He smiled then assured, “Your people here are behind you. When the time comes we will fight for our freedom.”
“While I appreciate the sentiment, Remi, I think I’ll try to avoid it. I mean, if I know she’s going to try to take my head off the minute I do whatever it is I have to do there, then I can stop her. Can’t I?”
“She won’t do it herself,” Daniel cut in. I’d forgotten he was there, he’d been so quiet.
“You don’t think she’ll… no, he wouldn’t,” I insisted, shaking my head. Sayer wouldn’t hurt me. Would he?
Daniel shrugged. “She’ll have something planned and we can’t be certain her steward is entirely on our side. Keep Fallon close.”
Remi gave him a warning look and he turned away.
I thought for a minute. Daniel was right. Nobody knew anything for certain. Except that Glinda was nuts, which went without saying. But Sayer? He was bound by his vows. I didn’t know the full extent of what that meant for him, but I knew his life was on the line if he messed up. He was walking a very fine line.
“If anything bad does happen, I want you to take everyone from here and fly north,” I ordered, looking back up at the volcano rim, and wondering how long it would take to reach the border, then how long through the forest.
“Lady?” Remi said, questioning.
“If she does…” I swallowed, not wanting to say it out loud. “Well, if I don’t come back I want you all to be safe. Or as safe as you can be. Take everyone without a pair of wings and get away. Tatiana may not be able to protect you, but you have a better chance if you’re all together.”
“You will come back,” Daniel declared with certainty. “You’ll come back, we’ll face her together, and this war will end.”
I frowned, thinking about his words. “When was the last time the two sides fought?”
“It’s been eight years,” Remi answered. “Our years. Considerably longer in your world. But Glinda hasn’t given up. I heard murmurs of growing forces in the south. Of interference with the Wyrms of the northeast. There has been unrest among the Wyrms and the Lioneag for several years. It is assumed the good witch is behind it.”
“She’s got the… what’s a Wyrm?”
“Dragons,” Daniel replied. “Well, they’re more like winged serpents. With the ability to change color, they’re swift and deadly. They’re on top of you before you know they’re coming. The Lioneag can defend well enough against them, but no one ever knows when they’re going to attack. Or where.”
I loud screech came from the skies above and I looked up to see two of the guard patrol hovering high above. “What’s wrong?”
“I sent them to look ahead. All clear,” Remi translated, reading the hand signals one of the patrol were using to relay his message. “You’ll have an easy journey from here to the border.”
I nodded. We were ready to go, but I had something on my mind. “Remi, your females… women I mean, do they guard too?”
He looked at me, the thick ridge of skin forming his brow crumpling slightly. “Not usually, no.”
I nodded. “Do they want to?”
“They’ve never been asked,” he admitted. “We generally keep the women and children away from such… unpleasantness.”
“Do me a favor. Ask them. Any who want to defend themselves should be shown how. Arm them. I don’t want anyone left helpless,” I commanded. I said things would be different and I meant it. Giving everyone a choice wasn’t something they have had before.
He bowed his head and I glanced at Daniel. His expression was somewhere between shock and awe. “What?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Nothing, my lady.”
“There’s something.”
Remi cleared his throat. “I think Daniel is surprised at your consideration. The women are often forgotten.”
I cry above drew my attention, and I looked up as Kali flew into the basin of the volcano and circled the fortress before landing close to me.
“We can’t afford that,” I called over my shoulder to Remi, walking toward Kali. “And this was all started by a woman. It’s only fair that those of us who aren’t power crazed, balls of cotton candy represent themselves against her. That goes for everyone. Every citizen should be equipped to defend themselves. Send someone down to the village, relay the same message to the Pumpkinheads. If this is going to turn nasty, I want everyone here to have a chance of survival.”
Both guards bowed and I turned to Fallon. “Ready?”
He smiled at me then glanced to Remi. A look passed between them, and then Fallon gave a stern nod and turned to look toward the gates.
“Be careful, Ella,” Remi called as Fallon set off walking.
I nodded. “You too. I’ll see you soon.”
He bowed and I turned to Kali. She spread her wings and took to the sky, and I set off after her, following Fallon up the gravel pathway to the gates.
Chapter 4
Wearing my leggings, a baggy tee, and my glittering, magical converse sneakers, I followed Fallon through the fields forming my lands. Some were green, whatever crops planted there apparently growing well, while others were the telltale gold of ripe corn ready to be harvested. That was all I could see for miles ahead. There were no signs of anyone tending the fields. No signs of anything but a few butterflies dancing over the tops of the plants around us.
Behind us, the volcano sat like a black growth on the otherwise perfect landscape. I could see the aerial patrols coming and going from the fortress as my people looked for threats, prepared to defend their home against whatever foe may come too close.
“Glinda won’t just turn up, will she?” I asked Fallon.
