Wardens of Archos

by Sarina Langer

  Rachael let her fingers stroke over the letters, images, and symbols. Even after all these years and despite the dry dust resting on it, the leather was still soft under her careful touch. Commander Kavan and his men had died to protect this. She was holding the most valuable treasure in the whole world in her hands.

  “I can’t read this one, either.”

  “Then we have no hope. Unless—” Vail stared into the distance, his eyes far away.

  “Unless?”

  “We arrived here in the final days leading up to the destruction. If any new decisions were made after we left, we wouldn’t have known about them.”

  “Like the prophecy.”

  Vail nodded. “There was a library, back in my day. A wondrous thing. If the library still stands, you might find a guide to translating the books there.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “We had a seer,” said Vail, his eyes nostalgic. “Mavis. She was talented, that one! She saw things others couldn’t. Wore an armour just like yours. In the last days before we left, she locked herself away. She wouldn’t tell me what she was doing, but I knew it was important. She didn’t seem convinced herself, but she insisted she had to try.” His smile grew sad, and Rachael suspected there was more history between them than Vail was willing to reveal. “If anyone could have foreseen this, it was her. Mavis loved the library. She would have hidden it there.”

  “Then we'll go there.”

  Vail barely heard her. “Good. That’s good.”

  A scream followed by war cries snapped him back to the present. Rachael spun around, her sword drawn within seconds. Vail placed a quick spell over the book, and then they ran outside.

  The ruins were filled with demons. And amidst the chaos they spread, Rachael felt the evil they harboured.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  The ruins were mayhem. The Parashi from the camp joined the fight the same moment Rachael emerged from the chamber. Their burning swords clashed with the ethereal creatures, sending sparks flying and coaxing pained screeches from the monsters every time they slashed the demons. Rachael herself was frozen to the spot. She’d been cornered by the demons in her room and inside the temple, and they had haunted her dreams for months, but never had she seen so many in one place. One had posed enough of a threat. At least thirty assaulted the ruins of Archos.

  Several Parashi fell the instant the demons touched them, but most of them fought with fierce determination. Lady Olesya had her own weapons drawn and had joined the madness. Rachael couldn’t spot Cale or Kiana anywhere, but from somewhere near the back of the fight liquid fire rained down on the Mothers. It had to be Kaida. To reach her, Rachael would need to cross the camp-turned-battle-field, and she knew she had no chance of surviving it.

  A ball of angry fire sizzled past her. For a moment, she was transported back into the White City, trapped in Cephy’s circle of flames. She was pulled back to the present just as quickly when the ball of fire hit its target, and the demon let out a bloodcurdling scream.

  “Show me your sword, Rachael! Hurry!”

  She did as Vail asked, and watched him place a spell on her weapon. It glowed and then burnt with the same ferocity as the warriors’ weapons.

  “Find my Sparrows.” She readied her sword. “They’re the only ones without armour or magic.” Her legs were shaking at the thought of Cale or Kiana being slaughtered without the chance to fight back, but there was no time to worry. She had to trust Vail would find them before it was too late.

  Vail dashed off into the thick of the fight, burning enemies as he went. Rachael herself took a deep breath, and charged.

  She plunged her sword into the nearest demon, terrified the spell wouldn’t do anything and the demon would reach out to claim her. Instead, the mists making up its spectral form ignited from the inside out, and burnt the demon into nothingness. Its remains fell into ashes by her feet, its face convulsed in one final scream as the rest of it turned to dust.

  New hope surged through Rachael. The demons had come for her, and she could fight back.

  But the demons weren’t without their tricks, either. All around her warriors died as they were surrounded. Rachael rushed to the Parashi closest to her and sliced her blade through two demons as she ran, their enraged screeches filling the battlefield.

  She had no time to see if the warrior had made it. It would be over if she got surrounded herself. She needed to find Cale and Kiana. If Vail didn’t make it to them in time, or if the battle was too desperate on their end for him to spell their weapons, they’d need backup.

