by Apryl Baker
Stephen extended a hand upward that was embraced in Ryder’s soft, gentle grip. In a second, he was vaulting through the air and coming to land beside Ryder so fast it was only instinct that reminded him to land on his good leg.
“Oh, yeah.” Stephen took a moment to regain his composure and placed his injured leg down with a wince. “The whole Dragon strength thing.”
Ryder laughed and turned to take her seat beside Lukas at the stern of the craft. Tobias sat by himself, his eyes a hundred miles away amongst thoughts only he knew.
As the craft begin to move forward out of the opening in The Emerald Queen’s side, Stephen took a moment to appreciate how small the craft was. Built for four people, it was packed. Three seats along with the captain’s chair meant Stephen would have to stand or sit on the ground. No weapons were fitted onto the small ship. An engine to the rear propelled it forward, and a single miniature mast could be moved up and down by a winch.
“It shouldn’t be hard to hide in this thing,” Stephen said to Tobias.
The magician started as if he had forgotten he was amongst other people. “No, not at all,” Tobias said in a far-off voice. “My magic will cloak the vessel when we get closer to the city.”
They were free of The Emerald Queen now. To the right, the tiny, uninhabited island they used to dock was already growing smaller. Clear blue water underneath met the clearer blue sky above. They cut through the sun’s rays as they headed forward toward Atlantis.
“I like you.” Stephen wouldn’t make eye contact with the magician, so he focused on what was ahead. “I know you have your issues, but we all do. I’m in no place to judge you. I just want you to know that if you plan on hurting her, or double crossing her once we get to Atlantis, I will kill you.” Stephen turned to Tobias now, looking deep into the magician’s eyes. “All your magic, all your tricks, nothing will save you. I need you to know and believe this.”
“I believe you.” The magician broke his gaze from Stephen. “But you don’t have to worry about me. I made my decision to stand with Valeria during the last test in the Crucible. It’s not me you have to worry about anymore.”
Both men grew silent, each thinking on the enemies that lay ahead.
Chapter Twenty
Valeria bit her lip, her teeth worrying the soft skin. It was an old habit of hers that came out when she grew nervous. The word paled in comparison to what she really felt. Her stomach knotted, twisted. Fear raced up and down her spine as she resolutely piloted the small skiff to the place she’d been seeking all these years. So close at hand. Only now, her dreams of a homecoming had been smashed, thanks to Tobias and his little bombshell.
This was so far from her imaginings she almost laughed. She’d expected to find a welcoming people who she could find some kind of kinship with. People who wouldn’t look at her like trash. Since she carried the name Dendali, however, that wasn’t to be. Her name ensured she’d receive a hostile reception that could possibly result in her death. All things she couldn’t control. All things Tobias should have told her up front before they started this journey.
Would it have changed her mind, though? Knowing what she did now, Valeria knew in her gut she wouldn’t have turned back. This meant too much to her, to see where she came from, to have that sense of home and family. Even if that home and family didn’t want her, she still needed to see Atlantis, if only for herself.
Tobias came to stand beside her, his eyes sweeping the openness of the air they traveled. Nothing but air and ocean. No land in sight. He leaned on the railing, not saying anything. She cast him a curious glance. “Did you need something?”
He shook his head, still gazing out at the clear blue sky. “Just thinking.”
“About?”
“Atlantis. My family…my son.” His eyes took on a haunted look. “I often wondered about him. Was he happy…what became of him? Fear kept me from going anywhere near them. Fear that someone from Atlantis would discover their whereabouts and kill him in his crib.”
“I have no answers for you, old man.” The hard edge in her voice belied the sympathy she felt for him. It must have been hard to walk away from them, to know he’d never see them again.
“Life is full of regrets, Valeria. The best we can do is hope to live with our decisions. Always do what feels right in your gut, even if that’s not the easiest option. It’s how we survive our decisions.”
