by Bri Sailor
#
Lusha drummed her fingers on the armrest of her throne. Her eyes burned with anger as she stared down Saebic. He was on bended knee before her, bowing deeply.
“How?” she hissed through her teeth. “How could we lose Thaemo?”
She suddenly jumped out of her throne.
“How did a bunch of worthless dogs single-handedly topple a regime that had been created by the most powerful army in the world?” she screamed. “Are you all so incompetent that I must do everything myself?”
Her eyes started to glow white and all of the priests in the room trembled. Saebic stood his ground.
“Horgath took it upon himself to try and capture Ky and the twins.” He replied icily. “I met with my men at Incta. From what I have gathered it would seem that Horgath was hatching a plan of his own. He was going to turn Incta into a palace for your throne. He thought it might earn him a place at your side.”
“What?” spat Lusha.
“Maybe now you will listen to me.” He dared to say.
Lusha snarled at him.
“The priestess has also been speaking with the priests in the city.” He stated firmly. “The search for the crystals continues. I think it’s time we took this threat seriously. We need to march out with our full numbers and take them head on. Pull our western most forces and the Aznurro front. By losing Thaemo we have lost the largest portion of our western front, leaving us vulnerable to Toran if and when he decides to attack. As we speak the Aznurro forces are growing. We already have enough trouble in the north.”
Lusha threw her cape behind her and sat on her throne. She gripped it so tightly that cracks began to form.
“Fine. Their search ends at Thaemo. Horgath was weak. I should have killed that boot-licking bastard a long time ago.” She growled. “We must respond swiftly and harshly. Pull half of our forces from the northern front and send them straight for Incta. That will surely be the first place that Ky goes.”
A collective gasp echoed in the throne room. The priests looked at one another.
“Half of our forces?” Saebic couldn’t believe her. “That will leave us at the mercy of the rebels in the Wilds. We can’t afford to lose that ground as well!”
Lusha’s eyes turned white again. “How dare you question me! Pull our forces! Take the rest of the legions that are here and wipe them out! All of them! Bring me Ky and the twins. Dead or alive, I don’t care just bring them to me!”
“But my queen,” dared one of the priests. “What of the crystals? Maybe we should retrieve—’’
Her eyes turned white and she opened her mouth. A steady stream of black mist poured out and tumbled to the floor. It snaked its way towards the priest, slowly making its way up his body. His head suddenly snapped back and a thin stream of gray mist slipped out of his nose and mouth and was absorbed by the black mist. He dropped dead. Lusha then sucked the mist back in. She calmly smoothed her dress and headed towards her chambers.
“Now go.” She dismissed. “I must convene with my Lord.”
Chapter 14
The sun shone brightly in the blue and purple sky. Cora’s sandy blonde hair blew softly in the warm breeze. The priestess was sitting atop a small snowless mountain meditating. She took in a deep breath of the sweet air. A soft, ethereal voice carried on the wind.
“Ílm ámnó’m líné, nth shímh. Dé ól thóyur thyu’árh. M’hé Éwár Hárh ím sónílth.”
Cora opened her eyes, a small tear trickled down her cheek.
“I know it’s coming.” She said softly. “Just let me enjoy this, before it’s gone.”
“I have faith in you, my child. My children will save the realms. Stay strong.”
Cora stared off into the vast horizon as her heart swelled with a sense of peace. From the mountain top she could see the land before her. Hills, meadows, forests, lakes and rivers. A beautiful white glass palace sparkled brightly in the etheric light. Beyond the beauty lay a forest of barren trees. Dark clouds hung over it. A large temple of black glass could just barely be seen. Suddenly, the sky turned blood red and the sun dimmed. The wind stood still. Cora’s heart stopped. Instantly, she felt like she was falling from a great height, the mountain fading away and the red sky disappearing from view. Cora fell down a tunnel of light and darkness before slamming back into her physical body.
