by DM Fike
Kay tensed next to Avalon. “As I have given official testimony before, Nobody is dead.” Avalon’s heart dropped at this easy declaration, but the fairy continued. “He is not among the tribe seeking sanctuary.”
J.T. focused his death glare on Kay. “I didn’t realize you could speak out of line, Marcus. I suppose after insisting you ‘volunteer’ in Jentry, you believe you can do as you please.”
Avalon mottled red at this. “Desert Rose…” she started to point out.
Kay stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder. Once she settled back in her chair, he addressed J.T. directly, his face as emotionless as possible. “I’m not speaking as a knight. I’m standing opposite you as a citizen of Emerged Falls.”
Symphony spoke up softly but firmly. “Then, citizen, you must know how this must seem to us. Even if Nobody is deceased, the Gadabout Gremlins harbored him as a fugitive for years.”
Kay’s grip tightened on Avalon. “We welcomed the Wind Titan inside these very halls as an honored guest not long ago, despite his sordid reputation.”
Symphony’s face scrunched in horror. Colin slammed his hand on the table. “Don’t step out of bounds, son.”
“I am not stepping out of bounds,” Kay enunciated each word slowly. “I am not happy to stand here, defending gremlins. The fact remains, though, that this Aossi”—he pointed at Mutt, who turned to flash his best smile at the Guardians—“saved all the lives before you, including mine, a Covert K knight. He did so at a great risk to himself and his people.”
“Or at great gain to his people,” Halicia noted with a frown. “Access to Emerged Falls.”
Kay threw up his hands in disgust. “If you think it’s so easy to elude five dragons, one of each elemental type, then aye, a lucrative situation fell in his lap.”
Shivant sighed. “I personally am not a fan of harboring gremlins within our walls,” he began.
Kay took a step forward. “Even those who—”
Shivant cut him off with a flick of his wrist. “These are, as I mentioned, desperate times. We have given refuge to many human communities, some of which have made it clear that they do not wish for harmony between Aossi and humans. We have forced them to accept co-existence within our walls.” He turned to his fellows Guardians. “Dare we provide them a false example?”
“False example?” J.T. coughed. “We’ll provide them a powerful example. Don’t mess with us.”
Symphony cocked her head at him. “That kind of attitude is the exact opposite of what we wanted Emerged Falls to be. Not one of strength and exclusion, but one of compassion and inclusion.”
J.T. shook his head. “No offense, Symph, but you and Colin don’t live here. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to keep a place like this running. We have to be careful who we let in.”
Colin popped the knuckles in one hand. “There’s something to what Shivant says. Place restrictions on the gremlins taking refuge here, same as the humans. Make it fair.”
“And how would one do that?” Halicia asked, doubt strong in her voice.
Shivant directed his regal stare to an eager Mutt. “Have the Gadabout Gremlins obey basic rules. No theft, of any kind. Strict boundaries where they can stay, within the refugee camp borders. And absolutely no dark magic use of any kind.”
Mutt nodded his head like his animal namesake. “Rules, we can follow.”
J.T.’s face mottled to match his fiery powers. “You can’t be serious?”
But Lord Emerson was quite serious. He put it to a vote. To Avalon’s surprise, it did pass, both Symphony and Colin supporting the gremlins’ stay. Halicia and J.T. did not look pleased to be on the losing side of the argument.
J.T. motioned the two other Covert K knights to escort Mutt out. “Take him back to the rest of his tribe. And triple the watch around them. One swipe of food away from the others, one teleportation across camp to go to the bathroom, and you kick them all out on their crooked teeth, understand?”
“Ho!” the two knights saluted, then trailed a galloping Mutt out of the room.
“Now onto our second problem,” Halicia said, so similar to her daughter’s arrogance that Avalon fought the urge to make a withering comment in her direction.
“Aye,” J.T. growled. “I would like to point out that we should have left this ‘Child’ under lock and key during the Gathering, as was our recommendation as generals. Then maybe we wouldn’t be fighting for our lives against dragons right now.”
