by LJ Rivers
“No, I couldn’t allow him to kill my father. So I had to stop him.” I hesitated. “I killed Sir Percival.”
The Arthurian knight took a deep breath and held the air in for a few moments, before exhaling again. “Did you kill my father, too?”
“I—I’m not sure. I think I might have.”
He turned his face up. “You might have?”
“My father used his magic on Lancelot, pushing him far away into the dark void. Before he could return, Auberon used Excalibur to crush my ring.”
“Your ring?”
“Oh, right. I forgot to tell you about that. My mother was scared that my Sorceress powers might be dangerous to a small child, so she bound them in a ruby ring when I was an infant, which was why the knights couldn’t bind them later on. By accident, I made a tiny crack in the gemstone about a year ago, and my Sorcery started seeping out of the ring and into my magical core. When Auberon and I were in the Realm of Shadows, it no longer seeped but flowed in heavy bursts. It would have killed me, so he smashed it with Excalibur.”
“What happened to your magic?”
“It all gathered inside me, making me the first Magical with pure Sorceress magic and pure Fae magic.”
His eyes widened. “No wonder your father wanted to keep you alive.”
“The problem was, before all that magic came to rest in my core, it caused a devastating explosion, ripping the Realm of Shadows to pieces.”
“I see. But you escaped, obviously.”
“We did, although I’m not sure Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain made it out in time.”
Galahad leaned back, resting his elbows on the bed. He turned his face to the ceiling and gave a long sigh. “So, what you’re telling me is you might have killed three knights of Camelot.”
Crap!
“Well, yes.”
“You do know they were already dead? In a sense. All of them, including King Arthur. The moment they stepped into Morgana’s vortex of darkness, they ceased to exist.”
I knew what he meant. Still, I couldn’t relate to it in the same way, as I had seen three of them very much alive.
“From your point of view, you might think you have caused their deaths, but to all of us in this world, they have been dead for more than a year and a half.” He straightened and reached out for me. I accepted his hand in mine. “The fact that you risked your life to defend your father is not something I will hold against you. Far from it, Ruby of Morgana. You have only proved that you are willing to suffer for your cause.”
He let go of my hand and stood, then patted the pommel of his sword. “If you wish, I’ll unsheathe my sword, and I will lean on it and pledge my allegiance to you once more. And again. Until my last gaze upon fair Avalon, young queen.”
“I—I don’t know what to say. Except, your first pledge is more than enough.”
“There’s nothing more to say on the matter.” He stood and held a hand out to me. I took it and let him help me up. “Let’s get moving, Your Majesty. There is a ship waiting for you.”
Chapter Fourteen
I clasped the rails, closing my eyes as the wind brushed against my face. There was a light drizzle in the air, and I welcomed the rain. The Glaswelt sea crashed against the bow as if roaring a warning about an impending storm. After seeing my vision for himself, Captain Morien hadn’t missed a beat. The old sailor had already lost a child by sending her through the portal, but he didn’t blame Morgana because of it. In many ways, he was like Galahad in that aspect. His crew followed his commands to the letter, and according to Galahad, they had all been loyal to Morgana—and now to me.
There was no doubt that this would be a risk for everyone involved, and I hated having to put more people in the line of fire. All things considered, I didn’t feel like I had much choice. We were flying the colours of the Pixilen fleet, maroon and turquoise, and had a crew mainly consisting of Pixies with the odd Changeling, as well as an Air Elementalist—the captain himself. Also, Cynthia had joined our party. She equalled Rowan’s archery skills and was a great asset to my small army. Still, I would have preferred her to stay behind. I knew it wasn’t a rational feeling, but the way she continued to glance sweetly at Brendan kept sending me into a pool of self-doubt. I mentally slapped myself. This wasn’t the time to doubt either myself or the people around me. No matter her feelings towards my boyfriend, I had no choice but to trust him and keep my head in the game.
Jen came to my side and put her hands on the rail next to mine. “I’m kind of loving the wind in my new hair.”
