The Divine Unleashed (Book 3)

by Allen J Johnston

  “Is there more?” Kade asked suspiciously as he studied her closely. Darcienna tried to hold her smile but it slipped. He could see the fear in her eyes.

  Bloody ash and all curse the Divine! she thought as she tried her best to put on a brave face.

  “Darcienna?” Kade pressed.

  “I am afraid for your life. I don’t want to lose you. Just promise me you will be careful,” Darcienna said. What I said was true, she told herself. It was the only way she could keep the secret. She had to put some truth in it or he would see that there was more.

  “You will be there to protect me. How can I not be safe?” Kade asked as he covered her hand with his.

  “Yes, I will be,” Darcienna said to fate as much as to him. “Yes, I will be there to keep you on this side!” she said with conviction.

  Kade smiled at her determination, satisfied, and turned his attention to his plate of food that was set before him. The fruits, nuts and vegetables were a welcome change to the meat, cheese and bread. Not having to cook was a relief.

  The room was full of animated gestures and loud, excited buzzing. Kade had his fill of food and leaned back, allowing the meal to settle. As he sat looking around the room, a spider raced in and came straight to the king and queen. It cast a quick glance at Kade and then moved to the other side of the king to include Kade in the conversation. He buzzed dramatically as he looked back and forth between the apprentice and the king as though Kade could understand.

  The queen quickly translated as the spider rushed to give all the information. The more the spider spoke, the quieter the room became. By the time the spider finished, the room was deathly quiet with all eyes on the royal table. The spider withdrew while the king and queen talked in quick whispers.

  “It would appear that things are not well,” Doren said thoughtfully.

  “Morg has scouts in the area,” Kade said. “They are scouring the land as they move, searching. They are heading in the direction of the cave. The spider says they will be there soon,” he said as he looked between Doren and Darcienna. The Master Chosen nodded thoughtfully as he clasped his hands together and placed his fists under his chin, giving off the air of someone who is about to solve a complicated puzzle. Darcienna pressed her lips together. Kade watched her as a fierce determination flashed through her eyes so strongly that he wondered what was going through her mind. He touched her hand and she jumped. Her eyes focused on him but the determination did not fade. He was about to ask what had her so tense when a voice directly behind him drew his attention.

  “The spy from the previous day did not return,” Ven said in her huge beastly form. That was all that she needed to say. Everyone understood.

  “It would appear that things are progressing faster than we had hoped,” Doren said as though they were discussing gardening techniques. His nonchalant attitude irked Kade.

  “We either protect the cave, or we go after Morg, but we must decide,” Crayken said.

  “It is imperative that we protect the cave,” Doren said with some intensity. “If they find the tunnel, Morg will not wait for us to come to him. He will come to us in force, and it may very well end badly,” he said as he turned his attention on Kade. It was clear he was expecting Kade to continue on with what he was saying. Even though Doren made perfect sense, there was a smugness about the way he did what he did. It was as if he believed he was directing the conversation and Kade was no more than a puppet waiting for a cue. Kade sighed, not liking being manipulated. Doren very much enjoyed showing how smart he was and it was starting to grate on Kade. He knew Doren was correct in his thinking, but the Master Chosen enjoyed showing how brilliant he was just a little too much. Pompous, was the word that came to Kade’s mind.

  Why did it not bother me when Zayle showed his superiority? Kade asked himself. He knew the answer before he even finished the question. Zayle was not concerned with what others thought. He taught what he needed to teach without trying to impress. Zayle was not pompous. Zayle was just knowledge, power and an excellent teacher who cared more about his students than what his students might think of him. Kade smiled at the memory of his teacher and then returned his attention to the spiders.

  “We need to know exactly how close they are to finding the tunnel. We must avoid engaging the enemy for as long as possible. It is important we see how they are scouting,” Kade said as he stood.

  “The queen shall join you while I lead the clutch to the caves,” Crayken said.

  “Let us scout ahead, and when we know more, we can formulate a plan,” Kade said.

  “I shall ready the clutch and we will await your command,” Crayken said. Kade felt odd at the implication that he, a mere Apprentice Chosen, was to lead them all.

