Chapter 433

Chapter 431: Respect and Regards

The droning of the mana-powered skys.h.i.+p shooting through the air provided a calming ambient static as I sat down at the foot of the s.h.i.+p cabins bed where Sylvie was lying down. Outside, the pressure emanating from the two remaining dragons was a constant reminder of their presence. The third had left after a brief conversation with the others, and I could only a.s.sume she was reporting either to Windsom or directly to Kezess himself.

You dont need to worry about me, Sylvie said, s.h.i.+fting as she tried and failed to get comfortable on the stone bed. I just need more time to recover from being brought back. These waves of fatigue and discomfortIm sure theyll pa.s.s. My body and mind need to recover and process, thats all.

Sylvie I started, then trailed off, not sure how to ask what I needed to. I keep seeing things, flashes of memory from our linked minds, of my lifeGreys life. But what I see doesnt make sense, because theyre not my memories, even though theyre things that happened to me. How

I thought Id come to terms with the whole reincarnation thing years ago. But every time I learned some new piece of information about how I came to this world, it further complicated my understanding.

I dont think I can explain with words, Sylvie said, propping herself up on her elbows. But I can let you in. Im already struggling to hold onto those memories. Only a part of me was there, pulled through time and s.p.a.ce by the collapsing portal youd ripped in our universe, while the rest of me followed you to the Relictombs and became thatstone egg.

I didnt want to cause her unnecessary strain, but the desire to understand what was happening overpowered my fear, and even my empathy. If you think youre strong enough.

My bond smiled, closed her eyes, and laid back. Open your mind to me fully.

I did as she requested.

I was reliving those last moments all over again, watching as she sacrificed herself for me through her own eyes, and then the diffused energy of her being was pulled apart. The memories were cloudy and distorted, but I recognized my own previous life playing out in front of me, seeing it from Sylvies perspective, who stayed by my side through it all, right up until

It was difficult to understand.

Nico thought the spell went wrong. That Agrona had miscalculated, bringing me to the wrong place at the wrong time, butit was you. You interrupted his spellyou made me a Leywin.

I stood, rubbing my hands over my face as I struggled to make sense of what Id seen. But of the dozens of questions I had, one in particular thrust itself forward, and I asked it almost without intending to. The infantdid I kill him when I took the body? Alicesson?

Sylvies arms were wrapped around her torso, and she was s.h.i.+vering slightly. The mental link between us closed off and she curled in on herself, wrapping her arms around her knees. No, Arthur. There was no other soul there. The bodyI think you were fated to have it.

I moved to sit next to her and rubbed her arm to warm her. From the memory, it hadnt been clear, and I wasnt sure if Sylvie could really know that, but I didnt press her further. Thank you for showing me the memories.

She nodded, her thin frame trembling even harder.

Withdrawing a blanket from the gear stashed in my dimension rune, I laid it over her, and she was asleep in moments. Uncertain what else to do, I returned to the foot of the bed.

Thats a whole lot to process, Regis sent from the deck of the s.h.i.+p, where he was keeping an eye on our dragon escorts with Chul.

My mother had once, not so long ago, struggled with the question of whether or not I was truly her son. It had never been a question to me before, but now, knowing that it had been Sylvie who placed me inside that particular baby, I couldnt help but wonder what it meant for my relations.h.i.+p with my family.

The question I had asked Sylvie was only one of many stuck in my brain like a pebble lodged in a horseshoe. More answers seemed necessary to understand why my life had become what it was. How could Sylvie have known what baby to bring my soul to?

Knowing that no amount of self-reflection would bring answers to the questions I had, I did my best not to think about them. Instead, I withdrew the keystone Id received from the last ruin. So much had happened in such a short amount of timediscounting the fact that nearly two months had pa.s.sed in the blink of an eye, of coursethat I hadnt been able to give the keystone more than a pa.s.sing thought since returning from the Relictombs with it.

