Air

by Rosie Scott

  “My messenger returned to me,” Uriel finally replied. “The Alderi would not agree to the hit.” Even though I was in Cyrus's memory, I still felt shock and sadness from the information. I figured the hit had been put on me.

  “Did they give you a reason?” Cyrus questioned. “I am shocked Alderi turned down gold no matter the target.”

  “They did.” Uriel glanced back again nervously. “The underground has been taken by Kai Sera and the Renegades. They are allied with her, and my messenger says they are fiercely loyal.”

  “The underground?” Cyrus laughed in disbelief. “Taken? Good gods. It's little wonder we haven't heard news of her in some time. What does that...” The memory glanced back to the army. All of the soldiers were far from earshot. “...have to do with the hit?”

  “The Seran Renegades are on their way here, Cyrus. The Alderi know Kai wants to ally with us. They will not accept the hit...” Uriel lowered his voice. “...because if our queen is dead, the Alderi don't know who will take her place. They don't want to interfere with the plans of the Renegades. If Kai takes Chairel, it would be a massive benefit to them. And she can't take it without our armies. Altan would probably still ally with Kai as king, but the Alderi don't know that. They will refuse to accept the hit unless we can ensure an alliance.”

  “It is odd to hear of the Alderi making political demands,” Cyrus replied.

  “What do you think we should do?” Uriel questioned. “Talk to Altan? Request another hit and give them our word?”

  Cyrus hesitated for some time. I could feel the cluttering of the thoughts in his head. “Tilda is desperate for Kai's alliance,” he finally said. “I know she will request the takeover of Hammerton. If we are overseas when she dies, there are fewer chances it can be traced back to us. And if we own land in Hammerton and future attempts fail, which you know they have before, we can simply hold on to the land ourselves.”

  “Ah. Holding on to Hammerton as separatists,” Uriel clarified.

  “Yes. But we cannot guarantee that will work. Many in Eteri will remain loyal. If rebellions arise within a growing separatist country, it will fall before it begins.” Cyrus paused. “We must bide our time, Uriel. If we can remain as we are until Hammerton is taken, Eteri's strength will be immense.”

  “And it will still be Tilda's,” Uriel pointed out.

  “The Alderi aren't going anywhere,” Cyrus argued. “And if Kai and the Renegades are coming soon, we will be working with her. We can gauge her opinions of our country over time. There will come a day when our queen will abandon the alliance. If Kai senses that, she may be willing to aid us in our endeavors.”

  Uriel glanced over. “I hope you are right, friend. But forgive me if I'm not keen on putting my faith on working with yet another god.”

  I blinked rapidly, realizing I was sitting before Cicero again. The whole exchange had taken seconds, but it felt like I had been present for that memory for every minute while hearing every word. I glanced over in disbelief at Uriel and Cyrus, who both still stood in the cell. Before they could get suspicious, I looked back to the god before me. “Thank you.”

  Cicero grinned. “I hope I was of much use to you.”

  “You were.” I nodded toward where my hands still held on to his arm. “I offer you my memories.”

  Cicero was quiet a moment before he busted out laughing. “How wonderful!” His arms fell from mine. He trembled with intense excitement in his seat. “That tsunami was many times larger than the one which helped carve Glacia into pieces many decades ago.” His eyes were full of glee as they stared into mine. “Thank you for killing them, friend. The Icilic. You heard Jokul speaking before the battle. I knew him.” He cackled, before adding, “I did not like him.”

  “Do you know why he spoke of there being more than one half-breed Icilic in Eteri?” I questioned.

  “No,” Cicero admitted. “I did not know there was more than one. Whoever it is, they must be powerful. The Icilic hunt down every half-breed they hear about.” The god hesitated before his golden eyes moved around the people in the room. “Ah. That is why there are less of you.” My stomach ached as I realized which memories he'd found. “Don't worry, half-breed,” he added, seeing my reaction. “I like you. I would not insult those who war with you. They are clearly very smart to be alongside you.”

  “I appreciate that,” I said.