  He stood and faced the spiders once again. This was the last pep talk he was going to give and it had better be the best of his life. Many of these spiders would never dine here again, and he was painfully aware of that fact. Darcienna gave him a slight nod of her head for encouragement.

  “Today, we get our chance to rid this world of an evil that threatens all peaceful creatures. Today, you get to be the protectors of the world. Today, the world will know that you saved it from a torment so horrendous that peace would have never been a possibility ever again. I am honored to stand with you in this fight,” Kade said loudly. The kings from all the clutches nodded their approval as he spoke. Kade’s courage and conviction were contagious. The spiders knew that this was going to be a bloody war, and with Kade to lead the charge, they were ready for it. They started a chant that grew into a crescendo. Kade wanted to cover his ears but that would not be very kingly at all. He stepped onto the table as the buzzing echoed. “Today, I am proud to fight alongside each and everyone one of you!” he shouted, almost becoming hoarse. “Fight for your people!” he chanted as he pumped his fist in the air. “Fight for your family. Fight for your king and queen, but most importantly, fight to destroy this evil and make him regret ever setting foot in our land!” Kade thundered as he stomped hard on the table. To Kade’s shock, the spiders responded in kind. They hit their tables as one and it echoed throughout the cave. They started pounding over and over, hitting harder with each strike. He expected tables to start splintering under the assault, but miraculously, they held. The booming picked up pace as they worked themselves into a frenzy. Kade feared if they became any more excited, they would race off to confront Morg without waiting for the order to attack.

  He stepped down from the table and reached a hand out to Darcienna. She took it with a gleam in her eye. Doren nodded his approval. The smug self-satisfaction coming from the Master Chosen irritated Kade, but he nodded back, regardless. He should have liked the approval he was getting, but for some reason, he did not. He hated to think he was going to have to study under this Master Chosen, but he could not see that he had much of a choice. As an apprentice, he had to study under a master until he was assigned the rank of Adept. It was true that Doren could help him reach the next level, but studying under the Master Chosen as an apprentice just did not sit well with him. He mentally sighed and looked around the room as the spiders calmed.

  “I leave you in the hands of your capable king. He will know the right time to bring the war to them,” Kade said as he looked to Crayken. The spiders erupted again, eager for the bloodbath. By now, Kade was certain he could just throw his hands into the air and the spiders would go into a frenzy.

  “We should be going,” Doren said as if Kade needed prompting.

  Kade tensed and glanced away so Doren would not see the look of pure irritation on his face. Darcienna wrapped both her hands around Kade’s arm for support. He looked at her and she shook her head just barely enough for him to see. He knew she was right. Now was not the time to let personality clashes get in the way of what they must do.

  Doren is correct, but wasn’t I just saying that already? Kade thought as he headed for the exit.

  The shapeshifter was close behind Kade and Darcienna as they exited the tree.
Doren was next, followed by the queen. Kade mentally called out to the dragon. Rayden swooped in from out of the sky to land gracefully in front of the small group without the extra pumps of its wings. Kade expected the usual playfulness from the dragon, but even Rayden seemed to understand that things were about to get very dangerous. Kade opened his mind to the link and connected with his friend. Yes, even Rayden understood, but there was also an eagerness for battle. Rayden was all killing machine now and Divine help the creatures caught in his path.

  “It is time for us to leave. We must go to the cave as quickly as possible. Morg’s scouts are closing in on it, and we must stop them. We have to ride now,” Kade said as he indicated for the dragon to kneel. Rayden was restless and huffed several times, resisting Kade’s directions. “Rayden, we must go,” he urged, but the dragon’s agitation grew. Rayden eyed the hulking creature that was standing close to Kade. The dragon’s lips quivered as the fangs flashed into view and its wings half opened as it readied to attack. Kade felt the dragon’s desire to kill assail him through the link. It was overwhelming and made his head spin.

