by Lynn Hardy
“Of course I’m sure.” At least I think I’m sure. I dismiss Charles’s attempt at humor as bad taste. “Look, I can’t stand lies. Empathy lets me spot his deceptions as clearly as a bad comb-over on a chrome dome. Even when he’s lying, he turns me on. It must be a charisma-based ability. Let’s compare his aura with what we know of all of ours. Maybe we can come up with a way to cock-block him.” Again I try to rally the troops. “In the meantime, we’ve got two hundred years of skewed perception to get back on target. I need to know how to combat this.”
“I can tell the healers you’re working to bring out your husband,” Jamison volunteers. “They come into contact with mega people. If I can get them talking about it, word will spread in a day or two.”
Charles’s grin is malicious as he contemplates this new duty. “I’ll work on getting the War Council ready for the campaign directly after the battle. I’ll let them know of our impending departure. With that and your turning out to be a woman, it should be enough to shake some of their certainty concerning the foretold nuptials.”
“The more doubt we stir up, the better.” I heave a sigh of relief before interrogating the others about their magical and charismatic abilities. We make a note of aura coloration.
Jamison is the first to rise from the table. “Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ve got an appointment to keep. I’ll be escorting Rose to the Healers’ Consortium. You can reach me there.”
“I still have a stack of weapons to work on.” Jerik grimaces. “Matter of fact, unless I’m needed, I would like to skip breakfast tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. If you need anything, you know where you can find me.” Apprehension nags me as our meeting dissolves. Something tells me this ride is far from over.
I address the sole person left in the room. “I apologize for the necessity of excluding you from parts of our conversation, Yivgeni, but the times dictate strict security measures.”
“I understand, Milady Archmage Reba. I appreciate your letting me stay. The intimate exposure to you and your men will allow me to capture you more accurately.” He follows me into the reception chamber. “If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to accompany you for the remainder of the day.”
Yivgeni stays with me throughout the afternoon as I take care of the issues sent to me via sealed correspondence early this morning. Being diligent to uphold his part of our bargain, the artist is still trailing behind when I meet Alex at the stables.
“Reba, I see you have managed to sway Yivgeni to our cause.” Alex flashes a dazzling smile my way. “I had the utmost confidence you would.”
“Thank you,” I mutter, trying to get a firm hold on my surging hormones.
The prince leads me over to the large pile of sand delivered to the meadow next to the livery. I covertly observe his aura while asking, “How’s your shoulder?” Both the blue and fuchsia remain unchanged.
“Good as new.” He flexes his arm. “Healing magic will be invaluable in the octals to come. You must see very few losses in the wars of your world with the gift to aid you.”
“Our wars are much different than the ones you wage. Facing an opponent on a field of honor is not something regularly practiced on my world.” My rejoinder is as bleak as my mood.
“Then your world must be as boring as ours was prior to the demon invasion. Until a few months ago, I thought I would never put to use the swordsmanship I have worked so hard to perfect. Now I have more than I could have ever dreamed: a fierce foe and battles that will be talked about for centuries to come.” Turning to face me as we reach our destination, he whispers, “And a beautiful maiden with whom to share my glory.”
My knees tremble. My body aches for him to take me into his arms. “Glories of battle, Alex? Like the one that almost cost you your life?” I force my mind to evaluate his words in the harshest light. “Not to mention the lives of over fifty of your men.”
“But now you are here. With the magic you bring, we are sure to be victorious in every conflict. When you are by my side, most beautiful of maidens…” He captures my hands, drawing me within reach of the lips I long to kiss. “I know there is nothing we cannot overcome.”
“I’m afraid I must correct you once more. I am not a maiden.” Fighting the carnal urges wreaking havoc in my body and soul, I free my hand from his startled grasp. “This ring symbolizes my union with another. It is a married woman to whom you speak.” I hope I can manage to remember that!
“Married? But you can’t be…” For the first time, Alex loses his composure. “The prophecy?”
