“Maarja,” Angst called. “Run!”
36
Enurthen
Hector and Dallow sat beside the noisy brook, water flowing and bubbling from somewhere to nowhere. Hector threw stones into the creek, all skipping expertly to the distant bank. This had to be the most peaceful, boring place on Ehrde. After finding balance between worry and grief over Tarness, he’d figured out how to relax, which was something he’d rarely experienced. But now, with a potential way to escape, anxiety crept closer like distant stormclouds. It was time to leave, and he had the patience of a toddler being told to sit still.
“You’ve found nothing else that can help?” Hector asked. “I’d hoped that your trips to the library with Alloria would produce something.”
“She read a few titles under her breath, so I think that foci can help her translate,” Dallow said in frustration. He threw a stone that landed on a distant path, far from the water. “But she doesn’t want to leave, so she plays dumb and flirts a lot.”
“I’ve noticed,” Hector said with a grunt. “If she’s not going to help, why does she go with you?”
“I think to stay away from Rose,” Dallow said.
“Or to piss her off, which doesn’t take that much,” Hector replied with a half-smile. “Ever since Alloria’s naked bath, Rose hasn’t held back.”
“I’m learning new curse words every day.” Dallow laughed. “I’m not even sure what some of them mean.”
“You really don’t want to know,” Hector said. “What makes you so sure the foci can get us out?”
“I was hoping for a translator, but there’s another way,” Dallow explained. “Rose told me that Chryslaenor cracked the shield in Azaktrha, and she wasn’t Al’eyrn. The foci was just stuck to her, like Jormbrinder seems to be stuck to Alloria. Even if she can’t wield the foci like Angst, it’s powerful enough on its own to poke a hole through the shield.”
“But she doesn’t want to leave,” Hector said. “And if anything she says is true, I can understand why.”
“According to Alloria, the elements aren’t able to enter the mage cities,” Dallow said, lying on his back in the soft grass. His eyes glowed dimly beneath the blue silk kerchief. “You know, I bet that’s the primary reason the cities were created. Not just to give wielders a sanctuary from non-wielders, but to protect them from elements and their minions.”
“Don’t be distracted,” Hector garumphed.
“Right,” Dallow said excitedly. “But it makes sense. The only place we can be safe, from elements and from humans.”
“What about Rose?” Hector asked.
“What about Rose?” Dallow asked.
“Can she pick it up?” Hector asked. “If so, she could probably take Jormbrinder away from Alloria.”
“I don’t know,” Dallow said hesitantly. “Probably.”
“Go on,” Hector said. He had known Dallow for years, and even without eyes the man couldn’t gamble, his face gave too much away.
“I shouldn’t say.” Dallow’s throat tightened, and he licked his lips.
“This is more important than your affair,” Hector said.
“We aren’t sleeping together!” Dallow snapped defensively. “Not until I get a divorce.”
“You kissed her,” Hector said.
“Just the once,” Dallow said. “More or less.”
“Look, I’m not judging...”
“Of course you are,” Dallow snapped. “That’s what Angst hates more than anything! It’s in your nature to make quick decisions, about situations, and people. You judge!”
It was true, he had to size people up fast in order to assess any situation and plan for the outcome. Whether it was training soldiers, leading troops, or at a dinner party. That foresight and planning had always given him the edge, and allowed him to survive.
“You’re right,” Hector agreed. “It’s instinct, and my instinct wants to leave this place. Alloria didn’t appear by accident. So far, all she has done is piss off Rose and try to manipulate us.”
“I haven’t been manipulated,” Dallow said in mock sincerity.
“No, never, never,” Hector shook his head. “But I’ve got a feeling that if we don’t act soon, we’re not going to be leaving. So what aren’t you telling me about Rose?”
“She can hear music from Jormbrinder,” Dallow said hesitantly.
“How?” Hector asked, cocking his head to one side.
