by E. L. Todd
He’s right. You have no leverage with the queen now.
“What’s our next move?”
He turned back to the water. “Her threat was very clear. We stay together at all times.”
“What about when you’re at the front?”
“Then you come with me.”
“We don’t have homes. Where will we sleep?”
“Here.”
Hatchling, we came here to request an alliance with the queen. This endeavor has failed.
We can’t give up, Ashe. “What does she want with me? To exile me?”
Callon kept his eyes on the brook. “To hand you over to King Lux.”
It was one of the rare times she was speechless.
“I made it very clear that will never happen. She makes a move, and I tell the elves who you really are. She may be the leader of Eden Star, but I’m the leader of our army, as I’ve been for thousands of years. My political power rivals hers—and I will destroy her if necessary.”
I’ve never heard him speak this way.
Neither have I.
Then this is serious—very serious.
Rush?
He’s asleep, Pretty.
I really need to talk to him.
Alright.
Rush came into the conversation, his thoughts clear like he’d been wide awake. Everything alright?
We’ve got a problem.
What’s going on?
You know how Ashe said I killed all the Shamans, blah, blah?
That’s not how I would describe it, but yeah. What’s your point? Blah, blah.
Now isn’t the time for jokes.
You started it.
I was just trying to save time.
Well, that worked out great.
Get on with it, Pretty.
Basically, the queen doesn’t peg me as the hero of Eden Star. She thinks I’m responsible for everything.
By what logic?
Callon says it’s just an excuse to get rid of me.
I should bite her in half and put one piece in the ocean and the other in a volcano.
I can’t ask for her help with the dwarves. It would be totally pointless.
Then the dragon alliance is out of the question.
Yep.
Are you in danger right now? We’re hustling to get to you.
She wants to hand me over to King Lux.
Cunt.
Grrrrrrrr.
But I have Callon, so I’ll be fine.
I never imagined there would be a ruler more corrupt than my own father.
Tell me about it.
We’re never going to make an alliance while she sits on the throne. We don’t have enough people as it is, and the elves are one of the few formidable foes against King Lux. We need them.
I know.
So, she has to go.
You want me to stage a coup?
I want Callon to take her place. That would fix all of our problems. And he’s a far better leader for the elves anyway.
He said he wasn’t interested.
I have a feeling he’s changed his mind about that. If she really tries to hand you over to the enemy for her own selfish interests, she’s a corrupt ruler. And if she successfully throws away the greatest weapon Eden Star has, she’s a stupid one. He serves the leader on the throne, but his loyalty is to Eden Star. If his duty requires him to take on the role, trust me, he will.
Maybe. So, what do we do about the dwarves?
Do you think your three friends would volunteer?
Only one is a soldier, and I doubt he would leave his post for this. We’re friends, but we aren’t that close.
What about Callon?
I can ask…but it’s really not the best time.
You’re forgetting something, Hatchling. You’re a decent swordsman—and you’re fused with Ashe, King of Dragons—
Swordswoman.
We can handle a few gophers in a hole.
But that wasn’t the deal. We came for the queen—and that didn’t work out.
It hasn’t worked out yet, but it shall.
Are you sure?
We are one, Hatchling.
Cora became Callon’s shadow.
Wherever he went, she was close behind. When she joined him at the border, the soldiers never questioned her presence. She lingered in the background, watching Callon issue orders and receive hearty obedience in response. His subordinates didn’t just regard him with respect, but something much deeper.
He has the blood of kings.
I know he does.
Twilight descended, and Callon withdrew into his office in one of the tree houses. There was a desk covered with maps and notes. He sat with upright posture, made notes with a quill, and then stared at the parchment with a hard gaze.
Cora hardly ever spoke so she wouldn’t distract him.
A soldier entered, a bow over his back. Blond hair. Blue eyes. It was Hawk. “General Callon, the west has no activity.”
He kept his eyes on the paper and gave a subtle nod.
Hawk regarded her with a stare before he stepped out.
She followed him. “I’m glad to see that you’re alright.”
He turned around and stood tall, his armor the same as Callon’s, just without the flower medals. “Unfortunately, Eden Star suffered the casualties. Not us.”
“Peony has been worried about you.”
“I received her note today.”
“Good.”
“I’m glad that she and her father are well. I did lose a few friends, however.”
“I know… It’s terrible.”
His hands moved behind his back. “General Callon told us that it was you who saved Eden Star—not him.”
She met his gaze.
“You have a powerful mind. I can feel it when you draw near. Thank you for using it to our benefit—rather than our detriment.”
“I would give my life to protect this forest.”
“You’ve already proven that.” He gave a subtle nod then stepped away.
“Do you think this will change anything?”
He halted but didn’t turn around.
“Between you and Peony…?”
He remained quiet for several long seconds. “We’ve taken our immortality for granted. I hope she realizes that.”
