"Think what you want, Nadia. You can spend all your energy opposing Warrick, but it will only get you killed."
"I know that! I'm prepared to die."
Tylen started walking away. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."
"Let's just get to my uncle's cabin," Markus said, putting a hand on her shoulder. She nodded as thunder rumbled more loudly and the smell of rain filled the air.
She looked up at the sky. "How much farther?"
"Not sure we'll make it in time," Markus said.
The storm overtook them a few minutes later. Constant thunder accompanied blinding rain and fierce winds. They stumbled through the downpour, finding a clearing where they took shelter as best they could.
"This is a terrible storm," Berig shouted over the roaring wind.
Markus's voice was barely audible. "They've been getting worse lately."
Nadia thought on that. This last spring, a small settlement north of Crayden had been destroyed by a tornado. Throughout the spring and summer, many people had seen the rare storms. It had never been like this before, but she hadn't given it much thought.
The wind continued in a deafening roar. She shivered in her soaked clothing as she huddled against the muddy ground. Trees groaned ominously, and a nearby branch broke with a loud snap.
Lightning struck with an earsplitting crack, and she jumped. This storm seemed one of the most powerful ones they'd had recently. Hail began pelting them—pea-sized at first, but growing larger with time.
The storm stopped abruptly. Shivering, she looked up at the sky. The clouds above swirled in ways she'd never seen before.
"We need to keep down," she said. "I think a tornado's trying to form over us."
She couldn't help but look up. The clouds continued swirling, the pattern growing tighter and tighter. About a minute after the section passed them by, a thin funnel descended from the clouds and stretched toward the ground, but she couldn't see it through all the trees.
Markus got to his feet. "Well, that was scary."
"I never want to see one of those again," Tylen said.
Berig brushed water out of his beard. "What the hell was that thing?"
"Have you never heard of the Plain of Storms?" Nadia asked.
"No, I'm from Bradenton. I know about the Forest of Darkness, but that's it." Berig recounted his life story as they walked toward the cabin. The ground was a swampy mess, and though the rain had washed off the smoke stains, they were now covered in mud. Tylen grumbled about the filth on his red suit.
"I wonder why that tornado happened just now," Markus said. "I mean, what're the chances that would happen right after the whole city's burned down?"
Nadia hadn't considered that. "I don't know. It's probably just coincidence. The human mind often seeks patterns where there are no patterns to begin with. We've had the kind of weather recently that fuels severe storms, and when you combine that with the more frequent occurrences of tornadoes throughout the year, it's probably just a coincidence."
Markus shrugged. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. I don't know much about storms. I mean, I know the signs that a storm is coming, but when you get into all that magical Plain of Storms nonsense, I try not to think about it. Too confusing."
"I wish I could do that," Nadia said. "Not think about things."
She couldn't help remembering everything that had happened in Crayden. Though the city lay a few miles behind them, the fires burned bright in her mind. Would they ever fade?
She had to think about the future. Yes, her father and Avia had died, but that was only more reason to kill Warrick. It almost seemed as if Warrick had taken a special interest in her. She tried to cast aside the notion as foolish, but could she be sure?
Early that evening, when they stepped into the small clearing around the cabin, Nadia spotted a large group of people. She felt confused at first.
"I think I know who got everyone out of Crayden," Markus said. "My uncle."
As they stepped closer, a couple of people came charging out of the crowd. Rik pulled Markus into a forceful hug, and Kara rushed to Nadia's side.
"How'd you make it out of there?" Rik asked.
"I think we'd all like to know that," Kara said. Her eyes settled on Tylen, and she frowned.
Nadia took a breath, then told their story. Her voice faltered when she spoke about Avia and her father.
"I'm sorry, Nadia," Kara said, putting a hand on Nadia's shoulder.
Nadia felt the beginning of tears. "I'll be okay. In time."
But would she ever be okay again?
