Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6)

by JK Ensley

  Ahriman smiled when he heard the new Arch’s reassuring words. He smiled… then continued to whisper.

  Chapter 14

  Baytac

  (BAY-tack)

  Dofarel held up both hands and waited until the murmuring assembly fell silent.

  “I have gathered you here today at the request of the Olden King.” The ancient Elf’s gentle voice resonated through the trees. “Famine has struck the Southern lands. A blight has taken their crops, and rain has been far too scarce for far too many moons.”

  Jezreel quickly glanced toward Kias. He gave her tiny hand a reassuring squeeze.

  “The Kingdom of Wrothdem and the Northern lands as a whole have prospered under Alastyn’s wise rule. And… being kind of heart and overly blessed with grain, the King has sent word that all who will should come.”

  A voice rang out from the crowd, “And how does this concern us?”

  Kias stood. “As is our custom, and known by us all, words shall be held until the vote is called. We are not savages. Reverence and respect are not only appreciated… they are expected.”

  At the Elven Prince’s kind yet firm words, even the birds fell silent.

  Dofarel cleared his throat. “This concerns us, because we have a pact with man—a covenant written in ink and forged with the mingling of our bloodlines. It is no longer us and them. We are kin. The proof of that bond stands flesh before you.”

  At her father’s words, Izadori and her two eldest sons stood and bowed to the assembly.

  “We are stronger because of them, and they are stronger because of us,” Dofarel said. “Let the misgivings of the past remain there. Now is the time for promises to be kept, for labors to be shared.”

  When he nodded toward Izadori, she began to speak.

  “As promised, Alastyn has not only welcomed the people of the South, he has sent numerous wagons loaded with supplies down to their barren lands.”

  Gadrick, the eldest Prince of Wrothdem, stood as his mother took her seat and yielded to him.

  “My father’s efforts were born out of love. Yet… they have not been received with such. The peoples of the South are ruled by different beliefs, pray to different gods. They are not like us, no. Yet, the ones who chose to relocate are having little trouble assimilating into the North. We are here today, Brothers and Sisters, to request your aid in dealing with the people who chose not to come here. Our supplies are not reaching those in need. Instead, the food and medicine meant to nourish and heal the Southern villages, have fallen into the hands of the wicked.” He waited until the collective whisperings had died down. “As soon as our troops made the delivery and returned to us, the wagons were seized. The suffering people of the South were made to give all that they possessed in exchange for the gifts we freely sent. The few have become rich, while the many continue to suffer.”

  “My husband is massing an army,” Izadori said softly. “An army that will not only go down and retrieve what was stolen, but will remain there to see that the needy are treated properly. Until their lands are rich once more, the villages of the South will be ruled by Wrothdem.”

  “Unfortunately, soldiers cannot be given such responsibility,” Gadrick added. “And my father cannot rule in two places at once. The task will fall to us.” He looked to his younger brother. “Yet, we lack experience.” He turned then to his grandfather. “King Dofarel, I know we now ask a great thing. Much blood will be spilled before Ashgard once again knows peace. Alas… we cannot do it alone. Will you stand with us, Sire? Will your bows be pulled taut alongside our blades?”

  Dofarel once again held up his hands until silence ruled.

  “It is not a matter of bows and blades. It is a matter of blood and justice. Our kinsmen, my grandchildren, are in need of us. We will not sit idly within the trees while Elvish flesh is torn asunder. Our vote this day will not be if we will join this war. Come forth and cast your ballots as to whether you will freely enlist.”

  A collective gasp swept over the people, then silence. No one moved. When the sound of heavy footsteps caused the gathered masses to turn, they saw the large, scarred, raven-crowned half-Elf making his way to the front.

  Baytac came face to face with Prince Gadrick and cleared his throat before speaking.

  “I freely offer not only my bow, but my blade as well. I have never fought a Southerner, but I am certain of this… not one shall be left standing before me. I will follow your lead, young Prince. I will follow your King.”

