Diamond hated that the High Wizard could silence his prisoners like this. It disturbed her every time she saw this harsh, humiliating treatment of people.
Ilya made a small keening noise in her throat, and Ugan swore viciously.
The High Wizard glared at Ilya hatefully. “These men were caught entering my kingdom unlawfully. They are from the Fire Mountains, Queen Ilya. How many more spies do you have trying to sneak into my kingdom whilst you talk pretty words of an alliance?” he growled.
Ilya jumped to her feet, knocking her chair back. “They are not spies, you fool! They are my citizens. If they are here, it is because they come with news of my lands. Free their mouths, let them speak and defend their entry to your kingdom,” she demanded, her voice steady despite her obvious distress at seeing her people trussed and treated in such a way.
Diamond frowned at the larger of the two men, who was being pulled to his feet.
Shit! blurted Eryanth.
“Max?”
“Gorian?”
They exclaimed together.
Both men stopped their struggling and stared at Diamond and Eryanth.
Ilya turned to Eryanth. “It was Gorian who told me you were in Valentia, that you were alive. I was heading through the Sky Desert to the coast to find passage to Valentia when the Fire Priest found us.”
“What? You lie!” bellowed the High Wizard. “My wards would tell me you had entered my lands as soon as you passed them. They did not speak to me.”
Ilya turned to him, her eyes glowing with gold flame and narrowed over slit like pupils. “No, High Wizard, they did not warn you because I have been able to break your wards for years. I have not done so because I do not wish for war. But the possibility of my brother being alive was worth travelling across your lands and risking your wrath.”
“Why not go through Gar Anon? It is a more direct route, both to the coast and Valentia,” he hissed.
“I am already at war with King Turez; I do not wish to make matters worse.”
The High Wizard barked a laugh as tension simmered in the air. “So you thought to start a war with me instead?” he snarled. “May that be your last mistake.”
Ilya snarled, her size growing. “Set my people free. Now, wizard.”
“Or what, young queen?” the High Wizard replied, magic gathering in the room.
A metallic taste fizzled on Diamond’s tongue, her chest growing hot as Kalib Orage, the immortal High Wizard, began to cast. If she hadn’t known better, she would have said it was her magic stirring in response to his.
“Father!” hissed Rayan, standing and looking in horror from one to the other. “We are at peace, not war.”
“Silence!” bellowed Kalib.
Diamond clutched her chest. A sudden sharp tug made her gasp.
Get ready to fight, Diamond. This is falling apart quicker than I would have thought.
No, we can’t let this happen…
Rayan began casting. He met her eyes, his vivid with magic. A shield appeared before both Ilya then Gorian and Max. “Speak! Now!” he ordered them. “Tell us why you came.”
“Do not think to block me!” roared Kalib, his face contorted with fury.
“Father,” appeased Talib. “Rayan only wishes to avoid bloodshed amongst ourselves. I beg you to listen to them. Two men are hardly going to overthrow our kingdom,” he reasoned.
The High Wizard panted, staring at both of his sons. “Fine,” he relented, though his furious gaze rested upon Rayan long enough to make Diamond worry for the prince.
“Speak,” Kalib ordered the prisoners.
Gorian wasted no time. “Queen Ilya, your city is under attack. The King of Gar Anon is laying waste to your lands and has launched a siege on Salvir. He wishes for your surrender or he has threatened to destroy the city and the sacred mountain.”
Ugan’s countenance altered immediately. “We must go. We can return for talks with Queen and King Arjuno when we have dealt with the threat to our lands. How many men does he have?” Ugan asked Gorian, his voice clipped and efficient.
“Too many. We cannot hope to triumph whilst our warriors are here. Our army is vast, but his are concentrated on Salvir and our reinforcements are spread along the borders. We need to play for time until we can amass them to defend the Fire Mountain.”
Ugan narrowed his eyes upon Gorian. “You are an innkeeper, you say?” he commented, disbelief clear in those words.
Gorian winked at Eryanth, who grinned back. “Yes, my lord. My words are a message from Lord Protector Yornath.”