“It’s just a theory, but recent events seem to have changed her. Chryslaenor practically kidnapped her from Unsel and dragged her to that mage city. When we found Rose, the Dark Vivek tried forcing her to bond with the foci,” Dallow said with a heavy frown. “Now, she can hear a song from Jormbrinder, just like Angst can from his foci.”
“Huh. I always thought Angst was just going crazy,” Hector said. “But that sounds like good news. I’d feel a lot better if she took the dagger away from Alloria.”
“It’s not that simple. This has been traumatic for Rose, and we’ve spent a lot of time discussing it,” Dallow said. “I think the time at this mage city has been good for her, but the last thing she wants to do is touch another foci.”
“Have you asked her?” Hector asked.
“Well...no,” Dallow said.
“Would you?” Hector asked.
“Yeah,” Dallow said reluctantly.
“We should do this now and get out of here,” Hector said. “I’ll grab Alloria and wait for both of you.”
“Gee, can you manage?” Dallow asked.
“I’ll try to be gentle,” Hector said with a sheepish grin his friend couldn’t see.
“Your job sounds easier than mine,” Dallow said.
“And more fun,” Hector said slyly.
Eastern border of Unsel
A spot under Andec’s arm itched. It was impossible to reach wearing zyn’ight armor, and unflattering to scratch even if he could. The dramatic rush here on swifen had not only made him sweat, it had kicked up dust that found its way under his layers of armor and aketon. The dust must’ve burrowed into the pores of his old, dry skin, making him itch. Or maybe it was something else. Anticipation? Anxiety? It felt wrong being here. Wielders shouldn’t be fighting a war for people who hated them. Now, with a city of their own, they should’ve been learning and teaching. They should’ve been spending more time understanding exactly what they could do with “the magics.” With the crown involved, there just wasn’t enough time for anything. Now, he was always in a hurry to do something for someone else. That was the culmination of his brief experience as a wielder for the throne: an itch he couldn’t quite scratch.
Andec sensed he’d been chosen to lead the other eleven zyn’ight because he was old. He had twenty years on Angst, and would gladly let that be known, once all this nonsense was done. Unlike the others, his magic, the ability to create portals, was both defensive and offensive. According to Wilfred and Mirot, this gave Andec an advantage. That, and people listened to him because he complained loudly. Most people, except for the young ones. Bastards.
With a noisy whistle, he urged his goat swifen to a halt in front of a young page standing alone in the middle of the road. The teenager looked like a target in his burgundy tunic and pale leggings, staring at them like a deer in candlelight. His eyes opened wide, not in fear but disbelief. Andec dismounted his goat, petting the rough tree-bark hide before dismissing the beast. He wanted to admonish the kid, but shook his head disparagingly as he looked at the other zyn’ight.
Trailing close behind was a zoo of animals and their armored keepers. They rode everything from glass gazelles to birds made of tall grass. The zyn’ight armor appeared sturdier than the heroes wearing it. They were a mishmash of men and women of various sizes and ages who could talk to animals, throw dark bolts of power, or any sort of chaotic, unspeakable things. It was a lot of power in an unflattering package and must’ve been a fright to look on, so he decided not to admonish the page, for now.
“Where’s your captai
n?” Andec said, his chest heaving from the long ride. “Mirot and Wilfred sent us, and we need to talk before splitting up.”
“We’ve been waiting. We weren’t sure what to expect and—” the page cut himself off. “Please, this way. Hurry.” He took off at a sprint.
“I don’t run,” Andec called out.
“Do you need an arm, old man?” Nikkola teased as she dismounted her swifen.
“You’re welcome to carry me,” he said, before turning to an emaciated young man. “Sean, where’s your armor?”
“He won’t wear it,” Simon replied. “I keep trying, but he just shakes his head.”
“Being gutted is a bad way to die, son,” he said with a sincere frown.
“Don’t worry, Sean,” Simon said. “I’ll heal you.”
“Stop being a grouch,” Nikkola said under her breath. “They’re all scared enough.”
“Right,” he replied, not feeling leaderlike. “Come on.”