Sitting with my legs crossed, I rested the small cube in my lap, considering its dark, matte surface. Both the previous keystones, which had helped me gain insight into Aroas Requiem and Realmheart respectively, had provided difficult, prolonged puzzles for me to solve. Although my mind was unsettled, I felt a thrill as I prepared to imbue the cuboid relic with aether. Rea d first at lnre ader.o rg !

My excitement soured only moments later as I mentally withdrew from the keystone. I stared down at it, stricken, then attempted to imbue it with aether a second time. My consciousness was pulled into it, the same as the other keystones, thennothing. I simply came back to myself. I couldnt reach the keystones inner realm at all.

Activating Realmheart, I stared at the stone cube. Both mana and aether clung to it, but that fact alone didnt reveal anything about the keystones inner workings or suggest what I needed to do to operate it.

Not willing to give up immediately, but incredibly frustrated that Id met with failure so quickly, I continued attempting to interact with the keystone, pus.h.i.+ng moreand then lessaether into it, shaping the aether in specific ways, and using aether to manipulate the mana as well, but nothing I tried allowed me to progress into the inner realm where I would hopefully gain insight into a new G.o.drune.

Feeling defeated, I finally put the relic away when Regis informed me that wed crossed the mountains and were now flying over the desert. Joining the others on the deck, I watched the sand dunes and rocky crags speed by below us.

Chul had his weapon out and was slowly moving through a series of ch.o.r.eographed combat techniques. His eyes were closed, but he must have felt me watching him because he said, I would have preferred to spar with you, but Wren rightly worried that the force of our clash might shatter his conjured construct.

There will be real enemies to fight soon enough, I said absently.

Chul guffawed. I do not plan to fight Agronas forces, my brother in vengeance. I will break them.

I shook my head, a tentative smile creeping across my face. Some of my tension eased, and I fell into idle conversation with Regis and Chul. All too soon, though, our destination approached, and what waited for us clawed its way back into my thoughts.

I pointed out a crack in the ground to Wrenone of the many surface entrances to the dwarven tunnels surrounding Vildorialand we began descending toward the sand. Sylvie was already up when I went to retrieve her, and within a couple minutes we were standing on the baking stone at the edge of the small ravine.

Both dragons landed as well, transforming into their humanoid forms. The green dragon became a tall, blond man in dark armor that s.h.i.+mmered emerald when the light caught it at a certain angle. The reds humanoid form was shorter and more wiry. His jet-black hair and robes contrasted sharply against his pale skin, but his ochre eyes and scowl were the same.

Come, Guardian Vajrakor will be waiting for you, the blond asura said stiffly. He took the lead down into the ravine while his counterpart moved to the rear of our group.

Wren Kain dismissed the s.h.i.+p, allowing it to dissolve and flow as sand, then followed close on the first dragons heels.

Ah, if only we could stand beneath the suns warming gaze for a while longer before delving back under the ground, Chul said, his eyes closed and face turned to the sun. He was smiling broadly.

I said nothing, too tense to make conversation.

Inside the tunnel entrance, which was hidden within the shadows of the ravine, we were greeted by a cadre of guards. The dwarves bowed to the dragons, hardly even taking stock of who accompanied them, and let us through without issue.

We pa.s.sed through several more barricades on the route to Vildorial. After the third such obstruction, where the dragon offered a quick call and response to the guards before they allowed us through, I brought it up to our guide.

The guardian has done much to increase the security of this city, he explained as we continued to march quickly. Several of the old tunnels were collapsed and many additional guard posts erected, along with a pa.s.sword system to ensure Alalcryan sympathizers and spies arent able to move freely within Darv.

I didnt miss the tone of accusation, as if the fact that these things hadnt been done before explained why the dragons were needed so badly.

The final gate into Vildorial was already open when we arrived, and a small crowd was waiting for us on the other side.

I saw Ellie and Mom before anyone else.

