareonlydoingtheirjobs,sothere’snoreasontotreatthemsoharshly,”Darianastatesassheclimbsupthedune.Shepullsthetancloakaroundhershoulders,thenightlychill
enhancedbyanoceanbreeze.“I’msorryforreadingyourthoughts.Sharnehasbeenhelpingmecontrolmypowers,butyou’retoopotentrightnow.Ifyouwishedtoattackthatarmy,Iwouldbeimpelledtofollow.”
“Youreallyneedthatring,”Nyxsays,barely
payingattentiontoherfriend.Sheturnsawayandheadsfortheencampment,lightingthebonfiresandtorcheswithafewwavesofherhands.“Myfriendsarewithinreachandwe’restuckherebecauseofthestupidfeud.IfIattackthenthebattlebeginsandpeoplewilldiebeforeIcan
gettotheothers.”“AtleastMisraeis
bringingusaspartofthediplomaticgroup.Evenifwe’rearrested,we’llbebroughtwithinthecity.”
“That’sabizarrepositive,butyou’reright,”thehalf-elfstateswithatiredsigh.Shesitsonacrateand
pullsherbootsoff,dumpingthesandintotinypiles.“I’msorryIdidn’tspendmuchtimewithyououthere.IgotsocaughtupinresearchingHelgard,channelers,andthescepterthatIwasaterriblefriend.”
“I’msorrytoo.”“Forwhat?”
“Thetimesweweretogether,IwaspracticingwithSharne.”
“Youmightwanttoavoidtellingpeoplestufflikethat.It’sveryrude.”
Thetwowomenduckintothetentthattheyhavebeenusingforsleepingandtheoccasionalhourof
solitude.Itisfilledwithlargepillowsandatarnishedlanternhangsinthecenterofthecrimsonstructure.Nyxsprawlsonthelowcouchandhastheorangeflamedancearoundtheceiling.Darianatakesanearbychair,unsureifsheshouldspeaktothehalf-elfornot.Thesilencelasts
forseveralminuteswiththefiremovingmoreandmorespastically.Nyx’srestlessnesshitsitspeakwhenshehearsbellsgooffandpeoplecanbeseenrunningamongthetents.Sheflickstheflamebackintothelanternandrestlesslypacesthroughthecollectionofpillows.
“Ican’tsleep,sodon’tevensuggestit,”shesnapsatDarianawhoslowlycloseshermouth.“We’resoclosetoreunitingwithourfriends.Theyprobablystilldon’tknowabouttheBeastofPalqua.LukeiswithSariandKira,whichmusthavehimreadytojumponashipto
Canst’sFields.Theothersareprobablyworriedsickanddistracted.MyfamilyneedsmeandI’mtrappedjustoutofreach.”
“Itwon’tbeformuchlonger,”theotherwomanassuresherfriend.Shecloseshereyesandscansthenomadsforanyinformation
aboutwhentheywillapproachBor’daruk.“TheplanistoleaveatdawnandnegotiateameetingwiththeGrasdons.Anyactionorflaresofpowerwillinstigatethegatheringarmy.I’msorry,butallwecandoisrestandwait.IfyouwanttocontinueventingthenI’dbehappyto
listen.”“Thankyou,butthat
wouldgetboringevenforme,”Nyxsaysasshenestleswithinapileofpillows.Shelazilyspinsoneaboveherheadwithatightmovementofherfinger,whichshegraduallystopsinasuccessfulattemptto
maintainaspellwithoutgestures.“Isthereanythingyouwanttotalkabouttodistractme?”
“Severalyoungmenhavediscussedrelations,”Darianaexplains,massaginghertempleswithherknuckles.“Ibelievetheymeansex,butIdon’tknowhowtotellthem
thatI’munabletoperformsuchacts.Thepriestessesattheorphanagetoldmethatitisforbiddenformetoindulgeinthefleshbecauseofmylineage.IfIwastohaveachildthenitmightprovetobesomethinglikemybrotherorfather.Possiblyworse.”
Nyxletsthepillowdrop
ontoherfaceandchuckles.“WellthiswasaconversationIdidn’tseecoming.AnoddchangefromwhatI’musedtodiscussingwithSariwhenitcomestothis.Idon’tthinkI’musedtobeingontheknowledgeableendofthiseither.Youdoknowthatthere’sprotectionand
medicinestohelpwiththatproblem.Stillyoushouldn’tdoanythingthatyou’reuncomfortablewith.”
“Mybodyisimmunetomostpoisonsandmedicines.”
“Sowhat’ssoimportantaboutyourmother?”
BeforeDarianacananswer,thetentflapis
pushedopenandSharnehurriesin.Sheisoutofbreathandherclothesaredisheveledfrombeinghastilythrownon.TheholywomancollapsesontothepillowsnexttoNyxandyawns,nearlyfallingasleep.Withafullbodyjerk,shewakesupandleapstoherfeet.
“I’msorry,butIwaswokenbysomenewsthatIwishtoshare,”Sharnestates,bowingtoNyx.ShepauseswhenshesensesDarianatouchinghermindandsheblockstheotherwoman,pushinganapologyacrossthesplinteringconnection.“First,I’vehadavisionthatonly
oneguardianisleftinthescepter.Afterit’sreleasedandcorrupted,thebeastwithinwillawakenandsetthedesertonfire.Second,MisraeandhismenhavecapturedaswordsmanwhowasleavingBor’daruk.Theyareinterrogatinghiminthemaintentandhementioned
yournames.Hedoesn’tappeartobeaspyorfromtheregion,butthedritehewaswithhasmademypeoplefearthatbiggerdragonswillbeused.”
Nyxisonherfeetandrushingoutofthetentwiththeothersonherheels.“Isitalargemanwithredhair,a
mouthyhalf-elfwithtwoswords,oracharmingwarriorwithalongswordandshield?”
“Itwasahumanwithalongsword,butnoshield,”Sharneanswers,gaspingforairasshetriestokeepup.
“ThatjustmeanshefoundtroubleinBor’daruk,”
thecasterstateswhileshebreaksintoasprint.“Thisguyandthedritearetwoofmyfriends.Ifthey’reinthedesertthensomethinghappenedtotheothers.”
“Wedon’tknowthatforafact,”Darianacontends,slowingdowntohelpSharne.SheletsNyxrunaheadand
easestheholywomantotheground.“I’llhelpSharne!Pleasedon’tcauseanytrouble!”
Theexcitedcasterchargesatthemaintent,whichcausesthestartledguardstodrawtheirweapons.Theygetoutofherwaywhenshegrowsfierysnakesoutof
herback.Nyxcancelsthespellasshepushesthetentflapopen,startlingMisraeandhisdisheveledprisoner.ShestaresatDelvinwhoistiedtoachairandsmilingatthesightofher.Hisskinisslightlydarkerthansheremembersandthereissandinhishair,buttheglintinhis
ice-blueeyeswarmsherheart.Nyxtacklesthewarrior,bothofthemcrashingtotherugscoveringtheground.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”sheasks,sittingonherfriend’sstomach.“Wherearetheothers?”
“They’restillin
Bor’daruk,”hereplies,tryingtogetcomfortableonthesolidground.“Icametorescueyou.”
“Thisisaterriblerescue.”
“WellIhaveFizzlewithme.”
Misraeclearshisthroatandraisesafingerto
interrupt.“Ifyoumeanthedrite,heflewawaywhenwecapturedyou.”
“Fizzledidescape,”thetinydragonannouncesappearingabovethenomad.Misraejumpsbackanddrawshisweapon,calmingwhenthecreaturebows.“Fizzlesorry.Followyoutoprotect
friend.Fizzlepromisetostayvisible.”
“ToldyouIhadhelp,”Delvinsays,shiftingtofindevenatinybitofcomfort.Hefindsitimpossibleconsideringheistiedtoachairwithahalf-elfsittingonhisgut.“Ihadeverythingundercontrol.”
Nyxgetsoffthewarriorandburnshisbondstoasheswithatouch.“WhatifyougotlostouthereandIarrivedatBor’daruk?I’dhavetogobackintothedeserttofindyou.DarianaandLukewouldhavetohelptoo.Youshouldhavestayedinthecitywhereit’ssafe.”
“Iwasworriedaboutyou,”Delvinsays,hugginghertightly.Theyoungwomanrelaxesinhisarms,sohedecidestodrophisrestraintandbecompletelyhonest.“Iloveyouandwasgoingmadknowingyouweremissing.Besides,Iwouldhavewalkedintothenomad
campandbeenbroughtback.”
“Actuallywefoundhimwalkingsouth,”Misraeinterjectswithawidegrin.Hecanbarelyholdbackhislaughterashebackstotheexit.“Ifourkeenestguarddidn’tnoticetheglintofhiscloak’sclaspinthesetting
sun,yourfriendwouldhavegoneintotheharsherregion.Therearemanylargescorpionsandoneofthemorebrutaltribesofthedesert.Hewouldhavebeendeadbeforedawn.”
Thedark-skinnednomadleavesthetent,chucklingatthesoundofNyxscreaming
andcursingatDelvin.Hewhistlestotheguardsandpointsatthesilhouetteofhershakingthewarriorbytheshirt.Themenlaughwhenitlookslikesheispokinghimintheforeheadandallthewarriorcandoisholduphishandsinapology.Thenomadsdiveoutoftheway
whenDelvinissenthurtlingthroughtheflapandskidsacrossthesand,comingtoastopatawaterbarrel.Nyxcrackshervibratingknucklesasshestepsoutside,Fizzlecomfortablyperchedonhershoulder.DarianaandSharnearewaitingnearbyandshetakeshersilver-hairedfriend
bythearmtoleadherbacktotheirtent.
“Imissedyou,Ms.Masterson!”Delvinshouts,remainingonhisback.
“Imissedyoutoo,Mr.Cunningham!”shereplieswithasmirkthatonlyDarianaandSharnecansee.
14
TheguardskeeptheirweaponstrainedonTimoranwhoiscalmlysittingonthefloorwithhisgreataxeacrosshislap.Heisamusedthattheyaremoreconcernedwithhimwhentherealthreatisshriekingandhurlingrandomitemsatthedoor.Kira’s
voicehitsanoctavethatthebarbariandidnotthinkpossibleforahumanthroatasshethrowsaclaydoll.AfewguardsturntoEileen,theirgazeshintingthattheywanthertogettheheiressundercontrol.Instead,thecalicolazilystretchesandscratchesherears,makingnoattempt
toleavethesoftcouch.WhenaswordsmanmustersthecouragetoapproachKira,shewhirlsaroundandgrazeshisnosewithakickthatwouldhaveknockedhimoutifitstruck.
“Allofyouwillleavemyroomatonce,”shegrowls,fixingthearmedmenwitha
starethatsendschillsthroughtheirspines.“Iwillgetreadytogointobattlewithmyfather,butIwillnotdoitwithyouinhere.TimoranandEileenwillmakesureIbehave.”
“Yourfatherorderedusto-”startsaspearman.Hestopswhenapillowhitshim
intheface.“Nexttime,Ithrow
somethingsharp,”theheiresspromises,hergreeneyesturningtoacheeseknife.“YouhavetowonderwhatwillhappenifIgetviolent.Willmyfatherunderstandyouusingforceagainsthisdaughterorwillhehaveyou
arrested?Ireallydon’twanttodoitthiswaybecauseIrespectallofyouforprotectingmyfamily.Soareyougoingtogivemeprivacyorwillthisgetmessy?”
“Youareyourfather’sdaughter,”saystheswordsmanwhoshetriedtokick.Hesheathshisweapon
andgesturesfortheotherstofollowhim.“We’llberightoutsideandtherearemenpostedbelowthebalcony.Usetheknockyourfathershowedyoutoletusknowyou’rereadytobebroughttohim.”
Theswordsmanrapidlyknocksonthedoorfivetimes
andkicksthebottom,causingtheguardsoutsidetolettheirfriendsout.Allofthewarriorsfileoutoftheroom,noddingtheirheadstoKiraastheyleave.Whenthedoorclosesandlocks,theheiressgrabsherenchantedkusari-gamaandclumsilyhurlsitoffthebalcony.Shewatchesthe
weaponflythroughtheairandfallintoafountain,theguardsalreadyhurryingtoinvestigate.
“Irefusetouseaweaponmyfathergaveme,”Kirastatesbeforetheotherscanquestionheractions.Shekicksopenanearbyfootlockerandpullsanother
kusari-gamaoutfromunderafewfoldeddresses.Thechainandsickleareheavilydentedandlacktheshineofherpreviousweapon.“TimbresentmethiswhileIwasattheacademy.Wouldyoubeabletosharpenitforme,Timoran?Iwoulddoitmyself,butI’msoangrythat
myhandsareshaking.”“Iwouldbehonored,”
thebarbarianreplies,acceptingtheweapon.HegrabsawhetstoneandpointsatabowlofwaterforEileentobringhim.“Iamunclearastowhyyouareangrywithyourfather.Heistakingyoutothebattlelikeyouhad
hopedhewould.”“Youmakeitsoundlike
atriptothemarketplace,”Eileenmentions,scowlingatthelargewarrior.Shegoestothewardrobetobringhermistressasuitofleatherarmor,thedarkredmaterialshowingveryfewsignsofuse.“Itwillbedangerousout
there,sodon’tfeelpressuredintogoing.IknowyouwishtohelpAsher,butthere’snoshameinstayinginthemanorwhereit’ssafe.”
“I’vealreadybeenthroughafewbattles,soI’mnotscared,”Kiraarguesasshestartsstrippingoutofherclothes.Sheremembers
Timoranisbehindhersosheslipsbehindapartitionbeforetakingherpantsoff.“MyproblemisthatmydadsaidIwouldbepartofhisescort.Themanisn’tawarrior,sohe’llbegoingtoahighvantagepointtowatch.Thisistokeepmeoutofthebattle.That’snoteventhe
realreasonI’msoangry.”“Thenwhatisyour
reason?”Timoranasks,checkingthesicklefornicks.
“MyfatheriskeepingLukeandSarilockedupaspotentialspies,”sheanswersinanexasperatedtone.Shepeeksaroundthepartition,makingsureherbody
remainscovered.“Weallknowhowridiculousthatis.Idon’tknowwhattheyoverheardwhentheyvisitedmyfather,butweneedthemforthisbattle.Theonlyreasonhecouldhaveforlockingthemupisbecauseoftheirrelationshiptome.WithLukeinthefight,I’mmore
inclinedtoenterthebattlefield.SamethingwithSari,butitwouldbetoproveI’mabetterwarrior.”
“Noteverythingisaboutyou,mistress,”hermaidpolitelypointsout.SheblushesandstepsawayfromKira’spiercinggaze.“Thoughit’scuriousthat
thosetwoareinprisonandTimoranisbeingsenttoAsher’spositiononthewall.Thenagain,yourfatherhasnotbeenofsoundmindtheselastfewweeks.I’msorryifIoversteppedmybounds,butthat’ssomethingIthinkyoushouldtakeintoaccount.”
“Trustme,Eileen,I
have.”Kirafinishesdonningher
armorandstepsoutfrombehindthepartition,herebonyhairtiedupwithaplainclip.Shehappenstolookoutthedoortothebalconywheresheseesastrangedotinthesky.Itissteadilygrowingasitcomes
closertoBor’daruk,butitvanishesintheblinkofaneye.ByKira’sbestguess,theobjectdisappearedoverthecitywall,butshehasabadfeelingthatitisstillstealthilyapproaching.Cautiously,shewalksovertoTimoranandreachesoutforherweapon,hereyesneverleavingthe
sky.Spinningtheweightedendofthechain,shewaitsforwhatevershesawtoreappear.
“Whatdidyousee?”Timoranasks,takingapositionnearthebalconydoors.
“Idon’tknow,”Kirawhispers,notwantingtoalerttheguards.“Itwassmall,but
Iknowsomethingwasthere.Maybeit’sanothermonsterandIhappenedtolookintherightdirectionattherighttime.Afewofmyrelativessawthemcoming.”
“Fizzleprotectyou,”thedritedeclaresfromaboveherhead.Hedartsawayfromtheflailingchainanddivesunder
thebed.“FizzlesorryhescareKira.Notdoagain.Delvin,Nyx,andDarianasayhi.”
“Fortheloveofeverygod,Fizzle,don’tdothattome,”theheiressgaspsasshefallstoherknees.Sheextendsherarmtocoaxthedriteout,thetinydragon
scamperingovertolickherfingers.“SoDelvinfoundNyxandDariana?Aretheyoutsidethemanor?”
“Withnomadsoutsidecity,”Fizzlesayswhilesittingonhishaunches.Hisredwingsflutter,shakingoffathinlayerofsand.“DelvinsendFizzletotalk.Monsters
fromstolenscepter.Guardrealmonster.Onlyoneleftandthenitescape.NomadsthinkKirafamilytakescepter.Noknowwhytheyusebeastsonself.”
“Wewouldn’t,butanenemywould,”theheiressreplies.Shegetsanappleforthedriteandrollsittohim
whileshepacesfromEileentoTimoran.“Somethingisn’trighthere.Ifsomeonestolethescepterandknewhowtosummontheguardiansthentheywouldknowabouttheirpurpose.Usingsuchathingtoattackabusinessrivalwouldbefoolishbecauseofthatfinalbeast.Maybeit’sa
crushedrivalorafiredemployee.”
“Orperhapsithasnothingtodowithbusiness,”Timoransuggestsasheplacesthedriteonhisshoulder.“Doyouknowanythingelseabouttheguardians?AccordingtoLukeandKira,theFelcriand
allmonsterspriortoitappearedtobeindestructibleforatime,butthebirddidnothavethisability.”
“HolyladytellFizzleguardianspure,”heexplainswhilespittingchewedappleontothefloor.“Theynobekilleduntiltakemortallife.Oncetheykill,theycandie.
Kirafamilyusedas...notsureshouldsayword.”
“Thewordissacrifice,”theheiressbitterlystates,herfaceflushedwithanger.“Thisisn’taboutmyfamily’sbusiness.It’saboutusingallofustoawakenthismonsteranddistractthenomadsfromtherealthief.”
“WhywouldthispersonpicktheGrasdons?”Eileenasksinacrackingvoicethatbetraysheranxiety.Shecalmsdownwhenhermistressputsanarmaroundher,butherbreathingstillcomesinraggedgasps.“Yourfamilyissokind,LadyGrasdon.Eventhosewho
dislikeyoursuccesswouldn’tgothisfar.Onewouldhavetobearealmonstertodothis.Whoeveritismustbeenjoyingtheanguishit’scausingyourfather.”
KiramovesawayfromEileenandwalkstothebalcony,herfingersrapidlytappingonherlips.Shehops
ontotherailingandlooksaroundthecourtyard,theanimalswanderingaroundasusual.Theguardsmovetowatchherandsheaththeirweaponsincasetheyhavetocatchtheheiress.Awarmbreezecaressesherfaceasshecloseshereyesandstrugglestothinkofan
answertothemystery.Whilenotafool,Kirahasyettomastertheconceptsofstrategyandseeingthroughdeflectionoutsideofforgingtradeagreements.ShehastriedtostudythesubjecteversinceshereturnedtoBor’daruk,butshehasalwaysbeenbetteratraisingherown
facadesthanbreakingthoseofothers.YetsheknowstheyhavebeenchasingphantomsthisentiretimeandhermindcontinuesshiftingbacktoLuke.
“Wealreadyswitchedourfocustomyfamily’sdestructionbeingthemaingoalofwhoeverisdoingthis.
Somaybethisisn’taboutmakingmyfathersuffer,”Kiraexplainswhileshegetsofftherailing.Shehurriesintoherroomandclosesthebalconydoorsbehindher,flickingthelockshut.“Ifthesemonstershavebeenusedtodestroymyfamilythenitmakesnosenseto
leavemyself,Asher,andmyfatherfortheend.Sothethreeofusareneededforthatgreatbeasttobeunleashed.Mybrotheristhefamily’sbestwarrior,sohewouldbethemostlikelyonetokillthebeasts.I’mconnectedtoLuke,whichmeansIcouldbeusedtobringhimandtherest
ofyouintothefight.ThechampionswouldbeusedtokillthemonsterthatisusedtoeliminateAsherandmyself.ImaginewhatLukewouldbelikeifIwaseatenbyoneofthosebeasts.UnlessI’mneededforanotherpartofwhateverthisritualis.”
“Whataboutyour
father?”Timoranasks,unsureofwhereKiraisgoingwithhertrainofthought.“Whatpurposewoulditservetolethimseehisfamilydie?Thatwouldonlydrivehimintomadness.”
“Ifthatwasthecasethenhewouldlosehisbusiness,”Eileenpointsout,struggling
tocontributeeventhoughsheisveryconfused.
“That’snotit,”Kirastates,grabbingherweaponandrushingtothefrontdoor.“Myfatherhasbeengoingonaboutmymomsincethiswholethingstarted.He’ssuddenlyprotectiveofmeafterlettingmefightthe
monstersforweeks.Ithinkit’sclearwhat’sgoingon.”
Sheknocksonthewoodenportalthesamewaytheswordsmandidandshehearstheclickoftheopeninglock.Themomentthedooropens,sheleapsforwardandspinsthebluntendofherkusari-gama.Inlessthana
minute,threeofheropponentsfallunconscioustothefloorwhiletheothersbackawaytodrawtheirweapons.Theyarenotsureiftheyshouldattack,whichgivesherenoughtimetoknockoutafewmoreofthem.AnycouragetheyhaveiserasedwhenTimoran
lumbersintothehallwaywithFizzleononeshoulderandhisaxeontheother.Theguardsdroptheirweaponsandputuptheirhands,movingagainstthewall.
“Takecareofthesemen,Eileen,”Kiraorders,gesturingforthebarbariantofollowher.“I’mreallysorry
aboutattackingallofyou,butI’minarush.”
“FizzleconfusedonKiradad’splan,”thedriteadmitsashetakesflight.
“Myfatherisbehindallofthis,”shereplies,sprintingdownthehallway.Sheskidsaroundaturnandvaultsdownthestairstowardthe
dungeon.“Thatlastbeastmightbeabletoresurrectmymotherandhe’sgoingtousemybodytodoit.LukeandSarimusthaveoverheardtheplan,whichiswhythey’relockedup.Sowe’regoingtobreakthemoutandgetAshertostopthebattlewiththenomads.”
GuardsturntowardthesoundofrunningfeetanddrawtheirweaponsatthesightofKiraandTimoranchargingdownthehallway.Assumingthatthereisathreatwithinthemanor,theyswiftlyfileinbehindthepair.Nobodyquestionswhatishappeningandthearmored
warriorsyellforservantstohideinthenearestroom.Bythetimetheprocessionreachesthestairstothedungeon,thereisasmallarmybehindKira.TheguardsareveryconfusedwhentheyfollowhertofindWaylandandhiseliteguardsblockingtheentrancetothejail.
“Outoftheway,dad,”Kirademandsasshekeepshereyesonthefivewarriorsbehindherfather.SheputsupherhandtostopTimoranfromsteppingforward.“Iknowyou’rebehindthemonstersandaresacrificingustoresurrectmom.I’mwillingtoletyourunaway
fromBor’darukwhilemyfriendsandIcleanupyourmess.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Waylandaskswhileadjustingtheringsonhischubbyfingers.“IwouldneversacrificemyfamilytobringmyBreaback.Shewoulddespisemefordoing
suchathing.”“True,but...damnit!”
Kirashouts,realizingherfatherisright.Withhermomentumgone,hervoicelosessomeofitsedge.“Thenwhyhaveyoubeenactingsostrange?Whydoyouhavemyfriendslockedupwhentheycanhelpus?Youhaveto
knowthatwe’vebeensetupagainsttheHelgardians.Somebodyisplayingbothsidesforsomereason.”
“Don’tworryaboutthingsthatyouwouldn’tunderstand,”theportlymerchantsaysasheapproacheshisdaughter.Heplacesagentlehandonher
shoulderandsmiles,theexpressionremindingherofthewarmmanwhohelpedraiseher.“Justknowthateverythingwillbetakencareof.Iwon’tloseyouandAsherliketheothers.Yourmotherwon’tletthathappen.Asforyourfriends,theyareathreattoourvictory.Like
you,theybelievemetobebehindthis,butI’monlydoingwhatisrightforourfamily.”
“You’reright,dad.Idon’tunderstand.”
“Thencomewithmetothebattlefield.”
“DoyouhavetheHelgardians’scepter?”
“Idon’tunderstandwhatthathastodowithanything.”
Kirawipesafewwarmtearsfromhereyesandtakesadeepbreathbeforelookingatherfather’sface.“It’sasimplequestion.Lookmeineyesandtellmethatyoudon’thavethescepter.Rememberthatmom
wouldn’tlikeitifyouliedtoyouronlydaughterwhoremindsyouofhereveryday.Doyouhavethescepterornot?”
“Yes,”Waylandsayswithoutturningaway.“I’vehadtheirscepterthisentiretime.”
Withanenragedscream,
Kirawrapsthechainofherweaponaroundherfather’sneckandyankshimoff-balance.Shespinshimaroundandputshersharpenedsickletohisthroat,hertear-filledeyeswatchingtheeliteguards.Shecanhearthesoldiersbehindhershiftuncomfortablyasthe
whisperedtruthrunsthroughthecrowd.EvenWayland’sbodyguardsholdtheirweaponsloosely,uncertaintyetchedontheirface.
“Letmyfriendsgo,sowecanstopthiswar,”Kirademandsasherpentupangerandgriefsurgesthroughherheart.Oneofthebodyguards
stepsforward,stoppingwhenshedrawsatrickleofherfather’sblood.“IswearI’llkillhimifyoutrytofightme.Afterall,hegotmyentirefamilykilled.Whyshouldn’tIbeabletoreturnthefavor?”
“Youdon’tunderstand!”Waylandroars.Hestrugglesagainsthisdaughter,
surprisedatthestrengthofhergrip.“ThesceptergrantswishesandtheHelgardiansremovedallbutoneofthembeforemyagentstoleit.Inordertousethefinalwish,theothershavetobeusedfirstandthosesavagesareusingthemtosendmonsters.Oncethenomadsaredefeated
andtheirwishesarespent,Icanusethelastonetobringyourmotherback.Maybeevenreviveourentirefamilyandreversethedamagethosepeoplecaused.”
“You’vebeenfooled,dad.Someofmyfriendsarewiththenomadsandtheylearnedthetruth.The
monstersareguardingsomethingworsethatliveswithinthescepter.Whenthelastbeastfalls,whateverisinsidewillbefree.You’rebeingusedandourfamilyisbeingsacrificed.Idon’tknowwhysomeonewoulddothis,butyou’vebeentheirtoolthisentiretime.”
“Yourfriendshavebeenmanipulatedbythosesavages!”herfatherscreams,nearlychokinghimselfonthechain.“Ifthemonsterscamefromthescepterthensomeonewouldhavetobeusingit.I’venevercalledanythingforthfromitandonlyoneotherpersonknows
whereithasbeenhidden.”“Itrustmyfriendsmore
thanyourightnow,”theheiresssays,unabletostophertearsfromflowing.Shefightstoholdontoherrageasshefeelsherresolveweakening.“Idon’tknowwhoyourpartnerisorwhattheytoldyou,butyou’ve
beentricked.Theattackshadtohavebeenplannedfrominsideourhousebecausethemonstersknewexactlywherewewouldbe.PleaselistentomeandletmyfriendsandIstopthis.”
“IfIlistentoyouthenI’lllosetheonlychanceIhavetogetmywifeback,”
Waylandclaimswhilehegaspsforair.Droppinghissenseofdecorum,hefranticallypullsatthechainandcringeswhentwoofhismanicurednailssnapoff.“SowhatifI’mbehindthescepterandthemonsterscamefromthedamnthing?Ourfamilylivedoffmysuccessfor
decadesandtheyactedlikeournoblestandingtooknoefforttomaintain.JustlookatsomeonelikeQuillwhogavenothingtotheGrasdonname.Imightnothavebeentheonetosacrificethem,butIonlymournforyourbrothers.”
“Therewerechildrenwhowerekilled.”
“BetternowthanletthemgrowuptofeedofftheGrasdonnamelikeparasites.”
Kiraletsgoofherweaponandstepsawayfromherfather,allowinghimtouncoilthechainfromhisthroat.Hetossesherweaponintoanearbypailasshestaresatthefloor,tears
drippingonthestones.NobodyiswhisperingandtimeseemstostopwhileWaylandwatcheshisdaughter.Hefixeshisbeardandturnstogiveorderstohiseliteguards,butfreezeswhenheseesthemdroptheirscimitars.Ashufflingmakestheportlymerchantwhirl
aroundandheissentreelingbyKira’sfiststrikinghisjaw.Hestaysonhisfeet,butsherepeatedlypuncheshiminthefacewithoututteringaword.WhenWaylandfallstotheground,shecasuallystraddleshischestandcontinuestheassault.
“Ithinkyouhavemade
yourpoint,”Timoranwhispers,catchingtheheiressbythearmandliftingherofftheground.“Youaregoingtofeelterribleforwhatyouhavedone,sodonotaddpatricidetoyoursins.”
“Thankyou,Timoran,”Kiraweaklysays.Shemovestowipehereyes,but
shuddersatthesightofherfather’sbloodonherknuckles.“TakeWaylandGrasdontohisquartersandhavehisinjuriestendedto.Leaveguardsoutsidehisroom,butdon’tsendamessengertothemayoryet.Iwanttokeepthisin-houseuntiltheHelgardiansare
handled.IguessIshouldaskifeveryonewillfollowmyordersorabandonthefamilyafterwhatyou’veseen.”
“WeacceptyouasthenewleaderoftheGrasdonMerchantHouse,”oneoftheeliteannouncestotheagreementoftheothers.Theyputtheirfiststotheir
foreheadsandbowtoKira,makingtheheiressfeelalittlestronger.“Weallheardwhatyourfathersaid,sodon’tfearthatwewillbetrayyou.Doyouhaveanyotherorders?”
Theblack-hairedwomanmakesherwaytothepailandretrievesherweapon,shakingpipeashoffthechain.“Let
LukeandSarioutofthedungeonandgivethembacktheirgear.Iwanteveryoneheretodefendthemanor.MyfriendsandIwillgotoAsherandtellhimnottoattackthenomads.Ijusthopewecangetthereintime.”
“FizzlegotellKirabrother.Fizzlegettowall
fast.”Kiranodstothetiny
dragonbeforehedartsupthestairs,causingallofthewarriorstoreflexivelyduck.Takingadeepbreath,theheiresstakesthedungeonkeysfromtheeliteguardsandgesturesforthemtotakeherfatheraway.Sheisunableto
lookawayfromthebloodyfacethatsherememberskissinghergoodnightasachild.ItisnotuntilWaylandiscarriedupthestairsandoutofsightthatKirasnapsoutofhermemories,straightensherback,andmakesherfirstdecisionasheadoftheGrasdonMerchantHouse.
*****“Don’tengage!”Delvin
screamsasarrowsbounceoffthebarrieraroundtheHelgardianencampment.HecanhearMisraeyellingthesamethingfromtheothersideofthecamp,thetwowarriorsusingtheirdrawnbladestosignaleachother.“I
havenoideawhytheystartedshootingatus.IfIcouldgettothewallthenIcouldconvincethecommandertocallofftheattack,especiallyifAsheristhere.”
“There’sadarknesscomingfromBor’daruk,”Darianasays,sittingcross-leggedonthehotsand.She
sendsamentaltremorintotheenemyarchers,causingtheirshotstohitthegroundseveralyardsawayfromthenomads.“It’scomingfromthewall,butsomethingelseiscomingfromthecity.Notdarkorlight.PureisthebestwordIcanusetodescribeit.I’msorrythatIcan’tgiveyouany
moredetails.”“Thefinalguardianis
coming,”Sharnestates,shiveringinthemiddaysun.“Ifit’skilledthentheBeastofPalquawillawaken.”
“Canyoufight,Nyx?”Delvinloudlyasksashewavestothedistantcaster.Heseeshernodandthe
barrieraroundtheencampmenttakesonaredtint.“StaywiththeHelgardians,Dariana,andkeepthemoutofthebattle.I’msurethetwoofuscanscaretheguardianbackintothescepter.”
“Idon’tbelievethesecreaturesknowfear,”the
silver-hairedwomanreplieswhilesheemitsofcalmthroughoutthecamp.
“ThenNyxandIwillteachit,”thewarriorsdeclareswithagrin.Hebowstothecasterassheapproachesandgesturesforhertoleadtheway.“Ladieswithenoughmagictolevela
largecityfirst.”Thehalf-elfflicksatiny
flameatDelvin’snoseasshewalksby.“Ialmostforgothowchivalrousyouwere.Youalwaysknowwhentoletagirlgetwhatshewants.”
Thepairstopwhentheyseeasmallmoundofsandrollthroughthewidearea
betweenBor’darukandthenomads.Acreakingmoancanbeheardfromtheground,whichcausesthearcherstostopfiring.Delvinliesdowntogetaclearerlookatthesurfaceofthedesertandheissurprisedtoseethatthereareconstant,subtlemovements.Astheshiftinggrainsgrow
morepronounced,thewarriorstandsandstepsinfrontofNyx.Withaflickofherhand,thecastermovesherallytotheside.Sheholdsoutherhandstofeelthethickauraintheair,herheadswimmingfromtherawpower.
Awhirlpoolofsandappearsbetweenthetwo
forcesandthegroanbecomesabaritonebellow.Twomassivearmsofhardenedsandrisefromtheearthandshakethedesertwithapowerfulslam.Thecreaturehoistsitselfoutofthewhirlpooltorevealadune-likebodyandagapingmaw.Itseyesareapairofsolid
flamesthatgentlyrotateinshadowyeyeholesthattakeinallofthemortals.SeeingthewallofBor’daruk,thebeastgroansandabsorbsmoresandtotoweroverthecitydefenses.
“Whatisthatthing?”Delvinasks,watchingtheguardiancontinuetobloat.
“Ithinkit’sasandgolem,butit’sbeenenhanced,”Nyxanswersasshesendsplumesoffireintothesky.“StayhereandI’llhandleit.Whenyougetanopening,runforthecityandgetthosesoldierstofallback.”
“Thatmightnotbea
problem.”Nyxwatchesthesoldiers
retreatintothecitywhilethearchersfireatthecreature.Thearrowsharmlesslysinkintothesandgolem,whichstaresatthetinyattackers.Itraisesitshandtosmashtheannoyingwarriors,butitispushedbackbyaswarmof
largefireballs.Thespellsexplodealongthesandybody,fillingareawithdislodgedgrainsthataresuckedbackintothesuckingholes.ThegolemfacesNyxwhoishoveringatfaceheightanddriftingtodrawthecreature’sattentiontowardtheopendesert.Shelashes
outwithwhipsoflightningthatslicethroughtheguardian,butthewoundshealimmediately.
Nyxgetsashielduptoblockthegolem’shand,buttheforcesendshercrashingintoanearbydune.Thecreaturelungesforward,itsbodystretchingwhilethe
bottomhalfremainsconnectedtotheground.Transformingintoawaveofsand,theguardianenvelopesNyxandappearstoswallowherwhole.Itshiftsbackintoitsoriginalform,butaglowingbubbleblossomsfromthesideofitshead.Withamuffledexplosion,the
half-elfblastsoutofthecreatureandturnsitstophalfintoagentlerainofsand.ShelandsnexttoDelvinandtheywatchasthesandgolemswiftlyreforms.
“Bruteforcemightnotbeagoodideaagainstsomethingthatcan’tdie,”thewarriorpointsout.Hetackles
Nyxoutofthewaywhenaspearofglassisfiredfromthesandgolem’sforehead.“Barelysawthatthingcoming.Anyideas?”
“Stickyourlandingandholdontight,”Nyxwhisperswhenshenoticesafamiliarformnearthewall.
ShesmacksDelvinon
theback,deliveringaspellthatlauncheshimintothesky.Heflailsforaseconduntilheseestheapproachinggriffin.Withagrin,thewarriorwaveshislongsword,buthegetstheattentionofthesandgolemtoo.Itsarmbecomesageyserofskin-tearingsandthatDelvincan
tastebeforeheispluckedoutoftheway.Thegriffinflipshimontoherbackasshesoarsoverthedesertandturnsforapassatthesandgolem.
“Everthinkweshouldpracticefightinglikethis?”Delvinasksashereadieshisswordandgripsthebeast’s
fur.Thegriffinturnsherheadaround,anincredulouslookonherface.“Iguessnowisn’tthetime.I’mgoingtoassumeFizzlefoundyouguys,soyouknowwehavetokeepitfromkillinganyone.”
Thegriffinscreechesandducksunderthesandgolem’sarm,gettingcloseenoughfor
Delvintostabintoitsbody.Thesworddragsalongthesandycreatureasthewingedbeastcirclesitsenemy,butthewoundhealsasquicklyasitismade.Dippingunderaswinginglimbandswervingaroundaglassyspikethateruptsfromtheearth,thegriffinretreatstowardthecity
wall.Sheroarswhenthearchersfireandforcehertoriseoutoftheirreach.Thesandgolemstretchestowardsthepair,butitsbottomhalfissentcrashingagainstthecitywallbyadevastatingwindtunnelfromNyx.Thetophalftumblesintothewhirlpoolandvanisheswithinthe
swirlinggrains,itsmassiveformshiftingandhealingbeneaththesurface.
“DropmeoffatthegateandI’llhandlethearchers,”Delvinorders,kickingthegriffinintheside.ShedivesatBor’darukandflipsupsidedownneartheground,unceremoniouslydumping
thewarrioronhisback.“Ideservedthat.Seeyouafterthebattle.”
ThegriffinfliesbacktoNyxwhoiscautiouslywatchingthedesert.Theundulatingsurfacegoesstillandeveryoneisquiet,exceptforthesuddensoundofclashingweaponsonthecity
wall.AmassivehandburstsfromthesandbeneathNyx,grabbingherandbackhandingthesurprisedgriffin.Thebeastshakesitsheadclearandfliesatthegolem,blastingthroughitsforearm.Afewstrandsofstickysandholdontotheaerialbeast’swingsandsnap
herbackintothebody.ThegriffinismovedclosertoNyx,preventingthecasterfromblastingherwaytofreedom.
ScreamsrisefromBor’darukasatoweringformrisesfromtheocean,itsbodycomposedentirelyofwater.Thestrangegiantwalks
aroundthecitywithlongstridesandmakesagurglingroartoattracttheattentionofthesandgolem.Asthenewcreaturewalksaroundthewall,itspitsajetofwaterthatwashesawaythelimbholdingNyxandthegriffin.Catchingthecasterinhertalons,thewingedbeastsoars
outofreachofthegolemandapproachestothewatergiant.Atinyfigurecanbeseeninitschest,hermovementscontrollingthecreature.Sarichargesthesandgolemandpunchesitintheface,whichmixesthetwomonsters.Itisasavageslugfestwiththegypsyswimmingoutofthe
wayofthegolem’sattacksandherfalsemonsterbatteringitsmuddyopponent.
“Soakitandgetoutoftheway,littlesister!”Nyxshoutsassheclambersontothebackofthegriffin.“Whenshe’sdone,getmeascloseaspossible,Lucy.”
Sarishiftstothetopof
thewatergiant’sheadandhasthelargefigureembracethesandgolem.Asthetoweringfiguresstruggle,sheslidesdowntothegroundandbacksaway,focusingherattentiononkeepinghercreationtogether.Thegolem’sthrashinggraduallybecomessluggishasitssandybody
absorbsalloftheseawater.Angryandconfused,theguardiantrieshurlingglobsofmudatthecitywall.ItfailstonoticethegriffinswooptowarditandNyxleapontoitsshoulder.Shepumpsasmuchfireandheatintothesandgolemasshecan,hardeningitsbodywiththe
intentionoflockingitinplace.Witharoar,thecreatureshattersitsoutercoatingandsendsNyxtumblingtotheground.
“Thisthingisn’tgivingup,”Sarisaysasshehurriestohelpherfriend.Theyaregrabbedbythegriffinaninstantbeforeasolidfist
strikesthespottheywerestandingin.“Sohowwasyourtimeinthedesert?”
