Klotho turned on the spot, her dark robes billowing as she spoke.
“You will quickly learn that to feel emotion will lead to failure. The Gods do not take kindly to failure – especially when they choose you to mete out their justice.” Her golden eyes danced over the small sea of young women, then back to Arii once more.
Her face was smooth like a pearl canvas – the only physical sign of anger was a tiny twitch in her top lip.
“Fear is naught but an emotion. Banish emotion, and you will banish fear. What you will learn here is the ability to press back what you do not need. You do not need fear and you do not need emotion. You do not need anything but a solid weapon in your palm and clear mind.”
She lifted a hand before her, fingers splayed and palm up to the sky as thunder boomed above, a sound so deep that the ground shook beneath their feet.
“The less you fear, the more you can face. Banish fear completely – and you can face anything.”
Suddenly, lightning snapped from the sky – a fork of sizzling electricity slamming into the stone, just a few feet from Arii’s boots, sending sparks flying over the bodies standing nearby. Arii jerked back, eyes wide in the blue light.
Klotho’s midnight hair whipped around her face, her eyes glowing as she pointed her finger in Arii’s direction.
Fear coiled her gut and turned her insides to jelly as Arii scooted back on her backside, narrowly avoiding a strike of lightning that cracked against the stones between her feet.
“Grab that fear in your hands and press it back into the deepest, darkest reaches of your mind, young sister. Fear should have no place in the heart of a Fury, for fear has the ability to cloud your judgement and compromise your mission.”
A second hand joined the first, the wind around them picking up. The others stood still, yet Arii saw fear and a flickering of uncertainty, particularly in those her own age. All of them knew what true fear and pain felt like, it had been one of those emotions that had awoken their magic and lit them like a beacon for the Sisters of Fate to find.
To take that fear and will it away… just like that? Arii thought it impossible.
From the moment a trainee arrived, the Sisters of Fate were ruthless. There was no reprieve, no time to mourn the lives they were plucked from or their families – if they had any left. Straight away they were thrust into classes about the land and its histories, then they were thrown into intense physical training. Arii had only spoken in short to some of the other young girls but she had gathered that many of them had been swept away from lives that were dark and grey anyway.
Magic awoke with a significant emotional event, ironic really that they were then told that the emotions which had awoken their gift were now to be forfeited.
Her young mind had trouble understanding, but what she did know was that the pain she had experienced at her magic’s awakening was something she never wished to feel again.
Klotho continued. “Nothing else matters now but your service to the Gods, and what you do with the gift bestowed upon you.”
Thunder boomed, the sky fluttering with silver light behind a film of dark clouds. The air was charged, static skimming across Arii’s skin as she staggered to her feet, just as a crackling spear of lightning dropped from the sky.
The energy met with Klotho’s outstretched palms before she spun around and thrust out her hands – electricity and magic melding as the woman threw the sparking ball of energy directly at the girl in front of her.
Arii heard sharp intakes of breath, her only warning before the magic came her way. She only had seconds to react, and within those seconds she grasped her fear, forcing it back alongside images she’d much rather forget.
Her mother’s waxen face, her father’s cries for them to flee.
The pain of her magic’s awakening.
She fixed them behind remnants of a broken heart as she slammed up barriers…
And welcomed darkness.
Throwing her hands up, Arii thought of nothing but a dark sky sprinkled with purple stars, taking those stars and moulding them into a glittering shield of jagged shards before her. The magic heeded her call, tingling her palms and heating her blood as the shield snapped up before her, just as Klotho’s attack slammed against it. The young girl skidded back from the force.
Energy snapped along her arms as the magic dissipated, and Arii’s eyes lifted to her teacher, meeting golden depths that glittered with a tiny hint of triumph.
“Good,” Klotho said simply, the storm above seeming to dissipate almost instantly as she added, “That will be all for today. Dismissed.”
The raven-haired woman exited the courtyard in a flurry of cloak and mist.
Exhaling a cloud of white, Arii’s eyes searched the backs of her retreating classmates.
A girl with silver hair stared back, the straight silky strands cut perfectly to her angular chin, her large aqua eyes luminous in the moonlight. Arii had seen her in her classes. The skinny girl always wore a frown, her chin down and shoulders turned inward as if awaiting an invisible blow. Arii had felt sorry for her, wondering what had happened to land her here.
After some time, she discovered her name was Nemesis, and Arii wondered what kind of parent would call their child such a bizarre name.
That was until the girl opened her mouth and spoke.
“How did you do that?” the girl asked, her voice monotone and unwavering – a no-nonsense tinge to her words that had Arii feeling that she would not get away without answering.
Arii’s eyes dropped to her palms as she lifted her hands and murmured, “I just… imagined pulling the stars in the sky into my hands and-”
“That is stupid!”
Arii’s eyes shot up, narrowing as she snapped, “What?”
The girl balled her fists, little canines flashing as she repeated, “That is stupid! You can’t pull stars into your hands.”
Arii tilted her head, unsure where the girl’s anger was coming from.
“You asked how I did it, so I’m telling you,” she snapped tiredly.
