Gates of Ruin (Magelands Eternal Siege, #6)

by Christopher Mitchell

  ‘Stop!’ she cried.

  The grey dragon turned to her, his eyes glowing. ‘Frostback?’

  ‘Fath… I mean, Deathfang.’

  The three dragons stared at each other.

  ‘I am very happy to see you alive,’ said Blackrose. ‘We thought you fell at Yoneath.’

  ‘I was badly injured, but I survived. Shame has kept me from returning until now. Why are you fighting?’

  Deathfang glanced from Frostback to Blackrose. ‘Have you seen the Catacombs?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Frostback.

  ‘That was Blackrose’s doing. She brought the Ascendants down upon us, her and her witch.’

  ‘That is not true,’ said Blackrose. ‘My only crime was to escape the pits of Alea Tanton.’

  ‘You were in the pits?’ cried Aila.

  Deathfang and Blackrose glanced up at the two women on Frostback’s shoulders, as if noticing them for the first time.

  ‘I was. How did you come to be here, Aila? I thought Amalia had you held prisoner.’

  ‘We escaped too,’ said Kelsey.

  ‘And who is this?’ said Blackrose. ‘Wait. I saw you in Fordamere briefly. Kelsey Holdfast, is that right?’

  ‘Aye, that’s me.’

  Deathfang emitted a low groan. ‘Frostback, why are you carrying a Holdfast witch on your shoulders? The sight saddens me. Has she ensnared you with her powers?’

  ‘Kelsey saved my life,’ said Frostback. ‘She can block the death powers of Ascendants. We were also attacked, by an Ascendant called Arete.’

  ‘That is the same one who destroyed the Catacombs,’ said Blackrose.

  ‘Is my aunt here?’ said Kelsey.

  ‘She is,’ said Blackrose. ‘She is resting at the moment, exhausted after driving the Ascendant away.’

  ‘Let me down,’ said Kelsey. ‘I have to see her.’

  ‘Of course,’ said Frostback. She angled her forelimb awkwardly, and Aila and Kelsey slid down to the barren ground.

  The two women hurried through the cluster of dragons. Maddie and a young man were sitting by a shallow cave where Sable was lying. Maddie stood as she saw them approach.

  ‘Aila! Over here.’ She ran forward and threw her arms around the demigod. ‘You’re safe; you’re alive! I thought old Amalia was going to kill you or something. Hey, did you know that Corthie’s not dead?’

  ‘I certainly hope he’s not dead.’

  ‘That’s right; you don’t know that he was killed. You were snatched before that happened.’

  Aila pushed Maddie back. ‘What? He was killed?’

  ‘Eh, yeah. By two Ascendants, then Belinda brought him back from the dead. I didn’t see it either, but Belinda told Blackrose all about it. Corthie fought the two Ascendants and lost.’

  Aila felt tears flow from her eyes. ‘Where is he?’

  ‘Sorry; I don’t know.’

  ‘He was in Kin Dai,’ said a voice.

  Aila looked down and saw Sable sitting up. Although Aila had never met the Holdfast woman, she had seen her in vision form, and remembered what she looked like.

  ‘Hello, auntie,’ said Kelsey.

  Sable grinned and struggled to her feet. ‘Hello, niece. What a place to meet.’

  Sable embraced her. Kelsey stood stiffly for a moment, then returned the embrace as the others watched.

  ‘Two Holdfast witches together,’ said a dark red dragon who was close by.

  ‘This is Sanguino,’ said Sable. ‘I’m his rider.’

  ‘What?’ cried Kelsey. ‘How did you get a damn dragon? That’s not fair.’

  ‘I saw you ride in on Frostback’s shoulders,’ said Sanguino. ‘Are you her rider?’

  Kelsey looked sheepish. ‘No, well, no, but I’m, eh, trying. I want to be. How did you do it, Sable?’

  ‘Sable and I have a deep bond,’ said the dark red dragon. ‘She helped me fly again after I was blinded in one eye.’

  Sable swayed a little, and sat back down. ‘I’m still tired,’ she said, as Aila, Kelsey and Maddie also sat.

  ‘What did you do?’ said Aila. ‘Blackrose said you drove the Ascendant off. How?’

  ‘I went into her mind and “persuaded” her to go back to Alea Tanton.’ She met Aila’s eyes. ‘I’m sorry about before, you know, when I manipulated your feelings. I shouldn’t have done it.’

