0:07 17 Ka had no idea how she made it
0:09 through the feast that night. The hours
0:11 passed in a blur of bright colors and
0:14 upbeat music of spicy foods and
0:17 boisterous laughter. The kings were in
0:19 their element, hosting hundreds of their
0:21 peers in the palace's massive banquet
0:23 hall, which was lined with foodladen
0:26 tables and decorated with strings of
0:29 luminium lights overhead, like a starry
0:31 expanse twinkling across the high
0:35 ceiling. As the guests of honor, Kea and
0:36 her friends were seated with the twins
0:38 and their royal council at the head
0:41 table. They'd all managed to bathe
0:44 before their guard escort had arrived,
0:46 with no traces of travel grime or arena
0:50 blood left to be seen, even if Ka still
0:53 felt as if it stained her hands.
0:55 The outfits they'd been given were
0:58 spotless with Ashlin, Cresta, Nari, and
1:02 Ka all wearing billowing long skirts and
1:04 floaty off-the-shoulder tops, while
1:08 Jiren, Calvin, and Tip wore trousers and
1:10 open collared shirts made of a thin
1:12 flaxin material.
1:14 Tip's clothes were bright orange, which
1:17 clashed terribly with his hair, but
1:20 Cal's were an attractive forest green,
1:23 and Jiren's were a deep navy, which had
1:25 effectively stolen Kea's breath when
1:28 she'd first seen him. She herself was
1:30 dressed in an attention-grabbing
1:32 turquoise, but every time she felt
1:34 self-conscious, she only had to look at
1:36 Cresta scowlling in her bright pink
1:39 outfit to realize she could have been
1:42 allocated something much worse.
1:46 When finally, finally, the king stood
1:48 and quieted their guests, Kea nearly
1:51 wept because without further ado, they
1:54 handed a small leather pouch to Jiren.
1:56 TBM raised his chalice and gave a
1:58 congratulatory speech. But Kea didn't
2:02 hear him, her focus solely on Jiren as
2:04 he opened the pouch to reveal a gold
2:07 ring topped with an obnoxiously large
2:12 ruby. The fire ring. One down, three to
2:15 go, Kea thought, overwhelmed by all that
2:17 was still ahead. But she reminded
2:20 herself of why they were doing this. To
2:22 stop Navoc from possessing the hand of
2:25 the gods and growing his magical army,
2:29 and more selfishly, at least Aka, to get
2:32 Jiren back his elemental powers, because
2:35 maybe then he would be able to forgive her.
2:36 her.
2:40 The rest of the feast sped by, but Ka
2:42 was on edge now that they had the ring,
2:44 eager to leave and seek out the other
2:47 three. She knew her friends felt the
2:50 same, with Jiren, Ashlin, and Calvin
2:52 having even more reason to want to keep
2:55 moving, given that their entire kingdom
2:57 and family was currently in the hands of a
2:58 a
3:00 psychopath. But there was nothing they
3:03 could do about Zelica from Yurin, or
3:06 Navoc for that matter. and wisdom warned
3:08 that only fools would begin a journey
3:11 through the harsh German desert at
3:13 night. Their departure would have to
3:15 wait until morning, even if their
3:17 patience was wearing
3:19 thin. When the kings finally declared
3:22 the feast over, Ka was relieved to be
3:25 quickly escorted back to their quarters,
3:28 and even more relieved to find Terrell,
3:30 Idrin, and Galdrich seated on the
3:33 cushions and waiting for them.
3:36 About time you showed up, Calvin said,
3:38 dropping beside them and stretching his
3:42 long legs out. How did it go with the
3:46 anomalies, kicked Cal's feet away? It
3:49 didn't. The spy wasn't known for being
3:51 verbose, so Kea looked to her brother
3:54 for more information. "We found the
3:56 village," Terrell shared. "But no one
3:58 would speak with us. They wouldn't even
4:02 come near us. It was like we had the
4:05 plague. "We didn't see any magic
4:08 either," Galdrich said, looking
4:11 dispirited. "If there were any anomalies
4:14 left, they were careful to hide their
4:17 powers. They were terrified of us,"
4:19 Adren said, running his fingers through
4:21 his short, dark hair.
4:24 We'd hoped to learn how Navic had
4:26 convinced them to join him, but given
4:29 our reception, the evidence is pointing
4:32 to them being coerced in some
4:35 way. Galdrich looked from the spy to the
4:38 Valentis royals and said, "There are
4:40 still two more settlements that I know
4:43 of in Hadras
4:45 and maybe we'll have more luck with
4:50 those." Kea hoped so. Knowing Navik's
4:52 plans and what was motivating his
4:54 magical followers would go a long way in
4:57 helping them strategize their next steps
5:01 to protect Ebon and
5:03 Wenderol. What about you? Did you get
5:06 the ring? Terrell asked, eyeing their
5:10 well-dressed group. In answer, Jiren
5:12 stepped forward and reopened the leather
5:15 pouch. He didn't mention how they'd
5:18 earned it, and Kea was grateful. If her
5:20 brother learned what they'd done in the
5:23 arena, what she'd done, he would
5:25 recognize the turmoil brewing within
5:28 her. As it was, she'd barely been able
5:31 to touch her dinner, her stomach queasy
5:33 from the golden warrior's face
5:35 repeatedly coming to her mind.
5:37 She'd thought taking some time away from
5:40 everyone that afternoon would help her
5:43 process and move on, but if anything,
5:45 she only felt more
5:49 guilty. A woman was dead. Six women were
5:52 dead. How was she supposed to act as if
5:55 that hadn't happened? Ashlin, Ca, and
5:59 Nari seemed unaffected. But Kea, she
6:01 still didn't know how to reconcile all
6:03 she was feeling.
6:07 That's some rock, Terrell said, leaning
6:09 in from his reclined position for a closer
6:10 closer
6:13 look. As Galdrich and Edin did the same,
6:16 Kea took a seat beside Calvin with Tip
6:19 coming to sit with her. He was near
6:21 enough that Tor sent her a surprised
6:24 look, but then his expression warmed as
6:26 he realized the young boy was no longer
6:30 ignoring her. That warmth quickly turned
6:33 to curiosity, but Ka shook her head, not
6:37 wanting to get into it for so many
6:40 reasons. Seconds after joining her, Tip
6:43 rested his head on Ka's shoulder and
6:45 fiddled sleepily with the beating on her
6:48 turquoise outfit, the events of the day,
6:51 and their long travel hours, leaving him
6:54 barely able to keep his eyes open.
6:55 She was just about to suggest they all
6:58 head to bed when Cresa approached Jiren
7:02 and asked, "How do we know if SA's magic
7:05 is already in it?" All eyes turned to
7:09 the ruby as if it would yield an answer.
7:11 Kea thought about the amulet she still
7:14 wore and how the gemstones had glowed
7:16 when Jiren sent his magic into them
7:19 before they had faded back to normal.
7:21 She was tempted to pull the crest from
7:23 beneath her top and see how it compared
7:26 to the ring, but she stilled her hand at
7:29 the last moment. There had been so many
7:31 times on their journey that she'd
7:34 considered returning it to Jiren, but
7:36 cowardice had stopped her, fearing what
7:41 he might say and what he might remember.
7:43 The amulet had protected her, but it had
7:46 also protected Zelica, keeping her safe
7:49 from Jiren's magic and ultimately
7:52 leading to his ruin. Because of that,
7:54 Kea had tried to keep it out of sight
7:57 for his sake. But there had been a few
7:59 moments during her vigorous morning
8:01 exercises when it had bounced free of
8:04 her clothes. During those times, she'd
8:06 seen Jiren look at it before clenching
8:10 his jaw and turning away, proving she
8:13 was right in trying to keep it hidden.
8:15 Now that she was thinking about it, Ka
8:18 almost felt as if the amulet was burning
8:21 against her chest, but she resisted the
8:23 urge to draw attention to it. She did,
8:26 however, wonder if perhaps the ring was
8:30 similar in that it would glow only when
8:32 magic was pushed into it, not the rest
8:33 of the
8:36 time. Seeming to be of the same mind as
8:39 Kea, Jiren finally answered, "There's no
8:42 way to know for sure." He handed the
8:45 pouch to Calvin. "Better safe than
8:48 sorry." Calvin looked from the ring to
8:51 his cousin and back again. Shouldn't we
8:53 wait until we have all
8:57 four? It was Galdrich who answered, "If
9:00 something happens and we're separated,
9:03 it's smarter to have it ready for use,
9:06 especially if Srana's power isn't
9:09 already imbued in it." "Between you," he
9:13 nodded toward Calvin and the princess, a
9:15 nod toward Ashlin this time. "You
9:19 command three of the four elements. If
9:22 you send your fire magic into it now, it
9:24 leaves less room for chance when the
9:28 time comes for Kea to wield the full
9:31 hand. Butterflies fluttered in Ka's
9:33 middle at the pressure of what she alone
9:36 would have to do, but her attention was
9:38 diverted when Calin accepted
9:40 Galdri<unk>'s reasoning and fished the
9:42 ring out of the pouch. He touched his
9:45 finger to the red gemstone, a rare look
9:49 of concentration on his face. Instantly,
9:52 the ruby began to glow, pulling Ka back
9:54 to the night when Jiren had gifted her
9:57 the amulet right after his mother's
10:00 attack. As the glow faded from the ring,
10:03 she wondered if he was also remembering
10:05 that tender moment between them, there
10:07 was a stiffness in his frame that made
10:09 her think he might have been,
10:12 particularly since he seemed determined
10:14 to avoid her eyes.
10:17 Once the ruby was no longer a light,
10:19 Calvin placed the ring back in the pouch
10:21 and returned it to Jiren, who tucked it
10:22 away for
10:24 safekeeping. "That was
10:28 anticlimactic," Crest said. "After
10:30 today, do you really need more
10:34 excitement?" Calvin asked incredulous.
10:37 That depends on the kind of excitement,
10:40 Cresta shot back, along with a
10:42 suggestive wink that prompted a
10:45 surprised but undeniably wicked grin from
10:45 from
10:49 him. Kea groaned and was tempted to tell
10:51 them to keep 10 ft apart, but before she
10:54 could, Terrell spoke. "What happened
10:58 today?" he asked, sitting up straighter,
11:01 his brow furrowing in concern. Nothing,
11:04 Ka answered quickly, avoiding everyone's
11:07 eyes. Ti and Ryu are just drama queens.
11:11 Drama kings even. She attempted a laugh,
11:15 but it was forced and panicked. Thank
11:18 the gods for Tip, who at that exact
11:20 moment revealed he'd fallen asleep on
11:22 her shoulder by uttering a loud snuffle snore.
11:24 snore.
11:27 It's been a long day for all of us,
11:30 Ashlin said. Quiet enough not to wake
11:33 him. Given how much the kings embibed
11:36 tonight, we should be able to sneak away
11:39 before they awaken. But we should also
11:41 aim to leave early just in
11:44 case. They set a plan, agreeing to meet
11:46 in the common room at dawn to begin
11:48 their journey to Hadress.
11:50 Ka was just about to ask someone to help
11:53 her move Tip to a bed, but Jiren was
11:56 already striding toward her and reaching
11:59 down for the boy. His hand grazed Ka's
12:01 waist as he sought to get a secure grip,
12:05 their eyes meeting for a split second.
12:07 Even knowing his touch was accidental,
12:10 she felt the world stop as they stared
12:13 at each other. But then he glanced away,
12:16 a muscle bunching in his cheek. He then
12:18 lifted Tip with ease and carried him
12:20 away, not looking
12:23 back. Kea's heart was racing and her
12:26 face was warm. Aware of everyone looking
12:29 at her, she quickly cleared her throat
12:31 before bidding them a good night, almost
12:34 running to the safety of her bedroom.
12:36 But as soon as she was alone, her
12:39 thoughts invaded. Even after changing
12:41 into a dervin night gown and crawling
12:43 into bed, she couldn't settle her mind
12:46 enough to sleep. Despite knowing she
12:48 needed to rest before their early
12:51 departure, tossing and turning, Ka
12:53 finally gave up and headed over to her
12:55 window, drawing back the curtains to
12:58 look out at the luminium lit city. The
13:01 giant statues caught her eyes, their
13:03 fighting poses reminding her all too
13:06 much of the women in the arena, the
13:09 golden warrior's face now permanently
13:12 embedded into her thoughts.
13:14 A quiet knock had Ka turning toward the
13:18 door. For one hearttoppping moment, she
13:20 wondered if it was Jiren before
13:23 remembering that the days of him coming
13:27 to comfort her were long gone. Instead,
13:29 the person who opened the door surprised
13:33 Ka almost as much because it was
13:36 Nari. The guard said nothing after
13:38 letting herself into the room, but she
13:41 walked straight to Ka's side. the two of
13:44 them staring silently out at the city.
13:46 Kea didn't know what to think, her pulse
13:49 skittering as the minutes trickled by.
13:51 But then Nari
13:54 spoke. The first time I killed someone,
13:57 I vomited for hours
14:00 afterward. Kea turned woodenly to the
14:04 guard. I was chosen by the Rockavon when
14:07 I was 10 years old, Nari continued. It
14:10 meant so much to my family and at that
14:14 age all I wanted was to please them. So
14:17 I accepted the invitation to begin
14:19 training. I showed enough promise that I
14:21 was brought here
14:26 to at 15. During my first arena battle,
14:30 I killed two girls, both friends who I'd
14:31 trained beside for
14:35 years. Kea's heart clenched. She baldled
14:37 her hands to keep from reaching out and
14:40 offering comfort, still unsure where she
14:45 and the guard stood. Kill or be killed.
14:48 That's what I told you today, Nari said
14:51 quietly. That's how I lived day after
14:54 day. Every time I entered that arena and
14:56 had to face someone I cared about,
14:58 seeing the same resolution in their eyes
15:01 as they tried to strike me down first.
15:05 All for riches and glory
15:07 and and
15:11 honor. The word came out broken. Nari
15:14 hugged her elbows, lost in memory. It
15:17 was destroying me. I could feel it. I
15:19 couldn't stomach the thought of
15:21 nominating for the Arzavar. Not after
15:23 everything they'd taken from me,
15:27 everything I'd given them. But I also
15:30 knew I wouldn't survive much longer. I
15:33 was strong. I was fast. I was good at
15:37 killing people. But seeing the life
15:40 leave their eyes, it never got easier.
15:41 It never
15:44 does. She inhaled
15:48 deeply. So I fled. I was a capable
15:51 warrior, but I was still young, and my
15:54 name wasn't widely known. So I was
15:56 confident I could disappear without
15:59 notice, saving my family from dishonor.
16:02 And I was right. It took weeks of
16:04 running and looking over my shoulder,
16:07 but no one came after me, and I finally
16:08 made my way back to the village where I
16:12 grew up. But then my
16:15 family, she closed her eyes slowly, her
16:19 voice when she shared, "They couldn't
16:21 abide having what they considered a
16:24 coward for a daughter. They turned their
16:27 backs on me and their abandonment forced
16:30 me into a different kind of
16:33 survival. She paused to collect herself,
16:36 then said, "You know what happened next?
16:38 I found my way to Ursa and snuck onto
16:41 Captain Varys's ship, sailing with him
16:43 to Valenia and eventually ending up in
16:47 the Royal Guard. But those other
16:50 details, everything I just told you, no
16:53 one knows. Not even
16:56 Jiren. Kea's throat was so dry that she
16:59 couldn't speak. But Nari turned and saw
17:01 the question in her eyes, the
17:03 desperation to know why she'd shared
17:05 such a personal
17:09 story. Holding Ka's gaze, Nari said, her
17:11 voice low and full of
17:14 emotion. I know what happened today was
17:17 hard on you. I know you killed that
17:20 woman to save me, and I know it's eating
17:22 at you.
17:25 Kea tensed as the golden warrior flashed
17:28 before her eyes once more. "As mad as I
17:30 am at you for all the lies and the
17:34 betrayals," Nari went on, causing Ka to
17:38 brace, I also know that the only reason
17:41 I'm standing here is because of
17:44 you. Before Aka could say anything, Nari
17:47 pulled her into a rough but heartfelt embrace.
17:49 embrace.
17:53 Thank you, the guard said into her ear.
17:55 She kept her hands on Kea's shoulders
17:57 and drew back enough to meet her eyes
18:00 again, her own amber gaze
18:02 serious. The fact that you're feeling
18:06 guilt is a credit to you. It means
18:11 you're human. It means you're ka. But
18:14 you acted in self-defense and in doing
18:18 so, you saved my life. So instead of
18:21 dwelling on what was lost, try to
18:23 remember that as important as it is to
18:26 mourn the dead, it's just as important
18:28 to celebrate the
18:31 living. Nari gave Ka's shoulders a
18:34 gentle squeeze and whispered, "I will
18:37 grieve for the six warriors we killed,
18:40 but I will not regret what we did
18:42 because if they had succeeded, then we
18:45 would all be dead."
18:47 She gave one final squeeze before releasing
18:48 releasing
18:51 Ka. Those women would be the first to
18:54 applaud the courage you showed today.
18:56 They undertook the arzavar knowing what
19:00 they risked and they died with honor
19:02 just as they would have wanted. They are
19:06 at peace now and forever. So when the
19:10 nightmares come, think about that. And
19:11 if you
19:14 can't. Nari's lips tipped up in the
19:16 slightest of smiles. That expression
19:19 more than anything else telling Kea that
19:22 the guard had forgiven her. Come and
19:26 wake me. I'll battle your demons for
19:30 you. On that profound note, Nari turned
19:32 and left the
19:35 room. Long minutes passed as Kea stared
19:38 at the closed door, mentally replaying
19:39 their conversation.
19:42 Tears welled in her eyes, but she wasn't
19:46 sure if they were from grief or joy. Tip
19:51 had forgiven her, and now Nari, too. Kea
19:53 let that sink deep before wiping her
19:56 face and leaving the window, curling up
20:00 in bed once more. This time, sleep came
20:03 swiftly. So did the nightmares. But
20:05 every time she woke, she remembered
20:08 Nari's words. How those women, including
20:11 the golden warrior, had known the risks
20:14 and were now at peace. Holding on to
20:16 that, Ka soon felt her nightmares
20:19 fading, their power dissolving as
20:21 perspective allowed her to accept what
20:25 had happened and her role in it. Only
20:29 then did she drift off one final time,
20:41 18. The next few days passed in a haze
20:44 of blistering sun and windswept sand as
20:47 their group set out across the desert.
20:49 They stayed close to the coastline to
20:52 take advantage of the ocean breeze, only
20:55 moving inland when the cliffside path
20:58 became too hazardous for the horses.
21:01 Every morning, Ka continued to work with
21:04 Cal, first on her physical strength and
21:08 then on her magic. He was methodical in
21:12 making her relive every single moment of
21:14 the arena battle, showing her a range of
21:17 self-defense moves she could have used
21:19 in a multiple opponent scenario,
21:21 ignoring her claims that she'd never be
21:24 in that situation again, or she hoped
21:27 not. She might have come to terms with
21:29 what had happened thanks to Nari's
21:31 intervention, but the golden warrior
21:34 remained in her thoughts. Kea doubted
21:37 she would ever fully disappear. That was
21:39 the consequence of taking a life, a
21:41 burden to live with
21:44 forever. On the magical side of things,
21:47 Ka was becoming increasingly jealous of
21:49 Ashlin, who was seeing vast improvements
21:52 in her windfunneling. She was now able
21:54 to transport herself to any point she
21:56 could see in the distance, even if she'd
21:59 yet to manage anywhere outside of view.
22:01 But Galdrich was impressed by how
22:04 quickly she was learning. Conversely,
22:06 Kea's attempts to throw her own power
22:08 outward continued to fizzle into
22:11 nothing. Despite how effortless it had
22:13 been for her to heal Nari after the
22:15 Arzavar and to extend that healing to
22:17 Ashlin and Cresta without having to
22:21 touch them, Ka had seen little success
22:24 since then. Her magic was temperamental
22:27 at best and causing her no small amount of
22:28 of
22:31 frustration. On the third day after they
22:33 left Yurin, the pressure finally got to
22:36 her enough that mid-training she threw
22:39 her hands in the air and cried. "It's
22:41 useless. I'm never going to be able to
22:45 do what Zelica does." "That's actually
22:48 the opposite of what we want," Calvin
22:53 said dryly. "Death magic bad,
22:55 remember?" Kea scowlled and kicked at
22:59 the sand. Don't try to be funny when I'm
23:02 upset. Straightfaced, he said. There's
23:05 nothing funny about death magic. That's
23:08 some dark humor you're into,
23:10 sunshine. He then cracked a smile and
23:13 nudged her in the ribs, saying, "Lighten
23:16 up, sweet cheeks. No one expects you to
23:18 learn everything in a
23:22 day." Maybe not, but they clearly wished
23:23 she'd learn faster than her current
23:26 speed. She might as well not have magic
23:28 for all the progress she was making.
23:31 Sighing, Ka stared across the seemingly
23:34 endless sand dunes, the early morning
23:35 sun hinting that the day would be
23:38 another scorcher. They'd found a small
23:40 oasis to camp beside overnight, the
23:43 watering hole narrow but bordered by
23:45 enough shrubbery that they'd each been
23:47 able to wash the sweat and dirt off
23:50 their bodies with a modicum of privacy.
23:53 Kea had felt nearly human for the first
23:55 time in 4 days when she'd awoken that
23:58 morning. But now her growing irritation
24:02 was sabotaging her mood. In a miserable
24:05 voice, she said, "I just don't know how
24:08 to do it. It's so instinctive to release
24:10 my magic when I'm touching someone who's
24:13 hurt, but the rest of the time." She
24:15 shook her head and looked down at the
24:18 sand. Galdrich says, "My mother thought
24:21 I was strong, but I don't feel strong.
24:24 All I feel is
24:28 scared." Gently, Calvin repeated.
24:31 "Scared that I'm going to fail you all,"
24:34 Ka admitted softly. "I know you're all
24:38 relying on me being able to stop Zelica,
24:41 but what if I can't? What if all the
24:43 training in the world won't prepare me
24:46 for her? I'm already struggling so much
24:50 just to summon my magic. So what if
24:51 Close your
24:55 eyes. Kea jolted at Jiren's quiet order
24:57 and spun to see him walking toward her,
25:00 his hair damp and his skin flushed from
25:03 his workout. Nari had been sparring with
25:05 him, but she'd now joined Idrin and
25:07 Cresta in a three-way match, while
25:09 Ashlin, having finished with Galdrich
25:12 for the day, was wrestling with
25:15 Terrell. For the briefest of moments, Ka
25:17 watched her brother, seeing the wide
25:20 grin on his face as Ashlin tackled him,
25:21 the two of them tumbling to the ground
25:25 in a mess of limbs, laughing freely. Kea
25:27 hadn't had a chance to ask him yet, but
25:29 there was definitely a spark between
25:32 them. Even Calvin had noticed, grumbling
25:34 about how his sister always stole the
25:38 good ones. But Kea had a feeling Calvin
25:39 had already turned his affections
25:42 elsewhere to a certain red-headed
25:45 exquarer, even if they spent as much
25:47 time ignoring each other as they did
25:50 flirting. The tension between them was
25:52 growing uncomfortable for the rest of
25:55 the group. But Kea could hardly talk
25:57 given the tension she herself felt
26:00 toward a certain crown prince. the same
26:03 crown prince who was now standing before
26:06 her waiting for her to obey his
26:10 command. "Pardon?" Kea asked, her chest suddenly
26:11 suddenly
26:14 tight. She expected to see impatience,
26:18 even anger, but his gaze was steady as
26:22 he repeated, "Close your eyes, Kea."
26:25 The way he said her name made her feel
26:27 as if gentle fingers were trailing down
26:31 her spine, causing her to shiver. "Close
26:35 my eyes?" she asked somewhat breathily
26:39 and definitely dazed. "He was so close,
26:41 closer than he'd willfully been to her
26:45 in the time since they'd been reunited."
26:46 You said you're struggling to summon
26:49 your power, he stated, apparently having
26:52 heard her outburst to Calvin. That was
26:54 mortifying. And she fought the blush,
26:56 wanting to stain her
26:59 cheeks. You also said, "We're relying on
27:03 you, and you're right, we
27:06 are." Kea winced at hearing confirmation
27:08 from the one person who needed her to
27:12 succeed, perhaps more than anyone else.
27:15 I might not have magic anymore, he said,
27:18 and she quickly looked away, afraid of
27:20 what she would see in his expression,
27:22 even if there continued to be no trace
27:25 of anger in his voice. But I still know
27:29 how it works. So, please close your eyes
27:31 and trust
27:34 me. Kea hardly dared to breathe with him
27:36 so near, especially since he seemed to
27:39 have momentarily set aside his hatred of
27:42 her. She had no trouble trusting him.
27:45 She'd never had trouble trusting him,
27:48 even when she should have. For her, it
27:51 was as easy as breathing. So, she had no
27:53 problem following his quiet
27:56 command. "When you use your magic, what
28:00 do you feel?" Jiren asked, his voice
28:02 soft and close enough that she shivered
28:07 again. "Hot, cold,
28:09 happy, sad?
28:11 What do you
28:14 experience? Kea's stomach flipped in
28:16 response to his proximity, but she kept
28:20 her eyes tightly closed as she answered.
28:25 It's like my blood heats up and I get a
28:27 tingling feeling in my fingers before it
28:32 just sort of erupts out of me. Is it
28:37 uncomfortable? No, never. It feels not
28:42 happy but pure, clean. It feels like.
28:45 She took a moment to consider her words.
28:46 It feels like
28:49 like
28:51 life. And what about when you healed
28:54 Nari and the others in urine? He
28:56 pressed. You said afterward that it had
28:59 come easier to you than ever before.
29:01 That it just
29:04 happened. Go back to that moment. What
29:06 was different about
29:09 it? Kea cast her mind back. There was
29:11 nothing she could recall that might have
29:13 made it less challenging to summon her
29:17 magic aside from Tip had just forgiven
29:21 me. Kea answered quietly, almost
29:23 embarrassingly. The way he was looking
29:26 at me, believing without a doubt that
29:30 I'd be able to heal Nari. I
29:34 I She paused to gather herself.
29:37 I was feeling a lot knowing that he
29:39 accepted what I could do and therefore
29:45 who I was, his confidence in me, his
29:47 love. She had to clear the emotion from
29:49 her voice before she could
29:53 finish. My magic came effortlessly. I
29:55 barely even had to think about
29:58 it. There was a weighty silence that
30:00 lasted long enough for Kea to wonder if
30:03 Jiren had walked away. She was just
30:04 about to crack open her eyelids and
30:07 check when he spoke. His voice still
30:10 quiet, still
30:14 close. Elemental magic is prompted by
30:17 conscious thought, he shared. In the
30:19 same way your brain sends a message to
30:22 your hands or feet if you want to move
30:24 your fingers or wiggle your toes, a
30:26 similar kind of mindful conditioning is
30:29 what creates a magical response.
30:33 Summon a flame. Grow a tree. Make it
30:37 rain. Create a breeze. All it takes is a
30:39 mental command, regardless of whether
30:41 it's deliberate or
30:44 reactive. He paused. But your magic
30:46 sounds as if it acts more on an
30:49 emotional level. Ignoring what happened
30:52 in urine, all the times you've healed
30:55 people in the past. What was your
30:57 dominant feeling?
30:59 Kea thought about healing Tip in
31:02 Zalandov, her brother at Valenia's
31:06 docks, Jiren at the river palace. In all
31:08 three instances, they were mere moments
31:12 from death. The answer came to her easily.
31:14 easily.
31:16 Desperation. A quiet puff of air left
31:19 Jiren, and she wondered if he, too, was
31:22 remembering the night he'd been stabbed.
31:23 He'd been unconscious when she'd healed
31:26 him, so he had no idea how terrified
31:28 she'd been that she wouldn't be able to
31:31 save him. But Calvin had witnessed every
31:34 traumatic second of it and likely shared
31:36 the entire encounter
31:39 afterward. "That makes sense," Jiren
31:43 said after clearing his throat. It's
31:45 also likely why you're having so much
31:47 trouble calling your power when no one's
31:50 in trouble. Because you've become used
31:54 to channeling your magic only in dire
31:58 circumstances. So what does that mean?
32:00 Asked Ken and Ka jumped, having
32:03 forgotten she'd been training with him
32:06 before Jiren had arrived. It means she
32:10 needs to retrain her mind. Jiren said if
32:12 her power is linked to her emotions,
32:14 then she needs to feed it the right
32:17 feelings, ones that aren't driven by
32:22 fear, but by hope and joy. And he
32:24 stopped himself, but Calvin finished for
32:26 him, having heard what Kea had said
32:31 about Tip. Love. She needs to focus on love.
32:33 love.
32:36 Kea was glad her eyes were still closed,
32:38 if only to avoid seeing whatever look
32:40 passed between the two
32:44 princes. "Right," Jarn said, his voice
32:46 rougher than before. But then it
32:48 returned to normal as he addressed Kea
32:51 again. "I want you to think of a memory,
32:54 a good one, something that made you feel
32:56 all the things we just talked about.
32:59 Maybe think about when Tip forgave you.
33:02 Or perhaps a moment from your childhood,
33:04 something that's strong and clear in
33:07 your mind and makes you feel lighter
33:08 just thinking about
33:12 it. A memory filled with love, Calvin
33:15 added, apparently agreeing with his
33:17 cousin's new training technique.
33:20 Kea's mind sped over a thousand
33:22 possibilities with Tip's face coming to
33:26 her, then Terrell's, her father's, even
33:29 Cald's. Each of them was attached to
33:31 more than one memory that made her feel
33:34 light, but she had trouble holding them
33:37 in her thoughts, the images vanishing
33:40 quickly. Only one memory was able to
33:42 stay in the forefront of her mind,
33:44 making her knees weak and her stomach
33:47 flip all over again. the night of the
33:50 masquerade, before everything had gone
33:53 wrong. The night when she and Jiren had first
33:54 first
33:58 kissed. "I know you're scared," he'd
34:00 whispered right before his lips had
34:03 touched hers. "But I promise you don't
34:07 have to be. You're safe with me, Kea.
34:10 You'll always be safe with me."
34:12 Kea hadn't let herself think about that
34:14 part of the night in all the time since
34:17 then, fearing what it might do to her
34:20 poor, grieving heart. But there was no
34:22 denying that it fit everything she was
34:25 being asked to feel. A good memory
34:26 filled with
34:30 love. "Do you have one?" Jiren asked
34:34 softly. "Yes," Ka whispered, hoping her
34:37 cheeks weren't as red as they felt. If
34:40 he had any idea that he was starring in
34:42 her thoughts, he didn't let on and
34:46 instead said, "Good. Now hold your hands
34:49 out like you're cupping water in your
34:53 palms." Kea did so, her arms trembling
34:55 from the emotion now coursing through her.
34:57 her.
35:01 "Keeping that memory," Jarn said, his
35:04 voice now coming from behind her. He was
35:05 close enough that she could feel his
35:08 heat along her back, his breath against her
35:09 her
35:12 ear. Everything you felt at the time,
35:15 keep it central in your thoughts, and
35:19 then use it to dive deep within yourself
35:21 as if tapping a well full of your magic,
35:24 carrying it back up to the surface. It's
35:28 light, not heavy, full of hope, full of
35:30 joy, full
35:33 of of love.
35:36 He stumbled over the word, but Ka barely
35:39 heard him, all too aware of the tingles
35:42 overtaking her body, of the warmth that
35:44 had nothing to do with him standing
35:48 behind her. "Open your eyes,
35:50 sweetheart." The words didn't come from
35:53 Jiren now. They were part of her memory
35:55 from that night when Jiren had uttered
35:58 them so impossibly softly and she'd
36:01 obeyed only to see everything he'd felt
36:03 for her revealed in his
36:07 expression. "Open your eyes, Kea." The
36:10 real Jiren whispered, causing her pulse
36:13 to skip a beat. But this time, when she
36:16 did so, he wasn't waiting before her,
36:18 looking at her with his heart on his
36:22 sleeve. Instead, she glanced down to
36:25 find her hands glowing. A steady, bright
36:28 light sitting between her palms, waiting for
36:29 for
36:31 direction. It was as if something
36:34 clicked within her, then an instinct
36:37 she'd been unaware of, or perhaps
36:39 suppressing. She separated her hands
36:41 until they were stretched out at her
36:44 sides, the glow remaining with them
36:46 both, until she fisted one set of
36:49 fingers to snuff it out. She then tossed
36:51 the remaining ball of light into the
36:54 air, catching it with her free hand
36:56 before making a waving gesture that
36:58 caused an arc of golden light to spread
37:00 outward from where she stood like a
37:04 gilded rainbow stretching 3 ft, 5 ft, 10
37:08 ft long before she called it back into
37:11 herself. Only then did she release her
37:13 hold on her power, the tingles and the
37:16 warmth fading as the glow finally disappeared.
37:18 disappeared.
37:21 For a moment, Ka stood there,
37:24 stunned. But then she heard a whoop
37:26 sound right before Calden lifted her off
37:30 the ground, spinning her in a circle. "I
37:33 knew you could do it," he said, dropping
37:35 her back onto the sand and beaming
37:38 widely. "Now we just have to work on
37:40 building your endurance and refining
37:43 your technique. How do you feel? Tired? Drained?"
37:45 Drained?"
37:48 Kea felt neither, or at least not to the
37:50 level she normally did after using her
37:52 magic. It was as if in not having to
37:56 fight for it, to beg for it, she hadn't
37:58 wasted as much energy as she normally
38:01 would. Her magic wanted to be summoned,
38:04 it wanted to feel the joy that she'd
38:07 just fed it, the love that she'd used to
38:10 coax it out. For the first time since
38:12 she'd learned about having to counter
38:15 her sister's power, Ka felt a stirring
38:17 of hope enough that she couldn't keep
38:19 the grin from her lips when she
38:24 answered, "I feel good. Really, really
38:27 good." Slowly, she turned to see what
38:29 Jiren had to say, longing to see the
38:32 approval on his face, perhaps even a
38:34 smile, something that she missed more
38:36 than anything. But when she looked
38:40 around, all she saw was his strong back
38:41 as he stroed
38:45 away. "Never mind him," Calvin said,
38:47 seeing her face fall and clapping her
38:50 heartily on the shoulder. "We're not
38:53 done training. Summon your magic again.
38:56 And this time, I want you to try for 15
38:59 ft. A straight line, too, like you're
39:02 aiming for a target."
39:03 When she didn't immediately jump to
39:06 action, he tapped his boot on the ground
39:10 and said, "What are you waiting for now,
39:13 sunshine?" And so Kea turned away from
39:15 the sight of Jiren, unshathing his sword
39:18 and returning to his sparring, acting
39:31 That night, Ka sat alone in front of the
39:34 fire, a soft glow emanating not just
39:37 from the flames, but also from the magic
39:40 she held between her palms. She stared
39:42 at it, amazed and knew by what she could
39:45 now do. All day, as they'd ridden
39:47 through the searing desert, Cal had
39:50 remained by her side, making her call
39:52 her power on command, and even send it
39:54 toward their traveling companions,
39:56 easing their riding pains from a
39:59 distance. It had been so easy, so
40:02 natural that Kea had wanted to laugh.
40:04 She'd still needed frequent breaks when
40:06 her energy waned enough to risk tumbling
40:09 off Zephyr<unk>'s back, not that the
40:11 beast would have minded, but she hadn't
40:13 suffered from the allconsuming
40:15 exhaustion her previous life or death
40:18 healings had prompted. Even now, there
40:21 was merely a weariness in her body,
40:23 similar to how she felt after a hard
40:25 physical workout.
40:27 Calvin had said she needed to build
40:30 endurance, and Ka was determined to do
40:33 so, knowing how vital it was for her to
40:35 be in top condition by the time they
40:36 returned to
40:38 Valenia. You're really getting the hang
40:41 of that, Terrell said, coming to sit
40:44 beside her. None of the others were in
40:46 sight, each having jobs to do as part of
40:49 their nightly routine. Kea had been
40:51 allocated dinner duty that evening and
40:53 was carefully monitoring the stew
40:57 boiling on the fire. "I still have a lot
41:00 to learn," she said, banishing her magic
41:02 before summoning it again. It was a
41:04 basic strengthening exercise, one of the
41:08 many Cal taught her that day. "Are the
41:10 others back yet?"
41:12 Like every evening when they made camp,
41:14 two of their companions had ridden out
41:16 to scout the area, making sure there
41:19 were no nasty surprises or unwanted
41:21 company near enough to threaten them
41:25 while they slept. Tonight, Calvin and
41:27 Ashlin had offered to go together,
41:30 making Ka's heart warm for the siblings,
41:31 who were slowly catching up on
41:33 everything they'd missed in the last 3 years.
41:35 years.
41:38 Not yet, Tor answered, feeding some
41:41 twigs into the fire. They'd been
41:43 fortunate enough to find another oasis,
41:46 this one considerably larger than the
41:49 last, and with more foliage, including a
41:51 good amount of desert grass that the
41:54 horses had begun devouring upon arrival.
41:56 Tip and Galdrich were currently checking
41:58 all the mounts and rubbing them down.
42:01 And despite how far away they were, Kea
42:03 could still hear the young boy talking
42:06 non-stop to the ex-rebel leader. She
42:08 couldn't make out the words, but his
42:11 bubbly, happy tone made her sigh with
42:14 contentment. "Everything all right?" To
42:17 asked, hearing the sound and looking at
42:19 her with concern, his emerald eyes and
42:22 dark hair both reflecting the light of
42:24 the fire.
42:27 Better than it's been for a long time,
42:29 Kea answered, thinking about the journey
42:31 her life had taken over the last few
42:35 weeks. A nightmare slowly becoming less
42:38 so. She still had moments of darkness,
42:40 her mind often plagued by memories of
42:43 Zalandov or Navic or the Arena Battle,
42:46 along with fears of what might be
42:48 happening in Valenia with Zelica and
42:51 Mirin. But right now, that all felt distant.
42:53 distant.
42:54 carefully to
42:58 hedged. Things seemed to go well with
42:59 Jiren this
43:02 morning. It was a leading statement, and
43:04 Ka looked around quickly, aware that
43:06 Jiren had gone to refill their water
43:10 skins and could return at any moment. "I
43:12 don't want to get my hopes up," she said
43:16 quietly. "But he seems to not hate me as
43:20 much. Maybe. I'm unsure."
43:24 Have you talked to him? Kea tossed her
43:26 magic slowly from palm to
43:32 palm. Talked to him? To's lips twitched.
43:35 Yeah, mouse. You know that thing where
43:38 your mouth moves and words come
43:41 out. Kea pulled a face causing him to
43:44 chuckle. Seriously? He said, it's been
43:48 what, 12 days since you were reunited?
43:52 13? Kea mumbled. And you still haven't
43:54 tried to explain everything that
43:56 happened. Even I've spoken with him,
44:00 sharing my side of things. Kea's eyes
44:04 widened. You have? I doubt we'll ever be
44:07 best friends, to said Riley. But I'm not
44:09 worried about him stabbing me in my
44:11 sleep anymore. We've even been training
44:13 together. Haven't you
44:16 noticed? He didn't wait for her answer
44:19 before he added. Don't get me wrong, it
44:21 was one of the most uncomfortable
44:24 conversations of my life. Owning up to
44:27 your mistakes is never easy. It's not
44:31 meant to be easy, but it's always worth
44:34 it. I understand why you're hesitant,
44:37 but well, he
44:41 frowned. Actually, no, I don't. Why
44:44 haven't you talked with him yet?
44:47 Kea rolled the tension from her neck,
44:49 shocked that she'd been oblivious to to
44:52 working on his relationship with Jiren.
44:56 But even so, their situations were
45:00 different. To wasn't in love with Jiren,
45:04 and he hadn't betrayed him. "It's
45:07 complicated," Ka finally said. Terrell
45:10 snorted. That's an understatement, but
45:12 it's never going to become uncomplicated
45:14 if you keep being afraid of confronting
45:16 him. I'm not
45:19 afraid. The lie was so obvious that
45:23 Terrell burst out laughing. No, you're
45:27 terrified, he said around his mirth. He
45:28 nudged her shoulder before gently
45:31 asking. "What's the worst that could
45:34 happen? He'll hate you even more."
45:37 Kea bit her lip and glanced toward where
45:39 Jiren had disappeared earlier, striding
45:41 through the fading twilight down to the
45:45 watering hole. For one mad second, she
45:48 considered going after him. But then her
45:51 courage fled, and she swiftly turned the
45:54 interrogation around on her brother.
45:56 Forget about Jiren. What's going on with
45:57 you and
46:00 Ashlin? Terrell started. What do you
46:04 mean? This time it was Ka who snorted.
46:07 Don't play dumb. Even Calden has
46:11 noticed. As an aside, she added, he's
46:14 quite put out, you know. Tor's forehead
46:17 bunched. I didn't realize he was so
46:20 protective of her. Kea rolled her eyes.
46:23 I think he's more upset that she's
46:25 managed to steal your attention rather than
46:26 than
46:28 him. Rather
46:31 than Terrell blinked.
46:35 Oh. He scratched his jaw, embarrassed. I
46:37 always wondered why I kept turning
46:39 around to find him staring longingly at
46:41 me. I was beginning to think I was
46:46 imagining it. Kea choked. You You didn't
46:50 know? She chroled. But he's so
46:53 obvious. Terrell fed more sticks into
46:56 the fire, his cheeks flushing. I thought
47:01 he and Cresta. He wishes," Cresa said,
47:04 appearing out of nowhere and making Ka
47:07 jump. She sat opposite them and
47:10 unshathed her sword gifted by Edin along
47:13 with a wet stone and began sharpening the
47:13 the
47:16 blade. Despite the glimmer of humor in
47:19 Crusta's features, Ka also noticed the
47:22 anticipation there. She shook her head,
47:24 failing to understand the cat and mouse
47:27 game her two friends were playing.
47:29 She still hadn't figured out who was the
47:32 cat and who was the
47:35 mouse. Turning back to her brother, Kea
47:38 said, "If you'd realized about Calvin
47:41 sooner, would you have returned his
47:43 affections?" She stumbled over the
47:45 words, feeling strange having this
47:48 conversation after so many years apart.
47:53 "And what about Rinda? I assumed you two
47:57 were, you know." She trailed off, uncomfortable
47:58 uncomfortable
48:03 now. An amused sound left Terrell. Russ
48:08 and me? No, definitely no. She's like a
48:11 sister. He shuddered comically. I mean,
48:14 I love her and I'd do anything for her,
48:17 and I know that's reciprocated, but
48:20 there is nothing romantic there. And
48:23 besides, he added, she doesn't feel that
48:26 way about men or women. She loves
48:28 fiercely, and the people she cares about
48:31 mean everything to her, but she's the
48:33 first to say she'd rather have choa buns
48:35 warm her bed than another
48:39 person. He smiled in memory. That's a
48:42 direct quote straight from her lips.
48:45 Kea was amazed by how wrong she'd been
48:47 about the two of them, though she
48:49 couldn't fault Russ for her taste in
48:54 pastries. "And Calvin"? Kea pressed.
48:56 This time, Terrell took longer to
48:58 respond, peering thoughtfully into the
49:02 fire before he said, "I'll admit I'm
49:06 flattered. Cal is well, he's obviously
49:08 nice to look at, and once you get past
49:10 the arrogance, I can see why you care so
49:12 much about him.
49:14 But there's no spark there. At least not
49:17 for me. Attraction has to be more than skin
49:18 skin
49:22 deep. Kea mauled over his response,
49:24 unsurprised given what she'd seen of their
49:24 their
49:28 interactions. So, back to my question about
49:29 about
49:32 Ashlin. Terrell's gaze became unfocused,
49:35 a rare goofy smile touching his
49:38 lips. She's
49:42 special. Ugh. Gag, Cresa muttered,
49:45 pressing harder on her wet stone as if
49:47 hoping the sound would drown out what
49:48 she was
49:51 hearing. No one asked you to join us.
49:54 Kea told her, I'm here for the food,
49:57 Cresta said. I didn't think I'd have to
50:01 endure whatever this is. You're just
50:03 jealous that Tor's not afraid to admit
50:07 to his feelings, Kea said. Unlike
50:09 whatever the hell you and Calvin are
50:12 doing. There's no fun in that. Cresa
50:15 returned, grinning. To's choice leads to
50:19 long sunset walks and chased cheek
50:22 kisses. Mine leads to pentup frustration
50:27 and hot steamy. Gods do not finish that
50:30 sentence. Ashlin groaned, appearing out
50:33 of the darkness with Calvin at her side.
50:35 He was chuckling and sent a wink toward
50:38 Cresta, which she dutifully ignored,
50:40 continuing to play their
50:43 game. Terrell had stiffened beside Ka,
50:45 clearly anxious about how much the
50:47 Valente siblings had heard. But when
50:49 Ashlin sat next to him and asked about
50:51 one of the rebel attacks he'd secretly
50:54 sabotaged, he relaxed again, answering
50:57 her questions without
51:00 hesitation. Kea marveled at them. two
51:02 generals from opposing bloodlines who
51:04 had managed to set aside their
51:05 differences and develop feelings for
51:08 each other. Because it wasn't just
51:11 Terrell who was emotionally invested.
51:13 The way Ashlin was looking at him made
51:16 it seem like he was the only person in
51:20 the world, or at least in her
51:24 world. I hate them, Calvin muttered as
51:27 he dropped down on Ka's free side. She
51:30 didn't even try to hide her smile. You do
51:31 do
51:37 not. He sighed. Fine, I don't. But do
51:40 they have to be so mushy about
51:43 it? There's a good 10 in of space
51:46 between them, Kea said dryly, leaning
51:49 forward to check the stew. And they're
51:51 discussing fighting strategies. I'd
51:54 hardly consider that mushy.
51:58 You forget my sister has wind magic.
52:01 Calvin retorted. All it would take is a
52:04 flick of her hand and whoosh, off come
52:06 his clothes. You think I want to witness
52:10 that? No, thank you. He cockked his head
52:15 and amended. Well, actually, I do, but
52:20 only if we can hear you, [ __ ] Ashlin
52:23 said, turning to scowl at him. Cresta
52:26 choked on a laugh, and Kea was tempted
52:28 to join her, if not for the unpleasant
52:31 image Calvin had just inserted into her
52:34 mind. "Please don't say something like
52:39 that to me again," Ka begged. "Or to
52:42 anyone," Ashlin stated, still frowning
52:45 at him. Her face then cleared, a
52:47 mischievous look coming over her as she
52:52 added. But since you're so curious, my
52:55 magic doesn't quite work like that.
52:56 Clothes are tricky with all those
53:00 buckles and belts. I much prefer to use
53:04 my hands so I can touch.
53:07 La, Calvin interrupted, plugging his
53:11 ears immaturely. Not thinking about my
53:14 sister and what in the ever world is
53:16 going on over here? Nari asked, joining
53:20 them with Edin following close behind.
53:22 With a devilish grin toward Calvin,
53:25 Cresta said, "We were just discussing
53:29 the preferred method of using magic."
53:32 Calvin interrupted firmly, but now Kea
53:33 is going to tell us if the food is
53:37 ready, and we're going to eat in
53:40 silence. Kea patted his knee, biting
53:42 back a laugh at his uncharacteristic
53:46 show of discomfort. The stew's done, she
53:49 confirmed, standing. I'll go tell the
53:52 others. As she walked away, she could
53:54 have sworn she heard Calvin pleading,
53:56 "Don't leave me with these
53:59 repbates." Which only made her snicker
54:00 into the
54:02 darkness. Carefully, she picked her way
54:05 through the shrubs and date palms toward
54:06 where they'd set up the temporary pen
54:08 for the horses.
54:11 Halfway there, she summoned her magic,
54:13 delighted to discover that the glow
54:16 illuminated her path enough to avoid
54:19 tripping. Soon, however, it wasn't
54:21 needed, since Tip and Galdrich were
54:24 using handheld luminium lanterns as they
54:26 saw to Ashland's and Cald's newly returned
54:27 returned
54:30 mounts. Spirit was already settled and
54:32 happily munching on toughs of grass,
54:34 while Cald's mayor, Fury, was
54:36 impatiently waiting for Galdrich to
54:39 complete her rubown.
54:42 Looking toward Tip, Ka saw that he just
54:44 finished cleaning their gear and was
54:46 sorting everything into neat, efficient
54:49 piles. Pride welled in her as she
54:51 watched him meticulously check
54:53 everything over before giving a nod of
54:56 satisfaction. Only then did he turn and
54:59 see her, his face brightening
55:03 instantly. Kea, he greeted her with a
55:06 gap tod smile. You were right about
55:10 that, Pus. Whistlefoot swelling is
55:13 almost completely
55:16 gone. She returned his smile, not
55:18 sharing that she'd had no idea if a
55:21 treatment intended for humans would work
55:24 on his beloved pony, but pleased for him
55:28 nonetheless. "Dinner's ready," she said.
55:31 "I added extra callus bulbs just for
55:34 you. No one else could stand the chalky
55:37 tasting desert tuber, but Tip was a
55:39 growing boy with a stomach that would
55:42 find dirt palatable as long as it filled
55:45 him up. His grin widened, and he bounced
55:47 over to give her a quick hug before
55:48 skipping off in the direction of the
55:52 fire, calling over his shoulder, "I hope
55:55 they left me me some."
55:58 Kea was willing to bet that every single
56:00 bulb would be waiting at the bottom of
56:02 the pot for him, untouched by the
56:05 others. She chuckled and shook her head
56:07 before looking toward the palms leading
56:09 down to the watering hole, debating
56:12 whether she should go and find Jiren or
56:15 let him return on his own. She still
56:17 hadn't decided when Galdrich cleared his
56:19 throat, drawing her
56:23 eyes. "We haven't had much of a chance
56:26 to talk," he said. shifting from foot to
56:29 foot. Fury stomped with agitation,
56:31 picking up on his nerves, and he ran a
56:35 soothing hand along her back. Before Kea
56:37 could ask what Galdrich wanted to
56:39 discuss, a puff of air on her neck had
56:42 her whipping around to find Zephr had
56:44 snuck up behind her. She eyed him
56:47 wearily, but instead of trying to bite
56:50 her, he only nudged her with his muzzle.
56:53 Huh?" she declared quietly, stroking his
56:57 silky gray cheek. "I knew I'd grow on
57:00 you." "That one's a menace to groom,"
57:03 Galdrich stated. "I don't think he likes
57:07 anyone. He's just picky," Kea said,
57:09 moving her hand quickly when Zephyr had
57:11 enough of her affection and attempted to
57:14 nip her. Clearly, there was still room
57:17 for improvement in their relationship.
57:19 But as Cal had once told her, small
57:21 steps were still
57:24 steps. Bored of her now, Zephr ambled
57:28 away, leaving Kea's full attention on
57:32 Galdrich. "I know it's not my place," he
57:35 said. "And I don't even know if you want
57:39 to hear it, but your mother," he broke
57:43 off, tugging on his beard. She
57:45 was your mother
57:49 was He tried again, his voice
57:54 thick. Tilda was very dear to me. We
57:56 grew close after your father
57:59 passed. Panicked, he said, "Not like
58:02 that. She loved Faren too much to give
58:07 her heart to anyone else. But I he kept
58:10 his gaze firmly on fury as he
58:13 admitted. I couldn't help developing
58:16 those feelings for her, even knowing
58:18 she'd never reciprocate
58:22 them. Kea stood there awkwardly, unsure
58:26 what to say. Since knowing Galdrich, the
58:29 mother she thought she'd had, then lost,
58:32 then realized she'd never known at all,
58:34 had returned to being someone she
58:37 remembered from her childhood. And yet,
58:39 she still felt distance whenever she
58:41 thought of Tilda. Not just from the
58:43 years they'd been apart, but from all
58:46 the lies and half-truths and the choices
58:49 her mother had made. Choices that had
58:53 left Ka alone in Zaland for a decade.
58:55 Did she ever tell you why she didn't
58:58 come and get me? Kea asked, having
58:59 recently learned that she could have
59:02 been freed any time before her 12th
59:05 birthday. Zelica had offered a flimsy
59:07 excuse about how Ka's magic could have
59:10 endangered the rebel movement, but Kea
59:12 knew there had to be more to it than
59:15 that since both Tilda and Zelica had
59:19 been using their power that whole time.
59:22 "Ah," Galdrich said, fidgeting.
59:26 I'm afraid that might have been my
59:29 fault. Kea narrowed her eyes at the
59:30 guilt on his
59:34 face. You see, he said, "I
59:36 "I
59:39 Well, I'm sorry. There's no easy way to
59:43 say this, but I told Tilda that the law
59:45 allowing the release of minors didn't
59:47 apply to those accused of being rebel
59:51 sympathizers. She trusted me and I took
59:53 advantage of
59:56 that. Seeing Kea's stricken look, he
59:58 quickly added, "I thought I was
60:01 protecting her. Faren was still alive then, and if she'd gone to claim you,
60:04 then, and if she'd gone to claim you, she never would have left knowing he was
60:07 she never would have left knowing he was still imprisoned, she would have ended
60:09 still imprisoned, she would have ended up locked in there with him. But when
60:12 up locked in there with him. But when news of his death came a year later, I
60:15 news of his death came a year later, I was too ashamed to admit that I'd lied.
60:18 was too ashamed to admit that I'd lied. I'd already fallen in love with her, and
60:20 I'd already fallen in love with her, and I was so afraid that
60:23 I was so afraid that she'd his voice broke, his remorseful
60:26 she'd his voice broke, his remorseful gaze meeting Kas. I'm so sorry. I won't
60:31 gaze meeting Kas. I'm so sorry. I won't ask you to forgive me, but I'd hate if
60:34 ask you to forgive me, but I'd hate if you went on thinking your mother to be
60:37 you went on thinking your mother to be the villain when all she ever wanted was
60:40 the villain when all she ever wanted was to love you, to protect you, to be with
60:43 to love you, to protect you, to be with you. and she would have if not for
60:47 you. and she would have if not for me. Kea was having trouble breathing.
60:51 me. Kea was having trouble breathing. Somehow she managed to say, "But Zelica
60:55 Somehow she managed to say, "But Zelica knew." She said mother thought it was
60:58 knew." She said mother thought it was best if I stayed in. Zelica overheard me
61:02 best if I stayed in. Zelica overheard me speaking to one of the other rebel
61:04 speaking to one of the other rebel leaders about it, telling them my plans
61:06 leaders about it, telling them my plans to keep Tilda safe. Galdrich explained.
61:10 to keep Tilda safe. Galdrich explained. If anything, he only looked more
61:12 If anything, he only looked more ashamed. She was so terrified of losing
61:15 ashamed. She was so terrified of losing your mother that she readily agreed to
61:18 your mother that she readily agreed to stay
61:19 stay quiet. Kea had been seven when she'd
61:22 quiet. Kea had been seven when she'd been sent to Zalandov. Zelica had been
61:24 been sent to Zalandov. Zelica had been 11. They'd never been as close as Ka had
61:27 11. They'd never been as close as Ka had felt toward Terrell, even toward her
61:30 felt toward Terrell, even toward her younger brother Karen. But still, for
61:33 younger brother Karen. But still, for Zelica to have cared so little about Ka
61:36 Zelica to have cared so little about Ka that she'd hidden how easy it would have
61:38 that she'd hidden how easy it would have been to free her, even and especially
61:42 been to free her, even and especially after their father had passed, made Ka
61:45 after their father had passed, made Ka feel as if something very heavy was
61:47 feel as if something very heavy was sitting on her
61:48 sitting on her chest. "I'm sorry," Galdrich said again,
61:53 chest. "I'm sorry," Galdrich said again, whispering now. "I debated, not telling
61:56 whispering now. "I debated, not telling you. I've been fighting with myself
61:59 you. I've been fighting with myself about it since long before we met. But I
62:03 about it since long before we met. But I think if I were you, I'd want to know.
62:07 think if I were you, I'd want to know. And I can't in good conscience let you
62:10 And I can't in good conscience let you believe your mother abandoned you. She
62:13 believe your mother abandoned you. She loved you so very much. And she asked
62:17 loved you so very much. And she asked many times if we could stage a rescue,
62:20 many times if we could stage a rescue, but I always told her it was too
62:23 but I always told her it was too dangerous. and every time I saw her
62:26 dangerous. and every time I saw her heart break a little more until the day
62:29 heart break a little more until the day I could no longer say no. That's when
62:32 I could no longer say no. That's when you went with her to Navic. Kea realized
62:36 you went with her to Navic. Kea realized her voice.
62:38 her voice. Yes, but by then she was so sick that
62:43 Yes, but by then she was so sick that Galdrich stopped himself, then quietly
62:47 Galdrich stopped himself, then quietly said, "I knew our chances were slim, but
62:51 said, "I knew our chances were slim, but I'd hoped she would at least get to see
62:53 I'd hoped she would at least get to see you before." "She was blind when she
62:57 you before." "She was blind when she arrived at Zalandov," Kea said, feeling
62:59 arrived at Zalandov," Kea said, feeling numb now. "Did you know that?" "She
63:03 numb now. "Did you know that?" "She didn't get to see me, not once. And she
63:06 didn't get to see me, not once. And she was so delirious with fever. I don't
63:08 was so delirious with fever. I don't think she even knew who I was most of
63:09 think she even knew who I was most of the
63:10 the time. A pained moan left
63:13 time. A pained moan left Galdrich. We waited too long. I should
63:17 Galdrich. We waited too long. I should have helped her sooner. I should have
63:20 have helped her sooner. I should have listened. Instead, it was Zelica's
63:23 listened. Instead, it was Zelica's downward spiral that finally made me
63:25 downward spiral that finally made me agree that something needed to be done,
63:28 agree that something needed to be done, that we needed you. His voice was full
63:32 that we needed you. His voice was full of regret as he whispered, "I'm so
63:37 of regret as he whispered, "I'm so sorry." Kea held his gaze, a silent war
63:41 sorry." Kea held his gaze, a silent war raging within her, hearing that her
63:44 raging within her, hearing that her mother had been lied to. She didn't know
63:46 mother had been lied to. She didn't know how to process that, or the heartache
63:49 how to process that, or the heartache that came with knowing Tilda had never
63:50 that came with knowing Tilda had never truly abandoned her, not willfully, at
63:53 truly abandoned her, not willfully, at least. In the same way that Terrell
63:56 least. In the same way that Terrell hadn't known he could free Ka, Tilda had
63:59 hadn't known he could free Ka, Tilda had been equally ignorant because of
64:02 been equally ignorant because of Galdrich and
64:04 Galdrich and Zelica. Perhaps it was too forgiving of
64:07 Zelica. Perhaps it was too forgiving of Kea, but she could understand Galdrich's
64:10 Kea, but she could understand Galdrich's motivations. He hadn't known her
64:12 motivations. He hadn't known her personally back then, and he'd wanted to
64:15 personally back then, and he'd wanted to protect the woman he'd
64:16 protect the woman he'd loved. While there was surely more he
64:19 loved. While there was surely more he wasn't admitting to, like his desire to
64:22 wasn't admitting to, like his desire to keep Tilda out of prison so she could
64:24 keep Tilda out of prison so she could continue spearheading the rebel
64:25 continue spearheading the rebel campaign, for the most part, his reasons
64:28 campaign, for the most part, his reasons had been pure, even if they'd led to
64:31 had been pure, even if they'd led to Ka's
64:32 Ka's misfortune. But
64:34 misfortune. But Zelica, she was Ka's sister. Even if
64:38 Zelica, she was Ka's sister. Even if she'd been worried about their mother,
64:40 she'd been worried about their mother, she still should have cared enough about
64:41 she still should have cared enough about Ka to want her free.
64:45 Ka to want her free. Unless when did Zelica realize she had
64:48 Unless when did Zelica realize she had magic? Kea asked. Galdrich hesitated
64:52 magic? Kea asked. Galdrich hesitated before
64:53 before answering. Soon after your family joined
64:56 answering. Soon after your family joined us, but she kept it hidden, only telling
65:00 us, but she kept it hidden, only telling Tilda, who of course told
65:02 Tilda, who of course told me. And when did she start using death
65:06 me. And when did she start using death magic? This time Galdri<unk>'s
65:09 magic? This time Galdri<unk>'s hesitation was longer.
65:12 hesitation was longer. I can't know for sure, but I think she
65:16 I can't know for sure, but I think she understood what she could do almost
65:18 understood what she could do almost straight
65:19 straight away. She only trained her healing magic
65:22 away. She only trained her healing magic with your mother, though, which is why
65:25 with your mother, though, which is why she hasn't yet succumbed to the blood
65:27 she hasn't yet succumbed to the blood illness like Tilda did. That and because
65:31 illness like Tilda did. That and because she's not repressing it like Tilda was.
65:35 she's not repressing it like Tilda was. Plus, she's younger, so her body is able
65:38 Plus, she's younger, so her body is able to restore itself faster. It took a few
65:42 to restore itself faster. It took a few years before she began to actively use
65:45 years before she began to actively use her death magic, and that's when your
65:48 her death magic, and that's when your mother chose to cover for
65:50 mother chose to cover for her. Ka looked out into the now fully
65:53 her. Ka looked out into the now fully dark oasis, the moonlight, kissing the
65:56 dark oasis, the moonlight, kissing the leaves of the date palms and shading
65:58 leaves of the date palms and shading them silver.
66:00 them silver. So if Zelica knew what she could do and
66:04 So if Zelica knew what she could do and what I could do, then she could probably
66:07 what I could do, then she could probably have guessed what my power might do
66:09 have guessed what my power might do against
66:11 against hers. She was young, Galdrich said
66:15 hers. She was young, Galdrich said softly. But if I had to speculate, then
66:19 softly. But if I had to speculate, then yes, I assume that may have given her
66:22 yes, I assume that may have given her another reason for wanting to keep you
66:24 another reason for wanting to keep you away. That end. And
66:29 away. That end. And what? Galdrich
66:31 what? Galdrich sighed. Celica has always struggled with
66:34 sighed. Celica has always struggled with jealousy. I saw it time and again in the
66:37 jealousy. I saw it time and again in the rebel camps, especially when your
66:39 rebel camps, especially when your brother grew into himself and began to
66:41 brother grew into himself and began to excel in his training. She never liked
66:44 excel in his training. She never liked when someone else received more
66:46 when someone else received more attention or praise than she did. And I
66:50 attention or praise than she did. And I think because of that, she considered
66:53 think because of that, she considered you a threat for your mother's
66:55 you a threat for your mother's affections. Tilda was always saying how
66:58 affections. Tilda was always saying how powerful you were, even before you'd had
67:00 powerful you were, even before you'd had a chance to properly use your magic. I
67:04 a chance to properly use your magic. I think Zelica feared that if you were
67:07 think Zelica feared that if you were released from Zelandov, she might be
67:09 released from Zelandov, she might be pushed to the
67:11 pushed to the side. That heavy feeling on Kea's chest
67:14 side. That heavy feeling on Kea's chest was still there, now worse than before.
67:18 was still there, now worse than before. She looked into the darkness once more,
67:20 She looked into the darkness once more, automatically turning in the direction
67:22 automatically turning in the direction of the watering hole. She would have
67:24 of the watering hole. She would have given anything to talk to Jiren about
67:26 given anything to talk to Jiren about what Galdrich had just shared, knowing
67:29 what Galdrich had just shared, knowing that once upon a time he would have held
67:32 that once upon a time he would have held her until the pain eased. She missed
67:35 her until the pain eased. She missed that. She missed
67:38 that. She missed him. Maybe Terrell was right. Maybe it
67:42 him. Maybe Terrell was right. Maybe it was time she talked to Jiren. Tip had
67:45 was time she talked to Jiren. Tip had forgiven her, as had Nari, and Calden
67:49 forgiven her, as had Nari, and Calden hadn't maintained his anger long enough
67:51 hadn't maintained his anger long enough to need to forgive her. After nearly two
67:55 to need to forgive her. After nearly two weeks of being back together, of Jiren
67:57 weeks of being back together, of Jiren witnessing her heal Nari twice, and
68:00 witnessing her heal Nari twice, and watching her battle alongside their
68:02 watching her battle alongside their friends in the arena, all for a ring
68:05 friends in the arena, all for a ring that would return his magic and prevent
68:07 that would return his magic and prevent the loss of his kingdom, surely he would
68:10 the loss of his kingdom, surely he would be willing to hear her out.
68:12 be willing to hear her out. Kea wasn't confident, but she felt hope
68:15 Kea wasn't confident, but she felt hope flutter in her heart, especially when
68:18 flutter in her heart, especially when she remembered how he'd helped her that
68:20 she remembered how he'd helped her that morning, how he'd been within touching
68:22 morning, how he'd been within touching distance of her by choice. She knew
68:26 distance of her by choice. She knew better than to expect his comfort for
68:27 better than to expect his comfort for what she'd just learned. But maybe they
68:30 what she'd just learned. But maybe they could start working to get back to that
68:32 could start working to get back to that place, if only she could find the
68:34 place, if only she could find the courage to face him and begin mending
68:37 courage to face him and begin mending what was between them. Small steps are
68:41 what was between them. Small steps are still
68:43 still steps. Calon's wisdom came to her again,
68:46 steps. Calon's wisdom came to her again, solidifying her
68:48 solidifying her decision. "Thank you for telling me all
68:50 decision. "Thank you for telling me all of that," Kea said to Galdrich, wanting
68:53 of that," Kea said to Galdrich, wanting to seek out Jiren before she lost her
68:55 to seek out Jiren before she lost her nerve. "And thank you for caring about
68:59 nerve. "And thank you for caring about my mother and trying to protect her. I
69:02 my mother and trying to protect her. I don't agree with your actions, but I can
69:05 don't agree with your actions, but I can appreciate that you were in a difficult
69:07 appreciate that you were in a difficult position, and you did what you thought
69:09 position, and you did what you thought was
69:10 was best. Galdrich seemed stunned by her
69:13 best. Galdrich seemed stunned by her acceptance, his hand frozen on Fury's
69:16 acceptance, his hand frozen on Fury's back. If you'll excuse me, Kea went on.
69:20 back. If you'll excuse me, Kea went on. There's something I need to do. She
69:24 There's something I need to do. She turned and headed toward the water hole,
69:26 turned and headed toward the water hole, her heart pounding as she navigated the
69:28 her heart pounding as she navigated the desert shrubbery until she saw a glimpse
69:31 desert shrubbery until she saw a glimpse of the surface rippling beneath the
69:33 of the surface rippling beneath the moonlight. "I can do this," she told
69:36 moonlight. "I can do this," she told herself, even if she was shaking on the
69:38 herself, even if she was shaking on the inside. This was Jiren. She knew him. He
69:43 inside. This was Jiren. She knew him. He would listen to her. He had
69:46 would listen to her. He had to. But when Kea finally reached the
69:49 to. But when Kea finally reached the shore, he was nowhere in sight. The
69:53 shore, he was nowhere in sight. The courage bled out of her as she realized
69:55 courage bled out of her as she realized he must have already returned to the
69:57 he must have already returned to the fire. For a minute, she considered
70:00 fire. For a minute, she considered pulling him away for a private talk, but
70:03 pulling him away for a private talk, but that would only result in unwanted
70:05 that would only result in unwanted attention from everyone. No, Ka would
70:09 attention from everyone. No, Ka would have to wait for another
70:11 have to wait for another opportunity. Tomorrow, she would find a
70:14 opportunity. Tomorrow, she would find a chance to talk to him tomorrow.
70:18 chance to talk to him tomorrow. Nodding to herself, she stared at the
70:20 Nodding to herself, she stared at the water, allowing it to calm the
70:22 water, allowing it to calm the turbulence she felt after her
70:24 turbulence she felt after her conversation with
70:26 conversation with Galdrich. Only when she was at peace
70:28 Galdrich. Only when she was at peace again, did she rejoin her friends,
70:31 again, did she rejoin her friends, accepting the stew Tip had saved for
70:33 accepting the stew Tip had saved for her, and doing everything she could to
70:35 her, and doing everything she could to not look at Jiren for the rest of the
70:37 not look at Jiren for the rest of the night, lest he see the longing on her
70:40 night, lest he see the longing on her face.
70:46 Chapter 20. When Kea woke the next morning, she
70:50 20. When Kea woke the next morning, she was determined to follow through with
70:52 was determined to follow through with her plan to speak to Jiren. But since
70:54 her plan to speak to Jiren. But since he'd made an art out of avoiding her,
70:57 he'd made an art out of avoiding her, the only time she saw him were when he
70:59 the only time she saw him were when he was with other people.
71:02 was with other people. For the entirety of her training session
71:04 For the entirety of her training session with Cal, she kept one eye on where
71:07 with Cal, she kept one eye on where Jiren sparred with Nari in the large
71:09 Jiren sparred with Nari in the large clear space at the outer edge of the
71:11 clear space at the outer edge of the oasis. Partly because it was impossible
71:14 oasis. Partly because it was impossible not to appreciate the way his body
71:16 not to appreciate the way his body moved, how his muscles bunched and
71:18 moved, how his muscles bunched and shifted with a fluidity that was
71:21 shifted with a fluidity that was downright
71:22 downright criminal. But she also watched so she
71:25 criminal. But she also watched so she could see when he finished, wanting to
71:27 could see when he finished, wanting to catch him alone before they departed for
71:29 catch him alone before they departed for the next leg of their journey.
71:32 the next leg of their journey. Daydreaming
71:34 Daydreaming much? Calvin's voice pulled Ka's gaze
71:37 much? Calvin's voice pulled Ka's gaze back to find him smirking at her,
71:39 back to find him smirking at her, prompting Heat to touch her cheeks. "I
71:43 prompting Heat to touch her cheeks. "I get it," he said, jutting a thumb out
71:46 get it," he said, jutting a thumb out toward his sweats cousin. "Trust me, I
71:50 toward his sweats cousin. "Trust me, I do." His own eyes darted to where
71:53 do." His own eyes darted to where Terrell was sparring with Ashlin before
71:55 Terrell was sparring with Ashlin before they settled on Cresta, who was paired
71:58 they settled on Cresta, who was paired with Edin. They lingered on the redhead
72:01 with Edin. They lingered on the redhead before he shook away his dazed
72:02 before he shook away his dazed expression and frowned at Kea. But do it
72:06 expression and frowned at Kea. But do it on your own time. She nodded guilty,
72:10 on your own time. She nodded guilty, knowing she needed to concentrate.
72:12 knowing she needed to concentrate. They'd already finished her physical
72:14 They'd already finished her physical training, which had included running
72:16 training, which had included running laps around the oasis, leaving her a
72:18 laps around the oasis, leaving her a sweating, panting mess, and now they
72:21 sweating, panting mess, and now they were working on her magic.
72:24 were working on her magic. She'd secretly hoped Jiren might join
72:26 She'd secretly hoped Jiren might join them again, had even considered acting
72:28 them again, had even considered acting as if she was still having trouble
72:30 as if she was still having trouble summoning her power. But she didn't want
72:33 summoning her power. But she didn't want to manipulate his attention. That plus,
72:36 to manipulate his attention. That plus, she really was finding her magic to be
72:38 she really was finding her magic to be so much easier now that she was feeding
72:41 so much easier now that she was feeding it through positive emotions and
72:42 it through positive emotions and memories, and she knew they needed to
72:45 memories, and she knew they needed to continue moving her training along,
72:47 continue moving her training along, which wouldn't happen if she faked
72:49 which wouldn't happen if she faked having more difficulties.
72:52 having more difficulties. I was thinking last night about Zelica's
72:54 I was thinking last night about Zelica's magic, Calvin said. How she shot those
72:58 magic, Calvin said. How she shot those shadows toward us in the river room. Do
73:00 shadows toward us in the river room. Do you
73:01 you remember? Kea sent him a dead pan look.
73:05 remember? Kea sent him a dead pan look. No, why would I remember that? Calvin
73:09 No, why would I remember that? Calvin snickered. God, you're so grumpy in the
73:12 snickered. God, you're so grumpy in the morning. He then sobered and said, "Next
73:15 morning. He then sobered and said, "Next time you face her, we need to make sure
73:18 time you face her, we need to make sure you can avoid her magic striking you at
73:21 you can avoid her magic striking you at all since there's no way to know what
73:23 all since there's no way to know what command she'll have behind it. She might
73:26 command she'll have behind it. She might just repeat that instant paralysis she
73:29 just repeat that instant paralysis she struck us with. But she could also do
73:31 struck us with. But she could also do something more sinister, like stop your
73:34 something more sinister, like stop your heart or create a brain bleed. Since you
73:37 heart or create a brain bleed. Since you can't heal yourself, you'll be dead in
73:39 can't heal yourself, you'll be dead in seconds."
73:41 seconds." A sick feeling twisted Ka's stomach.
73:44 A sick feeling twisted Ka's stomach. Would Zelica really do something like
73:46 Would Zelica really do something like that to her own
73:48 that to her own sister? But then she thought about how
73:51 sister? But then she thought about how Zelica had stabbed Terrell and how she'd
73:54 Zelica had stabbed Terrell and how she'd murdered Nana Delora. There really was
73:57 murdered Nana Delora. There really was no telling what extreme she might go to,
74:00 no telling what extreme she might go to, especially if she felt threatened.
74:03 especially if she felt threatened. So along with focusing on your magical
74:06 So along with focusing on your magical strength and endurance, Calvin went on,
74:09 strength and endurance, Calvin went on, I think we also need to work on your
74:11 I think we also need to work on your reaction
74:12 reaction speed. Kea was unsure if she liked the
74:15 speed. Kea was unsure if she liked the eager look on his face. How? I had an
74:20 eager look on his face. How? I had an idea, Calvin said, appearing very much
74:23 idea, Calvin said, appearing very much like Tip as he bounced excitedly on his
74:26 like Tip as he bounced excitedly on his heels. And before you panic, hear me
74:29 heels. And before you panic, hear me out. That didn't fill Kea with
74:33 out. That didn't fill Kea with confidence, but she still said, "I'm
74:37 confidence, but she still said, "I'm listening. I'm going to throw my magic
74:40 listening. I'm going to throw my magic at you, and you're going to summon yours
74:43 at you, and you're going to summon yours to try and meet it midair before it can
74:46 to try and meet it midair before it can touch you." For a moment, Kea just
74:50 touch you." For a moment, Kea just looked at him and then she laughed.
74:53 looked at him and then she laughed. "Wow, you really had me going for a
74:55 "Wow, you really had me going for a second there," she said, still
74:57 second there," she said, still chuckling. Calvin crossed his arms. I'm
75:01 chuckling. Calvin crossed his arms. I'm serious, Sunshine. You need to get used
75:04 serious, Sunshine. You need to get used to magical attacks. If you freeze up or
75:07 to magical attacks. If you freeze up or if you don't react fast enough, all it
75:10 if you don't react fast enough, all it will take is one hit from Zelica and you
75:13 will take is one hit from Zelica and you could be
75:14 could be dead. I realize that, Ka said, her eyes
75:18 dead. I realize that, Ka said, her eyes flashing, her humor gone. But in case
75:21 flashing, her humor gone. But in case you forgot, I have healing magic, and
75:24 you forgot, I have healing magic, and you throw fire. I might be able to
75:28 you throw fire. I might be able to nullify Zelica's shadows, and that's
75:30 nullify Zelica's shadows, and that's still a big question mark, but my power
75:33 still a big question mark, but my power won't do anything to stop yours. You'll
75:35 won't do anything to stop yours. You'll roast me like a
75:37 roast me like a chicken. Oh, you of little faith, Calvin
75:41 chicken. Oh, you of little faith, Calvin said, rolling his eyes. What's that
75:44 said, rolling his eyes. What's that around your neck, sweet cheeks? Is it
75:46 around your neck, sweet cheeks? Is it possibly a crest that can protect you
75:49 possibly a crest that can protect you from
75:50 from magic? Kea's hands automatically moved
75:53 magic? Kea's hands automatically moved in the amulet beneath her clothes. She
75:56 in the amulet beneath her clothes. She bit her lip, feeling foolish for having
75:58 bit her lip, feeling foolish for having thought Calvin would risk harming her,
76:00 thought Calvin would risk harming her, and sent him a sheepish apologetic look.
76:04 and sent him a sheepish apologetic look. "Come on, time's a wasting," he said,
76:07 "Come on, time's a wasting," he said, waving to her hands. If anything, he
76:10 waving to her hands. If anything, he seemed amused by her having doubted him,
76:12 seemed amused by her having doubted him, his cobalt eyes sparkling with
76:15 his cobalt eyes sparkling with mirth. Quickly, Kea dug the amulet out
76:18 mirth. Quickly, Kea dug the amulet out from her leathery armor. Calvin touched
76:21 from her leathery armor. Calvin touched a finger to it, sending his power into
76:23 a finger to it, sending his power into the ruby gemstone of the quadrant
76:25 the ruby gemstone of the quadrant depicting the fire element. Just like
76:28 depicting the fire element. Just like with the ring, the jewel glowed bright
76:31 with the ring, the jewel glowed bright red before it faded back to normal.
76:34 red before it faded back to normal. "See, now I can attack you anytime I
76:38 "See, now I can attack you anytime I want, and you'll be fine," he said,
76:41 want, and you'll be fine," he said, beaming. A vision of being awakened in
76:43 beaming. A vision of being awakened in the middle of the night, surrounded by
76:45 the middle of the night, surrounded by flames, came to Kea. So she said, "I
76:49 flames, came to Kea. So she said, "I think we should lay down some ground
76:50 think we should lay down some ground rules." "No time for that," he replied,
76:53 rules." "No time for that," he replied, striding away. "Are you ready?"
76:57 striding away. "Are you ready?" "I Before Kea could get her next word
77:00 "I Before Kea could get her next word out, there was a ball of fire heading
77:02 out, there was a ball of fire heading directly for her." Suddenly, she was
77:05 directly for her." Suddenly, she was transported straight back to Navik's
77:07 transported straight back to Navik's throne room when Zuru had attacked her.
77:10 throne room when Zuru had attacked her. Her veins filled with ice, her limbs
77:13 Her veins filled with ice, her limbs tensed up, and she barely managed to
77:16 tensed up, and she barely managed to raise her hands to protect her face in
77:18 raise her hands to protect her face in time for the blaze to strike her. But
77:21 time for the blaze to strike her. But this time, nothing happened. The amulet
77:24 this time, nothing happened. The amulet making the flames fizzle out to nothing.
77:28 making the flames fizzle out to nothing. "What the hell are you doing?"
77:31 "What the hell are you doing?" Kea was shaking like a leaf, but at the
77:34 Kea was shaking like a leaf, but at the sound of Jiren's infuriated roar, she
77:37 sound of Jiren's infuriated roar, she lowered her arms to find him racing over
77:39 lowered her arms to find him racing over to them, his sword glinting in the early
77:42 to them, his sword glinting in the early morning sunlight, his face drained of
77:45 morning sunlight, his face drained of color. When he was only a few steps
77:47 color. When he was only a few steps away, he slowed, his gaze shifting to
77:50 away, he slowed, his gaze shifting to the amulet before touching on every
77:52 the amulet before touching on every other part of her, checking her for
77:54 other part of her, checking her for burns that didn't exist. His cheeks
77:57 burns that didn't exist. His cheeks flushed as realization hit him, and he
78:00 flushed as realization hit him, and he avoided her eyes as he said to Calvin,
78:02 avoided her eyes as he said to Calvin, his voice tight. "Make sure you keep
78:05 his voice tight. "Make sure you keep replenishing the amulet. If it runs out,
78:08 replenishing the amulet. If it runs out, I'd never let anything hurt her," Calvin
78:12 I'd never let anything hurt her," Calvin said, offended. "Lower," he added.
78:15 said, offended. "Lower," he added. "Unlike some people who are doing all
78:18 "Unlike some people who are doing all the hurting."
78:19 the hurting." Jiren stiffened and still without
78:22 Jiren stiffened and still without looking at Kea, he turned and jogged
78:25 looking at Kea, he turned and jogged back toward the sparring area. "Hey,
78:27 back toward the sparring area. "Hey, Jiren, wait," Ka called, shooting an
78:31 Jiren, wait," Ka called, shooting an angry look at Calvin before hurrying
78:33 angry look at Calvin before hurrying after the crown prince. She was still
78:36 after the crown prince. She was still trembling from what had just happened,
78:38 trembling from what had just happened, and with every step she took nearer to
78:40 and with every step she took nearer to where Jiren had halted, she second-gued
78:42 where Jiren had halted, she second-gued her timing. But she also knew she had to
78:46 her timing. But she also knew she had to speak to him before she lost her chance.
78:49 speak to him before she lost her chance. and her
78:50 and her courage. Jiren continued to avoid her
78:53 courage. Jiren continued to avoid her gaze, but he'd obeyed her call and was
78:56 gaze, but he'd obeyed her call and was waiting for her to catch up, so she
78:58 waiting for her to catch up, so she straightened her spine and approached,
79:00 straightened her spine and approached, all while hearing the memory of his
79:02 all while hearing the memory of his infuriated, panicked roar in her ears.
79:06 infuriated, panicked roar in her ears. Hope rose to near bursting within Kea,
79:09 Hope rose to near bursting within Kea, and she was desperate to ask about his
79:11 and she was desperate to ask about his reaction. But when she came to a stop in
79:14 reaction. But when she came to a stop in front of him, halfway between where
79:17 front of him, halfway between where Calvin stood and where the others were
79:18 Calvin stood and where the others were still sparring in the early morning
79:20 still sparring in the early morning light, all the words left her. "Did you
79:24 light, all the words left her. "Did you want something?" Jiren asked when she
79:27 want something?" Jiren asked when she remained silent for too long, his
79:29 remained silent for too long, his fingers flexing around the hilt of his
79:31 fingers flexing around the hilt of his sword. There was impatience in his tone
79:35 sword. There was impatience in his tone enough that Kea winced inwardly and
79:38 enough that Kea winced inwardly and blurted out, "Galdrich thinks we'll have
79:41 blurted out, "Galdrich thinks we'll have traveled far enough later today for him
79:43 traveled far enough later today for him to windfunnel us the rest of the way to
79:45 to windfunnel us the rest of the way to Ursa." Jiren said nothing, so Kea towed
79:49 Ursa." Jiren said nothing, so Kea towed the sand with her boot and continued
79:52 the sand with her boot and continued rambling. "It'll be good not to have to
79:54 rambling. "It'll be good not to have to ride through the forsaken lands.
79:56 ride through the forsaken lands. Everything I've heard about them has
79:58 Everything I've heard about them has been I need to get back to Nari." Jiren
80:01 been I need to get back to Nari." Jiren interrupted, definitely impatient now.
80:04 interrupted, definitely impatient now. Is that all? Kea swallowed, her eyes
80:08 Is that all? Kea swallowed, her eyes flicking over to where Nari was busy
80:10 flicking over to where Nari was busy sparring with the others, revealing
80:12 sparring with the others, revealing Jiren's lie. He just wanted to be
80:14 Jiren's lie. He just wanted to be anywhere that wasn't with her. But
80:18 anywhere that wasn't with her. But enough was
80:19 enough was enough. Inhaling deeply, Kea said, "No,
80:24 enough. Inhaling deeply, Kea said, "No, that's not all." Jiren sheathed his
80:27 that's not all." Jiren sheathed his sword and crossed his arms waiting. Kea,
80:31 sword and crossed his arms waiting. Kea, however, suddenly became aware of Cal's
80:34 however, suddenly became aware of Cal's eyes on them and also the sneaky but
80:37 eyes on them and also the sneaky but still obvious glances that the sparring
80:39 still obvious glances that the sparring partners were sending them. Terrell,
80:41 partners were sending them. Terrell, Ashlin, Cresta, even Nari herself. Adrin
80:46 Ashlin, Cresta, even Nari herself. Adrin alone seemed to be minding his business,
80:48 alone seemed to be minding his business, fully absorbed in his training, or more
80:51 fully absorbed in his training, or more likely choosing to give them
80:54 likely choosing to give them privacy. Coming to a decision, Kea said,
80:57 privacy. Coming to a decision, Kea said, "Do you mind if we She reached for Jiren
81:00 "Do you mind if we She reached for Jiren as she spoke, an instinctive move to
81:03 as she spoke, an instinctive move to guide him away from the curious eyes,
81:05 guide him away from the curious eyes, but her words broke off when he
81:08 but her words broke off when he physically jerked away from her." Kea's
81:11 physically jerked away from her." Kea's hand fell, his reaction like a punch to
81:14 hand fell, his reaction like a punch to the stomach. But she rallied and said,
81:17 the stomach. But she rallied and said, "Can we talk just for a moment? We're
81:22 "Can we talk just for a moment? We're already talking."
81:24 already talking." He was offering her nothing now, his
81:26 He was offering her nothing now, his tone and face emotionless. She wasn't
81:29 tone and face emotionless. She wasn't sure how to proceed or if to proceed.
81:34 sure how to proceed or if to proceed. But she also knew she didn't want to
81:36 But she also knew she didn't want to keep going as they had. So she tipped up
81:39 keep going as they had. So she tipped up her chin and said, "Away from the
81:43 her chin and said, "Away from the others." Not giving him the chance to
81:46 others." Not giving him the chance to reply, she left the open training area
81:48 reply, she left the open training area and headed deeper into the oasis, aiming
81:51 and headed deeper into the oasis, aiming for the secluded W's edge. She couldn't
81:54 for the secluded W's edge. She couldn't hear his footsteps behind her, but she
81:57 hear his footsteps behind her, but she also couldn't bring herself to check. It
82:00 also couldn't bring herself to check. It was only when she stopped in the shade
82:01 was only when she stopped in the shade of a date palm nestled right up against
82:04 of a date palm nestled right up against the water that she looked to see if he'd
82:06 the water that she looked to see if he'd followed. Relief left her in a quiet
82:10 followed. Relief left her in a quiet exhale. But then the breath became
82:12 exhale. But then the breath became trapped in her lungs at the still
82:14 trapped in her lungs at the still emotionless look on his face. "What do
82:17 emotionless look on his face. "What do you want, Ka?" he asked, his tone bland,
82:22 you want, Ka?" he asked, his tone bland, bored even. There was so much Ka wanted,
82:26 bored even. There was so much Ka wanted, but mostly she just wanted
82:29 but mostly she just wanted him. Her resolve strengthened as she
82:32 him. Her resolve strengthened as she recalled the image of his face after
82:34 recalled the image of his face after he'd seen the burn wound on her
82:35 he'd seen the burn wound on her shoulder, the way he'd thanked her with
82:38 shoulder, the way he'd thanked her with such meaning after she awakened Nari.
82:41 such meaning after she awakened Nari. his gentle guidance and instruction with
82:43 his gentle guidance and instruction with her magic and just minutes ago the roar
82:47 her magic and just minutes ago the roar of him shouting at Calden. Those were
82:50 of him shouting at Calden. Those were not the actions of someone who didn't
82:52 not the actions of someone who didn't care about
82:53 care about her. Setting aside her fear and doubt,
82:56 her. Setting aside her fear and doubt, she looked straight into his eyes and
82:58 she looked straight into his eyes and said, "I'd like to talk about what
83:01 said, "I'd like to talk about what happened with
83:03 happened with Zelica." Her heart was racing now. I'd
83:07 Zelica." Her heart was racing now. I'd like
83:07 like to to apologize for my part in that. I'd
83:13 to to apologize for my part in that. I'd like to
83:14 like to explain. He cocked his head to the side.
83:18 explain. He cocked his head to the side. Why? Kea
83:20 Why? Kea blinked.
83:21 blinked. Why? He crossed his arms again, causing
83:24 Why? He crossed his arms again, causing her gaze to unconsciously follow where
83:27 her gaze to unconsciously follow where the muscles tensed and shifted before
83:30 the muscles tensed and shifted before she gave herself a mental slap and told
83:32 she gave herself a mental slap and told herself to focus.
