Shades of Redemption (Mists of the Fae Book 3)

by Jaime Marks

  Kato hesitated almost lowering his weapon as his essence flowed over him, though he held. Grifyn however held fast and unwavering.

  “Is Steph here?” Byryn asked his voice an ache.

  He nodded. “I asked her to wait as I was unsure what sort of welcome I would receive and Alayne had already frightened her.”

  “Steph?” He called out.

  “Byryn?” Her voice was tentative but then the stubborn resolve that Cymeryn had seen throughout the time he had spent with her emerged.

  She all but stomped out into the clearing. Stopping a few feet from them, ignoring the others. “Where the hell is Star? What is wrong with you the two of you, running off without so much as sending me a god damned text? I’ve been trying to reach you both for a fucking month and if I find out that you twisted her arm into this or so much as took advantage of her I swear to god I will kick your ass!” Her hands were on her hips and her lip slightly pursed as she addressed him, her short blond hair bounced about her head in the breeze.

  Byryn groaned. “Yeah that’s Steph.” He sheathed his sword and went to her. “Look, Steph, as much as I wish I had time to welcome you and that I could take you to Star, she’s in trouble and I need to find her.” He turned to Kato, “Will you take her back to the Palace so we can continue searching?”

  “Oh hell no, Byryn!” She scoffed jabbing her finger in his chest as she walked forward causing him to step back a few times. “I came all this way and dealt with crazy shit to see Star. If she’s hurt or missing you can damned well believe that I am coming with you to find her. You may be betrothed or engaged or whatever the fuck you are, but after that little stunt in the hall and the magical disappearing act, yeah I don’t trust you worth a shit.”

  He grabbed her roughly by the shoulders halting her in her tracks. She almost seemed to fall into a defensive stance which caused Cymeryn to cock his head in surprise but she froze as if stopping herself. The boy let his essence surge through her, letting her feel but a taste of his strength. “Were you scared today, Steph? When you met, Alayne? Because that is where I’m going. That’s who I believe has her and if you think for one instant that he isn’t as bad as you think, forget it because he’s likely one hundred times worse. This isn’t Hamilton High. I know you can handle yourself. I’ve seen it, but here, this is my world and you’re just gonna have to trust me when I tell you that you’re in over your head. Go with Kato and I will find you one way or another when I get back. You were brought here because it wasn’t safe for you to be at home. So until you know the score I suggest you cut the shit and you had damned well better listen to what I say.”

  She nodded as tears streamed down her face. “You’re right. I’m sorry, just, go find her. I’ve been so worried about her.”

  He gave her a quick hug to which she rose a brow and stared at him strangely but Kato approached and gently pulled her back guiding her towards the Palace. They watched as he led her away.

  “I believe I sensed her in the woods just beyond the portal so if we are going to find her we should move quickly. I only felt her but a moment.” Cymeryn offered as he turned and walked back towards the portal. “Why do you believe Alayne would have her and not merely Syneous, Byryn?”

  “Hold Cymeryn!” Grifyn ordered. “How do we know we can even trust you? That this isn’t all just one of your strategies.”

  Cymeryn froze. Grifyn’s voice was ice and his rage palpable. He could not exactly blame the Fae after what he had inflicted upon his sister, let alone the other wrongs he had committed against his line. He turned and walked straight to him the tip of his sword letting it jab slightly into his chest. He met the Fae in the eyes. “You, Grifyn a Grifyion, perhaps more than any other have reason to seek vengeance upon me for the atrocities I have committed. So I say unto you thus, if you need to sate your vengeance then quickly thrust your blade through my heart and leave me lay because Staryana’s safety is of far more important at this moment than my own existence.”

  His face hardened. The internal struggle waged within him. Cymeryn felt the pressure increase on his chest, a small trickle of blood running down him. He glanced down and saw the trail of red that ran upon his skin, his brows rose in shock. With a shaky hand he ran his fingers through it and brought his hand to his face so that he could inspect it. It was still murky, not the bright red blood of a Fae, but red, not black, nonetheless.

