According to records from as far back as a millennium, Kenleys and Draca Cats stood side by side in combat and in peace through an unbreakable bond wrought through magic. As custom demanded, a baby cub due to be born in less than a year had already been promised as Kiernan’s lifelong protector.
When Moombai delivered the prophetic news that dark times were advancing on the island and that the young Kiernan would be named Savitar, Grace grew anxious. The Queen, already aware that her daughter’s skills would be needed due to a fateful visit from Galen upon Kiernan’s birth, seemed more eager than ever after hearing it from Moombai to hide Kiernan away from the rest of the world. She begged Gemini to accept Kiernan into the coven.
When Gemini agreed, Grace promised to return to Elloree with Kiernan in two weeks time after further preparations could be made. Unfortunately, the Queen became sick with fever during her travel back to Nysa, developed an infection and died.
After the Queen’s premature death, Gemini made several attempts to visit Kiernan and even delivered the baby Draca Cat at one point, but the King refused to admit her. He kept the young Princess under very strict guard until he discovered her abilities at the age of twelve and sent her off to Pyraan.
Kiernan listened to the entire account without speaking as she gazed out of the window of Gemini’s chambers.
It took another full four weeks after that conversation for Kiernan to surrender her sword, but she finally did so. The last symbolic cast off of her former life.
Because of her warrior skills, Gemini placed Kiernan with Citrine who used the lemony gemstone she was Named for in combat. The gemstone lent incredible speed and strength to the witches who were able to invoke its power.
Coincidently, it was Citrine who now startled Gemini out of her ruminations by knocking on the door and entering with Diamond, the Divination Sect Leader.
Citrine, her fiery red braid hanging over her shoulder, spoke first. “I apologize for the interruption, High Priestess, but we have had news that fighting has broken out on the island, mostly in the more populated cities and villages. My sources tell me that we are under attack, although not by an army. They tell of shadows that paralyze with fear and kill innocents.”
Gemini’s features remained composed. “Is Kiernan correct in her assertion that Adrian Ravener is behind this?”
Citrine nodded. “Yes.”
“Diamond, what predictions do you have to add?”
Diamond tugged on her blonde braid, uncharacteristically agitated. Usually, the pale-haired sorceress was composed ice. “It’s devastating, Gemini. I saw great destruction in our future. Dead bodies littering the streets, homes afire, chaos.”
“Can it be averted?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
“Only through the combined might of four new Savitars, but their identities remain clouded. We must find them, Gemini,” Diamond implored forcefully. “Find them and set them in motion to destroy Adrian Ravener!”
Gemini rose and looked pensively out of the same window that Kiernan did weeks ago when she learned of her legacy. “Leave me. I must deliberate about our course of action.”
***
Kiernan rubbed her aching neck as she soaked in a copper tub of hot water in her room. After weeks of working with Citrine and the other Gems of the sect, her body was bruised from head to toe. They used only practice swords in their combat training, but the power of the citrine gemstone around her trainer’s neck infused the woman with a strength and swiftness that proved impossible to counter.
She sat back and sighed, content to be here with the Gems. After Pyraan, she didn’t think it would be possible, but she had found a place where she could put her warrior and shifting skills to use for good. She owed her gratitude to Gemini for offering to take her in when she had nowhere else to go. Nysa was no longer an option for her, and Beck, the man she loved more than anything in this world, had rejected her. Yes, this was where she belonged. Among women of her own kind.
Every now and then, she felt a guilty pang for abandoning her duty, but Gemini assured her over and over again that the armies of Massa would be able to handle Adrian Ravener if battle did ensue. In all likelihood, the sorceress scoffed, Ravener would be content to retire at Starfell and live out his days without incident.
Whenever concern niggled at her that she was the only one who could lead the others to the weapon in Callyn-Rhe, Gemini laughed in her face and admitted that her brother had always been a bit of an alarmist and storyteller.
Gemini’s assurances assuaged her blood oath.
She did miss Bajan very much, but doubted he would understand what she was going through. At some point, she hoped to reunite with him, but not now. He was better off with the Savitars. With Beck.
