“Yeah, I guess they do,” I replied.
Exhausted, I dragged myself to the throne room where the king and queen were seated. The king watched me with eager anticipation.
“You have positive news for me, I understand,” he said.
I told him about Martyn’s deception and the reasons behind it.
“And Zane Amon? Has he been tossed away like the others?” the king asked.
I produced the red gemstone from my pocket. “I believe you’ll find him in here, Your Majesty. He kept Zane’s stone in his staff where it was always close by.”
“But why?” the queen asked.
“Because he drew power from it,” I said. “He formed a magical connection to Zane to support the illusion.”
The king held out his hand and I placed the gemstone in his palm. “Is it safe to break the bond? We have skilled djinn in the castle…”
“It’s safe. Martyn didn’t use jihoon to bind Zane,” I said. “He bound Zane first so that he could take his form. Then he used Zane’s blood to create the death spell on the other stones.”
“And Ghuls…They had nothing to do with the disappearances?” the king asked.
“No, it was Martyn’s quest for revenge,” I said. “He tried to stir up animosity between your castes so that he could manipulate you into taking action. He chose Lumin first because of his immense popularity, but my involvement messed up that plan. His piece de resistance was your son.”
“The entire colony thanks you,” the queen said. “Indeed, the realm thanks you. Without your information, we would be at war.”
“So many lives would be lost,” the king added. “If only our son…” he trailed off, unable to finish his thought.
“I still have hope for your son, Your Majesty,” I said. “If you would permit me, I have an idea where he might be. I hope to return him to you.”
“But the failsafe,” the queen said.
I inclined my head toward the red gemstone in the king’s possession. “Free Zane Amon and I believe I’ll be able to override the failsafe.”
The king kissed the stone. “He will be free within the hour.”
“Why don’t you believe that Martyn killed our son?” the queen asked. “What reason would he have to keep him alive?”
“As far as Martyn was concerned, he served your son a fate worse than death,” I explained. “It was part of his revenge on you, Your Majesty. He blamed you for sending his father into Ghul territory. For essentially being the architect of his hybrid condition. In his mind, true death was a kindness your son didn’t deserve.”
The king shook his head. “I should have realized Zane was not behaving as himself. We have known each other for so many years…”
“You’ve been overcome with grief, Your Majesty,” I said. “Martyn knew you’d cease to think rationally once your son was missing. I think he was frustrated at first that you thought Prince Wuhaib left of his own accord. He had to figure out how to change your mind and speed up his plan.”
King G’lur looked at Riffat. “Have Martyn’s remains prepared for royal transport.”
My head swiveled to Riffat and back to the king. “Where are you sending them?”
“To be reunited with his grandmother,” the king said. “Riffat told me you met her in Ghul territory.”
“We did,” I said, surprised by the king’s decision. “You would do that for Martyn?”
“Not for Martyn,” the king said decidedly. “For his grandmother. No family should have to live with the uncertainty. For those left behind, that is a fate worse than death.”
Chapter Seventeen
We assembled outside the entrance to Petram Caverns—my roommates for the ritual, Callan for moral support and any possible obstacles, and Zane Amon for his blood. If we were lucky, we’d leave the caverns with two more paranormals than we came with.
“So you think they’re here because this is where you found Lumin?” Dani asked.
“Yes,” I replied. “I think he tried different places he’d heard of from his grandmother’s stories. Martyn was truly gifted. He tested to see whether there was a portal he could quietly unseal and dispose of the stones, then resealed it again. The use of magic was detected, but he left no trace.”
“And he was able to unseal the ancient portal here in West Virginia,” Callan said.
“Are you certain about this?” Zane asked.
“Not one hundred percent,” I replied, “but I feel confident. At least the hydra is dead, so we don’t have that threat looming. We only need to find the right stones.”
It seemed odd to treat Zane as an ally when he’d tried to kill me less than twenty-four hours ago. I had to constantly remind myself that this djinni was the real Zane Amon, the king’s old friend and trusted legate.