83:35 herself to focus. Why would you like to talk about it? He
83:38 Why would you like to talk about it? He clarified. Kea brushed her hair behind
83:41 clarified. Kea brushed her hair behind her ear, stalling. She didn't feel
83:44 her ear, stalling. She didn't feel comfortable sharing her true reasoning,
83:47 comfortable sharing her true reasoning, her longing for his forgiveness and the
83:49 her longing for his forgiveness and the return of his affection. Instead, she
83:53 return of his affection. Instead, she said, "I think it'll be good for us to
83:55 said, "I think it'll be good for us to clear the air." A quiet huff of laughter
83:59 clear the air." A quiet huff of laughter left Jiren. It wasn't an amused sound.
84:03 left Jiren. It wasn't an amused sound. To what end?" he asked. Kea's courage
84:07 To what end?" he asked. Kea's courage began to trickle away. Perhaps she'd
84:09 began to trickle away. Perhaps she'd been wrong to start this conversation,
84:11 been wrong to start this conversation, thinking it was time, without giving
84:13 thinking it was time, without giving thought to whether he was ready. She
84:16 thought to whether he was ready. She quickly backpedled. "Maybe we should."
84:20 quickly backpedled. "Maybe we should." He spoke over her before she could make
84:22 He spoke over her before she could make an excuse to delay their talk. "Because
84:24 an excuse to delay their talk. "Because the way I see it," he said, his gaze
84:27 the way I see it," he said, his gaze locked with hers. "I really don't care
84:30 locked with hers. "I really don't care what you have to say." His statement was
84:33 what you have to say." His statement was delivered in a calm, level voice, but
84:36 delivered in a calm, level voice, but Kea felt as if she'd been struck, her
84:38 Kea felt as if she'd been struck, her entire body reeling backwards from the
84:41 entire body reeling backwards from the blow. Noting her reaction, Jiren's eyes
84:44 blow. Noting her reaction, Jiren's eyes flickered for the briefest of moments,
84:46 flickered for the briefest of moments, but that didn't stop him from
84:48 but that didn't stop him from continuing. Calvin has already shared
84:51 continuing. Calvin has already shared your side of the story. I don't need to
84:53 your side of the story. I don't need to hear it
84:54 hear it again. Kea's throat was suddenly as dry
84:58 again. Kea's throat was suddenly as dry as the desert around them.
85:00 as the desert around them. I appreciate him advocating for me, but
85:04 I appreciate him advocating for me, but there are things he doesn't know, things
85:07 there are things he doesn't know, things I I'd really like to
85:10 I I'd really like to explain. Jiren made an aggravated sound
85:14 explain. Jiren made an aggravated sound and ran a hand through his hair,
85:16 and ran a hand through his hair, frowning toward the water. He then
85:18 frowning toward the water. He then seemed to come to a decision and turned
85:21 seemed to come to a decision and turned back to her, his eyes no longer
85:23 back to her, his eyes no longer emotionless, but ablaze with feeling. If
85:27 emotionless, but ablaze with feeling. If you really want to do this, then fine.
85:30 you really want to do this, then fine. Let's do this. But I'm going
85:32 Let's do this. But I'm going first. His voice was thick with anger
85:35 first. His voice was thick with anger now, his fiery gaze trapping hers. You
85:39 now, his fiery gaze trapping hers. You lied to me. I won't be a hypocrite and
85:41 lied to me. I won't be a hypocrite and say I never did the same to you because
85:43 say I never did the same to you because we both know I did. But the difference
85:46 we both know I did. But the difference is I came clean about it. I told you who
85:50 is I came clean about it. I told you who I was. And from that point on, I told
85:53 I was. And from that point on, I told you everything. I invited you into my
85:56 you everything. I invited you into my life, into my home. You not only hid who
86:00 life, into my home. You not only hid who you were, you did it so well that I He
86:04 you were, you did it so well that I He cursed under his breath and glared down
86:07 cursed under his breath and glared down at the sand before his gaze returned to
86:10 at the sand before his gaze returned to snare hers. Unflinching now, he
86:12 snare hers. Unflinching now, he declared, "You made me fall in love with
86:16 declared, "You made me fall in love with a lie. I don't even know who you are,
86:19 a lie. I don't even know who you are, and frankly, I don't want to."
86:23 and frankly, I don't want to." The words rang in Kea's ears, a damning,
86:26 The words rang in Kea's ears, a damning, soulc crushing declaration. It was the
86:29 soulc crushing declaration. It was the first time he'd admitted to being in
86:31 first time he'd admitted to being in love with her, and it was said with such
86:33 love with her, and it was said with such pain, such anger, that there was no
86:36 pain, such anger, that there was no ignoring how much he resented her for
86:38 ignoring how much he resented her for it, how much he resented himself for it.
86:42 it, how much he resented himself for it. The back of her eyes burned fiercely,
86:45 The back of her eyes burned fiercely, but she kept her head high, not wanting
86:48 but she kept her head high, not wanting him to see how close she was to
86:50 him to see how close she was to breaking. As far as I'm concerned, he
86:53 breaking. As far as I'm concerned, he said, not yet finished shredding her
86:56 said, not yet finished shredding her apart. You're the person who was going
86:58 apart. You're the person who was going to help me protect my people and save my
87:00 to help me protect my people and save my kingdom. That's it. I helped you with
87:03 kingdom. That's it. I helped you with your magic yesterday because I need you
87:05 your magic yesterday because I need you to be able to face your sister. Once
87:08 to be able to face your sister. Once that's done, you and I will never have
87:11 that's done, you and I will never have to see each other again.
87:14 to see each other again. He released a breath as if relieved to
87:17 He released a breath as if relieved to finally have all that off his chest and
87:19 finally have all that off his chest and then asked, "Now, what did you want to
87:23 then asked, "Now, what did you want to tell
87:23 tell me?" Kea's lips were numb. Her whole
87:27 me?" Kea's lips were numb. Her whole body was numb. You and I will never have
87:31 body was numb. You and I will never have to see each other
87:33 to see each other again. Gods, that didn't just hurt. That
87:38 again. Gods, that didn't just hurt. That destroyed her. knowing that was what he
87:41 destroyed her. knowing that was what he wanted, knowing he was just using her
87:44 wanted, knowing he was just using her for her magic, even knowing that she
87:47 for her magic, even knowing that she deserved
87:48 deserved it. Something precious within Kea
87:51 it. Something precious within Kea withered and died right there in the
87:54 withered and died right there in the middle of the oasis. She wanted to turn
87:57 middle of the oasis. She wanted to turn and run from him, to disappear into the
87:59 and run from him, to disappear into the date palms and hide from the world, to
88:02 date palms and hide from the world, to release the sobs building inside her
88:04 release the sobs building inside her until the agony eased.
88:07 until the agony eased. But she didn't do any of that because
88:09 But she didn't do any of that because Jiren was waiting, ready to hear the
88:11 Jiren was waiting, ready to hear the explanation she'd been so determined to
88:14 explanation she'd been so determined to give him. She knew now that there was no
88:17 give him. She knew now that there was no point. He was never going to forgive her
88:20 point. He was never going to forgive her because he wanted nothing to do with
88:23 because he wanted nothing to do with her. You and I will never have to see
88:26 her. You and I will never have to see each other again.
88:28 each other again. The feeling courarssing through Ka was
88:30 The feeling courarssing through Ka was too overpowering, a wound that all the
88:33 too overpowering, a wound that all the magic in the world would never be able
88:35 magic in the world would never be able to heal. But somehow she managed to push
88:39 to heal. But somehow she managed to push it down, repressing her emotions as
88:42 it down, repressing her emotions as easily as Jiren seemed able to. It was
88:45 easily as Jiren seemed able to. It was the only way she could find the will to
88:47 the only way she could find the will to reply. Her voice sounding dead even to
88:50 reply. Her voice sounding dead even to her own ears as she answered, "Nothing.
88:54 her own ears as she answered, "Nothing. You're right. Calvin probably told you
88:57 You're right. Calvin probably told you everything you need to
88:58 everything you need to know. Jiren flinched at her voice, but
89:02 know. Jiren flinched at her voice, but Kea knew better than to read into it.
89:04 Kea knew better than to read into it. He'd made his feelings perfectly clear.
89:07 He'd made his feelings perfectly clear. "We should get back to the others," she
89:09 "We should get back to the others," she said, still in the same tone, staring
89:11 said, still in the same tone, staring over his shoulder, and so missing the
89:14 over his shoulder, and so missing the look on his face. "They'll want to leave
89:17 look on his face. "They'll want to leave soon." "Ka, I'll see you back at camp,"
89:21 soon." "Ka, I'll see you back at camp," she said, already turning away. She
89:25 she said, already turning away. She couldn't handle the gentling of his
89:26 couldn't handle the gentling of his voice, knowing she'd only embarrass
89:28 voice, knowing she'd only embarrass herself if she stayed. He didn't owe her
89:31 herself if she stayed. He didn't owe her his compassion, and the last thing she
89:33 his compassion, and the last thing she wanted was him feeling guilted into
89:35 wanted was him feeling guilted into offering it. He'd told her, in no
89:38 offering it. He'd told her, in no uncertain words what he wanted, and it
89:41 uncertain words what he wanted, and it was time she respected that time. She
89:44 was time she respected that time. She quashed the hope she dared to believe
89:46 quashed the hope she dared to believe in. There was no future for them, and
89:50 in. There was no future for them, and she was a fool for ever thinking
89:52 she was a fool for ever thinking differently.
90:02 21. Kea had no idea what happened over the next few hours, her mind withdrawing
90:04 the next few hours, her mind withdrawing into itself to protect her bleeding
90:07 into itself to protect her bleeding heart. As they rode through the desert,
90:10 heart. As they rode through the desert, she was aware of Tip chattering at her
90:12 she was aware of Tip chattering at her side, heedless to her inner turmoil. But
90:15 side, heedless to her inner turmoil. But the others weren't so ignorant. They'd
90:17 the others weren't so ignorant. They'd all watched her disappear into the oasis
90:19 all watched her disappear into the oasis with Jiren, only to return alone.
90:23 with Jiren, only to return alone. Whatever they'd seen on her face had
90:25 Whatever they'd seen on her face had told them everything they'd needed to
90:27 told them everything they'd needed to know. Calvin had tried to talk to her,
90:31 know. Calvin had tried to talk to her, his voice soothing and concerned, but
90:33 his voice soothing and concerned, but she brushed him aside by asking to
90:35 she brushed him aside by asking to continue her magical training while on
90:37 continue her magical training while on horseback. He'd seemed surprised before
90:40 horseback. He'd seemed surprised before eyeing her closely and seeing how
90:42 eyeing her closely and seeing how desperately she needed the distraction.
90:45 desperately she needed the distraction. And so, as they'd ridden along, he'd
90:48 And so, as they'd ridden along, he'd intermittently thrown fireballs at her,
90:51 intermittently thrown fireballs at her, careful to keep them small and nowhere
90:53 careful to keep them small and nowhere near
90:54 near Zephyr. Her mount wasn't thrilled by the
90:57 Zephyr. Her mount wasn't thrilled by the magical attacks, but he'd failed to
90:59 magical attacks, but he'd failed to unseat her despite his best efforts, and
91:02 unseat her despite his best efforts, and he'd eventually grown used to the quick
91:04 he'd eventually grown used to the quick bursts of
91:05 bursts of flames. It took hours before Kea was
91:08 flames. It took hours before Kea was able to meet Cald's fire midair. And
91:10 able to meet Cald's fire midair. And when she did, Tip let out a whoop so
91:13 when she did, Tip let out a whoop so loud that everyone turned toward them,
91:16 loud that everyone turned toward them, Jiren included. Ka didn't look at him.
91:20 Jiren included. Ka didn't look at him. She hadn't looked at him since she'd
91:21 She hadn't looked at him since she'd left him beside the oasis, taking a page
91:24 left him beside the oasis, taking a page out of his book and acting like he
91:26 out of his book and acting like he didn't exist. It was easier this way,
91:29 didn't exist. It was easier this way, ignoring him, living in denial. It
91:32 ignoring him, living in denial. It helped dull the pain, even if nothing
91:35 helped dull the pain, even if nothing could make it vanish entirely.
91:38 could make it vanish entirely. I had a thought, Cresa said, nudging her
91:41 I had a thought, Cresa said, nudging her ran mare closer to where Ka, Tip, and
91:43 ran mare closer to where Ka, Tip, and Cald were riding together shortly after
91:46 Cald were riding together shortly after Kea had successfully met Cal's
91:48 Kea had successfully met Cal's attack. We're in the middle of
91:51 attack. We're in the middle of something. Calvin told her, "Ka needs a
91:55 something. Calvin told her, "Ka needs a break." Cresta shot back. "She's
91:58 break." Cresta shot back. "She's exhausted. She's not exhausted. She's
92:02 exhausted. She's not exhausted. She's whatever Calvin had been about to say.
92:04 whatever Calvin had been about to say. He quickly changed his mind, seeing the
92:06 He quickly changed his mind, seeing the flash of anguish that Kea wasn't able to
92:09 flash of anguish that Kea wasn't able to hide fast
92:10 hide fast enough. I'm pretty tired myself, Tip
92:15 enough. I'm pretty tired myself, Tip said, standing in his stirrups to
92:17 said, standing in his stirrups to stretch his legs. I'm hungry, too. Do Do
92:22 stretch his legs. I'm hungry, too. Do Do you think we're nearly close enough to
92:25 you think we're nearly close enough to the windfunnel?
92:28 the windfunnel? Kea could have kissed him for taking the
92:30 Kea could have kissed him for taking the focus off her "Soon, kiddo," Calvin said
92:34 focus off her "Soon, kiddo," Calvin said before turning back to Ca. "What thought
92:37 before turning back to Ca. "What thought did you have?" For that, Ka could have
92:41 did you have?" For that, Ka could have kissed him, too. Acting like their brief
92:44 kissed him, too. Acting like their brief uncomfortable moment had never occurred.
92:47 uncomfortable moment had never occurred. Cresta said, "I've been considering what
92:51 Cresta said, "I've been considering what happened in the arena with those two
92:52 happened in the arena with those two anomaly warriors and also how we think
92:56 anomaly warriors and also how we think Navic is building a magical army." She
92:59 Navic is building a magical army." She had Cal's full attention now, but not
93:02 had Cal's full attention now, but not just his. Everyone else had written
93:04 just his. Everyone else had written closer to listen. and he asked, "I think
93:08 closer to listen. and he asked, "I think you and Ash," she nodded to the
93:10 you and Ash," she nodded to the princess, "should start using your magic
93:13 princess, "should start using your magic on us during our morning training. If
93:15 on us during our morning training. If the time comes when we have to face
93:17 the time comes when we have to face elemental opponents, it would be good to
93:20 elemental opponents, it would be good to have more experience defending against
93:23 have more experience defending against them." Calvin tilted his head to the
93:25 them." Calvin tilted his head to the side. "It sounds suspiciously like
93:28 side. "It sounds suspiciously like you're willing to fight with us once
93:30 you're willing to fight with us once we're done with all this hand business."
93:33 we're done with all this hand business." His tone was light, almost joking, but
93:37 His tone was light, almost joking, but Cresa stiffened in her saddle and looked
93:39 Cresa stiffened in her saddle and looked away, clearly embarrassed by having
93:41 away, clearly embarrassed by having revealed that she was beginning to care
93:43 revealed that she was beginning to care about what happened to their group and
93:46 about what happened to their group and to Avalon itself. As someone who had
93:50 to Avalon itself. As someone who had been locked away for over 5 years, it
93:52 been locked away for over 5 years, it would have been easy for her not to give
93:54 would have been easy for her not to give the first damn about the Valentis royals
93:57 the first damn about the Valentis royals and the fate of their kingdom. It wasn't
93:59 and the fate of their kingdom. It wasn't even her native land, just a place she'd
94:02 even her native land, just a place she'd fled to as a child. The fact that she
94:05 fled to as a child. The fact that she was even thinking ahead to ways she
94:08 was even thinking ahead to ways she might help them reclaim what they'd
94:10 might help them reclaim what they'd lost. Ka realized then that Cresta had
94:13 lost. Ka realized then that Cresta had come a long way since they'd first met,
94:16 come a long way since they'd first met, and she couldn't be prouder of her now
94:18 and she couldn't be prouder of her now friend, even if it was painfully evident
94:21 friend, even if it was painfully evident that the redhead loathed the attention
94:24 that the redhead loathed the attention she was receiving.
94:26 she was receiving. Noting as much, Calvin didn't make her
94:28 Noting as much, Calvin didn't make her answer. It's a good idea, he said. But
94:32 answer. It's a good idea, he said. But it'll just have to be ash. We only have
94:35 it'll just have to be ash. We only have one amulet, so unless we keep passing it
94:39 one amulet, so unless we keep passing it around, anyone I attack is going to get
94:42 around, anyone I attack is going to get burned. This time it was Ca who tilted
94:45 burned. This time it was Ca who tilted her head to the side. Do you think
94:47 her head to the side. Do you think Navic's anomalies are going to care
94:49 Navic's anomalies are going to care about hurting us? Calvin had no response
94:52 about hurting us? Calvin had no response to that. And besides, Cresa went on,
94:55 to that. And besides, Cresa went on, jerking her chin toward Kea, we have our
94:58 jerking her chin toward Kea, we have our very own magical healer. You keep
95:01 very own magical healer. You keep harping on about how she needs to
95:03 harping on about how she needs to practice, so give her something to
95:05 practice, so give her something to practice
95:06 practice on. It's a clever thought, Jiren said,
95:10 on. It's a clever thought, Jiren said, causing Kea to tense. She stared down at
95:14 causing Kea to tense. She stared down at Zephr<unk>'s silky mane to keep her gaze
95:16 Zephr<unk>'s silky mane to keep her gaze from wandering his way. I could
95:18 from wandering his way. I could certainly use the training, especially
95:20 certainly use the training, especially since I'm likely to respond to an
95:22 since I'm likely to respond to an elemental attack by reaching for my
95:25 elemental attack by reaching for my magic. Magic that wasn't there. He
95:28 magic. Magic that wasn't there. He didn't need to say it for Kea to still
95:30 didn't need to say it for Kea to still hear the words. Her grip tightened
95:33 hear the words. Her grip tightened around her res, the leather digging into
95:35 around her res, the leather digging into her palms. C, can I learn too? Tip asked
95:41 her palms. C, can I learn too? Tip asked eagerly. Jiren's voice was indulging,
95:44 eagerly. Jiren's voice was indulging, even teasing as he answered. That would
95:47 even teasing as he answered. That would require you waking up at a time before
95:51 require you waking up at a time before we have to drag you out of bed and onto
95:53 we have to drag you out of bed and onto your
95:54 your pony. Hearing the affection in his tone
95:57 pony. Hearing the affection in his tone made it almost impossible for Ka to keep
95:59 made it almost impossible for Ka to keep her eyes down. She needed this
96:01 her eyes down. She needed this conversation to be over so he could ride
96:03 conversation to be over so he could ride ahead again. Needed him to
96:06 ahead again. Needed him to leave. Well m maybe if dawn was later in
96:11 leave. Well m maybe if dawn was later in the day, Tip said clearly put out. I say
96:16 the day, Tip said clearly put out. I say we try it, Ashlin declared. Good
96:19 we try it, Ashlin declared. Good thinking, Ca. We'll begin tomorrow
96:23 thinking, Ca. We'll begin tomorrow morning. Ca pressed her lips together,
96:26 morning. Ca pressed her lips together, fighting her outward response to the
96:28 fighting her outward response to the praise. She gave a tur nod and rode
96:30 praise. She gave a tur nod and rode forward, prompting their group to return
96:33 forward, prompting their group to return to their previous positions, and Kea's
96:35 to their previous positions, and Kea's grip on her reigns to relax.
96:38 grip on her reigns to relax. The remainder of their passage through
96:40 The remainder of their passage through the harsh German desert was spent with
96:43 the harsh German desert was spent with Kea continuing to repress her feelings
96:45 Kea continuing to repress her feelings and simply focus on meeting Cal's
96:47 and simply focus on meeting Cal's attacks over and over until Crusta's
96:50 attacks over and over until Crusta's earlier assumption came true, and she
96:53 earlier assumption came true, and she did become exhausted. But at least her
96:56 did become exhausted. But at least her fatigue made it easier to quiet her mind
96:59 fatigue made it easier to quiet her mind and ignore her grieving heart. And when
97:02 and ignore her grieving heart. And when Galdrich finally announced that they
97:04 Galdrich finally announced that they were near enough to Hadras's capital for
97:06 were near enough to Hadras's capital for him to windfunnel them the rest of the
97:08 him to windfunnel them the rest of the way, Kea was too tired to experience
97:11 way, Kea was too tired to experience anything other than relief that they
97:13 anything other than relief that they were nearing the end of their journey.
97:16 were nearing the end of their journey. She did, however, retain her wits enough
97:18 She did, however, retain her wits enough to dismount before Galdrich swept them
97:20 to dismount before Galdrich swept them up in his wind magic again. Of course,
97:24 up in his wind magic again. Of course, this time Zephyr couldn't have cared
97:26 this time Zephyr couldn't have cared less, acting as calm as a lamb when they
97:29 less, acting as calm as a lamb when they touched down on the outskirts of a
97:30 touched down on the outskirts of a different kind of desert, the sand an
97:33 different kind of desert, the sand an eerie gray, almost black color. Kea
97:37 eerie gray, almost black color. Kea prodded it with her boot, marveling over
97:40 prodded it with her boot, marveling over the unusual shade before turning her
97:42 the unusual shade before turning her gaze to the city before them.
97:45 gaze to the city before them. Unlike Zadria and Urine, there were no
97:48 Unlike Zadria and Urine, there were no fortified walls around Ursa, so the inky
97:51 fortified walls around Ursa, so the inky sand dunes crept right up to the outer
97:53 sand dunes crept right up to the outer edges of the nearest buildings. But it
97:56 edges of the nearest buildings. But it was those buildings themselves that
97:58 was those buildings themselves that caught Kea's attention, because they too
98:01 caught Kea's attention, because they too were a near black shade, as if forged
98:04 were a near black shade, as if forged out of ebony sandstone. Their flat
98:07 out of ebony sandstone. Their flat rooftops allowed multiple structures to
98:09 rooftops allowed multiple structures to be stacked on top of each other, rising
98:12 be stacked on top of each other, rising skyward, and between them were colorful
98:15 skyward, and between them were colorful scarves and strings of lanterns
98:17 scarves and strings of lanterns stretching through the empty air in a
98:19 stretching through the empty air in a haphazard
98:20 haphazard manner. I forgot how dark this city is,
98:24 manner. I forgot how dark this city is, Kusta murmured, eyeing the streets that
98:27 Kusta murmured, eyeing the streets that even from a distance appeared gloomy and
98:30 even from a distance appeared gloomy and disordered. Ka looked at her, surprised.
98:34 disordered. Ka looked at her, surprised. You've been here before? Ca hesitated as
98:37 You've been here before? Ca hesitated as if debating whether or not to reveal
98:39 if debating whether or not to reveal more of her life before finally sharing.
98:42 more of her life before finally sharing. Once when I was very young. My mother
98:46 Once when I was very young. My mother had friends here, so she brought my
98:49 had friends here, so she brought my sister and me before. She looked away,
98:52 sister and me before. She looked away, her jaw tightening at whatever she
98:54 her jaw tightening at whatever she recalled about her sister's tragic end.
98:57 recalled about her sister's tragic end. Her tone was bitter as she finished.
99:00 Her tone was bitter as she finished. My father wasn't pleased that we'd
99:02 My father wasn't pleased that we'd traveled so far without him. He made
99:05 traveled so far without him. He made sure we were all aware of that after we
99:08 sure we were all aware of that after we returned
99:09 returned home. Kea almost wished Cresta's father
99:12 home. Kea almost wished Cresta's father was still alive so he could be made to
99:14 was still alive so he could be made to pay for how he treated those he was
99:16 pay for how he treated those he was meant to have
99:17 meant to have protected. Judging by the look on
99:19 protected. Judging by the look on Calvin's face, she wasn't alone in her
99:22 Calvin's face, she wasn't alone in her thinking. But Cresta caught both of
99:24 thinking. But Cresta caught both of their expressions and scowlled at them,
99:27 their expressions and scowlled at them, making it clear she didn't want their
99:29 making it clear she didn't want their sympathy. Calvin quickly turned his gaze
99:32 sympathy. Calvin quickly turned his gaze back to the city. I have a lovehate
99:36 back to the city. I have a lovehate relationship with Ursa, he said.
99:39 relationship with Ursa, he said. Aesthetically, it's unique, but it's
99:42 Aesthetically, it's unique, but it's also a bit like opening up an unusual
99:44 also a bit like opening up an unusual piece of fruit to find the inside is
99:46 piece of fruit to find the inside is rotten.
99:48 rotten. Jiren stepped up beside them, leading
99:50 Jiren stepped up beside them, leading his horse nightshade by the rains. It's
99:54 his horse nightshade by the rains. It's bad form to speak ill of how other
99:56 bad form to speak ill of how other rulers run their kingdoms, especially
99:58 rulers run their kingdoms, especially those who, if not our closest allies,
100:01 those who, if not our closest allies, are certainly not our enemies. But I
100:05 are certainly not our enemies. But I agree that Hadras has suffered under
100:07 agree that Hadras has suffered under King Sibli's reign. He's too busy
100:10 King Sibli's reign. He's too busy spending his citizens gold on food and
100:12 spending his citizens gold on food and drink and cortisans to look outside his
100:15 drink and cortisans to look outside his windows. Crime is rampant in Ursa, but
100:19 windows. Crime is rampant in Ursa, but rather than patrol the streets, his
100:22 rather than patrol the streets, his royal guard have orders to stay close to
100:24 royal guard have orders to stay close to him while he carouses all day long. Last
100:27 him while he carouses all day long. Last time I was here, he seemed to have no
100:30 time I was here, he seemed to have no idea what was happening in his very
100:32 idea what was happening in his very city, and certainly not beneath it.
100:36 city, and certainly not beneath it. Kea diligently kept her eyes ahead
100:39 Kea diligently kept her eyes ahead rather than on Jiren as he spoke, but
100:41 rather than on Jiren as he spoke, but peripherilally she was aware of him
100:43 peripherilally she was aware of him frowning toward the dark mass of
100:46 frowning toward the dark mass of buildings. "What's h happening beneath
100:49 buildings. "What's h happening beneath it?" Tip asked, squinting down at the
100:53 it?" Tip asked, squinting down at the sand. "A labyrinth of twisting, deadly
100:56 sand. "A labyrinth of twisting, deadly underground streets where the worst of
100:58 underground streets where the worst of humanity trade everything from poisons
101:00 humanity trade everything from poisons to people," Calvin answered. Seeing the
101:04 to people," Calvin answered. Seeing the widening of Tip's eyes and his
101:06 widening of Tip's eyes and his impossible to miss curiosity, Kea made a
101:10 impossible to miss curiosity, Kea made a sound in the back of her throat, and
101:12 sound in the back of her throat, and Calvin realizing his error, quickly
101:14 Calvin realizing his error, quickly added, "They also eat young boys for
101:18 added, "They also eat young boys for breakfast. Boil them in a big pot while
101:21 breakfast. Boil them in a big pot while they're still alive. So, don't even
101:23 they're still alive. So, don't even think about wandering off because we
101:26 think about wandering off because we won't be coming after
101:27 won't be coming after you." Tip snickered, seeing right
101:30 you." Tip snickered, seeing right through Cal's lie. Cal's right, Ashlin
101:34 through Cal's lie. Cal's right, Ashlin said, causing Tip's humor to vanish into
101:36 said, causing Tip's humor to vanish into shock. Not about the cannibalism, don't
101:40 shock. Not about the cannibalism, don't be ridiculous. But it is a dangerous
101:43 be ridiculous. But it is a dangerous city, and we all need to stay together.
101:47 city, and we all need to stay together. Those of us who are going for the ring,
101:49 Those of us who are going for the ring, that
101:50 that is, are you still seeking out the
101:53 is, are you still seeking out the anomalies? The spy nodded and answered,
101:56 anomalies? The spy nodded and answered, different strategy this time. If
101:59 different strategy this time. If Galick's information is correct, this
102:02 Galick's information is correct, this community lives closer to the city than
102:03 community lives closer to the city than the last, but it's nearly sunset, so
102:06 the last, but it's nearly sunset, so we'll head there now and find an inn to
102:09 we'll head there now and find an inn to stay at overnight, acting as if we're
102:11 stay at overnight, acting as if we're just passing through. People are chatty
102:14 just passing through. People are chatty when they've had a few drinks. Once
102:16 when they've had a few drinks. Once they're comfortable with us, we'll try
102:18 they're comfortable with us, we'll try to get some answers out of
102:19 to get some answers out of them. Ashlin nodded her approval and
102:22 them. Ashlin nodded her approval and looked to Galdrich. You're with him
102:24 looked to Galdrich. You're with him again.
102:26 again. Galdrich seemed resigned to this now,
102:29 Galdrich seemed resigned to this now, aware that he was the only one who could
102:31 aware that he was the only one who could lead to the anomaly settlement, but
102:34 lead to the anomaly settlement, but regretting having ever said so. "Who
102:37 regretting having ever said so. "Who else is going with them?" Ashlin asked.
102:40 else is going with them?" Ashlin asked. Kea noted the difference between this
102:43 Kea noted the difference between this time and last time when the princess had
102:45 time and last time when the princess had ordered Cresa and Terrell to follow
102:47 ordered Cresa and Terrell to follow Edin, even if Ca had disregarded the
102:50 Edin, even if Ca had disregarded the command. It was yet more proof that the
102:53 command. It was yet more proof that the two were now considered part of the team
102:56 two were now considered part of the team rather than a rebel general and an
102:58 rather than a rebel general and an escaped prisoner. I'll go, Tor offered.
103:02 escaped prisoner. I'll go, Tor offered. Seeing Ka's questioning look, he
103:04 Seeing Ka's questioning look, he admitted. Just looking at this city
103:07 admitted. Just looking at this city makes me feel
103:09 makes me feel claustrophobic. Adren glanced around the
103:11 claustrophobic. Adren glanced around the group and said, "I think we need a woman
103:14 group and said, "I think we need a woman with us, too. Three men traveling
103:16 with us, too. Three men traveling together make people
103:18 together make people nervous. Especially when two of those
103:20 nervous. Especially when two of those men were built like warriors, Ka
103:23 men were built like warriors, Ka thought. I also think it should be you,
103:27 thought. I also think it should be you, Ash. Adren continued. They might be more
103:30 Ash. Adren continued. They might be more willing to talk if they see someone else
103:32 willing to talk if they see someone else who can use elemental
103:34 who can use elemental magic. Ashlin considered for a moment
103:37 magic. Ashlin considered for a moment before turning to Jiren and Calden. Can
103:40 before turning to Jiren and Calden. Can you two handle Sibi without me?
103:43 you two handle Sibi without me? I always hated the way he looked at you
103:46 I always hated the way he looked at you when you were younger, like he was
103:47 when you were younger, like he was undressing you with his eyes, Calvin
103:50 undressing you with his eyes, Calvin said, his tone full of
103:52 said, his tone full of disgust. I'd prefer it if you're not
103:55 disgust. I'd prefer it if you're not with us. We'll be fine, Jiren answered
103:58 with us. We'll be fine, Jiren answered Ashlin's question. I've dealt with Sibi
104:01 Ashlin's question. I've dealt with Sibi before. He's unpleasant, but only
104:04 before. He's unpleasant, but only because he thinks everyone should
104:05 because he thinks everyone should celebrate life the way he does. That and
104:09 celebrate life the way he does. That and he coughed and Kea snuck him the
104:11 he coughed and Kea snuck him the briefest of glances to see his cheeks
104:14 briefest of glances to see his cheeks flushing
104:15 flushing slightly. That and the last time you saw
104:18 slightly. That and the last time you saw him he tried to trick you into marrying
104:21 him he tried to trick you into marrying all 16 of his daughters. Calvin finished
104:25 all 16 of his daughters. Calvin finished for Jiren chuckling as he clapped his
104:27 for Jiren chuckling as he clapped his cousin on the back. 16? Terrell said
104:31 cousin on the back. 16? Terrell said gaping. Their poor
104:34 gaping. Their poor mother sibl doesn't believe in monogamy.
104:37 mother sibl doesn't believe in monogamy. Ashlin explained. Most hadrissens don't.
104:41 Ashlin explained. Most hadrissens don't. His children are from different
104:44 His children are from different women. Terrell looked embarrassed to not
104:47 women. Terrell looked embarrassed to not have realized as much. But even Kea had
104:49 have realized as much. But even Kea had been doing the math in her head until
104:51 been doing the math in her head until Ashlin's
104:52 Ashlin's explanation. "We're losing daylight,"
104:55 explanation. "We're losing daylight," Nari said, impatient at their dallying.
104:59 Nari said, impatient at their dallying. Ided, Galdrich, Tor, and Ash will head
105:01 Ided, Galdrich, Tor, and Ash will head to the village and the rest of us to
105:03 to the village and the rest of us to King Sibi to get the ring, assuming all
105:06 King Sibi to get the ring, assuming all goes to plan. We'll meet back here
105:08 goes to plan. We'll meet back here tomorrow morning and head south
105:12 tomorrow morning and head south to Ka felt weary just thinking about how
105:15 to Ka felt weary just thinking about how far away their next city was and how
105:18 far away their next city was and how much they still had to do before
105:20 much they still had to do before returning to Valenia, but reminded
105:23 returning to Valenia, but reminded herself to focus on one challenge at a
105:26 herself to focus on one challenge at a time.
105:27 time. Hadras didn't have any arenas, so there
105:30 Hadras didn't have any arenas, so there would be no battles for them to
105:31 would be no battles for them to undertake in order to get the second
105:33 undertake in order to get the second ring. They simply needed to ask King
105:36 ring. They simply needed to ask King Sibly for it and then enjoy or perhaps
105:39 Sibly for it and then enjoy or perhaps endure a night of his hospitality before
105:42 endure a night of his hospitality before they could be away again. But as their
105:46 they could be away again. But as their group parted ways, Kea couldn't ignore
105:48 group parted ways, Kea couldn't ignore her fear that there would be some new
105:51 her fear that there would be some new complication to keep them from reaching
105:53 complication to keep them from reaching their goal. She told herself she was
105:55 their goal. She told herself she was being paranoid as they wound a path
105:57 being paranoid as they wound a path through the grimy streets toward the
105:59 through the grimy streets toward the palace at the opposite side of the city.
106:02 palace at the opposite side of the city. But the feeling remained with her. It
106:04 But the feeling remained with her. It was almost a relief since it helped keep
106:07 was almost a relief since it helped keep her distracted from Jiren and everything
106:09 her distracted from Jiren and everything she was desperately trying to bottle up
106:12 she was desperately trying to bottle up inside. When they finally reached King
106:15 inside. When they finally reached King Sibli's abode, Kea marveled at the view
106:18 Sibli's abode, Kea marveled at the view since his palace was built at top a
106:20 since his palace was built at top a cliff looking down at a massive shipyard
106:23 cliff looking down at a massive shipyard and out over the expansive Corin Sea.
106:26 and out over the expansive Corin Sea. While it was made of the same dark
106:28 While it was made of the same dark sandstone as the rest of his city, the
106:31 sandstone as the rest of his city, the outside of his residence was splashed
106:33 outside of his residence was splashed with color, with scarves and flags and
106:36 with color, with scarves and flags and banners of all shapes and sizes flapping
106:38 banners of all shapes and sizes flapping in the wind from almost every available
106:41 in the wind from almost every available surface.
106:43 surface. It looks like a rainbow vomited on it.
106:47 It looks like a rainbow vomited on it. Tip observed his head cocked to the
106:50 Tip observed his head cocked to the side. A wide grin stretched across his
106:53 side. A wide grin stretched across his face. I love
106:56 face. I love it. Just wait until you see the inside.
106:59 it. Just wait until you see the inside. Calvin said, wrinkling his nose. Your
107:02 Calvin said, wrinkling his nose. Your eyes are going to feel like they're
107:04 eyes are going to feel like they're bleeding. Sure enough, after being
107:07 bleeding. Sure enough, after being stopped at the gates by a group of
107:09 stopped at the gates by a group of guards who quickly allowed them entry
107:11 guards who quickly allowed them entry and ordered that their horses be taken
107:13 and ordered that their horses be taken care of, they were then escorted into
107:15 care of, they were then escorted into the palace, proving Calvin's assertion
107:18 the palace, proving Calvin's assertion true. Kea cringed at the interior
107:21 true. Kea cringed at the interior decorating, noting the clashing colors
107:23 decorating, noting the clashing colors and tasteless portraits, some of which
107:26 and tasteless portraits, some of which were so lewd that she covered Tip's eyes
107:29 were so lewd that she covered Tip's eyes as they walked past.
107:31 as they walked past. No one is that flexible, Calvin muttered
107:34 No one is that flexible, Calvin muttered as they hurried by one particularly
107:37 as they hurried by one particularly graphic painting. Speak for yourself,
107:41 graphic painting. Speak for yourself, Cresta muttered back, causing him to
107:43 Cresta muttered back, causing him to make a choked sound. Kea just kept her
107:47 make a choked sound. Kea just kept her gaze down and her hands firmly over
107:49 gaze down and her hands firmly over Tip's face until the guards delivered
107:51 Tip's face until the guards delivered them into a receiving room and left them
107:54 them into a receiving room and left them with instructions to wait for the king's
107:56 with instructions to wait for the king's steward. Glancing around, she fought to
107:59 steward. Glancing around, she fought to control her expression as she took in
108:02 control her expression as she took in the shockingly blue couches with bright
108:05 the shockingly blue couches with bright orange cushions over a lime green rug
108:08 orange cushions over a lime green rug paired with sunshine yellow carpet and
108:11 paired with sunshine yellow carpet and fuchsia
108:11 fuchsia wallpaper. The only relief was that
108:15 wallpaper. The only relief was that while there was an overabundance of
108:17 while there was an overabundance of portraits on the walls, at least all the
108:20 portraits on the walls, at least all the people in them were clothed.
108:22 people in them were clothed. The decorator was clearly blind, Cresta
108:26 The decorator was clearly blind, Cresta stated, shielding her eyes as if from a
108:29 stated, shielding her eyes as if from a glare. Tip alone seemed immune to the
108:32 glare. Tip alone seemed immune to the room, and he bounded straight for the
108:34 room, and he bounded straight for the couch where a platter of fruits and
108:36 couch where a platter of fruits and cheeses rested on a small table. He
108:39 cheeses rested on a small table. He began stuffing his mouth, food spraying
108:41 began stuffing his mouth, food spraying from between his lips as he declared,
108:44 from between his lips as he declared, "Do you you think King Sibli will give
108:48 "Do you you think King Sibli will give us a feast like in urine?" God, we'd all
108:53 us a feast like in urine?" God, we'd all better hope not," Nari said under her
108:56 better hope not," Nari said under her breath. "The kind of feasts Sibi offers
109:00 breath. "The kind of feasts Sibi offers aren't the kind you'd enjoy, buddy."
109:03 aren't the kind you'd enjoy, buddy." Jiren said. "The tightness around his
109:05 Jiren said. "The tightness around his eyes, revealing his distaste for the
109:08 eyes, revealing his distaste for the foreign king's proclivities."
109:10 foreign king's proclivities." Realizing that she was looking at him,
109:13 Realizing that she was looking at him, Ka quickly turned to study a painting of
109:15 Ka quickly turned to study a painting of a large man seated at top a colorful
109:17 a large man seated at top a colorful throne, a goblet of wine in one hand, a
109:21 throne, a goblet of wine in one hand, a bunch of grapes in the
109:22 bunch of grapes in the other. Is this? Before she could finish
109:26 other. Is this? Before she could finish asking if the painting was of the king,
109:28 asking if the painting was of the king, the door opened and her question was
109:31 the door opened and her question was answered for her. Devik, you old dog,
109:35 answered for her. Devik, you old dog, blustered the man from the portrait. And
109:38 blustered the man from the portrait. And while he wasn't holding any grapes,
109:40 while he wasn't holding any grapes, there was a full goblet in one of his
109:42 there was a full goblet in one of his hands, he was also considerably more
109:45 hands, he was also considerably more rotunded in person, enough that he was
109:48 rotunded in person, enough that he was nearly waddling into the room, his red
109:51 nearly waddling into the room, his red trousers and purple vest straining
109:53 trousers and purple vest straining against his portly figure. The only item
109:56 against his portly figure. The only item that fit him properly was the bejeweled
109:58 that fit him properly was the bejeweled crown at top his head. Sibly, thank you
110:02 crown at top his head. Sibly, thank you for come here, my boy. Come here. The
110:06 for come here, my boy. Come here. The king interrupted Jiren, yanking him into
110:09 king interrupted Jiren, yanking him into a tight, one-armed embrace, the other
110:12 a tight, one-armed embrace, the other stretched out to avoid spilling his
110:14 stretched out to avoid spilling his wine. When he pulled back again, Kea
110:17 wine. When he pulled back again, Kea noted the glazed look in his eyes along
110:20 noted the glazed look in his eyes along with the ruddy, sweatdamp tinge to his
110:23 with the ruddy, sweatdamp tinge to his features. The king was drunk, or high,
110:27 features. The king was drunk, or high, possibly both, but he wasn't slurring,
110:30 possibly both, but he wasn't slurring, indicating he'd had plenty of experience
110:32 indicating he'd had plenty of experience at keeping court in such a condition.
110:36 at keeping court in such a condition. What a fine young man you've grown
110:38 What a fine young man you've grown into," Sibi said, patting the
110:41 into," Sibi said, patting the uncomfortable-looking Jiren on the
110:42 uncomfortable-looking Jiren on the chest. He leaned in and added, "You
110:46 chest. He leaned in and added, "You know, half of my daughters are still
110:49 know, half of my daughters are still sibly always inexperienced to see you."
110:53 sibly always inexperienced to see you." Calvin cut in, saving his cousin. The
110:56 Calvin cut in, saving his cousin. The king turned to Calvin, but as he did so,
110:59 king turned to Calvin, but as he did so, he noticed the others in the room, his
111:01 he noticed the others in the room, his attention shifting curiously from Nari
111:04 attention shifting curiously from Nari to tip before coming to land on Ka. He
111:08 to tip before coming to land on Ka. He looked her over slowly, licking his
111:10 looked her over slowly, licking his lips, until Jiren pointedly cleared his
111:13 lips, until Jiren pointedly cleared his throat. Sibi then hurriedly moved his
111:16 throat. Sibi then hurriedly moved his gaze to Cresa, eyeing her body in a
111:19 gaze to Cresa, eyeing her body in a similar manner, though quicker, before
111:21 similar manner, though quicker, before his gaze rose to her face and arrested
111:24 his gaze rose to her face and arrested there. There was no doubting that Cresa
111:27 there. There was no doubting that Cresa was beautiful, but in a fierce,
111:29 was beautiful, but in a fierce, intimidating way. Her serpent tattoo was
111:33 intimidating way. Her serpent tattoo was enough to warn wouldbe suitors that they
111:35 enough to warn wouldbe suitors that they would have their hands full with her.
111:37 would have their hands full with her. But Sibi didn't seem to get that message
111:40 But Sibi didn't seem to get that message since he continued staring. Placing her
111:44 since he continued staring. Placing her hands on her hips,
111:45 hands on her hips, Crestrolled. See something you
111:48 Crestrolled. See something you like? The king came back to himself
111:51 like? The king came back to himself then, shaking his head as if to clear
111:53 then, shaking his head as if to clear it. I apologize. I thought you were
111:57 it. I apologize. I thought you were someone else. Someone
112:00 someone else. Someone dead. Ca arched an eyebrow. Do I look
112:04 dead. Ca arched an eyebrow. Do I look dead to
112:05 dead to you? The king laughed it off and waved a
112:09 you? The king laughed it off and waved a hand in the air, nearly spilling his
112:11 hand in the air, nearly spilling his wine. Forget I said anything. She was
112:14 wine. Forget I said anything. She was just a child,
112:17 just a child, any definitely
112:20 any definitely not. He looked her over again, his eyes
112:23 not. He looked her over again, his eyes lingering on places that had Calvin
112:26 lingering on places that had Calvin uttering a warning
112:27 uttering a warning growl. The king finally became aware of
112:30 growl. The king finally became aware of the mood in the room and quickly looked
112:32 the mood in the room and quickly looked behind him to where a hunched man
112:34 behind him to where a hunched man lingered awkwardly in the doorway. Send
112:37 lingered awkwardly in the doorway. Send for drinks, Tanton. My friends and I
112:41 for drinks, Tanton. My friends and I will celebrate as we catch up.
112:44 will celebrate as we catch up. Ka wondered if he'd heard rumors about
112:47 Ka wondered if he'd heard rumors about the takeover in Avalon, but then
112:49 the takeover in Avalon, but then remembered what Jiren had said about
112:51 remembered what Jiren had said about Sibi barely knowing what was happening
112:53 Sibi barely knowing what was happening in his own city. At least that was one
112:56 in his own city. At least that was one conversation they wouldn't have to
112:57 conversation they wouldn't have to endure in their catchup. "Actually,"
113:01 endure in their catchup. "Actually," Sibi, this isn't a social call, Jiren
113:04 Sibi, this isn't a social call, Jiren said. "We're here for SA's ring, the one
113:08 said. "We're here for SA's ring, the one she entrusted to your ancestor years
113:10 she entrusted to your ancestor years ago."
113:12 ago." The king visibly stilled before raising
113:14 The king visibly stilled before raising his goblet and taking a large gulp, then
113:18 his goblet and taking a large gulp, then another before draining all that
113:20 another before draining all that remained. "My coffers are full of
113:23 remained. "My coffers are full of trinkets, dear boy," Sibly said
113:26 trinkets, dear boy," Sibly said genially. "I have troves of jewels,
113:30 genially. "I have troves of jewels, necklaces, and bracelets and diadems,
113:33 necklaces, and bracelets and diadems, swords and daggers, and weapons of
113:36 swords and daggers, and weapons of infinite value. I'm sure we can find
113:38 infinite value. I'm sure we can find something you'd like more than a dusty
113:41 something you'd like more than a dusty old
113:42 old drink. Kea tensed, her earlier feeling
113:46 drink. Kea tensed, her earlier feeling returning at the panicky look on the
113:48 returning at the panicky look on the king's face. He mopped the sweat from
113:50 king's face. He mopped the sweat from his brow and grinned widely at them,
113:53 his brow and grinned widely at them, swaying slightly as he added, "I can
113:56 swaying slightly as he added, "I can have my stewart escort you there
113:58 have my stewart escort you there straight away, and you can take a piece
114:01 straight away, and you can take a piece of your chewing. all of you gifts to
114:05 of your chewing. all of you gifts to celebrate our friendship and then we'll
114:08 celebrate our friendship and then we'll dine and drink together afterward. I'll
114:11 dine and drink together afterward. I'll have the finest of entertainment brought
114:13 have the finest of entertainment brought in so we can enjoy sibly Jiren
114:17 in so we can enjoy sibly Jiren interrupted the king's rambling, his
114:19 interrupted the king's rambling, his voice brimming with command. Where is
114:22 voice brimming with command. Where is Sana's
114:23 Sana's ring? The Hadras monarch lifted his
114:27 ring? The Hadras monarch lifted his goblet again, grimacing when he found it
114:29 goblet again, grimacing when he found it empty. Only then did he sigh and
114:33 empty. Only then did he sigh and reluctantly admit, "I don't have
114:36 reluctantly admit, "I don't have it." Calvin swore and demanded, "Who
114:40 it." Calvin swore and demanded, "Who does?" "I need more vine. Would you like
114:43 does?" "I need more vine. Would you like some vine?" "You, boy," Sibi pointed to
114:47 some vine?" "You, boy," Sibi pointed to Tip. "You look like you could use some
114:50 Tip. "You look like you could use some fine." Tip started.
114:54 fine." Tip started. "Um, he's 11," Ka said flatly. She
114:58 "Um, he's 11," Ka said flatly. She ignored Tip's quiet mumble that he'd be
115:00 ignored Tip's quiet mumble that he'd be 12 soon and went on. He doesn't want any
115:04 12 soon and went on. He doesn't want any wine. Now answer the
115:06 wine. Now answer the question. The king turned to her, his
115:09 question. The king turned to her, his jowls wobbling as he offered what he
115:11 jowls wobbling as he offered what he thought was a charming grin. I'm not
115:14 thought was a charming grin. I'm not sure if you've heard, but I'm always
115:18 sure if you've heard, but I'm always looking for new treasures to join my
115:21 looking for new treasures to join my haram. I can already tell you've been a
115:24 haram. I can already tell you've been a favorite of He stopped abruptly when
115:27 favorite of He stopped abruptly when Jiren moved a threatening step forward.
115:30 Jiren moved a threatening step forward. In a low, dangerous voice, the prince
115:33 In a low, dangerous voice, the prince asked, "Where is the ring,
115:36 asked, "Where is the ring, Sibly?" Whatever the king saw in Jiren's
115:39 Sibly?" Whatever the king saw in Jiren's expression had him mopping his brow
115:42 expression had him mopping his brow again, even more desperately. But he
115:45 again, even more desperately. But he answered, "I gave it to a woman named
115:49 answered, "I gave it to a woman named Zophia Sage.
115:51 Zophia Sage. Nari, Calvin, and Jiren all spoke at
115:54 Nari, Calvin, and Jiren all spoke at once with one asking why, the other when
115:59 once with one asking why, the other when and the last, "Where is she?" Flustered
116:03 and the last, "Where is she?" Flustered now, the king said, "I invited her here
116:06 now, the king said, "I invited her here to read my fortune. She's a mystician,
116:09 to read my fortune. She's a mystician, you see, a damn fine one, and very rare.
116:14 you see, a damn fine one, and very rare. But she wouldn't take gold as payment.
116:17 But she wouldn't take gold as payment. Only that ring.
116:20 Only that ring. It's been hundreds of years without
116:22 It's been hundreds of years without anyone from your family coming to claim
116:24 anyone from your family coming to claim it. How was I supposed to know you'd
116:28 it. How was I supposed to know you'd show up in my
116:29 show up in my lifetime? He made a harump sound as if
116:32 lifetime? He made a harump sound as if he were horribly put out. How do we find
116:36 he were horribly put out. How do we find her? Jiren asked. She has a stall in the
116:40 her? Jiren asked. She has a stall in the midnight market, Sibly said, causing
116:44 midnight market, Sibly said, causing Calvin to swear again with Nari
116:46 Calvin to swear again with Nari surprisingly doing the same. But be
116:49 surprisingly doing the same. But be warned, she won't just hand the ring
116:52 warned, she won't just hand the ring over. She'll have to pay and not in
116:56 over. She'll have to pay and not in gold. I strongly suggest you take up my
117:00 gold. I strongly suggest you take up my offer to visit my troves
117:03 offer to visit my troves instead. Jiren turned to pace the length
117:05 instead. Jiren turned to pace the length of the room. Kea tracked his movement,
117:08 of the room. Kea tracked his movement, part of her wondering what he was
117:10 part of her wondering what he was thinking. The rest wishing she could
117:12 thinking. The rest wishing she could leave his presence to keep from being
117:14 leave his presence to keep from being constantly reminded about what he'd said
117:16 constantly reminded about what he'd said that morning. You and I will never have
117:19 that morning. You and I will never have to see each other
117:21 to see each other again. She winced and wrapped her arms
117:24 again. She winced and wrapped her arms around herself, ignoring Cal's concerned
117:27 around herself, ignoring Cal's concerned look. "What's the time now?" Jiren
117:30 look. "What's the time now?" Jiren finally asked. The king looked to the
117:33 finally asked. The king looked to the hunched steward, who quickly answered.
117:36 hunched steward, who quickly answered. "There's still a few hours until
117:38 "There's still a few hours until midnight," Jarn noted, making Ka realize
117:42 midnight," Jarn noted, making Ka realize the midnight markets must be more
117:44 the midnight markets must be more literal than she'd assumed. We need a
117:47 literal than she'd assumed. We need a place to rest in the meantime. Can you
117:49 place to rest in the meantime. Can you accommodate us? It was asked politely,
117:53 accommodate us? It was asked politely, but there was an undercurrent of anger
117:55 but there was an undercurrent of anger and frustration that the king, even
117:57 and frustration that the king, even inebriated, didn't miss. He quickly
118:00 inebriated, didn't miss. He quickly said, "Of course, of course. It would be
118:04 said, "Of course, of course. It would be my pleasure." He clapped his hands and
118:07 my pleasure." He clapped his hands and called, "Tanton, take some to the blue
118:10 called, "Tanton, take some to the blue suite." He beamed at Jarn. only the best
118:14 suite." He beamed at Jarn. only the best for my
118:15 for my friends. Jiren gave a tur nod of thanks.
118:19 friends. Jiren gave a tur nod of thanks. I'll be in the dining hall with some of
118:22 I'll be in the dining hall with some of my lovelies should you wish to join me
118:24 my lovelies should you wish to join me later, Sibly offered. He winked and
118:28 later, Sibly offered. He winked and added. We'll be enjoying each other well
118:31 added. We'll be enjoying each other well into the night. You're welcome to come
118:34 into the night. You're welcome to come and make merry with us after your visit
118:37 and make merry with us after your visit to the markets.
118:39 to the markets. Cresa made a gagging sound, saving Jiren
118:42 Cresa made a gagging sound, saving Jiren from having to
118:43 from having to answer. None of them bid the king
118:46 answer. None of them bid the king farewell as they followed the hunched
118:48 farewell as they followed the hunched tanton from the room with Kea once again
118:52 tanton from the room with Kea once again covering Tip's eyes as they passed yet
118:54 covering Tip's eyes as they passed yet more indecent portraits.
118:57 more indecent portraits. Walking through the sandstone halls, she
119:00 Walking through the sandstone halls, she considered the king, unsurprised that
119:03 considered the king, unsurprised that Ursa had run a muk under his care. While
119:07 Ursa had run a muk under his care. While Tempi and Ryu were warriors who
119:09 Tempi and Ryu were warriors who commanded obedience from their German
119:11 commanded obedience from their German citizens, Sibi was lacking any sense of
119:14 citizens, Sibi was lacking any sense of authority, more interested in his own
119:16 authority, more interested in his own comfort than anything else. Despite
119:19 comfort than anything else. Despite Jiren being only a prince, and not even
119:22 Jiren being only a prince, and not even that technically at the moment, Sibi was
119:25 that technically at the moment, Sibi was still cowed by him.
119:27 still cowed by him. He wasn't a king who inspired respect,
119:30 He wasn't a king who inspired respect, but nor did he seem to care for it. The
119:33 but nor did he seem to care for it. The further Ka traveled from Avalon, the
119:35 further Ka traveled from Avalon, the more she realized just how fortunate her
119:38 more she realized just how fortunate her home kingdom was to be under the rule of
119:40 home kingdom was to be under the rule of the Valentis family, ignoring, of
119:43 the Valentis family, ignoring, of course, the current circumstances, which
119:45 course, the current circumstances, which she was hopeful would be remedied as
119:47 she was hopeful would be remedied as soon as
119:48 soon as possible. "Here we are, the
119:51 possible. "Here we are, the Blue," said Tanton in a grating accent.
119:55 Blue," said Tanton in a grating accent. Kea had yet to hear the native Hydrrisen
119:58 Kea had yet to hear the native Hydrrisen language since arriving in the kingdom,
120:00 language since arriving in the kingdom, but she'd encountered it numerous times
120:02 but she'd encountered it numerous times in Zalandov, so was familiar with the
120:05 in Zalandov, so was familiar with the rough vowels and edged consonants.
120:08 rough vowels and edged consonants. Stepping through the door the steward
120:09 Stepping through the door the steward held open, Kea was unsurprised to see
120:12 held open, Kea was unsurprised to see that everything from the floors to the
120:14 that everything from the floors to the walls to the ceiling and all of the
120:16 walls to the ceiling and all of the furniture was blue. Navy, ceruan, azure,
120:22 furniture was blue. Navy, ceruan, azure, sapphire, turquoise. Every shade
120:25 sapphire, turquoise. Every shade imaginable was before them, with not
120:28 imaginable was before them, with not even the scenery off the large covered
120:30 even the scenery off the large covered balcony offering any respit, since it
120:32 balcony offering any respit, since it looked straight out over the aquamarine
120:34 looked straight out over the aquamarine Corin Sea glinting in the
120:37 Corin Sea glinting in the sunset. But that at least afforded some
120:40 sunset. But that at least afforded some natural beauty, unlike the blue
120:42 natural beauty, unlike the blue explosion of the room.
120:45 explosion of the room. This is
120:46 This is ridiculous," Cresa muttered, glaring at
120:49 ridiculous," Cresa muttered, glaring at the space as if it personally offended
120:51 the space as if it personally offended her. "If you need anything, please ring
120:54 her. "If you need anything, please ring the bell," Tanton said, indicating a
120:58 the bell," Tanton said, indicating a cord hanging near the door. "The guards
121:00 cord hanging near the door. "The guards will be made aware of your evening
121:02 will be made aware of your evening plans, so you'll be free to travel
121:05 plans, so you'll be free to travel through the gates as you please." He
121:08 through the gates as you please." He hesitated before adding, "Take care in
121:11 hesitated before adding, "Take care in the markets. They are beyond his
121:14 the markets. They are beyond his majesty's jurisdiction. Should you
121:17 majesty's jurisdiction. Should you encounter trouble, he will be unable to
121:20 encounter trouble, he will be unable to assist. With that warning, he gave a
121:23 assist. With that warning, he gave a shallow bow and left them alone. "What's
121:27 shallow bow and left them alone. "What's the deal with these markets?" Cresta
121:29 the deal with these markets?" Cresta asked, collapsing onto the periwinkle
121:32 asked, collapsing onto the periwinkle couch. "And what's a mistition?"
121:38 couch. "And what's a mistition?" Tip asked, his eyes lighting when he
121:41 Tip asked, his eyes lighting when he found a tray of pastries in the corner,
121:43 found a tray of pastries in the corner, despite everything he'd just eaten in
121:45 despite everything he'd just eaten in the receiving
121:46 the receiving room. Both are bad news, Nari answered,
121:50 room. Both are bad news, Nari answered, her features tense. Jiren strode toward
121:53 her features tense. Jiren strode toward the balcony, halting where the carpet
121:56 the balcony, halting where the carpet ended, staring brutally out at the
121:58 ended, staring brutally out at the ocean. "You all right?" Calvin whispered
122:02 ocean. "You all right?" Calvin whispered to Kea. She feigned confusion. Why
122:06 to Kea. She feigned confusion. Why wouldn't I be? His lips pressed into a
122:09 wouldn't I be? His lips pressed into a thin line, not buying her act, but he
122:12 thin line, not buying her act, but he didn't get a chance to call her on it
122:14 didn't get a chance to call her on it before Jiren turned back to them all and
122:16 before Jiren turned back to them all and said, "The midnight markets are a place
122:20 said, "The midnight markets are a place that I deeply wish we could have
122:22 that I deeply wish we could have avoided." Calvin snorted, "You're just
122:26 avoided." Calvin snorted, "You're just remembering the last time we were
122:27 remembering the last time we were there." A memory came to Ka then of her
122:31 there." A memory came to Ka then of her dinner with the Valentis family at the
122:33 dinner with the Valentis family at the river Palace and the stories they'd
122:35 river Palace and the stories they'd shared, mostly to embarrass Jiren,
122:38 shared, mostly to embarrass Jiren, including one about how he'd spent a
122:41 including one about how he'd spent a night dancing at the midnight markets
122:43 night dancing at the midnight markets after Calvin had spiked his
122:45 after Calvin had spiked his drink. I'm really trying not to, Jiren
122:49 drink. I'm really trying not to, Jiren said tightly. To the rest of them, he
122:52 said tightly. To the rest of them, he said, "There are two halves to the
122:55 said, "There are two halves to the markets. One that spills above ground,
122:57 markets. One that spills above ground, which is mostly safe and focuses on
122:59 which is mostly safe and focuses on realry and celebration. Think of it like
123:02 realry and celebration. Think of it like a carnival, except it occurs all year
123:06 a carnival, except it occurs all year round. And the other half," Tip asked,
123:10 round. And the other half," Tip asked, between bites of a berry
123:12 between bites of a berry tart. It's part of Ursa's underground
123:15 tart. It's part of Ursa's underground where everything Cal mentioned earlier
123:18 where everything Cal mentioned earlier takes place. the trading of illicit
123:21 takes place. the trading of illicit substances, the buying and selling of
123:23 substances, the buying and selling of human flesh, the hiring of assassins and
123:27 human flesh, the hiring of assassins and spies. Jiren's brow was
123:30 spies. Jiren's brow was pinched. It really isn't somewhere we
123:33 pinched. It really isn't somewhere we should
123:34 should go. Ca pulled her feet up onto the
123:37 go. Ca pulled her feet up onto the couch, stretching out. And yet, I think
123:41 couch, stretching out. And yet, I think we can all guess which side we'll find
123:43 we can all guess which side we'll find the mystician
123:44 the mystician on. Jiren made a frustrated sound of
123:47 on. Jiren made a frustrated sound of agreement.
123:48 agreement. You did didn't say what um mystician is.
123:53 You did didn't say what um mystician is. Tip pressed. Kea too was curious since
123:57 Tip pressed. Kea too was curious since it wasn't a term she was familiar
123:59 it wasn't a term she was familiar with. As King Sibi said, mysticians are
124:03 with. As King Sibi said, mysticians are incredibly rare. Nari answered, moving
124:07 incredibly rare. Nari answered, moving toward tip and swiping a muffin off the
124:10 toward tip and swiping a muffin off the tray. They come from across the ocean,
124:13 tray. They come from across the ocean, mostly Adastria, though some are from
124:16 mostly Adastria, though some are from Mahari.
124:17 Mahari. Considering how far west we are, Zofhia
124:20 Considering how far west we are, Zofhia Sage is probably from the latter. I
124:23 Sage is probably from the latter. I can't imagine she would have crossed
124:25 can't imagine she would have crossed Wonderall and ended up here if she
124:27 Wonderall and ended up here if she hailed all the way from the
124:29 hailed all the way from the east. But what does she do? Tip asked.
124:34 east. But what does she do? Tip asked. The king said she read his
124:37 The king said she read his fortune. Is that even possible?
124:42 fortune. Is that even possible? No one really knows what mysticians can
124:44 No one really knows what mysticians can do, Calvin said, shoving Crest's legs
124:47 do, Calvin said, shoving Crest's legs off the couch so he could sit beside
124:49 off the couch so he could sit beside her. He ignored her glare and
124:52 her. He ignored her glare and continued. Legend claims they're gifted
124:56 continued. Legend claims they're gifted in the mind arts, a special kind of
124:58 in the mind arts, a special kind of magic that we know little about here in
125:01 magic that we know little about here in Wendall. They're said to be able to do
125:03 Wendall. They're said to be able to do anything from predicting the future to
125:05 anything from predicting the future to knowing someone's innermost secrets.
125:08 knowing someone's innermost secrets. Some can even move objects without
125:10 Some can even move objects without touching them, while others can speak
125:12 touching them, while others can speak directly into your
125:13 directly into your thoughts.
125:15 thoughts. Whoa. Tip breathed, and Kea found
125:18 Whoa. Tip breathed, and Kea found herself
125:19 herself agreeing. So, what's our plan? Nari
125:23 agreeing. So, what's our plan? Nari asked, nibbling her muffin. We don't
125:26 asked, nibbling her muffin. We don't have a choice, Jiren said, unhappy about
125:29 have a choice, Jiren said, unhappy about it. We need the ring. So that means we
125:34 it. We need the ring. So that means we have to find her and then pay whatever
125:36 have to find her and then pay whatever price she
125:38 price she demands. What if she wants our firstborn
125:41 demands. What if she wants our firstborn children? Cresa asked, frowning. Or our
125:45 children? Cresa asked, frowning. Or our kidneys. Our
125:47 kidneys. Our kidneys? Calvin's eyebrows shot upward.
125:51 kidneys? Calvin's eyebrows shot upward. That's what you're worried about? The
125:54 That's what you're worried about? The redhead tapped her chin thoughtfully. I
125:57 redhead tapped her chin thoughtfully. I can probably give her one, but she's not
126:00 can probably give her one, but she's not getting both.
126:02 getting both. Crest is right, Nari said. Not about the
126:05 Crest is right, Nari said. Not about the kidneys. That's Well, never mind. She
126:09 kidneys. That's Well, never mind. She scrunched her face and shook her head.
126:11 scrunched her face and shook her head. But she's right that it's risky to go in
126:14 But she's right that it's risky to go in willing to offer anything. We have no
126:16 willing to offer anything. We have no idea what the might want. It's still a
126:20 idea what the might want. It's still a risk we have to take, Jiren maintained.
126:23 risk we have to take, Jiren maintained. No one was pleased, but they all knew
126:26 No one was pleased, but they all knew there was no alternative.
126:29 there was no alternative. They just have to hope Zofhia Sage would
126:31 They just have to hope Zofhia Sage would relinquish the ring for a price they
126:34 relinquish the ring for a price they were capable of
126:35 were capable of paying. Devising a quick plan of action,
126:38 paying. Devising a quick plan of action, they all agreed to rest for a few hours
126:40 they all agreed to rest for a few hours in the separate bedrooms connected to
126:42 in the separate bedrooms connected to the suite before meeting up again close
126:45 the suite before meeting up again close to
126:46 to midnight. Unlike the others, however,
126:49 midnight. Unlike the others, however, once Ka was alone, she didn't try to
126:52 once Ka was alone, she didn't try to sleep. Having no distractions for the
126:54 sleep. Having no distractions for the first time since that morning, she could
126:57 first time since that morning, she could no longer hold back the tide of what
126:59 no longer hold back the tide of what she'd been ignoring all day. With every
127:02 she'd been ignoring all day. With every detail of her talk with Jiren replaying
127:04 detail of her talk with Jiren replaying in her
127:05 in her mind, "You made me fall in love with a
127:08 mind, "You made me fall in love with a lie. I don't even know who you are, and
127:12 lie. I don't even know who you are, and frankly, I don't want
127:14 frankly, I don't want to. And perhaps the worst, you and I
127:18 to. And perhaps the worst, you and I will never have to see each other
127:20 will never have to see each other again."
127:22 again." She curled into a ball on her
127:23 She curled into a ball on her teal-colored bed, her arms around her
127:26 teal-colored bed, her arms around her knees, her wounded heart thumping dully.
127:30 knees, her wounded heart thumping dully. And finally, she released the tears
127:33 And finally, she released the tears she'd been fighting for hours, allowing
127:35 she'd been fighting for hours, allowing them to flow in silent rivers down her
127:38 them to flow in silent rivers down her cheeks, all while she begged for the
127:41 cheeks, all while she begged for the pain to
127:51 Kea felt hollow as she walked with Jiren, Calvin, and Tip into the midnight
127:54 Jiren, Calvin, and Tip into the midnight markets later that night. Casta and Nari
127:57 markets later that night. Casta and Nari had left earlier in the evening,
127:59 had left earlier in the evening, choosing to scout ahead rather than
128:01 choosing to scout ahead rather than rest. Kea had wished she'd known in time
128:04 rest. Kea had wished she'd known in time to accompany them because now she was
128:07 to accompany them because now she was stuck with a much more intimate group,
128:10 stuck with a much more intimate group, including the one person she greatly
128:13 including the one person she greatly wished to distance herself from. But she
128:16 wished to distance herself from. But she did her best to ignore Jiren. instead
128:19 did her best to ignore Jiren. instead channeling her energy into keeping her
128:21 channeling her energy into keeping her eyes on Tip. She'd wanted him to remain
128:24 eyes on Tip. She'd wanted him to remain back at the palace, but their encounter
128:26 back at the palace, but their encounter with the king had made her wary about
128:29 with the king had made her wary about leaving him
128:30 leaving him alone. And while she'd almost offered to
128:32 alone. And while she'd almost offered to stay with him, she was also aware that
128:35 stay with him, she was also aware that the dangerous nature of the underground
128:37 the dangerous nature of the underground markets could result in her friends
128:39 markets could result in her friends needing her magic.
128:41 needing her magic. So there they were, the four of them,
128:44 So there they were, the four of them, having just climbed down one of the many
128:46 having just climbed down one of the many public entrances into Ursa's underground
128:48 public entrances into Ursa's underground network, with the above ground hatch
128:51 network, with the above ground hatch having revealed a set of ladders eerily
128:53 having revealed a set of ladders eerily similar to those at
128:55 similar to those at Zalandov. They weren't all like that,
128:58 Zalandov. They weren't all like that, Calvin had shared, rattling off other
129:00 Calvin had shared, rattling off other entrances he'd used during past visits.
129:03 entrances he'd used during past visits. sandstone staircases and even mechanical
129:06 sandstone staircases and even mechanical shafts powered by aluminium along with
129:09 shafts powered by aluminium along with different trap doors with more ladders
129:11 different trap doors with more ladders and ropes and pulleys and
129:14 and ropes and pulleys and slides. Urs had made it all too easy to
129:17 slides. Urs had made it all too easy to access their criminal world from all
129:19 access their criminal world from all across the city and to escape it
129:23 across the city and to escape it quickly. "It smells bad down here," Tip
129:28 quickly. "It smells bad down here," Tip said, wrinkling his nose as they headed
129:31 said, wrinkling his nose as they headed along a vast thoroughfare.
129:33 along a vast thoroughfare. Kea didn't feel as if she was
129:35 Kea didn't feel as if she was underground. As long as she didn't look
129:37 underground. As long as she didn't look up at the dark, rocky ceiling, it was
129:40 up at the dark, rocky ceiling, it was just like walking through a normal
129:41 just like walking through a normal street with vendors lining the sides of
129:44 street with vendors lining the sides of the road, some pedalling their wares,
129:46 the road, some pedalling their wares, others sitting silently behind tables
129:48 others sitting silently behind tables and watching as they passed.
129:51 and watching as they passed. There were also a surprising number of
129:54 There were also a surprising number of urs moving from stall to stall, some
129:57 urs moving from stall to stall, some angling fertively down narrow alleyways
130:00 angling fertively down narrow alleyways and through secretive doors cut into the
130:02 and through secretive doors cut into the earth. Kea couldn't help being curious
130:06 earth. Kea couldn't help being curious about those hidden establishments, what
130:08 about those hidden establishments, what they contained, and how they'd been
130:10 they contained, and how they'd been heuned out of the sandstone itself.
130:13 heuned out of the sandstone itself. She didn't, however, dwell on the
130:16 She didn't, however, dwell on the question of how safe she and her
130:17 question of how safe she and her companions were, and tried to forget
130:20 companions were, and tried to forget that there was an entire city resting
130:22 that there was an entire city resting just above their
130:23 just above their heads. "Should we split up?" Calvin
130:27 heads. "Should we split up?" Calvin asked as they walked past a woman who
130:29 asked as they walked past a woman who had three snakes coiled around her arms
130:32 had three snakes coiled around her arms and neck, and dozens more for sale in a
130:35 and neck, and dozens more for sale in a glass
130:36 glass enclosure. The red streaks in their
130:38 enclosure. The red streaks in their black scales identified them as necross
130:41 black scales identified them as necross adders. a single bite from which would
130:44 adders. a single bite from which would cause death within
130:46 cause death within seconds. Kea quickly pulled Tip away
130:49 seconds. Kea quickly pulled Tip away when he moved in for a closer look.
130:52 when he moved in for a closer look. "Maybe we should just ask someone where
130:54 "Maybe we should just ask someone where we can find Zophia," she suggested, not
130:58 we can find Zophia," she suggested, not wanting to separate, even if it meant
131:00 wanting to separate, even if it meant she wouldn't have to be near Jiren.
131:03 she wouldn't have to be near Jiren. She'd scrubbed her face before leaving
131:05 She'd scrubbed her face before leaving her room, but her eyes had still been
131:08 her room, but her eyes had still been red from crying, making her mumble an
131:11 red from crying, making her mumble an excuse about them being irritated from
131:13 excuse about them being irritated from the sand when Tip had expressed his
131:15 the sand when Tip had expressed his concern. He'd bought the lie, but the
131:18 concern. He'd bought the lie, but the look Calvin sent her said he hadn't. Kea
131:22 look Calvin sent her said he hadn't. Kea hadn't dared glance at Jiren.
131:25 hadn't dared glance at Jiren. It'll be faster to split up, but safer
131:28 It'll be faster to split up, but safer to stay together, Jiren answered,
131:31 to stay together, Jiren answered, frowning at the mass of people. We don't
131:34 frowning at the mass of people. We don't want to draw attention to what we're
131:36 want to draw attention to what we're doing, not in a place like this. But he
131:39 doing, not in a place like this. But he was right. We are probably going to have
131:41 was right. We are probably going to have to ask for directions.
131:44 to ask for directions. Ooh, look, Tip said, pointing to a stall
131:48 Ooh, look, Tip said, pointing to a stall up ahead and beaming. An apothecary. We
131:53 up ahead and beaming. An apothecary. We should ask her. Everyone knows
131:56 should ask her. Everyone knows apothecaries help
131:59 apothecaries help people. Kea couldn't help thinking of
132:01 people. Kea couldn't help thinking of Mott from Zalandov, who, while
132:04 Mott from Zalandov, who, while thoughtful and kind to her, had
132:07 thoughtful and kind to her, had deliberately misdiagnosed his patients
132:09 deliberately misdiagnosed his patients so he could test experimental remedies
132:11 so he could test experimental remedies on them, causing multiple deaths.
132:15 on them, causing multiple deaths. The midnight markets were the kind of
132:18 The midnight markets were the kind of place he would have thrived at, so Kea
132:21 place he would have thrived at, so Kea followed Tip with caution as he skipped
132:23 followed Tip with caution as he skipped toward the woman behind a table covered
132:25 toward the woman behind a table covered in
132:26 in vials. Numerous plants and flowers and
132:29 vials. Numerous plants and flowers and vines hung along the sides and across
132:32 vines hung along the sides and across the top of her stall, most of which were
132:34 the top of her stall, most of which were unknown to Kea, aside from a few highly
132:38 unknown to Kea, aside from a few highly poisonous buds that had her eyes
132:40 poisonous buds that had her eyes rounding.
132:42 rounding. The booth itself had copious stoppered
132:45 The booth itself had copious stoppered flasks and bottles scattered over every
132:47 flasks and bottles scattered over every available surface, none of which were
132:49 available surface, none of which were labeled. And there was also a
132:52 labeled. And there was also a preparation area where the woman was
132:54 preparation area where the woman was meticulously chopping ingredients and
132:57 meticulously chopping ingredients and transferring them to a large stirring
132:59 transferring them to a large stirring pot. All of this Ka took in quickly. But
133:03 pot. All of this Ka took in quickly. But it wasn't the woman or her task that
133:05 it wasn't the woman or her task that held her focus. It was the shelf behind
133:08 held her focus. It was the shelf behind her, stocked high with clear containers
133:11 her, stocked high with clear containers full of a familiar golden powder. Angel
133:15 full of a familiar golden powder. Angel dust. So much angel dust. More than Ka
133:19 dust. So much angel dust. More than Ka had ever seen in one place. Her insides
133:22 had ever seen in one place. Her insides twisted and she tore her eyes
133:25 twisted and she tore her eyes away. Excuse
133:27 away. Excuse me, Tip said before Ka, Calvin, or Jiren
133:31 me, Tip said before Ka, Calvin, or Jiren could stop him. We're looking for Zofia.
133:37 could stop him. We're looking for Zofia. Sage. The woman didn't look up, her hand
133:40 Sage. The woman didn't look up, her hand steady on her dagger as she continued to
133:42 steady on her dagger as she continued to chop, chop,
133:44 chop, chop, chop. Jiren stepped forward and spoke in
133:47 chop. Jiren stepped forward and spoke in the guttural Heddrrisen
133:49 the guttural Heddrrisen language. I heard the kid, the woman
133:52 language. I heard the kid, the woman replied in the common tongue with barely
133:54 replied in the common tongue with barely a trace of an
133:56 a trace of an accent. That's in it for
133:58 accent. That's in it for me. You would have a gratitude, Calvin
134:02 me. You would have a gratitude, Calvin said, offering her a winning smile.
134:06 said, offering her a winning smile. Gratitude don't pay the king's taxes,
134:09 Gratitude don't pay the king's taxes, she shot back. Jiren pulled out a small
134:12 she shot back. Jiren pulled out a small pouch of gold. No, but this will. For
134:17 pouch of gold. No, but this will. For your information and your
134:20 your information and your silence. The woman finally glanced up,
134:23 silence. The woman finally glanced up, holding out her palm. When Jiren handed
134:26 holding out her palm. When Jiren handed over the pouch, she weighed it
134:27 over the pouch, she weighed it thoughtfully, then opened her mouth to
134:29 thoughtfully, then opened her mouth to give a stream of directions, none of
134:32 give a stream of directions, none of which Ka understood. But Jiren and Calen
134:35 which Ka understood. But Jiren and Calen listened intently before murmuring their
134:38 listened intently before murmuring their thanks. The apothecary merely went back
134:41 thanks. The apothecary merely went back to her work, ignoring them once more.
134:44 to her work, ignoring them once more. They turned to leave, but as they did,
134:47 They turned to leave, but as they did, Tip asked, "What's the
134:50 Tip asked, "What's the that while pointing to a large jar full
134:54 that while pointing to a large jar full of what looked suspiciously like blood
134:57 of what looked suspiciously like blood inside of which floated a pale
134:59 inside of which floated a pale "nothing!" Kea said quickly, grabbing
135:02 "nothing!" Kea said quickly, grabbing his arm and dragging him away, her
135:04 his arm and dragging him away, her stomach roing. Even Calvin made a quiet
135:07 stomach roing. Even Calvin made a quiet wretching sound while Jiren rubbed his
135:10 wretching sound while Jiren rubbed his eyes as they hurried from the apothecary
135:12 eyes as they hurried from the apothecary stall as if hoping to erase the image
135:15 stall as if hoping to erase the image from his mind. The four of them
135:18 from his mind. The four of them continued down the thoroughfare, passing
135:20 continued down the thoroughfare, passing everything from exotic creatures in
135:22 everything from exotic creatures in cages to strange weapons that had the
135:25 cages to strange weapons that had the princes lingering with appreciation.
135:27 princes lingering with appreciation. There were also entire stalls piled high
135:30 There were also entire stalls piled high with more angel dust, poppy milk, and
135:33 with more angel dust, poppy milk, and other unidentifiable drugs, causing Ka's
135:36 other unidentifiable drugs, causing Ka's anxiety to spike every time she saw a
135:39 anxiety to spike every time she saw a hint of the glittery powder. She still
135:42 hint of the glittery powder. She still hadn't told anyone, especially Jiren,
135:45 hadn't told anyone, especially Jiren, what she'd gone through at Salandov. The
135:48 what she'd gone through at Salandov. The horrors of her addiction and withdrawal.
135:51 horrors of her addiction and withdrawal. Just seeing the angel dust glinting
135:53 Just seeing the angel dust glinting innocently under the luminium beacons
135:56 innocently under the luminium beacons made her heart race and her palms sweat
135:59 made her heart race and her palms sweat with her battling to keep her mind in
136:02 with her battling to keep her mind in the now and not fall back into the
136:04 the now and not fall back into the nightmare she'd barely
136:06 nightmare she'd barely survived. Are you all
136:08 survived. Are you all right? The quiet words came not from
136:11 right? The quiet words came not from Calvin or Tip, but from Jiren. Kea
136:15 Calvin or Tip, but from Jiren. Kea stiffened and kept her eyes straight
136:17 stiffened and kept her eyes straight ahead, focusing on a shirtless man
136:20 ahead, focusing on a shirtless man dancing with a collar and chain around
136:22 dancing with a collar and chain around his neck as she answered. Of
136:26 his neck as she answered. Of course, there was a weighty pause before
136:29 course, there was a weighty pause before Jiren said, "It helps if you don't look
136:32 Jiren said, "It helps if you don't look too closely. This is their world. It's
136:36 too closely. This is their world. It's their normal. They don't see it as we
136:38 their normal. They don't see it as we do, and we'll be out of here as soon as
136:40 do, and we'll be out of here as soon as we can."
136:42 we can." He thought she was struggling with the
136:44 He thought she was struggling with the markets when really she was struggling
136:46 markets when really she was struggling with her
136:48 with her memories. I'm
136:49 memories. I'm fine. Her tone was as detached as his
136:52 fine. Her tone was as detached as his had been for
136:54 had been for weeks. Calvin said, "This is where the
136:56 weeks. Calvin said, "This is where the worst of humanity resides, but I spent
136:58 worst of humanity resides, but I spent 10 years with the worst of humanity.
137:01 10 years with the worst of humanity. This isn't just their normal. It's mine,
137:04 This isn't just their normal. It's mine, too. I'm used to it."
137:07 too. I'm used to it." That was a blatant lie, especially when
137:10 That was a blatant lie, especially when she recalled what she'd seen in that
137:12 she recalled what she'd seen in that bloodied jar. But the last thing she
137:15 bloodied jar. But the last thing she needed was Jiren feeling obligated to
137:17 needed was Jiren feeling obligated to worry about her due to some misplaced
137:20 worry about her due to some misplaced sense of duty, or worse,
137:23 sense of duty, or worse, guilt. Another weighty silence came from
137:26 guilt. Another weighty silence came from him before he tried. Key, there you are.
137:32 him before he tried. Key, there you are. Nari's voice cut him off with her
137:34 Nari's voice cut him off with her approaching from a side alleyway they
137:36 approaching from a side alleyway they just turned down. We found Sophia. She's
137:39 just turned down. We found Sophia. She's only a short walk from
137:41 only a short walk from here. Ka sent a silent thank you to the
137:45 here. Ka sent a silent thank you to the guard for interrupting whatever Jiren
137:47 guard for interrupting whatever Jiren had been about to say. Then followed
137:50 had been about to say. Then followed quickly after Nari as she led them
137:52 quickly after Nari as she led them through the narrow alley and into
137:54 through the narrow alley and into another large thoroughfare almost
137:56 another large thoroughfare almost identical to the one they just left.
137:58 identical to the one they just left. This side, however, smelled fresher and
138:02 This side, however, smelled fresher and sloped upward with a slight breeze and
138:05 sloped upward with a slight breeze and the distant sounds of music indicating
138:07 the distant sounds of music indicating that it led straight into the outdoor
138:10 that it led straight into the outdoor section of the midnight markets where
138:12 section of the midnight markets where the revalry took place. "Where's
138:15 the revalry took place. "Where's Cresta?" Calan asked as they passed yet
138:18 Cresta?" Calan asked as they passed yet more suspicious stalls.
138:21 more suspicious stalls. trying to convince the mystician to hand
138:23 trying to convince the mystician to hand over the ring. Nari answered,
138:26 over the ring. Nari answered, sideststepping a man and woman haggling
138:28 sideststepping a man and woman haggling loudly in the middle of the road.
138:31 loudly in the middle of the road. Zophofia refused to negotiate until we
138:34 Zophofia refused to negotiate until we were all there. Somehow she knew there
138:37 were all there. Somehow she knew there was more than just the two of us.
138:40 was more than just the two of us. A chill crept over Kea as she considered
138:43 A chill crept over Kea as she considered the strange magic of the woman they were
138:45 the strange magic of the woman they were about to approach. And that chill only
138:48 about to approach. And that chill only grew when Nari guided them down another
138:51 grew when Nari guided them down another dark alleyway and pushed open a jade
138:54 dark alleyway and pushed open a jade door etched into the sandstone. The sign
138:56 door etched into the sandstone. The sign above it in scripted
138:59 above it in scripted haden. Enter in if you dare, but do so
139:04 haden. Enter in if you dare, but do so being fully aware. There is a payment to
139:07 being fully aware. There is a payment to prepare. The heart will tell what you
139:11 prepare. The heart will tell what you most care, Calvin
139:14 most care, Calvin read. I have a bad feeling about this,
139:17 read. I have a bad feeling about this, Jiren muttered. But even so, he followed
139:21 Jiren muttered. But even so, he followed Nari over the threshold with the rest of
139:23 Nari over the threshold with the rest of them at his
139:24 them at his heels.
139:26 heels. "Ooh," Tip said as soon as the door
139:29 "Ooh," Tip said as soon as the door closed behind them. "It smells much
139:33 closed behind them. "It smells much nicer in here.
139:35 nicer in here. Kea could barely breathe from the
139:38 Kea could barely breathe from the overpowering scent of incense, and she
139:40 overpowering scent of incense, and she had to waft a hand in front of her face
139:43 had to waft a hand in front of her face as she squinted through the smoke haze
139:45 as she squinted through the smoke haze to take in the room. Candles, not
139:48 to take in the room. Candles, not luminium orbs, illuminated the space, at
139:51 luminium orbs, illuminated the space, at the center of which was the only piece
139:54 the center of which was the only piece of furniture, a wooden stool, upon which
139:58 of furniture, a wooden stool, upon which sat the most beautiful woman Kea had
140:00 sat the most beautiful woman Kea had ever seen.
140:02 ever seen. Her skin was as dark as the sandstone
140:05 Her skin was as dark as the sandstone surrounding them. A rich ebony covered
140:08 surrounding them. A rich ebony covered with silver tattoos in an unrecognizable
140:12 with silver tattoos in an unrecognizable rune language, the ink traveling from
140:14 rune language, the ink traveling from her hands up along her arms, even
140:17 her hands up along her arms, even circling her neck before disappearing
140:20 circling her neck before disappearing beneath her simple homespun tunic. Her
140:23 beneath her simple homespun tunic. Her hair and eyes were also the same
140:26 hair and eyes were also the same remarkable shade of silver, the latter
140:29 remarkable shade of silver, the latter shining with an unnatural glow as she
140:32 shining with an unnatural glow as she smiled and beckoned them
140:34 smiled and beckoned them closer. Ca was already standing there,
140:37 closer. Ca was already standing there, her arms crossed, her face set into a
140:40 her arms crossed, her face set into a scowl, indicating she'd had no luck
140:42 scowl, indicating she'd had no luck retrieving the ring while Nari had been
140:45 retrieving the ring while Nari had been gone.
140:47 gone. Welcome," the mystician said, her soft
140:50 Welcome," the mystician said, her soft accent unlike anything Kea had heard
140:52 accent unlike anything Kea had heard before. Lulling and melodic. "How may I
140:56 before. Lulling and melodic. "How may I be of
140:58 be of service?" Cresta grumbled under her
141:01 service?" Cresta grumbled under her breath about how she'd repeatedly said
141:03 breath about how she'd repeatedly said what they were there for, but the gentle
141:05 what they were there for, but the gentle smile didn't leave Zophia's face. Kea
141:09 smile didn't leave Zophia's face. Kea wondered how old she was. She appeared
141:12 wondered how old she was. She appeared young, but there was an agelessness
141:15 young, but there was an agelessness about her, something in her unusual gaze
141:18 about her, something in her unusual gaze that spoke of untold
141:21 that spoke of untold wisdom. Calvin gave Jiren a hearty shove
141:24 wisdom. Calvin gave Jiren a hearty shove forward, prompting Jiren to turn and
141:26 forward, prompting Jiren to turn and glare at his cousin before clearing his
141:29 glare at his cousin before clearing his expression and approaching the beautiful
141:31 expression and approaching the beautiful woman.
141:32 woman. I'm Prince Dearik Jarn Valentis of
141:37 I'm Prince Dearik Jarn Valentis of Eveon," Zofhia said, her smile widening.
141:42 Eveon," Zofhia said, her smile widening. "It's a pleasure, your highness,
141:45 "It's a pleasure, your highness, although I suppose that's not your title
141:48 although I suppose that's not your title right now, is it? Still, that is
141:52 right now, is it? Still, that is undoubtedly who you are."
