by Shania Tyler
Piper’s fingers closed around his in a firm grip and his shaking ceased. He’d been unaware of it until she touched him.
He looked over at her and found her to be watching him with large sad eyes. She worried for him. He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles, trying to assure her that he was all right. He looked past her and found another pair of eyes on him. Ben’s.
His cousin was openly glaring at him, and Theo had no clue why. He’d done nothing to earn the look, but then he’d never done anything to earn Ben’s hatred. Ben believed Berna had loved Theo more, but Theo did not agree. Theo had only needed more comfort after his parents had died, but Berna had been good to them both.
He didn’t have time to deal with Ben, however, and hoped his cousin would leave as soon as the flames died.
People began to walk back toward the house, but Theo wasn’t ready to leave.
“You may go if you wish,” he told Piper.
She tightened her grip and said, “We’ll go whenever you’re ready.”
He smiled and turned back toward the pyre.
An angry voice broke the silence. “She doesn’t know you’re standing here, you know? She’s dead.”
Theo turned slowly to look into Ben’s hostile eyes. His cousin looked different than when he’d last seen him. He’d been blessed with the family’s handsome dark looks, but it was obvious that Ben had been taking particular care of his body. He was bigger. His arms and thighs were barely concealed under the suit he wore and the cords in his neck looked to be strained under the weight of it all.
Ben moved, but didn’t have the chance to say anything, because Maurice intercepted.
“We got a problem here?” Maurice asked. His back was to Theo, so Maurice’s gaze was all for Ben, but Theo was sure it was deadly.
Whatever look Ben gave Maurice was blocked from Theo’s vision, but his cousin said, “No problem.”
“Then I suggest you go inside like the nice little Evaness scum you are and leave the man to grieve.”
“She was my mother,” Ben shot back.
“And you can grieve her as well,” Maurice countered. “But you can do it inside with or without a black eye and stab wound in the gut. Your choice.”
Ben moved away, but there was a part of Theo that wanted to have a final battle with Ben and fight it out like they’d never had the chance to do once they’d become men. As children, they’d done nothing but fight, but Theo had the powerful urge to find out if Ben’s spine was just as strong as his mouth. The thought of watching his cousin bleed gave him pleasure.
Piper whispered, “Don’t. You have the truce.”
He wanted to tell her never mind the truce, but had the feeling that it was exactly what the Evaness was hoping for, though he had no idea what they thought to gain from it. The Rebels’ entire army was here, the Evaness had but the few men that Theo had allowed to stay near the residence. It wouldn’t be a fight if Theo lifted his hand. It would be a slaughter, unless there was something he didn’t know about.
He hated having them in his home and would be glad when they were gone.
Piper waited until the flames had turned to nothing but smoke and no one was around except for a few guards before she whispered, “I don’t like your cousin.”
The grin he gave her warmed her right to her toes. “Such loyalty,” he whispered. Then he tightened his hold and headed for the house.
When they reached the back door, Meg and Ethan were there with smiles. Maurice and Noel stood at Theo’s back.
Meg looked around to make sure no one was listening and then said, “We’ve a surprise for you.”
Piper followed Theo until they reached the Temple Room.
Two guards stood at the entrance, and they let them all through before they closed and locked them in.
There were now two temples and Piper had a feeling she knew who the second belonged to.
“The Temple of Orry,” Meg announced. “I was going to build Melina’s next, but I thought that perhaps you might need this.”
Theo stood back and stared at the small structure that resembled the same temple he’d visited as a child. Unlike the Temple of Jinn, which was round with a dome and twelve pillars, the Temple of Orry was almost flat and held up by eight pillars with a tree on each side. Also, Orry’s statue was erected at the top of the building and not inside. Theo remembered every detail of entering the building, because he’d been extremely excited about being blessed. His parents had held the gift and Theo had wanted to feel close to them. In the end, his gift had been lacking. He’d tried to make a cup disappear, but hadn’t done more than remove a few inches and then when that didn’t work, he’d tried to make Ben disappear. Ben had laughed at him right before he’d made Theo’s favorite toy vanish. He’d begun hiding everything that was precious to him after that, including the diamond that hung around his neck, a gift he’d received from his mother. It remained under his clothes and away from the eyes and hands of his enemies. Theo never properly made anything vanish and eventually, he’d given up trying.
He hadn’t been back to his temple since, though he’d been taught that visiting the temple every one hundred years was not only for those seeking to gain power, but renewal as well. He hadn’t wanted to renew his mediocre ability. He hadn’t wanted to embarrass himself.
But now, thanks to the kindness of new friends, he found himself in a room full of people waiting for him to accept the renewing of his gift and do something impressive.
Meg quickly said, “I mean, you don’t have to do anything with it right now. You can—“
“No, it’s fine.” He stepped toward the pillar, reached out his hand, and gingerly inserted it into the temple.