Oh, Beck.
Kiernan sank lower into the steaming water. Unbidden, a soft moan escaped her lips as she recalled his tender touch and the fire his caresses ignited in her that last evening in Nysa. They had promised each other that they would always be together.
Why did he lie?
She screamed in anguish at the image in her mind of his dimpled, smiling face as he stroked that young woman in his arms.
With a final kick at the copper tub, she stomped out naked, threw herself across her bed and sobbed.
Hours later, exhausted, her tears had finally dried and she resolved to put Beck Atlan out of her mind once and for all.
After all, Gemini would be very disappointed to learn she had been thinking of him.
***
Beck jogged down the deserted street, Bajan loping at his side. He ordered all of the citizens to remain inside their homes or in one of the cavernous warehouses located at the pier after sunset to keep them out of harm’s way. For weeks now, he and the soldiers stationed in Iserport had been battling four demon shadows. Weeks now that he had been unable to search for Kiernan. He swallowed past the bile that tickled his throat whenever he thought of her.
Unbidden, his mind drifted to Galen Starr’s dire prophecy, but he resolutely pushed the thought aside and set his mind to the task at hand. As soon as he defeated the last of these nightmarish creatures come to life, the sooner he could resume both his search for Kiernan and his journey to Callyn-Rhe.
At an intersection, Beck stopped and flattened his body tight against the side of a cutlery shop. He risked a quick look around the corner and saw Gage ushering the last of the citizens to safety. The Saber moved with a calm, deadly grace that made Beck extremely grateful to have him by his side. Together, they had managed to destroy three of the demons, but not before the creatures brutally killed over a hundred innocent people, mostly women and children. It seemed Ravener’s minions were intent on targeting the weakest inhabitants of Iserlohn in order to subjugate the strongest.
Unexpectedly, Bajan let out a growl, deep in his chest. A terrifying sound that quickened Beck’s breath because it meant that the last remaining demon was near. For some reason, the Draca was able to sense the demons where the humans could not.
Beck jerked his head back around. This last female demon had proven very hard to defeat and as such had roamed the city for over a week now killing indiscriminately.
Across the street, he detected a shift in the shadows and watched as the demon slowly detached herself from concealment between two buildings. The wraith, when it coalesced into mortal form, was tall, muscular and caped in black. Large, exposed breasts swung obscenely as she moved. Sharp horns protruded from her head in pointed tips.
When she opened her mouth and released a screeching, inhuman scream, Beck fought the urge to cover his ears. The scream had the opposite effect on the Draca Cat, and Bajan’s answering roar was just as intimidating as he peeled away from the wall and rushed at her.
Fangs bared, Bajan used his powerful leg muscles to close the distance and leap into the air, outstretched jaws snapping for the demon’s throat. The creature easily pivoted out of the way of the enraged Draca, and spun with extreme swiftness to grab Bajan around the n
eck. The Draca let out a choked cry as the demon lifted him off the ground and squeezed his throat. Bajan’s deadly tail lashed out at the beast’s head and one of his spikes embedded in the top of her skull with a stomach-turning crunch.
Beck sprinted toward the two foes locked in combat and threw out his hands as he ran, an earthen missile exploding upward from the road and spinning violently toward the demon.
Still connected to Bajan by the spike in his tail, the creature just managed to lurch out of the projectile’s path.
Beck anticipated the maneuver and crashed into her at the same time that Bajan whipped his head around and sank his teeth into her neck, the three of them pitched forward to the ground in a heap of snarling muscle. Beck raised his arms, laced his fingers together and smashed his fists into the demon’s face. Her head snapped to the side, a grotesque indentation caving in her cheek.
Turning back to him, her fiery eyes suddenly locked on the sliver pendant that spilled from his shirtfront.
“Savitar!” she hissed.