  “Now...” Cicero looked up to the Sentinels. “I would like to be out of this dungeon.”

  Cyrus chuckled dryly. “That's nice.”

  “Forgive me for being so blunt,” I began, “but it seems to me you have the talent to get out of here on your own.”

  “Kai,” Cyrus protested.

  Cicero giggled low. “I do. But if I am an enemy of Eteri, I am an enemy of yours. And I like you.” The god's grin only grew. His golden eyes moved to the Sentinels. “I could be of much use to you,” he told them.

  “You've said that,” Cyrus retorted.

  “Not yet to you. I'm not talking about Eteri.” Cicero lifted up his arms and shackles, enabling him to wave one finger between the two Sentinels. “The two of you, alone.” He burst into giggles. “You both know what I mean.”

  Cyrus's blue eyes moved to mine, newly alarmed.

  I stood from the bench. “Thank you for your information, Cicero. It'll help us immensely in our attack of Glacia.”

  “I hope so,” the god replied, in the midst of enthusiastic chuckles.

  As I passed Cyrus to leave the cell, he whispered tensely, “Kai.”

  “Don't fret, friend,” I replied, waiting as everyone left the cell behind me. The Renegades watched me with confusion. They couldn't have possibly known what was going on.

  The second Sentinel tried to read my eyes with his own and ended up only frustrated. “Where are you going?” Cyrus finally asked. Uriel stood right behind him, looking just as worried.

  “To see Kirek.”

  “Why?” The Sentinel inquired.

  “I need an update on Nahara.” I softened my gaze as I looked over both nervous Sentinels. “As I said, Cyrus, don't fret. Both you and Uriel are now my friends. Your secrets are safe with me.”

  Thirty-seven

  “Kirek.” I found the third Sentinel in the midst of walking through the first floor of Mistral's castle as we emerged from the dungeons. Even though I'd reassured Cyrus and Uriel, I could still sense the two men's nervousness.

  Kirek stopped abruptly and looked over. “Kai. You wish to know updates on Nahara.”

  “Yes.”

  “Come with me.” Kirek changed her course, leading us down the castle's long hallway which pointed to the north. She knocked on one of the steel doors, and when she received no response, she led us in.

  The room was nothing more than a small sitting room. Stone chairs lined all four walls between side tables which held casual texts and storybooks for children. A table with lit candles sat at its center, and sconces were perched on every wall. The room had no windows, keeping it darker than most of the castle given the Vhiri penchant for heights and windows.

  Once we were all filed in, Maggie closed the door behind her. The engineer had to duck to remain standing in the room. The ceilings were not as high here as farther up in the castle.

  Kirek crossed her arms as she waited for us to gather around. Her alert green eyes were unblinking on my own. “My army arrived on the outskirts of T'ahal on the 58th of Dark Star last year to find the capital city on fire and many of its citizens killed.”

  My heart dropped, and so did my jaw. I said nothing, waiting for her to continue. I was overcome with fear for Hasani.

  “The combined armies of Chairel and Hammerton were still there,” Kirek went on. “They reached the city three days before we did. Ransacked what they could. Stormed the castle. King Adar was killed the same day I arrived.”

  “And Hasani...?” I blurted, pleading with her to tell me.

  “I wasn't sure at first,” Kirek admitted. “But we found him. I have
to admit to being impressed by the Naharans for once. They were vastly outnumbered, but they put up a great fight. Chairel sent ten thousand soldiers, and Hammerton sent five thousand. The Naharans had eight thousand, so they had only half the size. Each Naharan that died took two enemies down with them. That is only an estimation, of course. Necromancy was the true reason they lasted as long as they did. Hasani and his men defended T'ahal until the king was killed, and then he pulled his army to the south. He told me there was another army in Llyr that he was going to gather to retake the city, but then we showed up.”

  “So he is alive,” I breathed.