  “Aaaarrrgghh.” Grifyn roared pulling his sword back on a sudden twist and thrusting it in the soil behind him. His body shook with unreleased rage.

  Marcus approached and placed a hand on his shoulder. “If you need to fall back Grifyn, if you need a moment, I understand more than any, but we need to continue on.”

  “No,” His voice was ragged. “We must get to her.”

  Byryn began walking towards the portal as he spoke. “Alayne has been grooming Staryana, Cymeryn. He’s been in her mind and his influence is pervasive.”

  “Are you sure? You have seen it in her?” Cymeryn could hear his voice shake, that fear gripping his heart like ice.

  Byryn grimaced, his voice cracking. “Yes, it was…..”

  He clamped the boy on the shoulder allowing him the silence out of respect for the girl. None needed to know what he had witnessed. “I understand.”

  “What does it mean, Cymeryn? Byryn believes that she is his primary target not, Reyana.” Marcus implored as he caught up to walk besides him.

  He shook his head, “It means that Alayne has been planning my downfall and his own ascension for more than thirty years.” He grimaced at the thoughts going through his mind. Alayne’s own son had sired the girl, but then that Priest was the vilest creature Cymeryn had encountered. “I am unsure of his ultimate goal yet but he took painstaking measures to set this all in motion. To have masked Syneous in such a way he had to have done so at birth. He placed him with Reyana at a very young age and bade him to sire a young. His Taint is not within Reyana’s mind. When I guided her out of the Chaos I would not have missed it.”

  He paused as they entered the portal and reformed in the woods, taking in the area around them and stretching out his senses. “If he has a hold in Staryana’s mind, then she has been his target all along. Lazurys however will be satisfied with none but Reyana, although he will be more than happy to acquire them both.”

  “I can feel her,” Byryn murmured misting from their sight before they could react.

  “The boy should not be here, Marcus. He is a liability.”

  “He has more right to be here than you, Cymeryn.” Grifyn spat.

  “That may be, but in this instance, he is vulnerable. Marcus, do not believe what you see, I am with you but she is with her Father. I have not yet been discovered. Hopefully I can get her back before Alayne comes for her. Otherwise I do not know if we can survive this fight. I have never been able to kill Alayne and believe me I have tried.” Cymeryn wiped the blood clean from his chest and replaced his sunglasses before misting to the living room of Reyana’s former home.

  Cymeryn formed in Reyana’s living room meeting Syneous’ gaze. He forced a smug smile as he watched Star crying hysterically in her Father’s arms. It almost looked like a tender affection between them but Cymeryn could sense his progeny’s Darkness easily.

  Syneous smirked at him with a wicked grin as he embraced his daughter. “Shhh, Starshine, it’s alright. We’ll help you through this. I’ll make the pain and guilt stop.”

  Cymeryn walked over rubbing gentle circles on the girl’s back in an attempt to comfort her. “Staryana, child, there is no reason to cry. The Darkness you hold is a gift, relish in it, feel it flow through you. It will strengthen you.” He sounded smug, which was exactly what he was going for.

  She turned looking to him, her voice a raspy whisper of fear, “Cymeryn.”

  “Syneous, allow me to ease the girl while you see to the perimeter. I sense we may have guests.” Cymeryn took her from her Father’s arms embracing her tightly to his chest as he felt her stiffen.
r />   “Of course, sire. Alayne should be joining us shortly.” Syneous smiled more than pleased with himself.

  “Good. Together we should be able to stabilize her Darkness. She holds far too much Light. Tatyna and Narcyion will be outside to offer their assistance.” Cymeryn nodded as Syneous faded from sight.

  “W-, what are you going to do to me?” Staryana sobbed as she shook in his arms.

  Cymeryn flooded her with Gray and Light, reaching into his heart where his love for Reyana thrived. “I am going to get you out of here.” He whispered.

  She looked to him with confusion and fear in her eyes. “Wha-, how?” Slowly realization seeped in, but where he had hoped it would be a reassurance it only served to upset her further. “You’re going to take me back aren’t you? You can’t, they’ll hate me.” She shook her head vehemently. “I killed him, Cymeryn. I can’t go back.”

