“We’ll make sure the Lorkon don’t get to Ara Liese before you do,” she said. “And I’m sure, since the forest is so close to the entrance, that we’ll be able to protect that too. But we need to leave now.”
Azuriah looked up from his food. “Go tell everyone to get ready.”
Jacob rushed back to the library—the expression on the Sheingols’ faces had been pretty serious. He delivered the news and Dad started issuing orders. Mr. Coolidge, who knew the humans from the scented air best, was to lead the snake group. Since he didn’t have any fighting experience—arguing with high school students didn’t count—Gallus would accompany him.
As already decided, Azuriah, Dad, Jacob, and Akeno would take on Ara Liese, and all the Shiengols who weren’t injured would surround the infected forest, maintaining a protective barrier, keeping the Lorkon from entering. That was the plan, anyway. Azuriah admitted that it would probably be difficult, since the forest was so large and the Shiengols had taken a big hit the day before.
Jacob suspected that it hurt Azuriah a great deal to admit that his people had weaknesses of any kind. He smiled to himself. It was probably good for the Azuriah.
Jacob and Matt headed home to grab their things. Jacob put Early’s container in his bag, along with matches, rope, a compass, and other things he hoped he wouldn’t have to use. He was excited to go, but nervous too. The last time he’d met the female Lorkon, she’d tried to lure him away. An involuntary shudder ran over him as he realized the mistake he’d almost made. To think he’d considered leaving everything for his grandma!
Matt bounced into Jacob’s room. “This is going to be freakin’ awesome! We’re totally going to kidnap a Lorkon.”
Jacob ignored Matt’s overly exuberant color of green. “She’s not like the others.”
“I know! You said she’s hot.”
Jacob rolled his eyes. “And scary and freaky and dangerous.”
“Yeah. Which only adds to the hotness.”
“Disgusting, Matt. She’s my grandma.”
“Way to bring the awkward in, dude.”
Jacob ignored him. “Let’s go.”
As soon as everyone had gathered in the meadow of Taga Village, Dad made sure they all knew what they were to do. Jacob would be Keying everyone but the Shiengols to the manor. The Shiengols would leave through Taga Village’s entrance. A large group of humans was staying behind to help the Makalos protect the link.
Dad had the Shiengols leave, then Jacob created a link to the manor’s front door, facing the forest. The humans went through first, immediately entering the forest to seek out the snakes. Then Jacob followed Dad, Azuriah, and Akeno, closing the door behind them.
Dad looked around in amazement, but Azuriah brushed past him. “You can admire the manor later. We’ve got work to do.”
After verifying that Ara Liese wasn’t inside, Azuriah strode onto the porch and down the stairs, leading the way to the forest.
As Jacob expected, the moment they stepped into the trees, the branches sprang into action and attacked in a frenzy.
Azuriah growled in frustration, unstrapped his pole, and began whipping it left and right, carving a trail. Dad, Jacob, and Akeno followed. Jacob hoped the first group was okay—they didn’t have a Shiengol to clear the crazy trees.
After a moment, Akeno grabbed Jacob’s arm and pointed. He turned to see and paused in shock. Showers and waves of sparks and light rained over a section of the forest. “What’s that?” Jacob asked.
Azuriah paused to look. “My people are shielding us from something. I’d guess that the Lorkon, or their army, have arrived and are attacking.”
Jacob’s heart dropped and he broke into a cold sweat. They needed to keep going, and fast! “What can we do to help?”
“Attack the trees with me. We have to get Ara Liese’s attention.”
Jacob nodded. He pulled out his sword and started hitting tree trunks, mimicking Azuriah’s actions.
Dad and Akeno joined in, each doing their own thing—whatever that was—to help. Jacob’s arms quickly tired, but he kept going. And even though most of the sun was covered with a canopy of leaves, he started to sweat from the heat.
Only moments after they’d begun, Azuriah called at them to stop. “Something approaches.”
How did Azuriah know? Jacob wondered if he himself could sense it as well. He tried, but didn’t feel anything.
But then he heard soft rustling and his heart sunk. “That’s not Ara Liese.” He turned to the others. “She didn’t make that sort of sound, but the snakes did. They’re coming.”