“My father sent you?” Ugan asked.
Gorian nodded. “Yes, he thought we stood the best chance of getting through the wards unnoticed.”
Ugan quirked an eyebrow. “Well, I guess he was wrong.”
Gorian lowered his eyes but not before Diamond saw the smirk on his lips.
He wanted to get caught, Eryanth rumbled. The wily old goat knew the wizards would bring them here, into the city.
The quickest way in, shrugged Diamond.
“Do not worry about us remaining in your lands, High Wizard. I must return to my home,” Ilya stated.
“But when will your border troops arrive?” asked Eryanth, worry shining in his eyes.
Ilya took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Seven days,” she replied.
“Five,” contradicted Gorian, smoothing back his grey-streaked hair.
Ugan’s gaze fell upon him once again.
“Your father received word of the attack before they breached our borders. He has already sent for them.”
Ilya bowed to Rayan and Talib. “I must go. We will have our alliance; I have not forgotten it but my people must come first.” She turned and strode from her place. When she came level with Eryanth, she stopped. “Brother, this will be over far quicker if I had another dragon by my side. Will you come with me?” she asked.
Eryanth frowned.
Diamond pushed up her mental shields.
Eryanth’s eyes fell upon Diamond, anxiety and guilt in his voice. “I would, of course, but my queen comes first. I must be by her side.”
“Of course,” nodded Ilya, trying to disguise her own disappointment. “I understand.” She took his hand, smiling gently. “I am glad I found you again, brother. Once my city is safe I will seek you out. Will you still be here?”
“I will be with my queen,” he informed her, then his brow furrowed. “Are you certain you will win? I hear the troops of King Turez are vast.” Eryanth’s shoulders squared and his spine stiffened. He was a warrior, built to fight.
Diamond could see how much he wanted to help his sister.
Ilya half grimaced. “I will do my best. I do not wish to burn them all to ash. I will try negotiating a truce first, but the King of Gar Anon is as trustworthy as a snake; he will hold one hand out in peace whilst he slits your throat with the other.”
Eryanth ground his teeth, clearly torn between his duty to his mate and queen and to his sister.
“I must go,” Ilya told him, releasing his hands.
Eryanth nodded reluctantly and looked to Diamond, almost as if seeking guidance.
Her heart squeezed and she rubbed absently at the burning sensation in her chest. “Eryanth, I want you to go with your sister, protect her and end this threat to her people. Return to me once it is settled,” she said out-loud whilst dropping her mental barriers. His worry and guilt hit her.
Do not worry, my love. I will be fine. Besides, I have to leave here with Otekah to travel somewhere no one else can follow—not even you. I was going to wait until after these talks to discuss it with you, but now I will leave as soon as I can.
All eyes, except the High Wizard’s, watched their silent interaction with interest.
Eryanth turned to Ilya as she made to leave. “Wait! I will come with you. Will we fly?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied, relief in her voice, “And thank you. This will be over far more quickly with another guardian by my side.”
/> Ilya did not deign to address the High Wizard but bowed her head to both of his sons. “We will meet again and seal our alliance when this threat is done.” She walked to Diamond, lowered her head and held it there. A mark of respect. “You are truly Avalonia’s queen. I will return to honour my family’s pledge, the pledge Lexon Arjuno made to your grandmother, as soon as I can.”
Diamond smiled though her heart was hurting. Parting from Eryanth would be painful, but his sister deserved his support and he deserved the chance to help her.
“I know you will, sister,” she said, for that is how she thought of this fierce and proud warrior. She was Eryanth’s blood and therefore family.
Ilya’s eyes widened a little, alight with pleasure. “Take care, Queen Arjuno. King Turez is not the only snake in these desert lands,” Ilya warned, her voice a whisper as she leaned in to kiss Diamond’s cheek.
Diamond nodded, her eyes drifting to the High Wizard’s stony face.
Ilya straightened, then snapped the spells and chains binding Gorian and Max.