  Is this what I am like when I thirst for revenge; not thinking or caring, only wanting to give in to the desire to kill? Kade asked himself as he struggled to communicate with the dragon. The shapeshifter was too valuable to leave behind, but Kade was not convinced that the dragon could be calmed. Hate came off Rayden in waves. For the first time that he could recall, Kade became angry at the dragon’s stubbornness.

  Enough! Kade communicated firmly to his friend. He sent the thought so hard through the link that the dragon winced. I need the shapeshifter. You must not harm her! Kade thought forcefully. The link was full of surprise and confusion. He turned to Ven quickly. “Change back to your birth form.”

  “I shall, but I fear your dragon is about to tear me apart,” Ven said nervously as she glanced back and forth quickly between Rayden and Kade. “If you believe I am safe, I shall trust you and do as you say,” Ven said. She hesitated, waiting for his reassurance. Kade glanced back at the dragon and then nodded his head to her. With that, she shimmered and changed into the beautiful form of Ven.

  Yes, it is a female, Kade sent through the link. This is her true form. Do not hurt her! he thought firmly. Rayden edged closer, step by step, not taking his eyes off the shapeshifter. Ven fidgeted nervously as she glanced at Kade for reassurance.

  “We do not have time for this,” Doren said impatiently.

  “We must make time for it. I need them both and they must work together,” Kade said, trying his hardest not to glare at the Master Chosen. Doren gave an irritated huff and crossed his arms while giving Kade a stern look. The Apprentice Chosen ignored it and focused on Rayden as the dragon closed in on Ven.

  “Easy, Rayden,” Kade said, feeling anger and confusion through the connection. “Easy.”

  Rayden edged closer yet. His head was right next to Kade, still locked onto the shapeshifter. Kade looked at the massive jaws that were too large for him to reach around and prayed Rayden would listen. The dragon was now so close to the shapeshifter that if it decided to lunge, Ven would have been in trouble. Kade’s palms became clammy under the stress.

  “Rayden,” Kade said firmly as he put his hands on the side of the dragon’s head, ready to push it away. “Do…not…hurt…her!” he said, emphasizing each word. As he spoke the last word, the dragon’s lips stopped quivering. Rayden’s nose started to work furiously as he inhaled the shapeshifter’s scent. His wings were still half extended as his nose touched Ven’s chest. She gave a slight whine as fear gripped her heart. “Rayden,” Kade warned again.

  Dragons really hold grudges, Kade thought as he readied himself to dive at Ven. He was not strong enough to stop the dragon, but maybe he could get her out of the way if Rayden attacked. Kade flexed his muscles as he prepared to act. He looked at Rayden’s wings and recalled the last time he saw the dragon in this position; it was when the dragon had torn into the first cat-like creature they had encountered.

  “Kade,” Darcienna said with deep concern in her voice. He wanted to look at her, but he could not chance taking his eyes off Ven for even a moment. His muscles started to ache.

  “Rayden,” Kade said as he put pressure on the dragon’s head, trying to push it out of the way. It was like pushing against a boulder. The dragon gave no sign of moving, and Kade knew it was going nowhere until it wanted.

  “Kade,” Doren said in that tone a master uses with an apprentice. “We do NOT have time for this. Leave the shapeshifter behind and let’s go now!” Doren commanded.

  Out of his peripheral, Kade saw flowing black fur approach the Master Chosen and knew that the king had interceded on his behalf. He made it a point to thank the king profusely for his timing. He decided to try another approach. Stroking the dragon gently on the jaw, Kade spoke softly.

  “Rayden, I need you to forgive her. Just as I saved your life, she may save mine,” Kade said, sending the words through the link along with speaking them aloud. “You must respect my wishes,” he said as he moved next to the shapeshifter. “She is with us now.”

  Rayden moved ever so slightly as he studied the shapeshifter for several long seconds. Kade could feel the hate melting away. Rayden turned his attention to Kade and his wings slowly folded tightly to his body. The dragon let out its breath. Kade’s eyes widened as he realized that Rayden had dragon’s fire ready to envelop the shapeshifter.

  I could not have saved her, Kade thought as he felt his heart pound. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and then let it out unsteadily. Ven smiled her thanks but her lips quivered with the effort. She had been scared to the core of her being.