Fatigue slithered through her body suddenly, as if she had sprinted the castle grounds without a break. Some of their first lessons were to teach them about their magic, and the repercussions of using too much too quickly. She imagined this to be the result.
As Arii moved to pass the silver haired girl, her sleeve was grabbed. She turned her head to angry eyes of blue, teeth baring as the girl snarled, “You think you’re better than everyone else, but just you wait.”
Then, the girl shoved past, making for the archway leading back to their dorms.
Arii was left blinking, cheeks flushed pink and lips parted in surprise.
What in Nyx’s name was wrong with her?
Mind tinged with unease, Arii trailed the others from the night and into the damp halls of the School – all the while swallowing against a thick taste of sugar on the back of her tongue.
~~~
Waves crashed against the western bluffs as Valdis headed a procession of guards towards the crumbling castle atop the hill. The wind whipped their cloaks, causing the banners bearing the Kruel family crest to flap wildly as they neared the School of Fate.
The front gates opened slowly, old gears screeching as the battalion entered the castle grounds. Valdis lifted his chin, copper hair windswept and hard eyes roving the area as a few young, cloaked women attended to his troops and their horses. He slid from the saddle, his face a permanent scowl as a woman with dark locks approached and dipped into a curtsy.
“My Lord Kruel, the sisters are expecting you,” she said, and without pause turned to lead him towards the castle. Valdis was not surprised; the sisters knew things many did not. He had not needed to send ahead a messenger.
Entering the structure, Valdis followed the woman through familiar hallway
s and soon entered the chamber where the immense woven Tapestry was draped. Held by pure gold bars and ended with ornate bindings, the Tapestry glowed with energy.
Valdis felt a sense of longing, a clench in his gut at the sight of the thing, the magical energy surrounding him in the room. His sapphire eyes speared to the three women atop the dais as they turned to their guest.
He bowed at the waist as one of the women approached, her raven hair swaying about her hips.
“Ah, Lord Valdis, what a pleasure it is to see you,” Klotho mewed, lips curling in a smile.
In all the years he had known them, the Three Fates never aged. Their skin was smooth, incredibly beautiful and they looked to be forever frozen in their late twenties.
“To what do we owe this pleasure?” called Lakhesis from the dais as she handed a freshly woven thread from the Tapestry to her light-haired sister, Etropos, who had a wicked grin splitting her features.
The thread, unlike the one given to Ariiaya just days before - glowed only dully with magic.
“He just cannot get enough of us lately, hah!” cackled the red-haired woman.
His visits had become more frequent of late. With the division of the Courts becoming increasingly clear, Valdis sought an alliance with anyone he possibly could. The sisters – situated just west of Viridya, were his strongest allies. What they asked was simple – if he or any of his people discovered a Fae, they would be turned over to the sisters. If that Fae was male however, Valdis carefully kept his mouth shut upon discovery. Male Fae were increasingly rare – he had his forefathers to thank for that.
In return, the sisters offered the services of their assassins. Those that the King ordered be put to death were normally clear threats to the Crown – or perhaps someone who had just gotten under Valdis’s skin.
It did not take much.
Just last week he had ordered the death of a man in the small lakeside town of Pendle – a man who had spoken freely in the local tavern about how the North Court was spiralling into ruin, all thanks to the brainless boy with his arse on the throne, before proceeding to call for a coup, and storming the castle just like the events of twenty years ago.
That sort of talk was illegal in their court. Valdis had eyes almost everywhere in the North, and news travelled to him fast, soon resulting in the man’s head stuck on a pike in the town square.
There were no second chances for traitorous talk.
The Hand to the King believed ruling with fear was the best strategy, despite Lorch’s weak protests. The boy however did not question his father’s methods – preferring to be preoccupied by something shiny as it drifted past his vision. How his son had not turned out more like him – Valdis blamed the gentle hand of his wife. If only the boy were more like his sister, thought Valdis. It was too bad he could not place a woman upon the throne. Unlike the East Court, the North had never had a female ruler, and it seemed Valdis was a stickler for holding old traditions.
Valdis eyed Klotho as she sauntered around him, her dark gaze cool and assessing. She ran a finger along his chest, her long nails skimming the metal of his armour as she paused at his side. Valdis felt the hair on his arms raise, a taste gliding over his tongue like he had just consumed a lick of honey.
Magic.
It made his stomach clench uncomfortably.
“You sent a Fury into my home,” he demanded, gaze hard and unforgiving on the woman beside him. His jaw clenched. “Why?”
Lakhesis, from atop the dais, was first to reply.
“Are you not relieved? That Fury saved your son’s life. Had it not been for her, your son would be naught but a smear atop that throne you love so much.”
Valdis’s hands clenched at his sides as he snarled, “Answer me, why is there a Fury in my castle?”
The sisters exchanged glances before Klotho spoke. “Our reasons are known only between us and the Gods.” When Valdis remained silent, Klotho whispered. “Fate has been decided, it is not for you to intervene.”
Valdis’ eyes darkened considerably as he breathed a frustrated sigh. He supposed if that fate referred to his son – the boy would be dead already.