141:55 undoubtedly who you are." Jiren looked at Nari and Cresta, but
141:58 Jiren looked at Nari and Cresta, but they shook their heads, their solemn
142:00 they shook their heads, their solemn faces indicating they hadn't shared
142:02 faces indicating they hadn't shared anything about him with the
142:04 anything about him with the mystician. Another chill snaked down
142:07 mystician. Another chill snaked down Kea's spine, this one causing her to
142:10 Kea's spine, this one causing her to shiver. She hung back as the others
142:12 shiver. She hung back as the others edged closer to Zophia, instinct telling
142:16 edged closer to Zophia, instinct telling her to keep her distance.
142:18 her to keep her distance. If you know who I am, Jiren said
142:22 If you know who I am, Jiren said unwavering, then you know why I'm here.
142:25 unwavering, then you know why I'm here. King Sibi gave you a ring that was never
142:28 King Sibi gave you a ring that was never his to give. It belonged to my ancestor,
142:32 his to give. It belonged to my ancestor, and now it belongs to me. I'd like it
142:35 and now it belongs to me. I'd like it back,
142:37 back, please. Zophia cocked her head to the
142:39 please. Zophia cocked her head to the side, her silver hair tumbling smoothly
142:42 side, her silver hair tumbling smoothly over her shoulder.
142:44 over her shoulder. I sympathize with your plight,
142:47 I sympathize with your plight, princling, but I cannot hand it over for
142:51 princling, but I cannot hand it over for free. I have a reputation to
142:54 free. I have a reputation to uphold. We w won't tell anyone," Tip
142:59 uphold. We w won't tell anyone," Tip said, staring at the woman as if she
143:02 said, staring at the woman as if she were an ancient
143:03 were an ancient goddess. Her eyes gentled, and her tone
143:06 goddess. Her eyes gentled, and her tone softened even more as she looked at him.
143:10 softened even more as she looked at him. "You have a kind heart, dear one. Your
143:14 "You have a kind heart, dear one. Your mother would be
143:17 mother would be proud. Tip jerked and Kea moved
143:20 proud. Tip jerked and Kea moved unconsciously forward, stopping only
143:22 unconsciously forward, stopping only when she saw that Jiren was already
143:24 when she saw that Jiren was already reaching out to place a comforting hand
143:26 reaching out to place a comforting hand on the young boy's
143:28 on the young boy's shoulder. "What do you want in return
143:31 shoulder. "What do you want in return for the ring?" Jiren asked in a voice
143:34 for the ring?" Jiren asked in a voice that made it clear the woman was to
143:36 that made it clear the woman was to leave Tip alone. "Even words said with
143:39 leave Tip alone. "Even words said with care could still cause damage." Kea knew
143:42 care could still cause damage." Kea knew that more than
143:44 that more than most. Zophia looked thoughtfully at the
143:46 most. Zophia looked thoughtfully at the prince, pressing a finger to her lips.
143:49 prince, pressing a finger to her lips. She then turned her musing gaze to
143:52 She then turned her musing gaze to Calvin, then Nari, then Cresta, before
143:56 Calvin, then Nari, then Cresta, before finally glancing past them all and
143:58 finally glancing past them all and finding Ka. The silver in her eyes
144:02 finding Ka. The silver in her eyes flared, her lips tipping upward as she
144:05 flared, her lips tipping upward as she declared, "You have a tortured soul."
144:10 declared, "You have a tortured soul." Her smile widened. Come with
144:13 Her smile widened. Come with me. Kea's heart skipped a beat when
144:16 me. Kea's heart skipped a beat when Zofhia stood and moved toward a door at
144:19 Zofhia stood and moved toward a door at the back of the
144:20 the back of the room. She's not going anywhere with you.
144:23 room. She's not going anywhere with you. Jiren stated in an unyielding tone.
144:26 Jiren stated in an unyielding tone. Zofhia didn't even turn around. She is.
144:29 Zofhia didn't even turn around. She is. If you want your ring, your beloved is
144:33 If you want your ring, your beloved is going to provide the payment for it.
144:36 going to provide the payment for it. Your
144:37 Your beloved gods, that hurt. Pain tore
144:41 beloved gods, that hurt. Pain tore through Ka enough that she had to close
144:44 through Ka enough that she had to close her eyes against it, but they shot open
144:46 her eyes against it, but they shot open again when she felt a hand on her arm. A
144:49 again when she felt a hand on her arm. A gentle, achingly familiar grip. You
144:52 gentle, achingly familiar grip. You don't have to go with her, Jiren said
144:55 don't have to go with her, Jiren said quietly, urgently. We'll find another
144:58 quietly, urgently. We'll find another way. Kea yanked her arm free and moved
145:02 way. Kea yanked her arm free and moved backward so fast that she nearly
145:04 backward so fast that she nearly stumbled. Her reaction caused his face
145:07 stumbled. Her reaction caused his face to tighten, but she quickly turned away,
145:10 to tighten, but she quickly turned away, unable to bear being so near to him and
145:13 unable to bear being so near to him and the mixed messages he was
145:15 the mixed messages he was sending. "I don't even know who you are,
145:18 sending. "I don't even know who you are, and frankly, I don't want to." She
145:21 and frankly, I don't want to." She couldn't afford to forget what he'd told
145:24 couldn't afford to forget what he'd told her, how he truly felt when he wasn't
145:26 her, how he truly felt when he wasn't being the Jiren who was concerned for
145:28 being the Jiren who was concerned for her welfare. It was in his nature to
145:31 her welfare. It was in his nature to protect her, something he couldn't help.
145:33 protect her, something he couldn't help. But it was an instinct, nothing
145:36 But it was an instinct, nothing more. You and I will never have to see
145:39 more. You and I will never have to see each other again. There was no hope left
145:43 each other again. There was no hope left for the two of them. Kea knew that now.
145:46 for the two of them. Kea knew that now. He'd made it clear. But their mission
145:49 He'd made it clear. But their mission hadn't changed, and she was determined
145:51 hadn't changed, and she was determined to do her part in aiding its success,
145:53 to do her part in aiding its success, even if that meant paying whatever price
145:56 even if that meant paying whatever price the mystician
145:57 the mystician required. Kea, Calvin said as she
146:01 required. Kea, Calvin said as she stepped forward. Are you sure? I'm sure.
146:05 stepped forward. Are you sure? I'm sure. I'll be back
146:07 I'll be back soon. She had no idea if that was true,
146:10 soon. She had no idea if that was true, but she sent a confident smile to Tip,
146:13 but she sent a confident smile to Tip, one that wobbled only slightly as she
146:15 one that wobbled only slightly as she moved it to Cresta and Nari and Calden,
146:18 moved it to Cresta and Nari and Calden, taking in their anxious faces before
146:20 taking in their anxious faces before heading toward where Zophia waited at
146:23 heading toward where Zophia waited at the doorway into the next room. Kea
146:25 the doorway into the next room. Kea didn't look at Jiren. Her heart couldn't
146:28 didn't look at Jiren. Her heart couldn't take
146:29 take it. Sophia chuckled as she neared and
146:32 it. Sophia chuckled as she neared and said to her friends, "You need not fear
146:35 said to her friends, "You need not fear for Kea quarantine. She'll be out
146:40 for Kea quarantine. She'll be out momentarily." Another shiver traveled
146:42 momentarily." Another shiver traveled down Kea's spine. This one stronger
146:46 down Kea's spine. This one stronger since she doubted Cresta or Nari would
146:48 since she doubted Cresta or Nari would have shared her name either. But she
146:51 have shared her name either. But she kept her chin high and pushed aside her
146:53 kept her chin high and pushed aside her panic as the mystician ushered her
146:55 panic as the mystician ushered her through the door and closed it behind
146:58 through the door and closed it behind them. The room was small but more
147:01 them. The room was small but more comfortable than the previous space with
147:04 comfortable than the previous space with a pair of large emerald cushions on the
147:06 a pair of large emerald cushions on the ground and a low-lying table between
147:08 ground and a low-lying table between them. Please sit, Zophia invited,
147:14 them. Please sit, Zophia invited, gesturing to a cushion as she claimed
147:16 gesturing to a cushion as she claimed the one opposite and rested her inked
147:18 the one opposite and rested her inked hands casually on the
147:20 hands casually on the table. Ka sank onto the downy seat,
147:24 table. Ka sank onto the downy seat, relieved that the incense wasn't as
147:26 relieved that the incense wasn't as strong in here, though there were still
147:28 strong in here, though there were still numerous candles around the space,
147:31 numerous candles around the space, making it look almost dreamy.
147:35 making it look almost dreamy. Zophia watched Ka in silence before
147:38 Zophia watched Ka in silence before waving her hand toward a shelf along the
147:40 waving her hand toward a shelf along the far wall. Two items immediately sailed
147:43 far wall. Two items immediately sailed toward them, causing Ka to inhale
147:46 toward them, causing Ka to inhale sharply at the foreign magic. But she
147:49 sharply at the foreign magic. But she reminded herself that Jiren had once
147:51 reminded herself that Jiren had once been able to do something similar using
147:53 been able to do something similar using his wind
147:54 his wind element. This was a different kind of
147:57 element. This was a different kind of power, but just because it was
147:59 power, but just because it was unfamiliar, that didn't mean there was
148:02 unfamiliar, that didn't mean there was any reason to fear it.
148:04 any reason to fear it. The mystician made a humming sound of
148:06 The mystician made a humming sound of agreement, as if she could read Ka's
148:09 agreement, as if she could read Ka's thoughts and approved of them. "Maybe
148:12 thoughts and approved of them. "Maybe she could," Ka realized, squirming
148:15 she could," Ka realized, squirming uncomfortably. But before she could grow
148:17 uncomfortably. But before she could grow too distressed, Zofhia placed one of the
148:20 too distressed, Zofhia placed one of the items at the center of the table. It was
148:23 items at the center of the table. It was Sana's second ring, the band made of
148:26 Sana's second ring, the band made of gold like the first, but with a large
148:29 gold like the first, but with a large white topaz in place of the ruby. The
148:32 white topaz in place of the ruby. The air ring. Kea wanted to snatch it up and
148:36 air ring. Kea wanted to snatch it up and run. But given the magic she'd just seen
148:39 run. But given the magic she'd just seen and the amused warning in Zophia's eyes,
148:42 and the amused warning in Zophia's eyes, she knew better than to try. Instead,
148:45 she knew better than to try. Instead, she said, "Name your price."
148:49 she said, "Name your price." It was a dangerous request, but the
148:51 It was a dangerous request, but the mystician was no fool. It was obvious
148:54 mystician was no fool. It was obvious how desperate Ka and her friends were.
148:57 how desperate Ka and her friends were. "You have a choice," Sophia said,
149:01 "You have a choice," Sophia said, leaning forward. "There are two things
149:04 leaning forward. "There are two things you most fear. In order to reclaim the
149:08 you most fear. In order to reclaim the ring, you must face one of
149:11 ring, you must face one of them." Kea dug her nails into her
149:14 them." Kea dug her nails into her thighs, right over her faded scars. I
149:18 thighs, right over her faded scars. I have a lot of fears. You're going to
149:20 have a lot of fears. You're going to have to be more
149:21 have to be more specific. Zophia's mouth quirked up
149:24 specific. Zophia's mouth quirked up again, her silver eyes flaring once
149:26 again, her silver eyes flaring once more. That was the only warning Kea had
149:30 more. That was the only warning Kea had before images assailed her vision.
149:32 before images assailed her vision. Memories playing out across her mind.
149:35 Memories playing out across her mind. Her memories. The day she met Jiren with
149:39 Her memories. The day she met Jiren with him covered in blood and near death. The
149:42 him covered in blood and near death. The night before the second ordeal when
149:44 night before the second ordeal when she'd slept in his arms for the first
149:46 she'd slept in his arms for the first time. Their near kiss in the infirmary's
149:49 time. Their near kiss in the infirmary's garden. How he jumped into the quarry
149:52 garden. How he jumped into the quarry and breathed life into her. Their fight
149:56 and breathed life into her. Their fight in the tunnels and the betraying
149:58 in the tunnels and the betraying revelation of who he
150:00 revelation of who he was. Memory after memory slammed into
150:04 was. Memory after memory slammed into her as Zophia sifted through her mind
150:07 her as Zophia sifted through her mind and replayed all their tender moments in
150:09 and replayed all their tender moments in Valenia. his loving touch, his kind
150:12 Valenia. his loving touch, his kind words, the way he'd slowly but surely
150:16 words, the way he'd slowly but surely convinced her to choose him over her own
150:18 convinced her to choose him over her own family without even realizing it. He'd
150:21 family without even realizing it. He'd earned her respect, but he'd won her
150:24 earned her respect, but he'd won her love. And when Zophia finally touched on
150:28 love. And when Zophia finally touched on the night of the masquerade, when Jiren
150:30 the night of the masquerade, when Jiren had kissed her with such longing, such
150:32 had kissed her with such longing, such passion, Kea finally snapped,
150:36 passion, Kea finally snapped, "Enough!" She knew what came next. the
150:39 "Enough!" She knew what came next. the devastation that followed that night and
150:41 devastation that followed that night and in the months since then. She didn't
150:44 in the months since then. She didn't need to see it again, didn't want to see
150:47 need to see it again, didn't want to see it
150:48 it again. At her command, the images
150:51 again. At her command, the images stopped and she leaned back on her own
150:53 stopped and she leaned back on her own cushion, panting as if she'd run a race,
150:56 cushion, panting as if she'd run a race, glaring at the
150:58 glaring at the mystician. "He is one of your fears,"
151:02 mystician. "He is one of your fears," Sophia said mildly.
151:05 Sophia said mildly. If you choose to pay for the ring by
151:07 If you choose to pay for the ring by facing him, all it will take is a
151:12 facing him, all it will take is a kiss. Disbelief and dread strangled Ka.
151:17 kiss. Disbelief and dread strangled Ka. What? She breathed. You heard me, Zophia
151:22 What? She breathed. You heard me, Zophia said. The ring for a
151:25 said. The ring for a kiss. Kea shook her head, not even
151:28 kiss. Kea shook her head, not even having to think about it. I can't.
151:32 having to think about it. I can't. You already have. Sophia returned. This
151:36 You already have. Sophia returned. This would be no
151:38 would be no different. You made me fall in love with
151:41 different. You made me fall in love with a
151:42 a lie. Jiren's words burned across Kea's
151:46 lie. Jiren's words burned across Kea's mind, and she rasped out, "You're wrong.
151:50 mind, and she rasped out, "You're wrong. I won't force him to kiss me. I can't do
151:53 I won't force him to kiss me. I can't do that to him." He already hated her
151:56 that to him." He already hated her enough without her adding physical
151:58 enough without her adding physical coercion to the list of grievances.
152:01 coercion to the list of grievances. You said this was my payment, not his.
152:04 You said this was my payment, not his. What's my second
152:05 What's my second choice? A strange look came over Zofhia
152:09 choice? A strange look came over Zofhia then, almost like regret. It was enough
152:12 then, almost like regret. It was enough to make Kea brace, expecting to have her
152:15 to make Kea brace, expecting to have her memories violated again. But the
152:18 memories violated again. But the mystician didn't delve into her mind
152:20 mystician didn't delve into her mind this time. Instead, she placed the
152:23 this time. Instead, she placed the second item she'd retrieved on the table
152:26 second item she'd retrieved on the table right beside the ring.
152:29 right beside the ring. Kea examined the small velvet box,
152:32 Kea examined the small velvet box, relieved to know that whatever it was,
152:34 relieved to know that whatever it was, it couldn't be worse than having to kiss
152:36 it couldn't be worse than having to kiss Jiren without his
152:38 Jiren without his consent. But then Zofhia opened the box
152:42 consent. But then Zofhia opened the box and ice instantly flooded Ka's veins
152:46 and ice instantly flooded Ka's veins because inside was a small vial of angel
153:01 No, Ka gasped, jumping to her feet and backing away.
153:04 backing away. No. Zophia spread her hands in
153:07 No. Zophia spread her hands in apology. This is your second fear. The
153:11 apology. This is your second fear. The choice is yours as to which you will
153:14 choice is yours as to which you will face. I can't, Ka said, still gasping. I
153:20 face. I can't, Ka said, still gasping. I can't. The musician only sat there
153:23 can't. The musician only sat there waiting patiently for Kea's decision.
153:26 waiting patiently for Kea's decision. There has to be something else, she
153:28 There has to be something else, she begged, her eyes glued to the golden
153:31 begged, her eyes glued to the golden powder. Please, I'll do anything.
153:35 powder. Please, I'll do anything. Anything. But she couldn't finish, her
153:38 Anything. But she couldn't finish, her terror
153:40 terror overwhelming. She sought for calm, but
153:42 overwhelming. She sought for calm, but it eluded her. All she could think about
153:45 it eluded her. All she could think about was the two impossible choices she'd
153:48 was the two impossible choices she'd been
153:49 been given. You made me fall in love with a
153:52 given. You made me fall in love with a lie. Gods. Gods. Kea couldn't do it. She
153:57 lie. Gods. Gods. Kea couldn't do it. She couldn't put him through that. Couldn't
153:59 couldn't put him through that. Couldn't put herself through that. Kissing Jiren
154:03 put herself through that. Kissing Jiren would rip open a wound she hadn't even
154:05 would rip open a wound she hadn't even begun to heal from. And not just her, it
154:09 begun to heal from. And not just her, it would also hurt him. She knew it. And
154:13 would also hurt him. She knew it. And god damn it, that thought alone brought
154:16 god damn it, that thought alone brought her more pain. They both needed time to
154:20 her more pain. They both needed time to accept what was no longer between them.
154:22 accept what was no longer between them. Time to move on. Her kissing him would
154:27 Time to move on. Her kissing him would only make that
154:28 only make that harder. But the angel
154:30 harder. But the angel dust. Kea trembled as she stared at the
154:33 dust. Kea trembled as she stared at the vial sitting innocently on the velvet.
154:36 vial sitting innocently on the velvet. It was a small amount, not enough that
154:39 It was a small amount, not enough that she would have to go through a full
154:40 she would have to go through a full withdrawal again. But given how addicted
154:43 withdrawal again. But given how addicted she'd been only 2 and 1/2 months
154:45 she'd been only 2 and 1/2 months earlier, the effects would hit her hard
154:48 earlier, the effects would hit her hard and fast and leave her feeling dreadful
154:51 and fast and leave her feeling dreadful for hours afterward.
154:53 for hours afterward. It was only one night though. It would
154:56 It was only one night though. It would be awful and then it would pass. But if
154:59 be awful and then it would pass. But if she kissed
155:00 she kissed Jiren, better for her to suffer alone
155:03 Jiren, better for her to suffer alone than to damage them both beyond repair.
155:07 than to damage them both beyond repair. Further
155:08 Further repair. Think carefully, Ka, Sophia
155:13 repair. Think carefully, Ka, Sophia warned, seeing her decision solidify.
155:16 warned, seeing her decision solidify. One of these choices is easy, the other
155:21 One of these choices is easy, the other hard, but both lead to the same
155:25 hard, but both lead to the same result. Kea was waring too much within
155:28 result. Kea was waring too much within herself to comprehend Zofhia's meaning,
155:31 herself to comprehend Zofhia's meaning, knowing only that neither of the choices
155:34 knowing only that neither of the choices were easy, and both would have
155:36 were easy, and both would have devastating consequences. "Why are you
155:39 devastating consequences. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered. "How can
155:42 doing this?" she whispered. "How can this be worth more than gold?"
155:46 this be worth more than gold?" The mystician's beautiful feature
155:49 The mystician's beautiful feature softened. I know you'll find this
155:52 softened. I know you'll find this difficult to believe, but I'm trying to
155:55 difficult to believe, but I'm trying to help you. One day, you'll be
155:59 help you. One day, you'll be grateful. Tears burned the back of Ka's
156:02 grateful. Tears burned the back of Ka's eyes, a potent mix of frustration and
156:05 eyes, a potent mix of frustration and anger and fear. She knew better than to
156:08 anger and fear. She knew better than to tell Zophia how wrong she was, that
156:11 tell Zophia how wrong she was, that nothing good could come of this choice.
156:13 nothing good could come of this choice. Instead, she sank back onto the cushion,
156:16 Instead, she sank back onto the cushion, plucking the vial from the velvet and
156:18 plucking the vial from the velvet and weighing it in her hands. The gold
156:21 weighing it in her hands. The gold powder stirred within the glass when she
156:23 powder stirred within the glass when she unstopped the lid, the familiar caramel
156:26 unstopped the lid, the familiar caramel scent, making her feel a sickly
156:29 scent, making her feel a sickly combination of dread and
156:32 combination of dread and longing. It was the longing that scared
156:34 longing. It was the longing that scared her the most, nearly making her seal the
156:37 her the most, nearly making her seal the vial again. But then Jiren's hard,
156:40 vial again. But then Jiren's hard, unfeilling eyes came to her, and she
156:43 unfeilling eyes came to her, and she knew down to her soul, her tortured
156:46 knew down to her soul, her tortured soul, that she couldn't kiss him. He
156:49 soul, that she couldn't kiss him. He would hate every second, and
156:51 would hate every second, and she she would not. And when they were
156:55 she she would not. And when they were done, nothing would have changed except
156:58 done, nothing would have changed except that she'd have another memory of his
157:00 that she'd have another memory of his lips on hers, the taste of him in her
157:02 lips on hers, the taste of him in her mouth, the touch of him on her skin. She
157:06 mouth, the touch of him on her skin. She wouldn't be able to bear it. The angel
157:09 wouldn't be able to bear it. The angel dust at least would be out of her system
157:11 dust at least would be out of her system by morning. A momentary inconvenience,
157:14 by morning. A momentary inconvenience, she told herself, nothing more. She knew
157:18 she told herself, nothing more. She knew it was a lie, that she was ignoring the
157:21 it was a lie, that she was ignoring the lasting damage it could cause her, the
157:23 lasting damage it could cause her, the nightmares it would reawaken. The
157:26 nightmares it would reawaken. The darkness hadn't managed to claim her
157:27 darkness hadn't managed to claim her last time, but it was still waiting,
157:30 last time, but it was still waiting, ready to finish its work.
157:32 ready to finish its work. Even so, she had to make a choice, and
157:36 Even so, she had to make a choice, and there was only one that she could live
157:38 there was only one that she could live with. Before she could change her mind,
157:41 with. Before she could change her mind, Kea raised the vial to her lips and
157:44 Kea raised the vial to her lips and threw back the
157:45 threw back the contents. The gold dust coated her
157:48 contents. The gold dust coated her throat as she swallowed, dissolving into
157:50 throat as she swallowed, dissolving into a caramelly syrup. It took only seconds
157:54 a caramelly syrup. It took only seconds before she began to feel the effects,
157:57 before she began to feel the effects, her tremors easing, a lightness
157:59 her tremors easing, a lightness overtaking her. For the first time in
158:02 overtaking her. For the first time in weeks, all her care seemed
158:06 weeks, all her care seemed insignificant. Zophia
158:08 insignificant. Zophia sighed. "You made the hard choice, just
158:13 sighed. "You made the hard choice, just so you know. It would have been much
158:15 so you know. It would have been much easier for you to kiss him." Kea just
158:18 easier for you to kiss him." Kea just shook her head at the mystician's now
158:20 shook her head at the mystician's now blurry figure, dropping the empty vial
158:23 blurry figure, dropping the empty vial onto the table.
158:25 onto the table. You'll never be able to move forward
158:29 You'll never be able to move forward until you conquer the past," Sophia said
158:33 until you conquer the past," Sophia said softly. "One way or another, you'll have
158:37 softly. "One way or another, you'll have to face him
158:39 to face him eventually." She leaned forward and
158:41 eventually." She leaned forward and whispered, "Don't be afraid to share
158:44 whispered, "Don't be afraid to share your heart, dear one. Only then will you
158:48 your heart, dear one. Only then will you be able to truly heal."
158:51 be able to truly heal." Quieter, she added. Both of
158:55 Quieter, she added. Both of you. The words made Ka's pulse skitter,
158:59 you. The words made Ka's pulse skitter, but her fear faded as the room began to
159:02 but her fear faded as the room began to spin around her. The fiery candle wakes
159:05 spin around her. The fiery candle wakes smudged into flaming lines. Some part of
159:08 smudged into flaming lines. Some part of her knew she should be concerned, but
159:11 her knew she should be concerned, but instead she fought to recall why she was
159:14 instead she fought to recall why she was there. The memory finally coming to her,
159:17 there. The memory finally coming to her, indistinct and hazy.
159:20 indistinct and hazy. You owe me a ring," Ka slurred, aware
159:25 You owe me a ring," Ka slurred, aware she had very little time before the
159:27 she had very little time before the angel dust stole what was left of her
159:29 angel dust stole what was left of her wits. She could already feel the
159:32 wits. She could already feel the dreamlike state taking hold, a relaxed,
159:36 dreamlike state taking hold, a relaxed, euphoric sensation liquefying her mind
159:39 euphoric sensation liquefying her mind and
159:40 and body. Sophia reached across the table
159:43 body. Sophia reached across the table and took Kea's hand, sliding Srana's
159:46 and took Kea's hand, sliding Srana's ring down her finger for safekeeping.
159:49 ring down her finger for safekeeping. Kea stared at the topaz, mesmerized by
159:52 Kea stared at the topaz, mesmerized by how it sparkled in the candle light
159:54 how it sparkled in the candle light before her rapidly declining mind
159:57 before her rapidly declining mind remembered that her friends were
159:58 remembered that her friends were waiting. She stood and then stumbled
160:02 waiting. She stood and then stumbled three steps before managing to stay
160:03 three steps before managing to stay upright. A giggle left her, but she
160:06 upright. A giggle left her, but she slapped a hand over her mouth, knowing
160:09 slapped a hand over her mouth, knowing she had to act normal, that no one could
160:12 she had to act normal, that no one could know. If they learned she'd willingly
160:15 know. If they learned she'd willingly chosen to take the angel dust, they'd
160:17 chosen to take the angel dust, they'd want to know why, and they wouldn't
160:20 want to know why, and they wouldn't understand. None of them
160:22 understand. None of them would. "You and your guard can see
160:25 would. "You and your guard can see yourselves out," Zofhia said, not moving
160:29 yourselves out," Zofhia said, not moving from her seat. "I wish you all the
160:32 from her seat. "I wish you all the best," Ka quarantine. "Your future is as
160:37 best," Ka quarantine. "Your future is as bright as the
160:39 bright as the stars." "What a nice thing to say," Ka
160:42 stars." "What a nice thing to say," Ka thought. staggering to the door all of
160:45 thought. staggering to the door all of the animosity she'd felt toward the
160:47 the animosity she'd felt toward the mystician having been swept away by the
160:50 mystician having been swept away by the angel
160:51 angel dust. She only just remembered to drop
160:54 dust. She only just remembered to drop her drug addled smile before she stepped
160:57 her drug addled smile before she stepped back into the smoky room, prepared to
160:59 back into the smoky room, prepared to tell the others of her success, but only
161:02 tell the others of her success, but only Nari was there. Kea's euphoria dimmed
161:05 Nari was there. Kea's euphoria dimmed before the angel dust pulled her under
161:07 before the angel dust pulled her under more fully. It didn't matter that her
161:10 more fully. It didn't matter that her friends were gone. It was good they were
161:13 friends were gone. It was good they were gone since it meant they wouldn't try to
161:15 gone since it meant they wouldn't try to question her. But then she saw the look
161:18 question her. But then she saw the look on Nari's face and a hint of unease
161:21 on Nari's face and a hint of unease managed to slip through her deepening
161:23 managed to slip through her deepening haze. "Did you get the ring?" the guard
161:26 haze. "Did you get the ring?" the guard asked. Knowing her words would come out
161:29 asked. Knowing her words would come out slurred, Kea held up her hand in answer.
161:33 slurred, Kea held up her hand in answer. Nari seemed relieved, but her features
161:35 Nari seemed relieved, but her features remained tense.
161:38 remained tense. Don't panic. But Tip snuck off. We
161:42 Don't panic. But Tip snuck off. We should have been watching him more
161:43 should have been watching him more closely, especially with how interested
161:46 closely, especially with how interested he was in the markets, but we didn't
161:48 he was in the markets, but we didn't expect him to slink away. The others are
161:51 expect him to slink away. The others are looking for him. I waited to tell you,
161:54 looking for him. I waited to tell you, but we need to go join the
161:56 but we need to go join the search. Keven nodded, her head flopping
162:00 search. Keven nodded, her head flopping on her neck. She knew she should be
162:02 on her neck. She knew she should be alarmed that the last place a curious
162:05 alarmed that the last place a curious 11-year-old should be running a muck was
162:07 11-year-old should be running a muck was the deadly midnight markets, but the
162:09 the deadly midnight markets, but the drug made her worry seem fuzzy and
162:12 drug made her worry seem fuzzy and senseless. Tip would be fine. They
162:15 senseless. Tip would be fine. They should just let him have his fun. She
162:19 should just let him have his fun. She almost opened her mouth to say so, but
162:21 almost opened her mouth to say so, but Nari took her silence for dread and sent
162:24 Nari took her silence for dread and sent her a reassuring look before exiting
162:26 her a reassuring look before exiting Zophia's store, assuming Ka would
162:28 Zophia's store, assuming Ka would follow. Kea did, but then she didn't
162:34 follow. Kea did, but then she didn't because once they reached the crowded
162:36 because once they reached the crowded thoroughfare, Nari hurried off in one
162:38 thoroughfare, Nari hurried off in one direction while Kea paused to listen to
162:41 direction while Kea paused to listen to the music in the
162:43 the music in the distance. Pretty
162:45 distance. Pretty song, she thought. Even her mental voice
162:49 song, she thought. Even her mental voice sounded slurred with her now fully
162:52 sounded slurred with her now fully yielded to the angel dust. She couldn't
162:54 yielded to the angel dust. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so
162:56 remember the last time she felt so light, so happy, so free.
163:00 light, so happy, so free. Kea grinned and skipped forward, heading
163:03 Kea grinned and skipped forward, heading away from Nari and up the sloping
163:05 away from Nari and up the sloping incline toward the fresher air. The
163:07 incline toward the fresher air. The sounds of strings and drums grew louder
163:10 sounds of strings and drums grew louder with every step, making her want to
163:12 with every step, making her want to dance and sing. So that was what she
163:16 dance and sing. So that was what she did. Somehow finding herself above
163:19 did. Somehow finding herself above ground and nestled between tall, dark
163:21 ground and nestled between tall, dark buildings full of color and bright with
163:24 buildings full of color and bright with luminium lights, people everywhere
163:26 luminium lights, people everywhere jumping and spinning to the music. A
163:29 jumping and spinning to the music. A delighted sound left Ka when hands
163:31 delighted sound left Ka when hands tugged her forward, sweeping her into a
163:34 tugged her forward, sweeping her into a tide of arms and legs as she twirled
163:36 tide of arms and legs as she twirled from person to person, dancing on her
163:39 from person to person, dancing on her own and with groups, her head thrown
163:42 own and with groups, her head thrown back with
163:44 back with elation. Everything was so beautiful,
163:47 elation. Everything was so beautiful, the crescent moon like a smile in the
163:50 the crescent moon like a smile in the sky. She stared at it for a long time,
163:54 sky. She stared at it for a long time, stared and stared and stared before the
163:57 stared and stared and stared before the music carried her away again. She didn't
164:01 music carried her away again. She didn't know where she was, and even better, she
164:04 know where she was, and even better, she didn't care about anything. All was
164:08 didn't care about anything. All was right in her world. There was no Zelica
164:11 right in her world. There was no Zelica and no Navic, no magic stealing dagger
164:15 and no Navic, no magic stealing dagger or magic giving rings, no waring
164:19 or magic giving rings, no waring families, no angry princes, and above
164:22 families, no angry princes, and above all, no broken hearts. It was just Kea
164:27 all, no broken hearts. It was just Kea and the music along with cheering people
164:30 and the music along with cheering people and rainbow colors and bright lights
164:33 and rainbow colors and bright lights blurring around her. But then a hand
164:38 blurring around her. But then a hand latched onto her arm, yanking her firmly
164:40 latched onto her arm, yanking her firmly out of the mass of twirling, joyous
164:43 out of the mass of twirling, joyous bodies. "What do you think you're
164:45 bodies. "What do you think you're doing?" came Jiren's furious voice as he
164:49 doing?" came Jiren's furious voice as he continued dragging her away from the
164:51 continued dragging her away from the crowd. "The moon is smiling. We have to
164:55 crowd. "The moon is smiling. We have to smile with it." Kea slurred, stumbling
164:59 smile with it." Kea slurred, stumbling after him and then into him when he
165:02 after him and then into him when he stopped suddenly.
165:05 stopped suddenly. Oops," she said, giggling. "We
165:09 Oops," she said, giggling. "We bumped." From one blink to the next,
165:12 bumped." From one blink to the next, Jiren was directly in front of her, his
165:14 Jiren was directly in front of her, his face mere inches away, his blue gold
165:18 face mere inches away, his blue gold eyes right there as he examined her
165:21 eyes right there as he examined her closely.
165:24 closely. "Beautiful," Kea whispered, reaching out
165:26 "Beautiful," Kea whispered, reaching out to touch him. He jerked backwards before
165:29 to touch him. He jerked backwards before her hand could make contact, his gaze
165:32 her hand could make contact, his gaze slitting with
165:33 slitting with realization. "Are you
165:37 realization. "Are you high?" Kea peered upward at the tall
165:40 high?" Kea peered upward at the tall sandstone buildings.
165:42 sandstone buildings. "Hi," she said, pointing. "Very
165:47 "Hi," she said, pointing. "Very high." Jiren cursed loudly. "I can't
165:51 high." Jiren cursed loudly. "I can't believe you after everything." He bit
165:55 believe you after everything." He bit out another curse, then grabbed her arm
165:57 out another curse, then grabbed her arm again. "Come on, we found Tip back with
166:00 again. "Come on, we found Tip back with the mystician. He's fine. Everyone's
166:02 the mystician. He's fine. Everyone's headed to the palace." "Not the right
166:06 headed to the palace." "Not the right palace," Kea said, tripping as Jiren
166:09 palace," Kea said, tripping as Jiren guided her along the dark street, the
166:12 guided her along the dark street, the festival noises fading behind
166:14 festival noises fading behind them. "The River Palace is the right
166:19 them. "The River Palace is the right palace. The River Palace is
166:24 palace. The River Palace is home. His fingers tightened as if he was
166:27 home. His fingers tightened as if he was surprised. It didn't hurt, but it
166:30 surprised. It didn't hurt, but it reminded her of
166:31 reminded her of something. You shouldn't touch me. No,
166:35 something. You shouldn't touch me. No, that's not right. I shouldn't touch you.
166:40 that's not right. I shouldn't touch you. Her face scrunched before clearing
166:42 Her face scrunched before clearing again, a triumphant cry leaving her as
166:45 again, a triumphant cry leaving her as she said, "You don't want me to touch
166:49 she said, "You don't want me to touch you. That's it." "Quiet," Ka, Jiren said
166:55 you. That's it." "Quiet," Ka, Jiren said in a hard voice. "You don't know what
166:57 in a hard voice. "You don't know what you're talking about." "Angry
167:00 you're talking about." "Angry again," Ka blew out of breath. "I'm
167:04 again," Ka blew out of breath. "I'm always making you angry."
167:07 always making you angry." I'm not angry, Jiren stated, leading her
167:11 I'm not angry, Jiren stated, leading her down another
167:12 down another alleyway. I'm livid. What were you
167:15 alleyway. I'm livid. What were you thinking taking? What was it? Silver
167:19 thinking taking? What was it? Silver wish blood wraith? He leaned closer and
167:22 wish blood wraith? He leaned closer and sniffed before edging back again and
167:24 sniffed before edging back again and saying with clear disgust, "Angel dust!
167:28 saying with clear disgust, "Angel dust! Unbelievable!"
167:30 Unbelievable!" Everything was swirling around Ka. The
167:33 Everything was swirling around Ka. The colorful scarves like fluorescent bats
167:36 colorful scarves like fluorescent bats flapping their wings. Something on the
167:38 flapping their wings. Something on the ground caught her attention and she
167:40 ground caught her attention and she clapped
167:41 clapped gleefully. Happy
167:44 gleefully. Happy kitty. Jiren tugged her back before she
167:47 kitty. Jiren tugged her back before she could try to pet it. That's a dead rat.
167:51 could try to pet it. That's a dead rat. Kea pouted as he pulled her away. Sad
167:56 Kea pouted as he pulled her away. Sad kitty. Everworld. Help me. Jiren
168:00 kitty. Everworld. Help me. Jiren muttered. "I'm tired," Kea said. And
168:04 muttered. "I'm tired," Kea said. And right there in the middle of the dirty,
168:06 right there in the middle of the dirty, dark alley, she folded her knees and
168:09 dark alley, she folded her knees and collapsed. When Jiren swore again, she
168:12 collapsed. When Jiren swore again, she squinted up at him and noted. "You curse
168:16 squinted up at him and noted. "You curse a lot more now than you used to." "I
168:20 a lot more now than you used to." "I wonder why," he said under his breath.
168:24 wonder why," he said under his breath. The next thing Kea knew, she was in his
168:27 The next thing Kea knew, she was in his arms with him striding quickly through
168:29 arms with him striding quickly through the
168:30 the darkness. So strong. She sighed
168:33 darkness. So strong. She sighed contentedly and nuzzled her face into
168:36 contentedly and nuzzled her face into his neck. So
168:40 his neck. So perfect. His arms tensed around her, but
168:43 perfect. His arms tensed around her, but he didn't reply. She closed her eyes and
168:46 he didn't reply. She closed her eyes and breathed him in, his familiar scent
168:49 breathed him in, his familiar scent loosening something deep inside her that
168:51 loosening something deep inside her that not even the angel dust could soothe.
168:54 not even the angel dust could soothe. "Miss you," Ka whispered against his
168:57 "Miss you," Ka whispered against his skin, causing his tension to grow.
169:01 skin, causing his tension to grow. so
169:03 so much. From that point on, time held no
169:06 much. From that point on, time held no meaning for her, the drug distorting
169:09 meaning for her, the drug distorting everything she knew until she became
169:11 everything she knew until she became aware of other people around them and a
169:14 aware of other people around them and a room that was way too blue. She tried to
169:17 room that was way too blue. She tried to focus again just as she was lowered onto
169:19 focus again just as she was lowered onto something soft with her arms being pried
169:22 something soft with her arms being pried away from their death grip on
169:25 away from their death grip on Jiren. No, she whined. come
169:30 Jiren. No, she whined. come back. He ignored her and stepped away as
169:33 back. He ignored her and stepped away as the others came into view, their voices
169:36 the others came into view, their voices reaching Ka as if from a dream. What do
169:39 reaching Ka as if from a dream. What do you mean she's high? Calvin demanded.
169:44 you mean she's high? Calvin demanded. Come on, Tip. Nari murmured. Let's go
169:46 Come on, Tip. Nari murmured. Let's go look for King Sibli's kitchens. I could
169:49 look for King Sibli's kitchens. I could use a midnight snack. But Kea, Tip
169:53 use a midnight snack. But Kea, Tip started until Jiren quietly interrupted.
169:56 started until Jiren quietly interrupted. She won't want you to see this,
169:59 She won't want you to see this, buddy. Cresa, meanwhile, was swearing
170:02 buddy. Cresa, meanwhile, was swearing loud enough to be heard in Avalon. Kea
170:05 loud enough to be heard in Avalon. Kea was vaguely aware of Nari leading Tip
170:08 was vaguely aware of Nari leading Tip out of their suite, but her own eyes
170:10 out of their suite, but her own eyes remained locked blurly on the
170:14 remained locked blurly on the exquarer. I had to do it, she slurred. I
170:19 exquarer. I had to do it, she slurred. I didn't have a choice. She laughed.
170:23 didn't have a choice. She laughed. Well, I did, but I
170:28 Well, I did, but I didn't. What's she on about? Calvin
170:31 didn't. What's she on about? Calvin asked. She's been rambling nonsense ever
170:34 asked. She's been rambling nonsense ever since I found her, Jiren said, his tone
170:37 since I found her, Jiren said, his tone still bristling with irritation. You
170:40 still bristling with irritation. You won't get anything out of her. She needs
170:42 won't get anything out of her. She needs to sleep it off. This isn't like her,
170:46 to sleep it off. This isn't like her, Calvin defended. Kea. Something must
170:49 Calvin defended. Kea. Something must have shut up, both of you. Cresta
170:52 have shut up, both of you. Cresta snapped at them. You have no idea what
170:56 snapped at them. You have no idea what she
170:57 she ow. Kea shouted, sitting up, the room
171:01 ow. Kea shouted, sitting up, the room tilting around her. The spike of panic,
171:04 tilting around her. The spike of panic, left as quickly as it had arrived. But
171:07 left as quickly as it had arrived. But she remained cognizant enough to say,
171:10 she remained cognizant enough to say, "Don't tell
171:11 "Don't tell them." "You can shut up, too," Caes
171:16 them." "You can shut up, too," Caes said, pushing Kea back down and
171:18 said, pushing Kea back down and crouching in front of her. I got you
171:20 crouching in front of her. I got you through withdrawal once. I'll damn well
171:23 through withdrawal once. I'll damn well do it again. But as a so-called healer,
171:26 do it again. But as a so-called healer, you should have known better than to
171:28 you should have known better than to dabble with angel dust when you barely
171:30 dabble with angel dust when you barely survived your last
171:31 survived your last addiction. I didn't want What are you
171:35 addiction. I didn't want What are you talking about? Jiren spoke over Kea, his
171:39 talking about? Jiren spoke over Kea, his eyes no longer filled with fury, but
171:41 eyes no longer filled with fury, but dangerously alert. Calvin, too, had
171:44 dangerously alert. Calvin, too, had stilled at his side. She's never used
171:47 stilled at his side. She's never used angel dust before.
171:49 angel dust before. That was true until her psychopath of a
171:52 That was true until her psychopath of a sister and yours for that matter ordered
171:55 sister and yours for that matter ordered that she be kept drugged for the whole
171:57 that she be kept drugged for the whole journey from Valenia to Zalandov. Cresta
172:00 journey from Valenia to Zalandov. Cresta shared bluntly. She was so addicted when
172:03 shared bluntly. She was so addicted when she arrived that it took weeks for her
172:05 she arrived that it took weeks for her to function again. I still have
172:07 to function again. I still have nightmares about her screaming at me to
172:09 nightmares about her screaming at me to put her out of her misery. And given how
172:11 put her out of her misery. And given how rabid she was, I'm not ashamed to admit
172:14 rabid she was, I'm not ashamed to admit I considered
172:15 I considered it. Both Jiren and Calvin looked as if
172:19 it. Both Jiren and Calvin looked as if they'd been
172:20 they'd been slapped. Some part of Ka was feeling
172:23 slapped. Some part of Ka was feeling panicked again, but the angel dust
172:25 panicked again, but the angel dust quickly numbed her distress. She decided
172:29 quickly numbed her distress. She decided the best thing to do was ignore them
172:31 the best thing to do was ignore them both and speak directly to Cresta, which
172:34 both and speak directly to Cresta, which she did, slurring, "Don't worry, I
172:38 she did, slurring, "Don't worry, I didn't take much."
172:40 didn't take much." She then yawned loudly and snuggled down
172:44 She then yawned loudly and snuggled down into the couch, exhaustion combining
172:46 into the couch, exhaustion combining with the drug to lull her into a
172:48 with the drug to lull her into a perfectly relaxed state. Her eyes
172:52 perfectly relaxed state. Her eyes closed, and since she could no longer
172:55 closed, and since she could no longer see anyone, she promptly forgot that the
172:58 see anyone, she promptly forgot that the two princes were in the room, continuing
173:00 two princes were in the room, continuing to speak only to Crusta as she
173:02 to speak only to Crusta as she explained. I had to do it, or the pretty
173:06 explained. I had to do it, or the pretty mind readader would have made me kiss
173:09 mind readader would have made me kiss Jiren. That was the payment she
173:12 Jiren. That was the payment she wanted. I had to face one of my two
173:15 wanted. I had to face one of my two fears, him or angel dust. I didn't want
173:20 fears, him or angel dust. I didn't want to take it. It nearly killed me last
173:23 to take it. It nearly killed me last time. But Sharon hates me. He would have
173:27 time. But Sharon hates me. He would have only hated me more if I had kissed
173:31 only hated me more if I had kissed him. She rolled onto her side, unaware
173:34 him. She rolled onto her side, unaware of the dead silence now ringing in the
173:38 of the dead silence now ringing in the room. Kea's thoughts were scattered as
173:40 room. Kea's thoughts were scattered as she mumbled, "I didn't even get to tell
173:43 she mumbled, "I didn't even get to tell him about Karen. I saw him die. Did you
173:48 him about Karen. I saw him die. Did you know my little brother, he was only five
173:52 know my little brother, he was only five and he was killed by the royal guard.
173:55 and he was killed by the royal guard. Captain Varys held me back, so I didn't
173:59 Captain Varys held me back, so I didn't have a chance to heal him. I didn't know
174:02 have a chance to heal him. I didn't know I could throw my magic then. If I'd
174:06 I could throw my magic then. If I'd known, I could have saved
174:09 known, I could have saved him. Kea yawned again. I like Captain
174:14 him. Kea yawned again. I like Captain Varys. I shouldn't, but I do. I
174:18 Varys. I shouldn't, but I do. I shouldn't like Jiren either or Calvin or
174:23 shouldn't like Jiren either or Calvin or Ashlin or any of them. But they're all
174:27 Ashlin or any of them. But they're all very likable. You feel the same. I can
174:31 very likable. You feel the same. I can tell, even if you don't want to. I'm not
174:35 tell, even if you don't want to. I'm not sure why that
174:37 sure why that is. Maybe it goes against your chish
174:41 is. Maybe it goes against your chish Miran nature.
174:44 Miran nature. Kea
174:45 Kea snickered.
174:47 snickered. Churish? That's a funny
174:50 Churish? That's a funny word. Unable to get comfortable, she
174:53 word. Unable to get comfortable, she returned to her back and flung an arm
174:55 returned to her back and flung an arm over her face, her words now muffled as
174:58 over her face, her words now muffled as she continued
175:00 she continued babbling. Rook killed my father. I can't
175:04 babbling. Rook killed my father. I can't remember if I told Jiren. I was going to
175:08 remember if I told Jiren. I was going to mention it this morning, but he didn't
175:10 mention it this morning, but he didn't want to hear anything from me. I was
175:13 want to hear anything from me. I was also going to say how my family were
175:16 also going to say how my family were never rebels before Zalandov. That all
175:20 never rebels before Zalandov. That all happened after I was sent there. I
175:23 happened after I was sent there. I didn't choose that life. And when I was
175:26 didn't choose that life. And when I was finally free to make that
175:28 finally free to make that choice, I still didn't choose
175:31 choice, I still didn't choose it. Quieter now, she said. I made
175:35 it. Quieter now, she said. I made mistakes, but I didn't mean to make
175:38 mistakes, but I didn't mean to make them. And I didn't get to tell him that
175:41 them. And I didn't get to tell him that because he didn't want to
175:43 because he didn't want to listen. That's why I couldn't kiss
175:47 listen. That's why I couldn't kiss him. I wanted to so much, but I also
175:53 him. I wanted to so much, but I also know he would have only agreed so we
175:56 know he would have only agreed so we could get the ring, and that hurts.
176:00 could get the ring, and that hurts. Knowing he wants nothing to do with me
176:04 Knowing he wants nothing to do with me kills me. Every time I look at him, I
176:08 kills me. Every time I look at him, I feel like I can't breathe. It's like
176:12 feel like I can't breathe. It's like there's something squeezing my chest and
176:15 there's something squeezing my chest and choking my lungs. And Kea, Kusta
176:19 choking my lungs. And Kea, Kusta muttered, "Maybe you should. I'm in love
176:23 muttered, "Maybe you should. I'm in love with him. Can you believe it?" Ka said,
176:28 with him. Can you believe it?" Ka said, laughing. She opened her eyes in time to
176:30 laughing. She opened her eyes in time to see Cresa wsece and look off to the
176:33 see Cresa wsece and look off to the side, but she didn't understand why, nor
176:36 side, but she didn't understand why, nor did it stop her from
176:37 did it stop her from continuing. Well, I know you can since
176:42 continuing. Well, I know you can since you had to put up with me telling you
176:44 you had to put up with me telling you every single day at
176:47 every single day at Zalandov. At least until the withdrawal
176:50 Zalandov. At least until the withdrawal passed. Then you had to stop me from
176:53 passed. Then you had to stop me from wanting to kill myself.
176:56 wanting to kill myself. Cresa winced again, deeper this time,
176:59 Cresa winced again, deeper this time, her gaze still turned away. And somehow
177:03 her gaze still turned away. And somehow you did, Kea said. Stop me. I mean, you
177:08 you did, Kea said. Stop me. I mean, you saved me. You helped me remember I had a
177:14 saved me. You helped me remember I had a reason to live.
177:17 reason to live. Musingly, she added, "If my heart didn't
177:21 Musingly, she added, "If my heart didn't already belong to Jiren, I think I'd be
177:24 already belong to Jiren, I think I'd be in love with you. But then Calvin would
177:28 in love with you. But then Calvin would be angry at me, and I don't want anyone
177:31 be angry at me, and I don't want anyone else angry at me." "Sad now," Ka
177:35 else angry at me." "Sad now," Ka whispered. I hate that Jiren hates me.
177:41 whispered. I hate that Jiren hates me. But I understand because after
177:43 But I understand because after everything I did, I
177:46 everything I did, I deserve. All right, that's enough,
177:49 deserve. All right, that's enough, Cresta said in an unyielding voice. Are
177:52 Cresta said in an unyielding voice. Are you done playing the victim
177:54 you done playing the victim now? Kea had trouble focusing on the
177:57 now? Kea had trouble focusing on the redhead, but she glared in her general
177:59 redhead, but she glared in her general direction and slurred, I'm not a victim.
178:05 direction and slurred, I'm not a victim. That's right, Cresta stated. You're not
178:08 That's right, Cresta stated. You're not a victim. You're a
178:11 a victim. You're a survivor. She held Ka's blurry eyes. So,
178:14 survivor. She held Ka's blurry eyes. So, start acting like
178:16 start acting like one. But I Your brother is dead. Your
178:19 one. But I Your brother is dead. Your father is dead. Even your mother is
178:22 father is dead. Even your mother is dead. There's nothing you can do about
178:24 dead. There's nothing you can do about that, Cresta said without mercy. Bad
178:27 that, Cresta said without mercy. Bad things happen in this world, and you
178:29 things happen in this world, and you deal with them. You say Jiren hates you,
178:31 deal with them. You say Jiren hates you, that he wants nothing to do with you.
178:33 that he wants nothing to do with you. then you deal with that too. But you
178:36 then you deal with that too. But you know what you don't do? She didn't give
178:39 know what you don't do? She didn't give Kea the chance to answer. You don't give
178:42 Kea the chance to answer. You don't give up. You don't wallow in self-pity. And
178:45 up. You don't wallow in self-pity. And you don't, for whatever godamn idiotic
178:47 you don't, for whatever godamn idiotic reasons you have, choose angel dust over
178:50 reasons you have, choose angel dust over a kiss. Everworld, help me. I don't even
178:54 a kiss. Everworld, help me. I don't even know where to start with that. But you'd
178:56 know where to start with that. But you'd better believe you're in for a verbal
178:58 better believe you're in for a verbal lashing once you're sober again.
179:01 lashing once you're sober again. But I got the ring, Ka said petulently,
179:06 But I got the ring, Ka said petulently, holding up her hand. We need the rings
179:09 holding up her hand. We need the rings so Jiren can get his magic back. We need
179:13 so Jiren can get his magic back. We need the rings to stop Navic from getting
179:15 the rings to stop Navic from getting them and to save your precious Eve.
179:19 them and to save your precious Eve. Custa corrected. But the bottom line is
179:22 Custa corrected. But the bottom line is you're more important than any stupid
179:24 you're more important than any stupid ring, and you put yourself at risk
179:26 ring, and you put yourself at risk tonight for no reason. If Jiren hadn't
179:30 tonight for no reason. If Jiren hadn't found you, Jiren will always find me,"
179:34 found you, Jiren will always find me," Kea said confidently, her eyelids
179:37 Kea said confidently, her eyelids fluttering shut against her will.
179:39 fluttering shut against her will. Another yawn leaving her. "He might wish
179:43 Another yawn leaving her. "He might wish he'd never met me, but he'll always
179:47 he'd never met me, but he'll always protect me. He can't help it. He's too
179:51 protect me. He can't help it. He's too good, too pure. None of us deserve him,
179:56 good, too pure. None of us deserve him, especially me." I think I just vomited a
179:59 especially me." I think I just vomited a little, Cresa muttered before exhaling
180:03 little, Cresa muttered before exhaling loudly. In a slightly more compassionate
180:07 loudly. In a slightly more compassionate voice, she said, "You're in for a rough
180:10 voice, she said, "You're in for a rough morning, so stop talking and try to
180:14 morning, so stop talking and try to sleep while you can. And you'd better
180:17 sleep while you can. And you'd better pray you don't remember any of this."
180:21 pray you don't remember any of this." "Why?" Kea asked, her slurring more
180:24 "Why?" Kea asked, her slurring more pronounced now that she was beginning to
180:26 pronounced now that she was beginning to drift off.
180:28 drift off. You've seen me worse than
180:30 You've seen me worse than this. She blindly reached out to Pat the
180:34 this. She blindly reached out to Pat the exquarer as she said, "You're a good
180:37 exquarer as she said, "You're a good friend, Ca. I'm sorry you lost your
180:41 friend, Ca. I'm sorry you lost your family, but I'm glad you're a part of
180:45 family, but I'm glad you're a part of ours
180:46 ours now." The silence that followed her
180:49 now." The silence that followed her statement was long enough for sleep to
180:51 statement was long enough for sleep to tug at Kea.
180:53 tug at Kea. Whispered voices buzzed in her ears as
180:55 Whispered voices buzzed in her ears as she fought to remain conscious. One of
180:58 she fought to remain conscious. One of them Crestas, the second a distressed
181:00 them Crestas, the second a distressed male, and the third also male and
181:03 male, and the third also male and distressed and familiar enough to flood
181:06 distressed and familiar enough to flood her with warmth. It was that voice that
181:09 her with warmth. It was that voice that came closer, murmuring quietly,
181:12 came closer, murmuring quietly, soothingly, and then Kea felt gentle
181:15 soothingly, and then Kea felt gentle fingers trail across her cheek before
181:17 fingers trail across her cheek before she was carefully pulled up into a pair
181:20 she was carefully pulled up into a pair of strong arms. Feeling safer than she
181:24 of strong arms. Feeling safer than she had in months, Ka cuddled into the warm
181:26 had in months, Ka cuddled into the warm body with a sigh, whispering a slur.
181:32 body with a sigh, whispering a slur. "Charen, sleep, Ka," he whispered back.
181:37 "Charen, sleep, Ka," he whispered back. "And then she was moving before being
181:39 "And then she was moving before being lowered onto something soft again, with
181:42 lowered onto something soft again, with blankets being pulled over her as she
181:44 blankets being pulled over her as she was tucked in like a cocoon.
181:47 was tucked in like a cocoon. The last thing she felt before finally
181:49 The last thing she felt before finally succumbing to sleep was the impossibly
181:52 succumbing to sleep was the impossibly soft press of lips against hers. That
181:56 soft press of lips against hers. That was when she knew she must already be
182:09 24. When Ka awoke, the ground was shifting. She lurched upward and
182:12 shifting. She lurched upward and staggered out of bed only to realize she
182:15 staggered out of bed only to realize she had no idea where she was. She wasn't in
182:19 had no idea where she was. She wasn't in her blue bedroom. She wasn't even in the
182:22 her blue bedroom. She wasn't even in the palace because the view out the small
182:25 palace because the view out the small circular window in the slatted wooden
182:27 circular window in the slatted wooden wall showed nothing but
182:31 wall showed nothing but ocean. The ground wasn't shifting
182:33 ocean. The ground wasn't shifting because of the angel dust leaving her
182:35 because of the angel dust leaving her system. It was shifting because she was
182:38 system. It was shifting because she was on a ship.
182:40 on a ship. Kea moaned as the floor swayed and
182:43 Kea moaned as the floor swayed and quickly slapped her hand over her mouth.
182:46 quickly slapped her hand over her mouth. Unthinking, she ran from the boxy cabin,
182:49 Unthinking, she ran from the boxy cabin, darting along a short hallway and up a
182:51 darting along a short hallway and up a narrow set of stairs out into the bright
182:53 narrow set of stairs out into the bright sunshine, barely making it across the
182:56 sunshine, barely making it across the deck before she leaned over the wooden
182:58 deck before she leaned over the wooden railing and vomited.
183:01 railing and vomited. That was how Calvin found her with him
183:04 That was how Calvin found her with him breezily
183:05 breezily commenting. I leave you alone for a few
183:08 commenting. I leave you alone for a few minutes and that's when you choose to
183:10 minutes and that's when you choose to wake up. Timing, sunshine. We need to
183:14 wake up. Timing, sunshine. We need to work on yours. Kea wretched again,
183:17 work on yours. Kea wretched again, releasing nothing but bile. She hadn't
183:20 releasing nothing but bile. She hadn't eaten much the day before, but even if
183:23 eaten much the day before, but even if she had, she couldn't remember if she'd
183:25 she had, she couldn't remember if she'd already brought it up in the night. She
183:28 already brought it up in the night. She couldn't remember anything apart
183:30 couldn't remember anything apart from horror crashed into Kea. The events
183:34 from horror crashed into Kea. The events following the midnight markets returning
183:37 following the midnight markets returning with searing clarity. Everything she'd
183:40 with searing clarity. Everything she'd done, everything she'd said, and worse,
183:44 done, everything she'd said, and worse, who had
183:46 who had heard. She might have forgotten about
183:48 heard. She might have forgotten about Jiren and Calen in the haze of the
183:50 Jiren and Calen in the haze of the moment, but they'd been in the blue
183:52 moment, but they'd been in the blue suite the entire time she'd babbled to
183:55 suite the entire time she'd babbled to Cresta. and
183:57 Cresta. and Jiren. Kea heaved again, but it wasn't
184:01 Jiren. Kea heaved again, but it wasn't in reaction to the angel dust.
184:03 in reaction to the angel dust. Mortification flooded her enough that
184:06 Mortification flooded her enough that even when there was nothing left to
184:08 even when there was nothing left to expel, she still leaned over the rail,
184:11 expel, she still leaned over the rail, genuinely considering whether she should
184:12 genuinely considering whether she should plunge into the water and never
184:15 plunge into the water and never resurface. "Don't even think about it,"
184:19 resurface. "Don't even think about it," Calvin growled, reading her mind, or
184:22 Calvin growled, reading her mind, or perhaps just seeing the wretched look on
184:25 perhaps just seeing the wretched look on her face.
184:26 her face. Turning stiffly, Ka found him holding a
184:30 Turning stiffly, Ka found him holding a damp cloth in one hand and a tumbler
184:32 damp cloth in one hand and a tumbler full of water in the other, pushing both
184:35 full of water in the other, pushing both toward her. She took the offerings,
184:38 toward her. She took the offerings, wiping her mouth before guzzling down
184:40 wiping her mouth before guzzling down the water, too embarrassed to meet his
184:43 the water, too embarrassed to meet his eyes. But then his arm shot out, and he
184:46 eyes. But then his arm shot out, and he tilted her head until their gazes met.
184:49 tilted her head until their gazes met. she braced, certain he would be furious
184:52 she braced, certain he would be furious that she'd chosen the angel dust, and
184:55 that she'd chosen the angel dust, and perhaps even more livid that she hadn't
184:57 perhaps even more livid that she hadn't told him about
184:59 told him about Zalandov. He was her best friend, and
185:02 Zalandov. He was her best friend, and yet she'd been too ashamed to tell him
185:05 yet she'd been too ashamed to tell him how far she'd fallen in those early days
185:07 how far she'd fallen in those early days at the
185:08 at the prison. But Calvin didn't yell at her.
185:12 prison. But Calvin didn't yell at her. There wasn't a single trace of anger on
185:14 There wasn't a single trace of anger on his face. Instead, all he said was, "You
185:19 his face. Instead, all he said was, "You missed your training this
185:21 missed your training this morning." Kea's lips wobbled, emotion
185:24 morning." Kea's lips wobbled, emotion slamming into her. "Don't cry," Calvin
185:28 slamming into her. "Don't cry," Calvin said firmly. "If you cry, I'll cry. No
185:32 said firmly. "If you cry, I'll cry. No one wants to see
185:34 one wants to see that." Despite his warning, tears
185:37 that." Despite his warning, tears prickled her eyes. "What did I just tell
185:40 prickled her eyes. "What did I just tell you?" Calvin said, frowning. But then he
185:44 you?" Calvin said, frowning. But then he sighed and tugged her into his arms. She
185:47 sighed and tugged her into his arms. She hiccuped but managed to get control of
185:50 hiccuped but managed to get control of herself before she descended into
185:52 herself before she descended into full-blown
185:53 full-blown sobbing. "I'm sorry," she said shakily.
185:57 sobbing. "I'm sorry," she said shakily. "I just need a minute." "Take all the
186:01 "I just need a minute." "Take all the time you want, Sunshine," Calvin said,
186:04 time you want, Sunshine," Calvin said, tucking her under his chin. "I'm not
186:07 tucking her under his chin. "I'm not going
186:08 going anywhere." His soft declaration smoothed
186:12 anywhere." His soft declaration smoothed a jagged piece of her, and she was soon
186:14 a jagged piece of her, and she was soon able to pull away and say, "I really
186:18 able to pull away and say, "I really messed up last night." "No more than
186:21 messed up last night." "No more than usual." His mouth quirked. "It's
186:24 usual." His mouth quirked. "It's becoming a running theme with you. At
186:26 becoming a running theme with you. At least no one got stabbed this time." "I
186:30 least no one got stabbed this time." "I feel like I did," Kea said, pressing a
186:34 feel like I did," Kea said, pressing a hand to her pounding head. Now that
186:37 hand to her pounding head. Now that emptying her stomach wasn't her
186:38 emptying her stomach wasn't her priority, she was becoming increasingly
186:41 priority, she was becoming increasingly aware of her throbbing temples and
186:43 aware of her throbbing temples and tired, achy muscles. "Are you sure we
186:47 tired, achy muscles. "Are you sure we didn't train today? I feel like I've
186:50 didn't train today? I feel like I've been
186:51 been trampled." "Ca says it'll ease in a few
186:54 trampled." "Ca says it'll ease in a few hours," Calvin said, nodding over Kea's
186:57 hours," Calvin said, nodding over Kea's shoulder. "But you're going to feel
186:59 shoulder. "But you're going to feel rotten until then."
187:02 rotten until then." Kea followed his gaze toward the front
187:04 Kea followed his gaze toward the front of the ship, where she spotted the red
187:06 of the ship, where she spotted the red head sparring against both Terrell and
187:08 head sparring against both Terrell and Ashlin. The former meeting Crest's blade
187:11 Ashlin. The former meeting Crest's blade and the latter attacking relentlessly
187:13 and the latter attacking relentlessly with wind and earth magic, trying to
187:15 with wind and earth magic, trying to trip them both up. Kea marveled at their
187:18 trip them both up. Kea marveled at their skills. Not just the two generals, but
187:21 skills. Not just the two generals, but Cresta herself, who was slowly gaining
187:24 Cresta herself, who was slowly gaining the upper hand. She moves like a
187:27 the upper hand. She moves like a fighter.
187:29 fighter. Calon's words from weeks ago returned to
187:31 Calon's words from weeks ago returned to Ka, and she saw the truth of them now.
187:35 Ka, and she saw the truth of them now. Having had regular practice with
187:36 Having had regular practice with competent opponents, there was no
187:39 competent opponents, there was no denying how talented Cresa was with a
187:41 denying how talented Cresa was with a blade, how single-minded she was in her
187:44 blade, how single-minded she was in her focus. But Ka didn't keep her eyes on
187:47 focus. But Ka didn't keep her eyes on the trio for long. Instead, she
187:49 the trio for long. Instead, she nervously scanned the rest of the deck,
187:52 nervously scanned the rest of the deck, seeing Edin and Nari sitting in the
187:54 seeing Edin and Nari sitting in the shade of the foreast, cleaning their
187:56 shade of the foreast, cleaning their weapons, while Tip was standing with
187:58 weapons, while Tip was standing with Galdrich on a higher deck at the back of
188:00 Galdrich on a higher deck at the back of the ship, pointing up at the sails,
188:02 the ship, pointing up at the sails, which were straining against an
188:04 which were straining against an unnatural amount of
188:05 unnatural amount of wind. It was then that Kea realized they
188:08 wind. It was then that Kea realized they were gliding through the water much
188:10 were gliding through the water much faster than was surely normal, making
188:13 faster than was surely normal, making her wonder if Galdrich was using his
188:15 her wonder if Galdrich was using his magic to propel them forward.
188:18 magic to propel them forward. delaying the one question she was most
188:20 delaying the one question she was most anxious about, that being where Jiren
188:23 anxious about, that being where Jiren was, Kea asked somewhat stupidly, "Why
188:28 was, Kea asked somewhat stupidly, "Why are we on a
188:29 are we on a ship?" Calvin pulled an apple from his
188:32 ship?" Calvin pulled an apple from his pocket and handed it over. He waited for
188:35 pocket and handed it over. He waited for her to take a tentative nibble before
188:37 her to take a tentative nibble before answering.
188:39 answering. The others didn't have any luck with the
188:41 The others didn't have any luck with the anomalies, but they realized while they
188:45 anomalies, but they realized while they were gone that given how far Lirus is
188:47 were gone that given how far Lirus is from Ursa, we'd make better time by
188:50 from Ursa, we'd make better time by sailing, especially with two wind
188:53 sailing, especially with two wind elementals among us. "So Kea had been
188:56 elementals among us. "So Kea had been right. Galdrich was using his magic to
188:59 right. Galdrich was using his magic to quicken their journey." "This is one of
189:02 quicken their journey." "This is one of Sibli's vessels," Calvin said, patting
189:05 Sibli's vessels," Calvin said, patting the railing. His crew do, but they
189:08 the railing. His crew do, but they mostly keep to themselves, aside from
189:11 mostly keep to themselves, aside from when they're gawking at our magic. To
189:13 when they're gawking at our magic. To them, we're like something out of a
189:15 them, we're like something out of a legend. He shook his head, amused, then
189:18 legend. He shook his head, amused, then went on. There's a cook, which means no
189:22 went on. There's a cook, which means no travel rations for a few days, and
189:24 travel rations for a few days, and there's also a groom who's keeping the
189:26 there's also a groom who's keeping the horses calm. there in stalls down below
189:29 horses calm. there in stalls down below in case you're worried about that beast
189:31 in case you're worried about that beast of yours." He arched an eyebrow before
189:34 of yours." He arched an eyebrow before adding, "And since I know you're
189:37 adding, "And since I know you're desperate to ask, but afraid of the
189:40 desperate to ask, but afraid of the answer, Jiren's with the captain right
189:42 answer, Jiren's with the captain right now. So, you can stop looking terrified
189:45 now. So, you can stop looking terrified that he's going to appear out of
189:48 that he's going to appear out of nowhere." Kea acted as if she had no
189:51 nowhere." Kea acted as if she had no idea what he was talking about. Calvin
189:53 idea what he was talking about. Calvin chuckled, but his humor faded quickly,
189:56 chuckled, but his humor faded quickly, turning into concern as he said. "It's a
189:59 turning into concern as he said. "It's a small ship, sweet cheeks. We'll be
190:02 small ship, sweet cheeks. We'll be crammed together for another few days
190:05 crammed together for another few days before we're close enough to windfunnel
190:07 before we're close enough to windfunnel the rest of the way. You won't be able
190:10 the rest of the way. You won't be able to avoid him, and I think after what he
190:14 to avoid him, and I think after what he heard last night." "Please don't," Kea
190:18 heard last night." "Please don't," Kea interrupted horarssely. The small bite
190:21 interrupted horarssely. The small bite of apple wasn't sitting well, but she
190:23 of apple wasn't sitting well, but she was unsure if that was because of her
190:25 was unsure if that was because of her angel dust detox or their
190:28 angel dust detox or their conversation. "I'd really like to forget
190:32 conversation. "I'd really like to forget that happened." "You can forget all you
190:35 that happened." "You can forget all you want," Calvin said. "But that doesn't
190:38 want," Calvin said. "But that doesn't mean he
190:40 mean he will." Ka closed her eyes briefly before
190:43 will." Ka closed her eyes briefly before turning to stare out at the ocean. In a
190:46 turning to stare out at the ocean. In a trembling whisper, she asked, "Do the
190:49 trembling whisper, she asked, "Do the others know about last night?" Calvin
190:52 others know about last night?" Calvin snorted, "Do you think your brother
190:54 snorted, "Do you think your brother would be sparring right now if he had
190:56 would be sparring right now if he had any idea? We told him you weren't
190:58 any idea? We told him you weren't feeling well, and you took a moradine
191:00 feeling well, and you took a moradine tonic to sleep it off. He didn't bat an
191:03 tonic to sleep it off. He didn't bat an eyelash when Jiren carried you onto the
191:06 eyelash when Jiren carried you onto the ship." Kea swiftly repressed that image.
191:10 ship." Kea swiftly repressed that image. "What about Tip? I know Nari won't say
191:14 "What about Tip? I know Nari won't say anything, but Tip. Jiren told him you
191:17 anything, but Tip. Jiren told him you wouldn't want To know knowing what
191:19 wouldn't want To know knowing what happened. Calvin said, "So Tip promised
191:22 happened. Calvin said, "So Tip promised to keep quiet, but be warned, he's
191:25 to keep quiet, but be warned, he's probably going to be clingy for the next
191:27 probably going to be clingy for the next few days. He didn't like seeing you like
191:30 few days. He didn't like seeing you like that." Calon nudged her shoulder. None
191:33 that." Calon nudged her shoulder. None of us
191:34 of us did. Kea attempted a weak smile. You
191:38 did. Kea attempted a weak smile. You should have seen me in Zalandov.
191:40 should have seen me in Zalandov. Calan's face darkened and she instantly
191:43 Calan's face darkened and she instantly regretted her words. To keep his mind
191:46 regretted her words. To keep his mind off what she'd gone through at the
191:47 off what she'd gone through at the prison, she quickly said, "I've never
191:50 prison, she quickly said, "I've never been on a boat before. Is there anything
191:52 been on a boat before. Is there anything I need to know or do?" "For today, you
191:57 I need to know or do?" "For today, you just need to rest." Cal said, "When
192:01 just need to rest." Cal said, "When you're not at risk of puking your guts
192:03 you're not at risk of puking your guts up, we'll make the most of our time and
192:06 up, we'll make the most of our time and train as much as we can until Galdrich
192:08 train as much as we can until Galdrich magics us. We won't have many more
192:11 magics us. We won't have many more chances after that since Lis and Ardan
192:14 chances after that since Lis and Ardan are close enough for us to windfunnel
192:16 are close enough for us to windfunnel directly between them. And after Ardan,
192:20 directly between them. And after Ardan, we head back to Valenia," Ka said, her
192:23 we head back to Valenia," Ka said, her insides churning at the thought of
192:25 insides churning at the thought of confronting her sister. "Hey, don't jump
192:29 confronting her sister. "Hey, don't jump ahead," Calvin said, nudging her again.
192:32 ahead," Calvin said, nudging her again. "One day at a time."
192:35 "One day at a time." But I still have so much to learn, she
192:38 But I still have so much to learn, she said, rubbing her temples as the
192:40 said, rubbing her temples as the throbbing
192:41 throbbing intensified. What if I can't? Calvin
192:44 intensified. What if I can't? Calvin interrupted. There's no point living in
192:48 interrupted. There's no point living in whatifs. Don't waste energy fearing
192:50 whatifs. Don't waste energy fearing problems that don't yet
192:52 problems that don't yet exist. But Zelica does exist. Yes, but
192:57 exist. But Zelica does exist. Yes, but you don't have to face her
192:59 you don't have to face her today. Kea still couldn't let it go. And
193:03 today. Kea still couldn't let it go. And Navic exists, too. Navic's not your
193:07 Navic exists, too. Navic's not your problem, Calvin said firmly. I'm sorry.
193:10 problem, Calvin said firmly. I'm sorry. Did you miss the part where I almost had
193:13 Did you miss the part where I almost had to marry him? Kea spluttered. I'll
193:17 to marry him? Kea spluttered. I'll rephrase. Navick's not exclusively your
193:20 rephrase. Navick's not exclusively your problem, Calvin said. Yes, fine. We all
193:24 problem, Calvin said. Yes, fine. We all know he's desperate to get his hands on
193:26 know he's desperate to get his hands on you and your magic, but the larger
193:29 you and your magic, but the larger picture is Navic is a problem for all of
193:32 picture is Navic is a problem for all of us. in the sense that he wants to take
193:35 us. in the sense that he wants to take over the world. And with an anomaly
193:37 over the world. And with an anomaly army, he could probably do that. But
193:40 army, he could probably do that. But that's why we're on this ridiculous
193:42 that's why we're on this ridiculous quest to stop that from happening. We're
193:46 quest to stop that from happening. We're already doing everything we can,
193:48 already doing everything we can, Sunshine. So, let go of your worries and
193:52 Sunshine. So, let go of your worries and trust the process.
193:55 trust the process. Kea mulled over Cal's words, her gaze
193:58 Kea mulled over Cal's words, her gaze dropping to where Sana's second ring
194:01 dropping to where Sana's second ring still encircled her finger. Her mind
194:04 still encircled her finger. Her mind skipped from one thought to the next
194:06 skipped from one thought to the next before she finally asked, "Now that we
194:09 before she finally asked, "Now that we have two of the rings, should we just
194:11 have two of the rings, should we just leave the others where they are? Even if
194:14 leave the others where they are? Even if Navic finds the final two on his own,
194:16 Navic finds the final two on his own, he'll still need the ones we have." She
194:20 he'll still need the ones we have." She barely started speaking before realizing
194:22 barely started speaking before realizing there were too many unknowns for them to
194:25 there were too many unknowns for them to leave it to chance. Ashlin had once
194:27 leave it to chance. Ashlin had once wondered if they were playing into
194:29 wondered if they were playing into Navik's hands by retrieving the rings,
194:31 Navik's hands by retrieving the rings, and Jiren had agreed that they probably
194:34 and Jiren had agreed that they probably were. But at least the hand would be
194:37 were. But at least the hand would be safe in their possession, and they could
194:39 safe in their possession, and they could use it against Navoc. Never mind that
194:42 use it against Navoc. Never mind that Kea's main reason for getting the rings
194:44 Kea's main reason for getting the rings hadn't changed, that being to return
194:47 hadn't changed, that being to return Jiren's magic.
194:49 Jiren's magic. Maybe then she'd be able to rid herself
194:51 Maybe then she'd be able to rid herself of her allconsuming guilt and finally
194:54 of her allconsuming guilt and finally move on from everything she felt toward
194:56 move on from everything she felt toward him. Gods knew that was something she
194:59 him. Gods knew that was something she desperately needed now more than ever
195:02 desperately needed now more than ever after the humiliating events of last
195:05 after the humiliating events of last night. "Judging by the look on your
195:07 night. "Judging by the look on your face, you figured out your own answer,"
195:11 face, you figured out your own answer," Calvin said, tipping his head toward the
195:13 Calvin said, tipping his head toward the sun and closing his eyes, his golden
195:16 sun and closing his eyes, his golden hair shifting in the breeze. But to
195:19 hair shifting in the breeze. But to confirm, it's too risky. If we have all
195:23 confirm, it's too risky. If we have all the rings, we have all the power, and we
195:27 the rings, we have all the power, and we can use that power to make our own
195:30 can use that power to make our own anomalies to combat his should he move
195:33 anomalies to combat his should he move on
195:34 on Eve. We'd only use the hand on willing
195:38 Eve. We'd only use the hand on willing people, though, right? Kea said
195:41 people, though, right? Kea said carefully. Those who actually want magic
195:44 carefully. Those who actually want magic and volunteer to fight. Calvin turned
195:48 and volunteer to fight. Calvin turned back to her, frowning. I can't believe
195:51 back to her, frowning. I can't believe you just asked
195:52 you just asked that. Kea felt instant remorse. She knew
195:56 that. Kea felt instant remorse. She knew that wasn't the Valent force someone
195:58 that wasn't the Valent force someone into something they didn't want. Sorry,
196:02 into something they didn't want. Sorry, I just Her mouth snapped shut, but not
196:06 I just Her mouth snapped shut, but not because of Calin's indignant expression.
196:09 because of Calin's indignant expression. It was because two new people had
196:11 It was because two new people had appeared on the deck, one wearing a
196:13 appeared on the deck, one wearing a feathered captain's hat and the other
196:17 feathered captain's hat and the other Jarn. He did a double take when he saw
196:19 Jarn. He did a double take when he saw her and said something quickly to the
196:21 her and said something quickly to the short, dark-skinned captain before
196:23 short, dark-skinned captain before heading straight for where she and
196:25 heading straight for where she and Calvin stood. Kea made an alarmed sound
196:29 Calvin stood. Kea made an alarmed sound and blurted out a nonsensical headache.
196:32 and blurted out a nonsensical headache. Sleep now later. Then she ran from
196:37 Sleep now later. Then she ran from Calvin, ignoring his frustrated voice
196:39 Calvin, ignoring his frustrated voice calling after her. All she knew was that
196:42 calling after her. All she knew was that she couldn't face Jiren. Not yet, so she
196:46 she couldn't face Jiren. Not yet, so she hurriedly retraced her steps from
196:48 hurriedly retraced her steps from earlier, almost tumbling back down the
196:51 earlier, almost tumbling back down the narrow stairs before somehow finding the
196:54 narrow stairs before somehow finding the boxy cabin she'd awoken in. more alert
196:57 boxy cabin she'd awoken in. more alert now, she realized there were two small
197:00 now, she realized there were two small beds, not one, but she didn't spare a
197:03 beds, not one, but she didn't spare a thought to who her bunkmate was,
197:05 thought to who her bunkmate was, slamming the door and locking it, then
197:08 slamming the door and locking it, then sliding down with her back resting
197:10 sliding down with her back resting against the wood. A moment later, there
197:13 against the wood. A moment later, there was a loud knock followed by the sound
197:16 was a loud knock followed by the sound of the handle rattling. Kea, let me
197:20 of the handle rattling. Kea, let me in. Jiren's command caused her racing
197:23 in. Jiren's command caused her racing heart to stutter. She was frozen, unable
197:26 heart to stutter. She was frozen, unable to think of anything but the previous
197:28 to think of anything but the previous night and everything she'd said while
197:30 night and everything she'd said while under the influence of the angel dust.
197:34 under the influence of the angel dust. "Please, Ka," he said, his voice muffled
197:37 "Please, Ka," he said, his voice muffled by the wood. "We need to
197:40 by the wood. "We need to talk." But Ka didn't want to talk. She
197:44 talk." But Ka didn't want to talk. She knew why he was there. Because he was
197:46 knew why he was there. Because he was Jiren. Last night, she'd shared too
197:50 Jiren. Last night, she'd shared too much. And now he knew exactly what she
197:54 much. And now he knew exactly what she was
197:55 was feeling. Knowing he wants nothing to do
197:58 feeling. Knowing he wants nothing to do with me kills me. Every time I look at
198:02 with me kills me. Every time I look at him, I feel like I can't
198:05 him, I feel like I can't breathe. Kea closed her eyes as renewed
198:08 breathe. Kea closed her eyes as renewed embarrassment swept over her. I'm in
198:11 embarrassment swept over her. I'm in love with him. Can you believe it?
198:16 love with him. Can you believe it? She covered her face and drew her knees
198:18 She covered her face and drew her knees up to her chest, wishing she could go
198:21 up to her chest, wishing she could go back in time, wishing she could
198:24 back in time, wishing she could forget. But wishes were for fools. So Ka
198:28 forget. But wishes were for fools. So Ka just sat there, waiting until she heard
198:31 just sat there, waiting until she heard a quiet sigh and then his footsteps
198:34 a quiet sigh and then his footsteps moving away. Only then did her tension
198:37 moving away. Only then did her tension fade, her shoulders slumping as her
198:40 fade, her shoulders slumping as her adrenaline fled, the pain in her temples
198:44 adrenaline fled, the pain in her temples now
198:45 now shrieking. But she didn't move, didn't
198:48 shrieking. But she didn't move, didn't try to get more comfortable. Instead,
198:51 try to get more comfortable. Instead, she attempted to piece together her
198:53 she attempted to piece together her heart, knowing it was
198:55 heart, knowing it was impossible, because it had just walked
198:58 impossible, because it had just walked away.
199:01 away. Kea spent the rest of the day locked in
199:04 Kea spent the rest of the day locked in her cabin, but she didn't waste it
199:06 her cabin, but she didn't waste it sulking or fretting. It took a few hours
199:09 sulking or fretting. It took a few hours for her stomach to settle and a few more
199:11 for her stomach to settle and a few more for her headache and muscle pains to
199:13 for her headache and muscle pains to ease as the last of the angel dust was
199:16 ease as the last of the angel dust was purged from her body, but she used that
199:19 purged from her body, but she used that time to think, to
199:21 time to think, to strategize. Yes, she'd made a fool of
199:24 strategize. Yes, she'd made a fool of herself the previous night. Yes, she'd
199:27 herself the previous night. Yes, she'd said things she wished no one,
199:29 said things she wished no one, especially Jiren, had ever heard, but
199:32 especially Jiren, had ever heard, but she couldn't change the past. So now she
199:35 she couldn't change the past. So now she just had to live with
199:37 just had to live with it. It was that realization that had her
199:40 it. It was that realization that had her leaving the small cabin that night and
199:42 leaving the small cabin that night and venturing onto the deck once more,
199:45 venturing onto the deck once more, following the rowdy sounds of voices
199:47 following the rowdy sounds of voices until she reached an open door toward
199:49 until she reached an open door toward the back of the boat, beneath where Tip
199:52 the back of the boat, beneath where Tip and Galdrich had been standing on the
199:54 and Galdrich had been standing on the higher deck that morning.
199:56 higher deck that morning. It was the captain's quarters, Kea
199:58 It was the captain's quarters, Kea realized once she edged closer. And
200:01 realized once she edged closer. And inside he was dining with her friends,
200:05 inside he was dining with her friends, and what must have been most of his very
200:07 and what must have been most of his very boisterous crew at a large wooden table
200:10 boisterous crew at a large wooden table loaded with steaming food. Her stomach
200:13 loaded with steaming food. Her stomach made a gurgling noise as the sense of
200:15 made a gurgling noise as the sense of cooked meat and fresh bread hit her, and
200:18 cooked meat and fresh bread hit her, and she pressed a hand to her middle,
200:21 she pressed a hand to her middle, uncertain if she was hungry or still
200:23 uncertain if she was hungry or still nauseous. But she didn't feel the urge
200:26 nauseous. But she didn't feel the urge to run toward the railing again. So she
200:29 to run toward the railing again. So she inched forward, her nerves thrumming as
200:32 inched forward, her nerves thrumming as she spotted Jiren sitting at the crowded
200:34 she spotted Jiren sitting at the crowded table beside Tip and Terrell. The three
200:36 table beside Tip and Terrell. The three of them laughing at whatever the young
200:39 of them laughing at whatever the young boy had just said. The image knocked the
200:42 boy had just said. The image knocked the breath out of Kea, and she must have
200:45 breath out of Kea, and she must have made a jerking motion because Jiren
200:47 made a jerking motion because Jiren looked up and saw her, something
200:49 looked up and saw her, something shifting over his face that she couldn't
200:51 shifting over his face that she couldn't read.
200:53 read. She didn't turn away this time, only
200:55 She didn't turn away this time, only moved further into the room, relieved
200:58 moved further into the room, relieved that the captain and his crew had
201:00 that the captain and his crew had engaged the rest of her companions
201:01 engaged the rest of her companions enough that they didn't notice her
201:04 enough that they didn't notice her sneaking in and claiming the empty seat
201:06 sneaking in and claiming the empty seat beside
201:07 beside Calvin. "It's good to know my training's
201:10 Calvin. "It's good to know my training's paying off," he said, passing her a
201:13 paying off," he said, passing her a basket of warm rolls. "Sorry?" Kea
201:17 basket of warm rolls. "Sorry?" Kea asked, busy trying to calm her nerves.
201:21 asked, busy trying to calm her nerves. I've never seen you run as fast as you
201:23 I've never seen you run as fast as you did
201:24 did today. Kea grimaced and turned to him
201:27 today. Kea grimaced and turned to him with an apology on her tongue, only to
201:30 with an apology on her tongue, only to see the laughter in his eyes. She pulled
201:33 see the laughter in his eyes. She pulled a face, causing him to chuckle. "Are you
201:36 a face, causing him to chuckle. "Are you good?" he asked. "Or should we
201:39 good?" he asked. "Or should we anticipate another mad dash?"
201:42 anticipate another mad dash?" I'm good, she promised, taking a
201:45 I'm good, she promised, taking a cautious bite and nearly moaning at the
201:49 cautious bite and nearly moaning at the soft, buttery flavor of the dough. I may
201:53 soft, buttery flavor of the dough. I may have overreacted earlier
201:56 have overreacted earlier today. Calvin held up his thumb and
201:58 today. Calvin held up his thumb and forefinger, pressing them together just
202:01 forefinger, pressing them together just a smidge. "In my defense, no defense
202:05 a smidge. "In my defense, no defense needed," he said, loading her plate with
202:08 needed," he said, loading her plate with food. "You panicked. It happens to the
202:11 food. "You panicked. It happens to the best of us. Now, eat up because we can
202:15 best of us. Now, eat up because we can still fit in some training tonight. And
202:18 still fit in some training tonight. And just so you know, Crest has been waiting
202:21 just so you know, Crest has been waiting all day for you to feel better so she
202:23 all day for you to feel better so she can scream at you without feeling guilty
202:25 can scream at you without feeling guilty about it. My guess is you don't want to
202:29 about it. My guess is you don't want to face that on an empty stomach.
202:32 face that on an empty stomach. Kea winced and didn't dare look toward
202:35 Kea winced and didn't dare look toward where the redhead was talking with Nari,
202:37 where the redhead was talking with Nari, Ashlin, and the captain, knowing she
202:40 Ashlin, and the captain, knowing she deserved whatever the exquarer was going
202:43 deserved whatever the exquarer was going to say. Instead, she scanned the
202:46 to say. Instead, she scanned the unfamiliar faces of the crew and asked,
202:48 unfamiliar faces of the crew and asked, "Where's Galdrich and Idrin?"
202:52 "Where's Galdrich and Idrin?" "Galdrich's resting." Calvin took a sip
202:55 "Galdrich's resting." Calvin took a sip from his wooden tumbler. He's been using
202:58 from his wooden tumbler. He's been using magic for most of the day, and he has to
203:00 magic for most of the day, and he has to be careful not to deplete it entirely,
203:03 be careful not to deplete it entirely, or he won't be able to windfunnel us
203:05 or he won't be able to windfunnel us once we're close enough
203:06 once we're close enough to Ash will be taking over for him
203:10 to Ash will be taking over for him tonight with the two of them sharing the
203:12 tonight with the two of them sharing the load for the next few
203:14 load for the next few days. And
203:16 days. And Iran? Poor Bugger is seasick, Calvin
203:20 Iran? Poor Bugger is seasick, Calvin said. But there was humor in his voice.