Callan slung an arm along my shoulders. “And if anyone can sniff out a special rock, it’s lemon drop here. She’s the best earth witch there is.”
Zane looked puzzled. “Lemon drop?”
“It’s meant as a term of endearment,” I explained. “We should make a start. It’s a fair distance to the river and finding the stones might take some time.”
“I’ve got the book,” Mia said, patting the side of her backpack. Robin had been kind enough to loan us the AMF book again.
Dani waved her hands. “I’ve got the fire.”
Zane smoothed the front of his tunic. “I am ready.”
“Word to the wise,” Callan said. “Don’t fall in the water. If the current is strong enough, you’ll get swept all the way to the underworld.”
“Which one?” Zane asked.
Callan arched an eyebrow. “Does it matter?”
Zane chuckled. “No, I suppose it does not. Does it help that I cannot swim? I will be happy to stay on dry land.”
“We’ll look after you,” Dani said.
“Not me,” Bryn said. “I’m going in the river. That water is chock full of magic.”
“Water witch,” I told Zane.
I entered the caverns first and we took the long, winding staircase down to the lowest level. The whole way down, I concentrated on the ritual. I’d taken care to memorize it this time—the book was a fallback just in case. I didn’t want to take any chances.
We spilled into the bottom cavern and the area appeared exactly as before, except the river was swollen.
“The current is strong today,” I said, dismayed. I wondered whether any of the stones could have been swept downstream. In that case, I’d never find them.
“You found that opal lodged in the riverbed,” Bryn reminded me. “It wasn’t going anywhere.”
“Remember, there’s magic at work here,” Mia added. “If the souls in those stones aren’t meant to be in the underworld, then maybe they’ve been anchored here by higher powers.”
“Now who’s looking on the bright side?” I said with a smile. Positivity was usually my domain.
“You rubbed off on me,” Mia said. “You influence everyone you meet, Cerys, whether you realize it or not.”
“Who can resist that sunny disposition?” Bryn said. “It’s disgustingly infectious.”
I contemplated the river. “What do you think, Bryn?”
She understood. “I can calm it for you.” She walked to the river’s edge and held out her hands. Power flowed through her. Although I couldn’t feel it, I sensed it. The rushing river slowed until the current came to a complete stop.
“Now that’s service,” Callan quipped. “We could use more water witches in the League. I’m always coming up against a sewer I’d rather not wade through.”
Bryn turned toward him, her nose scrunched. “Don’t use that as a hiring slogan. It’s hardly enticing.”
“You’re up, Cerys,” Dani said, patting me on the back.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to spell you into a scuba suit?” Mia asked. She twirled her wand for added emphasis. “Because I’m willing.”
“No need,” Dani said. “I already spelled her outfi
t not to get wet.”
Mia groaned. “One of these days I’m going to beat you at something, Dani Degraff. Just you wait.”
Bryn raised her hand. “I cast a spell so she can breathe underwater.”
Mia folded her arms in a huff. “Invisible and useless. Great. Some Keeper of the North I’ll turn out to be.”
“You’re not invisible, Mia,” Bryn said. “We can see you sulking from here.”
I laughed and gave Mia a quick hug. “You’re indispensable, Mia Holmes, and don’t you ever forget it.”
I waded into the river, focusing on the area where I discovered Lumin’s opal. Although I hadn’t noticed any other stones at the time, I’d been distracted by the opal and, of course, the hydra.
Once I was fully submerged, I opened my eyes and swam toward the bottom. I relied more on my earth magic than my vision, but a clear view of the riverbed helped. I let the energy course through me. Bryn was right—there was a lot of magic in this river. I didn’t force myself in a particular direction. I simply waited for one of the stones to call to me.
I swam along the bottom and felt a tug in my spine. I looked down at a plain grey stone. With its flat oblong shape, it seemed more like a disc. It was nestled in a bed of seaweed, so I reached down and untangled it before tucking it safely into my pocket. Another stone called to me and I continued to swim until I located it. This one was craggy and mottled with flecks of silver and gold. It was lodged beneath a group of bones. I tried not to think of the skeleton as I wrenched the stone free. I dragged myself ashore and patted my lumpy pockets.