“Have we not worked together for many years? You have allies in the North Court, and I would expect you to be with us, not against us,” he said.
“It is not our place to question the Gods, Lord Kruel. Those who do often draw their gaze,” Klotho said simply, picking a speck of lint from his shoulder. “We are sorry,” she added.
Valdis knew that she was not. The words were forced and false on her tongue.
“It has not escaped our notice that there are transports carrying Nexus Crystals to Bonemire,” said Etropos suddenly, changing the subject. Valdis was like a dog with a bone – the man would latch on and not let go unless distracted with a juicy chunk of meat. Bonemire was a dark stone fortress just north of Viridya castle, housing the armies and soldiers of the North Court.
“My lord, all of the male Fae magicians were wiped away two hundred years ago. Magic is just a gentle flutter in the veins of a few now. Hardly worth using the crystals to absorb any magic. Anyone who were to notice may think you were building an army,” she paused, eyes sparkling. “Do you fear a return of strong magic, Valdis Kruel?”
Valdis felt the hairs rise on the back of his neck. “Nonsense, the crystals are inactive. They were found by miners in The Dragon’s Teeth. Nothing more,” he said, his words clipped.
Etropos’ eyes narrowed at this as she surveyed the man. “Are funds so dry that you must resort to selling fancy crystal paperweights, My Lord? Or shall we be worried for more nefarious reasons for your harvest?”
Valdis’s lips twitched – but he kept his sneer at bay. “The North believes it is best to destroy the crystals – save anyone else getting ideas about them. We all know what happens when one consumes the shavings of the stones, and we believe it best to remove the temptation as best we can.”
“Your reasonable foresight is to be admired, My Lord.”
“I am not just about keeping order in my court, ladies. I am also determined to ensure our people are safe.”
“Safe? We heard of more sightings of Kryvern venturing from the mountains – falling unchecked upon your towns and livestock.”
“We are taking care of that. More men are being stationed in the towns, in case the beasts come sniffing around again.”
“Good,” said Klotho, just to his left. He had almost forgotten the woman was there – watching him with a heavy, golden gaze.
“What the people of your Court need now is to know that their rulers care for their wellbeing.” Her head tilted slightly, lips curling before she added, “Even if they do not.”
His eyes slid to her.
Feelings and caring were not words normally used for Valdis Kruel. The man did nothing without personal gain – the sisters knew this. Now, they surveyed the man as he swept his hard gaze over them, lingering on the glowing Tapestry behind them before breaking away.
Klotho spoke, her words gentle.
“Long ago, the assassins trained here were once used to guard your castle of gold, Valdis. Furies were revered and respected, their talents used for far more than dealing with the evil that slips the notice of your authorities. It is a shame that it has to be this way.”
Valdis eyed Klotho briefly before swiping her words aside.
Perhaps hundreds of years ago Furies were more than shadowy assassins, but like his forefathers, Valdis did not trust the Fae as far as he could throw them.
After a pause, Valdis spoke – his words clipped.
“Although my questions were not answered as I would have wished - I thank you for seeing me at such short notice. Winter is near, and as always I expect should any news emerge from the other Courts – you will be sure to send word.” The anger in his voice was hardly hidden.
Valdis knew he would not get anything more this visit, and he lacked the patience. He had much to do.
With that, the King’s Hand bowed, cloak sweeping, before he turned to exit the room.
~~~
Lorch sat by Ariiaya’s bedside in the castle’s medical ward while Elijah stood nearby. As soon as the group had returned from Amberbourne, Lorch had been found in the library by a messenger, carrying the news of their return.
When he had seen Commander Hawke, covered in blood and sweat, with an unconscious Arii in his arms, he had felt his stomach drop. The group was fewer, and they all looked exhausted.
Once she had been patched up and settled to rest in the infirmary, he felt compelled to sit by her bed to make sure her eyes opened again. It was only with the steady persistence of Elijah at his side that he took breaks and ate.
Three wild Kryverns in Amberbourne. Such a thing was almost unheard of. The beasts were becoming bolder, or perhaps just hungrier.
Lorch leaned forward in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose before swiping his hands through his hair. This was not normal, the feelings created within him by this woman he barely knew. In the past, he had merely had some fun with the women presented to him and left it at that. What people said about him regarding that was true.
For the first time he wanted to get to know a woman. She was fierce and strong, a mystery he wished to solve.
She captivated him.
When her dark eyes surveyed him, he could see a carefully concealed curiosity within their depths – and unlike other women she had not yet showed any signs of throwing herself at him. Strangely, he liked that about her – a challenge he had not known he wanted.
Now he catalogued her face. The thick, dark lashes creating crescent moons against her soft cheeks. Her lips were pink and lightly parted in sleep, her left cheek marred by a bruise. His eyes swept the waves of her dark hair, fading to light gold at the ends. Her hair was down, framing her face and he wished she would wear it that way more often; it made her look softer… less angry. He was not used to seeing her without a scowl, and her relaxed face was beautiful.
Love, Blood & Fury Page 9
