Diamond fervently hoped that was true. She caught Eryanth’s eye. He did not speak but steadily held her gaze. She did not need their bond to see the worry he held for his sister.
Silently, they followed Rayan and Talib as they led the column of tired and hungry soldiers into the outskirts of the secret city.
Chapter 3
Eryanth’s mouth gaped.
“Wow!” breathed Diamond.
“Wow, indeed,” he muttered back. “This place is incredible.”
Following their wizard escorts, the sovereigns and their armies proceeded down a hard-surfaced roadway. It was elevated above the surrounding sands and glitter-like granite bolders. Either side of the roadway a barrier glinted, its colours a kaleidoscope of magical energy.
“It stops our young ones and those new to our city from wandering into danger,” commented Rayan as they all stared warily at the shifting blue sands on the other side of the barrier.
Eryanth found the fast movement of the sands disconcerting. They shifted, undulating like running water, as if gravity pulled at them. Farther down the roadway, the sands became a river. It hissed and bubbled, sending a fine cloud of dust into the air.
Eryanth wondered where such a river of sand went and where it came from. Outside the shield, the deserts and dunes had appeared unmoving other than the desert winds.
When he asked Rayan, the wizard shrugged. “No one knows. There are all sorts of legends about the monsters and beautiful women that await us in Oblivion, the chasm where the sands fall into the earth. The sands seem to be in a perpetual cycle. The flow starts where our shield does. My father said they began to move the day he cast his enchantment. He does not know, or has never been willing to share, why. Though Oblivion was there before my father built his city.”
“Why did he build here?” asked Eryanth, smiling as Diamond cocked her head to listen. “No offence, but there is nothing for miles around this city. Why would any ruler want their seat of power to be here?”
Rayan chuckled, but there was little humour in it. “Because my father wanted his city a safe distance from those who would cause problems for him, namely the Ionian people and Fire Priests. And he does not want any outside influence interfering in his rule.” Rayan’s icy eyes met Diamond’s and then Eryanth’s. “I believe that is the only reason he allowed you to live and that he has invited you into his sacred city. He fears Erebos and Griana taking over his rule and destroying the thing he loves most: Ion Kugat; such a loss would wound him far more than losing his people or his sons.”
“Oh,” said Eryanth. “I’m sorry.”
Rayan smiled bitterly. “We cannot all be so lucky as to have a father who so obviously loves and respects us,” he said, looking back to Lord Firan. “It is a precious gift you have been given, to find your family and your soulmate. I will do everything I can to make sure you keep them, King Arjuno. There should be some joy in this world, even if it is not my own.”
Eryanth swallowed hard as the prince turned away; he did not know how to respond to Rayan. The king had never met anyone quite like the wizard prince. At first Rayan seemed stoic and hard, even easily driven to flashes of temper, but he was also extremely loyal, had a ridiculously kind heart and would sacrifice everything for those he loved. Eryanth didn’t know why the prince had taken to him—or Diamond—but he had and Eryanth would do everything in his power to deserve that friendship.
Swallowing down his nausea at the sight of the moving sand, Eryanth looked from the ground to the sky above. Just like Valentia’s shield, this one did not stop the natural elements from filtering through but did seem to temper them. The sun’s rays were comfortably warm as opposed to scorching hot, and the breeze was surprisingly cool and refreshing. With a brief command, his magic lightened his armour into a silk-like shirt, allowing the sweat to cool on his skin.
Behind them, the sounds of the long line of soldiers entering the shield echoed loudly.
“Where are you going to fit all these men?” asked Eryanth, worried they would swamp the city streets and cause mayhem.
Talib answered, “Do not worry, King Arjuno. We have a surprising amount of space in our military and leisure archipelago. I will guide you all where to send your men when we have traversed the first bridge.”
Eryanth nodded, though he had no idea what Talib meant. He caught Diamond’s eye. She shrugged at the same time he did.
