by Elina Vale
Shri blew the air out from her lungs and shook her head. “Forget anything that came after. Just add that when Eavan finds me, if I have changed into something remotely like Shea Ziragh... I ask that Eavan put an end to it. If the magic is transforming me into something I don’t want to be, a monster, I need to be taken down.”
“Shri...”
She stared at Teron. “I’m serious. If the Heart of the Senatai turns me into something like Shea, I don’t want to go on!”
Teron’s eyes were sad, but he nodded. “Okay, Shri. And for me... I wouldn’t want to end up like that.” He looked at Eavan. “If I end up ripped and there's no way to undo it, you must find a way to kill me.”
Shri took his hand. “It’s a deal, Teron DeLureau.”
He studied the letter, frowning. “Anything else?”
She shook her head.
Teron scattered sand on the words, blew the extra away, and then rolled the letter, placing it in his pocket. When he stood, leaning against the chair with one hand tucked into his pocket, Shri realized that he no longer resembled the adolescent she met on Senatai Island. He had grown, as surely as she had. Though he hesitated sometimes, she could see the determination in him.
“I’m happy we’re friends,” Shri said. "I'm glad you’re here with me."
Teron smiled. “Sometimes the universe chooses strange paths for us.”
“That it does. But we decide where we turn at the crossings.”
“You have that same freedom, you know,” Teron said quietly. “You can choose what you become and what you do. Even if you are the first element senatai in centuries, and the only one who can use the Heart, that doesn’t mean that you owe anything to anyone.”
“If only it was that simple,” Shri muttered.
Their attention was alerted by a restless movement from outside the window.
Roxana came in. “The gathering is starting. Your presence is asked. I think you should do your thing now.”
Shri’s took a deep, calming breath to slow her racing pulse. It was time to perform the part of someone she wasn’t, to act like she knew what she was doing. It frightened her more than anything she had faced since being forced to sail the depths of the ocean, but she had no choice. If she wanted to rescue her father and all those others, she had to forget her own desires and do what needed to be done.
The gathering took place in the center of the castle’s courtyard, on the same platform where the festivities were held. The flowers and ribbons had been taken down, leaving the courtyard bare and rough. Aigon accompanied Shri onto the platform and placed her beside the gray-haired clan leader.
Tarinna stood with a diadem on her forehead, projecting her leadership to everyone. As Shri approached, the queen’s eyes flashed with hatred. She silenced the crowd by lifting her arms. “For over six hundred years, we have lived in prosperity on our island! We are safe here. But relying on our kindness, this usurper comes to the Thunder Islands!" Tarinna pointed her finger at Shri. "She brings the wrath of the Spike upon our fair city. She wrecks everything we have built in one night! Your homes are burning! Your sons have died! And for what?”
Murmurs and whispers traveled through the crowd.
Rolling her left sleeve, Shri held her markings up for all to see. The lacy, silver markings twinkled in the sunlight.
A rush of sighs waved across the crowd.
“Before the attack, I went to Emba,” Shri announced. “I spoke with Solige, the one who guided me to the sacred place. And when I entered, I received the Mark of the Daughters! Emba showed me my true heritage: I am Shri Moon-Storm, great-granddaughter of Perivalos Moon-Storm!”
The amazed crowd started buzzing.
Tarinna Goldring addressed the people. “Yes! Yes, she has the markings. Does that make it right that she should bring her enemies upon us? Does it give her, an outsider, the right to ruin us? We have no quarrel with the Spike!”
Shri turned her eyes on Tarinna. “Emba has shown me something else, too.”
“Oh, really.” Scoffing to the crowd, Tarinna wondered, “And what might that be?”
Shri stared into her eyes. “Not only did your grandfather, Herion Goldring, murder Garmand Moon-storm, but he plotted the demise of the Coldwater line.”
The crowd rumbled with shock, and numerous conversations broke out. Several voices screamed that Shri was lying, others claimed that the truth was no surprise.