The priestess gasped for air as she sat up in bed. A cold sweat beaded on her forehead. The early morning light streamed in through the large window in her room. An energetic heat wave passed through her body. Her skin became uncomfortably hot. She jumped out of bed and peeled off her sweaty robe as she walked over to her washbasin. She splashed the cold water on her face before dumping the rest of it all over her body, she could practically feel steam coming off of her skin. The heat finally subsided. She braided her wet hair and got dressed in the purple robes that had been given to her by Queen Joslette.
The palace was silent this early in the morning, allowing for the priestess to sort through her thoughts as she strolled. Her meditations that once gave her peace of mind were now beginning to fill her with dread. It was becoming harder and harder to travel to the realm of the gods in her meditative state. As Lusha grew in power the darkness creeped farther and farther into the light of the Goddess.
“Seems like I’m not the only one awake at this hour.” Said Ehren softly from behind her.
Cora turned around and half smiled at the prince. “It would seem so. May your dreams be far more pleasant than my own.”
Ehren frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“My time spent in meditation usually allows for me to connect with the Goddess and explore the realm of the gods, but as of late, Lusha’s growing influence and increasing darkness is corrupting the light.” Cora’s eyes were downcast. “This war is more than just with Lusha and the Black Army. Dare I say, even more than Béloneras.”
“What do you mean?” Ehren’s eyes were filled with concern.
“I have spent a great deal of time in thought since we left Lynica. And after meeting Oldrin I feel that my concerns are not unfounded. I believe that if we do not succeed in stopping Lusha, evil will befall both realms and all will be lost. Forever in darkness.” Tears filled her eyes.
Ehren pulled the priestess close. Cora buried her face in his chest. He held her close and lifted her chin. Sapphire blue eyes stared into worried blue-green. Cora stood on the tips of her toes and kissed Ehren tenderly. They both smiled.
“We will find the crystals and defeat Lusha once and for all. I can feel it in my bones.” Whispered Ehren.
#
Joslette stood in the darkened throne room, staring silently at the large carved mahogany throne that her father had sat in, her grandfather, and those before. She ruminated on the thought of who was no longer there, a man who she had hated for far too long. Taking in a deep breath through her nose she closed her eyes and held it for a moment before breathing out slowly, and letting go of her anger.
“None of this should have ever happened.” Said Ky from the back of the room.
“I used to think that as well.” Said Joslette calmly. “I blamed myself for not being stronger. The hate that I felt for Horgath and Lusha burned under my skin. But forced solitude and my time with Oldrin has shown me that there is more than one perspective to take in a situation.” She sighed. “I know that it was you who led the siege of my city. That it was because of cold, calculated actions by a person of such a singular mindset that killed what family I had left behind. For the longest time I cursed your name, and your witch.”
“I don’t blame you.” Ky said simply. “I have done a lot of things to earn the hate of many. And nothing to earn their forgiveness.”
“Perhaps.” Said Joslette methodically. “But as someone from your past told me once: Circumstances in one’s life should be viewed as a chance to learn and grow. But for many it is hard to do, for the hate and pain they carry in their hearts don’t allow for them to see past the moment. Forgiveness and love are n
ecessary catalysts for change.”
Ky crossed her arms. “Who told you that?”
Joslette met her gaze. “Someone who is all too familiar with the bodies you seem to leave in your wake. Someone who once saved my life, and I intend to return the favor. I could use some of that wisdom in my council. From what I have seen, her ability to clean up what many considered beneath them, and her offerings of a warm bed and full belly to those that needed it but could not pay, far surpassed anything any advisor has ever offered.”
The warrior froze and her heart skipped a beat. It was Iyara who had saved the princess then. Her hands went cold and clammy. It was her fault that the girl was imprisoned. Taxes. Ky kicked herself. She should have known better. She had led the siege, she had allowed for Horgath to come to power.