“Really?”“Imissedyou,Nyxie.”“Focusonthe
indestructiblemonster!”“What’sDarianadoing?”Thegriffindodgesa
sprayofglassdaggers,
makingitdifficultforNyxtogetaclearviewofthesilver-hairedwoman.Whenthesandgolemstopsattacking,shecanseeDarianastandingintheopen.Thechampion’seyesarelockedwiththoseofthecreature,whichraisesitsfisttosmashher.Itsarmshuddersandslumpstothe
ground,missingitstargetbyafewinches.Shemassageshertemplesandcontinuesfocusingontheguardian,bloodseepingfromhersapphireeyes.Thesandgolemroarsandleansforwardasiftoarguewithitssmallenemy.Whenitsfacecomeswithinreach,she
gentlyputsherhandonitscheekandthecreaturecollapseswiththesighofairescapingfromitsmouth.ThebodycrumplesandbecomesnothingmorethanalargedunebetweenBor’darukandtheHelgardians.
“Whatdidyoudo,Dariana?”Nyxasksasthe
griffinlands.Sherushestotheotherwomanwhoisonherhandsandknees.“Pleasetellmeyoudidn’tkillit.”
“I’mverysorry,buttheguardiandidn’tleavemeachoice,”Darianawhispersinagravellyvoice.Shetriestowipethebloodfromherface,butsmearsitaroundinstead.
“Itriedtoconvinceittogobacktosleep,butitwascompelledtofight.Therewasnotarget.Thecreaturewastoldtokillanditcouldn’tstop.Iturneditsmindoff,whichIhatedoing.It’sahorriblethingtodoandI’msosorrythatImadeamessofthings.”
“Maybethisdoesn’tcountasthecreaturebeingdead,”Lukesuggestsafterhetransformsandcrackshisback.“ItsoundslikeyouputitintoacomaandSariwasstillalivewhileinoneofthose.Besides,Fizzlesaidtheguardiansareinvulnerableaslongastheydon’tkillan
innocent,right?”“It’sstilltechnically
alive,”DarianastateswhileNyxhelpsherstand.“WeshouldtalktoSharneandbringhertothescepter.Whohasit?”
“We’llexplainonthewaytoGrasdonManor,”Sarisays,hurryingtowardthe
city.Shestopswhensheseesthattheguardsarepouringoutofthegate,weaponsdrawnforbattle.“Thefightisstillgoingon?IthoughtKiraandTimoranweregoingtotellAsherabouthisfatherandputastoptothis.”
Awoman’shigh-pitchedscreamrollsfromthetopof
thecitywall,causingthearmedmentostopandlookup.Thesoundisstillechoingwhenabodyfallsfromthefortifications,achaintrailingbehindit.
*****AsSarihurriestothe
docksandLuketransformsintoagriffin,Timoransprints
towardthecitywall.Kiraclingstohisneckasherushesthroughthebusystreets,leapingoveranythinginhispath.Peoplegetoutofhiswaysincehisgreataxeisdrawnandafiercelookisonhischiseledface.Whenhegetstothecoveredstairs,thebarbarianboundsupthemto
thetopofthewall.Kiradropsfromthelargewarrior’sbackandshakeshertinglingarmsbeforeuncoilingherweaponfromaroundherwaist.
“Asher!”theheiressshouts,drawingtheattentionofthearchers.Shecroucheswhenthesandgolememergesfromthedesertandarrows
areloosed.“Hasanybodyseenmybrother?Wehavetotalktohimandstoptheattack!TheHelgardiansaren’ttheenemyandthemonstersareactuallyguardians!Pleasestopfighting!”
“Whotoldyousuchafoolishthing?”Asherasksas
hepusheshiswaythroughsomeofhismen.GrippedinhisrighthandisanelegantbastardswordandhisleftiswrappedaroundFizzle’sneck.“Ididn’twanttobelievethiscreature.Tothinkthatmybelovedsisterwouldturnonherownfamily.Takeyourpetbackandteachhim
tobehave.”Hethrowsthedriteto
KirawhocatchesFizzleandholdshimclosetoherchest.Shebacksawayfromherbrother,noticinghisskinispalerthanthelasttimeshesawhim.Hischestnuthairisoilyandhiseyesareslightlysunkenasifhehasnotslept
indays.Adullhumemanatesfromthestrangebladethatheletshanglimpathisside,thepointskitteringonthestonewheneverhemoves.
“Youknowfathersacrificedourfamilyandyou’restillsidingwithhim,”Kirawhispers,placingtheunconsciousdriteonthe
ground.“Pleasedon’tmakemefightyou,Ash.IfyoucontinuethisbattlethenBor’darukwillbedestroyed.”
“Mynewmastertoldmethatanditdoesn’tconcernme,”herbrothercoldlyreplies.Henoticesthegriffinflyingnearbyandslicestheheadoffthenearestarcherto
thegethismen’sattention.“Fireatthatwingedbeastorsufferthesamefate!Let’sseehowourprincesshandlesseeingthedeathofherbelovedCallindor.”
HalfofthebowmendroptheirweaponswhenTimoranroarsandchargesattheircommander.Kirawatchesthe
barbarianswingwithanoverheadchop,closinghereyestoavoidseeingherbrother’sdemise.Instead,Asherraiseshisswordtoblocktheattackandacracklingexplosionsendshisattackerflyingback.Timorantumblesdownthestairs,hissteaminggreataxeskittering
aheadofhim.“ItappearsaReflector
Bladedefeatsadeflectorweapon,”Ashercasuallystates,examininghisflawlessweapon.Heblowsafewwispsofsmokeofftheedgeandrunshisglovedhandalongtheblade.“Abeautifulgiftthatmynewmaster
instructedfathertogiveme.Iwastoldthattheformerownerwastooweaktowieldit,butithastakentomequiteswiftly.Withthispower,Icancrushthosenomadsanddefendourfamily.”
“Putthecursedsworddown,Ash,”Kirabegshim,spinningtheweightedendof
herweapon.“I’llfightyouifIhaveto,butI’dratheryougiveup.Pleaseseethatyou’rebeingusedandstanddown.”
“Willyoukillme,Kiki?”“I’llbeatyou.”“Thatwasn’tthe
question.”Kirabitesherlowerlip
andrushesatherbrother,whippingherweaponathisfeettodrivehimtowardthestairs.Heeasilymovesawayfromtheattacks,leanstohisleftwhenthesickleisswungathisarm.Shecontinuestryingtohithisleather-coveredlimbsinsteadofaimingforhisunprotected
head.Asherstepstothesidetoletoneofherattacksgobyandwrapsherweaponaroundthebastardsword.HeyanksKiraoffherfeetandstabsdownather,butshecatchesthetipbetweenchainlinksandredirectstheblade.Theswordhitsthestonewithasolidclangandtheforceruns
upthewarrior’sarm,causinghismusclestotwitch.Theyoungwomanuntanglesherkusari-gamaandbacksawaywhileAsherrubshisshoulder,hiseyesclearforasecondbeforeturningglassyagain.
“That’sthedifferencebetweenus,”hedeclares
whileadvancingonhissister.Heswingshisweapon,grinningassheblockstheattackandfallstoherknees.“Yourefusetotrulyfightme,butIwillkillyouifIhaveto.We’refamily,soIwouldprefertospareyourlifeandwelcomeyoutomymaster’sfold.Ourbloodshouldbe
thickenoughtoputussidebyside.Though,I’msuretheCallindor’sinfluencehascorruptedyou.Youhavenoloyaltytoyourkinsinceyourepeatedlychoosehimoverourwishesandtraditions.Suchaweakchildwithnoconvictioninherheart.You’reaninsulttoourentire
family.”“I’mnottheonewho
sacrificedmykintomonsters!”Kirashouts,jumpingtoherfeetandcharging.Shedrivesherbrotherbackandducksunderhisswordtogetbehindhim,strikinghisswordarmwiththebluntendofherweapon.
“Youmightbewillingtokillme,butyou’reusinganunfamiliarweapon.Thatthingisn’tweightedandcurvedlikeascimitar,whichhasalwaysbeenyourfavoredblade.I’vemasteredthekusari-gama,whichmeansIhavetheadvantage.Sosurrenderanddropthe
bastardsword.”“Allwordsandnoheart.
IthinkI’llmakethisharderforyou,”hesayswhileremovingoneofhisgloves.Hegripsthehiltofhisweaponandhisfleshwrapsaroundit,retainingenoughflexibilitytoallowhimtomovetheweaponwithease.
“Takemyhandandprayitremovesthisso-calledcurse.Ifyou’rewrongthenI’llcontinuefightinguntilIbleedtodeath.”
Kiratriesherbesttoraiseherweapon,herarmsshakingasshestaresintothecoldeyesofherbrother.Memoriesofherrelatives’bodiesand
thefeelingofattackingherfatherrushintohermind.Tryingtoholdontoaflickerofrage,theheiressattacksandslamstheweightedendofherweaponintoAsher’sribs.Shenimblyavoidshisstabsandslashes,patientlywaitingforanopeninginhisdefenses.Withanunderhand
flick,shehitshiminthegroinandAshercollapsestohisknees.Hisexpressionofshockandpainmakesherstop,givinghimtheopportunitytostabatherchest.AnexpertlywieldedlongswordcatchesthebladeasDelvinstepsbetweenthebattlingsiblings.
“I’mnotsureifIshouldapologizeforgettinginvolvedhere,”thebrown-hairedwarrioradmits,keepingAsher’sweaponpressedagainsttheground.Henoticestheraggedlookofthenobleandtakesaquickglanceatthebastardsword.“Iknowthisweapon.We
gaveittothemastersofRainbowTower.Howdidyougetit?”
“Mynewmastergaveittome,”Asherangrilygrowls.HepunchesDelvinintheface,knockinghimawayandfreeinghisblade.“Let’sseewhichoneofusisthebetterwarrior.I’mguessingyou
won’tkillmeinfrontofmyownsister.”
ThecursedwarriorgrabshisbastardswordwithbothhandsandfuriouslybattersatDelvin’sdefenses.Asherisbasicandclumsy,butthestrengthofhisblowsgraduallynumbshisenemy’sarms.Whenthechampion
slipstothesideofanoverheadchop,thenoblemanspitsoneofhisteethathisenemy’sfacetostunhim.Ashergrinswhenthebrown-hairedwarriortriestoblockthenextattackwithashieldthatisnotthere,butthestrikeisstillstoppedbyasloppy,offhandparry.Theforce
causesDelvintodrophisweaponandstumbleback,thewallshakingfromthesandgolemcollapsing.Asherslashesatthechampion’schest,causinghisenemytoleapawayandlandawkwardly.Thebrown-hairedwarriortriestosmacktheincomingstabtotheside,
butthecursedbladestillslicesthroughhisarmorandcutshisside.ThenoblekicksDelvininthechestandwatcheshisgaspingenemytumbledownthestairs.
“Patheticcreatures.Ishouldmakeyousufferbeforedeath,”Ashersaysashewalkstothecitysideof
thewall.Heholdsuphisswordandclearshisthroat,glancingbackatKirawhoisstillhunchedoverindefeat.“Hearme,men!Thatmonsterwasoneofoursandthechampionshavedestroyedit!TheyareonthesideoftheHelgardians!Killthemandrazetheencampmentbefore
theycansummonanotheroftheircreatures!Takenoprisonersandbringmethechampions’heads!”
ThelargedoorscreakopenasAshermovestoothersideofthewallandwatcheshisarmytakepositioninfrontofBor’daruk.Heisabouttoordertheattackwhena
screamripsthroughtheair.Beforethenoblecanturnaround,hefeelsachainwraparoundhisneckandheisspunaround.AshercatchesaglimpseofKira’sfaceassheflipshimoffthewallandtwistsherweapon,thesoundofherbrother’snecksnappingsappingthelastof
herstrength.Sheletsgoofthekusari-gamaandturnsawaytoavoidseeingthebodyhittheground.
AsicknessfillsKira’sstomachandshehurriestothefarsideofthewalltovomit.Hersensesarenumbandshebarelynoticesthesoundofwingsasthegriffin
landsbehindher.WhenLukewrapshisarmsaroundher,theheiressbreaksdownandcriesuncontrollably.Shebeatsonthehalf-elf’schestwithlimp-wristedpunchesandsinkstoherknees,dragginghimdownwithher.Scaringeveryoneinearshot,Kirascreamsatthetopofher
lungsinanattempttoreleasetherageandgriefthatchurnsbeneathherskin.ShecontinuesuntilherthroatisrawandsheclingstoLukelikeherlifedependsonneverlettinghimgo.
“Idon’twanttobethelastone,”shewhimpersoverandoveragain.
15
“Areyousureyoushouldbecarryingthatthing?”NyxasksDelvin,watchinghimputthecursedbastardswordintohisbottomlesspouch.“Idon’twanttohaveto...Ithinkit’stoodangerousforustoholdonto.”
“Iagree,butlookwhat
happenedwhenweletitoutofoursight,”DelvinsaysasheglancesatKira.TheyoungwomanclingstoLuke’sarmwhiledraggingherweaponalongthecobblestonesofthemanorentrance.“IfholdingontothisweaponcansavepeoplefromitthenI’lltakeittomygrave.Nothappyabout
pilferingthedead,butIrefusetoletStephenhanditofftosomeoneelse.Youthinkshe’sgoingtobeokay?”
“No,”Saribluntlyanswerswhilewalkingbackwardsandeyeingtheheiress.“Assomeonewhowentthroughsomething
similar,Icantellyouthatshe’snotgoingtohealveryquickly.Notifshestaysinthiscityanyway.”
“Wecan’ttakeherwithus,”Nyxwhispers,feelingalittlequeasyastheyenterthemainbuilding.“It’stoodangerousandshe’snotgoingtobeofsoundmind.
Doesanybodyelsefeelsickallofasudden?”
Thegypsyturnsaroundandputsanarmaroundherbestfriend’sshoulders.“Ibelieveweallfeelnauseatedforonereasonoranother,Nyxie.Gladtohaveyouback,butIwishitwasabetterreunion.Ilikeyour
tan.”“Thanks,butIdon’t
thinkitwilllast,”thecasteradmitsasshelooksatthelavishdecorationsonthewalls.Sherecognizesafewofthepaintings,makingherwonderiftheyaretheoriginalsorcopies.“Wherearewegoing?”
“Totalktomyfather,”Kirarepliesinacrackingvoice.“Iwanttolethimknowwhathappenedtomybrotherandseewhathehastosay.I’dappreciateitifallofyouwouldbetheretohelpmegetthroughthis.”
“Wewillstaybyyourside,myfriend”Timoran
statesashesqueezeshershoulder.HeholdsontoletFizzlecrawlontotheheiressandnuzzleherneck.“Donothesitatetoaskusforanythingthatyouneed.”
“KnockmeoutifIattack.Witheverythinghedid...Waylandwillbestrippedofhissurnameand
exiled.That’sworsethandeathandIwanttomakesurehegetsit.”
LukeholdsKiratightlyandgivesherakissonthecheek,hopingtodissolvesomeofhersorrow.Hehasbeensilentfortheentirewalkbacktothemanor,lostinhisownthoughtsaboutwhathe
willdotoStephenwhentheymeetagain.Thepresenceofthebastardswordisalltheproofheneedstoknowtheirmostsadisticenemyisbehindeverything.HeisthankfulthattheystoppedthewarwiththeHelgardians,butallsilverliningsarewipedawaybythesensationofhisfiancée’s
stutteringheartbeat.Theringofunsheathed
steelsnapsLukeoutofhisthoughtsandheseeshisfriendsreadyingtheirweapons.EvenKiraispushingherselfawayandwanderingaheadindaze,herhandreachingouttotheunguardedentrancetoher
father’squarters.Shetakesadeepbreathandthrowsopenthedoors,ascreamcatchinginherthroatatthescenebeforeher.Theremainsoftheeliteguardshavebeenstrewnacrosstheroomandawitheredhuskissprawledonthefloor,theringsofWaylandGrasdonnearits
thinfingers.Furniturehasbeensmashedwithseveralshardsembeddedinthewallsandfloor.Puddlesofliquidmarbleareonthegroundwherepricelessstatuesoncestoodandscrapsofpaintingslitterthefloor.EventhemuraloftheGrasdonfamilythathasadornedtheback
wallsinceKirawasababyhasbeendestroyedbyapatchworkofdeepgouges.Abovethecarnagefloatsatransparentfigureinaflowinggownofgold,thewoman’sebonyhairbillowingoutliketendrils.
“Mom?”Kiraasksasshewalkstowardsthespecter.
SheisgrabbedbybothwristsandturnstoseeSariandDarianabehindher.“That’smymom.”
“I’msorry,butit’snot,”thesilver-hairedwomanreplies.ShepullstheheiressbackandhandshertoSariwholocksKirainplace.“I’mguessingtheSpurgewas
meanttoremovemefromBor’daruk.IwouldhavesensedyouassoonasIsteppedfootinthemanor.GettingridofNyxwasanaccident,butitmadethingseasiertocontinueyourplan.AsforSariandherexpertisewithillusions,youknewshewouldbetoodistractedby
LukeandKiratobotherexploringthemanor.There’snoreasontohidebehindsuchaflimsydisguiseanymore,dearbrother.”
“Ialwaysforgethowmuchofakilljoyyouare,unwantedsister,”theghostsaysinavoicethatchangesfromfemininetoafamiliar
tone.Thespecterturnsblackandlandsontheground,transformingintoStephen,anexcitedgrinplasteredonhisface.“IseethatthefinalGrasdonisstillbreathing,whichisashame.Iwashopingtowipeouttheentirefamily.MaybeIshouldhavekepttheoldmanalivelong
enoughtoeliminatethefutureMrs.Callindor.Thenagain,I’veheardthingsaren’tasstableasIthoughtinthatarena.”
“Whatdidyoudotomyfather?”Kiraasks,strugglingagainstSari’spowerfulgrip.
StephenwaveshishandoverWayland’sbodyandit
crumblestodust,thebeardtheonlypiecethatremains.“First,IbutcheredhisbodyguardsandthenIstabbedyourfatherinthechestwithabutterknife.IassureyouthatitwasmoremenacingthanitsoundsbecauseImadeitlooklikeaghostwasattackingthem.I
driedthebodywhenIconsideredhidingallofthisfromwhoeverreturned,butIdecidedtoputonashowinstead.”
Kiragrowlsandfreesanarmtoawkwardlyswingtheweightedendofherkusari-gamaatSari,givingthegypsyaglancingblowtothe
head.Thejoltofpainisenoughtobreakherholdontheheiresswhoscreamsandcharges.SheknocksDarianaoutofherwayandswingsthesicklewithallherstrength.TheweaponiscaughtinmidairbyStephenandheappearsbehindKiratowrapthechainaroundherentire
head.Hethrowsherintotheairwherethesicklehooksontoachandelier,danglingtheflailingheiressaboveherfriends.Sheclawsatthechains,whichtightenaroundherskullassoonasLukeracestowardStephen.Hershriekofagonymakesthehalf-elfskidtoastop,his
headsnappedtothesidebyasmackfromthemanhereallywantstokill.
“MakeanymoveandIcrushherheadlikeanegg,”Stephenwarnstheforesttracker.HecirclesLukeandslapshimseveraltimesintheface,disappointedthatthewarriortakestheabuse
withoutfighting.“Youmightbeabletohurtme,butyoucan’tfinishmeoffbeforeIkilloneofyourloves.Thenagain,youhaveaspare,somaybekillingmeisworththeminorsacrifice.Ireallywonderwhatyouwilldecidetodo.”
“You’reacoward,”Luke
saysashismusclestwitch.“Youcan’tstoptheothersfromdefeatingyou.”
“MaybeIshouldfinishyouofftobesafe.”
Stephendrawsadaggerfromhisbeltandsighswhenhisseveredhandissentflyingacrosstheroom.HecatchesthenextswingofDelvin’s
bladeandslamshisstumpintothewarrior’stemple.Frowningandmutteringcurses,hemovestostrikeagainwithhisreattachedhandholdingthedagger.ThistimeheisflooredbyTimoran’sgreataxehittinghimintheback,acracklingofenergyeruptingfromhis
unmarredfleshwhenitisremoved.Thebarbarianholdshisgroundandtriestosevereoneofhisenemy’slegs,buttheancientnoblemanrollsoutoftheway.
“You’reobsessionwithcuttingoffmyhandannoysme,”StephenhissesatDelvinashestandsandwipesdried
bloodoffhissleeve.HesendsTimoranflyingintoSariwithabackhandthatappearstohitthebarbarianfivetimesinarow.Thetwochampionsaresentcrashingintothefarwall,whichfreezesuponcontactwithSariandcrumblestoburythepairbeneathapileoficystone.
“I’mboredwithyou,Cunningham.Youalwaysstandbetweenmeandmygreatestprize.”
“WhatdoesKiraandherfamilyhavetodowithme?”Nyxasks,steppingoutofthedoorway.Shetriestocreateafireballinherpalm,butherfearandconstantwavesof
nauseapreventherfromaccessingheraura.“I’vealwaysbeenyourtarget,butIdon’tfollowhowthisplanworks.UnlessyouhopedtoplungeLukeintodespairinanacttoweakenme.Intruththatwouldonlymakememad.”
“Saysthecasterwho
can’tcastaspellbecauseshe’stooscared,”theblack-hairedmanreplieswithanarrogantsneer.HecatchesDelvin’swristandtwiststhewarrior’sarmbehindhisback.“Tobehonest,thishasnothingtodowithyou,channeler.Ithaseverythingtodowithyourlittlebrother
leavinga...scaronmyneck!Nobodyleavessuchamarkonmybodywithoutsufferinggreatly.SoImanipulatedWaylandGrasdon’shiddengriefbytakingtheghostlyformofhisdearwifeandpromisingthattheHelgardians’sceptercouldbringherback.He
neverknewIwassummoningthemonstersthatweredestroyinghisfamily.Thoughmakinghimdespisehisownlineagewasastrokeofbrillianceonmypart.Thattookalotofconvincingand...pillowtalktoachieve.Ihopeyou’relistening,littleheiress!Theslaughterofyour
familyissolelybecauseyou’reconnectedtothisdamnhalf-elf.Iwonderhowthatconversationwillgoifanyofyougetoutofherealive.”
Inonequickmotion,StephendrivesDelvin’sswordthroughhisbackandthrowsthegaspingwarriorat
Nyx.Shehurriestopulltheweaponfromhimandfocusesherauratopreventhimfrombleedingtodeath.Lukegrowlsandshiftshisfoot,stoppingwhenKiracriesoutfromthechainstightening.Stephencontinuesmakingherbindingsrelaxandconstrict,pausingseveraltimesto
avoidFizzle’swildattacks.Ononeofthedrite’spasses,thesadisticmaniacwhirlsaroundtopunchthedragonintheface.AswiftlycastshieldistheonlythingthatsavesFizzle’slife,butheisstillsentcrashingintothewall.
“Allofyouarefartooquicktoputupdefenses,”
Stephensays,goingbacktoslowlycrushingKira’shead.Afewtricklesofbloodcanbeseengoingdownhershirt,thesightmakingthemanlickhislipsinglee.“I’venevermetchampionsthatweresodifficulttokill.MaybeI’mlosingmytouchorgoingsoft.OnceI’mdonewiththis
uselesschild,I’llfinishoffthatbarbariansinceIhavenorealinterestinhim.Myfatherwon’tfaultmeforsuchaslip.Thefoursurvivorswillneverforget...wait...Ishouldhavesaidfivesurvivors.WhodidIforget?”
Allnoiseandmovementsstopasiftimehasbeen
frozen,butStephensensesthatitissomethingelse.Theflickerofafistappearsinfrontofhisface,disappearingimmediatelyafteritstrikes.Stumblingback,hefeelsakneehithisstomachandanelbowcollidingwiththebaseofhisskull.Jumpingtohisfeet,heremembersDariana
andpushesthroughthementalfogtosenseherpresence.Heisconcernedthatittakessolongandbythetimeheseeshissister,thesilver-hairedwomanisdeliveringaviolentkicktohisface.Stephenfallstothegroundandvanishesbeforethepowerfulchampioncan
followuponherlastattack.“You’vegottenstronger
sinceourlastfight,”hesays,reappearingnearLuke.Hewipeshisbleedinglipwiththehalf-elf’sshirt,gentlysmackinghimonthecheek.“ThoughIdoubtyou’repowerfulenoughtosavethesechampions.Justsitback
andwatchlikeyou’vealwaysdone.Itisn’tlikethey’reyourfriends.”
“Theyaremyfriends,”DarianadeclaresasshereachesintoStephen’smind.Shehashisarmsriseandclap,freeingKirafromherownweapon.SheslapsLukeonthebacktolethimknow
thathecansprintaheadandcatchthefallingheiress.“I’mgoingtogiveyouonechancetorunaway,brother.We’refamily,soIdon’twanttokillyou.”
“Thesamefather,butthatdoesn’tmakeusefamily.”
“Sadly,wehaveanother
thingthatbondsus.”Stephenchucklesand
spitsbloodatDariana’ssand-encrustedshoes.“Immortality?Uniquepower?I’matalossinfiguringoutwhatyou’retalkingabout.Nowstandasidelikedaddy’slittlegirlandpreparetobeputbacktosleep.”
ThemomentheturnstowardLukeandKira,acrushingblowsnapshisrightarm.Hegrimacesinpain,whichisagonizingduetoDarianaenhancinghispainreceptors.Ashehealshisfloppinglimb,sheshattershisribswithakickandsendshimtothefloor.Witha
furiousgrowl,Stephenreappearsonhisfeetandpuncheshissisterintheface.Shestumblesbackandspitsoutatoothbeforeleapingforwardtodriveherelbowintohischest,theblowsendingheropponentskiddingacrosstheroom.Hechargesforward,disappearing
atthelastinstanttocomeatherfromthesideanddeliverashoulder-breakingstrike.Thesiblingsgohitforhit,thesoundofsnappingboneanddrippingbloodechoingthroughoutthemanor.
“Thisisallyouhave?”StephengaspsashehurlsadaggeratDariana.Herfalse
imagedisappearsuponbeinghitandtherealonekneeshiminthekidney.“Okay,thatlasttrickwasagoodone.Stillit’snothingthatcanstopmefromwinning.Youmerelyturnedoffyourpain,whichwillcatchuptoyouonceyourunoutofenergy.IonlyhavetooutlastyousinceIcanheal
allthedamageyouinflict.”“Allthephysical
damage,”Darianapointsoutwithacruelsmile.Shecracksherknuckles,whichplungestheroomintoaneeriesilence.“IhatetoadmitthatIenjoyinflictingpainonpeoplewhoangerme.Itdoesn’thappenoftenthankstoyouand
father.Theeasiestwaytoenragesomeoneisbythreateningtheirfriendsandfamily,butyoumadesureIneverhadanyofthose.Tobehonest,bigbrother,I’vealwaysdreamedaboutdefeatingyou.It’sonlynowthatIfeelthestrengthtodoso.”
“Givemeyourbestshot,littlesister.”
Darianaholdsoutherpalmandadaggerofpurewhiteenergyappears,theweaponblurredbyitsrapidspinning.“IneverusedthisbeforebecauseI’vebeensavingitforyou.Icallitamindscrambler.Notvery
catchy,butthenamegetstothepoint.”
“Andyouexpectmetostandhereandletyoustrikeme?”
“Yes.”Darianasprintsat
Stephenandhereappearsbehindher,drivinghisfistthroughthesideofherhead.
ThefalseimagefadesawayandanotherDarianarushesinfromtheside.Hedecapitatesherwithaslashingdagger,butthebodydisappearsagain.Whenanotheroneappearsinfrontofhim,hewhirlsaroundtostabatafourthbehindhim.Hegrinsatthefeelingofmetal
piercingfleshandbloodflowingontohisfingers.Itisashort-livedvictoryasthatDarianapopslikeabubbleandsearingpaineruptsfromthebackofhisskull.Droolflowingfromhismouthandpusseepingfromhiseyes,Stephenisunabletoturnaroundandcanonlyscream
whilehismindistornapartattheseams.Musteringthelastbitoffocushehas,theshriekingmadmankicksDarianathroughtheceilinganddisappearsfromGrasdonManor.
*****Delvinwakestothesight
ofablueskyandpeacocks
struttingaroundthetopofthesoftbrownwalls.Thereisnoroof,whichcauseshimalittleconfusionsinceheissureheisinsometypeofroom.Ittakesafewsecondsforhimtorecognizethesensationofwarmsheetsonhisskin.Whenhetriestositup,hecannotmovehislegsand
fearsthatheisparalyzedfromthewaistdown.Pushinguponhishands,Delvinbreathesasighofreliefandwiggleshistoestodrivehispanicaway.Nyxissleepingacrosshislegs,thegown-wearingcastergentlysnoringandmumblingincoherently.
“Shefinallyfellasleep,”
Sariwhispers.SheiscarefullyfeedingDarianasomesoup,thesilver-hairedwomanrestingonanothersimplecot.“Youtwo,Kira,andFizzletooktheworstbeatings.FizzleisbetterandhelpingTimoranandEileengetthingsundercontrol.Kirahasbeenlockedinherroom
withLuke,whichIentirelyunderstandandaccept.Nyxhasbeenwatchingoverbothofyouforthelasttwelvehours.Bytheway,Mr.Cunningham,youhaveascarontherightsideofyourstomachandanotheronthebackfromthethroughandthrough.Nyx’smagic
stoppedyourbleeding,butitrantoohotandmadeitimpossibleforthepotionstheyhaveheretodoafullheal.”
“They’reamatchingset,”Darianaclaims,chucklingtoherself.ShesmileswhenSarigiggles,butstopswhenshemeets
Delvin’sgaze.“I’msorry.It’salittleinsidejoke.Ipromisenottomakeanother.”
“Don’tworryaboutit.Ifyou’recrackingajokethenyou’redefinitelyoneofus,”thewarriorsayswhilereachingouttotouchNyx’scheek.Thehalf-elfpusheshishandawaywithathreefoot
longscepter,thebluelotusandrubyonthetopshimmeringwithmagic.“Isthatthescepterwiththebigmonsterinsideofit?Whyisshesleepingwithit?”
“Sheuseditasabackscratcherearlier,”thegypsyreplies,walkingovertothesnoozingcaster.Shepicks
upablanketanddrapesitoverherfriend’sshoulders.“WefounditbehindapaintinginWayland’sroomanditwasbuzzing.ThethingcalmeddownonceNyxtouchedit,sowe’rethinkingshehastokeepitonher.Ishouldwakeherupbecauseweneedtoletthenomads
andthecityguardknowthetruth.”
“Doyouhavetowakeher?Shelookssopeacefulandcute.”
“Youcanwatchhersleepwhenwe’reontheroad,”Sarisays,leaningoverthecaster.SheputsherlipsaninchfromNyx’searandstiflesan
impishlaugh.“IthinkDelvinneedstobewokenwithakiss.SinceNyxisasleep,I’llhavetodoit.”
Themischievousgirlyelpswhenthescepterisjabbedintoherchest,pushingherbackandtearingthecollarofherbluedress.Shegrabsacupoficewaterout
ofDariana’shandandmakesitevencolderwithafrigidbreath.Withnohesitation,SariliftsthebackofNyx’sshirtanddumpsthefreezingwaterintotheopening.Thehalf-elfisonherfeetimmediatelyandjumpingaroundtogettheicecubesoutofherclothes.
“Dammit,Sari!Noicedownmyshirt!”
“Nopokingmeintheboobswiththemonsterscepter!”
“WellyouthreatenedtokissDelvin.”
“You’renotwithhim,sowhatdoyoucare?”
“Becauseyou’realready
involvedand...itisn’tright.”
“Thenyoukisshim.”“MaybeIwill!”Delvinclearshisthroat
andwavestoNyx,whosefaceturnsred.“Icanpretendtobeasleepifyouwant.”
“We...wehavestufftotakecareof,”thecaster
sheepishlymutters.“There’sstillthechancethattheHelgardiansandthecityguardswillfight.WealsoneedtodiscussthetribebringingustoHelgard,butthatmightbebestsavedforwhenwe’reallthere.TheywouldwanttoseetheCompassKeytoo.Restup
andI’ll...we’llcomebackforyou.”
NyxgivesDelvinahugaroundhisneckandhurriesoutoftheroom,startlingapeacockasshenearlybreaksintoasprint.SarirollshereyesandtakeshertimerefillingDariana’sdrinkingglass.Shemovesasqueaky
foodcartclosertoDelvin,removingthecoverfromthepotofhotsoup.Givingeachofherfriendsakissonthecheek,thegypsygoesinsearchofNyx.Sheabruptlystopsinthedoorwayandbeginsquietlyarguingwithsomeonetoherright.Withagroanofexasperation,she
shoveswhoeverishidingfromviewandwavestotherecoveringpatients.
“You’reawarethatshe’sinlovewithyou,right?”Darianaasks,startlingDelvinasheladleshimselfsomesoup.“I’msorry,butI’mconfusedontherelationshipsinourgroup.Theyseemto
havechangedsinceIwaslastwithyou.”
“I’mnotsurprisedsinceyouweren’taroundwhenKiracamebackintothefray,”thewarriorstates,sippingatthesweetbroth.Hisstomachroarsatthedelicioustaste,butthefoodistoohottowolfdown.“Asfor
Nyx,I’vebeenawareforawhilenow.I’mgoingtobepatientandwaitforher.HappytoseethatI’vemadegreatprogresswithherinthelastfewmonths.”
“Butsheranawayinembarrassment.”
“Yes,butshedidn’thitme.”
“Shedidinthedesert.”“Notgettinghitevery
timeIembarrassherisanimprovement.”
Darianascratchesherheadandswingsherlegsoutofthebed,enjoyingthefeelofwarmstonebeneathherbarefeet.Wearingasimpleshiftandunderwear,the
achingwomangoestoherpileoffoldedclothesandcarriesthembehindacurtain.Herhissesofpaincanbeheardassheputshertoponoverthebandages,theenhancedsensationofbruisedbonesmakingherwanttovomitandcollapse.Sheknowstheagonywilldie
downwhenherbodyreturnstonormal,herpainreceptorsverysensitivefrombeingnumbedduringherfightwithStephen.
“I’mguessingyourbrotherisstillalive!”Delvincallsoutfromhisbed.“Iwasconsciousenoughtohearyoumentionamindscrambler.
Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeitwouldkillsomeonelikeStephen.”
“Sadly,heisstillaliveandmightbemoredangerous,”Darianaexplainsasshestepsoutfrombehindthecurtaininblackpantsandanemeraldtop.Returningtoherbed,sheliesdownand
reachesuptoattractapeahentoherarm,thebirdidenticaltotheoneembroideredonhershirt.“Myattackhurthismindandpossiblydestroyedsomememories.I’veneveruseditbeforesinceIwassavingitformybrother.ForallIknow,Iturnedhimintoapowerfulberserkerthatmy
fatherwilluseasamindlessweapon.ThereisthesmallpossibilitythatStephenwillbetoomuchofaliabilityandmyfatherwilldestroyhim.I’msorrythatIcan’ttellyouanythingforcertain,butit’ssafesttoassumehe’llreturn.”
Delvinnodsandgoesbacktoeatinghissoup,
lettinghisotherquestionsgounmentioneduntilheslayshishunger.HethrowsachunkofbreadtoDarianawhoblindlycatchesitandsharesthefoodwiththebirdthathasmovedtoherlap.Withanexperimentalstretchofhistinglingarms,thewarriorscanstheroomforhis
clothes.Seeingthemonadistanttable,herollsoutofbedandpadsovertograbthem.Hestopswhenhefeelssurprisinglycoolandlooksdowntorealizethat,unlikeDariana,hehasbeenstrippedcompletelynaked.
“I’mverysorry,”hedeclares,movingsothatshe
canonlyseehisbackside.Grabbinghisclothes,heawkwardlysidestepsacrosstheroomandbehindthecurtainDarianahadused.“Whostripssomebodysufferingfromastomachwound?”
“ThatwouldbeSari,”hischucklingcompanion
answersassheplacesthepeahenonthefloor.“ShethoughtitwouldbefunnytohaveyounakedunderthecoverswhenNyxcamebackfromusingthebathroom.Idon’tthinkNyxnoticedbecauseshefellasleeponyourlegsprettysoonafterarriving.Sosheneverlooked
underthesheet...Ithink.Tobehonest,therewasanhourbetweenherarrivingandmewakingup.”
“Sarisawmenakedtoo?”
“LukewasheretogetsomemedicineforKiraatthetime.”
“Sonearlyeveryonesaw
menakedexceptfortheonepersonIwouldn’tmind,”thewarriorgroans,steppingoutinawhiteshirtandblackslacks.“Thatdidn’tsoundright,soIhopeyouknowwhatImean.Canwechangethetopic?”
“Icanmakeaconfessionifyouwishtobringour
conversationtomyshortcomingsandshames,”Darianapolitelysuggests.Shebrieflycovershermouthwhensherealizeswhatshehassaid.“Notthatyouhaveanythingtobeashamedof,whichdoesn’tmeanI’mimpressedorinterested.Isimplydon’twantyouto
thinkIwasinsultingyou.”Delvinreturnstohisbed
andgoesbacktoeatinghissoupwhilewatchingtheflusteredwoman.“Ishouldapologizetoyou,Dariana.IwascoldandmeanwhenIshouldhaverealizedyou’renewtoallofthis.Notbeingachampion,buthavingfriends.
I’mguessingourpredecessorswerelikemeandhadissueswithyourlineage,soyou’vebeenaloneformostofyourlife.”
“Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,thepreviouschampionswereathousandtimesworse,”shesaysasshesitsontheedgeofherbed.
Withnimbletoes,shehooksthewheeledcarttolazilypushitbackandforth.“OnetimeIwasputinacageandpulledalonglikeabeast.AnothertimeIwashandcuffedandkeptattheheadofthegroup.Afewtimesthechampionsbroughtmetothenearesttownand
abandonedme,whichwerethenicerinteractions.Therewasonegroupthattriedtokillme,soStephendestroyedthemonthespotfornotplayingthegame.I’mnotsayingallofyourpredecessorshavebeencruelpeoplesinceI’veonlymetafractionofthem.Manynever
foundmeorweredestroyedbeforeGabrielwasreadytohavemejointhem.Iguessmyluckhassimplybeenbaduntilnow.”
“Nowonderyoustoodbywhiletheywerekilled,”Delvinstateswhilehemovestositnexttoher.Hestaresupatthepeacocksthatare
watchingthem,analbinoonedroppingtothecarttostealacracker.“I’mgladyousteppedintothefight.I’msuremanyofuswouldhavebeenkilledifyoudidn’tgetangryandgoafterStephen.”
Darianahopsoffthebedandpicksupthealbinopeacocktostrokethebird
fromthecrestonitsheadtothetipofitstail.Likeachild,sheisfascinatedbythecreatureandstaresintoitscrimsoneyes.Thebirdpecksathernosewhensheattemptstospeaktoitsmind,causinghertothrowitintotheairinsurprise.Thepeacockglidesoutanopenwindowand
landsonatreebranchwhileDarianafallstoherhandsandknees.Herbodyachesfromthesuddenmovementandshewondersifshehasbrokenmorebones.
“Let’sgetyoubacktothebed,”herfriendsayswhilehehelpsherup.Helaysthesilver-hairedwoman
downandtakesaseatnearherfeet.“Youreallydidanumberonyourself.Ithinkweshoulddiscusswaystopreventyoufromgoingtoofar.Wewon’talwaysbenearahealerandIdon’twantyoutosacrificeyourself.Nomatterhowangryyouget.”
Dariana’seyesbeginto
closeasherenergydrains,thechampionreachingouttoweaklygripherwaterglass.“Ihaveaconfessiontomake.Itwasn’tmyragethatIwaschanneling.Icouldn’tblockwhattherestofyouwerefeeling,whichmademeconfusedandunsureatfirst.KiraandLukewere
exceptionallystrong,butNyxbeingupsetaboutyoudrovemeovertheedge.StephenhasalwayspushedmearoundandI’vealwaysbelievedIwastheweakersibling.That’swhyIneverusedmymindscrambleronhimbeforetoday.WhenIfeltallofyourpainandanger,I
didn’tevenconsidermyfailingsandwentforhisjugularsotospeak.I’msorrythat-”
“Howaboutyouonlyapologizewhenyou’veactuallydonesomethingwrong?”
“I’msor...I’lltrymybest.”
Delvinsqueezesherhandanddrawsthesheetuptohershoulders.Hesmilesandgoesbacktohisbedwhereherestswithhishandsbehindhishead.Hewatchesthepeacockswalkalongthewall,thealbinomalebackwithitskin.Glancingtohisside,henoticesthatDarianahas
fallenasleepcurledupinaballbeneathhersheets.
“You’redefinitelygoingtobeaninterestingally,”hewhispersasherollsontohisotherside.“ThoughIhopeyoucanbringyourselftofightyourfather.Isthereanypointinwhisperingaroundatelepath?”
“Notreally,”shesaysinhersleep.