“Do you regret what you did?” she asked, keeping her own eyes straight ahead.
“Every day.” A deep sigh rumbled out of him. “I was a foolish young man who let power go to his head. Had I known it would cost my brother and his family their lives, I would never have let Kronos bend my ear. I thought I was doing what was best for Atlantis and its people. It was a war that would never end. Talking wasn’t going to put an end to it. Something drastic had to be done, and my brother refused to see that. I stand by my decision to end that war, only not my method.”
“I understand hard decisions.” Her eyes flickered to Stephen. Leaving him had been one of the hardest things she’d done in her life. Her heart still ached late at night when she allowed herself to remember him, to remember them. He wouldn’t have left the Navy back then. Not for her, at least. Or that was what she’d assumed. He said he’d planned to marry her. Her mind reeled just contemplating it.
That was a lifetime ago. They were both different people, following different paths now. Only what if his path and hers were meant to collide again? What if fate decided to give them a chance? Lukas’ loud laugh caught her attention. His smile softened her heart even further. They’d been through so much together. He’d stood by her in situations she knew Stephen never would have. She loved him in a way she’d never be able to love Stephen.
Just trying to sort through her feelings caused a pinprick of pain to start hammering away behind her eyes. How was she supposed to choose between the two of them?
Ryder smiled at whatever joke Lukas was obviously telling, and something struck Valeria. The two of them seemed to light up around each other. A glow emanated from the two. She blinked, thinking perhaps it was the sun reflecting off something, but no, when she looked again, it was there. What in the world?
“You see it too?” Tobias asked, his gaze fixed on the pair.
“What is it?”
“I don’t know.” Tobias shifted so he could lean his back against the rails. “It’s powerful, whatever that link is. I noticed it that first day when he picked her up off the deck, unconscious, and took her below.”
“You have no clue what it might be?” she pressed, a sharp pang of jealousy splintering through her.
“I don’t know enough about Dragon folklore to even hazard a guess. Perhaps you need to speak to Ryder about it?”
“I…”
“Land!” Stephen shouted, cutting her off.
Val whipped back around, and sure enough, she could see it. Off in the distance, a tiny speck in the vastness of the water. Tobias flexed his arms and began to chant a slow and hypnotic song. She felt his magic flow out and surround them in its warmth. His invisibility spell. It had to be.
Two hours later, they were pulling up to a small inlet just outside the massive walls that surrounded the city. The city gave off a hum that settled in Valeria’s bones. It wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, it made her feel at ease, a fact that unsettled her even more. She needed to keep her guard up, considering they’d sent a monster to kill her before she could reach the city. No, allowing this place to lull her into a false sense of security would be a very bad thing.
“How are we getting in?” Lukas came to stand behind her, his presence more of a comfort than the feeling emanating from the city.
“There are no wards protecting the city.” Tobias jumped down, his attention focused on the city wall. “A small gate is around this corner. There is a guard, but he’s on rounds, so if we time it right, we can sneak in without anyone the wiser.”
Valeria took her weapons and secured them beneath her cloak, w
ell-hidden from prying eyes. She frowned over at Stephen, concerned. He appeared to be in a great deal of pain. Why wouldn’t he listen and stay behind? In his condition, he could be more of a hindrance than a help. What if they had to run for it? Running wasn’t something his body could do right now.
“He’ll be fine,” Lukas whispered. “And if he’s not, I won’t leave him behind, since I’m the one who caused the injury.”
A smile flirted with her lips. “Do you think you’ll get away from carrying him anytime soon? I do recall the first time you met him, you hauled him aboard ship too.”
Lukas chuckled. “Hopefully. My back can’t take much more of him.”
“Hey, now.” Stephen frowned at them, having heard the last of their conversation. “No one has to carry me.”
“Yet.” Valeria’s eyebrow hiked up when Stephen pulled out his flask and took a swig. “Didn’t Ya-You warn you about that stuff?”