When Callon’s rotation ended, they headed back to Eden Star. Between the enormous trees, the air smelled like pine and morning dew. Wild flowers brushed against their legs as they passed, vegetation overgrown in the grass and meadows.
“Have you fully recovered?”
Callon was completely equipped for war, the plates of his armor fitting over his chest and shoulders like a second skin. His shield was hooked to his back, along with his bow and a large quiver of arrows. His long sword was always at his belt, just inches from his hand.
“Your mind, I mean.”
He continued forward, his gaze straight ahead. “It took several days. I’ve been well ever since.”
“I was worried.”
“The effects were temporary—like a very bad headache that takes time to resolve.”
“I’m glad I got there when I did.”
“The torture had gone on for minutes. If it hadn’t, I would have defeated General Noose swiftly.”
“Minutes?”
“Yes.”
“But…that’s not possible. I mean, it is. But only for me.”
He halted, careful not to step directly on a bundle of orange flowers. “I’ve pondered this extensively over the last week. The Skull Crusher is lethal to anyone who comes into contact with it, even just for a few seconds. That’s why we lost so many elves that night. It wasn’t the fires. It wasn’t the fear. It was the Death Magic.” He turned his face to regard her. “I trained you to prevail by using your mind. Your lack of experience and strength are compensated by your unique abilities. But I didn’t just train you—you trained me as well.”
She gave a slight nod.
“I’m not
immune to the Skull Crusher, but I can survive it longer than most.”
“I think you’re right. It makes sense.”
He continued forward again, moving past the enormous trunks of the trees. Most of the sky was impossible to discern because the canopy was too thick, but rays of sunshine struck the forest floor and brightened the petals of the flowers.
When they passed the final copse of trees and entered the heart of the forest, a row of soldiers blocked further progression into Eden Star. Twelve soldiers in full armor were in a straight line like a fence.
Queen Delwyn was right in the middle.
Shit.
Do not fear. She doesn’t know who she’s dealing with.
You can’t burn them, Ashe. Then we’d be no different than the Shamans.
It wasn’t me that I was referring to.
Callon instinctively stepped in front of Cora.
Queen Delwyn stared, eyes without remorse. “Step aside, General Callon. We will go through you if we must.”
He slowly withdrew his blade from his scabbard, metal dragging against metal, the sound audible and sharp. His hand spun the blade around his wrist before he stabbed it deep into the earth, marking the line that shouldn’t be crossed. “The war with the empire has reigned for thousands of years. But it’s different now. Eden Star has never been breached, but our forest burned, our people were murdered, and our serenity was forever changed. This is only the beginning. King Lux has revealed his agenda—to rid this earth of us forever.” With arms by his sides, he remained in front of his sword, blocking Cora from view. “When my sword fell, Cora defended Eden Star with hers. She killed the Shamans with her mind. General Noose’s conquest would have been easy if it weren’t for Cora. She saved us all—and she pledged her alliance to us. If King Lux wants her, it’s because she’s a threat. It’s because she’s the one person on this earth who can defeat those monsters. To hand over a weapon so powerful is inconceivable.”
In her white dress with flowers in her hair, the queen stood with her hands together at her belly, flanked by fully armed soldiers on either side. There was a slight smile, as if his emotional plea was a mere joke. “She wields a blade of dragon scales. Any friend of Eden Star wouldn’t wield such a weapon.”
“The blade she wields is irrelevant. It’s who she wields it for that matters.”
I can’t let Callon die for me.
He will prevail, Hatchling.
“She is Eden Star’s savior—and should be treated as such. She should be treated with respect…because she’s the daughter of a king.”
The smile vanished, and her beautiful face turned tense.
“The daughter of King Tiberius—Cora Riverglade. My Sor-lei.”
The men who flanked the queen all turned their gaze on Cora, trying to see her past Callon’s frame.
“I’ve served as the General of Eden Star for thousands of years. It has cost me everything I hold dear. My wife. My son. My brother. There is no sacrifice I wouldn’t make for my people. My loyalty is unquestioned. If Cora were a true threat to Eden Star, the tip of my own blade would impale her throat. But she is no threat to Eden Star or its people. In fact, she’s the best thing that’s come into this forest in a millennium. I would lay down my life to protect hers the way I would with Eden Star. I can vouch for her—and my word is my truth. You’ve trusted me to lead us into battle. You’ve trusted me to protect our forest. You’ve trusted me for thousands of years. Trust me now.”
The queen’s steady gaze pierced his, shallow like the shoreline, the hatred visible from the surface to the bedrock. “Your judgment has been clouded by your misplaced affection. There is no proof—”
“She wears Tiberius’s ring. And even if she didn’t, she possesses the same kindness in her eyes that he did. Their likeness is easy to see—if you ignore the human traits and focus on the elven.”
“Whether it’s true or not, it does not matter. She’s an enemy to Eden Star—and will be handed over to King Lux. With her gone, there will be no more attacks on our forest. There will be lasting peace.”