203:23 said. But there was humor in his voice. It hit him just after lunch. I'm not
203:26 It hit him just after lunch. I'm not sure who had the worst day, you or
203:30 sure who had the worst day, you or him. Concerned, Kea asked, "Why didn't
203:33 him. Concerned, Kea asked, "Why didn't someone come and get me?" Calvin sipped
203:36 someone come and get me?" Calvin sipped his drink again. "Does your magic work
203:40 his drink again. "Does your magic work on
203:40 on seasickness?" "I don't know, but even if
203:44 seasickness?" "I don't know, but even if it doesn't, I'm still a healer," she
203:47 it doesn't, I'm still a healer," she said. I could have helped him some other
203:49 said. I could have helped him some other way, perhaps, but that would have
203:53 way, perhaps, but that would have required you unlocking your door. He
203:56 required you unlocking your door. He returned dryly. That caused Kea's cheeks
204:00 returned dryly. That caused Kea's cheeks to heat. I needed time to think. And did
204:04 to heat. I needed time to think. And did that time do you any good? While Calvin
204:08 that time do you any good? While Calvin was speaking, Jiren stood and after
204:11 was speaking, Jiren stood and after nodding to Terrell and ruffling Tip's
204:13 nodding to Terrell and ruffling Tip's hair, he left the table, smiling
204:16 hair, he left the table, smiling politely to the crew members he passed
204:18 politely to the crew members he passed on his way toward the door. Kea's mouth
204:22 on his way toward the door. Kea's mouth turned dry and her pulse kicked up
204:24 turned dry and her pulse kicked up speed, but she quickly answered Cal's
204:27 speed, but she quickly answered Cal's question. I'm about to find out. and
204:31 question. I'm about to find out. and then she pushed back her seat and
204:34 then she pushed back her seat and hurried after the crown prince before
204:36 hurried after the crown prince before she could change her
204:37 she could change her mind. Jiren was already halfway across
204:40 mind. Jiren was already halfway across the deck by the time she exited the
204:42 the deck by the time she exited the captain's quarters, moving swiftly
204:44 captain's quarters, moving swiftly enough that she had to call his name,
204:47 enough that she had to call his name, prompting him to turn with clear
204:50 prompting him to turn with clear surprise. Kea approached slowly. The
204:53 surprise. Kea approached slowly. The night was dark, but the ship was lit by
204:56 night was dark, but the ship was lit by aluminium lanterns that cast a soft glow
205:00 aluminium lanterns that cast a soft glow across the wood with moonlight
205:02 across the wood with moonlight reflecting off the white sails overhead.
205:05 reflecting off the white sails overhead. It was absurdly romantic, but she
205:08 It was absurdly romantic, but she quashed that thought and concentrated on
205:11 quashed that thought and concentrated on the speech she'd spent all day
205:13 the speech she'd spent all day memorizing.
205:15 memorizing. When she was only a few feet away, she
205:17 When she was only a few feet away, she stopped to gather herself,
205:19 stopped to gather herself, unconsciously, taking in how his dark
205:21 unconsciously, taking in how his dark leathery armor fit him perfectly and
205:24 leathery armor fit him perfectly and highlighted his strong muscles and his
205:28 highlighted his strong muscles and his No. Kea scolded herself sharply, knowing
205:31 No. Kea scolded herself sharply, knowing now was not the time to be admiring how
205:34 now was not the time to be admiring how good he looked. This was already going
205:36 good he looked. This was already going to be hard enough for her.
205:39 to be hard enough for her. Summoning every ounce of her courage,
205:41 Summoning every ounce of her courage, she looked over his shoulder at the
205:43 she looked over his shoulder at the ocean and
205:45 ocean and recited, "I want to apologize for what
205:48 recited, "I want to apologize for what happened last night, for what I did, and
205:51 happened last night, for what I did, and for what I
205:52 for what I said." She slid the topaz ring from her
205:55 said." She slid the topaz ring from her finger and handed it to him, careful not
205:58 finger and handed it to him, careful not to touch his skin as she dropped it into
206:00 to touch his skin as she dropped it into his palm.
206:02 his palm. I know that must have been uncomfortable
206:04 I know that must have been uncomfortable for you, not just the angel dust part
206:07 for you, not just the angel dust part because of everything with your mother
206:09 because of everything with your mother and just to say I well, you now know
206:14 and just to say I well, you now know I've had some problems with it in my
206:16 I've had some problems with it in my recent past. She hugged her elbows
206:19 recent past. She hugged her elbows awkwardly, but I didn't choose it
206:22 awkwardly, but I didn't choose it because I wanted to choose it. As I said
206:25 because I wanted to choose it. As I said last night, the mystician saw it was one
206:28 last night, the mystician saw it was one of my greatest fears, and she exploited
206:31 of my greatest fears, and she exploited that. Kea winced at the unspoken mention
206:35 that. Kea winced at the unspoken mention of what her other greatest fear was, and
206:37 of what her other greatest fear was, and hurried to add, so to clarify, it's not
206:40 hurried to add, so to clarify, it's not something I'm tempted to partake of
206:42 something I'm tempted to partake of willingly in the future, in case that's
206:45 willingly in the future, in case that's a concern.
206:47 a concern. Aware that she was flubbing her speech,
206:50 Aware that she was flubbing her speech, she quickly went on, knowing the next
206:52 she quickly went on, knowing the next part would be even more
206:54 part would be even more challenging. As for everything I said
206:57 challenging. As for everything I said about you, I think it's best if we both
206:59 about you, I think it's best if we both try to forget um all of that. She winced
207:04 try to forget um all of that. She winced again at her poor articulation before
207:06 again at her poor articulation before making herself meet his gaze. In the
207:09 making herself meet his gaze. In the back of her mind, she noted that his
207:12 back of her mind, she noted that his face wasn't blank and emotionless like
207:14 face wasn't blank and emotionless like it had been for most of their journey.
207:17 it had been for most of their journey. But she couldn't afford to think about
207:18 But she couldn't afford to think about that and only said with bald
207:21 that and only said with bald honesty, "Drugged or not, it wasn't fair
207:25 honesty, "Drugged or not, it wasn't fair for me to heap that on you. You've made
207:28 for me to heap that on you. You've made your feelings clear, and I fully respect
207:30 your feelings clear, and I fully respect what you told me. The last thing I want
207:33 what you told me. The last thing I want is your pity, so please don't." Her
207:37 is your pity, so please don't." Her voice cracked, but she coughed and
207:40 voice cracked, but she coughed and continued stronger
207:42 continued stronger now. I just think it's best if we put it
207:45 now. I just think it's best if we put it behind us and move forward as if it
207:48 behind us and move forward as if it never happened. She took a fortifying
207:51 never happened. She took a fortifying breath and finished, repeating some of
207:53 breath and finished, repeating some of what Cal had said earlier that day. It's
207:56 what Cal had said earlier that day. It's a small ship, and even once we're on dry
207:59 a small ship, and even once we're on dry land again, we still have to be near
208:01 land again, we still have to be near each other until this is all over. But I
208:03 each other until this is all over. But I promise that once we have the rings and
208:06 promise that once we have the rings and Zelica and Navoc are out of the picture,
208:09 Zelica and Navoc are out of the picture, you'll get your wish and never have to
208:11 you'll get your wish and never have to see me
208:12 see me again. Ka staunchly ignored the ache in
208:15 again. Ka staunchly ignored the ache in her heart as she said the words,
208:17 her heart as she said the words, revealing nothing outwardly, even if she
208:20 revealing nothing outwardly, even if she was weeping on the
208:22 was weeping on the inside. She wouldn't break down in front
208:25 inside. She wouldn't break down in front of him. She'd already experienced enough
208:27 of him. She'd already experienced enough humiliation in his presence to last a
208:30 humiliation in his presence to last a lifetime. With her speech done, she
208:33 lifetime. With her speech done, she waited for his response. Part of her
208:36 waited for his response. Part of her wanting to flee before he could speak,
208:39 wanting to flee before he could speak, but the other part, aware that it was
208:41 but the other part, aware that it was time for her to face her problems rather
208:44 time for her to face her problems rather than run from
208:45 than run from them. As luck would have it, Tip chose
208:49 them. As luck would have it, Tip chose that moment to bound out of the
208:51 that moment to bound out of the captain's quarters with the rest of
208:52 captain's quarters with the rest of their friends following more sedately
208:54 their friends following more sedately behind. He skipped right over to Kea and
208:58 behind. He skipped right over to Kea and nestled into her side, looking up at her
209:00 nestled into her side, looking up at her with worried eyes as he asked, "Are you
209:03 with worried eyes as he asked, "Are you feeling
209:05 feeling better?" Emotion flooded her and she
209:08 better?" Emotion flooded her and she drew him closer. "Yeah, buddy.
209:12 drew him closer. "Yeah, buddy. Thanks." It was true, and not just about
209:16 Thanks." It was true, and not just about her physical state. She felt lighter now
209:19 her physical state. She felt lighter now that she'd confronted Jiren, even if he
209:22 that she'd confronted Jiren, even if he hadn't had a chance to reply before
209:24 hadn't had a chance to reply before they'd been interrupted. "Perhaps it was
209:27 they'd been interrupted. "Perhaps it was better this way," she told herself. They
209:30 better this way," she told herself. They each knew where the other stood, with
209:32 each knew where the other stood, with her having made it clear that she wanted
209:34 her having made it clear that she wanted to ignore what had happened and move on.
209:37 to ignore what had happened and move on. He would respect that. He would probably
209:40 He would respect that. He would probably even appreciate that. But even so, Kea
209:44 even appreciate that. But even so, Kea still intended to avoid him as much as
209:47 still intended to avoid him as much as possible until the day came when they
209:49 possible until the day came when they could finally part ways. It was the only
209:52 could finally part ways. It was the only way she knew how to protect herself from
209:56 way she knew how to protect herself from him. With their conversation disrupted
209:59 him. With their conversation disrupted as the group pulled Jiren into a
210:00 as the group pulled Jiren into a discussion about their sleeping
210:02 discussion about their sleeping arrangements and plans for the next day,
210:05 arrangements and plans for the next day, Ka felt no guilt in allowing Calden to
210:08 Ka felt no guilt in allowing Calden to draw her away to train for the next few
210:10 draw her away to train for the next few hours.
210:12 hours. They could have continued longer, but
210:14 They could have continued longer, but Cresta finally lost patience and dragged
210:17 Cresta finally lost patience and dragged Kea back to what was apparently their
210:19 Kea back to what was apparently their shared cabin. The redhead then proceeded
210:22 shared cabin. The redhead then proceeded to yell loudly and at length before
210:26 to yell loudly and at length before forcing a promise from Kea that she
210:28 forcing a promise from Kea that she would never ever take Angel Dust again.
210:33 would never ever take Angel Dust again. Only then did Cresa yank her into a
210:35 Only then did Cresa yank her into a rough hug before flopping onto the
210:37 rough hug before flopping onto the second bed, rolling over and promptly
210:40 second bed, rolling over and promptly falling
210:41 falling asleep. Having rested for most of the
210:44 asleep. Having rested for most of the day, Kea struggled to do the same,
210:46 day, Kea struggled to do the same, remaining awake as the boat rocked
210:48 remaining awake as the boat rocked beneath her. In an effort not to think
210:51 beneath her. In an effort not to think about Jiren, she turned her mind to
210:54 about Jiren, she turned her mind to their quest for the rings, considering
210:56 their quest for the rings, considering everything she knew about Srana
210:57 everything she knew about Srana Volantis, while unconsciously fiddling
211:00 Volantis, while unconsciously fiddling with the amulet around her neck. her
211:02 with the amulet around her neck. her fingers running over the jewels in the
211:05 fingers running over the jewels in the crest. There was something about the
211:07 crest. There was something about the hand of the gods that had begun to
211:09 hand of the gods that had begun to bother her of late, but every time she
211:12 bother her of late, but every time she tried to figure out what it was, it
211:14 tried to figure out what it was, it eluded her, like an itch she couldn't
211:17 eluded her, like an itch she couldn't quite
211:18 quite scratch. That night was no different,
211:21 scratch. That night was no different, and no matter how hard she sought for
211:24 and no matter how hard she sought for clarity, none came. But her attempt
211:27 clarity, none came. But her attempt helped calm her mind enough that she
211:30 helped calm her mind enough that she eventually felt the pull of sleep, and
211:32 eventually felt the pull of sleep, and she didn't resist when it finally
211:34 she didn't resist when it finally claimed
211:45 True to her plan, Kea managed to stay clear of Jiren for the next few days,
211:48 clear of Jiren for the next few days, spending most of her hours training on
211:50 spending most of her hours training on the upper deck with Calden and even
211:52 the upper deck with Calden and even Ashlin. The latter, who after imbuing
211:55 Ashlin. The latter, who after imbuing the topaz ring with her power, had
211:58 the topaz ring with her power, had filled the amulet with both wind and
212:00 filled the amulet with both wind and earth magic. When the princess wasn't
212:03 earth magic. When the princess wasn't attacking Ka, she divided her attention
212:05 attacking Ka, she divided her attention between propelling the boat forward and
212:08 between propelling the boat forward and practicing her windfunneling. capable
212:10 practicing her windfunneling. capable now of relocating herself from the ship
212:13 now of relocating herself from the ship to the shore and back again. She still
212:16 to the shore and back again. She still couldn't travel anywhere near as far as
212:18 couldn't travel anywhere near as far as Galdrich, but she didn't have to see her
212:20 Galdrich, but she didn't have to see her destination anymore, and she was moving
212:23 destination anymore, and she was moving further with every
212:25 further with every attempt. Ka's own magical training was
212:27 attempt. Ka's own magical training was also seeing improvements, with her no
212:30 also seeing improvements, with her no longer needing to rely on happy
212:32 longer needing to rely on happy memories, her power coming more
212:34 memories, her power coming more instinctively and rapidly than ever
212:37 instinctively and rapidly than ever before. It was easiest when facing Cal's
212:40 before. It was easiest when facing Cal's flames, even against Ashlin's boulders
212:43 flames, even against Ashlin's boulders and vines and everything else she
212:45 and vines and everything else she created with her earth element. Her wind
212:48 created with her earth element. Her wind attacks, however, those would have
212:50 attacks, however, those would have knocked Ka straight off the boat if not
212:52 knocked Ka straight off the boat if not for the amulet's
212:54 for the amulet's protection. But an invisible opponent
212:56 protection. But an invisible opponent was exactly what Ka needed to train
212:58 was exactly what Ka needed to train against since she was determined to be
213:01 against since she was determined to be as prepared as possible by their return
213:03 as prepared as possible by their return to Valenia. Zelica was waiting and Ka
213:07 to Valenia. Zelica was waiting and Ka would be
213:08 would be ready. During the few moments when she
213:11 ready. During the few moments when she wasn't training, Ka spent her time
213:14 wasn't training, Ka spent her time checking on the horses, exploring the
213:16 checking on the horses, exploring the boat with Tip, and comforting Edin.
213:19 boat with Tip, and comforting Edin. Thankfully, her magic did heal
213:22 Thankfully, her magic did heal seasickness, and he gratefully accepted
213:24 seasickness, and he gratefully accepted her aid every time his nausea returned.
213:28 her aid every time his nausea returned. She found that like when they'd been
213:30 She found that like when they'd been riding together, she truly enjoyed being
213:32 riding together, she truly enjoyed being in the spies quiet, steadying company.
213:36 in the spies quiet, steadying company. It didn't matter that she barely knew
213:37 It didn't matter that she barely knew him. She had a feeling no one did, and
213:41 him. She had a feeling no one did, and that was how he preferred it. But that
213:44 that was how he preferred it. But that didn't mean he wasn't a vital part of
213:45 didn't mean he wasn't a vital part of their group, or that he didn't care for
213:48 their group, or that he didn't care for them all in his own way. He just had a
213:51 them all in his own way. He just had a different kind of personality, prone to
213:53 different kind of personality, prone to independence and solitude rather than
213:56 independence and solitude rather than socializing just for the sake of fitting
213:58 socializing just for the sake of fitting in. Too often people considered such a
214:00 in. Too often people considered such a temperament to be strange or even rude,
214:03 temperament to be strange or even rude, but Kea saw it as a strength. Adren knew
214:07 but Kea saw it as a strength. Adren knew who he was, and he embraced his autonomy
214:10 who he was, and he embraced his autonomy with a contentment that she envied. It
214:13 with a contentment that she envied. It was effortless for her to sit with him
214:15 was effortless for her to sit with him in silence, the two of them lost in
214:17 in silence, the two of them lost in their thoughts, neither feeling the need
214:20 their thoughts, neither feeling the need to speak, just to be. She always left
214:24 to speak, just to be. She always left his presence more settled than when she
214:27 his presence more settled than when she arrived, and given how troubled she felt
214:29 arrived, and given how troubled she felt most of the time, that was a true gift.
214:34 most of the time, that was a true gift. The days sped by as they traveled south
214:36 The days sped by as they traveled south through the Corin Sea, swiftly closing
214:39 through the Corin Sea, swiftly closing the distance between Hadras and Velour.
214:42 the distance between Hadras and Velour. The warriors in the group, Nari, Adid,
214:45 The warriors in the group, Nari, Adid, Calen, Jiren, Ashlin, Terrell, and
214:49 Calen, Jiren, Ashlin, Terrell, and Cresta, dedicated their waking hours to
214:52 Cresta, dedicated their waking hours to honing their fighting skills against
214:54 honing their fighting skills against both physical and magical attacks, with
214:58 both physical and magical attacks, with Cresta continuing to outshine them all.
215:01 Cresta continuing to outshine them all. When Ka asked her one night why she
215:03 When Ka asked her one night why she trained so fiercely, her only answer was
215:06 trained so fiercely, her only answer was to shrug and say, "There's always going
215:09 to shrug and say, "There's always going to be someone stronger than you. It
215:11 to be someone stronger than you. It doesn't hurt to be
215:13 doesn't hurt to be prepared." Ka couldn't fault her logic,
215:16 prepared." Ka couldn't fault her logic, even if she felt as if there was more to
215:18 even if she felt as if there was more to it than that. Something had changed in
215:21 it than that. Something had changed in Cresta. She was no longer an outsider
215:24 Cresta. She was no longer an outsider silently mocking their group. She was
215:27 silently mocking their group. She was now fully integrated into it. Kea had
215:30 now fully integrated into it. Kea had even caught her teaching tip the best
215:32 even caught her teaching tip the best way to slice open an opponent's femoral
215:34 way to slice open an opponent's femoral artery. And while Ka hadn't been
215:37 artery. And while Ka hadn't been thrilled by the lesson itself, her heart
215:40 thrilled by the lesson itself, her heart had warmed at the patient, even
215:42 had warmed at the patient, even thoughtful interaction between
215:44 thoughtful interaction between them. Galdrich was another person who
215:46 them. Galdrich was another person who had found his place in the group, if not
215:49 had found his place in the group, if not as deeply as Cresta, with him having
215:51 as deeply as Cresta, with him having earned their collective respect from his
215:53 earned their collective respect from his tireless efforts to keep them moving
215:56 tireless efforts to keep them moving swiftly forward. He'd also tentatively
216:00 swiftly forward. He'd also tentatively offered to tell Kea stories about her
216:02 offered to tell Kea stories about her mother, but she'd turned him down, not
216:05 mother, but she'd turned him down, not wanting to know about her rebel life. If
216:08 wanting to know about her rebel life. If Tilda truly had loved Ka the way
216:10 Tilda truly had loved Ka the way Galdrich claimed, then Ka wanted to
216:12 Galdrich claimed, then Ka wanted to remember the mother she'd known as a
216:14 remember the mother she'd known as a child before Zalandov, with nothing
216:17 child before Zalandov, with nothing tainting those memories.
216:20 tainting those memories. anything else she could ask Terrell for,
216:23 anything else she could ask Terrell for, but only when he wasn't spending every
216:26 but only when he wasn't spending every available second with Ashlin. The two of
216:29 available second with Ashlin. The two of them were still dancing around each
216:31 them were still dancing around each other, but it was obvious to everyone
216:34 other, but it was obvious to everyone where they were
216:35 where they were heading. Kea was happy for her brother,
216:38 heading. Kea was happy for her brother, even if her lonely heart gave a pang of
216:40 even if her lonely heart gave a pang of longing every time she saw the two
216:43 longing every time she saw the two generals together. In each instance, she
216:46 generals together. In each instance, she carefully kept from looking at Jarn,
216:49 carefully kept from looking at Jarn, even during the moments when she felt
216:51 even during the moments when she felt his eyes on her, which was occurring
216:54 his eyes on her, which was occurring more and more
216:56 more and more often. Despite her determination to
216:58 often. Despite her determination to avoid him, he repeatedly sought her out.
217:02 avoid him, he repeatedly sought her out. But by some miracle, every time he did,
217:05 But by some miracle, every time he did, she was in the middle of doing something
217:07 she was in the middle of doing something or talking with someone, keeping him
217:09 or talking with someone, keeping him from saying whatever was on his mind. It
217:12 from saying whatever was on his mind. It was becoming clear that he didn't agree
217:14 was becoming clear that he didn't agree with her desire to maintain distance
217:16 with her desire to maintain distance between them, and she was growing
217:18 between them, and she was growing frustrated by his attempts to approach
217:20 frustrated by his attempts to approach her. As far as she was concerned, they'd
217:23 her. As far as she was concerned, they'd both said everything that needed to be
217:25 both said everything that needed to be said, and him now wanting to say more
217:28 said, and him now wanting to say more was only making a hard situation worse.
217:32 was only making a hard situation worse. Because of that, she did everything she
217:34 Because of that, she did everything she could to stay away from him for his
217:37 could to stay away from him for his benefit as well as hers.
217:40 benefit as well as hers. Finally, after 4 and 1/2 days of being
217:42 Finally, after 4 and 1/2 days of being cooped up together on the ship, Galdrich
217:45 cooped up together on the ship, Galdrich said they were close enough to Lis to
217:47 said they were close enough to Lis to windfunnel the rest of the way. It took
217:50 windfunnel the rest of the way. It took some time to gather their belongings and
217:52 some time to gather their belongings and bring their horses up onto the deck. But
217:54 bring their horses up onto the deck. But as soon as they were ready to leave,
217:56 as soon as they were ready to leave, Captain Tam and his crew came to see
217:59 Captain Tam and his crew came to see them off, waving hearty goodbyes when
218:02 them off, waving hearty goodbyes when Galdrich summoned his magic and swept
218:05 Galdrich summoned his magic and swept them from the ship.
218:07 them from the ship. The windf funneling was once again an
218:09 The windf funneling was once again an unpleasant experience, and when they
218:12 unpleasant experience, and when they arrived at their destination, Kea
218:14 arrived at their destination, Kea wobbled as her seal became accustomed to
218:17 wobbled as her seal became accustomed to dry land again. Zephyr, agitated by the
218:20 dry land again. Zephyr, agitated by the magic, or just owing to his waspish
218:23 magic, or just owing to his waspish temperament, snapped his teeth at her,
218:26 temperament, snapped his teeth at her, so she frowned and murmured,
218:29 so she frowned and murmured, "Behave!" before turning her attention
218:32 "Behave!" before turning her attention to the view.
218:34 to the view. Where Ursa had been a city made of dark
218:36 Where Ursa had been a city made of dark sandstone in the midst of a blackened
218:38 sandstone in the midst of a blackened desert, Lyus was its polar opposite.
218:42 desert, Lyus was its polar opposite. Nestled in a sunken valley, the capital
218:44 Nestled in a sunken valley, the capital was comprised of pale buildings leading
218:47 was comprised of pale buildings leading to a large crystalline palace, all
218:50 to a large crystalline palace, all surrounded by what looked like
218:52 surrounded by what looked like snowcapped peaks. But Ka knew it wasn't
218:56 snowcapped peaks. But Ka knew it wasn't ice dusting their summits.
218:58 ice dusting their summits. Thorne was the only kingdom in Wenderol
219:01 Thorne was the only kingdom in Wenderol to lay claim to entire ranges of salt
219:04 to lay claim to entire ranges of salt mountains. Formed a top naturally
219:06 mountains. Formed a top naturally shifting mineral deposits, the
219:08 shifting mineral deposits, the treacherous slopes were notorious for
219:11 treacherous slopes were notorious for killing even the most intrepid of
219:13 killing even the most intrepid of hikers, largely due to the volatile
219:15 hikers, largely due to the volatile earth constantly moving and creating
219:18 earth constantly moving and creating unplable and deadly crevices.
219:23 unplable and deadly crevices. Looking at the mountains, Kea shivered,
219:25 Looking at the mountains, Kea shivered, especially as she took in one rising
219:28 especially as she took in one rising above them all, its white tip pointing
219:31 above them all, its white tip pointing skyward like a beacon, warning fools
219:34 skyward like a beacon, warning fools away. Those look like the mountains
219:38 away. Those look like the mountains around
219:40 around Zalandov, Tip said, his voice uneasy.
219:44 Zalandov, Tip said, his voice uneasy. But then he grew excited as he focused
219:46 But then he grew excited as he focused on the city and asked, "Is their palace
219:50 on the city and asked, "Is their palace made out of ice? Doesn't it
219:53 made out of ice? Doesn't it melt? Not ice, kiddo. Calvin said. It's
219:57 melt? Not ice, kiddo. Calvin said. It's refined salt laced with aluminium. Same
220:00 refined salt laced with aluminium. Same for most of the buildings here.
220:02 for most of the buildings here. Visually, this city has no equal in all
220:05 Visually, this city has no equal in all the
220:06 the kingdoms. Lis was beautiful for sure,
220:10 kingdoms. Lis was beautiful for sure, but Kea was still partial to its golden
220:13 but Kea was still partial to its golden river palace. She refused to consider
220:16 river palace. She refused to consider whether that was because of the city
220:18 whether that was because of the city itself or the people who ruled it.
220:22 itself or the people who ruled it. Ashlin led her horse forward until she
220:25 Ashlin led her horse forward until she was in front of the group. "I've been
220:27 was in front of the group. "I've been debating whether it's worth us seeking
220:29 debating whether it's worth us seeking out the anomaly village this time," she
220:32 out the anomaly village this time," she said. "Given that we haven't had any
220:35 said. "Given that we haven't had any luck so far, but this is the last
220:39 luck so far, but this is the last settlement Galdrich heard Navoc mention,
220:42 settlement Galdrich heard Navoc mention, so we might as well see the plan
220:44 so we might as well see the plan through. We're also a lot further away
220:47 through. We're also a lot further away from Mirraven here. The villagers might
220:50 from Mirraven here. The villagers might feel safer talking, especially if we
220:53 feel safer talking, especially if we tell them where we're
220:55 tell them where we're from. Theor Keanu was one of Eveon's
220:59 from. Theor Keanu was one of Eveon's strongest allies along with the
221:01 strongest allies along with the southernmost kingdoms of Narin. If there
221:04 southernmost kingdoms of Narin. If there was a chance that their close
221:06 was a chance that their close relationship might convince the
221:08 relationship might convince the villagers to trust them, then Ashlin was
221:11 villagers to trust them, then Ashlin was right about it being worth the attempt.
221:13 right about it being worth the attempt. Same groups as last time, the princess
221:16 Same groups as last time, the princess declared. I'll go with Idrin Galdrich
221:18 declared. I'll go with Idrin Galdrich and to the village while the rest of you
221:21 and to the village while the rest of you meet with Queen Issa and Lady
221:24 meet with Queen Issa and Lady Silence. Lady Silence? Tip asked. Issa's
221:29 Silence. Lady Silence? Tip asked. Issa's advisor? Ashlin answered. Seeing the
221:33 advisor? Ashlin answered. Seeing the puzzled looks on both Tips and Kea's
221:36 puzzled looks on both Tips and Kea's faces, Jarn edged closer and shared.
221:40 faces, Jarn edged closer and shared. Issa's mother died during childbirth,
221:43 Issa's mother died during childbirth, and her father passed away unexpectedly
221:45 and her father passed away unexpectedly a few years ago, leaving her as their
221:48 a few years ago, leaving her as their only heir. But she's not yet of age, so
221:51 only heir. But she's not yet of age, so silence acts as both mentor and counsel,
221:54 silence acts as both mentor and counsel, signing off on any decisions she makes.
221:57 signing off on any decisions she makes. We won't see one without the other.
222:00 We won't see one without the other. We will see a lot of very adoring
222:03 We will see a lot of very adoring courtortiers though, Calvin said, and
222:06 courtortiers though, Calvin said, and Kea couldn't tell if he was eager or
222:09 Kea couldn't tell if he was eager or resigned. It's an offense to say no to
222:12 resigned. It's an offense to say no to voluian hospitality. So, if they offer
222:15 voluian hospitality. So, if they offer you something, best to accept, even if
222:18 you something, best to accept, even if you don't want whatever it is. Jiren
222:22 you don't want whatever it is. Jiren noticed Kea's worried look and said,
222:25 noticed Kea's worried look and said, "Within reason."
222:27 "Within reason." She nodded and shifted away from him,
222:30 She nodded and shifted away from him, causing frustration to flash across his
222:32 causing frustration to flash across his features. Kea ignored him, still seeking
222:35 features. Kea ignored him, still seeking to protect them both, and asked
222:38 to protect them both, and asked Galdrich, "It's getting late. Is the
222:41 Galdrich, "It's getting late. Is the Anomaly Village
222:43 Anomaly Village far?" He answered, "Further than the
222:46 far?" He answered, "Further than the last two, but we should make it by
222:50 last two, but we should make it by nightfall." Kea pointed to the
222:52 nightfall." Kea pointed to the thunderheads gathering beyond the
222:54 thunderheads gathering beyond the nearest mountains.
222:56 nearest mountains. You need to keep an eye on those
222:58 You need to keep an eye on those clouds. Terrell and Iran frowned up at
223:01 clouds. Terrell and Iran frowned up at the sky while Ashlin cursed quietly and
223:04 the sky while Ashlin cursed quietly and said, "I was hoping we'd return in time
223:08 said, "I was hoping we'd return in time for us to all stay together tonight, but
223:10 for us to all stay together tonight, but it looks like we'll have to find an inn
223:12 it looks like we'll have to find an inn again." She brushed her pale hair over
223:15 again." She brushed her pale hair over her shoulder and sighed. "I guess we'll
223:18 her shoulder and sighed. "I guess we'll meet you back here in the morning."
223:20 meet you back here in the morning." They hashed out a few more details
223:23 They hashed out a few more details before the four anomaly hunters mounted
223:25 before the four anomaly hunters mounted their horses and rode away, heading
223:28 their horses and rode away, heading toward a gap in the mountain
223:30 toward a gap in the mountain range. Kea and her group also moved out,
223:34 range. Kea and her group also moved out, but toward the
223:35 but toward the city. Like Ursa, Lis had no fortified
223:39 city. Like Ursa, Lis had no fortified wall. The mountains themselves provided
223:42 wall. The mountains themselves provided a natural deterrent to any would-be
223:44 a natural deterrent to any would-be attackers, but they were intercepted by
223:46 attackers, but they were intercepted by a group of patrolling guards who, as
223:49 a group of patrolling guards who, as with the previous cities, escorted them
223:51 with the previous cities, escorted them straight to the
223:53 straight to the palace. Up close, the salt and luminium
223:56 palace. Up close, the salt and luminium combination was truly unique, making the
223:59 combination was truly unique, making the crystalline architecture seem
224:02 crystalline architecture seem otherworldly.
224:04 otherworldly. Even after Ka and her companions
224:06 Even after Ka and her companions relinquished their horses to the
224:07 relinquished their horses to the servants and stepped inside, the
224:10 servants and stepped inside, the interior remained like something out of
224:12 interior remained like something out of a dream, with white marble pathways
224:15 a dream, with white marble pathways meeting pillars that spiraled up to
224:18 meeting pillars that spiraled up to frosted ceilings dusted with countless
224:20 frosted ceilings dusted with countless luminium orbs.
224:23 luminium orbs. Kea struggled not to gape as they were
224:26 Kea struggled not to gape as they were led along the spacious hallways, but she
224:29 led along the spacious hallways, but she did manage to adopt an unapproachable
224:31 did manage to adopt an unapproachable air when a trio of tittering courters
224:34 air when a trio of tittering courters headed for them, their formal gowns and
224:36 headed for them, their formal gowns and perfect styling, making her aware of her
224:39 perfect styling, making her aware of her travelworn appearance. Her time on the
224:42 travelworn appearance. Her time on the ship had at least allowed her a chance
224:44 ship had at least allowed her a chance to thoroughly wash her clothes and her
224:47 to thoroughly wash her clothes and her body, but still there was a vast
224:50 body, but still there was a vast difference between the splendor of what
224:52 difference between the splendor of what the women wore and her own functional
224:54 the women wore and her own functional leather outfit. She mentally shook her
224:57 leather outfit. She mentally shook her head, wondering why she even cared. It
225:00 head, wondering why she even cared. It didn't matter how she looked. All of her
225:03 didn't matter how she looked. All of her companions were in the same boat, even
225:05 companions were in the same boat, even if both Jiren and Calden seemed to
225:08 if both Jiren and Calden seemed to somehow make their armor look better
225:10 somehow make their armor look better than anyone else's. Jiren
225:13 than anyone else's. Jiren especially. Stop it. Kea scolded
225:16 especially. Stop it. Kea scolded herself, grateful when their guard
225:18 herself, grateful when their guard escorts waved off the courters before
225:21 escorts waved off the courters before they could come any closer.
225:24 they could come any closer. After a lengthy walk through endless
225:26 After a lengthy walk through endless hallways and up pale stone staircases,
225:30 hallways and up pale stone staircases, the guards delivered them to a
225:31 the guards delivered them to a comfortable receiving room with cream
225:34 comfortable receiving room with cream colored armchairs facing an impressive
225:36 colored armchairs facing an impressive white oak desk. Behind it sat a girl who
225:40 white oak desk. Behind it sat a girl who couldn't have been more than 12 years
225:42 couldn't have been more than 12 years old. Her brown skin, unruly hair, and
225:46 old. Her brown skin, unruly hair, and impossibly large eyes making her seem
225:49 impossibly large eyes making her seem even younger.
225:51 even younger. Standing just behind her and to the side
225:54 Standing just behind her and to the side was a stern-looking woman with graying
225:56 was a stern-looking woman with graying hair and square spectacles on her nose.
225:59 hair and square spectacles on her nose. Her intimidating expression warmed,
226:01 Her intimidating expression warmed, however, when she saw who it was who had
226:04 however, when she saw who it was who had interrupted their
226:05 interrupted their day. Prince Deick, what an unexpected
226:09 day. Prince Deick, what an unexpected pleasure, Lady Silence said, smiling
226:12 pleasure, Lady Silence said, smiling widely. And Prince Calden, too. How
226:16 widely. And Prince Calden, too. How lovely.
226:18 lovely. Kea searched for a lie in her voice, but
226:20 Kea searched for a lie in her voice, but she seemed genuinely delighted to see
226:22 she seemed genuinely delighted to see them. "Jiren, it's been far too long,"
226:27 them. "Jiren, it's been far too long," Queen Isa said, hurrying out from behind
226:30 Queen Isa said, hurrying out from behind her desk and throwing her arms around
226:32 her desk and throwing her arms around him in a welcoming hug, prompting Kea to
226:35 him in a welcoming hug, prompting Kea to fight an irrational surge of jealousy.
226:38 fight an irrational surge of jealousy. "You're looking a little green there,
226:40 "You're looking a little green there, sweet cheeks," Calvin murmured from
226:42 sweet cheeks," Calvin murmured from beside her. "Envy isn't your color." She
226:46 beside her. "Envy isn't your color." She shot him a look, prompting a quiet
226:48 shot him a look, prompting a quiet chuckle in response. The sound made the
226:51 chuckle in response. The sound made the young queen pull away from Jiren and
226:54 young queen pull away from Jiren and then launch herself at Calden, which
226:57 then launch herself at Calden, which frustratingly didn't bother Kea at all.
227:00 frustratingly didn't bother Kea at all. In fact, she found it rather endearing
227:02 In fact, she found it rather endearing that Issa was so familiar with the
227:04 that Issa was so familiar with the princes. Lady silence, however.
227:08 princes. Lady silence, however. Your Majesty, remember your lessons,"
227:12 Your Majesty, remember your lessons," the older woman said, sounding weary, as
227:14 the older woman said, sounding weary, as if the subject of courtly etiquette had
227:17 if the subject of courtly etiquette had been often repeated between them. "But
227:19 been often repeated between them. "But it's Jiren and Cal," Issa said, almost
227:23 it's Jiren and Cal," Issa said, almost whining. "They're my friends." "A queen
227:28 whining. "They're my friends." "A queen doesn't have friends," Silence said.
227:31 doesn't have friends," Silence said. Issa tightened her grip on Calden. This
227:34 Issa tightened her grip on Calden. This queen does, especially when they're this
227:38 queen does, especially when they're this handsome. Tip snickered, and even Ka had
227:41 handsome. Tip snickered, and even Ka had to cough to hide her laugh. She couldn't
227:44 to cough to hide her laugh. She couldn't fault the young queen's
227:45 fault the young queen's taste. Diverted by Tip's humor, Issa
227:49 taste. Diverted by Tip's humor, Issa drew away from Calden and took in the
227:52 drew away from Calden and took in the rest of their group. Her dark eyes
227:54 rest of their group. Her dark eyes inspected Tip the longest, causing his
227:57 inspected Tip the longest, causing his cheeks to turn pink. "Who are you?" she
228:01 cheeks to turn pink. "Who are you?" she asked. Kea wasn't sure if the question
228:04 asked. Kea wasn't sure if the question was to all of them or just to Tip. He
228:08 was to all of them or just to Tip. He also seemed unsure and turned helpless
228:10 also seemed unsure and turned helpless eyes to
228:12 eyes to Jiren. You already know Nari, the prince
228:15 Jiren. You already know Nari, the prince said, prompting Issa to wave cheerfully
228:18 said, prompting Issa to wave cheerfully in the guard's direction. And beside her
228:21 in the guard's direction. And beside her is Cresta Voss, Tip Peridan, and Kea
228:25 is Cresta Voss, Tip Peridan, and Kea Carine. The queen's head spun toward
228:28 Carine. The queen's head spun toward Kea.
228:30 Kea. quarantine as in she's a friend, Jiren
228:34 quarantine as in she's a friend, Jiren said
228:35 said firmly. Kea ignored the feeling that
228:38 firmly. Kea ignored the feeling that came with his declaration, knowing he
228:40 came with his declaration, knowing he was just trying to keep her from being
228:42 was just trying to keep her from being dragged away by the guards. As a close
228:45 dragged away by the guards. As a close ally, Issa would be well aware of the
228:47 ally, Issa would be well aware of the rebel situation and the bloodline
228:50 rebel situation and the bloodline spearheading the movement. "How
228:53 spearheading the movement. "How interesting," Issa said quietly, looking
228:56 interesting," Issa said quietly, looking at Ka in a different way. no longer a
228:59 at Ka in a different way. no longer a vivacious child, but instead a
229:02 vivacious child, but instead a calculating queen, hinting at the woman
229:05 calculating queen, hinting at the woman she would one day
229:06 she would one day become. "Perhaps you would like to
229:09 become. "Perhaps you would like to invite Prince Dereick and his companions
229:12 invite Prince Dereick and his companions to take a seat," Lady Silence prompted
229:16 to take a seat," Lady Silence prompted her charge. "Oh, where are my manners?"
229:20 her charge. "Oh, where are my manners?" Issa said, shoving Calden and Jiren
229:22 Issa said, shoving Calden and Jiren forward. "Please make yourselves
229:25 forward. "Please make yourselves comfortable."
229:27 comfortable." There were only four armchairs in front
229:29 There were only four armchairs in front of the desk, but neither Nari nor Cresta
229:32 of the desk, but neither Nari nor Cresta seemed inclined to sit, both remaining
229:35 seemed inclined to sit, both remaining like silent sentinels as the others
229:37 like silent sentinels as the others lowered themselves onto the plush
229:39 lowered themselves onto the plush material. "You absolutely must dine with
229:43 material. "You absolutely must dine with me tonight," Queen Isa said from behind
229:46 me tonight," Queen Isa said from behind her desk once more. We'll catch up
229:48 her desk once more. We'll catch up properly then, but I have another
229:51 properly then, but I have another meeting in a few minutes, so perhaps
229:54 meeting in a few minutes, so perhaps you'd like to share why you've come.
229:56 you'd like to share why you've come. It's been weeks since we've heard
229:58 It's been weeks since we've heard anything from Eve. Months, actually. I
230:01 anything from Eve. Months, actually. I grew so concerned that I sent an envoy
230:04 grew so concerned that I sent an envoy to check all was well. He's due to
230:06 to check all was well. He's due to return any day. But I guess I won't need
230:09 return any day. But I guess I won't need to hear his report now that you're here.
230:12 to hear his report now that you're here. I'm so excited that Lady Silence cleared
230:16 I'm so excited that Lady Silence cleared her throat and Issa's face flushed when
230:19 her throat and Issa's face flushed when she realized she'd been
230:21 she realized she'd been babbling. Sorry, she mumbled before
230:24 babbling. Sorry, she mumbled before wincing. Wait, I'm not meant to say
230:27 wincing. Wait, I'm not meant to say sorry. Queens don't apologize, but ah,
230:32 sorry. Queens don't apologize, but ah, sorry.
230:34 sorry. She winced again, then sat up straighter
230:36 She winced again, then sat up straighter and said much more formally, "Please
230:40 and said much more formally, "Please tell us why you're
230:42 tell us why you're here." Calvin looked as if he was
230:44 here." Calvin looked as if he was struggling to hold back laughter, but
230:46 struggling to hold back laughter, but Jiren managed to keep his composure,
230:49 Jiren managed to keep his composure, adopting a kind expression that
230:51 adopting a kind expression that immediately eased the young queen's
230:54 immediately eased the young queen's embarrassment. Kea nearly sighed, seeing
230:57 embarrassment. Kea nearly sighed, seeing that look on his face.
231:00 that look on his face. We won't keep you from your meeting, and
231:02 We won't keep you from your meeting, and we'd be honored to dine with you
231:04 we'd be honored to dine with you tonight. Thank you, Jiren said, though
231:08 tonight. Thank you, Jiren said, though his rigid posture had Kea thinking he'd
231:10 his rigid posture had Kea thinking he'd prefer not to. At least Issa hadn't yet
231:14 prefer not to. At least Issa hadn't yet heard about the situation in Valenia,
231:16 heard about the situation in Valenia, sparing them from having to discuss the
231:18 sparing them from having to discuss the takeover.
231:20 takeover. As for why we're here, I'm unsure if
231:23 As for why we're here, I'm unsure if your father had the chance to tell you,
231:25 your father had the chance to tell you, but a long time ago, my ancestor
231:28 but a long time ago, my ancestor entrusted something to yours for
231:29 entrusted something to yours for safekeeping, and now we've come to
231:32 safekeeping, and now we've come to reclaim
231:33 reclaim it. Unlike Jiren, Kea hadn't considered
231:37 it. Unlike Jiren, Kea hadn't considered whether the premature deaths of Issa's
231:39 whether the premature deaths of Issa's parents could have left her without
231:41 parents could have left her without knowledge of the ring, and she felt a
231:43 knowledge of the ring, and she felt a sudden burst of anxiety when Issa turned
231:46 sudden burst of anxiety when Issa turned to look at silence in question.
231:49 to look at silence in question. But then the young queen shifted back to
231:51 But then the young queen shifted back to Jiren and asked, "Do you mean Srana's
231:55 Jiren and asked, "Do you mean Srana's ring?" Instant relief swept over Kea,
231:59 ring?" Instant relief swept over Kea, and she saw both Jiren and Calvin
232:02 and she saw both Jiren and Calvin relaxed slightly as if a weight had been
232:04 relaxed slightly as if a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. "Yes," Jarn
232:08 lifted from their shoulders. "Yes," Jarn answered, leaning forward in his seat.
232:10 answered, leaning forward in his seat. "Do you have it?"
232:12 "Do you have it?" Given the challenges that had come with
232:14 Given the challenges that had come with the two previous rings, Kea's pulse sped
232:17 the two previous rings, Kea's pulse sped up as she waited for the queen's
232:20 up as she waited for the queen's answer. Issa looked at silence again,
232:23 answer. Issa looked at silence again, biting her lip. The adviser's face
232:26 biting her lip. The adviser's face revealed nothing, but she nodded
232:28 revealed nothing, but she nodded encouragingly to her ward. "I sort of
232:32 encouragingly to her ward. "I sort of have it," Issa said slowly. Her
232:36 have it," Issa said slowly. Her uncertain expression made Ka's heart
232:39 uncertain expression made Ka's heart plummet. Cresa spoke from behind them,
232:42 plummet. Cresa spoke from behind them, her voice sharp. What does that
232:45 her voice sharp. What does that mean? It's just Issa scratched her nose
232:49 mean? It's just Issa scratched her nose and avoided their eyes. My father said
232:52 and avoided their eyes. My father said we were left with clear instructions
232:55 we were left with clear instructions about who could claim it. Instructions
232:58 about who could claim it. Instructions from Sar herself, handed down with the
233:02 from Sar herself, handed down with the ring.
233:03 ring. Calvin groaned and Kea nearly did the
233:06 Calvin groaned and Kea nearly did the same, recalling how they'd been told
233:08 same, recalling how they'd been told something similar in Jerva before being
233:11 something similar in Jerva before being drugged and thrown into the
233:13 drugged and thrown into the arena. Jiren alone didn't react to
233:16 arena. Jiren alone didn't react to Issa's words, though his body was lined
233:19 Issa's words, though his body was lined with new tension, and those instructions
233:23 with new tension, and those instructions were. Issa looked pleadingly at Lady
233:26 were. Issa looked pleadingly at Lady Silence. So the adviser took over to say
233:30 Silence. So the adviser took over to say when Sana entrusted the ring to Isa's
233:33 when Sana entrusted the ring to Isa's ancestors, she did so with the hope that
233:37 ancestors, she did so with the hope that one day the Valentis and Quarantine
233:39 one day the Valentis and Quarantine descendants would not always be blood
233:43 descendants would not always be blood enemies. Kea squirmed when both Silence
233:46 enemies. Kea squirmed when both Silence and Issa flicked their eyes toward her.
233:50 and Issa flicked their eyes toward her. As such, the adviser went on, while the
233:53 As such, the adviser went on, while the ring might belong to Srana's bloodline,
233:56 ring might belong to Srana's bloodline, she instructed that it can only be
233:59 she instructed that it can only be claimed by a Valentis and a quarantine
234:03 claimed by a Valentis and a quarantine who are on amiable terms.
234:06 who are on amiable terms. Calvin laughed with relief, pointing to
234:09 Calvin laughed with relief, pointing to Kea and saying, "We already told you
234:12 Kea and saying, "We already told you she's a quarantine, and we're definitely
234:15 she's a quarantine, and we're definitely on amiable terms, so we've already
234:18 on amiable terms, so we've already fulfilled Serana's requirements."
234:21 fulfilled Serana's requirements." Lady Silence nudged Queen Issa, who
234:24 Lady Silence nudged Queen Issa, who fidgeted and said, "Yes, well, the thing
234:28 fidgeted and said, "Yes, well, the thing is when I said sort of before, what I
234:32 is when I said sort of before, what I meant was that I know where the ring is,
234:36 meant was that I know where the ring is, but I can't give it to you. You have to
234:39 but I can't give it to you. You have to go and get it. A Volantis and a
234:42 go and get it. A Volantis and a quarantine together."
234:45 quarantine together." Kea stiffened with dread as Jiren asked,
234:49 Kea stiffened with dread as Jiren asked, "Go where to get
234:51 "Go where to get it?" There was a lone window in the
234:53 it?" There was a lone window in the Queen's receiving room, looking straight
234:56 Queen's receiving room, looking straight out over the darkening city and to the
234:58 out over the darkening city and to the salt mountain range beyond, specifically
235:01 salt mountain range beyond, specifically toward the largest mountain, rising high
235:04 toward the largest mountain, rising high above the rest. It was to that peak that
235:07 above the rest. It was to that peak that Issa looked, her voice a quiet squeak as
235:11 Issa looked, her voice a quiet squeak as she answered, "The ring is in a cave at
235:15 she answered, "The ring is in a cave at the top of Mount Nebu. A mystician cast
235:19 the top of Mount Nebu. A mystician cast a protective spell over it hundreds of
235:21 a protective spell over it hundreds of years ago, ensuring only a Valentis and
235:25 years ago, ensuring only a Valentis and a quarantine together can take it off
235:27 a quarantine together can take it off the mountain. That's where you'll have
235:30 the mountain. That's where you'll have to go, but only two of you." Those were
235:34 to go, but only two of you." Those were Srana's
235:35 Srana's rules. There was an apology in her eyes,
235:39 rules. There was an apology in her eyes, but Kea's mind was already leaping ahead
235:42 but Kea's mind was already leaping ahead to how she was the only quarantine
235:44 to how she was the only quarantine currently in Lis. She wished Terrell
235:47 currently in Lis. She wished Terrell hadn't left with the others. Even wished
235:49 hadn't left with the others. Even wished either Ashlin or Galdrich could be there
235:52 either Ashlin or Galdrich could be there to windfunnel them to the summit, but
235:54 to windfunnel them to the summit, but neither option was available, so she
235:57 neither option was available, so she quickly took control of the situation
235:59 quickly took control of the situation and blurted, "Calvin will go with me."
236:02 and blurted, "Calvin will go with me." His eyebrows arched as he turned to her,
236:05 His eyebrows arched as he turned to her, but when he saw the panicked, desperate
236:07 but when he saw the panicked, desperate look on her face. He nodded slowly and
236:10 look on her face. He nodded slowly and said, "Sure, we'll take snacks. It'll be
236:15 said, "Sure, we'll take snacks. It'll be fun." Kea sent him a grateful smile,
236:19 fun." Kea sent him a grateful smile, keeping her eyes firmly away from Jiren.
236:22 keeping her eyes firmly away from Jiren. She didn't need to know what he was
236:24 She didn't need to know what he was thinking. Certain the last thing he
236:26 thinking. Certain the last thing he wanted was to be stuck climbing a
236:28 wanted was to be stuck climbing a mountain with her since that was the
236:30 mountain with her since that was the last thing she
236:32 last thing she wanted. The hike is treacherous. Lady
236:36 wanted. The hike is treacherous. Lady Silence warned. It's too late for you to
236:39 Silence warned. It's too late for you to go now. You'll have to leave the city
236:42 go now. You'll have to leave the city before dawn if you want to make it up
236:44 before dawn if you want to make it up and back by nightfall. And if the
236:47 and back by nightfall. And if the weather turns, you'll need to seek
236:49 weather turns, you'll need to seek shelter in one of the caves until it
236:53 shelter in one of the caves until it passes. The weather often turns on the
236:56 passes. The weather often turns on the mountains," Issa said, happier now that
236:59 mountains," Issa said, happier now that she knew no one was going to yell at
237:01 she knew no one was going to yell at her. So, be prepared for anything.
237:06 her. So, be prepared for anything. Kea's palms turned clammy as the queen
237:08 Kea's palms turned clammy as the queen and her adviser gave instructions on the
237:11 and her adviser gave instructions on the best path to take, reiterated how
237:13 best path to take, reiterated how dangerous it was, and offered to have
237:15 dangerous it was, and offered to have their servants organize
237:17 their servants organize supplies. Soon afterward, they excused
237:20 supplies. Soon afterward, they excused themselves for their next meeting, and
237:23 themselves for their next meeting, and an escort arrived to deliver Kea and her
237:25 an escort arrived to deliver Kea and her friends to a private suite that was just
237:28 friends to a private suite that was just as pleasing as the rest of the palace.
237:30 as pleasing as the rest of the palace. Only when they were alone again did they
237:33 Only when they were alone again did they look at each other, their faces grim
237:35 look at each other, their faces grim except for tips. Sighing dreamily, he
237:39 except for tips. Sighing dreamily, he turned to Kea and asked, "How did do you
237:43 turned to Kea and asked, "How did do you know if you're you're in
237:47 know if you're you're in love?" In an entirely unconscious
237:50 love?" In an entirely unconscious reaction, Ka's eyes shot to Jiren, only
237:54 reaction, Ka's eyes shot to Jiren, only to find him already looking at her. For
237:57 to find him already looking at her. For a second she thought she saw his
237:59 a second she thought she saw his expression warm, but she was too
238:01 expression warm, but she was too horrified to keep her gaze on him and
238:04 horrified to keep her gaze on him and quickly stared past him out the
238:06 quickly stared past him out the window. All she could see were the storm
238:09 window. All she could see were the storm clouds forming over the dusklit Mount
238:12 clouds forming over the dusklit Mount Nebu, causing her stomach to knot, so
238:15 Nebu, causing her stomach to knot, so she turned back to tip and croked out.
238:18 she turned back to tip and croked out. How about we save that conversation for
238:21 How about we save that conversation for another day?
238:23 another day? Cresta, gods bless her, jumped in to
238:26 Cresta, gods bless her, jumped in to ask, "Are we really just going to sit on
238:29 ask, "Are we really just going to sit on our asses while these two?" She pointed
238:32 our asses while these two?" She pointed to Kea and Calvin head up that she
238:35 to Kea and Calvin head up that she jabbed her thumb toward the window right
238:38 jabbed her thumb toward the window right as a bolt of lightning stre across the
238:40 as a bolt of lightning stre across the sky. "It sounds like we don't have a
238:43 sky. "It sounds like we don't have a choice," Nari answered, her jade earring
238:46 choice," Nari answered, her jade earring glinting beneath the luminium orbs. "I'm
238:50 glinting beneath the luminium orbs. "I'm not worried," Calvin said. And indeed,
238:53 not worried," Calvin said. And indeed, he looked perfectly relaxed as he
238:55 he looked perfectly relaxed as he flopped onto a lush beige couch. "We'll
238:59 flopped onto a lush beige couch. "We'll be gone before you all wake up, and then
239:02 be gone before you all wake up, and then back with the ring before you have a
239:03 back with the ring before you have a chance to miss us." He winked at Kea,
239:07 chance to miss us." He winked at Kea, his confidence helping to calm her
239:09 his confidence helping to calm her twisted insides.
239:11 twisted insides. Nari and Cresta offered a few more
239:14 Nari and Cresta offered a few more complaints before finally accepting that
239:17 complaints before finally accepting that Sana's instructions had been clear, and
239:20 Sana's instructions had been clear, and if an ancient mystician had been
239:22 if an ancient mystician had been involved with protecting the ring, then
239:24 involved with protecting the ring, then it was too risky to ignore the directive
239:26 it was too risky to ignore the directive they'd been given. Jiren remained silent
239:29 they'd been given. Jiren remained silent during the discussion, staring out the
239:31 during the discussion, staring out the window, while Tip continued to sigh
239:35 window, while Tip continued to sigh dreilily every few minutes, his mind and
239:38 dreilily every few minutes, his mind and possibly his heart stolen by the young
239:41 possibly his heart stolen by the young queen. Ka would have thought it adorable
239:44 queen. Ka would have thought it adorable if not for her nervous preoccupation
239:47 if not for her nervous preoccupation with the coming day.
239:49 with the coming day. When dinner arrived, Kea politely
239:52 When dinner arrived, Kea politely declined Isa's invitation, wanting an
239:54 declined Isa's invitation, wanting an early night before her pre-dawn
239:57 early night before her pre-dawn departure. Calvin couldn't refuse as
240:00 departure. Calvin couldn't refuse as easily, but he assured Kea he wouldn't
240:03 easily, but he assured Kea he wouldn't stay out late and said he'd meet her in
240:05 stay out late and said he'd meet her in the common room of their suite at an
240:07 the common room of their suite at an hour that made her groan. She then said
240:11 hour that made her groan. She then said good night and goodbye to her friends,
240:14 good night and goodbye to her friends, asking Cresta and Nari to keep an eye on
240:16 asking Cresta and Nari to keep an eye on Tip. to Jiren. Kea only looked at his
240:19 Tip. to Jiren. Kea only looked at his shoulder and promised she'd do what she
240:22 shoulder and promised she'd do what she could to get the ring. She didn't wait
240:24 could to get the ring. She didn't wait for his response before she retreated to
240:26 for his response before she retreated to one of the bedrooms, swiftly closing her
240:29 one of the bedrooms, swiftly closing her curtains to block the view of the rain
240:31 curtains to block the view of the rain now lashing the city and the angry
240:34 now lashing the city and the angry mountain
240:35 mountain beyond. Ridding her mind of all thoughts
240:38 beyond. Ridding her mind of all thoughts and climbing into bed, Ka worried that
240:41 and climbing into bed, Ka worried that she'd have trouble sleeping. But by some
240:44 she'd have trouble sleeping. But by some miracle she drifted off with ease and
240:47 miracle she drifted off with ease and woke feeling refreshed and ready to
240:49 woke feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. She dressed quickly and
240:52 tackle the day. She dressed quickly and couldn't resist a peek out her window.
240:54 couldn't resist a peek out her window. But there was little to see aside from
240:57 But there was little to see aside from the luminium lit city streets, the sun
241:00 the luminium lit city streets, the sun nowhere near ready to crest over the
241:03 nowhere near ready to crest over the mountains. The rain at least had
241:05 mountains. The rain at least had stopped, and she sent a prayer of thanks
241:08 stopped, and she sent a prayer of thanks to anyone listening.
241:11 to anyone listening. That prayer halted on her tongue when
241:13 That prayer halted on her tongue when she stepped into the common room because
241:16 she stepped into the common room because it wasn't Cal who was waiting for her.
241:18 it wasn't Cal who was waiting for her. It was
241:19 It was Jiren. Kea came to a sudden stop. What
241:23 Jiren. Kea came to a sudden stop. What are you doing here? Cal drank too much
241:27 are you doing here? Cal drank too much at dinner. Jiren answered, inspecting
241:30 at dinner. Jiren answered, inspecting the packs the servants had prepared.
241:32 the packs the servants had prepared. He'll be asleep for a few more hours and
241:35 He'll be asleep for a few more hours and useless for most of the day. heart now
241:38 useless for most of the day. heart now racing, Ka speared her eyes toward the
241:42 racing, Ka speared her eyes toward the bedroom Calvin had claimed, wondering if
241:44 bedroom Calvin had claimed, wondering if her magic could heal the effects of a
241:46 her magic could heal the effects of a drunken, sleep-deprived fool. "But she
241:49 drunken, sleep-deprived fool. "But she knew better than to hope, furious at him
241:52 knew better than to hope, furious at him for putting her in this position."
241:54 for putting her in this position." "Maybe we should wait until tomorrow,"
241:56 "Maybe we should wait until tomorrow," she said, her voice higher than normal.
241:59 she said, her voice higher than normal. "Tor will be back later today, and the
242:02 "Tor will be back later today, and the others, too. Maybe he can. She broke off
242:06 others, too. Maybe he can. She broke off when Jiren stroed toward her, debating
242:08 when Jiren stroed toward her, debating whether to run back into the safety of
242:10 whether to run back into the safety of her room. But she held her ground,
242:14 her room. But she held her ground, turning rigid when he was close enough
242:16 turning rigid when he was close enough to slide one of the packs over her left
242:18 to slide one of the packs over her left shoulder, then her right, adjusting the
242:21 shoulder, then her right, adjusting the straps until everything was secure. His
242:24 straps until everything was secure. His movements gentle but efficient.
242:27 movements gentle but efficient. Kea was barely breathing, the warmth of
242:30 Kea was barely breathing, the warmth of his body hitting her, his face right
242:33 his body hitting her, his face right there as he examined his work. Only when
242:38 there as he examined his work. Only when he was satisfied did he back away again
242:40 he was satisfied did he back away again and say, "We have a long journey ahead.
242:44 and say, "We have a long journey ahead. Let's go." He turned to leave, not
242:48 Let's go." He turned to leave, not giving her a chance to protest. She
242:50 giving her a chance to protest. She wouldn't have been able to anyway, too
242:52 wouldn't have been able to anyway, too stunned by his tender actions to do
242:55 stunned by his tender actions to do anything but follow him out the
243:06 26. The first few hours of their hike were blessedly
243:08 were blessedly uneventful. Their journey began with
243:10 uneventful. Their journey began with them riding out of the sleepy city, the
243:12 them riding out of the sleepy city, the sky still navy, but beginning to turn
243:15 sky still navy, but beginning to turn indigo by the time they reached the
243:16 indigo by the time they reached the foothills.
243:18 foothills. They didn't speak, which helped ease
243:20 They didn't speak, which helped ease some of Kea's nerves since she could
243:22 some of Kea's nerves since she could almost imagine it was Cal beside her,
243:25 almost imagine it was Cal beside her, just as long as she didn't look in
243:27 just as long as she didn't look in Jiren's direction. Her tension continued
243:30 Jiren's direction. Her tension continued to fade when they arrived at the base of
243:32 to fade when they arrived at the base of Mount Nebu and found a clear path that
243:35 Mount Nebu and found a clear path that was easy to traverse on horseback,
243:38 was easy to traverse on horseback, leading them about a third of the way up
243:40 leading them about a third of the way up the mountain. At that point, the trees
243:43 the mountain. At that point, the trees were less dense and the terrain started
243:45 were less dense and the terrain started to crumble underfoot, but the unstable
243:48 to crumble underfoot, but the unstable salt threading deeper through the rock
243:50 salt threading deeper through the rock the higher they
243:51 the higher they traveled. Queen Isa and Lady Silence had
243:54 traveled. Queen Isa and Lady Silence had warned them to monitor the ground and
243:57 warned them to monitor the ground and had also shared directions to an
243:59 had also shared directions to an enclosed goat herders cave full of hay
244:01 enclosed goat herders cave full of hay and straw that would keep the horses
244:04 and straw that would keep the horses comfortable until the return trip.
244:07 comfortable until the return trip. Once Zephyr and Nightshade were settled,
244:09 Once Zephyr and Nightshade were settled, Kea and Jiren set out on foot. The sky
244:13 Kea and Jiren set out on foot. The sky was now a dusty pink color and free of
244:15 was now a dusty pink color and free of clouds, but they still had hours of
244:18 clouds, but they still had hours of climbing
244:19 climbing ahead. Kea refused to worry about the
244:22 ahead. Kea refused to worry about the weather changing and focused on placing
244:24 weather changing and focused on placing one foot in front of the other as they
244:26 one foot in front of the other as they continued
244:27 continued upward. Without the added weight of
244:30 upward. Without the added weight of Zephr, the mountain wasn't at risk of
244:32 Zephr, the mountain wasn't at risk of crumbling beneath her, but it was rocky
244:35 crumbling beneath her, but it was rocky enough that she had to be careful not to
244:38 enough that she had to be careful not to trip. Jiren didn't have healing magic.
244:41 trip. Jiren didn't have healing magic. If she twisted an ankle, he would have
244:43 If she twisted an ankle, he would have to carry her, and that was something to
244:46 to carry her, and that was something to be avoided at all
244:48 be avoided at all costs. As the slope intensified, Kea
244:52 costs. As the slope intensified, Kea began to pant lightly, and then much
244:54 began to pant lightly, and then much more heavily the higher they climbed.
244:57 more heavily the higher they climbed. They were still beneath the tree line,
244:59 They were still beneath the tree line, and every so often she spotted a cave
245:01 and every so often she spotted a cave nestled into the rock face, reminding
245:03 nestled into the rock face, reminding her about the potential need to seek
245:06 her about the potential need to seek quick shelter. But so far, everything
245:09 quick shelter. But so far, everything had gone smoothly, and Ka was feeling
245:11 had gone smoothly, and Ka was feeling hopeful that they would reach the summit
245:13 hopeful that they would reach the summit and return in record
245:15 and return in record time. "Let's take a break," Jarn said
245:19 time. "Let's take a break," Jarn said when the trees began to thin. The first
245:21 when the trees began to thin. The first either of them had spoken in hours.
245:25 either of them had spoken in hours. Ka nodded and sank onto the ground,
245:28 Ka nodded and sank onto the ground, groaning as she lowered her pack and
245:30 groaning as she lowered her pack and rubbed her tired shoulders. "How are you
245:33 rubbed her tired shoulders. "How are you traveling?" Jiren asked, pulling a water
245:36 traveling?" Jiren asked, pulling a water skin from his own pack along with a
245:38 skin from his own pack along with a pouch of nuts and berries. Kea's stomach
245:41 pouch of nuts and berries. Kea's stomach rumbled, and she dug through her
245:43 rumbled, and she dug through her supplies until she found the same items.
245:46 supplies until she found the same items. "A bit sore, but nothing terrible," she
245:49 "A bit sore, but nothing terrible," she answered. polite and casual, like two
245:52 answered. polite and casual, like two strangers making small talk. She could
245:55 strangers making small talk. She could do this. She actually felt more
245:57 do this. She actually felt more comfortable with him than she had for a
245:59 comfortable with him than she had for a long time. Her energy devoted to
246:02 long time. Her energy devoted to surviving the climb with nothing left to
246:05 surviving the climb with nothing left to fuel her nerves.
246:07 fuel her nerves. "You same," Jarn said. Given his fit
246:12 "You same," Jarn said. Given his fit physique, Kea doubted the truth of his
246:14 physique, Kea doubted the truth of his answer. He hadn't been panting at all,
246:18 answer. He hadn't been panting at all, and she was certain he'd only suggested
246:20 and she was certain he'd only suggested the break for her benefit, but she
246:23 the break for her benefit, but she didn't say anything. Grateful for his
246:25 didn't say anything. Grateful for his consideration and eager to return to
246:27 consideration and eager to return to their companionable
246:29 their companionable silence. Knowing they would soon be
246:31 silence. Knowing they would soon be without the privacy of the trees, they
246:33 without the privacy of the trees, they both made sure to relieve themselves
246:35 both made sure to relieve themselves before continuing onward, after which
246:38 before continuing onward, after which they set out again, the slope increasing
246:41 they set out again, the slope increasing to thigh burning levels, the path
246:44 to thigh burning levels, the path vanishing along with the trees. Soon,
246:47 vanishing along with the trees. Soon, all that was left were jagged boulders
246:49 all that was left were jagged boulders and sharp rocks, all of which they had
246:52 and sharp rocks, all of which they had to carefully navigate, often by climbing
246:55 to carefully navigate, often by climbing over them. More than once, Jiren held
246:58 over them. More than once, Jiren held out his hand to help Ka, and each time
247:01 out his hand to help Ka, and each time she felt the burn of his touch long
247:04 she felt the burn of his touch long after he released her. As the sun rose
247:07 after he released her. As the sun rose high in the sky, the gray sediment
247:10 high in the sky, the gray sediment yielded to the white salt, indicating
247:12 yielded to the white salt, indicating they were nearing the summit.
247:14 they were nearing the summit. The climb was more arduous now, and they
247:17 The climb was more arduous now, and they had to take frequent breaks, but the
247:20 had to take frequent breaks, but the wind chill above the tree line was too
247:22 wind chill above the tree line was too biting to allow for anything more than
247:24 biting to allow for anything more than some water and a few mouthfuls of food
247:27 some water and a few mouthfuls of food before they moved off again.
247:29 before they moved off again. It was after one of those breaks that
247:32 It was after one of those breaks that they came across their first crevice,
247:34 they came across their first crevice, the salted ground cleaved in two and
247:37 the salted ground cleaved in two and stretching as far as their eyes could
247:39 stretching as far as their eyes could see, like someone had taken a blade and
247:42 see, like someone had taken a blade and cut it right through the
247:44 cut it right through the mountain. Kea froze at the site,
247:47 mountain. Kea froze at the site, adrenaline flooding her as she looked
247:49 adrenaline flooding her as she looked over the edge and deep into the fissure.
247:52 over the edge and deep into the fissure. She couldn't see how far down it went,
247:55 She couldn't see how far down it went, causing a thrill of fear to travel up
247:57 causing a thrill of fear to travel up her spine at the very real reminder of
248:00 her spine at the very real reminder of where she was and the risks of their
248:03 where she was and the risks of their journey. "We're going to have to jump
248:05 journey. "We're going to have to jump over it," Jarn said, also peering into
248:08 over it," Jarn said, also peering into the clft. Kea swallowed, looking again
248:12 the clft. Kea swallowed, looking again across the surface for an end to the
248:15 across the surface for an end to the fracture, seeing nothing but the fierce,
248:18 fracture, seeing nothing but the fierce, jagged line in both directions.
248:21 jagged line in both directions. Hey, Jiren said, noting her fear and
248:24 Hey, Jiren said, noting her fear and reaching for her hand. It's only a few
248:26 reaching for her hand. It's only a few feet across. We'll jump
248:29 feet across. We'll jump together. Kea stared numbly down at
248:32 together. Kea stared numbly down at where his fingers tangled with hers,
248:34 where his fingers tangled with hers, suddenly feeling too much. She quickly
248:37 suddenly feeling too much. She quickly pulled away and croked out. You go
248:39 pulled away and croked out. You go first, I'll follow.
248:42 first, I'll follow. Jiren watched her for a long moment,
248:44 Jiren watched her for a long moment, likely seeing that her fear had
248:46 likely seeing that her fear had increased and wasn't solely because of
248:49 increased and wasn't solely because of the mountain
248:50 the mountain anymore. He nodded slowly and said,
248:53 anymore. He nodded slowly and said, "Take a running leap just to be safe,
248:56 "Take a running leap just to be safe, like this." He backed up a few steps and
248:59 like this." He backed up a few steps and then bounded forward, clearing the
249:01 then bounded forward, clearing the crevice with ease and landing lightly on
249:04 crevice with ease and landing lightly on the other side. "Now your turn," he
249:08 the other side. "Now your turn," he called. Kea didn't think about what she
249:10 called. Kea didn't think about what she was doing. knowing that if she did, she
249:13 was doing. knowing that if she did, she would yield to her better judgment.
249:15 would yield to her better judgment. Instead, she backed up and then sprang
249:18 Instead, she backed up and then sprang forward, pushing off from the hard white
249:21 forward, pushing off from the hard white salt and leaping straight over the gap.
249:24 salt and leaping straight over the gap. She stumbled a little upon landing, the
249:26 She stumbled a little upon landing, the weight of her pack tipping her backwards
249:28 weight of her pack tipping her backwards toward the crevice, causing a second of
249:31 toward the crevice, causing a second of instant paralyzing terror. But then
249:35 instant paralyzing terror. But then Jiren was there, his arms snaking around
249:37 Jiren was there, his arms snaking around her and drawing her forward until she
249:40 her and drawing her forward until she was a safe distance from the fisher, her
249:42 was a safe distance from the fisher, her heart thundering and legs trembling as
249:45 heart thundering and legs trembling as she remained pressed against his body,
249:48 she remained pressed against his body, unable to move. "All right," he asked
249:52 unable to move. "All right," he asked quietly. She couldn't answer
249:54 quietly. She couldn't answer immediately, partly because of what had
249:56 immediately, partly because of what had just happened, but also because he'd yet
249:59 just happened, but also because he'd yet to let her go. Somehow she managed to
250:03 to let her go. Somehow she managed to pull herself together and step away,
250:06 pull herself together and step away, brushing her hair behind her ear with a
250:08 brushing her hair behind her ear with a shaking hand as she nodded and replied
250:10 shaking hand as she nodded and replied with a horse, "Thank
250:12 with a horse, "Thank you." It took a while for Kea's tremors
250:15 you." It took a while for Kea's tremors to ease, and they spiked all over again
250:18 to ease, and they spiked all over again with each new crevice they found, the
250:20 with each new crevice they found, the jagged lines cutting into the mountain
250:22 jagged lines cutting into the mountain with alarming regularity the higher they
250:25 with alarming regularity the higher they ascended.
250:27 ascended. Some they were able to walk around, but
250:29 Some they were able to walk around, but others were like the first and required
250:32 others were like the first and required them to jump. Though Ka was careful to
250:35 them to jump. Though Ka was careful to consider her pack now, adding extra
250:37 consider her pack now, adding extra distance to her leaps to avoid any more
250:39 distance to her leaps to avoid any more surprise
250:41 surprise embraces. Soon her concerns about the
250:43 embraces. Soon her concerns about the fissurers were replaced with anxiety
250:46 fissurers were replaced with anxiety about the weather since dark clouds had
250:49 about the weather since dark clouds had begun to form worryingly close to where
250:51 begun to form worryingly close to where they climbed. Both she and Jiren
250:54 they climbed. Both she and Jiren continued scanning upward with unease.
250:57 continued scanning upward with unease. And when the first spot of rain touched
250:59 And when the first spot of rain touched Ka's cheek, she knew they were reaching
251:01 Ka's cheek, she knew they were reaching a point where they would have to
251:03 a point where they would have to consider finding
251:04 consider finding shelter. But then she saw it, the cave
251:07 shelter. But then she saw it, the cave at the top of the mountain. Jiren saw
251:10 at the top of the mountain. Jiren saw it, too, and turned to smile widely at
251:13 it, too, and turned to smile widely at her. His expression so joyous, so
251:15 her. His expression so joyous, so carefree that she staggered to a halt.
251:19 carefree that she staggered to a halt. That was when the earth moved.
251:22 That was when the earth moved. Ka felt as if she was standing on the
251:24 Ka felt as if she was standing on the back of a great beast that had awoken.
251:27 back of a great beast that had awoken. The salt shifting, the ground cracking,
251:30 The salt shifting, the ground cracking, an almighty roar echoing across the
251:32 an almighty roar echoing across the mountain range. The sound made her want
251:35 mountain range. The sound made her want to cover her ears. But she was too busy
251:38 to cover her ears. But she was too busy trying to remain on her feet, her hand
251:40 trying to remain on her feet, her hand automatically reaching for Jiren's,
251:42 automatically reaching for Jiren's, grabbing hold of him just as the peak
251:45 grabbing hold of him just as the peak split in two right beneath their feet. A
251:49 split in two right beneath their feet. A terrified shriek left Ka, and she leapt
251:52 terrified shriek left Ka, and she leapt backwards, hauling Jiren with her, but
251:54 backwards, hauling Jiren with her, but the salt cracked and crumbled under him,
251:57 the salt cracked and crumbled under him, unable to hold his weight as the crevice
251:59 unable to hold his weight as the crevice opened like an angry slash across the
252:01 opened like an angry slash across the summit. And then he was falling. "No!"
252:06 summit. And then he was falling. "No!" Kea screamed as he plummeted into the
252:08 Kea screamed as he plummeted into the fisher, his mass pulling her down until
252:11 fisher, his mass pulling her down until she was on her stomach and hanging
252:13 she was on her stomach and hanging precariously over the edge, holding on
252:15 precariously over the edge, holding on to him for dear life.
252:18 to him for dear life. She stretched out her free hand to
252:20 She stretched out her free hand to reinforce her grip, straining against
252:22 reinforce her grip, straining against his bulky weight. A new wave of terror
252:25 his bulky weight. A new wave of terror hitting her when she realized he was too
252:27 hitting her when she realized he was too heavy for her to pull him up on her own.
252:29 heavy for her to pull him up on her own. "You need to help me," she cried. But he
252:33 "You need to help me," she cried. But he was already working on it, reaching with
252:35 was already working on it, reaching with his left hand, his knuckles white as he
252:38 his left hand, his knuckles white as he found a grip on the ledge, and began to
252:40 found a grip on the ledge, and began to pull himself upward. Kea added her
252:43 pull himself upward. Kea added her strength, heaving with all her might.
252:46 strength, heaving with all her might. And then suddenly he was out. The force
252:50 And then suddenly he was out. The force of his momentum causing them both to
252:52 of his momentum causing them both to stumble backwards onto the surface with
252:54 stumble backwards onto the surface with him landing on top of her. The two of
252:57 him landing on top of her. The two of them lying there panting fiercely unable
253:00 them lying there panting fiercely unable to move. Kea wasn't sure who was shaking
253:03 to move. Kea wasn't sure who was shaking more. Her arms circled Jiren
253:06 more. Her arms circled Jiren instinctively, her heart pounding so
253:09 instinctively, her heart pounding so hard that she could barely hear her own
253:11 hard that she could barely hear her own labored breaths. There were tears
253:13 labored breaths. There were tears trickling from her eyes. a fear response
253:16 trickling from her eyes. a fear response she couldn't help just as she couldn't
253:18 she couldn't help just as she couldn't let him go even knowing that she
253:22 let him go even knowing that she should. She wasn't sure how long it took
253:25 should. She wasn't sure how long it took before he was able to rise onto his
253:26 before he was able to rise onto his elbows, looking down at her with wonder
253:29 elbows, looking down at her with wonder as he said, "You saved
253:33 as he said, "You saved me." Her senses returning, Ka pushed at
253:36 me." Her senses returning, Ka pushed at his chest, but he didn't move. "You've
253:40 his chest, but he didn't move. "You've saved me plenty of times," she said
253:42 saved me plenty of times," she said weakly. Raindrops began sprinkling
253:46 weakly. Raindrops began sprinkling lightly on them. The quiet drip drip
253:49 lightly on them. The quiet drip drip drip touching Kea's face and blending
253:52 drip touching Kea's face and blending with her
253:53 with her tears. Jiren shifted, but only so he
253:56 tears. Jiren shifted, but only so he could move his hand to her cheek, his
253:59 could move his hand to her cheek, his fingers gently tracing the evidence of
254:01 fingers gently tracing the evidence of her distress, prompting an involuntary
254:04 her distress, prompting an involuntary shiver in
254:05 shiver in response. "Why are you
254:08 response. "Why are you crying?" Ka pushed at his chest again, a
254:11 crying?" Ka pushed at his chest again, a new kind of panic hitting her. Can you
254:14 new kind of panic hitting her. Can you please move? He didn't budge. Why are
254:18 please move? He didn't budge. Why are you crying,
254:20 you crying, Kea? Why do you think? She said, growing
254:24 Kea? Why do you think? She said, growing angry now. Anger was good. Anger meant
254:28 angry now. Anger was good. Anger meant she didn't have to feel everything else
254:30 she didn't have to feel everything else she was currently
254:32 she was currently experiencing. I just watched you fall
254:34 experiencing. I just watched you fall into a mountain. You could have
254:38 into a mountain. You could have died. And that upset you? Kea gaped at
254:42 died. And that upset you? Kea gaped at him. then shoved him with all her might,
254:45 him. then shoved him with all her might, hard enough that she was able to wrigle
254:47 hard enough that she was able to wrigle out from beneath him and lurch up to her
254:50 out from beneath him and lurch up to her feet. Her back gave a sharp bark of pain
254:53 feet. Her back gave a sharp bark of pain from where she'd landed on her pack, but
254:55 from where she'd landed on her pack, but she ignored it and glared at Jiren as he
254:58 she ignored it and glared at Jiren as he rose before
254:59 rose before her. They were both careful to keep a
255:02 her. They were both careful to keep a safe distance from the new crevice. The
255:04 safe distance from the new crevice. The mountain having settled once more, even
255:07 mountain having settled once more, even if Kea felt as if everything within her
255:10 if Kea felt as if everything within her was still shifting dangerously.
255:13 was still shifting dangerously. Did you seriously just ask that? She
255:16 Did you seriously just ask that? She hissed, swiping at her face and
255:18 hissed, swiping at her face and scowlling up at the sky as the sprinkles
255:21 scowlling up at the sky as the sprinkles increased. A rumble of thunder in the
255:23 increased. A rumble of thunder in the distance made her aware that they needed
255:25 distance made her aware that they needed to hurry for the cave before any
255:27 to hurry for the cave before any lightning arrived, but she couldn't
255:29 lightning arrived, but she couldn't bring herself to move, waiting for
255:31 bring herself to move, waiting for Jiren's answer. "I did," he said, his
255:36 Jiren's answer. "I did," he said, his eyes steady on hers. "You've been
255:39 eyes steady on hers. "You've been avoiding me. I have no idea how you
255:42 avoiding me. I have no idea how you feel, so I
255:44 feel, so I asked. Unlike Ka, he was no longer
255:48 asked. Unlike Ka, he was no longer shaking, as if he was already over the
255:51 shaking, as if he was already over the near miss of what had just occurred. His
255:53 near miss of what had just occurred. His focus entirely on her
255:56 focus entirely on her now. Her anger growing, Ka leaned
255:59 now. Her anger growing, Ka leaned forward and said, "I've been avoiding
256:02 forward and said, "I've been avoiding you because it's what you
256:04 you because it's what you want. I've been trying to talk to you
256:07 want. I've been trying to talk to you for days. You know that it's been
256:10 for days. You know that it's been incredibly frustrating. Jiren returned,
256:14 incredibly frustrating. Jiren returned, his calm voice at odds with his
256:17 his calm voice at odds with his statement. You've been avoiding me
256:19 statement. You've been avoiding me because you're
256:21 because you're afraid. Kea glared at him. I'm not
256:24 afraid. Kea glared at him. I'm not afraid. You are, he said. You've barely
256:28 afraid. You are, he said. You've barely been able to look at me for
256:30 been able to look at me for weeks. Kea threw out her arms, too
256:33 weeks. Kea threw out her arms, too shaken by everything that had just
256:35 shaken by everything that had just happened to filter her response.
256:37 happened to filter her response. You're the one who wouldn't look at me.
256:40 You're the one who wouldn't look at me. You told me you wanted nothing to do
256:42 You told me you wanted nothing to do with me, so I gave you that. I
256:46 with me, so I gave you that. I lied. With those two words, every part
256:50 lied. With those two words, every part of Kea stilled, her anger vanishing into
256:53 of Kea stilled, her anger vanishing into a strange numbness as she took in his
256:56 a strange numbness as she took in his honest, open expression.
256:58 honest, open expression. Then panic flooded her and she shook her
257:01 Then panic flooded her and she shook her head firmly, taking a step backwards,
257:04 head firmly, taking a step backwards, her heart beginning to pound all over
257:06 her heart beginning to pound all over again. You didn't. You're just confused.
257:11 again. You didn't. You're just confused. You You hate
257:13 You You hate me. Pain raw and unmistakable washed
257:17 me. Pain raw and unmistakable washed over Jiren's features. He closed his
257:20 over Jiren's features. He closed his eyes slowly, and when he opened them
257:22 eyes slowly, and when he opened them again, it was still there, haunting his
257:25 again, it was still there, haunting his gaze.
257:27 gaze. I could never hate you,
257:30 I could never hate you, Ka. She shook her head again, adamant
257:33 Ka. She shook her head again, adamant now, refusing to listen. You do, and
257:37 now, refusing to listen. You do, and that's that's fine. You don't need to
257:40 that's that's fine. You don't need to act like you don't. After everything I
257:43 act like you don't. After everything I did. What did you do? Jiren asked,
257:47 did. What did you do? Jiren asked, moving a step closer. Kea's mouth opened
257:50 moving a step closer. Kea's mouth opened and shut, words failing her, because he
257:54 and shut, words failing her, because he knew exactly what she'd done. I,
257:59 knew exactly what she'd done. I, Zelica, that night. Jiren cocked his
258:03 Zelica, that night. Jiren cocked his head to the side. Did you give your
258:06 head to the side. Did you give your sister the amulet? Kea jolted at the
258:09 sister the amulet? Kea jolted at the question, and then it was she who had to
258:11 question, and then it was she who had to close her eyes, recalling the lies her
258:14 close her eyes, recalling the lies her sister had told in the river room and
258:17 sister had told in the river room and the devastation on Jiren's face. "No,"
258:21 the devastation on Jiren's face. "No," she answered, her voice turning horse.
258:24 she answered, her voice turning horse. "I didn't even know she'd stolen it from
258:27 "I didn't even know she'd stolen it from me. But did you tell her about my magic?
258:31 me. But did you tell her about my magic? That I could wield all four elements?"
258:34 That I could wield all four elements?" Jiren interrupted, moving another step
258:37 Jiren interrupted, moving another step forward. Kea shifted backwards, but then
258:40 forward. Kea shifted backwards, but then she had to stop. The crevice too close
258:43 she had to stop. The crevice too close behind her.
258:45 behind her. "I did you?" he pressed. "No," she said
258:50 "I did you?" he pressed. "No," she said again. He'd trusted her with that
258:53 again. He'd trusted her with that secret, and she'd never told anyone,
258:55 secret, and she'd never told anyone, just as she'd promised. "Did you help
258:59 just as she'd promised. "Did you help her steal the book of the law?"
259:02 her steal the book of the law?" Kea curled in on herself, remembering
259:04 Kea curled in on herself, remembering how Tip had been blamed for her sister's
259:07 how Tip had been blamed for her sister's actions. "No," she rasped out. He took
259:12 actions. "No," she rasped out. He took another step toward her, his voice soft
259:15 another step toward her, his voice soft now. "Did you give her the
259:18 now. "Did you give her the dagger?" This time, Kea could only stand
259:22 dagger?" This time, Kea could only stand there shaking and whisper, "Of course
259:25 there shaking and whisper, "Of course not. I had no idea what it was or what
259:29 not. I had no idea what it was or what it could do. I never wanted. Her voice
259:34 it could do. I never wanted. Her voice cracked, making her unable to
259:36 cracked, making her unable to finish, but she didn't have to because
259:39 finish, but she didn't have to because Jiren was right in front of her now,
259:41 Jiren was right in front of her now, whispering too as he asked, "Then why
259:45 whispering too as he asked, "Then why have you been blaming yourself for what
259:47 have you been blaming yourself for what happened?"
259:49 happened?" Kea couldn't stand to look into his
259:51 Kea couldn't stand to look into his tender, understanding eyes, knowing her
259:54 tender, understanding eyes, knowing her heart wouldn't handle what was sure to
259:56 heart wouldn't handle what was sure to come once the shock of his near-death
259:58 come once the shock of his near-death experience passed, and he remembered
260:00 experience passed, and he remembered everything she'd done, everything she
260:03 everything she'd done, everything she was. Her lips wobbled as she said, "I
260:07 was. Her lips wobbled as she said, "I told her about the royal
260:09 told her about the royal turnary. You lost everything because of
260:12 turnary. You lost everything because of me." Zelica didn't give a damn about the
260:16 me." Zelica didn't give a damn about the royal turnery. Jiren said you heard her
260:19 royal turnery. Jiren said you heard her that night. She'd always planned to get
260:22 that night. She'd always planned to get the eye and use it on me. That was her
260:26 the eye and use it on me. That was her goal. And she herself admitted that
260:28 goal. And she herself admitted that she'd been planning to take Eve for
260:30 she'd been planning to take Eve for years without knowing about the turnary.
260:33 years without knowing about the turnary. The information you shared just gave her
260:36 The information you shared just gave her an added incentive to speed up her
260:38 an added incentive to speed up her timeline. It also gave her the means.
260:42 timeline. It also gave her the means. Everything she did was what she did.
260:46 Everything she did was what she did. Jiren interrupted
260:47 Jiren interrupted firmly. Zelica's actions were not yours.
260:51 firmly. Zelica's actions were not yours. Her choices were not yours. That night,
260:56 Her choices were not yours. That night, your sister would have killed me if not
260:58 your sister would have killed me if not for you. You saved my life. Why do you
261:02 for you. You saved my life. Why do you keep making yourself the villain in your
261:04 keep making yourself the villain in your own narrative?
261:06 own narrative? The question echoed in Ka's ears, but
261:09 The question echoed in Ka's ears, but she couldn't stop shaking her head.
261:12 she couldn't stop shaking her head. Tears blurring her vision. Words were
261:15 Tears blurring her vision. Words were beyond her now. But Jiren wasn't
261:18 beyond her now. But Jiren wasn't finished. He reached out to touch his
261:20 finished. He reached out to touch his fingers beneath her chin, tilting her
261:22 fingers beneath her chin, tilting her head back until she had no choice but to
261:25 head back until she had no choice but to look at him, his gaze steady on hers as
261:29 look at him, his gaze steady on hers as he asked in a quiet voice full of
261:32 he asked in a quiet voice full of meaning. When are you going to see that
261:35 meaning. When are you going to see that I don't blame you for what happened that
261:38 I don't blame you for what happened that night? You do, Kea croaked, unable to
261:42 night? You do, Kea croaked, unable to let him forget. You do, and you should.