  “Then I will take you elsewhere but you cannot stay here. I will not allow Alayne to harm you.” Cymeryn continued to flood her with his essence trying to fight against the Dark currents he felt flowing within her. “Staryana, you may be afraid, but I know you do not wish to be here either.”

  She shook as she sobbed into his chest. “No, I’m a monster. I don’t deserve any better than this.”

  He sighed brushing the hair from her face. “I promise you, Princess you do not deserve whatever fate the Dark Priest intends for you no matter what you believe or what you have done. If you will not let me take you to Marcus and Byryn, let me take you from here. I will help you find your way, but we cannot stay here.”

  All but collapsing in his arms she nodded. “Please help me, I’m so confused. I don’t know what to do.”

  The poor girl was wracked with guilt and grief. She was afraid not only of who she was but what she would become. She was so afraid that she feared herself in this moment more than she feared him.

  He scooped her into his arms and shot out the door moving at the speed of wind as the battle waged behind them. He had no idea where he could take her but in the least he needed to give her time to calm down. Byryn and Marcus would likely be able to get through to her once she was safe. No matter what occurred he could not let Alayne take her.

  Chapter 21

  “I believe that these two will do, Alyric. They seem to have the most…” Mythos froze mid-sentence. He could feel Staryana, her heart was torn and the pain in her was unsettling. As quickly as he felt her, however, she was beyond his reach. Why had he been able to feel her so vividly? They were shielded from sensure in the Realm of Gray, aside from direct connections no one could sense the essence of the Fae that resided there. It was almost as if she were back on Earth.

  “My lord? Is everything in order?” Alyric requested.

  “Yes, Alyric, I must apologize. I thought I felt something for a moment. Please make sure the Scholars you have selected are ready for our trip in three days per this time piece. I will convey the precise time at our meeting at the Palace.” He handed him one of the watches that Marcus had supplied him.

  By converting to human timing for the purpose of coordination of events between the realms they took away the ability of the Tainted to covertly track what they were doing. Most of the Tainted appeared to have spent little to no time in the human realm, though that was not always the case.

  “Have you considered my request, Alyric?” Mythos questioned.

  “It is a tempting offer, your majesty. My only concern is relocating my line to this new realm. We are few, but we are well accustomed to the life we have made. We are still discussing it.” The Fae continued to organize paperwork as he spoke. “Lauryn feels that it is important we take this opportunity to assist with the restructuring of our race, she is very passionate about it and a devout follower of Queen Reyana a Mythion. Our daughter Astryn however, is…less than enthusiastic. She wishes to remain here to apply for training with the Order of Light.”

  “You are concerned for her safety.” Mythos nodded.

  It was not a question. The Realm was becoming more and more unstable, though there was no longer as much dissent amongst the Fae. It was fear of the Darkness that was prevailing. On the fronts they were now gaining ground in many of the territories, but there were more attacks occurring within the realm itself.

  Alyric nodded, “We have lost much to this war. Most of our lines fell to the Shade and the Umbra. I feel as though I almost must take the appointment, my lord, but I would hate to lose my daughter as well. I have been trying to convince her she should accept her place at the Hall of Scholars, but she refuses.”

  “We could provide her with a Personal Guard. Someone who is capable of discretion.” He offered.

  “I did suggest that to her but she worries how it would affect her application with the Order. They are a clandestine lot and she feels strongly that it is her calling to be among them.” He sighed, “In truth I detest this but it is her choice and I have been unable to sway her. It is a point of contention in our household.”

  “Let me discuss it with Queen Reyana, my friend. She has some sway with High Priestess Alysse. They may be able to offer some solution that is as yet unseen.”

  He nodded. “I will have my final decision for you before you leave even if it is unresolved. I strongly support the work both you and your sister are doing. My main concern with the Redemption is whether it affects the elemental gifts? There are many who have questioned it. Aside from that I suspect my answer will be affirmative.”