“Thoughtso.Sorryaboutthat.”
“Noproblem.I’lljustwipemymemoryofyousayingit.”
Thewarriorcanonlystareatthesilver-hairedwoman,hercuriouswords
hangingintheair.*****
Lukeflexeshisshouldersandneck,hismusclesstifffrombeinginthesamepositionforsolong.Holdinghisbreath,hecarefullyslipsoutofKira’sembraceandeasesherheadontoacouchpillow.Herbloodshoteyes
openashepoursaglassofwateranddropsayellowpillintothecooldrink.Theliquidbubblesandturnsintoathinjellythatsmellsoftangerines.Withoutawordofcomplaint,Kiraletsherfiancéepropherupandslowlypourthesweetmedicineintoheropenmouth.Thenourishingserum
dripsoutofthecornersofherlipsandsoaksthefrontofherheavilystainedshirt.
“Youreallyneedtoeatsomething,”Lukesaysashekissesheroilyforehead.Heleansbacktoputtheglassonatable,makingsurenottoletherfloptothefloor.“Thatmedicineiskeepingyou
alive,butyouneedrealfoodtorecoveryourstrength.Doesyourheadstillhurtfromthechains?”
“No,”Kiranumblyreplies.Withavacantexpression,sheglancesathermaidwhoisdustingadollcollectiononthefarsideofthebedroom.“Canyouget
measandwich,Eileen?Justcheeseandsomebread.NothingfancybecauseI’monlyeatingtoshutLukeup.”
Thecalicobowsandbackstowardsthedoor.“Yes,mistress.I’llbebackassoonasIcan.”
RingingsilencefillstheroomafterEileenleavesand
awarmbreezedriftsthroughtheopenwindow.KiracurlsagainstLukeandclingstohim,herjaggednailscuttinghisskinthroughhisthinshirt.Theheiressbarelynoticesthedamagesheisdoinguntilthehalf-elfgruntsandshiftsbeneathhertouch,causinghertorelax.Herbodyjumps
atthesoundofatrumpetingelephant,thebeastpassingbeneaththebalcony.Shewhimpersandcries,butshehasrunoutoftearstoshed,whichmakeshersorrowandgriefevenworse.
“Ikilledallofthem,”Kirawhispersinameekvoice.Sheputsherlegs
acrossthehalf-elf’slaptopullherselfevencloser.“I...IsnappedAsher’sneckandthrewhimoffthewall.Ibrokemyfathertothepointwherehecouldn’tdefendhimself.Therestdiedbecauseofmyconnectiontoyou.I’mtheonlyGrasdonleftandit’sallmyfault.”
“Itsoundsmorelikeit’smyfault,”Luketellsher,strokinghisfiancée’sebonyhairandputtinghisotherarmaroundher.“IfIkeptignoringyouattheacademyorcalleditoffwhenIgraduatedorendedthingswhenImetSarithenthiswouldn’thavehappened.
Stephenisasadisticmonsterwhodidthistohurtmeandheaccomplishedthat.I’mnotsurewhattodoaboutus.”
“Doyouloveme?”“Yes.”“MorethanSari?”Lukehesitatesandlooks
away,cringingatthefeelofhernailsstabbinghischest
again.Hecarriestheyoungwomantotheneatlymadebed,concernedabouthowlimpshefeelsinhisarms.Whenhelaysherdown,heslipsoutofhisshirtandescapeshergrasptoexaminethecrescent-shapedmarksalloverhisskin.Kirahugstheshirttoherchest,butholdsit
outwhenshefeelsitsticktoherneck.Sheseesthebloodymarksleftbyherpiercinghisfleshandthrowsthegarmentintothecorner.
“I’msorryaboutthat,”shewhisperswhileshewatchesLukepaceinfrontofthebed.“Ishouldn’thavehurtyou.”
“AboutSari.”Withasuddensurgeof
energy,Kiraleapsoffthebedandtightlyclapsherhandaroundhismouth.“Pleasedon’tsayanything.Itwaswrongofmetobringherup.Youblameyourselfforallofthiseventhoughitisn’tyourfault.I’mfilledwithgrief
overkillingmybrother,attackingmyfather,andlosingeveryone.YetIhaveenoughofmywitstoknowthatweshouldn’ttalkaboutourfuture.Nogooddecisioncouldbemadelikethis.”
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”Lukeasks,removingherclammyhandfromhisface.
Hekissesherpalmandpullsherintoahug,hissoundsightfocusingonherstutteringheartbeat.“I’lldowhateverIcantohelpyou.”
“IsaidIwasn’tgoingtomakeanydecisions,”theheiressmuttersinavoicethatisbothamusedandangry.Sheputsherheadonhisbare
shoulder,herfingerstrailingalonghispinkscar.“There’sreallyonlyonethingformetodo.Ineedtoburymyfamily,studymyfather’sledgers,andtakeoverthebusiness.Mostofourpartnerswillunderstandthatwe’llbequietforawhile.Thosethatdon’twillbehandledwhen
I’mbetterorbyasurrogateofmychoosingtorunthebusinessinmyplace.That’stheplanwe’vealwayshadinplaceincasesomethinghappenedtomyfatherandI’mgoingtoabidebyit.”
“Letmedoit.”“Youhavetogowith
yourfriends.”
“Icanstaywithyou.”“Don’tlietome.”“Icanstaywithyouand
returntothemwhenyou’reready.”
“Don’tlietome,Callindor!”
KirashovesLukeawayandslapshimacrossthefacewithenoughforcetosplithis
bottomlip.Immediatelyregrettingheractions,sheputsherhandsonhischeeksandkisseshimeventhoughshecantastehisbloodinhermouth.Theforcebecomesgreaterassheletsthesliverofhappinesswashoverher.Forcingthehalf-elfback,Kirapinshimagainstthewall
andgrabshiswriststostophimfrompushingheraway.Herheadswimsafterafewminutes,soshebreaksthekiss,butkeepsLukecornered.
“I’msorryforallofthat,”shegaspsasshewrapsherarmsaroundthewarrior’sneck.“IgotangryandthenI
fearedIwoulddriveyouaway.You’reallthatIhaveleft,Luke,andI’mnotallowedtoholdontoyouwhenIreallyneedyou.Ican’tbeselfishwhenyouhaveagreaterpurpose.”
“Sariwillunderstand,”Lukeemphaticallyinsists.Hestrokeshercheekandgives
heraquickkissonthelips.“Although,StephenmightcomeformeifhelearnsI’monmyown.Iwouldputyouindangeragain.”
“You’reachampionandI’mtheheadofamerchanthouse.Fornow,we’renotabletograntwhattheotherwants,”Kirasays,herknees
givingoutastheadrenalineleavesherbody.Thehalf-elfslidesdowntothefloorwithher,whichletstheyoungwomanstraddlehim.“Howlonguntilyouleavewithyourfriends?”
“OnceDelvinandDarianaareabletotravel.Icanconvincethemtogiveus
aday.”“Thankyou.”“Idoloveyou,Kira.”“Iloveyoutoo,”the
heiressreplies,holdinghimtighteratthesoundofEileenopeningthedoor.“That’swhythishurtssomuch.”
16
Sariissprawledonthefloorofthetent,herhairandlimbssplayedasshepantslikeanoverheateddog.Herclothesaresoakedwithwaterthatshepoursoverherselfeveryfifteenminutes,theorbofliquidhoveringoverherface.Sheopenshermouth
andwhimperswhileafewpreciousdropsfallonherswollentongue.Thewarmwatermakeshermoanindespair,soshereachesherhandintotheorbtocoolitwithanicespell.Turningherhead,shecanseeTimoransittingintheshadedcorner.Withaweakflickofherhand
Sarisendsaspurtofcoldwateratthesweatybarbarian.Heshakesandshiversfromthesuddenchill,butnodshisheadinthankstohisexhaustedfriend.
“She’sbeingalittledramatic,isn’tshe?”Misraeasksfromthetable.Asnowballstrikeshiminthe
sideoftheheadandheyelpsinsurprise.“Byeverygodoffireandheat,thatisahorriblesensation!Isthathowaguestthanksherhost?”
“Sariispartoceanfairy,sothedesertdoesn’tagreewithher,”Nyxsayswhileshescratchesherbackwiththescepter.Sheputstheholy
relicinherlapwhensheseesthelookofhorroronSharne’sface.“I’msorry,butI’mnotabletobreakcontactwiththisthing.Evernoticethatwhenyouhaveevenoneofyourhandsstuckwithsomething,partsofyourbodyitchthatyouneedthathandtogetto?Thenagainitcouldbethe
uncomfortablefeelingI’vehadeversinceIpickedthisthingup.”
“IthinkIseemyfamilywavingtome,”Sariblurtsoutinadreamyvoice.“ShouldIgotothem?”
“You’renotdying!”theTribeKingsnaps,tossingapillowatthegypsy.“The
momentwefindanoasis,I’mtossingherintothewater.”
“I’llholdyoutothatpromise,mybenevolentandhandsomehost.”
“CanIholdthescepter?”Sharneasks,reachingoutfortherelic.“Iwanttoseewhathappensifyoureleaseit.Ipromisetohanditbackatthe
firstsignoftrouble.”Nyxgingerlyhandsthe
sceptertotheholywoman,butrefusestoletgowhensheisstruckbyapanicattack.Strangenoiseswhisperinhermind,someofthemfaintvoicesandothersdistantshrieks.Grippinghernecklacetocalmdown,the
casterreleasesthescepterandisknockedonherbackbyaboltofhazyenergy.Sharneisdraggedalongthefloorbythethrashingobject,herbodyshakinglikealeafinahurricane.Boltsoffierylightninglanceoutineverydirection,sendingeveryonescramblingforcoverasthey
punchholesinthetent.OneblaststreaksforMisrae,whoissavedbyTimorandeflectingthespellthroughtheroofwithhisgreataxe.NyxtacklesSharneandgetsherhandontheholyitem,causingtheexplosionstostopimmediately.
“Thankyou,myfriend,”
Misraesayswhilegentlysmackingthebarbarian’sshoulder.“Ishouldleavetocalmourpeopleandgetsomeair.Pleasedon’tdothatagain,dearPalqua.”
“Ipromisenottotouchit,”thestartledwomanswears,takingaseatonapileofpillows.Sheissurprised
whenSaricrawlsoutfromunderher,thegypsyreturningtoherdramaticposeontherugs.“ItappearsthatthemonsterinsidehasbondedwithNyx.Attheveryleast,itwishesforhertoholdontothescepter.Hasitsaidanythingtoyou?Ihearavoicefromwithintheruby
wheneverIsleep,butitisneverclear.”
“NothingevenwhenIsleep,”Nyxadmits,puttingthescepterinherbottomlesspouch.Withafieryflash,itappearsbackinherhandandshegetsthesensethatthebeastwithinisglaringather.“Therewasaspecterwho
visitedmeandtalkedabouthowmybloodlineisconnectedtoHelgard.Somaybeithastodowithmebeingthechampiondestinedtocleanseandrevivethetemple.”
AnoddlyhumangrowlcomesfromthescepteranditsendcoilsaroundNyx’s
wrist.Shegetsherotherhandupintimetocatchtherelicasitswingsforherhead.Droppingtoherknees,thecasterwhackstherelicagainstalowtableafewtimesasifitisaliveandcanfeelpain.Onthelaststrike,ablockoficeappearstofreezeittothesolidwood.Nyx
looksoverhershouldertoseeSariwithherarmout,thegypsylickingherdrylips.Ajoltoflightningshatterstheiceandstunsthescepter,whichreturnstoitsnormalform.
“Thatwasdisturbing,”Nyxgasps,droppingtherelic.Itleapsbackintoherhand
andsmacksheracrossthefacewithahandofforce.“Thisthingcancastspellsonitsown?Whatkindofmonsterisinhere,Sharne?”
“Allweknowisthatitisdangerous.”
“Itbecameagitatedwhenyoumentionedbeingachampion,”Timoranpoints
outfromhiscorner.Yawningfromdrowsiness,thebarbarianwalksovertothehalf-elfandtakesacloserlookattherelic.“Weonlyhaveafewvaguestoriesandsomeconjecturetogoby,butitwouldappearthatthetrappedbeastisconnectedtothechampions.Itdoesnot
appeartobeinagoodwaytoo.PerhapsaweaponoftheBaron’sthatwasimprisonedorthecorruptedguardianofHelgard.Doyousensethatitdoesnotwanttoreturnhome?”
“Oh,itdefinitelywantstogotoHelgard,”Nyxrepliesasshestaresintothe
ruby.Forasecondshethinkssheseesavioleteyewinkingather,butdecidesitisnothingmorethanherreflection.“Isensedthatitwasmopingaswesetuptheencampment,soitmightberestless.I’mstillsurprisedtheHelgardiansdon’thaveanydetailedinformationonthis
thing.You’vehaditforcenturies.”
“Wellwewererunoutofourhomeratherquickly,”theholywomanclaimswhileshegetsadrinkofwater.Noticingthepitifullookofthepantinggypsy,shedumpstheliquidonSari’shead.Shechucklesattheblissfullook
onthegirl’sface,regaininghercomposurewhensheremembershertrainofthought.“Tobehonest,we’renotevencertainitwasbyservantsofBaronKernaghan.Wehavestoriesthattellofamadcastercausingthedisasterandunintentionallyteachingthedarkagentshow
tofurthercorruptthesourcesofyourpowers.ItwouldimplythatwewerethefirstgroupofchampionservantstobenegatedbytheBaron’speople.”
“There’sgoingtobealotofanswersinHelgard,”Nyxwhispers,runningherfingeralongtherunesonthe
scepter.“Channelers,thechampions,madcasters,greatbeasts,andwhoknowswhatelsewasinvolvedinthis.Doyouknowanythingabouttheguardianthatwe’llruninto?Theprevioustempleshadsometypeofcreaturelookingaftertheplace.”
“Nothingaboutaspecific
beasttakingtheroleofguardian,”Sharneadmitswhileshefillsapitcherfromawaterbarrel.ShehandsittoTimoranandstrokeshishand,assuringhimthathecandrinktheentirething.“Itcouldhavebeenoneofthebeastsputintothescepter,whichmeansit’snolongeralive.
Unlessit’sthesandgolem,whichcanberevivedbyyourfriend.Personally,Idon’tbelieveacreaturechosentobeaguardianwouldbesopoorlyused.Itwouldhavetobeverypowerfulfortheinitialrole.”
Thescepterglowsandhums,leapingfromNyx’s
handandspinningaroundSharne.Thedark-skinnednomadstandsverystill,fearingthattherelicwillattack.Shebreathesasighofreliefwhenitsoftlybonksherontheheadwithitsroundedend.ItmovestoTimoran,butstopswhenhedrawshisgreataxeandbacksagainstthe
warmfabric.Aburstoflighteruptsfromtheruby,temporarilyblindingeveryoneintheroom.Whentheirvisionreturns,thescepterislazilyfloatingwiththeCompassKeydanglingfromoneofitsbluelotusleaves.
“Givemethat!”Nyx
snaps,grabbingtherelicandremovingtheCompassKey.Shesmackstherubyandcurseswhenshefeelsanedgecutherpalm.“Herearesomerules,youglorifiedbackscratcher.Noattackingmyfriends,nocastingspellswithoutmypermission,andnostealing.Ifyoucauseany
moretrouble,Iwillmeltyouintoapuddleandremakeyouasachamberpot.Doyouunderstand?”
“It’slikeachild,”Sarisaysassheflipstoherfeet.Forthefirsttimesincetheyretrievedthescepter,thegypsygetsneartherelicandrunsasmoothfingeralong
theruby.“ThiswouldmakeaveryprettybeltbuckleforTimoran.Thoughhe’skindofsloppywheneatingsauce-coveredribs.”
“Areyoutwodonethreateningthemonsterpossessedartifact?”Timoranasks,takingtheCompassKeybackfromNyx.Heturnsthe
necklaceinhishandandstopswhenheseestheindentedbackside.“Thisisinteresting.IbelievetheCompassKeycanfitontopofyourscepter.TherearegrooveshereandIcanseefaintonesontheruby,whichimpliesthattheylocktogether.Weshouldkeepthis
inmindwhenhegettoHelgard.”
“Ihaveaquestion,”Sariclaims,wipingsweatfromherbrow.“Givemeaminutetoclearmyhead.Toohot.”
“Wearen’ttestingthescepterandCompassKey,littlesister.”
“Thatwasn’twhatIwas
goingtoask,”thegypsyarguesasshewalksovertothewaterbarrel.Sheputsherhandsinandcoversherbodyinathinlayerofcoolliquid.“Sharnementionedcaretakersfortheothertemples.DoesthatmeantheIslandofPalliceandtheGardenofUlihadpeopleonthematsome
point?”“Iassumeso,”Sharne
awkwardlysays.Sariexcitedlybounceson
hertoes,drippingwaterontherugs.“Thenwouldn’ttheservantsknowabouttheBaronliketheHelgardiansinsteadofhavinghimblockedfromtheirmemories
likeeveryoneelse?”“Yes,butIamnotsure
weunderstandwhatyouarealludingto,”Timoranstatesbeforeanideapopsintohishead.“Igetitnow.WehavethoughtthatonlyahandfulofpeopleknowofBaronKernaghan,butitmightbealotmore.Ifanything,we
couldhavesixsocietieswheresuchknowledgeisjustunderthesurface.”
“OrtheHelgardiansrememberbecausetheyhaveaholyrelicfromthetemple,”Nyxsuggests,wavingthescepteroverherhead.Itkeepsmovingherarm,soshestunsitwithalightningbolt.
“Mypointisthatthiscouldbeaspecialsituation.Theothergroupsmighthaveescapedempty-handedandbeenabsorbedintoGabriel’sspellovertime.Afterall,imaginewhathappenswhenapersonkeepssayingawordorphrasethatisheardassomethingelse.Theymight
havechangedtothespell-inducedversionandtheBaron’snamedisappearedalongwithallmemoryofhim.We’retalkingaboutthedynamicsofagod’sspell,soweshouldn’twastetoomuchtimetryingtounderstandit.They’refartoocomplicatedformortals.”
“Saysthewomanwhocastaforbiddenspellbyaccident,”Sarimutters.WithacoughfromNyx,thewateronthegypsy’sbodyevaporatesintosteamthatheatsherskin.Sheglaresatthehalf-elfandspeaksinadroll,steadyvoice.“Ihateyou,Nyxie.Ifanyoneneeds
me,I’llbesleepinginourtent’swaterbarrel.AtleastImasteredbreathingunderwaterwhileIwasboredinGrasdonManor.That’sprobablytheonlygoodthingtocomeoutofthisdisaster.”
Thegypsysplashesmorewateronherfacebeforeshewalksoutofthetent,
whimperingwhenthesunandheathitsherbody.Theotherswatchhersilhouettethroughthetent,makingsureshedoesnotcollapseoutside.Notwantingtoleavethesufferingnaiad-bloodedgirlalone,TimorannodstoSharneandhurriesafterhisfriend.Thelasttheyseeishishulking
formputtingSarioverhisshoulderandjoggingoutofsight.
“Yourfriendsareveryinteresting,”SharnewhisperstoNyxastheysitdown.“Icanseewhyyoumissedthem.Theymustkeeplifeinteresting.”
“That’san
understatement,”thehalf-elfsayswithasmirk.Amusicalsighescapesherlipsasshelistenstothesoundofpeopleoutside.“It’sgoodtohavemyfamilyback.Icouldn’thandlemydestinywithoutthem.”
*****Lukesipsatthe
waterskinandstaresatthemiddaysky,hisfairskinshowingsignsofsunburn.Heenjoysthesolitudeofbeingawayfromtheencampment,hismindclearingofhisstressfulthoughts.Travelingwiththenomadshasbeenuneventfulandhehasgoneoutofhiswaytoavoidhis
friendswhowouldaskhimaboutKira.Everytimetheystoptomakecamp,Lukehasslippedawayandescapedintothedesert.Heonlygoesamileortwoawaydependingontheheightofthesurroundingdunes.Givingoffthescentofthespiritnagaandthegriffinhashelped
keeppredatorsaway,buthecontinuesusinghissoundsighttostayalert.ThebriefvisionofFizzledartingaroundbehindhimcatcheshisattentionandhewavestothedritewhohasbeenquietlywatchingoverhimsincetheyleftBor’daruk.
“You’regoingtoget
burnedifyoukeepwanderingaway,”Darianasaysasshewalksupbehindtheforesttracker.Shejumpsbackwhenhewhirlsaroundwithhissabersdrawn.“I’msorrythatIstartledyou.Icloakedmyselffromyourmind,soyouwouldn’trunaway.Therearealotofbeastsout
herethatwillattackyou.”“I’malertandFizzlehas
myback,”thehalf-elfclaims,staringattheblazingsun.HiseyesglistenwitharainbowshimmerthatremindsDarianaofoilywater.“Didyouknowthatgriffinshaveafilmovertheireyes?Itletsthemlookdirectlyintothe
sun,whichiswhyyouseethemuseittoescapeenemiesorlaunchsurpriseattacks.”
“DoesthattakeyourmindoffKira?”
Lukescowlsandopenshismouthtotalk,shuttingitandturningawaywithhisarmschildishlycrossed.Hisheadispusheddownbythe
suddenweightofFizzle,thetinydragondroppinghisinvisibilityspell.Thedritehopsontothewarrior’sshoulderandcalmlypuffsshapesofrainbowsmoke.Eachoneismoredetailedandcomplexthanthelastinanattempttomakethehalf-elfsmile.Itbecomes
increasinglydifficulttoignorethedisplaywhenLukefallsintohisownthoughtsandStilettoattemptstotakecontrol.Anexcitedbarkandfurgrowingonthewarrior’spointyearsaretheonlychangesthatthedogachievesbeforebeingsubdued.
“Youtwoaredetermined
tomakemetalk,”Lukecomplainsashetakesadeepdrinkfromhiswaterskin.HeoffersittoFizzlewhowrinkleshisnoseatthesmellofleatherywater.“Didyouknowaspiritnagacanliveinextremeheatwithoutwaterforaweek?Evenlongeriftheydigundergroundand
hibernate.”“Lukestallingbecause
heartcracked,”Fizzlestatesasheclimbsdownthefrontofhisfriend’sshirt.Hestickshistongueintothebottomlesspouchandpullsoutanapple,greedilydevouringitforthetastyjuice.“Canyoureadmind?”
“Icould,butthatwouldbeabreachoftrust,”Darianareplies,uncomfortablygrindingherfootintothesand.“Ialreadymaskedmypresencetosneakuponyou,whichwaswrong,butnecessary.Everyoneisworriedaboutyoubecausetheydon’tknowwhatyou’re
feelingorthinking.It’sespeciallyhardonSariandNyxfordifferentreasons.”
“Letmeguess.Mypowerfulemotionshavebeencallingouttoyou,”Lukesaysinanannoyedvoice.HefacesDarianaandtossesthewaterskintoher.“I’veheardthatbeforeandIkeep
wonderingwhyitseemstobeaimedatmesooften.”
“Becauseyou’rethemostemotionaloutofthechampions,”sheanswersbeforetakingadrink.Shethrowsitbackandrubshertemples,focusingonblockingasmanyofLuke’semotionsasshecan.“Youwere
terrifiedwhenIfirstsensedyoubecauseyouweretrappedasachimera.ThenIkeptsensingyourdesireforSari.AfterthatwastheanguishofhavingtohurtKiraorSari.NowIfeelyou’remiserableaboutleavingKirabehindwhenyoufirmlybelievesheneedsyoubyher
side.AddinguilttowardsnottryingtorescueNyxandyou’reanuncontrolledempath’sworstnightmare.”
“Whatdoyouexpectmetodo?”
Darianawalksuptothewarriorandtouchesherfingerstohisforehead.Sheattemptstocalmhisthoughts
withoutreadingthem,buttheturmoilinhismindistoothickforhertocutthrough.ViciousimagesofwhathewantstodotoStephenflashacrosshervisionbeforeshebreakscontact.ShefallstoherkneesandputsherhandsonLuke’sbootedfeet,savingherpalmsfromthehotsand.
“DelvintoldmetostopsayingI’msorry,”shewhispers,hervoicestrainedandblooddrippingfromhernose.“YetIfeellikeIshouldapologizeforStephen.IfonlybecauseheneverwouldandIwantyoutoknowthatthebloodIsharewithmybrotherdoesn’tmeanIcondonehis
actions.HedidahorriblethingtoyouandKira.OnethatheshouldpayforandIpledgetohelpmakehimpayforhisactions.”
“Youdon’thavetoapologizeormakeanoath,”Lukeassuresherashetenderlytakeshisfriend’swrists.Hehelpsherstandand
looksherintheeyes,flinchingwhentheyturnfromivorytoblue.“AsmuchasIhateStephen,Iwouldn’ttakeitoutonyou.That’sthesameashimwipingouttheGrasdonsbecausethey’reconnectedtome.It’ssimplynotright.”
“FizzlehateStephen,”
thedritedeclareswithagrowl.“NotlethimbreakLuke.Staystrongforall.Kirastrongtoo.”
Theforesttrackerreachesouttogentlyticklethedragon’schin,aforcedsmileonhistannedface.“Kiraputupafronttomakeusthinkshewouldbeokay.
SheforgotthatIdon’thavetobeintheroomtohearandseethings.Thenagain,I’veimprovedmysoundsightsomuchsincemytimeattheacademythatshemightnothaveknown.Anyway,IpeekedinonherassoonasIclosedthedoorofherroombehindmeandsteppedtothe
side.ShebrokedownandEileenhadtohelphertothebed.Isatinthehallwayforthirtyminuteslisteningtoherheartshatter.”
“I’msorry,”Darianasays,givingLukeatensehug.Shecringesattheemotionsthatbeatonthesurfaceofhermind.“IftherewasawayI
couldletyoutalktoKira,Iwoulddoit.Wellthereisaway,butitwouldbetaxingonme.Aslongasyouandsheareasleepatthesametime,Icanenteratranceandmeldyourdreams.”
“Idon’twanttopushyousincewedon’tknowwhat’swaitinginHelgard.”
“IfIdoitonenightthenIshouldrecoverbythetimewearrive.”
Agustofsoothingwindwhipsthesandsintoasmalltempestthatemanatesapalpablepower.ItisapeacefulsensationtoFizzleandLukewhileDarianaremainstenseandanxious.
Shegrabsthewaterskinfromthehalf-elfandpourssomeofitscontentsontoafreshragfromherpocket.Thelong-livedchampiontriesherbesttocleanherfaceofdirtsmudgesandfixesherclothesasifpreparingtomeetaprestigiousnoble.Insteadofmortalroyalty,anelegant
figuredressedinagownofpristinewhitestepsoutofthetempest.Thewoman’sredhairisvibrantandbeautifulasitcascadesdownherback,endingatherwaist.
“I’mhonoredtomeetyouagain,Zaria,”Lukesayswithasmallbow.
“Itisnicetoseeyoutoo,
youngCallindor,butIcameheretotakeDarianaKernaghantoanimportantmeeting,”theGoddessofPurityreplies,touchingthehalf-elfonthehead.Shedrawsherhandbackandshedsafewtearsatthepainshesenses.“Youpoorthing.Youcannotpossiblysurvive
withsuchanguishandsorrowinyoursoul.Pleasegobacktoyourfriendsandfindonetotalkto.IpromisetobringDarianabackbeforethenightisdone.”
“Ithoughtthegodsaren’tallowedtogetinvolvedinthelivesofmortals.”
“Andwearenotallowed
tobringthemtoAmbervaleeither,”Zariamentionsasshesmileswarmlyatthehalf-elf.“Yetagoddesscanpetitionforanexemptioninspecialcases.Suchaswhenshewishesfortimewithhermortaldaughter.”
DarianablushesandmeetsLuke’squestioning
gaze.“IgiveyoupermissiontotelltheotherswhatI’mabouttotellyou.I’mthedaughterofBaronArthuruKernaghanandZariatheGoddessofPurity.ThatiswhyIhavelivedsolongandwhyI’mboundbydifferentrulesthantheotherchampions.Iwilltellallof
youthestoryofmybirthuponmyreturn.I’msorrytoputthisonyourshoulders,Luke,butknowthatIwillappreciateyoupreparingourfriends.”
ZariaputsahandonDariana’sshoulder,thesilver-hairedwomanreachinguptosqueezethegoddess’s
fingers.Anothertempestappearsaroundthemandthesandgrowsintoablindingpillar.Lukemakeshiswaybacktotheencampment,glancingoverhisshoulderatthedissipatingbeam.HestopswhenheseesDariana’sclothesareleftontheground,sohejogsbacktotuckthem
intohisbottomlesspouch.“Dariananaked?”Fizzle
asks,scratchinghisheadwithhistail.
“It’snotourplacetoquestiontheactionsofthegods.”
*****DarianaandZariaappear
amidaforestofgiantcolorful
mushrooms,thefleshycapshighabovetheirheads.Asweetwindpassesthroughthewhitestalksandflicksatthepair’smatchingdressesofshimmeringivory.Dragonfliesdartaroundthewilderness,snackingondanglinginchwormsandavoidingthewebbingof
brown-furredspiders.Withherarmsheldout,DarianacloseshereyesandrevelsinthefamiliarauraofAmbervale.EventhoughshewasonlyababyduringhertimewiththegodsandgoddessesofWindemere,shevividlyremembersthecomfortingpowerinthe
atmosphere.Shewishesthequietserenitywilllastforever,butshecanalreadysenseanapproachingpresence.
“Dari!”shoutsCessiaastheLuckGoddessjumpsoutofamushroomstalk.Thedark-skinnedwomanwithadressofcoinsgivesDarianaa
hugthatbecomesawilddancearoundtheforest.“Ihavenotseenyouinages.Notsinceyouwerewaist-heightandtryingtopraytoyourmotherinoneofmytemples.Doyourememberthat,Zaria?Thislittlethingalwaysthoughtshecouldreachyouthroughtherestof
us.”“Irememberherdoing
suchthingsoutofchildishanger,”thePurityGoddessstateswithawrysmile.“Atleastwearebeyondthatstage.”
“Whydidittakeyousolongtovisitmethistime?”DarianaaskswhenCessia
putsherdown.Sheholdsherheadandcloseshereyes,waitingforthedizzinesstostop.“Imissedyoutoo,AuntCessia.I’msorryIhaven’tvisited.”
“Stillapologizingforeverything,Isee,”statesUliastheWarriorGoddessdropsfromthemushroomcaps.Her
chestnuthairbraidsitselfasshepushesitbehindherpointyears.“ItappearsyouarenotworkingyourbodyeverydaylikeItoldyou.Ifyouplanonsurvivingasachampionthenyouneedtostrengthenyourmusclesandnotdependentirelyonyourmentalpowers.”
Thesilver-hairedwomannodsherheadandgivesthegoddessahug.“IthinkIhaveafewfriendswhowillsparwithme,AuntUli.Nowaboutthedelayinyourvisit,mom.”
“Thatwouldbemyfault,”akind,bellowingvoiceadmits.Alargewarrior
withtheheadofahorseapproachesDarianaandkneelsatherfeet.“Ifeltitwouldbewisetoletyoubondwiththeotherchampions.YourmotheragreedwhenIpointedoutthatyouwerebeingacceptedthistimeanditcouldbedamagingtorevealtherestofyourlineage
tooearly.”“Weallrememberwhat
happenedlasttimewedidthat.Infact,Ramherewouldnotshutupaboutthemistakefordays,”ashamblingcorpseexplains,coughingupacloudofdust.TheGodofNecromancyscratcheshischest,hissharpnailscutting
intohisgrayskin.“Itoldyouthesechampionsarenotthetypetohurther.Theymightbeimmature,stupid,andreckless,butblooddrinkingforpowerisnotsomethingIsenseinthem.Atleastbeyondoneofthatgriffinboy’sgifts.Whatwereyouthinkingwiththattrick,Uli?”
“YouspeakasifsuchgiftsareeasilygivenundertheLawofInfluence,Lorvis,”thearmoredgoddesssays,crossingherarmsindignantly.“Unlikeyou,mostofmyfollowersarealiveanddon’tallowforloopholes.”
“Thatremindsme.Thank
youforthatzombieelflastmonth,”theCorpseGodhisseswithagrinthatrevealsperfectteeth.“Iknowyoudidnotmeantosendhimtome,buthehasbeenaverydeterminedfollower.Hehasalreadyrescuedmymaintemplefromsomeoverzealouspaladins.”
Cessiaclapsherhandsandthrowsahandfulofcoinstowardthesky,theglitteringpiecesofmetalflippinguptothemushroomcaps.Eachonefallsandburstsintoeitherarainbow-hueddoveoranebonyserpent,dependingoniftheylandonheadsortails.Thesnakesscurryaroundthe
feetoftheothergodswhodancearoundtoavoidthesnappingfangs.Darianaisliftedoffthegroundbythedoves,whichmergewithherwhitedresstomakeitmorecolorful.Shesmilesasshegracefullyfliesabovetheheadsofthedeities,herhandreachinguptorunalongthe
furrowedundersideofthemushrooms.
“Seriously,Zaria,thatdresslookedterribleonher,”Cessiawhisperswhilecallingthesnakestoher.Theyrunupherarmsandmergewithherhair,givingthegoldentressesblackstreaks.“Withheralabasterskinandsilverhair,
youneedtogivehersomecolor.Thisdresswilllooknicewhenshereturnstothedesert.Guaranteedtogetattention.”
“WhatifIdon’twantattention?”Darianapolitelyasksasshefloatstotheground.Sheseesthehurtonthegoddess’sfaceandhurries
togiveherahug.“I’msorry.IlovethedressandI’llcherishitalways.Soisanyoneelsecoming?”
“Tobehonest,Ididnotexpectustohavecompany,”Zariastates,puttinganarmaroundherdaughter’sshoulders.“Iexpectedustowalkandtalkthroughthe
mushroompatch,butIguesswecanthrowasmallparty.WithRam’spermissionofcourse.”
“Darianafallsintoadifferentcategorythanothermortals,”theGodofWardeclares,watchingtheothersfornodsofapproval.“Thisvisithasalreadybeenagreed
upon,sowemightaswellmakeitenjoyable.Iwillseeifanyothergodsareinterestedinattending.”
“Iwillgowithyou,”Lorvisofferswithafriendlygrin.“WerecruitEporwilfirstandthepromiseofdrinkcanbemade.Iheartheolddwarfhasbeendyingtotry
outsomenewbrewsforthesummer.”
Thetwogodssinkintotheground,leavingCessiaandUlitoconjurechairsandtablesfortheparty.Withtheothersdistracted,ZariapullsDarianaawayforsomeprivacyandleadsherdeeperintothemushroomforest.
Largebeetlesstampedeacrosstheirpath,theherdofarmoredinsectsbeingchasedbyatrioofsnarlingmice.Hootingmonkeyspassoverhead,theirlongclawsallowingthemtoleapfromstalktostalk.Theirsoundsaresoondrownedoutbytheroaroftheoceanandthepair
stepoutoftheforest.Standingontheedgeofthecliff,Darianatakesadeepbreathofthesaltyairthatmixeswiththesweetnessofthemushrooms.
“Areyouhappywiththechampions?”Zariatenderlyasksasshelooksacrosstheoceanatthenomad
encampment.“ItappearsLukeCallindorisexplainingyourdisappearanceandtheyaretakingitinstride.ThoughIsensetheyarewaitingtohearaboutitfromyou.Nowtheyareafterhimabouthisemotionaldistance.Theyaresuchinterestingmortals.”
“They’regoodpeople
andthey’veacceptedme.It’sstrange,”Darianaadmitswhileshetakesaseatontherockycliff.“IinteractedwithtwoofthemwhileIwasasleep,whichhasneverhappenedbefore.Sothereiscertainlysomethingdifferentaboutthisgroup.Doyouthinkthisisthefinal
attempt?”“Gabrielhasagreedto
makethisthelastgroupofchampions,”thegoddessreplies,joiningherdaughterontheground.Shestrokestheotherwoman’shair,watchingitturnafieryredbeforereturningtosilver.“Theremustbesomething
elsewecantalkabout.”“NotthatIcanthinkof,”
Darianareplieswithahalf-heartedshrug.Shelaysback,abedofsoftmossgrowingbeneathher.“We’vebeenaliveforalongtimeandIdon’tdoanythinginteresting.Isleep,Iwakeup,Iinteractwiththechampions,theyget
killed,andIgobacktosleep.You’renotallowedtotellmeabouttheeventsofyourlife.Itisn’tlikeI’lleverdateanyoneorhaveachild.Atleastfornow,we’rebothratherboring.”
“Perhapsyouwillhavemoretotalkaboutnowthatyouhavefriends.”
“Iwasthinkingthesamething.”
“Inthatcase,Iwillwaitforabetteropportunitytospeakwithyou.”
Achilledwindwhipsatthewomenandthesoundofbootscrunchingongravelinterruptstheirconversation.Zariasighsandrisestoher
feet,turningonherbaretoestofacethedark-hairedgodbehindher.DarianascramblestoherkneestobowinfrontofGabriel,whoeyesherlikeonewouldamisbehavingpuppy.NoticingthescowlonthePurityGoddess’sface,hesmilesandgesturesforthemortalto
stand.“TowhatdoIowethis
honor?”Darianaasks,ignoringtheangrythoughtsofhermother.
“IcametoapologizethatIwouldnotbeattendingyourlittlehomecomingparty,”theGodofDestinyanswersinamelodicvoice.Hetightens
hisgloves,theircolorchangingfromblacktoadarkyellow.“Ihavebusinesstohandleandnotimeforsuchindulgences.YetIdohavesomethingtodiscusswithyou.”
“MymindhasalreadybeenwipedofallinformationonHelgardandwhateverelse
thechampionsmightface,”theyoungwomandeclareslikeanobedientsoldier.SherelaxeswhenZariaputsahandonhershoulder,soothingmagicflowingthroughintohercore.“I’msorry,mom,butI’mtryingtobepoliteandloyal.”
“Iappreciatethat,dear,
butyou’rejumpingtoconclusions,”thegoddessmentionswithasteelygazeatGabriel.“Makethisquick,sowecangettotheparty.”
“Suchirrationalpriorities.”
“I’dsayhaveachildandwitnessthechange,butyouwouldprobablyeatyour
heirs.”“Iforgothowdefensive
yougetaroundthelittleKernaghan.”
GabrielhumsatunethatturnsZariatostone,startlingDarianawhoistrappedbyhermom’spetrifiedhand.Thestatue’smouthcracklesasthePurityGoddesstriestospeak,
butshecanonlygruntandgrowl.Withasnapofhisfingers,thestoneshattersandfallsawayfromtheredheadeddeityinacascadeofpowder.HegrinsatthesightofZariahackingupthestonedustfromherlungs,hereyesfilledwithfury.Gabrielopenshismouthtospeakto
Darianawhenmushroomssproutfromhismouth,theirfleshtastingofsourmilk.Hebitesthroughtheirputridstalksandswallowswhatisinhismouth,hisfaceturninganuglyshadeofgreen.
“Nevercastmagiconmeinfrontofmydaughter,”Zariaangrilystates,putting
herselfbetweenGabrielandDariana.
“DulynotedandIrespectfullyadmireyourrevenge.ItrulythinkIamgoingtothrowupforthefirsttimeincenturies,”theblack-hairedgodadmits,hisvoicemissinghisusualarroganceandbluster.“Ihavearequest
ofyourdaughterandaftersomeofherpastactions,shehasnochoicebuttoagree.ThoughIamcertainshewouldanyway.”
“We’rebothlistening,”thegoddesssays.
Darianapushesaheadofhermomandholdsherhand.“Icanspeakformyself,
mother.Whatisyourrequest,LordGabriel?”
“ThisisourbestchancetodestroyBaronKernaghanandIhavecometorealizethatfailuremightbefinalthistime,”theGodofDestinyexplainsinaslow,steadyvoice.Thepainedexpressiononhisfacetellstheothers
howmuchithurtstomakesuchanadmission.“Iaskthatyoulookoveryournewfriends.Fortherecord,Iamgladtheyarefriends.Eachchampionisoneofmyfinestworksandtheirkindwillneverbeseenagain.FromthelastoftheCallindorstotheperfectlygrownchannelerto
thelivingaurafont,itwouldbeimpossibletocreatethemagainbeforeyourfatherfreeshimself.”
