Dark Skye

by A R Maloney

  I held my emotions at bay as I laid my hands as gently as possible upon his scorched body. He began moaning in his sleep again. Quietly, I began to sing a hymn of healing, the light tones of the melodic chant echoed off the walls, filling the room. At least I could help stave off some of the pain, perhaps this time the healing spell would take hold. A fine glow of light emitted from the palms of my hands. I could feel his heartbeat beneath my palm, it felt stronger and steadier, much better than last night.

  Fifteen minutes later I stopped, we both needed to rest. Too much healing too quickly wouldn’t be good for either of us, but I could see the charred skin trying to peel away in places. The new pink skin underneath appeared healthy. I would take that as a good sign.

  The door opened and a petite sentinel entered the room. Eno called her over, “Sonarim, what have you learned?”

  “Droghel and his death squad arrived at Rockton Village early this morning.” Gasps of alarm spread through the room as everyone’s attention fell on the small magus. “Droghel accused Skye of treason, sentencing her to death. Skye responded by accusing Droghel of the murder of heroes, and of genocide. She challenged Droghel to a fight to the death. My understanding is that at some point one of Droghel’s magi interfered in the fight and they subdued her. They’ve slaughtered her… and they have taken her wings.”

  I couldn’t stop the tears from sliding down my cheeks at this point. “And Dimitri? What of him?”

  Sonarim looked at me, shaking her head. “As far as I know, he is being held by Droghel. He intends to bring him to Plano for judgment. Word is he intends all of Company Damagus be brought before the high priests.” At this point questions began flying from all sides of the room. Sonarim held her hands up quieting the group once more. “He has also killed Erin, who was in charge temporarily at Rockton Village. The place is a wreck right now.”

  Eno stood, placing a hand on the small magus. “You did well, sentinel. Thank you.”

  She looked up at him and gave a wan smile. “I did what I could. If you need me again, just say the word.” She then stepped forward. “My friends, I know these are tumultuous times for you, for us all. I’m deeply sorry for your losses. Patie was a friend and a good leader. I would be honored to help you all send her off properly.” She held a fist over her heart and bowed before leaving the room.

  Sonarim had just exited, only to return moments later. “Eno! You’re needed immediately! Droghel has arrived with his men!” She leaned in and whispered, “They have Dimitri!”

  I could feel the blood draining from my face as I gasped. Looking down, I noticed I was hanging onto the edge of the table as if it were the only life vest in a vast angry ocean. “He’s alive?” My voice was hopeful and hesitant. I had been terrified for the one I’d grown so fond of.

  Eno looked at me, pinning me with a hard stare. “Stay here! That’s a direct order, do not test me on this.”

  “Yes sir.” I nodded glumly. I knew it was for the best, but I wanted to see Dimitri for myself. We were in hot water already, so I resigned myself to follow his directions and moved to Masio’s side again. Perhaps focusing on healing prayers might help me as well.

  Chapter 5 - Demands and Disappointments

  ~Droghel~

  WE PORTED FROM SAVANNAH Gate to DuPage Fortress only to find ourselves detained straight away. I was outraged, filled with righteous indignation as I roared at the guards on the platform, “Do you have any idea who I am?” They were impeding my entrance beyond the small landing pad. I looked around and saw that I was surrounded by what seemed to be half of the garrison.

  A fledgling stepped forward. He stood trembling before me as he mumbled, “I’m sorry. Sir, the fortress is on lockdown by order of General Eno. No one is allowed in or out without his express permission. You may not come any further than the flight pad.” The young sentinel looked among my men with a wary gaze. “We have sent word. General Eno should be here shortly. What is the nature of your business here today?”

  I bristled at this… this fledgling… before yelling in his face, “You dare to question me?!! My business here is not any of your concern!” My voice dropped an octave, carrying a deadly edge. “If you have any care for your future you will let us pass, lest you lose your wings too.”

  “Soldier, stand down, you did well.” Eno’s voice was sharp as he arrived. His walk even irritated me. He sauntered around like he had not a care in the world. I watched him lean in and speak softly to the guard. “Worry not. Your wings are safe, son.”

