Bonded Spirits: Book Three

by Daniel, Jake

  She laughed and reappeared in my hand. “Silly, if you want to know anything about me, you only have to ask.”

  “Good to know.” I contemplated my next question and stole a glance back up to the temple. “Are you sure the other fairies need you?”

  Jun stretched in my palm and laughed playfully. “Not at all. I may be their queen, but they are all accomplished and independent. Besides, I haven’t left that tree in a very long time. It will be good to see the progress around here.”

  I nodded and smiled. “Fair enough. I’m sure I’ll have a few questions for you along the way.”

  “Can’t wait.” She flew up out of my hand and kissed me on the nose. “Now, I believe I have delayed you enough. We better get going.”

  Jun lifted back into the air and flew lazily back and forth in front of me, leaving a glittering trail of fairy dust sparkling in her wake. Her translucent golden wings reflected the sunlight and projected intricate designs on the ground under her.

  Matt was already standing next to the horse near the lake by the time we made it back down.

  As we approached, a dark shadow covered us from above. I glanced up and saw the unmistakable form of Alysain. My heart leapt as she lowered, and I realized my feelings for her had grown slightly above friendship at this point.

  Alysain landed gracefully a short distance away. When she lifted her eyes to meet mine, I knew that something wasn’t right. “Logan! I need you to come with me. I have to show you something.” She paused and spotted Jun. “Queen Jun, please excuse my intrusion.”

  Jun landed on my shoulder and held up a hand. “Please, do not worry. I can tell what you have seen is worth the interruption.”

  Matt cleared his throat and leaned his head around me. “I understand you have to go be king now, or something. Should I come with you or...” He trailed off and looked nervously between Alysain and me.

  “I think you should stay here. It is much safer here than if you come with.” I glanced around and spotted Brazz as he was headed to take up his post at the front wall. “Brazz, will you come here, please?”

  Brazz straightened and nodded. “Of course. Whatever is needed.”

  “I need you to take my brother around the Vale if you don’t mind.” I glanced over at Matt and back to Brazz. “Take him up to those empty shops. Maybe he will find one that would work for him to set up shop here.”

  Matt shot a quick look behind himself before nodding. “Anything to keep me away from the gnomes.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Brazz climbed up onto the horse and Matt adjusted awkwardly as he tried to avoid the lizard-man’s tail. Matt finally gripped onto the saddle and gave me a small smile. “All right, brother. Good luck with whatever you are about to do. I think I’ll be ready for a bit more of whatever was in that flask last night by the time you get back.”

  I laughed and ran my hand under the horse’s mane. “Sounds like a plan. Try to keep an open mind, I think this place will grow on you.” I stopped as a thought crossed my mind. “Before I forget, do not go outside the barrier.” As I turned, I heard DeVito’s loud breathing as he left the house and plopped down a few feet away from us. As lazy as he was, he hated to be left out. “Will you watch DeVito as well? I don’t think you have to worry about him wondering too far off, but I imagine he would love to tag along.”

  Matt glanced down toward the bulldog and smiled. “Come on, DeVito, we’re going on an adventure.” The dog looked up and stood slowly. Matt was the only person, besides me, that he would even remotely listen to, and that was about twenty-five percent of the time.

  Gwen and Isobel came over, both sweating profusely from their sparring match. Gwen looked at us curiously as she approached. “Where are you headed?”

  Alysain stepped forward and nodded toward the north. “I saw something while scouting. I have to show Logan, it could shed a little light on Aether’s next move.”

  Gwen nodded and shifted her attention to me. “Brave man, leaving your brother here. Did you warn him about my sisters?”

  I laughed and shook my head. “No, but I probably should have.” I leaned over and gave her a kiss. “I am putting you and Isobel in charge while we are gone.”

  The satyress and wolf-kin exchanged small smiles.

  Alysain moved close to me and wrapped her arms around my chest from behind. Her perfectly armored breasts pushed up against my back and she clung to me tightly. She moved her lips close to my ear as she adjusted. “Are you ready?”

