by A R Maloney
He grasped my shoulders and gently ran his hands over each one of my wings slowly, from the scapulas to the tips of the longest primary feathers. It took everything I had not to pull away as I remembered how violently my wings had been ripped away from me by Droghel’s men. I shuddered as the images ran through my head and silent tears fell from my eyes. From the tops of my wings, he softly traced the humerus, the radius, the metacarpus and phalanx of each feathered appendage. He inspected every joint and each feather from the shaft to the tip of the vane, placing small kisses as he went. Lance gently coaxed my wings down, smoothing their long lengths and whispering relaxing words of comfort into my ears. Then he wrapped his long arms around me and pulled me into his chest as I finally allowed myself to mourn the life I had lost.
“I am so sorry to have caused you this pain.” His voice was hot and hoarse against my ear. “Can you ever forgive me?”
“This was not your fault. It was all meant to happen.” I whispered. “I didn’t understand it at the time, but now I have no doubt. Even if I had killed Droghel. He would be gone, but the problem would still be here. We need to bring our peoples together.” I scoffed at myself, I’m Ustenian now, as far as the eye can see. “I don’t know how, but we will still do this. We must.” I turned to face him, holding his rough face in my palms and I kissed his lips lightly. “I like the beard. It suits you.”
We leaned our foreheads in, resting against each other. “I should probably step outside and call Mera back in. So many extra eyes and ears, I don’t want to cause you any more speculation than is already here.”
I groaned. Gema. “Yes, that is probably a good idea. Apparently, the chanter out there is supposed to become my sister-in-law.” I rolled my eyes and stomped my foot on the cabin floor as I turned away. Much to my chagrin Lancer chuckled, wrapping his arms around me. I pressed my back into his chest.
“I would fight for you.” Lance’s breath was hot on my neck as his deep voice rumbled lowly into my ear. He pulled me closer into his embrace.
I turned and pushed him hard in his solar plexus. The plate armor he still wore kept it from having the desired effect and his laughter increased. “Hush!” I hissed through my teeth. “I need to figure out what in the gods name I will tell her. I can’t see any option turning out well, and I don’t want to end up on the receiving end of anyone’s anger again quite yet.”
He pushed my thick dreadlocks aside and pinched my tense shoulders, massaging my aching neck. “Worry not, my Skye. We will get this sorted one way or another.”
“Did my death affect you so much?” I closed my eyes and hummed deep in my throat as I felt the bristle of his whiskers running over my neck.
His hands stilled, grasping my shoulders and a long warm breath fell heavily upon the nape of my neck. “You….” Lance moved around my body, facing me. “I felt lost. Empty. Responsible.” He pulled me back onto the bed and sat to face me. “I have never felt such a pain as the day I carried your wings back to Morland.”
I looked into his crimson eyes, glowing with conviction. “Stay with me. Just a while longer.”
Chapter 15 - Numb
~Clarissa~
WE SET UP CAMP quickly enough. There were now so few of us left. We were numb. Heartbroken. We chose to set up a single tent, none of us willing to be parted from the others for very long. I walked the perimeter, checking for anything else to do while keeping a watchful eye on my brothers and sisters in arms. I walked the perimeter, checking for anything else to do while keeping a watchful eye on my brothers and sisters-in-arms.
Nova had said General Lancer would come, that he could help. I had my doubts… especially after speaking with Gema. How would she even know him personally? I could never remember a time where I saw him visiting the fortresses where the newly ascended sentinels were posted. Not that it would have been beneath him, more that his company just didn’t have the time to spare. He spent most of his time between the fortress in Morland and the Badlands. His company rarely had downtime. They were not known for carousing or taking any sort of rest and relaxation regularly at all. I found the situation quite puzzling, but as I looked down the narrow path from Mera’s home there he was.
He looked exhausted, anguished and not at all happy to have been summoned to this place so far away from his home. Our magus, Ruaa, was with him jogging side by side with another magus. I noted a ranger with a dark, exotic look, dangerous eyes, and behind them, a cleric and a chanter. They appeared to move as one single cohesive unit. These must be his trusted group of elites.