It took only a second for that to sink in. Then everyone jumped into a circle, backs together, facing outward. They held their weapons high, ready to attack.
“There’s one!” Akeno called.
Jacob was about to turn to face it when a second snake slithered into view in front of him. “And another here.” What had happened to the group who’d been sent to kill the snakes?
A third, then fourth appeared, and Jacob and the others started attacking. Azuriah was the fastest, but Dad definitely was skilled with his sword. They slashed and hit and stabbed, Jacob and Akeno doing their best to match them. Jacob hit his snake time after time, but nothing seemed to faze the thing. It pretty much ignored him, slowly circling the group.
It became apparent that they couldn’t pierce the scales of the snakes. Azuriah and Dad lowered their weapons, backing to Akeno and Jacob.
“Now what?” Dad asked. No one responded.
By then, the snakes had fully encircled the group multiple times. Jacob realized what was about to happen, but before he could say anything, the snake in front of him sprang forward, flipping a large section of its body over and around him. He was knocked to the ground, then felt himself being lifted up. A sense of déjà vu flooded him and he tried to see what was going on with the others, but couldn’t. Lights flashed in his eyes—the snake was holding him too tightly. He heard shouting, but couldn’t tell where it came from. He gasped for air, struggled to pull it in.
Jacob kicked and thrashed around, but was powerless to do anything. He fell limp, vaguely aware that the snake was carrying him into the manor and up the stairs. With a bump, the snake dropped him in the room with the dead people. The moment his lungs were freed, Jacob gasped and coughed, dragging in air. He curled into a fetal position. He hurt everywhere—his muscles had gone too long without air.
Jacob sat up, putting his hand to his head, and checked on the condition of Dad, Azuriah, and Akeno. All of them, except Akeno, had made it into the room.
Dad moaned and dropped his sword, which he must’ve clutched during the entire ride. Jacob had lost his. Azuriah seemed to be fine—dazed, but fine. Jacob limped to a window, trying to see Akeno. There was no sign of the Makalo. He turned, about to say something, but right at that moment, Dad noticed the bodies. He jumped to his feet, eyes wild, sword in hand.
Jacob held up his hands. “Dad, they can’t hurt you. They’re dead.”
Azuriah shook his head. “No, they’re not.”
“What?” Jacob frowned. “Yes they are. Look at them.”
Azuriah flipped his yellow robes back in frustration. “Stop questioning me, boy. Will you never lose your insolence?”
Dad lowered his sword. “Lecture him later. Continue with your theory.”
“It’s not a theory. They aren’t dead. They’ve withered until there’s nearly nothing left of their bodies, but their spirits remain.”
Azuriah walked between the people, occasionally stopping to look at their faces. He tapped his cheek. “Not only that, but they’re people who are important to this Lorkon.”
“How can you tell?”
“The emotions. These people love Ara Liese.”
Jacob stared at the body closest to him. He squinted, wondering how Azuriah could see the emotions for love when Ara Liese wasn’t even in the room. “I can’t see anything.”
Azuriah stared at Jacob. “Are you sure? Look harder
.”
Jacob did. He still couldn’t, but didn’t say so. “What are they doing here?”
“She holds them here.” Azuriah scowled, thinking. “The snakes brought us for a reason, apparently.” He pointed to Dad and Jacob. “Each of us means something to her—we’re important. I’m her uncle. Dmitri, you’re married to her daughter. And Jacob, you’re her grandson. Notice that the Makalo didn’t make it. The snakes must be able to sense our importance.”
Jacob was trying to digest this new information when the hairs on the back of his neck rose. The wind rushed from his lungs without him expelling it. Every cell in his body yearned for the doorway—for someone who now stood in it. For Queen Ara Liese. Her long, dark hair was brushed back from her face and off her shoulders and her white robes and gown hung nearly to the floor.
Her dark eyes roamed the new additions to her collection. They lingered on him hungrily, and for a moment, Jacob felt that intense desire to go to her. He put a stop to it as soon as it crossed him. Jacob folded his arms and glared at her, but she ignored him, her eyes stopping on Azuriah.