261:48 let him forget. You do, and you should. I was angry, Jiren said still quietly. I
261:53 I was angry, Jiren said still quietly. I was hurt and you were the easiest person
261:55 was hurt and you were the easiest person for me to take that out on. That was
261:59 for me to take that out on. That was wrong of me. And I'm sorry. But what I
262:03 wrong of me. And I'm sorry. But what I told you in the desert wasn't true. And
262:06 told you in the desert wasn't true. And what you said when you were on angel
262:09 what you said when you were on angel dust this time. It was his voice that
262:12 dust this time. It was his voice that cracked. His expression ravished as he
262:15 cracked. His expression ravished as he whispered, "Not once, even on my worst
262:18 whispered, "Not once, even on my worst days, did I hate
262:20 days, did I hate you. Hearing you say that, knowing you
262:24 you. Hearing you say that, knowing you didn't want to
262:25 didn't want to live." The haunted look returned to his
262:28 live." The haunted look returned to his face, I felt like I was being stabbed in
262:31 face, I felt like I was being stabbed in the heart all over
262:33 the heart all over again. Even seeing the truth of his
262:36 again. Even seeing the truth of his declaration, Ka was too scared to
262:38 declaration, Ka was too scared to believe him. But I lied to you," she
262:42 believe him. But I lied to you," she whispered, her tears trickling steadily
262:45 whispered, her tears trickling steadily now, mixing with the sprinkles that were
262:47 now, mixing with the sprinkles that were falling heavier around them. "You
262:51 falling heavier around them. "You said You said you fell in love with a
262:55 said You said you fell in love with a lie." Jiren shifted forward until he was
262:59 lie." Jiren shifted forward until he was all she could see. "I did fall in love
263:02 all she could see. "I did fall in love with a lie, but that lie was you. I fell
263:07 with a lie, but that lie was you. I fell in love with you, Kea. I am in love with
263:10 in love with you, Kea. I am in love with you then and now. Nothing about that has
263:15 you then and now. Nothing about that has changed except now I know the real
263:19 changed except now I know the real you. Kea couldn't listen, his words
263:22 you. Kea couldn't listen, his words hurting too much. Please
263:26 hurting too much. Please stop. She held out her hand to keep him
263:29 stop. She held out her hand to keep him away, needing to remind him that he was
263:32 away, needing to remind him that he was wrong, needing to protect herself from
263:35 wrong, needing to protect herself from the dangerous hope unfurling within her.
263:38 the dangerous hope unfurling within her. like a flower opening beneath the sun.
263:41 like a flower opening beneath the sun. But there wasn't enough room between
263:43 But there wasn't enough room between them. And he grasped her fingers,
263:45 them. And he grasped her fingers, pressing them to his chest, his strong
263:48 pressing them to his chest, his strong hand covering
263:50 hand covering hers. I was never angry that you lied to
263:53 hers. I was never angry that you lied to me. Jiren said softly. I was angry
263:58 me. Jiren said softly. I was angry because you didn't trust me enough to
264:00 because you didn't trust me enough to tell me the
264:01 tell me the truth. His eyes were locked on hers.
264:05 truth. His eyes were locked on hers. everything he was feeling clear for her
264:07 everything he was feeling clear for her to see. Calvin knew all your secrets and
264:11 to see. Calvin knew all your secrets and he still loved you. You never gave me
264:14 he still loved you. You never gave me that chance. After everything we'd been
264:17 that chance. After everything we'd been through together, you still didn't trust
264:20 through together, you still didn't trust me. That's why I was so upset. Not
264:24 me. That's why I was so upset. Not because of everything else beyond your
264:25 because of everything else beyond your control, not even because of the
264:28 control, not even because of the mistakes you made, but because you never
264:31 mistakes you made, but because you never really let me in.
264:33 really let me in. I gave you every part of me and I
264:37 I gave you every part of me and I thought you gave me every part of you.
264:40 thought you gave me every part of you. But the whole time I didn't even know
264:43 But the whole time I didn't even know who you really
264:44 who you really were. Upon hearing his declaration, the
264:48 were. Upon hearing his declaration, the ground shook beneath Ka again, but it
264:51 ground shook beneath Ka again, but it wasn't the mountain this time. It was
264:54 wasn't the mountain this time. It was from the realization that she had a
264:56 from the realization that she had a decision to make. She could keep running
264:59 decision to make. She could keep running away from him, guarding her heart so as
265:01 away from him, guarding her heart so as to never risk such pain again. Or she
265:05 to never risk such pain again. Or she could give Jiren what he'd just given
265:08 could give Jiren what he'd just given her. The truth, messy and broken as it
265:12 her. The truth, messy and broken as it was. Inhaling shakily, Kea made her
265:16 was. Inhaling shakily, Kea made her choice. You did know who I was. Her
265:20 choice. You did know who I was. Her voice was so choked that it was a wonder
265:23 voice was so choked that it was a wonder he could hear her. She stared at his
265:25 he could hear her. She stared at his hand covering hers and forced herself to
265:28 hand covering hers and forced herself to go on. You knew me better than I knew
265:32 go on. You knew me better than I knew myself. I was dead for 10 years and you
265:36 myself. I was dead for 10 years and you breathed life back into me. You saved
265:40 breathed life back into me. You saved me. You freed me. You made me. And in
265:46 me. You freed me. You made me. And in showing me who you were, in sharing your
265:48 showing me who you were, in sharing your family and your kingdom and your life
265:50 family and your kingdom and your life with me, in sharing your heart with me,
265:54 with me, in sharing your heart with me, you gave me the strength to carve my own
265:58 you gave me the strength to carve my own path. More tears fell as she made
266:01 path. More tears fell as she made herself look into his emotionfilled eyes
266:04 herself look into his emotionfilled eyes and
266:05 and continue. You're right. I should have
266:08 continue. You're right. I should have told you about me. But it wasn't because
266:11 told you about me. But it wasn't because I didn't trust you. You made it
266:13 I didn't trust you. You made it impossible for me not to trust you. It's
266:17 impossible for me not to trust you. It's just I thought if I told you the truth
266:20 just I thought if I told you the truth that I was torn between my family and
266:23 that I was torn between my family and yours. Her voice broke and she
266:26 yours. Her voice broke and she rasped. I was afraid I would lose you.
266:31 rasped. I was afraid I would lose you. Jiren's gaze was so intense that it
266:34 Jiren's gaze was so intense that it almost burned, but she didn't look away
266:36 almost burned, but she didn't look away as she pushed aside the last of her fear
266:38 as she pushed aside the last of her fear to declare, "You helped me realize what
266:42 to declare, "You helped me realize what I wanted just by being you. You gave me
266:46 I wanted just by being you. You gave me the courage to say no to my sister and
266:49 the courage to say no to my sister and the
266:50 the rebels." Her entire body was trembling
266:52 rebels." Her entire body was trembling now, but she made herself whisper, "I
266:56 now, but she made herself whisper, "I chose you, Jiren. I will always choose
267:00 chose you, Jiren. I will always choose you because I love you and I. Ka didn't
267:06 you because I love you and I. Ka didn't get to finish before Jiren's lips
267:08 get to finish before Jiren's lips slammed down on hers, swallowing the
267:11 slammed down on hers, swallowing the rest of her
267:12 rest of her words. A surprised sound left her, but
267:15 words. A surprised sound left her, but then her mind caught up to what was
267:17 then her mind caught up to what was happening, urging her to hold on to him
267:20 happening, urging her to hold on to him with a desperation that was rivaled by
267:22 with a desperation that was rivaled by the force of his own
267:24 the force of his own embrace. The kiss wasn't gentle. It was
267:28 embrace. The kiss wasn't gentle. It was fierce and bruising and full of
267:31 fierce and bruising and full of everything they'd both repressed for
267:33 everything they'd both repressed for weeks, for
267:35 weeks, for months. Kea wound one hand around his
267:38 months. Kea wound one hand around his back, sliding it beneath his pack, while
267:41 back, sliding it beneath his pack, while the other moved up into his rain damp
267:43 the other moved up into his rain damp hair, holding his face to hers. She
267:47 hair, holding his face to hers. She couldn't stop a sob from leaving her
267:49 couldn't stop a sob from leaving her when they broke for air, too overwhelmed
267:52 when they broke for air, too overwhelmed by all she was feeling. But then he was
267:55 by all she was feeling. But then he was kissing her again, his tongue darting
267:58 kissing her again, his tongue darting into her mouth, causing her to whimper
268:00 into her mouth, causing her to whimper against his lips. Her knees buckled and
268:03 against his lips. Her knees buckled and he took her weight, their kiss deepening
268:06 he took her weight, their kiss deepening even further. A moan left him and slid
268:10 even further. A moan left him and slid down her throat, causing tingles of
268:12 down her throat, causing tingles of awareness to flood through her. Warmth
268:15 awareness to flood through her. Warmth pulled in her stomach. Fire blazed
268:18 pulled in her stomach. Fire blazed across her skin, her body coming to life
268:22 across her skin, her body coming to life beneath his hands. She never wanted to
268:24 beneath his hands. She never wanted to let him go. She wasn't even sure if she
268:28 let him go. She wasn't even sure if she could. But then a loud boom of thunder
268:31 could. But then a loud boom of thunder sounded, breaking into the haze of their
268:34 sounded, breaking into the haze of their passion. They both glanced upward,
268:36 passion. They both glanced upward, neither having noticed that the rain had
268:39 neither having noticed that the rain had begun to fall in earnest, soaking their
268:42 begun to fall in earnest, soaking their clothes and dripping down them to the
268:44 clothes and dripping down them to the rocky salt at their feet.
268:47 rocky salt at their feet. Kea was panting, her fingers still
268:49 Kea was panting, her fingers still tangled in Jarn's now must hair, her
268:52 tangled in Jarn's now must hair, her other arm wrapped around him like her
268:54 other arm wrapped around him like her life depended on it. She stared at him,
268:58 life depended on it. She stared at him, still dazed, seeing a reflection of that
269:01 still dazed, seeing a reflection of that in his expression, with him looking back
269:04 in his expression, with him looking back at her as if as
269:07 at her as if as if. "You really don't hate me, do you?"
269:12 if. "You really don't hate me, do you?" she whispered
269:13 she whispered tremulously. A soft laugh left him, the
269:17 tremulously. A soft laugh left him, the sound so light that new tears touched
269:20 sound so light that new tears touched Kea's eyes. The gaping hole in her heart
269:23 Kea's eyes. The gaping hole in her heart beginning to stitch seamlessly back
269:26 beginning to stitch seamlessly back together. "No, sweetheart," he whispered
269:30 together. "No, sweetheart," he whispered back, kissing the tears from her cheek.
269:33 back, kissing the tears from her cheek. His lips remained against her skin as he
269:35 His lips remained against her skin as he murmured there. "I really
269:39 murmured there. "I really don't." She couldn't help it. Right
269:42 don't." She couldn't help it. Right there in his arms, she began to cry. Her
269:46 there in his arms, she began to cry. Her shoulders shaking, her chest heaving as
269:50 shoulders shaking, her chest heaving as everything flooded out of her in deep,
269:52 everything flooded out of her in deep, cleansing
269:53 cleansing waves. She was aware of Jiren rubbing
269:56 waves. She was aware of Jiren rubbing comforting circles into her back, of the
269:59 comforting circles into her back, of the soothing words he murmured into her ear.
270:02 soothing words he murmured into her ear. But that wasn't what she wanted from
270:04 But that wasn't what she wanted from him. Breathing his name, she tilted her
270:08 him. Breathing his name, she tilted her head up and he was instantly there, his
270:11 head up and he was instantly there, his mouth taking hers again. Tender, loving,
270:15 mouth taking hers again. Tender, loving, everything he was, everything he'd
270:18 everything he was, everything he'd always
270:19 always been. I'm sorry, she said against his
270:23 been. I'm sorry, she said against his lips, needing to say the words, needing
270:26 lips, needing to say the words, needing him to know she meant them. I'm so
270:31 him to know she meant them. I'm so sorry. No more apologies. he whispered
270:35 sorry. No more apologies. he whispered against her mouth. "But I" He kissed the
270:39 against her mouth. "But I" He kissed the protest right off her lips, making her
270:42 protest right off her lips, making her forget what she'd been about to say,
270:45 forget what she'd been about to say, making her forget her own name. His joy,
270:49 making her forget her own name. His joy, his forgiveness, his love. That was all
270:53 his forgiveness, his love. That was all Ka knew. Her heart so full that it hurt.
270:57 Ka knew. Her heart so full that it hurt. The pain beautiful and perfect and
271:00 The pain beautiful and perfect and unending.
271:02 unending. But then another rumble of thunder came,
271:05 But then another rumble of thunder came, followed by a flash of light, and they
271:08 followed by a flash of light, and they couldn't ignore the danger anymore.
271:10 couldn't ignore the danger anymore. Jiren tore his mouth from hers, his eyes
271:13 Jiren tore his mouth from hers, his eyes glazed and heated, his face flushed, his
271:16 glazed and heated, his face flushed, his breathing heavy, but he managed to come
271:19 breathing heavy, but he managed to come back to his senses faster than Ka and
271:22 back to his senses faster than Ka and linked their fingers, saying, "We need
271:25 linked their fingers, saying, "We need to get to the cave."
271:27 to get to the cave." Kea marveled at the feel of his skin
271:29 Kea marveled at the feel of his skin against hers. His easy, willing touch,
271:33 against hers. His easy, willing touch, hardly daring to believe this was real.
271:37 hardly daring to believe this was real. But when she looked at him, she found
271:39 But when she looked at him, she found the truth staring back at her, right
271:42 the truth staring back at her, right there for her to see. He didn't hate
271:45 there for her to see. He didn't hate her. He didn't blame her. He loved her.
271:50 her. He didn't blame her. He loved her. just as he'd
271:52 just as he'd said. Truly, as much as I want to
271:55 said. Truly, as much as I want to continue this, Jiren's voice was husky,
271:58 continue this, Jiren's voice was husky, his eyes darkening as he stared at her
272:01 his eyes darkening as he stared at her lips. And trust me, I really, really do.
272:06 lips. And trust me, I really, really do. Thunder crackled across the sky again,
272:09 Thunder crackled across the sky again, followed by another flash of light,
272:11 followed by another flash of light, closer now. We are sitting ducks out
272:14 closer now. We are sitting ducks out here, Kea finished for him, not needing
272:17 here, Kea finished for him, not needing any more prompting. It took a mammoth
272:20 any more prompting. It took a mammoth effort, but she somehow set aside
272:23 effort, but she somehow set aside everything that had just happened and
272:25 everything that had just happened and tugged him forward as the heavens
272:27 tugged him forward as the heavens opened, the rain suddenly pouring down
272:30 opened, the rain suddenly pouring down in sheets, limiting their vision and
272:32 in sheets, limiting their vision and making it impossible for her to hear
272:34 making it impossible for her to hear anything, even her own thoughts.
272:38 anything, even her own thoughts. They sprinted blindly forward, putting
272:40 They sprinted blindly forward, putting distance between them and the crevice,
272:42 distance between them and the crevice, slipping and sliding on parts of the
272:44 slipping and sliding on parts of the salt mountaintop where thin layers of
272:46 salt mountaintop where thin layers of moss had grown, now slick from the
272:49 moss had grown, now slick from the rain. By some miracle, they managed not
272:53 rain. By some miracle, they managed not to fall, closing the distance between
272:55 to fall, closing the distance between themselves and the cave with every step.
272:58 themselves and the cave with every step. Lightning now beginning to streak
273:00 Lightning now beginning to streak continuously around them. But finally,
273:03 continuously around them. But finally, they made it, leaping through the
273:05 they made it, leaping through the entrance to the cave just as a bolt of
273:08 entrance to the cave just as a bolt of lightning struck the mountain, near
273:10 lightning struck the mountain, near enough for Kea to feel the static on her
273:12 enough for Kea to feel the static on her skin. Her hands slamming over her ears
273:15 skin. Her hands slamming over her ears at the deafening crack of thunder that
273:17 at the deafening crack of thunder that accompanied it. "That was a bit too
273:21 accompanied it. "That was a bit too close," Jarn murmured, panting hard. Kea
273:25 close," Jarn murmured, panting hard. Kea couldn't respond, too busy trying to
273:27 couldn't respond, too busy trying to draw air into her lungs. When she
273:30 draw air into her lungs. When she eventually stopped wheezing, she swiped
273:32 eventually stopped wheezing, she swiped hair from her face and frowned down at
273:35 hair from her face and frowned down at the water cascading off her body, unable
273:38 the water cascading off her body, unable to keep from stating the
273:40 to keep from stating the obvious. I look like a drowned
273:43 obvious. I look like a drowned rat. Jiren's lips twitched. Maybe a
273:48 rat. Jiren's lips twitched. Maybe a little. He, of course, still managed to
273:51 little. He, of course, still managed to look as perfect as always, even dripping
273:54 look as perfect as always, even dripping a river's worth of water. It was
273:56 a river's worth of water. It was painfully unfair, she thought,
273:59 painfully unfair, she thought, scrunching her nose at
274:01 scrunching her nose at him. Jiren chuckled and reached for her,
274:04 him. Jiren chuckled and reached for her, the intent in his eyes, saying he
274:07 the intent in his eyes, saying he couldn't care less how wet they both
274:09 couldn't care less how wet they both were, or even that they'd finally reach
274:11 were, or even that they'd finally reach their
274:12 their destination. She knew they should be
274:14 destination. She knew they should be looking for the ring, but with the storm
274:17 looking for the ring, but with the storm raging outside, they wouldn't be going
274:19 raging outside, they wouldn't be going anywhere for a while. They had time.
274:22 anywhere for a while. They had time. They could take this moment to enjoy
274:24 They could take this moment to enjoy each other. They could. Kea's thoughts
274:28 each other. They could. Kea's thoughts halted when she saw the blood on his
274:30 halted when she saw the blood on his hand. "What happened?" she asked, taking
274:34 hand. "What happened?" she asked, taking his palm and hers and moving closer to
274:36 his palm and hers and moving closer to the cave entrance, seeking the light so
274:38 the cave entrance, seeking the light so she could inspect the wound. "It's
274:41 she could inspect the wound. "It's nothing," Jiren said. "The edge of the
274:44 nothing," Jiren said. "The edge of the crevice was sharp, that's
274:46 crevice was sharp, that's all." Kea thought back to how he'd
274:49 all." Kea thought back to how he'd helped pull himself up. He'd been hurt
274:51 helped pull himself up. He'd been hurt the whole time since then, and she
274:53 the whole time since then, and she hadn't noticed. She looked at him now,
274:56 hadn't noticed. She looked at him now, having to make another decision. This
274:59 having to make another decision. This one should have been easier given
275:01 one should have been easier given everything they' just gone through and
275:03 everything they' just gone through and the declarations they'd made to each
275:05 the declarations they'd made to each other. But nerves still tumbled in her
275:08 other. But nerves still tumbled in her stomach as she held his eyes and
275:10 stomach as she held his eyes and summoned her magic, the golden glow
275:13 summoned her magic, the golden glow appearing instantly, lighting the cave
275:16 appearing instantly, lighting the cave and flowing softly from her into him.
275:20 and flowing softly from her into him. Kea wanted to look away, afraid of what
275:22 Kea wanted to look away, afraid of what she might see in his expression. It was
275:25 she might see in his expression. It was irrational. He knew she had healing
275:27 irrational. He knew she had healing magic. He'd watched her practice it for
275:29 magic. He'd watched her practice it for weeks. He'd helped her practice it. But
275:32 weeks. He'd helped her practice it. But using it on him for the first time since
275:35 using it on him for the first time since the night she'd saved his life. It was
275:38 the night she'd saved his life. It was irrevocable proof of who she was. A
275:42 irrevocable proof of who she was. A quarantine. His once sworn enemy turned
275:46 quarantine. His once sworn enemy turned traitor to her own bloodline.
275:49 traitor to her own bloodline. She had no idea how he would react,
275:51 She had no idea how he would react, whether he would suddenly realize what
275:53 whether he would suddenly realize what she had feared for so long, that there
275:56 she had feared for so long, that there was no hope for them, the challenges
275:59 was no hope for them, the challenges against them too great. But that wasn't
276:02 against them too great. But that wasn't what happened. Instead, Jiren cupped her
276:06 what happened. Instead, Jiren cupped her face with his free hand, her golden glow
276:09 face with his free hand, her golden glow like a halo surrounding them both as he
276:12 like a halo surrounding them both as he whispered a single
276:14 whispered a single word. Beautiful.
276:17 word. Beautiful. Ka closed her eyes and swayed toward
276:19 Ka closed her eyes and swayed toward him, unable to bear up under the weight
276:22 him, unable to bear up under the weight of her emotions. She felt his lips press
276:25 of her emotions. She felt his lips press against her forehead, a gentle, tender
276:27 against her forehead, a gentle, tender brush, just as she sensed her magic
276:30 brush, just as she sensed her magic fading, his wound now fully
276:32 fading, his wound now fully healed. Only then did she open her eyes,
276:36 healed. Only then did she open her eyes, seeing the affection shining clear in
276:38 seeing the affection shining clear in his expression.
276:40 his expression. So beautiful," he murmured again, but
276:44 So beautiful," he murmured again, but this time there was no golden light. He
276:48 this time there was no golden light. He wasn't talking about her magic now. He
276:50 wasn't talking about her magic now. He was talking about
276:52 was talking about her. His face softened as he saw the
276:55 her. His face softened as he saw the realization hit her as he watched
276:58 realization hit her as he watched something settled deep within her. The
277:00 something settled deep within her. The final broken pieces of her sealing back
277:03 final broken pieces of her sealing back together, healed by a different kind of
277:06 together, healed by a different kind of magic that could only come from him.
277:10 magic that could only come from him. A quiet sigh left her, and she leaned
277:12 A quiet sigh left her, and she leaned forward, tucking her face into his neck
277:15 forward, tucking her face into his neck and just holding him as the storm
277:18 and just holding him as the storm continued outside, neither of them
277:20 continued outside, neither of them needing more than that. The simple,
277:23 needing more than that. The simple, heartfelt embrace comforting them both
277:26 heartfelt embrace comforting them both after so long apart.
277:29 after so long apart. They didn't move for a long time, long
277:32 They didn't move for a long time, long enough for the thunder to fade and the
277:34 enough for the thunder to fade and the rain to ease, even if it was still
277:36 rain to ease, even if it was still falling too heavily for them to risk the
277:38 falling too heavily for them to risk the descent just yet. But regardless, Kea
277:42 descent just yet. But regardless, Kea eventually made herself pull away and
277:45 eventually made herself pull away and say, "We should probably look for the
277:48 say, "We should probably look for the ring."
277:49 ring." Jiren exhaled and nodded his agreement,
277:52 Jiren exhaled and nodded his agreement, loosening his hold, but staying close as
277:55 loosening his hold, but staying close as they turned and squinted into the
277:57 they turned and squinted into the darkness of the cave, moving forward
278:00 darkness of the cave, moving forward together. "I don't suppose you noticed
278:02 together. "I don't suppose you noticed any aluminium torches in our packs?" Kea
278:05 any aluminium torches in our packs?" Kea asked, the light vanishing the further
278:08 asked, the light vanishing the further they moved from the entrance. "None that
278:10 they moved from the entrance. "None that I saw," Jarn answered. Dryly, he added.
278:15 I saw," Jarn answered. Dryly, he added. Wouldn't it be great if one of us had
278:18 Wouldn't it be great if one of us had magic that
278:20 magic that glowed? Kea flushed and immediately
278:23 glowed? Kea flushed and immediately summoned her power again, ignoring
278:25 summoned her power again, ignoring Jiren's quiet laugh as she held out her
278:28 Jiren's quiet laugh as she held out her palm, illuminating the space around
278:31 palm, illuminating the space around them. The cave wasn't deep. If not for
278:34 them. The cave wasn't deep. If not for the storm, they wouldn't have needed
278:36 the storm, they wouldn't have needed help from her magic, but it kept them
278:39 help from her magic, but it kept them from tripping over the uneven ground as
278:41 from tripping over the uneven ground as they headed toward the back wall. There
278:44 they headed toward the back wall. There they found a hollow carved into the
278:46 they found a hollow carved into the rock, at the center of which was Srana's
278:50 rock, at the center of which was Srana's earth ring resting at stomach height,
278:52 earth ring resting at stomach height, the emerald glinting as Kea's glow
278:55 the emerald glinting as Kea's glow reached it. Her skin prickled when she
278:58 reached it. Her skin prickled when she noticed an unnatural bluish light
279:01 noticed an unnatural bluish light contained within the hollow, reminding
279:03 contained within the hollow, reminding her about the ancient mystician who had
279:05 her about the ancient mystician who had spelled it safe. "Navic never would have
279:09 spelled it safe. "Navic never would have been able to steal this ring," Kea
279:11 been able to steal this ring," Kea realized. not without a Valentis and a
279:14 realized. not without a Valentis and a quarantine together. But that didn't
279:16 quarantine together. But that didn't matter. She still knew it was best for
279:19 matter. She still knew it was best for them to have all four in their
279:21 them to have all four in their possession. And now that Ka and Jiren
279:23 possession. And now that Ka and Jiren were back to being Kea and Jiren,
279:27 were back to being Kea and Jiren, nothing had changed about her wanting to
279:30 nothing had changed about her wanting to return his magic. That was still her
279:33 return his magic. That was still her priority, even if it was no longer
279:35 priority, even if it was no longer needed for his
279:37 needed for his forgiveness. "Do we just grab it?" Kea
279:41 forgiveness. "Do we just grab it?" Kea asked, eyeing the blue light with
279:44 asked, eyeing the blue light with trepidation. Jiren took her hand and
279:47 trepidation. Jiren took her hand and his. Only one way to find
279:49 his. Only one way to find out. Together, they moved their arms
279:52 out. Together, they moved their arms forward, their fingers passing into the
279:55 forward, their fingers passing into the hollow without resistance, allowing them
279:57 hollow without resistance, allowing them to collect the ring and pull it back out
280:00 to collect the ring and pull it back out again. Kea shifted nervously, waiting
280:03 again. Kea shifted nervously, waiting for a sign that what they'd done would
280:06 for a sign that what they'd done would leave them trapped or cursed, or
280:08 leave them trapped or cursed, or something equally troubling. But nothing
280:11 something equally troubling. But nothing happened. "That was easy," Jarn noted,
280:15 happened. "That was easy," Jarn noted, sounding as relieved as she felt. "Even
280:18 sounding as relieved as she felt. "Even so," Kea snorted. "Sure, if you forget
280:22 so," Kea snorted. "Sure, if you forget the climb, the crevices, the multiple
280:24 the climb, the crevices, the multiple near-death experiences, and the storm,
280:28 near-death experiences, and the storm, not to mention all the emotional
280:30 not to mention all the emotional drama." Jiren's mouth quirked up at the
280:33 drama." Jiren's mouth quirked up at the edges. "Emotional drama."
280:37 edges. "Emotional drama." Kea waved a hand between them. What
280:40 Kea waved a hand between them. What would you call it? Amusement lit his
280:43 would you call it? Amusement lit his face. I didn't realize we were giving it
280:45 face. I didn't realize we were giving it a name. But how about that time on the
280:49 a name. But how about that time on the mountain when you finally? Kea pressed
280:53 mountain when you finally? Kea pressed her hand over his mouth. You're right.
280:56 her hand over his mouth. You're right. No name needed. He kissed her palm, his
280:59 No name needed. He kissed her palm, his eyes dancing. The sight made warmth
281:02 eyes dancing. The sight made warmth bubble within her, and she released a
281:04 bubble within her, and she released a soft, dreamy sigh.
281:06 soft, dreamy sigh. But then she pulled herself together and
281:09 But then she pulled herself together and said, "It smells awful back here. Let's
281:13 said, "It smells awful back here. Let's find a comfortable spot with better
281:15 find a comfortable spot with better airflow while we wait for the rain to
281:18 airflow while we wait for the rain to pass." They headed back to the cave
281:20 pass." They headed back to the cave mouth and tossed their soaked packs
281:23 mouth and tossed their soaked packs aside before sliding down to sit against
281:25 aside before sliding down to sit against rock wall. It was natural for Kea to
281:28 rock wall. It was natural for Kea to lean into Jiren, for his arm to curl
281:31 lean into Jiren, for his arm to curl around her, for them to sit like that
281:34 around her, for them to sit like that for a long time. staring out at the rain
281:37 for a long time. staring out at the rain in comfortable
281:38 in comfortable silence. But it was just as natural for
281:41 silence. But it was just as natural for her to eventually look up at him, to see
281:44 her to eventually look up at him, to see his eyes already on her, and then,
281:47 his eyes already on her, and then, whether she moved first or he did, for
281:50 whether she moved first or he did, for their lips to find each other again.
281:53 their lips to find each other again. There was nothing frenzied about their
281:54 There was nothing frenzied about their kiss this time, just a slow exploration,
281:58 kiss this time, just a slow exploration, tender and sweet. They weren't in a
282:01 tender and sweet. They weren't in a hurry, and by unspoken agreement, they
282:04 hurry, and by unspoken agreement, they kept things from becoming too heated,
282:06 kept things from becoming too heated, neither wanting to rush into anything,
282:09 neither wanting to rush into anything, especially in a smelly cave at the top
282:11 especially in a smelly cave at the top of a mountain. They had time now, an
282:15 of a mountain. They had time now, an entire future ahead of
282:17 entire future ahead of them. That thought made Kea sigh
282:20 them. That thought made Kea sigh dreamily again before she rested her
282:22 dreamily again before she rested her head on his chest, his arms holding her
282:25 head on his chest, his arms holding her close. "What are you thinking?" he asked
282:28 close. "What are you thinking?" he asked quietly.
282:30 quietly. All good things," she said, sounding as
282:34 All good things," she said, sounding as dreamy as her sigh. Jiren's body shook
282:37 dreamy as her sigh. Jiren's body shook with humor beneath her. "Any
282:41 with humor beneath her. "Any specifics?" Kea saw no reason to hide it
282:43 specifics?" Kea saw no reason to hide it from him, not after everything they'd
282:45 from him, not after everything they'd gone through that day. "I was just
282:48 gone through that day. "I was just thinking about the future, our
282:52 thinking about the future, our future." He made a humming sound of
282:55 future." He made a humming sound of contentment. "And what do you see?"
282:58 contentment. "And what do you see?" Kea kissed his chest over his heart and
283:02 Kea kissed his chest over his heart and repeated, "All good
283:04 repeated, "All good things." This time his chuckle was
283:07 things." This time his chuckle was audible, but then he sobered and said,
283:10 audible, but then he sobered and said, his voice hesitant, "You once told me
283:13 his voice hesitant, "You once told me that it was your dream to study at
283:15 that it was your dream to study at Silverthornne Academy, "Was that did you
283:20 Silverthornne Academy, "Was that did you mean that?"
283:22 mean that?" Kea closed her eyes, realizing that
283:25 Kea closed her eyes, realizing that while he might have forgiven her, there
283:27 while he might have forgiven her, there were still layers of trust they needed
283:29 were still layers of trust they needed to rebuild. She burrowed deeper into him
283:33 to rebuild. She burrowed deeper into him and said, her voice
283:34 and said, her voice quiet. Aside from hiding my family and
283:38 quiet. Aside from hiding my family and my magic, everything else I told you was
283:41 my magic, everything else I told you was true. So yes, in an ideal world where
283:45 true. So yes, in an ideal world where Zelica and Navic don't exist, where you
283:49 Zelica and Navic don't exist, where you never lost your magic and your kingdom,
283:51 never lost your magic and your kingdom, where everything is sunshine and
283:53 where everything is sunshine and daisies. In that world, Silverthornne is
283:57 daisies. In that world, Silverthornne is part of my
283:59 part of my dream. Part of, Jiren repeated. Kea
284:03 dream. Part of, Jiren repeated. Kea rolled her eyes, knowing what he was
284:06 rolled her eyes, knowing what he was really asking, but also grateful that
284:08 really asking, but also grateful that his hesitation had vanished.
284:11 his hesitation had vanished. You might have a role in it, too.
284:14 You might have a role in it, too. Maybe. A laugh huffed out of him, and he
284:18 Maybe. A laugh huffed out of him, and he kissed the top of her head. That's good
284:20 kissed the top of her head. That's good to hear, since you're also in my dreams
284:24 to hear, since you're also in my dreams of the future. It'd be uncomfortable for
284:27 of the future. It'd be uncomfortable for us both if you're imagining someone
284:30 us both if you're imagining someone else. Kea snickered, but cuddled him
284:33 else. Kea snickered, but cuddled him even closer, her heart full to bursting.
284:37 even closer, her heart full to bursting. I think we both know there's no
284:41 I think we both know there's no competition. Jiren made another
284:43 competition. Jiren made another contented sound, but then his voice
284:45 contented sound, but then his voice turned serious as he said, "Speaking of
284:49 turned serious as he said, "Speaking of the future, we should probably talk
284:52 the future, we should probably talk about
284:53 about Zelica." Kea tensed. "What about her?"
284:57 Zelica." Kea tensed. "What about her?" The hesitation was back when Jiren
285:00 The hesitation was back when Jiren answered, but it was a different kind of
285:02 answered, but it was a different kind of hesitation now.
285:05 hesitation now. Tilda
285:07 Tilda Galdrich, everyone has been saying
285:09 Galdrich, everyone has been saying you'll have to confront Zelica, that
285:12 you'll have to confront Zelica, that you're the only one who can. Even I told
285:15 you're the only one who can. Even I told you that's what I expect. And like
285:17 you that's what I expect. And like everything else I said in the desert, I
285:19 everything else I said in the desert, I shouldn't have made you believe that. It
285:22 shouldn't have made you believe that. It was unforgivable of me to put that on
285:25 was unforgivable of me to put that on you. Kea's brow scrunched. What are you
285:29 you. Kea's brow scrunched. What are you talking
285:29 talking about? Quietly, Jiren said. She's your
285:34 about? Quietly, Jiren said. She's your sister. When he offered nothing else,
285:37 sister. When he offered nothing else, Kea replied, I am aware of that. What's
285:41 Kea replied, I am aware of that. What's the
285:42 the problem? Jiren shifted beneath her
285:44 problem? Jiren shifted beneath her before saying with deliberate care, Tor
285:48 before saying with deliberate care, Tor and Zelica are the only family you have
285:52 and Zelica are the only family you have left. If you don't want to face her, if
285:55 left. If you don't want to face her, if you can't handle the idea of using your
285:57 you can't handle the idea of using your magic against her, I'll understand. We
286:01 magic against her, I'll understand. We all will. None of us will make you do
286:04 all will. None of us will make you do anything against your will. We'll find
286:06 anything against your will. We'll find another way. With each word out of his
286:10 another way. With each word out of his mouth, Keva's tension had grown and then
286:14 mouth, Keva's tension had grown and then dissolved. "Thank you for saying that,"
286:18 dissolved. "Thank you for saying that," she said somewhat horarsely. "It means a
286:22 she said somewhat horarsely. "It means a lot." Jiren relaxed again. "We'll figure
286:26 lot." Jiren relaxed again. "We'll figure something else out," he told her,
286:28 something else out," he told her, kissing her forehead. There wasn't a
286:30 kissing her forehead. There wasn't a trace of anger or frustration or
286:33 trace of anger or frustration or disappointment in him, just complete
286:36 disappointment in him, just complete understanding. But Kea shook her head
286:39 understanding. But Kea shook her head because she wasn't
286:40 because she wasn't finished. That means a lot, she
286:43 finished. That means a lot, she repeated. But Zelica needs to be
286:47 repeated. But Zelica needs to be stopped. And if my mother thought I was
286:50 stopped. And if my mother thought I was the only one who could heal the darkness
286:52 the only one who could heal the darkness out of her, then I have to try.
286:56 out of her, then I have to try. She thought of all the people she loved,
286:58 She thought of all the people she loved, knowing they'd be in danger as long as
287:01 knowing they'd be in danger as long as Zelica remained a threat, and added,
287:04 Zelica remained a threat, and added, "I'll never be able to live with myself
287:06 "I'll never be able to live with myself if I don't." "But she's your sister,"
287:11 if I don't." "But she's your sister," Jiren said again softly. "She was once,"
287:15 Jiren said again softly. "She was once," Ka said, remembering the child she'd
287:18 Ka said, remembering the child she'd known over a decade ago. That girl was
287:21 known over a decade ago. That girl was gone, replaced by a hard young woman who
287:25 gone, replaced by a hard young woman who had no qualms hurting people. Even Ka
287:28 had no qualms hurting people. Even Ka and to her own family. I don't know who
287:32 and to her own family. I don't know who she is now, whether she's been corrupted
287:35 she is now, whether she's been corrupted by dark magic or if her actions are more
287:38 by dark magic or if her actions are more willful and deliberate than that. But
287:40 willful and deliberate than that. But either way, the power she has is too
287:43 either way, the power she has is too dangerous. I can't ignore that, and I
287:47 dangerous. I can't ignore that, and I won't.
287:48 won't. Kea fidgeted with a seam over Jiren's
287:51 Kea fidgeted with a seam over Jiren's rib cage as she added. Though, no one
287:55 rib cage as she added. Though, no one has said what happens if I do manage to
287:57 has said what happens if I do manage to heal her. I'm
287:59 heal her. I'm not I
288:01 not I don't No one expects you to harm her.
288:05 don't No one expects you to harm her. Jiren said quickly, his arms tightening
288:07 Jiren said quickly, his arms tightening in comfort. Once her dark magic is gone,
288:11 in comfort. Once her dark magic is gone, your part will be done. We'll figure out
288:13 your part will be done. We'll figure out the rest
288:15 the rest later. Kea nodded her gratitude. not
288:18 later. Kea nodded her gratitude. not letting herself consider what Zelica's
288:20 letting herself consider what Zelica's future might look like. Everything she'd
288:23 future might look like. Everything she'd told Jiren was true, but it still pained
288:26 told Jiren was true, but it still pained her to think about the sister she'd once
288:29 her to think about the sister she'd once loved. She might be our sister, but
288:32 loved. She might be our sister, but actions have consequences, and one day
288:35 actions have consequences, and one day soon, she's going to learn
288:37 soon, she's going to learn that. Kea remembered Terrell's words
288:40 that. Kea remembered Terrell's words from early in their journey. His
288:42 from early in their journey. His unwavering sense of justice soothing
288:45 unwavering sense of justice soothing something inside her. Zelica's fate
288:48 something inside her. Zelica's fate would soon be decided. And when it was,
288:50 would soon be decided. And when it was, Ka would not only accept it, she would
288:53 Ka would not only accept it, she would be a part of it. And for the first time,
288:56 be a part of it. And for the first time, she finally felt
288:58 she finally felt ready. She'd escaped Zalandov prison,
289:01 ready. She'd escaped Zalandov prison, not once, but twice. She'd overcome an
289:05 not once, but twice. She'd overcome an angel dust addiction, pulled herself out
289:07 angel dust addiction, pulled herself out of the deepest darkness, and found the
289:10 of the deepest darkness, and found the will to continue living. She'd battled
289:13 will to continue living. She'd battled in a German arena, and killed a woman.
289:16 in a German arena, and killed a woman. the horror of the experience having
289:17 the horror of the experience having scarred her, but it hadn't broken her,
289:20 scarred her, but it hadn't broken her, and Zelica wouldn't break her either.
289:24 and Zelica wouldn't break her either. Kea's fears remained strong, especially
289:27 Kea's fears remained strong, especially knowing the power her sister wielded.
289:30 knowing the power her sister wielded. But Ka was powerful, too, and she would
289:33 But Ka was powerful, too, and she would fight with everything she had. Give
289:36 fight with everything she had. Give everything she had because her friends
289:39 everything she had because her friends were counting on her. and when the time
289:41 were counting on her. and when the time came, she would not let them
289:44 came, she would not let them down. Resolved, Ka embraced her mental
289:47 down. Resolved, Ka embraced her mental reckoning, feeling it solidify within
289:50 reckoning, feeling it solidify within her. Not wanting or needing to discuss
289:53 her. Not wanting or needing to discuss Zelica anymore, she flattened her palm
289:55 Zelica anymore, she flattened her palm against Jiren's hard stomach and said,
289:59 against Jiren's hard stomach and said, "Speaking of
290:00 "Speaking of sisters," he tensed beneath her.
290:04 sisters," he tensed beneath her. Carefully. So carefully, Ka went on.
290:08 Carefully. So carefully, Ka went on. Have you thought about what will happen
290:10 Have you thought about what will happen when you see
290:11 when you see Mirren after what she did? I know that
290:15 Mirren after what she did? I know that must hurt. I know that does
290:18 must hurt. I know that does hurt. Jiren closed his eyes slowly and
290:22 hurt. Jiren closed his eyes slowly and nodded. I always knew there was an
290:25 nodded. I always knew there was an element of jealousy there, but I never
290:28 element of jealousy there, but I never imagined.
290:30 imagined. When he looked at Ka again, the emotion
290:32 When he looked at Ka again, the emotion in his expression made her blink back
290:35 in his expression made her blink back tears. "The worst part is, I understand
290:39 tears. "The worst part is, I understand why she did it," he went on. the way I
290:42 why she did it," he went on. the way I feel about you. If she feels even a
290:46 feel about you. If she feels even a fraction of that toward
290:48 fraction of that toward Saraphene, he trailed off, then said
290:52 Saraphene, he trailed off, then said quieter. I just wish she had told us
290:55 quieter. I just wish she had told us about Navik's demands and about her own
290:57 about Navik's demands and about her own bitterness rather than betray us. We
291:00 bitterness rather than betray us. We could have talked about it, come up with
291:02 could have talked about it, come up with a solution together. But now he
291:07 a solution together. But now he sighed. What happens to her is out of my
291:10 sighed. What happens to her is out of my hands. mothers, too. Mirren committed
291:14 hands. mothers, too. Mirren committed treason. If we manage to reclaim Eveon,
291:18 treason. If we manage to reclaim Eveon, then the royal council will decide her
291:20 then the royal council will decide her punishment, and we'll have to abide by
291:23 punishment, and we'll have to abide by it." Hearing the heartache in his voice,
291:26 it." Hearing the heartache in his voice, Kea hugged him tighter, knowing exactly
291:29 Kea hugged him tighter, knowing exactly how he felt. Both of their sisters had
291:32 how he felt. Both of their sisters had made choices, and assuming all went as
291:35 made choices, and assuming all went as planned, both would have to pay for
291:37 planned, both would have to pay for those choices. But that didn't mean it
291:40 those choices. But that didn't mean it would be easy for any of
291:43 would be easy for any of them. Gods, why are families so
291:46 them. Gods, why are families so difficult? Kea mumbled. Jiren gave a
291:50 difficult? Kea mumbled. Jiren gave a light chuckle. It was weak, but it
291:52 light chuckle. It was weak, but it helped break the weighty feeling that
291:54 helped break the weighty feeling that had descended upon them both. That's a
291:57 had descended upon them both. That's a question for the ages.
292:00 question for the ages. Kea copied his sigh and sought
292:02 Kea copied his sigh and sought distraction by pulling the amulet free
292:05 distraction by pulling the amulet free of her clothes, playing with the smooth
292:07 of her clothes, playing with the smooth edges and jagged
292:09 edges and jagged gemstones. Eager to change the subject
292:12 gemstones. Eager to change the subject for both their sakes, she looked at the
292:14 for both their sakes, she looked at the ruby, topaz, and emerald quadrants and
292:17 ruby, topaz, and emerald quadrants and said, "We have three of the rings now.
292:20 said, "We have three of the rings now. That means only one left."
292:23 That means only one left." Jiren murmured his agreement, reaching
292:26 Jiren murmured his agreement, reaching for the leather pouch he carried the
292:27 for the leather pouch he carried the rings in and handing it over without
292:29 rings in and handing it over without being asked. He then began to
292:32 being asked. He then began to absent-mindedly trace patterns on her
292:34 absent-mindedly trace patterns on her arm as if he couldn't bear to not be
292:37 arm as if he couldn't bear to not be touching
292:37 touching her. Even with the barrier of her
292:40 her. Even with the barrier of her clothes, the sensation was almost enough
292:42 clothes, the sensation was almost enough to distract Ka, but she made herself
292:45 to distract Ka, but she made herself focus and share something that had been
292:47 focus and share something that had been on her mind for a while.
292:50 on her mind for a while. Do you think it's strange that SA sent
292:53 Do you think it's strange that SA sent the rings away without telling anyone in
292:55 the rings away without telling anyone in your
292:56 your family? Jiren's shoulders shrugged
292:58 family? Jiren's shoulders shrugged beneath her. It's possible she did, and
293:02 beneath her. It's possible she did, and it was forgotten over
293:04 it was forgotten over time. Kea turned the pouch in her hand
293:07 time. Kea turned the pouch in her hand and then upended the contents into her
293:10 and then upended the contents into her palm. Torven's dagger, the eye of the
293:13 palm. Torven's dagger, the eye of the gods, was passed down through my family.
293:17 gods, was passed down through my family. My grandmother knew about its true
293:19 My grandmother knew about its true power. My mother and Zelica, too. That
293:22 power. My mother and Zelica, too. That knowledge wasn't lost to time. She
293:25 knowledge wasn't lost to time. She frowned at the rings. Ryu and Tmbi,
293:29 frowned at the rings. Ryu and Tmbi, Sibli, even Issa, their ancestors, all
293:33 Sibli, even Issa, their ancestors, all made sure they knew what had been
293:34 made sure they knew what had been entrusted to them. I can't help
293:37 entrusted to them. I can't help wondering why Sar didn't ensure the same
293:40 wondering why Sar didn't ensure the same for her own
293:41 for her own heirs. Jiren shrugged again. Your guess
293:45 heirs. Jiren shrugged again. Your guess is as good as mine. I'd also like to
293:48 is as good as mine. I'd also like to know why none of our so-called allies
293:51 know why none of our so-called allies ever mentioned anything even in passing.
293:55 ever mentioned anything even in passing. He
293:56 He paused. I'm assuming it must have been
293:58 paused. I'm assuming it must have been part of the instructions they were given
294:01 part of the instructions they were given that we could only reclaim the rings
294:03 that we could only reclaim the rings without prompting, but still. He blew
294:06 without prompting, but still. He blew out a breath. It would have been nice to
294:09 out a breath. It would have been nice to know about the hand before we actually
294:11 know about the hand before we actually had need of it. His voice lowered as he
294:15 had need of it. His voice lowered as he added, "Just as it would have been nice
294:17 added, "Just as it would have been nice to know that the dagger my family
294:19 to know that the dagger my family possessed wasn't the real eye. That
294:22 possessed wasn't the real eye. That wasn't the most delightful of
294:25 wasn't the most delightful of surprises." His tone was ry and held no
294:28 surprises." His tone was ry and held no trace of pain, but Kea closed her hand
294:31 trace of pain, but Kea closed her hand around the rings, her attention diverted
294:33 around the rings, her attention diverted now as she softly asked, "Do you miss
294:37 now as she softly asked, "Do you miss it?" "The eye?" Jiren asked, sounding
294:41 it?" "The eye?" Jiren asked, sounding puzzled. She was about to tell him no,
294:44 puzzled. She was about to tell him no, but he went on before she
294:46 but he went on before she could. I went through Ashlin's
294:48 could. I went through Ashlin's possessions when Cal and I arrived at
294:50 possessions when Cal and I arrived at Highworth Keep. The blade she has there
294:53 Highworth Keep. The blade she has there looks exactly the same as the eye. A
294:56 looks exactly the same as the eye. A perfect replica, just like the
294:59 perfect replica, just like the ceremonial one I wore for official
295:01 ceremonial one I wore for official events. The resemblance is astounding.
295:04 events. The resemblance is astounding. But I didn't want to keep it, if that's
295:06 But I didn't want to keep it, if that's what you're asking. I saw no need with
295:09 what you're asking. I saw no need with it not being the actual eye.
295:12 it not being the actual eye. Kea shook her head. No, I meant your
295:16 Kea shook her head. No, I meant your magic. Do you miss
295:18 magic. Do you miss it? She didn't know why she was asking.
295:22 it? She didn't know why she was asking. Of course, he missed his magic. But she
295:24 Of course, he missed his magic. But she wanted to know every part of him, even
295:27 wanted to know every part of him, even the parts that hurt, especially those
295:30 the parts that hurt, especially those parts. He turned silent, considering his
295:34 parts. He turned silent, considering his answer. All the while, he continued
295:36 answer. All the while, he continued tracing patterns on her arm as if it
295:39 tracing patterns on her arm as if it were equally soothing to him.
295:42 were equally soothing to him. Finally, he
295:43 Finally, he admitted. I struggled at first. The
295:46 admitted. I struggled at first. The early days were the hardest. It was like
295:50 early days were the hardest. It was like I had a phantom limb. My mind told me I
295:53 I had a phantom limb. My mind told me I still had magic. Even if every time I
295:56 still had magic. Even if every time I tried to use it, nothing
295:58 tried to use it, nothing happened. His hand moved then, trailing
296:02 happened. His hand moved then, trailing softly up over her shoulder until his
296:04 softly up over her shoulder until his fingers began playing with her hair.
296:07 fingers began playing with her hair. Believe it or not, you actually helped
296:10 Believe it or not, you actually helped me in a way. Kea started and swiveled to
296:14 me in a way. Kea started and swiveled to look up at him.
296:16 look up at him. Me? Cal told me about your power. How
296:20 Me? Cal told me about your power. How you'd repressed it for a decade,
296:22 you'd repressed it for a decade, terrified of what would happen if
296:23 terrified of what would happen if someone realized what you could do?
296:26 someone realized what you could do? Jiren answered, his voice
296:28 Jiren answered, his voice contemplative. It made me realize how
296:31 contemplative. It made me realize how fortunate I was to have had such
296:33 fortunate I was to have had such freedom.
296:35 freedom. That day we went to Silverthorn together
296:37 That day we went to Silverthorn together and visited the children. I've been able
296:39 and visited the children. I've been able to do things like that my whole
296:42 to do things like that my whole life. Sadness touched his face then, but
296:45 life. Sadness touched his face then, but his gaze remained focused on his fingers
296:47 his gaze remained focused on his fingers in her hair as if he couldn't quite look
296:49 in her hair as if he couldn't quite look at her as he shared. That's what I
296:52 at her as he shared. That's what I missed the most. Not the battle training
296:55 missed the most. Not the battle training or even the everyday uses my magic had,
296:59 or even the everyday uses my magic had, but the ways it could bring joy to
297:01 but the ways it could bring joy to others, like what my mother did at the
297:04 others, like what my mother did at the river festival and what the rest of my
297:06 river festival and what the rest of my family does at the other seasonal
297:08 family does at the other seasonal celebrations. It requires so little
297:11 celebrations. It requires so little effort on our end, but to our people, it
297:14 effort on our end, but to our people, it means
297:15 means everything. So giving that part up has
297:18 everything. So giving that part up has been hard. And also, he broke off
297:22 been hard. And also, he broke off quickly, as if regretting what he'd been
297:24 quickly, as if regretting what he'd been about to say. Also, what? Kea gently
297:29 about to say. Also, what? Kea gently urged. It took a full minute before
297:32 urged. It took a full minute before Jiren answered, still avoiding her eyes
297:34 Jiren answered, still avoiding her eyes as he said. You already know the reason
297:37 as he said. You already know the reason I was named my mother's heir is because
297:41 I was named my mother's heir is because I can wield all four elements. Could
297:44 I can wield all four elements. Could wield them? he corrected,
297:47 wield them? he corrected, uncomfortable. At KA's encouraging
297:50 uncomfortable. At KA's encouraging squeeze, he went on. If we manage to
297:53 squeeze, he went on. If we manage to reclaim Eveon, the royal council will
297:56 reclaim Eveon, the royal council will most likely strip me of my title as
297:58 most likely strip me of my title as crown prince. And I already mentioned
298:01 crown prince. And I already mentioned how Mirren will be charged for her role
298:04 how Mirren will be charged for her role in everything. So that means Oral will
298:08 in everything. So that means Oral will have to be named Eveon's heir.
298:12 have to be named Eveon's heir. Kea's arms tightened around Jiren,
298:14 Kea's arms tightened around Jiren, hearing his sorrow, but his next words
298:17 hearing his sorrow, but his next words surprised her because he wasn't upset
298:19 surprised her because he wasn't upset for himself. "Oie is so young," Jiren
298:24 for himself. "Oie is so young," Jiren said mournfully. "The decision will take
298:27 said mournfully. "The decision will take the rest of his childhood away. There's
298:29 the rest of his childhood away. There's so much he'll need to learn, most of
298:31 so much he'll need to learn, most of which my father helped me navigate. But
298:34 which my father helped me navigate. But now he Jiren stopped to clear his
298:38 now he Jiren stopped to clear his throat, his voice rough with renewed
298:40 throat, his voice rough with renewed grief as he said, "Now I'll have to help
298:44 grief as he said, "Now I'll have to help Aie. And I will. Of course I will. I
298:48 Aie. And I will. Of course I will. I just wish that burden didn't have to
298:50 just wish that burden didn't have to fall to
298:51 fall to him." Kea's heart achd for Jiren for so
298:55 him." Kea's heart achd for Jiren for so many
298:56 many reasons. "I'm sorry about your father,"
298:59 reasons. "I'm sorry about your father," she told him softly. I wish I could have
299:01 she told him softly. I wish I could have been there for you. Jiren rested his
299:04 been there for you. Jiren rested his lips against her temple and said back
299:07 lips against her temple and said back just as softly, "I'm sorry you were sent
299:10 just as softly, "I'm sorry you were sent back to Zalandov. When I saw you that
299:13 back to Zalandov. When I saw you that first night at Stone Forge and Cresa
299:15 first night at Stone Forge and Cresa told us where you'd been, what Zelica
299:18 told us where you'd been, what Zelica and Mirren had done, how Rook had
299:21 and Mirren had done, how Rook had allocated you to the
299:23 allocated you to the tunnels." He trailed off, shuddering.
299:26 tunnels." He trailed off, shuddering. I survived, Ka said, not wanting to talk
299:30 I survived, Ka said, not wanting to talk about it. Partly because the memory
299:33 about it. Partly because the memory still haunted her, but also because she
299:36 still haunted her, but also because she could see how distressed Jiren was at
299:38 could see how distressed Jiren was at the thought of her being back
299:40 the thought of her being back there. But about your magic and oral,
299:44 there. But about your magic and oral, there's something you keep
299:46 there's something you keep forgetting. She opened her palm for him
299:49 forgetting. She opened her palm for him to see the ring she still held. Jiren
299:52 to see the ring she still held. Jiren caught her eyes then, his like a stormy
299:55 caught her eyes then, his like a stormy sea.
299:56 sea. I know you want to use the hand on me.
299:59 I know you want to use the hand on me. And believe me, if it truly does what
300:02 And believe me, if it truly does what Galdrich claims, then I want that, too.
300:05 Galdrich claims, then I want that, too. But I just I don't want to get my hopes
300:09 But I just I don't want to get my hopes up. For now, I need to focus on what I
300:12 up. For now, I need to focus on what I do have, not on what I don't. If I get
300:16 do have, not on what I don't. If I get my magic back, then I'll be forever
300:19 my magic back, then I'll be forever grateful. But in case that doesn't
300:22 grateful. But in case that doesn't happen, he trailed off again. Beaka
300:25 happen, he trailed off again. Beaka didn't need him to finish. She could
300:27 didn't need him to finish. She could understand his hesitancy, could even
300:29 understand his hesitancy, could even respect it. But she also knew that
300:33 respect it. But she also knew that despite him coming to a place of
300:35 despite him coming to a place of acceptance, it still pained him that his
300:38 acceptance, it still pained him that his magic was gone in ways she hadn't
300:41 magic was gone in ways she hadn't considered. Not once had she thought
300:43 considered. Not once had she thought about his title and how his lack of
300:45 about his title and how his lack of elemental power might affect his right
300:47 elemental power might affect his right to rule.
300:49 to rule. In knowing that now, she was even more
300:52 In knowing that now, she was even more determined to help restore what he'd
300:54 determined to help restore what he'd lost. While she was sure Oriel would
300:56 lost. While she was sure Oriel would make a good ruler, especially with
300:58 make a good ruler, especially with Jiren's patient guidance, there was no
301:01 Jiren's patient guidance, there was no doubt in her mind that Jiren was born to
301:04 doubt in her mind that Jiren was born to be king. That was his future, and she
301:08 be king. That was his future, and she was going to do everything in her power
301:10 was going to do everything in her power to make sure that came about.
301:13 to make sure that came about. You have your thinking face on, Jiren
301:17 You have your thinking face on, Jiren said, touching a finger to the crease in
301:18 said, touching a finger to the crease in her brow. Do I want to know what's going
301:21 her brow. Do I want to know what's going through your mind right now? Kea
301:24 through your mind right now? Kea grinned. Probably
301:26 grinned. Probably not. He would learn soon enough once
301:30 not. He would learn soon enough once they had the final ring. Just one more
301:33 they had the final ring. Just one more city and then he would have his magic
301:35 city and then he would have his magic back. She had to believe that. She had
301:38 back. She had to believe that. She had to hope even if he couldn't. A sudden
301:42 to hope even if he couldn't. A sudden absence of sound made Ka look out the
301:44 absence of sound made Ka look out the cave mouth where she saw the rain was
301:46 cave mouth where she saw the rain was finally easing. It had to be midafter
301:49 finally easing. It had to be midafter afternoon. There was no way they would
301:51 afternoon. There was no way they would make it down the mountain by nightfall.
301:54 make it down the mountain by nightfall. But if they reached the tree line by
301:56 But if they reached the tree line by then, the danger of falling into a
301:57 then, the danger of falling into a crevice would be gone, and once they
302:00 crevice would be gone, and once they made it to their horses, the lower part
302:02 made it to their horses, the lower part of the trail would be much easier, even
302:04 of the trail would be much easier, even in the dark, though she would still use
302:07 in the dark, though she would still use her magic to light the way. While Kea
302:10 her magic to light the way. While Kea was tempted by the idea of having Jiren
302:12 was tempted by the idea of having Jiren to herself all night, she wasn't keen to
302:15 to herself all night, she wasn't keen to sleep in the smelly cave, especially
302:17 sleep in the smelly cave, especially with the temperature already dropping.
302:20 with the temperature already dropping. Better for them to try and return to
302:22 Better for them to try and return to Lrus, especially before they lost any
302:24 Lrus, especially before they lost any more
302:25 more light. Jiren seemed to be of the same
302:29 light. Jiren seemed to be of the same mind. I think maybe we should. He was
302:33 mind. I think maybe we should. He was cut off when a wall of air slammed into
302:36 cut off when a wall of air slammed into them from the cave's entrance, prompting
302:38 them from the cave's entrance, prompting him to pull Ka closer, shielding her
302:40 him to pull Ka closer, shielding her with his body. But as quickly as it had
302:43 with his body. But as quickly as it had come, the wind was gone. Both Ka and
302:46 come, the wind was gone. Both Ka and Jiren scrambled to their feet, looking
302:48 Jiren scrambled to their feet, looking at each other in
302:49 at each other in bewilderment. What was Ka didn't get a
302:53 bewilderment. What was Ka didn't get a chance to finish before Ashlin stepped
302:55 chance to finish before Ashlin stepped into view, her face
302:57 into view, her face pale. Ash? What? Jiren began. But his
303:02 pale. Ash? What? Jiren began. But his cousin spoke over him. Navak's anomalies
303:05 cousin spoke over him. Navak's anomalies are in Evelyn. They've surrounded
303:07 are in Evelyn. They've surrounded Valenia and they're about to
303:20 27. Ashlin's declaration made Kea freeze, but Jiren instantly stroed
303:22 freeze, but Jiren instantly stroed forward until he was right in front of
303:24 forward until he was right in front of his cousin. "Tell me everything," he
303:28 his cousin. "Tell me everything," he said, his voice low and urgent. The
303:31 said, his voice low and urgent. The princess didn't delay. We found a
303:34 princess didn't delay. We found a villager willing to talk. She said Navoc
303:37 villager willing to talk. She said Navoc has been sneaking anomalies into Eveon
303:39 has been sneaking anomalies into Eveon for months with them crossing the border
303:42 for months with them crossing the border in twos and threes, numbers small enough
303:45 in twos and threes, numbers small enough not to raise the alarm. All under orders
303:48 not to raise the alarm. All under orders to travel south to Valenia and wait for
303:50 to travel south to Valenia and wait for his
303:51 his command. Ashlin took a breath and
303:54 command. Ashlin took a breath and continued. They're obeying because he
303:57 continued. They're obeying because he stole their families, their husbands,
303:59 stole their families, their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, even their
304:02 wives, brothers, sisters, even their children, anyone they love. He had his
304:05 children, anyone they love. He had his soldiers kidnapped for leverage, locking
304:07 soldiers kidnapped for leverage, locking them away at Darkwell Keep. Tevera, she
304:10 them away at Darkwell Keep. Tevera, she quickly said, "It's an impenetrable
304:12 quickly said, "It's an impenetrable fortress, even to those with magic." She
304:16 fortress, even to those with magic." She turned back to Jiren, her face grim as
304:18 turned back to Jiren, her face grim as she revealed. If the anomalies don't use
304:22 she revealed. If the anomalies don't use their powers for him, he'll kill the
304:24 their powers for him, he'll kill the people they care about. This isn't a
304:27 people they care about. This isn't a case of them having nothing to lose.
304:30 case of them having nothing to lose. They have everything to lose, and they
304:33 They have everything to lose, and they know
304:34 know it. Kea ground her teeth, realizing how
304:38 it. Kea ground her teeth, realizing how dangerous that made the anomalies. They
304:40 dangerous that made the anomalies. They weren't fighting out of loyalty to
304:42 weren't fighting out of loyalty to Navoc. They were fighting because they
304:44 Navoc. They were fighting because they were desperate and a desperate enemy
304:46 were desperate and a desperate enemy with that kind of power. Gods, Kea
304:50 with that kind of power. Gods, Kea thought, a chill snaking down her
304:53 thought, a chill snaking down her spine. You said they're about to attack.
304:57 spine. You said they're about to attack. Jiren prompted his cousin. How could the
304:59 Jiren prompted his cousin. How could the villager know that? She might know what
305:02 villager know that? She might know what Navic has done and what he's planning,
305:04 Navic has done and what he's planning, but how? That news didn't come from the
305:07 but how? That news didn't come from the villager. Ashlin said Issa sent a
305:11 villager. Ashlin said Issa sent a messenger to Eve. She was worried
305:13 messenger to Eve. She was worried because she hadn't heard anything from
305:15 because she hadn't heard anything from us in
305:16 us in months. Kea remembered the queen
305:18 months. Kea remembered the queen mentioning that during their meeting
305:20 mentioning that during their meeting yesterday. That messenger returned today
305:23 yesterday. That messenger returned today right as I arrived back from the village
305:25 right as I arrived back from the village with the others. Ashlin explained, "He
305:28 with the others. Ashlin explained, "He was the one who shared the news. He saw
305:31 was the one who shared the news. He saw the anomalies with his own eyes." Jiren
305:34 the anomalies with his own eyes." Jiren cursed. But his cousin wasn't done. It
305:38 cursed. But his cousin wasn't done. It gets worse. Ashlin said, "Navic himself
305:41 gets worse. Ashlin said, "Navic himself is on his way. He's sailing down the
305:44 is on his way. He's sailing down the coast just like we did from Ursa with
305:47 coast just like we did from Ursa with wind anomaly speeding the
305:49 wind anomaly speeding the journey." Instead of becoming more
305:51 journey." Instead of becoming more distressed, Jiren straightened and said,
305:55 distressed, Jiren straightened and said, "Our Armadas will stop him. He won't get
305:57 "Our Armadas will stop him. He won't get far." "He will. He has," Ashlin said,
306:02 far." "He will. He has," Ashlin said, her features even grimmer now. He has an
306:06 her features even grimmer now. He has an entire ship full of anomalies with him.
306:09 entire ship full of anomalies with him. And not just wind elementals. They're
306:12 And not just wind elementals. They're laying waste to the coastline for no
306:14 laying waste to the coastline for no other reason than to show his power.
306:17 other reason than to show his power. Entire villages are being set a flame.
306:20 Entire villages are being set a flame. Low-lying settlements are being flooded
306:22 Low-lying settlements are being flooded by tidal waves. The earth is cracking at
306:25 by tidal waves. The earth is cracking at his command. All of our ships that have
306:28 his command. All of our ships that have been sent out to meet him have been torn
306:31 been sent out to meet him have been torn apart without getting near enough to
306:33 apart without getting near enough to fire a single cannon. It's a warning and
306:36 fire a single cannon. It's a warning and a promise. He's on his way and he will
306:40 a promise. He's on his way and he will show no
306:41 show no mercy. Silence rang in the wake of
306:44 mercy. Silence rang in the wake of Ashlin's damning statement with Kea
306:46 Ashlin's damning statement with Kea unable to do anything but envision the
306:49 unable to do anything but envision the horrifying image the princess had
306:51 horrifying image the princess had described. "How long until he arrives?"
306:54 described. "How long until he arrives?" Jiren asked. every muscle in his body
306:57 Jiren asked. every muscle in his body rigid. Any day now. Ashlin turned to
307:01 rigid. Any day now. Ashlin turned to Kea. He was never going to honor the
307:04 Kea. He was never going to honor the deal he made with your mother. All of
307:07 deal he made with your mother. All of this proves he was only using the
307:09 this proves he was only using the rebels, waiting for Zelica and Mirin to
307:12 rebels, waiting for Zelica and Mirin to weaken us so he could swoop in and steal
307:14 weaken us so he could swoop in and steal our kingdom. He's been biding his time
307:18 our kingdom. He's been biding his time until the protection we offered was
307:20 until the protection we offered was gone. And now Eve is ripe for the
307:24 gone. And now Eve is ripe for the picking.
307:25 picking. Kea was unsurprised that Navic had
307:28 Kea was unsurprised that Navic had intended to reneg on the deal, but she
307:30 intended to reneg on the deal, but she was surprised he was moving forward
307:33 was surprised he was moving forward without having her bound to him,
307:35 without having her bound to him, especially
307:36 especially because Zelica won't let Navic take
307:39 because Zelica won't let Navic take Valenia. Not while she has magic that
307:42 Valenia. Not while she has magic that can stop him. Kea said it made her feel
307:45 can stop him. Kea said it made her feel sick to even think it, but at least
307:48 sick to even think it, but at least there was one good thing that came of
307:49 there was one good thing that came of her sister's deadly power. Navic
307:52 her sister's deadly power. Navic wouldn't have a defense against it.
307:55 wouldn't have a defense against it. Zelica has locked herself in the
307:57 Zelica has locked herself in the palace," Ashlin revealed, her silvery
308:00 palace," Ashlin revealed, her silvery eyes flashing. "She's doing nothing to
308:03 eyes flashing. "She's doing nothing to prepare the city for an attack. Nothing.
308:07 prepare the city for an attack. Nothing. Our people need protection, and she
308:10 Our people need protection, and she Ashlin stopped and inhaled deeply before
308:13 Ashlin stopped and inhaled deeply before saying much calmer, "I don't think we
308:16 saying much calmer, "I don't think we can count on your sister doing anything
308:18 can count on your sister doing anything right now other than looking out for
308:21 right now other than looking out for herself. That seems to be what she's
308:24 herself. That seems to be what she's best at. Ka looked down at her feet,
308:28 best at. Ka looked down at her feet, devastation and fury and shame waring
308:31 devastation and fury and shame waring within her. But then she felt Jiren's
308:33 within her. But then she felt Jiren's hand curl around hers, silently
308:36 hand curl around hers, silently reminding her that he didn't blame her
308:38 reminding her that he didn't blame her for any of this. With any luck, Navic
308:42 for any of this. With any luck, Navic will confront Zelica once he arrives.
308:44 will confront Zelica once he arrives. Ashlin went on, missing their non-verbal
308:48 Ashlin went on, missing their non-verbal communication. She'll have to defend
308:50 communication. She'll have to defend herself then. hopefully wiping him off
308:53 herself then. hopefully wiping him off the board. But I think we all know Navic
308:57 the board. But I think we all know Navic is too smart for
308:58 is too smart for that. Which means he has another plan,
309:02 that. Which means he has another plan, Jiren said,
309:04 Jiren said, calculating. Or he's underestimating the
309:07 calculating. Or he's underestimating the strength of her power, Ashlin countered.
309:11 strength of her power, Ashlin countered. Keven knew they could stand there
309:12 Keven knew they could stand there playing guessing games for hours, but
309:14 playing guessing games for hours, but that wouldn't help anyone. So she said,
309:17 that wouldn't help anyone. So she said, "What are we going to do? We need to get
309:20 "What are we going to do? We need to get back to Valenia, Jiren replied
309:23 back to Valenia, Jiren replied instantly, his answer filling Ka with
309:26 instantly, his answer filling Ka with pride. Even without his magic and his
309:29 pride. Even without his magic and his crown, he would do whatever it took to
309:32 crown, he would do whatever it took to protect his people. But Ashlin shook her
309:35 protect his people. But Ashlin shook her head. No, you need to get the final
309:38 head. No, you need to get the final ring. Now more than ever, we need the
309:41 ring. Now more than ever, we need the hand of the gods in our possession. Isus
309:44 hand of the gods in our possession. Isus Messenger couldn't say how many
309:46 Messenger couldn't say how many anomalies there are, but right now the
309:48 anomalies there are, but right now the only elementals we have on our side are
309:52 only elementals we have on our side are Cal, Galdrich, Aunt Ariana, Oriel, and
309:56 Cal, Galdrich, Aunt Ariana, Oriel, and me. We can't take on an army of magic
309:59 me. We can't take on an army of magic users without help. She peered deeper
310:02 users without help. She peered deeper into the cave. I assume you found the
310:04 into the cave. I assume you found the third
310:05 third ring. Kea held out her hand, all three
310:08 ring. Kea held out her hand, all three of them still in her palm. Ashlin
310:11 of them still in her palm. Ashlin touched her finger to the emerald,
310:13 touched her finger to the emerald, infusing her earth magic into it, the
310:16 infusing her earth magic into it, the green jewel flaring bright before fading
310:19 green jewel flaring bright before fading again. "Now you just need the lost one,"
310:24 again. "Now you just need the lost one," Ashlin said as Kea placed them all in
310:26 Ashlin said as Kea placed them all in their pouch and returned them to Jiren.
310:30 their pouch and returned them to Jiren. "Ash, we can't just leave Valenia, too.
310:34 "Ash, we can't just leave Valenia, too. I said you need to get the final ring."
310:37 I said you need to get the final ring." Ashlin cut Jiren off. I didn't say we
310:40 Ashlin cut Jiren off. I didn't say we all needed to go. Not this
310:43 all needed to go. Not this time. Jiren's eyes narrowed. What are
310:47 time. Jiren's eyes narrowed. What are you
310:48 you thinking? Idran to and I will head
310:51 thinking? Idran to and I will head straight back to Valencia while the rest
310:53 straight back to Valencia while the rest of you go to Ardan. Ashlin said they're
310:57 of you go to Ardan. Ashlin said they're getting ready right now. Issa has
311:00 getting ready right now. Issa has already agreed to give us extra horses
311:02 already agreed to give us extra horses so we can ride hard without stopping.
311:05 so we can ride hard without stopping. And while I can't windfunnel as far as
311:07 And while I can't windfunnel as far as Galdrich, I'm stronger than him, and my
311:10 Galdrich, I'm stronger than him, and my energy replenishes faster, so I can make
311:13 energy replenishes faster, so I can make smaller jumps more often and still have
311:16 smaller jumps more often and still have enough magic to spare for when we
311:18 enough magic to spare for when we arrive. I'm hoping it'll be enough for
311:20 arrive. I'm hoping it'll be enough for us to make it back by tomorrow
311:23 us to make it back by tomorrow night. Why you three, Jiren said. Why
311:27 night. Why you three, Jiren said. Why can't I? Because Queen Laura adores you,
311:31 can't I? Because Queen Laura adores you, Ashlin stated. So far, every ring has
311:34 Ashlin stated. So far, every ring has been a challenge, and we don't have time
311:37 been a challenge, and we don't have time to waste. If having the favor of Narin's
311:40 to waste. If having the favor of Narin's ruler helps, even in the slightest way,
311:43 ruler helps, even in the slightest way, you need to take advantage of
311:45 you need to take advantage of that." Kea didn't think now was the time
311:48 that." Kea didn't think now was the time to mention that Issa adored Jiren, too.
311:51 to mention that Issa adored Jiren, too. And yet, here they were, having lost
311:53 And yet, here they were, having lost nearly a whole day climbing a deadly
311:55 nearly a whole day climbing a deadly mountain.
311:57 mountain. And as for why us three, Ashlin went on,
312:01 And as for why us three, Ashlin went on, I gave orders to have some of my
312:03 I gave orders to have some of my soldiers sent to Bellenia before we left
312:05 soldiers sent to Bellenia before we left for Jerva. Not enough. I wish I'd sent
312:08 for Jerva. Not enough. I wish I'd sent more, but I never imagined this. She
312:12 more, but I never imagined this. She scowlled, then shook it off and
312:15 scowlled, then shook it off and continued. They need to see me with
312:17 continued. They need to see me with them, leading them against whatever
312:20 them, leading them against whatever we'll be facing. Adrin will be doing the
312:22 we'll be facing. Adrin will be doing the same with the royal guard, though I
312:25 same with the royal guard, though I think we can also assume Captain Varys
312:27 think we can also assume Captain Varys will already be preparing them to defend
312:29 will already be preparing them to defend the city with or without Zelica's
312:32 the city with or without Zelica's permission. And to Ashlin's eyes cut to
312:37 permission. And to Ashlin's eyes cut to Kea, is going to try and rally the
312:39 Kea, is going to try and rally the rebels. He was their general. He's
312:42 rebels. He was their general. He's hoping they'll still be willing to fight
312:44 hoping they'll still be willing to fight with him. It's a long shot, but a common
312:48 with him. It's a long shot, but a common enemy, Jiren murmured. Exactly, Ashlin
312:53 enemy, Jiren murmured. Exactly, Ashlin said. Kea clenched her hands. The
312:56 said. Kea clenched her hands. The thought of what her friends and her
312:58 thought of what her friends and her brother might be heading into making her
312:59 brother might be heading into making her feel queasy. Galdrich will windfunnel
313:03 feel queasy. Galdrich will windfunnel the rest of you directly from Lis to
313:05 the rest of you directly from Lis to Odin, Ashlin shared. After you have the
313:08 Odin, Ashlin shared. After you have the ring, meet us in Valenia as soon as you
313:10 ring, meet us in Valenia as soon as you can. He won't be able to windfunnel you
313:13 can. He won't be able to windfunnel you again straight away, but we'll figure
313:17 again straight away, but we'll figure something out. Jiren interrupted with a
313:19 something out. Jiren interrupted with a tur nod. Kea could tell he wasn't
313:22 tur nod. Kea could tell he wasn't pleased with the plan. His desperation
313:25 pleased with the plan. His desperation to hurry back and help his city and his
313:27 to hurry back and help his city and his family, conflicting with his knowledge
313:30 family, conflicting with his knowledge that the final ring would allow them to
313:32 that the final ring would allow them to even the odds. not just in creating
313:35 even the odds. not just in creating their own anomaly soldiers, but also in
313:38 their own anomaly soldiers, but also in Jiren himself being able to battle magic
313:41 Jiren himself being able to battle magic with magic. "I know it's hard," Ashlin
313:45 with magic. "I know it's hard," Ashlin said, seeing Jiren's inner turmoil. "But
313:48 said, seeing Jiren's inner turmoil. "But try to remember that even without magic,
313:51 try to remember that even without magic, our soldiers are well-trained and
313:54 our soldiers are well-trained and unafraid. They'll be able to handle
313:56 unafraid. They'll be able to handle themselves, and Varys will keep the
313:58 themselves, and Varys will keep the royal guard strong. You've got time,
314:02 royal guard strong. You've got time, just not
314:03 just not much. That time will become considerably
314:06 much. That time will become considerably shorter once Navoc arrives, Jiren said
314:10 shorter once Navoc arrives, Jiren said tightly. I doubt he'll wait long before
314:12 tightly. I doubt he'll wait long before ordering his anomalies to attack. So get
314:16 ordering his anomalies to attack. So get there before him, Ashlin said
314:19 there before him, Ashlin said pointedly. Maybe he doesn't plan for
314:21 pointedly. Maybe he doesn't plan for them to attack, Kea said. Maybe they're
314:25 them to attack, Kea said. Maybe they're just there to look intimidating and make
314:28 just there to look intimidating and make us think they're going to
314:30 us think they're going to attack. The incredulous looks both Jiren
314:33 attack. The incredulous looks both Jiren and Ashlin sent her made her blush. "You
314:36 and Ashlin sent her made her blush. "You never know," she mumbled. Despite her
314:39 never know," she mumbled. Despite her embarrassment, she was relieved to see
314:42 embarrassment, she was relieved to see Jiren's lips twitch just slightly. "If
314:46 Jiren's lips twitch just slightly. "If nothing else, she'd managed to ease his
314:48 nothing else, she'd managed to ease his tension, even if only for a moment.
314:51 tension, even if only for a moment. We need to get off this mountain, Ashlin
314:55 We need to get off this mountain, Ashlin said, beckoning them out of the cave. I
314:57 said, beckoning them out of the cave. I couldn't windfunnel up here earlier
315:00 couldn't windfunnel up here earlier because the weather was so bad. But we
315:02 because the weather was so bad. But we at least managed to have someone collect
315:04 at least managed to have someone collect your horses, and they're already back at
315:06 your horses, and they're already back at the palace. Everyone is waiting, ready
315:09 the palace. Everyone is waiting, ready to leave as soon as we get down there.
315:13 to leave as soon as we get down there. While Kea felt physically ill at the
315:15 While Kea felt physically ill at the thought of Valenia being under threat of
315:17 thought of Valenia being under threat of attack, she was grateful Ashlin's
315:20 attack, she was grateful Ashlin's arrival meant they wouldn't have to
315:22 arrival meant they wouldn't have to negotiate the steep descent. Her
315:24 negotiate the steep descent. Her expression must have said as much since
315:26 expression must have said as much since Jiren's lips gave another twitch. His
315:29 Jiren's lips gave another twitch. His features remained tense, and Kea doubted
315:32 features remained tense, and Kea doubted they would change anytime soon, but it
315:35 they would change anytime soon, but it was clear he was choosing to focus on
315:37 was clear he was choosing to focus on what they could control rather than
315:39 what they could control rather than spiraling into his own dread.
315:42 spiraling into his own dread. Seeing that, Kea gave his hand a
315:44 Seeing that, Kea gave his hand a reassuring squeeze as they followed
315:47 reassuring squeeze as they followed Ashlin out into the open, silently,
315:49 Ashlin out into the open, silently, telling him she was with him and they
315:52 telling him she was with him and they would get through whatever was coming
315:54 would get through whatever was coming together. His face gentled in response,
315:58 together. His face gentled in response, and he drew their joined hands up to
316:00 and he drew their joined hands up to press a quick, grateful kiss to her
316:02 press a quick, grateful kiss to her knuckles, right as Ashlin stopped
316:04 knuckles, right as Ashlin stopped walking and turned back toward them. The
316:07 walking and turned back toward them. The princess's eyebrows shot upward, but all
316:09 princess's eyebrows shot upward, but all she said was, "It's about time." before
316:13 she said was, "It's about time." before summoning her magic and windfunneling
316:15 summoning her magic and windfunneling them
316:16 them away. The distance between Mount Nebu
316:19 away. The distance between Mount Nebu and Lis was so short that it only took a
316:22 and Lis was so short that it only took a few seconds of windy disorientation
316:24 few seconds of windy disorientation before they landed in front of the
316:26 before they landed in front of the Cristine Palace, where they found all
316:28 Cristine Palace, where they found all their horses saddled and ready to go,
316:31 their horses saddled and ready to go, Zephr and Nightshade included. To and
316:34 Zephr and Nightshade included. To and Idrin were talking with a pair of grooms
316:36 Idrin were talking with a pair of grooms who were handing over the reigns to the
316:38 who were handing over the reigns to the spare mounts Issa had offered. But aside
316:40 spare mounts Issa had offered. But aside from them, Cresta was the only member of
316:43 from them, Cresta was the only member of their traveling party in sight. Finally,
316:47 their traveling party in sight. Finally, the redhead cried, stomping over to meet
316:49 the redhead cried, stomping over to meet them. What were you doing up there?
316:51 them. What were you doing up there? Baking a
316:52 Baking a cake. Kea pressed her lips together,
316:55 cake. Kea pressed her lips together, knowing now wasn't the time to laugh.
316:58 knowing now wasn't the time to laugh. Ca, however, caught her mirth and
317:01 Ca, however, caught her mirth and frowned. Did you miss the part where
317:03 frowned. Did you miss the part where Navic and Saraphene are on their way to
317:05 Navic and Saraphene are on their way to Valenia? What about that is funny to
317:08 Valenia? What about that is funny to you. Sarah is with Navic? Jiren asked.
317:12 you. Sarah is with Navic? Jiren asked. That's what Isa's messenger heard.
317:15 That's what Isa's messenger heard. Ashlin answered. We can't know for sure.
317:19 Ashlin answered. We can't know for sure. She's with him. Crest's voice was hard
317:22 She's with him. Crest's voice was hard with certainty. If anyone is a bastard
317:25 with certainty. If anyone is a bastard enough to drag their defenseless sister
317:26 enough to drag their defenseless sister into battle, it's him. Before Kea could
317:30 into battle, it's him. Before Kea could question Cresta's unexpected vehements,
317:33 question Cresta's unexpected vehements, Calden appeared through the open palace
317:35 Calden appeared through the open palace doors with Tip, Nari, and Galdrich close
317:38 doors with Tip, Nari, and Galdrich close behind him. The latter three appeared
317:41 behind him. The latter three appeared relieved to see that Ashlin had returned
317:43 relieved to see that Ashlin had returned with Ka and Jiren. But Calden Kea could
317:47 with Ka and Jiren. But Calden Kea could only stare as he stormed down the palace
317:50 only stare as he stormed down the palace steps toward them, his face a mask of
317:52 steps toward them, his face a mask of fury. He came to a stop before where she
317:55 fury. He came to a stop before where she stood with Jiren, his cobalt eyes
317:57 stood with Jiren, his cobalt eyes spearing his cousin as he demanded, "Was
318:00 spearing his cousin as he demanded, "Was it worth
318:01 it worth it?" Baffled, Kea looked to Jiren, who
318:05 it?" Baffled, Kea looked to Jiren, who answered with two short, calm words. "It
318:08 answered with two short, calm words. "It was." That was when Caldon's gaze
318:11 was." That was when Caldon's gaze flicked down to where their hands were
318:13 flicked down to where their hands were still linked, his anger bleeding away in
318:15 still linked, his anger bleeding away in an instant. But still, he jabbed a
318:18 an instant. But still, he jabbed a finger at Jiren and said, "You could
318:20 finger at Jiren and said, "You could have just asked, [ __ ] You think I
318:23 have just asked, [ __ ] You think I wanted to climb the damned mountain? You
318:25 wanted to climb the damned mountain? You didn't need to knock me out, especially
318:27 didn't need to knock me out, especially when you know how sick undiluted
318:29 when you know how sick undiluted Moredine makes me. I puked for half the
318:33 Moredine makes me. I puked for half the morning. Despite his words, he yanked
318:36 morning. Despite his words, he yanked both Ka and Jiren into a fierce
318:38 both Ka and Jiren into a fierce three-way hug. "You're both idiots," he
318:42 three-way hug. "You're both idiots," he grumbled into their ears. "I don't know
318:44 grumbled into their ears. "I don't know why I love you. Frankly, I deserve
318:47 why I love you. Frankly, I deserve better."
318:49 better." He then released them to place loud
318:51 He then released them to place loud smacking kisses on first Kea's and then
318:54 smacking kisses on first Kea's and then Jiren's cheeks before saying, "No more
318:57 Jiren's cheeks before saying, "No more lovers spats. My poor little heart can't
319:01 lovers spats. My poor little heart can't take
319:02 take it." Kea stood stunned for a moment
319:05 it." Kea stood stunned for a moment before she turned to Jiren. A question
319:08 before she turned to Jiren. A question and an accusation in her eyes. Flushing
319:11 and an accusation in her eyes. Flushing slightly, he confessed. I may have
319:14 slightly, he confessed. I may have fibbed a little about Cal overmbing at
319:18 fibbed a little about Cal overmbing at the party. Calvin snorted and muttered,
319:21 the party. Calvin snorted and muttered, "Over embibing my O." Kea's eyes
319:25 "Over embibing my O." Kea's eyes remained on Jiren, watching him squirm.
319:28 remained on Jiren, watching him squirm. Even with the threat they had just
319:30 Even with the threat they had just learned about, he still had it in him to
319:32 learned about, he still had it in him to be worried about her reaction. Seeing
319:34 be worried about her reaction. Seeing that, knowing he'd been so desperate to
319:37 that, knowing he'd been so desperate to get her alone that he drugged Calden,
319:40 get her alone that he drugged Calden, Kea couldn't help but shift up onto her
319:42 Kea couldn't help but shift up onto her toes and press a light, tender kiss to
319:45 toes and press a light, tender kiss to his lips.
319:48 his lips. "Yes!" Before either of them could
319:50 "Yes!" Before either of them could react, Tip tackled them, nearly sending
319:53 react, Tip tackled them, nearly sending them to the ground, his arms locked
319:55 them to the ground, his arms locked around them, and he began jumping up and
319:58 around them, and he began jumping up and down, beaming so wide Kea was sure it
320:01 down, beaming so wide Kea was sure it must have hurt.
320:03 must have hurt. Don't rush, Cresta said. It's not like
320:06 Don't rush, Cresta said. It's not like we're in a hurry or
320:08 we're in a hurry or anything. Her words were sharp, but when
320:11 anything. Her words were sharp, but when Ka looked over, she found happiness in
320:14 Ka looked over, she found happiness in Cresa's hazel gaze. The redhead had seen
320:17 Cresa's hazel gaze. The redhead had seen Ka at her absolute worst, had known how
320:21 Ka at her absolute worst, had known how devastated she'd been from having lost
320:23 devastated she'd been from having lost Jiren, and therefore understood better
320:25 Jiren, and therefore understood better than anyone just how much it meant to
320:28 than anyone just how much it meant to Kea to have him back now. But still,
320:31 Kea to have him back now. But still, Cresta was right. They did need to be on
320:34 Cresta was right. They did need to be on their way. Together, Jiren and Kea
320:38 their way. Together, Jiren and Kea gently loosened Tip's grip until he was
320:41 gently loosened Tip's grip until he was standing on his own, still with a
320:43 standing on his own, still with a blinding grin on his face. He seemed to
320:46 blinding grin on his face. He seemed to realize, though, that it wasn't the time
320:48 realize, though, that it wasn't the time to celebrate, and managed to re in his
320:51 to celebrate, and managed to re in his delight as Galdrich stepped forward.