  I nodded and gave her hand a squeeze. “Absolutely.”

  Jun lifted off into the air and hovered for a moment. “I am curious to see what’s happening. I’m still going to tag along if that is okay with you.”

  I nodded and turned back to my brother. “Be safe, Matty.”

  Alysain lifted into the air, and we were high above the manor within seconds. I took it all in as the residents scurried between buildings to start their day. I closed my eyes and used my Sight to reach out to Gwen. “Make sure my brother does nothing stupid while we are gone.”

  A second later, her voice cut into my thoughts. “No promises! As long as you make it up to me later, I’ll make sure everyone stays safe.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you. Just be ready.”

  With a giant flap of her wings, Alysain propelled us forward and over the tall evergreens below. Jun kept up right at our sides, cutting through the air like Tinker Bell.

  Alysain banked left as we passed over Dunway and lowered her head to speak to me. “Logan, I think Aether is up to something.”

  I craned my neck slightly. “What is it?”

  “I was scouting the outskirts of the Capitol and hadn’t been over the port in quite some time. There is a new ship that just arrived.” She dove and leveled off, mere inches above the treetops.

  “A new ship? Did you recognize it?” I asked.

  “Yes, it is an ancient ship, thought to have been destroyed during the Great War. I’ve read about it in several books. It is one of the fabled ships of Darkholm. I hate to think of what sort of deal Aether made in order to get them to show up.”

  “So, Aether hired mercenaries?”

  “That’s what it appears.” She flapped her wings faster, propelling us through the sky. Flying now was just as exhilarating as it was the first time she’d taken me. I scanned the landscape by using my Sight as we soared overhead.

  After an hour of flying directly toward Ambirn, the trees thinned, and I got my first view of the Capitol. Jun moved next to my ear and spoke as we neared. “The Capitol used to be amazing. It looks as if it is a shell of what it once was.”

  As soon as Alysain lowered, the unrest of the Capitol was on full display. Several fires burned throughout the city, everywhere except the castle.

  Alysain swept down as she approached the port, sticking to the shadows as she found a suitable place to land. We positioned ourselves on top of a large building overlooking the courtyard. A well-dressed man and woman walked through the courtyard as several of the King’s Guard stood watch. The woman had long, dark violet hair, full breasts, and an ass that looked absolutely amazing, even from our current vantage point. Her dress was cut in a deep V, revealing her soft pale skin and stopping just slightly under her belly button. The man was dressed in a long violet suede overcoat and had slicked-back raven hair. He walked with confidence and ignored the guards as he passed.

  Several snakes followed behind the woman as she walked, making several of the guards jump out of the way in fear.

  “Who are they?” I asked Alysain, keeping my eyes trained on them as they walked toward the castle.

  She shook her head. “I believe they’re Day Walkers.”

  “Day Walkers?” I asked.

  Jun landed on my arm. “Yes, those are definitely Day Walkers. They may look like vampires, but they are not as susceptible to sunlight.”

  “Why would Day Walkers be willing to work with Aether? What’s in it for them?” I asked.

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sp; Alysain pointed toward the port. “See how intricate their ship is, and how well they are dressed? They are all about wealth, something Aether has an endless supply of.”

  Jun nodded and stepped closer to the edge of the tall tower that we were perched on. “Day Walkers are notorious monster hunters. We need to be very careful.”

  I closed my eyes and inspected our surroundings. The Day Walkers and humans were filled with tainted spirit. Their cores churned with dark violet energy. As I watched, a snake reared back and grabbed a nearby guard. He let out a scream, but it was too late. The snake struck at the guard’s face in rapid succession. The scene quickly turned horrific as the man’s screams intensified, but after a few seconds he fell silent and all signs of life left his body.

  Alysain and I backed farther onto the top of the building to remain hidden. I turned to Alysain. “Any idea how many prisoners they are holding, or what their plans are?”