“Go to her.” Joslette said softly. “She needs a familiar face and a friend right now. In time you will see that this was all meant to be. Friends like Doan planted the seeds, but your love for Iyara was the catalyst. It is up to you to decide what you are going to do with that.”
#
Ky stood leaning against the doorframe of Iyara’s room. The girl had been sleeping for nearly three days straight since the warrior had rescued her. Ky studied her face in the morning sunlight. It was thinner, hollower. Soft jet-black hair framed her face. The warrior felt like she was being torn in two. The guilt for leaving Iyara behind only to be jailed was eating her alive. She found herself longing for the girl to open her sparkling green eyes and to see her smile once more.
“Not surprised to find you here.” Came a voice from behind her.
The warrior’s ears instantly burned red.
“Just checking in. She’s been asleep for quite some time.” Stammered Ky.
“Hmm.” Atreyis crossed her arms. “Has she said anything to you yet?”
Ky shook her head. “Not a word. She wakes every now and then but just…”
“I see.” Said Atreyis. “Has Cora healed her?”
“There’s no need. She’s not injured.” Ky turned to the princess, her face was wrought with guilt. “How would you feel after being imprisoned for so long? Reentering the world can be overwhelming. All you want to do is disappear for a time. I know the feeling.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” asked Atreyis.
Ky sighed. “No. I’m just going to stay with her until she wakes up.”
Atreyis squeezed Ky’s shoulder. “If you need anything just let me know.”
The princess left the warrior to stew in her thoughts. Ky pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed patiently waiting. As the minutes slowly ticked by she started bouncing her leg and picking at the wood of the chair. She rested her chin on the back and gazed at the slumbering girl.
#
Iyara soon took a deep breath and sighed, her eyes fluttered open. She rubbed her face and slowly sat up. Ky was visibly nervous.
“How are you feeling?” Squeaked Ky as she righted herself.
Iyara wrapped the blankets around herself and pulled her knees up to her chest.
“Hollow.” The light had left her green eyes.
They sat in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes.
Ky shifted her weight. “When I found out what…”
The warrior cleared her throat. She couldn’t seem to find the words.
“When I found out that you had been imprisoned by Horgath, it felt like I had been run through.” Her gray eyes pleaded with empty green. “I know there is nothing I could say that can make up for has happened over the last two years. To make up for my lack of action. That I left you, Iyara. No, I abandoned you. For that I am truly sorry. I had thought that if I left the only life I’ve ever known, that if I stopped fighting, that I would lose myself. And then lose you. I couldn’t—’’
Ky bit her cheek and stood up and started pacing. She leaned heavily on the wall, turning her back to Iyara, trying to hold back the tears. A small touch on her back caught her off guard.
“It’s not your fault that I was imprisoned.” Said Iyara in a small voice.
Ky turned around and met her gaze.
“I knew what the potential consequences were all those years ago when I helped sneak Diana and her family out.” Cried Iyara softly. “But you, you broke my heart when you left. That is your fault. When you never came back I thought I would never be happy again. I waited for so long. I had heard of your exploits, so I knew you weren’t dead but that didn’t make it any easier. It meant that you had simply forgotten about me. There were times when I thought I wasn’t going to make it. But, I survived. By the grace of the Goddess I survived.”
She wiped the tears from her eyes. “I should have been more careful. I don’t know how he found out. There was no warning. They came in the middle of the night. They took me away. Beat me. And—’’
Ky didn’t let her finish her sentence and wrapped her muscular arms around her and enveloped her in a bear hug. Iyara buried her face in Ky’s chest and sobbed softly. The warrior kissed the top of her head.
“I’m so sorry, Iyara.” She whispered. “It’s over now. Horgath is gone, I’ve made sure that he will never hurt anyone ever again. The city is out from under his spell. You are safe. And thanks to you Joslette is safe as well. And she will see that the Quinmor remain strong and fight back.”
