by Walls, Devri
“Your Majesty,” Aleric said, “we have sent out people to every house in Kiora’s behalf. They all knew her as a child. There is nothing more we can do.”
The King nodded reluctantly, his eyes glassy and unfocused.
Kiora watched with curiosity as Drustan moved his way through the crowd to the throne. The King was unaware of Drustan’s advance until he took the first stair. The King started with the realization that a former enemy, and a magical creature to boot, stood not but a few inches from him.
Drustan dropped to one knee in a painful act of submission. His movements were stiff and forced and Kiora understood what it took for him to offer this gesture. “Your Majesty, I know what it is like to love a people so fiercely that in an attempt to offer happiness you inadvertently cause pain instead,” he stopped, looking down. Kiora glanced to Emane. Both could fill in Dralazar’s pregnant silence, he had led his people to Dralazar’s side last time, and his people had been decimated. He understood the King’s dilemma better than his Majesty would ever understand. “I understand that the thought of losing them is unbearable.” Raising his head to the King, Drustan continued, “But you must understand, these people of yours are not one. They are individuals with choices to make, just as you are. You cannot control who they are, or who they are to become, anymore than they can control you. They must be free to make their own choices. If not,” Drustan dropped his head, “then we, as rulers, are no different than Dralazar.” Standing, Drustan gave a slow nod of acknowledgement before retreating back to his own people.
The King sat staring at the spot Drustan had vacated, thinking for some time before he finally raised his head. With pain in his eyes that all too many in the room understood, he said, “I agree. Proceed Kiora.”
Needing confirmation first, she questioned the King “You are sure than every family has been told everything they need to know? About the prophecy, the history and me?” she prodded.
“Yes.”
Eleana’s voice floated through. “Your people know each other Kiora, they knew you growing up, and they know Layla. If the word has been sent out and they chose your sister, then they have not chosen blindly.”
Kiora swallowed hard. That was the problem, she knew them too and now she was about to leave them to a questionable fate.
“It would have been preferable to have you introduced earlier, so that the people could have witnessed your transformation. But it is too late for that now,” Eleana continued. “And good or evil does not come down to a matter of magic.”
Kiora moved forward in reluctant agreement. “We will go out, tonight. I will need the help of the Shifters. If you accompany me from house to house, those that need to be evacuated can be taken by you, via bubble, out of the village.” She looked to Eleana, “That is, if it is close enough that they can.” Shifters were the not the best bubblers, Kiora remembered.
Eleana hesitated. “Why the Shifters?”
“Because they can look human, it will lessen the people’s fear.”
“Of course. I will find a place within range.”
“Thank you. The Shifters will quietly take the groups to the place that Eleana has designated. Once they are safely hidden, we will all come back here and wait for Dralazar.”
“What of the people we leave here?” demanded a Shifter whose purple hair stood up in spikes on his head. “They will fight us from inside our defenses.”
Emane finally spoke up. “No, they won’t. This people, they know nothing about battle. Although sided with Dralazar, they are not accustomed to violence. My guess? They will run.”
Some of the Shifters looked unsure.
“He is correct,” Eleana assured them. “Evil and murder do not spring forth overnight, it is reached in increments. These people are not there, not yet.”
“But what if one attacks us!?” a Shifter demanded.
“Then,” Kiora paused, her hands shaking, “you do what you must.” As the words spilled forth, her stomach lurched and she thought she would be sick.
***
Although the Shifters had all taken human form, to ease the villager’s fears, Kiora did have to make a few last minute adjustments. “I know you like pink,” she was telling one of the Shifters, “but humans don’t have pink hair.”
“Not ever?” the Shifter asked innocently.
“Not ever. We don’t want someone to start screaming in the middle of the night and alert everyone. Now please, a normal color.”
“But you all have such ugly hair,” the Shifter whined. “Black, brown, yellow.”
“There’s red,” Kiora said, trying to be helpful.
The Shifters face brightened. “Red! I like red.” Her hair changed to a brilliant crimson red.
“Not that kind of red,” Kiora moaned. “I suppose you better switch to one of the ugly colors, just to be safe.”
The Shifter grumbled, switching her hair to a raven black.
“Drustan was standing back with his arms folded looking very amused. “Well played, My Lady. She never takes criticism well.”
Kiora shook her head. “You left her for me on purpose.”
“Of course, one must see where your skills lie. You are proving to be an exceptional leader.”
Kiora sighed, “I am no leader, Drustan.”
“On the contrary, My Lady,” he gave her a bow then he motioned to another Shifter that was walking by them, “I don’t think that those ears are to regulation either.”
“Oh for heaven’s sake!” Kiora sighed as she went after the pointed-eared human moving through the room.
Drustan watched Kiora, smiling. He didn’t take his eyes off of her when Eleana gracefully approached.
“She is remarkable, Eleana. I have never seen a Solus like her,” said Drustan.
“Nor have I. It begs a few questions,” Eleana sighed.
Drustan’s head snapped back to look at Eleana, an old hope springing forward, “You don’t think that she is…”
She searched his eyes. “Time will tell. Although, as you know, things will be changing one way or the other.”
