Fury

by E. L. Todd

Silence.

  Rush waited for Mathilda to push the shelf away and open the hatch.

  She didn’t.

  She probably wants to make sure they don’t come back.

  Yeah. Rush turned his stare back to the man. “Who are you?”

  Brown hair. Brown eyes. High cheekbones. His eyes stared coldly before a quick smile appeared on his lips. “Not surprised.”

  “Not surprised what?”

  He moved to the chair against the wall and lowered himself, his knees planted firmly apart, his arms on his knees. “That you don’t recognize me, General Rush.”

  Rush sat in the other chair on the other side of the room, but the hostility crossed the space, radiating from the man’s eyes and landing on his skin. It was hot like a sunburn, slowly growing more uncomfortable as the skin bubbled then peeled.

  You know everyone—but everyone hates you.

  But I remember everyone who hates me. I have no recollection of this guy—or what I did.

  Ask.

  He doesn’t seem like a talker.

  Know your enemies, Rush.

  “Care to enlighten me?”

  The basement was a storage room. Shelves along the walls carried canned goods and dried nuts. There were also extra supplies that would replenish the stock on the shelves once they were purchased. It was a cold and dark place, the only illumination the white candles sprinkled around the room. The man looked at the shelf as he sat with a relaxed posture, but the way he carried his shoulders suggested he was a fighter. His arms stretched the fabric of his sleeves, indicating he knew how to wield both sword and shield. “Just like you, I served King Lux.”

  Past tense. That’s good.

  “There are a lot of soldiers at High Castle.”

  “Wasn’t a soldier.”

  “Then what were you?”

  His eyes shifted to Rush’s, cold. “An assassin.”

  It suits him.

  “I spied on his enemies—then I killed them.”

  “King Lux doesn’t have a lot of enemies—”

  “Because he kills them before they become a threat.”

  That’s why there’s never been a coup—because of him.

  Rush searched his memory, coming across a name he’d heard his father mention. “Maverick.”

  He cocked his head slightly. “You remember me, after all. In part.”

  What happened to him?

  “King Lux assumed you were dead.” He left for a mission and never returned. My father sent out scouts to find him and recover his body. When that didn’t happen, he just assumed he’d been killed. That was years before I left.

  “Well, he assumed wrong.” His eyes narrowed. “But I’m grateful for the assumption.”

  We have an ally—a good one.

  “Why did you leave?”

  His eyes flicked away.

  Alright, I’ll go first. “I told my father things needed to change. He refused. So, I left. My intention is to remove him from power.”

  “So you can take the throne.”

  “Because he’s a tyrant. Because he’s enslaved an innocent race of beings and rules over Anastille with cruelty and fear.”

  He continued to look away.

  He doesn’t trust you.

  Picked up on that. “Why are you down here?”

  “When did I give any indication that we’re friends?” He turned back to Rush, his confident eyes covered with ice.

  “I’ve publicly marked my father as my enemy. I say that makes us allies.”

  Maverick gave a subtle shake of his head. “You’re an arrogant, entitled brat. That’s all.”

  Rush’s eyes narrowed.

  Rush. Don’t.

  He took a slow breath and let it release just as slowly. “You left King Lux’s service. You’re under Mathilda’s shop. We’re the same—whether you like it or not.”

  Maverick gave a subtle clench of his jaw.

  “We both did vile things in service to a dictator. Judge me? Then you better judge yourself too.”

  He looked away.

  “Let’s work together here.”

  He ignored him.

  “Maverick.”

  The shelf started to slide across the floor as Mathilda pushed it.

  Rush kept his stare on the former assassin. “Come on. You and Mathilda are working against the empire. I know it.”

  I know it too.

  The hatch opened. “All clear.”

  Maverick turned to her.

  “You should go now while they’re still searching for Rush,” Mathilda said. “No one will give you a second look.”

  He got to his feet and readied his weapons. A sword at his side, a shield and bow across his back, and his pack over one shoulder.

  Rush, we need allies—and they’re right here.

  Rush jumped to his feet. “Why won’t you let me help you?”

  Maverick’s reaction was so fast, his body turning to face Rush with his hand already on the pommel of his sword.

  Rush glanced down at his hand, immediately taken back to the outside of Eden Star when Callon had reacted the same way. It was an insult—each and every time. “Tell me.”

  His fingers released their grip, but his eyes increased their might. “Loyalties can be severed with a butter knife. But family…there’s nothing that can break that bond. The empire hunts you day and night. You will be recaptured, and when that happens, your loyalties will turn once more.”

  14

  See The Truth

  Mathilda never answered his questions.

  The only answer he got was stony silence.

  The map was in his possession, and once the guards assumed he was long gone, he left the city through the secret entrance and trekked through the wilderness toward the location where they’d agreed to meet.

  You’re angry.

  You think?

  Why?

  I don’t know…maybe because I can’t get anything done because literally no one trusts me?

  It takes time—

  I don’t have time, Flare.

  I understand their position. King Lux is utilizing every resource to find you. Any information they give to you could be shared once you’re captured.