  He turned, glaring at me with his green eyes. “Droghel. You will tell ME what your purpose is here… as well as why you are holding one of my own as captive.” He nodded over towards Dimitri.

  I tugged the chain leash, forcing Dimitri to stumble and fall to his knees as I handed it to Gregor. “You seem to be producing a bad crop of sentinels here, Eno. Rotten to the very core. A traitorous bunch… found to be working with the Ustenians. I believe I rooted out the ringleader… I have already dealt with her personally. You’re welcome for my service.” I gave him a fake bow and sneered in disgust.

  Eno’s face was placid, his voice icy. “That one,” he pointed to Dimitri, “is one of mine. He’s under my command. Return him to me at once. I will make sure if he is guilty of what you say, I will pass judgment and deal out the appropriate sentence.” Dimitri was gazing tiredly at Eno through the one eye which wasn’t swollen shut. If I hadn’t broken his jaw, I’m sure he would be begging for mercy.

  “If it were any other offense, I would happily turn him over to you. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the charges, I will be bringing him to Plano. The high priests will pass judgment.” My gaze travels over the fortress. “You ask why I am here. Company Damagus. They will be brought for judgment as well.” My voice was sharp and commanding. I straightened my back, allowing myself to tower over the shorter general.

  My change in posture didn’t appear to have any effect on Eno. He merely tapped his boot, saying, “Hmmm. Company Damagus? But aren’t they supposed to be in the badlands right now?”

  “Don’t toy with me, Eno! I know very well they have returned to your fortress. You would do well to submit.” The nerve, he was lying right to my face. I took a moment to consider the numbers of his garrison which surrounded us.

  Eno looked at me, then lifted his head high, as high as the short man could… and he laughed. I can’t believe that he really had the nerve to laugh… at me! The soldiers and sentinels surrounding us began to laugh as well. My blood began to boil. He stepped forward until we were nearly a foot apart. He cocked his impish head. “You’re right, this is MY fortress. I remember a time when you were the fledgling. Do not underestimate me, Droghel. You have no authority here. You’re in My home now, and here…” Eno looked around, spreading his arms wide, “in My house, it’s My rules!” He snapped his fingers, “Garrison!”

  We were unable to act. Immobilized and surrounded. My men looked to me for direction, but I was cut off by Eno before I could speak another word.

  “Now… I will give you a choice. Which I am sure you did not give to the one who you tore the wings from today. You may give me Dimitri and we will allow you to leave this platform alive, or you may all suffer the same fate as Skye. That one you accused of treachery, the one you decided to take upon yourself to play the part of judge, jury, and executioner? She was acting on my direct orders. She risked her life to bring important information for both Lucenia and the Kauri from behind Ustenian lines. I’m sure the priests in Plano would be very interested to hear you are the one responsible for killing the only one who has been able to achieve such things.” Eno stood, his arms hung loosely at his sides, while he waited patiently for my answer.

  A growl erupted from my chest. I was furious. I nodded to my cleric. “Hand the little shit over. Their days are numbered anyway.” I bit the inside of my cheek until I felt warm coppery blood begin to slide over my tongue. “This will not be forgotten, Eno.” My voice was deadly serious.


  He merely looked at me with his famous poker face. I vowed to myself, I would see the end of that face one day. “No, it certainly will not be leaving my memory any time soon either. You can be sure of that.” He waved a warrior forward to take the leash and I watched as Dimitri was led away until the crowd had swallowed him up. Eno nodded to his teleporter. “Open a portal to… where is it you are headed from here?” He tilted his head in curiosity, as if he hadn’t just threatened our lives.

  “We can fly from here.”

  “No, no, no. That just won’t work for me. You see… this is a no-fly zone for anyone not directly attached to this fortress, and there is nothing here for you to see, Droghel.” I watched as he moved to address his teleporter again. “Portal to the ground? Or perhaps to the Kauri of DuPage.” Eno leaned in and whispered to his teleporter before turning on his heel and walking away with a smirk on his face.

