"I've got an idea," Dirk said, and pointed his staff upward, directly at Mathew. He launched a shard of ice. The attack missed Matthew, but he had to sidestep it, and that was enough of a distraction that his whirlwind died.
Rik and the others raced across the chamber with no idea of where they were going. He checked the teleportation stone. The glow was brighter, but not bright enough. Another passage loomed ahead of them, and they ducked into it. For the moment, it seemed Mathew was too far away to use his magic on them. The passage flashed by, lit by magical torchlight.
They rounded a corner, entering a slightly more open area, and stood face-to-face with a dozen Sunset soldiers.
The soldiers launched a volley of arrows, and Rik cast a fire shield with his staff just in time to make the arrows disintegrate before they could strike the party. At the same time, Dirk launched a blast of fire at the soldiers. They scrambled backward as the flames danced toward them. But a few of them remained steadfast against the onslaught, launching more arrows.
The arrows disintegrated again, but Rik knew he couldn't keep this up much longer. He recognized the feeling he got when he used too much of one magical element.
The soldiers had scattered, but they hadn't retreated. Dirk's flames began to die down, so he switched to a burst of lightning. It crackled in the air as it struck four of the soldiers. They fell, twitching and screaming, but the rest of the soldiers stood their ground.
They continued launching arrows, and Rik knew he had maybe ten more seconds of his fire shield.
Beside him, Eliza nocked an arrow on her bowstring and launched it at one of the soldiers. The arrow caught him in the neck, and he fell backward, clutching the spot. She repeated the procedure with ease and fluidity, striking a second soldier, and then a third.
Maybe they had a chance here.
Rik's fire shield died.
"My shield's gone!" he shouted, and Dirk immediately stopped launching spells at the soldiers. Instead, he shielded the party. Rik stepped close to Dirk and whispered, "How much have you got left?"
"Maybe a minute. You two need to save yourselves."
Dirk's fire shield was impressive, holding the soldiers off. All their arrows would disintegrate against it, and if they tried to step through it, they'd face severe burns. But that shield would lose its strength eventually.
"What about you, Father?" Eliza asked.
"Either I die alone, or we all die. Go, Eliza. You're the one who's going on to do great things. I just know it: you and Rik together. You'll change the world. I know it'll be hard, but it's the only choice we have."
Rik expected Eliza to cry and protest. Instead, she nodded gravely.
"We need to go, Rik," she said. "Make my father's sacrifice worth it."
Rik hated the thought that Dirk had to sacrifice himself to save them, but Rik wasn't going to waste the noble gesture. While Dirk held the shield strong, Rik, Eliza, and Kara took off back the way they'd come. They didn't look back.
But when they emerged on one of the cavern's many bridges, they stood opposite the last three people Rik wanted to see.
Mathew, Krinir, and Warrick.
Their appearance must have caught the three by surprise because they didn't react immediately. Rik took advantage, using his staff's Earth element to crack the pathway ahead of them, right beneath their opponents. The path gave way with a thunderous crack, and the three sorcerers had to cast their whirlwind spells.
Then the rest of the path began to crumble, racing toward Rik's party. There was nowhere to run but the passage they'd just escaped.
"Grab on to me," Rik said. Kara and Eliza gripped him so tightly he thought he might suffocate. As the path crumbled beneath them and they fell in a cascade of rock and dirt, Rik sent a wind spell downward, hoping to slow their fall.
The fall had to be at least fifty feet. Rik's stomach twisted as they plummeted. They were falling too fast. He couldn't slow down three people with this ability.
They were going to die.
Then a whirlwind appeared beneath them moments before they would have hit. Rik glanced back to see Warrick standing on the ground, his gaze focused on them. But then an invisible force from Krinir's magic slammed against Warrick's back. He lurched forward and hit the ground hard. His spell died, but it had done its job. Rik's party hit the ground softly.
