Elemental: The Gateways Series, #5

By Robin A. R. Halsey

The cost of freedom cuts deep.

 

Unwavering trust in a convenient guide is often a path to an unfortunate end.

 

Against the guidance of one he once trusted, Kuma continues blindly forward. Divine visions have promised him his wife's freedom and reckless desperation now guides his steps.

 

The madness of her family is setting in but Amala no longer cares. Since the moment that Reece's hand went cold in her own the world around her has felt empty and the flame within her heart desires only to set it ablaze.

 

The fates have dictated that their paths cross but whether they survive each other is yet to be seen.

 

Scorched earth and blood stains the winding road to the gateways.

 

 

**Continue your journey toward the gateways today!**

 

 

ELEMENTAL, book five in this grimdark fantasy series, returns to the naivety of ignoring fate's path to pursue your own desires.

 

The Gateways

 

In an attempt to end the great war, the fates endeavoured to seal the seven gates, placing six keys amongst the divinely born to appease the demands of the gods. Unbeknownst to the gods, the fates bound their enemy, the daemons, as guardians to the mortals of Graythal.

 

This knowledge was then buried in legend and mostly forgotten.

 

Trigger warning: This book contains abduction, amputation, blood, bones, bullying, classism, corpses, death, depression, drinking, dying, forced captivity, hunting, kidnapping, past trauma, poisoning, serious injury, torture, violence, and weapons.

 

 

The Gateways Series

Book One - Catalyst

Book Two - Sighted

Book Three - Balance

Book Four - Secrets

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Moment Designs
• Release date: Jan 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781990432040

Robin A. R. Halsey

Robin A. R. Halsey is the mother of three quirky children and the wife of a supportive and ambitious dreamer. Robin has been writing for over two decades, producing numerous poems, novellas, and novels. She is also a self-taught artist with a focus on mostly acrylic paintings. Keep up to date on Robin’s creative work by joining the Creatorium Collective at www.rrmoq.com

Book preview

Chains

A picture containing mammal, black, domestic cat, staring Description automatically generated Chapter 1

Kuma paused and stared ahead, peering through the trees toward the mountains and smiling his carefree smile. It’s not far now. My gateways are getting more accurate after all. I knew we’d find it.

I never doubted that we would. I simply wished we wouldn’t before I had succeeded in talking some sense into you. Zerth shook his head. I suppose after all these years I should have known how futile that hope was. You’ve likely heard nothing that I’ve said all this time.

I heard you. He shrugged. Don’t think that I don’t understand your concerns, old friend. I don’t have a choice. What if this vision is right?

And if it’s wrong? Do you understand what could happen to you if you come in contact with an elemental orb?

If the stories are to be believed, I will die quite horribly. It isn’t as though it would be my first death.

There will be no one to save you. My powers cannot counter what that orb will do to you.

I don’t expect you to do anything. Kuma grew serious. If I’m wrong and this vision is fraudulent, then let me die. Do not risk yourself to help me. Not again.

And what of Freya and your son?

Kuma was silent and nodded slowly. It’s for them that I have come. Death will not keep me from freeing them. I will find a way to transcend it if I must.

And just how will you do that? Zerth questioned in frustration.

I don’t know! the young man snapped and looked up to see the leaves on the tree above him starting to fall. Kuma took a deep breath and stepped back from Zerth, his eyes now focused on the ground and his face etched with disappointment.

I’m not your enemy, Kuma. Zerth took a step toward him.

Why do you approach me when you know what could happen?

Because I know you and I trust you.

Trust has nothing to do with this. Unless you believe that I did it on purpose.

Zerth shook his head. Actually, I’m surprised. I thought the strain of holding the human form was taking care of that excess energy. It was strenuous for you before.

Things change. He sighed and looked into the elf’s fatherly eyes. It just keeps building as if there is no limit to the power that could potentially manifest inside me. This form gets easier and easier.

I’ve noticed you hold it for days on end now. Zerth held his breath a moment, staring into Kuma’s glowing golden eyes. That is certainly a change to how it was in the beginning.