  Alysain’s eyes shifted to the ground. “I’m almost positive Aether plans to kill everyone that didn’t make it out in time after the King died. The rumor is they have at least two hundred captives down in the dungeons and Aether plans to kill them one by one to make an example of them.” She stopped and clenched her teeth. Even when she was angry, her face was still angelic and kind.

  I surveyed the surrounding area. The courtyard in front of the castle was eerily quiet. I knew that if Aether had indeed made a deal with the Day Walkers, then we needed to be prepared. I turned to the griffon and fairy as they scanned the ground below. “Alysain, Jun, we need to get back to the manor and let the others know.”

  They both nodded, and Jun activated her translucent state, hiding her from sight. Alysain moved behind me and wrapped her arms as tightly as she could around my chest. My chest was too broad for her to clasp her hands around me, but she was strong enough to handle my weight, even if my legs hung out awkwardly.

  Alysain’s voice wavered slightly as she lifted off the building. “Aether will destroy Aurilon. He doesn’t…” Before she could say another word, she gasped. She shot high into the sky and her breathing went erratic. I immediately knew something was wrong.

  “Are you okay?” I asked, while trying to determine what had caused her pain.

  “Yes, I think something grazed my wing. A projectile of some sort,” she responded, her breaths now coming out short and choppy.

  I craned my head back around and saw a crossbow bolt protruding from one of her wings. It was out of my reach, but seemed to hinder her flight more the farther we traveled. “You’re injured. We need you to land so I can get the bolt out of your wing.”

  The griffon shook her head as she continued away from the Capitol. “No, we need to get back, warn the others.”

  “Don’t injure yourself further.” I closed my eyes for a second and immediately had a sinking feeling in my stomach. Tainted spirit swirled wildly around her wound. I knew if left unattended, it could spell doom for Alysain. “We need to get that bolt out of your wing.”

  “I’ll be okay, I can make it.” She let out a small whimper as she pumped her wings and we shot forward once more.

  I craned my neck, and I could see a tear rolling down her cheek as we passed over Kilney. The towns that had been alive with tournament revelers only a couple weeks ago were now quiet and almost looked deserted from above.

  By the time we finally arrived back at the manor, the sun was already dropping in the sky. Alysain landed and stumbled forward as her feet touched the ground, dropping me from her grasp. I rolled onto the ground and pushed myself up in one swift motion. I hurried to her side and steadied her as her breaths became more labored.

  Jun flew over and inspected her wing. “We have to get that bolt out. The tainted spirit has already started to fill her.” She paused and her eyes flashed violet for a brief second as she focused on me. “I…” she trailed off and ran a finger from her neck down in between her cleavage. She stepped closer and shook her head, as if trying to clear her mind.

  My thoughts immediately went to what Jun had said about the effect that tainted spirit had on her and the other fairies. Although, that was the least of my worries at the moment, as I returned my focus on Alysain.

  I pulled her wing back carefully and revealed the area surrounding the bolt. She let out a little yelp as I stretched it out farther. The area had turned black and was spreading. I closed my eyes and saw tainted spirit pouring into her through her wings. I grabbed the bolt at its base and braced my hand against her wing as I pried it free. She let out a soft cry as I removed it and stored it in my pocket. I lifted her into my arms and hurried to the house.

  I met Cress as I opened the front door to the manor. The smile on her face faded and transformed to a look of concern as she noticed the griffon girl in my arms. “Is everything okay? What happened?” The lizard-woman ushered me inside.

  “A bolt struck her. The wound is already turning black. There had to be some sort of poison on it, because she’s declined rapidly,” I replied.

  Cress lifted Alysain’s wing carefully and gasped. “That’s some dark magic. We must hurry.”

  Wofferd appeared with a cup of coffee in his hand, but dropped the mug as soon as he saw Alysain laying limp in my arms. “What happened? Is she dead?”

  “No, just badly injured. Could you ask Master Teng to come as quickly as possible?”

  The rotund man ratcheted his robe together and nodded. “Of course, of course.” He placed a chubby hand on Alysain’s arm. “Hang in there, griffon.” He wobbled across the front lawn and hurried toward the temple.