They scrambled back to their feet, expecting Krinir to strike the killing blow. But instead Warrick was back on his feet, facing off against both Krinir and Mathew. It was a wondrous display. Rik had never seen magic like it.
But there wasn't time to watch. They took off running, crossing the chamber with no idea where they were going. Rik's heart pounded in his ears. His breathing felt ragged. He checked the stone again. It was almost as bright as before. Just one end wasn't glowing yet.
Every few steps, he glanced back. To his dismay, Warrick had been pinned by some kind of spell. He looked alive, but he couldn't help them again. Now Krinir and Mathew were in pursuit. Rik glanced around everywhere but saw no escape.
The cavern lit up with a brilliant yellow glow. Krinir was charging some kind of massive spell. Rik had no idea how they'd escape this time. He just kept sprinting, struggling to stay on his feet as they navigated the rocky terrain.
"Got any ideas?" he asked the others, praying desperately for the stone to regain its former glow.
Eliza shook her head as they continued running. The yellow glow of the spell had become brighter, almost blinding. The hair on Rik's arms stood on end. If that spell struck them, there was no chance of surviving, and they couldn't run fast enough to escape.
Then it happened. The blue glow filled the entire stone.
"We all need to touch the stone," he shouted.
Kara and Eliza came to a stop, and they huddled together, pressing their hands to the stone. Nothing happened. Krinir's blinding magic had almost reached them.
"Think of somewhere!" Rik shouted, heart pounding.
"I can't think of anything," Kara said, panic in her eyes.
Eliza remained calm. "I know just the place."
Rik could feel the heat of the approaching spell as he closed his eyes, praying this would work. A second passed. Nothing. Another second. Still nothing.
Then his feet left the floor. He felt a moment of searing pain against his back, but then it faded away, and the world spun around him.
He hit the ground hard, scraping his elbows against rocks. When he opened his eyes, they were all lying together on the rocky ground before a giant stone wall. He got to his feet gingerly, glancing up to see guards in unfamiliar gray armor atop the wall.
"Where are we?" he asked breathlessly.
"Eastwatch," Eliza said. "It's where I was born. We're on the eastern side of the Wastelands now, but quite a bit farther north. That means we're closer to Krinir's fortress."
Rik groaned, assessing his injuries. "After what we just saw, I'm not sure I wanna go there anymore."
"It doesn't matter," Eliza said. "My father died so we can escape. We can't give up."
Rik nodded. "I know. We've been through too much."
"We'll find a way home," Kara said. "That's always been my goal."
"And then we'll find a way to defeat Krinir," Rik said. He was surprised to hear himself say it, but he also knew he meant every word. It wasn't a carefree desire for adventure as it had once been. Instead, it was the certainty that came with having a goal—a world-changing goal.
They would defeat Krinir.
Right now, though, Rik needed a chance to rest.
Chapter 32: The Price
Days and days had passed, but Danica could still not open the portal she needed. She'd read through every book Krinir had given her on the subject, but the books were useless. Her magic was a new kind that no one had ever used before. It was unnatural, as she'd always thought. How could she hope to succeed in the task Krinir had given her?
She could sense his growing impatience. He didn't hurt her, didn't even threaten
her, but she feared him more every day.
She had to be missing something. Or did her power not function as the Technomages had expected? She spent all her time in Krinir's library, or in the comfortable room he'd given her. Of course, the entire fortress felt like a prison, and she feared she had a death sentence.
After all, Krinir had revealed a lot to her. Could he allow her to go free after revealing his true motives to her? She had no idea if he'd keep her as a prisoner, or if he'd decide she was too dangerous to live. Killing meant nothing to him. It was a process much like eating, boring and necessary. That was a chilling thought.
There was a knock on her door. She sat up in bed. "Come in."
To her surprise, Krinir entered the room alone and took a seat in a wooden chair—a rare luxury here in the Shadowed Land, or so he'd told her. He watched her silently for a while, and she wondered what he was thinking. She wished she could find a way to change the man—or god, whatever he was. She'd always prided herself on her ability to bring out the best in people.