“Yes, I’ve heard about your prophecy.” I exude nonchalance, pretending to examine the sand. “I’m sure there are other possible meanings, which have been lost in translation.”
“I see. Perhaps the outcome of future events is not as predetermined as we assumed.” With a heart-melting smile that feels forced, he rallies his offenses once more. “All the more reason we should take time to relish the company of one another. It is said ‘what the gods bring should be pondered endlessly.’”
“Yes, perhaps in the days to come, events will allow us to spend more time together, but today I have too many duties to waste time on pondering frivolities. If you are ready, I believe this sand will suit my purpose.” The sooner I get Kyle out here, the better.
“This time I’ll need you to join me on the ground, next to the sand, if you think you are ready for the next step.”
Alex lowers himself gracefully, extending his hands. His arousal at the prospect of the closer proximity is almost palpable. My face freezes. Horror grips my mind as my stomach does a flip-flop. I am unsure whether the queasiness is due to disgust or nymphomaniacal anticipation.
“Reba, with you I am ready for whatever may come.” The seductive leer of his voice causes my cheeks to flush and my panties to dampen.
“Relax and hold tight. The ride will soon begin.” A sardonic smile creeps across my face as a puzzled feeling replaces the arousal of my partner when he fails to understand the English quip. I focus on my spell, beginning as our joined hands come into contact with the sand.
“Basketball sized and shaped you’ll be,
Unbreakable crystal and hollow to see.
Drawing energy in, all the while
Giving off light in abundant style.”
‘Illuminate’ causes you to glow.
‘Transparent’ will end the show.
If an opposing foe harms your being,
An exploding force will be freeing.”
The sand under our hands rises, swirling to construct a miniature cyclone. Tension blooms in my partner. I struggle to ignore the distraction. Within seconds, a clear globe lies beneath our hands.
Since the stress didn’t escalate during the spell, I ask, “Alex, if you’re ready, I would like to copy this one as we did with the coins.”
After he gives a tight nod, I proceed with the duplication rhyme. The dune ascends over our heads, spiraling like a dust devil. The whirlwind contorts. Contracting like a squashed balloon, it gives birth to a hundred mage-globes. They clatter to the ground, spreading out in a semicircle around us.
Alex gallantly assists me in rising, retaining custody of my hand. “Thank you, Reba. These will be of great use not only in the battle to come, but in the future of our kingdom.” Taking my other hand, his voice drops an octave. “As always your abilities astound me.”
Whispered as they are, the words send blood surging through my veins. With agonizing slowness, Alex leans toward me. My mind is overcome by fervid yearning to feel his mouth on mine, to taste him, to be one with him. I lean into the embrace. Against reason, my lips part and my breath quickens.
“Your Highness, Reba, I’m glad I caught you.” In the silence of the passion encompassing us, Allinon’s loud soprano jars my brain into action.
My face flushes as I realize what I have nearly done. I drop his hands like hot rocks. Taking a step back from the prince, I pivot so I can address my approaching savior.
“All
inon, is there some way I can aid you?” Please, God, anything but more of this…
“Not at the moment, except to remind you that Jamison is looking forward to your visit. I also wanted to confirm breakfast tomorrow. Will midafternoon bells be agreeable?” Perceiving a sense of urgency in his request, I assent.
Thanks to Allinon’s timely arrival, I am able to extricate myself from Alex’s company without any additional moral lapses. Reluctantly I promise to meet the heir apparent at dusk tomorrow to transform another load of sand before Yivgeni ushers me to my next appointment.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Szames, I’m sorry I’m late.” I smile at the towheaded prince. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”
“I arrived moments ago.” He smiles back. “I have only just now located the stones.”
Less than a quarter-mark later, we have completed the needed enchantments, giving the new paladin stones to the waiting page. I wish dealing with Alex was this easy.
“Thank you.” My curiosity about the differences in the two brothers gets the best of me. “You enjoy dealing with the arcane?”