  Rachael caught sight of Lady Olesya, who danced around the corpses with a macabre elegance. Her blade struck one demon, then cut another two as she whirled around, and then killed a fourth as she leapt toward her next enemy. Rachael doubted she was aware of anything around her but the fight.

  There was an explosion to her right, followed by the high-pitched screams of Mothers being incinerated. Rachael leapt toward the fire, barely dodging the long tendrils of two demons and slicing into one of them as she hurried toward where the fighting was thickest.

  The demons were focused on anything that moved, but they had taken notice of her in their midst. They turned around to reach for her when she came close, only to be slaughtered by the Parashi the second their backs were turned. There was no denying who they were here for. They wanted Rachael—the warriors and Sparrows were nothing but a noisy distraction.

  Three Mothers blocked her way. One reached for her with misty tendrils; Rachael cut its claws off before they could touch her. The creature screamed as her sword’s fire took hold of its limb and worked its way through its insides until only black dust was left on the sand. The other two cocked their heads and grinned. The sight made Rachael’s blood freeze. It was like seeing into the darkest corners of the Mists, where hope had long since died and where the Dark One Himself resided.

  They came for her as one. Rachael barely dodged the first, the end of her blade catching the outermost swirls of fog and setting them ablaze. She wasn’t fast enough for the second demon. It caught the skin of her neck, slicing through her hair in one clean motion and leaving a burning sensation in its wake.

  Rachael gasped as the pain made her lose her composure, and tripped. Don’t let your guard down. Your enemy might try to trick you. You’d be dead if I were a real opponent. Kiana’s words were taunting her. In a real battle, you won’t have time to take a break! Get up and defend yourself! Rachael focused, and jumped out of the way seconds before the razor-sharp claws of the demon would have dug deep into her gut. Rachael brought up her sword and slashed it forward, burying it deep inside the demon’s depths. Unimpressed, the Mother struggled itself forward on the blade, impaling itself further and grinning like the Dark One Himself, before the flames took hold and incinerated the creature.

  Rachael staggered back and jumped when she bumped into someone. She spun around, ready to strike, and stopped dead when she saw who it was. She’d walked into Cale, who had his weapon raised at the shock of their collision, too.

  “Thank the Maker you’re all right!”

  “Thank yourself,” said Rachael. “We’re the ones driving them back.”

  Cale grinned, and for a moment the boy underneath the mask of pain was back. The moment was brief, but it was enough to give Rachael new energy.

  “Where’s Kiana?”

  “Behind me. She’s making the Mothers regret attacking us.” He turned around so Rachael could see. Kiana was fighting like she was possessed—she spun and danced with the same ease as Lady Olesya, but the look on her face wasn’t one of peace. Fury burnt in her eyes, her daggers channelling her rage into the enemy and burning them without mercy.

  Rachael joined her. Neither said anything since they were surrounded in an instant; the brief smile that crossed Kiana’s lips was enough.

  Cale cleaved himself an opening through the wall of Mothers, who focused their whole attention on Rachael now. They had all realised where she was, a
nd made their way to their small circle. Rachael couldn’t see through the impenetrable barrier they had created around her, but she knew the Parashi were picking them off easily now that their backs were turned. Still they were relentless. Did they feel pain or get tired, like any other warrior? Their assault hadn't slowed a bit since they had begun their attack. They’d keep coming until they had what they’d come for.

  But she had to try. The Mothers wanted to claim the world and place the Dark One at the top, but Rachael wouldn’t allow it. This was her world, her home, and she would defend it until her final breath.

  She screamed as she dashed forward into the barricade, her sword cutting through the mist that enveloped her. The anguished shrieks of dying demons filled the air. They drove her on to fight another breath, to kill another enemy.

  And then her blade arced forward, and connected with nothing. Rachael spun around, ready to take on the enemy elsewhere, and found no one.