  I watched as the sentinel nodded and whispered a spell. The space before me shifted and moments later the world came back into view, landing me and my group on a small island which was surrounded by swampland as far as the eyes could see. That bastard had sent us to the far edge of DuPage. He may have won this time, but he’ll get his soon enough. I looked over my small group, someone was missing. That sneaky little shit had sent every one of us… except for our other magus.

  I closed my eyes momentarily as I dreamt of wringing his scrawny neck. “Please, tell me you all have teleportation scrolls to return to our company house in Dusk Fortress.” I would not be seeing the governor tonight. My blood was boiling.

  Chapter 6 – Release

  ~Niera~

  IT SEEMED LIKE IT had been taking forever, when in reality it was less than twenty minutes. The door finally opened and one of the guards entered the room carrying Dimitri. He was bloodied, broken, and shackled.

  “Gods.” My voice crackled as I ran to help him onto a soft mattress. “Dimka, what did they do to you?”

  Dimitri moved his lips to open his mouth and I watched as the bones in his jaw shifted under bruised skin. He moaned and tears slid from his eyes. One was so swollen; I was sure he had an orbital fracture there as well. Tears threatened to spring from my eyes, seeing him in such pain.

  “Can someone help remove these shackles, please?”

  Ansker kneeled beside us and placed a hand on the metal shackles. He began whispering a series of spells, searching for the correct one to unlock the bindings.

  “That’s a handy spell-set to have,” I whispered gratefully to Ansker, who nodded in response.

  Eno came in moments later with a set of tools, should the magus have been unsuccessful. Together we worked as gently as possible to free our friend. Then we began the chore of cleaning him up and addressing his injuries. Andre brought a bucket of steaming water and clean clothing. He helped undress his brother and I washed the mix of dirt, blood, sweat, and excrement from his body. This helped me to assess the extent of his injuries. Two fractures in his jaw and another in his right orbital socket. A dislocated shoulder. At least three broken ribs. His back, chest, and legs, were all covered in painful hematomas, but he didn’t appear to have any persistent internal bleeding. A long breath of relief escaped my lips. It would take a while, but he would heal.

  After he was cleaned and dressed, I laid my hands gently upon his broken face. “I’m so sorry, Dimka. It should have been me with her, not you. Let me try to take some of your pain.” I began singing softly, a hymn of healing fell from my lips as tears flowed freely from my eyes. My hands filled with a soft glow as I encouraged the swelling to leave his face, calling in a song of comfort and calm. I felt as someone came and sat beside me. A cleric from another company… one who had been helping with Masio. I recognized her face but couldn’t seem to recall her name. She patted my shoulder before placing her own hands onto Dimitri’s chest, calling out a spell to increase the healing of the injured ribs. We worked for nearly an hour before deciding a break was needed. Too much healing too quickly could be as problematic as none at all.

  The cleric looked to me, “We need to get the shoulder back in place before too much more time passes. We should do it now while we are both here.” It made sense.

  I nodded and called Andre back over to us. “Help me hold him down. You take the bottom; I’ll take the top.”

  We all moved into place. I sat on my knees and leaned over Dimitri, pinning his good shoulder down and I whispered to him. “You are so strong, honey. Hang tight and I’ll get you comfy again in a flash.” He nodded and I kissed his forehead lightly. Dimitri was beginning to sweat profusely. My eyes met the cleric’s and I nodded. “Now, let’s do this quickly!”

  Our brothers and sisters-in-arms shouted calls of encouragement as the cleric turned and pulled the injured arm. The popping of the joint going back into its socket was audible throughout the room.

  “Thanks.” Dimitri tried to whisper, though it sounded more like “Shanksh.” He wouldn’t be speaking for a few days.

  “Shhh. Don’t try to talk. Squeeze my hand twice if you want to sit up more, once if you want us to straighten you out on your back, don’t squeeze at all if you just want us to leave you be.” I held his hand gently and his thumb and index finger grasped at mine, giving two light pumps.

