We must get him back through that gateway, Eryanth growled. You cannot hope to best him in this place, not without your magic. It was a mistake to come here. He is strong from the souls he has taken, but you are draining your magic by fighting him here.
The other guardians rushed forward as Eryanth heaved his bulk from the ground and shook out his wings.
Diamond held her protest when he hurled himself up into the stars following after the dark god and the black dragon. She could feel his magic had returned.
Four other dragons tailed him, spiralling upward. Krato’s gigantic body flew fast, catching up with Eryanth.
Before Sulphurious could reach those perfect stars, Eryanth surged forward and clamped his huge jaws upon Sulphurious’ tail. He yanked the larger dragon down.
Erebos bellowed his rage, sending a barrage of ice and magic into the guardians. This time, though, the dragons did not fall back. Stunningly graceful in flight, they merely manoeuvred around his onslaughts.
Eryanth weathered the fire Sulphurious poured down. It did not dislodge him. When that did not work, the orange and black dragon thrashed against Eryanth’s hold. Blood rained down upon Diamond, hot splatters hitting her skin and hair.
Krato roared at the other guardians. They formed a pack and clamped down on Sulphurious’ back and body, steering clear of his flame.
Eryanth worked with them to drag Sulphurious towards the gateway.
Sensing their presence, its runes sparked. Energy poured from it, and Eryanth’s wounds began to heal, his eyes lighting with flame. Sulphurious thrashed and screeched and bellowed fire.
Erebos screamed with frustration and rage when he realised what they intended. Firing magic and ice at the guardians made no difference. No matter their injuries, none released Sulphurious. With one concerted effort, they all spun together and hurled Sulphurious back into the gateway, Erebos clinging onto his neck.
Through half closed eyes, Diamond saw the key on Eryanth’s forehead glow brightly as Sulphurious tried to claw his way back out, belching fire into the cave.
“Help Eryanth!” she cried hoarsely, gritting her teeth against the agony of her lacerated flesh. She tried to stand up, to help him, but her magic, her whole body, was too weak.
Lunaria ran forward. “Keep still, my child,” she commanded and lay her hands upon Diamond’s body. “They are helping him. They are pushing their magic against the black dragon.”
As Eryanth landed in front of the gateway, he fired a curtain of protection against the black dragon’s, the High Ruler alighted next to him. He opened his massive jaws, but instead of fire, bright sparks of magic poured out.
The remaining guardians formed a semi-circle around the gateway. Together they all opened their mouths. A strange rumble filled the cave and heat and magic built until it was pressing her into the ground.
“You must be on your world to kill him,” Lunaria told Diamond.
Warmth flooded Diamond’s flesh from her grandmother’s power. Diamond blinked as her pain faded away.
“Why can’t you fight him?” Diamond asked, her worry and anger returning along with her strength. “I am not strong enough to end him alone, but you—you are a goddess, you are as powerful as him.”
Lunaria’s face saddened. “Here, where we are created, we have very little magic. It is deemed unnecessary by our creators. Our guardians have always been here to protect us.”
“Yeah? How’s that working out for you all, right now?” asked Diamond, unable to stop the sarcastic response. “Surely, your creators must have known a god would go rogue at some point?” she asked.
Lunaria hung her head and took a deep breath. “I expect so, but the cosmos is a strange master, with its own rules and reasons.”
Diamond chose to ignore that comment. There was no point in trying to understand. Right now, she needed to find Erebos and save her own world.
“Remember, you are not alone. Whatever you have to do, your Nexus will be there for you.”
“I know. He is my heart and soul.”
Lunaria smiled, but her eyes darted to the gateway that pulsed, sparks flying across it. “You must go before Krato closes the gateway,” she said.
“What? No! We came to help you. Will none of you come to help us in return? If we lose, he will come back for you. You know he will.”
The High Ruler roared at the top of his lungs, shaking the very foundations of time and space.
“Go. Now. I will do my best to plead your cause.”