The roadway was straight and seemed to extend for miles. In the far distance, a structure rose above the ground. Squinting, Eryanth could not tell what it was, though he supposed it was the bridge Talib had referred to. Forty minutes later it came into full focus.
Impatiently, Eryanth cracked his neck and extended his wings from his body. His muscles ached, stiff from inactivity. Horseback was not his favourite mode of travel. For a moment he thought about his magnificent stallion back in Valentia. He wondered if Midnight Fire or Luna, Diamond’s gentle mare, still lived. He hoped so.
Sighing, he dropped a little behind Diamond. The fae warriors following behind held back, giving him room. Grateful, he stretched his wings wide and flapped them powerfully. Delighting in that release of tension, he groaned, stretched again and then folded them back inside. He was stiff but more than that, he wanted to stay loose and be able to fly should anything go wrong in this city.
“Better?” smiled Diamond, her violet eyes sparkling.
She was so beautiful his breath caught. Every time he looked at her, he thanked the goddess that he was here with her. Her cheeks were flushed with heat and possibly magic. It buzzed through the air, though he was unsure if she could feel it. Gently, he reached out with his magic and wrapped it around her waist and arms, just wanting to touch her. “Much,” he answered gruffly as her throat bobbed and she flushed even more.
“Good,” she croaked before turning her attention back to the road and the bridge, which grew ever closer.
Rayan and Talib, who was now riding double behind his brother, brought the column to a halt. Ahead of them an impressive structure of glass spanned a huge fissure in the desert floor. The bridge flowed with magic, dashes of rainbow-coloured energy zipping along its length.
A hush descended upon those near enough to behold it, followed by a tide of rushed and amazed chatter.
Eryanth had to agree; not only was the bridge jaw-dropping, but the lush green islands that floated inside the fissure were utterly astounding, like nothing he had seen before.
“How in Chaos do they stay in the air?” he asked incredulously.
Rayan shrugged. “No one knows. My father says they rose the day he cast his magic over the city. And that—” warned Rayan, pointing to the void, “—is Oblivion. Diamond, Eryanth, may I suggest we use your Red Legion to direct where these troops should rest once we cross the first bridge. The islands are large and each has an oasis, but no single island can take them all.”
None of them spoke as they traversed the glass structure, too overawed by the sights before them.
Eryanth frowned at Diamond’s pale face. She glanced down nervously. He touched her reassuringly with his magic. “Do not fear, my love. I will always catch you if you fall.”
She gave him a tight smile and urged her horse onward.
The first island was so large it was difficult to see to the far side. Palm trees sprouted from the blue sand, though most of the island had large areas of bright green grass. Neat rows of military-style huts lined the areas. This island was functional and clean, with smoke rising from several cooking areas. There were several large oases. Around each one, rows of wizards drilled, some with weapons, some with magic. Eryanth’s eyes narrowed, taking in every detail. These were not young trainee wizards; these were men who knew their power. He glanced behind him. They were the first line of mortal defence for Ion Kugat, if the shield failed.
At the entrance to the next bridge, they were met by a tough-looking wizard.
Talib jumped down from behind Rayan. He addressed the man, clearly instructing the w
izard to make them welcome. Satisfied his orders would be followed, Talib glanced at his brother. “Perhaps it would be wise to protect our visitors from falling into Oblivion?” he suggested.
Rayan nodded, then grinned at Firan. “I think you and your Mers should take this island, Lord Firan. It has the largest oasis plus many more smaller ones. There are fresh water springs for drinking water and plenty of space for training. You can replenish you strength in the waters here whilst we organise the rest of the troops on the other islands.”
Firan grinned. It was infectious, and Eryanth mirrored his father’s delight.
“Splendid idea, wizard. Eryanth and Diamond, I will ensure my men are organised and ready to move at a moment’s notice. Prince Rayan is right, a quick dip in these waters will do us all the world of good.” Firan reined in his horse, passing the leather straps to Eryanth. “Here,” he said, vaulting down with such fluidity that he made no sound at all as his boots landed upon the glass bridge. “I will re-join you very soon,” he reassured them.