  DeVito hopped off his new favorite chair and greeted me as I moved through the main room. The bulldog had a large bandana tied around his rotund head that I recognized as Wofferd’s. It looked like our resident grumpy old man had made a friend. It was fitting, since they both looked slightly similar.

  I carried the griffon up to my room, and all of my bonded followed in close behind. Cress and Shah took up positions at the door to ensure nobody else could come inside.

  Isobel hurried over as I set the griffon on the bed. “What happened?!”

  Gwen placed her palm on the griffon’s chest as I adjusted her on the bed. “Her core is weak. I can feel it through her chest. It seems like she’s been poisoned.”

  I pulled the bolt out of my pocket and handed it to Gwen. “That’s what they hit her with. We were scouting the Capitol, and they shot her as we were leaving.”

  Gwen took the bolt and inspected it thoroughly with a furrowed brow. “This contains tainted spirit. It’s imbued into the bolt.”

  Dahlia grabbed the bolt from Gwen and flipped it in her hands. “No one has imbued tainted spirit in Aurilon for at least a hundred years.”

  Gwen nodded. “Exactly. The last person known to harness tainted spirit was a Day Walker. But they haven’t been seen since the Great War.”

  “They’re back.” I shook my head and met her eyes. “Aether is meeting with the Day Walkers as we speak.”

  Isobel nodded. “Day Walkers are pure evil. I don’t even want to think about the cost that Aether paid in order to have them at his service.”

  Dahlia nodded and wrapped Alysain’s wing in petals to help stop the bleeding. “Me either. You thought the King was evil, or that old miss Ashnam in Dunway? You’ve not seen anything yet.”

  I carefully spread Alysain’s wing, and she let out a small moan. It was turning Dahlia’s freshly wrapped petals black. “We need to get this cleaned and fixed up. Gwen, do we have any more of that healing salve?” I peeled back a few of Dahlia’s petals and Jun brought over a clean towel, which was four times her size, to clean off the wound.

  Gwen hurried over to a small cabinet across the room and pulled out a square bottle that held the healing solution. “Hopefully, we have enough. That wound is pretty bad, though.”

  I accepted the bottle from her and scooped out two fingers of salve. I carefully spread Alysain’s wing farther to expose the entire wound and coated it completely, using the r
est of the bottle. The wound immediately closed, but her feathers were still black where the tainted spirit had spread.

  Alysain struggled to take in a breath and released it slowly as the effects of the salve finally kicked in. She whipped her head back and forth, sweat beading across her forehead as her body fought against the infection.

  Chloe leaned close and inspected the wound, pulling the griffon’s wing up gently and resting it on her massive breasts. “She should be okay, but I think we should get some more of that healing salve made before she takes a turn for the worse.” She placed the wing back down on the bed and wiped away the sweat from Alysain’s forehead.

  “Chloe, Dahlia, will you two get started on more salve right away? Make as much as you absolutely can.” They both nodded and gave me a kiss before hurrying out of the room. They made their way downstairs, and I could hear Chloe calling to Gwen’s sisters as they made their way to the tavern. Chloe was a born leader, and when she called for help, everyone knew she meant it, or at the very least, they would suffer her wrath if they didn’t.

  Gwen crawled into bed and laid next to Alysain, resting her ear on the griffon’s chest, listening to her heart to ensure she was okay, and rubbing her hand reassuringly up and down her arm. After a few seconds, she looked up at me with sadness in her eyes. “I can sense the tainted spirit. I can feel it inside of me through her. I don’t know if her core is strong enough to handle it.”

  Chapter Twelve

  I knew what she meant. With my Sight skill at King rank, I could often see inside others cores, especially damaged ones. I also knew from experience that having tainted spirit in your core can really mess with your body. “I agree, although she’s in excellent hands here.” I paused and shook my head. “We were careful. I don’t understand how anyone saw us up on that tower. Someone had to have incredible aim to hit her.”