The Lost Alliance (The Nihryst Book 3)
Page 8
That symbol was them.
It nearly took her breath away to see it so laid out.
Then, the timeline split, and her brow furrowed. One path was the familiar story of the Nihryst—the story she knew by heart. But the other… she didn’t recognize. She followed the trail, watching as a dagger fell from the war above and twirled through the stars and symbols. It continued on, never changing. The blade moved along beneath Loxley’s story. She saw herself in there, brought to him by the same stars. The flower symbol bold behind the two figures.
When they’d gone in almost a complete circle around the room, she saw the false king of Rayerna morph into a figure that represented Michel. The blade traveled up into the hands of a blurred man—obscured as if the painter was unsure of his features and wiped a hand across the wet paint. All that was clear was the dagger in his hand.
As they reached the final painting, tears welled in Ada’s eyes. She stared at it, jaw dropping and her heart pounding. The dagger left the faded man. Shaking her head, Ada turned away from the painting of two people fighting the false king.
Red figures with the symbol of a rose etched over their heads. One of which fell while the other stabbed the blade through the king’s heart—Michel’s heart.
An arm wrapped around her, and Ada leaned into Lee’s embrace. She shifted to hide her face against his chest. “I can’t.”
Even after all he had done, she couldn’t bear the thought of being the one to kill her former friend. The man she’d planned to spend the rest of her life with. The man she’d trusted and loved. The betrayal still ached deep in her gut, but she couldn’t imagine killing him.
Gritting her teeth, she straightened and faced the wall once more. Their stories were splattered across these stones by someone who knew the truth. Someone who knew the entire prophecy.
Taking a deep breath, Ada wiped away a stray tear that had escaped and walked back to the part of the story where Loxley was cursed. The symbols twisted and brightened within her mind, but it no longer surprised her. She recognized some of the language now. The symbols for a never-ending life and abandonment swirled around the crude sketch of Loxley as he moved across the wall. When her own figure came into the story, the abandonment disappeared, and she couldn’t fight the smile that spread across her face.
Everything in their path was familiar. She knew their story. It was that of the dagger that stumped her. Symbols of strength and power lingered around it, but one stood out more than the others near the blurred man.
“What is this symbol here? I don’t understand what these are saying,” she said, pointing to the others surrounding the man and dagger.
He moved closer, squinting. “That one means worthy. Together, they read that only the one deemed worthy by the stars will present the blade of enchantment. The blade of…”
Lee stumbled back, shoving a hand through his hair. He shook his head and stepped close to the wall again. Mumbling under his breath, he quickly went to the end of the story.
“What?” She rushed to his side. “What is it?”
“The blade of undoing.” His words were barely audible. “The blade of—”
“Ddadwneud.” Her eyes widened as she came to the same conclusion he must have. “Undoing… It will reverse the curse.”
“Yes, in a way, it will,” a voice said from behind them.
Chapter 11
Shane
“Are you excited to meet some new friends?” Shane asked Carys as he carried her down the street. Beside them, Phillip hauled her bag full of clothes and toys over one shoulder with a quiet laugh. She hadn’t been able to narrow down what she brought, so they told her she could bring it all, despite knowing she was only staying one night.
Carys nodded with a bright smile that warmed Shane’s heart. He loved this little girl as if she was his own sister. Just as she opened her mouth, he heard the first scream.
Whirling around, Shane gripped Carys closer. Around them, guards stood with hands on the pommels of their swords. The street seemed as calm as ever though.
“What—” Phillip’s words were cut off by the loudest boom Shane had ever heard. He ducked on instinct, turning from the source of the explosion to shield Carys. Crouching down, he held her tight, but they weren’t close enough to wherever it happened. Wailing filled the air, along with shouts and the distant sounds of steel clashing.
A hand went to Shane’s back. “Are you all right?” Phillip shouted over the chaos in the distance.
Shane nodded and straightened back up, Carys crying in his arms. He held the back of her head as she tucked her face against his neck. His guards now had their swords out and were urging him onward to the castle, but he couldn’t move. He watched as smoke and embers filled the sky above the building tops.
It was coming from near O’ Chwedlau.
Shifting Carys to grab the bag still hanging from Phillip’s shoulder, he called to one of his men. “Take her to the castle.” When the man hesitated, Shane demanded, “Now. That’s an order.”
He looked to Phillip, but Shane was already handing the guard the bag and the girl.
“Go. Do not stop until she is safely inside. Take her to Melanie, and make sure the other two children are with her. Keep them safe.” Shane didn’t wait for a response. He turned to another guard. “Go back to the Lavens’ home and get Phillip’s mother. Take her to the castle too.”
“Yes, your Majesty.”
Both men moved out, and Shane stepped forward. Phillip shook his head, putting out an arm to stop him. “You’re going to the castle too.”
“Phillip—”
“It’s my job to ensure your safety,” he said.
The words stung, but there wasn’t time to address them. “No, your job is to protect this kingdom.”
Phillip visibly clenched his jaw and moved closer. “Which includes its king.”