“WhatshouldIdo?”GabrielgrabsDarianaby
thechinandstaresintohereyes,searchingthemforsignsofdisloyalty.“Makesureallofthemmakeittothatfinal
battle.Notonlyalive,butempoweredenoughtogiveyourfatheragoodfight.Icannotgetinvolvedordecidewhowillwin,butyouarealoopholeinourlaw.Icanaskyoutoprotectthemformeuntiltheyareneeded.Betrayalandfailurewillbemetwithseverepunishment
atthehandsofmytopagent.DoIhaveyourwordthatyouwillbetheirdefender?”
“Ofcourse,LordGabriel.MayIaskwhatbecomesofmewhenmyfatherisdefeated?”
“Youknowwhatwillhappenthankstoyourearlyactions.Remembernottotell
themaboutthisconversation,butdonotremoveitfromyourmemory.Enjoytheparty.”
“That’sit?”Zariasnapsattheothergod.“Youputthatonhershouldersandwalkaway?”
“Yesbecausewebothknowsheisstrongerthanshe
givesherselfcreditfor,”Gabrielanswerswithagenuinesmileatthesilver-hairedchampion.“Ihavealwaysbeenimpressedbyherabilitiesanddisappointedinherlacklusteruseofthem.Shespendsmoretimemindwipingherselfthandoinganythinguseful.Trytobean
adultthistime,littleKernaghan.Otherwise,yourfinaljudgmentwillcomemuchsooner.”
Gabrielvanishesinapuffofblacksmokethatdriftsabovethemushrooms.Darianawatcheshimdisappear,mysterioustearsstreamingdownherface.A
vacantpartofhermindtriestospeakwithher,itscontentslongsincepurgedandleavingagapinhermemories.TheyoungwomanstopscryingwhenZarialeadsherbackintothemushroomforestandthesoundsofcelebratinggodscanbeheardinthedistance.
17
“She’swakingup!”Sarishoutsinagurglingvoice.
Darianagroansandrubshereyesasthelandscapeundulatesaroundher.Sheblinksthestarsaway,realizingthatherhandsarecoveredinglintingsparkles.Reachingdowntowipethem
offonherpants,shefindsonlyherbarelegsandinternallypanicsthatsheisnaked.Shebreathesasighofreliefwhenshetouchesthehemofaveryshort,colorfuldressthatshevaguelyremembersoncebeingalotlonger.Awaterskinisofferedtoherfrombelowandshe
takesitfromthehazyformwithredhair.Afteralongdrinkofcoolwater,hersensesclearenoughforhertorecognizeTimoranandisconfusedonwhysheistallerthanhim.Sheyelpswhenthesnortingcamelsheisridingturnsaroundtostareather.
“What’sgoingon?”
Darianaasksasherheadjerksaroundtomakesenseofhersurroundings.Therestofherfriendsarewalkingnexttoher,butthesightofSariwrappedinabubbleofwatermakesherthinksheisdreaming.“HowlongwasIgonefor?Wheredidthiscamelcomefrom?”
“Yousurehavealotofenergyforsomeonewhohasn’teateninaweek,”Sarireplieswithasmile.Sheoffersapieceofjerkytotheconfusedwomanwhogreedilysnatchesitoutofherhand.“Makesmewishwehadn’twastedthefeastringtwodaysago.You’dbeable
todevouritonyourown.”“We’rejustgladyou’re
awake,”DelvinsaysasheextendsahandtohelpDarianadownfromhermount.HepatsthecamelontherumpandittransformsbackintoFizzle,thedritespittingaglobofrainbowsaliva.“Wewerebreaking
downcampandyouwanderedbackinwithwhatyou’rewearingnow.Thedressseemstobemagicallyboundtoyou,sowecouldn’tchangeyouintomoresuitableclothes.Sariusedherpowerstobatheyou,soyou’renotdirty.Thoughthosestrangesparklesonyouwere
impossibletogetoff.”“Imusthavebeen
playingtagwithafewofthefaegoddesses,”sheexplains,limpingalonguntilNyxhelpsher.Thenumbnessinherlegsisnotasbadassheexpected,sosheisabletomoveonherownafterafewminutesofshakysteps.“Thegodshelda
partysinceIhadnotseentheminawhile.Noteveryonecame,butmanydidandtheywererather...insistentthatItryEporwil’snewrecipes.ItisnotanactivityItypicallyindulgein,butwhocansaynotoagoddessthatissittingonyourchest.Thoughthefoodis
probablywhatcausedmetofallintoaslumberforsolongsinceIbelieveNexustheDreamKingmadethecake.I’mgladmymothergavemeenoughenergytomakeitbacktoallofyou.Wherearewe?”
TheawkwardsilencehelpsDarianasoberup
entirely,thefacesofherfriendsintentlystaringather.ShenoticesthatonlySharneremainsfromtheHelgardiantribeandthereareforebodingcoilsofblackcloudsinthedistance.Astheycometothetopofadune,sheseesthatthecloudsarereallysmokepouringfromatowering
volcano.Cracked,ebonyearthwithveinsofredrunfromthebaseofthecrimsonmountaintotheedgesofthedunes,theremainsofwhatwasoncealakeofdeadlylava.Theoccasionalpopandhisscanbeheardasheatpocketsfindawaytothesurface,theirlocationfound
onlybyawindingtrailofhaze.Asinglepathofsandrunstothecliff-coveredvolcanoandisfringedbytheremainsofancientarchways.Thereisnosignofthemissingpiecesofwhatmusthavebeenanelegantcanopyofsandstonethatoncecoveredthewalkway.Allthat
isleftarethecurvedsidesthathavespentcenturiesgettingbatteredbythedesertwinds.Focusingonthesidesofthevolcano,Darianacanseestrangemarksinthestone,asifsomethingattemptedtomaulthemountain.
“Mytribeisstayinga
mileawayincasethingsgopoorly,”Sharnesays,pettingFizzle’sheadwhenhelandsonhershoulder.“AsthePalqua,itismydutytoseethatthescepteristakencareof.SoIwillbegoingwithyou.Fizzlehaspromisedtoprotectmefromharm.Though,Idon’tknowwhat
couldpossiblybeleftinthereafterallthistime.”
“You’dbesurprised,”LukerespondswhilehehandsDarianaherclothes.
“Givehersomeprivacy,”Nyxstates,creatingacurtainofsandaroundthesilver-hairedwoman.“AreyougoingtobeokayinHelgard?”
DarianathrowstheremainsofherdressoverthebarrierwhereLukecatchesit.“I’llbefine,butIbelieveIoweyoumystory.Ipromisetobebrief.”
“Onlyifyouwishtoshare,”Timoranpolitelyreplies.
Shepartsthebarrierand
adjustshersapphiretopuntilitistightaroundherbody,butnotchokingher.Thegoldenliondesignonherbackshimmersinthemorningsunandgivestheillusionofleaningitsheadbacktoroar.Herblackpantsaredottedwiththeglitteringsparklesfromherbody,
whichcreatesanoddstarryskypattern.Wantingtocleanherfaceandhands,shewalkstoSariandstepsintothegypsy’swaterbubble.Darianacomesouttheotherside,drenchedandcleansedofthegoddessdustthatnowswirlsaroundherfriend.TheysticktoSari’sdressand
hair,muchtohersheerdelight.
“Asyounowknow,IamthedaughterofBaronArthuruKernaghanandZariathePurityGoddess,”Darianadeclaresinasolemntonewhileshestaresoutoverthehardenedlava.“Longago,myfatherfoundawayto
becometheGodofDestiny,buthewasswiftlydethronedbyGabriel.ArthuruwasunabletocreateanydestiniesbecauseZariatemptedhimwiththepromiseofherflesh.Shewasavirgingoddessandshesacrificedherstatustostophimfromkillingtheothergodsanddisturbingthe
balanceoffate.Theresultoftheirtrystisme.”
“Soyou’reagoddess?”Lukeasks,scratchinghishead.“Ithoughtthegodscouldn’tgetinvolvedinmortalaffairs.”
“I’mamortalwithanextremelylonglifespan.Idon’tage,butonedaymy
bodywillcrumbletodustandIwillbeleftabenevolentspirit,”sheexplainswhileleadingthewaydownthedunes.Darianaprojectshervoiceintothemindsoftheothers,allowinghertofocushereyesontheloomingvolcano.“Peoplelikemearenotborntruegods,butwe
canbecomeonebytheageoffiveifwewishandarepermitted.There’saritualwherewe’regivenadomainandgrantedadeity’saura.TheothergodsdecideifthereisaneedforsuchanascensionandifthepersoninquestionwillabidebytheLawofInfluence.Ifwegrow
toooldthenwearenolongerviablecandidates.Although,truemortalsareabletobeturnedintogodsifthesituationiscorrect.Theentirethingiscomplicatedandhasn’thappenedincenturies.”
“Iamconfusedonhowyouwereraisedsincebeing
mortalwouldforbidZariafrominteractingwithyou,”Timoransays,carefullywalkingdownthesandyincline.Hestepsonapartofthedunewithnotractionandfallstothehardenedground.“Becareful,myfriends.Therearesheetsofglassbeneaththesand.Theymust
havebeenmadebytheheatofthevolcanoorthelavalake.Thankfully,allofthishashardenedandcooled.”
“ItissaidthatthevolcanowilleruptagainwhenHelgardisclaimed,”SharnementionswhileshegingerlymakesherwaytoTimoran.“Thiswillbecomea
lakeoflavaoncemoreunlessthenewmasterdoessomethingdifferent.”
“I’lldefinitelyreconsiderhavingthisplacesurroundedbyadeathtrap.Attheveryleast,I’llputupsomerailingsorbarriers,”Nyxclaims,kickingatanisolatedpieceofbasalt.Shegetsashield
aroundherwhenacrimsonveinspitslavaather,thehotliquidsplatteringagainstthespell.“Lookslikethelakeisbecomingactivenowthatthescepterisnear.Sohowwereyouraised,Dariana?IrememberthevisionofyoubeingintheZarianMonastery.”
“IlivedonAmbervaleformyfirstyeartoallowmymothertonurseme,”sheanswerswhilecautiouslymovingalongtheedgeofthedunes.Sheholdsupherhand,stoppingeveryonefromwalkingintoasuddenspurtoflava.“ThenIwassenttothemonasterytoberaisedby
herhighpriestess.Ilivedthereforaverylongtime.IrememberwhenMylrixthemagicplanemergedwiththephysicalrealm.ThatshouldtellyouhowoldIam.Anyway,yousawhowmytimeatthemonasteryended.ItwassoonaftertheGreatCataclysmthatIlearnedof
myfatherandwaschosenasachampion.”
Darianatakesastepontothesandypaththatislinedwiththejaggedremainsofatleasttensandstonearches.Fireandlightningcracklealongtheremainsoftherune-coveredcanopy,thedamagedpiecesunabletocontainthe
ancientaura.Thespellsarethickandwildastheylashatthegroundandpuncturethebasalt,releasingthechurninglavathathasbeenlockedawaysincethevolcanowenttosleep.Asifreactingtothenoise,Helgardrumblesandspewsarainofashthatcolorthesurroundingdunesadrab
gray.Sariusesherwater
bubbletocooltheflowinglavawhileLukerushesaheadtoyankDarianaawayfromanincomingspell.Beforehecangethertotheothers,aboltoflightningstrikesthesandbehindhimandturnsitintoapatchofslickglass.He
slipsandfallswithDarianalandingontopofhim,theimpactknockingthewindfromhislungs.Afieryspellrunsalongtheground,narrowlymissingthepairwhenDarianarollsthemtotheside.Someofthelavaflowsovertheedgeofthewalkway,whichLukepushes
themawayfromwithacontrolledgustofair.Theyarestrugglingtogetupwhentheyfeeltheheatofanincomingfireball.
Timoranleapsoverhisfriendsandbatsthespelloutofthewaybeforeaglisteningbarriersurroundseveryone.Nyxholdsthescepterabove
herheadassheleadsthewaythroughthepathoffireandelectricity,herspellflowingfromtheruby.Deadlymagicricochetsoffhermagicshieldandexplodesonthebasalt,creatinggeysersoflava.Bythetimetheyreachthefarendofthepath,theairaroundtheadventurersisemitting
steamandthestrainingcasteriscoveredinsweatfromexertion.Wheneveryoneissafeandnearthesimpleentrance,shestompsherfoottocreateashellofstoneandglassalongthepath.Theviolentspellsbounceofftheenchantedmaterial,creatingmoregeysersinthebasalt
field.“Thatshouldholdifwe
needtoescape,”Nyxsaysasshefallstoherknees.Sheopenshermouthtosaysomethingwhenaburstofwaterhitsherintheface.“Really,Sari?We’reinfrontofanactivevolcanowithwhoknowswhatinsideandyou
drenchme?”“Youlookedoverheated
andIwantedtohelp.Thisisn’tthetimeforpranks,Nyxie,”thegypsyrepliesasshehelpsthecasterstand.“Ihaveaquestion,Dariana.Ifyoutraveledwithpreviouschampionsthenshouldn’tyouknowaboutsomeofthese
dangers?”Thewomansighsand
looksattheslabofredstonesittingbetweentwounlittorches.“It’snotassimpleasthat.I’mboundbycertainrulesbecauseofmysituation.OneoftherulesisthatIwipemymindofanyinformationthatwouldbehelpfultothe
nextsetofchampions.IneverrememberthedangersofthetempleevenifIhaveaninklingofbeinghere.HelgardisespeciallystronginthebackofmymindbecauseitistheoneI’vebeenbroughttothemost.I’msorrythatI’mnotmuchhelp.”
“Itisn’tlikeweexpected
thistobeeasy,”Delvinsayswhileheapproachesthedoor.Heknocksontheroughstoneandjumpsbackexpectingsomethingtohappen.“That’sodd.There’snothingreallymagicalaboutthisdoorliketheprevioustemples.Cometothinkofit,Helgardhasadifferentfeelingthanthe
others.”“Theprevioustemples
weresecludedfromtherestoftheworld,butthisplacehasthesmellofonethathasbeenleftexposed,”Timoranreplies,takingtheCompassKeyoffitschainandturningitinhishands.“Iexpectedacomplicatedentrancelike
before,butthereisnothinghere.AlonetravelercouldmakeitdownthepathwayiftheirreflexeswerekeenortheyhadadefensivespelllikeNyxused.Somemayevenbeabletohurryacrossthehardenedlava.Thisisiftherewouldbeanydangerinthefirstplacesincetheareais
respondingtothescepter’sreturn.”
“It’spossiblethattheBeastofPalquadestroyedtheoriginalentrancealongwithmypeople’soriginalcity,”Sharnesaysasshetakesaseatonthebaseofafallencolumn.Shepicksupachunkofmarblethatwasoncepart
ofastatue’sface.“ThecityofPalquaoncesatuponthecliffsofthevolcano.Youcanstillseepartsofthepathwaysandstairsalongwithdeepgougesfromthebeast.Thistellsmethatthemonsterrampagedoutherebeforeitwassealedwithinthescepter.”
“Idoknowthatenteringatemplethroughanalternativeentrancemakesthingsmoredifficult.IthinkafewchampionsweredestroyedattemptingthatwithHelgard,”Darianaclaimswhilewatchingthecontinuingspellstormrevivethelavalake.“Maybethe
archwaypathwastheoriginalentrancewithapatternofspellsoritwasaracetogetthroughbeforetheyreleasethelava.Thisdoesn’thelpussinceit’sdestroyed.”
“SomeonesealedHelgard,butGabrielwouldn’tallowforittohappeninawaythat
permanentlyclosesit,”Nyxmentionsasshetapsthedoorwiththescepter.Afaintlineofenergyrunsthroughthemiddleoftheroughstone,butonlythecasterisquickenoughtonotice.“IthinkIsawsomething.CanIhavetheCompassKey,Timoran?”
Thebarbarianreluctantly
handshertherelicandcringeswhenthecasterpressesittothedoor.Linesofwhiteenergyracealongthestone,gatheringnearthebottomtoformaglowinglock.Nyxcanfeeltheentrancerumbleandshift,butaloudgroaningofrustygearsisallthatoccurs.Struggling
toreacttotheCompassKey,chipsofstoneandancientdustfallawayfromtheroughedgesofthedoorway.Withacreakingclunk,theentranceshudderstoastopandtheshininglockfadesaway.
“Thatwasratherunderwhelming,”Lukesays,throwingarockatwherethe
lockhadappeared.Heduckswhentheprojectileisrocketedbackathishead.“Thenagain,Nyxmightbeontosomething.Guessweshouldlookforcluesliketheotherplaces.”
“Noneedforthatsincethisisn’ttheoriginalentrancetest,”thecasterdeclaresas
shescrewstheCompassKeyontothetopofthescepter.ShesmilesatTimoranwhoisbackingontothepath,theechoingsoundofthespellshittingtheprotectivecanopymakinghimevenmorenervous.“I’mguessingwhoeversealedHelgardandtheBeastofPalquacreated
thislock.It’spowerfulandyouneedbothitemstorevealit.StrangesincetheCompassKeywassupposedtohavebeenlostagesago.”
“That’smyfault,”Darianastates,raisingherhandandlookingatherfeet.“TheCompassKeyisfoundbyeverygroupofchampions
anditreturnstoGaiawhenevertheyfail.Ihelprevivetheghostsinsideanddepowerit,whichiswhyIstirreduponitsrevival.Gabrielusesmypowertowipeeveryone’smemoryofiteverbeingfound,includingthatofmyfather.Afterall,I’mthebeingheusedto
maketheinitialcursethatwipedallmemoryoftheBaronfromWindemere.Inmydefense,Iwasstillinmymomatthetime.”
EveryonestaresatDarianawiththeirmouthspartiallyopen,theirmindsslowlyprocessingwhattheyhaveheard.Nyxshakesher
headandmuttersabouthavingherfilloflife-alteringrevelationsforoneday.Bracingherself,sheaimsthescepteratthedoorandfocuseshermagicontheruby.Thereisasenseofresistancefromthemonsterinside,butsheurgesittobehavelongenoughforherto
tapitspower.Akeyoffirelancesoutofthescepterandimpalesthehiddenlock,turningtoopenitandsinkingintothestone.Thewhitelinesreappeartocreatethepicturesofadragonandalargebird,bothofwhicharedepictingbreathingfire.Slidingintothesidesofthevolcano,the
doorsopentoreleaseagustofhot,stalewind.Theremainsofatleasttenskeletonsarestrewnacrosstheentrance,buttheadventurerscanseethattherearemorebodieswithinthedarkness.
“WhydoIgetthetemplefullofcorpses?”Nyxgroans,
tossingTimorantheCompassKey.
*****Thedarknessentombs
thesmallgroupandabsorbsallofthesunlightthatcomesthroughtheopenentrance.OnlytheglowingrubyofthescepterisabletoemitenoughlightforNyxtoleadtheway.
Fadedpicturesofgreatbattles,powerfulcasters,andbizarrecreaturesareetchedintothestonewalls.Theymakeforaminordistractionfromthesnappingofbonesthatcanbeheardwitheverystep.Skeletonsandmummifiedbodieslitterthelonghallway,manyofthem
clothedinrustyarmororscrapsofrobes.Thecrimsonlightoccasionallybouncesoffcoinsandgemsthatarescatteredabouttheancientcorpses.Saribendsdowntoscoopupasapphire,butimmediatelydropsitwhenshegetsasinistersensationfromtheitem.Nyxglaresat
herforthenoiseofthegemhittingthestonefloorandpushesherwaytothegypsy.
“Pleasedon’ttouchanything,”shehissesintoherfriend’sear.ThelookoffearinSari’seyesswiftlydissipatesthehalf-elf’sannoyance.“What’swrong?”
“Thewealthonthefloor
isn’tmagical,butit’scursed,”Sariwhispers,huggingNyxforcomfort.Herskinfeelslikeitistryingtocrawloffherbonesasthecorruptedaurateaseshersenses.“They’vebeenmarkedbyviolence.Idon’tknowwhothesepeopleareorhowtheygotinhere,buttheysuffered
beforedeath.”“Allofthemwereformer
champions,”Darianastatesthroughtelepathy.Shebendsdowntotouchagoldcoin,cringingatthenerve-twistingsensation.“ItwouldseemthatHelgardisthedepositoryofdeadchampions.Notallofthesepeoplediedhere.Ican
readsomeoftheirdeathsoffresidualaura.DrowningintheIslandofPallice,fallingfromGardenofUli,andthosearethehumaneones.Isensealotoffiretoo.”
“Wouldn’tbeNyx’stemplewithoutthat,”Lukenervouslyjokes,crouchingtoexamineabroadsword.The
metalisscorchedandbrittle,crumblingathistouch.“Whateverdidthiscreatedenoughheattodestroytemperedsteel.ReallyoldVerenstoneDragonscandothat,butIdon’tknowofanythingelse.”
“IdidseethesymbolofadragonwhenIresearched
Helgard,”Nyxsaysasshereturnstothefrontofthegroup.Shecreatesashelltodefendagainstfire,thebarriershimmeringbrieflybeforethedarknessdevoursthelight.“Stayinagroup,soIcankeepusprotected.Dariana,Sari,andIcanattackthedragonfrominsidetheshield
ifthere’sreallyoneupahead.Followmeandnomoretouchingstuff.”
Theycontinuethroughthedarknessuntilthehallwaysplitsintotwo,ametaldoorsittinginthecenterofthedeadend’swall.Nyxshinesthescepter’slightdownthepathontheleftandis
surprisedtofindthatitisclearofbodies.Thepolishedstoneispristineandthepicturesonthewallsareclearasiftimehasnevertouchedthem.Whenshecheckstherighthandpath,shefindstheopposite.Fleshycorpsesarepiledwaisthigh,leavinganarrowpaththroughthelow,
fly-coveredstacks.Squintingintothedarkness,Nyxthinkssheseesacurveinthehallway,butthestenchofdecayfromthebodiesmakeshereyeswater.Returningtotheotherpath,sheisabouttotakeastepontothecleanfloor,butstopswithherfootofftheground.Shesteps
backandsendsatinyfireballintothehallway,watchingitcurveoutofsightinthedistance.
“Iseverythingokay?”Sharneasks,clingingtoFizzle’stail.
Nyxputsherfingertohermouthandbacksawayfromthepath,herfreehand
coatingitselfinforcemagic.Thevioletenergygrowsandhardensintoasolidfistthatshedelicatelytapswiththesceptertomakesureitiscomplete.Usingajumpspellforaboostofpower,sheleapsattherustydoorandsmashestheentirewalldowninonestrike.Theimpactis
enoughtoshakethehallwayandcurtainsoflavafalltoblockofftheotherpaths.Thesoundofflowingliquidandthesmellofmeltingbodiesrevealsthatthebarriersareracingalongthehallways.Abalmyheatfillsthearea,butacoolbreezefromtheroomaheadgivesthemsomerelief
andclearsthedustfromtheair.
JoiningNyxamongtherubble,theadventurerslookoutatthevast,rectangularroombeforethem.Thebackwallisnothingmorethanapaneofenchantedglass,givingpeopleaviewofthebubblingmagmabelow.Gold
chandelierswithunlitcandleshangfromthepolishedceilingwherethedepictionofagreatcasterbattlecanbeseenshiftinginthestone.Basaltfurniturewithdamagedcushionsarestrewnacrosstheroom,mostofthemshatteredintobarelyrecognizablepieces.The
wallsarecoveredinsculptedmasks,eachfacewithsteamingtearsdrippingdowntheircheeks.Builtintothemiddleofthefloorisawidepitwithalargestackofwoodrisingfromitscenter.
“Youreallyshouldredecorate,Nyxie,”Sarisuggestsastheyenterthe
room.Shespinsaroundandhurlsadaggeratthesoundofshiftingstone,theweapongettingstuckinthereformingwall.“Atleastifthisplaceletsyou.”
“Anybodyseeanydoors?”Lukeaskswhiletakingacloserlookattherebuiltwall.Heleapsaway
whenoneofthemasksgrowseyes,theirlightrevealingarealskullwithinthestone.“Ijustrealizedthatnoneofthosecorpseshadheads.Somethingputtheskullsoftheformerchampionsintothewall.I’mlikingthisplaceevenlessnowthatIknowIcouldbecomeoneofthe
gaudydecorations.”“Thetestofthe
champions,”Darianawhisperstoherself,aflickeringmemorymakinghereyestwitch.“Idon’tknowwhy,butthatphrasekeepscomingtomymind.Helgardisveryimportanttothechampionprophecy.More
sothananyothertemple.”“ItappearsIhaveto
explainthingstoyouagain,”adeep,malevoicesaysfromthefarsideoftheroom.“Againweplaytherolessetoutbeforeus,neargoddess.Suchboredomand...isthattheScepterofNuerin?”
Theglasswallripplesas
anelevenfoottallfigurestepsthrough,steamdriftingoffhiscrimsonskin.Thehulkingbeingstretcheshisarmsandscratcheshiswhiteclawsdowntheglass,fillingtheroomwithanuglyscreech.Burningfootprintsareleftonthefloorasheapproachestheadventurers,hisleoninehead
peeringatthemwithyelloweyes.Withayawn,thebeastexposeshissharpteethandrevealsthelightofaninternalfirethatspitslavaontohismoisttongue.Athicklayerofebonyfurisonitsmuscularchest,themattedhairshowingsignsofhavingbeensinged.Thecreature’sblack
maneandthetuftofhaironhisthintailbristlewithexcitementashebendsdowntogetacloserlookatthescepter.Hetakesadeepwhiffofthefamiliarscent,whichstirsmemorieshehasnotrecalledinwelloveracentury.
“Itappearsthiswillbe
moreinterestingthantheprevioustimes,”thecreaturedeclaresinawhimsicalvoice.HeturnstoNyxandlickshislipsatherscent.“AchannelerreturnsthelostrelicofHelgard.Sodelicious,butnotassurprisingasIthoughtitwouldbe.Gabrieldoeshaveasenseofhumorattimes.”
“What’sanIfritdoinghere?”Nyxasks,keepingthescepterawayfromthebeast.
“I’mtheguardianofHelgard.MynameisSutterandIhavebeenensl...entrustedtoprotectthistemple,”hereplieswithabow.HisheadcomesclosetoSariandhepullsawayatthe
brieftasteofherscent.“Wholetthedeadfishinhere?Don’ttellmeoneofthenewchampionscomesfromoneofthosevapid,selfishwaterwhores.”
“No.I’mpartnaiad,youashsuckingpieceoflavavomit,”thegypsyreplies,blushingatherwords.“I’ve
noideawherethatcamefrom.AllIknowisthatIreallydon’tlikethismassofoverheateddragondung.”
“NaiadsandIfritdon’tgetalongbecauseoftheiropposingelements,”Nyxexplainswhileeasingherfriendback.Outthecornerofhereye,sheseesSutterreach
forthesceptersosheyanksitoutofreach.“Thisstayswithmebecausethere’sadangerousbeastinside.IfIletgothenitwillescapeanddestroythedesertorsetitonfireorsomethinglikethat.Nowwhat’sthistestofchampionsandhowdoIpurifythisplace?”
“Youassumeit’scorrupted,butagentsoftheBaronhaveneversteppedwithinthesehallowedwalls,”Sutterproudlydeclareswhilehegetsacloserlookattheotherchampions.HegrinsatTimoranandgingerlystrokesthebarbarian’sredhair.“Ilovethisone.Imighthave
himstuffedandputinmypersonalcollectionwhenyoufail.Thegriffintooifhediesinthatform.Thewarriorandtherancidwhalegutscanrotinthehallway.Notsurewhattodoabouttheformerservantandthetinydragon.MaybeI’llletthemgoiftheyoutlivetherestofyou.Thatisallof
youexceptforDarianahere.Mindwipedyourselfagain,huh?”
“I’msorry,butit’srequired.”
Suttersneersatthesilver-hairedwomanbeforewalkingovertothepileofwood.Hespinsoneofthechandeliersasheclimbsatop
thebeamsandmakeshimselfcomfortable,thetipsofthelogsturningblackathistouch.Hewatchestheadventurersmoveintoacircle,Sharnecrouchinginthemiddle.Itisanamusingsighttothelesserdemonandhelickshislipswithatonguethatisroughenoughtodraw
blood.“Helgardwassupposed
tobetheopeningchallengeforthechampions,”Sutterexplainsinaboomingvoice.Hefoldshislegsbeneathhim,hispowerfulbodybalancedonthetipofthewoodpile.“Theoverallsystemhasbeendestroyed
thankstotheBaronandhisson,sonowyourkindstartwhereveryouwant.Thecorpsesarestilltransportedheresinceweactasacrypt.Though,IonlyeverseevictimscomeinfromPalliceandtheGarden.RarelydoIevergetonefromtheothertemplesthatI’vebeentold
youhaveyettovisit.I’vebeenverycuriousaboutthat,butmyjobistostayhereanddec...obeytheordersofGabriel.Tobehonest,Imissthesimplerdaysofchampionsbeingsummoned,dyinginHelgard,andtherenotbeingbodiesappearingonthefloorwithoutwarning.”
“Whatdowedohere?”DelvinaskswhilehewatchestheIfrit.Achillrunsuphisspinewhenthecreaturemeetshisgaze.“Iwasonlythinkingthatthere’snopointinwastingtoomuchofyourtime.Ifwe’regoingtobekilledthenit’sbestthatwegetitoverwith,soyoucan
getbacktowhateveritisyoudo.”
“Idoabsolutelynothing,butyouhaveapoint.ThoughIquestionwhyyouwouldbringawoodenshieldintoavolcano,”Sutterstates,flickingasparkofflameatDelvin.Thewarriorstepsawayfromthetinyfire,
whichburstswithapopathisfeet.“Goodreflexes.Nowthefirsttestistolightthisbonfire-”
NyxignitesthepileofwoodbeforetheIfritcanfinishtalking,thelesserdemonengulfedbythecracklingflames.Hestepsoutofthebonfireandwipesthe
fireoffhisshoulders,anevilgrinonhisface.Theglasswallturnsasicklyshadeofgreenasasymphonyofhowlsrisefromthestretchingshadows.Onebyonethestonemaskslightuptorevealtheirskullsandblobsoforangeauraseepfromtheireyesockets.Thespecters
growintohazysilhouettesoftheirformerselves,buttheirfacesarevividandcontortedbyagony.
“Withoutwakingthespiritsofthefallen,”Sutterfinishes,takingaseatinfrontofthebonfire.Hegazesattheceilingandsighs,layingdownsohisheadisinthe
flames.“WhyisitthatwhenacasteristhechampionofHelgard,theysetfiretothewoodbeforeItellthemeverything?I’dstartwiththeangryspirits,butthatwouldonlyleadtoaboringdiscussionandquestions.Areyoudeadyet?”
Thespectersdiveatthe
adventurers,buttheyaremetbyLukewhosesabersareglowingwithpinkenergy.Severalofthemareturnedtoorangepowderbytheforesttracker’sslashes,whichforcestheresttoretreattotheceiling.Usingburstsofwindbeneathhisfeet,Lukerepeatedlyleapsintotheair
anddestroysthesquirmingmassofundead.Thehalf-elfboundsaroundtheroom,flippingoverattacksandslashingattherapidlyshrinkingswarm.Hethrowsinafewacrobaticspinstoavoidthetediumoftheeasyfight.TheirpanickedscreechescauseSuttertotake
hisheadoutofthebonfire,thelesserdemonsmirkingasthelastoftheangryspiritsexplodes.
Theglasswallhumsandshakesasthepowderedspectersareabsorbedintothemurkysurface.Sensingamalevolentpresence,NyxandSarisprintacrossthe
room.Thehalf-elfisfasterwithherspellandherhandisbathedinyellowaura,whichshepressesagainstthemurkywall.Thedarkmagiccoilsaroundherwristandstartstodragherthroughtheglass,thelaughingofhundredsofspiritsringinginherears.Feelingtheheatofthe
volcanoonherhand,Nyxunleashesaburstoflightningfromherfingersandyanksherarmfree.Withherfriendoutoftheway,SarichantsinabubblinglanguagethatmakesSutter’seyesburn.Sheblowsakissatthewallandcastsasprayofwhitesparksthatsinkintothesmooth
surface.Thechurninggreendissipates,allowingthelightofthebonfiretopassthroughtheglassandbounceoffanarrangementofmirrors.EchoingclunksandslamscanbeheardfromalloverHelgardasdoorsunlockandstaircaseseruptfromthewalls.
“Icanseeyou’regoingtobemoreinterestingthanyourpredecessors,”theIfritsays,hiseyesglintingwithaburninginterest.Thelesserdemonwatchesasastonedoorslidesopenonthefloorandastairwelldescendsfromtheopening.“Onlytwentyothergroupsmadeitbeyond
thistestandtheyalwayshadatleastonecasualty.You’rethefirsttomakeitthroughwithacasterchampion.”
“Thatwassurprisinglyeasy,”Lukeadmitsashewalkstowardthestairs.WhenhestepswithinreachofSutter,theIfritgrabshisarmandpluckstheRingofUlioff
hisfinger.“Whatareyoudoing?Webeatyourtest!”
“Ihavealoveofrings,”hereplies,tuckingtheitemintohispocket.Hesniffsatthedormantfeastringandspitsindisgustattheweakmagic.“Ishouldhavementionedthatapreviouschampionhadanintense
hatredofenchantedjewelry.SoIhaveorderstoconfiscateanythatgetusedwithinthetemple.Ipromiseyouwillgetitbackifyousurvive.Cometothinkofit,mypotentialvic...mistresshasanitemthatfallsintothiscategory.Probablybesttohanditovernow.”
NyxcoversherbodyinblueflamesassheglaresattheIfrit.“Trytotakemymother’sbraceletandyouwon’tbealivetoseeuspassthenexttest.Nowwheredowegoandwhatmustwedo?”
“Asifyourmortalfireintimidatesme,”Sutterwhispers,absorbingNyx’s
flamesthroughhispalms.Agroanofecstasyescapeshislipsandhisbodyturnslightbluetomatchthepowerfulfireheingested.“Ilikeyourfire,soyoumayretainyourkeepsake.Ihavesomeerrandstoattendto.GodownthestairsandtellCudgelIsayhello.Hopefully,we’ll
meetagain.”TheIfrit’sbodyturns
intoacloudofashesandrisesthroughtheceiling,leavingalayerofsootonthestone.Nyxisalreadyheadingdownthestairsbythetimetheothersstopstaringatthelesserdemon’sdeparture.Timoranisthelasttoenter
thenarrowstairwell,hismassiveframecrampedbetweenthewarmwalls.Oncehisheadisclearoftheentrance,aslabofbasaltslidesoutofthefloorandsealsthechampionsinside.
*****“Letmein!”Stephen
screamsatthefrontdoorof
Helgard.Eyestwitchingandfoamatthecornersofhismouth,hebeatsonthesolidstone.“Thosechampionsaremine!Iwantthem!Ideservethem!Givethemtome!”
Unleashingaferalshriek,heslamshisheadagainsttheentranceandstumblesbackwithbloodseepingfromhis
forehead.Theclunkofalockcanbeheardandthedoorwayopens,promptingStephentoproudlywalktowardtheopening.HestopswhenthetoweringformofSutterstepsoutofthedarkness.TheIfritraiseshishandsandgeysersoflavaeruptfromthebasaltfield,themoltenrockflowing
intohisbody.Withanintimidatingroar,thecreaturedoublesinsizeandgrowsapairofcurvedhornsthatendinheatedtips.
“Leavethisplaceandwaittoseeiftheysurvive,”Suttersays,cautiouslyeyeingthesmallerbeing.WhenStephenappearsinfrontof
hisface,hedrivesthemantothegroundwithquickpuffofairfromhisnostrils.“Youknowtherules,littleKernaghan.Dowhatyouwanttotheothertemples,butHelgardisnottobetouched.ThatwasthedealyourfatherandImadecenturiesago.”
“Idon’tcare,”Stephen
growls,crouchinglikeacorneredanimal.“They’vewrongedmetoomanytimes.Ineedtoremovethemandgetmy...my...Darianatooksomethingfromme.Idon’tknowwhatitis,butIwantitback.”
Sutterbendsdowntosniffatthetinyman,the
creature’sfacewrinklingindisgust.“Youreekofdarkness.Youwerealwaysabeingofevil,butitwasneverthispotent.I’mcuriousastowhatshedidtoyou.”
“Thensendherouttofaceme!”thecrazedmanroars,tearingchunksofblackhairoutofhishead.The
clumpsreappearimmediately,butthereisbloodontheirtips.“Ifeelwrong.Myconfidence,mypride,andeverythingthatIcherishedislockedaway.AllIknowisthatIwanttobefixedand...Iwantthechanneler.Ineedthechanneler.Shewillbemineandwewillbreedanew
raceofimmortals.”“Nowyoutrulyoverstep
yourbounds,”theIfritdeclares,hisskincracklingasitgrowsacoveringofsolidbasalt.“Thechannelerismine.LeaveourdoorstepofyourownpowerorIwillforceyouout.”
“Youknowwhat
happenstoyouifsheconquersHelgard.”
“Iwillseehowthingsplayout,butwithoutyourintrusion.”
“Don’tmakemekillyou,youovergrownfiresprite.”
Suttershrinkstohisnormalsize,buthisleftarmisstillmassiveandcovered
withfierystone.Heshattersthelimb’scoatingwhenhepunchesStephen,sendingthemanflyingontothepath.Withapowerfulstomp,theIfritsendsaquakethroughthegroundthatshatterstheprotectiveshellaroundthewalkway.Thebrokenarchescrackletolifeandbatter
Stephenwithabarrageofcombatspells.Heisdrivenbackbythefireballs,lightningbolts,andheatburstsasthedoorsofHelgardcloseinfrontofSutter.Fivespellsconvergeontheenragedmanandexplode,launchinghimintothedunes.Hegetstohisfeet,smoke
driftingoffhisdamagedbodythatimmediatelyheals.
“I’mnotdonewithyou,”Stephenhisseswhilewipingsandoffhisclothes.
“StopcausingtroubleandcomebacktoShayd,”Trinityrequestsassheappearsfromoverthedune.Thechaoselfnimblyslides
downtheslipperyglassandlandsnexttoherally,herblackclothesreleasingasprayofcoolingmist.“Youneedtoseeyourfatherandgethelp.SocalmdownandI’llcallYolaforaportal.She’swatchingusnow,butwewantyoutoregainsomecontrolbeforewebringyou
back.”“Leavemealone,you
worthlesswhore,”Stephensnaps,grabbingthewomanbytheneckandhurlinghertotheground.Apredatoryglintisinhiseyesashewatchesthechaoselfstandandrubherthroat.“MaybeI’vespokentoosoon.You’rea
channelerlikeNyx.Nottothesamedegreeofpower,buthavingachildwithyouwouldbeuseful.Idon’tevenhavetowaitfortheproperamountoftime.Icanimpregnateyouandspeedupyourbodytogetthebabyinamatterofhours.Notsurewhatitwoulddotoyou,but
it’sbettertotestthisideaonsomeoneexpendable.”
“Yourfathertoldyoutobenice,”Trinitystates,backingawayfromtheleeringman.Herpulseispoundingwithfearandshetransformsherclothingintoatightsuitofleatherthatlocksaroundherneck.“Idon’t
wanttodoanythingifyou’relikethis.NotthatIgetanyrealpleasurefrombeingwithyou,butyou’retoodangeroustoindulge.JustcomebacktoShaydwithmeandI’lldowhatyouwantwhenyou’rebetter.”
“You’relying.”“Onlyonewaytofind
out.”“Idon’tbelieveI’veever
seenyouthisscared.”“I’veneverbeenthis
closetoatruemonsterbefore.”
“I’mnotamonster!”“Youraurasays
differently.”Stephenpounceson
Trinityandcovershermouthwithhishand,tighteninghisgripwhenshebiteshispalm.Sherepeatedlyslapsathisface,butherblowsareignoredevenwhenherpalmgemsleavecutsonhischeeks.Kickingathisstomach,shemanagestofliphimoverherhead,butthe
holdhehasonherfaceputsherstraddlinghisstomach.Heletsgoofhermouthtoviolentlysmackherinthehead,dazingtheyoungwomanenoughforhimtoslamherontotheground.Whenhehooksthecollarofhershirtandstartstotearitdownthemiddle,Trinity’s
bodylocksupandshecloseshertear-filledeyes.
“That’smorelikeit,”Stephenwhispersintoherear.Hisvoicedripswithvenomandhegrinsdownattheshiveringchaoself.“Doyourpeopleproudandcontinuesacrificingyourdignity.I’msuretheyappreciateallthat
youdoforthem,greatQueenTrinity.”