  Andre and I helped prop him up with a few extra blankets and pillows.

  “Same rules. Two for yes, one for no. Are you hungry? No steak, but I can help you with some broth.” Again, he pushed two light squeezes through his fingers. “Okay darlin’, give me a minute and we’ll try to get you fed.” He had an appetite. That was a good sign. I stood up and stretched, heaving a great sigh of relief. Turning, I thanked the cleric for her help, learning her name was Arisa. She had no idea how much she was appreciated. Dimitri will live thanks to her. I looked over to Masio who still moaned constantly and struggled for each breath. I said a prayer to the gods; may they speed his healing too.

  Eno called us together. “I have managed to keep Droghel back for the time being. However, I imagine he will be returning shortly and with a vengeance. I dealt quite a blow to his ego today, something he has never handled very well.” I watched as his face morphed into one of deep concern. “You will not want to be here when he does return. If he brings a high priest… there may be nothing I can do but to turn you all over. We need to come up with a place to keep you safe, where you can heal without the worries Droghel and his death squad bring.” He looked over our company, many still broken and battered; all feeling the stress of the situation.

  It fell from my lips before the thought had even settled in my mind. “Espencheid.” The answer came to me, plain as day. “Can you send us directly to Espencheid? The Kauri can keep us safe, I’m certain of this. After all, it was they who gave the directive to Skye in the first place. It’s the best place for us to be.”

  I looked over the worst of our wounded. They couldn’t stay either. They would have no chance to even fight back if an attack was to be brought to DuPage Fortress. Masio and Dimitri couldn’t even speak in their own defense should the need arise. Gesturing to the wounded I continued, “We will need to take extra care with these ones. Could I request another cleric or two be sent to help with any new injuries which might come with the teleport?”

  Teleporting the severely injured was always risky. Broken bones could shift and pierce vital organs or veins, or even slash arteries. If not caught immediately, it could be fatal.

  Eno nodded. “I will send Arisa. She’s the one who helped you earlier. Additionally, I will be sending groups from each company, rotating them until each sentinel here has visited the Kauri. None but Arisa will have knowledge of where Damagus Company will be kept. She’s dependable. From my own Dragon Company. Espencheid may conceal you in his highest branches, however it is your responsibility to remain silent when others visit, lest you risk word making it back to Droghel.”

  As I gazed over the room, I saw the nods of agreement coming from my brothers and sisters in arms. “Thank you, my General. You
are very well saving our lives.”

  “Very well. Pack up what you can. I will return shortly, and we will get you all moved. I will accompany you myself. I would like to speak with our elder Kauri friend as well. We will leave in five minutes.”

  Chapter 7 - Drinking with Wings

  ~Lancer~

  WE EMERGED IN MORLAND Fortress holding the weight of our prisoner up by his shoulders. The streets began to fill as we dragged the pale skinned magus towards the dungeon. The noise from the crowd was a deafening mix of cheers and jeers, which was growing louder as more people took notice of the silvery wings wrapped and strung across my back.

  “Are ya gonna hang him, General?” “You should have waited for us all before you plucked that pigeon!” “Let me kill him! They took my son!” “You gonna hang those in your hall?” “You should pin them to the front gates!” The shouts sounded out, coming from every direction. Some encouraging, many demanding, but all called for a great show of violence.

  There was no love for the Lucenians in this place. I caught myself biting at my lip in order to keep my silence. I was torn between my rage and the knowledge of our histories. Most Ustenians knew how we came to be this way, but it didn’t matter. They had been driven to hatred. A result of the rivers of blood which had been spilled over the many years since the Great Break. Still, I refused to feel bad for this magus. He would suffer greatly, and very soon.

  “Lock him in the first cell. Arms and legs apart. Two sentinels guarding him always. Two more soldiers at each entrance. Cole and Naofa are the only ones who may speak to him besides myself.” More cheers erupted from the surrounding crowd. They were a bloodthirsty lot; I didn’t blame them. I shared the feeling.