  ‘It’s alright,’ said Aila.

  Sable turned to Kelsey. ‘It’s good to see you again, niece, but I have to tell you something.’

  ‘Aye?’ said Kelsey.

  ‘I won’t be going back with the rest of you to the Star Continent.’

  ‘Oh?’

  Sable glanced down. ‘I’ve decided to go to Dragon Eyre with Blackrose, Sanguino and Maddie.’

  ‘And me,’ said the young man sitting next to them.

  ‘Yes, and you, Millen. And three other dragons as well. We have our own little army.’

  ‘Wow,’ said Kelsey. ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘Makes a change,’ said Sable. ‘You might be the only Holdfast who’ll care, though. I can’t imagine Daphne will lose any sleep over it.’

  ‘What about Corthie?’ said Aila. ‘Did you say you met him?’

  ‘No, I’ve yet to lay eyes on my nephew. I saw him via vision, though; like I said, in Kin Dai. He was with Naxor and a couple of Banner officers.’

  ‘Van?’ said Kelsey.

  ‘Yes; you know him?’

  Kelsey’s face flushed.

  ‘How was Corthie?’ said Aila. ‘Maddie told me he was killed and brought back by Belinda.’

  Sable shrugged. ‘That’s what she told Blackrose. He wasn’t in great shape, to be honest. I can’t get into his head, but he seemed to be in very low spirits.’

  Aila nodded, feeling her heart break a little for him.

  ‘You still don’t like Belinda, then?’ said Kelsey.

  Sable lifted her shirt and showed them a scar across her torso. ‘The last time we met, she did this to me.’

  ‘To be fair, though,’ said Maddie, ‘you did attack her.’

  ‘She’s working for the Ascendants.’

  ‘We don’t know that for sure,’ said Maddie. ‘She tried to warn us about the Catacombs.’

  ‘Back to Van for a moment,’ Sable said, glancing at her niece. ‘Do you have something going on with him?’

  Kelsey tried to smile, but it came out strange. ‘Not yet.’

  ‘I see.’

  ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ said Maddie.

  ‘Holdfast business,’ said Sable; ‘not Maddie business.’

  ‘Do you have a Quadrant?’ said Aila.

  ‘Yes,’ said Sable. ‘Well, Maddie has it. I’m not allowed to touch it any more. I’ve been bad.’

  ‘Does anyone know where Corthie is now? Could someone take me to him?’

  ‘Sorry,’ said Maddie; ‘we don’t know where he is.’

  ‘He’s not in Kin Dai,’ said Sable; ‘I checked.’

  ‘Damn it,’ muttered Aila.

  ‘Blackrose probably wouldn’t allow it anyway,’ said Sable. ‘After everything she’s been through, she’s understandably a little reluctant to part with the Quadrant again.’

  ‘Then how am I going to find him?’

  ‘How soon are you leaving Lostwell?’ said Kelsey.

  ‘We were meant to be going tomorrow at dawn,’ said Sable, ‘but with what’s happened to the Catacombs, I’m not sure any more. Twenty-five dragons were killed in the attack; it was awful.’

  Kelsey blinked. ‘Twenty-five? Pyre’s arse. And it was Arete? She nearly killed us in the forests of Kinell.’

  Sanguino lowered his head into their midst. ‘The other dragons have called a meeting to discuss what to do now. You should come along, all of you.’

  Millen helped Sable up, and they walked next to Sanguino down the slope to where the dragons had assembled. On one side stood Deathfang, flanked by over a dozen dragons, while Blackrose stood opposite him, with three dragons arrayed behin
d her. Sanguino joined the smaller group, and the humans stayed close to him. Aila looked for Frostback, and saw her standing alone, separate from both groups. She nudged Kelsey, and the two women walked over to stand next to the silver dragon.

  ‘Is everyone here?’ said Blackrose.

  ‘No,’ said Deathfang. ‘Three dragons are off hunting for food for the little ones, but we cannot delay any longer. We must consider our next move.’

  ‘You know my next move, Deathfang,’ said Blackrose. ‘I intend to leave for Dragon Eyre, just as we planned.’

  ‘For shame, Blackrose,’ said a small yellow dragon standing next to Deathfang.

  ‘That’s Burntskull,’ whispered Frostback to Kelsey and Aila.

  ‘You would abandon us in our time of need?’ the yellow dragon went on.

  ‘I’m not abandoning you,’ said Blackrose. ‘With us gone, you will have five fewer mouths to feed.’