“Ihavehadenough!”Trinitymeltsintothe
sandtoescapeStephen’sgrasp,butsherisesinthesamespot,herhandsagainsthischest.Theburstofmagicsendshimflyingontothebasaltfieldwherehehitswith
enoughforcetocrackthesurface.Anexplosionoflavahurlshimintotheairandhelandsbehindtheaura-coveredcaster.Shegetsashieldupintimetocushionthebackhandtoherside,butsheisstillsenttumblingintothedunes.Fueledbyyearsofpentupfury,thechaoselfsendsa
waveofsandtowardStephen,whichshedivesinto.Whenherefusestomove,shetransformsthesandintoawallofacidthatengulfshim.Meltednearlytothebone,themadmanstaresatthepainfuldamageindisbelief.Asthewavecomesaroundforanotherpass,hedissipatesthe
spellandthrowsapunchatwhereheexpectsTrinitytobe.Nothingisthereandheisdefenselesswhensheburstsfromthenearbydune,herfistcoveredinvioletglass.Thestrikehitshisfaceandthemakeshiftgloveshatters,sendingpainfulshardsintohisrawskin.
Stephenlaughsatthepainandpicksthebiggestpieceofglassoutofhisflesh.HewaitsforTrinitytoattackagainanddisappearswhensheisaninchaway.ThecleansnapofherlegandherscreamechooffthemountainasStephenreappearsbehindher.Aviolentpunchtoher
stomachknocksthecasterintothedunessothatonlyherfaceandhandsareleftabovethesurface.GrabbingTrinitybythethroat,heyanksheroutofthedeserttombandbreaksherjawwithflickofhisthumb.
“MaybeIunderestimatedyourpower,”hesaysashe
crushesherrighthand.Thewhimperingscreamshereleasesmakeshimlickhislips.“IalwayscaughtastrongerscentfromNyx,butperhapsI’vesimplygrownaccustomedtoyou.Thereisimmensepowerwithinyourbody,soIshouldtakesometimetoinvestigateitfurther.I
cannurtureyourbrutalityandrageuntilIhaveanotherworthyqueen.Stillyouhavethatirritatingloveofyourpeople,whichpreventsyoufromdoinggreatthings.Ithinkit’stimeIstoppedpamperingyouandremovedyourgreatestweakness.Theworldwon’tmourntheloss
ofthechaoselvesandwe’llcreateanew,betterversionofyourpeople.”
TheenhancergeminTrinity’sforeheadglowsandsinksdeeperintoherskin,causingbloodtotrickledownherface.Shescreamsatthetopofherlungs,whichisdrownedoutbyamad
cacklingfromabove.Stephentriestocrushherthroat,butfindsthathehasbeenparalyzedbywhateverspellthechaoselfiscasting.Beforehecanfreehimself,apieceofflamingrockstrikeshimfrombehind.Itburststhroughhischestandrocketsbackintotheskywhereit
explodesamongtheclouds.Stephen’sbodyisfreedfromtheparalysisandheslumpstotheground,draggingTrinitydownwithhim.
“Summoningskyrockisaforbiddenspell,”hegrowlswhilehestrugglestorepairhislungsandheart.“Forthat,I’mgoingtopopyourhead
off.”Ablackandwhitehand
grabsStephenbythebackofhisshirtwhileanotherfreesTrinityfromhisgrasp.Withacasualtoss,YolaBiggsthrowshimthroughagapingportalofgreenandblackenergy.Shedelicatelycradlestheseverelyinjuredchaoself
inherarmsandtriestorememberhowtoheal.Afewtearsdancedownherfaceassheexaminesthewoundsthatcoverherbestfriend’sbody.Openinghermouthtospeak,theChaosGoddessstopswhenaquiveringfingertouchesherlips.
“Don’teventryit,Yola,”
Trinityweaklywhispers,flashingasmirk.“Idon’twantyoutoturnmeintosomethingsilly.Takemehomeandthepriestessescantendtome.”
“Areyousureyoudon’thavetogobacktoBor’daruk?”Yolaasks,listeningtothesoundof
someonegettingbeatenontheothersideoftheportal.“Theymightnoticeyou’regonefromyourpost.”
“TherealEileenhasbeenrevivedandhasmymemoriesofwhathappened.Wellwithafewimportantchangessoshebelievesitwasher,”thechaoselfanswers,examining
hercrushedhand.Shefeelsnauseousfromstartingthatthetornmeatandsplinteredbones.“I’mreallytired.Thatskysnipespelltookalotoutofme.OnemistakeandIcouldhavedestroyedtheentiredesert.Ineedtorestandheal.Goodnight,Yola.”
Trinity’seyescloseas
sheiscarriedthroughtheportalbythewhistlinggoddess.Eveninhersleep,shesmileswhenaglovedhandtouchesherblood-soakedforehead.Thewarmthofhealingmagicrepairsherbodyandsheslipsintoablissfuldream.Ifshewasawake,shewouldnoticethe
emptyroomiscoveredindentsandsplatteredwithblood.Stephen’sgaspingformremainssprawledinacorner,hispowersstrugglingtoreplacehislimbsandorgans.
“Sleepwell,mylittlequeen,”theBaronwhispers.HegivesTrinityakissonthe
cheekandturnsbacktohiscrazedson.
18
ThevastsandpitstretchessofarthatittakesFizzleafewsecondstoflyacrossathistopspeed.Steppingoffthewindingstaircase,theadventurersseetherearenootherdoorwaysbesidestheoneleadingbacktotheupperfloor.Itis
obviousthattheshiftingsandwillsuckthemunderiftheytrytostepintothepit,anideatestedbySarisacrificingoneofherdaggers.TheyareforcedtoremainonthestonepaththatrunsalongtheedgeoftheroomwhileFizzledartsaroundinsearchofacluetothetest.Heexaminesthe
dome-likeceiling,whichiscoveredincragsandpocketsthatholdnothingmorethansand.Anoccasionalrumblemakeseveryonestop,butnothinghappensandtheycontinueinsilenceforseveralminutes.
“Roomstrange,”Fizzleannouncesinaloudvoice.
Everyonetriestomakehimlowerhisvoice,butthedritestaresattheminconfusion.“Nodangerinroom.Fizzlenotgiveusaway.Friendsneedtocalm.”
“There’ssomethinghere,”Darianasays,leaningagainsttheroughwallandtakingadeepbreath.“Ican
feelthethoughtsofsomethingancientinhere.Wasn’tCudgelthenamenexttothedragonpicture,Nyx?”
“Yes,butthiswouldbeaterribleplaceforaVerenstone,”thecasterreplies,scratchingherheadwiththescepter.Shesendsafewlightorbsintotheair,
hopingtorevealalargeopeningintheceiling.“Therewouldbenowayforittogettothevolcanoortheopenair.Cudgelwouldeitherstarveorgoinsaneandsmashitswayout.”
Lukeinchestowardtheedgeofthepathandstaresintothesand,hissenses
pickingupsomesubtlemovements.“Unlessit’sadifferenttypeofdragon.There’ssomethingbigdownthereandit’sbreathing.Themovingsandmakesithardtogetaclearview.Icangetavagueideaofitssizeandshape,whichremindsmeofadragon.Isn’tthereararetype
ofNatureDragonthatlivesinthedesert?”
“TheAquestarDragons,”Sharnestateswithasighofrelief.“Theyarepeacefulgiantsthatswimbeneaththesands.I’veneverseenonebefore,buttheyareknowntoexistinthecentralregionofthedesert.”
“Atleastthey’repeaceful,”Nyxmutters,secretlywishinghertemplehadaVerenstoneDragon.
“Thatmakesmemoreworried,”Delvininterjects,crouchingtogetabetterlookatthemovinggrains.Theirmotionlookslikethatofarestlesslysleepingcreature,
thebodyneverbreakingthesurface.“Cudgel’sconstantlychurningthesandandkeepingitloose.Spreadoutincasehewakesupandtriestoattack.Ifwe’retogetherthenwe’reeasiertargets.Atleastthisdragonwon’tspitfire,right?”
“Blindingsandtoallow
themtoescapeanenemyoreattheirprey,”Sharnereplies,takingaseatagainstthewall.“I’msorry,butI’mexhausted.WoulditbealrightifDarianaandIstayinthisspot?IprefertohavesomeonebewithmesinceI’mnotawarriororcaster.”
“IfthisisadragonthenI
offertobetheonetostaywithyou,”Timoranstateswhilepattinghisaxe.“Iamthestrongesthereandamusedtofightingwhilecarryinganotherperson.Iwouldbeabletogetyoutosafetyintheeventofanattack.”
“Thankyou,SirWrath.”
Delvingripsthebarbarianbytheshoulderandsmiles.“Sharneisingoodhands.Don’tworryabouttherestofusuntilyougetherintothestairwell.EveryonetakeyourpositionswithFizzlestickingtotheceiling.Ifyouseeanythingstrangehappeningthenshout.If
Cudgelhasn’twokenupyetthenwedon’thavetoworrytoomuch.”
TheadventurersdivideintotwogroupswithLukeandDarianaheadingtotheleftandtheremainingthreewalkingtotheright.Eachmemberstopsaftertheythinktheyhavemovedfarenough
away,keenlyawarethattherewillbealotofspacebetweenthem.ThelastpersontocontinuealongthepathisNyxwhoknocksonthescepterasifitwillgiveherahint.Eventhoughshecanseeherfriends,shefeelsaloneandexposedonthepath.Sheimaginesthedragon
appearingandfocusingonher,theotherstoofarawaytohelp.Moreterrifyingisthethoughtthatoneofherfriendsmightbeattackedandshewillbehelplesstosavethem.Nyxissolostinherthoughtsthatshedoesnotseethesmallbellhangingfromtheceilinguntilitskimsthe
topofherhair.“Thisisweirdandalittle
tooobvious,”shemutterswhileexaminingthebellfromadistance.Thesilveristarnishedandthereisnoclapperinthebody,whichmakesherwonderifitisbroken.“Ifoundabrokenbelloverhere!Idon’tknow
whatIshoulddo!”“Isayringit,”Sari
replies,hervoicesurprisinglyclearacrossthedistance.Shemakesafewexperimentalnoises,enjoyingtheclarityofsound.“Ithinktheroomwasenchantedtomakeiteasiertospeakacrossthepit.Thisisaverystrangeplace.Itdoesn’t
feellikeaverydeadlytesttome.We’resafeaslongaswestayoffthesandandavoidthedragon.”
“Thereistheproblemoftherebeingnowayout,”Timoransays,helpingSharnetoherfeet.Hemovesherbetweenhimandthewall,hisgreataxeheldtightlyinhis
hands.“Ifthisisatestthenweeitherhavetojumpintothesandorcallthedragon.Personally,Idonotlikeeitherofthoseoptions.”
Delvinputshisswordandshieldonthegroundbeforelayingnearthesideofthepit.HewavesforFizzletohovernearhim,thedrite’s
presencehelpingtoeasehisnerves.Realizingheistoofaraway,heinchescloseruntilheispeekingovertheedge.Thewarriorplaceshishandonthecoolsandandbraceshimselftogetdraggedunder.Instead,heisleftaloneandcaneasilyputhisarminandoutofthegrainydirt.
“Ifthesandisthekeythenwe’dhavetohititjustright,whichmeansweshouldfindaclueabouttheperfectspot,”Delvinannouncesasherollsawayfromtheedge.Hestrapshisshieldbackinplaceandshakesthesandoutofhissleevebeforepickinguphissword.“Eveniftherewasa
clue,we’dbesmashedbythedragon.He’sconstantlymoving,soIdon’tseeasafeplacetogodown.”
“Itcouldbeamagicportal,”Darianasuggestswhileshechecksthewall.“Wecouldhavetojumpinatacertainspot,whichtransportsustoanotherroom.
ThoughIdon’tseehowthatismuchofatestbecauseitappearstobedependentonluck.”
“MaybeweshouldhavevisitedoneofCessia’stemplesbeforecominghere,”Sarisayswithahalf-heartedsmile.Shejugglesacoinwithajestercaponbothsides,a
symbolofherfavoritegoddess.“Ipraytoherallthetime,butIdon’tknowifshe’shelpingmerightnow.SomethingtellsmeIusedupmylucksurvivingthedesert.”
“Isaysummonthedragon!”Lukeimpatientlyshouts.
Thegypsylaughsand
triestoflicksomewateratthehalf-elf,thespurtfallingintothesandpit.“Youwouldsaythat,hero.Ivotefortryingtogobackupthestairs.Wemighthavemissedacluealongthewayorinthebonfireroom.”
“Sutterwouldhavesaidsomething,”Delvinarguesto
theincredulouscoughsandmumblingofhisfriends.“I’dliketothinkhewould.Isaywekeepsearchingforacluedownhere.There’sthatareabetweenLukeandNyxthatnobodyhascheckedout.Maybethere’sahiddenswitchoratrapdoor.”
Everyonefreezeswhen
theyheartheshrillringingthatechoesthroughouttheroom.Nyxlazilybatsatthebellwiththescepterandleansagainstthewall.Thesandsinksasthedragonwakesandpreparestoemergefromthedeeppit.Itisnotuntilthebulbouseyesblinktheirmultipleeyelidsthatthe
adventurersrealizetheAquestarDragonisrising.Theshort-snoutedreptile’sscalesblendperfectwiththesand,makingitdifficulttoseewhereitslongneckendsandtheshiftingearthbegins.Afrillofsandfansoutarounditshead,showeringtheadventurerswithgrains
thatstingtheireyes.Twopowerfularmsburstoutandcrashontothepath,oneofthelong-nailedhandsmissingDelvinbyafewfeet.Whenthegroggybeastyawns,itrevealsthatitdoesnothaveanyteeth.
“Ididn’texpectguests,”Cudgeladmitsina
surprisinglyfemininevoice.Shesniffsattheairandhertonguerunsalongherscalylips.“There’sanoceanprincessinhere.Whichoneofyouisit?Ihaven’thadanyfresh,coldwaterincenturies.MeanoldSutteronlygivesmewarmrainthathegathersfromthevolcano’smouth.”
Theywatchthedragon’sheadwavearoundinsearchofSari,whoispressingherbodyagainstthewall.Notsurewhatelsetodo,sheisreadytothrowadaggerwhenCudgeltakesinadeepbreath.NobodymovesasthedragonaimsforanemptyspotbetweenLukeandNyx.A
gusherofsanderuptsfromhermouthandthecompactsandstormspreadsalongthepath.Thecasterputsupawallofwindthatdeflectstheattackbackintothepit,butLukeisknockeddownbysomethingmetalhiddenwithinthewave.Ashegetstohisfeet,Cudgelgetscloser
andpresseshimagainstthewallwithherdry,scalynose.
“Idon’tthinkit’syou,”thedragonsays,pushingLukeasideandmovingtowardNyx.ShemissesthecasterandstopsatDelvin,thewarriorraisinghisswordforastrike.“Iwouldn’tbotherwiththat...longsword.Can
thenaiadsaysomething,soIcanfindher?I’mreallythirsty.”
“Overhere,ma’am,”Sarireplies,timidlyraisingherhand.Theyellowdragonwhirlsaround,squintinguntilshefindsthegypsy.“Areyoublind?”
“No,butmyeyesightis
terrible,”Cudgelexplains,loomingovertheblue-hairedgirl.“I’dgreatlyappreciateadrinkoffreshwater.Areyoureallyanaiad?Youdon’tseemlikeonenowthatIhaveabetterlookatyou.Yourhairisright,buttherestofyouisoddlyhuman.Oh,youmustbepartialblooded.Idon’t
supposeyou’restrongenoughtomakemeadrink.”
Nyxclapsherhands,creatingaburstofthunderthatdrawsthedragon’sattention.Thetwocomefacetofacewiththehalf-elfdefiantlystaringthegiantreptileintheeye.Sheisgentlyknockedagainstthe
wallbyapuffofairfromCudgel’snostrils,whichcomeswithenoughsandtoburyNyxuptoherneck.Nolongerinterestedintheannoyingcaster,thedragonbeginstoturnbacktoSari.SheabruptlygoesintheotherdirectionandstopsatDariana,recognizingthe
silver-hairedwoman.“It’sbeenalongtime,
littleone,”Cudgelclaimswithatoothlessgrin.Sheseesthetensiononthewoman’sfaceandpouts.“Apparently,you’veforgottenaboutmeagain.Sowhatbringsyouhere?”
“Suttersentusherefor
thenexttest,”Darianareplies,sensingthedragon’scalmandcuriousthoughts.“Weexpectedyoutobethetest,butitseemsallofus,includingyourself,areconfused.”
“Oh,you’rechampions!”theAquestarDragonhappilyexclaims,herfrillshaking
sandineverydirection.SheturnsbacktoSariandopenshermouth,causingthegypsytocringe.“Youmustbekindandpowerfulifyou’reachampion.CanIhaveadrink?”
“Persistentandoddlydocile,”Timoranwhisperswhileherelaxeshismuscles.
“Youdidsaytheywerepeacefuldragons,Sharne.ItwouldappearthatCudgelismoreinterestedinwaterthanmeat.”
“Meat?Thathasbloodandthat’sjustdisgusting,”thedragondeclares,openinghermouthwider.Streamsofsanddribbleoutofhermouth
asadrybreathrollsfromherparchedthroat.“Mykindonlyneedswaterandsalt.That’swhywetakeweeklytripstotheoceanorthehiddenreserves.AtleastIwouldifIwasn’tputinherebysomebody.There’snowayoutandI’dreallylikeacolddrink,naiadgirl.”
“Giveheradrink,Sari,”Lukeurgesthegypsy.
Movingawayforsomebreathingroom,Sarispinsandmakesthefluidgesturesforageyserspell.ThewaterexplodesfromherchestandhitsCudgel’sswollentongue,whichhappilysplashesinthecoldliquid.Thedragon
hungrilygulpsdownthedrink,forcingSaritocastthespellfivemoretimes.Bythetimethebeasthashadherfill,thegypsyhasfallentoherkneesandisgasping.Shecanfeelheraurareturningandstandsintimetogetlickedfromfoottofacebythedragon.
“Idon’tlikethistest,”Sariwhimpers,shudderingfromthesensationofthickdroolonherbody.“Canyouletuspassnow?”
“Ican’tbelieveSutterisstillclaimingthatI’matest,”CudgelsaysbeforeshedriesSarioffwithaburstofhotairfromhernostrils.Withatired
sigh,sheputsherheadonthepathnearNyx,butittakesafewminutesforhertofindthecaster.“IadmitthatI’vekilledthreegroupsofchampions,minusDariana,butitwasinself-defense,milady.Theyattackedmeassoonastheyrangmydinnerbell.I’mnotoneofSutter’s
tests.Hecanstarvemeasmuchashewants,butIwon’tbetraymytruenature.Besides,theonlyreasonI’mhereisbecausesomebodythoughtadragonwouldmakeascaryguardianforthecryptbelow.ItoldSutterandNuerinthattheywantedaVerenstoneandmadeseveral
recommendations.Bytheway,youdidn’thearmementionNuerin.That’sasecret.”
“IpromisetosetyoufreewhenItakeoverHelgard,”Nyxswears,bowingtothetoweringreptile.“Mayweenterthecryptandtakethenexttest?”
“Ofcourse,”thedragonanswerswithasmallnodtothehalf-elf.Shedisappearsunderthesand,butreturnsshortlyafterwardswithasheepishexpression.“Ihaven’thadtoopenthecryptinareallylongtime,soIforgotexactlywheretheswitchisdownthere.My
eyelidsmakemypooreyesightevenworseandIseemtohavemisplacedmyglasses.Theyhavemetalframesandthicklenses.”
“IthinkIgothitbythemwhenyouusedyourbreathweapon,”Lukeadmitsashesiftsthroughpilesofsandaroundhim.Cudgelblowsall
ofthemoundsaway,knockingthehalf-elfoffhisfeetandrevealingtheglasses.“Gladtobeofhelp.Thismightnotbeatest,butit’sdefinitelymoreofaheadachethanthebonfireroom.”
Cudgelputsherglassesonandfrownsatthecracksrunningthroughherlens.The
thickpanesofglassarebadlydamagedandtheygiveherathrobbingheadache.Sinkingunderthesand,sheeventuallyfindsalargecrankinacornerandturnsit,shakingherbrokenglassesoffnowthatshenolongerneedsthem.Asquaretowerofbasaltblocksrisesoutofthecenterofthe
sandpit,stoppingwhenithitstheceiling.Theexposedpartofthepillarcreaksasitleansforwardandslowlyfallstocreateanarrowpathtothewalkway.Cudgelemergesandbreathesglitteringsandontothecentralplatform,creatingaswirlingvortextothecrypt.Thesweetsmellof
incensewaftsfromtheopening,puttingthechampionsonedge.
“Thedoorwillstayopenuntilyouleaveoronlythedeadremaininside,”thedragonsaysbeforesinkingbackintothesand.“GoodluckandIhopetoseeallofyouagain.Ifnot,tryto
remembermefornexttime,Dariana.”
*****Thecryptishugewith
pulsingorbsoflightwanderingalongthesandstoneceiling,theenchantmentsilluminatingtheentirecomplex.Coffinsofvariousmaterialsandshapes
arelinedupineverydirectionwithnosignofthewallsinthemurkydistance.Goldencensersarehungfromcrimsonchains,aneternalflameoneachone’sbottom.Incensebillowsoutofthevesselstoreplacethestenchofdecaywiththearomaofroseandlavender.Black
marblecolumnssupportthestructureandeachonehasafierycreaturesculptedintothemiddle.Mostofthefiguresaredragons,butthesmallgrouppassesoneofasalamanderandanotherofaphoenixastheymoveamongthecoffins.Astalebreezegivesthemsomecomfort
fromtheuncomfortableheatanddrawsthemtotheeast.Itisaquietwalkwithonlytheirfootfallsandanoccasionalcoughbreakingthesilence.Everyoneisscaredthatthecoffinswillopenupatanymomentandreleaseanarmyofzombies.
Delvinholdsuphishand
tohavetheadventurersstopwhentheycometoaroundedwallofglass.Afewstomachsrumble,promptingTimorantohandoutpiecesofdriedmeatandsweetbiscuits.Whileeatingtheirsimplemeal,LukeandNyxwanderofftoexaminethecuriousbarrier.Theyseethehuge,
circularconduitofthevolcanoandthelightofthemagmaisenoughforthemtoseeacrosstheopening.Thereareonlymorecoffinsontheotherside,makingthehalf-elveswonderhowmanypeoplehavediedatthehandsoftheirdestiny.Afewspurtsofmoltenrockleapintoview,
causingthemtobackupseveralsteps.
“WemustbeprettyclosetothebottomofHelgard,”Nyxmentions,glancingbackattheirfriends.ShecanseeSharnerestingonthefloorwithTimoranguardingherwhiletheotherslookoveracrudemapofthecryptthat
Delvinistryingtomakefrommemory.“Bythetimeweleavehere,I’llbeafullchampionandmydestinywillbenearlyfulfilled.TothinkthisiswhatI’vebeentrainingforalltheseyears.Youknow,IwasalittlejealousthatyouandSarigotyourpowersfirst.Canyou
believehowfarwe’vecomesinceyouchallengedmeatRainbowTower,littlebrother?”
“Ithinkyoumeanwhenyouattackedme,”Lukesomberlypointsoutwithahalf-heartedsmile.Hisexpressionchangesashedecidesitistimetobehonest
withhisbestfriend.“Ifeelbadaboutnotgoingintothedeserttorescueyou.Aftereverythingwe’vebeenthrough,Ishouldhavebeenthefirsttorushintodangeronyourbehalf.I’msorrythatIletyoudown,bigsister,andIswearI’llneverdoitagain.”
“You’reright.Idid
attackyoufirst,”thecasteragrees,takingaseatnexttoametalcoffinwithDwarvenfuneralmarkingsonthecover.Nyxputsthescepteracrossherlap,ignoringtheruby’sangryhum.“Asforyoucomingforme,Ihaveaconfession.IkindofwantedDelvintodoit.Igivehima
hardtimeaboutputtinghislifeindangerforme,butit’sreallysweet.Notsurewhyhimcomingtomyrescueeitherdrivesmeinsaneormakesmegrinlikeanidiot,butyoujumpingintotroubleonmybehalfissomewhatnormal.”
Luketakesaseatnextto
herandgentlyflickshershoulder.“BecauseI’vebeendoingitsinceourtimeinGaiaandyou’vecometoexpectmetoleapintothefire.I’mrecklessandwillalwaysrushintobetheherowithoutthinking.Delvinismorelevel-headed,sohimbarrelingintotroublehas
moreemotionalweightbehindit.Don’tlookatmelikethat,bigsister.Icanbedeepandintuitiveattimes.”
“Ineversaidyoucouldn’tbe,”Nyxplayfullyargues.Forafewseconds,sheismesmerizedbythemagmarisingabovetheleveloftheglasswall.“Ibelieve
you’rerightaboutDelvin.He’salwayscalmandcollectedunlesshethinksI’mindanger.Yethe’skindandattentivewhenwe’renotinbattle.Unlikeyou,hehasanoffswitchforhisheroism.”
“Ithelpsthatyou’resoinlovewithhimthatyouhadadreamaboutmarriage.”
“WhydidDarianatellyouthat?”
“Iwasjoking.”“Oh...Iwasjoking
too.”Lukeputshisarmaround
Nyx’sshouldersandgivesheratightsqueeze.Themomentsherelaxes,hepokesherintheribsandflicksthe
bottomofherear.Shebitesherliptoavoidmakingnoisewhilethewarriormercilesslyteasesher.Unabletotakeitanymore,thecasterbindshishandswithaspellthatmakesitimpossibletopullthemapart.WhenLuketries,theyclapbacktogetherwithenoughforcetorattlehis
knuckles.“Sowhydon’tyoutell
Delvinthetruth?”thewarriorasks,offeringhishandstobereleased.
“IswearI’vebeenoverthisbefore.I’mscared,”NyxadmitsasshefreesLukefromthespell.Shetakesapeekoverthecoffintoseethat
DelvinistalkingtoTimoran,hischainmail-coveredbacktoher.“IfItellhimthatIlovehimanditgetstothepointofmarriagethenwehavesomethingtoloseinthefightwiththeBaron.ImagineusbeingengagedandIdieinthatbattle.He’dbecrushedandI’dbethesameifthe
roleswerereversed.AssoonasItellhimthetruth,wewon’tbeabletotakeitbackandeverythingelsewillfollow.I’msimplynotreadyfortakingthatbigastep.”
“IknowI’mnotonetotalkaboutrelationshipssinceI’minamess,butIthinkyou’replayingadangerous
game,”Lukesuggests,puttingacomfortinghandonthecaster’sleg.Hesmilesatherandreachesouttopushhermouthintoasmirk.“You’dhateyourselfifhediedandyounevertoldhimthetruth.I’mnotsayingyoushouldtellhimnow,butdon’twaituntilafterwefight
theBaronbecauseitmightbetoolate.Besides,heprobablyalreadyknowssinceyou’reaboutassubtleasadrunkendwarf.”
“Yougivegoodadviceforbeinginsuchamess,”Nyxsays,reachingouttomovetheforesttracker’smouthintoagrin.Theyletgo
ofeachotherandchuckle,stoppingwhenshepuncheshiminthearmalittleharderthansheintends.“I’vebeenmeaningtoaskyouaquestionforawhile.Nowseemsasgoodatimeasany.”
“Idon’tknowwhattodoaboutKiraandSari,”theforesttrackerclaimswitha
tiredsigh.“IthoughtaboutitalotandI’minlovewithbothofthem.Eachoneappealstopartofmynature,whichdrivesmenuts.KirahasthestabilityandthedeeperunderstandingofhowIgrewupwithexpectationswhileSariisawanderingadventuresswhoisalwaysup
tosomethingexciting.IfearthatIwilleithergetboredwithKiraifmywanderluststaysorgrowoutofSariifitdisappears.WitheverythingthathappenedinBor’daruk,Idon’twanttohurtKiraanymore,butIcan’tignorewhatIfeelforSari.”
“That’sterrible,butIwas
actuallywonderingwhyyouaren’tscaredoftransformingafterbeingtrappedasachimera,”Nyxawkwardlymentions.Shegetstoherfeetandstretchesherarmsoverherhead,freezingwhensheturnstofindDelvinstandingontheothersideofthecoffin.“Iseverythingokay?”
“Iwasonlycheckingonyoutwo,”thesmilingwarriorsays,walkingaroundtojointhem.“IwalkedinwhileLukewasrambling.Dideitherofyouhappentohearastrangethudafewminutesago?”
“No,whichisstrangesinceit’sbeensoquiet,”
Lukereplies,drawinghissabersandscanningthearea.Allhecanseearetheimagesofhisfriendsandtheoccasionalcoffinwhenitistouchedbythedullbreeze.“Idon’tseeanythingoutofplace.ThoughI’vebeenworriedaboutallthesebodiescomingtolife.Bytheway,
Nyx,theanswertoyourquestionisbecauseI’mnotscaredofithappeningagain.ImadeamistakewiththeSwordDragonandIknownottomakeitagainifItrytobecomeachimera.It’sallaboutcontrolandthespiritsnotbeingmalevolentortoostrongformetohandle.”
“Itisn’tlikenearlydyingstopsLukeanyway,”Delvininterjectsbeforetheyhearasoftknockonanearbywoodencoffin.“Iwasreallyhopingtoavoidzombies.They’remoreofanannoyancethanathreat,butI’mnotinthemood.”
“Remembertotellthem
that,sothey’llgoaway,”Nyxsnidelyreplies.
Shatteringthestonefloor,abronzecoffineruptsbeneaththethreeadventurersandhurlsthemintotheair.LukelandslightlyonhisfeetwhileDelvinuseshisshieldtocushionhisfallagainstawoodencasket.Thelidofthe
hoveringcoffinopenstorevealnothing,butcrimsonlining.ThemysteriousobjectturnstoNyxandsucksherinside,closingandplungingbackintothefloor.Achorusofexplodingwoodandmetalfillsthecryptastheothercasketsviolentlyopen.Ghostsrisefromthosebodies
thatarenothingmorethandustwhilerottingzombiesemergefromfreshercoffinsthatfallapartwithease.ArmoredskeletonsandfloatingrevenantsjointheswarmasLukeandDelvinracebacktotheothers.Nothinghastobesaidastheysprintthroughthebursting
coffins,theadventurersslashinganddodgingundeadontheirwaybacktotheportal.
“Fizzlemakeallyougopoof!”thedritescreams.
Hedartsthroughtheairtoblastared-robedLichwithadisintegrationspell.Theundeadcaster’stophalfis
erased,butitstillunleashesabonedaggerspellthatcutsSharneacrosstheback.Shecriesoutinpainandstumbles,holdingthebleedingwoundthatdrivesthenearbyzombiesintoafrenzy.FizzlesoarsthroughoneofthecreatureswhileDarianabeheadstheother
threewithaflurryofpowerfulkicks.AshadowyghastleapsattheinjuredwomanwhoispluckedoutofthewaybyTimoran.Thebarbarianhacksthecreaturesinhalfwithoneswingandwhirlsaroundtodecapitateanundeadknight.
“WehavetosaveNyx!”
SarishoutsasshehelpsLukeclearthepathahead.Wieldingstuddedclubsofice,thegypsydancesandflipsthroughagroupofskeletonsthatareleftbrokeninherwake.“Isaywegobackandtrytogetherout!”
“Thatcoffindisappearedassoonasitwentbackinto
theground.We’dneverfindherbeforetheundeadoverranus,”Lukeargues,makingshortworkofthezombies.HeswingsatanElvenghost,buthisbladespassthroughitandheducksitsgraspinghands.“Focusontheghosts,Fizzle.Ican’tdoanythingaboutthemanymore.
SomethingtellsmeSutter’sruleaboutmagicjewelrywasalieandhewantedtomakethisharderforus.”
“Doesn’tmatter.Justfightbacktothevortex,”Delvinsayswhileprotectingthegroup’sflank.Heneatlydestroysallofthephysicalundeadthatcomenear,but
theghostsforcehimtofallbackandlosehismomentum.“OncewegetbacktoCudgel,we’llmakeanewplanandreturnforNyx.Maybewecansendafewbigspellsthroughtheentrancewhenthesethingsgrouptogether.”
TheskeletonofanorcknightchargesatDelvinand
swingsitsmaceintohisshield,drivinghimtohisknees.Sensinganeasytarget,theotherundeadrushforwardonlytobepushedbackbyDarianawhomovestoofastforthemtoreact.Sheturnshalfoftheskeletonstopowderandtearsaghoul’slegsoffbeforesheslows
downenoughfortheundeadknighttotakeaswingather.Delvinknocksheroutofthewayandtriestoparrythemace,buthecanalreadyseethathisangleiswrongandhisbladeisdamaged.Deflectingtheweapon,hislongswordshatterswithseveralshardspiercinghis
andDariana’sskin.Thepainisminor,butthebloodroilstheundeadtothepointwheresomeofthemattacktheirbrethrenoutofconfusion.Refusingtogiveup,thebrown-hairedwarriorswingshisshieldwithallofhisstrengthandknockstheskeletalknight’sheadoff.
“Staynearme,”Darianawhispers,grabbingherfriendbythewrist.Shestopswhensheturnsaroundtoseethattheyhavebeencutofffromtheothers.“Wewastedtoomuchtime.GetonmybackandI’lljumpustotheothers.”
“Catchuptotheothers
andgettothevortex,”Delvindemands,bashingafewzombieswithhisshield.“I’mnotgoingtodiehereorgetyoukilled.TellLukenottostayonthissideofthevortexbecauseIknowhe’lltry.”
“Butyou’reunarmed.”“Actually,I’mnot.”Delvinreachesintohis
bottomlesspouchanddrawsthecursedbastardsword,theweighttooheavyforhimtousewithonehand.HedropshisshieldandtakesouttwoskeletonsinoneswingwhileDarianahurriestotheothers.Unusedtotheweaponandfeelingitsdarkenergyrunuphisarms,thewarriorkeeps
hisswingspreciseandshort.Heisrelievedwhenthebladetearsaghosttoshredswithasingletouch,thespirit’sagonizingscreamsringinginhisears.Withhisfriendsoutofsight,Delvinstartsswingingwildlytohackhiswaythroughthehorde.Thezombies,skeletons,andsome
undeadthathedoesnotrecognizeclosein,evensteppingontheremainsofthefallen.Thecreaturesreachforthesword,itsdarkenergymesmerizingthemandmakingthemdocileenoughtokillwithoutafight.Evenwiththelackofresistance,Delvincanfeelhisarmsand
backabouttogivefromtheheavybastardsword.Hecanbarelylifttheweaponwhenseveralghastsinfrontofhimarecleavedinhalfbyagreataxe.
“Nevertrytofightlikeabarbarian,myfriend,”Timoransayswithasmile.
“Ipromisetoleavethe
swarms,mobs,andhordesforyou.”
Thepairignoretheundeadbehindthemandworktohacktheirwaytothevortex.DelvinfocusesonanyghoststhatswoopdownatthemwhileTimoransavagelyhacksthroughthescreechingcrowd.AfewtimesFizzle
passesoverheadtounleashawaveoflightningorfireonthecreaturesnearinghisfriends’flank.Whentheyseetheexit,TimoranliftsDelvinoverhisshoulderandchargeswithbrutalswingsofhisgreataxe.HeleapsthroughthevortexwithFizzlerightbehindhimandcrasheson
thestonepathinfrontofCudgel.Theopeningcloseswithaloudsuckingsound,preventingthemfromreturningtothecrypt.
“WhataboutNyx!?”Lukeasks.HeleapsoverTimoranandDelvininthehopesofthevortexreturning,butitremainsclosed.“How
arewesupposedtosaveherifwecan’tgetbackthere?”
“I’msorry,buttheportalcloseswhentherearenolivingbeingsinthecrypt,”thedragonhelplesslyreplies,sinkinguptohernose.“Ifyoufinishthetestswithoutherthenyoucanretrievethebody.”
“That’sifwecanfigureoutwhereitwent,”SarimutterswhileshepressesalargehealingpatchonSharne’sinjuries.ShemovesontohelpDarianaandDelvinremovethemetalshardsfromtheirskin,thegypsyusingscrapsofclothwhensherunsoutofbandages.“Lukesaid
thebronzecoffindisappeared.”
Withacurioussnort,Cudgelrisesoutofthesandandleansforwardtogetabetterlookattheblondewarrior.“Bronzecoffin?Ifshewasswallowedbythatthenshe’snotdead.Maybe.Atleastshe’snotinthecrypt
andallyoucandoiscontinuewiththetests.Iheardthedoortothegreetingchamberopenwhileyouweregone.Aslongasyourfriendpassesherpersonaltest,you’llseeheragain.”
“Thenlet’spushforwardandfinishwiththisdamnplace,”Delvingrowlsashe
replaceshisbrokensword’ssheathewiththatofthecursedblade.Thewarriorsheathshisnewweaponwithshakyhandsandheadsforthestairway,leavingTimoranontheground.“HurryuporI’mleavingyoubehind!”
“Thiswillnotgowell,”thebarbarianwhispersto
himself.*****
Nyxwakesuptoablindinglightaboveherandleatherstrapsholdinghertighttoametaltable.Thescepterisonherchest,tieddownwithsilvercordsasitgrowlsandhissesinfrustration.Shetriestouse
hermagic,butnothinghappensevenwhenshefocusesonherchurningaura.Wigglingherfingers,thecasterfindsthateachonehasasmoothringthatmakesherskinitchandburn.Thesoundofrunningwaterandclinkingmetaldrawsherattention.Withsomeamountofeffort,
sheslipsoutofthestrapacrossherforeheadandcraneshernecktolookaroundtheroom.Nyxgetsaglimpseatsometerrifyingmachinesthatcouldonlybeforcuttingfleshandbonebeforethebandofleatheryanksherheadbackdown.
“Welcometomylab,”a
hoarsevoicesaysfromtheothersideoftheroom.Thegentlethudofmetaltoolsbeingplacedonacartprecedesthesoundofsqueakywheels.“It’sbeenalongtimesinceIhadoneofyourkind.You’renothinglikeCasandra,butshewastrulyoneofakind.I’mstill
surprisedshelivedforsolongwithoutagingaday.Sowhatisthenameofmynewsubject?”
Agnomerisesintoviewonamechanicallift,hercrimsonandsapphirerobesmarkedwithdriedblood.Herforeheadisstrippedofskinandthewandsymbolof
CelvaryntheGoddessofWildMagicisetchedintotheexposedbone.Wispsofwhitehairstickoutofthewraparoundthetopofherhead,thegarmentnothingmorethanawhitetowel.Herlarge,darkredeyessquintinthelight,whichsheturnsdownbyspinningametalrodinthe
air.Shetakeshertimeputtingonherleatherglovesandstrapsatelescopingmonocletoherhead.Thelensmovesinandoutafewtimes,thescreechofunoiledjointsmakingthegnomecurseunderherbreath.
“NyxofRainbowTower,”thehalf-elfrepliesto
makesureshecanstilltalk.“I’malsothechampionofHelgard.Whoareyou?”
“I’vebeencalledTheCrafter,thefirstPalqua,andNuerin,”thegnomeanswerswhileoilingthelens.Shepullsoutanotebookandwritesassheexaminestherestrainedcaster.“Ipreferthe
thirdname,butwe’renotgoingtogetveryclose.I’llmakeanamazingbeastoutofyou.MaybeevenreplacethatarchaicIfrit.Ineverlikedhim,buthecamewithHelgardandIcouldonlydosomuchtomesswithdestiny.”
“Ifyou’reachampion
thenletmeoutofhere,”Nyxrequests,strugglingagainstthetightbonds.Anumbingspraydescendsonherfromtheblackstoneceiling,robbingherofstrengthandsense.“Howareyoustillaliveafteralltheseyears?Ithoughtalloftheformerchampionsdiedexceptfor
Dariana.”“Don’tevengetme
startedonthatsnivelingcreature.I’mgladwesoldhertopiratesonthewayhere,”Nuerinsayswithacruelsmile.ShemovesclosertoNyxandmeasuresherfacewithwoodenruler,blindlyjottingdowninformation.
“NobodysaidIwasstillalive.MyultimatecreationkilledtheotherchampionsandruinedPalqua,butitgavemetheopportunitytoridHelgardofthoseridiculousmonsterchallenges.Thosemadeexcellentguardiansofmyoldscepterandmyservantsfirmlybelievedmy
oldcompanionswereresponsibleformygreatcreation.Suttercertainlydidn’tmindlosingthoseheadaches.IbelieveIwaspretendingtobemaleduringthattime,butitwassolongagoandunimportant.Gettingtothepoint,IledtheHelgardiansintothedesertin
thehopestheywouldusemyscepteronthenearestcity,whichneverhappened.Iwouldhavedoneitmyself,butthebindingspellswouldn’tallowit.Aftertheyboredme,Icamebackhereandtookupresidencetocontinuemyexperiments.Iprobablydiedacouple
hundredyearsago.”Feelingthestrength
returntoherbody,Nyxflexesherfingerswhenthegnomeislookingatherfeet.“AreyouaLich?”