Rus.h.i.+ng past the troop of soldiers, counselors, and lords, I let my mother pull me into a tender hug. Im sorry, I said quietly. Ill explain everything, but I didnt intend to be gone so long and without sending a message. For me its only been a few days.

My mother gave me a smile that I thought was somewhat stiff. Its okay, Arthur, you dont have to

Jerk! Ellie snapped, punching me hard in the arm. I cant believe youSylvie!

Ellies anger melted away as she made the realization. She slipped around me and jumped on my bond, wrapping her arms around Sylvie and squeezing fiercely, tears already spilling down her cheeks. Youyoure alive! she squealed, her throat constricted by the sobs racking her.

Sylvie patted Ellies back. I am, though perhaps not for long if you continue to crush the breath from my body. Sylvie beamed at me over Ellies shoulder, leaning her head against my sisters.

A strong sensation of being home washed over me, doubled in potency as I experienced my own emotions and Sylvies simultaneously. The moment was then immediately interrupted when Daglun Silvershale, the lord of one of the most powerful dwarven clans, interposed himself between me and my family.

Ahem. Excuse me General Arthur, but I, along with these other fine lords, have been sent to greet you on behalf of Guardian Vajrakor. Somewhat belatedly, he bowed to the two dragons escorting us, looking nervous, then continued. He awaits you in

I missed whatever else Daglun was saying as my attention settled on Varay, who had also been waiting with the group of dwarves and my family. It had been awhile since Id seen the other human Lance, whod spent time helping to clear the cities of Sapin of several Alacryan holdouts. Although her white hair was now short, she hardly seemed to have changed at all since I first met her at Xyrus Academy years ago.

She was watching me intently, her gaze an icy ray that conjured gooseb.u.mps on my arms. Rea d first at lnre ader.org !

Whats wrong? I asked, stepping around the still-speaking Daglun, who sputtered with indignation.

Varay gave me a shallow nod of greeting. Welcome back. It was anunfortunate time for you to disappear. There was a note of reproach in her voice, but it was shrouded beneath the frost of her icy stoicism.

Tell me about it. I glanced meaningfully back at the dwarven lords, all of whom were giving me disapproving glares. I noticed that Carnelian Earthborn, Micas father, wasnt among them.

There is a situation I thought you would want to be apprised of immediately, she continued.

Daglun cleared his throat. Perhaps we should allow Guardian Vajr

Lord Silvershale, Varay cut in. Neither the dragons nor your Council of Lords have the authority to command the Lances.

Dagluns fists clenched and face flushed. He turned his back on us and began an urgently-whispered conversation with the other dwarven lords present.

The dark-haired asura stepped forward, giving Varay a withering glare. Arthur Leywin is being escorted directly to Vajrakor. You have no business interrupting us, Lance. He grabbed me by the upper arm and attempted to drag me along after him.

I planted my feet, causing the dragon to be pulled back mid-step. He tugged once more, but I stood unmoving, aether and anger simmering under my skin, controlled but ever present.

My head turned as I regarded the dragon with a gaze that made him freeze. Did we not make it clear earlier?

The dark-haired asuras eyes narrowed. What do you

We are not escorting prisoners, the blond asura interjected, prying his comrades hand off of my shoulder. But it is important that you

It appears that there are more pressing issues that require my attention, I said formally, giving them a cold, courtly smile. Inform him of my arrival if you wish.

The two dragons exchanged an uncertain look, then Wren stepped in. Ill accompany you in Arthurs stead. Out of the side of his mouth, he added, And try to keep this all from blowing up in our faces.

After a moments hesitation, the blond asura turned and began to march quickly away. His dark-haired companion lingered a moment, his suspicious gaze s.h.i.+fting between Wren and me, then spun and followed. Wren let out a deep sigh and trailed behind them.

Varays dark brown eyes lingered on the asuras before returning to me. Before you left, an Alacryan woman arrived in the city via some kind of teleportation artifact. She claimed to know you. Im told that you

Teleportation artifact?