“Typically, anyone unable to cast a minor spell has never been allowed to participate in anything of a magical nature.” His deep voice is so unlike Jerik’s, smooth where the dwarf’s is gravelly, yet something in it strikes me as familiar. “When I was a child, they told me there was a strong possibility I would become an apprentice. For this reason, I was allowed to study the history of magic with Merithin. It fascinated me more than the rest of my studies combined.”
“Did you ever study the language of magic or spells?” How much security do we really have?
“Unfortunately, no. I did not develop the gift, so my father called a halt to my studies. He insisted I concentrate on military research since I would be assuming the post of general of our armed forces.” Szames shifts topics. “Speaking of duties, have you received a copy of the supply list I had sent to you?”
A frown creases my forehead. “Is there something in particular for which I should be looking?”
“Your idea of pooling resources was brilliant. But with the additions to the Healers’ Consortium and the army, even the increased provisions will not last more than a day or two.” He seems surprised at my lack of knowledge of such routine matters. “I was thinking: if you had the available energy, could you use a duplication spell on some of the staples?”
“A duplication spell for the food we will need… Szames, that’s a great idea. If you’ve got a list of the shops supplying us, I will make a run by them tomorrow night.” Am I wrong about him? Sure he’s big and brawny like a jock, but he’s resourceful, intelligent, and almost studious.
“Milady Reba, I will take my leave now unless you have other errands?” Yivgeni interjects. “May I accompany you on the morrow?”
“Sounds good. Can you meet me at the stables at evening bells.” I turn to Szames. “I’ve really got to be going. There’s an experiment I want conduct before I lose daylight.”
“Another spell? If you would like some assistance, I am free for the moment.”
“To tell you the truth, I could use the help. I must warn you, though, my last attempt didn’t go so well.” I frown with the memory of the failure. “I’m not sure what the outcome will be.”
“A work in progress? It sounds incredibly intriguing.” Szames is undaunted.
“Perhaps, but if the spell fails, it could prove to be dangerous.”
“All the more reason I should be there. If there is an issue of safety, you may need my aid.” His valiant protectiveness is touching, if unnecessary.
Grasping his hand, I lift us into the air, drawing most of the needed energy from him. The sun colors the horizon with brilliant shades of pink. I take us up higher than needed, wanting to get a look at the gorgeous sunset. The blue river shimmers where the light glints off its rippled surface. The sand collectors are starting back to the castle. The forest to the north is dark and forbidding.
A patch of blackness detaches from the gloom of the woodland, racing toward the ambling group of Cuthburan’s civilians. A shiver races down my spine. “Szames, do you see that?” I point toward the darkness.
“Can you take us closer?” he asks.
Faster than a galloping horse, we fly over the castle wall. “Paladin shield,” I intone, activating a beefed-up version of the stones’ enchantment as we leave the safety of Castle Eldrich. The inky blotch becomes several shapes as we soar toward it.
A cheer rises from the crowd as we pass over them. The guards sent to watch over the commoners look ahead to our destination. Fear colors their orders. “To the castle!”
The shadows become distinct demonic forms. I send my consciousness racing back toward the castle. It takes less than a second to locate the smithy and the squat form within. “Jerik, get Allinon and Charles to the river… fast.”
The horde of demons is as varied as they are hideous. A two-headed monster with three arms leads the charge. The creature has a serpentine body. It wields a massive hammer and a two-pronged, bladed weapon. A trio of monsters that resemble kangaroos, with a scaly, spiked tails and raptorlike beaks, hops on furry haunches to either side of the leader. A pair of black demons slinks on the periphery, carrying effective-looking crossbows. One could almost mistake them for human, if not for the bones protruding from the creatures’ eye sockets and the disturbingly long appendages on their left hands. Nearly a dozen dog-sized lizard creatures scurry around the larger monsters.
The Iguldru
The sound of metal rings in the air as Szames’s sword clears its sheath. I set him on a hill. Rising, I make a triangle with my thumbs and forefingers. “Magefire.”