  “Former Praetor Kato has undergone the Redemption. His wounds in a recent battle induced Shade Sickness and the Healers were unable to aide him but Queen Reyana was able to cure the illness through her gifts. He retains his gifts of the Forest so my suspicion is that the same would be true of the other gifts as well. We will be appointing a representative from each race of Elemental Fae to the council and they will be able to address all their concerns openly. No one is requesting that members of the Council undergo Redemption and it will not be forced upon any. The Tainted, however Alyric, we cannot take the risk with. They are the exception to the rule. Council members and their families only need to allow presentation before the Queen to ensure there is no Taint within their hearts, my friend.” Which technically he had already had his guard sense for him, but no one needed to know that the Redeemed Tainted could still sense the Taint.

  “I know, Mythos. There have just been many questions and I have not been able to fully research it. Forgive the Scholar’s mind in me. It is also something that Lauryn and I have discussed at length. She very much wishes to undergo Redemption, and for me to as well. In truth, I wish Astryn would consider it but she worries over this application so. It seems to be her excuse for everything.” He clasped forearms with the King. “Unfortunately my friend, I have to meet with the Board of Scholars shortly. I need to make preparations for that school you requested and they are being…difficult, as always. They expect the same freedoms and rank they hold here and it has been made clear that due to security such things are impossible.”

  Mythos chuckled, “Of course, Alyric. I know well the whims of the Board of Scholars. I will come to see you the day I leave. If you wish, you may come to see the Kingdom and discuss your concerns with the Queen yourself. Bring Lauryn and Astryn, it will be good for you to get away for a few days.”

  “I may take you up on that. It might be good for Astryn to see her options.” Alyric bowed before misting off to his meeting.

  Mythos left the Hall of Scholars and walked through the Gardens of Light. It was indeed refreshing to not be tied to the Palace consistently. Suddenly, Staryana’s pain and fear consumed him once more. He reached out, sensing her. His eyes widened as fear laced his being. She was on Earth, in the human world.

  “We go at once to Earth,” He spoke to the side knowing his Guards would hear him. “My niece is in trouble.”

  Byryn engaged Syneous as Marcus fought with Narcyion and Grifyn faced Tatyna. His rage was all consuming, but he allowed it. He would use it, use all of
it if it meant eliminating one of the threats to Staryana. He would be beside himself if he had not seen Cymeryn leave with her. So odd to think that he was actually counting on his Grandsire to protect the very girl he once protected from him.

  “So you are my daughter’s chosen mate,” Syneous sneered, “How unfortunate you have forsaken the Shade.” He thrust forward meeting Byryn’s blade pushing him back.

  Byryn stepped back giving enough slack between the blades then he hauled back and punched the Shade in the jaw knocking him back a few steps. He spun swinging his blade and slashed right into Syneous’ side.

  “You might be strong Syneous but you’re untrained and sloppy.” He grunted as he pulled the blade back and they exchanged strikes. “How unfortunate for you that your Father was the Priest and not a warrior. You would do better to have aligned yourself with my Grandsire because I know the punishment for such lack of skill in his line is intense.”

  Byryn drop kicked Syneous’ legs out from under him and quickly rose raising his sword above his head to strike. An intense jolt of sheer Dark essence struck him from behind sinking into his core. It knocked him off balance allowing Syneous to sink his blade into his stomach causing him to double over.

  A wooden staff came around his throat and he was ripped backwards against someone’s chest as a slithery voice hissed in his ear. “I am going to enjoy savoring in your anguish as I sate myself in her flesh, boy.”

  Syneous rose slowly holding his side, smirking as he stared Byryn down. “Cymeryn has your bride, Father.”

  “Hmmm, yes. Locate your sire. He will attempt to use her to acquire your wife. I care not about Cymeryn’s obsession, bring me the girl untainted.”

  “You will never lay a finger on her, Alayne.” Byryn choked.

  The Shade laughed condescendingly, “Foolish boy, I created her. She belongs to me mind, body and essence.”

  “Release my son, Shade!” Grifyn stood before them, black blood dripping from his swords and hands.