He had only a second to wonder where the archers were before she was on him, ripping and clawing at his chest in an attempt to claim his pendant. Beck kicked out with his heavily built legs, and her head ripped from Bajan’s tail and she sailed through the air. She landed hard, but immediately shrieked and charged at him again. Fortunately, it was then that Beck heard the twang of released bowstrings and dove to the side as two Iserlohn soldiers on a rooftop let loose their arrows. Stumbling back upright, he saw that one of the arrows had hit its mark, now firmly seated in the demon’s chest.
Beck knew he had to act fast before the creature reverted to wraith form. As long as the demon was in contact with an earthly object, they discovered, she couldn’t alter. The demon, still intent on his pendant, didn’t seem to notice the arrow and hurtled forward.
Big mistake, fiend.
He reached out to one of the trees on the side street, and branches groaned as they snapped outward toward the demon and seized her in a leafy binding around her waist, pinning her arms to her sides.
“Fire!” he screamed, and Gage ran to him with a burning torch. The demon saw the fire and began to howl. Another detail they learned over the past terror-filled weeks—as dwellers of darkness, both fire and light were fatal to the demons.
Taking off at a run, Beck grabbed the torch from Gage and sprang into the air. With all his strength, he drove the flame directly into the open screaming maw of the she-demon. The red eyes glowered in rage before bursting apart in an eruption of black ash.
Beck rolled to the ground and lay flat on his back, panting as he fought for breath. After so many weeks, he found it hard to believe it was over.
The two dozen soldiers who had been fighting side by side with him sprinted over. “Thank you, earthshifter,” said one with blonde curls who looked, if possible, younger than Rory. Beck recognized him as the same soldier who helped Gage escort him to his room after the debacle at The Rearing Horse. “If not for you and the Draca Cat, we would have many more dead on our hands.”
Beck nodded. “I think the city is safe for now, but continue to have people remain indoors at night. If any more wraiths appear, use fire to destroy them. They can be defeated.”
The soldier held out a hand and pulled Beck to his feet. “We can’t stay. Captain Franck has summoned us to Starfell. Only a small detachment will remain here in Iserport, but we will instruct them properly.”
Beck reached out to shake his hand. “It has been an honor to fight with you. Good luck.”
“To you and the other Savitars as well. Word has spread of the invasion, and it appears all of our lives depend on your success.” Surprisingly, the young man knelt down in front of Beck and held out his sword in both hands parallel to the ground. “My life before yours at Starfell. This I swear as my binding oath.”
“Soldier…” Beck stumbled, moved by the declaration of fealty. “It’s not necessary to give—”
The young man interrupted him. “It is. As a shifter, you are bound by a blood oath to protect this island, which means you would lay down your life for me. But, as Savitar, it is more important that I lay down mine for you so that you survive to battle the Mage. As a man and a soldier, I can do no less.”
Beck stepped back in shock when every soldier standing on the deserted street knelt to the ground and offered their swords and oath.
Finally, he bowed his head solemnly. “We serve each other, then. What is your name?”
The young man stood. “Lieutenant Kirby Nash, sir.”
Beck tilted his head in question. “Any relation to Captain Colbie Nash of Nysa’s Scarlet Sabers?”
“Yes, sir, he is my brother.”
“He is fine man. It seems honor runs in your family.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Beck smiled. “Just Beck, Lieutenant.”
Kirby smiled back. “Just Kirby, sir.”
“Until Starfell, then.”
Exhausted, Beck left the men and made his way to The Rusty Nail with Bajan by his side. They moved from the Queen’s Lair a few weeks back when their grid search for Kiernan took them further west. He ran out of King Maximus’s coin early last week but the innkeeper, grateful for all Beck and Bajan had done to protect the city, refused to accept any further compensation. It was just as well since he didn’t have any to give.
Bajan had developed a considerable amount of admiration from the citizens of Iserport, especially the children, but the Draca tolerated all of the attention without his usual posturing. It had been more than a month now that Kiernan had vanished, and the toll showed through on both of them. Each had lost weight. Beck’s face was gaunt and stubbled from lack of shaving, and Bajan’s beautiful white coat had lost some of its natural luster.