He nodded gravely, but a spark of excitement ran through him. “The old magic.”
“Yes.”
Drustan’s eyes found Kiora again. “I didn’t think I would see it in my lifetime. That would be remarkable if it were true.” His eyes sparkled with possibility. “If the gate could be opened, it would mean…”
“Yes. IF.” Eleana floated away to take her place at the front of the room.
“If I may have your attention, please.” Eleana’s volume did not rise above a normal speaking voice, and yet, somehow her voice swirled and twisted through the room, silencing the rumble.
“As Kiora has told you, we will be bringing the people to the back courtyard of the castle. It is not visible from any part of the village and you can then drop your bubbles, reserving as much magic as possible for the morning. From there, we will be leading them to their new home. Do not move anyone unless they are bubbled. Shifters, you will take turns. You should be able to move one family before having to let your magic return. Have them bring only necessities, and move quickly.”
Kiora spent the night going from house to house, standing outside first and assessing the threads. Once she identified that they were good, she would quietly knock at the door, explain the plan, and assure them that they would be fine. The people’s reactions varied, but all came.
The houses that contained threads that were good thrilled her and gave her some relief that she so desperately needed, but the homes belonging to the followers of Dralazar shredded her.
She stood in front of the door of San and Gwen, who had been friends of her parents. San used to come and help her father with a number of chores, and her father in turn would help them. She remembered him as kind and smiling, and his wife baked the most delicious sweet rolls she had ever eaten. But, standing in front of their door, the threads came through as some of the clearest she had come across. They had sided with Layla, and thu
s with Dralazar. It was Orrin who stood behind her waiting for the next family. He finally interrupted her thoughts, “Are we taking them?” he asked.
“No,” she said dismally. “We are not.” She wanted to talk with them. Maybe if they saw her... but if she was wrong they would alert Layla, or Dralazar. She couldn’t risk everyone’s life for those of her friends. Despite that, she didn’t move, continuing to look longingly at the door.
Orrin placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “We all lose those we love in war.” Despite the strong set of his shoulder, his eyes were filled with pain.
“Orrin,” she whispered, “I am so sorry.”
He squeezed again, “It is not your fault. Come.” He nodded his head forward. That was enough to get her feet moving, although it didn’t make her feel any better about what they were doing.
Almost at the end of the night she carried a little boy in her arms that couldn’t have been more than three who kept asking her if they were, “Really, really indivisible.” It took her a second to figure out that he meant invisible. She assured him that they were and couldn’t help wasting a little magic once they arrived at the castle. She set him down and bubbled for him. He screamed in delight and clapped his hands as Kiora vanished.
“Again, again!” he shouted. “Make me indivisible again.”
Kiora bent down and put her fingers to his lips “Shh. I can’t tonight. But next time I see you, I will make you invisible, I promise,” she whispered.
The little boy threw his arms around her neck. “I wuv you!” he announced.
It was very early in the morning when the last family arrived in the courtyard. A little over two thousand men, women and children waited for what was next.
Eleana came up next to Kiora, Emane walking behind. “I need to speak to the both of you for a few minutes before I move the people.” She continued walking with complete assurance that she would be followed.
Kiora and Emane did follow, as expected, weaving into the surrounding forests and disappearing from view. Eleana walked silently ahead, stiff backed. Finally, without warning she stopped and turned. “I train Soluses,” she said suddenly, “and Protectors. I do so because not to would be sending this people and its defenders to slaughter against something that they do not understand. And also perhaps,” she paused, “to amend for my mistakes. However, besides that I do not interfere with the affairs of your people and Dralazar.”
Emane looked a little flabbergasted. “You’re not fighting?” he said, a little stunned.
“No.”
“But… but…” he stuttered. “Why would you allow him to do this, and do nothing?”
She looked to Kiora instead as she answered. “Because I learned a long time ago that others’ lives are not to be interfered with. Sometimes the consequences of interfering can be worse than it otherwise would have been.”
“Is that your explanation!?” Kiora exploded. “You promised that you would tell me everything!”
Emane looked lost.
“No,” Eleana said. “It is not. When this battle is over I will explain everything, just as I promised. But I wanted to let you know…”
“That you would be vanishing during the battle,” Emane interrupted.
Eleana exhaled. “There is so much you do not understand. Kiora, you are more powerful than any other Solus before you. Dralazar’s defeat is in your hands. Emane,” she stretched out her hand. “Come here please.”
Emane walked forward, looking very betrayed.
Eleana pulled up his sleeve, exposing his arm piece and waved her hand over the top muttering words that Kiora could barely hear.
“What was that?” Emane asked looking suspiciously at the snake.
“Extra protection,” she ventured cautiously, “for things that cannot be undone.”
Emane’s suspicion grew, “What did you do?” he pushed.
“All that I could do to right a wrong.” She smiled at both them “In your words Kiora: Do what needs to be done, and follow your hearts.”