  I would never do that.

  But they don’t know that. Would you do anything differently?

  He kept his eyes forward, his gaze targeting the tree line so he could hide from the hot sun.

  Mathilda has helped us many times—so at least she doesn’t see us as a threat.

  I guess.

  If we secure the dwarves, we can return to Mathilda with something to offer.

  I don’t know… I’ve gotta survive all that death she mentioned.

  If the dwarves get in our way, I’ll just eat them. They’re bite-size.

  He cracked a smile as he imagined it. Not the best way to proposition allies.

  A little fear never hurt anyone.

  When there wasn’t enough light to see several feet in front of him, he stopped for the night. No campfire. Just his bedroll in the grass. We should be there by early afternoon. Hope the others are alright.

  I’m sure they went unnoticed with all the commotion.

  His hands folded underneath his head, and he stared at the stars. Despite the long day, he was still wired. His eyes focused on the heavens, expecting the stars to dim momentarily as a Shaman passed. Thankfully, that never happened.

  Should I contact Pretty?

  No. It’s okay. I’m sure she’s busy…

  A moment later, Cora’s voice appeared. Rush?

  He rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Flare…” I’m here.

  What’s going on with you guys?

  Chaos. Like always.

  You’re okay?

  Yeah…we’re all good. What about you?

  Callon has been teaching me with an actual sword.

  How’s that going?

  I can barely move. I’ll leave it at that.

  He gave a slight chuckle under his breath.
You’ll get better.

  I’m a lot better than I used to be, but I could never imagine holding my own against Callon in a real fight…

  You probably never will.

  You just said I’ll get better.

  And you will. But General Callon is one of the best living swordsmen. You would need a good thousand years to get on his level.

  Her words didn’t emerge for a while. Actually, it’s just Callon now…

  Rush closed his eyes, guilt pulling him under. No wonder he drew his sword.

  That wasn’t why. He said he would do it again.

  Because of you.

  She turned quiet.

  He did too.

  Conversations by the firelight had been effortless once upon a time. Laughter and jokes, smiles and long stares. Those times were long gone. They were just memories now. How’s talking to dead people?

  She released a chuckle. I should have phrased it better.

  No. A lot funnier this way.

  I haven’t been back yet. Callon and I have been training pretty hard.

  Good. Have you asked him about the Shaman thing?

  No. He’s been…in kinda a bad mood lately.

  And I know why…

  I’m not sure if he’d ever tell me anyway.

  Ask your father. He forced it out into the open, pushed through the awkwardness, ripped off the bandage.

  For a while, it was just her silence.

  It’s okay, Cora. You can tell me anything.

  The silence continued. I’ve only spoken to him once. Next time I see him…I’ll ask.

  Rush closed his eyes again, another tide of despair filling his lungs. How was that?

  I don’t know…a bit indescribable.

  Did you tell him who you were?

  Yes…

  I’m sure he was thrilled.

  Yeah, he was.

  He wanted to force the conversation, but he just couldn’t, imagining their reunion on two sides of the veil.

  I found out what happened with my mother.

  Yeah? Who is she?

  He doesn’t know. Said he was bewitched or poisoned. Doesn’t remember anything except seeing her outside his tent. The rest…is lost.

  She might be a witch…but I guess anyone could have bought a potion. But what is the purpose of seducing a king and siring a child?

  Ashe thinks it was the empire. If they had a child of King Tiberius, they could use that as leverage to get the cooperation of the elves. They could get past the magic of Eden Star and invade.

  Possibly…but I was never aware of this plan. But then again, I served King Lux like everyone else. Wasn’t necessarily privy to a lot of things.

  So maybe that’s what happened.

  Unlikely. I can’t see any king sacrificing all of his people for one person—even if it was his daughter. Sacrificing himself? Yes. But not everyone.

  True. I can’t see him doing that either…

  We’ll uncover this secret—eventually.

  Her voice turned quiet, withdrawn. Hope so.

  As if she was right beside him next to the campfire, he turned quiet because it was always comfortable—even when it wasn’t comfortable.

  Did Mathilda end up helping you?

  She did.

  Without the venom?

  I gave her scales again.

  Oh…are you okay?

  Totally fine. She gave me some dragon tears.

  That was generous. And out of character.

  I don’t know…she gave it to me with nothing in return.

  So, you know how to get to the dwarves now?

  Got a map.

  That’s great!

  But she did warn me about going…said there was lots of death and stuff.

  There’s death anywhere you go—except Eden Star.

  I’m not worried about it. It’s gotta get done anyway.

  True.

  I’m pretty sure Mathilda is actively working against the empire.

  Why? Though, I guess that would explain why she helped us.

  She had a former assassin for King Lux hidden in her basement.

  Why were you in the basement?

  Long story. Doesn’t matter. I didn’t remember him right away, but it eventually clicked. His name is Maverick, and when he didn’t return from a mission, King Lux assumed he was dead. But it looks like he changed his loyalties instead.

  Wait. Then that must mean…

  That they’re working together—so there must be others too.