“That’s right!” Shri called. “And now, the rightful ruler of these Islands, Merrilon Moon-Storm, is a captive in the Spike of Ironflare!”
“Silence!” Tarinna commanded.
“You think the Spike is not your enemy?” Shri continued. “They’re holding your king captive!”
"SILENCE!” Tarinna repeated. Gradually, the crowd quieted. She looked at Shri with spite. “You have no proof of such accusations!”
“Would you like to see what I experienced in Emba?” Shri challenged. “I will share my vision with you, Tarinna, and then you will no longer be able to deny the truth.” She reached forward with both hands to touch Tarinna’s head.
"No!" Tarinna screamed, cringing away from Shri. “Keep back, witch!”
"Shri,” Aigon said, standing beside them with his arms crossed. “Can you share your vision with everyone, or just one person?”
Shri thought it over. “If I arrange the sparkles in the right order, I can probably project an image.”
“Do it,” he ordered.
“You will not!” Tarinna shouted. “Stand down, Aigon!”
Aigon stepped closer. Tarinna blanched and backed away, surprised by his rebellious actions. “The people deserve to know the truth!” he declared. “Let her share her vision!"
Shri gathered the streams of her fountain. She had attempted it with Teron, but creating images was one of the hardest things to do with magic. It would require everything she had.
“The people will be patient while the senatai casts!” Aigon commanded.
Gradually, Shri ordered the sparkles above their heads, transferring every detail of her memory into the image. “Here...” she huffed, sweat dripping down her forehead from the effort. “Let me show you... what I was shown... in holy Emba.”
An image began to vibrate over the crowd.
“That’s... That’s Garmand Moon-Storm!” one of the old men shouted.
“And that’s Herion Goldring!” shouted another.
“Just like from the paintings!”
Shri struggled for breath. The amount of energy this spell took was overwhelming. She was sweating and shaking, but she allowed the scene to play out, revealing how Herion Goldring pushed Garmand over the cliff. When the last image was finished, Shri stumbled to her knees. She had expended all of her power.
“Lies!” Tarinna screamed, waving the wisps of magic away. “Clearly, this girl has fabricated the event! All we’ve seen is a figment of her imagination!” She turned to her guards. “This farce is over! Arrest Shri Moongale!”
The guards looked to Aigon.
Pacing over to Shri, Aigon placed his hand upon her head. “No,” he said with a strident voice. “This girl has revealed the truth to us.” Holding up her arm, he continued, “She carries the most expansive mark of the Gods as any I have ever heard of! She does not deserve to be locked up.”
Tarinna Goldring growled, anger flushing her cheeks. "Guards, arrest Moongale and Aigon! You will obey me!"
Mahox stepped forward. “Milady, I advise the we discuss this with the council. The girl’s claim to the throne is plain for all to see.”
Much of the crowd shouted in agreement.
Tarinna glanced around, clearly nervous. Dissent was rapidly increasing, and there was little she could do.
“It is the law,” Mahox said.
Shri realized that Tarinna was boxed in. Clearly, she had to obey the law in order to keep the people’s respect. To circumvent that now would only result in a quicker downfall. "Fine,” the queen said. “We will call a council meeting for th
e day after tomorrow. Until then, Shri Moon-Storm is our...guest. Take her to her room!"
Aigon stepped aside.
Shri was willing to accept that she was a captive until the council meeting was over. As the guards escorted her forward, she could feel the looks of all the Mairas upon her. Even though she had revealed the truth to them, she knew that such a proud people weren’t so easily convinced. But she had to try. She didn’t have the time to stay and gather loyal followers, become engaged in the politics of the Thunder Islands. She locked her eyes with Javid. He only nodded lightly.
This was not over, but she didn’t have time to wait for the Mairas to decide what to do with the truth she had given them. She had to get to the mainland as soon as possible and help Boa stall the King’s attack.
CHAPTER 33
WHEN NIGHT FELL, SHRI escaped once more.