“I’m going to help. Unless you plan on ordering these men to physically drag me back to the castle instead of helping those who need us.” Shane squared his shoulders in challenge. Phillip looked as if he were truly considering that option. With a huff, Shane pushed past him, drawing his own sword. His men stared at him in confusion, but none questioned him. They did, however, move with him.
As he neared the corner of the street, Phillip reached his side. The sight beyond made them freeze in their tracks. One of the buildings on the outside of the hidden square was in flames. People ran to and from the wells, bringing water, while others helped the injured. More alarming still were the ones fighting. Members of O’ Chwedlau appeared to have run out to defend the other citizens.
This wasn’t an accident.
They were attacked.
And Shane knew who was responsible.
“You three, make sure everyone’s out of the building and get control of that fire before it spreads,” Phillip directed the guards. They took off immediately. He pointed to the handful of Rayernan soldiers. “The rest of you, help take them out. Leave a couple alive for questioning.”
Shane made to follow them, and Phillip stepped in front of him.
“Stay with me,” he said. True fear unlike Shane had ever seen in the man filled his eyes. “Do not leave my side. Do you understand?”
Shane wanted to argue that he couldn’t order him to do anything, but if it meant getting out there quicker, he’d agree. He nodded, and Phillip took a deep breath. With that, they ran toward those drawing swords on the unarmed people of Ferda.
One man lifted his blade at an older couple covered in soot who cowered against the side of a nearby building. Phillip jumped between them and the attacker, piercing his own sword through the man’s abdomen without hesitation. Turning, Shane blocked the next enemy. He grunted as their blades met, and he spread his feet to brace himself against the force of the soldier’s strength.
The man twisted to the side. Shane followed. He might not have been as skilled as Phillip, but they’d trained side by side their entire lives. He could hold his own.
There were fewer than two dozen Rayernans as far as they could tell, and with the guards helping the rebels, the fight ended quickly. But their work wasn’t over. The building was still on fire. After ordering the few remaining attackers be tied up and questioned, Shane and Phillip moved to those coughing and crying along the other side of the road.
Shane searched back and forth, but Gwyn was nowhere in sight. Spotting Talia tending to some of the wounded, he ran over. “Where is she?”
Talia registered his question and stood, her eyes wide with alarm as she looked around. “I don’t know. She was just here.”
Glass shattered in the building behind him, and he whirled around. Flames licked up the sides, out the windows, and up through the roof. The heat scorched him where he stood. The amount of gunpowder it must have taken for such a thing…
Phillip was distracted helping more injured people, both from the fire and enemy soldiers alike.
Shaking his head, Shane looked for an opening into the building. He knew Gwyn—knew how reckless she was when it came to saving her people. There was no doubt she’d gone inside to make sure everyone got out safely.
But he also knew the buildings connected in a maze of halls. His feet began moving before he formed a complete plan. All he knew was his friend was in that blazing inferno.
A pair of dark eyes cut him off, a hand grabbing him by the arm. “Don’t.”
“I have to,” he pleaded. He hadn’t even realized Brienne was down here. Were the Nihryst helping before when fighting off the soldiers?
“Look at me.” Brienne tightened her hold on him. “If you go in there, you won’t come back out. The building is seconds from collapsing.”
Shane tried to get away from her, but two more figures appeared behind her. George and Theo, two of the Nihryst he barely knew, who he was sure were strong enough to stop him. When Brienne looked over his shoulder, he knew who else had stepped up to keep him from going in.
A hand went to his back, and Brienne released him as Phillip stepped closer. Just as Brienne had said, the burning building began crumbling. Shane’s breath caught in his throat as the entire thing collapsed in on itself.
Phillip’s other hand went to Shane’s shoulder. “It’s too late, Shane.”
“Lee and Ada left just before it happened.”
Shane’s eyes snapped over. “What? They were here?”
Nodding, Brienne watched the destruction with teary eyes a moment longer. “They were here to tell us about going to Rayerna. He didn’t want us going, but our crew is yours. We’ve fought this war before. After arguing for a few, he and Ada disappeared. I’m not sure where they went, but I’m certain they left the square.”
With that, she left them to start giving orders. She had most of her crew go to get more water while a few stayed back to help the wounded. Seeing the pain in her eyes, Shane wondered not for the first time about the woman’s past.
Despite standing in the middle of the street surrounded by people, Phillip hadn’t moved away. He held on to Shane, supporting the king as he continued watching the flames.
“Why are we just standing around?”
Shane let out a ragged breath and turned. “I thought you…”
He couldn’t even get the rest of the words out. Instead, he grabbed an ash-covered Gwyn and pulled her into his arms.
“I’m fine. I was making sure no one got through to the church.” She relaxed against him, returning the hug, as if she understood exactly what he’d feared. Pushing away, she repeated, “I’m fine, Shane.”
And she was. Physically. But under the clear exhaustion, he could see the boiling rage. “We’re going to find out what happened.”
“The surviving soldiers are already being questioned.” Phillip pulled her into a quick hug.
“I know what happened,” she whispered.