320:54 delight as Galdrich stepped forward. "Did you get the ring?" the ex-rebel
320:57 "Did you get the ring?" the ex-rebel leader asked, his hair escaping its
321:00 leader asked, his hair escaping its leather tie to fall in wisps around his
321:02 leather tie to fall in wisps around his fatigued face. Kea wondered if he was
321:05 fatigued face. Kea wondered if he was strong enough to windfunnel them again
321:07 strong enough to windfunnel them again so soon and prayed he could get them
321:10 so soon and prayed he could get them straight to Ardan as planned. "We did,"
321:14 straight to Ardan as planned. "We did," Jarn confirmed just as Ashlin, Adren,
321:17 Jarn confirmed just as Ashlin, Adren, and Terrell joined their group, leading
321:19 and Terrell joined their group, leading their horses and their spares. "Time to
321:22 their horses and their spares. "Time to go," the princess said. She moved to her
321:25 go," the princess said. She moved to her brother, pulling him into a quick, tight
321:27 brother, pulling him into a quick, tight embrace before doing the same to Jiren,
321:30 embrace before doing the same to Jiren, rolling her eyes when they both made her
321:32 rolling her eyes when they both made her promise to be careful. It was easy to
321:35 promise to be careful. It was easy to forget she was the general of Avalon's
321:38 forget she was the general of Avalon's armies. Right now, she was just a
321:41 armies. Right now, she was just a sister, cousin, and
321:43 sister, cousin, and friend. Kea had seen Ashlin fight. She
321:47 friend. Kea had seen Ashlin fight. She knew the princess could handle herself.
321:49 knew the princess could handle herself. But as she watched her mount spirit and
321:51 But as she watched her mount spirit and prepared to depart, that didn't make the
321:54 prepared to depart, that didn't make the fear Kea felt for her any less. The fear
321:57 fear Kea felt for her any less. The fear she felt for all of them. "See you in a
322:01 she felt for all of them. "See you in a few days," Idrren said his only goodbye
322:04 few days," Idrren said his only goodbye to the group, though he did meet Ka's
322:07 to the group, though he did meet Ka's eyes, then slide his gaze to Jiren
322:10 eyes, then slide his gaze to Jiren before grinning at them both.
322:12 before grinning at them both. It was the first time Ka had ever seen
322:15 It was the first time Ka had ever seen him smile, the expression enough to
322:18 him smile, the expression enough to dazzle her until Jiren gave a pointed
322:20 dazzle her until Jiren gave a pointed cough. She blushed and turned to see the
322:23 cough. She blushed and turned to see the amusement in his gaze, which only
322:25 amusement in his gaze, which only prompted her blush to deepen. There's a
322:28 prompted her blush to deepen. There's a reason I prefers his solitude. Jiren
322:31 reason I prefers his solitude. Jiren said just to her, humor threading his
322:34 said just to her, humor threading his tone. When he's not careful, he ends up
322:38 tone. When he's not careful, he ends up swamped by admirers.
322:40 swamped by admirers. Kea could believe that since she was
322:43 Kea could believe that since she was still fighting the powerful effect from
322:45 still fighting the powerful effect from just one smile, but she gave herself a
322:48 just one smile, but she gave herself a mental shake as her brother approached
322:50 mental shake as her brother approached and left Jiren's side so they could have
322:52 and left Jiren's side so they could have a moment of
322:53 a moment of privacy. To opened his mouth, but Kea
322:56 privacy. To opened his mouth, but Kea got in first to say, "Promise me you
322:59 got in first to say, "Promise me you won't do anything
323:00 won't do anything stupid." His emerald eyes were solemn,
323:03 stupid." His emerald eyes were solemn, but there was a hint of mirth there,
323:05 but there was a hint of mirth there, too, as he replied, "Define stupid.
323:10 too, as he replied, "Define stupid. I'm serious. Kea said Ashlin says you're
323:13 I'm serious. Kea said Ashlin says you're going to try and rally the rebels, but
323:16 going to try and rally the rebels, but if it doesn't work, if they won't
323:18 if it doesn't work, if they won't listen, if Zelica comes after you, I
323:22 listen, if Zelica comes after you, I promise, to said softly. As long as you
323:25 promise, to said softly. As long as you promise, too. I'm not the one riding
323:28 promise, too. I'm not the one riding into danger, Kea said, tacking on a
323:32 into danger, Kea said, tacking on a silent yet.
323:34 silent yet. ignoring Zelica. If Navic's anomalies
323:37 ignoring Zelica. If Navic's anomalies attack, you'll be fighting against
323:39 attack, you'll be fighting against elemental magic. That's a battle not
323:43 elemental magic. That's a battle not even you have faced. We've been training
323:46 even you have faced. We've been training for this. Tor reminded her. You don't
323:48 for this. Tor reminded her. You don't have to worry about me. You're my
323:51 have to worry about me. You're my brother. I'll always worry about
323:55 brother. I'll always worry about you. There was nothing to could say to
323:57 you. There was nothing to could say to that. So, he just opened his arms,
324:00 that. So, he just opened his arms, pulling her into his strong embrace. She
324:03 pulling her into his strong embrace. She wanted to keep holding on to keep him
324:05 wanted to keep holding on to keep him safe where she could always see him. But
324:08 safe where she could always see him. But they were both aware that everyone was
324:10 they were both aware that everyone was waiting, so they quickly broke apart and
324:13 waiting, so they quickly broke apart and returned to the
324:14 returned to the group. Once there, Terrell looked
324:17 group. Once there, Terrell looked straight at Jiren and said, "Protect
324:20 straight at Jiren and said, "Protect her." More serious than Ka had ever seen
324:23 her." More serious than Ka had ever seen him, Jiren replied, "With my life."
324:28 him, Jiren replied, "With my life." Ka would have huffed and reminded them
324:30 Ka would have huffed and reminded them that she'd survived for a decade in a
324:33 that she'd survived for a decade in a death prison if not for the meaningful
324:35 death prison if not for the meaningful look that was being shared between them.
324:38 look that was being shared between them. Something that made her heart ache and
324:40 Something that made her heart ache and feel full at the same
324:42 feel full at the same time. When they finally nodded to each
324:44 time. When they finally nodded to each other, it wasn't just as two people who
324:47 other, it wasn't just as two people who cared deeply for her. It was also as two
324:50 cared deeply for her. It was also as two leaders, two warriors, two princes.
324:54 leaders, two warriors, two princes. They had each earned the others respect,
324:58 They had each earned the others respect, maybe even more than that, because after
325:00 maybe even more than that, because after everything they'd been through, there
325:02 everything they'd been through, there was friendship there,
325:04 was friendship there, too. Tears burned Ka's eyes, but she
325:07 too. Tears burned Ka's eyes, but she didn't let them fall. "Love you, Mouse,"
325:11 didn't let them fall. "Love you, Mouse," To said, mounting his horse and backing
325:13 To said, mounting his horse and backing away. "We'll be together again before
325:16 away. "We'll be together again before you know it." With that, he signaled to
325:19 you know it." With that, he signaled to Ashlin, and she summoned her magic,
325:22 Ashlin, and she summoned her magic, windfunneling the three of them out of
325:25 windfunneling the three of them out of sight. Kea released a slow breath and
325:28 sight. Kea released a slow breath and then looked to what remained of their
325:30 then looked to what remained of their group. "Our turn," Nari declared,
325:34 group. "Our turn," Nari declared, leading Zephr and Nightshade over to Kea
325:36 leading Zephr and Nightshade over to Kea and Jiren. "Everyone
325:39 and Jiren. "Everyone ready?" At their confirmation, Galdrich
325:42 ready?" At their confirmation, Galdrich stepped forward and Kea tightened her
325:44 stepped forward and Kea tightened her grip on Zephr's reigns. The magic still
325:47 grip on Zephr's reigns. The magic still hit her like a wall before lifting her
325:50 hit her like a wall before lifting her into the air, the unpleasantness of the
325:52 into the air, the unpleasantness of the wind travel never
325:54 wind travel never diminishing. Unlike the trip down from
325:57 diminishing. Unlike the trip down from the mountain, the distance between Lis
325:59 the mountain, the distance between Lis and Ardan was considerable enough that
326:02 and Ardan was considerable enough that when they finally landed outside the
326:04 when they finally landed outside the forest city, Ka had to lean against
326:06 forest city, Ka had to lean against Zephyr until her head stopped spinning.
326:09 Zephyr until her head stopped spinning. For the first time ever, he didn't try
326:12 For the first time ever, he didn't try to bite her. She would have crowed with
326:14 to bite her. She would have crowed with glee if their circumstances hadn't been
326:17 glee if their circumstances hadn't been so dire and instead turned her attention
326:20 so dire and instead turned her attention to their final
326:22 to their final destination. Narin was a kingdom known
326:25 destination. Narin was a kingdom known for its lush forests, so it was
326:28 for its lush forests, so it was unsurprising to see its capital
326:30 unsurprising to see its capital surrounded by enough vegetation that it
326:32 surrounded by enough vegetation that it was difficult to tell where the woods
326:34 was difficult to tell where the woods ended and the city began. Even the
326:37 ended and the city began. Even the buildings looked as if they were carved
326:39 buildings looked as if they were carved out of nature, with cylindrical bases
326:41 out of nature, with cylindrical bases meeting round rooftops, the heights and
326:44 meeting round rooftops, the heights and widths differing, all colored in earthy
326:47 widths differing, all colored in earthy greens and browns and
326:49 greens and browns and yellows. Marveling at the view, Kea
326:52 yellows. Marveling at the view, Kea thought there was something
326:53 thought there was something otherworldly, almost magical about
326:56 otherworldly, almost magical about Ardan, especially with the luminium orbs
326:59 Ardan, especially with the luminium orbs threaded along the moss lined streets
327:01 threaded along the moss lined streets like fireflies among the trees. And then
327:04 like fireflies among the trees. And then there was the enchanting palace itself,
327:07 there was the enchanting palace itself, rising high over everything like a
327:10 rising high over everything like a multileveled golden mushroom glinting in
327:13 multileveled golden mushroom glinting in the fading afternoon
327:15 the fading afternoon light. It looks like a fairy tale city.
327:20 light. It looks like a fairy tale city. Tip breathed. Kea nodded, sharing his
327:24 Tip breathed. Kea nodded, sharing his wonder. More than any other place they
327:26 wonder. More than any other place they had visited, she was eager to venture
327:29 had visited, she was eager to venture forth along the woodsy paths, twisting
327:31 forth along the woodsy paths, twisting toward the palace. But neither she nor
327:34 toward the palace. But neither she nor her companions had the chance to so much
327:36 her companions had the chance to so much as mount their horses before a group of
327:39 as mount their horses before a group of green armored guards rode out through a
327:41 green armored guards rode out through a large timber gate to intercept them. And
327:45 large timber gate to intercept them. And it wasn't just guards. At their center
327:48 it wasn't just guards. At their center was a matronly woman with a flower crown
327:50 was a matronly woman with a flower crown braided into her gray hair, her eyes a
327:53 braided into her gray hair, her eyes a startling amethyst, her gown a pure
327:56 startling amethyst, her gown a pure shining white, her bearing making her
327:59 shining white, her bearing making her seemed just as ethereal as the forest
328:01 seemed just as ethereal as the forest city she had come
328:03 city she had come from. "Queen Laura," Jarn said, bowing
328:07 from. "Queen Laura," Jarn said, bowing deep. It was the first time in all their
328:10 deep. It was the first time in all their travels that he'd used an honorific for
328:12 travels that he'd used an honorific for any of the foreign rulers, as if he was
328:14 any of the foreign rulers, as if he was deliberately trying to keep a polite
328:16 deliberately trying to keep a polite distance between
328:17 distance between them. "Jarand dearest," she said, her
328:22 them. "Jarand dearest," she said, her voice like chimes in the wind. "I've
328:24 voice like chimes in the wind. "I've known you since you were a babe. How
328:27 known you since you were a babe. How many times do I have to tell you to call
328:29 many times do I have to tell you to call me Aunt
328:31 me Aunt Lori?" Calvin coughed into his hand, but
328:34 Lori?" Calvin coughed into his hand, but was unable to fully hide his mirth. Even
328:37 was unable to fully hide his mirth. Even Ka had trouble repressing hers when she
328:39 Ka had trouble repressing hers when she saw Jiren's discomfort, remembering how
328:42 saw Jiren's discomfort, remembering how Ashlin had said the queen adored him. Ka
328:46 Ashlin had said the queen adored him. Ka had envisioned something very different
328:48 had envisioned something very different and from someone much
328:50 and from someone much younger. Queen Laura didn't wait for his
328:53 younger. Queen Laura didn't wait for his response before she went on. I was out
328:56 response before she went on. I was out riding with my guards when I saw you
328:58 riding with my guards when I saw you arrive in a What was that? A
329:01 arrive in a What was that? A whirlwind? Her wrinkled forehead creased
329:04 whirlwind? Her wrinkled forehead creased with uncertainty, but she shrugged as if
329:07 with uncertainty, but she shrugged as if it hadn't been the strangest thing she
329:09 it hadn't been the strangest thing she had ever seen, and continued, "My
329:12 had ever seen, and continued, "My curiosity was too peaked for me to wait.
329:15 curiosity was too peaked for me to wait. I simply had to come and see what
329:17 I simply had to come and see what brought you to me so
329:19 brought you to me so unexpectedly." She turned to Calvin. "Ye
329:22 unexpectedly." She turned to Calvin. "Ye must have grown at least 3 in since I
329:24 must have grown at least 3 in since I last saw you, young man. You never come
329:27 last saw you, young man. You never come visit me anymore."
329:29 visit me anymore." Allergies," Calvin said with a straight
329:32 Allergies," Calvin said with a straight face. This time it was Kea who had to
329:36 face. This time it was Kea who had to cough, unintentionally drawing the
329:38 cough, unintentionally drawing the queen's gaze, but her amethyst eyes only
329:41 queen's gaze, but her amethyst eyes only lingered briefly before she peered
329:43 lingered briefly before she peered around the rest of the group from Nari,
329:45 around the rest of the group from Nari, who she likely already knew, to Tip,
329:48 who she likely already knew, to Tip, Cresta, and Galdrich.
329:50 Cresta, and Galdrich. Only then did she look back at Jiren and
329:53 Only then did she look back at Jiren and ask, "Would you care to explain your
329:55 ask, "Would you care to explain your presence, or would you and your friends
329:58 presence, or would you and your friends prefer to ride back with me, and we can
330:00 prefer to ride back with me, and we can catch up properly over
330:03 catch up properly over tea?" Since Laura was still a top her
330:06 tea?" Since Laura was still a top her horse, Jiren had to continue looking up
330:08 horse, Jiren had to continue looking up at her from beside Nightshade as he
330:10 at her from beside Nightshade as he answered. Unfortunately, this isn't a
330:14 answered. Unfortunately, this isn't a social call. We have to return to
330:16 social call. We have to return to Valenia as quickly as possible. He
330:19 Valenia as quickly as possible. He didn't ask if she'd heard any rumors
330:21 didn't ask if she'd heard any rumors about Eveon in recent weeks or recent
330:24 about Eveon in recent weeks or recent days, and only said, "We came for Ser's
330:28 days, and only said, "We came for Ser's ring. Do you have
330:30 ring. Do you have it?" The brevity of his request, in
330:33 it?" The brevity of his request, in comparison to their three prior cities,
330:35 comparison to their three prior cities, reminded Kea of how urgently they needed
330:37 reminded Kea of how urgently they needed to be on their way. She waited nervously
330:40 to be on their way. She waited nervously for the queen's response, fearing yet
330:43 for the queen's response, fearing yet another time-consuming challenge awaited
330:45 another time-consuming challenge awaited them. But Laura only cocked her head to
330:48 them. But Laura only cocked her head to the side, a furrow forming between her
330:50 the side, a furrow forming between her brows as she asked, "Sir's
330:53 brows as she asked, "Sir's ring." Dread instantly flooded Ka. If
330:57 ring." Dread instantly flooded Ka. If Laura didn't know about the ring, if it
331:00 Laura didn't know about the ring, if it had been lost to
331:02 had been lost to time, she gave it to your family long
331:06 time, she gave it to your family long ago," Jarn said as if hoping to jog her
331:09 ago," Jarn said as if hoping to jog her memory. His voice was steady, but Kea
331:12 memory. His voice was steady, but Kea knew his pulse must be pounding as fast
331:14 knew his pulse must be pounding as fast as hers, and the same for the rest of
331:17 as hers, and the same for the rest of their group, all of whom were dead
331:19 their group, all of whom were dead silent. "It's vitally important that we
331:22 silent. "It's vitally important that we retrieve it," Jiren went on. "So, if you
331:25 retrieve it," Jiren went on. "So, if you know where it is," Laura just shook her
331:28 know where it is," Laura just shook her head, causing Kea's dread to grow. But
331:32 head, causing Kea's dread to grow. But then the queen arched a gray eyebrow and
331:34 then the queen arched a gray eyebrow and said, "You already know where the ring
331:36 said, "You already know where the ring is, darling boy. Sir never gave it to my
331:40 is, darling boy. Sir never gave it to my family. She was going to, but she
331:43 family. She was going to, but she decided to keep it in
331:45 decided to keep it in yours. For a moment, the only sounds Ka
331:48 yours. For a moment, the only sounds Ka heard were the buzzing of insects and
331:50 heard were the buzzing of insects and the chirping of birds overhead, the
331:53 the chirping of birds overhead, the normally relaxing forest noises doing
331:55 normally relaxing forest noises doing nothing to soothe the panic that Laura's
331:58 nothing to soothe the panic that Laura's statement caused within her. because
332:00 statement caused within her. because with it came a memory, a golden ring on
332:04 with it came a memory, a golden ring on Queen Ariana's finger, the royal
332:07 Queen Ariana's finger, the royal signant, one part of the royal turnery,
332:11 signant, one part of the royal turnery, which had been stolen by Zelica, and
332:14 which had been stolen by Zelica, and then worn by Mirin the last time Kea had
332:16 then worn by Mirin the last time Kea had seen them both in the dungeons beneath
332:18 seen them both in the dungeons beneath the river
332:19 the river palace. Kea turned woodenly to Jiren,
332:23 palace. Kea turned woodenly to Jiren, seeing the shocked realization on his
332:25 seeing the shocked realization on his own face. That can't be right, he said
332:29 own face. That can't be right, he said almost desperately. The signate doesn't
332:31 almost desperately. The signate doesn't channel
332:33 channel magic. None of the rings do without each
332:36 magic. None of the rings do without each other, Galdrich murmured, his voice
332:39 other, Galdrich murmured, his voice weak. On their own, you would never know
332:43 weak. On their own, you would never know what they're capable
332:45 what they're capable of. Kea looked closely at him for the
332:48 of. Kea looked closely at him for the first time since they'd arrived in
332:49 first time since they'd arrived in Ardan, noting that he was swaying on the
332:52 Ardan, noting that he was swaying on the spot with sweat dotting his forehead.
332:55 spot with sweat dotting his forehead. windfunneling twice in two days had
332:58 windfunneling twice in two days had taken too much out of him, but he shook
333:00 taken too much out of him, but he shook his head when he caught her worried
333:02 his head when he caught her worried look, reminding her that they had more
333:04 look, reminding her that they had more immediate
333:05 immediate concerns. "We need to ride for Valenia
333:08 concerns. "We need to ride for Valenia right now," Jiren said in a hard voice.
333:11 right now," Jiren said in a hard voice. "I don't know how we'll get the ring
333:12 "I don't know how we'll get the ring from Zelica, but we Zelica doesn't have
333:16 from Zelica, but we Zelica doesn't have it," Kea croked out, drawing all their
333:19 it," Kea croked out, drawing all their eyes. "Mirin does." Both Nari and Calden
333:24 eyes. "Mirin does." Both Nari and Calden swore, but Ka thought their odds of
333:27 swore, but Ka thought their odds of taking it from Meirn were better than
333:29 taking it from Meirn were better than their odds of stealing it from
333:31 their odds of stealing it from Zelica. Jiren seemed to be in agreement,
333:34 Zelica. Jiren seemed to be in agreement, since his face, though pale, was
333:38 since his face, though pale, was determined. "Would someone care to fill
333:40 determined. "Would someone care to fill me in?" Queen Laura asked mildly.
333:44 me in?" Queen Laura asked mildly. "Jiren, darling." "I'm sorry, but we
333:48 "Jiren, darling." "I'm sorry, but we can't stay." Jiren interrupted, swinging
333:51 can't stay." Jiren interrupted, swinging up onto his horse. Kea and the others
333:54 up onto his horse. Kea and the others quickly followed his lead. Please
333:56 quickly followed his lead. Please forgive us. We must
333:59 forgive us. We must go. Ignoring royal etiquette or any
334:02 go. Ignoring royal etiquette or any etiquette, he spun nightshade in the
334:05 etiquette, he spun nightshade in the opposite direction to Ardan and took off
334:08 opposite direction to Ardan and took off down the forest path with Ka, Calvin,
334:11 down the forest path with Ka, Calvin, Nari, Tip, Cresta, and Galdrich close
334:15 Nari, Tip, Cresta, and Galdrich close behind him.
334:17 behind him. At any other time, Ka would have been
334:19 At any other time, Ka would have been disappointed about not venturing into
334:21 disappointed about not venturing into the tree city, but now her only thought
334:24 the tree city, but now her only thought was to wonder how quickly they could
334:26 was to wonder how quickly they could make it back to Valenia. Even if they
334:29 make it back to Valenia. Even if they rode hard all day and night, it would
334:32 rode hard all day and night, it would still take them days to cross the border
334:34 still take them days to cross the border into Avalon, and days more before they
334:37 into Avalon, and days more before they reached the capital. And now they
334:40 reached the capital. And now they wouldn't even be arriving with the hand
334:42 wouldn't even be arriving with the hand of the gods. Nor would they be returning
334:44 of the gods. Nor would they be returning with Jiren in possession of his magic.
334:47 with Jiren in possession of his magic. Everything needed for a chance at
334:49 Everything needed for a chance at keeping their kingdom safe, was still
334:51 keeping their kingdom safe, was still before them. The uncertainty, enough to
334:54 before them. The uncertainty, enough to make Ka's knees weak. But she tightened
334:57 make Ka's knees weak. But she tightened her thighs around Zephyr and silenced
334:59 her thighs around Zephyr and silenced her troubled mind. With any luck,
335:02 her troubled mind. With any luck, Galdrich would regain his strength
335:03 Galdrich would regain his strength quickly and be able to windfunnel them a
335:06 quickly and be able to windfunnel them a large portion of the way. That was her
335:08 large portion of the way. That was her hope, desperate as it
335:11 hope, desperate as it was. Hours passed as they hurried
335:14 was. Hours passed as they hurried through the thick narine forests, none
335:16 through the thick narine forests, none of them speaking, taking only the
335:18 of them speaking, taking only the shortest of breaks to rest their horses
335:20 shortest of breaks to rest their horses before setting off again. When night
335:22 before setting off again. When night fell, they didn't stop, using the glow
335:25 fell, they didn't stop, using the glow of Kea's magic to keep from riding head
335:28 of Kea's magic to keep from riding head first into any trees. Only when their
335:30 first into any trees. Only when their horses were in desperate need of a
335:32 horses were in desperate need of a proper breather did they finally take a
335:34 proper breather did they finally take a longer break, grabbing a few short hours
335:37 longer break, grabbing a few short hours of sleep, though Ka was unsure if any of
335:40 of sleep, though Ka was unsure if any of them really
335:42 them really slept. Anxiety was thick in the air as
335:45 slept. Anxiety was thick in the air as the first traces of dawn had them up and
335:48 the first traces of dawn had them up and ready to go again. Kea wished she could
335:50 ready to go again. Kea wished she could offer comfort to her friends, especially
335:53 offer comfort to her friends, especially to Jiren, who was tenser than she'd ever
335:55 to Jiren, who was tenser than she'd ever seen him. And then there was Galdrich,
335:59 seen him. And then there was Galdrich, who, while no longer swaying, was
336:02 who, while no longer swaying, was clearly struggling with the pace of
336:03 clearly struggling with the pace of their ride. Tip, too, looked as if he
336:06 their ride. Tip, too, looked as if he was about to topple right off his pony,
336:08 was about to topple right off his pony, but he stubbornly claimed he was fine
336:11 but he stubbornly claimed he was fine when Ka asked if he needed more time to
336:13 when Ka asked if he needed more time to rest. Aside from Jiren, only Calvin,
336:16 rest. Aside from Jiren, only Calvin, Nari, and Cresta were handling the
336:18 Nari, and Cresta were handling the arduous journey, and that was with Ka
336:21 arduous journey, and that was with Ka sending her healing magic into everyone
336:23 sending her healing magic into everyone at regular intervals, easing their tired
336:26 at regular intervals, easing their tired muscles and boosting their energy.
336:29 muscles and boosting their energy. Unfortunately, Ka's power could do
336:32 Unfortunately, Ka's power could do nothing to help replenish Galdrich's
336:34 nothing to help replenish Galdrich's magic. But finally, halfway through
336:37 magic. But finally, halfway through their third day of hard travel, right
336:39 their third day of hard travel, right when Ka herself wondered how much longer
336:42 when Ka herself wondered how much longer she would be able to last, he pulled
336:44 she would be able to last, he pulled them up and said, "I think I can
336:47 them up and said, "I think I can windfunnel us now. I won't be able to
336:50 windfunnel us now. I won't be able to take us the whole way, but I'll get us
336:53 take us the whole way, but I'll get us as close as
336:55 as close as possible." A collective sigh came from
336:58 possible." A collective sigh came from their group, and they quickly dismounted
337:00 their group, and they quickly dismounted and bunched together. His wind magic
337:03 and bunched together. His wind magic swept them up, more violent than ever
337:06 swept them up, more violent than ever before, as he strained for every mile.
337:10 before, as he strained for every mile. When they finally landed at the edge of
337:12 When they finally landed at the edge of a different forest, Kea swallowed her
337:14 a different forest, Kea swallowed her nausea and hurried to Galdri<unk>'s side
337:17 nausea and hurried to Galdri<unk>'s side right as he dropped to the ground. "I'm
337:20 right as he dropped to the ground. "I'm all right," he said, panting hard and
337:23 all right," he said, panting hard and drenched in sweat. "I just need a
337:28 drenched in sweat. "I just need a minute."
337:29 minute." You need more than a minute, Ka said
337:32 You need more than a minute, Ka said sternly. She sent her magic into him,
337:35 sternly. She sent her magic into him, but other than slowing his raging pulse
337:38 but other than slowing his raging pulse and bringing color back to his face, it
337:40 and bringing color back to his face, it did little to help. He didn't need
337:43 did little to help. He didn't need healing. He needed
337:45 healing. He needed rest. Kea turned to the others, taking
337:48 rest. Kea turned to the others, taking them all in. Tip was leaning heavily
337:51 them all in. Tip was leaning heavily against Whistlefoot. Both Boy and Pony
337:55 against Whistlefoot. Both Boy and Pony looking as if they were two seconds away
337:56 looking as if they were two seconds away from collapsing. Jiren and Nari were
338:00 from collapsing. Jiren and Nari were pivoting around and murmuring to each
338:02 pivoting around and murmuring to each other, trying to get their bearings.
338:04 other, trying to get their bearings. Cresta had one hand fisted around the
338:06 Cresta had one hand fisted around the sword Adren had given her, the other
338:09 sword Adren had given her, the other clenching a dagger she'd picked up from
338:11 clenching a dagger she'd picked up from someone else along the way, both weapons
338:14 someone else along the way, both weapons sheathed at her waist, but her
338:16 sheathed at her waist, but her expression showing how desperate she was
338:18 expression showing how desperate she was to put them to use. Only Calden was
338:21 to put them to use. Only Calden was looking back at Kea, watching her with
338:23 looking back at Kea, watching her with his brows raised in question.
338:26 his brows raised in question. She was about to share her thoughts, but
338:28 She was about to share her thoughts, but Nari got in first, declaring, "This is a
338:31 Nari got in first, declaring, "This is a Melda forest. I'm sure of it. We're just
338:34 Melda forest. I'm sure of it. We're just outside of Oak
338:37 outside of Oak Hollow." Kea turned, stunned eyes toward
338:40 Hollow." Kea turned, stunned eyes toward Galdrich, amazed he'd managed to
338:42 Galdrich, amazed he'd managed to windfunnel them so far. But then a swarm
338:45 windfunnel them so far. But then a swarm of nerves hit her stomach. Because if
338:48 of nerves hit her stomach. Because if they truly were near Oak Hollow, then
338:51 they truly were near Oak Hollow, then Valenia was only half an hour away. They
338:54 Valenia was only half an hour away. They were so close now. Zelica was so
338:58 were so close now. Zelica was so close. Kea refused to let fear take
339:01 close. Kea refused to let fear take hold. Instead, she said, "Tip and
339:05 hold. Instead, she said, "Tip and Galdrich can't go on like this. They
339:08 Galdrich can't go on like this. They need to rest or they're going to faint
339:10 need to rest or they're going to faint before we reach the city." "We're so
339:13 before we reach the city." "We're so close, though." Ca said, echoing Ka's
339:16 close, though." Ca said, echoing Ka's thoughts, her jaw
339:18 thoughts, her jaw clenching. Ka nodded and stood, walking
339:21 clenching. Ka nodded and stood, walking directly over to Calvin.
339:24 directly over to Calvin. In a quiet voice, she said to him, and
339:27 In a quiet voice, she said to him, and only him, "I need to get to Valenia," "I
339:31 only him, "I need to get to Valenia," "I need to get that ring and use the hand
339:33 need to get that ring and use the hand to give Jiren back his magic. And then I
339:37 to give Jiren back his magic. And then I need to face my sister. This needs to
339:41 need to face my sister. This needs to end." "Why are you telling me what I
339:44 end." "Why are you telling me what I already know?" Calvin asked, his eyes
339:48 already know?" Calvin asked, his eyes narrowing.
339:49 narrowing. because I need you to stay here with Tip
339:52 because I need you to stay here with Tip and
339:53 and Galdrich. He immediately started to
339:56 Galdrich. He immediately started to protest, so she quickly continued. Jiren
339:58 protest, so she quickly continued. Jiren needs to be with me so I can use the
340:00 needs to be with me so I can use the hand on him. And you know, Nari won't
340:03 hand on him. And you know, Nari won't leave his side. As for Cresta, they both
340:06 leave his side. As for Cresta, they both looked at the redhead, who had already
340:08 looked at the redhead, who had already remounted her horse and was ready to
340:10 remounted her horse and was ready to leave with or without
340:12 leave with or without them. She's itching for a fight. She's
340:15 them. She's itching for a fight. She's not going to listen if I ask her to look
340:17 not going to listen if I ask her to look after them.
340:19 after them. Calvin crossed his arms. "And why do you
340:22 Calvin crossed his arms. "And why do you think I'll listen?" "Because you might
340:26 think I'll listen?" "Because you might not feel much for Galdrich aside from
340:28 not feel much for Galdrich aside from respect, but you love Tip like a
340:30 respect, but you love Tip like a brother," Kea said, looking toward the
340:33 brother," Kea said, looking toward the exhausted young boy. His face smeared
340:36 exhausted young boy. His face smeared with travel dust, his hair like a red
340:38 with travel dust, his hair like a red bird's nest. "I need you to get him
340:41 bird's nest. "I need you to get him safely to the city and make sure he's
340:43 safely to the city and make sure he's protected. Both your sword and your
340:46 protected. Both your sword and your magic can ensure that. She locked eyes
340:49 magic can ensure that. She locked eyes with Calden and whispered, "Please, Cal,
340:53 with Calden and whispered, "Please, Cal, I know I'm asking a
340:55 I know I'm asking a lot." At the risk of sounding arrogant,
340:58 lot." At the risk of sounding arrogant, "I'm one of the best fighters in the
341:01 "I'm one of the best fighters in the kingdom," Calen pointed out. "I know.
341:04 kingdom," Calen pointed out. "I know. You trained me," Ka said softly. "And
341:08 You trained me," Ka said softly. "And you're putting me on babysitting duty,"
341:12 you're putting me on babysitting duty," he said flatly.
341:14 he said flatly. Kea chewed her lip and looked down at
341:17 Kea chewed her lip and looked down at the leafy ground. "Compromise," he bit
341:20 the leafy ground. "Compromise," he bit out. "I'll wait until they can move.
341:23 out. "I'll wait until they can move. Then I'll get them to the city and stash
341:25 Then I'll get them to the city and stash them somewhere safe. But then I'm coming
341:29 them somewhere safe. But then I'm coming to you. I don't care what you say.
341:32 to you. I don't care what you say. You're going to need me. And even if you
341:35 You're going to need me. And even if you don't, there's no way in hell I'm going
341:38 don't, there's no way in hell I'm going to let you face your sister on your own.
341:41 to let you face your sister on your own. We're in this together, sunshine. You
341:44 We're in this together, sunshine. You and me. Got
341:47 and me. Got it. Tears blurred Ka's eyes, and she
341:50 it. Tears blurred Ka's eyes, and she lunged forward to embrace Cal,
341:53 lunged forward to embrace Cal, whispering in his ear. "Thank you."
341:56 whispering in his ear. "Thank you." "Gods, why do you always cry when you're
341:59 "Gods, why do you always cry when you're hugging me?" he muttered, patting her on
342:01 hugging me?" he muttered, patting her on the back. "We really have to work on
342:04 the back. "We really have to work on that." She eased away from him, smiling
342:07 that." She eased away from him, smiling through her tears. "We will. I promise."
342:11 through her tears. "We will. I promise." But for now, you need to go. He finished
342:15 But for now, you need to go. He finished for her on a sigh. She knew he didn't
342:18 for her on a sigh. She knew he didn't like her plan at all, but the fact that
342:21 like her plan at all, but the fact that he was willing to listen to protect Tip
342:24 he was willing to listen to protect Tip meant everything to her. "I love you for
342:27 meant everything to her. "I love you for this," she told him solemnly. "You love
342:31 this," she told him solemnly. "You love me for a lot of reasons," Calvin said
342:34 me for a lot of reasons," Calvin said smugly. But then he turned serious. "No
342:37 smugly. But then he turned serious. "No goodbyes. I'll see you soon.
342:41 goodbyes. I'll see you soon. She leaned up and kissed his cheek.
342:44 She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Soon," she agreed. And then she stroed
342:47 "Soon," she agreed. And then she stroed over to Tip and Galdrich to say, "You're
342:50 over to Tip and Galdrich to say, "You're both staying here with Calvin to rest
342:52 both staying here with Calvin to rest for a bit, and then you'll meet us in
342:55 for a bit, and then you'll meet us in Valenia." Tip shook his head bleily, but
342:58 Valenia." Tip shook his head bleily, but Kea placed a gentle hand on his
343:00 Kea placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, moving in close to explain.
343:03 shoulder, moving in close to explain. "You know what I have to do, and I can't
343:06 "You know what I have to do, and I can't do that if I'm worried about you.
343:08 do that if I'm worried about you. Please, Tip. I need to know you're safe.
343:12 Please, Tip. I need to know you're safe. And I also need to know you're not going
343:14 And I also need to know you're not going to tumble off your pony and break your
343:16 to tumble off your pony and break your neck. So, wait with Calvin just until
343:19 neck. So, wait with Calvin just until you can stand without falling, and we'll
343:22 you can stand without falling, and we'll be back together before you know it. All
343:25 be back together before you know it. All right. She could see he wanted to argue,
343:28 right. She could see he wanted to argue, but she held his eyes until he
343:30 but she held his eyes until he reluctantly nodded. Be be careful, he
343:35 reluctantly nodded. Be be careful, he said, his voice cracking with
343:38 said, his voice cracking with exhaustion. I will, she whispered,
343:41 exhaustion. I will, she whispered, pulling him into her arms, then easing
343:44 pulling him into her arms, then easing him down onto the ground. To Galdrich,
343:47 him down onto the ground. To Galdrich, Kea said, "Is there anything else I need
343:49 Kea said, "Is there anything else I need to know about the hand? Do I just put
343:52 to know about the hand? Do I just put the rings on and send my magic through
343:54 the rings on and send my magic through them?" As long as they already have
343:58 them?" As long as they already have Valentis magic, that should be all you
344:01 Valentis magic, that should be all you need to do. Galdrich confirmed, his
344:05 need to do. Galdrich confirmed, his voice so weak it was barely audible. Ka
344:08 voice so weak it was barely audible. Ka squeezed his arm. Thank you for pushing
344:11 squeezed his arm. Thank you for pushing yourself so hard for us, she said with
344:14 yourself so hard for us, she said with feeling. Now rest and let Calvin take
344:18 feeling. Now rest and let Calvin take care of you. Healer's orders.
344:21 care of you. Healer's orders. Wait, Ka, he called as she began walking
344:25 Wait, Ka, he called as she began walking away. She turned and caught his soulful
344:28 away. She turned and caught his soulful brown eyes as he said. With your sister,
344:32 brown eyes as he said. With your sister, don't let her strike first. Don't forget
344:36 don't let her strike first. Don't forget what she's capable of. Don't
344:40 what she's capable of. Don't hesitate. Nerves returned to Kea's
344:43 hesitate. Nerves returned to Kea's stomach, but determination stealed her
344:47 stomach, but determination stealed her spine. I won't. She then remounted
344:50 spine. I won't. She then remounted Zephyr and listened as Jarn, Nari, and
344:53 Zephyr and listened as Jarn, Nari, and Cresta uttered brief goodbyes before the
344:56 Cresta uttered brief goodbyes before the four of them were racing along the road
344:58 four of them were racing along the road again, their path familiar this time as
345:01 again, their path familiar this time as they left the forest and flew along the
345:04 they left the forest and flew along the coastline. The day was clear, the
345:07 coastline. The day was clear, the weather perfect, and if not for what Kea
345:10 weather perfect, and if not for what Kea knew was ahead, she might have thought
345:12 knew was ahead, she might have thought they were out for a pleasant midday
345:13 they were out for a pleasant midday ride. But then they crested the last sea
345:17 ride. But then they crested the last sea cliff and saw Valenia laid out before
345:20 cliff and saw Valenia laid out before them. There they came to a sudden
345:24 them. There they came to a sudden shocked halt because rising above
345:27 shocked halt because rising above everything else was the Shining River
345:29 everything else was the Shining River Palace and it was on
345:43 28. Navic had come. That was all Ka could think as she and
345:45 That was all Ka could think as she and her friends galloped the remaining
345:47 her friends galloped the remaining distance to Valencia before tearing
345:49 distance to Valencia before tearing through the city streets and along the
345:51 through the city streets and along the winding river road at a harrowing pace,
345:54 winding river road at a harrowing pace, urgency thrumming them
345:56 urgency thrumming them forward. Ever since they'd learned that
345:59 forward. Ever since they'd learned that the Miran king was on his way, Ka had
346:02 the Miran king was on his way, Ka had prayed they would arrive before him, if
346:05 prayed they would arrive before him, if only to be one step ahead before he
346:07 only to be one step ahead before he ordered his anomalies to attack. But her
346:10 ordered his anomalies to attack. But her hopes had been in vain. And now, not
346:13 hopes had been in vain. And now, not only did they have to get the final
346:14 only did they have to get the final ring, but they would also have to face
346:16 ring, but they would also have to face both Navic and
346:19 both Navic and Zelica. At least the anomalies weren't
346:22 Zelica. At least the anomalies weren't attacking the city yet.
346:26 attacking the city yet. Only the palace was under fire, and the
346:28 Only the palace was under fire, and the closer they moved to it, the more Ka
346:31 closer they moved to it, the more Ka could see that the flames were contained
346:33 could see that the flames were contained to the barracks, the stables, and the
346:35 to the barracks, the stables, and the grounds on both the eastern and western
346:38 grounds on both the eastern and western sides of the river. Despite that, the
346:42 sides of the river. Despite that, the streets of Valencia were mayhem with
346:44 streets of Valencia were mayhem with citizens screaming and running as far as
346:46 citizens screaming and running as far as they could from the center of the city.
346:49 they could from the center of the city. Kea, Jiren, Nari, and Cresta were the
346:52 Kea, Jiren, Nari, and Cresta were the only ones foolish enough to be riding
346:54 only ones foolish enough to be riding toward the danger. But they didn't stop,
346:57 toward the danger. But they didn't stop, pushing their horses faster until they
347:00 pushing their horses faster until they finally reached the palace gates. There
347:02 finally reached the palace gates. There was no one guarding them, and they were
347:05 was no one guarding them, and they were sealed
347:07 sealed tight. Jiren cursed as they all quickly
347:10 tight. Jiren cursed as they all quickly dismounted and rushed forward for a
347:12 dismounted and rushed forward for a better look through the cast iron fence.
347:14 better look through the cast iron fence. Their view revealed a large portion of
347:16 Their view revealed a large portion of the extensive gardens bordering the path
347:19 the extensive gardens bordering the path up to the palace. And while normally
347:21 up to the palace. And while normally those gardens were perfectly manicured,
347:24 those gardens were perfectly manicured, right now they were in shambles. The
347:27 right now they were in shambles. The earth was shifting and cracking, the
347:30 earth was shifting and cracking, the plants unnaturally overgrown, many
347:33 plants unnaturally overgrown, many places raging with fire, others being
347:36 places raging with fire, others being lashed by river waves. And in the middle
347:39 lashed by river waves. And in the middle of it all were guards and anomalies
347:42 of it all were guards and anomalies fighting ferociously with both magical
347:45 fighting ferociously with both magical and mundane
347:47 and mundane weapons. Kea recognized the dark armor
347:50 weapons. Kea recognized the dark armor of Eveon's soldiers and the silver of
347:52 of Eveon's soldiers and the silver of their royal guard, even the gray
347:55 their royal guard, even the gray leathers worn by Navak's anomalies and
347:58 leathers worn by Navak's anomalies and by his gray guards, too. Since not
348:01 by his gray guards, too. Since not everyone fighting for Mirain was using
348:03 everyone fighting for Mirain was using magic, there were no soldiers from
348:05 magic, there were no soldiers from Karamore thanks to the dissolution of
348:08 Karamore thanks to the dissolution of their alliance. But Ka's relief was
348:11 their alliance. But Ka's relief was brief, and it fled entirely when she
348:14 brief, and it fled entirely when she spotted people dressed in everyday
348:16 spotted people dressed in everyday clothes. Her heart clenched when she saw
348:18 clothes. Her heart clenched when she saw the figure leading them right in the
348:21 the figure leading them right in the thick of the battle, his sword raised as
348:24 thick of the battle, his sword raised as he roared instructions that she was too
348:26 he roared instructions that she was too far away to hear.
348:28 far away to hear. Terrell. He'd rallied the rebels, and
348:31 Terrell. He'd rallied the rebels, and with him fighting back to back, was
348:34 with him fighting back to back, was Rinda. Her braided, ashy hair swinging
348:38 Rinda. Her braided, ashy hair swinging wildly as she defended herself and her
348:41 wildly as she defended herself and her general. Kea wanted to tear through the
348:44 general. Kea wanted to tear through the fence and run to help them. But she knew
348:47 fence and run to help them. But she knew she would be useless in large-scale
348:49 she would be useless in large-scale combat, only getting in the way. That
348:52 combat, only getting in the way. That knowledge solidified as she watched to
348:55 knowledge solidified as she watched to swing and parry and push back the gray
348:58 swing and parry and push back the gray guards as he ducked and dodged magic
349:00 guards as he ducked and dodged magic from the anomalies, reminding her he was
349:03 from the anomalies, reminding her he was capable of handling himself. But still,
349:07 capable of handling himself. But still, she longed to pull him to safety. He
349:10 she longed to pull him to safety. He would never let her, though. She knew
349:12 would never let her, though. She knew her brother. He would always fight for
349:14 her brother. He would always fight for what he believed in. And right now, he
349:17 what he believed in. And right now, he was fighting for Eve. No, he was
349:20 was fighting for Eve. No, he was fighting for the Valentis family because
349:24 fighting for the Valentis family because there was Ashlin battling mere feet from
349:26 there was Ashlin battling mere feet from him, her pale armor covered in mud and
349:30 him, her pale armor covered in mud and blood as she swung a sword in one hand
349:32 blood as she swung a sword in one hand and threw magic with the other, sending
349:35 and threw magic with the other, sending gray guards and anomalies flying, her
349:37 gray guards and anomalies flying, her loyal soldiers equally unflinching
349:40 loyal soldiers equally unflinching against their supernatural opponents.
349:42 against their supernatural opponents. "We need to get in there," Jiren said
349:45 "We need to get in there," Jiren said urgently, his knuckles white on the
349:47 urgently, his knuckles white on the iron. We need to help
349:50 iron. We need to help them. It took everything in Ka to say we
349:54 them. It took everything in Ka to say we can't. We need to get inside the palace.
349:57 can't. We need to get inside the palace. Our priorities haven't changed. The
350:00 Our priorities haven't changed. The rings. Navic.
350:03 rings. Navic. Zelica. If we take Navic down, his
350:06 Zelica. If we take Navic down, his anomalies will have no reason to fight.
350:09 anomalies will have no reason to fight. Nari said, watching the battle, her
350:11 Nari said, watching the battle, her features grave. Kea's right. We can't
350:15 features grave. Kea's right. We can't lose time helping them. We need to head
350:18 lose time helping them. We need to head straight for the
350:19 straight for the palace. Ca waved to the mess of bodies
350:22 palace. Ca waved to the mess of bodies and magic. How do you plan to get
350:25 and magic. How do you plan to get through
350:25 through that? Jiren's tension was palpable, but
350:29 that? Jiren's tension was palpable, but he tore his eyes from the fight. We
350:32 he tore his eyes from the fight. We don't go through it. His gaze dropped to
350:36 don't go through it. His gaze dropped to the ground. We go under
350:39 the ground. We go under it. Understanding hit Ka and she
350:43 it. Understanding hit Ka and she breathed the tunnels.
350:45 breathed the tunnels. Only Cresta seemed confused, but she
350:48 Only Cresta seemed confused, but she didn't ask questions as they remounted
350:50 didn't ask questions as they remounted and raced to the hidden entrance at the
350:52 and raced to the hidden entrance at the rear of the palace. They had to leave
350:54 rear of the palace. They had to leave their horses there, with Kea giving
350:56 their horses there, with Kea giving Zephr a quick, grateful pat before
350:59 Zephr a quick, grateful pat before lowering herself into the iron
351:01 lowering herself into the iron great. The secret passage was pitch
351:04 great. The secret passage was pitch black, just like the last time she'd
351:07 black, just like the last time she'd traveled down it, but she swiftly called
351:09 traveled down it, but she swiftly called her magic to light their way.
351:12 her magic to light their way. None of them spoke as they ran along the
351:15 None of them spoke as they ran along the narrow path and reached the fork Keva
351:17 narrow path and reached the fork Keva had once taken to spy on the royal
351:20 had once taken to spy on the royal council. They didn't venture that way,
351:22 council. They didn't venture that way, instead continuing upward, ascending the
351:26 instead continuing upward, ascending the steep, rocky steps until they finally
351:28 steep, rocky steps until they finally exited through the creaky door leading
351:31 exited through the creaky door leading into the larger underground thoroughfare
351:33 into the larger underground thoroughfare that passed beneath the river,
351:35 that passed beneath the river, connecting the two sides of the palace.
351:39 connecting the two sides of the palace. There they paused, breathing hard and
351:42 There they paused, breathing hard and looking at each other in question. Where
351:45 looking at each other in question. Where to now? Crusta demanded, peering left
351:48 to now? Crusta demanded, peering left and right along the luminium lit
351:50 and right along the luminium lit pillared space. We need to find Mirin,
351:54 pillared space. We need to find Mirin, Kea panted. Jiren could fight well with
351:57 Kea panted. Jiren could fight well with his blades, but he could do so much more
352:00 his blades, but he could do so much more with his magic. Navic's anomalies were
352:03 with his magic. Navic's anomalies were acting out of desperation. They'd lived
352:06 acting out of desperation. They'd lived in peaceful villages for most of their
352:08 in peaceful villages for most of their lives, and regardless of whatever
352:09 lives, and regardless of whatever training they'd undergone after being
352:11 training they'd undergone after being conscripted, they weren't equipped for
352:14 conscripted, they weren't equipped for battle, given what Kea had seen above
352:17 battle, given what Kea had seen above ground. If they'd known how to use their
352:20 ground. If they'd known how to use their powers effectively, they would have been
352:22 powers effectively, they would have been slaughtering Ashlin's soldiers and Tor's
352:25 slaughtering Ashlin's soldiers and Tor's rebels with a wave of their hands.
352:27 rebels with a wave of their hands. Instead, they'd been floundering, the
352:30 Instead, they'd been floundering, the damage real, but trivial in comparison
352:32 damage real, but trivial in comparison to what it could have been.
352:35 to what it could have been. Jiren, however, had spent his entire
352:38 Jiren, however, had spent his entire life training his magic in battle
352:40 life training his magic in battle scenarios. Kea had seen him down in
352:43 scenarios. Kea had seen him down in these very tunnels, practicing against
352:45 these very tunnels, practicing against his family. "If she could return his
352:48 his family. "If she could return his powers, then he could." "But where is
352:52 powers, then he could." "But where is she?" Cresa asked through gritted teeth.
352:55 she?" Cresa asked through gritted teeth. "And don't forget Navoc. I need to this
352:59 "And don't forget Navoc. I need to this way." Jiren interrupted, running forward
353:02 way." Jiren interrupted, running forward again, heading west.
353:04 again, heading west. Kea doubted he had a plan other than to
353:07 Kea doubted he had a plan other than to get them above ground, but she said
353:09 get them above ground, but she said nothing and just bounded after him,
353:12 nothing and just bounded after him, aware that Crest's patience was wearing
353:14 aware that Crest's patience was wearing thin. She wasn't sure why the exquarer
353:17 thin. She wasn't sure why the exquarer was so on edge and could only assume it
353:20 was so on edge and could only assume it had something to do with their Zalandov
353:22 had something to do with their Zalandov days and the redheads overzealous thirst
353:25 days and the redheads overzealous thirst for violence. Crestston needed to be
353:28 for violence. Crestston needed to be part of the battle, not watching from
353:30 part of the battle, not watching from the sidelines. But Kea knew they
353:32 the sidelines. But Kea knew they wouldn't be remaining that way for long
353:34 wouldn't be remaining that way for long because as soon as Navic realized they
353:37 because as soon as Navic realized they were there, as soon as Zelica realized
353:40 were there, as soon as Zelica realized they were there, and specifically that
353:44 they were there, and specifically that Ka was there,
353:47 Ka was there, Ca, Ka was sure of it.
353:51 Ca, Ka was sure of it. Sprinting to the end of the tunnel, the
353:53 Sprinting to the end of the tunnel, the four of them ran up yet more stairs
353:56 four of them ran up yet more stairs until they were finally above ground
353:58 until they were finally above ground again in the shining white and gold
354:00 again in the shining white and gold entrance hall of the Western Palace. But
354:02 entrance hall of the Western Palace. But before they could make it any further,
354:05 before they could make it any further, the ornate front doors burst open, and
354:08 the ornate front doors burst open, and Adid and Captain Varys stumbled
354:10 Adid and Captain Varys stumbled backwards through them, fighting off six
354:13 backwards through them, fighting off six grayclad opponents, none of whom,
354:15 grayclad opponents, none of whom, thankfully appeared to have any magic.
354:19 thankfully appeared to have any magic. Jiren, Nari, and Cresta lunged forward,
354:22 Jiren, Nari, and Cresta lunged forward, unshathing their swords and jumping
354:24 unshathing their swords and jumping straight into the fray. Kea barely had
354:26 straight into the fray. Kea barely had time to blink, let alone consider how
354:29 time to blink, let alone consider how she might help before all six gray
354:31 she might help before all six gray guards were on the ground. She didn't
354:34 guards were on the ground. She didn't look at them as she moved stiffly to
354:36 look at them as she moved stiffly to join her friends, her healer's
354:38 join her friends, her healer's compassion at war with her logic, even
354:41 compassion at war with her logic, even if she knew there was nothing she could
354:43 if she knew there was nothing she could do for them now.
354:45 do for them now. Varys was panting fiercely, but he still
354:48 Varys was panting fiercely, but he still managed to bob his chin in a short bow
354:50 managed to bob his chin in a short bow toward Jiren. Your Highness, General
354:53 toward Jiren. Your Highness, General Ashlin said, "You were on your
354:55 Ashlin said, "You were on your way." Adren's chest was heaving as he
354:58 way." Adren's chest was heaving as he looked at Jiren and reported, "The
355:00 looked at Jiren and reported, "The Anomalies training is limited, but their
355:03 Anomalies training is limited, but their numbers are overwhelming, and they came
355:05 numbers are overwhelming, and they came with an entire legion of gray guards. We
355:08 with an entire legion of gray guards. We won't be able to hold them off for much
355:10 won't be able to hold them off for much long." That was all he managed before
355:13 long." That was all he managed before more grayleathered warriors flooded
355:15 more grayleathered warriors flooded through the doors, weapons raised, the
355:17 through the doors, weapons raised, the battle outside now feeding into the
355:21 battle outside now feeding into the palace. Jiren shoved Kea back just as
355:24 palace. Jiren shoved Kea back just as two men roared and charged toward him.
355:27 two men roared and charged toward him. He dispatched them with ease before
355:29 He dispatched them with ease before taking on two more. All while Nari and
355:32 taking on two more. All while Nari and Cresta fought fearlessly beside Varys
355:34 Cresta fought fearlessly beside Varys and Edin. But no matter how many gray
355:37 and Edin. But no matter how many gray guards they brought down, still more
355:39 guards they brought down, still more appeared through the doors. "Where's
355:42 appeared through the doors. "Where's Navk?" Cresta shouted to the captain,
355:45 Navk?" Cresta shouted to the captain, barely audible over the sounds of
355:47 barely audible over the sounds of crashing steel and pained groans. Varys
355:51 crashing steel and pained groans. Varys didn't question who she was, only yelled
355:53 didn't question who she was, only yelled back, "Last I heard, he was locking
355:56 back, "Last I heard, he was locking Saraphene in the library, but that was a
355:59 Saraphene in the library, but that was a while ago. He could be anywhere now."
356:02 while ago. He could be anywhere now." Cresta grunted as she kicked a man in
356:04 Cresta grunted as she kicked a man in the chest, sending him flying. Before
356:07 the chest, sending him flying. Before anyone could stop her, she bolted out of
356:09 anyone could stop her, she bolted out of the entrance hall, not through the doors
356:11 the entrance hall, not through the doors to the battle on the grounds, but deeper
356:13 to the battle on the grounds, but deeper into the palace. Cresa! Kea screamed
356:17 into the palace. Cresa! Kea screamed after her, incredulous. Did she really
356:19 after her, incredulous. Did she really expect to find Navic in the multifloed
356:22 expect to find Navic in the multifloed labyrinth of the palace? There were two
356:25 labyrinth of the palace? There were two sides for Everworld's sake. As Varys had
356:28 sides for Everworld's sake. As Varys had said, the Mira King could be anywhere.
356:31 said, the Mira King could be anywhere. And even if Cresta did find him, what
356:34 And even if Cresta did find him, what did she intend to do? He would almost
356:36 did she intend to do? He would almost certainly be surrounded by anomalies,
356:38 certainly be surrounded by anomalies, she wouldn't even get close to attacking
356:41 she wouldn't even get close to attacking him. But as much as Kea feared for her
356:44 him. But as much as Kea feared for her foolish, headstrong friend, she was now
356:47 foolish, headstrong friend, she was now also concerned for the rest of them,
356:49 also concerned for the rest of them, since still more warriors were pouring
356:52 since still more warriors were pouring through the doors. And this time there
356:55 through the doors. And this time there were magic wielders among them. Unable
356:58 were magic wielders among them. Unable to just stand there and watch, she
356:59 to just stand there and watch, she rushed forward, scanning the ground for
357:02 rushed forward, scanning the ground for a fallen weapon. But before she could
357:04 a fallen weapon. But before she could make it two steps, the marble tiles
357:06 make it two steps, the marble tiles cracked open under her feet, and she had
357:08 cracked open under her feet, and she had to scurry backwards again. "Where's my
357:11 to scurry backwards again. "Where's my sister?" Jiren yelled to Edin, hacking
357:14 sister?" Jiren yelled to Edin, hacking at the vines, trying to creep up his
357:16 at the vines, trying to creep up his legs. "Queen's chambers," Idrren called
357:20 legs. "Queen's chambers," Idrren called back, flinging a dagger toward a fire
357:22 back, flinging a dagger toward a fire elemental. his aim lethal. She's
357:25 elemental. his aim lethal. She's unguarded. But he didn't finish before
357:28 unguarded. But he didn't finish before he was thrown across the room by an air
357:31 he was thrown across the room by an air anomaly who Nari immediately turned her
357:33 anomaly who Nari immediately turned her attention to, cutting the woman down
357:35 attention to, cutting the woman down before she had another chance to use her
357:38 before she had another chance to use her magic. Adren shook himself off and leapt
357:41 magic. Adren shook himself off and leapt back into the fray just as Jiren ran out
357:43 back into the fray just as Jiren ran out of it, dashing over to Kea and tugging
357:46 of it, dashing over to Kea and tugging her behind a pillar, momentarily hiding
357:49 her behind a pillar, momentarily hiding them from sight.
357:50 them from sight. We need to go, he said, panting. Kea
357:54 We need to go, he said, panting. Kea took in the war zone happening around
357:56 took in the war zone happening around them and shook her head. They need you
357:59 them and shook her head. They need you here. But I can't help with this fight.
358:03 here. But I can't help with this fight. Kea cut him off. But I know how to get
358:05 Kea cut him off. But I know how to get to the queen's chambers. Adren said me
358:08 to the queen's chambers. Adren said me is unguarded. I'll be fine. I can do
358:11 is unguarded. I'll be fine. I can do this. Her pulse spiked at the thought of
358:14 this. Her pulse spiked at the thought of going on alone, but they would only be
358:16 going on alone, but they would only be apart for a few minutes. and what she'd
358:19 apart for a few minutes. and what she'd said was true. He was needed here and
358:22 said was true. He was needed here and she was
358:24 she was not. Jiren glanced at their struggling
358:26 not. Jiren glanced at their struggling friends before turning back to her, his
358:29 friends before turning back to her, his eyes conflicted, but he finally nodded
358:31 eyes conflicted, but he finally nodded and reached into his pocket, withdrawing
358:34 and reached into his pocket, withdrawing the leather pouch containing the first
358:36 the leather pouch containing the first three rings and pressing it into her
358:38 three rings and pressing it into her palm. Get the signate, then come find
358:42 palm. Get the signate, then come find me. He leaned in and gave her a fierce,
358:45 me. He leaned in and gave her a fierce, desperate kiss before pulling back again
358:48 desperate kiss before pulling back again and ordering, "If Celica comes out of
358:50 and ordering, "If Celica comes out of hiding, you run. You don't face her
358:54 hiding, you run. You don't face her without us there to back you up.
358:56 without us there to back you up. Understand?" He didn't wait for her to
358:58 Understand?" He didn't wait for her to agree before he touched the amulet at
359:01 agree before he touched the amulet at her chest. "And whatever you do, don't
359:04 her chest. "And whatever you do, don't take this off. Mirren is worse with a
359:06 take this off. Mirren is worse with a blade than you are. As long as you're
359:09 blade than you are. As long as you're wearing this, she won't be able to hurt
359:11 wearing this, she won't be able to hurt you." Since the amulet was still imbued
359:14 you." Since the amulet was still imbued with Calins and Ashlin's magic, Keven
359:17 with Calins and Ashlin's magic, Keven knew it would keep her safe from
359:19 knew it would keep her safe from anything but water. She wasn't afraid of
359:22 anything but water. She wasn't afraid of facing Mirren, but as she stared back at
359:24 facing Mirren, but as she stared back at Jiren, her courage wavered at the
359:26 Jiren, her courage wavered at the thought of leaving him, however briefly.
359:30 thought of leaving him, however briefly. She didn't fear for herself, but she did
359:32 She didn't fear for herself, but she did fear for him. And not just him, there
359:35 fear for him. And not just him, there was also Nari and Edin and Varys, who
359:38 was also Nari and Edin and Varys, who were fighting just beyond the pillar.
359:40 were fighting just beyond the pillar. Terrell and Ashlin and Rinda who were
359:43 Terrell and Ashlin and Rinda who were outside battling on the grounds and
359:45 outside battling on the grounds and Cresta who had vanished to God's new
359:48 Cresta who had vanished to God's new wear. Ka's only relief was that Calvin,
359:51 wear. Ka's only relief was that Calvin, Tip, and Galdrich were still making
359:53 Tip, and Galdrich were still making their way to Valenia, safe from the
359:56 their way to Valenia, safe from the innumerable enemy that the rest of their
359:58 innumerable enemy that the rest of their friends were facing. But that wasn't
360:00 friends were facing. But that wasn't enough to calm her. Not when everyone
360:03 enough to calm her. Not when everyone else was in such imminent danger.
360:06 else was in such imminent danger. Go, Ka," Jarn said softly, seeing the
360:10 Go, Ka," Jarn said softly, seeing the worry growing in her eyes. He kissed her
360:12 worry growing in her eyes. He kissed her once more, the barest of lip touches.
360:16 once more, the barest of lip touches. "Go." With that, he turned and ran
360:19 "Go." With that, he turned and ran straight back into the fight, where even
360:22 straight back into the fight, where even more gray guards had arrived, but so too
360:24 more gray guards had arrived, but so too were there now more silverarmored royal
360:27 were there now more silverarmored royal guards to help balance the numbers.
360:30 guards to help balance the numbers. Regardless, Adid, Varys, and Nari were
360:33 Regardless, Adid, Varys, and Nari were being swarmed, and Jiren immediately
360:35 being swarmed, and Jiren immediately dove in to aid
360:37 dove in to aid them. Kea allowed herself two seconds to
360:40 them. Kea allowed herself two seconds to watch his sword fly, seeing how capable
360:43 watch his sword fly, seeing how capable he was, even without his magic, and
360:45 he was, even without his magic, and telling herself that nothing would
360:47 telling herself that nothing would happen to him, nothing could happen to
360:50 happen to him, nothing could happen to him. before she spun on her heel and
360:53 him. before she spun on her heel and sprinted
360:54 sprinted away. She barely noticed the white and
360:57 away. She barely noticed the white and gold hallways blurring by, the portraits
361:00 gold hallways blurring by, the portraits on the walls, the statues standing at
361:02 on the walls, the statues standing at attention, focused only on racing as
361:05 attention, focused only on racing as fast as she could along the lengthy
361:07 fast as she could along the lengthy palace corridors and up the red carpeted
361:10 palace corridors and up the red carpeted staircases. Higher she rose, her lungs
361:13 staircases. Higher she rose, her lungs screaming with every floor she passed,
361:16 screaming with every floor she passed, until finally she was bolting along the
361:18 until finally she was bolting along the passage she needed. the gilded doors of
361:20 passage she needed. the gilded doors of the queen's chamber now in view and
361:23 the queen's chamber now in view and coming closer with every step. Kea
361:26 coming closer with every step. Kea paused only long enough to shove them
361:28 paused only long enough to shove them open, sending them slamming back against
361:30 open, sending them slamming back against the walls as she bounded straight
361:33 the walls as she bounded straight through. But what she saw on the other
361:35 through. But what she saw on the other side had her staggering to a halt. What?
361:40 side had her staggering to a halt. What? She breathed, the word more a gasp given
361:43 She breathed, the word more a gasp given her heavy panting. Slower now. Kea moved
361:47 her heavy panting. Slower now. Kea moved further into the room, peripherally
361:49 further into the room, peripherally aware of the familiar opulence
361:51 aware of the familiar opulence surrounding her, the high ceilings and
361:54 surrounding her, the high ceilings and lush carpets, the lavish fireplace and
361:57 lush carpets, the lavish fireplace and the crystalline piano, the full windows
362:00 the crystalline piano, the full windows that looked straight out at the gardens
362:02 that looked straight out at the gardens which were still raging with the battle
362:05 which were still raging with the battle and the river right where the bridge
362:07 and the river right where the bridge spanned between both sides of the
362:09 spanned between both sides of the palace. But Kea barely noticed the room
362:12 palace. But Kea barely noticed the room or what was happening beyond it. Her
362:14 or what was happening beyond it. Her attention was solely on the three people
362:17 attention was solely on the three people draped across the queen's red velvet
362:20 draped across the queen's red velvet couches. Ka hadn't known what to expect
362:23 couches. Ka hadn't known what to expect upon her arrival. She had assumed she
362:26 upon her arrival. She had assumed she would find Mirren alone and had planned
362:28 would find Mirren alone and had planned to wrestle the ring from her. What she
362:30 to wrestle the ring from her. What she hadn't imagined was that not just
362:33 hadn't imagined was that not just Mirren, but also Ariana and young Oriel
362:37 Mirren, but also Ariana and young Oriel would all be in the room, and she
362:39 would all be in the room, and she certainly hadn't anticipated that all of
362:42 certainly hadn't anticipated that all of them would be asleep.
362:44 them would be asleep. Except that wasn't what this was.
362:48 Except that wasn't what this was. Because as Ka edged closer, she could
362:51 Because as Ka edged closer, she could see the black shadows swirling around
362:53 see the black shadows swirling around them. Zelica's magic, just like the
362:57 them. Zelica's magic, just like the unnatural coma forced upon Nari. Ka
363:01 unnatural coma forced upon Nari. Ka shuddered at the reminder of how
363:03 shuddered at the reminder of how powerful her sister was, but she pushed
363:05 powerful her sister was, but she pushed her dread aside and hurried toward
363:07 her dread aside and hurried toward Mirin. As she passed Oriel, she leaned
363:11 Mirin. As she passed Oriel, she leaned down to check his pulse, only to jump
363:13 down to check his pulse, only to jump back again when flocks leapt out from
363:16 back again when flocks leapt out from behind a cushion. The normally placid
363:19 behind a cushion. The normally placid silver bear hissing and swiping at her.
363:22 silver bear hissing and swiping at her. "Easy, boy," Ka said, retreating from
363:25 "Easy, boy," Ka said, retreating from his sharp teeth and claws. "I'll free
363:28 his sharp teeth and claws. "I'll free them in a minute." "First," she needed
363:31 them in a minute." "First," she needed to take advantage of Mirin being
363:33 to take advantage of Mirin being unconscious. Closing the distance
363:35 unconscious. Closing the distance between them, she looked down at the
363:37 between them, she looked down at the golden-haired princess, belatedly
363:39 golden-haired princess, belatedly realizing that something must have
363:41 realizing that something must have happened between her and Zelica if she'd
363:44 happened between her and Zelica if she'd ended up on the wrong side of Zelica's
363:46 ended up on the wrong side of Zelica's magic. So much for them being equal
363:49 magic. So much for them being equal partners, equal
363:51 partners, equal queens. Despite her curiosity, Ka
363:55 queens. Despite her curiosity, Ka couldn't spare a thought to that now and
363:57 couldn't spare a thought to that now and reached for Mirin's hands, searching,
363:59 reached for Mirin's hands, searching, searching, searching. But the princess
364:02 searching, searching. But the princess wore no ring. In desperation, Ka patted
364:06 wore no ring. In desperation, Ka patted down her clothes and checked the pockets
364:08 down her clothes and checked the pockets of her blue gown, but there was nothing,
364:11 of her blue gown, but there was nothing, making Ka curse with awareness that she
364:14 making Ka curse with awareness that she now only had one option. She would have
364:17 now only had one option. She would have to wake Mirin and ask where it was. If
364:20 to wake Mirin and ask where it was. If Zelica had taken it. Don't think about
364:23 Zelica had taken it. Don't think about that, Kea told herself, not needing
364:26 that, Kea told herself, not needing another reason to panic. Instead, she
364:29 another reason to panic. Instead, she summoned her magic and sent it into the
364:32 summoned her magic and sent it into the princess, focusing on banishing the
364:34 princess, focusing on banishing the shadows and reversing Zelica's power.
364:37 shadows and reversing Zelica's power. She then guided her healing light toward
364:40 She then guided her healing light toward Ariana and Oriel, unwilling to leave
364:43 Ariana and Oriel, unwilling to leave them cursed for a moment longer. "It was
364:46 them cursed for a moment longer. "It was a mistake," Kea knew as the shadows
364:49 a mistake," Kea knew as the shadows evaporated. Not because Mirren was now
364:52 evaporated. Not because Mirren was now blinking and sitting up, nor because the
364:54 blinking and sitting up, nor because the queen and her son were doing the same,
364:57 queen and her son were doing the same, but because after days of hard travel
365:00 but because after days of hard travel with limited rest, Ka hadn't realized
365:02 with limited rest, Ka hadn't realized how low her energy had dropped, and
365:05 how low her energy had dropped, and using that much magic at once, even if
365:08 using that much magic at once, even if it had come easily to her. She swayed on
365:11 it had come easily to her. She swayed on the spot and flung a hand to her
365:14 the spot and flung a hand to her forehead. Kea couldn't remember the last
365:16 forehead. Kea couldn't remember the last time her power had taken so much out of
365:19 time her power had taken so much out of her. Ever since she'd learned to fuel
365:21 her. Ever since she'd learned to fuel her magic with positive emotions, it had
365:23 her magic with positive emotions, it had become nearly effortless for her, barely
365:26 become nearly effortless for her, barely a drain, only making her tired after the
365:28 a drain, only making her tired after the longest of training days. But now she
365:32 longest of training days. But now she was feeling it. And with Zelica still at
365:35 was feeling it. And with Zelica still at large, it was the worst possible time
365:38 large, it was the worst possible time for Ka not to be at full strength. It
365:41 for Ka not to be at full strength. It was too late to take it back, though. So
365:44 was too late to take it back, though. So Ka spent a moment breathing deeply and
365:47 Ka spent a moment breathing deeply and assessing how she felt, relieved to find
365:50 assessing how she felt, relieved to find it wasn't as bad as she'd feared. She
365:52 it wasn't as bad as she'd feared. She couldn't explain it, but it was as if
365:55 couldn't explain it, but it was as if she could feel her magic replenishing
365:57 she could feel her magic replenishing itself, almost like it knew the threat
366:00 itself, almost like it knew the threat she would soon be facing and wanted to
366:02 she would soon be facing and wanted to be ready. She might have wept if she
366:05 be ready. She might have wept if she weren't so aware of the three stunned
366:07 weren't so aware of the three stunned royals in the room, all of whom were
366:10 royals in the room, all of whom were staggering to their feet.
366:13 staggering to their feet. Mama!" Oriel cried, stumbling toward
366:16 Mama!" Oriel cried, stumbling toward Queen Ariana with a much happier flocks
366:19 Queen Ariana with a much happier flocks in his hands. His mother pulled him
366:22 in his hands. His mother pulled him close as he burst into tears, the tender
366:24 close as he burst into tears, the tender action enough to steal Kea's attention
366:27 action enough to steal Kea's attention for the barest of seconds. But then she
366:30 for the barest of seconds. But then she turned back to Mirren, who was standing
366:32 turned back to Mirren, who was standing shakily before her, looking nothing like
366:35 shakily before her, looking nothing like the hotty, imperious young woman from
366:38 the hotty, imperious young woman from all their previous interactions.
366:41 all their previous interactions. What are you doing here? The princess
366:44 What are you doing here? The princess breathed. Her blue eyes flicked to the
366:47 breathed. Her blue eyes flicked to the windows and widened when she saw what
366:49 windows and widened when she saw what was happening on the grounds. What?
366:52 was happening on the grounds. What? Where's the royal signate? Kea
366:55 Where's the royal signate? Kea interrupted. I
366:58 interrupted. I What? Mirren's face was pale as her gaze
367:02 What? Mirren's face was pale as her gaze snapped back to Ka. Something came over
367:05 snapped back to Ka. Something came over her then, and she lurched forward to
367:08 her then, and she lurched forward to grab Kea's hands, saying with urgency,
367:11 grab Kea's hands, saying with urgency, "I tried to stop her. I swear I did. I
367:14 "I tried to stop her. I swear I did. I made a mistake. The worst mistake I've
367:17 made a mistake. The worst mistake I've ever made. But when I tried to fix it,
367:21 ever made. But when I tried to fix it, when we tried to fix it, her eyes filled
367:25 when we tried to fix it, her eyes filled with tears as she glanced toward her
367:27 with tears as she glanced toward her mother and brother. Zelica was ready.
367:30 mother and brother. Zelica was ready. And she attacked us before we could use
367:32 And she attacked us before we could use our magic on her. I tried. We
367:37 our magic on her. I tried. We tried. She released a broken sob.
367:41 tried. She released a broken sob. Please, Kea, you have to believe me. I
367:45 Please, Kea, you have to believe me. I made a
367:47 made a mistake. Another sob left her, tears now
367:51 mistake. Another sob left her, tears now trickling down her face as she
367:53 trickling down her face as she whispered, "Navak promised I could be
367:57 whispered, "Navak promised I could be with Saraphene. He lied. Everything I
368:01 with Saraphene. He lied. Everything I did, everyone I hurt was for
368:06 did, everyone I hurt was for nothing." Ka didn't know how to feel
368:08 nothing." Ka didn't know how to feel about the princess's heartache or about
368:11 about the princess's heartache or about her seemingly genuine remorse. A part of
368:14 her seemingly genuine remorse. A part of her couldn't help softening toward
368:16 her couldn't help softening toward Mirin, especially because of her own
368:19 Mirin, especially because of her own terrible mistakes and the guilt she'd
368:21 terrible mistakes and the guilt she'd carried for so long. But Ka was also
368:24 carried for so long. But Ka was also aware that now wasn't the time for them
368:27 aware that now wasn't the time for them to be discussing this. Prying her hands
368:30 to be discussing this. Prying her hands from Mirren's fierce grip, Ka looked
368:33 from Mirren's fierce grip, Ka looked from her to where Ariana and Oriel were
368:35 from her to where Ariana and Oriel were still standing together, both visibly
368:38 still standing together, both visibly shell shocked before saying, "We can
368:41 shell shocked before saying, "We can talk about that later. But right now,
368:44 talk about that later. But right now, Navic is here. The palace is under
368:47 Navic is here. The palace is under attack." She gestured toward the windows
368:50 attack." She gestured toward the windows and the battle raging on the grounds,
368:52 and the battle raging on the grounds, the fires having spread, the earth more
368:56 the fires having spread, the earth more cracked and flooded than ever with
368:58 cracked and flooded than ever with armored bodies waring and many lying
369:01 armored bodies waring and many lying still. I don't have time to explain why,
369:04 still. I don't have time to explain why, Ka went on. But I need to know where the
369:08 Ka went on. But I need to know where the royal signate is. I have it, Ariana said
369:12 royal signate is. I have it, Ariana said instantly. She didn't ask questions, not
369:15 instantly. She didn't ask questions, not even to confirm whose side Ka was on,
369:18 even to confirm whose side Ka was on, indicating Mirin or Zelica must have
369:21 indicating Mirin or Zelica must have already shared where Ka's loyalties lay.
369:25 already shared where Ka's loyalties lay. Instead, all the queen did was hold up
369:28 Instead, all the queen did was hold up her hand, revealing the ring sitting on
369:30 her hand, revealing the ring sitting on her finger. Ka's knees nearly buckled.
369:35 her finger. Ka's knees nearly buckled. In that moment, she realized Mirren's
369:37 In that moment, she realized Mirren's remorse hadn't been an act. If she'd
369:39 remorse hadn't been an act. If she'd given the signate back to her mother,
369:41 given the signate back to her mother, then that meant Zelica no longer had
369:44 then that meant Zelica no longer had possession of the whole royal turnery,
369:47 possession of the whole royal turnery, nullifying the clause that allowed her
369:49 nullifying the clause that allowed her to keep the
369:50 to keep the throne. But considering everything, Ga
369:53 throne. But considering everything, Ga doubted anyone cared about the ancient
369:55 doubted anyone cared about the ancient law anymore. Shaking off her thoughts,
369:58 law anymore. Shaking off her thoughts, she moved straight to Ariana, pulling
370:01 she moved straight to Ariana, pulling the other three rings out of the leather
370:03 the other three rings out of the leather pouch until they tumbled onto her palm.
370:06 pouch until they tumbled onto her palm. The queen's sapphire eyes widened. The
370:09 The queen's sapphire eyes widened. The shock, the awareness, telling Kea that
370:13 shock, the awareness, telling Kea that Ariana knew exactly what they were and
370:16 Ariana knew exactly what they were and what they could
370:18 what they could do. But before either could demand an
370:20 do. But before either could demand an explanation from the other. Galdrich
370:23 explanation from the other. Galdrich strode through the doors to the queen's
370:25 strode through the doors to the queen's chamber, his eyes shifting from Kea's
370:27 chamber, his eyes shifting from Kea's palm to the queen, whose hand was still
370:29 palm to the queen, whose hand was still in the air, the four rings visible for
370:32 in the air, the four rings visible for all to see. His weathered features
370:35 all to see. His weathered features stretched into a grin. Looks like I
370:38 stretched into a grin. Looks like I arrived just in
370:41 arrived just in time. Kea gaped at him, failing to grasp
370:45 time. Kea gaped at him, failing to grasp how he could be there. He was meant to
370:47 how he could be there. He was meant to be resting near Oak Hollow, or at the
370:50 be resting near Oak Hollow, or at the very least slowly making his way to the
370:53 very least slowly making his way to the city, perhaps stashed away in whatever
370:55 city, perhaps stashed away in whatever safe place Calvin found, if they'd made
370:58 safe place Calvin found, if they'd made good enough time. anywhere but walking
371:02 good enough time. anywhere but walking into the queen's chambers as if he'd
371:04 into the queen's chambers as if he'd known exactly where Ka was. But she
371:07 known exactly where Ka was. But she didn't get a chance to ask how any of
371:09 didn't get a chance to ask how any of that was possible because more people
371:11 that was possible because more people stepped through the doors, at least a
371:14 stepped through the doors, at least a dozen, all in gray leathers, none of
371:17 dozen, all in gray leathers, none of them bearing physical
371:19 them bearing physical weapons. Anomalies.
371:22 weapons. Anomalies. And behind them was King Navoc,
371:25 And behind them was King Navoc, sauntering into the room to stand beside
371:28 sauntering into the room to stand beside Galdrich, a satisfied smirk on his
371:30 Galdrich, a satisfied smirk on his handsome face. But Ka didn't care about
371:33 handsome face. But Ka didn't care about Navoc. She didn't even care that he and
371:36 Navoc. She didn't even care that he and Galdrich were smiling at each other. Not
371:38 Galdrich were smiling at each other. Not as a king and his once prisoner, but in
371:40 as a king and his once prisoner, but in a way that told her they weren't enemies
371:43 a way that told her they weren't enemies at all and perhaps never had been.
371:47 at all and perhaps never had been. Instead, the only thing Ka cared about
371:49 Instead, the only thing Ka cared about was Tip. because Navic was holding the
371:53 was Tip. because Navic was holding the young boy close with a dagger pressed to
371:56 young boy close with a dagger pressed to his throat. "Tip!" Oriel cried, dropping
372:00 his throat. "Tip!" Oriel cried, dropping flocks and lunging toward his friend,
372:03 flocks and lunging toward his friend, but Ariana hauled him back right as
372:05 but Ariana hauled him back right as Navick's anomalies came on alert. "Uh
372:10 Navick's anomalies came on alert. "Uh uh" the king tutued to all three
372:12 uh" the king tutued to all three Valentis royals, tightening his grip on
372:15 Valentis royals, tightening his grip on tip.
372:16 tip. My personal guards are trained to kill
372:19 My personal guards are trained to kill without hesitating. You so much as try
372:22 without hesitating. You so much as try to summon your magic and they'll take
372:24 to summon your magic and they'll take you down without a
372:26 you down without a thought. A quick glance and Kea knew
372:30 thought. A quick glance and Kea knew Navic wasn't lying. These anomalies were
372:33 Navic wasn't lying. These anomalies were different from those
372:34 different from those outside. Their motives were unclear,
372:37 outside. Their motives were unclear, their intentions dark and deadly. She
372:41 their intentions dark and deadly. She knew that because Zuru was among them.
372:44 knew that because Zuru was among them. the fire wielder looking at her with
372:46 the fire wielder looking at her with anticipation in his black eyes. Kea's
372:50 anticipation in his black eyes. Kea's pulse began to pound in her ears as she
372:52 pulse began to pound in her ears as she turned back to tip, taking in his red,
372:55 turned back to tip, taking in his red, puffy face and the tears streaming down
372:58 puffy face and the tears streaming down his cheeks. It wasn't fear in his
373:01 his cheeks. It wasn't fear in his expression. It was something much worse.
373:05 expression. It was something much worse. Devastation, anguish, grief.
373:09 Devastation, anguish, grief. Seeing all that, Ka's blood turned cold
373:12 Seeing all that, Ka's blood turned cold because she knew. She knew there was
373:15 because she knew. She knew there was only one reason for him to be looking at
373:17 only one reason for him to be looking at her like that. She held his eyes and
373:19 her like that. She held his eyes and croked out, "Where's
373:23 croked out, "Where's Calvin?" Fresh tears fell as Tip opened
373:26 Calvin?" Fresh tears fell as Tip opened his mouth and uttered two quiet, broken
373:30 his mouth and uttered two quiet, broken words.
373:31 words. "He's
373:43 For a moment, Ka heard nothing except the ringing in her ears. She was aware
373:46 the ringing in her ears. She was aware of Ariana turning white, an oral going
373:49 of Ariana turning white, an oral going limp in his mother's arms, of Mirin's
373:52 limp in his mother's arms, of Mirin's hands covering a horrified gasp. But all
373:55 hands covering a horrified gasp. But all Ka could do was stare at Tip, seeing the
373:59 Ka could do was stare at Tip, seeing the confirmation in his swollen red eyes.
374:02 confirmation in his swollen red eyes. I'm afraid the boy is correct, Galdrich
374:07 I'm afraid the boy is correct, Galdrich said, unaware that she had stopped
374:09 said, unaware that she had stopped breathing, stopped
374:12 breathing, stopped thinking. It was really too easy. I
374:16 thinking. It was really too easy. I can't believe any of you bought my
374:18 can't believe any of you bought my exhausted act. As if I wouldn't have
374:21 exhausted act. As if I wouldn't have made sure I had enough energy to
374:24 made sure I had enough energy to windfunnel the entire way here and then
374:27 windfunnel the entire way here and then still have power to spare. He snorted
374:31 still have power to spare. He snorted mockingly. "The moment you and the
374:34 mockingly. "The moment you and the others left, all I had to do was moan,
374:37 others left, all I had to do was moan, and the arrogant prince came running to
374:40 and the arrogant prince came running to check on me. He never even saw my blade
374:44 check on me. He never even saw my blade coming." Ka shook her head. "No." She
374:49 coming." Ka shook her head. "No." She refused to believe it. Calvin was
374:52 refused to believe it. Calvin was strong. He was one of the strongest
374:54 strong. He was one of the strongest people Ka knew. He'd survived stab
374:57 people Ka knew. He'd survived stab wounds before. She'd stabbed him once
374:59 wounds before. She'd stabbed him once and he'd been fine. She had to
375:02 and he'd been fine. She had to believe. Granted, it was only a shallow
375:06 believe. Granted, it was only a shallow wound. Kea nearly collapsed from relief,
375:10 wound. Kea nearly collapsed from relief, but there was enough necross venom
375:13 but there was enough necross venom lacing the tip to bring down an entire
375:17 lacing the tip to bring down an entire army. The ringing returned to Kea's
375:20 army. The ringing returned to Kea's ears, louder this time, her vision
375:23 ears, louder this time, her vision blurring with it. Necross venom from a
375:26 blurring with it. Necross venom from a necross adder. A single bite could kill
375:30 necross adder. A single bite could kill a fullgrown adult in
375:34 a fullgrown adult in seconds.
375:35 seconds. No. This time she said the word aloud,
375:39 No. This time she said the word aloud, her voice
375:40 her voice unrecognizable. I don't I don't believe
375:44 unrecognizable. I don't I don't believe you. She was trembling all over, her
375:48 you. She was trembling all over, her body reacting to what her mind refused
375:50 body reacting to what her mind refused to accept.
375:52 to accept. That doesn't change the truth, Galdrich
375:55 That doesn't change the truth, Galdrich said, shrugging. The prince is rotting
375:58 said, shrugging. The prince is rotting in a ditch right now. A laugh left him
376:02 in a ditch right now. A laugh left him as he pointed to tip. This one tried to
376:06 as he pointed to tip. This one tried to shove water down his throat, even as he
376:10 shove water down his throat, even as he choked on his last breaths. Water as if
376:14 choked on his last breaths. Water as if that was going to do
376:16 that was going to do anything. Another laugh. so much for all
376:20 anything. Another laugh. so much for all the years he spent as your assistant.
376:23 the years he spent as your assistant. The boy clearly has a lot to learn. But
376:27 The boy clearly has a lot to learn. But in his defense, nothing short of your
376:30 in his defense, nothing short of your magic would have saved the prince.
376:33 magic would have saved the prince. There's no cure for Necross venom in all
376:36 There's no cure for Necross venom in all of Wenderol.
376:39 of Wenderol. More tears rolled down Tip's face, but
376:42 More tears rolled down Tip's face, but Kea's eyes remained dry. Not because she
376:45 Kea's eyes remained dry. Not because she didn't feel like joining him, but
376:47 didn't feel like joining him, but because she couldn't. What she felt was
376:50 because she couldn't. What she felt was too much, too
376:52 too much, too consuming. The thought of Calden being
376:55 consuming. The thought of Calden being dead. A sobb left Ariana, reminding Ka
377:00 dead. A sobb left Ariana, reminding Ka that Cal's family was standing right
377:02 that Cal's family was standing right there. But she couldn't think of that.
377:05 there. But she couldn't think of that. Couldn't think of him at all. rejecting
377:08 Couldn't think of him at all. rejecting what she'd just been told, ignoring the
377:10 what she'd just been told, ignoring the truth in Galdrich's gloating smile, the
377:14 truth in Galdrich's gloating smile, the agony in Tip's eyes. Instead, she
377:17 agony in Tip's eyes. Instead, she welcomed the numbness spreading through
377:19 welcomed the numbness spreading through her veins, knowing it was all that kept
377:22 her veins, knowing it was all that kept her from crumpling to the ground.
377:25 her from crumpling to the ground. Through stiff lips, she rasped a single
377:28 Through stiff lips, she rasped a single word.
377:31 word. "Why? Why did I kill the prince?"
377:34 "Why? Why did I kill the prince?" Galdrich asked before carelessly
377:37 Galdrich asked before carelessly answering. One less Valent brat to get
377:40 answering. One less Valent brat to get through. You gave me the perfect
377:43 through. You gave me the perfect opportunity when you asked him to stay
377:46 opportunity when you asked him to stay behind. Thank you for that. As I said
377:49 behind. Thank you for that. As I said before, you made it too
377:53 before, you made it too easy. Kea didn't let his words
377:55 easy. Kea didn't let his words penetrate. Not that they could have made
377:57 penetrate. Not that they could have made it through the ice overwhelming her
378:00 it through the ice overwhelming her entire body. Calvin was dead.
378:04 entire body. Calvin was dead. Calvin was
378:06 Calvin was dead. Even through her numbness, Kea
378:09 dead. Even through her numbness, Kea could still feel her heart cracking in
378:12 could still feel her heart cracking in her chest. But somehow she forced out,
378:16 her chest. But somehow she forced out, her voice.
378:18 her voice. "No, why all this? Why are you here with
378:23 "No, why all this? Why are you here with Navic?" "Isn't it obvious?" Galdrich
378:27 Navic?" "Isn't it obvious?" Galdrich answered, cocking his head to the side.
378:30 answered, cocking his head to the side. I've been playing you from the very
378:33 I've been playing you from the very beginning. Kea flinched, even if she'd
378:37 beginning. Kea flinched, even if she'd already come to realize as much. I loved
378:40 already come to realize as much. I loved your mother. I never lied about that.