  The demons were gone. The bodies of warriors littered the sand around her. It was over.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Rachael was exhausted. Her muscles ached like they had waged a small war already, but she knew what awaited them was worse. The Dark One had yet to send an actual army after them, and she didn't know if they were ready for that kind of fight. Her knees buckled. Cale caught her, and Rachael didn't object.

  “We did it,” he said. “You fought well, Rachael. I’m proud of you.”

  She wanted to melt into him. No one had ever said those words to her. The warmth and joy they brought her was dizzying.

  Lady Olesya ran over to them. Her remaining Parashi were right behind her, followed by Kaida, who looked as flawless as ever save for a wild look in her eyes.

  Now that everyone was gathered in one place and the sea of demons no longer clouded her vision, Rachael saw their losses weren’t as great as she’d feared. Many of the warriors were dead, but at least half of them were still alive. Some of them were injured, but Kaida would be able to draw the poison out of them like she’d done for Rachael. They were bloody and worn out, but alive.

  “We all fought well.” Rachael took in the small force of fierce fighters before her and freed herself from Cale’s arms. “Thank you, I couldn’t have—” Her world started spinning.

  Kiana smiled as she sank to her knees. “That was fun.” Her voice was so quiet Rachael had to strain her ears to hear. “That’ll teach them to attack you.”

  Kiana’s hands were covered in blood. One arm hung loose by her side as she fell into the sand. Her other hand slid away from her middle, where it revealed a large gash across her stomach.

  Rachael was by her side within seconds, and Cale fell to his knees next to her. Kaida placed her hands on Kiana’s wound.

  “Stay with me. Talk to me.” Don't leave me. Rachael felt more helpless now than she had while surrounded by demons. “We need to get her back to the palace. She needs help.” Her voice was wavering, and she didn't care who heard.

  “If we move her now, she will die,” said Kaida. “Let me do what I can, or she will not stand a chance.”

  Rachael wanted to say something, order Kiana to live, but the words wouldn’t form. Her mind was numb, her thoughts smothered under a too-thick blanket.

  “Don’t die,” said Cale, coming to her rescue as he always did. “That’s an order, Sparrow.”

  Kiana smiled as her eyes closed.

  “Rachael.” Cale’s voice pulled her back. “You need to concentrate. You’re not done here.”

  She looked up to see the wardens watching. She still needed to free them.

  “We can’t do anything for Kiana now.” He grimaced. “You have to trust that Kaida knows what she’s doing.”

  Vail walked over and regarded Kiana. “I can help. I can’t save her, not here, but together with Kaida I can give her a better chance.”

  Rachael nodded. “Thank you, Vail.”

  He placed his hands over the wound, and his energy joined with Kaida’s. Kiana’s breathing steadied a little, but she showed no other signs of improvement. There was too much blood on her clothing for Rachael to see if the wound itself looked any better.

  “I have done what I can,” said Vail. “It’s up to her now. Will you set us free?”

  “I don’t know how.”

  Vail placed a hand on her shoulder. “No matter. Not much is required. Follow me.”

  The other wardens had already gathered in the ruins. Cale was right behind her. Just this once, she didn't want to be alone. She was grateful for his comfort.

  “What do I do?”

  Vail joined the other four wardens before her. They had formed a line awaiting orders.

  “The oath placed upon us recognises you,” said Commander Kavan. “If you say the words, it will be enough.”

  Rachael nodded. “Then I release you. You’ve guarded this place and its relic well, and have fought bravely. You’ve earned your freedom.”

  All five of them went to one knee and bowed their heads, their fists clutched over their hearts. Their spectral forms glowed and dissolved. A look of pure peace spread on their faces.

  Vail nodded to her again before he faded, a final sign of approval, and then they were gone. Rachael felt like she had removed some of the ruin’s walls.

  “Spoken like a queen,” said Cale, and smiled.

  But Rachael didn’t feel like a queen. The exhaustion that had gripped her bones wasn't something a long night’s rest could fix. Only the end to the fighting could stop it.

  “Let’s get the book. We need to get back to Paranossa. Kiana needs help.”