I bumped her shoulder. “It does feel nice.”
“You don’t miss it?”
“Nah.”
She sighed. “I do.”
“Yeah, me too, a little.” I smiled. “But I can live with it if you can.”
“For sure.”
We stood silently side by side for a while, gazing at the open waters. Neither of us broached the subject that was surely on both our minds. We were on a mission, one that would eventually lead to a full-blown war, and one where there was a chance we wouldn’t all come out on the other side alive. I would do everything in my power not to see that happen, but I couldn’t deny that it was a very real possibility. I just didn’t want to say it out loud.
“You ladies enjoying my ship?” a gruff voice sounded behind us. We turned to the air-wielding captain. The wide brim of his large leather hat shielded his eyes. At first glance, there was nothing that screamed weathered sailor about him—no parrot on his shoulder, and no wooden leg—but when he raised his head and fixed his pale grey eyes on me, it was more than a little disconcerting. He was blind in one eye, and a prominent scar slashed through it, from his forehead to his cheek. His coal-black, shoulder-length hair was thick and wild, and when he smiled, he displayed a row of yellowed teeth.
“Yes, thank you. It really is a wonderful ship.”
“She’s not failed me yet.” He patted the tall mast. “She might not be the largest vessel out here, but this baby can handle anything.”
“You’ve had her long?” I asked.
“Aye. She’s sailed the Glaswelt sea during more than one war and has come through on the other side. A few modifications have had to be made, of course, but she’s not buckled yet. No, The Mirthin and I will stay together until the end. If she goes down, so do I.”
Jen’s eyebrows crept up. “So, if she sinks, you wouldn’t abandon her even then?”
“Not even then.”
I wiped my brow and slid my hand over my damp hair. The wind had increased its strength, and so had the rain. “We really appreciate your help, Captain.”
“My Harrietta wouldn’t have wanted me to walk away from this. And though she won’t be here to see the light returned, I have no doubt that it will, as long as Auberon is defeated. Regardless of your vision, My Queen. It is on all our shoulders to make sure you return to your throne so that the sacrifices we have made will matter.”
“I want that, too.”
A dark silhouette appeared on the horizon. I clutched Jen’s arm, and she turned her head, her mouth drawing a thin line as she fixed her gaze on the same image I was.
“Sail, Ho,” someone shouted from above.
“What colours is it flying?” the captain asked, raising his chin. “Friend or foe?” he shouted to the sailor on top of the mast.
“Black and silver,” the sailor yelled back.
“Auberon,” Jen hissed.
It wouldn’t be my father himself, but his men. Either way, we were in trouble.
“Batten down the hatches and lower the mainsail,” Morien ordered. “Excuse me, ladies.” He bowed away from us before sprinting across the deck and up the stairs to the stern. He waved away a sailor from the ship rudder, then placed himself at the helm.
Around us, the crew was on full alert, shouting orders and securing the cargo. Some climbed the masts, and the mainsail finally swept down to catch the wind.
I grabbed a young sailor named Mervyn as he hurried by
me. “Where is Lord Pullhelli?”
“Down in the cabin, My Queen. Should I go and get him?”
Part of me wanted to say no. I didn’t want to risk his life, but I was way past that now. This was about more than one person, more than my friends or family. It was for all the people of this world. Pullhelli was an excellent Sorcerer, and besides, he would likely notice the commotion on deck either way. “Yes, please.”
Mervyn made a tipping of the hat gesture with his hand, then scampered off. Meanwhile, the dark silhouette had grown closer and the outlines of Auberon’s ship became visible through the fog. It was twice the size of The Mirthin.
“Ru,” Brendan called as he ran to us. He picked me up in his arms and hugged me to him. “You be careful, you hear.”
“Always.”
He leaned back, frowning. “Sure.”
Cynthia glided across the deck behind us, her bow flying over her shoulders and into her hand. She climbed the foremast and positioned herself in the crow’s nest, already taking aim.