* * * * *
Darien lay on his soft bed, eyes closed, trying not to think of what he'd done. In the moment, he had conjured that ring of fire, pushing aside his doubts, but now he could imagine all the people who'd died in that fire.
All the people he'd killed.
Was it worth it? Was he the only person who could fix the world? Perhaps those dark threads were hiding another possibility from him.
At least Nadia, Markus, Berig, and Tylen had survived. As much as Darien planned the future, their fates had been in doubt. He'd have to get used to that, though. There was only so much he could control. He'd have to rely on them to survive on their own.
Tylen bothered him the most. As powerful as Darien was, he could not read the thoughts of people like Tylen, people with magical capabilities. Darien had expected Tylen to heed Commander Glenn's warning, but Tylen had been too stubborn.
And that had disturbed Darien's plans.
More dark strands had appeared in Tylen's future. Before the inferno, Darien had expected Tylen to serve him, but now that future was in doubt. It would be difficult for Tylen to overcome the effects of the inferno, and Darien couldn't blame him. Darien himself wouldn't want to serve a man who could do that to his people.
He had left Crayden moments after conjuring that fire, knowing he couldn't handle what he'd done if he saw the destruction, if he heard the screams and cries. As long as he kept his distance from his atrocities, he could almost pretend he wasn't to blame.
Almost.
Through it all, he had to remind himself that the price of inaction was much, much higher. Some people could stick to lofty morals. Others, like Darien, did what needed to be done. The people of Crayden had died to secure the future of millions.
Chapter 28: Preparations
Markus pulled out of Rik's hug. To see his closest friend alive was the greatest relief he could imagine. A few feet away, Nadia was deep in conversation with Kara. Ander and Aric approached that pair, exchanging friendly words and hugs.
A subdued atmosphere hung over the clearing. Everyone here had lost someone in that blaze.
Markus scanned the crowd. "Did Tomas make it out?"
"Sorry, he didn't," Rik said. "A lot of people didn't make it."
At the moment, Markus felt numb. "How many did? This looks like a lot, but it's not even close to a whole city."
"Forty or so."
Markus felt sick. "At least some people survived. Thanks to my uncle, I guess."
Rik put a hand on Markus's shoulder. "He tried his best. It just wasn't good enough."
Markus had never heard such sadness in Rik's voice.
"Your uncle will be glad to see you made it," Rik said. "He's inside."
Markus felt as if his legs couldn't function properly. He wanted to lie down somewhere and forget these fiery images burned forever in his mind. He stepped into the cabin, where Uncle Theo sat across the room, staring off into space.
Markus cleared his throat. "Uncle Theo?"
His uncle turned, mouth hanging open. "Markus? You're alive?"
Markus took a few steps toward his uncle, who remained seated. With everything that had happened between them, what should have been a happy reunion felt awkward. Markus couldn't even force a smile.
His throat stuck. "Just barely."
"I think I'd like to hear this story."
His uncle remained quiet as he spoke, but did look on w
ith a frown, as though fighting an internal war. Behind Markus, Rik was silent.
"You were very lucky," Uncle Theo said. "And very foolish."
"I had to go there," Markus said. "Nadia got me out of prison, and Berig had already gone that way. I couldn't leave them."
"Well, I'm glad you made it, and I think I have an apology to make. All these years, I tried to force you into a life that went against everything you believed. I don't know where you got your ideas, but there was no way you'd ever become an Imperial Guard. After today, I can't blame you. I never really could."
In the tense silence that followed, Markus could see the struggle in his uncle's eyes.
"I never believed Warrick capable of such evil," Uncle Theo said. "If I'd seen something like this, I think I might have chosen death, even my brother's death as well, over serving him."
Markus tried to keep his expression neutral. "Finally, you understand."
"Yes, maybe I do. You're still foolish, but maybe living isn't everything."
Markus thought he saw tears in his uncle's eyes. Something he'd never seen before.
"What're you gonna do now?" Uncle Theo asked.