They walked up a tall embankment, his knee questioning loudly why he wasn’t still on a swifen. He was too old for this, but too stubborn to believe it. A flop sweat made him itch again, and he was short of breath, but he still refused to take Nikkola’s arm. The view at the top stole his remaining breath. A great field stretched out before them—it would’ve been pretty if not for the two armies lined up on opposite sides. At this edge of the field, armored Unsel soldiers stood side by side, with weapons and shields and bows and banners at the ready. Far across the way was a noisy, threatening horde of gray figures. In the middle of them stood an enormous beast that beat the ground like an ape. Andec was ready to go home.
A tall man with perfect blond hair and perfect white teeth approached with the overconfidence of an ambitious thirty-something leader. His gleaming breastplate appeared untouched, practically glowing in the sunlight. His sharp blue eyes looked down on them from high over his cheekbones.
“What is this?” he asked.
“These are the zyn’ight Wilfred promised, Captain Kyle,” the page said with a short bow.
“The zy...” the Captain said dubiously. “I was expecting knights, not old men, women, and children.”
“Who said we were knights?” Andec snapped, holding out an arm to keep Nikkola back.
A dangerous dark power bubbled around her hands, making Captain Kyle and his stalwart page take a step back.
“You’re right. We aren’t knights, we aren’t fighters,” Andec said. “We’re patriots, and we came to protect Unsel.”
“Right,” Kyle said, staring at Nikkola’s hands.
“How many are there?” Amay asked, staring off at the other side of the field. “It looks like a lot!”
“We have a brigade of 1,500, and as best as we can tell, they have at least as many,” Captain Kyle said confidently, sticking his chest out. “It’s an even enough match. We probably won’t even need you.”
“An even match?” Andec scoffed. “Do you know what they’re capable of? Have you heard how fast their wounds heal?”
“Anyone can die,” Kyle retorted.
“Have you met Angst?” Nikkola asked.
“I...no, I haven’t.” He coughed uncomfortably. “I’ve heard the stories.”
A bird landed on Sean’s shoulder and began to sing. He leaned over and whispered something to Simon.
“What is that thing in the middle?” Simon asked.
“We, uh, we aren’t sure,” Kyle said, his shoulders drooping as if his pride were slowly trickling out of a tiny leak.
“Ugh,” Andec grunted in disgust. He stepped away from the others. “Be right back.”
Gasps and the rattling of swords filled his ears as he created a portal appeared beneath his feet. Andec fell, his stomach lurching into his throat for the briefest of seconds before he landed hard on the other side of the battlefield. A hundred yards from the monster wasn’t far enough. Andec couldn’t begin to fathom how a creature like that could even exist. It was the size of a large building, with six muscular arms, a long, hairy torso, and mottled skin. Its charcoal black face looked squeezed until its lower jaw stuck out and teeth thrust upward in all directions. The ground shook every time a great fist struck the earth. The shaking stopped as two intelligent eyes fell upon him.
“Guldrich, a wielder who can create portals,” a purple woman said from beside the beast.
“Lurp,” Guldrich commanded. “Kill him!”
Lurp launched high into the air, giving Andec only panicked moments to create a small portal and fall through. He landed beside the other wielders and collapsed, his heart racing wildly and his head pounding. Shakily, he pushed himself up to one knee. Nikkola knelt beside him, and Simon placed a hand on his forehead.
“He’s fine,” Simon said.
“I’m not fine!” Andec muttered, pushing away the young man’s hand.
“What is it?” she asked. “What did you see?”
“That isn’t just some Vex’kvette monster,” Andec said through rushed breaths. “A Fulk’han named Guldrich called it Lurp. It looked...it looked intelligent.”
“What are you saying?” Kyle asked.
“I’m saying they don’t need an army,” Andec said. “Their beast is enough to destroy all of us.”
37
Rohjek
The ground shook and plumes of ash billowed behind the quickly approaching figure. Still safely on the grassy border, Aerella stepped in front of Kala and held out her hands. A yellow hue surrounded them as she summoned an air shield. It was an invisible dome large enough to surround all five of them. Scar barked anxiously, but remained in puppy form.