Shane did too. Those who attacked were from Rayerna—as was confirmed when Shane saw the lion-crested hilt of one of the fallen men’s swords. He’d seen the symbol enough growing up to spot it easily. Their arrival meant the war was coming sooner than anticipated.
Behind them, people began gaining control. The fire lessened bit by bit, taking with it the heat that had sweat dripping down Shane’s temple.
“We’re in,” Gwyn said, drawing his attention back to her. “They just made this personal. My people will fight beside you.”
Glancing around, he wondered how many more of Michel’s soldiers had made it into Ferda—into Detmarya. Were more attacks coming?
They were wrong before. If they waited, Michel would come to them. And Shane wouldn’t allow more harm to come to his home.
“Good,” he whispered as he looked to Phillip. “Because we’re not waiting any longer. We’re leaving for Rayerna tomorrow evening.”
Leaving in the evening meant they’d arrive three mornings later instead of showing up at night. Phillip nodded in agreement. They were out of time.
Chapter 12
Loxley
Lee and Ada whirled around. While the sudden voice had startled him, he was not surprised to find it belonged to Nayani.
“What is this?” he asked, gesturing to the walls around them. He didn’t want to believe it. Stories of the enchanted blade had spread much like his own. It was meant to be powerful enough to break any spell—powerful enough to kill an immortal.
“The prophecy.” Nayani moved fully into the room and sat in a dusty rocking chair near the empty hearth. “Your story—both of you.”
Ada’s fist clenched at her side as she stomped toward Nayani. Lee wrapped an arm around her waist to stop her. He wanted to charge the infuriating woman too, but he’d angered enough witches to know better. There was no telling what Nayani was capable of, and he wasn’t willing to risk either of their lives.
“Easy,” he whispered against Ada’s ear. She’d always been fierce, but since the ordeal with Michel, something had snapped inside her. He loved it almost as much as he feared it. He knew more than anyone the consequences of losing control.
He walked with her toward Nayani. With no other options, they sat on the hard floor. Nayani stared down at them, and Lee had the overwhelming sense of déjà vu.
“I feel like I’m sitting down for story time,” Ada mumbled under her breath.
Nayani’s responding grin did not meet her eyes. “Then, let me tell you a story.”
Ada straightened, and Lee bit the inside of his cheek. Regardless of how much had changed over the past few months, she was still the same girl who’d hired a crew of pirates to chase after a fairy tale.
“Do you know what happened when your mother fled with you from Rayerna?” Nayani asked him.
Lee’s brow furrowed. “We came to Detmarya.”
“Yes, but do you recall the time your mother disappeared?”
“That was almost one hundred and fifty years ago…” He looked down. He hated thinking about that part of his past. When he glanced back to find her still waiting, he sighed. “Yes.”
Nayani nodded as if she too understood what it was like to remember too much.
“Willa and I stayed with…” Lee swallowed. “Mariella. We stayed with her family.”
Ada slipped her hand into his. He gave it a grateful squeeze and wondered if it would ever not hurt to talk about his family.
“My mother said she’d be gone a few days—a week at most,” he whispered, not looking at either woman. “But she was gone months, and she never told us where she went or why it took her so long to return.”
“She was traveling to nearby villages. She knew of the flower’s abilities and sought out someone who might be able to reverse its effects. What she found instead was a seer with a prophecy so vivid, so atrocious, no one would believe her.”
“Except
my mother.”
Nayani nodded. “As soon as your mother heard the story, she believed it. Because she knew the boy in the story was you.”
Lee stared down at the floor, unable to keep looking at the witch or the paintings surrounding them.
“The prophecy frightened your mother,” Nayani continued. “The seer disappeared shortly after their initial meeting. As you know, reading the future—sensing the happenings of this world—is never done in a clear manner. Those of us with the power, we see threads and glimpses of what was and what could be.”
“That’s why you’re so vague with your responses?” Ada asked, her soft voice daring to interrupt.
When Lee glanced back up, Nayani gave them a sad smile. “What we see can be interpreted in countless ways. I am vague so that my own interpretations and beliefs do not sully what might be.”
“Then, this prophecy can be interpreted differently? It might not mean all we think it does?” Lee asked, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that the story painted on these walls might not be about him. There was too much coincidence for it not to be.
“Nothing is coincidence, your Majesty.”
Lee clenched his jaw. Though, it was hard to determine what set him on edge more—her reading his mind or the title she used.
“One day, you will have to claim that title. For that is the only way to move forward.” Nayani steepled her long fingers beneath her chin. “As for your question… no. I’m afraid this prophecy is exactly as it seems. When someone inherits the gift of sight, there are boundaries we must adhere to. The biggest being that we do not follow the threads too closely.
“You see, once a thread is followed in its entirety—examined and analyzed—there is no room for interpretation. What is seen must come to fruition.”
Ada let out a ragged breath at his side.
“Your mother learned of this prophecy and then searched and searched for a way to change it,” the witch said, shaking her head. “But even if she found the seer once more, the woman would not have been able to help your mother. Once a thread is followed that precisely, it consumes the mind. The seer was all but lost.”