  “I am happy my trust was not misplaced,” Ven said innocently. If only she knew how unsure Kade was.

  “You did the right thing,” Darcienna said as she let her hands fall to her side. “We may need her,” she said as she spared a glance for the shapeshifter.

  “Would your shield have stopped the dragon’s fire in time?” Kade asked as his nerves calmed. He dried his hands on his pants.

  “Who says I was going to use my shield?” Darcienna asked pointedly.

  “Let’s get going,” Kade said as he gave her a knowing look. Darcienna rolled her eyes and turned for the dragon.

  Rayden quickly dropped to his knees and held still for the riders to mount. Darcienna was first, followed by the Master Chosen and then the queen climbed up the dragon’s tail to settle behind Doren. Rayden shuddered as usual. There was no getting used to it for the dragon. Kade vaulted off the dragon’s knee to land right in front of Darcienna. Rayden’s wings came out and he was ready to pump when Kade had him hold.

  “What form would be best for you?” Kade asked the shapeshifter.

  “How about this one?” Ven asked as she changed to a monkey and swung up to hang around his neck. Kade could feel irritation through the link, and then just as quickly, it was gone.

  “That should work. Hold on tight,” Kade said as he put an arm around the monkey and held her close. Darcienna tensed. He ignored her nonverbal protest. “I am going to make us unheard and unseen,” he said to the dragon as much as to the other passengers.

  The king was standing next to the dragon as the clutch poured out of the tree in waves. It was a never ending flood of spiders as they exited and climbed the tree. Many came out to surround the dragon and see their queen off. Kade was amazed that this many spiders had even fit in the tree. True, the Great Hall could fit five hundred or more, but where did the rest come from? There had to be close to a thousand. The more spiders poured out of the tree, the more confident he felt that they had a chance to win this war. Those poisonous fangs were not to be ignored.

  Kade closed his eyes and focused on the callings he needed. He opened his eyes and performed the Transparency Calling flawlessly. There was an audible buzzing from the spiders as the dragon and its riders faded from view. Kade could not help but to grin to himself, considering how their disappearance must have looked to
the clutch. He readied himself for the Silence Calling and hesitated.

  “Be ready. We will know how to proceed shortly,” Kade said to the king and then performed the calling.

  Rayden opened his wings, but there were too many spiders around for him to get into the air. He nudged the spiders out of the way as he headed toward the open plain. When he had a clear path ahead of himself, he took several powerful lunges and then launched into the air. Kade had to hold on tightly as his head threatened to rock back from the force of the thrust. If it was this difficult for him, then how Doren stayed on was beyond his understanding.

  “Thank you,” Doren said.

  “You are welcome,” Rakna responded.

  “That was close,” Doren said, his voice slightly unsteady. Before the apprentice could ask what he was missing, the Master Chosen’s words made it clear what had happened. “Your webbing held me in place nicely.” As much as Kade found the Master Chosen grating on his nerves, he would have regretted it deeply if anything were to happen to him.

  “Maybe a harness to help for travel,” Kade offered.

  “That would be most optimal,” Doren said, regaining much of his composure.

  The dragon pumped hard until they gained enough altitude to see almost all the way to the cave. The mountain came at them quickly. As they approached their destination, Kade looked down at the ground, and for a moment, noticed that it appeared to be moving. The more he focused on it, the more he was able to make out what he was seeing.

  “Master Chosen!” Kade yelled over the noise of the wind. “Look at the ground!”

  “My eyes are not as sharp as they once were. What are you seeing?” Doren asked.

  “Darcienna? Rakna?” Kade asked as the shapes started to become more distinguishable.

  I see, Rakna said in his mind. Darcienna squeezed him hard as her eyes widened. Kade turned to look at her, forgetting that she was unseeable. Regardless, it was obvious she was seeing the same thing as he through eyes he was sure were glowing. They appear to be giant ants, the queen said in his mind. They are, at best, minutes away from discovering the cave, the queen warned as they swooped in toward their destination.