  That’s great news! Maybe this is part of the underground group that you mentioned before.

  Maybe. But they want nothing to do with me.

  They said that?

  Yep. Because the same blood that runs in his veins runs in mine…

  She clearly didn’t know what to say.

  You’re the only person who sees me for who I really am. The only person who looked at him with joy rather than disdain. The only person who saw a future behind his past. The only person who thought he was worth another chance.

  That’s not true, Rush.

  It is.

  It’s not just me. It’s Flare. It’s Bridge. Even Ashe.

  He despises me more than anyone.

  No, he doesn’t.

  Sorry…forgot about Callon.

  If Ashe didn’t believe in us both, he wouldn’t be here right now.

  You’re the one he believes in, Cora.

  And I believe in you.

  He closed his eyes, the mist against his skin, the crackle of the fire in his ears, her fingers wrapped around his.

  It’ll happen, Rush.

  He let the silence trickle past, holding on to that connection until it slipped away. When he opened his eyes, it was just dark. Solitude. Emptiness. If we can get the dwarves on board, maybe they’ll reconsider.

  That’s a good plan. I like it.

  He stared at the stars, wondering if she stared at the same thing through her window.

  Tell the others I said hello.

  He sighed as his hands squeezed on an invisible hand, keeping her close even though she was already gone. I will.

  Goodnight, Rush.

  Goodnight…Cora.

  “How are you still alive?” Bridge was the first to run up to him. “It was pandemonium, man. Even from here, we could hear everything.”

  “Flare can be loud sometimes.”

  “I’ll say…” He gave Rush a quick pat on the arm. “I can’t believe you pulled that off.”

  “When do I not pull off anything I do?”

  Bridge rolled his eyes.

  The others got up to greet him.

  “You aren’t bloody or bruised…” Lilac looked him over. “Lucky son of a bitch.”

  “If you’re referring to my father, then yes, that’s very accurate.”

  She cracked a smile.

  “You got the map?” Liam asked.

  Rush pulled it out of his pack. “Yep.”

  Liam unfolded it and took a look. “This is going to take a while…”

  “I’d be suspicious if it didn’t.” Rush turned back to the others. “So, you want the details or what?”

  “Not really,” Bridge said. “Just assumed there was a lot of action, stupidity, and maybe a pretty girl in there somewhere.”

  “I guess Mathilda can be the pretty girl because she saved my ass,” Rush said.

  “So, what happened?” Bridge said.

  “Well, I did meet someone…”

  Bridge’s eyebrows furrowed. “You somehow managed to score a date during all that chaos?”

  “No,” Rush said quickly. “It was a guy.”

  “You’re into guys too?” Lilac asked.

  “No, no, no.” Rush waved his arms. “Okay, maybe I should have phrased that better.”

  I think it’s hilarious.

  Rush told them about Maverick in the basement and all that transpired.

  “You think they’re involved with the people who changed the maps?” Bridge asked.
“Because this could be huge.”

  “I have no idea.” Rush shook his head. “They wouldn’t share anything with me. For all I know, it could just be the two of them…no idea.”

  “An assassin from the empire and a witch who has dragon tears…” Bridge folded his arms. “It’s got to be more than just them.”

  “I think so too,” Lilac said.

  “Unfortunately, they hate me, so unless I bring them a dwarf on toast, they’re never going to share a drop of information with me.” Rush took the map from Liam and stowed it back in his pack.

  “Then let’s get the dwarves.” Bridge gave a rise and drop of his shoulders. “I mean, we found the dragons at Mist Isle. We got Cora into Eden Star. General Callon bailed you out of Rock Island…and we got an infamous pirate to chauffeur us around the deadly seas. I’m pretty optimistic.”

  15

  Trust

  It was a flurry of hits, the green blade striking hers then whipping around to strike her again, over and over, sparks igniting off the steels and scales. With all the expertise of a lifetime of battles and experience, Callon wielded his blade as if she were a foe on the battlefield, menace in his eyes, driving her back farther and farther.

  Cora blocked the hits with slippery hands, and when she finally got an opening to strike back, she was quickly shot down.

  “Come on, Cora.” Furious. His look was furious.

  His disappointment gave her a surge of energy, and she kept up the volley, blocking his hits and swinging his sword aside to strike at his armor, only to miss after his graceful side step. Sweat poured from her head, dampened her hair, made her hands slip on the handle.

  Callon gave a final flurry of strikes, his sword glinting in the sunlight, and then made a maneuver to steal the sword directly out of her hand before he stabbed it deep into the grass between them.

  His sword was sheathed, and he stepped away, his muscular back to her, rising and falling with deep breaths.

  Better. But still not good enough.

  Don’t need the commentary.

  She grabbed her sword and yanked it out of the ground, but it wouldn’t budge. It required two hands to get it out of the inches of soil. “I’m ready. Let’s go again.”

  Callon looked into the trees.

  She wiped the sweat from her forehead with the inside of her wrist before she dragged her hands down her pants, getting the sweat to wick off her skin. “Come on.”