"Well, there's always Mountainside. The way I look at it, nothing that's happened has really changed my plans. I still need to get away from here."
"I understand. I have half a mind to join you, but I'm too old for the journey."
"Do you actually think it's possible?" Markus asked.
"Difficult, but not impossible. People have made it to Mountainside before."
Markus felt as though a great weight had lifted from his chest, for he valued his uncle's approval. Despite everything, Uncle Theo was like a father to him.
"I guess there's more motivation to join the Order now," Markus said. "After what I went through today, how can I do nothing? How could anyone?"
"Oh, you'd be surprised. This isn't the only terrible thing Warrick's ever done. People have a way of ignoring such things as long as they can keep a comfortable life."
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense," Rik said from behind Markus.
The door opened, and Nadia stepped through. "That's how tyrants stay in power. As long as enough people are getting by, the people won't rise up. It's inconvenient. It's uncomfortable. Even those who fight against Warrick are afraid to do anything big."
Uncle Theo raised his eyebrows. "Who exactly are you? You look familiar."
"I'm Nadia," she said as Kara, Ander, and Aric also entered the cabin. Both men were stained by smoke. Ander had the look of a noble, while Aric wore the rougher clothing and reddish beard of a commoner.
"Lady Nadia, I presume," Uncle Theo said. "The high lord's daughter?"
She nodded.
"What brings you all in here?" Uncle Theo asked. "The cabin's a bit small for so many."
Ander cleared his throat. "We wanted to discuss what we're doing next."
"And you feel safe discussing it in front of me, a former Imperial Guard?"
"You proved yourself," Aric said. "You didn't have to save anyone. What a man does in a situation like that says a lot about him."
"Well, I'm glad you trust me. I promise I won't betray that trust."
"Good," Nadia said. "Because what we're discussing is very sensitive information. In fact, this could be the most important conversation in the history of the Empire."
Had Markus earned the right to this information? Yes, he'd saved her life, but that didn't mean he should share in her dreams, however much he might support them.
"I know how to kill Warrick," Nadia said, and the room fell silent. "There's a spell called White Fire, and it's contained in three scrolls. I don't know where all the scrolls are just yet, but the first one is located in the ruins of Woodsville."
That heart-pounding fear Markus had felt in Woodsville came back to him. She couldn't ask anyone else to go there, could she?
"I understand the dangers involved," she said, "but if we're going to do something that matters, we have to take that risk. A contingent of Imperial Guards managed to hide the scroll in there years and years ago, so it's not impossible."
"I've been to Woodsville," Aric said. "I don't care to repeat the experience." He settled his gaze on Nadia. "I understand why you want to go there, but it's too dangerous."
"I think we should give it a chance," Ander said. "We can't just pretend Crayden wasn't destroyed. Things can't go back to the way they were. Warrick started a war today."
"I understand that," Aric said, "but we don't even know where the other scrolls are."
Markus had to agree with Aric. The last thing Markus wanted to do was return to Woodsville. He turned to Nadia. "You haven't seen the place. It really is terrifying."
"You mean you've been there?" she said.
Rik chuckled. "Yeah, I thought it'd be a good idea to check it out. It didn't seem so bad to me, but Markus could sense the stuff in there in a way I couldn't. It wasn't until we got close to the temple at the center of the city that the ghosts made their presence known to me."
"Same here," Aric said. "That temple terrifies me." He turned to Markus. "Were you actually able to sense the ghosts sooner?"
"Yeah, I did sense them. I don't know why."
Then he remembered healing Rik on the mountain. Magic. The ability to sense ghosts had to mean the same thing. "Actually," he said, "it might be because I can do magic."
Everyone looked at him, and his face burned.
"It's true," Rik said. "I got an arrow wound through the leg, and Markus healed it. I limped around for a day or two, but I feel completely better now."
Nadia was frowning. "Have you ever sensed this odd cold feeling in the forest?"
"Yeah," Markus said. "You know what it is?"