Eryanth watched his father run alongside his men before diving elegantly in to one of the largest pools. Eryanth wondered if he should join them, but he had no wish to leave Diamond’s side. He might be half mer but he had no compulsion to be surrounded by the water. Besides, he trusted Rayan, even liked him, but Talib and the High Wizard had not yet earned his trust.
“We will cast and ensure a barrier remains between these troops and Oblivion,” Rayan said. “Our own people know of the dangers of falling, but these troops may very well forget or allow their curiosity to take them too near the edge.”
Together Eryanth and Diamond studied the sheer edge of the island where Rayan pointed a calloused finger.
The noise of rushing, falling sand was tremendous. Dust hovered above the great fissure but never rose into the air.
Rayan and Talib walked apart. Rayan stood with Diamond and Eryanth, Talib at the far side of the roadway. Both wizards began to cast. Sparks flew, followed by small explosions of magic as they chanted, hardly stopping to breathe.
Eryanth blinked. He had not seen Rayan cast such a large spell before.
Pain tightened his heart, spreading inside his chest. He gasped. Diamond! He had found in times of heightened emotion she could not keep their soul bond contained. Her grief and longing at seeing and feeling the magical charge in the air stole his breath. Not for the first time he cursed Griana for stealing Diamond’s magic.
Wanting to touch and reassure her, he placed his big hand over hers. Her small, brave smile lifted his heart. Together they watched the wizards work. Eryanth could feel his power and his guardian responding to the magic being wielded around them.
Talib’s shield fell far slower than Rayan’s. In fact, Rayan was sighing dramatically and tapping his foot by the time Talib returned to them. Clearly, Rayan was the more powerful of the two, and he knew it.
They moved on, following this process with each island.
The last island was to be used by the remaining fae of the First Legion. Elexon and Havron issued commands as Firan trotted up to them, almost glowing with satisfaction.
“Feeling refreshed?” Eryanth grinned, marvelling at the squeeze of love he felt as his father re-joined them.
“Absolutely,” Firan responded, his skin and scales stunning in the sunlight.
Eryanth dismounted, desperate to stretch out his stiff muscles and wings again. He wondered if flying was possible under the city shield. He glanced up but couldn’t tell how far up it went.
Diamond slid down, landing lightly upon her feet. She came to stand in front of him. He did not let his surprise show when she turned and leaned back against his body. He swallowed hard and gladly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him. The scent of summer flowers drifted up his nose, making his senses swim as he brushed her cheek with his lips.
His body tensed and he swallowed his groan of frustration. Sleeping next to her without reaffirming their bonds had been torture, one he would soon end or go mad.
Firan smiled at them, Elexon grinned widely, and even Attion had a pleased smile on his face at their outward show of affection. Eryanth grinned back at them, feeling like his heart could burst. This was Diamond’s way of showing everyone she had accepted him back as her king.
They waited like that, Diamond wrapped in his arms, as Rayan and Talib repeated their casting one last time. Rayan was finished first—again. The wizard prince grinned arrogantly and raised his white brows at his brother as he waited. Talib made a very un-princely gesture with his middle finger.
“Oh, come now, brother. Such behaviour is not seemly for an heir of this kingdom,” Rayan chastised.
As the brothers began to argue and throw friendly insults back and forth, Diamond twisted to look up at Eryanth. “Let me go for a moment,” she said, brushing his face with her fingers.
Reluctantly, he did so.
Diamond went to say her temporary farewell to Rose.
Eryanth watched her, as he did so he sensed the heat of Elexon’s presence at his back. Elexon had given Rose plenty of space during the last weeks. He had watched her and ensured she was safe, but he had not approached her. Rose had seemed more pleasant and even friendly when she had come to see Diamond these last evenings. She had even tried to include Elexon in her conversations and stories of what she had been doing. In turn, Elexon had smiled politely but remained distant.
Rose glanced over at them as if she wanted to see Elexon. Elexon’s eyes caught hers, his lips tightening but he did not approach her.