“Nothingsoplain.I’mspecial.”
“Aren’tallchampions?”“Yes,butIleftallofyou
behindwhenIcheateddeathandimproveduponGabriel’sprophecy,”Nuerinproudlyexplains,throwinghernotebookontoametaltable.Shepicksupalongsawwithtwobladesthatglowredwithheat.“Iamthegatekeeperwhochoosesifachampionisworthy.Theguardianofthis
templewasworthlessandSutterisnothingmorethanaglorifiedbutler.IconqueredHelgardandcreatedabeasttodestroytheBaron.Sureitkilledtheotherchampionsanddestroyedthetownofmyservants,butIsurvived.Icouldhavecontinuedmyworkifthegodshadn’t
revokedmydestiny.Still,IcontinuetomakesureonlythebestwillcontinuewithGabriel’sprophecy.MaybeonedaysomeonewillmeetmyapprovalandsurviveHelgard,butIswearitwillnotbeachanneler.”
Roaringlikeawildbeast,thesceptershakesviolentlyto
breakitsbindingsandstrikeNuerinintheface.Theblowisstrongenoughtospinthegnome’sheadandsendherreelingbackagainstacylinderfilledwithblueslime.Thefallenchampionblocksthenextstrikewithhersawandgrabsthescepter,buttherelicmeltsherhand.
Cursingunderherbreath,Nuerinretreatstoalargecrateandthrowsthetopattheenrageditem.Thewoodenlidburstsintoflameswhenithitstheruby,butitgivesthegnomeenoughtimetopullawhitesheetfromthecrate.Duckinganotherblow,shecoversthescepterwiththe
cloth,whichfreezestherelicinaspireoficethatreachestheceiling.
“It’snicetoseeyourememberme,Casandra,”Nuerinsays,tappingonthepillar.Shegrabsafewmoresheetsfromthecrateandthrowsthemovertothickentheicycage.“Youshould
thankmebecauseyouwerenothingbutalonelyexilewhenIsummonedyou.Siredallthosechannelerlinesandnoneofthemeversoughtyouout.Probablyshouldhavestuckaroundtoraiseafewofthosebastardsinsteadofbirthing,feeding,anddisappearing.Inthisform,
youhavemorepowerandabestfriendforlife.How’stheoldguardiandoingintherewithyou?”
NuerinlaughsandturnsbacktoNyxwhoisstrugglingagainsttheleatherstraps.Thegnomewhistlesamellowtuneasshehopsbackontotheliftandreadjustsher
telescopingmonocle.Shefrownsatthecutsonhergloves,whichforcehertopullonafreshpair.Pickingupalongneedleandahammer,sheliftsNyx’sshirtandaimsforherabdomen.Usingthehammertodrivethespikeintothehalf-elf’sflesh,Nuerinisconfused
whenhervictimremainsmotionless.Pullingtheneedleback,shefindsitcleanofbloodanditcrumbleswhenshetapsitontherailingofherlift.Throwinghertoolstothefloorinfrustration,shehearsthehammerhitsomethingmetalthatskittersacrossthestonefloor.
Climbingoffthelift,shecrouchesnexttothetableandfindsthemagic-blockingringsontheground.
“TimeslikethisIwishIcouldstillseethevoid,”shequietlymuttersasshepullsaleveronthebaseofthetable.Themetalslabisquicklyelevatedtotheceilingwhere
spikesarewaitingtoimpaleNyx.“Suchawasteofaperfectlygoodtestsubject.I’llhavetomakedowithherfriends.”
Athickmistflowsfromthetableasitretracts,theunoiledgearsgrinding.Nuerinisworriedwhenshedoesnotseeabody,the
surfacecoveredindentsandbrokenspikes.Sherushesforanearbywandonlytohaveherlegsyankedoutfromunderher.Thegnomefallswithametallicclangandaspurtofoileruptsfromherside.AclawedhandgrowsfromthemistthatcoatsthefloorandgrabsNuerinbythe
collar,hurlingherintothefarwall.Thetowelaroundherheadfallsoff,exposingametaldomethathasbeenweldedtoherskull.
“Sothat’showyoustayedaliveforsolong,”Nyxsaysassheformsoutofthemist.Withasnapofherfingers,ascytheoflightning
ripsdownNuerin’sbackandsendsthegnomecrashingtothefloor.“I’daskhowmuchofyouisfleshandbone,butIdon’tcare.You’readisgracetothechampions,Gabriel,Helgard,andanyoneblessedwithanimportantdestiny.IhopeyougototheChaosVoidandthedemonshave
theirwaywithyou.”Nuerinstrugglestoher
feet,herrobestornenoughforNyxtoseethemetalplatesofherback.Thegnomestepsforwardtostopthehalf-elffrommeltingtheicearoundthescepter,butherlegslockwithapatheticclank.Unabletouseher
batteredbody,shecanonlywatchasthefrozenspiredissolvesbeneaththecaster’stouch.Withasinisterlaugh,therelicspinsintoNyx’shandandaimsherarmatitshatedenemy.Nuerintriestobegforherlife,butallshecandoisemitastrangescreechandgurgle.She
closeshereyesastherubyglowsandthecasterfiresacrimsonbeamofheatthatmeltsthegnomeintoapuddle.Theonlyremainingpartsofthefallenchampionisthemetaldomeofherheadandasilverboxthatholdsherbeatingheart.Nyxsnapsherfingersandaclubofforce
appearstosmashthecontainerintothefloor,grindingthepulpyremainstomakesuretheyaredestroyed.
“I’mguessingthat’syoufeelinghappyandfree,”thecastersaystothescepter.Shegetsasensationofblissfromtherelic,whichmakeshersmile.“Let’sgetoutofhere
andreturntotheothers.”Spinningthescepter,
Nyxapproachesthemetaldoorandkicksitopen.Thecrimsonlightfromthenextchamberiswarmandinviting,butaburblingsoundgivesherpause.Asickeninglysweetscentprecedespuddlesofblood
risingfromcracksinthefloor.Darkredwarriorsemergefromtheichor,theirarmsendinginscimitarblades.Theirgelatinousbodiesholdtheformoffleshandarmor,buttheyarenomoresolidthanawaterfall.Thearmyofmonstersstareatthecasterwithhumaneyes
thatfloataroundtheirfaces.Lettingoutatiredsigh,Nyxstepsintobattlewithfireballsflyingineverydirection.
19
“Getupandkeepmoving,”Delvindemands,glaringattheothersastheytakeaseatinthecolumnedchapel.Thewarriorpunchesthewhitewallanddrawshissword,pointingitathisfriends.“Thisisn’tthetimeorplacetorest.Weneedto
finishthesetestsandfindNyxbeforeit’stoolate.”
“Idon’trememberSuttermentioningbeingtimed,”SariangrilyreplieswhilehelpingDarianatoared-cushionedbench.Sheglancesatthesandstonedaiswherethebackwalliscoveredbyathicktapestrydepictinga
phoenixrestinginherfierynest.“Darianaisexhausted,Sharneneedsherbandagechanged,andwe’reobviouslylost.Thisistheonlyroomwefoundinthelastthreehoursthatismorethanalibrary,diningroom,orcorpsecloset.We’veseennoundeadoranythingtoposeathreat.I
don’tevenrememberanystairsthatgohigherthanthispoint.”
“Yougiveuponme,gypsy,IswearI’ll-”thewarriorbegins,stoppingwhentheothersstepbetweenhimandSari.“Whatdoyoutwowant?”
“RightnowI’dliketo
knockyouout,”Lukeadmits,hishandsonhissheathedsabers.
“Putthecursedbladedownandgetaholdofyourself,myfriend,”Timoranpolitelyrequestsashemovescloser.AssoonasDelvinaimstheweaponathischest,thebarbariansmacksthe
bastardswordawaywithhisbarehand.“Iknowthatyoudrewitoutofdesperationandnowyouarefallingunderitspower.Forthatreason,Iwillnotattackyou.YetIwillstepinifyouthreatenanyofusagain.”
Delvinsneersandpointshisswordatthetallerman’s
nose.“Youwouldn’tdare.”Timoranisabouttohit
hisfriendwithaquickkicktothestomachwhentheformermercenarycollapsesontoawoodenchair.Thebastardswordrisesintotheairandslipsbackintoitsplainscabbard,whichdetachesfromDelvin’sbeltand
clatterstothefloor.Sharnecoughsandwheezesfromthepressureofforcingherwaythroughthecurse’sinfluenceandintotheinfectedchampion’smind.Hereyesalmostclosed,thenomadsitsnexttoDarianaandtouchesthesilver-hairedwoman’shand.Acrackleofenergy
leapsbetweenthemandSharneslumpsonthecouch,herfeettwitching.
“Whydidyoudothat?”Darianagroggilyaskswhilesittingup.“YouneedyourstrengthjustasmuchasIdo.”
“Delvinmaybecrazy,butheisright,”Sharneanswerswithaweaksmile.
“AllofyouneedtokeepmovingtosaveNyxandreviveHelgard.I’mnotachampion,soIdon’thavetocontinueon.Icanremainhere.”
“I’mguessingyouknockedDelvinoutforhisowngood,”Sarisays,turningthenomadaroundtocheck
herinjury.Thebleedinghasstopped,butshetenderlyreplacesthebandagetobesafe.“Anybodythinkit’sstrangethatHelgardhasstairs?PallicehadiceslidesandtheGardenofUlihadwindtunnels.Maybethere’ssomethingsimilarhere.”
“Lavaslides?”Fizzle
suggests,usinghismagictopushthebastardswordawayfromDelvin.“Won’tthatkillfriends?Roughstonenotcomfy.Transportroomwesee?”
“ThatroomisonlyformovingbetweentemplesandI’mnotsurehowstabletheyarewhenonesideis
corrupted,”Darianaanswers.ShemovestoletSharneliedownandexaminesanivoryaltarthatholdstheremainsofabook.“Goingbywhatwe’veseensofar,Iwouldsaythisisaplaceofsecretpassages.Iftherewasapopulationofservantsthenonecouldexpecttheretobe
hiddenpathwaystokeepthemsafefromthetemple’sdangers.”
“Anetworkofhallwayswithinthewallsthatrunbetweentheimportantrooms?”Timoranasks,scratchinghisheadinthought.“Thatwouldmeanentrancesinthelibrary,
bonfireroom,kitchen,anddiningroom.Atleastfromtheroomswehaveseen.”
“Andthechapel,”Lukeaddswhileexaminingthebasaltstatuesinthesmallalcoves.
Saritakestheothersideoftheroomandrunsherhandsalongthewhitewalls,
touchingeverycreviceinsearchofaswitch.ShemeetsLukeatthetapestryandbothofthemgrinattheobviousnessofthehidingplace.Theirvictoryisshort-livedastheymovebehindthehangingclothandcheckthesmoothstone.Minutespassandtheyareunabletofinda
switcheventhoughknockingonthewallcreatesafaintecho.Steppingoutfrombehindthetapestry,thepairshruginunisonandsitnearafireplacethatstillhassomeglisteningembers.Theirongateisraisedandlockedinplacebyaclipshapedlikeasoaringphoenix.Lukepokes
hisswordatthelogs,surprisedthattheycatchflamesandbuildintoacracklingfire.
TheglisteninggoldofthephoenixgivesSarianideaandshewhispersaspelltocoverherhandsinice.Reachingintothefire,shepicksupaflaminglogand
approachesthetapestry.Shetakesafewminutestoadmirethebeautyofthepiece,theweavingexpertlydoneandshowingnosignsofhavingaged.Thephoenixlookslikeshealwaysimaginedthebeast,aprettybirdofredandorangewithfieryplumage.Itsnestisdepictedasbeing
madeofthinbranchesthatsituponablackcauldron,whichshedoesnotunderstandatfirst.Gettingacloserlook,sheseesthatthecrimsonfireshethoughtwascomingfromthenestisactuallyrisingfromthemouthoftheround-rimmedvat.Therestofthepictureisofacloudysky
withonlyahintofthesunpeekingoutinthetoprightcorner.
“Iknowphoenixesarebornfromfire,butthatlookslikeanexpensiveitemtodestroyonawhim,”Dariananervouslyinterjects.“Nyxmightbeangryifitdoesn’twork.”
“Firstofall,Nyxdoesn’tknowthisexists,soIwon’tgetintrouble,”Saripointsoutwithasmirk.“Secondofall,elementaldoorsmayberare,butgypsiesandmostexperiencedthievesknowabouttheirexistence.Theysellforanamazingpriceanditdoesn’thurttohavethe
knowledgeincaseyoufindoneinanancientruin.”
“Doesthattypeofsituationhappenoften?”Timoranwrylyasks.
“Onlytous,SirWrath.”Noticingthatthe
cauldrononlyhastheoutlineofafireatitsbase,Sariputstheflaminglogagainstthat
partofthetapestry.Asizzlingprecedestheappearanceoforangeandyellowthreadthatfillsinthegap.Withthesoundofacawingbird,thedecorationburnsfromthebottomtothetopandrevealsaneatdoorwayinthestone.Tossingthelogbackintothe
fireplace,Saristicksherheadintothedustyhallway.Shecanseeonedimlylitpathrunningtoherleft,thefloorshowingsignsofagradualincline.Morecuriousisaladderthatrunssohighthattheonlythingthegypsycanseeisadistantpinprickoflight.
“Well,mypartisdone,”Sariannounces,steppingbackintothechapel.“Whowantstomakethenextdecision?”
“Sharneneedstorest,sowecanhavetwogroupsscoutthepathswhilesomebodystaystowatchher,”Darianasays,peekingintothesecret
passage.Sheisrelievedtoseethattherearenocorpsesandathicklayerofundisturbeddust.“Eachgroupfollowsapathtoseewhereitgoesthenwereturnheretochooseapermanentdirection.IvolunteertogowithonegroupbecauseIcancontactothersfromadistance.”
“Whatdowedoaboutourcrankyfriendhere?”Sariasks,gentlykickingDelvin’sfoot.Shetenseswhenheclearshisthroatandturnstofaceher.“Imeantthat...Forgetit.Youwerebeingajerk.”
“IagreeandI’mstillfeelingaggressive,”the
warriorrepliesashemoveshischairfurtherawayfromthebastardsword.“Thecurseisdyingdown,butI’mgoingtohavetopickthatweaponupagaintobeofanyusehere.It’sbestformetouseitwhenwedefinitelyknowafightiscoming.ThatwayIcanchannelthepurehatein
theblade.LeavemeherewithLukeandSharne.”
“Whyme?”thehalf-elfinquires,annoyedthathewillnotbegoingintothetunnels.
“BecauseIknowforafactthatyou’venoproblemhittingmeifithastobedone,”Delvinsayswithasmirk.Hecoughsupsome
bile,whichhespitsintothefireplace.“Also,Iknowyou’refastenoughtotakemeoutifneedbe.Idon’tknowhowlongIcanfightthecurse,butI’mtryingmybest.Thatswordrotsthebodyandcorruptsthemindwhilefuelinganobsessionforwhateveryouwant.With
KaynitwasSariandwithAsheritwasprotectinghisfamily.Ithinkit’sdistortingmydesiretorescueNyx.”
“Thenwewillbringherbackandyouwillbefine,”Timorandeclares,gesturingforFizzletoperchonhishead.Hepatsthetinydragononthetailandheadsforthe
passages.“IwillclimbtheladderwithFizzle.DarianaandSaricantakethepathbecauseitswidthisbettersuitedfortheirfightingstyles.”
Thebarbariandoesnotwaitforaresponseandclimbsthemetalladder,hismassiveframeblockingthe
smalllightatthetop.SarigivesLukeaquickhugbeforefollowingDarianaintothepassage,whichappearstoclosewhentheywalkfarenoughdownthepath.Theycanonlyseesolidstone,notrealizingthattheirfriendsareabletowatchthemdisappearintothegloom.Assoonas
theyareoutofsight,theundamagedtapestryunfurlsfromitswoodenrodandthedoorwayishiddenagain.
*****Adistantrumbleshakes
thehallwayandknocksloosepebblesontotheheadsofDarianaandSari.Theyhavetheirmouthscoveredwith
handkerchiefstoavoidinhalingthechokingdustthattheykickupwitheverystep.ThesafestwayoftalkingisthroughDariana’stelepathy,butSarirefusestoleaveaconnectionopenforlongerthanasecond.Severaltimes,oneofthemtripsoverariseintheunevenfloorand
stumblesaheadtokickupacurtainofdustthatblindsthemfornearlyaminute.Afaintbreezedrawsthemtoaventinthewallwheretheytaketurnsbreathinginthewarmairseepingfromtheoutside.Anotherboomrocksthemountain,forcingthemtokeeptheirbalance.
“Anyideawhatthatis?”Sariasks,pressingherlipstotheancientstone.
“Noclue,butIthinkit’scomingfromaroundthatbend,”Darianareplies,puttingtheclothbackoverhermouth.“Let’skeepmoving.Myeyesareburningfromallthedust.Unlessyou
needmoretimetorest.”“Honestly,IthinkI’m
themostrestedoutofallofus,”thegypsystates,tyingaveilaroundherface.Sheremovesitwhenthedustgetsunderneathandshebegrudginglyholdsthethinfabrictoherface.“Howareyoufeeling?”
“Tired,butfunctional.”“Therebetterbeabathin
thistemple.”“Ihaveafaint
recollectionofhotsprings.”“Nomorehot.”“Couldn’tyoumake
themcold?”“Yeah,butIwanttobe
lazy.”
Thetwowomenareknockedtothegroundbyamassivequake,theirbodiesgettingcoveredwithdust.Fearingthatthehallwaywillcollapseorfillwithlava,theyscrambletotheirfeetandsprintahead.Coughingandwheezing,theyleapoverfallenstoneandtripover
crackshiddenbytheshadows.Eachtimeoneofchampionsstumbles,theothercatchestheirwristandhelpstheregaintheirbalance.Bythetimetheyturnthecornerandseethebackofatapestry,theyaregaspingforairanddesperatetoescapethepassage.
Bargingintothemassiveroom,thepairskidtoahaltandtrytogetbackintothestuffyhallway.Alltheyfindisasolidwallbehindaneleganttapestrydepictingadragonrisingfromavolcano.Beforethemisanenormousarmyofhumanoidcreaturesmadecompletelyoutof
animatedblood.Dropsfallofftheedgeoftheirsword-likearms,butthecastoffisquicklyabsorbedbytheirfeet.Withfloatingeyes,themonstersstareattheintrudersasanotherexplosionshakesthevastroom.
“Thisisdisgusting,”Sariwhispers,drawingadagger
andhurlingitattheclosestbloodsolider.Theweaponsinksintothecreature’schestandissuckedintothethickliquid.“Iwouldn’trecommendhittingthemwithyourbarehands.Atleasttheyaren’tveryinterestedinattackingus.”
“Forsomereasonthey
arecreatingamassofbodiesbeforetheyswarm,”Darianareplies,sensingtheirprimitivethoughts.“Theyarescaredthatwewillbeasbadastheotherone.I’msorry,buttheyaresobasicthatIslipcompletelythroughtheirminds.It’sliketryingtograbfreshblood.”
“Youcouldn’thavesaidhugtheoceanorcarrythedesert?”thegypsynervouslysnaps,drawingherfavoritestilettoandawidedagger.“Icandefendmyself,butIdoubtIcanhurtthem.Trydiggingdeeper.”
“I’lltry,”hercompanionsays,probingthemindofthe
nearestcreature.Assoonasshepeelsawaythetoplayerofthoughts,thecreatureshrieksandmeltsintoapuddleofcoagulatingblood.“I’msorry.They’reveryfragile.”
Wildhowlseruptfromthecreaturesandtheysurgeforwardonlyforawideblade
oflightningtotakeouttherearofthemob.Thebloodsoldiersscatterandsomelaunchintotheairbytransformingintostretchingspears.Burstsofflamemeetthemandtheyarereducedtobubblingmuckonthefloor.Aplumeoffireeruptsfromthefarsideoftheroomand
growsbigger,dispellingwhenitcomeswithinafewfeetofthechampions.Alonecreaturechargesintothebillowingsmokeandanotherexplosionsendsitsremainssplatteringacrossthefloor.TheblasthasenoughforcetoclearthefoggycurtainandrevealNyxwhoiscoveredin
sweatandblood.“Nyxie!”Sarihappily
shouts,sprintingtoherfriend.Shegivesthehalf-elfatighthugthatnearlyknocksthemover.“You’realiveandsettingthingsonfire!Iwassoworriedaboutyou.Weallwere.OhandDelvinisusingthatcursedbastardsword,so
hemightbeajerkwhenyouseehimagain.Don’tkillhim,butfeelfreetoknocksomesenseintohim.”
“It’sgoodtoseeyoutoo,”Nyxsaysasshehugsback.Sheunleashesalightningbolttoblastanapproachingbloodsoldier.“Wemightwanttodothis
later.Howareyoudoing,Dariana?”
“I’mfineandhappytoseeyouagain,”thesilver-hairedwomanreplies,dartingbehindtheothers.Shecatchestheincomingbladeofabloodsoldierbetweenherhandsanddestroysitsmind.“TimoranandFizzleclimbed
uptothehigherlevelandtheothersarerestinginachapelthatwepromisedwewouldreturnto.SharnewasinjuredandDelvinneededabreakfromthecursedsword,buthewantedLuketowatchoverhimjustincase.Wedon’tknowhowtogetbacktothemsincethepassage
closed.”Nyxcreatesahurricane
domearoundthem,deflectingtheattacksoftwobloodsoldiersquads.“Therearedoorsandstairwellsalloverthisfloorofthetemple.I’vebeenfightingforawhile,butIdidn’twanttoleadthesethingsthroughtherestof
Helgard.AfterIescapedintoanemptylibraryandtheyfollowed,Icamebackhere.Theykeepcomingandonlymagicappearstohurtthem.I’mgladIdidn’tactivatemymom’sbraceletorIwouldhavebeenkilled.AnyideasbeforeIdropthebarrier?Don’taskmewhereIwent
becausethisisn’tthetimetoexplain.”
“Icancontacttheothersandhavethemmeetussomewhere,”Darianasuggestsassherubshertemples.“Anotherideaistoleadthesecreaturesintoanambush.Though,Idon’tknowofaroomthatwould
workforthat.”“Well,thelibrarywas
prettybigandhadtablesthatwecoulduseasblockades.Nobookstoworryabouteither,”Nyxmentionswhileshetakesasipofwaterfromherwaterskin.“ContactSharneandtellherhowshecankillthesethings.Takethe
directionstothelibraryfrommymindandgivethosetoherandLuke.OnceIdropthisshield,staybehindme.IcanhandlethefrontbetterifIdon’thavetoworryabouthittingyoutwo.”
Abloodsoldierrisesoutofthefloorbetweenthethreewomenandclumsilyslashes
atNyx,itsarmslicingthroughherwaterskin.Saricatchesthewaterononeofherdaggersandtransformsitintoabladeofice.Withaquickslash,sheshattersthecreature’sarmandfollowsupwithastabtoitschest.Thebloodsoldiersolidifiesfromtheintensecoldandcrumbles
intopowder,makingthegypsysmirkwithpride.Gatheringthelastofthewater,shemakesanothericedaggerandnodsforNyxtodropthebarrier.
*****Timorangroansand
Fizzlewhimperswhentheswelteringheatatthe
volcano’ssummithitstheirfaces.Thedritetakestotheair,risinghighenoughtocatchacoolbreeze.Hereturnstohisfriendwhohasmovedtotheedgeofthesummit,hisgreataxereadyincaseheslipsandhastoslamitintothestone.Theywatchtheswirlingmagmabelow,
imaginingwhattheheatwouldbelikeifitwascloser.Backingaway,thebarbarianlooksoutoverthemoonlitdesertandletsthetensionebbfromhismuscles.HecanseetheHelgardianencampmentinthedistance,buttheyaretoofarawayforhimtomakeoutanydetails.Furtheraway
isaherdofslendercreaturesthatrunupaduneandtaketotheair,glidingintotheskywheretheyvanishamongthestars.
“Whatthat?”Fizzleasks,staringacrossthevolcano.
ThelightfromthecraterisenoughforTimorantoseeashort,wideobjectthatisthe
coloroffreshblood.SignalingforFizzletoflyhighandunseen,thebarbariancreepsalongtheedgeofthevolcano.Hestopswhenanexplosionfrombelowshakesthegroundandmakeshisheartleapintohisthroat.Shudderingatthethoughtoffallingintothe
magma,Timorancontinuesmovingtowardthestrangeobject.Whenhecomestothealtarmadeofflowingblood,hewavesforFizzletojoinhim.Thedritelandsonhisshoulderandhissesatthesinisterstructurethatreeksofdeath.
“I’mpartdemonand
evenIfinditdisgusting,”Suttermentionsasheclimbsoutofthevolcano.Hewipesthemagmaoffhisarmsandspitsonthealtar,thefieryblobsizzlinginthecrimsonliquid.“Mymasterputthisheretocontrolherabominations.I’mforbiddenfromdestroyingit,but
perhapsyourchannelercandothejob.”
“WearelookingforNyx,”Timoransays,cautiouslywatchingtheIfrit.“Doyouknowwheresheis?Lastwesawher,shewasswallowedbyabronzecoffin.”
“ThatwouldbeNuerin
whoisaformerchampionandthemaniacbehindwhatyou’veseenhere,”thelesserdemonexplainswhilewavinghisarmoverthevolcano.Hismanebristlesandheroarsatthesky,hissharpteethdrippingfieryspit.“Shethoughtshewasbetterthaneveryone,soshebrokethe
rules.ThenshetwistedHelgardandfilleditwithdisgustingundead.Tothisday,IthinkGabrielwasuptosomethingwhenheforgedherdestiny.Therewastoomuchofachancethatshewouldturndownadarkpathanddamagehisplans.Though,I’vealways
wonderedifsomeonemeddledwithNuerin’sdestinywithouttheTri-Godknowing.Itreallydoesn’tmatternow.YourfriendkilledNuerinafewhoursago.I’vealreadyspitandstompedontheremains.”
“Whatmeanfordemon?”Fizzleasks,dartingaround
Sutter.HereturnstoTimoranwhentheIfritgrowlsandmakesahalf-heartedgrabforthedragon.“Sorry.Fizzlewonderwhatguardiandonow.”
Suttertakesadeepbreathandletsoutacracklingbelchfollowedbypuffingoutafewcloudsofsmoke.Hegently
kicksatthealtar,butasurgeofpainrunsthroughhisbodywhenhemakescontact.Withanotherroaroffrustration,thelesserdemonstompsontheground.Acrackracesacrossthesummit,forcingTimorantoleaptotheside.Anotherrumblefrombelowshakesthevolcanoandmakesthe
damageworse.Scratchingflakesofbasaltoffhismuscularchest,Sutterreachesouttoattractaballofmagma.
“Iamnotthetrueguardian,”headmitsashefillsthecrackwithmoltenrock.Withagentlebreath,Suttercoolsthemagmaand
repairsthedamagehecaused.“IamonlyaservantandIwouldhavebeenmergedwiththescepterifIhadnotassistedNuerininherplans.IbetrayedthepurposeIwassummonedforanditcostHelgardeverything.NowIonlyhopethatmytimeiscomingtoanend.AtleastI
nolongerhavetodealwiththatcreepygnomeifIkillNyx.”
“Idonotunderstandwhyyouhavetokillherifyourmasterisgone,”Timoranpolitelysays.HepullsaflaskoutofhispouchandtakesalongdrinkofIfritmead,temptedtoaskifthelesser
demonknowsofthebrewnamedinhishonor.“Thereisnoreasontofightussinceyouarefree.”
“BecauseIamthefinaltestofHelgard,”Sutterstates,flashingahungrysmile.Hisshoulderspopasheflexeshisarmsandfingers.“IfNyxcandefeatmethenIwillbefree,
butherfavoredelementisfire.ThatputsthefightinmyfavorandIwillusemyfullstrength.OnlyatruechampionshallconquerHelgard.”
“Demonnosoundhappy,”Fizzlepointsout.
TheIfritplucksthedriteoutoftheairandcatches
Timoran’sgreataxewithoutlooking.“Iamproudofmyrole,butIamtiredofthislife.InolongerremembertheChaosVoid.IfIwastobebanished,IwouldfeellikeI’vesteppedintoaforeignland.SoIconvincedatestsubjectofNuerin’stochangetherulesofmydefeat.She’s
nowbeencombinedwiththescepter,butshedidwhatIaskedbeforehand.”
Fizzle’seyesturngoldandhesquintsatSutter’saura,slippingoutofthelesserdemon’slooseninggrip.Hecanseetheexpectedenergythatresemblesaninferno,buthesensesthatsomethingis
different.Hisexperiencewithdemonsislimited,butheknowsenoughaboutfirecreaturestogetafeelforwhatshouldorshouldnotbewithinthecreature’sessence.FlyingaroundtheIfrit,heexamineseveryinchuntilhefindsabarelynoticeablevoid.Thegapisinthebackof
Sutter’sheadandresemblesacoinslot,understandingdawningonthedrite’sface.
“Demonnobanish.Demondie.Removetetherpiece.Nowantgohome,sowantdeath.”
“Thatiscorrect,”Sutterstates,lettinggoofTimoran’saxe.“IfIamdefeatedthenI
willceasetoexist.Iwon’tevengotoanafterlifebecausedemonsnolongerhavesuchathing.I’vebeenenslavedforsolongthatitistheonlyescapethatappealstome.YetIrefusetolaydownanddie.Nyxwillhavetosurvivemyfullpowerifsheistobecomethetrue
championofHelgard.Thoughtherestofyoumightbeabletofinishthejob,butthatislesslikelythanafire-lovingchannelerdefeatinganIfrit.”
“IwilldowhatIcantogiveyoupeace,”Timoranpromises,offeringhisflasktothesurpriseddemon.“Itisa
meadnamedafteryourkind.Hasafierykickforusmortals,butIwillnotmakepromisesonhowitwilltastetoyou.”
“Thankyou,”Suttersaysashetakestheflaskandthrowsitintohismouth.Hecrunchesthemetalandlickshislipsatthetasteofliquor.
“Verysweet.IcanseewhyyoudrinkitandIassumeitstastetoyouismoreformidable.Otherwise,everyIfritthathaseverlivedshouldbeoffendedatthemildness.”
Thevolcanoshakesandthebloodaltarglowswithapulsinglight.Howlingscreechesrisefromthedepths
ofHelgardasthecrimsonichorflowsintotheground.Sutter’seyesrollbackandbecomewhiteorbsbeneathrapidlyflutteringlids.Hesenseswhatishappeningwithinthetempleandgrowlsattherisingstenchofthebloodsoldiers.Chantinginavoicethatresemblesa
cracklingfire,theIfritsummonsastairwellthatgoesdowntotheragingbattle.
“YourfriendsarestillfightingtheremainsofNuerin’screaturesbelow,”Sutterexplains,reachingouttopatthebarbarianontheshoulder.“Theyarenotpartofthetest,soIhaveno
problemtellingyouwhattodo.Anyformofmagicwillworkagainstthemincludingmindpowersandthatforesttracker’sforms.Theywillcontinuecomingbecausethisaltarrevivesthem.HelpyourfriendsturnthetideandreturnherewithNyxandthosewhoareuselessagainst
thecreatures.Iwillbewaiting.”
“Thankyou.Eventhoughwewillmeetinbattle,Ihopeyoufindpeacebeforethedayisdone.”
Suttersnortsandturnsaway,listeningtothebarbarianchargedownthestairs.“Ireallyhavebecome
fartoomortaloverthecenturies.Iactuallyfelt...happythatthebigpieceofmeatcares.”
*****Thelibraryisinchaosas
thebloodsoldierarmymarchesthroughthefallenwallandoverthesmashedfurniture.Nyx’sspellsslam
intotherearranksofthecreatureswhileLukeandSaridartamongthecloserenemies.Thegypsy’sicedaggersshatterwhatevertheytouchwhiletheforesttrackerstrugglestomakeadentintheirenemies.Allhecandoishackofflimbsandheadsthatgrowbackwithin
seconds.Heiseventuallyforcedbacktothebottomofthestairsthatgrewoutoftheceiling,holdingthepositionalongsideSharneandDariana.Thetwowomenpluckatthemindsofthebloodsoldiers,makingthemsplattertotheflooronebyone.Everyoneknowsthat
theycanonlystandtheirgroundsincetheendlessarmyrefusestoretreatanddoesnotappearingtobethinningout.
Farawayfromtheothers,Delvinscreamsandroarsashebrutallyslashesthroughthebloodsoldiers.Hisattacksareonlyalittlemoreeffective
thanLuke’s,themonsterstakinglongertorecoverfromtheReflectorBlade.Theweightofthebastardswordisnolongeraproblemsincehehasfallenfurtherunderthecurse.Theweaponfeelslikeanaturalpartofhisbodyandhewieldsitwithonehandwhileusingtheseatofachair
asashield.Whenthecreaturesfallback,heglancesattherearoftheroomwhereNyxishurlingeverycombatspellshecanimagine.Thebloodsoldierseventuallybreakthroughtheothersandswarmtowardthecaster.Delvinchargesatthem,madlyslashingthosearound
himbeforecrashingintothewaveofmonsters.Theyareforcedbackbylightningboltsandthecrazedwarrior’ssavageattack.
“WouldyoupeoplestoplettingthemgettoNyx?”Delvinshoutsattheothers.HefightstheurgetothrowhisswordatLukewhoscowls
athim.“Ifyou’renotgoingtoleapintothearmyasusualthenrunawaylikeachild!Wecan’taffordtoshowanyweakness!”
“KeepyellingatourfriendsandI’lluseyouasaclub,Cunningham,”Nyxthreatens,shovingthewarriorasidetounleashawaveof
energybladesacrossthefloor.“StaybymeandfightthecursebecauseIdon’twantyououttherelikethis.You’relikelytoattackoneofourownifpushedtoofar.”
“I’mtheoneplanningthestrategy,sodon’tordermearound,”Delvinsnaps.ThestunningbackhandfromNyx
clearshisheadandheglaresattheevilblade.“Thanks.Ineededthat.DoitagainifIstartactingthatlikeagain.”
“Yougotit,strategist.”Delvinmeetsthe
approachingbloodsoldiers,makingsurenottomovetoofarfromNyx.Hecanfeelthecursecoilingaroundhismind
andavoicetryingtoconvincehimtoattackLukeforbeinguseless.Thewordlessshoutshelphimdrownoutthesinistersuggestions,butitgetsharderwitheveryswing.Openinghismouthtoroarinfrustration,heissurprisedatthedeafeningbattlecrythaterupts.Ittakesasecondto
realizethatitisnothisvoice,butsomeonegettingcloserfromabove.Spinningtobeheadfourbloodsoldiersandturnaround,hedivesoutofthewayofahugeformleapingintothefray.Timoranlandswithanechoingthudandbarrelsintothemonsters,thesuddensavagerydriving
theentirearmybackafewsteps.
“FizzleandTimoranbackwithnews!”thedriteannouncesbeforehecastsanironlancespellatthemonsters.Themetalprojectilestrikesthefloorandexplodes,sendingshrapnelintothenearbyenemies.
“Stairsgototop.Ickyaltarsourceofmonsterpower.Sutterthereasfinaltest.Saytogowithuselessones.Notsurewhatthatmean.”
“HemeanswhoeverisuselessagainstthesethingsshouldgowithNyxtothetopofthevolcano,”Delvinexplains,hisbreathingheavy
andragged.Hedropshismakeshiftshieldandpuncheshimselfintheface,garblingtheevilvoiceofthesword.“Isuggestmyself,Sharne,andLuke.Ican’tbefarawayfromNyxthankstothiscurseandtheothertwoarehavingthehardesttime.Sharneisdoingsomedamage,butyou
cantellthatherinjuriesaretakingtheirtollonherreflexes.”
“SuttersayLukeformsworkonmonsters.”
“IagreeaboutyouandSharne,butIsaywetakeTimoran,”Nyxsaysasshesendsaswarmoffireballsintothearmy.“He’salready
losinggroundwiththem.Theywereonlyscaredofthesuddenentrance.Fizzle,takeoversendingspellsintothearmyandI’llgettoLukeandSharne.”
“I’llgetTimoran,”Delvinstateswithamadgrin.
Fizzlesendsadisintegrationbeamatthe
bloodsoldiersasNyxsprintsforthestairs.Sheflingsacidboltsandfirefistsintothecrowd,strikingonemonsterthatisabouttopounceonSari.ShesignalstothegypsythatsheisgoingupthestairsandpointsatLukeandSharne.Theworriedexpressiononherfriend’s
facegivesherpause.Shesnapsoutofherworryintimetoramintothemonstersaroundthestairswithashieldofforce.Sendingthespellintotheshriekingmob,sheknocksthebloodsoldierstotheothersideoftheroom.
“I’mtakingSharne,Delvin,andTimorantothe
summitwhereSutteriswaitingbyanaltarthatkeepsthesethingsregenerating,”Nyxrapidlysays,gaspingforair.Notbotheringtobeflashy,shehurlsamassivefireballatthecrowdandhalfofthelibraryeruptsinflames.“Fizzlewilltakeoverthedistancespellswhile
Darianaholdsthestairs.Don’tholdback,Sari!You’regoingtohavealotofroomtoworkwith.Lukeisgoingtotransformbecausehisspiritformscanhurtthesethings.That’stheplanandtherestofuswilldestroythataltarassoonaswecan.Staysafeandkeepfighting.”
“Youtoo,”Lukeawkwardlyreplies,unsureofwhatelsetosay.Heleapsoffthestairsandhurriestoanopenspacewhilesheathinghissabers.“Oncethesethingsaregone,we’llbejoiningyou.”
NyxgrabsSharnebythewristandrushesupthe
stairwell,notbotheringtoseeifTimoranandDelvinarefollowing.ThetwowarriorsrushbyDarianawhopopsthemindsofthebloodsoldierschasingthem.Takingadeepbreath,Saridivesfurtherintothearmyandwhispersspellsasshemoves.Withoutwarning,thegypsyexplodes
intoashoweroficychunksandmaterializesseveralyardsawaytoattackagain.Dizzyfromthecomplicatedspell,shefocusesoncounteringthemonsterswhileshebacksoutofthecrowd.Whenshebreaksthroughthearmy’sranks,shenearlystopsatthesightoftheunexpectedbeast
infrontofher.Growlingandclawingat
theground,Lukeistheformofanotherchimera.ThewingsandheadofthegriffinareonStiletto’sslenderbody,whichisthreetimesitsnormalsizetoworkwiththebiggeranimal’sparts.Weavingintheairbehind
himisthetailofaspiritnaga,theblackspikedrippingparalyticpoison.Takingtotheair,thechimeraunleashesasoundthatisahorrificcombinationofallthreebeasts.Lukesendstwentybloodsoldierssplatteringacrossthefloorandwallsonasingleswoop,howling
triumphantlyashemakesanotherpass.
Notwantingtobeoutdone,Sarirushesbackintothearmyandisquicklysurroundedbythebloodsoldiers.Theyattackherwithrenewedstrength,theirfearofthechimeradrivingthemtoeliminatetheweakerthreats.
Shetakesacutonthearmaftershatteringseveralenemies,butthepainstunsherenoughtostealhermomentum.
“Puticeonthestairs,”DarianasaysasshelandsnexttoSari.Herstrikesburstthebloodsoldiers,eachblowdeliveringapsychicbolt.
“Youpushedyourselftoohard,soI’llwatchyourback.”
“Thanks,”Sarigasps,castinganicewallthatblocksthestairs.Shemovesbacktobackwiththesilver-hairedwomanandgrowsicebladesfromthepommelsofherdaggers.“Ioweyouadrink
afterthis.”“Idon’tdrink.”“Thensomecandy.”“Neverhadthatbefore.”“Oh,Dari,weneedto
showyouhowtolive.”Bloodsoldiersshatter
andmeltaroundthetwowomenastheystabandpunch.Itisanelegantdance
ofdestructionastheyjumpandspinaroundeachother.Whiletheydonotmakeanyprogressinpushingthearmyback,DarianaandSariareimpossibletomovefromtheirtightcircleofdominance.