“What? But why won’t they help? There are thousands of Ashmea destroying the souls of my world even as we came to save Eternity.”
“It is not that simple, Diamond. The High Ruler cannot order the guardians through that gateway. And right now, none of them have keys. They are made and given by magic…”
Diamond! Get on. Now! ordered Eryanth as the gateway pulled at his magic. He unleashed a roar to match that of the High Ruler’s.
“Quickly, before he is pulled in there without you,” Lunaria advised.
Diamond scrambled up, but before she could run up his wing, Eryanth scooped her in his front talons and launched them into the kaleidoscope vortex that would take them home.
Chapter 27
Warm, balmy air caressed Jack’s skin. Around him, voices argued and debated, whispered and murmured. He rubbed his stinging eyes and surreptitiously moved his aching body. His shoulder constantly ached but was healing well, thanks to Rayan. The wizard prince and his healers had repaired Jack’s damaged body, to a degree. But gods, he was tired. He had been since his injury. There had been no time for rest.
It had been ten days since they had retaken Stormguaard, and the decisions were non-stop. He had issued commands to Lord Stockbrook and left Stormguaard in the gruff old soldier’s hands. Simeon had opted to stay behind too. Now Jack stood on the deck of his ship, staring out over the lush green land that was Firan’s home.
None other than native Wetlanders had been allowed near these shores for well over a millennium.
Jack’s stomach clenched, partly with excitement at seeing this land, even from a distance, and partly with the stress of leading such a vast force.
Warriors stood guard around the harbour walls, guarding the entrance to the large city beyond. It seemed that although the mers were at home in the ocean, they also lived above land. Firan’s commander would not allow any foreigners on their soil without their lord being present. Suspicion poured from each mer, despite some of them fighting and travelling alongside the peoples of the other kingdoms.
Jack didn’t blame them. Having such a force of foreign soldiers on one’s shores where they could threaten homes and loved ones would make him just as protective.
“I believe we should wait for the guardian to return before we set sail for Valentia,” the mer commander reiterated.
Arades held in a snarl. His face was tight and his eyes flashed brightly.
Jack sighed and willed Arades to keep his growing magic under control. It was unusual for Arades to lose his cool so quickly, but the commander was as stubborn and used to her orders being followed as Arades was. Neither would give in. The atmosphere was volatile.
Jack swallowed and squared his shoulders. He pushed up and straightened his spine. This had to stop. Ultimately, this decision was his. He had been charged by every leader who had been present at the war council to lead this army—not them.
Ilya was busy patrolling the skies above the storms—or so everyone but him thought. Firan was still in the north. Teya and Rayan were taking control of the organisation of the army and supplies. Talib was waiting farther out in the ocean with the rest of the fleet. The wizard prince guarded the sea with the mer army as they all awaited the arrival of Syhira and Fetu.
Jack craned his head back and stared at the sky. Above them storm clouds bellowed and lightning flashed. It was no real storm, merely the enchantment Firan used to enclose his lands. If any airborne creature came within its clutches without permission, it would
die in those skies. Well, all except a guardian. Both Ilya and Vaalor seemed immune to its power.
Vaalor had been due back this morning. Jack had requested he fly and search out where the Hourian ships were. He did not want to set sail for Valentia to fight such a vast and powerful enemy without organising all his pieces. Arades had told him war was like a game of strategy: organise your players, learn your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and manipulate them; but above all, know the strengths and weaknesses of your own army.
Each kingdom had warriors with different talents, and he knew he had to utilise them to the best of their abilities.
The mers would propel the Gar Anonian ships into the harbours and inlets of Valentia. Arades, along with Teya and Talib, would lead the ground army to retake the city.
Ilya and her fae would leave the fleet early and head inland across the forest. They would attack the wall, fighting against the Ashmea in the southern part of the Rift Valley. That left Vaalor to try clearing the central and Northern valley along with several legions of fae and the remaining First Legion warriors. Fetu and Syhira’s troops would land ashore near the main bridge to secure it from Griana’s troops—either to stop them getting out of the city or prevent them getting back in.