At the helm, Morien had one hand on the rudder, the other held above his head, his fingers splayed. The sails arched to their full capacity as the wind howled around us. The waves rose in response, and the ship made a sharp turn, tipping to one side. I slipped, but Brendan caught me. The Mirthin creaked, tipping further, and the two of us toppled over, sliding towards the rails. We hit the broadside with a thump next to Jen, who sat steadily on her haunches. She said something, but the sound of crashing waves filled my ears, and a spray of water showered us, splashing onto the deck.
Abruptly, the ship rocked the other way, and the three of us sailed towards the mainmast. Brendan stretched one arm out to catch it, still holding me in his free hand while Jen disappeared from view.
“Jen,” I yelled.
A familiar howl responded. She had shifted. I wasn’t sure if a wolf was better than a human out here, though. How well could she swim in that shape? If it came to that.
“In the name of King Auberon of Gwyn Fanon,” a voice thundered through the storm. “Hoist your sails and prepare for an inspection.”
The Mirthin levelled a little, picking up speed, but no sails were hoisted.
“I have to speak to the captain,” I said.
“But, Ru—”
“I’ll be fine.”
He pulled me to him and put his wet lips to mine, water dripping from both of us. His mouth was warm and feverish as the kiss deepened. When my head started to spin, he released me. “Remember—”
“Always.” I winked, then staggered to my feet. The Mirthin groaned as I stumbled my way past the sailors and finally up the stairs to the helm.
The captain stood in a swirl of whipping wind, commanding the air and pushing the ship to her limits. He glanced at me. “Glad to see you’re still on board.”
I held onto the rails for dear life as the ship wobbled under my feet. “Barely. Can we go faster?”
“I might be able to control the air, My Queen, but The Mirthin is at her top speed. The ship behind us, however, has more power than my old lady here, I’m afraid. We should prepare to be boarded.”
“No way. That is not an option. You keep pushing, and I’ll think of something.”
“Aye, aye.” He grinned through his wet beard.
I turned to stare at the black ship gaining on us. I could see the crew now, moving around like dark shades. A glimmer of orange hues caught my eye. Fire. If they began throwing fireballs, The Mirthin would sink fast. I latched onto the boom and climbed on top of the railing. “You keep her steady,” I shouted.
A fiery orb shot through the rain now teeming down. Raising my palm, I conjured a giant force field, creating a shield larger than I had ever made before. It protected the entire stern of the ship, from the surface of the water to the top of the masts. The first fireball slammed into it, causing rippling waves on the magical sphere. More fireballs followed, pounding into my shield with brutal force. How long could I hold it? As long as I had to.
Behind me, sailors warped into animals, though the Pixies stayed in their humanoid form. A tiny Pixie couldn’t do much in a fight like this. Once the size of butterflies, they would become easy pickings for any flames that might reach them.
I shivered. My clothes were drenched, and my short hair was plastered to my head.
“Archers!” Brendan’s voice rose above the storm. “At the ready.”
I dared a look behind me. Two archers had joined Cynthia, and five more sat in the crow’s nest on the next mast over. Turning to the water again, I gritted my teeth as flames painted the outside of my force field in hues of amber and gold. The fire ceased for a moment as the enemy ship kept gaining on us. It was close now. Close enough to strike.
“Ready?” I yelled. I lowered the sphere for a moment, catching my breath, then screamed, “Now!”
Arrows rained overhead and distant sounds of thuds and screams rolled through the air. A series of fireballs followed, and I spotted Pullhelli clinging to Brendan with one hand, releasing fire with the other. Gathering myself, I sent a barrage of my own fireballs at the ship, then quickly raised my shield once more. Not quickly enough, however. A flaming enemy orb had managed to slip past, barrelling forward like a scorching cannonball. The flames latched onto the foremast, just below Cynthia and the other archers with her. The fire roared at their feet, and the mast creaked.
“It’s going to fall,” the captain bellowed.