“Beck! Over here!” He turned to find Gage rushing toward him. “I’m afraid I have bad news, Atlan.”
Every muscle in Beck’s body seized. Please, no. Not Kiernan.
“One of the Savitars is down. I found out earlier today but didn’t have a chance to tell you. Airron was poisoned by a venomous spider in the Puu Rainforest on his way to Sarphia. To be truthful, I’m not sure if he is even alive.”
Beck ran a hand through his hair. “Dear Highworld.”
“That’s not all. In addition to the spider bite, Airron was severely beaten. When he was found, his ribs were broken, he had a fractured skull, and had lost a large amount of blood. The Elven healers did all they could for him.”
The news shook Beck, and he turned from the Saber for a moment to compose his emotions. “Rory?”
“Missing as well. And, I must leave at once for Starfell. The Iserlohn Army is only a few days from the Valley of Flame and will be ready to engage the enemy.”
“What of the Dwarves and Elves?” he asked, finally turning.
Gage shrugged. “That’s the strange part. There are no reports that either army is on the move. With the Savitars out of commission as well, it appears as though the Iserlohn Army stands alone in this.”
Beck swallowed, despising himself for what he was about to say, but he had no other choice. The time had come. “I’ll be leaving as well. First to Sarphia to meet up with Rogan and then on to Starfell.” Without all four pendants, Callyn-Rhe would continue to remain undiscovered and the power they needed buried within her depths, but he would still fight. As long as there was breath in his body, he would fight.
Gage nodded and gripped Beck’s upper arm in understanding.
Beck gave him a small smile of gratitude. “Thank you for all you did to try and help find Kiernan. I owe you a debt you have only to name.”
“No debt owed. She was my Princess.”
Beck inwardly recoiled at the Saber’s use of the past tense when referring to Kiernan.
“Then again,” Gage said, “there is this demented Mage I would like to have help in killing.”
Bloodlust flared in Beck’s chest. “My pleasure.”
Chapter 29
Descent
into Darkness
Preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming battle, Beck entered his room at The Rusty Nail. Bajan went off to hunt before their voyage tomorrow as it was uncertain when he would have a chance to do so again.
At the washbasin by his bed, he leaned over to splash his face and his hands started to shake. He gripped the rim, unable to move for a moment as he contemplated his departure and all that meant.
I’m leaving Kiernan behind.
Leaving her in the hands of a fate only the Highworld knew. He tried to convince himself that he would be back, but deep down he knew it wasn’t true. Not with Iserlohn standing alone in this war.
He suddenly froze at the shuffle of feet behind him and yelped in pain as an assailant stabbed him in the lower back. He spun around with a growl, magic igniting within his body.
Standing in front of him with a spear in one hand and the other covering his eyes was the Halfie Tribe Leader, Vinni Vee. He wore the ragged clothes of one of the orphaned children who haunted the streets of Iserport.
“Pardon, Savitar!” he squealed. “You know it is in my nature to be wicked. Please forgive me!”
Beck reached behind his back and his hand came away with blood. “Hell, Vinni, did you have to stab me? What are you doing here, anyway?”
“I am here once again to give you valuable information, Savitar,” he said, shaking his golden locks. “Honestly, I don’t know how you manage without me.”
Beck retrieved a cloth from the side of the basin and reached around his back to hold it against the small wound. “Help that is a little less painful would be appreciated.”
Vinni stuck his tongue out, and it mystified Beck how the imp’s behavior came so instinctively. Most of the time, the little Halfie didn’t seem to be aware of what he was doing until the vicious act was complete. He just did what came natural and, unfortunately, that meant being ill-behaved.
“I came to tell you that the Princess of Iserlohn is going to be kidnapped!”
Beck’s jaw dropped. Maybe there was more to the Halfie’s foretelling abilities than he previously gave credit. “I know, Vinni—”
“The Gems will have taken her,” he declared.
Beck looked at the pint-sized terror quizzically. “The Gems?”
“Yes, the Gems! The witches who live in Elloree! Goodness, you are a little slow for a Savitar.”