378:43 your mother. I never lied about that. Galdrich said, his tone softening before
378:46 Galdrich said, his tone softening before it hardened again. But when she started
378:49 it hardened again. But when she started having second thoughts, when all she
378:52 having second thoughts, when all she could think about was freeing you to
378:55 could think about was freeing you to heal Zelica, when she began to wonder if
378:58 heal Zelica, when she began to wonder if her own bloodline even deserved to rule,
379:02 her own bloodline even deserved to rule, that was when I knew the rebels were
379:05 that was when I knew the rebels were always better off with me as their
379:08 always better off with me as their leader. His face darkened. My family has
379:12 leader. His face darkened. My family has served the quarantine bloodline for
379:15 served the quarantine bloodline for centuries, all the way back to Torven's
379:18 centuries, all the way back to Torven's era. But of all the generations, I was
379:22 era. But of all the generations, I was the one who unified the rebels. I was
379:26 the one who unified the rebels. I was the one who found us a willing heir of
379:29 the one who found us a willing heir of royal blood. And your mother was willing
379:33 royal blood. And your mother was willing until she wasn't. She cared too much for
379:37 until she wasn't. She cared too much for her family. That was her weakness. and
379:41 her family. That was her weakness. and her
379:42 her undoing. Kea swallowed at the look in
379:45 undoing. Kea swallowed at the look in his eyes, but Navik spoke then, sounding
379:48 his eyes, but Navik spoke then, sounding bored. Can we hurry this
379:51 bored. Can we hurry this along? He pressed his dagger deeper into
379:54 along? He pressed his dagger deeper into Tip's throat until a drop of blood
379:57 Tip's throat until a drop of blood appeared on the blade, causing the young
379:59 appeared on the blade, causing the young boy to wse and Kea's stomach to lurch.
380:02 boy to wse and Kea's stomach to lurch. "Patience, my friend," Galdrich said.
380:06 "Patience, my friend," Galdrich said. "She deserves to understand. We're not
380:10 "She deserves to understand. We're not friends. Navak's light brown eyes
380:12 friends. Navak's light brown eyes flashed. And I don't care what she
380:15 flashed. And I don't care what she deserves. You can give her the full
380:18 deserves. You can give her the full bedtime story
380:21 bedtime story later. Galdrich sighed, then turned back
380:24 later. Galdrich sighed, then turned back to Ka and said his words faster than
380:27 to Ka and said his words faster than before. Everything I told you was true.
380:30 before. Everything I told you was true. How Tilda went to Navic to make a deal.
380:33 How Tilda went to Navic to make a deal. But I didn't follow her out of loyalty
380:36 But I didn't follow her out of loyalty or even out of love. I followed her
380:39 or even out of love. I followed her because I intended to make my own
380:42 because I intended to make my own deal. Kea's hands were fisted now, the
380:45 deal. Kea's hands were fisted now, the rings cutting into her palm, her focus
380:48 rings cutting into her palm, her focus shifting between Galdrich and Navoc. I'd
380:51 shifting between Galdrich and Navoc. I'd heard how interested Mirven's new king
380:54 heard how interested Mirven's new king was in magic. So, I went there to
380:57 was in magic. So, I went there to bargain with him, offering information
381:00 bargain with him, offering information about the hand of the gods, Galdrich
381:03 about the hand of the gods, Galdrich explained. He'd already made his
381:05 explained. He'd already made his agreement with Tilda and thus already
381:08 agreement with Tilda and thus already intended to get you out of Zalandov, wed
381:11 intended to get you out of Zalandov, wed you, and use you against Zelica. But now
381:16 you, and use you against Zelica. But now he had a new reason. That being only you
381:20 he had a new reason. That being only you can use the
381:21 can use the rings. Yes, yes, Navak said impatient.
381:26 rings. Yes, yes, Navak said impatient. We made a deal. Galdrich would act like
381:29 We made a deal. Galdrich would act like my prisoner and you would free him.
381:31 my prisoner and you would free him. Don't look so surprised. You're too
381:34 Don't look so surprised. You're too predictable. It was easy to rough him up
381:36 predictable. It was easy to rough him up a bit and even easier to make you think
381:38 a bit and even easier to make you think I was trying to stop you from escaping
381:41 I was trying to stop you from escaping when really that was the plan all
381:45 when really that was the plan all along. His voice turned bitter, though
381:48 along. His voice turned bitter, though even I can admit I didn't realize Ashlin
381:51 even I can admit I didn't realize Ashlin had infiltrated my palace. She'll pay
381:54 had infiltrated my palace. She'll pay for that soon.
381:57 for that soon. Navick glowered at the carpet, but then
382:00 Navick glowered at the carpet, but then his face cleared as he continued. "After
382:03 his face cleared as he continued. "After you freed Galdrich, he was to tell you
382:06 you freed Galdrich, he was to tell you about the rings and how desperately
382:08 about the rings and how desperately important it was for you to keep them
382:10 important it was for you to keep them away from dangerous little
382:13 away from dangerous little me." The king's smile was a slash of
382:16 me." The king's smile was a slash of teeth. He was then to help you collect
382:20 teeth. He was then to help you collect all four of them, with his reward being
382:23 all four of them, with his reward being that you will use the hand on him first,
382:26 that you will use the hand on him first, while my army wipes the Valente family
382:29 while my army wipes the Valente family and their loyal soldiers off the map,
382:33 and their loyal soldiers off the map, leaving the throne open for the true
382:36 leaving the throne open for the true rebel leader to take the crown. Without
382:39 rebel leader to take the crown. Without a Valentis or a quarantine to rule them,
382:42 a Valentis or a quarantine to rule them, Eveon citizens will bow down to any king
382:45 Eveon citizens will bow down to any king with elemental magic. And thanks to you,
382:50 with elemental magic. And thanks to you, he'll have that
382:52 he'll have that magic. That's our bargain. Galdrich told
382:56 magic. That's our bargain. Galdrich told Kea. Both of us get magic, but I get
383:00 Kea. Both of us get magic, but I get Eveon while Navic gets the rest of
383:03 Eveon while Navic gets the rest of Wenderol. taking one kingdom at a time,
383:07 Wenderol. taking one kingdom at a time, building his anomaly army as he
383:10 building his anomaly army as he goes. "And I get one more thing, too,"
383:15 goes. "And I get one more thing, too," Navick said, his eyes snaring Kieas.
383:19 Navick said, his eyes snaring Kieas. "After destroying your sister, you will
383:22 "After destroying your sister, you will rule by my side. I have an agreement to
383:26 rule by my side. I have an agreement to keep with your mother after all. Not
383:28 keep with your mother after all. Not even I would risk breaking a deal with
383:30 even I would risk breaking a deal with the dead."
383:33 the dead." Kea was breathing heavily, disbelief
383:35 Kea was breathing heavily, disbelief giving her the courage to demand. Why
383:38 giving her the courage to demand. Why would I help with any of that? You can't
383:40 would I help with any of that? You can't force me to use my magic. You can't make
383:44 force me to use my magic. You can't make me. Grich interrupted, his voice
383:47 me. Grich interrupted, his voice knowing. Because you have the same fatal
383:50 knowing. Because you have the same fatal flaw as your mother. You care too much
383:54 flaw as your mother. You care too much about your
383:56 about your family. Tip cried out then as Navick's
383:59 family. Tip cried out then as Navick's blade dug deeper. The blood no longer a
384:03 blade dug deeper. The blood no longer a drop but a smear. "No!" Kea cried,
384:07 drop but a smear. "No!" Kea cried, rushing forward. But she stopped at the
384:10 rushing forward. But she stopped at the warning look in Navak's eyes. "There are
384:13 warning look in Navak's eyes. "There are four people in this room who you care
384:16 four people in this room who you care about enough to not want to see them
384:19 about enough to not want to see them dead." The king said, "We will go
384:22 dead." The king said, "We will go through each of them if we must, and if
384:25 through each of them if we must, and if that doesn't work, we'll go after him."
384:29 that doesn't work, we'll go after him." His gaze flicked to the window, and Ka
384:32 His gaze flicked to the window, and Ka looked out, doing a double take when she
384:35 looked out, doing a double take when she saw the gilded bridge that had been
384:37 saw the gilded bridge that had been empty before, but was now covered with
384:39 empty before, but was now covered with gray guards and anomalies, with only a
384:42 gray guards and anomalies, with only a handful of silver royal guards and
384:44 handful of silver royal guards and blackleathered soldiers, barely managing
384:47 blackleathered soldiers, barely managing to hold them off. As she watched, a wall
384:50 to hold them off. As she watched, a wall of water rose from the sarin and slammed
384:53 of water rose from the sarin and slammed into half of them, causing warriors from
384:56 into half of them, causing warriors from both Eveon and Miran to tumble straight
384:59 both Eveon and Miran to tumble straight over the railing, while others merely
385:01 over the railing, while others merely paused their attacks to brace before
385:03 paused their attacks to brace before continuing on with even more fervor.
385:07 continuing on with even more fervor. All of that Ka took in within the space
385:09 All of that Ka took in within the space of a blink because it was the person
385:12 of a blink because it was the person fighting at the center of it all who
385:14 fighting at the center of it all who captured her horrified notice right
385:16 captured her horrified notice right where Navic had
385:18 where Navic had indicated.
385:20 indicated. Jiren Oriel whimpered seeing his brother
385:24 Jiren Oriel whimpered seeing his brother for the first time in over 3
385:26 for the first time in over 3 months. Kea had thought she couldn't
385:29 months. Kea had thought she couldn't feel any worse after seeing Tip with a
385:31 feel any worse after seeing Tip with a blade at his throat. After hearing that
385:34 blade at his throat. After hearing that Calen was no, she slammed down on that
385:38 Calen was no, she slammed down on that thought knowing she couldn't deal with
385:41 thought knowing she couldn't deal with it on top of everything else. For now,
385:44 it on top of everything else. For now, she had to live in denial. Calvin would
385:48 she had to live in denial. Calvin would be the first to tell her to concentrate
385:49 be the first to tell her to concentrate on the challenge in front of her and
385:52 on the challenge in front of her and anything else could come later. Her
385:54 anything else could come later. Her fear, her panic, her dread, that was
385:58 fear, her panic, her dread, that was what had to hold Ka's attention right
386:01 what had to hold Ka's attention right now. None of which she'd thought could
386:03 now. None of which she'd thought could possibly become worse until she'd seen
386:06 possibly become worse until she'd seen Jiren on that bridge. Because at the
386:09 Jiren on that bridge. Because at the eager look in Navik's eyes, Kea knew
386:12 eager look in Navik's eyes, Kea knew exactly what he would do if she didn't
386:15 exactly what he would do if she didn't obey. One by one, she would be forced to
386:18 obey. One by one, she would be forced to watch everyone she loved suffer and die
386:21 watch everyone she loved suffer and die until she gave Navic and Galdrich what
386:23 until she gave Navic and Galdrich what they wanted. She would never survive the
386:26 they wanted. She would never survive the guilt, the heartache. But she also knew
386:29 guilt, the heartache. But she also knew that if she did obey, if she used the
386:31 that if she did obey, if she used the hand to give them magic, if she chose
386:34 hand to give them magic, if she chose the people she cared about over the
386:36 the people she cared about over the entire kingdom, the entire continent,
386:40 entire kingdom, the entire continent, nothing would be able to stop them, and
386:43 nothing would be able to stop them, and that would be her
386:45 that would be her fault. "It's all right,"
386:48 fault. "It's all right," Ka, Ariana said barely a whisper. Sir
386:53 Ka, Ariana said barely a whisper. Sir knew this might happen one day.
386:56 knew this might happen one day. Everything will be all
386:59 Everything will be all right. Kea only shook her head miserably
387:03 right. Kea only shook her head miserably because Ariana was wrong. Nothing about
387:06 because Ariana was wrong. Nothing about this was all right. But when she turned
387:09 this was all right. But when she turned to the queen, expecting to see a
387:11 to the queen, expecting to see a reflection of her own dismay. All she
387:14 reflection of her own dismay. All she found was an unnatural calm in Ariana's
387:17 found was an unnatural calm in Ariana's eyes, almost like the queen was trying
387:19 eyes, almost like the queen was trying to send her a message. But Kea couldn't
387:22 to send her a message. But Kea couldn't understand what that message was.
387:25 understand what that message was. With their gazes still locked, Ariana
387:28 With their gazes still locked, Ariana pulled the signate off her finger and
387:31 pulled the signate off her finger and held it out. Kea stared at it like it
387:34 held it out. Kea stared at it like it was a snake. "Take it," Galdrich
387:37 was a snake. "Take it," Galdrich ordered, stepping closer. Navic remained
387:41 ordered, stepping closer. Navic remained where he was, his hold on tip
387:43 where he was, his hold on tip unyielding, his anomaly guards close at
387:46 unyielding, his anomaly guards close at his sides. Kea didn't take the ring.
387:50 his sides. Kea didn't take the ring. Couldn't take the ring.
387:54 Couldn't take the ring. But then Tip cried out again and the cut
387:57 But then Tip cried out again and the cut on his neck grew deeper. Blood now
388:00 on his neck grew deeper. Blood now dribbling slowly down his collar. Kea
388:03 dribbling slowly down his collar. Kea snatched up the ring. Wait, it needs her
388:07 snatched up the ring. Wait, it needs her magic first. Galdrich remembered. To
388:10 magic first. Galdrich remembered. To Ariana, he said, "You know what to do,
388:14 Ariana, he said, "You know what to do, but don't think of trying anything else,
388:17 but don't think of trying anything else, just the
388:19 just the ring." The queen nodded and reached out
388:22 ring." The queen nodded and reached out to touch the band.
388:24 to touch the band. There was no large gem like the others
388:26 There was no large gem like the others in Ka's palm. Instead, the gold was
388:29 in Ka's palm. Instead, the gold was stamped with the Valentis crest, the
388:32 stamped with the Valentis crest, the identifying mark of the royal signant,
388:34 identifying mark of the royal signant, and embedded with tiny blue sapphires
388:37 and embedded with tiny blue sapphires that Ka had never noticed before. All of
388:40 that Ka had never noticed before. All of which came a light with Ariana's magic
388:43 which came a light with Ariana's magic before they faded once more. The whole
388:46 before they faded once more. The whole time, the queen continued to hold Kea's
388:49 time, the queen continued to hold Kea's gaze, speaking to her without words. But
388:53 gaze, speaking to her without words. But Kea still didn't know what she was
388:55 Kea still didn't know what she was saying until Ariana's gaze shifted for
388:59 saying until Ariana's gaze shifted for the briefest of seconds. Barely a
389:01 the briefest of seconds. Barely a flicker of movement, not enough for
389:03 flicker of movement, not enough for anyone else to see, but enough for Kea's
389:06 anyone else to see, but enough for Kea's own eyes to
389:08 own eyes to widen. Sona knew this might happen one
389:12 widen. Sona knew this might happen one day. Thoughts and memories and questions
389:16 day. Thoughts and memories and questions slammed into Kea. Ariana's words holding
389:19 slammed into Kea. Ariana's words holding new meaning now, even if she hardly
389:21 new meaning now, even if she hardly dared to believe, hardly dared to
389:25 dared to believe, hardly dared to hope. "You know what to do," Ka,
389:29 hope. "You know what to do," Ka, Galdrich said, his eyes gleaming with
389:32 Galdrich said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Put the rings on and push
389:36 anticipation. "Put the rings on and push your magic into them and then into me.
389:39 your magic into them and then into me. That's all it will take, as easy as
389:42 That's all it will take, as easy as breathing."
389:44 breathing." right now. Kea was struggling to breathe
389:47 right now. Kea was struggling to breathe at all, so his statement meant little,
389:50 at all, so his statement meant little, but she continued holding Ariana's
389:52 but she continued holding Ariana's steady eyes, her reassurance strong and
389:55 steady eyes, her reassurance strong and unyielding, causing Ka's confidence to
389:58 unyielding, causing Ka's confidence to grow, even as her heart thundered behind
390:01 grow, even as her heart thundered behind her rib
390:02 her rib cage. "If you don't put those rings on
390:05 cage. "If you don't put those rings on in 3 seconds," Navick drawled. "I'm
390:10 in 3 seconds," Navick drawled. "I'm going to need a new hostage."
390:13 going to need a new hostage." Kea's pulse skipped, and at Ariana's
390:16 Kea's pulse skipped, and at Ariana's quick nod, she put the rings on. Ruby,
390:20 quick nod, she put the rings on. Ruby, topaz, emerald,
390:23 topaz, emerald, sapphire, the hand of the
390:26 sapphire, the hand of the gods.
390:28 gods. Incredible. Galdrich breathed, staring
390:30 Incredible. Galdrich breathed, staring at her fingers. He reached for her and
390:33 at her fingers. He reached for her and she recoiled, but he didn't let her
390:36 she recoiled, but he didn't let her escape, taking her wrist and pressing
390:39 escape, taking her wrist and pressing her palm to his chest. Do it, Galdrich
390:43 her palm to his chest. Do it, Galdrich ordered. Kea resisted. Do it or the boy
390:49 ordered. Kea resisted. Do it or the boy dies. Navic threatened. But it was only
390:53 dies. Navic threatened. But it was only when Ariana whispered, "Do it,
390:57 when Ariana whispered, "Do it, darling." That Ka listened, praying she
391:00 darling." That Ka listened, praying she had read the queen right, that her own
391:03 had read the queen right, that her own questions and suspicions from the last
391:04 questions and suspicions from the last few weeks held merit. Kea sucked in a
391:08 few weeks held merit. Kea sucked in a breath and summoned her
391:10 breath and summoned her magic. The moment the golden light
391:13 magic. The moment the golden light appeared in her hand, the rings came to
391:16 appeared in her hand, the rings came to life, the healing glow shining fiercely
391:19 life, the healing glow shining fiercely through them, creating a kaleidoscope of
391:22 through them, creating a kaleidoscope of color. Red, white, green, and blue. It
391:26 color. Red, white, green, and blue. It was so bright that it lit the whole
391:29 was so bright that it lit the whole room. A rainbow blaze that Ka had to
391:32 room. A rainbow blaze that Ka had to shield her eyes from. Her fingers
391:34 shield her eyes from. Her fingers burned. the pain surprising and
391:37 burned. the pain surprising and alarming. She would have yanked her arm
391:40 alarming. She would have yanked her arm back if not for Galdrich holding her
391:42 back if not for Galdrich holding her palm forcibly against his chest,
391:45 palm forcibly against his chest, refusing to let her go. And then it
391:48 refusing to let her go. And then it stopped. The pain vanished. The colors
391:52 stopped. The pain vanished. The colors disappeared and Ka carefully released
391:55 disappeared and Ka carefully released her magic, the glow fading once more.
391:59 her magic, the glow fading once more. "Did it work?" Navick demanded. I I
392:04 "Did it work?" Navick demanded. I I don't know, Galdrich said, his brow
392:07 don't know, Galdrich said, his brow furrowing. Shouldn't you feel it? The
392:10 furrowing. Shouldn't you feel it? The Mirain King asked. Try summoning
392:13 Mirain King asked. Try summoning something. Fire, air, water, earth. Do
392:19 something. Fire, air, water, earth. Do something. But when Galdrich
392:22 something. But when Galdrich concentrated, nothing happened. He
392:24 concentrated, nothing happened. He turned furious eyes on Kea. What did you
392:28 turned furious eyes on Kea. What did you do?
392:30 do? Exactly what you asked," she said, her
392:33 Exactly what you asked," she said, her fear ratcheting up again at the
392:35 fear ratcheting up again at the murderous look on his face. "You're
392:37 murderous look on his face. "You're lying. You must have." He broke off
392:41 lying. You must have." He broke off suddenly to glare at Queen Ariana.
392:44 suddenly to glare at Queen Ariana. "You," he spat, "you know something.
392:48 "You," he spat, "you know something. Srana was your ancestor. Tell me how to
392:52 Srana was your ancestor. Tell me how to make it work."
392:55 make it work." Ariana looked terrified now on the
392:58 Ariana looked terrified now on the outside, but Kea could see the
393:00 outside, but Kea could see the triumphant light in the queen's eyes.
393:03 triumphant light in the queen's eyes. Something only visible because she was
393:05 Something only visible because she was looking for it. Answer him, Navic said.
393:09 looking for it. Answer him, Navic said. Or I'll have my anomalies turn your
393:11 Or I'll have my anomalies turn your children to dust.
393:14 children to dust. Ariana blanched, her expression making
393:17 Ariana blanched, her expression making Ka worry for a moment that she might
393:19 Ka worry for a moment that she might have misread the queen earlier. But that
393:22 have misread the queen earlier. But that same light was still in her eyes. The
393:25 same light was still in her eyes. The only reassurance Ka had. "You have to
393:29 only reassurance Ka had. "You have to put the rings on," Ariana told Galdrich,
393:33 put the rings on," Ariana told Galdrich, her voice almost too shaky.
393:37 her voice almost too shaky. They needed to be imbued with both
393:40 They needed to be imbued with both Valentis and quarantine magic. But you
393:44 Valentis and quarantine magic. But you have to physically wear them in order
393:46 have to physically wear them in order for her healing power to transfer the
393:48 for her healing power to transfer the elemental power into you. That's how the
393:53 elemental power into you. That's how the hand works. You have to be the one
393:56 hand works. You have to be the one wielding
393:57 wielding it. Galdrich's zealous eyes turned to
394:01 it. Galdrich's zealous eyes turned to Kea. Give them to me.
394:04 Kea. Give them to me. Kea did so, praying once again that the
394:07 Kea did so, praying once again that the queen knew what she was doing.
394:11 queen knew what she was doing. 1
394:12 1 2
394:14 2 3
394:16 3 4. Galdrich placed all the rings on his
394:19 4. Galdrich placed all the rings on his fingers, staring down at his hand before
394:22 fingers, staring down at his hand before looking back at
394:23 looking back at Ariana. Now
394:25 Ariana. Now what? The queen immediately stopped
394:28 what? The queen immediately stopped shaking, her lips tipping up into a
394:31 shaking, her lips tipping up into a sharp, deadly smile as she said almost
394:34 sharp, deadly smile as she said almost sweetly, "Now you get to meet Srana and
394:40 sweetly, "Now you get to meet Srana and Tolvin." Galdrich frowned and opened his
394:43 Tolvin." Galdrich frowned and opened his mouth, but the only thing that came out
394:46 mouth, but the only thing that came out was a scream. The rings had caught fire,
394:50 was a scream. The rings had caught fire, the flames blazing up his arm to cover
394:52 the flames blazing up his arm to cover his entire body. It lasted all of 5
394:55 his entire body. It lasted all of 5 seconds. The ancient magic powerful and
394:58 seconds. The ancient magic powerful and near instant before both Galdrich and
395:01 near instant before both Galdrich and the rings were nothing but ash. Kea
395:05 the rings were nothing but ash. Kea stood there staring down at the pile of
395:07 stood there staring down at the pile of gray on the carpet, certain she was
395:10 gray on the carpet, certain she was going to vomit. But she didn't have time
395:12 going to vomit. But she didn't have time because Navic roared, "What have you
395:16 because Navic roared, "What have you done?" And then all hell broke loose
395:20 done?" And then all hell broke loose since Flocks decided that was the moment
395:22 since Flocks decided that was the moment he was going to protect his charges. The
395:24 he was going to protect his charges. The silver bear leaping forward to sink his
395:27 silver bear leaping forward to sink his teeth into Navak's leg. The Miran king
395:30 teeth into Navak's leg. The Miran king yelped and automatically used his dagger
395:32 yelped and automatically used his dagger to swipe at the creature. But in doing
395:35 to swipe at the creature. But in doing so, Tip became free, which was what
395:38 so, Tip became free, which was what Ariana had been waiting for. Now, the
395:42 Ariana had been waiting for. Now, the queen yelled, and suddenly, water, wind,
395:45 queen yelled, and suddenly, water, wind, and earth were erupting in the room with
395:47 and earth were erupting in the room with her own magic along with mirins and
395:50 her own magic along with mirins and orioles shooting straight for the
395:52 orioles shooting straight for the anomalies. Kea acted instinctively,
395:55 anomalies. Kea acted instinctively, using the chaos to lunge forward and
395:58 using the chaos to lunge forward and grab Tip, hauling him backwards to duck
396:01 grab Tip, hauling him backwards to duck behind the crystalline piano. From
396:03 behind the crystalline piano. From there, she peered out to see the
396:05 there, she peered out to see the anomalies returning fire on the Valentis
396:07 anomalies returning fire on the Valentis Royals. Ice spearing through the air,
396:10 Royals. Ice spearing through the air, marble falling from the ceiling, wind
396:13 marble falling from the ceiling, wind tearing through the room. Zuru was
396:16 tearing through the room. Zuru was throwing his flames with abandon,
396:18 throwing his flames with abandon, causing the carpet and couches to catch
396:20 causing the carpet and couches to catch a light. the smoke clawing even after
396:23 a light. the smoke clawing even after Ariana's water snuffed the blazes out.
396:27 Ariana's water snuffed the blazes out. All the while, Navic continued slashing
396:30 All the while, Navic continued slashing uselessly at Flocks, who was bounding
396:32 uselessly at Flocks, who was bounding between his legs and attacking with
396:34 between his legs and attacking with claws and teeth, the image of which
396:36 claws and teeth, the image of which would have been hilarious if the room
396:38 would have been hilarious if the room hadn't been exploding around them. Kea
396:41 hadn't been exploding around them. Kea realized then the Valentis Royals had
396:44 realized then the Valentis Royals had been biting their time until Tip wasn't
396:47 been biting their time until Tip wasn't at risk of Navic's blade, and now they
396:50 at risk of Navic's blade, and now they had been unleashed. Even against an
396:53 had been unleashed. Even against an overwhelming number of opponents, they
396:56 overwhelming number of opponents, they were a force to be reckoned with. Having
396:58 were a force to be reckoned with. Having trained their whole lives for a magical
397:00 trained their whole lives for a magical battle like this, just like Jiren, Kea
397:05 battle like this, just like Jiren, Kea realized she had to get to him. But
397:07 realized she had to get to him. But first, Ariana, Keva cried, waving to the
397:11 first, Ariana, Keva cried, waving to the queen, who had been forced to the far
397:13 queen, who had been forced to the far side of the expansive room where she was
397:15 side of the expansive room where she was holding ground in front of the
397:17 holding ground in front of the fireplace. The monarch was surrounded,
397:19 fireplace. The monarch was surrounded, though, too distracted to hear Kea's
397:22 though, too distracted to hear Kea's call. Oriel, however, was close enough
397:25 call. Oriel, however, was close enough to come running, and he dove behind the
397:27 to come running, and he dove behind the piano with them, wideeyed, but still
397:30 piano with them, wideeyed, but still sending his magic out to help his
397:32 sending his magic out to help his family. Knowing what she had to do, Kea
397:35 family. Knowing what she had to do, Kea looked at Tip, holding his scared eyes
397:38 looked at Tip, holding his scared eyes as she ordered, "Don't move from this
397:41 as she ordered, "Don't move from this spot. Do you hear me?" "Not until it's
397:44 spot. Do you hear me?" "Not until it's safe." At his immediate nod, she looked
397:47 safe." At his immediate nod, she looked to the young prince and begged, "Look
397:49 to the young prince and begged, "Look after him." "I will," Oriel promised
397:53 after him." "I will," Oriel promised solemnly, before lobbing a boulder at an
397:56 solemnly, before lobbing a boulder at an anomaly who had noticed them hiding and
397:58 anomaly who had noticed them hiding and was headed their way. The rock struck
398:01 was headed their way. The rock struck the man hard in the head, taking him off
398:03 the man hard in the head, taking him off his feet, and he didn't get up again.
398:07 his feet, and he didn't get up again. Kea didn't linger, rising from her
398:09 Kea didn't linger, rising from her crouch and sprinting across the room. A
398:12 crouch and sprinting across the room. A gust of wind slammed into her, but it
398:15 gust of wind slammed into her, but it did nothing. The magic in her amulet
398:18 did nothing. The magic in her amulet protecting her. But then, a wave of
398:20 protecting her. But then, a wave of water came from one of Navic's
398:21 water came from one of Navic's anomalies, crashing against her and
398:24 anomalies, crashing against her and pushing her to the ground. Mirren was
398:26 pushing her to the ground. Mirren was there in an instant, tugging her up and
398:28 there in an instant, tugging her up and throwing out a hand, sending the anomaly
398:31 throwing out a hand, sending the anomaly flying. "All right," the princess asked
398:34 flying. "All right," the princess asked over the sounds of shattering glass and
398:36 over the sounds of shattering glass and cracking walls. "I need to get to your
398:40 cracking walls. "I need to get to your mother," Ka choked out, drenched and
398:43 mother," Ka choked out, drenched and coughing. "I'll cover you," Mirren said,
398:47 coughing. "I'll cover you," Mirren said, propelling Ka forward. Running again, KA
398:51 propelling Ka forward. Running again, KA dodged as much of the magic as she
398:53 dodged as much of the magic as she could, aware that she couldn't risk the
398:55 could, aware that she couldn't risk the amulet becoming depleted, not if it was
398:58 amulet becoming depleted, not if it was what she thought it was. Finally,
399:01 what she thought it was. Finally, arriving across the room, she sought
399:03 arriving across the room, she sought shelter behind a crimson shay next to
399:05 shelter behind a crimson shay next to the fireplace, where Ariana stood tall
399:08 the fireplace, where Ariana stood tall and proud, fighting anomaly after
399:11 and proud, fighting anomaly after anomaly, even as more poured into the
399:14 anomaly, even as more poured into the room from the
399:15 room from the hallway. It was never the rings, was it?
399:19 hallway. It was never the rings, was it? Kea called to her, remembering the
399:21 Kea called to her, remembering the queen's words. Sera knew this might
399:25 queen's words. Sera knew this might happen one day. Along with the single
399:28 happen one day. Along with the single flick of Ariana's eyes when her gaze had
399:31 flick of Ariana's eyes when her gaze had moved downward for the briefest of
399:33 moved downward for the briefest of seconds toward the
399:35 seconds toward the amulet. It was once, Ariana panted as
399:40 amulet. It was once, Ariana panted as she jumped over a whipping vine before
399:42 she jumped over a whipping vine before slicing it in half with an ice blade.
399:45 slicing it in half with an ice blade. But instead of giving them away, Sarah
399:49 But instead of giving them away, Sarah had replicas made, a dead man's trap
399:52 had replicas made, a dead man's trap should anyone seek to use them. She
399:55 should anyone seek to use them. She melted the real rings down, keeping them
399:59 melted the real rings down, keeping them in our family to protect us in other
400:03 in our family to protect us in other ways. Kea touched the amulet, her
400:06 ways. Kea touched the amulet, her suspicions proving true. She'd been
400:09 suspicions proving true. She'd been wearing the hand of the gods all along.
400:12 wearing the hand of the gods all along. "Does it still work?" Kea asked. She'd
400:16 "Does it still work?" Kea asked. She'd never once tried to push her magic into
400:18 never once tried to push her magic into the Valentis crest. Had never even
400:21 the Valentis crest. Had never even considered it. But if it wasn't the
400:24 considered it. But if it wasn't the Valentis crest, if it really was the
400:27 Valentis crest, if it really was the hand. Ariana dodged a javelin of flames
400:30 hand. Ariana dodged a javelin of flames and threw a spear of water back before
400:33 and threw a spear of water back before kneeling beside Ka and pressing her
400:35 kneeling beside Ka and pressing her finger to the sapphire. the gem glowing
400:38 finger to the sapphire. the gem glowing blue as she sent her magic into it,
400:41 blue as she sent her magic into it, completing the protective power of all
400:44 completing the protective power of all four
400:45 four gemstones. Still panting, the queen
400:47 gemstones. Still panting, the queen said, "It will work, but only once."
400:52 said, "It will work, but only once." Sona knew melting the real rings down
400:55 Sona knew melting the real rings down would mean diminishing the hands power,
400:58 would mean diminishing the hands power, but she considered that safer than
401:01 but she considered that safer than risking it falling into her enemy's
401:03 risking it falling into her enemy's hands.
401:05 hands. Ariana's eyes held KA's as she declared,
401:08 Ariana's eyes held KA's as she declared, "You have one chance. Make it
401:12 "You have one chance. Make it count." And then the queen was up again,
401:15 count." And then the queen was up again, meeting the attacks of two more
401:17 meeting the attacks of two more anomalies. Kea didn't wait to see them
401:20 anomalies. Kea didn't wait to see them fall. She was already running from the
401:22 fall. She was already running from the room. You have one chance. Make it
401:26 room. You have one chance. Make it count.
401:28 count. The words echoed in Ka's ears as she
401:30 The words echoed in Ka's ears as she bolted out the doors and along the white
401:33 bolted out the doors and along the white and gold corridor, hearing Navik's
401:35 and gold corridor, hearing Navik's thunderous shout as he bellowed her
401:38 thunderous shout as he bellowed her name. She nearly lost her footing when
401:40 name. She nearly lost her footing when she realized he was chasing her and
401:42 she realized he was chasing her and peered over her shoulder just in time to
401:45 peered over her shoulder just in time to see Zuru launch a fireball her way. It
401:49 see Zuru launch a fireball her way. It slammed into her from behind, her vision
401:51 slammed into her from behind, her vision turning red and orange before the amulet
401:54 turning red and orange before the amulet sucked the flames harmlessly away.
401:57 sucked the flames harmlessly away. Kea didn't look back again. On she ran,
402:01 Kea didn't look back again. On she ran, never slowing. Not even as the fire kept
402:04 never slowing. Not even as the fire kept coming along with water and wind and
402:06 coming along with water and wind and earth from more of Navic's personal
402:09 earth from more of Navic's personal guards. But the amulet protected her
402:11 guards. But the amulet protected her from every attack. Their magic couldn't
402:14 from every attack. Their magic couldn't touch her. That didn't mean she wasn't
402:17 touch her. That didn't mean she wasn't scared out of her mind, but still she
402:20 scared out of her mind, but still she ran. the entrance to the bridge coming
402:22 ran. the entrance to the bridge coming into sight with it extending from the
402:25 into sight with it extending from the same floor as the queen's chambers. A
402:27 same floor as the queen's chambers. A straight shot across the river to the
402:29 straight shot across the river to the eastern palace. And then there was
402:33 eastern palace. And then there was Jiren. Kea could see him now, a blade in
402:37 Jiren. Kea could see him now, a blade in each of his hands as he held off the
402:39 each of his hands as he held off the gray guards and anomalies at the highest
402:41 gray guards and anomalies at the highest point of the arched golden bridge. She
402:44 point of the arched golden bridge. She couldn't see Varys or Adid and didn't
402:47 couldn't see Varys or Adid and didn't recognize any of the other royal guards
402:49 recognize any of the other royal guards or blackleathered soldiers fighting
402:51 or blackleathered soldiers fighting alongside Jiren, though she did see Nari
402:54 alongside Jiren, though she did see Nari beyond him nearer to the eastern palace,
402:56 beyond him nearer to the eastern palace, surrounded by a slew of grayclad
402:59 surrounded by a slew of grayclad opponents. Finally reaching the bridge,
403:02 opponents. Finally reaching the bridge, Kea flung herself into the mess of
403:04 Kea flung herself into the mess of bodies, avoiding not only the magic
403:07 bodies, avoiding not only the magic flying everywhere, but also the weapons.
403:10 flying everywhere, but also the weapons. The amulet wouldn't protect her from a
403:12 The amulet wouldn't protect her from a blade, but she couldn't think about
403:14 blade, but she couldn't think about that. Running, running, running straight
403:18 that. Running, running, running straight for
403:19 for Jiren. And then a gap opened up right in
403:22 Jiren. And then a gap opened up right in front of him. She screamed his name so
403:25 front of him. She screamed his name so he knew she was coming, unwilling to
403:27 he knew she was coming, unwilling to risk him thinking she was another
403:29 risk him thinking she was another attacker as she leapt through the air
403:31 attacker as she leapt through the air toward him. His eyes rounded as he
403:34 toward him. His eyes rounded as he caught her, stumbling backwards as her
403:36 caught her, stumbling backwards as her weight slammed into him, somehow
403:39 weight slammed into him, somehow managing not to stab her with either of
403:41 managing not to stab her with either of his swords. "Ka! What?" he gasped. She
403:46 his swords. "Ka! What?" he gasped. She didn't give him the chance to finish,
403:48 didn't give him the chance to finish, yanking the amulet from her neck and
403:50 yanking the amulet from her neck and slamming it against his chest, summoning
403:52 slamming it against his chest, summoning her magic and pushing it through the
403:55 her magic and pushing it through the crest. Light, blinding light, assailed
403:58 crest. Light, blinding light, assailed her eyes, so bright she had to shut
404:00 her eyes, so bright she had to shut them. Liquid warmth traveled down her
404:04 them. Liquid warmth traveled down her arm like syrup dripping in the sun,
404:07 arm like syrup dripping in the sun, pouring from her fingertips straight
404:10 pouring from her fingertips straight into
404:11 into Jiren. A second was all it took before
404:14 Jiren. A second was all it took before she felt the amulet crack beneath her
404:16 she felt the amulet crack beneath her hand, the light fading enough for her to
404:19 hand, the light fading enough for her to reopen her eyes and see the crest broken
404:22 reopen her eyes and see the crest broken into four parts, one for each of the
404:25 into four parts, one for each of the gems, one for each of the rings.
404:30 gems, one for each of the rings. You have one chance. Make it
404:33 You have one chance. Make it count. The amulet's power was gone. The
404:37 count. The amulet's power was gone. The hand of the gods no more. But
404:40 hand of the gods no more. But Jiren. The gold in his eyes was blazing
404:43 Jiren. The gold in his eyes was blazing as he stared at her. As he realized what
404:46 as he stared at her. As he realized what she'd done. Then with a wave of his
404:50 she'd done. Then with a wave of his hand, three gray guards that Kea hadn't
404:52 hand, three gray guards that Kea hadn't seen leaping for them went sailing over
404:55 seen leaping for them went sailing over the side of the bridge. Jiren looked
404:58 the side of the bridge. Jiren looked down at his palm, the wonder on his face
405:01 down at his palm, the wonder on his face enough for a sobb to leave her. His
405:04 enough for a sobb to leave her. His magic was back, and not a minute too
405:07 magic was back, and not a minute too soon, because Navic had reached the
405:09 soon, because Navic had reached the bridge, his personal guards parting the
405:11 bridge, his personal guards parting the battling opponents, their combined magic
405:14 battling opponents, their combined magic aimed right for where Ka and Jiren
405:17 aimed right for where Ka and Jiren stood.
405:19 stood. Time slowed down as Ka watched a wall of
405:22 Time slowed down as Ka watched a wall of flames speed toward them as she saw a
405:25 flames speed toward them as she saw a tornado whip the Sarin into a bubbling
405:28 tornado whip the Sarin into a bubbling fury that rose like a death wave as the
405:31 fury that rose like a death wave as the bridge cracked and groaned under their
405:33 bridge cracked and groaned under their feet. All the while she was acutely
405:36 feet. All the while she was acutely aware that the amulet could no longer
405:39 aware that the amulet could no longer protect her. But she didn't need it
405:42 protect her. But she didn't need it because with another flick of Jiren's
405:44 because with another flick of Jiren's hand, the wall of fire went sizzling
405:46 hand, the wall of fire went sizzling into the water tornado. The wave crashed
405:49 into the water tornado. The wave crashed harmlessly back into the river and the
405:51 harmlessly back into the river and the marble beneath them
405:53 marble beneath them stilled. While the battle continued
405:55 stilled. While the battle continued across the grounds, silence descended on
405:58 across the grounds, silence descended on the bridge as everyone in view, Mirans
406:02 the bridge as everyone in view, Mirans and Ealonians all reeled from Jiren's
406:05 and Ealonians all reeled from Jiren's effortless defense against the powerful
406:08 effortless defense against the powerful magic. Only it hadn't been effortless.
406:12 magic. Only it hadn't been effortless. Kea was close enough to hear his labored
406:15 Kea was close enough to hear his labored breathing, to feel him shaking with
406:17 breathing, to feel him shaking with fatigue. She realized then his magic
406:21 fatigue. She realized then his magic might be back, but after being so long
406:23 might be back, but after being so long without it, he wasn't at full strength.
406:26 without it, he wasn't at full strength. He needed time to build his power back
406:29 He needed time to build his power back up. What he'd just done had been
406:32 up. What he'd just done had been instinctive, a reaction based on years
406:35 instinctive, a reaction based on years of training. But he didn't have the
406:37 of training. But he didn't have the energy to sustain that kind of magical
406:39 energy to sustain that kind of magical desperation, especially after having
406:42 desperation, especially after having fought non-stop since their arrival at
406:44 fought non-stop since their arrival at the palace. He was exhausted, which
406:47 the palace. He was exhausted, which meant both his magic and his body
406:50 meant both his magic and his body wouldn't be able to hold out
406:52 wouldn't be able to hold out indefinitely. Another attack like the
406:55 indefinitely. Another attack like the one they just endured.
406:57 one they just endured. Kea knew Jiren would give everything to
406:59 Kea knew Jiren would give everything to keep his people safe, to keep her safe.
407:03 keep his people safe, to keep her safe. But she also knew there was a limit to
407:05 But she also knew there was a limit to what even he could
407:07 what even he could give. Navic seemed to be just as aware
407:11 give. Navic seemed to be just as aware because he signaled to Zuru and the rest
407:13 because he signaled to Zuru and the rest of his personal guards to keep them from
407:15 of his personal guards to keep them from attacking again. Then he stepped into
407:18 attacking again. Then he stepped into the space they'd cleared. The warring on
407:21 the space they'd cleared. The warring on the bridge remained paused as if
407:23 the bridge remained paused as if everyone from both sides was holding
407:25 everyone from both sides was holding their breaths, waiting to see what would
407:28 their breaths, waiting to see what would happen next. The Mira king walked slowly
407:32 happen next. The Mira king walked slowly toward Ka and Jiren, his hair like
407:35 toward Ka and Jiren, his hair like bronze flames at top his head, his eyes
407:38 bronze flames at top his head, his eyes a storm of
407:40 a storm of rage. Jiren tried to push Ka behind him,
407:43 rage. Jiren tried to push Ka behind him, but she didn't budge. She was the reason
407:46 but she didn't budge. She was the reason for the fury on Navik's face, the reason
407:49 for the fury on Navik's face, the reason he would never receive the magic he
407:51 he would never receive the magic he longed for or grow his elemental army.
407:55 longed for or grow his elemental army. The anomalies he had now were all he
407:58 The anomalies he had now were all he would ever have, and they were
408:01 would ever have, and they were diminishing by the minute. A quick
408:03 diminishing by the minute. A quick glance at the grounds, revealing them
408:05 glance at the grounds, revealing them being cut down by the royal guard,
408:08 being cut down by the royal guard, Ashlin's soldiers, and Tor's rebels. If
408:11 Ashlin's soldiers, and Tor's rebels. If not for Navik's gray guards defending
408:14 not for Navik's gray guards defending their magical brethren, the fight would
408:16 their magical brethren, the fight would nearly be over. But there were just too
408:19 nearly be over. But there were just too many warriors on Miran's side and too
408:22 many warriors on Miran's side and too few on Avalon's. Even with Ariana and
408:25 few on Avalon's. Even with Ariana and Mirren having now joined the fight,
408:28 Mirren having now joined the fight, using their powers to defend and attack,
408:31 using their powers to defend and attack, their enemy was still too
408:33 their enemy was still too great. "Do you see what's happening
408:36 great. "Do you see what's happening here?"
408:38 here?" Navic called to Jiren, stopping a
408:40 Navic called to Jiren, stopping a careful distance away and gesturing
408:42 careful distance away and gesturing toward the wartorrn battleground. It's
408:46 toward the wartorrn battleground. It's only a matter of time before my army
408:49 only a matter of time before my army destroys yours. With or without the hand
408:52 destroys yours. With or without the hand of the gods, I will take this city, this
408:56 of the gods, I will take this city, this kingdom, this
408:59 kingdom, this continent. Kea shivered against Jiren,
409:03 continent. Kea shivered against Jiren, not just from Navak's words, but from
409:05 not just from Navak's words, but from his certainty. There wasn't a trace of
409:08 his certainty. There wasn't a trace of doubt in his eyes, as if their end was
409:12 doubt in his eyes, as if their end was inevitable. The king gestured again.
409:15 inevitable. The king gestured again. "Look around," he said, his rage turning
409:19 "Look around," he said, his rage turning into arrogance. "I made this happen. I
409:23 into arrogance. "I made this happen. I killed my own father when he was too
409:25 killed my own father when he was too weak and spineless to take action. And
409:28 weak and spineless to take action. And then I spent the last 8 months sending
409:32 then I spent the last 8 months sending my warriors out to the furthest reaches
409:34 my warriors out to the furthest reaches of Wenderol to build my army of
409:38 of Wenderol to build my army of anomalies. I've been planning for this
409:41 anomalies. I've been planning for this day my whole life. And
409:45 day my whole life. And you? Navic sneered at Jiren, then
409:48 you? Navic sneered at Jiren, then finished. Even with your magic, you are
409:52 finished. Even with your magic, you are but a single ember facing an inferno.
409:56 but a single ember facing an inferno. You can't hope to defeat
409:58 You can't hope to defeat me. Jiren's face was set with
410:01 me. Jiren's face was set with determination, but before he could
410:03 determination, but before he could respond, another voice beat him to it.
410:06 respond, another voice beat him to it. He can't, but I
410:10 He can't, but I can. Kea stilled at the words, and at
410:14 can. Kea stilled at the words, and at the sight of their owner stepping onto
410:16 the sight of their owner stepping onto the bridge. It was Cresta. At her side
410:20 the bridge. It was Cresta. At her side was Saraphene, the princess's face
410:23 was Saraphene, the princess's face splotchy from crying. But there was a
410:25 splotchy from crying. But there was a wide, radiant smile on her lips, as if
410:28 wide, radiant smile on her lips, as if she couldn't contain her
410:30 she couldn't contain her joy. Seeing that smile, Ka didn't
410:34 joy. Seeing that smile, Ka didn't understand, nor did she understand why
410:37 understand, nor did she understand why Navoc suddenly looked as if he was
410:39 Navoc suddenly looked as if he was staring at a ghost. Cresta's hazel eyes
410:43 staring at a ghost. Cresta's hazel eyes locked with his as she murmured
410:45 locked with his as she murmured something to Saraphene, causing the
410:47 something to Saraphene, causing the princess to nod and disappear back into
410:49 princess to nod and disappear back into the palace. Only then did the exquarer
410:53 the palace. Only then did the exquarer step forward, no one stopping her as she
410:56 step forward, no one stopping her as she approached the king, halting a few feet
411:00 approached the king, halting a few feet away. Kea looked between them, her
411:03 away. Kea looked between them, her heartbeat turning erratic as her eyes
411:06 heartbeat turning erratic as her eyes began to see what her thoughts struggled
411:09 began to see what her thoughts struggled to
411:09 to comprehend. Their identical sharp jaw
411:12 comprehend. Their identical sharp jaw lines, their long, straight noses, their
411:15 lines, their long, straight noses, their wild, rugged beauty. It wasn't possible.
411:20 wild, rugged beauty. It wasn't possible. It couldn't be
411:22 It couldn't be possible. Ca just watched Navic, fierce
411:26 possible. Ca just watched Navic, fierce and unflinching, waiting for him to
411:29 and unflinching, waiting for him to speak. When he did, his voice was
411:32 speak. When he did, his voice was strangled as he rasped out, "You're
411:36 strangled as he rasped out, "You're supposed to be
411:37 supposed to be dead." A dangerous slash of teeth
411:40 dead." A dangerous slash of teeth stretched across her mouth as she said
411:43 stretched across her mouth as she said loud enough for them all to hear. "Hello
411:46 loud enough for them all to hear. "Hello to you, too, brother.
412:02 30. Navic Kilder was Cresta's brother. Kea gaped at them, then turned
412:06 brother. Kea gaped at them, then turned to Jiren, seeing the stunned disbelief
412:09 to Jiren, seeing the stunned disbelief on his face. He hadn't known. None of
412:13 on his face. He hadn't known. None of them had
412:14 them had known. Things weren't good at home.
412:18 known. Things weren't good at home. Cresta's voice sounded in Ka's mind, a
412:21 Cresta's voice sounded in Ka's mind, a memory of the history she'd once shared.
412:24 memory of the history she'd once shared. The father who had abused her. That was
412:28 The father who had abused her. That was King
412:29 King Arachus. That meant Saraphene was the
412:32 Arachus. That meant Saraphene was the sister he had considered weak and
412:34 sister he had considered weak and worthless. But Cresta had never
412:37 worthless. But Cresta had never mentioned a brother. Ka would have
412:40 mentioned a brother. Ka would have remembered that, would have been
412:42 remembered that, would have been curious. as it was. She couldn't believe
412:45 curious. as it was. She couldn't believe she hadn't had the first suspicion about
412:47 she hadn't had the first suspicion about who Cresa was, even after all their time
412:51 who Cresa was, even after all their time together. "It's easy to hide what you
412:54 together. "It's easy to hide what you don't want others knowing," Cresta had
412:56 don't want others knowing," Cresta had said weeks earlier. "You of all people
412:59 said weeks earlier. "You of all people should know
413:00 should know that." All along, the truth had been
413:03 that." All along, the truth had been right there, hidden among her lies.
413:07 right there, hidden among her lies. Except as Kea strained her memory, she
413:10 Except as Kea strained her memory, she realized that aside from withholding key
413:13 realized that aside from withholding key details, like how she had a brother,
413:16 details, like how she had a brother, Cresta had never outright lied. She'd
413:19 Cresta had never outright lied. She'd claimed to have no family anymore, but
413:22 claimed to have no family anymore, but she'd never once said they'd died. Kea
413:26 she'd never once said they'd died. Kea had been the one to read into her words
413:28 had been the one to read into her words and not ask questions, too caught up in
413:30 and not ask questions, too caught up in her own troubles to consider looking
413:32 her own troubles to consider looking deeper.
413:34 deeper. In one night, I lost everyone but my
413:38 In one night, I lost everyone but my mother. Kea knew the story that
413:41 mother. Kea knew the story that Arachus's wife had been so afraid of him
413:44 Arachus's wife had been so afraid of him that she'd fled, abandoning her family,
413:47 that she'd fled, abandoning her family, with it rumored that she'd been hunted
413:49 with it rumored that she'd been hunted and killed soon afterward. Only the tale
413:53 and killed soon afterward. Only the tale was wrong. She hadn't been killed, and
413:56 was wrong. She hadn't been killed, and she hadn't fled alone. She'd taken Cresa
414:00 she hadn't fled alone. She'd taken Cresa with her. They'd left everyone behind,
414:03 with her. They'd left everyone behind, even Saraphene. Now that Kea thought
414:06 even Saraphene. Now that Kea thought about it, she realized Cresta must have
414:08 about it, she realized Cresta must have run from the entrance hall earlier, not
414:11 run from the entrance hall earlier, not to find Navic, but to find her sister,
414:14 to find Navic, but to find her sister, having bolted off straight after Captain
414:17 having bolted off straight after Captain Varys had shared about the king locking
414:20 Varys had shared about the king locking Saraphene in the
414:21 Saraphene in the library. I was all my sister had.
414:26 library. I was all my sister had. Kea still remembered the pain in
414:29 Kea still remembered the pain in Cresta's voice when she'd spoken those
414:31 Cresta's voice when she'd spoken those words. Pain not because her sister was
414:34 words. Pain not because her sister was dead as Ka had assumed, but because they
414:37 dead as Ka had assumed, but because they had been
414:38 had been separated. Why? Kea didn't know, but as
414:42 separated. Why? Kea didn't know, but as she watched Navic and Cresta staring at
414:45 she watched Navic and Cresta staring at each other, she waited with baited
414:47 each other, she waited with baited breath to find
414:49 breath to find out. Father killed you that night, Navic
414:53 out. Father killed you that night, Navic said, his voice still rippling with
414:55 said, his voice still rippling with shock. He told me he lost his temper,
414:58 shock. He told me he lost his temper, that Saraphene tried to stop him, but by
415:00 that Saraphene tried to stop him, but by then you were already broken beyond
415:03 then you were already broken beyond repair. That's why mother fled. She
415:06 repair. That's why mother fled. She couldn't stand to look at him after
415:09 couldn't stand to look at him after that. There was no hint of emotion on
415:12 that. There was no hint of emotion on Cresa's face as she said. I guess we
415:15 Cresa's face as she said. I guess we were both lied to because when I
415:17 were both lied to because when I regained consciousness, mother told me
415:20 regained consciousness, mother told me Sarah was dead. That was why she took me
415:23 Sarah was dead. That was why she took me from Blackmount to keep us safe from him
415:26 from Blackmount to keep us safe from him and
415:28 and you. She tilted her head. Can you
415:31 you. She tilted her head. Can you imagine how it felt when I finally
415:33 imagine how it felt when I finally learned the truth? That Sarah was alive,
415:36 learned the truth? That Sarah was alive, that she'd been left alone with not one
415:38 that she'd been left alone with not one but two
415:40 but two monsters. Crest's gaze slitted. I wanted
415:44 monsters. Crest's gaze slitted. I wanted to come back and rip you both apart, but
415:46 to come back and rip you both apart, but unfortunately, I wasn't in a position to
415:48 unfortunately, I wasn't in a position to do so.
415:51 do so. Zalandov, Kea realized, her heart
415:53 Zalandov, Kea realized, her heart hurting for her friend. Ca must have
415:56 hurting for her friend. Ca must have found out about Saraphene sometime
415:58 found out about Saraphene sometime during the 5 years she'd been locked
416:01 during the 5 years she'd been locked away. Luckily for me, Ca went on, you've
416:05 away. Luckily for me, Ca went on, you've already taken care of, father. A feline
416:08 already taken care of, father. A feline grin touched her lips. And now I'm going
416:12 grin touched her lips. And now I'm going to take care of you. Miran has seen too
416:16 to take care of you. Miran has seen too many tyrant kings. It's time for that to
416:21 many tyrant kings. It's time for that to change. Before anyone could process the
416:23 change. Before anyone could process the threat in her words, Cresta declared in
416:26 threat in her words, Cresta declared in a loud carrying voice, "By the laws of
416:30 a loud carrying voice, "By the laws of the country to which we were born, I,
416:33 the country to which we were born, I, Crestor Vosendi Kildarion, challenge
416:36 Crestor Vosendi Kildarion, challenge you, Navic Arachus Kildarion, to the
416:40 you, Navic Arachus Kildarion, to the blood duel."
416:41 blood duel." Waves of tension hit Ka from all
416:44 Waves of tension hit Ka from all directions with the grayclad mirans on
416:47 directions with the grayclad mirans on the bridge sucking in shocked breaths
416:49 the bridge sucking in shocked breaths and even Jiren turning solid beside her.
416:53 and even Jiren turning solid beside her. This time it was Queen Ariana's voice in
416:56 This time it was Queen Ariana's voice in Ka's mind. Words she'd spoken months
416:59 Ka's mind. Words she'd spoken months earlier during the royal council meeting
417:01 earlier during the royal council meeting beneath the palace.
417:03 beneath the palace. Miran law states that if anyone of royal
417:06 Miran law states that if anyone of royal blood challenges the ruling monarch and
417:09 blood challenges the ruling monarch and defeats them in combat, they can claim
417:13 defeats them in combat, they can claim the throne as their
417:15 the throne as their own. Cresta had challenged Navoc just
417:18 own. Cresta had challenged Navoc just like he had once challenged his own
417:20 like he had once challenged his own father. If she triumphed over him, she
417:24 father. If she triumphed over him, she would become queen of Miran.
417:27 would become queen of Miran. Kea stared at her friend, recalling how
417:30 Kea stared at her friend, recalling how obsessively she'd been training since
417:32 obsessively she'd been training since leaving
417:33 leaving Zalandov. There's always going to be
417:35 Zalandov. There's always going to be someone stronger than you. It doesn't
417:37 someone stronger than you. It doesn't hurt to be
417:39 hurt to be prepared. Ca had been preparing herself
417:42 prepared. Ca had been preparing herself for
417:43 for this. A laugh left Navoc dark and ugly.
417:48 this. A laugh left Navoc dark and ugly. Kea expected him to oppose the words,
417:51 Kea expected him to oppose the words, maybe even give Cresta a chance to
417:53 maybe even give Cresta a chance to rescend her challenge. But instead, he
417:55 rescend her challenge. But instead, he said, "You always were a brash, foolish
418:01 said, "You always were a brash, foolish child." He returned her feline grin, his
418:04 child." He returned her feline grin, his sharp and feral, as he added. "I didn't
418:08 sharp and feral, as he added. "I didn't mourn you the first time. I won't this
418:11 mourn you the first time. I won't this time either." And then he moved
418:15 time either." And then he moved lightning fast, pulling a dagger out of
418:17 lightning fast, pulling a dagger out of nowhere and flinging it straight at her.
418:20 nowhere and flinging it straight at her. Kea screamed a warning, but there was no
418:22 Kea screamed a warning, but there was no need because Cresta had predicted the
418:24 need because Cresta had predicted the underhanded move. She pivoted to the
418:27 underhanded move. She pivoted to the side, the blade flying past her to sink
418:29 side, the blade flying past her to sink deep into the chest of one of Navik's
418:31 deep into the chest of one of Navik's guards, making him cry out and stagger
418:34 guards, making him cry out and stagger backwards into another before collapsing
418:36 backwards into another before collapsing to the
418:37 to the ground. Madness descended then with
418:40 ground. Madness descended then with Cresa unshathing her blade and charging
418:43 Cresa unshathing her blade and charging toward her brother just as he pulled out
418:45 toward her brother just as he pulled out his own sword. The two meeting in a
418:47 his own sword. The two meeting in a clash of steel. But they weren't the
418:49 clash of steel. But they weren't the only ones. Their attack had broken the
418:52 only ones. Their attack had broken the spell on the bridge. And suddenly,
418:54 spell on the bridge. And suddenly, everyone leapt back into
418:57 everyone leapt back into action. Jiren grabbed Ka and pressed her
419:00 action. Jiren grabbed Ka and pressed her against the railing, yelling at her to
419:02 against the railing, yelling at her to keep down as he stood in front of her,
419:05 keep down as he stood in front of her, using his swords and magic to fight off
419:07 using his swords and magic to fight off the gray guards and anomalies, flinging
419:10 the gray guards and anomalies, flinging everything they had at him. By unspoken
419:12 everything they had at him. By unspoken agreement, or perhaps Miran's laws, none
419:16 agreement, or perhaps Miran's laws, none of them aimed their powers at Cresta,
419:18 of them aimed their powers at Cresta, leaving her and Navoc to their duel
419:20 leaving her and Navoc to their duel without
419:21 without interference. Kea watched in amazement
419:24 interference. Kea watched in amazement as the redhead, the princess, slashed
419:28 as the redhead, the princess, slashed and stabbed, blocked and ducked, jumped
419:31 and stabbed, blocked and ducked, jumped and lunged, meeting every one of Navik's
419:34 and lunged, meeting every one of Navik's attacks and returning her own. All the
419:37 attacks and returning her own. All the while, the bridge succumbed to mayhem
419:40 while, the bridge succumbed to mayhem with Jiren pushing his magic to its
419:43 with Jiren pushing his magic to its limits to keep the anomalies from
419:45 limits to keep the anomalies from tearing it apart beneath them and
419:47 tearing it apart beneath them and sending them all into the river. Kea's
419:50 sending them all into the river. Kea's ears rang with the crashes and groans of
419:52 ears rang with the crashes and groans of metal and bodies. Her nose stung from
419:55 metal and bodies. Her nose stung from the smell of sweat and blood. Her eyes
419:58 the smell of sweat and blood. Her eyes burned from the fire and water flashing
420:01 burned from the fire and water flashing across her vision. Through the railing,
420:04 across her vision. Through the railing, she spotted Terrell and Ashlin closer to
420:07 she spotted Terrell and Ashlin closer to the palace now, near to where Mirren and
420:09 the palace now, near to where Mirren and Ariana were throwing their magic more
420:12 Ariana were throwing their magic more slowly than they had in the queen's
420:14 slowly than they had in the queen's chambers, their fatigue catching up to
420:17 chambers, their fatigue catching up to them. Kea prayed, Oriel and Tip were
420:20 them. Kea prayed, Oriel and Tip were hiding safely inside, perhaps wherever
420:23 hiding safely inside, perhaps wherever Cresa had told her sister to run to when
420:25 Cresa had told her sister to run to when she'd sent her away from the fight. But
420:28 she'd sent her away from the fight. But not even the palace was safe, because as
420:30 not even the palace was safe, because as Kea watched, a crack formed at the base
420:33 Kea watched, a crack formed at the base of the western residence, cleaving
420:35 of the western residence, cleaving upward through the Luminium fortified
420:37 upward through the Luminium fortified surface all the way to the highest
420:40 surface all the way to the highest tower. The bridge shook in response. The
420:44 tower. The bridge shook in response. The river roared, but then it stilled just
420:47 river roared, but then it stilled just as quickly when the anomaly responsible
420:49 as quickly when the anomaly responsible was brought down by a blood splattered
420:52 was brought down by a blood splattered resinda. It was then that Kea lost track
420:55 resinda. It was then that Kea lost track of her friends and brother. the
420:57 of her friends and brother. the pandemonium on the grounds too difficult
421:00 pandemonium on the grounds too difficult for her to keep up with and the danger
421:03 for her to keep up with and the danger facing her too real to not be giving it
421:06 facing her too real to not be giving it her full attention. Because while Jiren
421:09 her full attention. Because while Jiren was trying desperately to hold off their
421:11 was trying desperately to hold off their attackers, they were now coming at him
421:13 attackers, they were now coming at him from both sides, and his already
421:15 from both sides, and his already strained magic was beginning to splutter
421:18 strained magic was beginning to splutter into wisps and embers before finally
421:20 into wisps and embers before finally failing him completely. Even with the
421:23 failing him completely. Even with the royal guards and Eveian soldiers helping
421:26 royal guards and Eveian soldiers helping to beat back their opponents, he
421:28 to beat back their opponents, he wouldn't be able to keep up his defense
421:30 wouldn't be able to keep up his defense for much longer. And Ka couldn't just
421:32 for much longer. And Ka couldn't just keep hiding behind him like some
421:34 keep hiding behind him like some pathetic damsel, waiting for a
421:37 pathetic damsel, waiting for a rescue. Ignoring his order to stay down,
421:40 rescue. Ignoring his order to stay down, she lunged for the nearest body and
421:43 she lunged for the nearest body and claimed the fallen woman's sword. It was
421:45 claimed the fallen woman's sword. It was heavy in her hands, but that didn't stop
421:48 heavy in her hands, but that didn't stop Ka from swinging it madly when a gray
421:51 Ka from swinging it madly when a gray guard ran toward Jiren's unprotected
421:53 guard ran toward Jiren's unprotected side. Her lack of technique irrelevant.
421:56 side. Her lack of technique irrelevant. An image of the golden warrior she'd
421:58 An image of the golden warrior she'd killed in the arena came to her along
422:01 killed in the arena came to her along with Nari's words. Kill or be killed.
422:06 with Nari's words. Kill or be killed. Knowing this was the same, Kea didn't
422:09 Knowing this was the same, Kea didn't hesitate to slash her blade toward the
422:11 hesitate to slash her blade toward the man, aiming low and slicing straight
422:14 man, aiming low and slicing straight through his leather boot to sever his
422:16 through his leather boot to sever his Achilles tendon. He roared and dropped
422:19 Achilles tendon. He roared and dropped his weapon to clutch at his leg, the
422:21 his weapon to clutch at his leg, the sound causing Jiren to spin around with
422:23 sound causing Jiren to spin around with wide eyes, and then his eyes widened
422:26 wide eyes, and then his eyes widened even more, but not in surprise at what
422:29 even more, but not in surprise at what she'd done. In fear.
422:32 she'd done. In fear. Ka had just enough time to turn and see
422:35 Ka had just enough time to turn and see Zuru's flames heading for her, to feel
422:38 Zuru's flames heading for her, to feel dread pool in her stomach, to brace for
422:40 dread pool in her stomach, to brace for her flesh to be seared off her bones.
422:43 her flesh to be seared off her bones. But that never happened because Jiren,
422:46 But that never happened because Jiren, no longer having enough magic to combat
422:48 no longer having enough magic to combat the flames, jumped in front of her,
422:50 the flames, jumped in front of her, shielding her with his body. She still
422:53 shielding her with his body. She still felt the heat of Zuru's attack, could
422:55 felt the heat of Zuru's attack, could smell her hair burning, even had to slap
422:58 smell her hair burning, even had to slap fire from her sleeve despite being
423:00 fire from her sleeve despite being otherwise unharmed.
423:02 otherwise unharmed. But Jiren, she dropped her sword as he
423:05 But Jiren, she dropped her sword as he fell and wrapped her arms around him
423:07 fell and wrapped her arms around him from behind, an agonized moan, leaving
423:10 from behind, an agonized moan, leaving him as she helped slow his descent until
423:14 him as she helped slow his descent until he rested on the ground. "No, no, no,"
423:17 he rested on the ground. "No, no, no," she breathed as she saw the damage to
423:20 she breathed as she saw the damage to his chest, his black leather armor
423:22 his chest, his black leather armor disintegrated from his waist up, his
423:25 disintegrated from his waist up, his exposed torso nothing but pulpy blood
423:28 exposed torso nothing but pulpy blood mixed with black ash and melted skin.
423:32 mixed with black ash and melted skin. Kea swallowed back bile and made herself
423:35 Kea swallowed back bile and made herself look instead into his half-closed
423:38 look instead into his half-closed painfilled
423:39 painfilled eyes. This is fine. You're
423:44 eyes. This is fine. You're fine. He wasn't fine, and neither was
423:47 fine. He wasn't fine, and neither was she because they were still in the
423:49 she because they were still in the middle of a waring bridge, and Zuru was
423:51 middle of a waring bridge, and Zuru was now walking toward them. A smirk on his
423:54 now walking toward them. A smirk on his face, his hands lit with more flames
423:57 face, his hands lit with more flames that he was readying to throw. But he
423:59 that he was readying to throw. But he didn't get a chance because his smirk
424:02 didn't get a chance because his smirk transformed into a silent scream as a
424:05 transformed into a silent scream as a sword pierced his chest from behind.
424:08 sword pierced his chest from behind. Nari's sword. The ambery guard didn't
424:12 Nari's sword. The ambery guard didn't wait for his body to crumple before she
424:14 wait for his body to crumple before she ripped out her blade and sprinted the
424:16 ripped out her blade and sprinted the remaining distance to Kea and Jiren,
424:18 remaining distance to Kea and Jiren, swinging her weapon to defend them from
424:20 swinging her weapon to defend them from a new wave of approaching
424:22 a new wave of approaching warriors. Kea drew in a trembling breath
424:25 warriors. Kea drew in a trembling breath and used Nari's cover to summon her
424:27 and used Nari's cover to summon her magic. Her golden glow was blinding as
424:30 magic. Her golden glow was blinding as it poured into Jiren, eliciting another
424:32 it poured into Jiren, eliciting another moan, but one of relief this time.
424:36 moan, but one of relief this time. "Please, please, please," Ka begged her
424:39 "Please, please, please," Ka begged her magic, willing it to hurry. She felt the
424:43 magic, willing it to hurry. She felt the weakness come over her again, just like
424:45 weakness come over her again, just like when she'd awoken his family. But she
424:48 when she'd awoken his family. But she pushed through it, coaxing her power to
424:50 pushed through it, coaxing her power to mend his flesh. It took only seconds,
424:54 mend his flesh. It took only seconds, but in the midst of the battle, it felt
424:56 but in the midst of the battle, it felt like hours until finally, finally, his
425:00 like hours until finally, finally, his chest was smooth, the skin pink and
425:03 chest was smooth, the skin pink and fresh, the burn completely
425:06 fresh, the burn completely healed. Kea's magic faded, leaving her
425:09 healed. Kea's magic faded, leaving her lightaded and swaying, with Jiren
425:12 lightaded and swaying, with Jiren reaching out to steady her. There was a
425:14 reaching out to steady her. There was a worried look on his face, as if he
425:17 worried look on his face, as if he hadn't been the one to have half his
425:18 hadn't been the one to have half his torso melted away only moments ago.
425:22 torso melted away only moments ago. I'm all right," she told him. But her
425:25 I'm all right," she told him. But her voice sounded faint. She needed to rest.
425:28 voice sounded faint. She needed to rest. They all needed to rest. But Navk's army
425:32 They all needed to rest. But Navk's army was relentless, as was Navic himself. He
425:36 was relentless, as was Navic himself. He and Cresta were still dueling fiercely,
425:39 and Cresta were still dueling fiercely, both now covered in bloody cuts and
425:41 both now covered in bloody cuts and grazes, neither appearing to be making
425:44 grazes, neither appearing to be making any
425:45 any headway. But then they stopped.
425:48 headway. But then they stopped. Everyone stopped because suddenly out of
425:52 Everyone stopped because suddenly out of nowhere the bridge was covered in
425:55 nowhere the bridge was covered in shadows. "No," Ka thought as her limbs
425:59 shadows. "No," Ka thought as her limbs froze unnaturally in place, her
426:01 froze unnaturally in place, her terrified eyes meeting Jiren's. Both of
426:04 terrified eyes meeting Jiren's. Both of them were still on the ground with her
426:07 them were still on the ground with her crouched beside him, but they had a view
426:10 crouched beside him, but they had a view straight over to the eastern side of the
426:12 straight over to the eastern side of the bridge. The space there was much clearer
426:15 bridge. The space there was much clearer now, with the western half and the
426:17 now, with the western half and the midsection being the most congested. It
426:20 midsection being the most congested. It meant Kea had no trouble seeing around
426:23 meant Kea had no trouble seeing around the small handful of inert warriors, her
426:26 the small handful of inert warriors, her gaze settling on the person strolling
426:29 gaze settling on the person strolling unhurriedly between them.
426:42 Kea's dread was like a snake squeezing her chest as she watched her sister move
426:45 her chest as she watched her sister move slowly
426:47 slowly forward. Zelica's black hair was braided
426:50 forward. Zelica's black hair was braided over one shoulder, her moon pale skin
426:53 over one shoulder, her moon pale skin almost luminous against her dark armor
426:56 almost luminous against her dark armor and the shadows swirling all around her.
426:59 and the shadows swirling all around her. With every step, she ignored the
427:01 With every step, she ignored the soldiers and guards and anomalies who
427:04 soldiers and guards and anomalies who were like statues, many of them having
427:07 were like statues, many of them having weapons raised mid strike. She didn't
427:10 weapons raised mid strike. She didn't even spare them a glance. "Not now," Kea
427:14 even spare them a glance. "Not now," Kea thought desperately, aware of how
427:16 thought desperately, aware of how drained her power was. She'd been
427:19 drained her power was. She'd been counting on Zelica remaining locked
427:21 counting on Zelica remaining locked away, seeking to protect herself until
427:23 away, seeking to protect herself until the battle was over, just as Ashlin had
427:26 the battle was over, just as Ashlin had said. But here she was, her hawkish face
427:30 said. But here she was, her hawkish face tilted to the side, her honeyold eyes
427:33 tilted to the side, her honeyold eyes shining even from a
427:36 shining even from a distance. "I thought I saw your magic
427:39 distance. "I thought I saw your magic through my window," Zelica called across
427:42 through my window," Zelica called across the bridge. "Have you come to play,
427:45 the bridge. "Have you come to play, little
427:47 little sister?" The snake around Ka's chest
427:50 sister?" The snake around Ka's chest tightened as she realized Zelica had
427:53 tightened as she realized Zelica had been drawn out by her own healing glow.
427:56 been drawn out by her own healing glow. the sight too tempting to resist. There
427:59 the sight too tempting to resist. There was madness in her eyes, but Kea didn't
428:02 was madness in her eyes, but Kea didn't know if it was a result of the dark
428:03 know if it was a result of the dark magic corrupting her blood or if she'd
428:06 magic corrupting her blood or if she'd finally realized that all the power in
428:08 finally realized that all the power in the world couldn't keep her in command
428:11 the world couldn't keep her in command of a kingdom. Regardless of who won the
428:14 of a kingdom. Regardless of who won the battle that day, Eveon was no longer
428:17 battle that day, Eveon was no longer hers. But seeing that madness, Kea knew
428:21 hers. But seeing that madness, Kea knew Zelica didn't care. She wasn't going to
428:24 Zelica didn't care. She wasn't going to surrender.
428:25 surrender. And there was only one person who could
428:27 And there was only one person who could stop her. Summoning her magic, Ka freed
428:31 stop her. Summoning her magic, Ka freed herself from the shadows holding her. It
428:34 herself from the shadows holding her. It was effortless now, her training having
428:36 was effortless now, her training having paid off, even if it cost her in
428:40 paid off, even if it cost her in strength. But she ignored the
428:42 strength. But she ignored the lightadedness and stood. She also
428:45 lightadedness and stood. She also ignored the way Jiren was looking at
428:47 ignored the way Jiren was looking at her, his eyes pleading with her to free
428:50 her, his eyes pleading with her to free him to not do this alone. But this was
428:54 him to not do this alone. But this was one battle he couldn't protect her from.
428:56 one battle he couldn't protect her from. And she wouldn't risk Zelica using him
428:58 And she wouldn't risk Zelica using him against her. Not this
429:01 against her. Not this time. We don't have to do this, Zelica,
429:04 time. We don't have to do this, Zelica, Kea said, walking slowly toward her
429:07 Kea said, walking slowly toward her sister. She knew the words would fall on
429:10 sister. She knew the words would fall on deaf ears, but she was stalling, trying
429:13 deaf ears, but she was stalling, trying to give her magic a chance to replenish
429:15 to give her magic a chance to replenish as much as it could. Mother never wanted
429:19 as much as it could. Mother never wanted this for you, for either of
429:21 this for you, for either of us. Zelica bared her teeth. "You don't
429:26 us. Zelica bared her teeth. "You don't know what she wanted." "I know more than
429:29 know what she wanted." "I know more than you think," Ka said, passing a trio of
429:32 you think," Ka said, passing a trio of gray guards, their eyes frightened. "For
429:35 gray guards, their eyes frightened. "For example, I know the reason she tried to
429:38 example, I know the reason she tried to free me from Zalandov was so I could
429:41 free me from Zalandov was so I could save you."
429:43 save you." Scoffing, Zelica said, "I don't need
429:46 Scoffing, Zelica said, "I don't need anyone to save me. Not when I can do
429:50 anyone to save me. Not when I can do this." With a wave of her hand, the two
429:53 this." With a wave of her hand, the two anomalies nearest to her were released.
429:56 anomalies nearest to her were released. But new shadows speared toward them,
429:59 But new shadows speared toward them, causing them to clutch at their chests,
430:01 causing them to clutch at their chests, gasping and choking before they crumpled
430:03 gasping and choking before they crumpled to the ground.
430:06 to the ground. Dead. Kea tried not to react, but horror
430:09 Dead. Kea tried not to react, but horror flooded her at her sister's merciless
430:11 flooded her at her sister's merciless attack. They hadn't even been able to
430:13 attack. They hadn't even been able to defend themselves. And Kea, she could
430:16 defend themselves. And Kea, she could have stopped it, but she'd been too
430:18 have stopped it, but she'd been too slow. Hadn't even thought of calling her
430:21 slow. Hadn't even thought of calling her own magic. It was a mistake she couldn't
430:24 own magic. It was a mistake she couldn't afford to make
430:26 afford to make again. Mother lost sight of our goals,
430:30 again. Mother lost sight of our goals, Zelica said, her eyes even more crazed
430:33 Zelica said, her eyes even more crazed now, as if every bit of magic she used
430:36 now, as if every bit of magic she used darkened her soul further.
430:39 darkened her soul further. She couldn't appreciate the true power
430:42 She couldn't appreciate the true power we possess. Torven's deadly power now
430:47 we possess. Torven's deadly power now ours to command. Mine and yours,
430:51 ours to command. Mine and yours, Ka. She leaned forward, her face
430:54 Ka. She leaned forward, her face feverish. You don't need to save me,
430:57 feverish. You don't need to save me, little sister. Not when you can join me.
431:02 little sister. Not when you can join me. Once again, Ka was careful not to react,
431:05 Once again, Ka was careful not to react, even as everything within her
431:08 even as everything within her recoiled. "Let go of your weak healing
431:11 recoiled. "Let go of your weak healing magic and embrace the shadows," Zelica
431:15 magic and embrace the shadows," Zelica continued, her voice worshipful. She
431:18 continued, her voice worshipful. She held out a hand, summoning a wisp of
431:21 held out a hand, summoning a wisp of darkness and staring at it adoringly.
431:25 darkness and staring at it adoringly. Together, we'll be
431:27 Together, we'll be unstoppable and we'll take everything
431:31 unstoppable and we'll take everything that belongs to
431:33 that belongs to us. Kea tensed at the sight of the
431:35 us. Kea tensed at the sight of the shadows, but steadied herself. Wait,
431:39 shadows, but steadied herself. Wait, urged a quiet voice in her mind. That's
431:42 urged a quiet voice in her mind. That's the thing, Zeli, Ka said softly. It
431:47 the thing, Zeli, Ka said softly. It doesn't belong to us.
431:50 doesn't belong to us. She looked toward the armies still
431:52 She looked toward the armies still battling on the grounds with them having
431:54 battling on the grounds with them having no idea that the bridge was facing an
431:57 no idea that the bridge was facing an entirely different threat. Those are
432:00 entirely different threat. Those are your rebels down there, but they're not
432:02 your rebels down there, but they're not fighting for you. That's to leading
432:05 fighting for you. That's to leading them, having earned that right, having
432:08 them, having earned that right, having earned their respect. But even so, that
432:12 earned their respect. But even so, that doesn't mean he's earned the kingdom.
432:14 doesn't mean he's earned the kingdom. It's not ours. It was never ours. And I
432:18 It's not ours. It was never ours. And I think mother realized that she was
432:21 think mother realized that she was willing to give it up if it meant
432:23 willing to give it up if it meant keeping you from destroying
432:25 keeping you from destroying yourself. Whispering now, Ka held out a
432:29 yourself. Whispering now, Ka held out a hand and said, "Let me help you, Zeli,
432:33 hand and said, "Let me help you, Zeli, just like mother
432:35 just like mother wanted." For a moment, Ka thought she
432:38 wanted." For a moment, Ka thought she might have been getting through to her
432:39 might have been getting through to her sister. But then Zelica's face darkened
432:43 sister. But then Zelica's face darkened and she said, "Low and
432:45 and she said, "Low and dangerous." Mother never should have
432:48 dangerous." Mother never should have turned her back on our bloodline. She
432:51 turned her back on our bloodline. She was a traitor and so are you. If you
432:55 was a traitor and so are you. If you won't join me, then you can join her.
433:00 won't join me, then you can join her. With that, Zelica flung out her hand,
433:03 With that, Zelica flung out her hand, her dark, deadly magic closing the
433:05 her dark, deadly magic closing the distance between them. But Ka was ready.
433:08 distance between them. But Ka was ready. Her heart achd as she thought about
433:10 Her heart achd as she thought about Calvin, how he'd made her practice over
433:13 Calvin, how he'd made her practice over and over with his flames shooting toward
433:15 and over with his flames shooting toward her. He was the reason she was able to
433:18 her. He was the reason she was able to react fast enough now, sending her
433:21 react fast enough now, sending her healing light forward to meet Zelica's
433:23 healing light forward to meet Zelica's shadows, dissolving them in the air. The
433:26 shadows, dissolving them in the air. The look of stunned surprise on her sister's
433:28 look of stunned surprise on her sister's face would have been satisfying at any
433:31 face would have been satisfying at any other
433:32 other time. "Looks like you've learned some
433:35 time. "Looks like you've learned some new tricks," Zelica hissed. her honey
433:38 new tricks," Zelica hissed. her honey eyes flashing. And then she attacked
433:41 eyes flashing. And then she attacked again. Shadow after shadow speared
433:44 again. Shadow after shadow speared toward Ka with her own power pouring
433:47 toward Ka with her own power pouring out, keeping the death magic at bay, but
433:50 out, keeping the death magic at bay, but only just. The assault was unending,
433:53 only just. The assault was unending, causing sweat to drip down her brow, her
433:56 causing sweat to drip down her brow, her hands to shake, her knees to weaken. But
433:59 hands to shake, her knees to weaken. But still, strike after strike, she
434:01 still, strike after strike, she continued to summon her light and hold
434:03 continued to summon her light and hold her sister back.
434:05 her sister back. Then suddenly, Zelica loosed a
434:08 Then suddenly, Zelica loosed a frustrated roar and banished the
434:10 frustrated roar and banished the darkness over the bridge, inviting the
434:12 darkness over the bridge, inviting the reawakened chaos. The soldiers and
434:15 reawakened chaos. The soldiers and anomalies were disoriented for the
434:17 anomalies were disoriented for the briefest of moments before they launched
434:19 briefest of moments before they launched back into their own attacks with Cresta
434:22 back into their own attacks with Cresta and Navoc furiously renewing their duel.
434:25 and Navoc furiously renewing their duel. Kea could see Jiren sprinting toward
434:27 Kea could see Jiren sprinting toward her, but he was way laid by a group of
434:30 her, but he was way laid by a group of gray guards, forced to engage or be
434:33 gray guards, forced to engage or be skewered by their blades. And then she
434:35 skewered by their blades. And then she couldn't watch him anymore. Her sister's
434:38 couldn't watch him anymore. Her sister's shadows coming at her again more
434:40 shadows coming at her again more viciously than ever before. Why won't
434:44 viciously than ever before. Why won't you just
434:46 you just die? Zelica grunted between attacks,
434:50 die? Zelica grunted between attacks, moving closer with every strike. Soon
434:53 moving closer with every strike. Soon she was within spitting distance. And
434:55 she was within spitting distance. And that was when she did something Ka
434:57 that was when she did something Ka didn't expect. She touched a royal guard
435:00 didn't expect. She touched a royal guard running past. her magic working too fast
435:03 running past. her magic working too fast for Ka to keep the woman from death.
435:06 for Ka to keep the woman from death. After which, Zelica snatched up her
435:08 After which, Zelica snatched up her fallen sword and stabbed it forward. Kea
435:11 fallen sword and stabbed it forward. Kea jumped to the side and frantically
435:13 jumped to the side and frantically scanned the ground for a weapon, but
435:16 scanned the ground for a weapon, but then Nari was there, leaping to
435:18 then Nari was there, leaping to intercept Zelica's blade. Zelica roared
435:21 intercept Zelica's blade. Zelica roared again and fought back with a vengeance.
435:24 again and fought back with a vengeance. Seeing them pivot around each other made
435:27 Seeing them pivot around each other made Ka remember the feud between them. how
435:30 Ka remember the feud between them. how years ago Zelica had taken Nari's hand
435:33 years ago Zelica had taken Nari's hand and just months ago had forced her into
435:36 and just months ago had forced her into a magical coma. Nari was out for blood
435:40 a magical coma. Nari was out for blood now. But Zelica was a deadly opponent.
435:43 now. But Zelica was a deadly opponent. Her magic and her swordsmanship a lethal
435:46 Her magic and her swordsmanship a lethal combination.
435:48 combination. Kea did everything she could to keep the
435:49 Kea did everything she could to keep the shadows from touching Nari as she
435:51 shadows from touching Nari as she battled Zelica, remaining close enough
435:54 battled Zelica, remaining close enough to nullify her sister's dark power, all
435:57 to nullify her sister's dark power, all while dodging the magical and mundane
435:59 while dodging the magical and mundane attacks occurring around them. Her own
436:02 attacks occurring around them. Her own power began to splutter, but she reached
436:04 power began to splutter, but she reached deep within herself, begging for more,
436:07 deep within herself, begging for more, despite knowing she couldn't continue
436:09 despite knowing she couldn't continue for much longer. What they were doing
436:12 for much longer. What they were doing wasn't working. Even with Nari's help,
436:15 wasn't working. Even with Nari's help, Zelica wasn't weakening, and no one else
436:18 Zelica wasn't weakening, and no one else was free to lend their strength against
436:20 was free to lend their strength against her. Jiren was still surrounded by
436:22 her. Jiren was still surrounded by guards, his magic fully depleted. Ca was
436:26 guards, his magic fully depleted. Ca was lost in her duel with Navoc, her entire
436:28 lost in her duel with Navoc, her entire focus on her brother. Everyone else was
436:31 focus on her brother. Everyone else was out on the grounds, too far away to
436:33 out on the grounds, too far away to offer any aid. And Kea's magic, what
436:37 offer any aid. And Kea's magic, what remained, was like a candle flickering
436:40 remained, was like a candle flickering in the wind.
436:41 in the wind. love. She needs to focus on
436:45 love. She needs to focus on love. Calvin's voice whispered across
436:48 love. Calvin's voice whispered across her mind, causing a sob to catch in her
436:51 her mind, causing a sob to catch in her throat. She couldn't think about him
436:53 throat. She couldn't think about him now, or how one of the last things he'd
436:56 now, or how one of the last things he'd said was that he wouldn't let her face
436:58 said was that he wouldn't let her face Zelica alone. We're in this together,
437:02 Zelica alone. We're in this together, Sunshine. You and me.
437:06 Sunshine. You and me. only he wasn't there and she was facing
437:09 only he wasn't there and she was facing Zelica without him. Kea's heart cracked
437:12 Zelica without him. Kea's heart cracked all over again. But she now also knew
437:15 all over again. But she now also knew what she had to
437:16 what she had to do. Love. She needs to focus on
437:21 do. Love. She needs to focus on love. Despite her training, all the
437:24 love. Despite her training, all the magic she had left was currently being
437:27 magic she had left was currently being fueled by desperation. But it needed
437:29 fueled by desperation. But it needed more than that. For light to grow, it
437:32 more than that. For light to grow, it needed more light.
437:35 needed more light. I want you to think of a memory, Jiren
437:38 I want you to think of a memory, Jiren had told her weeks earlier. A good one.
437:42 had told her weeks earlier. A good one. A memory filled with love, Calvin had
437:45 A memory filled with love, Calvin had added. Even in the midst of the battle,
437:48 added. Even in the midst of the battle, that wasn't difficult for Kea because
437:51 that wasn't difficult for Kea because all she had to do was think of them.
437:54 all she had to do was think of them. Jiren and Calvin, Tip and Nari, Cresta
437:59 Jiren and Calvin, Tip and Nari, Cresta and Terrell and Ashlin, all the people
438:03 and Terrell and Ashlin, all the people so dear to her who had fought with her
438:06 so dear to her who had fought with her and for her. She thought of kissing
438:10 and for her. She thought of kissing Jiren on the mountaintop, of crying in
438:12 Jiren on the mountaintop, of crying in Caldon's arms, of Tip's gap tothed smile
438:16 Caldon's arms, of Tip's gap tothed smile and Nari's fierce protection, of
438:19 and Nari's fierce protection, of Cresta's unexpected friendship,
438:21 Cresta's unexpected friendship, Terrell's unflinching loyalty, and
438:24 Terrell's unflinching loyalty, and Ashlin's unearned kindness. They were
438:28 Ashlin's unearned kindness. They were her hope. They were her strength. They
438:32 her hope. They were her strength. They were the reason she would not give up.
438:34 were the reason she would not give up. Could not give up.
438:37 Could not give up. And when Zelica finally managed to get a
438:39 And when Zelica finally managed to get a lucky swipe in, slashing her blade
438:42 lucky swipe in, slashing her blade across Nari's torso and sending her
438:44 across Nari's torso and sending her staggering to the ground, Ka didn't
438:47 staggering to the ground, Ka didn't hesitate. One arm shot out toward the
438:49 hesitate. One arm shot out toward the guard, golden light stitching the wound
438:52 guard, golden light stitching the wound back together, while her other arm
438:54 back together, while her other arm pointed straight at Zelica. All the love
438:57 pointed straight at Zelica. All the love and hope and strength she was feeling
439:00 and hope and strength she was feeling coming out of her in a blaze as bright
439:02 coming out of her in a blaze as bright as the sun, striking her sister in the
439:05 as the sun, striking her sister in the chest.
