A light—even more blinding than Rigil’s sword—filled his vision. It chased away every shadow in the room. With it came a bolt of pure energy that arced toward Rigil and struck him with powerful force. He was thrown aside, his armor boiling and smoking. He shook violently as he struggled back to his feet.
Antares could barely make out Kira standing firm, her palm held flat toward Rigil. Her silver armor shimmered in the brilliance of her own light. And from her hand came another wave of light and energy that slammed into Rigil, leaving him trembling, his armor partially melted. Rigil’s tortured screaming could faintly be heard through his helmet, as he teetered off balance.
Antares realized, as Rigil must have, that Kira was the true master of this place. That the elderstones would not block her. And she’d tapped into power they would never understand. She stood there, majestic and unshakable. Radiant.
Rigil raised his blade and charged toward Antares, tumbling off balance as he did. He sprang through the air, his sword poised for the kill.
Kira slammed him with another bolt of magic. He fell on Antares, aiming his sword down, backed by the full weight of his body.
Antares raised his own sword, his arms quaked but he held it firmly. Pointed the blade upward just as Rigil came down—impaling himself upon it. Rigil’s sword sparked to ruins as its hilt crossed paths with Antares’ fiery blade. The weight of Rigil’s body knocked Antares onto his back. He rolled out from under and tossed his sword aside.
He stared up at the ceiling, struggling to breathe.
His vision faded to black and his shaking lessened as his eyes closed. He could barely hear something. It was like a simple, pleasant melody but so very far away. It called his name. “Antares, Antares,” like a scream hushed by the wind. Like an echo in a canyon. A tiny smiled formed on his lips.
He felt a tug at his foot, and jerked as something gripped his ankle. He was dragged along the floor. The light lessened and he heard the hiss of a closing door. He opened his eyes, blinking, trying to clear his vision.
Kira stood over him, her elegant silver armor looking down. Her helmet hovered just over his head. It was easy to imagine her beautiful face behind it, especially those lovely brown eyes.
Reality blacked in and out, and his view of her—when he could see—was like gazing into a reflection on rippling water. Unclear but still beautiful. He watched her, barely able to see and hear anything. She sounded concerned, but the words were lost to him. He tried to smile. To reassure her.
She began to take off her helmet and he felt an ounce of strength. He caught her hand with his, stopping her. Even though he wanted to see her again, to look into those beautiful eyes one more time, and kiss her. There was something he wanted even more. And that was her safety. He couldn’t let her unseal her helmet. She’d be exposed to all the radiation. The poison he'd so deeply absorbed.
She seemed to understand and took his hand instead, holding it tightly. He barely felt her fingers slip between his, and he gave her a squeeze as best he could.
The physical pain seemed to drift away like a gentle tide.
She leaned over him, pressing her helmet against his head. He blinked, staring through her visor, seeing her eyes behind it. They were red and damp, but still bright and full of that sparkle of life he’d grown to love. Those all-forgiving eyes. He smiled, seeing them, and pressed his lips against her helmet, kissing it.
She would be fine. She was safe.
He relaxed some, letting his eyes close again.
All she’d done for him flashed through his mind. And he whispered the words, “I love you.” They were too simple, but he could think of nothing better to say.
“And I love you,” she said. Her voice seemed so distant.
“Is it over?” he asked the darkness, clinging to her—his last tie to the world.
“Yes, Antares, it’s over.” Her voice was tender.
He relaxed completely. Now the world’s healing could begin. It wouldn’t be easy, but at least now… it would be possible.
He squeezed her hand one last time. Thinking of her standing with him. On a sailboat. Riding a gentle tide out of Andar Cove. Together forever.
Never before had he felt such peace.
The End
Dear Reader, I hope you enjoyed reading Secrets of Silverwind as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you have time, please leave a review in the ebookstore. I would greatly appreciate that.
Also be sure to check out The Phoenix Conspiracy (book one of a sci-fi mystery/thriller series) which is now available in the iBookstore, on Nook, and on other devices.
More information about me and my work may be found at my personal webpage: www.richardlsanders.com
Acknowledgements
This book is dedicated to my little brother Russell who has always been there next to me through thick and thin. I would also like to thank my beta readers and friends who’ve helped me every step of the way. Especially Brandon and Ruth who’ve both consistently gone well beyond the call of duty to help me achieve my dreams.
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