There were guards outside the room, but she was a Pit-grown girl and a runner of the Gates. No door could hold her. She didn’t dare to use her magic, so she simply opened the window and stepped out onto the narrow ledge. Tiptoeing, she shuffled forward, easing her way to the end. There was a gap before the next ledge, but she easily jumped it, as well as the next three. She was extremely high, as she was on the sixth floor of the castle. Still, it had been effortless to sneak away; no one imagined she would dare leave through the window.
Approaching the harbor, she smelled the ocean and heard the waves crashing on the stones. She needed to convince Sambran to leave right away. If necessary, she would consider using some kind of magic to get away. There was no way she could stay on the island for three more weeks, especially if the politics were about to get ugly.
When she stepped onto the pier, a voice stopped her.
“Shri Moon-Storm,” Aigon’s voice echoed in the dark night.
Turning around, Shri saw his dark figure looming behind her.
“Good evening, Aigon,” Shri said. "Have you come to restrain me?"
He studied her for a while in silence. “No,” he finally said. “I figured that you would be leaving soon.”
“Don’t try to stop me, Aigon,” she warned. “I have too much to do, and I have no time to stay here and become a queen.”
“I understand. But I had hoped that you would lead us now that you are marked.”
Shri stroked her left arm. It still tingled. “I know that. But I have to prevent the attack on Ironflare, and I must find someone who can teach me to use the Heart.”
Aigon spread his arms. "I am here for you, Moon-Storm. My fate is to help your family. What do you want me to do?”
Shri wound her arms around herself and studied Aigon. “I don’t want to request that you risk your life for me.”
“Why shouldn’t I risk it?” He straightened himself and faced Shri with solemn eyes. “You have given me the first reason for which I have ever wanted to risk my life. Up until now, my actions have all been to follow commands. You have given me a purpose.”
“What purpose?” Shri shivered. “Death?”
“The possibility of honor! Many among us want to reclaim it.”
“Is dying an honor?"
"Yes, if it is for a worthy cause. Tell me, young Moon-Storm: how can I help?”
After pacing for a moment, Shri came to a decision. “Gather everyone who is willing to contribute to the cause. Anyone who wants to rescue my father. When you have enough men, travel to Glasswater with them, and from there, to Ironflare. I will need someone to be on the side of those people.”
"I understand.”
“I feel divided, Aigon. I can’t be both Shea-slayer and Pit-hero.”
“I will help. Many will help.”
“Interesting,” Shri mused, considering her recent memories. “When I was in Emba, I noted something. Now I recognize what it means.”
Aigon's face was grim. “Yes, the murder.”
“No, not that. In the cave where I received my markings, there were blades on the walls. Gorgeous curved blades. After all, I am the daughter of a smith,” she said with a sly smile. “I know a beautiful sword when I see one. But they were covered with runes, and they shimmered, almost as though alive. They were magical.”
Aigon’s eyes widened. “The Doha-blades! The last one vanished a century ago!”
“Perhaps that’s where they’re being kept. Imagine it, Aigon: a legion of your men armed with those blades.”
"But I can't go to Emba,” he said. “I already tried. The Mother won't allow it."
"You must try again," Shri said. "Emba showed those blades to me for a reason. You need to collect them and give them to anyone who will follow. And please, get Rondig back to doing what he does best: creating magical things. I’m sure he can make new Doha-blades if given the chance.”
“Yes... I think you are right. You are wise for your age, Shri. I can see Solige was right about you, and my part in your path.”
“I... I must go now. Try to get to the mainland as soon as possible. I will find you.”
Aigon gripped her arms and gave a light squeeze. “Travel safely, Shri Moon-Storm. I will gather your army. We will throw off the role that has been forced upon us. We will take up a cause, and once more, at long last, we will be the Warriors of the Sea!”