Ky pulled back and lifted her chin, searching her eyes. “You will never have to worry about anything ever again. You have a permanent place in the palace now. Joslette informed me of some wise council that you offered her once. Something about using one’s circumstances as a chance to learn and grow, and to not carry hate in your heart, but forgiveness and love. She says that wisdom like that is needed in her royal council.”
Iyara scrunched her face in confusion and wiped the tears from her face. “What do you mean?”
“The queen wishes for you to be part of her royal council.” Ky half-smiled.
The girl shook her head. “I don’t understand. I come from nothing. My mother worked in the kitchens all her life. I never knew my father. I have no status. No education. What do I have to offer? How could I possibly ever fit into such a position?”
“Are you serious?” Ky exclaimed softly. “You saved her life. You built that tavern up from nothing and had your rivals running. You showed true generosity when you had nothing to spare, mercy where others had none, and most of all courage and bravery in the darkest of times. You are more than capable of fulfilling such a role. I have every confidence in you. You were always too good for that place…too good for me.” Ky hugged her again.
Out in the hall Atreyis hid out of sight. She bit her lip to keep the tears back as she walked away. It was evident that the love between Ky and Iyara had not been lost to the years. Atreyis felt like her mind and her heart had been twisted into a writhing heap. The image of Ky clean and with such a tender touch clashed with the blood-soaked warrior filled with raging bloodlust. And the claws! Just when she thought she had the warrior figured out she goes and reminds everyone just how much of an enigma she truly is.
Chapter 15
Lusha sat cross-legged on an overstuffed pillow. Her eyes were closed and her face was relaxed. She had barred the doors to her temple within the temple. It was her own private sanctuary hidden away from everything else. In here she was able to quietly meditate and contemplate her lord and master. Her racing mind was difficult to quiet. She had expected after her ascension, as she called it, that her powers would have increased exponentially. It was there, hidden deep within her bones, she could feel it but had no idea how to access it. She took in a deep cleansing breath.
“My Lord,” she prayed, “if you see it fit, allow me to reach my soul’s potential. I can feel you in my bones, my very breath. Allow me to fully serve you as you see fit. Let me find their souls. If I cannot get them in this world, then allow your servant to destroy them in the next.”
Lusha took another cleansing breath and searched out the energies. After a few hours the sun began to set. C
andles magically sprang to life and lit up the sanctuary. Suddenly Lusha began to slowly lift off of the pillow and hover in midair. Her eyes snapped open and were glowing white. A devilish smile played on her lips.
“Ih dëë i’höü mör. There you are. Why don’t you come and play with me?”
#
Atreyis lay in bed tossing and turning in a disturbed deep sleep. Sweat began pouring off of her. Across the hall Ky lay in bed as well, sweating. She too was tormented by unseen foes as she slept.
#
A blood-red sky with dark gray clouds circled above. Atreyis blinked and slowly sat up. Her head felt like it was in a vice. She tried to get her eyes to focus in the dark. All around her was a dead forest. Her body felt inexplicably heavy. Using all her strength she stood up. What happened? Where was she? She looked down at herself. She was wearing a long flowing white top and pants that were torn and covered in dirt and soot and she was barefoot. Her heart began to pound as anxiety made her limbs tingle and fear crept up her spine. This place seemed familiar, but she couldn’t figure out why. She started walking around. This place, she had been here before, she was sure of it. The wind whistled and creaking limbs echoed throughout the trees. The temperature suddenly dropped and was absolutely freezing. She could see her breath. A low rumbled shook the ground. The princess stood still. The rumble grew louder and sounded more like a growl. Something inside her screamed for her to run. She gave into instinct and let her feet carry her away as she ran. A loud crashing came from behind her. She dared to look over her shoulder and could see trees and branches being thrown in every direction as her hunter chased after her. Her lungs ached as she raced through the trees. In the foggy distance she could just make out a shiny black structure. The roaring grew louder as she neared the strange temple. Suddenly, she came to a clearing.