Standing in the corner of the room, Ander said, "Tylen sensed the same thing."
Nadia's frown deepened. "I know what's causing the cold. It's called the Spirit of Malavia. When I was sick here in the forest the other day, it spoke to me."
"What did it tell you?" Aric asked. "I've heard of it, but I never thought it was real."
"It said that Warrick has taken control of it, that it needs someone like me, someone with magical powers, to free it from this servitude."
Aric scratched at his reddish beard. "Strange. Two people with magical powers survived Crayden. Maybe three. After all, Tylen could sense that spirit, too. What are the chances?"
"Magic doesn't seem to make much sense," Rik said. "I mean, people with magic can't use staffs like the one you have, Ander. I can do a whole lot more magic than Markus."
Ander turned to him with a frown. "You mean you can use these staffs, too?"
"Yeah, and I think I was pretty good at it."
"Let's get back to Woodsville," Nadia said. "I'm going despite the dangers, and you promised you would come with me, Ander." She looked at Markus. "I don't want to force you to come along, but we could use more people on our side who can sense ghosts."
Markus's stomach roiled. "Maybe it's crazy, but I see what you mean. I want to do something to help in Warrick's defeat."
"Thank you, Markus," Nadia said, her expression lightening.
"I'm coming, too," Rik said. "I want to see the place. Really see it."
"You sure that's a good idea?" Markus asked.
"Yeah, I know it's stupid, but I could be useful. After all, if something in there kills Ander, you need someone else who can use one of those staffs."
"Good point," Nadia said. "I hadn't thought of that."
Rik smiled, the first true smile Markus had seen since the burning of Crayden. Rik did like to be complimented on his intelligence—the kind of compliment Markus would shrug aside.
Uncle Theo had remained silent a long time. What was he thinking?
Nadia looked at everyone in turn. "Who's coming, then?"
Markus and Rik raised their hands, as did Ander. So did Kara, who'd been silent awhile. Aric also raised his hand, but hesitantly, and Markus couldn't blame him. Markus didn't want to return to
Woodsville himself, but it was for the good of all.
He had to consider the needs of others, not just his selfish desire to run away from his problems. Now he even wondered if he might accompany Nadia on her quest to defeat Warrick. After all, would anyone else accompany her? Ander, Aric, and Kara didn't seem eager to do so.
Ander nodded. "Well, it's settled then. We should leave tomorrow morning. The busier we are, the easier it will be to handle what happened in Crayden." He started toward the door. "I'm going to tell some of the others to wait. A small number of us intend to make the journey to Mountainside."
"I'll go out, too," Markus said. "Let Berig know what's going on."
Soon they all stood outside among the refugees. Everyone looked weary, bruised, and battered. They sported burns and wore bandages over other wounds. Ander went over to talk to a small group, which included Berig.
"There's something we need to do around here," Ander said to the group. "It might take a day or two. When we finish, we'll set out for Mountainside. However, if it gets to three days and we haven't returned, you should set out on your own, because we've probably died."
"Where are you going?" asked a brown-haired woman Markus didn't know.
"To find something we can use to possibly defeat Warrick. That's all I can say."
The group nodded their agreement, but there were murmurs of discontent. None of them looked happy.
Markus stepped over to Berig. "What're you doing here?"
"Don't know. Guess this all just got me thinking. I've never done anything good with my life. All I've ever done was survive. Survived when the rest of my village was killed. Survived when that whole city burned down. I don't know. I guess it has me wondering if I'm destined for something great, you know."
"I thought you didn't believe in that kind of stuff," Markus said.
"After this, I don't know what to believe anymore." Berig shook his head. "Besides, after seeing what Warrick's done, how can I not try to do something? I've never had a purpose. Maybe I've found one."
Markus almost smiled. "Well, I hope you do find that purpose, Berig."
"You gonna come with me?"
"Well, I'm going with Ander first," Markus said. "After that, I don't know."
World in Chains- The Complete Series Page 23