Stephen patted the flask, a smile on his face. “It’s all good.”
Lukas groaned. “My poor back is going to get a workout!”
“Shh,” Ryder shushed them all. “Someone is coming.”
That got their attention. True enough, a young boy, about eight or so, came walking around the corner. His clothes were torn in places, patched in others. A mop of dark brown curls almost hid his ocean blue eyes. They regarded him curiously, but expectantly.
“Tobias Dendali?” he asked after a moment.
Tobias stepped forward, his face neutral. “And who would be asking?”
“I am Taran. My mistress sent me to collect you.”
“And how do you know who we are?” Valeria asked the lad.
He gave her an impish grin, dimples forming. He was an adorable boy now, and she could only guess at the man he’d become one day. Devastatingly handsome, she suspected.
“You have been expected.” He motioned for them to follow.
Valeria looked to Tobias, who nodded and started after the boy. She sighed, not at all happy. Their whole purpose was stealth with an element of surprise, but if they were expected, there went that idea.
They slipped through a small gate, hidden amongst the hanging ivy that climbed the wall. She let out a gasp as her eyes took in their first look at the fabled city of Atlantis. Bright colors, sparkles, and a dizzying sense of height hit her all at once.
The buildings were tall, wide, massive, done in a white stone, and the walkways…
“Is this marble?”
“Yes.” Tobias winced when his boot connected with the tile. “The pathways here are all paved with marble, as are some of the main roads.”
“But how?” She stopped to bend down and run her fingers over the material.
“We don’t drive over them.” Tobias halted and turned his attention to her. “Our shoes are cloth, the soles the softest material you’ll ever feel. We take pride in our city, and each citizen does their part in its upkeep.”
She nodded and started following them again, pulling her hood up as they entered the main square. She’d thought some of the flowers in the gardens surrounding the buildings were colorful, but they paled in comparison to the garbs the Atlantian people wore. Bold, beautiful colors complimented designs she’d never seen before. The square was busy, people everywhere buying and selling. It reminded her of the open markets in DeCadia, but here, the people weren’t all that interested in buying anything. They seemed to be browsing while they made their way forward.
“We must hurry, Ma’am…it’s almost time for the king’s announcement.”
Announcement? What announcement? She was about to ask, when Taren shot down a side street and into a building. Tobias never hesitated in following the boy. Valeria frowned. Something didn’t feel right, but Tobias knew more about these people than she did. Besides, what other choice did she have?
Lukas slowed, letting Ryder and Stephen go ahead of him. “I don’t like this.”
“Neither do I.” She bit her lip. “I don’t know why he’s so sure about the thieves. Have you ever known a thief you could trust?”
“You.”
She smacked his arm, stifling a laugh. “Be serious.”
His face turned grim the moment he entered the building. A pub of some sort. Only it wasn’t the reception they were hoping for. Guns were pointed at them. She looked to Tobias, who stood stone-faced, his expression giving nothing away.
“Ah, you must be his relation.”
Valeria glanced to where a woman sat at the table. She was tallish, her golden blonde hair a stark contrast to her ebony eyes. Young, mid-twenties, maybe. The sharp cunning in her eyes belied her age. This was a woman who had seen much and knew even more. Dangerous.
“I am Ileana.”
“Emerald,” Valeria answered, glad she’d kept her mask on. They would remove it soon enough, but it gave her the confidence she needed now.
“The pirate?” The woman looked surprised. “We’ve heard of you, even here.”
Valeria nodded slightly, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “And you are in charge of the underbelly of the city?”
“I am.” She motioned for Valeria to sit. “We’ve been expecting you.”
“Really?” Valeria took the offered seat.
“Yes, your movement in the Crucible has been tracked for some time now. It is the first time in my lifetime someone has attempted the tests and lived to tell about it. Tobias was the last one to successfully navigated our little test.”
“Your father was a big help.” Tobias’ words were low, but Ileana heard them.