The memory of my rushed departure from Vildorial crashed into me like a thunderbolt. Daglun had said something about the Alacryan, and I had a.s.sumed he was talking about Lyra Dreide.

This Alacryan, what color is her hair?

Brows rising ever so slightly, Varay answered, Blue.

I bit back a curse. Take me to her.

Daglun, having watched this exchange from the side, looked stricken. But Generals Arthur, Varay, you really must

Feel free to return to the palace, Lord Silvershale, your job here is complete, Varay said frigidly.

The dwarves responded with a collective harumph before marching away, allowing me to finally turn my attention back to my family.

Ellie was standing at Sylvies side, both arms around her waist and head on her shoulder. So were all going to rescue Caera? Awesome! Lets go. She started to pull away from Sylvie.

Confusion at how Ellie knew who Caera was quickly turned to worry at the thought of my family present if there was a confrontation with an irritated dragon.

My mouth opened to hurriedly form an excuse when my bond cut in.

Eleanor, it sounds like things might get busy. Id like to spend some time with you and Alice before we have to rush off again. Can you show me where you live?

Ellie glanced between Sylvie and the upper levels of the city, looking torn.

Ive no interest in helping you serve Alacryans, only to face them in combat. Chul glared at me as if Id offended him simply by knowing an Alacryan. I will explore this dwarven city for a time.

No, you need to stay with

And hes gone, Regis said, watching Chul march quickly away, heading down toward the lower levels and drawing stares from everyone he pa.s.sed.

Im sure hell be fine? Sylvie said, unable to keep her voice from rising into a question at the end of her statement.

Careless as always, Regis immediately forgot about Chul as he nudged my mom. So, I just spent two months floating in empty nothing-s.p.a.ce, and Im famished. Would you be so kind as to fix me a home-cooked meal, Mama Leywin?

Mom scratched Regiss head. I guess. Do you even need to eat, though? Re ad fir st at ln read er.or g !

Regis bent low to scoop my mom onto his back. She squealed in surprise and struggled for a place to hold on, not trusting to plunge her hands into his fiery mane.

There arent many things I need, but there are a whole lot that I want! Regis trotted down the curved highway, taking my mother with him.

At least if I have your bond, I know you cant vanish again, Ellie said with a hint of a pout, letting Sylvie lead her away.

Do not lose sight of why the dragons are in Dicathen in the first place, Sylvie reminded me as she descended along the highway. This Vajrakor will test you. It is our way, apparently. But he wont go outside of whatever orders my grandfather has given him.

Ill mind my manners, I thought back, turning to Varay, who had looked on with her customary lack of outward emotion throughout this exchange. Now, perhaps, you can take me to her.

We did not go to the prison but continued on directly to the dwarves royal palace, Lodenhold Hall, a huge fortress carved into the walls at the highest level of the cavern.

We were nearly to the palace before Varay spoke. The Alacryan woman was treated well on Lance Micas order, though she was kept imprisoned for the sake of security. The other one, Lyra, was able to confirm the prisoners ident.i.ty but had no knowledge of your relations.h.i.+p. Things changed when the dragons arrived, Im afraid.

What do you mean? I asked, heat rising to my face.

When Vajrakor discovered her presence in the prisons, he had her transferred to a holding cell in the palace. He thought to extract information from her on Agronas plans. Mica, Bairon, and I attempted to dissuade him, encouraging him to wait until you returned to verify her ident.i.ty, but

Obstinate fool, I sighed. Shes an ally.

Of yours, perhaps, but not the dragons. Varay stopped before leading us into Lodenhold. You should know, Arthurthe dragons seem to be working to undermine you. Your presence may not be well received.

The only dragon I need to worry about is Kezess Indrath, I a.s.sured her. Hell keep the rest of his soldiers on a leash as long as our deal stands. For now, if the dragons presence keeps Agrona from attacking again, let them drag me through the mud.

