A Rising Storm (Tainted Blood Book 4)

by Jeff Gunzel

  His horse whinnied, a snorting, distressed rush of air blasting from its nostrils before its legs gave out. Both animal and rider crashed head first into the ground. The pace had just been too much to sustain. Beyond fatigued, his horse had given everything it had. After rolling across the dry grass, Xavier wobbled back up to his feet and continued to run. Seconds... Precious seconds would not be wasted.

  Lungs screaming for air, muscles burning with fatigue, he sprinted on while ignoring his body’s protests. He needed water, needed rest. No, he needed to find Viola no matter the cost to his own health. After a time, staggering along on unsteady legs, he saw a farmhouse off in the distance.

  Stumbling up to the latched gate, he hopped up and over the top. Body too weak and worn to land properly, he landed on his back, where a fresh pile of manure was waiting to soften the landing. Muttering a curse under his breath, he rolled back to his feet and shook off what he could. Ignoring the angry shouts from the farmer charging towards the pen from a nearby barn, Xavier quickly mounted one of the many horses and began galloping towards the opposite gate. Unsheathing one blade from his back, he sent it spinning towards the lock. With a shrill clang, the lock snapped free and the gate swung ajar. The spinning blade returned to his hand and he galloped on through, heading north once again.

  He was still exhausted, but now he had a fresh horse that might be able to make up some lost time. Like the one before it, he pushed the beast hard. It bothered him. He knew he would most likely run it to death long before reaching his destination, wherever that was. But it couldn’t be helped.

  I’m coming, Viola. Just hang on a little longer.

  * * *

  Viola held on tight, her hair snapping behind in the swirling, arctic winds. Her stomach did flips each time the giant bird dipped to avoid losing vision in a cloud. She was embarrassed at how tightly she clung to Salina’s waist, but with three people riding a single mount and her stuck at the back end, it constantly felt as if she might slip off. No matter how many times she promised herself she wouldn’t look down, she seemed to have a habit of breaking that promise at least once a minute. If she fell from this height, she figured she could probably count to one hundred before hitting the ground. The thought was intriguing, if a bit unsettling.

  “How much further?” Viola shouted over the howling winds. She wasn’t even sure she cared how much further it was, seeing as how there was no guarantee it was actually a place she wanted to go. But making small talk helped to distract her from the stress of being so high up. What she wouldn’t give to be back on solid ground!

  Salina reached back and touched Viola’s knee. “We’re almost there,” she said, hearing the stress in Viola’s voice. “Why? Aren’t you enjoying the view from up here?” She twisted back with an amused grin. “Are you afraid of heights, by any chance?”

  “Of course not,” Viola lied, swallowing hard.

  “Really?” Salina leaned back, pushing lightly against Viola. “Are you certain?” Playfully, she pushed again, a bit harder this time.

  “Stop! Stop! Stop!” Viola shrieked, thrusting herself forward, her face buried in the middle of Salina’s back. She pushed so hard, one might think she was trying to make her way to the front. Salina broke into laughter.

  “Maybe just a little,” Viola mumbled, her face still flush against Salina. Further embarrassed by her moment of panic, Viola eventually loosened her grip and relaxed. But after seeing the look on Salina’s face, she was able to laugh at herself.

  It was a face Viola no longer recognized. Young, flowing black hair with golden eyes that sparkled, but yet it was still familiar somehow. There were subtle details she would never have noticed before. Salina’s habit of holding a person’s gaze for long periods without looking away. Her confident posture, shoulders rolled back with her chin raised. The new look would take some getting used to, but it was her all right.

  A brilliant flash lit up the sky, causing Viola to jump. The illumination seemed to swallow the clouds for an instant before the sky plunged back into darkness. She rubbed the spots from eyes, wondering when the weather had suddenly gotten so bad. She couldn’t even determine from which direction the bolt had come from. Being up in the sky was nothing like watching a storm from ground level. But the riders around her hardly even seemed to notice.