Kuma nodded and clenched his fists. Let’s keep going. Maybe the vision is trying to destroy me but maybe it’s because of the danger that I represent.

Zerth stared at the back of Kuma’s head as he walked away. Kuma, in your early vision quests you saw your own death . . .

Kuma stopped, nodding as he kept his eyes focused on the ground ahead of him.

Did you see yourself die at the top of that mountain when Varen gained his freedom?

I thought I had. He swallowed the lump in his throat. If my visions are correct, I’ll die twice more and not one of them will be at Varen’s hand.

Two more gifts to be protected. Terran smiled to himself, watching the priests and druids leaving with the Children of Balance.

Do you think there will come a time when only one child is born as it used to be? Flint looked down at the baby in Solana’s arms before focusing on the spirit. It worries me that there were two infants that emerged from the flames. That means that the threat to them remains, doesn’t it?

Daray nodded. Erika and I will be keeping a close watch on both of them. Soon, my kind will again populate Graythal.

I hope you’re right. Flint sighed. I fear the life that lays ahead of my daughter. What kind of world have we brought a child into?

A world that we will help keep safe, Solana stated. I will fight so long as there is breath within me.

You’re a survivor, Solana, and Kalea will be too. Daray smiled and looked up as Erika approached. Until our paths cross again—stay safe.

The group watched Erika and Daray follow the path that the druids had taken, soon finding themselves alone in the trees.

"Will you all come to the temple tonight? Terran questioned. It is getting quite late."

I have no need to stay, Amala said flatly.

"Other than Cresson, you have the furthest to go. The spirit smiled. Stay and rest. Taji could use a break as well, I’m sure."

Amala looked toward the dragon who was seated against a nearby tree, his eyes slightly closed. Fine, she muttered and walked past them, heading toward the temple and pausing as she noticed Cresson following behind her. Keep away from me, water user, she grumbled.

Cresson paused, looking at the fiery-haired woman as she continued away from him. Have I done something? he questioned, looking toward the others for answers.

It’s best you just leave her be. Flint nodded.

You likely remind her too much of someone that she lost, Solana added.

The Elemental Warrior that I stood in for? he questioned and saw Amala’s steps falter briefly and noticed the dragon next to her tense.

Terran nodded. "Come along, lad. The temple isn’t far."

Cresson paused and stared at the cave entrance before turning his attention to Flint. Tell me, do you feel a connection to the temple?

I suppose there is a strong sense of belonging here. He shrugged. I’ve never really thought about it.

Cresson nodded.

Have you ever been to the water temple? Solana asked curiously.

No. He smiled. It is a lifelong dream to one day see it but it isn’t likely that I will ever find my way there. Undine has other plans for me.

Will you be staying on Whryx? Is this to be your home? Flint inquired.

I will be here for a while. Cresson nodded. How long depends on many things. I was simply a stand-in for today’s ritual.

So you’re not an Elemental Warrior?

I am but I do not have nearly as strong a hold on my element as what you all do with yours. My journey as Undine’s servant is as a guardian but not to the Children of Balance. I do not share your fate.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Zerth bowed his head toward the High Priest. Forgive me but you are much younger than I expected you to be.

There was an attack on our temple not long ago and many of the older brethren were slaughtered protecting this place. Speak freely, strangers. There is no need for secrets within these walls. Secrets lead to darkness. He looked toward Kuma. Secrets soil the soul.

My secrets are my own. Kuma shrugged. What is within my mind will remain there. You will do nothing but give yourself a headache trying to read my thoughts.

Do you often search for answers in such a way? Zerth questioned calmly.

We have grown wary of outsiders. As you are both strangers not only to this temple but to this land, it is my place to deem if you are friend or foe.

The elf nodded. What did you find in my mind?

Nothing, as his. No doubt he felt the need to protect you both.

As a stranger to us, Kuma looked at the priest, you cannot expect me to trust you in such a way. Anyone skilled with peering into the minds of others can also learn to do damage to them. I will not permit such a thing to myself nor my friend.