“Let’s take them to the larger cavern that we passed on the way down,” Dani said. “It’ll be easier to work there.”
“Plus no risk of creatures from the deep,” Bryn added.
“Good point,” I said.
“Should we check the stones first and make sure there are actual djinn trapped inside?” Dani asked.
I’d been debating her question already. One the one hand, it was sensible. On the other hand, I didn’t want to have glimpsed the faces of the djinn if I then failed to free them. I’d been haunted enough by death. Any more by my own hand would break me forever. I’d be beyond Alana’s help. Beyond anyone’s.
“There’s magic in these stones,” I said. “I’m sure of it.”
No one argued. We traipsed up the narrow and damp stone steps until we reached the sprawling cavern. Mia created the protective circles and I placed the stones in the center of one.
“Do I sit in the other circle with you?” Zane asked.
“No,” I said. “Your blood is the key that locks and unlocks. That’s what Yessica said, so we’ll need your blood in the other circle during the ritual. Callan will help you.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” Callan said, flashing a small dagger. “Callan Mulroney. Werewolf surgeon.”
“Slicing open a palm hardly makes you a surgeon,” Bryn said.
“That’s true,” Callan replied. “I’d need to be able to stitch it up after. That’s outside my wheelhouse.” Zane appeared alarmed until Callan chuckled and clapped him on the back. “It’ll be okay, Mr. Legate. Won’t hurt a bit. Promise.”
“Let’s begin,” I said.
Dani brought the fire. We chanted. We performed the ritual exactly as described in the book. I didn’t doubt our abilities for a second, not this time. I recited the spell with the correct intonation. The only thing missing—the only thing we needed to prevent jihoon from killing these djinn—was the blood that was used to seal their doom. Zane Amon’s blood. And now we had it.
Zane held out his palm and I watched with anticipation as his blood dripped into the other circle, spreading around the perimeter. I was so anxious that I could hardly breathe. A figure emerged from the first stone and Zane’s brow furrowed.
“I recognize him from the armory,” the legate said.
I strangled a cry. “Pytor.” The older djinni blinked as he surveyed his surroundings. He glanced at the circle and then at us. Relief passed over his creased features.
Zane motioned him forward. “Come to me, my friend. You are free.”
Pytor’s expression changed from relief to fury. Then it hit me. He must have seen the djinni that trapped him. He must have seen Martyn in Zane’s form.
“Pytor,” I called. I rushed to the edge of my circle, unwilling to leave until all the djinn were accounted for. “Zane is not your enemy.”
Pytor faced me. “Zane Amon is responsible for my attachment.”
I folded my hands together, pleading with him to understand. “This is the real Zane. His form was taken over by a djinni called Martyn. Martyn wanted to start a war with other castes.” And he’d nearly succeeded.
“I am sorry for what happened to you, my friend, but it was not my doing,” Zane said.
Pytor nodded gravely. “I saw you knock the prince unconscious on my way to the armory one morning. I tried to run, but I’m an old djinni. It was easy enough for you to catch me.”
Zane smiled gently. “Martyn saw you. I was trapped in a stone of my own. He kept me in the eye of his serpent staff.”
Pytor released a breath. “You told everyone you needed that staff after a leg injury. I did not question it.”
Zane placed a hand on his shoulder. “Why would you? My reputation had always been unblemished. Leave the circle, Pytor. Let us see that you are, indeed, safe.”
My breathing hitched as the older djinni stepped over the chalk line. Nothing happened. There was no time to celebrate because another figure emerged from one of the stones. The rock with flecks of silver and gold.
“Prince Wuhaib!” Zane exclaimed. There was no mistaking the djinni for anyone else. His outfit was reminiscent of his father’s with a long gold tunic and matching tights. His shoes were curled and adorned with gemstones at the toe.