He slowed, then turned to face me. I still wasn’t used to seeing him, or anyone, so well armed. Not in reality. I’d seen all the usual movies, the ranger in his supple leather armor, lurking in shadows and fighting bad guys, but having that right here in front of me was a strange experience. His hair was pulled back from his face and a few days growth formed a light beard along his jawline. The scent of leather was prominent when I got too close, and when he moved, there was the sound of arrows rustling in his quiver and the light squeak of his boots. He was every bit the rugged hunter from my favorite shows, and when he looked at me, I remembered who he was out of the armor.
Brushing a few stray strands of hair back from my face, he shook his head.
“I mean, I know I’m not much against her,” I began, worried for the people now under my protection, “but if she came and hurt anyone—”
His thumb brushed my bottom lip, cutting me off, and it was all I could do not to part my lips and draw it into my mouth.
My blood heated in my veins at the simple gesture and my breath hitched.
The option was there to take full advantage of the situation. Him. Me. No one to be seen for miles. It was tempting, and he moved a fraction of an inch closer as Kali swooped overhead, breaking the moment.
She didn’t seem to be warning him, but he took my right hand, turned abruptly, and set off walking east.
Smiling to myself, I allowed him to lead me toward our destination. He was probably right to let the moment pass. We didn’t have time. I needed to stay a step ahead of Glinda, and I wasn’t going to achieve that by rolling around in cornfields.
We walked all day, eating lunch on the move, and in the late afternoon I noticed there was a clear change in the landscape. The fields ended abruptly, barred by what appeared to be a forest.
“Are we here already?” I asked.
Fallon shook his head and smiled.
“If this isn’t the western border, where are we?”
He pointed to his left.
“North?”
He nodded, then pointed directly ahead.
“Oh,” I responded, beginning to understand. “We have to cut though here to reach the east. This is Tatiana’s territory?”
He nodded again and shifted the bag on his back before taking my hand.
“Oh, well at
least the dangerous parts don’t start right away,” I quipped, lacing my fingers through his and stepping toward the ominous looking forest.
Kali landed behind me, snapping her beak, and I paused before turning back to her. “Sorry… Umm, you need to go back to the fortress,” I hesitantly told her. She still made me nervous.
She pulled back her head and blinked. Having to constantly figure out what facial expressions and gestures meant was exhausting, and I sighed before explaining, “Look, this may be Tatiana’s land, but I can’t risk anything happening to you. She handed you over to me and expects you to be looked after. She said to keep you in my lands and that’s what I intend to do. Please, Kali. Go back to the fortress, help Remi keep lookout. Any visitors aren’t welcome until I get back, okay?”
She snapped her beak again and scratched the ground with one of her huge, clawed feet, but didn’t protest. Then she spread her wings.
“Thank you. Be good, we’ll be there and back in no time. Promise,” I assured her, letting out a relieved breath that she wasn’t going to fight me on this.
I watched her fly away then turned back to set off walking, and murmured, “Okay, nice leisurely stroll through the forest.”
Fallon pulled me back and I turned to see him shaking his head.
I rolled my eyes. “Of course I know it’s dangerous. Don’t tell me, lions and tigers?”
He looked at me as though he were surprised I’d know anything at all.
“Grandma Dot’s book,” I stated, stepping forward. “She met that lion, didn’t she? And the woodcutter, and the scarecrow. Maybe we’ll make some new friends along the way.”
I looked around and noticed the landscape changed slightly a little farther north. “Aren’t we taking the road?”
His reply was a tug forward as he began to walk, not to the road but toward the forest. I didn’t question him, gazing down to see we were already on a small dirt track, and let him lead me under the cover of the trees. I realized my sneakers would end up filthy on the muddy trail and changed them to Doc Martens. They were much better for walking through muddy, creepy woods, even if the glorious red garnet stood out against the miserable browns of the tree trunks and mud.
After the trees I’d seen in the south, these seemed far more natural, if a bit creepy. No fancy topiary, just gnarly branches with a few browning leaves clinging on pitifully. Strangely, there was no sign of fallen leaves on the ground.
We walked for what seemed like hours, forced to amble single file along the increasingly narrowing trail with me in the lead, when the trees began to thin out on our right.
“What’s over there?” I inquired, slowing down.
Fallon stopped. I turned back to look at him and didn’t like his expression. It was the same look of sadness everyone seemed to wear when they mentioned the city.
“The city?”
He nodded, and I turned to head through the trees toward the city.
Before I could move anywhere he reached for me, taking me by the shoulder and halting my movements. “What? I only want to peek. Satisfy my morbid curiosity,” I explained.
He sighed and followed my lead as I picked my way through the forest.
The wood ended abruptly, the muddy ground changing to an arid, black dust.
“What the hell went on here? I thought it was just a figure of speech when they said the place burned.” I couldn’t hide the shock in my voice. The image before me was beyond comprehension.
Fallon didn’t say anything, and following the tree line, I moved around the outskirts of the city.
The place was a mess. Tumbled remains of buildings and burned out shells of smaller dwellings, like the ones I’d stayed in back east when I was on my way to the fortress, littered the ground.
“I want to get closer,” I murmured, looking to Fallon.
He shook his head and I veered right, determined to get a better look.
He grasped my wrist.
“What?”
He shook his head again.
“Why? If it’s a ruin, what could be there that could hurt us?”