Jack inhaled the smell of the sea mixed with the mouth-watering aromas of cooking from the harbour.
It wasn’t much of a battle plan, he decided, but it was something. If he and Rayan could break into the castle and stop Griana, they might actually stand a chance. He could only hope Eryanth and Diamond had managed to find Erzion and secure his help.
“Jack, we must leave now. We cannot afford to waste time sitting here waiting for the Hourian ships. Time is precious.”
“I am aware of that, general,” Jack responded, turning to face them all. “I understand you are anxious to get moving, and I understand why—”
“Do you?” growled Arades, his eyes and face dark now with an anger born of frustration, his fingers curling into fists. “You do not have anyone in that city that you love, my king—I do.”
Jack stretched to his full height, cocked his head and raised his brows. He could not afford for anyone to question him, not now and not in front of so many other powerful leaders—least of all his own general, no matter his reasons.
He held Arades’ gaze, keeping his face imperious. He did not cower or show any weakness. “Do not question me, General Gillon. My decision is final. We wait for Vaalor’s return and continue with the assault on Valentia as planned. You all know I am to lead you. I do not have the time or the inclination to change the plans we all agreed to. If any of you decide you cannot support this assault wholeheartedly, leave your weapons behind and you will be escorted to the brig to spend the entirety of the battle with the captured Ice Witch. After we are done, if anyone still lives, you will be tried for desertion and treason by your own lord or queen.” He paused and took a breath. “Now leave. All of you. I wish to be alone.”
He did not bother to watch them all salute or give an appropriate gesture of respect. He didn’t care what they thought—not even Arades. He would not be questioned in public, and he had no inclination to spill the blood that treason demanded—not now.
The stomp of feet down the gangplank told him they were following his orders. Jack went back to staring at the sky.
“My king?” a voice rumbled from behind.
Jack held in a sigh but did not turn around. “‘What is it, Arades? Do you wish me to take your weapons? Are you so set against my orders?”
There was a moment of silence. Jack kept his forearms leaning on the balustrade and remained relaxed. No one could see how tightly he entwined the fingers of his hands together, turning his knuckles white. Imprisoning Arades would be a new low in his life.
“No, my king. I would never do such a thing.”
There was a soft thud. Jack turned around to see what it was and found Arades on one knee, his head bowed.
“Jack, I am sorry for questioning you in front of others—truly, I am. I just want to reach Valentia in time to help my daughter. I beg forgiveness from my king.”
“I know you want to find Diamond, Arades. I understand.” Truly he did, but right now he wanted to be alone. Arades’ words about not having anyone to care about had hit him deeply. It was true. He had his guard and some of those guards were his friends. He had Diamond’s and Eryanth’s friendship, and he knew he always would. But he had no one close, no one to love.
“Arades, stand up. Of course I forgive you. That said, don’t question me in public again. I value your experience and guidance, but I value your friendship too. I don’t want to imprison you, but I can’t have anyone questioning me when I have to lead this army so that your daughter might actually survive this war.”
Arades stood and swallowed. “I think we both know her destiny makes that unlikely. But I still wish to see her again, and if there is any hope at all of helping her beat the curse her mother’s bloodline has given her—I want to find it.”
Jack nodded. “We will,” he reassured his friend.
Arades bowed deeply, clearly repentant.
Jack silently watched Arades walk away.
As if realising his need for space, Tom and Zane stood guard at a distance, Unis and Roin near them.
Jack turned back to stare out at the ocean, its steady rise and fall a balm to his soul. Enchanted storm clouds danced but above the city they parted, allowing the evening sun beams through. Pink light hit the water, sparkling. Jack stared and stared until his eyes stung. Every now and then the head of a mer would break the surface, setting the water dancing. Jack blinked and stretched, then wearily went back to thinking about his home and kingdom, war plans and battle and every other thing except the loneliness that weighed down his heart.
“Jack? You should eat,” suggested a heavily accented voice from right behind him.