Eryanth observed his mate take her friend’s hands.
“Elexon? I believe it would be impolite for you to accompany your queen and her king without a farewell to your childhood friend. Please, go and make peace with Rose,” Eryanth said with a suggestive tone, but it was really an order and they both knew it.
Elexon took a deep breath. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, my king. Rose can be as stubborn as any mule when the mood takes her. She clearly said a male should wait to be invited into a female’s company, and she has not invited me.” His jaw muscles popped as he clenched his jaw. “Besides, I’m not sure she feels the same way about me as I do her,” he muttered under his breath. “Her experience has changed her view of men of any kind—including me,” he growled bitterly.
Eryanth raised his brows. “I never took you for a coward, red wing. If you want her, you need to fight for her. You are leaving her in a camp full of hot-blooded males: fae, human and mer. If she does wish to find company—or pleasure—with anyone and you are not near, she has plenty of choices.”
A vicious growl from Elexon made Eryanth grin. He leaned into the personal space of his guard and friend and fixed him with a narrow-eyed stare. “Exactly. That thought pisses you off, doesn’t it? In fact, looking at your reaction, I’d say the thought of her with another man makes you want to destroy someone. So go and make peace with her whilst we sort this camp out. Make sure she will not seek out the company of another. Do it now because we will be leaving soon.”
Elexon placed his fist over his heart and bowed his head. “Yes, majesty,” he growled. Taking a deep breath, he stalked towards Rose.
Satisfied he had done what he could for his friend, Eryanth began bellowing orders.
Diamond returned to his side, followed by a much more relaxed-looking Rose and a blank-faced Elexon.
“Rose will be accompanying us as my companion,” Diamond informed him, her chin lifting defiantly.
Eryanth bit down on his smile at the same time as swallowing his irritation. He needed time alone with Diamond, and Rose was not going to stop him from getting it. Controlling his facial expression, he merely looked at Rose before nodding at his queen. “Of course, my love. I’m sure the wizards will find Rose some comfortable quarters near ours, befitting of a royal companion, of course.”
Rayan glanced at Eryanth and raised his brows but remained silent.
Diamond only smiled brightly, and Eryanth didn’t miss t
he sidelong glance she gave Elexon.
The little minx, he thought, amusement bubbling in his chest. She is matchmaking, though far more subtly than I am.
“Oh, I’m sure they will,” she replied, mischief shining in her eyes.
Eryanth smirked at Elexon as the ladies turned away. A twitch of Elexon’s brow was all the reaction he showed.
They soon left the fae camp behind. Talib led them across more bridges and past more islands. The nearer to the city they came, the more populated the islands were. Houses, people, markets. Some had areas for grazing, filled with goats and horses and cattle, others were shimmering with ripening crops.
Rayan had straightened his spine, his demeanour changing as they approached the city. His face was harsh, his mouth set in a line. He did not greet his people, nor smile or laugh. Talib was far more accommodating and relaxed, raising his hand and nodding and smiling.
A born ruler, Eryanth realised, unlike Rayan, who seemed to resent the attention.
“Those are our biggest silk farms.” Rayan pointed over to their right. “My father’s pride and joy. They not only provide him with the finest robes in the Southern Hotlands, they provide him with yet more gold to add to his hoard.”
Diamond gasped at the sheer number of islands that disappeared across the fissure, all covered in greenery and laden with workers. Carts traversed the bridges, heading back towards the main roadway. “They will take their goods to the main storage island before they are allowed to travel to Ion Mah, and then take the Silk Road to Ion Tua.”
Eryanth nodded, speechless. It seemed the whole of Ion Kugat was a world apart from the dry desert dunes outside.
Soon they were traversing the main glass bridge into the city proper. Talib led them through gently ascending streets until they passed through a white stone gateway into the palace grounds.
Diamond gasped. “By the goddess and the guardians who serve her, this is incredible,” whispered Diamond, her mouth agape.
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