A ball of blue energy speeds out from the space between my fingers. The destructive sphere draws energy from around it, growing in size the farther it goes. The orb of fire hits the leader squarely seconds after it wraps its coils around its body. Two of the smaller demons are turned to ash, but the leader, an ap-bjan shakes itself like a dog shedding water then continues slithering forward.
The kangaroo-raptors, raloliks, crow into the coming dusk. The furry, stunted wings, on their hind quarters send a shower of tiny missiles heavenward to pepper my shield. “Magefire, magefire,” I chant, sending two more spheres racing toward the leader. The orbs engulf the ap-bjan. An inhuman roar echoes into the dusky air, ending in a gurgling choke.
The Ap-Bjan
Glancing toward the castle, I notice the civilians are halfway to the gate. A large, winged creature soars over them, carrying a humanoid in its talons. I extend my hand to release a laser bolt. “La—”… I halt mid word, recognizing Allinon’s and Jerik’s auras. A shape-shifter? That stupid elf is beggin’ to be fried! The man-sized bird drops Jerik to the ground at the wagon before winging in our direction. The dwarf urges the civilians onward. The gate opens and a rider races out.
I turn back to the invading horde. “Crap,” I mutter. Seeing their leader down, the company of demons has splintered. “Laser,” I intone.
Another demon charges us, dodging and zigzagging in my direction. “Laser.” The homing beacon I envisioned when creating the spell tracks the beast like a scud missile.
I am buffeted by a breeze from the massive wings as the hawk hovers beside me. The bird begins to metamorphose, it’s shape shimmering. Allinon steps from the air as though he were stepping off a plane. “Nice.” I grin. “Laser.” I take down another of the ralolik.
An alien song fills the air. My neck hair prickles as I mutter, “Laser, laser, laser.” Taking down the last of the hopping demons.
I glance at the elf. His fingers have extended, growing thicker and greener as they weave downward before they are entrenched in the earth. I shake off the mingled awe and disgust the sight arouses. Gigantic ivy sprouts across the battlefield. I turn back to the charging demons.
“Laser.” One of the eyeless igildru slips bonelessly to the ground, a gaping hole where the bone had protruded from its head. I
search for the last humanoid demon as the ivy crushes the smaller monsters, dragging them under the earth.
I stagger back as a bolt hits me square in the chest, bursting into flames. Energy is sucked from my aura to keep me from being cooked alive. Szames bellows a war cry, charging toward the igildru. An elven song fills the air. The atmosphere crackles about me. Lightning blinds us. It appears out of the clear, blue sky, zapping the last of the demons.
The igildru humanoid is knocked off its feet by the massive bolt of energy. The stunned beast shakes its head, struggling to rise. Szames closes the gap. His sword flashes in the fading light. The broad blade arcs downward, cleaving the demon nearly in two. The blond swordsman searches the field for additional opponents. Finding none, he grabs a handful of dry, winter grass and begins cleaning the inky blood from his blade.
I turn to my comrade as Szames begins the hike back. “What took you guys so long?”
The elf shrugs, looking over his shoulder at the approaching horseman. “It took a bit to find Eric.”
I growl, “You mean Charles.”
“That’s what I said.”
Dismissing the oversight, I get to the point. “Wasn’t he at the practice field?”
Allinon huffs, “How’d he put it? ‘I’m takin’ five, or at least three. I’ll be back in an hour.’”
Charles’s horse tears up the earth as it skids to a halt. He vaults from the saddle, sword at the ready. “Man, where’s the demons?”
Prince Charming’s pants are belted but not buttoned. Rage narrows my eyes. “Next time you want a break, let the guys know exactly where you’ll be.”
I turn on my heel, giving a final command, “Help Jerik make sure the gathering party gets back safely.”
I lift myself into the air, landing next to Szames. “We’re almost out of daylight. Are you still game for that new spell?”
The warrior extends his hand. “I would not miss it.”
“Paladin shield,” I mumble, deactivating the unnecessary energy protection as we cross through the force field.