As they approached Mera’s cabin the rest broke away from General Lancer. I watched with curiosity as he knocked loudly on the door, pacing until it opened, and he disappeared inside. His team wasted no time setting up camp; two tents went up quickly and they made quick work of checking the perimeter as well before coming over and introducing themselves. The ranger, Kumar, had mentioned noticing fresh tracks of some sort nearby. He left in search of the beasts he was sure were not far off.
Their magus, Cole, who looked quite thin but covered in wiry muscles, found Mera’s axe and began splitting wood. He had merely stated, “It’s Mera’s home. If I’m to be using her wood, it is my duty to replenish what is used.”
The cleric and chanter approached me, introducing themselves as Naofa and Sinamin, members of both Eclipse Company and General Lancer’s guard. They asked the rest of us to sit and give our accounts of what had happened. I’m not sure how much they had been told, but we each took turns, describing the attack, the ones we had lost, and Nova.
Nova had been impaled. And as I described the events of that morning on the battlefield I still felt as if my hands were wrist-deep inside her chest… covered with her warm blood. And her heart, limp and unmoving as it lay nestled between my fingers. The hopelessness from so many hours earlier threatened to rise up and I felt unsettled as I struggled against the memory.
I listened as Gema described watching her best friend murdered, only to rise up again. Nova had saved her life without hesitation, without a shadow of a doubt, but now… now she didn’t even recognize her.
I watched Gema as she squeezed her fists repeatedly in frustration. She was lost, with no idea what to do, or how to bring this information home to their families. My heart broke for her.
She said she had prayed to the gods… begged them to please save Nova. She wasn’t ready to lose this friend. Perhaps the gods had heard her prayers, but this? I shook my head. My faith in the gods had always been strong, but why would they be so cruel?
I don’t know how much time had passed before Kumar appeared again, making his way up the steep path back to Mera’s cabin. He returned with a small ram hanging over his wide shoulder. He strung it up from a tree branch to let it bleed out before dressing the beast. It would give a lot of meat, Mera wouldn’t need to draw from her stores of meat while we were here. We cut several chunks and threw them into a pot, covering it with water and tossing in a variety of wild vegetables and herbs. Shea had found some wild garlic and dug up several starchy cattail roots. They were much like potatoes when stewed. Hunter tossed in some wild carrots. We would have a proper stew.
After what seemed like hours, Mera came out to join us. A heavy satchel was hung over her shoulder. She thanked us for the meat, and Cole for splitting and cutting the wood—going on to say it’s a never-ending job.
I finally asked her, “What of Nova? Have you found anything? Will you be able to help her?”
Mera sighed and sat beside the fire. “I’m not sure exactly how to explain what we believe has happened. I’ve never heard of this occurring in all my years… and many years have passed under my wings.” She gazed up into the treetops, watching the smoke from the fire filtering through the tall green boughs.
“What do you believe has caused this?” This question came from Gema. She still held her hands together, her claws having torn small serrations into her palms. Although she didn’t seem to mind the blood gathering beneath her fingernails.
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“Gema, I wish…” Mera paused, “I wish I could say something which would make this easier for you.” Mera’s long beaded locks shook as her head moved from side to side. “There is a sentinel in the body… but it is not Nova. I’m sorry.”
Gema shook her head and stood, trying to turn away, only to be grabbed by Markus. “Sit, Gem, please.” He pulled her down with both hands, forcing her to sit nearly onto his lap as he wrapped an arm protectively around her. “Stay with us, we need you here.” He whispered into her ear.
She stayed there, sitting rigidly in Markus’ lap her hands grasping his muscled forearm. She gave him one curt nod as she settled herself. Gema had given up on her hands but was now chewing at her lower lip. She wasn’t happy, but then this really wasn’t a happy time for any of them. They had left their brothers and sisters on that battlefield, left them to be returned to their families by a group of strangers.