Lips pressed into a firm line, he gave me a stern look
I pouted. “Fine. I want to see the place soon though. If I’m going to do this, I need to know what I’m dealing with,” I capitulated.
He released my wrist and dropped his shoulders, stepping around me and heading toward the edge of the wood. So, pouting worked on Fallon? Good to know.
I followed, trying not to look smug and carefully stepping through the ruins.
The light was fading, but the destruction was clearly visible. The tallest structure sat in the center, and I assumed it was the palace or whatever they’d called it, with its jagged walls reaching for the sky. They didn’t reach as far as they used to, that was clear. And it wasn’t made of emerald as my great grandmother’s story had claimed. It looked black from where I stood. Black and broken and just miserable.
I turned to Fallon and noticed he was looking out at the city with sadness etched on his face. “What happened?”
His lips parted as though he was going to say something, but he took a breath and lowered his head.
“Glinda and Tatiana?” I prompted.
He sighed before looking up, and I reached out to touch his arm.
“I’m sorry. It must be frustrating when I keep asking questions you can’t answer.”
Taking my hand, he pulled me toward him and reached for my face with his free hand.
I smiled, leaning into his palm, and he bent his head to kiss me.
There was always so much said in his kiss, in this case, I was certain he meant for me not to apologize. That it didn’t matter that he couldn’t answer verbally. That we’d manage just fine. And it amazed me how well we could communicate despite him being mute.
It’s getting dark,” I said as he pulled away. “Are we going to find somewhere to rest for the night?”
He looked south to the ruined city, and he seemed to be searching for something.
Not finding whatever it was he was looking for, he turned and headed back toward the trees. I followed, happy to leave that miserable place behind me for the time being.
Back under cover of the forest, Fallon walked with more purpose.
After a while, I interrupted the silence. “I don’t really want to be stumbling through a forest in the dark. Is there somewhere we can rest?”
He took a heavy breath in and looked around, then presented his hand, palm up.
“Here? What if it rains?”
He curled his hand into a fist, but left his index finger out, pointing up and drawing a circle with the tip of his finger.
I rolled my eyes. “You want me to come up with something? Isn’t this taking advantage of my ability or something?”
He smirked and sat down cross-legged, apparently prepared to wait.
“Fine,” I gave in, turning my back on him and looking at the space around us. We were in a small clearing. There was space for a small structure, but I’d never created anything from nothing before. The fortress was more of a repair job, and the defensive barriers I’d placed around my lands weren’t a building. It was difficult to describe precisely how that occurred, but it wasn’t the same.
I concentrated on the empty space, trying to think of something small but sturdy enough to house us. The best I could come up with was a copy of the small wooden houses the Pumpkinheads lived in.
I turned to Fallon as the structure popped into existence, and inquired, “Will that do?”
He got to his feet and gave me an impressed nod of his head.
“Suppose it’ll come in handy for the way back,” I commented, as he strode forward and tugged on the door.
It swung open and he glanced inside before holding out his hand.
“Did you bring dinner or shall I attempt to handle that too?” I teased, smirking at him.
He shoved the small of my back as I passed and I laughed.
“I’m joking!”
I
had managed to create the basics. There was a bed, a small wood burning stove, and a table complete with plates, spoons, and a frying pan, and I flopped down onto the bed with a sigh, weary from our journey.
Fallon dropped his bag on the floor and sat beside me, looking around the single room.
“So far so good,” I noted.
He turned and looked at me with his brows pulled in.
“I mean, we haven’t run into any trouble. Yet.”
He raised his brows twice in quick succession and smirked.
“Maybe we’ll make it there without any?” I could only hope.
He lay on his back at my side and sighed.
“I wish I knew why you couldn’t speak,” I said, reaching for his hand. “I know Glinda did it, but how? Why?”
He glanced my way, lacing his fingers through mine.
Then it dawned on me. His behavior around her. His trust in Sayer. His determination to help me. Holy shit.
“Did you turn her down?”
He nodded.
Rage burned in the pit of my stomach. She took his voice because he went against her wishes? Who did that? I knew her kind and gentle persona was an act. The woman was a complete psychopath. Sociopath? Whatever, she was nuts. But she didn’t know I was on to her. “She wanted you as her steward?”
He nodded again.
“As well as Sayer?”
His eyes met mine.
“Is he screwing her?” I snarled, unable to keep the rage out of my tone.
He shook his head and released my hand to stroke my cheek.
“Nice,” I said, with a humorless laugh. “Just me then.”
He sat up, took my face in both hands, and kissed me, then placed his right hand over my chest.
I laughed. “He doesn’t love me.”
He pressed his lips together and smiled, then moved his hand from my chest to his and back again. He loved me. They loved me?
“Why?”
Turning his lips down in the corners, he tilted his head and reached for my face.
“Don’t tell me I’m beautiful. That isn’t a reason to love someone,” I chided. I wanted someone to want me for me, not my looks, since that always seemed to be what drew men’s attention.
The Quartz Tower (Kingdoms of Oz Book 2) Page 3