20
DelvinignorestheshoutingfromNyxwhoiswithSharneontheothersideoftherumblingvolcano.AllheisfocusedonisreachingSutterfirstandputtinganendtothetestsofHelgard.SowhenTimorantriestotacklehim,thewarriorwhirls
aroundwithhisbastardswordswingingforhisfriend’shead.Thebarbarianblockstheattack,butslipsonthecrumblingouteredgeofthemouth.DelvinissprintingforwardagainasTimoranstrugglestodraghimselfbackontosolidground.Thepossessedwarriorisracing
towardthebackoftheIfritwhenwallsofflameeruptfromthestone.Theforceknockshimonhisbackandhescramblestohisfeet,furiousashewatchesasecondbarrierappearontheothersideofthevolcano.Nomatterthedirection,thereisnowayforDelvintogetto
NyxandSharnewhoarenowtrappedwiththeIfrit.
“Letmein!”heshouts,liftingtheReflectorBladetostrikethefirewall.Thebarriergivesaninchbeforeamoltenfisteruptsfromtheflames.Delvinducksthedeadlyattackandbacksup,thebastardswordsteaming.
“IguessI’llgoaround.”“Stopthisandstickto
whatNyxsaidonthestairs,”Timorandemandsashecautiouslyapproacheshisfriend.“Shetoldustodestroythealtar,sotheotherscanjoinus.Wedonotknowhowlongtheycanlastdownthere.Weneedtoworktogether.”
“Sheneedsme.ThisswordcandefeatSutterandendallofthis.IfIchargeatthefirewallwiththeReflectorBladeaheadofme,itshouldpushthrough.”
“Iagreethatitwillpuncturethebarrier,”thebarbariancalmlysays.Hegingerlymovesforward,
stoppingwhentheotherwarriorstompshisfoot.“YetIcanseeitpullingyouintothefireaswell.Theswordwouldmakeitthroughunscathedandyoubeseverelyinjured.Youmayevendie.Thatisnothingmorethanafoolishwaste.Comewithmetodestroythe
altarandtrustthatNyxcanhandleSutterfornow.”
“Iwon’tabandonher.”“Iamnotsayingthat.”Delvinstares
suspiciouslyatTimoran,amadglintinhiseye.“Igetitnow.YouwantmetohandlethatbloodaltarwhileyousaveNyx.You’rejustlike
Stephen.WellI’mnotgoingtoletyoubethehero.”
Thefoamflyingfromthewarrior’smouthisenoughofawarningforthebarbariantoprepareforaslash.RememberingwhathappenedthelasttimehisDeflectorAxestrucktheReflectorBlade,Timoranblocksthe
attackwithhisbracers.Theforceoftheblowknockshimoff-balance,butheisquicktorecoverandsheathhisgreataxetoavoidamistake.Heispushedbackbythewildslashesandjabs,eachonemorechaoticthanthelast.Theyarenearlyacrossthevolcanowhenaswing
managestograzethelargeman’schest,whichleavesaburningcutthatstingswitheverygustofhotair.Chokingdownhisprimalrage,TimorancatchesDelvin’sarmandpuncheshiminthefacewithafractionofhisstrength.Thesmallerwarrior’snoseisbrokenand
heisstunned,butthereisnosignthatheisabouttogiveup.
“Iapologizeforthis,”thebarbarianwhispersbeforeliftinghisfriendintotheair.
Withatightspin,hehurlsDelvinbacktothealtarwherethewarriorbouncesafewtimesandrollsdownthe
stairwell.Timoransprintsasfastashecantotheopeninganddrawshisweaponincasethereisadanger.Heseeshisfriendsprawledonthestairs,theman’seyesclenchedshutandhisbreathingrapid.Whenthebarbarianputshisfootonthetopstep,Delvinweaklyswingsthebastardswordat
histoes.Leapingtosafety,Timorandecidestoleavehisfriendandworkondestroyingthealtar.
Whenhegetswithinafewstepsofthealtar,apairofskeletalarmsburstfromthebloodyobject.TheyreachforTimoran’swrists,butheswiftlyhacksthemattheir
elbows.Thefallenlimbsmeltintothestoneasseveralmoreemergetopushhimback.Oneofthemcatchesthebarbarianbytheankleandholdshimlongenoughfortwomoretopunchhiminthestomach.Theirbarbedknucklesleavebleedingcutsinhisfleshandheroarswith
renewedrage.Withseveralviolentswings,thebarbariancleavesthroughtheswarmoflimbsandchargesatthealtar.Asheraiseshisgreataxeoverhishead,twoarmswithwidehandslanceouttograbhimbytheneck.Drivenbyfury,Timoranmarchesagainstthestrengthofthe
altaruntilhecanbringhisweapondownonthesinisterobject’sflattop.Anexplosionmeltsthearmsandsendsthebarbarianflying,buttheDeflectorAxefailstoundotheevilmagic.Landingnexttothestairs,thelargewarriorisabouttogetupandtryagainwhenafootstomps
onhisbleedingstomachtopinhimdown.
“You’reinmyway,”Delvingrowlsasheliftsthebastardswordwithbothhands.Hisskinispaleandhiseyesaresunkenasthecursecoursesthroughhismind.“Nyxwillbemine.”
TimoranstrikesDelvinin
thekneewiththesideofhisaxeandflipsuptohisfeet,droppinghisweapon.Hegrabsthehiltofthebastardswordbeforehisfriendcanrecoverhisbalance.ThetwomenwrestleasthecursepushesDelvindeeperintomadnessandreachesouttoinfectTimoran.Thebarbarian
roarsandslamsthesmallerwarriorintothebloodyaltar,butakneetohisgutweakenshisleverage.Pushingoffthebaseoftheshrine,Delvinforceshisfriendbackandtheyawkwardlycrashtotheground.Rollingbackandforth,bothmenrefusetoreleasetheReflectorBlade
untiltheformermercenarybitesTimoranintheneckwithenoughforcetodrawblood.
“Stopwastingmytime!”Delvinroarsasheyanksthebastardswordaway.“You’reputtingNyxindanger!”
“Ifyoudestroythealtarthenourfriendswillbefree
tojoinus,”Timoranquicklysays,hishandsalreadyupinpreparationtocatchtheblade.“OnceLukeishere,hecanflyyouacrossthevolcanoanddropyouontoSutter.Youhavedonethatbeforewithhimanditislikeaknightonhisnoblesteed.Nyxwillseeyouasthehero
insteadofmyselforLuke.”“Thatdoesmakesense.
IfyougoforNyxandIhavetokillyouthentheotherswillbewitnessestoyourbetrayal.Idoitnowandshewon’tbelieveme.”
Withasingleslash,Delvindestroystheskeletalarmsthattrytostophim.He
chargeswhenthepathisclearandswingsatthealtarwithanoverheadchop.Thebastardswordstopsaninchfromtheevilobjectduetoallofhismusclespainfullylocking.Hisbodyrelaxesandhetriesagainonlyforthesamethingtohappen.Evenhisattemptatakickends
withhisjointsfreezingbeforehecantouchthealtar.
“Mybodywon’tletmehitit,”Delvinwhispersashismindgainsamomentofclarity.Hestaresatthebastardswordandwatchesthesteelturnblackwithfaintfaceslaughingwithinthetar-likesurface.“Thecurselikes
theevilmagicofthealtar.Itwon’tletmeattacksomethingitseesasakindredspirit.”
“Thendroptheswordandletmedoit,”Timoranrequests,grabbinghisgreataxe.“Doitbeforeyourmindislostagain.”
“No...I’mnotletting
Stephenbeatme,”thedeterminedwarriorreplieswithachokingcough.Thecurserageswithinhisthoughts,butheholdsontohisremainingscrapofsanity.“IsweartoeverygodthateverexistedthatIwon’tfalltothatmonster.Notevenhiscursedblade,whichI’m
goingtoclaimasmyown,willstopme.NyxoncesaidIhadablindingaura,solet’sseeifIcanuseit.”
“Youareneitheracasternorapriest.”
“Idon’tcare.”“Iwilltakeyourheadoff
ifyoufailandbecomeamonster.”
“Thankyou,butIwon’tfail.”
Delvinfocusesontheevilbladeinhishandsandrushesatthealtaragain.Hetriestodeliveranotherchop,butthebastardswordstopslikebefore.Insteadofgivingup,thewarriorbattlesagainsthisownbodyandcontinues
pushing.Aburstofenergyknockshimawayandheskidsacrosstheground,leavingalineofbloodashisshirttearsandhiselbowisshredded.Thecursesurgesagainsthissanityandthesinistervoicewhispersinhisear,thehatefulwordstwistinghisstomach.Feeling
weakanddefeated,Delvincloseshiseyesandfallstohiskneesasthecurseenvelopeshismind.
Itisasinglesparkwithinthedarknessofhisvisionthatstopshimfrombeingentirelyconsumed.Hedesperatelyreachesoutforthegoldenenergywithahandthatis
steadilyunraveling.Afinalburstofwillpowerhelpshimreversethedamageandhegrabsthesparkassoonashisfingersaresolidagain.Delvin’sworldisbathedinlightasthecurseispurgedfromhisbody.Hiseyesopentorevealtwinorbsofburningaura,theenergydripping
downhisfaceandunderhisshirt.Thelinesofmagicruntohishandswheretheyinfectthecursedblade,transformingitfromblacktogold.
Takingasteadybreath,thewarriorsprintsatthealtarandstrikesitwiththeglowingbastardsword.The
energyfromDelvindrainsintotheputridblood,whichcrystallizesandcracksatthebase.Hemakesanotherswing,whichcleanlyremovesthetopofthealtarandshattersthebase.Hewatchestheremainsfallintothevolcanowheretheyexplodeagainstthemagma.
Awaveofdizzinesswashesoverthewarriorandhenearlytumblesovertheedge,butTimorangrabshimbythebackofhisshirt.
“Doyouknowwhathappened?”thebarbarianasks,notexpectingaclearanswer.
“I...purifiedmybody
andthesword,”Delvinanswersashestepsawayfromthevolcano’smouth.HetapshisbladeagainstTimoran’sgreataxe,causinghisfriendtobraceforaspellthatneverhappens.“SeemsIwenttoofarandremovedmostofthemagic.Thisisn’tanythingmorethanan
indestructibleswordnow.”“Youareamystery,my
friend.”“I’mreallysorryabout
everythingIsaidanddid,Timoran.”
“Itwasthecurseandnothingmore.”
“Thoseemotions-”Delviniscutoffbythe
barbariangrabbinghisfacewithonehandandsaying,“Iknowhowyoufeelaboutherandthecurseenhancedyouremotions.Thosedarkerforcesmaybeinsideyou,butyouareagoodman.Sowewillputthisbehindus.Nowletuswaitfortheothersand...whatisthat?”
Delvinturnsintimetoseeaslenderformfallingintothevolcano.Heisnotsurewhatheislookingatuntilheseessomeoneelseleapafterthefirstfigure.TheglowinglightaroundthesecondpersonisallthetwowarriorsneedtoknowthatitisNyx.Racingtotheedgeofthe
mouth,alltheycandoiswatchasthetwoformsplungeintothemagma.
*****Nyxcursesunderher
breathwhenthewallsoffiretrapherandSharnewithSutter.ShecanseeTimoranandDelvinontheothersideofthebarrier,butitis
impossibleforthemtobreakthrough.PointingthescepterattheIfrit,shemovesforwardandmotionsforhercompaniontostaybehindher.Flamesrunthroughthecaster’shairandlightningcracklesaroundhereyesinanattempttointimidatethelesserdemon.Hegrinsand
burstsintoflamesthatarepowerfulenoughtomakethehalf-elfsweat.
“Ihavetoadmitthatnobodyhasevertriedtoscaremewithmyownelement,”theIfritsayswithadeepchuckle.Thefirearoundhimdiesdownandsteamdriftsfromhismuscularframe.“I
hopeyourfriendwarnedyouthatIwillnotholdback.Iexpectthesamefromyoueventhoughyou’reatadisadvantage.Nochampionwhoclaimsfireastheirweaponhasachanceagainstacreaturewhothrivesoffit.”
“Wedon’thavetodothis,Sutter,”Nyxstates,
realizingthatapitchedbattlecouldgetSharnekilled.“HelpmeclaimthetempleandI’llsetyoufree.”
Thedemonthrowsapunchatthecaster,whichisdeflectedbyanairshield.NyxcountersbygrowinganironspikefromherhandandstabsSutterintheleg.She
detachesfromthemetalweaponasitmeltsoverthewoundandsinksbeneaththecrimsonskin.Withaburstoflightinherenemy’seyes,thehalf-elfmovestohissideandhitshimwithaparalysisspell.Sheholdsherbreathwhilethebluecordsenvelopethedemonandlockhimin
place.“Ihopeyouusethistime
tothinkofarealplan,”Suttergrowlsashestrugglesagainsttheirritatingspell.“Thisisaninterestingsensation.AllthechampionsIhavekilledcomeatmewithcombatmagic.Notsureifyou’recunningorweak.”
“Whywon’tyoubetheguardianofHelgard?”
“BecauseIhateithere!”theIfritroarsashetriestogrow.Thecordsaroundhisbodystrainagainsthismusclesandcrackbeforehecalmsdown.“AsItoldthedriteandthelargeman,InolongerremembertheChaos
Void.Returningtherewouldfeelwrong,butIrefusetoremaininthisprison.ThatiswhyIhadmyselfaltered,soIdieforeverifkilledonthisplaneofexistence.IthankyoufordestroyingNuerinandreturningthescepterwiththetrueguardianinside.Yetevenwiththosevictories,I
mustretainmypridesinceitistrulyallIhaveleft.Ourbattlemustcontinueuntiloneofusisdead.”
“Youwanthertodoamercykilling?”Sharnepolitelyasks.
Thelesserdemonraiseshisarmsandtheparalysisspellshatters.“Iwantherto
fightmewithallherstrengthasIdothesame.IamstillthefinaltestofHelgard.Allofthesecenturiesofwaitingforachampiontodestroymewillnotendwithmelayingdown.SofarIamunimpressedbythischanneler.”
“Answermeone
questionbeforewefight,”Nyxrequestsasshemovesbetweenthedemonandthenomad.ShesnapsherfingerstoputaprotectivecylinderaroundSharne,thevioletenergyvibrating.“What’sthepointofthisscepter?I’veheardithaveafewnamesandbeentolditcontainsa
monster.YetIhavenoideawhatitwasreallymeantfor.Iknowit’sastrangequestion,butit’sbeenbuggingmesinceIenteredHelgard.”
“Isenseyou’restalling,butitwillbeinvain,”Suttersayswithacruelsmile.Reachingout,hetapshisclawsontherubyand
shuddersatthefamiliarpowerrunninguphisarm.“ItwasnothingmorethanatrinketthatNuerintookalikingto.Ithadbeensittinginthetreasurysincetheearlyyears.IneverunderstoodwhyGabrielputfortunesineachtempleorwherehegotthewealthfrom.Makesone
wonderwhatthechampionsweretobeusedforaftertheBaroniskilled.Somethingtothinkabout.Willyourbattlesevertrulybeover?”
ThespellthatNyxhasbeenpreparingbehindherbacksputterswhenshelosesherfocus,causingtheIfrittosmile.Hestompsonthe
groundtosendanarrowwaveoffireatthehalf-elfwhodivesoutoftheway.ShehurlsalightningboltthathitsSutterintheforehead,blindinghimandknockinghimback.Takingtheopening,shebattersthedemonwithfistsofsolidwindanddriveshimtowards
theedgeofthevolcano.Withayawn,Suttertakesastepbackwardstodropintothemagmaanddisappearfromview.
“Thiswon’tbegood,”Sharnementionsasshepressesagainstthefarsideofherprotectivecage.
Nyxlooksacrossthe
volcanotoseeDelvinandTimoranfighting,herattentionstolenforapreciousinstant.WhenSutterleapsoutofthemagma,sheisbarelyabletocreateashieldtoblockhispunch.Moltenrockcoversthehalf-elf,thecoatingsolidifyingaroundherspellwhentheIfritroars.
Leavingburningfootprintsontheground,heapproachestheshellandsighsindisappointment.Nyxloseshertemperatthesoundandburststhethickcoveringwithanexplosion.Whippingherarms,shehurlsthechunksofbasaltatSutterwhoputshishandsuptomeltandabsorb
them.ThepaircircleeachotherwithNyxcreatingblueflamesinherfreepalmandthelesserdemongrowingglovesofintenseheat.
“You’restillholdingback,”Suttersaysindismay.“Whathasyouscared?”
NyxblaststheIfritwithaplumeofflamethattickles
himuntilshechangesittoanicycloud.Hefallstohiskneesandhisskinturnsalightershadeofredasfrostappearsonthetipsofhismaneandtail.Poundinghisfiststogether,SutteremitsaburstofswelteringheatthatwarmshimupandmakesNyxdizzyfromsudden
dehydration.Shestumblesandtriestoshakeherheadclear,butshecanbarelyremainconscious.Raisingthescepteroverherhead,thehalf-elfconjuresaraincloudthatdrenchesherandcoolsheroff.ThecloudfireslightningandwindtokeepSutteratbayasitgivesNyx
thewatersheneedstorecover.Shegrabshercreationandturnsitintoahurricanethatshefiresatthelesserdemon.Heisshovedback,butitisnotstrongenoughtoknockhimoffhisfeet.
SutterisabouttochargeNyxwhenhenoticeshereyes
brieflyshifttohisright.HeturnstoseethatSharneisnearby,theholywomancoweringintheprotectiveshell.Foramoment,theIfritconsidersignoringher,buthisdemonicnatureurgeshimtouseheragainsthisenemy.Hepouncesandgrabsthedefensivespellthatprotects
herfromhisclawsandflames.Sutterliftsthescreamingwomanoverhisheadandtossesherintothevolcano.HeaimsforhertofallafewfeetawayfromthewalltogiveNyxaslightchanceatsavingher.
“Saveheror-”Sutterbeginstosay.
ThecasterdoesnotstoptoheartheIfrittalkassheleapsintothevolcano.AgustofwinddrivesherafterSharneandshecancelsthedefensiveshieldtograbtheholywoman.Nyxcreatesanewshellaroundthem,butshehasnoideaifshecanprotectthemfromthe
churningmagma.Desperateandterrified,shehugsSharnecloseandpraystoGabriel,Gola,andCessiawithallhermight.Asifinresponse,thescepterenvelopesthetwowomeninacocoonofcrimsonlightthatplungesintothemoltenrockbelow.
*****
“Suchadisappointment,butIshouldn’thaveexpectedanythingelsefromyou,”afemalevoicesaysasNyxwakesup.“You’rehorriblytrainedandaspecialist.Ishouldhaveletthevolcanoeatyou.Thenagain,that’sstillanoptionifyoufailhere.Don’tworryaboutyourlittle
friend.Ihavenoproblemwithherandherpeoplekeptmesafeforcenturies.I’llsendherhomewhenwe’redonehere.”
Nyxfindsherselfcoveredinashesandstandingwithinalargenestofcharredtrees.Sheshakesthegrayflakesfromherarmsandhair,
earningaderisivelaughfromthewomanbeforeher.Clothedinablackdressthatsparkleslikeastarlitsky,thepale-skinnedladyscratchestheheadofanorangebirdperchedonherexposedshoulder.Thevibrantanimalnuzzlesherchocolatebrownhairandcoosintoherear.
Withagentlenod,thewomansendsthebirdtoNyxanditfliesaroundher,itslongtailfeathersticklingthehalf-elf’snose.Whiletheyoungwomanisdistracted,herhostesssilentlyglidescloser.ThebirdsparksandsoarsawayasthewomanroughlygrabsNyxbythechinand
theirmatching,violeteyesmeet.
“YoumustbeCasandra,”theyoungcastersays,unsureifsheshouldbescaredorinaweofthechanneler.“SowhyareyouhereandisthatbirdwhatIthinkitis?”
“It’saphoenixandthetrueguardianofHelgard,”the
womananswers,lettinggoofNyxandwhistlingforthebird.Itlandsonherhead,alreadylookingalittlebiggerthanbefore.“ThedementedchampionthatyouandIdestroyedfoundmeduringhertravels.Shetoldmeofherdestinyandpromisedalandforallofmychildren.The
channelershavenothadaplacetocalltheirownsincetheearlydaysoftheancientRaceWar.Itookherupontheofferand...wasbetrayed.ThephoenixandIwerecombinedtomakehergreatbeastandweattemptedtodestroyher.Youknowtherestofthestory.”
Nyxcreatesaflameinherpalmtoattractthephoenix,smilingwhenthebirdjumpstoherwrist.“Thatdementedgnomebetrayedeveryoneandshegotwhatshedeserved.Ipromisetoletyououtofthescepterandseparateyoufromthephoenix.I’llhavetodefeat
Sutterfirst.”“Emptypromisesfroma
champion.”“Whydoyouhavea
problemwithmebeingachampion?”
“Becauseitwasoneofyouwhostolemyfreedomandruinedmybloodlines!”Casandrascreams,shaking
thenestwithherrage.Astormappearsoverheadandcrimsonlightningbatterstheground,creatingfiresineverydirection.“Ispentcenturiesrebuildingourpeople.Ilostbloodlinestopoortraining,disease,death,orthemisfortuneofbirthinganon-channeler.Myrewardwas
thataninsanegnomerailingagainstherdestinysealedmeinascepter.Nowallofmyworkhasbeendestroyedexceptforyouandthechaoself.Neitherofyouaremuchofaconsolationprizesincebothofyouhavebeenbadlytrained.Theotheroneseemstobeofweakerbloodtoo.I
knewbreedingwiththosefallenelveswouldn’tmakethegreatestaddition,butbeggarscan’tbechoosers.”
“Ifyou’resoconcernedwithmytrainingthenletmebeatSutterandyoucanteachmehowtobeachanneler.”
Aboltoflightninghitsthegroundnexttothehalf-
elf,sendingashockofpainthroughherbodyandscaringthephoenixaway.Shedivesoutofthepathofanotherblast,butagustofchillingwindcatchesher.Nyxishurledacrossthelargenestandlandsagainsttheside,whichcrumblesintoashes.Ahandofwoodrisesfromthe
groundandsmacksheracrosstheface,ignitingonimpactandburstingintoblindingsparks.Thehaironthebackofherneckrises,givingthecasterenoughtimetocreateashellandblockthebarrageoflightning.SheremainscurledwithintheshielduntilthestormstopsandCasandra
standsoverher.“Youcanneverbeat
Sutter,”thewomanclaims,shatteringthedefensivespellwithagentletouch.“Isensethatyouhavethepower,butyou’retoodamaged.Youholdbackoutoffearoflosingcontrolandhurtingso-calledfriends.IfSharnewas
notthere,youwouldhavehadachanceagainsttheIfrit.Instead,yourestrainedyourpowerandleftyourselfweak.”
“Soit’swrongforachannelertoworryabouthurtinginnocentbystanders?”Nyxasksasshestands.Theashonherfaceburnsher
eyes,butsheistooangrytocleanherselfoff.“Nowonderourkindwaswipedoutandforgotten.”
“Watchyourtongue,infant,”Casandraangrilysnapsbeforetryingtoslapthehalf-elfintheface.Herblowiseasilyblocked,soshehasafistofsolidwindpunchthe
youngwomaninthechin.“Wewereapowerfulandnoblepeoplewhowantednothingmorethantoliveinpeace.Ourmagicmadeusbothfearedandrespected,sowegotourwish.ThenthosearrogantelderdragonsstartedtheRaceWartoseewhosefavoritewasstrongest.They
fearedthechannelersbecausewehadthepowertostopthem,sotheykilledeveryoneexceptme.That’sthefateofourkind.Anunnecessarygenocidebycreatureswethoughtwereourfriends.”
“Whatdidyoudo?”thehalf-elfpolitelyasks.Withasnapofherfingers,she
removestheashfromherbodyandignoresthescowlfromherancestor.“Irememberreadingthatthedragonswerekilledbyadventurers,butthewarcontinued.Didyouhaveahandinthatandfightinthewar?”
“Thatwouldbethe
secondbetrayaldonetoourkind,”theelderchannelerexplainswithatiredsigh.Athroneappearsbeneathher,theshimmeringgemsandpolishedgoldmakingNyxshieldhereyes.“IledabandofidioticadventurerswhostumbledalongbehindmeasIkilledthedragons.Likea
child,Iexpectedthewartostopwhenthegreatbeastsweredead.Instead,itgotworseandtwoarmiesemergedtobattleoverdominance.Atthetime,itprovedthatmostmortalsarenothingmorethandestructivechildren.SoIkeptthewargoingandplayedbothsides
untilthoseidiotsIcalledfriendstoppledmefrompower.Theysaiditwasformyowngood,buttheyweretoosimpletounderstandwhatIwasdoing.IftheworldwantedtoburnthenIwasgladtohelpitalong.”
“Youtriedtodestroytheworld?”
“Iwasangryandfoolish.”
“Soundslikethosepeoplereallywereyourfriends.”
“Wellthey’redeadnow,sothere’snoreasontodwellonthem.”
Theawkwardsilencelingersasthechannelerswait
forsomeonetospeak.Nyxisdistractedbythephoenixstruttingaroundinsearchofpiecesofcharcoalhiddenamongthescatteredmoundsofash.ShecanfeelCasandrawatchingher,butrefusestomakeeyecontactwiththewoman.Theapprehensionremindsherofthefirstweek
ofbeinganapprenticeatRainbowTower.Inheryouth,Nyxwasinaweofthepowerhermasterswielded.Nowshestandsbeforesomeonewhodwarfstheminexperienceandmagic.Thehalf-elfnervouslychuckleswhensherealizesthatthesamepotentialiswithinher
ownaura.“Yourfriendswillbe
killedbySutter,”Casandracasuallymentions,snappingNyxoutofherthoughts.“Theyhavelessofachancethanyou.Thegypsywillputupafight,butshe’snotexperiencedenough.Youneedrawpowertodefeatan
Ifritwithoutyearsofexperience.I’msureyouwanttosavethem.”
“Sendmebacktothem!”“Onlyifyoudefeatme,”
theelderchannelersaysasthethronedissolves.ShewalkstothemiddleofthenestandfacesNyxwithherarmscrossed.“Itoldyou
duringourfirstmeetingthatIwouldaskyouafinalquestion.Nowisthetimeforit.Doyouthinkyouhavethepowertodefeatme?”
Notwaitingforananswer,Casandraunleashesaswarmoffierysnakeswithoutmovingamuscle.Caughtoffguard,Nyxcan
onlysprintanddiveawayfromthespells,usingacompactwindspelltorepeatedlybouncebackontoherfeet.SheducksabladeoflightningandplungesherhandsintothegroundtosendawaveofwoodenspikestowardCasandra.Theattackshattersagainstashieldthat
takestheformofaprismaticfortress.Withapiercingwhine,spearsoflightraindownonthehalf-elfwhoburstsintoapileofashes.Agustofwindwhipsaroundtheburningnest,creatingathickcurtainofgray.Fireballslaunchfromrandomdirections,eachonebursting
intosmokeonthebarrier.Ashowerofacidpoursfromabove,butitsloughsaroundtheglimmeringfortressandmeltsthroughthenest.
Withatiredsigh,Casandrahasablastofhurricane-strengthwindpushtheashaway,whichrevealsNyxhidingafewfeetbehind
her.Thehalf-elfisknockedbackbyageyserofscaldingwater,herskinburnedbytheunexpectedspell.Pressingheradvantage,themoreexperiencedchannelerrepeatedlyhitsherenemywithjetsofwaterandspinningclubsofice.Growlinginfrustration,the
youngercasterflingsmetaljavelinsatCasandra.Thewomandoesnotmoveaninchastheprojectilessnapagainsthershield,evenwhenoneofthemisaimedperfectlyatthecenterofherforehead.BoredanddisgustedbyNyx,theslenderwomanhasthegroundbehind
thehalf-elfflipandsmashherlikeaninsect.Sheismildlysurprisedwhenherbatteredopponentcrawlsoutofthewreckageandcollapsesinagaspingheap.
“You’relikeacockroach,”Casandrasayswithmildamusement.Shemovesforthefirsttimesince
thebattlebegan,extendingherarmforthephoenixtoland.“Iwasafraidthatyourpitifultraininghadwastedyourtalent.Channelingisourlifeandmagicisourmostprecioustool.Youwielditlikeachild’stoywithallyourrunningandjumpingaround.Thoughtheotheroneis
worseinthatrespect.Ihadsuchhighhopesforyou,butitseemsthewaysofmundanecastersaretooengrainedinyou.”
“TrinityandIareevenlymatched,”Nyxstatesassheslipsherhandbeneathhertorubherachingstomach.Shegetsonherhandsandknees,
butcannotpushherselfupanyfurther.“Ihavemoremagicpower,butshebeatsmeinhand-to-handcombat.Sodon’ttalklikeeitherofusareweaklings.”
“Whoneedsphysicaltrainingwhenyouhavemagic?”
“Iwonderedwhyyou
didn’tmoveduringourfight.”
“Channelersdon’tneedmotiontocastspells.”
“Whatifwelostourmagic?”
“Itwouldbelikelosingallofourlimbs.”
AboltofgreenenergyfiresfromunderNyxand
strikesCasandra’sshieldwithacracklingburst.Thechanneler’ssmilefadeswhentheprojectileshattersherbarrierandcutsacrossherside,sendingashockofcoldthroughoutherbody.Sheattemptstorevivethedefensivespell,butnothinghappensevenwhenshe
resortstogesturesandwords.ThesoundofNyxstandingbringsherattentiontothesimplecrossbowinthehalf-elf’shand.
“Youidiot!”Casandrashoutsattheapproachingcaster.“Channelerscan’tusemagicitemsthattheydidn’tdesign.Theforeignaura
temporarilylocksourpowers.Nowneitherofushaveourmagic.”
“That’snotreallyaproblemforme,”Nyxstatesasshedropstheweaponandcracksherknuckles.“Unlikeyou,Icanfunctionwithoutmymagic.Youneverdodgedmyspellsanditwasvery
easytostopyoufromslappingmebefore.Inallofyouryears,Casandra,youneverlearnedhowtoreallyfight.”
ThephoenixcawsandfliesawayasNyxrushesforward,avictoriousgrinalreadyonherface.ShenailsCasandrainthenosewitha
punchthatsendsthewomanreelingback.Followinguponheradvantage,sheknocksthechanneleronherbackwithanotherrunningpunchtothechest.Nyxwaitsforthewomantostandbeforegrabbingherbytheearsandheadbuttingherbacktotheground.Rememberingthat
shewashitwhileshewasdown,thehalf-elfreturnsthefavorwithastompofherheeltoCasandra’sstomach.
“Thisispathetic,”Nyxadmitsassherecovershercrossbow.Shefiresanotherboltthatgrazestheotherwoman’sleg,makingsuretheirpowersstaylockedfora
bitlonger.“AllIhavetodoisshootandpummelyouintopulp.Youmighthavestrongermagicthanme,butthatmeansnothingonceyouloseit.Trinitycandothistoo,soIguesswe’renotasweakasyouthought.NowsurrenderorI’llkillyou.”
“Thenyouandyour
friendwillburninthevolcano,”Casandrafeeblythreatens,touchingherbrokennose.“Withoutme,youwon’tbeabletoreturntoyourfriends.NotthatyoucanbeatSutteranyway.”
“SendmebackandI’llshowyouwhatIcandotothatIfrit,”thehalf-elfgrowls,
firerunningthroughherhair.Shehastheflamesdancealongherarmsandcoilaroundherbody,thedisplaymesmerizingthechanneler.“Bytheshockedlookonyourface,I’mguessingyourmagicisstillgone.I’velostmypowersafewtimesinmylife,somaybeI’mbetterat
regainingthem.NowdoasIaskorI’lltakemyangeroutonyousomemore.ImightevengiveyouatasteofyourownmedicinesinceIhavemymagicback.Thoseweresomeinterestingspellsyouhitmewith,soIwonderifyoucanhandlethemwithoutthatprettyshield.”
“WhatdoIgetifIhelpyou?”Casandraasks,cringingwhenthechampioncomescloser.“IhavenobodythankstoNuerin.ThephoenixandIareone,sobeingfreefromtherubymeansI’mstuckinHelgard.Howisthatawaytolive?”
“Thenbemyguardian
andmentor.TeachmeaboutwhoandwhatIam,”Nyxgentlywhispersasshekneelsnexttothebloodiedwoman.“IfyouwantaplaceforourkindthenI’llgladlyletthatbeHelgard.Aftercleaningthevolcanoup,I’llhavetocontinuetravelingwithmyfriendsandyouwillbein
charge.Summonthosewhosepowersareconnectedtoyouandcreateanewcityforchannelers.Attheveryleast,youcanturnmytempleintoaschoolforthosethatshareyourblood.Youhavemyblessing,butfirstyoumustsendmebacktoSutter.”
Casandrasitsupandthe
phoenixlandsonherhead,healingherinjuriesimmediately.“Istilldon’tthinkyoucanbeathim.”
“Ibeatyou.JustgetmyfriendsoutofthewayandI’llshowyouexactlywhatyourbloodlinecando.”
*****Thebattleragingontop
ofHelgardhasbeenbrutalandone-sided.Lukeispartiallytransformedandunconsciousnearthestairsafterbeingstruckbyafirestorm,theelementalresistanceofthespiritnagatheonlythingthatsavedhislife.Delvinissprawledafewfeetawayinasmallindent
madefromwhenSutterhurledhimclearacrossthevolcano.StickingoutfrombeneathhimisFizzle’stwitchingtail,thedritehavingcushionedthewarrior’sfall.Halfwaydownthevolcano,TimoranstrugglestoclimbbacktothetopwithagroaningDarianatucked
underhisarm.Hisfaceandchestarecoveredinbloodfromseveralgashes,whichmakeitevenhardertoclimbupthecraggymountain.
TheonlychampionleftstandingisSari,herdresstornandherskincoveredinsmokingbruises.Gaspingandsweating,shefacesSutter
whoisalreadyhealingfromherlatestseriesofwaterspells.Pullingmoistureoutoftheair,thegypsycoversherselfinicearmorandgrowsalanceoutofherarm.Shechargesandaimstheweaponforherenemy’schest,buthecasuallyputshishandintheway.Thelance
pierceshisskin,turninghispalmwhiteandcoveringitinfrost.Wincinginpain,SutterpusheshishanddowntheweaponuntilhecatchesSari’sfist.SheisunabletoescapeastheIfritshattersherarmorwithacondensedburstofflame.Coveredinsweatandnearlyoutofmagic,the
gypsycollapsestoherhandsandknees.
“You’reratherimpressiveforapartialblood,”Sutteradmits,meltingthelanceandexaminingthefrost-rimmedholeinhishand.“Iexpectedthebarbarianorthespiritchannelertobethebiggest
challenge.Thenagain,noneofyouhadachanceandI’msimplyplayingwithyounow.Theonlyonewhoisallowedtoleaveisthedrite,butheseemsdeterminedtodiewiththerestofyou.Ineverknewthosecreaturesweresoloyal.”
“We’reonlytryingto
weakenyouforwhenNyxgetsback,”Sarisaysinastrainedvoice.Sheisdrivenintothegroundbyaviciousstomptoherback.“Iknowshe’sstillalive.Darianawouldhavefeltherdie.”
“Onlyifshewaspayingattention,”theIfritpointsoutwhilehestaresatthemolten
lavabelow.Hecurseswhenablastofwaterhitsthebackofhishead.“Persistentlittleguppy.I’llmakesuretokillyou.”
Anotherjetoficywaterstrikeshisface,causingSutterintensepainandtemporarilyblindinghim.Hehearsthesoundofsomeone
movingtohisrightandthrowsaquickhaymakerinthatdirection.InsteadofmissingorfeelingSari’sbodycrumpleagainsthisfist,thedemonhitsanopenpalmthatstopshisattack.Thearmconnectedtothehandshuddersenoughtopreventtheintruderfromstriking
Sutter’sexposedside.Hiseyesightreturning,theIfritstaresatTimoranwhoisstandingoverSariandstillholdingDariana.
“Impressive,”Sutterhisses,lettinghisarmdrop.Helungestobitethewarrior,butisknockedawaybythebarbarianusingDarianatohit
himonthechinwithherfeet.“Nowyou’rejustgettingdesperate.”
“Yousaidyouwouldnotholdbackandneitherwillwe,”Timoranclaimsashislegstremble.“AsSarisaid,weareonlygivingNyxtimetoreturn.Allofusknowsheisstillalive.Wedonothave
tobetelepathstosensethat.”“Partofhermagicisin
eachofyou.Inthatcase,Iwanttogetherattention.Thequestioniswhichoneofyouthreewouldmaketheperfectbait.”
FlameseruptaroundSutter,whichforcesTimorantobackaway.Thebarbarian
drawshisgreataxeintimetoblockaboltoffire,buttheimpactjoltshisweakenedarm.ThelesserdemonhastheadvantagesincehisopponentisunabletousebothhandswithoutdroppingDariana,thesilver-hairedwomanbarelyconscious.Flingingfireballafterfireball
atthewarrior,theIfritdriveshimtowardtheouteredgeofthevolcano.Thebarbarianslipsontheedge,whichgivesSutterachancetosnarehimwitharopeofflames.Aflickofthelesserdemon’swristsendsTimoranandDarianaflyingacrossthevolcanowheretheylandandremain
amongtheirunconsciousfriends.
SutterroarswhenSarislapshimacrossthestomachwithahandofice.Shegetstoherfeetandhitshimagain,refusingtobeusedasbaitforherfriend.TheyeachgrowelementalarmorwiththeIfritbecomingburningstoneand
thegypsycoveringherselfinthickice.Neitherholdsbackandeachcrushingblowechoesforseveralmiles.Chunksofflamingrockandmeltingwaterflyineverydirection,exposingtheirbodiestothebarrage.WhenSuttermanagestohitSariinherdefenselessside,she
screamsandcollapsestotheground.Cryingandwrithinginagony,shepresseshericyhandstoherburningskinwhiletheIfrittearsofftheremnantsofherarmor.Hepicksherupbytheheadandshescreamsathispainfultouch.
Thevolcanorumblesand
thelavarisestotheedgeofthemouthwhereitturnsintoaviolentwhirlpool.SuttertossesSaritothesidewhenheseesNyxemergefromthemiddleofthemoltenrock,anorangephoenixperchedonhershoulder.Thehalf-elfsendshernewpettothefarsideofthevolcanowhereit
createsaportalofvioletfirethatspitsSharneontothegroundnexttoDelvin.Crackingherblood-coveredknuckles,Nyxwalksacrossthelavawithherhandsouttocollectthenaturalflames.WithhereyeslockedonSutter,shestepsontosolidgroundandherfeetburnthe
stone.“Sorryaboutmakingyou
wait,butIneededtohaveachatwithmynewguardian,”Nyxcalmlysays,holdingoutherarmforthephoenix.Thebirdlicksatthefireinherpalm,cooingindelight.“LetmyfriendsgobackintoHelgardandI’llgiveyouthe
fightyouwant.Noholdingbackforeitherofus.”
“Istillthinkyou’redependenceonfiremakesyouaninferioropponent,butIagreetoyourterms,”Sutterstateswithastiffbow.Thereisahungryglintinthelesserdemon’seyesashelickshislips.“Thoughmostofthem
areinnoconditiontomove.Infact,Ithinkthisinjuredseabeastistheonlystillconscious.”
“Easilysolved,”thehalf-elfreplieswhileshewalkspasttheIfrit.Reachingdowntoherinjuredfriend,NyxhelpsSaritoherfeetanddeliversanenergizingspell.
“Gettoacouchonceyougeteveryonedownstairs,littlesister.Yougotoo,littlephoenix.”
Thegypsygivesherahugbeforeracingalongthevolcanoatanincrediblespeed.Withenhancedstrengthandherinjuriesnumbed,sheliftsherfriends
andcarriesthemdownstairsoneatatime.Thephoenixwatchesfromtheedgeofthevolcano,followingonlywhenthegypsyhasFizzleinherarms.Athicklayeroficegrowsoverthestairwayentrance,releasingafaintcolumnofvapor.
“Doyouwanttobe
buriedwhenyoudie?”Nyxasksasshewalkstothemiddleofthemagmapool.“Aftereverythingyou’vedoneforHelgard,Iwanttorepayyousomehow.Unlessyouwanttoskipthefightandremainhere.”
“Ihavenoconcernsaboutmymortalremains,”
Sutterreplies,hismanebristlingwithexcitement.Hecansmellthepowerwaftingoffthehalf-elf,asensationthatshelackedduringtheirfirstencounter.“There’snobodyinthewayofyourmagic,sofightmewithallofyourstrength.”