“Excuse me?” Avalon asked, unable to fight back a retort any longer, not even with Kay cutting off circulation with his grip. “I didn’t ask Scawale to attack the castle and force us to flee. And as I recall, it was your daughter who led us away.”
“Against our direct orders,” J.T. scoffed.
Avalon blanched. Shivant had been the one to order Desert Rose to lead her back to Earth after Scawale’s attack, never to return.
“Desert Rose was under house arrest,” Halicia explained. “To leave Emerged Falls was the one thing she should not do.”
Avalon threw Shivant a wild glance, imploring him to explain this contradiction. He gave her an almost imperceptible shake of his head before saying, “The only consolation for Desert Rose’s rash decision is she thought she was doing justice by going rogue.”
The truth hit Avalon like a freight train. Desert Rose’s supposed betrayal of Emerged Falls had to stand. If it did not, the other Guardians would know that her betrayal with Bedwyr also came under Lord Emerson’s orders. Shivant had directly defied Emerged Falls’s rule of law. That fact would send the kingdom into chaos.
Shivant must have noticed the truth hit her because he leaned forward and said, “Lady Desert Rose understands that doing the right thing sometimes means committing a ‘wrong’ action.”
Isolde stared at everyone in shock, not understanding Shivant’s implied plea to keep things quiet. “But y-you…” she stammered.
“Were unable to stop Lady Desert Rose,” Shivant cut her off. “I wish we had been able to, but with so many Covert K knights escorting the Titans back to their homelands, we found ourselves short-staffed. The entire battle caught us off guard.”
Shivant’s laser focus on Isolde had the desired effect on her, even if he didn’t truly realize why. Isolde gulped and stared back down at her hands, unwilling to speak against him further.
Kay’s fingernails dug into Avalon’s shoulder hard. He was begging her to hold her tongue. Kay would not want Emerged Falls to crumble, not when the world’s largest threat loomed so close at hand. Although Avalon wished nothing more than to throw the Guardians into chaos by revealing their lord’s clandestine spy games with one of their own offspring, she knew it would serve no other purpose than to satisfy her.
Revenge just wasn’t worth it.
But she could at least make them squirm a little. “I suppose you’ll lock Desert Rose up once she returns to Emerged Falls?”
Symphony surprised her by chiming in, “We’re going to need all the hands we can get, and by Marcus’s own account, Desert Rose fought as valiantly against Scawale as the rest of you.”
“Typical,” Avalon grumbled.
Symphony’s eyes softened. “If we give the gremlins the benefit of the doubt, we must also extend the same to Desert Rose. She let her ambition get away from her, and her actions must have consequences, but none of us truly believes she wants to see the end of the human race. Do you?”
Avalon hated her logic. “No. She aided the Jentry refugees to the best of her abilities, even though wounded herself.”
“That is why she will continue to serve as a knight during this crisis.”
Colin heaved a large sigh, his torso rising and falling. “That still leaves us what to do with you, Miss Avalon Benton.”
“Child of the Statue,” Halicia emphasized.
“Without powers,” Shivant pointed out. “Sir Marcus has already filled us in on your current condition.”
“Unless she’s play-acting,” J.T. said
.
Avalon decided Desert Rose had inherited the absolutely worst qualities from both of her parents. “And why would I do that?”
“So you could avoid battle,” J.T. argued. “Never mind the suffering of everyone else if you have the power to change it.”
Avalon sucked in a breath, horrified at hearing the very argument she’d been having in her head repeated straight from J.T.’s mouth. Gaea’s parting words echoed in her mind.
You can make the right choice.
Kay mistook Avalon’s lack of verbal response for outrage. “She can’t fight as is. Wielding magic harms her now. She can’t summon even the tiniest bit of magic, or else she would have done so against the dragons.”
“You think she should walk around freely?” J.T. demanded.
Colin shrugged. “Why not? She didn’t harm anyone during the Gathering, and that would have been the best opportunity to sabotage things.” Beside him, Symphony nodded.
Shivant gestured toward his brother. “We could put it to a vote.”
“Bah,” J.T. folded his arms.