Leaving him with a bow, Shri walked to the end of the pier, where Sambran's boat was waiting. Teron had decided that while he searched for a way to cure Eavan, he would stay with the Mairas. The Mairas insisted that it was suicide to travel the winter currents, but Shri refused to wait for the weather to change. It was good that she went alone. Nobody else needed to die, especially not those she cared for. Now that Eavan and her visions were inaccessible, Shri had to stay one step ahead of her enemies.
When she stepped on Sambran’s boat, someone else was there already.
Roxana sat on the floor, cross-legged, her eyes closed, a blade on her lap. “Good, you’re here.”
“Shouldn’t you be with your people?"
She nodded. “I am.”
Javid stepped out of the hatch, carrying a huge bundle in his arms.
“Javid,” Shri said. “You can finally go home. Go and see your family. Wait for the winter winds to ease and take one of Maira ships.”
He dropped the bundle on the deck. “I can’t. I need to resolve something first.”
“What is that?”
He pushed the bundle against the side of the cabin door and slumped onto it. “I need to help you save Aviden. I need to do so for myself, and for my family. For all the families.”
“Does Teron know you’re leaving?”
“He does. He’s comfortable here. Mahox has promised to protect and assist him while he attempts to cure Eavan and Jogen. Tarinna will have no power over him.”
Roxana snorted. “What Jogen-monster needs is a dagger between his ribs.”
“Is that Roxana the rogue speaking? Or Roxana the Warrior?”
She hopped up. “That’s Roxana the friend speaking.”
The warmth of her words touched Shri’s heart. She felt a tear run down her cheek. “I can’t take care of you. You’re risking your life. You could die on this mission.”
“In that case, we’ll meet on the fiery islands.” Roxana shrugged. “Now, where is that old sailor? he needs me to guide our way out of here!”
Before long, the boat was wobbling on the waves. Javid and Shri leaned over the railing, watching Lighthaven vanish into the mist. The ocean was eerie and silent.
“Javid?” Shri whispered.
"Yes?”
“I changed after all.” She met his golden eyes. “Remember in the Gate Run when you said that we shouldn’t allow them to change us? Well, I did.”
“As did I,” he admitted. “We were fools, Shri. We didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into.”
She wiped a strand of away from her face. “I wouldn’t go back, though. The change would have come for me anyway. At least now I know everything I need to know. And I have the Warriors. If I never make my home in Ironflare again, I
have a place to belong.”
Could the Thunder Islands be her home? Would she ever have a home again? She was free from the slavery of the Pit, but the strings of obligation still commanded her.
Shri took the Heart into her hand. It was lightweight in her hand, like a bone with carvings. She could feel it calling her. It wanted to talk with her, but she was too afraid to reach out to it. She tucked it back into her pocket.
As they cleared the mist, Roxana joined them. She leaned beside Shri, opposite Javid. The three of them stood quietly as the open sea began to churn with the winds.
“The winter storms are upon us,” Roxana said. “You scared?”
Shri straightened her back and gave a glance to both sides. She looked at Roxana: her fierce and humorous face, her short hair and sturdy body. She looked to Javid: his wild wiry hair, his warm golden eyes. His magical aura shone as bright as Shri’s.
Maybe I’m not as innocent as I once was. Maybe I’m not the pure savior I wanted to be. Perhaps I can’t be entirely good in order to defeat Shea. Darkness, as well as light, may be needed to overcome the Black Star.
She would find Boa Riverson and the King. She would prevent the war, liberate the slaves of the Pit, and kill Shea Ziragh. She might die in the process, but if that was the price she had to pay for Aviden, she would pay it.
“I’m not frightened," Shri said.
“You're not afraid of the water anymore?” Roxana asked.
A raw wind fluffed her white hair against her face as she stared at the churning waves and black clouds in front of her. “No.” A determined look emerged into her eyes, and her lips curved into a confident smile. “I'm not afraid.”
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
THANK YOU for reading Heritage! We hope you enjoyed the book. Please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads. If you liked the story, please go to https://www.elinavale.com/signup and join our mailing list! You’ll be the first to know when the next book is available!
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