“I know you are all hurting, you have lost so many. Please know, if you haven’t been made aware, that a detail has been sent to retrieve your fallen. Every one of your brothers and sisters in arms who were left on that field will find their release.” Mera’s voice was calm but firm as she spoke to us.
She was genuine in her care for us. All these years I had heard horrible things of Mera. The witch. The outcast. The one who cannot be trusted. I began to wonder if the stories I had heard were maybe not true. She is a bit of a hermit. It’s rare for a woman to live alone, so far from any village or outpost—I’m sure she has her reasons.
“It has been decided by General Lancer, that the woman will visit the elder Kauri, Nabaru.” Mera was staring into the flames, her voice soft and even as she spoke.
It was Gema who spoke up first. “She said something about speaking to Nabaru not long before we arrived here.”
Mera nodded. “Yes, the Kauri of Morland are not far. I agree with him, it is the greatest chance of learning for certain, what has happened with our friend.”
Gema stood again. Markus tried to pull her back, but she turned on her heel and slapped his hands away while moving out of his reach. “I’m going with.”
“Gem, are you sure?” The question flew from my mouth before I could stop it. I knew she was having a tough time of this….
“Yes.” Mera interrupted, looking at her, then me. “We believe it is very important for you all to come along. There seems to be something at play here, much bigger than any one of us. We will leave early tomorrow. Rest tonight. Is there anything you need? I offer to you, anything I have that might give you ease.”
They shook their heads. Mera bent down and picked up the heavy satchel, handing it to me. I opened it to find a couple of large bottles.
“Honeyed wine. It’s not time to send their spirits yet, but your souls and minds can use a little succor. Share in the wine and share stories of your fallen.” She stood quietly and made her way back to her small cabin, knocking twice and pausing a moment before opening the door and slipping inside.
Chapter 16 - Rest
~Skye~
TWO LIGHT RAPS ON the door announced Mera’s return. Not that she needed to announce herself, it was her home and we were still trying to wrap our heads around this all. Not that she needed to announce herself, it was her home and we were still trying to wrap our heads around everything.
“How are they?” I hated how foreign my voice sounded. How unsure I felt. The headaches had stopped, but I didn’t feel like me—I wasn’t me anymore… not really. Nor would I ever be.
“Grieving. Confused. They will come to the Kauri with us tomorrow.” Mera looked exhausted. “I gave them honeyed wine; it will help them sleep.”
“My team will keep guard tonight.” Lance stretched as he stood and reached to refill his coffee.
Mera waved her arm. “There is no need tonight. My woods are secure. I’d know immediately if anything unwelcome enters my land.”
“I should sleep with my team.” He looked at me apologetically, turning to move towards the door. He held the mug in his hand like it was a lifeline.
“It’s okay. Go. I will be fine and safe here with Mera.” I nodded to Mera and smiled, trying to reassure him. “I will still be here when you wake.”
“Go now. Rest, Lance. I’ve got her. I have explained nothing more than the fact that she is not Nova, and we need to speak to elder Nabaru. That’s all anyone needs to know right now.” Mera placed a calming hand on Lance’s shoulder. “Sleep my friend. Skye is safe here.”
He looked at me. His head tilted slightly, and he pulled his lips together in a tight line before nodding and slipping through the doorway.
Chapter 17 - Hellfire
~Droghel~
FOOTSTEPS ECHOED THROUGH THE hallway, bouncing off of the wood and stone walls as they neared my door. Three knocks rang out against my heavy oaken door.
“Enter.” My voice called out. I was restless and angry but holding onto my patience as I tried to figure my next step. The magus who entered my room was not the one I had been anticipating. Where in hells name was Cyrus? My frustration was growing. “Ansker, shouldn’t you be with the turncoats? You had better have some good information to share.”
The magus glanced back at the door nervously, knowing it was too late to turn back now. “My general. Eno has moved them.”