The High Wizard snarled at her show of power against his enchantments. “Leave now, queen of spies. Do not return to my lands. If you live through the attack upon your city, I will be interested to see how you negotiate merging this alliance with King Turez. Once you have settled your dispute, I will send my heir to negotiate my part of the alliance. The would-be Queen of Avalonia has promised me much. Until then, if you or your people return to my lands, it will be seen as an act of war.”
“So be it,” responded Ilya coldly. She gave a curt nod to Rayan and Talib. “Please give my respects to Lord Firan,” she requested of Diamond—then left.
Gorian and Max nodded to Diamond as they stumbled out behind the dragon queen.
Their steps walking away sounded so ominous that Diamond’s throat squeezed. She worried that the alliance had failed already. She did not let herself dwell upon that concern.
Eryanth stared after Ilya.
Ignoring the others, Diamond pulled him to one side. “It’s alright, my love. Go and help your sister. I will join you as soon as I am able. I will lead our army to Salvir. We can rethink our plans there,” she reassured him.
His fingers were gentle as he brushed them down her cheek. “Take care, my love.” I will know if you need me. Remember that I will search through time and all the heavens to find you if you need me.
She remained quiet and nodded.
Rayan approached them, his boots clicking against the hard floor. “I will help you organise all our troops and lead them to Salvir,” he said, looking at Diamond before he turned to Eryanth. “I will also find your father and make sure he is safe and apprised of all that has happened.”
Eryanth gave Rayan a tight smile and a nod. “Thank you. Please take care of her.” He turned his beautiful eyes upon Diamond, cupped her face with his hands and kissed her firmly. I love you so much. Be careful, and leave this place as soon as you can. The High Wizard’s hatred of both Ilya and you runs deep. I do not trust him.
Neither do I, my love. I will be fine. I am leaving today.
Eryanth kissed her again and pulled away. Take care, my heart. Remember, you are my soul and my reason for living. If you need me, pull on our bond with everything you have. I will come.
I know. I will see you soon. I love you.
Eryanth turned abruptly away.
Diamond did not watch him leave but stared at the floor as his footsteps receded. The thud of the doors closing reverberated around the room. Silence descended.
“Well, now all that is done, there is another matter we need to discuss,” declared the High Wizard. “But first, I need some refreshment.” He gestured to the young man who had been serving them before. “Some tea,” he ordered. “Would-be queen, take a seat. We can negotiate my monopoly of the northern trade routes whilst the others battle for land and life.”
Diamond stared at him. Is he serious?
Kalib levelled his gaze upon her.
He was. Diamond sighed and followed Rayan back to the table. The young servant poured her tea before moving on to the others.
“Thank you, Salim,” whispered Talib almost so quietly she didn’t hear.
Salim? This young man was Otekah’s son!
Diamond did not react. She was fully aware the High Wizard was watching her closely. As if completely unaware, Diamond picked up her teacup and sipped the warm, amber liquid. The warmth rolled down her gullet. It was soothing. She let out a small sigh of pleasure.
“So, I now have you all to myself. No guards in the room, no guardians and no shadow demon to protect you…”
Diamond blew air out of her mouth. It suddenly felt so hot.
“Father?” rumbled Rayan, warning and suspicion in his voice.
Kalib turned to his son. “Yes, you traitorous bastard?”
Rayan frowned, blinking his eyes furiously. “What are you talking about? I’m not…” His words seemed slow, his voice thick.
Diamond’s vision blurred, her limbs becoming weak at about the same time Rayan slumped across the table. Her ears rang and darkness engulfed her. She had no time to pull on her bond with Eryanth before she fell sideways and her head bounced off the tiled floor.
Chapter 11
Diamond groaned. Her head pounded. She cowered down as something exploded in the air above her, showering her with bright sparks.
Magic.
The sounds around her seemed muffled. Blinking furiously, she tried to focus. Men fought over and around her. She blinked again as blue skin flashed in an explosion of magic. No. One man fought the wizards.
Firan.
“Diamond! Run!” he bellowed, noticing she was conscious.