I would never have harmed you, he said defensively.

Unless you saw what might be a threat. Kuma smiled. Perhaps we should start again. We will speak as though magic does not exist amongst us.

Hardly appropriate considering a vision has brought us here. Zerth sighed and sat down in a nearby chair, leaning back heavily and slowly twisting the cord around his wrist.

Are you all right, old friend? Kuma looked toward the elf, ignoring as the High Priest shifted in his chair.

It has been a long journey, Kuma. Say what you have come to say so that we can continue on your path.

Kuma turned back to the High Priest and stared into his fearful eyes.

I haven’t harmed your friend, he stated.

Kuma laughed. I’m aware of that. If you had made any move toward him while you were trying to search his mind, you would not have been given even a moment to explain yourself. I am not hostile, I assure you, but I will protect those I care about.

The High Priest nodded, getting to his feet and taking a step back before staring up into the imposing man’s stern golden eyes. Why have you come here? Your friend mentioned a vision.

Yes—he did. Kuma nodded, looking toward Zerth who seemed to be nearly asleep in the chair. Do you have a healer here?

Don’t be foolish, Zerth muttered, his eyes remaining closed. That’s not what we came here for. Don’t waste time. We don’t have it to waste.

Kuma shook his head.

Have you changed your mind? the elf questioned. Come to your senses?

No. Kuma sighed.

Why have you come here? the High Priest asked, attempting to force confidence back into his voice.

A vision has sent me here. My intention is to make contact with the orb of earth.

The man’s eyes grew wide. Are you an Earthen Warrior?

No, Kuma hesitated. I am something else.

The man shook his head. Contact with the orb will kill you. Do you understand that? Whatever your dream has said would come of such contact is false.

It was not a dream. It was a vision, Kuma stated. You know nothing about me to state such a thing with any form of certainty.

The last man who touched the orb is dead and he was an Elemental Warrior. He contacted the orb and it merged with his body. For it to be returned, he needed to die. Even if I allowed you to touch it and you lived, you would not be permitted to leave here with it. We would be forced to kill you.

What if I could assure you that the orb would not leave the temple? It will not affect me as it did the others.

You cannot guarantee that. The High Priest sighed and retook his seat. It will destroy you. Mortals were not meant to touch it.

May I at least see it? Kuma questioned. Bind my hands. Place guards around the orb. Do whatever you will but at least let me see it.

No. He shook his head. I will not take that risk.

I have travelled a long way, Kuma pleaded.

What exactly did you see in this vision? he asked curiously.

Kuma straightened. That is none of your concern.

The man nodded before slowly shaking his head. I can’t let you near the orb nor the chamber it is kept in. I am sorry.

You have to, Kuma growled.

Calm, lad, Zerth said softly. Keep your calm.

Kuma looked toward his exhausted friend then back at the startled priest.

You may stay here the night. I will see to it that you are both given a bed and whatever provisions we can spare for your journey home. I’m sorry to disappoint you but I cannot risk what we fought to protect. Too many lives have been lost to simply open the doors to the orb. The Earthen Warriors are not near as strong without it in its place. After what Varen did, we must be cautious.

Varen? Kuma choked on the name. He’s been here?

The High Priest stared at Kuma. How do you know of this man?

That’s complicated. He looked away.

We would appreciate the room for the night. Thank you again for seeing us and at least hearing us out. I understand how strenuous finding yourself in this position must be. We are grateful to you. Zerth stood and bowed his head May peace soon find us all.

There is no need to be upset with him, Kuma, Zerth reasoned. His decision may very well have saved your life.

Kuma shook his head. It is not his place to stop me, he growled. He said Varen attacked this place. If that’s true, then how is it that they have reclaimed it? How could they have possibly faced Varen and succeeded?

He underestimated the guards of this place. Amala stood firmly in the middle of the hall, blocking their path. Who are you? What are you doing here?