But she'd never encountered a subject as difficult as Krinir.
"Do you want something?" she asked hesitantly.
"I wanted some company."
Danica wasn't sure she liked where this was going. He was so powerful that he could force her to do anything he wanted, but he hoped he wouldn't make her. It was difficult to tell, however, for he was a god and his actions weren't always predictable.
"I didn't know you cared for company," she said.
"I'd grown so used to having no one around after all these years. Yes, I have servants, but they hardly make fitting company." He chuckled softly. "No, they're not like you."
"I will talk to you," she said. "But don't expect any company beyond that."
He chuckled again, a disturbing sound. "Oh, I wasn't expecting that kind of company. Though, of course, I could have my way with you if I wished. It would be too easy." He shook his head. "But I wouldn't want to force you against your will."
Danica held back her frustration. "I don’t understand you. How can you pursue destruction the way you do and then almost seem reasonable at times?"
"Because I am reasonable. I just have my duties to fulfill."
"I still think you can fight it," she said.
"You don't know how it feels. You can never understand."
"Then tell me. How does it feel?"
He rose from the chair. "There's no point. You're a mortal—a useful mortal, yes, but still a mortal. Still limited by your pathetic experience of life."
Danica swallowed nervously. She wasn't sure what to say. Krinir seemed on the edge of losing his temper. The last time he'd become angry, he'd nearly killed her.
"Surely you've found other mortals worth your time," she said.
He sat there silently for a long time. At last, he said, "I've met a few. I even have a daughter out there." He shook his head. "I saw her for the first time not long ago, and I tried to kill her."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because she's dangerous. Because the Webs of Fate demanded it. I may read them better than anyone else, but I don't always understand them. I had to try to kill her then, but the next time I see her, that won't be necessary."
"That sounds confusing," Danica said.
"It is, but it's all part of a bigger plan. If I hadn't tried to kill her, she would have felt too sympathetic toward me. For my plans to work, she needs to hate me." His gaze became distant, haunted. "But I don't want her to hate me."
"Then make a choice. Try to change."
"How many times do I have to tell you? It doesn't work like that."
His anger was rising again, so Danica held back her retort. She leaned forward on her bed, looking into his dark eyes, wondering what thoughts were running through his head. She had never met anyone who was such an enigma.
There was a long silence before Krinir said, "She's on her way. My daughter."
"And what are you going to do when you see her?"
"I don't know."
Another long silence. Danica could have sworn she heard her own heart beating.
"But when she comes here," he said, "that's when you're most likely to succeed in sending me back. I've seen that much in the Webs." For a moment, he looked as if he wanted to add something, but then he closed his mouth, and his gaze became distant again.
"You're keeping something from me," she said.
"I am a god. Why should I share all my secrets with a mortal like you?"
"Well, maybe if you did, I'd stand a better chance of learning what I have to do. You can read these Webs. Haven't they shown you how I succeed?"
He sat in silence, stroking his chin in thought. After almost a minute, he said, "All they show me is that you will die when you send me back."
Danica felt as if a cold knife had stabbed her in the chest. She knew her death was likely, but hearing it in such certain terms terrified her.
"That actually makes sense," she said.
He raised an eyebrow.
"You've said it yourself. When you send people out of the Shadowed Land, it always comes with a price. From what I've read, the Shadowed Land is meant to be the most secure prison ever devised. It is against the very nature of such a place to permit people to leave. That's why it comes with a cost. This time, it appears the cost is my life."
"You're taking this rather calmly," he said.
"At this point, I think I'd rather die than be stuck here the rest of my life."
Krinir gave her a dark look. "Am I really such terrible company?"
"You're a god of destruction who sees killing as something natural and inconsequential. That goes against everything I believe in."
"I'm not used to people speaking their minds with me like this."
Danica shrugged. "I've always been that way."