“Asyouwish.”
Sutterchargeswithhisheaddownandapairoffieryhornsgrowfromhisskull.HeisthrownbackbyastormoffireandlightningthateruptsaroundNyx.Thedeadlyspellsbatterhimuntilheisneartheedgeofthevolcano,hiswidefeetgrippingthestone.Withapowerfulroar,
hedeflectsthenextbarrageofswirlingfireballsintothedesertwheretheyexplodeuponthedistantdunes.Droppingtoallfours,Sutterboundsbackontothemagmaandracestowardthecaster.Hebuckshisheadatabarrierofstonethateruptsbeforehimandthethickchunksfly
atNyx.Theyturnintopowderwhenshehurlswavesofheatboltsatthem,fillingtheairwithacloudofchokingdust.Hisclawsextendingandturningintojaggedsaws,Sutterleapsatthecasterandeasilytearsthroughhershields.Nyxburstsforwardtomeethim
andslamsalightning-coatedfistintohisface,sendinghimtumblingaway.Ashegetstohisfeet,rawmagicslithersalongtherollingwavesofmoltenrockandreachesfortheIfrit’sfeet.Hedivesunderthesurfacetoavoidtheghostlyhandsthatattempttosnarehim.
Unabletosensethemonster,Nyxplungesherhandsintothemagmaandtransformsitintoaspinningcolumn.Safeinthehollowcenterofthemaelstrom,thecasterfillsthespacewithillusionarydoublesthatthrowphantomfireballsinanattempttoflushSutterinto
theopen.TheIfritburstsfromthebehindher,histeethbaredandhiseyeswhiteashepinpointstherealNyxamongherdecoys.Alloftheillusionsexplodeinburstsofgoldenfirethatlaunchesbothcombatantsoutofthecolumnofmagma.Athinlineofauraaroundherwristconnects
NyxtothemoltenrockandsheyanksonitaswingsofflameeruptfromSutter’sback.Hiseyesgowideastheentirecolumnjumpsintoherhandsandbecomestwolargeclubsthatsheusestosmashherenemy.Uponimpact,thegiganticweaponsexplodeinahalooffirethatrunsbeyond
everyhorizon.TheIfritplummetsbacktotheemptyvolcanowhereheleavesadentontherimandcracksthestone.Droppingthemagmabackintothemouth,NyxlandsonSutterbeforehecanrecoverandstand.Shepunchesherhandthroughhischest,herfingersturninginto
sharpenedflamesthatcoilaroundhisheart.
Theystareateachotherforafewseconds,Nyxgivingthelesserdemonafinal,silentchancetosurrenderandlive.Instead,heletshisbodygolimpandstaresatthecloudlessskyforthelasttime.Hetakesadeepbreath,
halfexpectingthemotiontocausethefierycoilstofinishhimoff.Scaredthatthehalf-elfisunwillingtostrikethekillingblow,theIfritbareshisteethandextendshisclaws.Tohisrelief,theedgedflamestightenandsliceintohisheart.
“Welcomehome,Lady
Nyx,”Sutterwhispersbeforethecasterclenchesherfistandgiveshimpeace.
21
Thethicksandmutestheexplosion,soitisonlyamufflednoisethatmakesCudgelgiggleinexcitement.SheducksintothedrainingsandtocatchNyxbeforethehalf-elfispulledthroughthenewlymadeexit.Thedragonplacesthegaspingchampion
nexttoCasandra,theancientchannelerindifferenttotheeventsaroundher.Adjustinghernewglasses,Cudgelsinksintotheremainingsandandsqueezesthroughtheholetoenjoythefreedomofthedesert.FizzledartsafterthehappyAquestarDragon,refusingtoletherbealoneas
shestartsherlifeoutsideofHelgard.
“Iwouldliketorepeatthathavingapetdragonwouldhavebeenasmartidea.Iknowyoupromisedherfreedom,butyoucouldhavekeptherforabitlongertohelpout,”Casandrastates,reachinguptopatthe
phoenixonthehead.Herbodyblinksoutofexistenceforasecondandreturnsasifnothinghappened.“Attheveryleastshecouldhavehelpedwiththeundeadprobleminyourcrypt.TheamountofrepairsandmaintenanceinHelgardwillrequiremonthsofhard
labor.”“Itwon’ttakemorethan
threemonthsifmytribehelps,”Sharnesays.Holdingthesceptertoherchest,shekneelsbeforeNyxandbowsherhead.“Ihumblyofferthatmypeoplereturntoourancestors’rolesascaretakers.Wewillremaininourcamp
whilecleaningHelgardandrebuildourhomesifyouwishtokeepus.”
“Iassumedyouwoulddomethehonorofbeingthecaretakers,”Nyxreplies,helpingtheholywomantoherfeetandhuggingher.“Thiswouldn’thavebeenpossiblewithoutyouand
yourpeople.Thisisasmuchyourhomeasitismine,sorebuildyourhomesfirst.”
“ThephoenixrememberswhatPalqualookedlike,soIcanrebuildit.AfterIcleanupthemagmalake,whichNyxwassokindtoreviveinherfightwithSutter,”Casandrasays,fightingtohideasmirk.
Sheflexesherarmsandenjoysthefeelingofbeingoutofthescepter.“Doweevenknowwheretostart?Youhavetheundead,thecorpsecollection,nofurniture,gaudydecorations,andsomanyotherissues.Doyouevenknowwhereyourthroneroomis?Thephoenix
knowsoneissomewhereinHelgard,buteverythinghasbeenmovedaroundbyNuerinandSutter.”
Nyxgroansandleansagainsttheroughwall,nearlysteppingonDelvinashesleepsonthefloor.Thewarriormumblesandrolls,gentlytakingthehalf-elf’s
legsoutfrombeneathher.Shelandsonhislegsandyelpsinstartledpain,buthecontinuessnoring.Withherfistcoveredinlightning,sheconsidersjoltinghimawake.Instead,shehitshimwithaparalysisspelltopreventhimfromrollingintothesandpit.
“Ialreadylookedintothe
throneroom.ItwasNuerin’slab,soIneedtomakeanewone.Thatroommetwithanunfortunatelavaflowaboutanhourago,”Nyxexplainswhileshestandsandrubshernecklace.Holdingtheamethystinfrontofherface,shegrinsathernewidea.“Icancallinamercenaryarmy
tohelpwithescortingsuppliesfromBor’darukandmaybedoalittleheavylaboraroundhere.LukeandSarihavealreadygonetodiscussfurnitureanddecorationswithKiraGrasdon,sotheycanwaitthere.Theyhadpersonalbusinessanyway,butI’msureeverythingwillgo
smoothly.Lukehashisringback,sohecanworkwithTimoranandDelvintoclearoutthecrypt.I’mthinkingofhavingthatroompurifiedbywhateverpriestsIcanrecruitsinceit’sbeendefiled.Thecorpsesthataren’ttryingtokilluswillbeputinthevolcanowithprayersto
Gabriel.IsthereanythingelseI’mmissing?”
Casandraopensawindowtothecryptandwatchesthecreaturesswarmaroundtheshatteredcaskets.Ghostspassthroughthewallsandceilingwhilethesolidundeadseemtobewanderinginadaze.Awaterghast
walksneartheportal,unawarethatitisbeingspiedonbytheancientchanneler.Ithacksandcoughsinthehotroom,eventuallycollapsingfromsevereheatexhaustion.ThewindowclosesandCasandrafacesNyx,surprisingthehalf-elfbyfallingtooneknee.
“Ihumblyrequestthatthecryptbetransformedintolivingquartersandpracticecirclesforanychannelerswhocomefortraining,”thewomansaysasthephoeniximitatesherwithabowofitsown.“Ithasthespaceandbarriersnecessarytocontainourlevelofmagic.Thatdoes
bringupthequestionofoursleepingquarters.Isleepwithinthebodyofthephoenix,buthisnestneedsaroom.”
“Thecryptisyourswhenweclearitout.IthinkIknowwhereIcanputthenest.ThelargechamberIfoughtthebloodsoldiersinhasalotof
spaceandaccesstotherestofHelgard.I’llputallofthatontheendlesslist.I’mgoingtospendtherestofmylifefixingthisplace.”
“Don’tworry.Wewillgettoeverythingeventually,”Sharnereplies.Sheopenshermouthtosaysomethingelse,buthesitatesuntilNyx
gesturesforhertospeak.“Doyoufeelanydifferentthanbefore?Iaskbecausechampionsaresupposedtogainuniqueabilitiesuponbondingwiththeirtemple.Youalreadypossessedgreatmagic,soI’mcurioustoknowifanythinghaschanged.”
“I’mmoreawareofmypowerandIdofeellikeIhavemoreauratoworkwith,”thehalf-elfadmits.Sheholdsoutherhandtocreateasnowball,whichimmediatelytransformsintoafireball.“It’seasiertoworkoutsideofmyfavoredelement,butIcan’tholdthefireback.It’s
almostlikeI’montheedgeoflosingcontrolofmymagic.There’sanoddblisstoittoo,whichiswhyI’mnotpanicking.”
“It’sbecauseI’mfreeandmypowerisconnectingwithallofmychildren,”CasandraclaimsasshehugsNyx.Theembracesendsa
joltofenergythroughtheblack-hairedcasterwhoseeyesflutterinecstasy.“I’mveryproudofthestrengththatyoushowedagainstSutterandthecunningusedinourduel.Whenyouwish,I’llteachyouaboutyourtruemagicandthehistoryofourpeople.MayIseethe
crossbowfirst?I’mrathercurioussinceI’veneverbeenaffectedbyonebefore.”
Smilingwithpride,NyxhandsthemagiccrossbowovertoCasandraandwatchesherexaminetheweapon.Thephoenixmovestothewoman’swristandpecksatthetrigger,sendingaboltof
magicintothefarwall.Theancientchannelervanishesfromsight,leavingthewingedguardiantohoverwiththecrossbowclutchedinitssmalltalons.Casandrareappearsafewminuteslaterandsnatchestheweaponfromthephoenix,glaringatthecooingbird.Nyxand
Sharnegetthesensethatthetwoarearguingthroughtelepathyastheirexpressionsshiftfromangertoexasperationandthenanoddlychildishpout.Oncesheisdonewiththesilentdiscussion,Casandraholdsthecrossbowoverthesandpitandmeltstheweaponina
globeofroilingfire.“Thehellareyou
doing!?”Nyxscreamsastheliquefiedweaponsinksintothedistantsand.“Ineededthatforemergencies.ItwasagiftfromQueenIoniaofDarkmill.Whywouldyoudothat?”
“Becausemagical
creationsformedfromnon-channelerauraarenottobeusedbyourpeople,”Casandracalmlyexplains,lettingashieldspellblockNyx’spunch.“Ihavenoproblemwithyouremainingsavageandcrass,butIrefusetoletmygreatestdescendentcarrysomethingsovile.That
isn’taninsulttoyourfriend,butyoudenyyourownpowereverytimeyouuseaforeignmagicitem.Usethesethingsenoughandyourpowermaydisappearentirely.Ibelievethathappenedtoyourfathereventhoughhispotentialwasminimal.NowthatI’mfreeIcanreadallofmychildren,
includingthosethathavefallentoofar.Tobefair,Icansensethatyourfatherisarather...colorfulandstrong-willedmemberofmylineage.Icanseewhereyougetsomeofyourlessdesirable,yetstrangelyeffective,traits.”
“I’venoideaifIshouldhityouorthankyou,”Nyx
muttersinfrustration.Withawhipoflightning,sheknocksCasandra’shandawayfromherbracelet.“ThatwasmadebymymotherwhoIthoughtwasdeadformyentirelife.Shegaveittomewhenwewerereunited,soIwilldestroyyouifyoutrytomeltit.”
“Verywell,butIrefusetoletyouwearitduringourtraining,”Casandrademands,herbodybecomingtransparent.“IwillsendSharnebacktoherpeopleandbeginrebuildingPalqua.Cometothesummitifyouneedme,yourhighness.”
Sharneisthefirstto
vanishinaburstoflight,thestartledexpressiononherfacelingeringintheairlikeafadingphantom.Withasmirk,Casandradisappearsandthephoenixfliestowardthewall.Aportaloffireappearsonthestoneandtheguardianturnsintoashes,theremainssuckedthroughthe
roilingopening.ThequietisunnervingtoNyxafterallofthebattlesandshecansenseherownfatigue.Withasmallyawn,shetakesaseatnexttoDelvinandmoveshisheadintoherlap.Shefallsasleepwithinminutesandherheadtiltsforward,allowinghergentlebreathtoticklethe
warrior’sear.*****
Darianastandsinfrontoftheglasswall,hereyesclosedandherattentionfocusedonthewarmthofthebonfireonhersweatybody.Hersimpleclothesarestickingtoherskinafteranhourofbreakingthestonemasksonthewalls
andremovingtheembeddedskulls.Itishardworkandshehasalreadybrokenallofthehammersandchisels,resultinginherhavingtouseherfists.Shekissestheringonherlefthand,thetrinketsoclearthatapersonwouldmissitwithacasualglance.Havingtheenchanteditem
backgivesherasenseofpeacenowthattheemotionsofthosearoundherarenolongerbatteringhermind.Yetthereissomethingaboutherserenecalmthatdiffersfromanythingshehasfeltinherentirelife.Thesilver-hairedwomansmileswhensherealizesitisbecauseafter
somanycenturiesofbeingalone,shefinallyhastruefriends.
“Idonotmeantointerruptyourthoughts,butIwouldappreciatesomehelp,”Timoranrequests.Hethrowsaskullontooneofthepilesthesurroundsthebonfire,alookofutterdisgustonhis
face.“Areyoufeelingsickfromthis?IadmitthatIamveryuneasyandnauseatedbythistask.IfIwasaweakerman,Iwouldregretvolunteering.”
“I’veseenmuchworseinmytime,”Darianastatesasshewalkstothewallandkicksamask.Thestone
breaksandshecatchestheskull,gingerlycaressingthecrackedbonebeforeplacingitinthepile.“Joinyourfriendsandbeatpeace.”
“Howmanyofthemdidyouknow?”
“Notallofthem,butenoughthatIfeelresponsibleforgivingtheirspirits
freedom.”“Icanseehowthat
weighsonyourmind.”Darianaapproachestwo
masksandbreaksthemopenwithquickelbowstrikes.Shepullstheskullsoutandturnstheminherhands,hercuriositygivingherpause.Oneofthemislargeand
bumpy,itsextendedlowerjawrevealingitsOrcishnature.Theotherissmallandthinwithsharpteethlikethoseofasmallcat,sheguessesfromalongdeadcalico.Withoutlooking,shetossesthemoverhershouldersanddirectlyintothebonfire.Thebonesturn
blackandcrackleintheenchantedflameswhileTimoranstaresathiscompanioninrestrainedhorror.
“I’msorry,butthosetwotriedto...dothingstome,”Darianaexplainsasshebowstothebarbarian.Seeingconcernintheman’sblue
eyes,sheblushesandputsupherhands.“Notsexualthingslikeyou’rethinking,buttorturetogetinformationaboutmyfather.Thereareafewinherewhowereincrediblycrueltome,sotheirfatedoesn’tweighonmymind.Forthosethatslightlywrongedme,I’m
beingthebetterpersontothem.IshalltreattheirremainsinawaythatIwouldhopesomeonewouldtreatmine.”
“Thatisverykindandthoughtful,”Timoranreplieswhileheshrugshisgreataxeoffhisshoulder.Heswingsatthewallandfreesanother
skull,whichhehandstothewoman.“Youarenothinglikeyourbrotherand,Iassume,yourfather.IcannotsayforsuresinceIdonotknowanystoriesabouthim.”
“Myfatherwasacruel,ambitiouswarlordthatsoughttoconquerthegodsandcamesoclosethattheystillfear
him.YetIknowhecanbecompassionateandkindifitsuitshisgoals,”Darianasays,staringintothefire.Atightnessinherchestwarnsherthatsheisgettingupset,sosheerasesthebrewingemotionsfromhermind.“Ihavethatinme.Icanfeelhislevelofcruelty,whichIknow
herestrainsunlesshehastouseit.IfStephenisaraginginfernothenmyfatherisaprecisefireball.I’mmoreofaflickeringcandleincomparison,butIbelieveyourealizethatIdon’treallyfitinwithmyfamily.”
“Ithinkyoufitinwithusfine.”Hereachesouttopat
hisfriendonthehead,whichmakeshertense.“Issomethingwrong?”
“I’msorry,butIwillnothavesexwithanyone.Myfather’sbloodlineendswithme,”sheanswers,removingthebarbarian’shandfromherhead.“Beforesheleft,Saritoldmethatsincesheiswith
LukeandNyxiswithDelvin,Iwillendupwithyou.Shewastellingmethatit’sdestinyandthere’snodenyingit,butIfeelthatIcan’tgothroughwithsuchathing.I’msorryifthishurtsyourfeelingsandmakesyouhateme.”
Timorandropshisgreat
axeashedoublesoverinlaughter,hisvoiceechoingthroughtheroom.Tearsstreamdownhisdirtyfaceandhisstomachachesfromtheviolentspasms.Ittakesseveralminutesforhimtostop,buthealmostbreaksdownagainwhenhemeetsDariana’sivoryeyes.Turning
awayfromher,thebarbariantakesadeepbreathandregainsenoughcontroltorecoverhisweapon.
“IbelieveSaridecidedtopullaprankonyou,”Timoranclaims,wipingtheremainingtearsfromhischeeks.“Iappreciateyoubeinghonestandassureyou
thatIhavenointentionofbeddingyou.Infact,itwouldbeadishonortoevenconsiderit.Sariandtheothersdonotknowaboutmypast,sotheyareunawareofthis.Iwillentrustthisinformationtoyouifyouswearonyourmothertokeepitbetweenus.”
“I’veneverlearnedasecretthatIdidn’treadinsomeone’smind.IswearonthebreastofZaria,whichonlyIamallowedtoplaceanoathon.”
Timoranleansforwardtowhisperinherear,hisvoiceshakywithemotionshehaskeptincheckforyears.“Iam
married.MywifeisbackwithmytribeandIremainloyaltoher.Ishalldosountilweareeithertogetheragainorwearereunitedintheafterlife.Soknowthatmyintentionsforyouwillalwaysbefriendship.”
“Whywereyouexiled?”“ThatisasecretIcan
nevershare.”“I’msorrythatIasked.”“Noneedtoapologize,
myfriend.”“Friend...Ihave
friends,”Darianamuttersinchildishdisbelief.“Idon’tthinkIeverhadfriendsbefore.WhatdoIdo?”
Thebarbariangrinsand
squeezeshershoulder.“Beyourself.”
Thesilver-hairedwomannodsherheadandgoesbacktofreeingtheskulls,leapinghightogettheonesneartheceiling.Hergiddinessathavingfriendsmakesherlightasafeatherandsheleapsaroundtheroomwith
ease.Timoranhurriestocatchwhatevershedrops,apologizingwheneverhehastohurlaskullintothepileinsteadofgentlyplacingitamongitsdeceasedpeers.Darianastopshermomentumbycatchingthechandelierandflippingtothefloornexttothebarbarian.
“ShouldIpullaprankonSariwhenshegetsbackfromBor’daruk?”sheaskswhilecatchingherbreath.“I’vebeentoldthatplayfulrevengeiscommonamongfriends.”
“ConsideringwhatiswaitingforherandLukeinthecity,Iwouldfocusonbeingashouldertocryon,”
Timoransuggests,drawinghisweapontocontinuetheirwork.“Letusconcentrateonthemasksandworryaboutourfriendswhentheyreturn.Withanyluck,thingswillnotbeasbadasIsuspecttheywillbe.”
*****GrasdonManorisquiet
anddarkasthesunsinksbehindthehorizon,castingshadowsacrossthehall.LukeandSarisensesomethingiswrongbythecurtainofgriefthathangsovereveryservantandguardthattheypass.Eileenlooksworsethantheothers,showingsignsthatshehashadverylittlesleepinthe
lastfewdays.Thesmearofbloodonheraprondisturbstheadventurers,butneitherarebraveenoughtoask.TheyremaininsilenceandkeeptheirthoughtstothemselvesevenwhentheyseethearmedguardsandahealersittingoutsideKira’sroom.Thedoorsareclosed,butthe
robedwomanwiththebarbedovalandstarsymbolofNeberithonhercheststaresaheadasiftheyarewideopen.
“Youmayallgetsomerest,”Eileentellstheguardsandpriestess.Theysilentlynodandmoveaway,butthehealerstayswithinsightin
casesheisneeded.“Mymistresstookaturnfortheworseafteryouleft.ThefuneralforAsherbecameadebaclewhensomeguestsaccusedherofmurder.Webelievetheyarefromrivalmerchanthouses,butnobodyhasconfessedtotheplants.ThemayorandWayland’s
businesspartnershadtostepintocalmeveryone,butthedamagewasdone.She’snotbeenthesamesince,soIapologizeonherbehalfifshedoesanythingfoolish.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”SariaskswhileLukeputshishandonthedoor.
“Hermoodhasbeen
sporadicandshehasmadeafewhalf-heartedattemptsattakingherlife,”thecalicoanswers,herorangetailhanginglimpbehindher.Shelooksdownatherapron,thedriedbloodbringingbackvividmemories.“Thisisfromherattemptingtouseasteakknifeonherwrists,butshe
didn’tgetveryfar.Whenevershetries,shebreaksdowncryingandwailingaboutwhathashappened.Shehasneverhadtobearsuchlossandnowsheisbeingtoldtorunthefamilybusinessimmediately.Sheknewsuchademandwouldcome,butthepartnersarepushingher
tooquickly.Mymistresshasn’teveneateninthelasttwodays.Maybelongerifshewasfeedingherpreviousmealstotheanimalsinthecourtyard.”
“It’stoomuchforher,”Lukewhispers,sensingKiramovingontheothersideofthedoor.“Idon’tknowifwe
shouldbehere,Sari.”“Sendthemin!”avoice
shoutsfromtheroom.Eileenopensthedoors
fortheadventurers,bowingherheadandbackingawaytothefarsideofthehallway.Thepairentertheroomandareimmediatelystruckbyastrongodor,whichmakes
themwonderwhenKiralastbathed.Theflooriscoveredinpotteryshardsanddiscardedclothes,someofwhichhavedriedbloodonthem.Azigzagginggashhasbeencutintoherbedandthecanopypostsarebadlydamagedfrombeingstruckbytheheiress’skusari-gama.
Theheadofastatueissittingonaplatterasifitisatrophy,thebodyleftshatteredonthegroundbelowthebalcony.Onlythepottedplantshavebeenleftunharmedbywhateverrampagedestroyedeverythingelseintheroom.
Kirastandsinthemiddleofthemess,herblackhair
snarledandunkempt.Heryellowgowniscoveredinstainsthatrangefrombloodtofood.LukecanalreadyseesignsofherlosingweightandknowsEileenwasnotexaggeratingabouthernoteatingforwellovertwodays.Hecanseehealingbruisesaroundherneckfroman
attempttohangherself,therealizationsendingashiverdownhisspine.Anoldbandageiswrappedaroundherleftwristandshepicksattheedgewhilestaringatherguests.
“DoIgetahug?”Kiraasksinaweak,cracklingvoice.Herlegsgiveoutwhen
Lukeembracesherandshelimplyhangsfromhisneck.“I’mnotdoingwell.”
“Youshouldeatsomething,”thehalf-elfwhispers,forgettingthathisfeastringisstilldormant.Hecursesunderhisbreathwhenheremembersandhelpstheyoungwomantoacouchwith
puncturedpillows.“We’llgetEileentobringyousomethingmild.Youneedtokeepyourstrengthup.CanyougoaskEileen,Sari?”
“Comebackimmediately,”Kirademandsbeforethegypsycanstepoutside.ShecanfeelLuketenseandpointsatanearby
drawer.“I’vebeensavingapotionincaseyoutwocamebackandIwaslikethis.Itwillgivemeenoughenergytostayawakeandmakesurethefoodstaysdown.”
“Haveyoubeenwaitingforme?”Lukeasksashegetstheorangepotion.HepopsthecorkandhandsittoKira
whotakesafewsipsofthebitterliquid,herbodybrieflyglowing.“Youneedtotakebettercareofyourself.I’mscaredtocontinuetravelingandleaveyoulikethis.”
“Butyoucan’tdothat.UntiltheBaronisdefeated,youcan’tstayhere.Let’snotevenpretendthat’san
option.”“Icanstaywithyouuntil
Helgardisfixedandwemoveon,”theforesttrackerpromises,strokingtheheiress’shair.HefeelsherrelaxalittlemorewhenSarireturnsandtriesherbesttogentlyclosethedoors.“Nyxneedsfurnitureandother
items,soIcantakeyoutherewhenyou’restrongenoughtotravel.Maybeitcanhelpsettleyourbusinesspartnerssinceitwillcostamodestfortunetofurnishanentirevolcano.Afterthat,I’llspendmostofmytimewithyouandsometimeinHelgardtohelpwiththerepairs.Nyxwill
understand.”“Whataboutme?”the
gypsymuttersunderherbreathassheapproaches.
Kirafinishesthepotionandgetstoherfeet,tossingtheemptybottleouttheopenwindow.ShegentlypushesLukebackdownwhenhetriestostandandshegestures
forSaritocomecloser.Thetwowomenstandnexttoeachotherandfacethehalf-elfwhosuddenlywisheshewassomewhereelse.Standingnexttothegypsy,Kiralooksraggedandwornevenwiththeenergizingeffectsofthepotion.Itiswhenhedarestolookinto
hereyesthatheseesthesparkthatheremembersfromtheirtimeattheacademy.
“First,IagreetogoingwithyoutoHelgardanddobusinesswithNyx,”theheiressannounceswithrenewedstrength.“Ineedtogetusedtobeingtheoneincharge,sothiswillbethe
perfectopportunitytoeaseintomynewrole.IalsoagreetoLukestayinghereandhelpingmegetmyhouseinorder.That’sthebusinesspartofthisconversation,solet’sdiscusstherealreasonyoutwocamehere.”
“Everyoneelsewasbusy,”theforesttracker
claimswithanervousshrug.Bothwomenglaredaggersathim,forcinghimtoturnaway.“Fine.Ithoughtwecouldtrytosettlethis,butseeingyoulikethismakesmewanttowait.Idon’twanttohurteitherofyou,whichisbecomingimpossible.Besides,it’sabadideato
decidenow.”“Stopbeingachildand
choose,”Sariimpatientlysays.HerheadsnapstothesideatthesoundofKira’slaughter.“What’ssofunny?”
“DoyourealizewhatwouldhappenifLukedecidesnow?”theheiressasks,relishingtheblankexpression
onthegypsy’sface.ShetakesLukebythewristsandpullshimoffthecouch,givingonehandtoherrival.“Askthebigquestiontobothofusandwewillanswertruthfully,mylove.Imeantheonethatyouwouldhavetoaskthewomanyouchoosetospendyourlifewith.Don’tforgettheknee.”
Thehalf-elfsighsandkneelsbeforethetwowomenwhosharehisheart.“Wouldyoumarryme?”
“No,”Sarimeeklyadmits,hergriploosening.
“Yes!”Kirasaysloudenoughtostartleapeacockonthebalcony.Shecalmsdownandwipesatearfrom
hereye,slippingherotherhandfromherfiancée’sgrasp.“Thereyouhaveit,littlegypsy.Iwouldwinifthedecisionwasmadetoday,butLukereallywouldn’tbehappy.Hestilllovesyou.Iwouldn’twantahusbandwhowondersaboutwhatcouldhavebeen,soIdon’twantto
forcehimtomakeadecision.”
“MaybeIshouldcallitoffwithbothofyouuntiltheBaronisgone,”Lukesuggests,rubbingthepommelsofhissabers.“Youknow,betterallofusgethurtinsteadofone.Thatideaprobablysoundsbetterinmy
head.”Ashestands,Kiragrabs
himbythefaceandkisseshimdeeply.Luke’sthoughtsdriftawayathertoucheventhoughhecanfeelemeraldeyesboringintohim.ThekissisbrokenwhenSariyankshimaway,havingherturnathislips.Thepassionis
similartowhathefeltwithKira,butthereissomethingwilderandmoreprimalintheconnection.ImagesoftravelingwithSaribubbletothesurfaceofhismindandmixwithmemoriesoftalkingtoKiraabouttheirfuture.Unabletodealwiththeanguishovertakinghis
thoughts,Lukebreaksthekissandturnsawayfrombothwomen.
“WeallknowyouorSariwillslip,”Kiradeclares,grabbingabrushtofixherhair.Shegrowlsinmildfrustrationastheknotseithercomelooseorcausesomeofthestrandstogetyanked
fromherscalp.“Ican’twinifyoutravelwithher,butshedoesn’thavethesamefutureinmindasyoudo.I’mwillingtogoalongwithuscallingeverythingoffuntilourlivessettledown.Ihaveabusinesstofigureoutandyoutwohaveadestinytosurvive.SowhatdoIdoifyoutwo
slipandcontinuethisrelationshipwhileI’moutofthepicturelosingground?”
“Yourtraditions-”Lukestartstosay.
“I’mnotplayingbythoserulesanymore,”theheiressinterruptsasEileenreturnswithacartoffood.Themaidstaysbythedoor,patiently
waitingforpermissiontoapproach.“Eileen,pleasetakeLuketothecataloguesandshowhimhowtomakecopies.SariandIaregoingtodiscusssomethings.”
“Shouldn’tIbehereforanydecisions?”thehalf-elfasks,nervousaboutleavingthetwowomenalone.
“Ithinkyou’vemadeitclearthatyoucan’tdecide,”Sarianswers,meetingherrival’spredatorygazewithacasualsmile.“We’lltrustyoutodowhatyoufeelisrightwhileweworkourownagendas.IpromiseIwon’thurther.”
Eileenbringsthefood
overtohermistressandtakesLukebythehand,gentlyguidinghimoutoftheroom.TheclickoftheclosingdoorisstillechoingwhenKiradropsthebrushandgetsinSari’sface.Refusingtobackdown,thegypsyplayfullylicksherrival’snose,shudderingatthesourtaste.
Herattempttostartletheheiressgetsnoreaction,whichmakesheruneasyaboutthesituation.
“Iknowgivingupwillonlymakeyoumad.Besides,I’dprobablytrytodosomethingwithLukeduringatimeofweakness,”Sariadmits,takingafewsteps
away.Sheconsidersmovingherhandwithineasyreachofoneofherdaggers,butsomethingintheotherwoman’seyestellsherthatwouldbemistake.“Wecouldsharehimwhilewe’reallhere,butthatwouldgetmessy.There’sreallynoawayaroundthiswithoutone
ofusgettinghurtandit’slookinglikeyousinceItravelwithhim.Thenagain,itcouldendupbeingLukeandIgrowapartatsomepointandhereturnstoyou.”
“Iwouldwaitforthat,”Kiradeclaresasshewalkstoherbed.Shepullsherkusari-gamaoutofthedestroyed
mattressandspinstheheavysidewhilewatchingthegypsy.“IgavethisalotofthoughtandacceptthatIdidthistomyself.Ilethimsliptowardsyou.IfIhadfollowedhistraditionsthenyou’dbenothingmorethanacute,harmlesscompanionofhis.”
“Wellit’salittlelateforthat,”theblue-hairedgirlpointsout,drawingthestilettothatmatchesLuke’ssabers.Shenervouslyjugglesthebladefromhandtohand,herpalmsgettingsweaty.“IfyougavesomuchthoughttothisthenIassumeyouhaveanidea.Whatwouldyoulike
todoaboutme?”KiraisfasterthanSari
expectswhensheknocksthedaggeroutoftheair.Thechainofherweaponwrapsaroundthegypsy’swrists,butshebecomesimpossibletomove.Withherrivalfrozeninplace,Kirakeepsherweapontautandcautiously
pullsherselfcloser.Oncesheiswithinreach,shepressestheinneredgeofthesickletoSari’sthroat.
“Iwanttokillyou.Toslityourthroatandabandonyourbodyinthemiddleofthedesertforscavengers,”theheiresswhispers,herblue-tinted,emeraldeyesglinting
withhate.“Imayhaveletyouintomylife,butIstillhateyouforfallinginlovewithhim.LukeisallIhaveleftandIwillfightforhim.Luckyforyou,Iknowhe’dneverforgivemeifIkilledyou.Sothatisn’tanoptionunlessanopportunitypresentsitselfwhereIcanget
awaywithit.”“Icantellhimabout
this.”Kiraletsherweapon
dropandshegripsSaribythechin.“I’mawomaningriefwhotriedtokillherselfseveraltimes.ThisisallinsanitytalkingsinceI’mterrifiedoflosingthemanI
lovewhenIneedhimmost.ImaginewhatyouwoulddoifyoulosteveryoneandLukewasleavingyoubehindtogowithme.Afterall,youstillcan’tsleepwithoutsomeonesharingyourbedoryou’llhavenightmares.”
“I’dsurviveandIwouldn’ttakeitoutonyou,”
thegypsyresponds,hervoicequivering.Thegrinontheotherwoman’sfacemakesherclosehereyes.“Iwouldn’twanttoupsetLukeoryou,soI’dsufferinsilence.There’salwaysawaytosurviveevenwhenyou’rebroken.”
“TrueandIchooseto
fightuntilit’scompletelyclearthatIlost,”theheiresssays,givingSariawetkissonthecheek.Lettinggoofherrival,shegoestothefoodcartandgrabsapieceofbread.“WhenLukeishere,I’llprovemyloveandshowhimwhyI’mthebetterpartner.Givehimatasteofwhatlife
wouldbelikeifhemarriesme.Withyounotwantingtotalkaboutthatstep,it’smybiggestadvantageandIwillgladlytalktohimaboutthefuturefromdawntodusk.Feelfreetoshakeyourbreastsinhisfaceordowhateveritisyoudotogethisattention.Ican’tstopyou,
butIcanmakeyouseemmorelikeaphasethathehastogothroughtogettome.Ohandifyouuseanyofyourmagic,I’lldothesamewithapotion.Lovespellscanceleachotheroutafterall.”
SarisquareshershouldersandmarchesovertoKira,extendingherhand
forashake.“Ifthat’sthebattleyouwantthenI’min.Enjoybeingintheleadwhilehe’swithyoubecausethemomentwe’reoutofBor’daruk,I’llshowhimsomerealfun.Ifyouwanttowaitforhimtogetboredwithmethengoaheadandenjoygrowingoldalone.Youcome
atmeandI’llstrikebackjustashard,Grasdon.”
KiraacceptsthehandshakeandcringeswhenSaridigshernailsintoherpalm.Withamadsmileonherface,theheiressplungestheirhandsintothebubblingsoup.Shecanfeelthecoldfrostfromthegypsy’sbody
onherpalm,whichmakesthepainonthebackofherhandevenworse.WhenKiraletsgoandpullsherhandoutofthehotliquid,shelooksattheredandblisteredskininwonder.
“Oops,”shesayswithaneeriechuckle.
*****
“Well,ittookninechaoselfcastersandthreeadultEblems,butwefinallyputStephentosleep,”Nyderreportsasheclosesandlocksthedoorbehindhim.Hethrowshisblood-soakedgogglesontoanearbytable,ignoringthefrownfromhismaster.“Isuggestputting
Yolainchargeofhimincasehewakesup.I’lluseVile’soldcontactstolocateapowerfulpsionicoracreaturethatcanfinishthejob.Itwon’tbeeasy.”
BaronKernaghannodsandrisesfromthepolishedchair,hisglovedhandshavingleftburnmarksinthe
wood.Hewhispersaspellatthewalltomakeittransparent,revealingthegore-coveredroom.Bodypartsofthecastersandtheserpentinedemonsareeverywhere,severalpuddlesofacidicbloodeatingthroughpartsofthefloor.Inthemiddleofthecarnageis
Stephenwhohasbeenstrippedofhisclothesandchainedtoametaltable.Hisbondsthrobwithdemonicenergyandcreakwheneverhemovesinhissleep.Withaheavysigh,theBaronturnsawayfromhissonandfacestheexhaustedgnome.
“Dowhatyoumust,”he
saysbeforeundoingthespellonthewall.Hespeaksinaheavy,gutturalvoiceandthedoortoStephen’sroomisencasedinsilvercrystal.“Doyouknowwhatmydaughterdidtohim?”
“TheEblemstoldmebeforetheymeltedandexploded.Notallofthem
diedinthatorderbytheway,”Nyderanswers,shudderingatthememoryofthedemons’dyingscreeches.“Darianahithimwithsomethingthatrearrangedhismind.Hishumanityandself-controlarebadlydamaged,butthebeatingshetookfromTrinityandyourself
preventedhimfromlosingthemcompletely.Amazingwhatpaincanaccomplish,buthismemoriesarestillscrambled.They’reallovertheplaceandhe’sunabletosortthemout.Thebestwaytoexplainitisthatheknowswhereheis,wherehe’sbeen,andwhathe’sdone,buthe
doesn’tknowtheorder.AtonepointhewasscreamingabouthowhehatedyouhiringTylerasifithappenedyesterday.Thenhewasrantingaboutatimethechampionsledanarmyagainsthim,whichsoundsliketwodifferenteventshavebeencombined.IfStephen
stayslikethisforverylong,he’llslipsofarintomadnessthatyoumaybeforcedtodestroyhim.”
“Ihopethatitdoesnotcometothat,”theBaronwhispersasthecastleshakes.Violetenergycoursesthroughthewalls,afewstrandsreachingoutforthetwomen.
“IwillsendYolatowatchovermyson.ItappearsIamneededtohandleourotherproblem.”
Theimmortalnoblemantransformsintoashadowandsinksintothefloor,swiftlypassingthroughthecastle.Hehitsabarrierofmagic,whichforceshimtosearchfora
crackthatletshimslipintothesealedroom.BeforetheBaroncantakehistrueform,lightningpinshimtothewallanddragshimalongthestones.Withaburstofrawpower,thewarlorddestroystheattackingspellsandstepsoutoftheshadows.Abarrierofcrimsonenergydeflectsa
barrageoffireballsandacidblaststhatexplodearoundthebarrenroom.
TheBaronnodstoYolaBiggsandkneelsnexttothemumblingformattheirfeet.HecansmellthefreshbloodthathaspooledaroundTrinity,thepreciousliquidstillpouringfromherpalms,
forehead,andstomach.Thereisavioletshimmertotheredserumandthepuddleoccasionallythrobslikeabeatingheart.Hereachesouttocaresshercheekandpauseswhenhefeelsthepureaurarunningthroughherbody.Itisajoltofblissfulenergythatrunsuphisarm
andmakeshimlickhislips.“Youmaygoandwatch
overStephen.Ifhewakesupthenputhimbacktosleepimmediately,”theBaronordersYolainasternvoice.Thegoddessisabouttotalkwhenhesnapshisfingersandhermouthdisappears.“Iamnotinthemoodforyour
anticstoday.MydaughterhasattemptedtokillmysonwhoImighthavetoputdownlikeadog.Forallhisfaultsandinthefaceoftheproblemswehavehad,Stephenisstillmypreciousboy.Takecareofhimandtrytoeasehissuffering,Yola.”
“I’llgivehimhappy
dreams,”theChaosGoddesspromisesbeforetransformingintoaswarmofhummingbirds.Shedodgesthenextwaveofattackspellsandzipsoutthecrackinthebarrier.
Trinitysurpriseshermasterbytouchinghishand,herfingerspassingthrougha
barrierthatshouldhavekeptheratadistance.Shetriestoavoidgettingherbloodonhisivoryshirt,butthereissomuchthatitisimpossibletoavoid.TheBaronisimpressedthattherearenotearsonherfaceoranysignthatshehasbeencrying.Thepainandfearinhereyesis
temperedbythedefiancethathehascometoadmireinhisagent.
“ThegemssunkintomybodyandnowIcan’tstoptheblood,”thechaoselfsaysinashakyvoice.Sheholdsoutherhandstoshowthedeeppitsthatappeartogofurtherthanherphysicalbodyshould
allow.“Ididn’tthinkIhadthismuchbloodinme.Doyouknowwhat’shappening,master?”
“Yourtruepowerhasappeared,mydearchanneler,”theBaronreplies,squeezingherfingersinhisglovedhand.“Doyouwantmetotrainyou?”
Shockedbytheoffer,Trinitylooksintohisfacetofindnothingbutgenuineconcern.Asmallnodisallshecanmusterbeforeshefaintsandfallsintoherdarkmaster’sarms.
TheadventurecontinuesinTheMerchantofNevraCoil