  ‘And where are we supposed to live?’ said Burntskull. ‘The caves at this end of the valley are stinking holes.’

  ‘Never mind that for now,’ said Deathfang; ‘all I can think about is revenge. We should fly to the great city by the sea and burn it to the ground.’

  ‘That would be madness,’ said Blackrose. ‘The city is well protected, with anti-dragon ballistae, as well as two Ascendants with death powers. If you attack Alea Tanton, you will die.’

  ‘Possibly three Ascendants,’ said Sable; ‘if Belinda is on their side.’

  Deathfang glared at her. ‘Silence, insect. You have meddled enough.’

  Sable closed her mouth and raised her palms.

  ‘There is another choice,’ said Blackrose. ‘Perhaps you could consider bringing everyone to Dragon Eyre?’

  ‘Never,’ said Deathfang. ‘This is where we part, Blackrose, forever. Take your followers and go.’

  A sleek grey dragon stepped out from behind Blackrose. ‘Father, let us not part this way.’

  ‘You have made your choice, Ashfall. My two elder daughters are dead to me.’

  Frostback let out a mournful sound and lowered her head.

  Ashfall turned to her. ‘You are still my little sister. Are you coming with us, Frostback?’

  Frostback said nothing for a moment as everyone turned to her. ‘Blackrose is my protector,’ she said quietly. ‘I will do as she orders.’

  ‘Then I order you to do as you wish,’ said the black dragon. ‘I will not drag you to Dragon Eyre against your will. Deathfang, I can see that you still love her. Would you take her back if I relinquished my authority over her?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ he said, keeping his gaze averted from Frostback. ‘She disobeyed a direct command.’

  ‘She is young,’ said Blackrose; ‘she made a mistake.’

  ‘Does no one want me?’ said Frostback. ‘Blackrose, are you casting me aside because I failed you at Yoneath? I wish I had died that day.’

  Kelsey put her hand against the silver dragon’s scales. ‘I want you.’

  ‘You see?’ said Frostback. ‘Even an insect values me more than my father or my protector.’ She looked down at Kelsey. ‘I am sorry; I shouldn’t have called you an insect. You saved my life. Thank you.’

  ‘It’s alright,’ said Kelsey.

  ‘You misunderstand,’ said Blackrose. ‘I would gladly take you to Dragon Eyre, Frostback, and I know your sister would also be very pleased if you came along. It’s just that I sensed a reluctance on your part, and wanted to offer you the chance to go your own way. What do you want, Frostback?’

  ‘I don’t know any more.’ She raised her head. ‘That’s not true; I do know, but I am ashamed to say it.’

  ‘Tell us,’ said Ashfall.

  The silver dragon looked at Deathfang. ‘I want my father back.’

  ‘Do you mean that?’ said Deathfang, his eyes burning.

  ‘Wait,’ said a dark blue dragon standing next to him; ‘don’t I have a say?’

  Deathfang glanced at her. ‘But, Darksky…’

  ‘You promised me,’ she said; ‘you promised that you would never reconcile with Frostback. She caused you nothing but pain and trouble; you said so yourself on many occasions. And now you’re thinking of taking her back?’

  ‘With all due respect,’ said Burntskull, ‘perhaps this should be a private conversation, not one aired before everyone.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Deathfang. ‘Darksky, Frostback, we shall continue this later. Blackrose, if that is all you have to say, then this meeting is over. I intend to take vengeance upon the gods who destroyed our homes, while you flee to another world.’

  Blackrose tilted her head. ‘So be it.’ She glanced at her followers. ‘Say your farewells; we shall leave shortly.’

  The dragons dispersed. Ashfall, Sable and Maddie walked over to where Frostback stood.

  ‘All the best, sister,’ said Ashfall. ‘I hope father takes you back.’

  The silver dragon said nothing.

  ‘So this is it?’ said Kelsey to Sable. ‘We meet, and you’re leaving already?’

  ‘Looks like it,’ said Sable.

  ‘This is going to annoy Corthie. Could you not spare some time to at least see him?’

  ‘If I knew where he was, maybe, but he could be anywhere. You’ll have to just pass on my regards to him.’

  ‘Your regards?’ Kelsey sighed. ‘Pyre’s arse. Will you ever go home?’

  ‘My home is wherever I want it to be. I’m not wanted or needed on the Star Continent, and the Empress might try to enforce her execution order. What would I go back for?’