Halicia agreed. “A vote is pointless. We are outnumbered again. It is truly difficult to be in charge of security when it ranks so low on everyone else’s priority.”
“We care about security too,” Colin protested. “We just don’t see the need to lock up an innocent person to give ourselves piece of mind.”
J.T. pushed off from the table. “It’s a good thing I respect the decisions made here at this table.”
“Yes,” Avalon said, staring intently at Lord Emerson. “It’s good to follow the rules.” Shivant narrowed his eyes at her.
J.T. paid her no mind, stalking out of the room with Halicia on his heels. Symphony wrung her hands in their absence. “I do not like the discord we’ve come to as of late.”
“It is bound to happen with strong personalities.” Shivant also rose to his feet. “Avalon, Isolde.” The boulder elf flinched at her name on his lips but did not look up. “You are once again guests of this castle. We cannot spare you the resource of an escort, so it will be on your honor to engage in basic courtesies while staying with us. Do note, however, any indiscretions on your part will likely have you imprisoned. Am I clear?”
“Crystal,” Avalon said with a mock salute.
“This is not a joke, young lady,” Symphony scolded.
But Lord Emerson waved it aside. “It is all right, my friend. Tensions are high. We are all tired. Help yourself to the noon meal, if you are so inclined. It should be well underway. Please excuse me.” Then he too left the room, his normal regal pace somewhat muted.
Colin pulled Kay aside before they could leave the room. “You and I should train.”
“Train for what?”
“Lightning magic,” Colin said. “We’re the only two who can wield it. If lightning dragons attack Emerged Falls, we must be ready.”
Kay gave his father the once-over. “Father, you look awful.”
“That’s because Halicia, Colin, and I have traveled for days with little rest to get here,” Symphony said. “We just returned from visiting all the Titans in turn, hoping to garner some support.”
“And did we get any?” Kay asked eagerly. “A few magic wielders for protection at least?”
Symphony shook her head. “They all refused.”
“Like the Earth Titan,” Isolde whispered to her hands.
Colin nodded glumly. “Dragons are exclusively attacking human settlements. The Titans see this as a human problem, but they’ve locked down their own borders as a precaution.”
“So much for the Emerson Accords,” Avalon muttered.
Symphony nodded in agreement. “We are equally disappointed that the Titans do not believe this to be a large enough threat to fall under our previous agreement.”
Kay’s mouth fell open. “The Titans don’t think someone like Scawale wielding the Indulia is a cause for concern?”
“They don’t exactly believe she has it,” Colin said. “They believe we are exaggerating the situation, that Scawale is simply using Bedwyr’s army to control the dragons and defend their territory. Not to offend”—he nodded to Avalon—“but they don’t believe a human could possibly become a Child of the Statue, and they certainly don’t believe Bedwyr could have extracted the Indulia from said human.”
Kay’s hands formed fists at his side. “Or they hope the dragons will decimate the human population so they can claim more territory for themselves.”
“It’s possible,” Symphony said gently, “though I truly don’t believe it’s one of their primary objectives. They are scared of the dragons, too, and don’t want to become a target themselves.”
“But we’re harboring the very people the dragons are trying to destroy,” Kay said.
Colin laid a heavy hand on his son’s shoulder. “Which is exactly why training is so important. Grab some food, take a nap if need be, but come find me later. The more prepared we are, the better.”
Symphony nodded grimly. “Because if dragons attack, Emerged Falls is on its own.”
CHAPTER 24
THE DINING ROOM was in full lunch swing, every row of plain wooden tables and matching benches filled with all kinds of people: guards in training gear laughing raucously at each other’s jokes, magic wielders in robes speaking with their hands tucked in their robes, even kitchen staff taking a break. The buffet table ran across the far wall underneath skinny windows, a growing line waiting to enter. Avalon and Isolde stood in line for food, Kay veering off to talk to a few of his Covert K buddies near the door.
After loading their plates—Avalon choosing mostly veggies and breads—they looked for a place to sit. The crowd offered few places for three people. As they scanned over the tops of unkempt hair and pointed ears, a familiar face waved to them.