He inhaled sharply as a faint misty feeling touched his fingers. It felt like gentle rain was covering his hand, but then the cool feeling traveled up his arm, danced in his veins, and filled his body until Theo was sure his entire body could fall apart, and yet at the same time, put himself back together again.
The sound of rain filled his ears and washed out the talk around him. He couldn’t hear anything except for the downpour. He swallowed and tried to not let his panic show. He wondered if anyone else could hear it, but as quickly as the words formed in his mind, the sound of rain stopped and his body felt once again firm.
He took his hand back and stared at it. His limbs looked the same and his body felt no different than when he’d first arrived. He was sure this moment would not change his life in any way, but smiled at Meg and said, “Thank you.” It was the gracious thing to do.
Meg smiled and said, “Try it out?”
Theo shook his head. “No, I must confess, I was blessed in my past, but Orry never favored me with much of anything.”
Meg seemed ready to press the issue when a noise on the other side of the door made them all turn.
“I want to see Theo!” Ben demanded.
Maurice said, “Let me take care of this.” He started for the door.
“No,” Theo said as he drew his sword. He was done with Ben. Had been for many years. The man dare make noise on the day of his own mother’s burial? Theo would show him no remorse.
“Theo?” Piper called.
“Stay here.” Then to Noel, Theo said, “Keep her safe.”
“Of course,” his friend replied.
Theo went to the door, opened it, slipped out, and closed it behind him. Ben was blocked by the guards who were pushing him farther down the hall.
Ben’s dark eyes mirrored Theo’s own hate. “You’re weak,” his cousin called as he tried to push himself forward. “You always have been. Always needed others to handle things for you.” He grinned. “Or maybe you’re just afraid of me.”
Theo lifted his sword and said, “I plan on handling you now. Outside.”
Ben grinned and said, “Meet you there, cousin.” Then he spun around and walked away.
Theo headed down the stairs and down the same hall he’d come from. He was well aware of the eyes that caught sight
of his sword still raised in his hand. He was also aware that no one had stayed in the Temple Room. They were all following him.
A servant opened the backdoor and moved out of Theo’s way. The cool air from the outdoors did nothing to calm his anger. He ran down the backstairs and out into the training field, the same field he’d stood in as he watched his aunt turn to ash. A day that would have been dedicated to reflecting on her had somehow turned to this. Ben would pay for his insults upon the woman.
The torches remained lit and Theo took a moment to pace, getting the feel of the short grass underneath his feet. Then he removed his coat and threw it. A servant picked it up and he started to undo his shirt. He stripped that off as well and then looked down at the blue stone that hung between his pecs. He couldn’t let Ben get to it. A crowd began to form outside, and Theo ignored all their eyes. Except for Piper. She was watching him with wonder, but he was glad for what he didn’t see. Fear.
He went over to her, took off his chain, and placed it around her head. “Hold on to this for me.”
“Of course,” she said.
He felt naked without it, but he knew she’d keep it safe.
He also noticed Isabella, and though she didn’t smile, it was obvious she was entertained. She was probably behind this, and in that instant, Theo knew exactly what she would gain if he died. Theo had no heirs, so Ben could legally inherit the mines and all of Theo’s wealth.
Ben was to be the new colester now that his mother was dead. It all made sense.
But they would not succeed in getting more than their annual taxes from him. He’d already willed everything he owned to Mason, though he was sure his friend didn’t know that. Everything would be used for the cause of the Rebels if he were to die and Theo doubted Isabella could kill the Lord of Shadows.
At Isabella’s side stood Aluna, who was boldly grinning, allowing her amusement to show.
Theo retreated to the field and made it just as Ben pushed his way through the crowd and started down the stairs.
“Any rules?” Theo asked. He flexed his fingers about his sword, feeling the metal that his palm had already warmed, and hoping it would see him to victory.
Ben prowled toward him. “No rules. You just die!” Then he was charging with his sword out and a cry of war.
Theo spun and blocked the first strike. His heartbeat raised with the anticipation of the next few minutes.
Isabella called out, “Am I to believe our truce is broken?”
“No,” Theo said as she stopped another blow. The two men split and Theo said, “This is a family matter.”
“Very well,” she replied.
Theo returned his mind to his opponent and dodged a blow and then another. Ben was using his larger than normal size to intimidate Theo and do all the work, but Theo simply maneuvered and waited for the opening he needed. Then he saw it.
Ben lifted his sword.
Theo pivoted and cut through the air, slicing the side of Ben’s face.
His ogre of a cousin growled and gripped his face.
The onlookers replied with gasps and chuckles. He knew the laughing came from his men.
Ben sneered. “I can’t wait until you die. You took my mother from me long before she passed.”
“I’m tired of your whining,” Theo said. “Your problems have nothing to do with me and everything to do with your personality.”
“What?” Ben growled.
“Yes, cousin. Have a look in the mirror.” Then he thought about the gash, grinned, and said, “Or maybe not.”
Ben’s rage grew, his eyes bleeding to black, shining like onyx in the night.