Varay regarded me intently for a second, then nodded and continued on.

We moved quickly once inside the palace grounds. I could feel the burdensome aura of Vajrakors mana signature, which made the air inside the fortress heavy. Unlike my many previous visits to Lodenhold, the entrance hall was empty. Those who had previously been given shelter within its carved walls likely relocated when it was taken over by the dragons.

Varay led me through several tunnels, each one narrower, shorter, and dimmer than the last, until we reached a heavy iron door blocking the way. Varay knocked. A plate slid to the side at the eye level of a dwarf, which was somewhere around Varays sternum.

Ah, General Varay, we werent expecting anyone tooh! And General Arthur, returned from the dead yet again, I see. Does the, uh, guardian know youre here?

Open the door, Torviir, Varay commanded.

The dwarfs eyes, previously squinted in suspicion, now went wide. The window slid closed with a rasping clank. A murmured exchange between the guards was m.u.f.fled by the thick door. After several frustrating seconds, I heard a heavy bar drawn aside, and then another, and finally the clatter of a chain, and the door swung inward.

Torviir stood in the open door. He was stocky, even for a dwarf, and his weathered skin bore the scars of many battles. His bright red hair had faded to an ashen red-gray with age, but his eyes were still sharp as flint, though the corners were creased with obvious discomfort. General, as you well know we have strict orders toGeneral!

I moved around the guard, knowing full well he wasnt about to try and stop me. The second dwarf took a step back, looking increasingly nervous.

The chamber was no more than eight by ten feet, barren except for a small table and two chairs. Two more heavy iron doors were set in the wall opposite the rooms entrance. Both the doors and the walls around them were rune-etched to prevent them from being a.s.saulted with magic.

General, I must insist Torviir said halfheartedly.

Ignoring him, I approached the right-hand door and slid the viewing window aside, peering into the gloom beyond. The narrow, dark cell was empty. As I moved to the left, I prepared myself for the worst. When the window slid aside, a beam of dim light landed on the p.r.o.ne form of a woman in rags. Her eyes opened and turned toward the light, gleaming scarlet.

Grabbing the doors handle, I heaved. The series of bolts that secured the door groaned and bent, but it was the stonework that gave way first, bursting apart with a shower of rock dust. The door flew open, ripped free as the hinges sheered, and embedded itself into the wall.

Torviir, Bolgar, you are dismissed, Varay said behind me. Ill cover for you when he arrives. Read first at lnreader.org !

I didnt need to turn around to know theyd obeyed as their heavy bootsteps and the clanging of their armor receded down the hall away from the prison cell.

Caera scrambled back against the wall but came up against the end of the length of chain that bound her mana suppression shackles to the floor. G-Grey? she asked, her voice cracking with dehydration and disuse.

Hurrying to her side, I took hold of the chains and ripped them off the shackles. Then, being careful not to hurt her in the process, I pried the manacles apart, freeing her wrists.

Wordlessly, I helped her up off the floor and led her slowly out of the cell.

Grey Caera was looking up into my face, searching my eyes so intensely it felt like she was trying to make sure I was real. She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me into a shaky hug.

Then she pushed me away, glaring at me with an authority that channeled her mentor, the Scythe Seris Vritra, and slapped me across the cheek. How dare you leave me imprisoned forfor She threw her hands up in frustration. However long it's been! Where were you? Serisis she?

I dont know anything yet, I said, frustration, guilt, and disappointment seething within me. I just found out you were here ten minutes ago, and I came straight here. What are you doing in Vildorial? In Dicathen? Seris should have known better, she

She sent me to you for help, Caera said, her gaze skating off my face as she struggled to focus. Things were not going as well as they could have been, she wanted Caeras face fell. Vritras horns, what will have happened to her? Its been so long.