  “We are nearing the tower,” Salina repeated, amused by Viola’s uneasiness. “The weather is always violent here. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” Another flash seemed to swallow them whole, its staticky afterglow slowly fading over the next several seconds. Salina’s eyes seemed even more golden in this light, appearing to glow a glittery yellow. “Welcome to my home,” she said as she grinned, those golden eyes shining like candles. Another flash lit up her face, the scales around her neck reflecting the light like shiny gold coins.

  The weather had suddenly became violent indeed. Snow-capped mountaintops came into view, all being assaulted by a steady stream of lightning. Jagged bolts of green and blue weaved their way down from angry dark clouds, their energy crackling along mountain faces like swimming eels. So violent. So beautiful. Despite the fact that they could be struck from the sky at any moment, Viola remained hypnotized by the awesome display of nature. And yet the blinding light show produced virtually no sound, save for the occasional rumble far off in the distance.

  The spiritists riding next to them began to break their formations, funneling ahead to form a single line. “There,” Salina called, pointing up ahead. Viola peeked up and over her shoulder to see the massive structure coming into view. Lunaris Tower was nothing like what she had pictured. Not sleek or fancy, but an old structure assembled entirely from ancient stones, probably mined from the very mountain it was attached to. Old but stout, the tall structure looked much like an abandoned castle, the kind Viola had read about in books. So this was going to be her home? At least for a while, it seemed.

  The riders slowed as they glided in, their generally silent mounts beginning to squawk loudly as if announcing their arrival. Other spiritists walked out onto the large stone platform as the ravens began landing, lining themselves up like trained soldiers. With riders dismounting, others still landing, hugs and cheers were shared all around. The mission had been successful and all had returned safely. The human city of Shadowfen was a different story altogether, but there was nothing to be done. They saved as many lives as they could, but saving the humans was never their main focus.

  When Bella hopped down off the back of Rishima’s mount, one of the waiting spiritists came running up to wrap her in a thick blanket. Shivering, Bella thanked him as he backed away, repeatedly bowing his head. She didn’t like appearing weak in front of them, but there was nothing she could do about being human. Her body was not well equipped to deal with such conditions, and the flight had made it much worse.

  A renewed roar of cheers rose up as Rishima hopped down off her bird. Several spiritists came rushing up to make sure the Moon Mistress was unharmed. But Rishima just shooed them away and stepped over to Bella. “You must be freezing, my dear,” she said, briskly rubbing Bella’s arms and shoulders. This whole ride she had been so close to Bella, yet was unable to hold her. Until now... She threw her arms around her shivering lover and pulled her close. “I knew you could do it,” she whispered in Bella’s ear.

  “We did it together,” Bella whispered back. Reluctantly, she pulled back from Rishima’s warm embrace. “But now that we have her here, safe and guarded, what is our next step? What do we do now?”

  “A question I would also like the answer to,” Viola said, stepping up to join in their conversation. Her boldness seemed strange given that those around her were either down on one knee or holding their heads low. “And I’m still not certain your idea of safe is the same as mine. I took a big risk coming with you, and I am not yet convinced that it wasn’t a mistake.”

  “Then why did you?” Rishima asked, stepping closer. Viola couldn’t help but notice that her eyes were not like the other women’s
. Instead of gold, they were dark with flecks of gold that seemed to swim about when she blinked. Viola kept glancing at Bella as well. A human leader? Here?

  “I’m not sure,” Viola answered truthfully. “Just a feeling, I suppose. I don’t know any of you, but I find it hard to believe you would risk so much to find me just to let me walk away if I chose to. Salina risked her life just to get close to me. If she meant me harm, she could have killed me a hundred times over. There is no reason to think any of you wish me harm.” She raised an eyebrow. “Was I wrong?”

  “You were not,” Rishima said, clasping Viola by the shoulders, then sliding her hands down to her elbows. “And we welcome you with open arms. I imagine you’re tired and hungry. I will have someone show you to your quarters. After a meal you can rest and—”

  “I’m not hungry or tired,” Viola lied. She was both, but felt there were more pressing issues at hand than rest or food. “I think we should talk first. Tell me why I’m here and what you want from me. I will not be at ease until your intentions have been made clear.”