I panted hard, my energy ebbing. The mast cracked. I gulped down air, then let go of the boom and used my telekinesis to grab the top of the mast. It was too heavy. I let go and concentrated on the crow’s nest instead. I tore it off and sent it skidding across the deck as the mast plunged into the water. A white wolf darted forward and leapt over the wreckage to the people in the crow’s nest. Brendan and Pullhelli both followed. A few splinters had caught in my great-uncle’s robe, but neither man appeared injured. The archers were moving around as well, so at least they were alive.
Meanwhile, my force field had come down. My feet slipped, and with nothing to hold onto, I fell off the rails, tumbling headfirst towards the furious waves. In the single breath I took, while suspended in mid-air, my mind took me back to London, to the moment when my mum had fallen into the Thames, never to come back up. Would I share her fate? Perhaps this was it, perhaps we would both rest in the waters. It seemed to be a theme for our family line. I had feared it for so long, but maybe it would be peaceful, like falling into a deep sleep. I braced myself for the impact and sucked in air.
I never touched the surface, however. A dark cloud cushioned me and flew me back onto the ship, gently lowering me by the helm. As I reached for it, the cloud rippled away from me, expanding into a curtained veil. Spreading out like a sheet of doom, it shielded the other ship from view. Then the cloud dived down, continuing to sweep forward. It rolled across the waves and ducked underneath the enemy ship. The bow rose. Slowly at first. The figures on board tumbled out of sight as the ship continued to keel backwards. Higher and higher, until the entire vessel was at a ninety-degree angle, balancing on the stern. The black cloud swirled around the ship, consuming it until it looked like a giant ominous spear shooting out of the surface. When the figure let go, screams and cries of mercy issued from within its grasp. The cloud swooped back out as the ship finally toppled over, splashing upside down into the sea. The shockwaves gave The Mirthin a push, making us surge farther away from the enemy. I stared at the dark figure as it turned and dispersed into a myriad of tiny water sprites. Through the roar of the angry sea, and the cries for help, I could have sworn I heard them giggle.
I waved from where I sat on my knees, soaking wet and exhausted. “Thank you,” I called as we drifted further away from the wreckage and into the mist.
Chapter Fifteen
“Port ahead!” Mervyn shouted from his position about fifty feet above The Mirthin. At only six years of age he had lost his parents and older brother during one of the first battles of Y Noson Hir.
“Oh, I’d say a notch or two short of an awr.”
“Keep an eye out for more enemies, boy.” The captain returned to yelling at the crew, who were trying to erect the fallen mast. “You morons! I told you to keep the rope tight. Use your muscles, you sons of the Nethers.”
After we had fended off the attack from Auberon’s coast guard—or rather, after the water sprites had saved us from them—Mervyn and I had healed the injured members of Morien’s crew. He told me how Morien, a lifelong friend of Mervyn’s father, had taken the orphan kid under his wings.
Looking at the now thirteen-year-old Fae, and how he floated on the air currents, I subconsciously reached behind my back and scratched at the non-existent wings between my shoulder blades.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Brendan whispered next to me.
I flinched, almost slipping off the bench. “I thought you were asleep.”
He stretched and yawned. “Sorry. I was, until those two started.” He nodded at Mervyn, who alighted next to the captain. “What’s on your mind?”
That flirting archeress right across from us.
Not that I was really thinking about Cynthia, who was sleeping on the bench on the other side of the deck. Well, maybe she occupied a tiny part of my brain, if I was being honest with myself.
“Just wings,” I said, leaning lazily on Brendan’s shoulder. “And whether it would be different if I had them.”
“You’d be flying. I’d say that’s pretty different.”
“And I’m sure it would be amazing, but I meant different in respect to what happens after the war.”
He combed his fingers through my hair. “This really is different. It’ll take some getting used to, this new do of yours.”
I nudged him with my head. “You said you liked it.”
“Oh, I do, don’t get me wrong, you look as gorgeous as ever. But what did you mean about after the war?”
I inhaled slowly, which turned into a yawn, reminding me that it had been a long while since I had slept. “Going back,” I said. “To Earth. I’m still thinking that’s the next step, assuming we beat all the odds and overthrow my father.”