  When Baytac held out his large hand, Gadrick looked down at it in surprise. The stunned Prince slowly lifted his arm and firmly grasped Baytac’s forearm. The dark Elf roughly patted the younger man’s shoulder and laughed.

  At the counting of the last white stone tossed into the ballot well, every skilled Elf stood behind the speechless Prince of Wrothdem.

  “There is no time to lose,” Dofarel said. “Return to your father and make ready your forges. When our quivers are full, we will meet you at the open field near the base of the Thralldom Mountains… two days hence.”

  Gadrick bowed deeply before taking his leave.

  *****

  “Ready yourself, dear husband.”

  Valadrog turned to Vareen at her approach.

  “War is coming to Ashgard,” she whispered.

  “Has a summons come down?”

  She shook her head. “No. Not yet. I saw much blood—heard many cries. Alas, I have not been told if we will be joining them… a vision only.”

  “I see,” Valadrog mumbled. “Perhaps the men of Ashgard have grown stronger than we knew.”

  “Perhaps so,” Vareen said. “It would be good if Jenevier’s kinsmen could see to their own, yes.”

  “Well, as long as the unseen forces remain neutral in this war, there will be no need for our interference. Alas, I will inform the generals of the current situation.”

  “That would be wise,” Vareen said softly. “Just make sure they remember their duty. Those two… they seem to throw all reason to the side, where she is concerned.”

  Valadrog chuckled. “You worry too much, dear wife. Although Vittorio and Vareilious do tend to have a blind spot where she is concerned, Jenevier will be in no danger. This is a war between Ashgardians, not Jinnites. Her heart now lives on a different layer.”

  “Her heart lives with her friends, no matter the layer. The Olden King is as dear to her as our own precious son once was.”

  Valadrog furrowed his brow. “Yes… ‘tis true. And that colorful little Angel can be a bit tempestuous on the best of days. Let us hope the Archs hold sway with her… lest our summons be one that we do not wish to answer.”

  “Fret not, my love,” Vareen whispered. “We will not be summonsed to perform a task outside the realm of our capabilities. If the Death Angel must be ceased, it will not be by the hand of a Guardian.”

  “…Yes.” Valadrog glanced up to the transporting clouds. “And now my worries have been multiplied,” he whispered, taking Vareen’s hand as he did.

  *****

  “Naga! Naga! Naga!”

  Cherie burst into the room just as Jenevier and Gabriel entered from the balcony.

  “I bring news, Empress,” Cherie said, panting. “Troubling news.”

  When the girl had finished speaking, Jenevier spread her wings and turned to go. Gabriel grabbed her wrist, halting her flight. She jerked free.

  “Do not hinder me, Brother.”

  When Jenevier’s temper flared, Taka flew towards the Arch, twittering wildly.

  Gabriel looked at the little Dragon Pixie before placing his finger to his own lips, shushing the agitated creature.

  “Hush now, tiny companion to my sister. Know peace, little one.”

  Taka immediately calmed. Flying back to Jenevier, he gently curled around her neck and fell fast asleep.

  “…Gabriel, you cannot stop me in this.”

  “Very well.” Gabriel crossed his arms over his chest. “Tell me, Naga. Have you received summons concerni
ng Ashgard?”

  She matched his level glare, yet did not speak.

  “So soon you forget the promise you just made,” he said.

  Still, Jenevier held her tongue.

  “Tell me. How many wars are fought each day upon the layers?”

  “Gabriel… this isn’t the same.”

  “And that is where you err, sweet sister. This is exactly the same.” He relaxed his arms and sighed. “Men war… sometimes because they have to, and sometimes because they want to. The outcome is not for us to decide. Especially not you, Naga. If we are called upon, we will assist. But you… you will go only if the dark ones make an appearance.”

  “But why, Gabriel?” Jenevier balled her hands into fists. “Why must I sit on the sidelines when people I cherish are in mortal danger?”

  “You know the answer to that, minus my words. You tell me, Naga. What human could stand against you on the battlefield? You have been blessed thusly but for a single purpose. Do not forget that.” He softened his voice. “Just because your loved ones go to war does not mean they are righteous in their pursuit. If they are to prevail, they will… absent unauthorized interference from a Death Angel. If you are summonsed, only then will you go.”