The Shiengol partially bowed. “Your Majesty.”
“Azuriah,” she said. The Lorkon stepped into the room, carefully dodging the people on the floor. She stopped in front of Azuriah, raised her hand, and trailed it down a strand of his hair. “You’ve come to me.”
He nodded once. “Yes.”
“And you’ve brought Danilo. Clever.”
A smile briefly crossed Azuriah’s face. “Yes.” Jacob watched the Shiengol’s emotions, but couldn’t figure out what he was feeling—why he’d smiled. “I need your help, Your Majesty.”
“I know.”
Jacob was shocked by that, but Azuriah wasn’t. “Will you help?”
She laughed. “They told me you’d ask.” She lowered her face, looking at her uncle through her eyelashes. “You realize the danger you’ve placed the boy in by bringing him to me?”
Azuriah’s eyes flicked to Jacob and back to Ara Liese. “You won’t harm him.”
“No . . . no, I won’t. She crossed to stand in front of Jacob. She was about to touch his cheek when, faster than Jacob knew possible, Azuriah was there, blocking her.
“Don’t taint him.”
“He’s more mine than yours.”
“Not anymore—not since the Lorkon did something to you. Not since they changed you.”
Ara Liese turned from Jacob and glowered at Azuriah. “What they did to me?” She laughed again. “Oh, Azuriah. You’re so naïve. What they did to me granted me more powers and abilities than I ever had as a Shiengol.”
Azuriah scowled. “I don’t doubt that you’re more powerful now. But Ara Liese, is this power consuming you? Does it control you?”
Ara Liese shook her head. “Of course it doesn’t.”
Azuriah motioned to the people in the room. “Then why hold them captive? Why not release them so they’ll die in peace?”
For a moment, Ara Liese’s calm exterior vanished and Jacob saw pain there. But it was gone as quickly as it had come. “They do feel peace. Look at them—they’re happy. They wish to be with me.”
“Come with us,” Azuriah said. “We’ll find a cure—we’ll make things right again.”
Ara Liese quirked an eyebrow. “You think I’ll leave behind what I’ve gained here? I’ve got everything I could ever want.”
“Except for one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You can’t touch the people you love without draining them of their will to live, of their life force.” He shook his head. “No, you aren’t happy.”
Queen Ara Liese glared at him, but didn’t respond.
Azuriah held out his hand. “Come.”
She still didn’t respond, so he placed his hand on her elbow, attempting to steer her toward the door. But she lashed out at him, slashing his face with her fingernails, knocking him to the floor.
Azuriah blinked, shaking his head. Blood splattered on his yellow robes, but he ignored it. “You will come. I have a task to complete, Lorkon, and you won’t stop me.”
The queen snarled. “Don’t call me that.”
Azuriah got to his feet, maintaining his distance. “You’re more Lorkon now than anything else, my dear. Haven’t they told you? You lost your soul and didn’t even know.”
Ara Liese screamed and raised her hands. Jacob had seen that look before—he knew what was about to follow.
“Azuriah!” he shouted. “The bugs! She’s going to spray them!”
Azuriah whipped his hair back, throwing his pole to the ground. He quickly molded the air in front of him and a shield grew, separating them from her. The moment the shield touched the edges of the room, forming a complete seal, the bugs erupted from Ara Liese’s mouth and shot in every direction. They sought a way through Azuriah’s shield. As soon as one of them hit the silvery sheen, though, the bug popped and fizzled, falling to the ground.
At first, it looked like Azuriah had won. But Ara Liese screamed again, louder this time, and more bugs than Jacob thought possible sprayed from her mouth. Azuriah’s shield flickered, and Jacob knew it wouldn’t hold. He had to do something. He dropped to one knee, dug through his bag, released Early, and asked her to help him make a shield with his powers.
As soon as he felt the spot on his back start warming, Jacob molded the air in front of him, then willed his powers to join Azuriah’s. They did, and Azuriah’s shield strengthened and pushed forward. Jacob felt Azuriah’s intentions and allowed his shield to follow.