  ‘How about me?’

  ‘Are you going back?’

  ‘I suppose so.’

  ‘I thought that you and Frostback… well, you said you wanted to be her rider.’

  Ashfall laughed. ‘My sister with a rider? That’s something I’d have to see to believe.’

  Frostback glared at her with defiance in her eyes. ‘I might take Kelsey as my rider. She has served me well.’

  ‘I think it would be good for you, sister.’

  ‘Why? Are you taking a rider?’

  ‘Me? Not a chance.’

  ‘What about poor old Millen?’ said Maddie.

  ‘Deepblue wants him.’

  ‘She does?’

  ‘Yes. She volunteered to take him right before the Ascendant took over her mind. However, I suspect that she is too shy to ask him outright, in case he says no.’

  ‘Can I tell him that?’

  ‘I think that would be a good idea, Maddie; otherwise neither will ask the other.’

  Maddie glanced at Aila. ‘So long. I know we weren’t always the best of friends, but I always liked you the most out of everyone that came from the City. So, and I’m warning you, you’re about to get a hug.’

  She reached forward and embraced Aila. Maddie frowned mid-hug and glanced down at Aila’s midriff.

  ‘Either you’ve put on weight, or there’s something going on that no one’s told me about.’

  ‘Aila is going to be a mother,’ said Frostback.

  Maddie stared, her mouth falling open. ‘Is... is... is it Corthie’s?’

  Aila frowned. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Another grandchild for Daphne,’ said Sable. ‘Congratulations.’

  ‘And,’ said Kesley, ‘Amalia reckoned she could sense that the baby might be immortal; a demigod.’

  ‘What?’ cried Maddie. ‘You’re joking, yeah?’

  Aila shrugged. ‘That’s what Amalia said. I can’t tell yet. And I don’t know what it would mean; what would Corthie think?’

  ‘Are you going to tell him?’ said Maddie.

  ‘Of course, if I ever actually see him again. It’s driving me crazy not knowing where he is, and to think that he died in Fordamere… I’m glad I didn’t have to witness that. I owe Belinda the biggest thank you ever.’

  Sable raised an eyebrow. ‘Be wary of her; at best her loyalties are confused, at worst, she’s a traitor.’

  ‘We don’t know that,’ said Maddie; �
��you just don’t like her.’

  ‘That’s fair,’ said Sable. ‘I might be wrong about her.’

  Blackrose approached. ‘Frostback,’ she said; ‘I sincerely hope that you get what you desire. And, for the record, you did not fail me in Yoneath; you were brave and honourable, and I couldn’t have asked for more.’

  Kelsey blinked, then started coughing. Aila patted her on the back. ‘Are you alright?’

  The young Holdfast woman raised her head, her eyes wide. ‘Uh… aye, I’m fine.’ She turned to Blackrose. ‘You’re not going straight to Dragon Eyre, are you?’

  ‘No. We have one final errand to run first, though Sable has not yet told us the location.’

  ‘For good reason,’ said Sable. She glanced at Kelsey for a moment, her eyes narrow. ‘Anything you want to say to me before we go, niece?’

  Kelsey leaned over and whispered something in Sable’s ear.

  The older Holdfast nodded. ‘Alright; I get it.’ She looked at Blackrose. ‘Are we ready to go?’

  ‘We are,’ said the black dragon, her head tilted as she glanced at the two Holdfasts. ‘I won’t pretend to know what that was about. Maddie, climb up. I will also carry Millen, as the third harness he made was destroyed in the Catacombs, along with our supplies.’

  ‘I have an idea about that, Blackrose,’ said Sable. She turned, and winked at Aila. ‘See you later.’

  The dragons and humans who were leaving gathered on the hillside. Deathfang had turned his back to them, and the other Catacombs dragons were watching from a distance. Sable climbed up onto Sanguino, and Maddie and Millen did the same with Blackrose. The large black dragon took to the skies, followed by Sanguino, Ashfall, and two other dragons, the smaller of which Aila assumed was Deepblue. They circled, then Sanguino took the lead, and they set off on a course towards the south-west.

  Aila and Kelsey watched as they stood by Frostback.

  ‘What was all the whispering about?’ said Aila.

  Kelsey glanced at her. ‘I might have had another vision.’

  ‘What about?’

  ‘Let’s just say that this wasn’t the last time we’ll bump into Sable on Lostwell.’