  The protective spell Vail had placed on the book had worn off. Rachael guessed it had dispersed when she’d set him free.

  The book didn’t look like much in her hands—without the spell protecting it, it was as frail as any of them—but if it could stop the madness she was willing to go wherever it led her. Vail had said the library would hold more answers, and Kaida had mentioned the same place before. Her course was set. She placed the book in her bag with the tome of Ar’Zac Dar, and hoped it was worth it.

  When they rejoined the others, Rachael was surprised. The Parashi had made a stretcher for Kiana. It would be a long journey back; she was relieved Kiana wouldn’t have to spend it thrown over someone’s shoulder.

  Lady Olesya greeted them. “We shouldn’t waste any time. I have healers at the palace who will be able to help her, but we need to leave now.”

  “I have done what I can,” said Kaida. “She is strong. When my energy joined with hers I could feel her fight the darkness. Vail and I have given her the chance she needs.”

  “Thank you,” said Rachael.

  Lady Olesya turned toward her warriors. “Let’s move!”

  Their ride back to the capital was torturous. The Parashi took turns carrying the stretcher. Since only those who weren’t wounded took over that duty, their numbers were limited. The heat during the day slowed their progress further. As before they only dared travel at night, and the rest of their water was rationed in the injured’s favour. Lady Olesya set a punishing pace, but no one complained. By the time they reached Paranossa, everyone was exhausted.

  “Take her to my healers,” said Lady Olesya the moment they entered the capital. “Kiana is to receive the same treatment I would, and no less.” The Parashi carrying Kiana bowed as best as they could, and sped away with her. Lady Olesya turned to Rachael. “You must be tired. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, but it can wait until you’ve rested, bathed, and eaten.”

  “No,” said Rachael. “Let’s do it now.” A bath had never sounded so inviting, but she wanted to be done with this first.

  “As you wish. Rachael, Cale, come with me.”

  They followed Lady Olesya through the palace, until the lady sat in a room filled with luxurious cushions. Rachael wondered if every room inside this palace was furnished the same, or if the lady simply had a choice of rooms for entertaining guests. She feared she wouldn’t be abl
e to get back up again if she sat now. Every inch of her body ached.

  “I’ve spoken with my commander, and he agrees with me,” said Lady Olesya. “You’ve both fought with ferocity, as has Kiana. We believe you deserve your own warrior names.”

  Despite her state, Rachael's heart skipped.

  “Thank you, Lady Olesya. It would be an honour.”

  Lady Olesya smiled. Despite the dust, sand and blood caked to her skin and armour, she looked like the same lady who had greeted them a few days ago.

  “Cale, in battle you will be known as Theron. May it strike fear into your enemies’ hearts.”

  Cale nodded and bowed, but he also smiled.

  “Kiana has fought as if possessed, and has made the Mothers regret attacking. She has earned the name of Aella.”

  Rachael only hoped she’d wake up to accept the title.

  “Rachael.” Lady Olesya smiled. “You’ve proven you deserve the armour you wear and the sword you carry. You’ve shown spirit in battle, trust in your friends, and mercy when you released the wardens from their duty. You will be known as Lady Eleftheria. May freedom follow wherever you go.”

  It was strange to hear the title and know it was her own, but she would wear it with pride.

  “Thank you, Lady Olesya.”

  “The battle is over, Rachael. You can call me Nerine. I will leave you to rest and prepare for the journey home. If there’s time before you leave, I’d be proud to show you my city.”

  Rachael nodded. “We won’t leave without Kiana.”

  “My gifted healers are masters, and Kaida and Vail have already helped her. I have faith she’ll be on her feet again within days.”

  Rachael hated that she could do nothing but wait.

  The following morning, Rachael ignored the invitation of breakfast someone had delivered to her room and asked for directions to the infirmary.

  Cale was already there when she arrived. To her relief, Kiana was awake.

  “Hey.” She was sitting up and leaned into the back of her bed. Her voice was weak, but Rachael was happy to hear it at all.