Kuma looked from Amala to the large blue gold dragon that stood behind her before fixing his eyes with hers. Who I am is not any of your concern and why I’m here is between me and the High Priest.

The two continued to glare at each other while the dragon and Zerth exchanged exasperated glances. Come now, Kuma, that’s no way to make friends.

I have no interest in making friends with any of the Elemental Warriors. He shrugged. I am certain that this young woman has no interest in making friends with strangers either.

I certainly don’t need a friend the likes of you, Amala scoffed.

Being alone is easier, isn’t it? He nodded. If you’ll excuse me.

You’re not going anywhere until you answer my question. Amala placed her hand on her sword.

Amala, he is a guest of the temple. Terran quickly approached the tense group. We are aware of his presence here. There is no need for your hostility.

He’s not trustworthy, she grumbled.

Get some rest, Amala, the spirit said gently. No doubt you and Taji had a long journey getting here.

I’m fine, she snapped, shoving her way past Kuma and Zerth and knocking the elf to the ground. She paused and stared down at him before hurrying away.

Taji hesitated slightly, shooting them an apologetic glance before following Amala down the hall.

Are you all right? Terran questioned, watching Kuma help the elf to his feet. Allow me to apologize for her actions.

No need. Zerth nodded. Sorrow is a powerful emotion and it changes people. Sometimes it makes them do things that they would not normally dream of. Such as arguing with strangers.

I’ve always argued with strangers, Kuma grumbled. She’ll get no special treatment from me. I look forward to leaving this place.

Shall I guide you to your rooms? These halls can be a bit confusing at times. Terran smiled.

Thank you. Zerth looked curiously at the spirit. Is it your connection to the earth orb that allows us to see you or something else?

I have been held by the orb and choices I made have placed me where I am now. The High Priest did not lie to you both. Touching the orb guarantees death, even for us. It’s the way of these things. They are divine tools and we are mortal.

Why are you still here? Kuma questioned.

I wasn’t ready to leave. There is always a way to remain if you are willing to do anything to protect those you care for. Lingering in this realm is the price that I pay for that. It’s a decision that I do not regret.

What did you do to stay?

Terran paused and looked into Kuma’s golden eyes. It’s easier to stay alive. You seem healthy and strong to me, not one who is close to meeting with death. Of course, if you have a habit of arguing with short-tempered elementals then you might not have as long as you seem to.

A picture containing mammal, black, domestic cat, staring Description automatically generated Chapter 2

Amala sat up abruptly , wiping the sweat off her brow and glancing around the dark room. Chaotic images of a winged man seemed to linger ahead of her, slowly growing closer, and she held her breath as she struggled to calm her nerves and light the nearby lantern. As the light filled the room, she stared at the dragon who’d moved to her side. Forcing a smile, she sighed. I’m sorry. I woke you, didn’t I?

The dragon shook his head, placing his claw carefully on her hand.

I had a dream is all. She looked down at his claw. I wish you’d speak to me again. I know what happened before but . . . you know things that I need to understand.

The dragon pulled his claw back and took a step away, slowly shaking his head.

We should go back to the farm, shouldn’t we? Jensi could hear you, just as Reece did. Surely it’s frustrating for you to be forced to travel in silence. Why do you stay with me?

Taji sighed, focusing on the ground before pointing to Amala’s forehead and grunting.

The dream? she questioned and the dragon nodded. It was chaos. I saw a creature that . . . The stranger. It was him. It had to be.

The dragon cocked his head.

I don’t trust him. His soul is alight with anger and fear. She looked into the dragon’s eyes. I know fire when I sense it. He’s not what he appears to be. He shouldn’t be left unattended.

Zerth opened his eyes and looked up into the shadows of the night, listening to the silence that surrounded him before rolling to his side. As sleep steadily retook him, his groggy mind became aware of a nearby sound and he rose quickly from the bed. Wrapping the blanket around his shoulders, he reached for a nearby lantern and snapped his fingers to light it. Half asleep, he staggered forward, taking a moment to get his balance before moving into the adjacent room where he found Kuma in a fitful sleep.