The prince stared at his own hands, flipping them over to examine each side. “I do not understand.” Then he noticed Zane Amon. I reached for my wand, but Callan was faster. He threw himself between the two djinn. The werewolf snarled and gnashed his teeth to secure the prince’s attention.
“Zane didn’t do this to you,” Callan said.
“I saw him with my own eyes,” the prince replied tersely. Anger simmered below the surface.
Callan told him about Martyn.
“And why should I believe you?” Prince Wuhaib asked. “My father’s legate could have put you up to this. He knocked me unconscious and when I awoke, I was bound to this rock.” The prince turned and pointed at the offensive item. “I begged him to release me, but he refused.”
“Prince Wuhaib,” I said. “We have just performed a ritual to free you and return you to your family. Your parents have been distraught. Your father nearly went to war thanks to his grief. The blood you see around the circle is Zane’s blood. He’s using it to free you now.”
The prince winced. “A war? Over me?”
“I know you think he was forcing you to marry because he doesn’t care about your feelings,” I said, “but you are so wrong, Your Highness. He loves you beyond measure.”
“The witch speaks the truth. And now we have liberated you from your earthen prison,” Zane said. “Join us outside the circle so we know with certainty we have succeeded.”
Prince Wuhaib studied the line for another beat before stepping over it. He flashed a brilliant smile. “I cannot believe this. I never thought I would see a familiar face again. I am eternally grateful to all of you.”
Pytor approached me, his cheeks streaked with tears of gratitude. “How will we get to the colony from here?” the older djinni asked. “I am most anxious to see my homeland again.”
“Zane Amon will take you,” I said. “Lara is waiting for you.” The witches and I would gather the items from the ritual and erase all traces of the circles. No need for humans to wonder.
More tears spilled down his cheeks at the mention of his wife. “The gods are good,” Pytor whispered.
“Yes,” I agreed. “
Sometimes they are.”
“I can’t believe another year is almost over,” Dani said.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Bryn said. “A couple more weeks to go. Anything can happen.”
“Bite your tongue, Bryn Morrow,” Dani snapped. “This year has been eventful enough.”
“If I bite my tongue, I’ll bleed and, as we all know, that’s a safety hazard.”
Dani rolled her eyes. “Show-off.”
“Takes one to know one,” Bryn said.
“I don’t know,” Mia said. “I think Cerys might have been the show-off this year. Weapons. Solving murders. Stopping a war in a foreign realm.”
I blew a dismissive breath on my fingernails. “All in a year’s work.”
“Do you want to spend the break with me?” Mia asked. “Or do you think you might stay in Terrene with Callan?”
I paused. “Actually, Callan is going to come to meet my family.”
“You’re going home?” Dani asked. “Do you feel up to it?”
I offered a vigorous nod. “Yes, I’m looking forward to it.” I glanced at the glistening stones on my windowsill. “It’s time to let go.”
Mia threw her arms around me. “I’m so proud of you, Cerys.”
Dani eyed me carefully. “Does this mean you’ll want to stay in the Western Quadrant? Become a warden instead?”
Bryn raised her fist for a bump. “Yes, you should definitely do that. We can be partners.”
“I don’t know that we get to choose,” Mia said.
“They’d be fools to split us up,” Bryn said. “We already know we work well together.”
I stroked my familiar and Haggis purred in response. “I haven’t decided yet.”
Bryn tapped her chin. “Hmm. Let me guess the reason you’re on the fence. Is it tall, dark, and furry with a penchant for terms of endearment?”
I felt warm all over at the thought of Callan. “I guess it is, assuming our relationship is real.”
My roommates exchanged bewildered glances.
“Real?” Dani repeated. “What kind of question is that?”
Bryn smacked her forehead. “You’re still worrying about that? After all you’ve been through with him recently? Talk about being distracted from reality by emotions. You’re worse than King G’lur.”
Outlaw: Spellslingers Academy of Magic (Enforcer of the East Book 2) Page 17