I held her straight, leaning down slightly so I could look into her eyes. Im sorry, Caera, I said again, anger beginning to bloom from the alchemy of my other emotions. These dragons

A furious pressure built up so suddenly that my words caught in my throat. Caera, already weak from her long imprisonment, sagged back into my arms, and Varay had to steady herself on the wall, her legs trembling.

Aether flooded my muscles, reinforcing and steadying me so that when the dragon arrived at the end of the hall, I was standing as still as a statue, unbent.

Appearing in his humanoid form, Vajrakor was my height, but had a lithe build that belied his asuran strength. Flowing black hair tumbled around his shoulders and eyes the color of lilacs met mine across the length of the hallway. He stopped short, his expression s.h.i.+fting from fury to surprise. He smoothed this away almost instantly, but not fast enough that I hadnt seen it.

Straightening his loose-fitting robes, which were cut from rose quartz silk and embroidered in a soft purple thread that matched his eyes, Vajrakor lifted his chin and stepped forward at a more controlled pace. Arthur Leywin. For weeks youve been absent from the face of the very continent you begged us to protect, and yet the first thing you do upon return is help the enemy. Explain yourself.

The world is a messy shade of gray, where enemies can be allies and alliesI let a minute pause break up my words, holding Vajrakors gazecan be enemies.

Helping Caera to stand straight, I took a step away. She was strong, and she forced herself up to her full height even under the weight of the dragons presence. Stepping past Varay, I approached Vajrakor, arranging my features into a businesslike smile and extending my hand. Before we get into what I can only a.s.sume will be a heated argument, how about we show some level of courtesy since it seems like well be seeing each other quite frequently.

Vajrakor made no move to take my hand. There will be no argument, especially not with a lesser pretending to understand aether.

Yet Kezess seems to be very interested in what I pretend to know.

When you speak of him, you will do so appropriately. It is Lord Indrath.

Then as a courtesy to your Lord Indrath, I will let your unacceptable treatment of my friend pa.s.s this once, on the a.s.sumption that it was out of ignorance. I stepped slightly closer, just too close to be polite. Because if I were to believe that Lord Indraths guardians were taking my friends and allies as hostages and torturing them for information, then we'd have a problem.

Vajrakor drew in a long breath, seeming to swell as he did so, blocking the hallway completely. Windsom has told me much about you, Arthur Leywin, but try as he might he could not fully express the depths of your arrogance, apparently. You are not my equal in this, not in political stature and certainly not in raw strength. Im not done with that one yet, and you lack the power to take her from me.

I smiled, showing my teeth. Neither of us knows if thats true, but only one of us is willing to find out. We both know what would happen to you, even if you fought and defeated me. Youre here because Kezess wants knowledge that I have. Does your baseless confidence extend to standing up against your own overlord?

His facade of confidence cracked, just slightly, as a shadow of doubt pa.s.sed over his face. Such disrespect for the dragons here to save you from an enemy that has already defeated you.

Respect? Caera asked, the word grinding out from beneath her teeth. Slowly, she pushed herself up so she could stand straight as she addressed Vajrakor. Is that what youve shown me here, monster?

Monster? You carry the filth of Agrona Vritras blood in your veins and call me monster? He chuckled. You cant even see yourself for the perversion you are, lessuran.

I c.o.c.ked my head and narrowed my eyes at the dragon. While Ive enjoyed our little debate, I do have better things to do, so allow me to speak in the way you may best understand: If you wish to be my ally, you will step aside. Stand in my way and I will consider you an enemy.

Vajrakors lavender eyes grew bright with anger, but he moved aside, seeming to shrink as he did so. The world is made up of shades of gray, indeed, he sneered.

Pulling one of Caeras arms around my shoulder to support her, I led her down the tunnel. You dragons catch on quickly. Varay moved like a shadow behind us.

Lord Indrath will be most curious as to the reason for your unnecessary hostility. Ill inform him of your returnand att.i.tudeimmediately, the dragon said to my back.

Send him my regards.