"It's not a criticism," Krinir said. "It's actually quite refreshing. I think that's why I craved your company. You may fear me, but not in the same way most people do."
"I still wish I could change you."
"Telling me not to destroy is like telling the wolf not to hunt."
There was a note of finality in his voice that told her she shouldn't continue pursuing that subject. She'd tried to convince him, and she'd failed. It was time to accept that, even if it made her feel sick.
"They'll be here soon," Krinir said. "My daughter and those with her."
"How soon?"
"An hour, maybe two."
Danica's stomach twisted. "So that's how long I have to prepare for my death."
"You should be grateful. Death comes suddenly for many."
Danica glared at him. "For some reason, I don't feel grateful. Maybe I should refuse to do it. If I'm gonna die anyway, I might as well stand up to you."
"That would be a grave mistake. Remember? I told you before that I could inflict upon you the worst pain imaginable. I may like your company at times, but don't think I'll hesitate to hurt you. I'll do the same to my daughter and those with her, and then I'll kill them. That will be a lot of pain and three deaths on your conscience. Is that what you want?"
"And if I cooperate, you'll spare them all that?"
"I will," Krinir said. "You have my word on that."
Danica wasn't sure she could trust his word, but what choice did she have? She took a deep breath, worried she was making the biggest mistake of her life. "All right, I'll do it."
Part III
Life after Tyranny
Chapter 33: Dark Consequences
Garet sat at a table in a Bradenton inn, downing his fourth glass of ale. They'd succeeded in killing Warrick, but all he could think about was Ander's sacrifice. Ander had always doubted his abilities as a leader, but those doubts had been wrong. Nothing demonstrated leadership like sacrificing yourself to save your companions.
As Garet swished the ale around in his mouth, he wondered if he would have done the same. Sure, he'd performed heroic actions, like when he'd jumped in the river to save Rik. Back then, howev
er, he was fairly confident he'd survive. He'd always been a strong swimmer.
To do what Ander had done, to stay behind with the knowledge that death was coming—that was different. Garet had experienced the feelings that came with imminent death, back in the sewers beneath Imperia. He still didn't understand why they'd spared him, sending him to the Prison City instead of killing him. None of it made sense, and that bothered him.
Dave sat on the stool next to him and patted him on the shoulder. "Warrick's gone. You should be celebrating, not drinking yourself into oblivion."
"I know. I just wish we hadn't lost Ander."
"He knew what he was getting into. We all did."
Mara took the stool on his other side. "Besides, there's gonna be war. That much is certain. The Imperial Guards will try to hold on to their power now that Warrick's gone, but as soon as the Order knows the truth, they'll fight."
Garet stared solemnly at his empty glass. "And what if I don't feel like fighting?"
"No one's gonna make you," Mara said.
"And do you think I could live with that?"
"I don't know. It's your choice, not mine. As for me, I will fight. Warrick may be gone, but his influence remains. This won't be an easy fight, and we'll need the best people we have." She put a hand on Garet's shoulder. "And that includes you."
"I'm not a leader. I've always operated best on my own."
"Every war needs scouts," Dave said. "You and I could do good work together."
Approaching footsteps signaled the arrival of Captain Davis. His face was flushed, as if he'd had a few too many as well. He settled down shakily on a nearby stool.
"You're taking it hard, too," Dave said. It wasn't a question.
"Ander was a great man," said Captain Davis. "A better man than me, for sure."
Dave stroked his beard. "Ander had his doubts, too. We all have. It's part of being human. My advice to you is to avoid making decisions you'll regret the rest of your lives." Pain flashed behind his eyes.
Garet recalled what Warrick had said to Dave. He couldn't imagine doing what Dave had done as an Imperial Guard. Thankfully, Garet had never even considered taking it up as a career. He'd always hated Imperial Guards, hated everything they stood for. Sure, there were good men among them, but not enough of them to make up for those who were evil.
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