Diamond fought the weakness in her limbs. She forced herself up and gazed around. The dungeons! How in Chaos did I get here? Without thinking, she tried to rub the burning sensation from her chest. A tidal wave of nausea hit her, and she spewed the remains of the poisoned tea on the ground. Bitterness coated her mouth. She grimaced and spat as Firan fought the High Wizard and his guards.
Nearby, Rayan lay sprawled on the floor.
Diamond crawled to him. Shaking him did no good. He did not respond. Anxiety coiled around her chest when she saw how shallow his breaths were. Whatever the poison his father had used, it was killing him.
Diamond! What’s going on? I can feel your worry. What is it?
Eryanth’s voice in her head was tight but controlled.
Diamond couldn’t answer; heat spread out from her core, burning through her blood. The more anxious she became, the harder it was to control.
Magic!
Diamond gasped as it dawned on her what the painful feeling was. She lifted her hand and pushed it against Rayan’s chest.
Kalib saw what she was doing. “Stop her!” he roared.
She only just had time to recognise General Thir as his magic blasted her sideways. Diamond lay stunned as he stood over her, a dagger in his hand and a snarl upon his face.
“Did you really think I would help you free a prisoner? Me? I am loyal to my lord. Not like this scum.” He pulled back his foot and swung it into Rayan’s ribs.
Rayan grunted.
Before Diamond could recover, a huge explosion of rock scattered debris over them. She coughed and blinked but it did not faze the general. He merely shook himself and peered down at her.
“You! Check that the blue-skinned bastard is dead!” bellowed the High Wizard to his remaining two guards. Footsteps crunched through the loose stone as the guards did his bidding.
Firan! Diamond tried to push herself up. She had to help him.
Kalib saw her move. He marched over to her, already casting.
Diamond felt his magical hold settle upon her, locking her limbs down.
Heat raged in her soul, fighting the spell.
Diamond, tell me what’s going on or I swear I will turn back and rip that city and everyone in it apart!
No! Stay with Ilya. She needs you. I will deal with this,
she panted back.
Kalib peered down at her and Rayan. “I always knew he was weak. He is too easily swayed by a pretty face and promises of a better future. But I’ve been around too long to be taken in my someone like you. I set up you and my stupid son. I gave Rayan’s little spies the news on my most loyal general to see if he would ever use it. I suppose he at least had the balls to do it. I never actually thought he would and certainly not to free a prisoner of mine.”
Kalib had set up his own son. He had deliberately fed Rayan false information and poisoned him.
“Oh, don’t worry, false queen. I have sent word to Griana of your treachery. I will keep you here until the Lord of Chaos comes for you. I will negotiate my new trade terms with him. Souls, I think you said?” His magic tightened upon her body, squeezing her lungs. “I will survive his reign over this world much as I have survived all else, and so will my people, with the exception of those I will sacrifice. You, however, will not and nor will my treacherous son.”
Diamond’s eyes widened as he began to chant.
Rayan’s body twitched, his legs kicking out.
Her distress triggered the magic now burning through her blood. It surged and blasted outward. She did not try and control it.
The ancient High Wizard and his general barely had time to scream before they were gone.
Diamond paid no attention to the ash that fluttered to the ground. She had to heal Rayan before he was beyond anyone’s help.
Diamond! I swear to the High Ruler and the goddess herself, if you don’t answer me, I will destroy them all!
I’m fine. The High Wizard attacked me.
What happened?
I can’t. Talk. Right now. But he’s dead. Stay with Ilya. I will explain. When I see you.
Fine! He muttered reluctantly.
Diamond shut her mind down and weaved her magic into Rayan’s body.
There were two wizards still alive, but she shut out the sound of their casting. Clearly, Firan was not dead.
Nothing! Her magic told her she could do nothing to help Rayan. This wasn’t a wound she could heal. It was insidious, the toxin crawling through his body, killing him.
The Goddess and The Guardians Boxset: The Complete Romantic Fantasy Quartet Page 112