  Rishima tilted her head and smiled. “Straightforward, I see. I like that. Very well then, we shall meet in my private chambers and I will answer your questions to the best of my ability. Salina.” Salina jumped. She had been standing there quietly but was caught off guard when addressed directly by the Moon Mistress.

  So that really is your name, Viola noted. At least she hadn’t lied about that part. Viola was relieved by that for some reason. A person’s true name was such a personal thing.

  “You have answered the call and fulfilled your mission. I will see that your efforts are rewarded.”

  “Moon Mistress,” Salina acknowledged meekly, her eyes falling to the ground. “I was only doing my duty. No compensation is necessary.” She bowed her head. “If there is nothing else you need from me, I will take my leave.”

  “Very well, then. Dismissed,” Rishima said.

  “No,” Viola objected, causing heads to turn.

  “Is there a problem?” Rishima asked. There was no impatience in her tone, only curiosity. She had already mentioned that she liked Viola’s bluntness. That was no lie.

  “Yes, I do think we need to talk, but I want Salina to join us as well,” Viola explained.

  “Viola, I can’t!” Salina exclaimed, seeming quite shaken by the request. “You’ve been asked to a private meeting with the Moon Mistress, an honor extended to very few. And certainly not to any outsiders. I am nobody. I know you don’t yet understand our ways, Viola, but such a thing would be unheard of.”

  “But not today,” Rishima corrected. Now all eyes were suddenly on her. “I think we understand one another, Viola. You do not know me or my people. We have done nothing to earn your trust, although your trust is something I hope to gain soon enough. However, you and Salina have spent time together, bled together, so it is only natural that you two share a bond. Well, allow me to honor that bond.” She turned to Salina and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Salina, not only will you accompany us today when we speak with our guest, but you will also be given an integral role moving forward.

  “Through your actions, you have earned Viola’s trust. Neither I nor anyone else here can make such a claim. Proven by your time together in the pit, I think it’s obvious you two make an excellent team. And although your mission is complete, I have no intention of splitting the two of you up. I encourage this sisterly bond, and hope it will continue to blossom. And hopefully, in time, Bella and I shall earn Viola’s trust as well. Of course there is no official title for such a position, but for now, I would like you to consider yourself to be Viola’s mentor. That is, if that is all right with you, Viola?”

  Viola nodded, relief washing over her like cool water. She was in a strange place with strange people who genuinely seemed concerned for her safety, but the unfamiliarity of it all was difficult to handle. Her friends had almost certainly given up on her by now. As far as she knew, Salina might just be her only friend in the world. It would be good to have at least one familiar thing to cling to as she started on this new journey.

  “Then it is settled,” Rishima said. “Come, follow me.” Viola and Salina both shared a tight-lipped grin before falling into line behind Bella and Rishima. Spiritists on both sides parted to make a path, bowing while backing out of their way. Viola glanced from side to side, seeing a varied range of expressions directed towards her. Most seemed to be curious. So this was the girl who was so very important? Others looked at her with narrowed eyes, a clear mix of anger and suspicion. Viola couldn’t blame them, though. Many had risked their lives for a cause they didn’t understand. In a way, she was just as confused as they were.

  They passed through the double door held open by two male spiritists, and down a winding stone stairway. The halls were unusually narrow by Viola’s estimation, and the small bits of furniture they passed by were simple and bland. She assumed there simply wasn’t enough wood to be found up here in the mountains for making tables and chairs. They probably just collected anything they could find, mismatched or not.

  They proceeded to go on a small tour of Lunaris Tower, Rishima and Bella at the lead while Salina and Viola took up the rear. The rooms were small, many bare without any furniture at all. But Rishima seemed quite proud of the structure, every stone and crack apparently reminding her of some memory or another as she spun quick explanations of each. When they ended the tour with the dining hall, Viola had to look twice. Large and decorative with rows of long tables spread across a white carpet, it was nothing like any other part of the tower.