“Do you think you can you cast this spell, Kala?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Kala said confidently.
“Remember it,” Aerella said. “This one will save you.”
“What’s coming?” Jintorich squeaked, raising his tiny staff. “It’s moving too slowly to be a swifen.”
Faeoris leaned forward, squinting in concentration. “Maarja,” she said. “And she’s alone.” Wings of light appeared from her back, and she launched, smashing against the shield, and crashing back to the ground. “Let me out, wielder!”
“Sorry,” Aerella said, releasing the shield, her heart racing.
“Faeoris!” Maarja called out.
Aerella had seen Faeoris fly fast, but now she practically blurred like Angst. Picking up Maarja like a bird with prey, she rushed back as if the Nordruaut weighed nothing. She threw Maarja to the ground as they landed. Maarja crashed onto her side with a grunt, gritting her teeth.
“Where is he?” Faeoris shouted, drawing her longsword.
Maarja’s eyes were dark and her fists balled up to fight, but she remained on the ground. Her large hand shook violently as she reached for her ribs. Was she scared, injured, or both?
“Tell me now, Nordruaut!” Faeoris cried. “Where is he? I swear I will tear off your arms if you let him die.”
“Faeoris, stop,” Jintorich said. “We don’t have time to fight each other. My friend, what happened? Where is Angst?”
“We found...” Maarja was interrupted by a cough that made her wince. “We weren’t sure what it was at first. There was a wall of giant red crystals that appeared to circle something.”
“A dragon’s nest,” Aerella said with a gasp.
“We heard moans,” she glanced at Kala with a worried frown, “and eating. Angst wouldn’t leave them behind and asked me to throw him in...”
“Of course he did,” Aerella said, raising a hand to Maarja’s side.
“I’m fine,” Maarja said, pushing her hand away. “Save your strength.”
“At least there was no sign of the mother,” Jintorich squeaked.
“There was. That’s when he told me to run,” Maarja said, her eyes were wild. “We need to hurry.”
“Point the direction,” Faeoris said baring her teeth, her temper barely restrained.
“We go together,” Aerella said, summoning her tiger swifen, white flowers blo
oming as it appeared. “You can’t find it without Maarja, and this will take all of us.”
“I can’t believe you left him!” Faeoris looked angry enough to split Rohjek in half.
“He told me to!” Maarja snapped.
“Since when did you listen to him?” she asked. “I don’t.”
“Faeoris,” Aerella reasoned, wondering if the Berfemmian could focus enough to listen. “There is little she could have done. She can’t protect herself from dragonfire, and neither can you.”
“What do we do with the girl?” Jintorich asked politely from his six-legged bear-mount-thing.
“We can’t leave her,” Aerella said. “She’ll ride with me.”
“I’ll be safer with Scar,” Kala said.
“How?” Maarja asked, coughing as she stood. “Oh.”
Kala leaped onto Scar’s shoulders as he grew from tiny lab pup to giant six-eyed monster. She somehow found a nook behind his head free of the spiky knives that had replaced his fur.
“Ride with me,” Jintorich said to Maarja, his ears now flat against his head. “We will lead the way.”
Maarja winced as she mounted the creature, letting out a brief gasp of air, but otherwise said nothing.
“Go!” Faeoris commanded.
Jintorich sped forward, and Aerella followed, keeping a close eye on adventure girl and her giant pup. Kala was every bit as reckless as Angst. Maybe he was actually twelve too. Dusty ash filled her nostrils and made her eyes water, and she struggled to remember a spell that could clear the way.
A flash of light and an explosion made Jintorich rear his mount. They all stopped, staring on in horror. Bolts of lightning cascaded across low-hanging clouds before crashing to the ground as if beating it into submission. There was a furious roar followed by another, and she couldn’t tell if it was the dragon or Angst. A flash of light that made them all cover their eyes was trailed by the sounds of another explosion, blowing her hair back like the wind.
Angst Box Set 2 Page 27