  “Alive and well,” Kirek replied. “My army arrived northwest of T'ahal and immediately engaged. By that time, the Naharan Army was four thousand strong and Chairel and Hammerton only had six thousand. Our foes had evidently decided to let Hasani flee so they could start to claim the city for themselves, so you can imagine how they felt when our army arrived. Hasani and his men came back when they saw evidence of mages fighting mages in the city. The prince was immensely confused to see us there given Queen Tilda had previously rejected their offer of alliance.” Kirek paused. “I told him you would not aid us unless we aided his country. He told me to kiss you for him.” She hesitated again. “I will not.”

  I chuckled, though it was more of a tumble of relief. “You don't have to. Did Chairel retreat?”

  “They tried to, yes. But we had them stunned and surrounded. Hasani's men raised the dead in T'ahal to add to their numbers, and I had my army block their retreat in the north. As with any fight, some did escape.” Kirek raised her eyebrows. “But not many. Hasani sent hyenas after those who ran. Each soldier that escaped is one we'll have to deal with again later on down the road.”

  I nodded. “Yes. How did your army fare?”

  “I had just over one thousand casualties. It was a tough fight,” Kirek replied.

  “You fared much better than Chairel,” I pointed out.

  “Yes, but as I said, we had the immense advantage once our armies worked together.” Kirek hesitated. “I've been told you took out Narangar's harbor.”

  “I did.”

  Kirek nodded approvingly, though she still showed little emotion. “Chairel's arrogance has injured them. They figured T'ahal would be easily overtaken. With an army of fifteen thousand just a few years ago, they would have rolled over the city like a plague. They thought they could branch out and take on all of us at once and were only sent home with their tail between their legs.”

  I smiled at her wording. It was the most enthusiastic I'd ever seen Kirek get. “Thank you for fighting for Nahara.”

  “I fight for my queen,” Kirek corrected, proving some things would never change.

  “Did you hear of the underground coming to Nahara's aid?” I questioned.

  Kirek shook her head. “No, and I saw no Alderi in the city. However...” she trailed off, pulling open the military satchel hanging by her belt. A letter with an official Naharan seal was offered to me seconds later. “Hasani asked me to give this to you.”

  I nodded, taking the letter gratefully. “Thank you, Kirek.”

  Kirek only stared at me a moment before she asked, “Do you have further questions?”

  “I think that's all for now.”

  The third Sentinel nodded toward me once. “If you'll excuse me.” Glancing at the other two Sentinels, she added curtly, “Cyrus. Uriel.”

  I wasted no time in reading Hasani's letter. I sat down on one of the stone chairs, longing to see his handwriting and imagine it being read with his voice. After losing so much, his safety was such a relief.

  60th of Dark Star, 421

  Kai,

  How in all the hells did you pull this off, sister?! Gods, I am so thankful for you! We lost T'ahal for a few days, but we put up a bloody fight and heavily damaged their armies. They killed my father. The daft bastard refused to leave his precious castle and artifacts. I defended it for as long as I could, but we were simply overwhelmed. Eteri's army arrived just in time. About shat my pants when I saw that army. At first, because it was so large and I thought it belonged to Chairel, but when I realized they were Vhiri, I knew you were involved. I just knew it. I even yelled your name in pure ecstasy right there on the battlefield. I'm sure it made for quite the sight. My men might think I fancy you.

  Well, I do, sister, but not in the way you think. Unless you'd like to leave poor old Cerin and secure this alliance through marriage because I am now forced to scurry around looking for a wife. This is all said in good fun, of course, but with my rapid ascension to the throne, I need to start producing heirs. If Nyx weren't barren, I'd request you send her my way!

  I don't mean to bore you with the details, but let me say this: Kirek came with news of your future plans for Glacia. I have taken precautions to ensure my cities are safe, even Killick. There will be damages, but it's nothing I can't fix with your temple's gold. Ha!