  “Please sit,” Rishima said, her hand sweeping over the table. The moment everyone sat down, a man came scurrying over with a wheeled cart stacked with hot trays of food. After a tray was set before each of them, the young man gave a quick nod and wheeled the cart away.

  “I thought we were going to speak in your quarters?” Viola asked, not exactly disappointed with where they had ended up. She was very hungry at this point, and the slabs of grilled pork and boiled cabbage were practically calling to her.

  “And we will shortly,” Rishima said, sampling a bit of pork. “I just thought you might like a bite to eat first. Now that you are safe here with us, we have nothing but time.”

  “Do we?” Viola questioned, scooping up a bit of soupy cabbage. Although somewhat overcooked, it was heavily spiced and peppery. Quite good actually. “No matter where I go or what I do, the ghatins always seem to find me. Although I believe your intentions are good, why am I to believe that I am safe here when I haven’t been anywhere else?”

  “A fair question,” Bella chimed in. Propping her chin up on Rishima’s shoulder, she batted her eyes and fattened her lower lip in a pouting manner. “Please, love, let me show her?”

  “Of course, dear,” Rishima answered, flashing her a wink followed by a quick kiss. Viola stared for a moment, then quickly looked away when Rishima glanced back at her. She knew they shared power here, but hadn’t known they were a couple until now. Caught off guard, she could feel the heat building in her face. Thankfully she wasn’t capable of blushing, or this could have been much more awkward.

  “Take your time,” Rishima said to Viola and Salina. “When you’re finished, you will both accompany Bella back to my quarters. In the meantime, I think I shall head there right now.”

  “Oh? What are we going to see?” Viola asked.

  Rishima slid her tray away and rose from her seat. “The answer to your question.” She turned and left.

  * * *

  After they were finished eating, Bella led them away from the dining area and down another narrow hall. She stopped in her tracks and spun back, a finger pursed to her lips in thought. “Salina, why don’t you go on back for now? I don’t imagine I’m going to show you anything you haven’t already seen many times before.”

  “Yes, Queen Bella,” Salina replied, bowing her head before turning towards Viola. “We will visit later,” she said quietly, flashing Viola a quick grin before hur
rying back the other way. But Viola hardly acknowledged her as that spoken name and title rattled around in her head. This was Queen Bella? Viola had been curious as to why there was a single human female them, and even more curious as to why she seemed to carry so much authority. This was the missing queen people were talking about! So many questions!

  “Yes,” said Bella, answering Viola’s shocked expression. “I believe you’ve met my estranged husband, King Milo. That would be the one whose head I tried to take when we arrived in Shadowfen.” As much as she tried, Viola could not contain a hint of a smile. “I see we both share a similar opinion of that man.” This time Viola grinned outright. “I can already see we are going to get along just fine. Shall we continue?”

  Viola followed her up a second flight of stairs. It was cold up here. Banners flapped over square openings carved into the stone walls. Bella hurried to the side wall and snatched a set of furs off two pegs. But when she went to hand one to Viola, she just shrugged at the queen. “It seems I’m the only one around here with the weakness of warm blood,” the queen muttered, mildly amused by the thought. Bella placed one back on its peg and slung the other around her shoulders. “Come and have a look,” she said, holding back the red-and-blue banner that was covering the opening.

  Viola looked out and saw rows of spiritists, both men and women, lining the walls down below. Standing tall in their blue robes with slashes of white, they all seemed to be staring off at nothing. Besides seeming overly relaxed for soldiers who were supposed to be defending the tower, something else was odd about them. Viola could only catch glimpses here and when they casually turned their heads, but their eyes seemed strange somehow. Looking closer, she realized their eyes were frosted white. But the odd coloring wasn’t just directly in their eyes, but around them, as if tiny clouds of mist were just sitting on their eyelids. Strange indeed.