“Yes, he spoke of you often, Tobias Dendali. He called you a friend to his dying day, despite your banishment.”
“I am sorry to hear of his passing.” Tobias bowed his head a moment before focusing on the woman across from them. “I had hoped he would be willing aide us inside the city.”
“And what business has brought you back to Atlantis? Being here means death for you.”
“I promised my brother, the true king of Atlantis, I would set this right.”
A harsh laugh tumbled from her lips. “And you think you can best Kronos? Is that it? After all these years, you are here to atone for your part in the Dendali family’s murder?”
“Yes.”
“You are out of your mind.”
“Perhaps,” he agreed, “but will you help me?”
“Why?” A calculated look entered her eyes. “What’s in it for me?”
Tobias leaned against the wall, regarding her with an even more calculating expression. “Something very lucrative…something every thief has wanted since the founding of Atlantis.”
“The Atlantian Diamonds?” Her eyes brightened.
“Perhaps…perhaps something even more valuable. You’ll have to agree to help us if you want to hear the rest of the details.”
She regarded him for a long while. “You have a deal, Tobias Dendali.”
Tobias came over and shook her hand. “Spoken and done.”
“Now what?” Valeria still wasn’t sure what the plan was, aside from sneaking into the city.
The door opened and soldiers piled in. They all stood, hands on their weapons, but they had at least three dozen guns aimed at them. A man stepped into the room, bending to enter. His gaze swept over them all, coming to rest on Tobias. His square pupils dilated slightly when they landed on her grandfather.
This had to be Kronos. If he was here, it couldn’t be good. She shot Ileana an accusatory glare.
The woman shrugged. “I made a deal with him first.”
The man smiled at last, and when he spoke, a shiver went down her spine.
“Tobias Dendali, you are under arrest for treason.”
End Book Two
Bonus!
Get Instant Access to A "Secret" Bonus Chapter From The Crucible by Apryl Baker & Jonathan Yanez Now!
Click HERE.
Chapter One
Stephen paced in his jail cell alone. For the hundredth time, he wondered if he’d made the
right decision in following Valeria. When Ileana, the leader of the Thieves Guild, betrayed their trust and handed them over to Kronos, King of Atlantis, Stephen was ready for a fight. He’d been ready to put it all on the line and welcome whatever afterlife may come, but Val had other plans.
Unwilling to begin a battle where they were outmanned, outgunned, and caught by surprise, she’d ordered them to surrender. The captain of The Emerald Queen cared too much for her crew to lead them into a fight where there were sure to be casualties.
Even with a Dragon on their side, losses from both parties would have been devastating, especially with their small group. Brought to the palace blindfolded and bound, Stephen was separated from the others. Deposited in a tiny cell with no windows, he was left to walk his small confines and wonder.
I should have disobeyed Val. I should have taken as many of those cowards with me as I could and been done with it all. What’s worse, they took Ya-You’s drink. Now I have to deal with what comes sober.
Once again Stephen examined the stone walls around him and the single wooden door for any weakness. He ran his hand along the walls searching for even the slightest give. The stones were damp with moisture and cold. Thick mortar cemented them together, offering no hint of a fault. The floor was the same. No furniture, privy or otherwise, was left for doomed inmates.
The only light came from a flickering lantern set ten feet overhead, much too high for Stephen to dream of reaching. The only way in and out was the thick wooden door whose hinges lay on the opposite side of his cell.
Stephen’s best option, his only option, was to wait to see who would come for him, and when they did, surprise them with an attack.
Ideas of his last hours on this earth began to plague him. In his line of work, death was always knocking at the door. What bothered him most now was the thought that he never truly mended things with Val. If he were honest with himself and looked past the hurt of abandonment, he still loved the woman. But perhaps it was too late. His opportunity at expressing his feelings was gone, maybe forever. Why was he so stubborn? Why hadn’t he told her how he felt?