His hands were sweating, and he grasped at the hem of his tunic as he began to crumble beneath my hard stare. I deplored it when my soldiers couldn’t control their nerves. I glared at the young magus, growling. “And where are they now?”
“The… the Kauri.” He was stammering, tripping over his own miserable tongue. “Espencheid hides them within his own canopy. He has granted all safe harbor.”
I watched the man step backwards and towards the door as I rose from my chair. “And how exactly did they get there? You could very well have let them be torn apart on the fields of the badlands. Yet you transported them to safety. We could be taking down DuPage Fortress tomorrow… we could be taking every one of their miserable wings, but… you… just… keep… saving… them.” My voice grew more pedantic, sharp, and violent with each word that sprung from my mouth. “There is a war here! And I’m not talking about Lucenian versus Ustenian. There is a war brewing among our own ranks. Our own people have forgotten what it means to be pure. We are the only ones loved by the gods. I wonder… whose side are you on, Ansker?
He was squirming in his shoes. “Yours, General. Always yours, General Droghel. You have always sought to protect Lucenia.”
I stood and advanced towards him, my hand on the hilt of my knife.
He swallowed, “There’s more!” His voice held an edge of panic as he tried to appease me. “I believe Eno is trying to find help from others in the area. Retired sentinels named Torres and Ian?”
“Fumbling old men. They wouldn’t dare to stand in my way!” I made my way closer to Ansker. His back was pressed firmly against the wall beside the door.
“No, no one can stand against you, General Droghel!” His simpering voice was beyond annoying. It was time for him to leave, now.
“You had better believe it!” I crossed the remainder of the distance, my steps echoing heavily as I pounded towards the door. Opening it, I gestured for the magus. “Return to them now, report back in a week if I have not contacted you before then.”
I watched the spineless rat scurry away. I preferred to keep my soldiers on their toes. My father taught me well. He ruled over Dusk Fortress before me. He always believed that a little fear goes a long way.
I left my room, making my way from our company hall and through the center of Dusk Fortress. I gazed across the piece of rock that was my domain. The badlands winds blew over me, blasting me with dry heat. I looked beyond the walls to the sky. It was always near dark here, always blowing hot air, the sky constantly overcast with shades of reds and dark blues, reminding me of darkened bruises. The kind that would linger under someone’s skin after receiving heavy blows.
Speaking of heavy blows… where
the hell had Cyrus gotten off to? He’d probably stopped somewhere to get drunk or find some whore. I cursed lowly under my breath. Pressing forward, I made my way to the garrison patrol, instructing them to send Cyrus to me as soon as he passed through the gates.
I turned back, hearing boisterous noise spilling out from the doors of one of the barracks. From the sounds of it there was some heavy drinking happening tonight. I would be tempted to join them if not for my dark mood. I turned back to my hall, heading for my room. Sleep was the better choice for me right now—as much as I would like to destroy someone, I don’t believe killing any of my soldiers would be the correct course to take tonight.
Chapter 18 - Who Are You?
~Skye~
MERA AND I WOKE, just as night was losing its grasp on the sky. I pulled back the heavy shades over her windows, letting the room fill with the dim light of pre-dawn. Together we worked to prepare several loaves of bread, stuffed with nuts and berries, to go with the meat from last night. A kettle over the hearth warmed water for the many cups of coffees and teas which would be sipped.
Although I had rested well, I still carried this knot of uncertainty in my gut. The thought of finally sharing the truth terrified me, yet at the same time I couldn’t wait to reach the Kauri, Nabaru. I stepped outside, moving quietly around the sides of the cabin to help refill Mera’s log holder for the hearth. I was lifting piece after piece of split wood, trying to balance in one arm, while adding to the pile with the other.
“Need a hand?” I turned to see Gema. Smiling nervously, I nodded my head.
“Yes, please. Thanks… Gema.” I knew I was supposed to know her, but I didn’t. I watched her change from a look of hope to one of shielded sadness as she helped stack more pieces onto my arms.