  Jenevier growled an instant before she took flight. Gabriel seized her around the waist. His vise-like hold was unbreakable. She didn’t even bother to struggle. Had she actually needed to breathe, the task would have been nigh impossible.

  “Shhh…” Gabriel whispered. “Calm your soul, little one. If you do this thing out of season, disaster awaits you. Remember my words back in the Iga village… Father wishes you upon a task. Nothing is more important than that.”

  “…But… Gabriel…” She sniffed.

  “I know, little one… I know.” He tenderly kissed the side of her head. “It gets easier. I promise.”

  “How? When?”

  “When you are finally absent mortal ties. Think about it, Naga. If a war broke out on Ashgard a thousand years from now, would your passion run quite so high?”

  She sniffed again. “…No. I suppose not.”

  “Let what will be, be. Make ready for the battle, yes. Yet… do not go to Ashgard until summonsed.”

  *****

  Baytac bowed low before Alastyn. “Your Grace.”

  “Ahh… Dark Elf—friend to my beloved Angel. Welcome. My heart is strengthened to see you numbered among my rank.”

  “I will gladly serve you in any way you need, Sire. I have no experience in actual war, yet my mind is naturally turned thusly.”

  Alastyn furrowed his brow. “Meaning?”

  “Meaning…” Baytac stood and looked the Olden King in the eye. “…always have my thoughts been tuned to strategy.”

  Alastyn smiled. “Then perhaps I have finally found a proper chess partner.”

  The massive Elf glanced to the side. “I do favor the game, Your Majesty.”

  “Very good. Once peace has been restored to our fair land, we will spend days on opposite sides of that marbled square board.”

  “Although I am unworthy of such an honor, it would be my greatest pleasure, Your Grace.”

  Alastyn turned toward his eldest. “Gadrick, my son.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  “A dear friend of mine spoke highly of this darkest of Elves. Jenevier said—”

  “The Angel of Death?” the Prince interrupted.

  Alastyn nodded slightly. “One in the same, yes. She drew swords against Baytac, here. The Elf held his own with the Angel.”

  “Not true,” Baytac mumbled. “That tiny little troublemaker, she gives me too much credit. Once the Angel in her came out, I was felled within a blink… charred with the next breath.”

  “Charred?” Alastyn furrowed his brow. “Did Jenevier snap and sic her Dragon on you?”

  “No, Your Grace,” Baytac said. “The Dragon snapped.”

  “…Protecting his Guardian,” Alastyn mumbled, mostly to himself.

  Baytac nodded. “The two of them… together like that… fear is too small a word.”

  “…Yes,” Alastyn agreed. “Too small indeed.”

  The Prince looked from one man to the other. “But… against the Angel… what creature could stand?” Gadrick whispered under his breath.

  “Yes, ‘tis true,” Baytac agreed. “Alas, even as a woman, Kagi Naga was as fierce as any opponent I could have imagined.”

  Alastyn smiled. “She said much the same of you.”

  “I wasn’t certain she would still feel that way…” Baytac paused and bit his lip. “…once she tasted my father within me.”

  “Yes,” Alastyn said. “Her reaction to such knowledge was a terrifying thing indeed.” A gentle fondness shone in the King’s emerald eyes as he spoke. “But Jenevier… she has a large heart, too large for such a tiny woman. If she named you brother and showed favor unto you, then you can mark that bond down as an eternal one.”

  Baytac looked away when he felt the heat in his cheeks begin to rise.

  “Enough with the pleasantries.” Alastyn clapped his hands together. “We will have much time for merriment in the future. As for now, let’s convene in the library and go over our plans. Input will be welcomed from all.”

  “Have you ever been to the South, Your Grace?” Baytac asked.

  Alastyn nodded. “It has been many years ago now, but yes. Yes, I have.”

  “And… how did you like it? Did they welcome you? Treat you with respect?”