“Ho!” Vernal ate on a bench next to a group of robed teenage Aossi. Vernal ushered them to sit with him, coaxing the kids to squish to make room for them.
“Hello, Vernal,” Avalon greeted. If he had returned, the Jentryfolk had completed their journey safely. “Glad to see you.”
“The feeling is mutual,” Vernal said. “I was worried when you left on your own.”
“We had to make a quick detour,” Avalon said vaguely. Isolde picked at her food, her mind obviously elsewhere.
“Lady Desert Rose assured us not to worry,” he prodded, his curiosity plain, “but it did seem sudden to me. To Sir Marcus as well. That must be why he rushed off to find you.”
“Must be,” Avalon repeated.
Vernal and Avalon stared at each other. Vernal tilted his head, expecting more.
“But now that we’re back here,” Avalon shifted subjects, “I’m sure Isolde would love to check out the library.”
Mention of Isolde’s favorite word snapped her out of her funk. “Of course! The Emerged Falls library. It could hold answers.” Her bright eyes centered on Vernal.
He stared down at his food. “That’s great,” he said noncommittally.
Isolde latched onto his arm. “Could you to show me the way? I’ve forgotten the path from our last visit.”
Vernal visibly relaxed, relieved not to be on guard duty. “I suppose that’s not too much trouble.” A frown crossed his face. “But are you sure Lord Emerson would allow it?”
“He allowed me in there before.”
“Aye, but I stayed with you the entire time. I wouldn’t want you checking out the, ah, forbidden material.”
Mock shock splashed over Isolde’s face. “How could I? Have I no honor?”
“Well, of course, aye, um,” Vernal faltered. He took a deep breath. “What I meant to say is, of course, I will escort you after lunch.”
Isolde flashed him her brightest smile. “I am forever in your debt, Sir Vernal. As you know, the Emerged Falls library is a wealth of fascinating information. Do you remember when I discovered that book about misunderstood creatures?” Now on a roll, Isolde launched into a monologue of things she had uncovered at the library.<
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As Vernal interjected Isolde’s speech with the appropriate “hmms” and “I sees,” Avalon surveyed the dining area. Kay still lingered next to the group of Covert K knights by the door. Although he chimed in now and again, Avalon noted how he hung back a half step, as if ready to leave at any moment. She wondered if he had also gotten roped into a conversation he didn’t enjoy. She considered saving him when another knight entered the hall. Dressed in a newly pressed uniform, sword gleaming at her side, Desert Rose had obviously taken a bath, her long blonde hair still damp.
Avalon sucked in her breath as Desert Rose made a beeline for Kay. She tapped him on the shoulder and whispered in his ear. He frowned but followed. Desert Rose gave her fellow knights a curt tilt of the head as she led Kay back out into the hallway. The other knights stared after them, speculation on their faces.
“Excuse me,” Avalon interrupted Isolde’s rant about the enigmatic nature of sphinxes. “I need to freshen up. I’ll be right back.”
Vernal gave Avalon a wistful look as she weaved her way through a crowd of guards entering the dining hall. She stepped onto the plush carpet of the main entrance corridor, glancing left and right, but besides a few servants carrying food trays, the wide hall contained no people. Kay and Desert Rose had disappeared. Avalon was about to give up and return to lunch when she heard a frustrated female voice shout, “What were you thinking?”
Avalon’s head swiveled in the direction of the voice. It had come down the hall near a T-intersection not far away. Quietly, Avalon tiptoed her way toward the junction, taking care to hug the wall where she could not be seen. Kay’s words became clear on approach.
“…couldn’t let them go alone. Avalon and Isolde aren’t experienced soldiers.”
“Everything turned out fine.” Desert Rose’s voice had an edge to it that Avalon had never heard before. Was it desperation? Anger?
“Did you not hear a word I just said? We were attacked by dragons!” Kay’s voice rose in pitch. “We only escaped with aid from the gremlins.”
“What about the people of Jentry? You had taken on a mission to protect them. Do they mean nothing to you?”