439:06 chest. Zelica dropped her sword and went down
439:09 Zelica dropped her sword and went down onto a knee, a shriek leaving her as she
439:12 onto a knee, a shriek leaving her as she scrambled to summon her shadows. Dark
439:14 scrambled to summon her shadows. Dark and light, light and
439:17 and light, light and dark. Zelica continued resisting and
439:20 dark. Zelica continued resisting and fear tried to overwhelm Ka, but she
439:23 fear tried to overwhelm Ka, but she wouldn't let it, thinking only of those
439:25 wouldn't let it, thinking only of those she loved, of the strength that love
439:28 she loved, of the strength that love gave
439:29 gave her. And then suddenly, Zelica's shadows
439:34 her. And then suddenly, Zelica's shadows were gone.
439:36 were gone. Kea tipped forward from the unexpected
439:38 Kea tipped forward from the unexpected lack of resistance, nearly losing her
439:40 lack of resistance, nearly losing her footing. The bridge battle continued
439:43 footing. The bridge battle continued around them, but it was as if they were
439:45 around them, but it was as if they were in their own bubble as they stared at
439:47 in their own bubble as they stared at each other, chests heaving with
439:50 each other, chests heaving with exertion, emerald eyes locked on honey
439:53 exertion, emerald eyes locked on honey gold. Ka's pulse was racing, the
439:56 gold. Ka's pulse was racing, the question of, "Is it over?" flooding her
440:00 question of, "Is it over?" flooding her mind. She was aware of Nari trying to
440:03 mind. She was aware of Nari trying to get up but not yet able to, of Jiren
440:06 get up but not yet able to, of Jiren finally being free of opponents and
440:08 finally being free of opponents and sprinting her way. But her gaze remained
440:12 sprinting her way. But her gaze remained only on Zelica, who was still kneeling
440:15 only on Zelica, who was still kneeling in defeat, looking up at her with
440:17 in defeat, looking up at her with emotionfilled eyes. Her shadows were
440:20 emotionfilled eyes. Her shadows were gone, her death magic burned away,
440:24 gone, her death magic burned away, healed.
440:26 healed. Kea stood there shaking, hardly daring
440:29 Kea stood there shaking, hardly daring to believe it. Not even when Zelica
440:32 to believe it. Not even when Zelica opened her mouth, her voice a broken
440:34 opened her mouth, her voice a broken rasp of
440:35 rasp of sound. "Everything I did was for our
440:40 sound. "Everything I did was for our family," she whispered. "Everything I
440:44 family," she whispered. "Everything I achieved, everything I wanted was for
440:48 achieved, everything I wanted was for us." Kea swallowed. "It was never yours
440:52 us." Kea swallowed. "It was never yours to want."
440:54 to want." Zelica didn't hear her, didn't listen.
440:57 Zelica didn't hear her, didn't listen. Her tone changed, becoming as hard as
440:59 Her tone changed, becoming as hard as steel as she hissed. "You tried to take
441:03 steel as she hissed. "You tried to take that from me. So now I'll take
441:06 that from me. So now I'll take everything you want."
441:09 everything you want." A loud, pained cry made Ka's head whip
441:12 A loud, pained cry made Ka's head whip to the side just in time to see Navak's
441:15 to the side just in time to see Navak's stunned face as Cresa pulled her blade
441:18 stunned face as Cresa pulled her blade from his chest, his hands clutching at
441:20 from his chest, his hands clutching at the mortal wound before he stumbled
441:23 the mortal wound before he stumbled backwards right over the railing and
441:25 backwards right over the railing and into the river below. Cresta had done
441:28 into the river below. Cresta had done it. She had defeated Navoc. She was
441:33 it. She had defeated Navoc. She was queen of Miran.
441:35 queen of Miran. That meant she could call off the battle
441:39 That meant she could call off the battle immediately. But then Ka realized her
441:41 immediately. But then Ka realized her own fatal mistake and turned quickly
441:44 own fatal mistake and turned quickly back to Zelica, seeing what the
441:46 back to Zelica, seeing what the distraction had cost her. Because in her
441:48 distraction had cost her. Because in her sister's hands was a familiar dagger.
441:51 sister's hands was a familiar dagger. Something Ka had forgotten about with
441:53 Something Ka had forgotten about with all the dangers surrounding them,
441:55 all the dangers surrounding them, despite it being the one weapon they all
441:57 despite it being the one weapon they all should have taken care to remember. The
442:00 should have taken care to remember. The eye of the gods.
442:02 eye of the gods. With a wicked, lethal grin on her face,
442:06 With a wicked, lethal grin on her face, Zelica threw the blade into the air, but
442:09 Zelica threw the blade into the air, but it wasn't aimed at
442:11 it wasn't aimed at Kea. Now, I'll take everything you
442:15 Kea. Now, I'll take everything you want." Zelica's words echoed in Ka's
442:18 want." Zelica's words echoed in Ka's ears as she saw the trajectory of the
442:20 ears as she saw the trajectory of the blade, knowing she had a fraction of a
442:22 blade, knowing she had a fraction of a second to make a decision. She didn't
442:25 second to make a decision. She didn't hesitate because the eye was aimed at
442:28 hesitate because the eye was aimed at Jiren. The one weapon that could take
442:31 Jiren. The one weapon that could take away his magic again. And this time
442:35 away his magic again. And this time there would be no hope of getting it
442:37 there would be no hope of getting it back. He wouldn't just lose his powers,
442:40 back. He wouldn't just lose his powers, he would lose his right to rule. And
442:42 he would lose his right to rule. And that was something Kea couldn't accept,
442:45 that was something Kea couldn't accept, couldn't allow. So she dived in the path
442:48 couldn't allow. So she dived in the path of the blade.
442:50 of the blade. pain, burning, blinding pain lanced
442:54 pain, burning, blinding pain lanced through her as she landed hard on the
442:56 through her as she landed hard on the bridge. But it wasn't just the agony of
442:59 bridge. But it wasn't just the agony of the dagger lodging deep into her
443:00 the dagger lodging deep into her stomach. It was the ice cold feeling of
443:04 stomach. It was the ice cold feeling of her magic screaming in her veins. She
443:07 her magic screaming in her veins. She could feel the eye sucking it up, could
443:09 could feel the eye sucking it up, could feel it leaving her, being stolen from
443:13 feel it leaving her, being stolen from her. And then it was gone.
443:17 her. And then it was gone. from one moment to the next like it had
443:19 from one moment to the next like it had never
443:20 never been. A sob left Ka, but she didn't have
443:24 been. A sob left Ka, but she didn't have a chance to mourn what she'd just lost,
443:27 a chance to mourn what she'd just lost, nor to be concerned about the numbness
443:29 nor to be concerned about the numbness spreading outward from her wound.
443:31 spreading outward from her wound. Instead, it was fear she felt because
443:35 Instead, it was fear she felt because Jiren should have reached her by now.
443:38 Jiren should have reached her by now. Nari should have scrambled over. Even
443:40 Nari should have scrambled over. Even Cresta should have come running. But Ka
443:43 Cresta should have come running. But Ka was alone. the bridge quiet and still
443:47 was alone. the bridge quiet and still and covered in
443:49 and covered in shadows. "No!" she gasped inwardly as
443:53 shadows. "No!" she gasped inwardly as Zelica approached, a triumphant, crazed
443:56 Zelica approached, a triumphant, crazed smile on her lips. She'd never been
443:59 smile on her lips. She'd never been defeated. Her death magic was as strong
444:02 defeated. Her death magic was as strong as ever. Another sobb left Ka, this time
444:07 as ever. Another sobb left Ka, this time not just from pain and loss, but also
444:11 not just from pain and loss, but also devastation because she had failed. And
444:14 devastation because she had failed. And now she didn't have anything left to
444:16 now she didn't have anything left to give. Her healing power gone
444:20 give. Her healing power gone forever. Zelica stopped when she reached
444:22 forever. Zelica stopped when she reached Ka and crouched down beside her,
444:25 Ka and crouched down beside her, trailing a gentle mocking finger down
444:28 trailing a gentle mocking finger down her face.
444:30 her face. Kea couldn't move away. Her body too
444:33 Kea couldn't move away. Her body too weak, her pain too great. It took
444:37 weak, her pain too great. It took everything within her just to clutch at
444:39 everything within her just to clutch at her stomach, trying to staunch her own
444:42 her stomach, trying to staunch her own blood. That was silly of you, Zelica
444:47 blood. That was silly of you, Zelica couped. Believe what you want, little
444:50 couped. Believe what you want, little sister. But I am sorry it's come to
444:53 sister. But I am sorry it's come to this. If only you'd joined me, none of
444:57 this. If only you'd joined me, none of this would have
444:59 this would have happened. Kea coughed, and blood bubbled
445:03 happened. Kea coughed, and blood bubbled out of her mouth, dribbling down her
445:05 out of her mouth, dribbling down her chin. She knew what that meant, knew she
445:09 chin. She knew what that meant, knew she didn't have long, and knew what she had
445:13 didn't have long, and knew what she had to do.
445:15 to do. Turning her neck was all she could
445:17 Turning her neck was all she could manage, but it was enough for Kea to
445:20 manage, but it was enough for Kea to lock eyes with Jiren, seeing him frozen
445:23 lock eyes with Jiren, seeing him frozen only a few feet away. Zelica's magic
445:26 only a few feet away. Zelica's magic stopping him mid-sprint, his gaze was
445:29 stopping him mid-sprint, his gaze was terrified, his face as white as a sheet,
445:32 terrified, his face as white as a sheet, standing out in stark contrast to the
445:35 standing out in stark contrast to the fresh pink of his healed chest. She
445:38 fresh pink of his healed chest. She tried to speak to him silently, telling
445:40 tried to speak to him silently, telling him how much she loved him, that he was
445:43 him how much she loved him, that he was worth what she'd just done, how sorry
445:47 worth what she'd just done, how sorry she was for what was about to happen.
445:50 she was for what was about to happen. But then her sister continued speaking,
445:52 But then her sister continued speaking, and Ka painstakingly looked back at her.
445:56 and Ka painstakingly looked back at her. "Don't worry," Zelica said, her eyes
446:00 "Don't worry," Zelica said, her eyes amused as they flicked toward Jiren. "I
446:03 amused as they flicked toward Jiren. "I won't make him suffer. Consider it my
446:07 won't make him suffer. Consider it my very last gift to you. A quick death for
446:11 very last gift to you. A quick death for your
446:12 your beloved. She leaned down then, pressing
446:15 beloved. She leaned down then, pressing her lips to Ka's forehead before
446:17 her lips to Ka's forehead before whispering in her ear,
446:20 whispering in her ear, "Goodbye,
446:22 "Goodbye, sister." That was when Ka spoke,
446:25 sister." That was when Ka spoke, managing to rasp only two words.
446:29 managing to rasp only two words. "Goodbye, Celica."
446:32 "Goodbye, Celica." And before her sister could realize what
446:34 And before her sister could realize what she was doing, Ka used the last of her
446:37 she was doing, Ka used the last of her strength to rip the dagger from her own
446:40 strength to rip the dagger from her own stomach. The sudden pain of it worse
446:42 stomach. The sudden pain of it worse than before, worse than anything she'd
446:44 than before, worse than anything she'd ever experienced. But she made herself
446:47 ever experienced. But she made herself slash upward, even as Zelica's eyes
446:49 slash upward, even as Zelica's eyes widened and she lurched away. She was
446:52 widened and she lurched away. She was too slow, the blade swiping across her
446:55 too slow, the blade swiping across her cheek. It was a shallow wound, barely a
446:58 cheek. It was a shallow wound, barely a scratch, but it was
447:01 scratch, but it was enough. An almighty scream roared from
447:04 enough. An almighty scream roared from Zelica as she slapped her hand to her
447:07 Zelica as she slapped her hand to her face, the shadows on the bridge
447:09 face, the shadows on the bridge instantly receding into her like spilled
447:11 instantly receding into her like spilled ink being sucked back into its pot.
447:15 ink being sucked back into its pot. Within the space of seconds, her power
447:17 Within the space of seconds, her power vanished without a trace. Everyone it
447:19 vanished without a trace. Everyone it had held captive, free again and
447:23 had held captive, free again and forever. The next instant, Zelica was
447:27 forever. The next instant, Zelica was being tackled to the side by Nari. But
447:29 being tackled to the side by Nari. But she didn't fight this time, her body
447:31 she didn't fight this time, her body limp and
447:32 limp and unresisting. It was over. It was
447:36 unresisting. It was over. It was done. And then suddenly, Jiren was
447:39 done. And then suddenly, Jiren was there. Kea, sweetheart, look at me, he
447:43 there. Kea, sweetheart, look at me, he begged, cupping her face, his hands
447:46 begged, cupping her face, his hands shaking. Stay with me. Don't close your
447:49 shaking. Stay with me. Don't close your eyes. He shouted then, not at her. He
447:53 eyes. He shouted then, not at her. He shouted for help. More hands were on
447:56 shouted for help. More hands were on her. Cresta's hands pressing hard
447:58 her. Cresta's hands pressing hard against her abdomen. She was yelling
448:01 against her abdomen. She was yelling something, yelling at Kea. But Ka
448:04 something, yelling at Kea. But Ka couldn't understand. Her thoughts thick
448:06 couldn't understand. Her thoughts thick and sluggish. She knew she should feel
448:09 and sluggish. She knew she should feel pain. Should have been in agony. But
448:13 pain. Should have been in agony. But there was nothing. Just blood. Lots and
448:17 there was nothing. Just blood. Lots and lots of blood. It was all Ka could see
448:22 lots of blood. It was all Ka could see until her eyes
448:24 until her eyes closed and
448:25 closed and then
448:40 32, pain, blood, yelling, silence. For seconds, minutes, hours,
448:45 silence. For seconds, minutes, hours, days, Ka knew nothing. floating in a sea
448:49 days, Ka knew nothing. floating in a sea of oblivion. Her eyelids fluttering open
448:52 of oblivion. Her eyelids fluttering open and closed, each time revealing someone
448:56 and closed, each time revealing someone different. Jiren, Tip, Cresta, Terrell,
449:03 different. Jiren, Tip, Cresta, Terrell, Nari,
449:05 Nari, Ashlin. They spoke with her, begged, and
449:08 Ashlin. They spoke with her, begged, and pleaded, but she couldn't comprehend
449:10 pleaded, but she couldn't comprehend their words, couldn't return them. She
449:14 their words, couldn't return them. She wanted to feel relief that they were
449:15 wanted to feel relief that they were there, that they'd survived the battle,
449:18 there, that they'd survived the battle, but she also wanted them to be quiet so
449:21 but she also wanted them to be quiet so she could fall back into her blissful
449:23 she could fall back into her blissful nothingness where there was no pain, no
449:26 nothingness where there was no pain, no fighting, no fear, just
449:31 fighting, no fear, just peace. Other faces hovered over her,
449:34 peace. Other faces hovered over her, unfamiliar people dressed in white robes
449:37 unfamiliar people dressed in white robes and smelling too clean, coming and going
449:40 and smelling too clean, coming and going while murmuring in low, worried voices.
449:43 while murmuring in low, worried voices. only one she recognized, a dark-skinned
449:46 only one she recognized, a dark-skinned elderly woman with a kind face behind
449:49 elderly woman with a kind face behind wireframed spectacles. Something about
449:52 wireframed spectacles. Something about her was soothing, reassuring, but Ka's
449:56 her was soothing, reassuring, but Ka's dreamlike state meant she couldn't
449:58 dreamlike state meant she couldn't remember
449:59 remember why. A hand was holding hers. Lips were
450:03 why. A hand was holding hers. Lips were touching her cheek. Blue gold eyes were
450:06 touching her cheek. Blue gold eyes were staring down at her. A broken voice was
450:10 staring down at her. A broken voice was whispering in her ear, telling her how
450:12 whispering in her ear, telling her how loved she was, telling her to hold
450:16 loved she was, telling her to hold on. Jiren. She wanted to comfort him, to
450:20 on. Jiren. She wanted to comfort him, to wipe away his tears, but the darkness
450:23 wipe away his tears, but the darkness claimed her again, and this time it kept
450:38 Kea awakened slowly, her eyelids feeling weighted down. She fought to open them,
450:42 weighted down. She fought to open them, blinking once, twice, three times until
450:47 blinking once, twice, three times until her blurry vision cleared enough for her
450:50 her blurry vision cleared enough for her to see where she was.
450:53 to see where she was. "Silverthorn," whispered an exhausted
450:56 "Silverthorn," whispered an exhausted part of her mind, the small window in
450:58 part of her mind, the small window in her private room revealing the familiar
451:01 her private room revealing the familiar garden sanctuary at the center of the
451:03 garden sanctuary at the center of the healing campus.
451:05 healing campus. Part of her wondered how she had come to
451:07 Part of her wondered how she had come to be there, her weary thoughts attempting
451:10 be there, her weary thoughts attempting to fill in the blanks of her memory, all
451:13 to fill in the blanks of her memory, all while making her aware of the muted ache
451:16 while making her aware of the muted ache in her middle. But the other part of her
451:19 in her middle. But the other part of her was more insistent, demanding that she
451:21 was more insistent, demanding that she focus on the person sitting in the chair
451:23 focus on the person sitting in the chair beside her bed, the last person she
451:26 beside her bed, the last person she expected to see there, because it was
451:31 expected to see there, because it was Calvin. He was paler than a corpse. His
451:34 Calvin. He was paler than a corpse. His golden hair a talled mess, but his
451:37 golden hair a talled mess, but his cobalt eyes were sparkling as he
451:40 cobalt eyes were sparkling as he drawled. I leave you alone for a few
451:43 drawled. I leave you alone for a few hours and look what
451:46 hours and look what happens. Kea stared at him, stared and
451:50 happens. Kea stared at him, stared and stared and stared. And then her face
451:54 stared and stared. And then her face crumpled and she burst out crying. He
451:58 crumpled and she burst out crying. He swore and leapt up from his seat,
452:00 swore and leapt up from his seat, sliding onto her bed and carefully, so
452:03 sliding onto her bed and carefully, so very carefully drawing her into his
452:06 very carefully drawing her into his arms. "We talked about this," he said
452:10 arms. "We talked about this," he said into her ear. One hand moving soothingly
452:13 into her ear. One hand moving soothingly up and down her arm, the other holding
452:17 up and down her arm, the other holding her close. "No tears while I'm hugging
452:20 her close. "No tears while I'm hugging you. That's our rule.
452:24 you. That's our rule. I've thought you
452:27 I've thought you were dead. Kea blubed, the muted pain in
452:31 were dead. Kea blubed, the muted pain in her middle becoming less muted as her
452:34 her middle becoming less muted as her body heaved. But she couldn't hold back
452:36 body heaved. But she couldn't hold back the tide of what she was feeling.
452:39 the tide of what she was feeling. Everything she'd repressed upon learning
452:41 Everything she'd repressed upon learning of Cal's death rose to the surface. fear
452:44 of Cal's death rose to the surface. fear and horror and anguish. All now overcome
452:49 and horror and anguish. All now overcome by relief so acute that she could barely
452:52 by relief so acute that she could barely breathe. "I nearly was," Calvin said
452:56 breathe. "I nearly was," Calvin said quietly, using his voice and his touch
452:59 quietly, using his voice and his touch to comfort her. "I'll tell you what
453:02 to comfort her. "I'll tell you what happened, but only if you calm down.
453:05 happened, but only if you calm down. Your body needs to rest. And if you get
453:08 Your body needs to rest. And if you get too worked up, Healer Mattis is going to
453:11 too worked up, Healer Mattis is going to storm in here and yell at me
453:14 storm in here and yell at me again. "Uh, again?" Kea asked, hicoping.
453:20 again. "Uh, again?" Kea asked, hicoping. "I'm technically not supposed to be out
453:23 "I'm technically not supposed to be out of bed," Calvin shared. "But Jiren was
453:27 of bed," Calvin shared. "But Jiren was needed at an emergency royal council
453:29 needed at an emergency royal council meeting, and I promised him you wouldn't
453:32 meeting, and I promised him you wouldn't be alone. Even if sitting here has been
453:34 be alone. Even if sitting here has been as entertaining as watching paint dry,
453:38 as entertaining as watching paint dry, his eyes caught hers, mirth filling them
453:41 his eyes caught hers, mirth filling them as he said, "You drool in your sleep.
453:45 as he said, "You drool in your sleep. Did you
453:46 Did you know?" Kea didn't have it in her to be
453:49 know?" Kea didn't have it in her to be embarrassed. But she was finally able to
453:51 embarrassed. But she was finally able to stop her tears and ask, her voice with
453:55 stop her tears and ask, her voice with disbelief, "How are you here?" Galdrich
453:59 disbelief, "How are you here?" Galdrich said. Ah, yes,
454:03 said. Ah, yes, Galdrich. Calon's eyes darkened. Aunt
454:06 Galdrich. Calon's eyes darkened. Aunt Ariana told us what the rings did to
454:09 Ariana told us what the rings did to him. Couldn't have happened to a nicer
454:11 him. Couldn't have happened to a nicer man. His anger fled as quickly as it had
454:15 man. His anger fled as quickly as it had arrived, and he answered, "I'm here
454:18 arrived, and he answered, "I'm here because of Tip. He saved my life."
454:23 because of Tip. He saved my life." That wasn't what Kea had expected,
454:25 That wasn't what Kea had expected, especially since it was Tip who had told
454:27 especially since it was Tip who had told her of Cal's demise. He hadn't been
454:30 her of Cal's demise. He hadn't been acting. She'd seen the grief in his
454:33 acting. She'd seen the grief in his eyes, the tears streaming down his face.
454:36 eyes, the tears streaming down his face. "He didn't know he'd saved me," Calvin
454:40 "He didn't know he'd saved me," Calvin said, noting her confusion. "I think he
454:43 said, noting her confusion. "I think he cracked one of my ribs when they went to
454:45 cracked one of my ribs when they went to collect my body and found me breathing.
454:49 collect my body and found me breathing. For someone so small, he sure is strong,
454:52 For someone so small, he sure is strong, like a leech. But how? Kea asked, still
454:57 like a leech. But how? Kea asked, still not
454:58 not understanding. Galdrich said he used
455:01 understanding. Galdrich said he used necross venom. There's no cure for that.
455:04 necross venom. There's no cure for that. He
455:05 He said he said. She strained her mind,
455:10 said he said. She strained her mind, feeling fatigue press in on her. He said
455:14 feeling fatigue press in on her. He said tip tried to give you water. There's no
455:18 tip tried to give you water. There's no way that it wasn't water. Calvin said,
455:22 way that it wasn't water. Calvin said, "Do you remember when we were at the
455:25 "Do you remember when we were at the midnight markets? How Tip snuck away
455:28 midnight markets? How Tip snuck away while you were getting the
455:29 while you were getting the ring?" Kea wouldn't forget that night in
455:32 ring?" Kea wouldn't forget that night in a hurry. And she nodded, "Well, while
455:36 a hurry. And she nodded, "Well, while you were off serenating the moon or
455:38 you were off serenating the moon or whatever the hell you were doing, we ran
455:41 whatever the hell you were doing, we ran around in a panic looking for him, only
455:44 around in a panic looking for him, only to find him back with the mystician.
455:47 to find him back with the mystician. Apparently they enjoyed quite the
455:49 Apparently they enjoyed quite the conversation which included her handing
455:52 conversation which included her handing him a vial of liquid and telling him to
455:55 him a vial of liquid and telling him to put it in his water skin on the morning
455:58 put it in his water skin on the morning of the 9inth day and that he was to use
456:00 of the 9inth day and that he was to use it when the snake strikes. Poor kid
456:04 it when the snake strikes. Poor kid thought he was out of his mind and
456:06 thought he was out of his mind and didn't tell any of us, not wanting us to
456:09 didn't tell any of us, not wanting us to think he was crazy for listening to her.
456:12 think he was crazy for listening to her. But he kept track of the days and
456:15 But he kept track of the days and followed her instructions. And then when
456:17 followed her instructions. And then when Galdrich got a lucky slice in, Calvin
456:21 Galdrich got a lucky slice in, Calvin lifted his shirt to reveal a white
456:23 lifted his shirt to reveal a white bandage just beneath his rib cage and
456:26 bandage just beneath his rib cage and gloated about the venom. Tip realized
456:30 gloated about the venom. Tip realized that was what he'd been warned about,
456:32 that was what he'd been warned about, and he tried to force the entire
456:34 and he tried to force the entire contents of his water skin down my
456:37 contents of his water skin down my throat. Cal's face shadowed.
456:40 throat. Cal's face shadowed. That wasn't pleasant, let me tell you.
456:44 That wasn't pleasant, let me tell you. But I choked down a few mouthfuls before
456:46 But I choked down a few mouthfuls before Galdrich hauled him away. He shrugged
456:49 Galdrich hauled him away. He shrugged and finished. And now here I
456:53 and finished. And now here I am. But
456:56 am. But But Kea couldn't wrap her head around
456:59 But Kea couldn't wrap her head around the story and settled on repeating.
457:02 the story and settled on repeating. There's no cure for necross venom. Not
457:05 There's no cure for necross venom. Not in all of
457:07 in all of Wenderol. Exactly. Calan said in
457:12 Wenderol. Exactly. Calan said in Wenderol. But the mystician isn't from
457:15 Wenderol. But the mystician isn't from Wenderol, is
457:17 Wenderol, is she? Wonder filled Ka as she thought
457:20 she? Wonder filled Ka as she thought about Zofhia Sage and her uncanny mental
457:23 about Zofhia Sage and her uncanny mental magic. How she'd hailed from across the
457:27 magic. How she'd hailed from across the ocean.
457:29 ocean. Unbelievable, she whispered. I'm sorry
457:32 Unbelievable, she whispered. I'm sorry to say this, Sunshine, Calvin said, but
457:36 to say this, Sunshine, Calvin said, but Tip has pushed you off the top of my
457:39 Tip has pushed you off the top of my favorite people list. Don't take it
457:43 favorite people list. Don't take it personally. Kea leaned more of her
457:45 personally. Kea leaned more of her weight against him and said with
457:47 weight against him and said with feeling, "He's up there on my list,
457:50 feeling, "He's up there on my list, too."
457:52 too." Calvin's eyes warmed and he kissed the
457:54 Calvin's eyes warmed and he kissed the top of her
457:55 top of her head. I still feel half dead, but you're
457:59 head. I still feel half dead, but you're the one we were all really worried
458:02 the one we were all really worried about. It was touch and go for a few
458:05 about. It was touch and go for a few days there. Kea stilled. Days? You've
458:10 days there. Kea stilled. Days? You've been unconscious for the better part of
458:12 been unconscious for the better part of a week, Calvin revealed. The blade
458:15 a week, Calvin revealed. The blade ruptured your liver or your lungs or
458:18 ruptured your liver or your lungs or something else in there. internal
458:21 something else in there. internal bleeding. Mattis said they worked around
458:23 bleeding. Mattis said they worked around the clock to keep you with
458:25 the clock to keep you with us. His words were light, but Kea could
458:28 us. His words were light, but Kea could hear the fear in his voice, the same
458:31 hear the fear in his voice, the same fear she'd felt when she thought she'd
458:33 fear she'd felt when she thought she'd lost him. She pressed her cheek to his
458:36 lost him. She pressed her cheek to his chest, wincing at the renewed throbb in
458:39 chest, wincing at the renewed throbb in her stomach. It was aching more now,
458:42 her stomach. It was aching more now, aggravated by her crying attack. But
458:45 aggravated by her crying attack. But even
458:45 even so, are you sure there was internal
458:48 so, are you sure there was internal bleeding? It hurts, but it doesn't hurt
458:52 bleeding? It hurts, but it doesn't hurt that bad. Calvin grinned. That'll be the
458:56 that bad. Calvin grinned. That'll be the drugs, not poppy milk, he said quickly.
459:00 drugs, not poppy milk, he said quickly. Cester told them about your history with
459:03 Cester told them about your history with angel dust, and they decided it was best
459:05 angel dust, and they decided it was best to avoid anything addictive. I don't
459:09 to avoid anything addictive. I don't know what they gave you, just that it's
459:12 know what they gave you, just that it's meant to dull the pain and make you
459:13 meant to dull the pain and make you drowsy. I'm honestly surprised you've
459:16 drowsy. I'm honestly surprised you've managed to stay awake for this whole
459:17 managed to stay awake for this whole conversation.
459:19 conversation. Kea was feeling sleep tug at her, but
459:22 Kea was feeling sleep tug at her, but Calvin had just reminded her of
459:24 Calvin had just reminded her of something else, and she forced her eyes
459:27 something else, and she forced her eyes to remain open. "Ca, she's a
459:32 to remain open. "Ca, she's a Kildarion," Calvin said, his grin
459:35 Kildarion," Calvin said, his grin widening. "That was a delicious little
459:39 widening. "That was a delicious little secret to keep, let me tell you." Kea
459:42 secret to keep, let me tell you." Kea gave at him. "You knew." He rolled his
459:46 gave at him. "You knew." He rolled his eyes. When are you going to realize that
459:50 eyes. When are you going to realize that I know
459:52 I know everything? But how? She spluttered. And
459:56 everything? But how? She spluttered. And why didn't you say something? Firstly,
460:00 why didn't you say something? Firstly, he said, "It wasn't my secret to share."
460:04 he said, "It wasn't my secret to share." His pointed look made Kea bite her lip
460:06 His pointed look made Kea bite her lip in acknowledgement of the secrets he'd
460:08 in acknowledgement of the secrets he'd kept for her. Then he went on, "And to
460:12 kept for her. Then he went on, "And to be fair, I didn't know at first. There
460:15 be fair, I didn't know at first. There was always something familiar about her,
460:18 was always something familiar about her, something I couldn't put my finger on,
460:21 something I couldn't put my finger on, but I only started piecing it together
460:24 but I only started piecing it together partway through our travels. The way she
460:27 partway through our travels. The way she moved, the way she looked, how some of
460:30 moved, the way she looked, how some of the foreign rulers reacted to seeing
460:32 the foreign rulers reacted to seeing her, as if they couldn't figure where
460:35 her, as if they couldn't figure where they might have known her from. Her
460:38 they might have known her from. Her family resemblance subtle, but enough to
460:41 family resemblance subtle, but enough to trigger interest. he snorted and added.
460:44 trigger interest. he snorted and added. Never mind that she's fluent in more
460:47 Never mind that she's fluent in more languages than I am and she fights like
460:49 languages than I am and she fights like she was born with a blade in her
460:51 she was born with a blade in her hand. Now that he'd laid it all out, Kea
460:54 hand. Now that he'd laid it all out, Kea felt even more foolish for not
460:56 felt even more foolish for not realizing. She opened her mouth to ask a
460:59 realizing. She opened her mouth to ask a million questions, one of which was what
461:01 million questions, one of which was what Cresta's royal status meant for Cal
461:04 Cresta's royal status meant for Cal personally, given the way their
461:06 personally, given the way their relationship had appeared to be slowly
461:08 relationship had appeared to be slowly developing during their travels. But
461:11 developing during their travels. But before she could get a word out, the
461:13 before she could get a word out, the door to her room opened and Healer
461:15 door to her room opened and Healer Mattis
461:16 Mattis appeared. She paused at the entry, her
461:19 appeared. She paused at the entry, her gray eyebrows shooting together.
461:23 gray eyebrows shooting together. "Uh-oh," Calvin muttered.
461:26 "Uh-oh," Calvin muttered. "Caught." "He didn't move, though." The
461:29 "Caught." "He didn't move, though." The matron healer sighed long and loud
461:32 matron healer sighed long and loud before walking over to them and saying,
461:35 before walking over to them and saying, "You're meant to be resting, both of
461:39 "You're meant to be resting, both of you." Calvin indicated their prone
461:42 you." Calvin indicated their prone bodies. "How much more resting can we
461:45 bodies. "How much more resting can we be?" Mattis ignored him and looked at
461:48 be?" Mattis ignored him and looked at Kea. "Good to see you awake, dear."
461:53 Kea. "Good to see you awake, dear." "Thank you for taking care of me," she
461:56 "Thank you for taking care of me," she replied quietly, almost shyily. Her
461:59 replied quietly, almost shyily. Her respect for the head of Silverthorn only
462:01 respect for the head of Silverthorn only growing each time they met. The healer
462:04 growing each time they met. The healer waved away her gratitude. "How are you
462:07 waved away her gratitude. "How are you feeling? Any
462:09 feeling? Any pain?" "A little," Ka answered honestly.
462:13 pain?" "A little," Ka answered honestly. Mattis pulled a vial from her white
462:15 Mattis pulled a vial from her white robes. "Drink this. All of it."
462:20 robes. "Drink this. All of it." Knowing better than to argue, Kea
462:22 Knowing better than to argue, Kea reached for it, alarmed by how weak her
462:25 reached for it, alarmed by how weak her arm felt, how weak her entire body felt.
462:30 arm felt, how weak her entire body felt. That weakness didn't fade when she
462:32 That weakness didn't fade when she swallowed the tonic, grimacing at the
462:34 swallowed the tonic, grimacing at the bitter, earthy taste, but she did feel
462:37 bitter, earthy taste, but she did feel near instant pain relief, the throbbing
462:40 near instant pain relief, the throbbing in her stomach returning to a dull ache.
462:44 in her stomach returning to a dull ache. Her eyes began to close of their own
462:46 Her eyes began to close of their own accord, the medicine stealing her
462:48 accord, the medicine stealing her consciousness, but she fought to listen
462:51 consciousness, but she fought to listen as Mattis said, "You'll need to stay
462:54 as Mattis said, "You'll need to stay here under observation for a few more
462:57 here under observation for a few more days, and then you'll have to be very
463:00 days, and then you'll have to be very gentle with yourself for a while, but
463:04 gentle with yourself for a while, but you should make a full recovery."
463:08 you should make a full recovery." That's good news, Kea said, her words
463:12 That's good news, Kea said, her words coming out mumbled and slurred. She
463:15 coming out mumbled and slurred. She wasn't able to hold on to her awareness
463:17 wasn't able to hold on to her awareness after that, with the last thing she
463:19 after that, with the last thing she heard being Mattis's voice coming from
463:21 heard being Mattis's voice coming from far away as she said to Calvin, "Don't
463:25 far away as she said to Calvin, "Don't make me tie you to your own bed, young
463:28 make me tie you to your own bed, young man." Followed by his cheeky, "How
463:31 man." Followed by his cheeky, "How scandalous!"
463:33 scandalous!" And then Ka succumbed to sleep with a
463:37 And then Ka succumbed to sleep with a smile on her
463:39 smile on her lips. The next time Ka woke, still tired
463:43 lips. The next time Ka woke, still tired and achy, it was dark outside her
463:46 and achy, it was dark outside her window. She thought she was alone until
463:49 window. She thought she was alone until a figure approached her bed, the faint
463:51 a figure approached her bed, the faint luminium lights revealing a snake tattoo
463:54 luminium lights revealing a snake tattoo and a face speckled with partially
463:56 and a face speckled with partially healed cuts and bruises. For a long
463:59 healed cuts and bruises. For a long moment, Kea and Cresta just looked at
464:02 moment, Kea and Cresta just looked at each
464:02 each other. And then Ka said, "If you want me
464:07 other. And then Ka said, "If you want me to bow, you're going to have to help me
464:10 to bow, you're going to have to help me up." Cresta's relief was visible with
464:13 up." Cresta's relief was visible with her slumping down into the chair beside
464:15 her slumping down into the chair beside the bed, a weighty breath leaving her as
464:18 the bed, a weighty breath leaving her as she said, "I think that terrifying
464:21 she said, "I think that terrifying healer woman will march in here and drag
464:24 healer woman will march in here and drag me out if you move so much as an inch.
464:28 me out if you move so much as an inch. Kea's lips twitched at the thought of
464:30 Kea's lips twitched at the thought of Cresta, fierce exquorer, now queen Ca
464:35 Cresta, fierce exquorer, now queen Ca being afraid of healer
464:37 being afraid of healer Mattis. I think you can handle her, she
464:41 Mattis. I think you can handle her, she replied, shifting slightly, then wincing
464:43 replied, shifting slightly, then wincing at the pain. Another long pause fell
464:47 at the pain. Another long pause fell between them before Cresta sighed and
464:49 between them before Cresta sighed and said, "I wanted to tell you." She
464:53 said, "I wanted to tell you." She pressed her lips together. "No, that's a
464:56 pressed her lips together. "No, that's a lie. I didn't want anyone to know
464:59 lie. I didn't want anyone to know because I never intended to do anything
465:01 because I never intended to do anything about it. She pulled her tangled red
465:04 about it. She pulled her tangled red locks away from her face and admitted I
465:07 locks away from her face and admitted I knew I wanted to save Saraphene to
465:09 knew I wanted to save Saraphene to protect her. That was always my
465:12 protect her. That was always my intention, but I didn't have to
465:14 intention, but I didn't have to challenge Navic to do that. Then why did
465:18 challenge Navic to do that. Then why did you? It's your fault, Cresa said,
465:22 you? It's your fault, Cresa said, suddenly scowlling. You and the stupid
465:24 suddenly scowlling. You and the stupid angel dust. Ka's eyebrows rose. Excuse
465:29 angel dust. Ka's eyebrows rose. Excuse me. In
465:31 me. In Ursa. Cresta pitched her voice higher to
465:34 Ursa. Cresta pitched her voice higher to mimic Kea. You're a good friend, Ca. I'm
465:38 mimic Kea. You're a good friend, Ca. I'm sorry you lost your family, but I'm glad
465:41 sorry you lost your family, but I'm glad you're a part of ours
465:43 you're a part of ours now. I hated you for saying that because
465:46 now. I hated you for saying that because you made me realize it was true. I'd
465:49 you made me realize it was true. I'd tried to keep you all at a distance, but
465:52 tried to keep you all at a distance, but I'd failed. Her scowl deepened. Before
465:56 I'd failed. Her scowl deepened. Before that, I didn't give a damn about the
465:58 that, I didn't give a damn about the Valentis family, or Eveon for that
466:00 Valentis family, or Eveon for that matter. But getting to know you all, you
466:04 matter. But getting to know you all, you made it impossible for me not to care.
466:07 made it impossible for me not to care. And when I realized that my own brother
466:09 And when I realized that my own brother was hellbent on using you and killing
466:12 was hellbent on using you and killing them, I knew I couldn't just sit by and
466:14 them, I knew I couldn't just sit by and let that happen. Her scowl faded into a
466:17 let that happen. Her scowl faded into a guilty look as she confessed. I didn't
466:20 guilty look as she confessed. I didn't know for sure until I saw him on the
466:21 know for sure until I saw him on the bridge, though. That was when I realized
466:24 bridge, though. That was when I realized that even if I had no idea what I was
466:27 that even if I had no idea what I was doing, Miran would still be better off
466:29 doing, Miran would still be better off ruled by anyone but
466:31 ruled by anyone but him. For what it's worth, Kea said
466:35 him. For what it's worth, Kea said quietly. I think you'll make a great
466:39 quietly. I think you'll make a great queen. Cresta scrubbed a hand over her
466:42 queen. Cresta scrubbed a hand over her face. I guess we'll see.
466:45 face. I guess we'll see. Saraphene will help you, Kea said,
466:48 Saraphene will help you, Kea said, certain the compassionate princess
466:50 certain the compassionate princess wouldn't leave her sister to the wolves.
466:52 wouldn't leave her sister to the wolves. I'm counting on it, especially since one
466:55 I'm counting on it, especially since one of the first things I'll have to do is
466:57 of the first things I'll have to do is reach out to Caramore and fix the mess
466:59 reach out to Caramore and fix the mess Nav created with them, Cresta said,
467:02 Nav created with them, Cresta said, looking frustrated at the very thought.
467:05 looking frustrated at the very thought. Kea's eyes rounded. You're not going to
467:08 Kea's eyes rounded. You're not going to make Sarah marry gods. Of course not,
467:11 make Sarah marry gods. Of course not, Cresta said quickly. But she and Bosch
467:14 Cresta said quickly. But she and Bosch have been friends since they were babes.
467:17 have been friends since they were babes. If anyone can soothe Caramore's ruffled
467:20 If anyone can soothe Caramore's ruffled feathers, it's Sarah. And Mirren is
467:23 feathers, it's Sarah. And Mirren is going to help, too. She's had a lifetime
467:25 going to help, too. She's had a lifetime of scheming and politics, which will
467:27 of scheming and politics, which will undoubtedly come in handy where we're
467:30 undoubtedly come in handy where we're going, even if I'll always have to watch
467:32 going, even if I'll always have to watch my back around her. In a mutter, she
467:35 my back around her. In a mutter, she added, "Everworld knows what my sister
467:38 added, "Everworld knows what my sister sees in her." "Wait," Ka said. Mirren's
467:42 sees in her." "Wait," Ka said. Mirren's going with you? Cresta frowned. Didn't
467:46 going with you? Cresta frowned. Didn't Jiren tell you? Kea indicated her room,
467:50 Jiren tell you? Kea indicated her room, grimacing when the move tugged at her
467:52 grimacing when the move tugged at her stomach again. I haven't seen him. Ca
467:56 stomach again. I haven't seen him. Ca looked hesitant, but shared. The royal
467:59 looked hesitant, but shared. The royal council charged Mirren with treason.
468:03 council charged Mirren with treason. Kea stilled. But she they're aware that
468:07 Kea stilled. But she they're aware that she had a change of heart and tried to
468:09 she had a change of heart and tried to make amends, but they said they needed
468:11 make amends, but they said they needed to set an example. Ca explained.
468:14 to set an example. Ca explained. Saraphene begged me to do something. So
468:17 Saraphene begged me to do something. So I suggested exile as the punishment. She
468:21 I suggested exile as the punishment. She shrugged like it was nothing to her and
468:23 shrugged like it was nothing to her and finished. So yes, Mirren is coming with
468:26 finished. So yes, Mirren is coming with us to Miran and staying there.
468:30 us to Miran and staying there. Relief hit Ka for Mirin, but also for
468:34 Relief hit Ka for Mirin, but also for her family. The royal council could have
468:37 her family. The royal council could have sentenced the princess to death. Exile
468:40 sentenced the princess to death. Exile wasn't ideal, but at least she would
468:42 wasn't ideal, but at least she would still be
468:43 still be breathing. Does that mean you'll be open
468:46 breathing. Does that mean you'll be open to frequent Valentis guests? Kea asked,
468:50 to frequent Valentis guests? Kea asked, knowing Jiren and the others would still
468:52 knowing Jiren and the others would still want to see Mirren regardless of her
468:54 want to see Mirren regardless of her betrayal. But as soon as the words left
468:57 betrayal. But as soon as the words left her mouth, Ka's thoughts jumped away
469:00 her mouth, Ka's thoughts jumped away from the princess, and she couldn't help
469:02 from the princess, and she couldn't help cocking her head and adding, "Perhaps a
469:05 cocking her head and adding, "Perhaps a certain handsome
469:08 certain handsome prince." Ca brushed invisible lint off
469:11 prince." Ca brushed invisible lint off her shoulder. I'll maybe allow Jiren to
469:14 her shoulder. I'll maybe allow Jiren to visit, especially if you can be bothered
469:16 visit, especially if you can be bothered to get off your lazy ass to come and see
469:18 to get off your lazy ass to come and see me.
469:20 me. Kea's heart warmed as she read into
469:22 Kea's heart warmed as she read into Cresta's comment, knowing it was her not
469:25 Cresta's comment, knowing it was her not so subtle way of saying that nothing
469:28 so subtle way of saying that nothing about their friendship would change,
469:30 about their friendship would change, even if they weren't with each other
469:31 even if they weren't with each other every day. But she stayed on task to
469:34 every day. But she stayed on task to say, "I'm talking about a different
469:38 say, "I'm talking about a different handsome prince." Ca wrinkled her nose.
469:42 handsome prince." Ca wrinkled her nose. Oriel is a bit young, don't you think?
469:44 Oriel is a bit young, don't you think? Kea huffed out a laugh, which she
469:47 Kea huffed out a laugh, which she immediately regretted, pain flaring
469:49 immediately regretted, pain flaring along her torso. She gritted her teeth
469:52 along her torso. She gritted her teeth through it and said, "You know who I'm
469:55 through it and said, "You know who I'm talking
469:56 talking about." There was a pause before Cresta
469:59 about." There was a pause before Cresta answered, "I suppose Calvin can visit,
470:04 answered, "I suppose Calvin can visit, assuming his head will fit through the
470:06 assuming his head will fit through the castle gates." Another laugh left Kea
470:10 castle gates." Another laugh left Kea against her will and she had to bite
470:11 against her will and she had to bite back a whimper this time before managing
470:14 back a whimper this time before managing to say, "You two have such a strange
470:18 to say, "You two have such a strange relationship." "Relationship is a very
470:22 relationship." "Relationship is a very strong word for what we have," Cresa
470:25 strong word for what we have," Cresa smirked wickedly. "But then" she said,
470:28 smirked wickedly. "But then" she said, almost in warning. "I don't know what
470:31 almost in warning. "I don't know what the future will bring for us. Things are
470:33 the future will bring for us. Things are more complicated now than before.
470:37 more complicated now than before. But she looked down at the bed before
470:40 But she looked down at the bed before meeting Ka's eyes again and saying her
470:43 meeting Ka's eyes again and saying her voice
470:44 voice softer. We'll
470:47 softer. We'll see. That was more than Ka had expected
470:50 see. That was more than Ka had expected her to admit. So she smiled and replied,
470:53 her to admit. So she smiled and replied, "That's good enough for
470:55 "That's good enough for me." Ca just shook her head and looked
470:59 me." Ca just shook her head and looked to the ceiling. But then she leaned
471:01 to the ceiling. But then she leaned forward and grabbed something off the
471:03 forward and grabbed something off the table beside Ka's bed, handing it over.
471:07 table beside Ka's bed, handing it over. It was a vial identical to the one
471:09 It was a vial identical to the one Mattis had given Ka earlier that day. Go
471:12 Mattis had given Ka earlier that day. Go on, Cresta said, nudging her knee. I saw
471:16 on, Cresta said, nudging her knee. I saw you went. You're in pain. You need to
471:20 you went. You're in pain. You need to sleep. I've been sleeping for days. Kea
471:24 sleep. I've been sleeping for days. Kea grumbled. But she also knew she would
471:26 grumbled. But she also knew she would heal faster if she rested. So she downed
471:29 heal faster if she rested. So she downed the bitter tonic. Once again, her pain
471:33 the bitter tonic. Once again, her pain dulled nearly instantly. But so too did
471:36 dulled nearly instantly. But so too did her eyes begin to
471:38 her eyes begin to close. "You better not leave for Mira
471:41 close. "You better not leave for Mira without saying goodbye," she mumbled,
471:44 without saying goodbye," she mumbled, sliding down in her bed. "I won't,"
471:48 sliding down in her bed. "I won't," Cresa said, her voice fading out. "And
471:51 Cresa said, her voice fading out. "And besides, you and I still have unfinished
471:54 besides, you and I still have unfinished business to attend to
471:56 business to attend to first." But Kea didn't get to ask what
471:59 first." But Kea didn't get to ask what she was talking about before she drifted
472:01 she was talking about before she drifted off again.
472:04 off again. The early morning sunshine woke Ka, and
472:08 The early morning sunshine woke Ka, and just like the last two times she'd
472:10 just like the last two times she'd regained consciousness, she wasn't alone
472:12 regained consciousness, she wasn't alone in her
472:13 in her room. But this time, there were two
472:16 room. But this time, there were two people with her. One on the chair, Tip,
472:19 people with her. One on the chair, Tip, who was snoring loudly, and one on the
472:22 who was snoring loudly, and one on the bed beside her, holding her
472:25 bed beside her, holding her close. Kea snuggled into Jiren,
472:27 close. Kea snuggled into Jiren, breathing in his fresh elemental scent,
472:30 breathing in his fresh elemental scent, her heart feeling full.
472:33 her heart feeling full. He stirred when he felt her move, his
472:35 He stirred when he felt her move, his eyes opening slowly before his chin
472:38 eyes opening slowly before his chin dipped down to look at her. In a sleep
472:41 dipped down to look at her. In a sleep husky voice, he said, quiet enough to
472:44 husky voice, he said, quiet enough to keep from rousing Tip. You're
472:47 keep from rousing Tip. You're awake. Kea smiled and teased. Or maybe
472:51 awake. Kea smiled and teased. Or maybe you're
472:52 you're dreaming. His fingers whispered across
472:54 dreaming. His fingers whispered across her cheekbone, his touch so incredibly
472:58 her cheekbone, his touch so incredibly tender as he said, "Oh, I'm definitely
473:03 tender as he said, "Oh, I'm definitely dreaming." He pressed the softest of
473:06 dreaming." He pressed the softest of kisses to her temple before capturing
473:08 kisses to her temple before capturing her gaze and saying, "You scared
473:12 her gaze and saying, "You scared me." Kea felt the pain in his voice, the
473:15 me." Kea felt the pain in his voice, the fear he couldn't hide, and whispered,
473:19 fear he couldn't hide, and whispered, "I'm sorry.
473:21 "I'm sorry. what you did, I'd do it again. He tensed
473:25 what you did, I'd do it again. He tensed against her in a heartbeat, she said,
473:29 against her in a heartbeat, she said, needing him to see how serious she was.
473:32 needing him to see how serious she was. His eyes flashed with emotion. Love,
473:35 His eyes flashed with emotion. Love, grief, terror, relief, and so much more.
473:41 grief, terror, relief, and so much more. But then, he said so very carefully, as
473:44 But then, he said so very carefully, as if he was worried she had
473:46 if he was worried she had forgotten. Your magic.
473:50 forgotten. Your magic. Kea looked at her hands, knowing she
473:52 Kea looked at her hands, knowing she would never again see the golden glow,
473:55 would never again see the golden glow, trying to reconcile how that made her
473:58 trying to reconcile how that made her feel. For 10 years, she had ignored her
474:01 feel. For 10 years, she had ignored her power, pushing it down as far as it
474:04 power, pushing it down as far as it would go. Then, when she'd finally
474:07 would go. Then, when she'd finally released it, she'd spent months being
474:09 released it, she'd spent months being afraid of it. Not just her lack of
474:11 afraid of it. Not just her lack of control, but also the possibility of
474:14 control, but also the possibility of turning into a monster.
474:17 turning into a monster. It was only recently that she'd come to
474:19 It was only recently that she'd come to embrace it, to cherish it, and she
474:22 embrace it, to cherish it, and she couldn't deny that a part of her would
474:24 couldn't deny that a part of her would mourn its loss, especially knowing it
474:27 mourn its loss, especially knowing it was gone
474:28 was gone forever. But there was a larger part of
474:30 forever. But there was a larger part of her that was
474:32 her that was relieved because now there was
474:34 relieved because now there was absolutely no chance that she would
474:37 absolutely no chance that she would yield to the darker side of her
474:39 yield to the darker side of her bloodline. Nana Delora had used the eye
474:42 bloodline. Nana Delora had used the eye of the gods on herself to take away her
474:44 of the gods on herself to take away her own magic. She'd made that choice rather
474:46 own magic. She'd made that choice rather than risk the alternative. And while Ka
474:50 than risk the alternative. And while Ka wished she'd been granted the same
474:51 wished she'd been granted the same choice, she knew her sadness would
474:55 choice, she knew her sadness would pass. In a whisper, Ka shared all of
474:58 pass. In a whisper, Ka shared all of that with Jiren, finishing quietly with,
475:02 that with Jiren, finishing quietly with, "I can live with not having magic, but I
475:05 "I can live with not having magic, but I wouldn't have been able to live with
475:06 wouldn't have been able to live with knowing you'd lost yours again and
475:10 knowing you'd lost yours again and everything you would have lost with it."
475:13 everything you would have lost with it." The look in Jiren's eyes caused the
475:15 The look in Jiren's eyes caused the breath to catch in Kea's lungs, but she
475:18 breath to catch in Kea's lungs, but she pushed through it to add, "And besides,
475:22 pushed through it to add, "And besides, my magic didn't make me a healer, just
475:24 my magic didn't make me a healer, just as it won't stop me from becoming a
475:27 as it won't stop me from becoming a better
475:28 better one." Jiren understood her meaning
475:30 one." Jiren understood her meaning immediately and rasped out, "Does that
475:33 immediately and rasped out, "Does that mean you're going to take Mattis up on
475:36 mean you're going to take Mattis up on her offer to study here?" Kea reached
475:39 her offer to study here?" Kea reached out to trace her fingers over his lips.
475:42 out to trace her fingers over his lips. I have a few reasons to want to stay in
475:45 I have a few reasons to want to stay in Valenia. I suppose that can be one of
475:49 Valenia. I suppose that can be one of them. The uncertainty and worry faded
475:53 them. The uncertainty and worry faded from Jiren's expression, his eyes
475:55 from Jiren's expression, his eyes dancing as he said, "A few reasons,
475:59 dancing as he said, "A few reasons, huh?" Ka leaned up and, ignoring the
476:02 huh?" Ka leaned up and, ignoring the pinch of pain in her stomach, touched
476:05 pinch of pain in her stomach, touched her mouth to his. "At least one."
476:10 her mouth to his. "At least one." He growled in the back of his throat and
476:12 He growled in the back of his throat and snaked a hand behind her neck, holding
476:14 snaked a hand behind her neck, holding her to him and deepening the kiss, his
476:17 her to him and deepening the kiss, his tongue flicking out to tangle with hers,
476:20 tongue flicking out to tangle with hers, making her
476:21 making her gasp. But then her gasp turned from
476:23 gasp. But then her gasp turned from pleasure into pain when she tried to
476:26 pleasure into pain when she tried to shift closer, her stomach screaming its
476:29 shift closer, her stomach screaming its protest. Immediately Jiren stilled, his
476:32 protest. Immediately Jiren stilled, his eyes heated but apologetic as he eased
476:35 eyes heated but apologetic as he eased her back into a resting position.
476:38 her back into a resting position. No kissing until you're all better," he
476:42 No kissing until you're all better," he said in a firm voice. Given how breathy
476:45 said in a firm voice. Given how breathy he sounded, Ka was absolutely confident
476:48 he sounded, Ka was absolutely confident she could change his mind. And she
476:50 she could change his mind. And she would, but maybe in a few days when she
476:54 would, but maybe in a few days when she didn't feel as if her insides were going
476:56 didn't feel as if her insides were going to tear apart every time she
476:58 to tear apart every time she moved. in an attempt to help cool them
477:01 moved. in an attempt to help cool them both off. Kea said, "I'm afraid to ask,
477:06 both off. Kea said, "I'm afraid to ask, but what happened on the bridge at the
477:09 but what happened on the bridge at the end?" I mean, after I fell
477:13 end?" I mean, after I fell unconscious. Jiren knew what she really
477:16 unconscious. Jiren knew what she really wanted to know, and he answered, his
477:18 wanted to know, and he answered, his voice as gentle as
477:20 voice as gentle as possible. "Zelica is locked in the
477:23 possible. "Zelica is locked in the palace dungeons.
477:25 palace dungeons. She I'm sorry, sweetheart, but she
477:28 She I'm sorry, sweetheart, but she hasn't shown any remorse. To tried to
477:31 hasn't shown any remorse. To tried to speak with her, but she just screamed at
477:34 speak with her, but she just screamed at him, calling him a traitor and shouting
477:36 him, calling him a traitor and shouting at him to go
477:37 at him to go away. Kea closed her eyes and this time
477:42 away. Kea closed her eyes and this time made herself ask what's going to happen
477:45 made herself ask what's going to happen to her.
477:47 to her. Jiren's arms tightened in comfort as he
477:49 Jiren's arms tightened in comfort as he quietly said, "The royal council has
477:52 quietly said, "The royal council has sentenced her to
477:55 sentenced her to Zalandov." Deep down, Kea had already
477:58 Zalandov." Deep down, Kea had already known the answer, but it was still
478:00 known the answer, but it was still distressing to
478:01 distressing to hear. She burrowed her face into Jiren's
478:04 hear. She burrowed her face into Jiren's chest, wishing things could have turned
478:07 chest, wishing things could have turned out differently, but knowing they had no
478:09 out differently, but knowing they had no other choice. Zelica had stolen a
478:12 other choice. Zelica had stolen a kingdom. She'd killed people, too many
478:15 kingdom. She'd killed people, too many to count. She wasn't like Mirin. They
478:18 to count. She wasn't like Mirin. They couldn't just exile her and expect her
478:21 couldn't just exile her and expect her to go quietly. Even without magic, she
478:24 to go quietly. Even without magic, she was too dangerous, too volatile. And as
478:28 was too dangerous, too volatile. And as Jiren had said, she was showing no
478:31 Jiren had said, she was showing no remorse. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," Jiren
478:35 remorse. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," Jiren said again. "If there was any other
478:38 said again. "If there was any other way." "I know," Kea whispered, not
478:42 way." "I know," Kea whispered, not needing an explanation.
478:44 needing an explanation. I
478:45 I know. They fell silent after that, just
478:49 know. They fell silent after that, just lying there holding each other. For the
478:52 lying there holding each other. For the first time since waking at
478:54 first time since waking at Silverthornne, Kea didn't feel the lure
478:56 Silverthornne, Kea didn't feel the lure of sleep, and she soon began murmuring
478:59 of sleep, and she soon began murmuring more questions to Jiren. She asked about
479:02 more questions to Jiren. She asked about the battle, how many people they'd lost,
479:05 the battle, how many people they'd lost, how much damage the palace had
479:06 how much damage the palace had sustained, and what the plans were to
479:09 sustained, and what the plans were to rebuild. She asked how the Ebalanian
479:12 rebuild. She asked how the Ebalanian citizens were feeling about having the
479:13 citizens were feeling about having the Valentis family back in power and what
479:16 Valentis family back in power and what his thoughts were on the unexpected new
479:18 his thoughts were on the unexpected new alliance with
479:19 alliance with Miran. She asked about the eye of the
479:22 Miran. She asked about the eye of the gods and whether the dagger had been
479:24 gods and whether the dagger had been secured, to which he confirmed it was
479:26 secured, to which he confirmed it was now safely in
479:28 now safely in Valent. Question after question poured
479:31 Valent. Question after question poured from her mouth, with him filling her in
479:34 from her mouth, with him filling her in on everything she'd missed while
479:35 on everything she'd missed while unconscious.
479:37 unconscious. In the middle of it all, Tip woke and
479:40 In the middle of it all, Tip woke and Jiren had to physically restrain him
479:42 Jiren had to physically restrain him when he launched out of his chair to hug
479:44 when he launched out of his chair to hug Ka, reminding the young boy that she
479:47 Ka, reminding the young boy that she still needed time to
479:49 still needed time to heal. They had more visitors then, with
479:52 heal. They had more visitors then, with Calvin sneaking out of his own room and
479:54 Calvin sneaking out of his own room and Ca appearing suspiciously soon
479:56 Ca appearing suspiciously soon afterward. Then Ashlin and Terrell
479:59 afterward. Then Ashlin and Terrell arrived, both visibly relieved to see Ka
480:02 arrived, both visibly relieved to see Ka awake. To especially, judging by the
480:05 awake. To especially, judging by the shuddering embrace he gave her, and the
480:08 shuddering embrace he gave her, and the way he said she was never to worry him
480:10 way he said she was never to worry him like that again. At her request, he and
480:13 like that again. At her request, he and Ashlin recounted their side of the
480:15 Ashlin recounted their side of the battle and the leadup to it from when
480:17 battle and the leadup to it from when they'd arrived in Valencia, including
480:20 they'd arrived in Valencia, including Tor, saying with some embarrassment how
480:23 Tor, saying with some embarrassment how easy it had been for him to convince the
480:25 easy it had been for him to convince the rebels to fight. Ka wasn't surprised.
480:28 rebels to fight. Ka wasn't surprised. She still remembered her visit to the
480:30 She still remembered her visit to the rebel camp outside Oak Hollow. How
480:33 rebel camp outside Oak Hollow. How everyone had worshiped him as their
480:35 everyone had worshiped him as their general. Brinda appeared shortly after
480:38 general. Brinda appeared shortly after that carrying a gift basket full of
480:41 that carrying a gift basket full of chaka buns that Ka promptly began
480:43 chaka buns that Ka promptly began stuffing carefully into her mouth. They
480:47 stuffing carefully into her mouth. They helped ease the sadness she felt when
480:50 helped ease the sadness she felt when Terrell shared that he and Russ would be
480:52 Terrell shared that he and Russ would be following Ashlin back to the central
480:54 following Ashlin back to the central army base at Highworth Keep once the
480:56 army base at Highworth Keep once the palace cleanup was complete. He claimed
480:59 palace cleanup was complete. He claimed it was so they could work together on a
481:01 it was so they could work together on a strategy to help the rebels assimilate
481:03 strategy to help the rebels assimilate into not being rebels. But Kea knew it
481:07 into not being rebels. But Kea knew it was more than that. She saw it in the
481:09 was more than that. She saw it in the way he and Ashlin kept sneaking glances
481:12 way he and Ashlin kept sneaking glances at each other. and she heard it in the
481:14 at each other. and she heard it in the comical way Russ grumbled about being
481:17 comical way Russ grumbled about being that awkward third
481:19 that awkward third wheel. But it was clear that she too was
481:22 wheel. But it was clear that she too was excited for their next adventure and
481:25 excited for their next adventure and equally clear that she would follow to
481:27 equally clear that she would follow to wherever he went, not for any romantic
481:30 wherever he went, not for any romantic reasons, but purely out of loyalty.
481:34 reasons, but purely out of loyalty. More visitors arrived throughout the
481:35 More visitors arrived throughout the morning with Nari popping in and out a
481:38 morning with Nari popping in and out a few times to check on Ka and even Edin
481:41 few times to check on Ka and even Edin dropping by once, not saying anything,
481:44 dropping by once, not saying anything, just nodding and leaving
481:45 just nodding and leaving again. Captain Varys also made a brief
481:49 again. Captain Varys also made a brief appearance, though he did so while
481:51 appearance, though he did so while escorting Queen Ariana and Oriel, who
481:54 escorting Queen Ariana and Oriel, who wanted to see for themselves that Kea
481:56 wanted to see for themselves that Kea was well.
481:58 was well. Unfortunately, healer Mattis decided to
482:00 Unfortunately, healer Mattis decided to check on her then, finding the room
482:03 check on her then, finding the room bursting with people, one of whom was an
482:05 bursting with people, one of whom was an escaped patient. Worse, Oriel had
482:08 escaped patient. Worse, Oriel had brought flocks with him, and the silver
482:11 brought flocks with him, and the silver bear was currently in the process of
482:12 bear was currently in the process of building a nest over Kea's feet. Mattis
482:15 building a nest over Kea's feet. Mattis took one look at the creature before
482:18 took one look at the creature before turning her eyes on the rest of them,
482:20 turning her eyes on the rest of them, then simply pointed her finger at the
482:23 then simply pointed her finger at the door. Immediately, everyone began to
482:26 door. Immediately, everyone began to scramble out of the room, even the
482:28 scramble out of the room, even the queen. Kea would have laughed if not for
482:32 queen. Kea would have laughed if not for the sudden exhaustion that hit her in
482:34 the sudden exhaustion that hit her in the wake of them leaving, something
482:36 the wake of them leaving, something Healer Mattis tutted about as she forced
482:38 Healer Mattis tutted about as she forced the contents of another vial down Kea's
482:41 the contents of another vial down Kea's throat. Before she could drift off, Kea
482:45 throat. Before she could drift off, Kea managed to slur out one last question,
482:48 managed to slur out one last question, asking the matron healer if the offer
482:50 asking the matron healer if the offer was still open for her to become a
482:52 was still open for her to become a student.
482:54 student. As I told you once before, Mattis said
482:58 As I told you once before, Mattis said kindly, "You will always be welcome at
483:03 kindly, "You will always be welcome at Silverthornne." Hearing that, tears
483:06 Silverthornne." Hearing that, tears burned Ka's eyes, a deep contentment
483:10 burned Ka's eyes, a deep contentment filling her as she saw the future laid
483:13 filling her as she saw the future laid out for her, just like her dream.
483:18 out for her, just like her dream. The next few days passed by in a blur of
483:21 The next few days passed by in a blur of sleep and bitter tonics before healer
483:24 sleep and bitter tonics before healer Mattis finally declared Kea stable
483:26 Mattis finally declared Kea stable enough to be released. After that, it
483:29 enough to be released. After that, it took a week for her to walk without
483:31 took a week for her to walk without wincing, and another two before she was
483:34 wincing, and another two before she was able to commence light training with
483:35 able to commence light training with Calvin, who had returned to full
483:37 Calvin, who had returned to full strength much more quickly.
483:40 strength much more quickly. It was agonizing having to wait while
483:42 It was agonizing having to wait while her body healed itself. But given the
483:44 her body healed itself. But given the alternative, Ka was just grateful to be
483:48 alternative, Ka was just grateful to be alive. One month after her release from
483:51 alive. One month after her release from Silverthornne, Ka stood in the courtyard
483:54 Silverthornne, Ka stood in the courtyard of the Winter Palace, shifting nervously
483:56 of the Winter Palace, shifting nervously from foot to foot. Not even the
483:59 from foot to foot. Not even the picturesque backdrop of the Tanestra
484:01 picturesque backdrop of the Tanestra Mountains could calm her in the face of
484:04 Mountains could calm her in the face of what she was about to do. But she knew
484:07 what she was about to do. But she knew it was time. She had already put it off
484:09 it was time. She had already put it off for too long. "Ready?" Jiren asked,
484:13 for too long. "Ready?" Jiren asked, holding out his hand. Kea sighed and
484:16 holding out his hand. Kea sighed and linked their fingers. "As I'll ever
484:19 linked their fingers. "As I'll ever be." Together, they turned to their
484:22 be." Together, they turned to their friends, all of whom were waiting
484:24 friends, all of whom were waiting patiently around the courtyard's
484:26 patiently around the courtyard's fountain.
484:27 fountain. Calvin, Cresta, Tip, Nari, Terrell,
484:32 Calvin, Cresta, Tip, Nari, Terrell, Ashlin, Idrin. Their entire traveling
484:36 Ashlin, Idrin. Their entire traveling party minus Galdrich reunited for one
484:40 party minus Galdrich reunited for one final
484:41 final challenge. Saraphene had also ventured
484:44 challenge. Saraphene had also ventured with them from Valencia, as had Mirin,
484:46 with them from Valencia, as had Mirin, with this being the Valentis Princess's
484:48 with this being the Valentis Princess's last stop on her journey out of Ealon.
484:52 last stop on her journey out of Ealon. From here they and Cresta would be
484:55 From here they and Cresta would be heading north to Zadria. But for today
484:58 heading north to Zadria. But for today the two princesses were staying put
485:01 the two princesses were staying put while Kea and her friends saw to their
485:04 while Kea and her friends saw to their task. It wouldn't be a pleasant one. But
485:07 task. It wouldn't be a pleasant one. But it was something Ka needed to do.
485:10 it was something Ka needed to do. Terrell too. Even Cresta and Tip and
485:13 Terrell too. Even Cresta and Tip and Jiren and Nari. All of them for
485:15 Jiren and Nari. All of them for different reasons. Only Ashlin, Calen,
485:19 different reasons. Only Ashlin, Calen, and Edin had come for moral support.
485:22 and Edin had come for moral support. their company grounding Ka more than
485:24 their company grounding Ka more than anything else. "Are we doing this?"
485:28 anything else. "Are we doing this?" Calvin asked. Ka gathered her courage
485:32 Calvin asked. Ka gathered her courage and nodded, looking to Ashlin. The
485:34 and nodded, looking to Ashlin. The general returned the gesture before
485:37 general returned the gesture before waving her hand and summoning her magic.
485:40 waving her hand and summoning her magic. Jiren had begun to learn the art of
485:42 Jiren had begun to learn the art of windfunneling from his cousin now that
485:44 windfunneling from his cousin now that his powers were back, but she'd been
485:46 his powers were back, but she'd been practicing for longer, and the distance
485:48 practicing for longer, and the distance they had to travel today was something
485:51 they had to travel today was something only she could
485:52 only she could manage. Her wind wrapped around them and
485:56 manage. Her wind wrapped around them and lifted them into the air, sending them
485:58 lifted them into the air, sending them deeper into the mountains before finally
486:00 deeper into the mountains before finally delivering them to their
486:03 delivering them to their destination. Kea stared up at the
486:05 destination. Kea stared up at the imposing iron gates and soulless
486:08 imposing iron gates and soulless limestone walls. noting that Zalandov
486:11 limestone walls. noting that Zalandov prison was no more welcoming now than it
486:14 prison was no more welcoming now than it had ever been. But she wasn't there to
486:17 had ever been. But she wasn't there to be welcomed. She was there to say
486:21 be welcomed. She was there to say goodbye. Zelica had traveled separately
486:23 goodbye. Zelica had traveled separately to them, her sentence mandating that she
486:26 to them, her sentence mandating that she be transferred by prison wagon, just
486:28 be transferred by prison wagon, just like all new inmates. It had been Kea's
486:32 like all new inmates. It had been Kea's idea for them to arrive at the same
486:34 idea for them to arrive at the same time, a thought spoken shily to Jiren
486:37 time, a thought spoken shily to Jiren one night, as if fearing he would judge
486:39 one night, as if fearing he would judge her for wanting to see her sister off.
486:42 her for wanting to see her sister off. But he'd only kissed her softly and
486:44 But he'd only kissed her softly and promised to make it
486:46 promised to make it happen. As Ka looked at the prison wagon
486:48 happen. As Ka looked at the prison wagon halted in front of the gates, she
486:51 halted in front of the gates, she wondered why she'd bothered. Zelica had
486:53 wondered why she'd bothered. Zelica had refused to speak with Ka every time
486:56 refused to speak with Ka every time she'd ventured down to the river
486:57 she'd ventured down to the river palace's dungeons, turning her back and
487:00 palace's dungeons, turning her back and ignoring her. Terrell had argued that it
487:03 ignoring her. Terrell had argued that it was better than how she treated him with
487:06 was better than how she treated him with cursing and screaming. But Kea wasn't
487:09 cursing and screaming. But Kea wasn't sure, nor was she sure if Zelica's
487:12 sure, nor was she sure if Zelica's behavior was because she considered them
487:14 behavior was because she considered them blood traitors or because of the damage
487:17 blood traitors or because of the damage the death magic had caused her. But
487:19 the death magic had caused her. But either way, it didn't matter anymore.
487:23 either way, it didn't matter anymore. especially not now as the iron gates
487:25 especially not now as the iron gates opened and warden Rook appeared from
487:28 opened and warden Rook appeared from within them. A group of black uniformed
487:31 within them. A group of black uniformed guards at his
487:32 guards at his heels. Kea's fingers tightened around
487:36 heels. Kea's fingers tightened around Jiren's. She could hear Ca grinding her
487:39 Jiren's. She could hear Ca grinding her teeth could see Ken placing a comforting
487:42 teeth could see Ken placing a comforting arm around Tip's
487:43 arm around Tip's shoulders. Kea hadn't wanted the young
487:46 shoulders. Kea hadn't wanted the young boy to come today, but he'd
487:48 boy to come today, but he'd insisted. He was there for his own
487:51 insisted. He was there for his own closure. he'd said, and Kea hadn't been
487:53 closure. he'd said, and Kea hadn't been able to deny him
487:55 able to deny him that. Your
487:57 that. Your majesties, Warden Rook said, stopping to
488:00 majesties, Warden Rook said, stopping to bow when he was a few feet away, looking
488:03 bow when he was a few feet away, looking as if he'd swallowed a
488:05 as if he'd swallowed a lemon. I received your missive. Are you
488:09 lemon. I received your missive. Are you ready to complete the
488:12 ready to complete the transfer? Jiren turned to Kea. She
488:15 transfer? Jiren turned to Kea. She released his hand and stepped forward
488:17 released his hand and stepped forward with Terrell. The two of them
488:19 with Terrell. The two of them approaching the prison wagon and peering
488:22 approaching the prison wagon and peering through the
488:23 through the bars. Zelica sat in the corner, her
488:26 bars. Zelica sat in the corner, her honey gold eyes slitted. She wasn't
488:29 honey gold eyes slitted. She wasn't ignoring Kea now. Wasn't screaming at
488:31 ignoring Kea now. Wasn't screaming at Terrell. Instead, she said, her voice
488:35 Terrell. Instead, she said, her voice bitter. Is this the part where you make
488:38 bitter. Is this the part where you make me beg?
488:41 me beg? to moved closer to Ka until their
488:43 to moved closer to Ka until their shoulders were brushing, telling her he
488:46 shoulders were brushing, telling her he was there, that they were in this
488:49 was there, that they were in this together. She might be our sister, but
488:52 together. She might be our sister, but actions have consequences, and one day
488:55 actions have consequences, and one day soon she's going to learn
488:58 soon she's going to learn that he'd said those words weeks ago.
489:02 that he'd said those words weeks ago. Today, they were coming true. "No,
489:05 Today, they were coming true. "No, Zulie," Tor said quietly. This is the
489:09 Zulie," Tor said quietly. This is the part where we say goodbye. He looked at
489:12 part where we say goodbye. He looked at Ka, but she and Zelica had already said
489:15 Ka, but she and Zelica had already said their goodbyes on the bridge between the
489:19 their goodbyes on the bridge between the river
489:20 river palace. All that was left was for Ka to
489:23 palace. All that was left was for Ka to hold her sister's angry eyes as to
489:26 hold her sister's angry eyes as to signal to the transfer guards and then
489:29 signal to the transfer guards and then keep holding them as the prison wagon
489:32 keep holding them as the prison wagon rolled forward through the iron gates
489:35 rolled forward through the iron gates and disappeared from sight.
489:38 and disappeared from sight. A shaky breath left Ka as she turned to
489:42 A shaky breath left Ka as she turned to her brother. "Are you all right?" "No,"
489:46 her brother. "Are you all right?" "No," he answered. "Are you?" "No," she
489:51 he answered. "Are you?" "No," she whispered. "But they would be
489:55 whispered. "But they would be eventually." Slowly, they walked back to
489:58 eventually." Slowly, they walked back to where their friends were waiting. Rook
490:01 where their friends were waiting. Rook seemed impatient for them to leave, but
490:04 seemed impatient for them to leave, but also aware that he was in the company of
490:06 also aware that he was in the company of rulers from two kingdoms, and etiquette
490:09 rulers from two kingdoms, and etiquette demanded that he wait before being
490:11 demanded that he wait before being dismissed. That wasn't what happened,
490:14 dismissed. That wasn't what happened, though, because when Kea reached Jiren's
490:17 though, because when Kea reached Jiren's side, ready to tell Ashlin that she and
490:20 side, ready to tell Ashlin that she and Tor were good to go, Jiren stepped
490:22 Tor were good to go, Jiren stepped forward and handed a sealed letter to
490:24 forward and handed a sealed letter to Rook.
490:26 Rook. The warden squinted at it before tearing
490:28 The warden squinted at it before tearing it open and reading the contents, his
490:31 it open and reading the contents, his dark face draining of
490:33 dark face draining of color. What is
490:35 color. What is this? Kea had never heard such a tone
490:38 this? Kea had never heard such a tone from him before, like he was afraid.
490:44 from him before, like he was afraid. She looked at Jiren in question, but as
490:46 She looked at Jiren in question, but as she did so, she saw the smirk on Cal's
490:49 she did so, she saw the smirk on Cal's lips, the light in Nari's amber eyes,
490:53 lips, the light in Nari's amber eyes, the satisfied expression on Ashlin's
490:55 the satisfied expression on Ashlin's face, the beaming smile Tipw wore. And
491:00 face, the beaming smile Tipw wore. And Cresta, there was no way to describe her
491:03 Cresta, there was no way to describe her wicked
491:04 wicked glee. Alabaster Rook, Jiren said, and
491:09 glee. Alabaster Rook, Jiren said, and Kea stilled at his rarely heard princely
491:12 Kea stilled at his rarely heard princely voice.
491:13 voice. You have been found guilty of crimes
491:16 You have been found guilty of crimes against humanity, including, but not
491:19 against humanity, including, but not limited to, mass genocide. You are
491:23 limited to, mass genocide. You are hereby stripped of your position as
491:26 hereby stripped of your position as warden and sentenced to a life term at
491:29 warden and sentenced to a life term at the very prison in which you committed
491:31 the very prison in which you committed those
491:32 those crimes. Kea's breathing turned shallow,
491:36 crimes. Kea's breathing turned shallow, disbelief thrumming through her veins.
491:40 disbelief thrumming through her veins. At Jiren's signal, Rook's own guards
491:43 At Jiren's signal, Rook's own guards stepped forward, causing the warden's
491:46 stepped forward, causing the warden's eyes to flash and narrow. "You can't do
491:50 eyes to flash and narrow. "You can't do this," he spat. "I don't take orders
491:53 this," he spat. "I don't take orders from Eveon. I answered to all eight
491:56 from Eveon. I answered to all eight kingdoms. You don't have the power to."
492:00 kingdoms. You don't have the power to." "He didn't." Cresta cut Rook off. But
492:05 "He didn't." Cresta cut Rook off. But since we recently thwarted a tyrant's
492:07 since we recently thwarted a tyrant's plans to conquer all of Wenderol, the
492:10 plans to conquer all of Wenderol, the rulers of the other kingdoms are, shall
492:12 rulers of the other kingdoms are, shall we say,
492:15 we say, grateful. Her wicked delight grew as she
492:18 grateful. Her wicked delight grew as she shared. It was no trouble to ask them
492:21 shared. It was no trouble to ask them each for a
492:23 each for a favor. She nodded to the parchment Rook
492:25 favor. She nodded to the parchment Rook was clenching in his fist. All their
492:28 was clenching in his fist. All their signatures are there. You can see for
492:30 signatures are there. You can see for yourself.
492:32 yourself. He didn't look down, having already read
492:35 He didn't look down, having already read the page. "You can't do this," he said
492:39 the page. "You can't do this," he said again. But this time, his anger had
492:42 again. But this time, his anger had reverted to fear. "We can, and we have,"
492:47 reverted to fear. "We can, and we have," Cresta said, enjoying herself way too
492:51 Cresta said, enjoying herself way too much. "Ka was still frozen, hardly
492:55 much. "Ka was still frozen, hardly daring to believe what was happening.
492:58 daring to believe what was happening. that Rook was finally going to see
493:00 that Rook was finally going to see justice for what he'd done, for all the
493:03 justice for what he'd done, for all the people he'd killed, including her
493:06 people he'd killed, including her father. "There's one more thing," Jiren
493:10 father. "There's one more thing," Jiren said casually. "Your crimes against
493:13 said casually. "Your crimes against humanity mean a lifetime at Zalandov,
493:17 humanity mean a lifetime at Zalandov, but your crimes against the crown prince
493:18 but your crimes against the crown prince of Avalon?" He indicated himself and the
493:23 of Avalon?" He indicated himself and the new queen of Miran. He indicated Cresta,
493:27 new queen of Miran. He indicated Cresta, who gave a middle-fingered salute,
493:29 who gave a middle-fingered salute, deserve something a little
493:32 deserve something a little extra. "What are you talking about?"
493:36 extra. "What are you talking about?" Rook demanded back to anger once more.
493:40 Rook demanded back to anger once more. Jiren turned to Tip. "Would you care to
493:43 Jiren turned to Tip. "Would you care to do the honors?" The young boy grinned,
493:46 do the honors?" The young boy grinned, the look unlike anything Kea had ever
493:49 the look unlike anything Kea had ever seen on his face before, with it eerily
493:52 seen on his face before, with it eerily similar to the expression Cresa wore.
493:55 similar to the expression Cresa wore. In a loud voice, he
493:57 In a loud voice, he recited, "You are hereby sentenced to
494:01 recited, "You are hereby sentenced to the trial by ordeal. Should you you
494:07 the trial by ordeal. Should you you survive, you'll be set free, but should
494:11 survive, you'll be set free, but should you you
494:13 you you fail," Tip shrugged, his grin still in
494:16 fail," Tip shrugged, his grin still in place. "You know how that ends."
494:22 place. "You know how that ends." Ka stood there stunned, but she didn't
494:25 Ka stood there stunned, but she didn't have a chance to process the words and
494:28 have a chance to process the words and their almost definite death sentence
494:30 their almost definite death sentence before Rook lunged. His own guard
494:33 before Rook lunged. His own guard stopped him, latching onto his arms and
494:36 stopped him, latching onto his arms and hauling him back as he screamed at them,
494:38 hauling him back as he screamed at them, shouting for them to release him. But
494:41 shouting for them to release him. But their grip was
494:43 their grip was unyielding. Cresta ambled forward, a
494:46 unyielding. Cresta ambled forward, a slow, unhurried approach. But once she
494:49 slow, unhurried approach. But once she was before Rook, she struck as fast as a
494:52 was before Rook, she struck as fast as a snake, yanking his left arm toward her
494:55 snake, yanking his left arm toward her while pulling a dagger from her belt. In
494:57 while pulling a dagger from her belt. In the space of a blink, she managed to
495:00 the space of a blink, she managed to carve three short, sharp lines across
495:03 carve three short, sharp lines across the back of his hand, the blood welling
495:06 the back of his hand, the blood welling instantly around the Z. "Now you'll fit
495:10 instantly around the Z. "Now you'll fit right in," she said over his furious and
495:14 right in," she said over his furious and now pained roars. To the guards, she
495:18 now pained roars. To the guards, she said, "Take him
495:20 said, "Take him away." They didn't hesitate, dragging
495:23 away." They didn't hesitate, dragging him, kicking and screaming through the
495:25 him, kicking and screaming through the iron gates until he, like Zelica, was
495:28 iron gates until he, like Zelica, was out of
495:29 out of sight. Kea turned woodenly toward her
495:33 sight. Kea turned woodenly toward her friends, a storm of emotion waring
495:35 friends, a storm of emotion waring within her. Jiren moved straight back to
495:39 within her. Jiren moved straight back to her side. Was that all right? We didn't
495:42 her side. Was that all right? We didn't want to tell you before, just in case.
495:46 want to tell you before, just in case. Keva placed her fingers over his lips,
495:48 Keva placed her fingers over his lips, tears welling as she whispered. "Thank
495:52 tears welling as she whispered. "Thank you." She glanced at the others. "All of
495:57 you." She glanced at the others. "All of you. We didn't do it just for you," Caes
496:00 you. We didn't do it just for you," Caes said, rolling her eyes. Kea knew that.
496:04 said, rolling her eyes. Kea knew that. Ca had suffered just as much because of
496:07 Ca had suffered just as much because of Rook, if in different ways. Tip, too,
496:11 Rook, if in different ways. Tip, too, having been at Zalandov for 3 years.
496:14 having been at Zalandov for 3 years. Even Jiren and Nari from their short but
496:16 Even Jiren and Nari from their short but memorable stays. All of them damaged by
496:20 memorable stays. All of them damaged by the warden. Some of their scars visible,
496:23 the warden. Some of their scars visible, others
496:24 others hidden. But now no one else had to
496:28 hidden. But now no one else had to suffer under him. His reign of terror
496:32 suffer under him. His reign of terror over. You have to tell her the rest, Tip
496:37 over. You have to tell her the rest, Tip said, bouncing on his feet. There's
496:40 said, bouncing on his feet. There's more. Kea rasped. It was Edin who spoke,
496:45 more. Kea rasped. It was Edin who spoke, his voice a calming rumble as he
496:47 his voice a calming rumble as he revealed. I'll be taking up the post of
496:50 revealed. I'll be taking up the post of interim warden until we find a suitable
496:53 interim warden until we find a suitable replacement for Rook. While I'm here,
496:56 replacement for Rook. While I'm here, I'll be weeding out any guards who have
496:58 I'll be weeding out any guards who have abused their power, making sure they're
497:02 abused their power, making sure they're held
497:03 held accountable. Bones and the butcher, Kea
497:07 accountable. Bones and the butcher, Kea realized, her gaze shooting to Cresta.
497:10 realized, her gaze shooting to Cresta. The redhead only grinned back, none of
497:13 The redhead only grinned back, none of this being news to her. And not just
497:17 this being news to her. And not just that, Ashlin jumped in. The other
497:20 that, Ashlin jumped in. The other kingdoms have agreed. Zalandov needs to
497:24 kingdoms have agreed. Zalandov needs to change. It'll take time, but we'll be
497:28 change. It'll take time, but we'll be implementing proper judicial systems,
497:30 implementing proper judicial systems, making sure the punishment fits the
497:33 making sure the punishment fits the crime. Some people will never be allowed
497:35 crime. Some people will never be allowed to leave. She didn't have to say
497:38 to leave. She didn't have to say Zelica's name for Kea to know her sister
497:40 Zelica's name for Kea to know her sister was in that
497:42 was in that category. But for others, coming here
497:45 category. But for others, coming here will no longer be a death sentence.
497:48 will no longer be a death sentence. Soon, prisoners will be able to earn
497:50 Soon, prisoners will be able to earn their
497:52 their freedom. Freedom from
497:55 freedom. Freedom from Zalandov. Once upon a time, Kea never
497:58 Zalandov. Once upon a time, Kea never could have imagined such a concept. But
498:02 could have imagined such a concept. But now I don't know what to say," she said,
498:07 now I don't know what to say," she said, her voice cracking as she took in her
498:09 her voice cracking as she took in her friends, all of whom seemed pleased with
498:12 friends, all of whom seemed pleased with her reaction. Except for Cresta, who
498:15 her reaction. Except for Cresta, who drawled to repeat, "We didn't do it just
498:19 drawled to repeat, "We didn't do it just for you." The reason didn't matter. For
498:23 for you." The reason didn't matter. For too many years, Zalandov had plagued
498:26 too many years, Zalandov had plagued Kea's thoughts and haunted her
498:28 Kea's thoughts and haunted her nightmares, knowing future inmates might
498:31 nightmares, knowing future inmates might be spared the same suffering that there
498:33 be spared the same suffering that there could be life after
498:36 could be life after Zalandov. A weight lifted from Kea's
498:39 Zalandov. A weight lifted from Kea's shoulders, replaced by a sense of
498:41 shoulders, replaced by a sense of rightness, of justice. But not just
498:45 rightness, of justice. But not just that. As she looked up at the limestone
498:47 that. As she looked up at the limestone walls, she suddenly realized that with
498:51 walls, she suddenly realized that with or without the coming changes, Zalandov
498:55 or without the coming changes, Zalandov no longer held any power over her. It
498:57 no longer held any power over her. It was in her past, and it would be
499:00 was in her past, and it would be remaining there. She had survived. Now
499:04 remaining there. She had survived. Now it was time for her to
499:06 it was time for her to live. Feeling that settle somewhere deep
499:10 live. Feeling that settle somewhere deep within her, Ka looked at Jiren, at her
499:13 within her, Ka looked at Jiren, at her friends, at her brother, and asked, her
499:16 friends, at her brother, and asked, her voice thick with wonder, with hope,
499:20 voice thick with wonder, with hope, "What happens
499:22 "What happens now?" It was Jiren who answered, leaning
499:26 now?" It was Jiren who answered, leaning in to whisper three perfect words right
499:29 in to whisper three perfect words right into her ear. "Now we dream.
499:40 We hope you've enjoyed this unabbridged production of The Blood Trader by
499:42 production of The Blood Trader by Lynette Non, performed by Janette Ilage,
499:46 Lynette Non, performed by Janette Ilage, and presented by Clarion Books and
499:48 and presented by Clarion Books and Harper Audio. This program was produced
499:51 Harper Audio. This program was produced by Lantern Audio, engineered by
499:54 by Lantern Audio, engineered by Christopher Gardner. Executive producer
499:57 Christopher Gardner. Executive producer Caitlyn Garing. Text copyright 2022 by
500:01 Caitlyn Garing. Text copyright 2022 by Lynette Non. Production copyright 2022
500:05 Lynette Non. Production copyright 2022 by Harper Collins Publishers. All rights
500:08 by Harper Collins Publishers. All rights reserved. Thank you for listening.