  As for news? The coliseum was destroyed in the battle. I can avoid my people's calls for it by putting off rebuilding for a while. I never plan to restore it, but they won't have to know that quite yet. I released the gladiators just today and have offered them all positions in Nahara's army regardless of their race or background. Many have taken my offer, perhaps because I am not my father. Lastly, Calder Cerberius's diplomats arrived here back in High Star. He immediately requested an alliance and trade deals. My father and I accepted both. Chairel had yet to attack at the time, so we asked for their military support. Given the time it took their diplomats to reach us, I would wager their reinforcements will arrive in Red Moon next year (around the time I hope you receive this letter). Their support will be a godsend (literally, ha!), especially now with my recovering army. I have to admit I'm intrigued to start working with the Alderi. Calder mentioned that many of them are shapeshifters now that the practice is spreading. It could help us against the beasts in the east. Beasts against beasts! What a sight that will be!

  I will leave you with this, sister: your support means the world to me. I love you dearly. I pray that you and your Renegades stay happy and safe.

  All the love in the world,

  (King!) Hasani Samara

  I found myself smiling as I folded the letter up to put it safely away in my satchel. Hasani's enthusiasm was infectious, and the first pure joy I'd felt in a while flowed through me from his words. Tears welled in my eyes with relief, but I didn't let them fall. I'd done too much crying over the past moon.

  “I'm so glad he's safe,” Cerin told me, squeezing me close to him.

  “Me too.”

  “Is this Naharan handsome?” Maggie inquired.

  I chuckled at the random question. “Hasani attracts stares wherever he goes. Why?”

  Maggie shrugged. “Forgive me, love, but I couldn't help but notice he's lookin' for a wife. Think he'd fancy a giant?”

  I laughed softly. “I don't know. You'll eventually get to ask him yourself.”

  “I'll look forward to the day, then. Get myself all fixed up, like.” Maggie reached up, acting like she was poofing up her dreadlocks.

  “Kai,” Cyrus spoke up. Both he and Uriel had been quiet since leaving the dungeon. “I'm happy your ally is safe. Hasani is the one you call brother?”

  “Yes.”

  Cyrus nodded but said nothing else for the moment.

  “We need to talk, you and I,” I said then.

  Both Sentinels observed me carefully. Uriel finally said, “I know a place we can go.”

  Uriel led us outside, where the afternoon skies were dark gray in sharp contrast to the bright sun which still poured through the breaks in dense clouds. It was frigidly cold even though the air was still. It was as if the weather didn't know if it wanted to storm or not, so it was content being in a constant and confused purgatory.

  Cerin and Azazel, in particular, were concerned over what information I'd learned from the god, but both were intelligent enough to know they'd soon find out. We followed Uriel quietly as he led
us into the rocky depths of the second tier of Mistral. We walked through crowds of Vhiri cluttering the large streets within the cliffs, making it into a section that seemed to be all private apartments and homes. There was a hallway or two that dead-ended into walls of rough rock within the Orna Cliffs, the grounds covered with construction equipment and signs warning the populace of danger. It seemed that even though Mistral's size was immense within the land, the capital city was expanding. Given how large this string of highlands was, they could keep extending outward for a while.

  The apartments soon turned larger and more expensive as we made our way to another section, where names and addresses were no longer carved into haphazard signs but written in gold which was gilded onto polished plates of metal. The steel doors of the homes were engraved with fantastical designs, and many were adorned with the metals of the surrounding mines. Both Cyrus and Uriel walked through this area with familiarity.

  Uriel finally stopped at the door near the end of a hallway. Unlike the others, this section did dead-end, but the wall was smooth and finished. The plaque beside the door read Uriel Anemone.

  “I thought all Sentinels received personal quarters in the castle,” I commented, having heard one of them speak of it before.

  “We do,” Uriel replied, rattling a brass key in the door. “But I like my privacy.”

  I couldn't blame him. The door opened silently, directing us into a lavish apartment. The stone walls were chestnut colored, as was the case for all the Orna Cliffs, but the uniqueness of the room came from its windows overlooking the ocean. Our trek through the underground tier of the city had caused me to lose my sense of direction, so I found it surprising we'd traveled through the highlands until we'd reached the western cliffside.

  Uriel loved books. I'd already known that from our past conversations, but it became apparent based on the shelves he'd had carved straight from the stone of his home. They lined the walls in various colors and states of disrepair. He took impeccable care of the texts, however; most of the books which were falling apart only did so because of their age.