He jumped a little, so wrapped up in his thoughts he had not heard Lyana approach.
Warm fingers gripped his forearm. “Jack? Are you all right?” Lyana asked. “You should be resting. Give your shoulder chance to heal before you have to use it again.”
Gods, her voice was beautiful; thickly accented and light, it brushed over his skin, raising goose bumps. He stared at her fingers, pale and perfect against his sun-weathered skin.
He met her eyes at the same time she snatched her hand back. Her face flushed when he didn’t say anything.
He couldn’t, his voice had dried up.
“Sorry,” she said tightly.
“It’s fine,” he replied, equally stilted. Dusk bathed her face in shadows. Jack sighed; he must have been standing here, lost in his own head for at least two hours. A deep weariness pervaded his body. Suddenly, all he wanted to do was sleep. He took a step forward—and stumbled.
“Jack!”
He righted himself, cursing as pins and needles shot down is legs. “Shit! I’m fine,” he hissed, raising his hand at Zane and then Roin as they made to approach.
They stopped, both grinning as Lyana slipped an arm around his waist.
“I guess I’ve been standing there a bit too long,” he quipped.
“When did you last eat, prince?” she enquired, a note of disapproval in her voice.
Jack frowned, not remembering if he’d even eaten breakfast today. And lunch had been taken up with discussion and debate. He hadn’t had more than a few grapes then. “Urm, it’s been a while,” he admitted.
“Right. That’s enough. You need to bathe, eat and sleep—in that order,” Lyana instructed.
Jack snorted a chuckle. “Yes, Mahaida,” he joked, using the fae word for mother.
She pulled away and frowned, her face mutinous. “Prince Jack Oden—”
“King,” he corrected with a grin. He suddenly felt alive again, a spark of mischief taking hold of him at her indignant response.
“Whatever! I am not your mother, not in any way. You need to be able to function to lead this army, and right now you can’t. You are
exhausted and hungry. I can see that even if you can’t! Now go down to your cabin. I will have the ship’s stewards bring you a tub and some hot water right away. Then I will bring you some food.”
Jack stepped forward.
Lyana stepped back.
Jack grinned. “Do you want to come and scrub my back?”
She stared at him. Her eyes flashed before she planted her hands firmly on her hips. “Are you kidding me, King Oden? Although I’m not sure when you were actually crowned a king, by the way. And you cannot keep doing that,” she admonished, her eyes flashing angrily.
“What?” he asked, genuinely confused now.
“Pushing me away and then pulling me back when it suits you. Stop playing with me, Jack. It isn’t fair.”
Jack sobered immediately. He swallowed. “I-I’m sorry,” he breathed. She was right. He had found just a little spark of joy in an otherwise dark day, and had let it influence him. He had done the wrong thing again. “You’re right.” He spun away from her and began striding away.
“Jack! Wait,” she entreated.
He halted and looked over his shoulder. “You are right, princess. It is best for me to push you away and for you to stay away. Please find someone else to bring my food.”
“Jack, that is not what I meant!” she shouted in frustration, stamping her foot on the deck.
Ignoring Zane’s raised brows, Jack did not stop. He stormed past his guard. “Do not let her in my cabin,” he ordered darkly. Once in through the door of his quarters, he slammed it shut, flung himself on his bunk and roared into his own arm, now regretting his uncalled for outburst.
He did not even look up when the steward brought and filled the metal tub. Even when it was ready, he lay still, concentrating on the undulating ship. Releasing a heavy breath, he eventually forced himself up, his toned stomach muscles contracting to lift his bulk.
Urgh, maybe I should just go out and get laid somewhere. Take my mind of the madness that is my life. But even as those thoughts formed, he pushed them away. That was not who he was anymore, certainly not whilst he had so much on his mind. He began throwing his clothes off. He gave a rueful huff. He probably wouldn’t even manage to pleasure a woman anyway—especially with the image of Lyana, hands on hips and eyes flashing dangerously, in his mind.
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