  Alastyn furrowed his brow. “They were hospitable, yes. They did not bow, as you do.” He glanced toward the dark Elf. “Nor did I ask for, or expect, such reverence. They do not live under a monarchy.”

  “No, they do not,” Baytac said. “Yet they do have an established hierarchy, per se.”

  “So, you have visited there as well?”

  Baytac nodded. “I have passed through the Southern lands on a few occasions, yes. I did not stay long. I was not comfortable there—too hot for my liking.”

  “And mine as well.” Alastyn chuckled. “Did you take the time to notice their markings?”

  “I did.” Baytac glanced sideways at the King. “Those are the very things that lead me to believe… their elections are not a just and honorable thing. I mean… if the position you hold is tattooed there upon your forehead, what happens when you no longer hold office?”

  “I thought the same thing myself,” Alastyn mumbled.

  “And not only that,” Baytac continued. “I saw small ones.” He held his hand out to measure about thigh high. “Little children—the governor’s crest already inked upon them. They may like to pretend they are ruled by the people’s choice… yet, I believe that to be but a guise. One set up to lull their sheep-like masses.”

  When Prince Gadrick stopped walking, Alastyn and Baytac turned to face him.

  “What is it, my son?”

  “Father…” Gadrick looked up to meet the King’s gentle gaze. “If the Elf noticed such just by passing through… perhaps not all of the people are sheep-like. Perhaps there is a small faction who wants to promote change. If Baytac figured it out with but a glance, the people who live there must know the truth as well.”

  “That would only stand to reason, yes.”

  “Then…” The Prince looked from his father to the Elf and back again. “Perhaps they are not meaning to defy the King’s edict. Perhaps they are simply using this opportunity to bring about the intended power change—supplant their unwanted leaders.”

  “That may be true,” Baytac said. “But we are not going to war because the Southern villages are disrespecting your King. We draw our swords because of the unjust, cruel treatment of the innocent. Whether the usurpers bow the knee to King Alastyn or nay, their inhumane actions have already proven their worth.”

  When the Prince’s brow remained furrowed, Baytac smiled.

  “Have you ever heard the saying… Pretty is as pretty does?”

  Alastyn chuckled at the Elf’s question, but Prince Gadrick only sho
ok his head.

  “Someone once told me… If you are ugly on the inside, then you’re ugly. Simple as that.” Baytac chuckled. “You see, it doesn’t matter what your skin looks like. If your heart is evil, you are evil.”

  The Elf watched as the light in the young man’s eyes finally lit up with his understanding.

  “…Pretty is as pretty does,” Gadrick whispered.

  “That’s right,” Baytac said. “It matters not which tattoo marks the brow of the men we now face. If tyranny is how they gain their power, then they are tyrants. Simple as that. Do not stand in awe of their rebellion, good Prince. No matter the reason, their current actions could never be justified.”

  “Listen to the Elf,” Alastyn said. “He speaks true.”

  Baytac glanced toward the King. “You have heard this saying as well, I see.”

  “We share a common friend, yes.” Alastyn smiled knowingly. “She may preach those words, but that lovely little Angel doesn’t always heed her own warnings. Forget not, she once loved the soul-eater who sired you.” He bit his bottom lip. “Even though she can see the darkness…” He paused.

  “…She dances too close to the flame,” Baytac whispered.

  Alastyn sighed. “Yes… Yes, she does.”

  Chapter 15

  Jinn

  (JINN)

  When Jenevier could not be calmed, Gabriel summoned Raphael.

  “Do what it is I have called you here to do, Brother,” Gabriel said.

  Raphael matched his brother Arch’s golden glare. “But—”

  “It is for her own good, Raphael. Can you not see that?”

  “At least let go of her for a minute. Let me talk to her.”

  “I will not,” Gabriel said. “You know she was given the power to transport. Whatever you wish to say to her, you can do it while she remains safe within my loving embrace.”

  “Embrace?” Jenevier snorted. “Do not let him fool you, Raphael. We are not embracing. I am his prisoner. Simple as that.”