“Monrel,” Theo whispered. His cousin was possessed by true Darkness.
Ben grinned. “You’re not the only special one here.”
But Theo had never been special, which was at the root of everything. He could never see his cousin’s drive for more, when Theo would have given up everything for to have his parents. Ben had so much and he never realized it. Yes, Berna loved and comforted Theo, but she never stopped loving her own son. She never stopped trying to please Ben, but Ben had only grown worse.
And now this.
Ben had taken the final step and given himself over to the Darkness, the beginner of all wars and bloodshed on Asea. And he’d brought Darkness into Theo’s home.
Theo was caught off guard by Ben’s swing and only managed to block it just in time.
Ben pushed him. Hard.
Theo staggered back.
Ben brought his sword down like an ax and Theo’s blade caught its end, but he struggled under the weight of Ben’s muscle. He leaned forward for more leverage and Ben took advantage and elbowed him in the chest.
Theo went still.
There was a gasp from somewhere and a single clap. The crowd was divided.
Theo couldn’t breathe, struggled to pull air into his lungs, but keep it from showing on his face. At least he tried, but the smile Ben sent him let him know he was doing a poor job.
Maurice shouted, “You want me to get some guys to start building his pyre?”
Theo grinned, thankful for the faith Maurice had in him, but grin was all he could do, for breathing was hard enough. Talking was impossible. And there was no pyre that could burn Darkness.
Ben swung and Theo felt a spark of pain shoot through his fighting arm. His limb burned as though Ben’s sword had been crafted from flames.
The crowd, the noise, it all blurred and then Ben was knocking him back again, and then down.
Theo fell.
Ben… no, not Ben… Monrel stood over him. His sword hung loose in his hand while he grinned down on him and said, “You know, I’ve always wanted to kill you and now I finally get the chance.”
Theo had no idea if the words were the sentiments of Ben or Monrel, but Theo would not go quietly and without dignity. He still couldn’t breathe and his vision was already wavering without oxygen. Still, Theo found the strength to lift his sword one last time.
Only his sword wasn’t there. He could feel the weight of the blade, but saw nothing. It didn’t make sense.
He frowned.
Ben laughed. “I see Orry finally saw fit to allow you the use of your blessing. Too bad it comes at the worse time.”
Theo tried to focus on his hand. Where was his blade? And then a final thought came to mind.
A noise filled the sky. The cawing of birds.
Ben looked up as thousands of silver birds cut through the sky. It was the sign from the Mum. It meant good news.
And with a final pull of air, Theo hooked his foot around Ben’s leg and pulled his cousin down on him.
Ben lost his balance and fell onto his chest and took the last of Theo’s air with him.
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14
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
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Piper ran out onto the field and watched as Maurice pulled Ben’s body off Theo. She kicked off her heels and sprinted across the grass and fell to the ground at his side and touched his face. He looked cold, paler than usual. “Theo.” She shook him. Kelly then knelt and pressed her hands to his still chest. Piper’s eyes went back to Theo’s face and pleaded for his eyes to open, for those black irises to find hers once more. “Theo?” she whispered. Her vision blurred with tears. She wouldn’t survive it if she lost him. Her heart ached harder than it ever had before, pulling her closer toward him as though the very organ begged to beat the blood in his body for him.
“He’s dead,” Maurice announced.
“No!” She lifted her eyes, searching for whoever had said the words.
“Not Theo,” Maurice said. “Ben.”
Oh. She didn’t care about him. She only cared about Theo.
His eyes didn’t open and the urge to curl up into a ball and lay there with him for eternity was so powerful. Was this what Theo had meant by fate? Being created for one an
other? Destiny? Her fingers shook as they went over the lines of his face.
More people moved over to Theo and hands were laid on him. She didn’t know anyone but Kelly and wanted them gone. She had to protect him. She had to protect his body.
“Piper?” Kelly called.
She turned her head to her.
“They are helping,” she said, her blue eyes calm. “Put Theo’s sword down.”
She looked at her hand and the sword fell silently into the grass. Would she have used it? She noticed the blood covering it all the way to its hilt. He’d stabbed Ben, but how? How had he stabbed his cousin when his blade had disappeared?
It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but—
Theo pulled in a deep breath.
Piper let out a cry and threw herself on him.
He grunted, but his arm wrapped around her and held her firmly. He was struggling to breathe, she quickly noticed, but when she tried to pull away, his arm only became firmer.
“You… go… nowhere,” he said between pulls of breath.
She nodded her head, but held him more gently, almost hovering over him beside where his arm anchored her.
Theo looked up at the stars and then further down to where some of his men and Kelly sat by his body. He recognized Gammen grinning at him. They were all healers.
“Theo?” Mason said as he dropped down at his side. His green eyes were full of laughter. “You won.”
“Undoubtedly so,” he replied. He could breathe better now. Then he looked down at his friends and said, “Thanks to all of you. Thank you.” Yes, thanks to them… and Piper.