Chapter Twenty-six
BATTLE FOR MEROS
THE PEOPLE, INCLUDING ALERIC, were safely hidden away in the forest. Emane agreed that Aleric and half of the guardians should stay with the people. They needed some protection, in case the worst were to happen. The other half of the Guardians were with Drustan, dispersing themselves around the tree line of the village. Kiora now waited with Emane within the castle’s grand entry. Although they had made all the plans they could, she felt woefully unprepared.
The Rockmen were plodding on towards the village, the rising sun shining behind them, turning them into large black shadows. With each one of their steps, the castle windows shuddered. Emane had suggested sending the Shifters out to stop them, but Drustan worried that separating the few forces they had so early would not be a wise decision.
While she paced, Emane peered out one of the stained glass windows that flanked the main doorway. In order to see, his face was pressed hard against it, squinting. Kiora had already called the weapons the Guardians had made him. His sword was belted around his waist, quiver on his back, his bow and shield leaned against the door. He had also chosen to wear a piece of shoulder armor they had found hidden in the castle, used in battles long past, to camouflage his armband as best he could. Kiora wore nothing but a plain tunic and riding pants, as the only shield or weapons she would need were the ones she could produce herself.
“They are coming out now,” Emane announced.
It wasn’t but a few seconds later that the first scream pierced the air. The Rockmen had been spotted by one of the villagers. More and more screams came as door after door opened, and one family after another stumbled into the square to see the monstrosities pressing in upon them.
One man ran, pulling his horse out from the stall, he threw himself onto its back without bothering to saddle it. A clatter of hoof beats echoed out as he tore out of the village. The man shouted something over his back that calmed the crowd.
“Where is he going?” Emane mumbled aloud.
“They are going for Layla.”
He looked at her over his shoulder. “What makes you so sure?”
“They are looking for a leader. They will look to her,” she said with resignation.
Emane turned back, frowning.
Kiora moved over to a velvet tufted chair. She needed to regain as much strength as she could, last night had been long, and she had used a lot of magic and still had not slept. The magic was pouring in, attempting to fill the empty reserves. She wished it would move a little faster. She had refused to let Emane use magic of any kind last night, fearing that he was going to need more than he had.
A few minutes later Emane sighed, “Well, you were right. Here comes Layla, at least I think it’s her.” He shrugged. “I don’t know who else they would be bringing back, And she is with,” he pushed his face closer to the window, “…Ciera?”
“Layla must have taken her in.”
Emane shook his head, “Un-believable.”
“I hope she was the only one staying there,” Kiora said scowling, “I didn’t bother to check my house for threads.”
“It doesn’t matter. Anyone that was staying there would surely...” he was cut off by a familiar voice screeching at the front of the castle.
“KIORA!”
Kiora dropped her head, wincing at the tone. She didn’t know why it still bothered her, it wasn’t new.
“She apparently wants to speak with you,” Emane said finally swinging around.
“Kiora! I know you’re in there!”
“No she doesn’t,” Kiora said with a groan pushing herself to her feet. “She just hopes I am.”
“It’s time then?” Emane asked, his eyes searching her. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“Yes.”
Emane went to grab his shield but there was something she still needed to tell him and unfortunately couldn’t put it off any longer. “Wait,” she said hurriedly grabbing his
hand. “Emane, I need you to work with Drustan on this.”
Emane jerked back like she had bit him. “What!”
“This battle will be in the air,” she scrambled to explain. “Drustan already pointed that out. If we can keep the dragons and the Fallen Ones fighting in the sky, then we can maybe prevent them from destroying the village. Arturo won’t be able to maneuver with two on his back, especially not with you being so weighed down by armor and weapons.”
“He has flown with two before,” Emane objected. “Three once!”
“Emane— flying, not fighting. Trying to maneuver in a battle is entirely different, you know that. Drustan will be fighting as a dragon and I need you to ride with him.” She said it with a forced finality, her eyes however looked nervously to the floor.
“No!” he said emphatically, jerking his hand away and gripping her shoulders. “I am your Protector! How can I protect you if I am nowhere near you?”
“It is the only way to protect the village.”
“I agree with you on keeping the battle to the skies, but surely there is another way! We can both ride Drustan.”
“No,” she shook her head. “We are already outnumbered, Emane. Staying together puts us at a disadvantage and makes us an easy target. You know I am right.” She reached out gently cupping his jaw in her hand. “The only reason you haven’t suggested it yourself is because you didn’t like what it would mean.”
Layla screamed again, “KIORA!”
“Kiora, I...” Emane bit his lip, turning his head away.
“Trust me, please, Emane,” she pleaded. Emane dropped his head in defeat, his arms falling limply to his sides. She nodded in relief and squeezed his arm reassuringly. Closing her eyes she called Arturo. I am ready. Meet me by the front gate.
Growling, Emane snatched his shield, shoving his bow over his shoulder before throwing open the door, letting it slam into the wall with a bang. Arturo landed just in front of them, looking annoyed at Emane’s little outburst. Emane looked annoyed right back.
Kiora took in the scene. Layla and Ciera sat on horseback with the villagers cowering behind them, as if the two silly girls would somehow know what to do. Ciera took her role nicely, looking smug atop her horse. Layla was next to her, staring at Arturo, aghast.