With a powerful push, the sheen burst, sparks flying everywhere. It washed over everything and everyone in the room, killing each bug, dropping the carcasses to the ground.
Ara Liese fell to one knee, her face slack.
“Early?” Jacob called. “Hurry—go find Akeno. Tell him to come.”
Early disappeared with a flash, and Jacob prayed she’d find Akeno in one piece and that he’d be able to shrink Ara Liese before anything else happened. Azuriah had leaned against a wall, obviously exhausted.
The Minya flitted back into the room. “Akeno says he tried—he came into the manor and tried to shrink her, but as soon as he did, something shot him down the hall, to the first floor, and outside. The doors locked and he can’t get through them or any of the windows.”
The Lorkon laughed, raising her head, staring at her uncle. “You won’t defeat me.”
She jumped to her feet and Jacob watched in shock as her eyes darkened—even the white parts—and black lines snaked away from her eyes like blood vessels. Soon, her entire face was black and the blackness spread, turning her white robes dark.
The ground around her blackened, and even the air darkened. Then the tendrils coiled toward Azuriah. He jumped away—to a window—and stared at the sun. The darkness followed. He whipped around and locked eyes with the Lorkon.
She stumbled. The darkness withdrew from Azuriah. She snarled and forced her darkness forward.
Jacob’s mouth popped open as he watched the two battle with their eyes. Azuriah forced light toward Ara Liese and she pushed back, darkness nearly enveloping Azuriah’s light. The room started alternating between black and bright white, making Jacob shield his eyes.
The moment he looked away, he noticed that the “dead” bodies in the room were moving—trying to get closer to her, their hands reaching farther. And then their emotions were visible. It sickened him, seeing how much they longed for her.
At that moment, Jacob remembered that his father had been with them—how had he forgotten? Dad was slumped to the ground, facing Ara Liese, one hand raised, reaching for her.
“Dad!” he yelled, jumping over two bodies to get to his father’s side.
His eyes were darker than Jacob had ever seen before, and his desire to be near the queen showed so strongly, it brought a bitter taste into Jacob’s mouth.
Jacob grabbed his dad under the armpits, pulling him away from Ara Liese. “Come on, Dad. Don’t do this.”
; He quickly found that he couldn’t pull his father more than a couple of inches away from her. The force connecting them was too strong. Instead, Jacob dragged his father closer toward her, but also toward the door.
He cringed when they started crossing the dead bugs. He struggled to put the crunching noises far from his thoughts and instead, concentrated on keeping Dad away from the battle of light and dark.
The moment Jacob was even with the Lorkon, the real struggle with his father began. Dad fought to get away from him, reaching for Ara Liese, and Jacob’s arms felt like they were being pulled from their sockets. How was he going to get them both out of the room? His arms started shaking from the exertion, and for a moment, he wondered if he should just let his father go—let him have what he wanted. But one look at the bodies in the room removed that thought.
An idea crossed his mind and he called for his Minya. She flitted to his side.
“Give me strength,” he said. “Help me get him out.”
Early nodded and disappeared and Jacob felt a spot on his back warm once more. He drew from it, willing energy and strength to enter his limbs. It wasn’t much, but seemed to help. Jacob slowly increased the distance between Dad and the Lorkon. Finally—finally—he dragged his dad through the doorway and out into the hall. As soon as Dad could no longer see Ara Liese, he struggled less. Getting him down the hallway, to the first floor, and out the front door was much easier than getting him out of that room.
Jacob shut the door of the manor and slumped to the porch near Dad.
Neither said anything. Jacob drew in big gulps of air. He couldn’t even tell if Dad was conscious. When he’d pulled in enough air, he looked around for Early.
Akeno rounded the corner of the manor and yelped with excitement. “You’re alive! Are you guys okay? I tried to shrink her, but—”
Jacob held up his hand. “Early told me.” He didn’t want to interrupt his friend, but he needed to find Early. She hadn’t followed him outside, and he had no idea when her energy had stopped giving him strength. His heart sped up again and he wondered if he’d killed her.
Eyes of the Sun (Kilenya Series, 5) Page 19