Callon remained rigidly in place, tall and strong, ready to take on twelve soldiers with his bare hands. “King Lux isn’t interested in war. He’s interested in complete domination. Once he has it, there will be peace—in death.”
“My decision has been made.” The crown upon her head bloomed with white daisies, of a purity that didn’t exist in her heart. Her eyes were the brightest green, but the darkness in her heart had turned them gray. “Take her.”
Cora reached for her sword.
No.
She dropped her hand.
Wait.
As if a command hadn’t been given, the soldiers remained still. They looked to General Callon—as if they expected him to give an order.
“I said, take her.” She looked from side to side, waiting for the first elf to step forward.
“I won’t slay my own men.” He didn’t reach for his sword lodged in the dirt. “So, they’ll have to kill me if they want her.”
“That’s no problem.” She gave a subtle nod, instructing her men to serve out the execution.
Nobody moved.
His rule has always triumphed over hers. Now will be no different.
Queen Delwyn’s eyes moved from side to side, waiting for her men to carry out the sentence. Not a single sword had been drawn. It was as if she hadn’t spoken at all. She grabbed the soldier to her right and shoved him forward. “Now.”
He stumbled slightly before he regained his footing, his white-blond hair pinned back with metal clips that resembled flowers. He gave a glance over his shoulder before he looked at General Callon, the man he followed into battle.
Callon held his position, looking his soldier in the eye.
The soldier stepped forward and reached for the sword in the dirt.
Cora’s hand immediately went to her hilt.
It took both hands for him to tug the sword out of the ground, the tip compacted with a layer of dirt. He eyed it for a moment before he turned it around, grabbing it by the blade, and offered it to its owner.
Callon took it without pulling his gaze away from his. “Thank you, Rylan.”
Told you.
Rylan gave a bow before he backed away and returned to the line of men—this time far away from the queen.
Queen Delwyn’s face was identical to the angry look the poisonous frogs wore. Her lips smashed hard together, and her eyes narrowed to slits. A slight tremor overtook her body, her fingers curling into fists.
Callon held her gaze, but when no words were forthcoming, he addressed the men. “Inform all of Eden Star that King Tiberius lives on—in his daughter. Cora Riverglade is the savior of this forest, and she is one of us.”
The soldiers scattered, venturing in different directions to spread the news throughout the forest.
Queen Delwyn never took her eyes off his.
Now they were all that remained, the atmosphere so hostile that the songbirds and their music had relocated elsewhere. There was no sunshine in the shade of the trees. No joy amid the rage in her eyes.
She stepped forward, her bare feet silent against the grass.
General Callon inserted his blade back on to his hip.
She stopped just inches from him, her eyes shifting back and forth between his. “You will live long enough to regret this—and not a moment longer.”
31
Stunning Scales
Cora walked beside Callon, still speechless.
He led the way like he knew exactly where they were going—even though neither one of them had a place to call home.
The soldiers must have been quick to spread their news because most of the elves she passed regarded her with intense stares, scrutinizing her features for signs of similarity to their fallen king. Their eyes dropped to her hands, too—to the ring on her thumb.
Callon left the center of Eden Star and hit the weather-beaten path they took to their private glade, where they practic
ed in secret, prepared her for the battles to come.
She stepped closer to his side. “You should come with me.”
He kept his eyes on the path.
“Can you?”
He gave her a side look.
“After what the queen said, maybe it’s not best for you to stay here.”
“I’m unafraid.”
“Can you come anyway?”
He halted on the trek and regarded her.
“I don’t think this rescue is going to be as simple as I hope…”
He glanced back the way they’d come, as if he could see Eden Star through the dense trees.
“Need all the help we can get.”
He continued to stare into the forest. “Cora.” After several breaths, he turned back to her. “As much as I want to protect you, I can’t abandon Eden Star. It was different the first time, but now that our forest has been breached, I can’t leave. My people are actively at war now—and I must lead them.”
She gave a nod in understanding. “I didn’t ask because I need your protection. You know I can handle myself. But I am worried about leaving you behind…”
“My connection with the elves is much stronger than hers. You don’t need to worry.”
“But the last thing she said—”
“She will be off the throne before she can make good on her word.”
“What do you mean?”
He gave her his full stare now, a strong jaw that matched the strength in his eyes. “I’m going to remove her from power—and take her place.”
Yes.
A jolt of lightning moved into her heart, and her eyes widened as a result. “You are?”
“She’s given me no choice. Not only has she lied to her people to preserve her image, but now her decisions are actively hurting the elves she swore to protect. Her corruption goes deep—and I think there’s more beneath the surface.”
Spoken like a true king.
“I’ve never wanted the crown. Still don’t. But as the General of Eden Star, it is my sworn duty to protect the forest and its inhabitants, to make any and all sacrifices to ensure its immortality. I know the crown should be handed to you next, but you’re just as unfit to rule as the queen. You’re a child—and not just in our eyes.”