Kuma, wake up. He knelt cautiously next to the man, aware of the dangers that his nightmares often presented to those around him. After a long moment with no response, Zerth noticed a small vortex growing above the man. The old elf reached beneath the spiralling air to shake Kuma’s shoulder and was startled as he was pulled to the ground. Quickly pulling himself free of the claws, he looked from the blue gold dragon to the growing vortex moving steadily toward them. We need to wake him. It’s the only way to stop this.

Taji looked into the elf’s eyes and nodded, moving away from the vortex and approaching Kuma. He growled in the man’s ear, then struck him in the face with his tail, moving quickly away as Kuma leapt to his feet.

What are you doing here? he snapped, glaring wide-eyed at the dragon. As the creature shifted his focus, Kuma chanced following his gaze and gasped as he saw the vortex approaching Zerth. He held his breath, fighting to move the volatile spiral away from the elf and sighing with relief as it dissipated. Are you all right?

You were having a nightmare.

Kuma nodded, clenching his fists before looking toward the dragon. Did Amala send you to spy on us?

Taji looked away.

I’ll have to thank her. If not for your presence, the old elf may have gotten hurt. Thank you. Kuma sighed and met the dragon’s gaze as he looked back at him. Did you see that? he questioned after watching Taji leave.

What?

That look in his eyes . . . that isn’t the look of a dragon, he said slowly.

You’ve only known one dragon, Kuma. You’re hardly qualified to make such an observation.

Perhaps, but I . . . , Kuma paused and looked into Zerth’s eyes, all right, it can wait.

Was it a dream or a vision?

I think I know what brought us here. He sighed.

Was this Varen’s doing?

I’m sorry that I never listened to you. You were right.

What did you see?

They have him trapped in this very temple. He’s in a pillar of stone but that’s not going to hold him. I suspect that he let them trap him. He’s more powerful than that.

Maybe he isn’t.

Zerth, I know that it can’t be that simple.

How do you know?

Because he and I are . . . , Kuma swallowed nervously, we’re the same.

You are not the same, Zerth stated firmly. You will never be like him, Kuma. You know your own soul.

Zerth, Kuma looked away, I will free Freya and my son and it will not matter what I have to do to accomplish that. Does that not make Varen and I the same? We are both willing to do whatever it takes to reach our goals.

The old elf looked up into Kuma’s eyes. If Varen is here and about to escape, then maybe you can do something to keep him trapped. Keeping him here should mean that we can find Freya and your son and free them.

Kuma nodded. It seems too simple.

Let’s hope that, for once, things can be simple.

I need to have a word with you, Kuma stated, taking a seat in a nearby chair.

How did you get in here? the High Priest gasped.

That isn’t really a concern for you right now.

You’re interrupting my morning prayers, stranger. I would appreciate it if you leave, he stated.

Prayers won’t help you when Varen escapes.

The High Priest continued to stare at Kuma, his composure waning. I’m not sure what you think you know but Varen is not a concern to our temple any longer.

Don’t be so foolish, he snapped, beginning to pace. I know that he’s here and that you think you have him trapped but it’s all a ruse. Varen has no intention of staying where he is.

The man continued to stare at the stranger. Why would Varen allow himself to be trapped?

Kuma shook his head. He means to draw someone here, that is the only explanation that I can see. He is far too powerful for you to have encased him as you think you have.

How do you know all this?

Divine visions. Kuma shrugged.

The High Priest looked up at the men entering his room. I think your dreams sound disturbing, stranger, but they are nothing for me to worry about. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I would like to complete my prayers.

Take a look at the tomb. You will see signs that he is not subdued, he snapped and was startled when two men grabbed him. He looked from one to the other and took a deep breath. Fine. This temple’s destruction will be on your soul.

What was that? Solana peered into the darkness, reaching out to steady the bassinet laying next to her before quickly taking the sleeping child in her arms as the ground trembled again. Flint, did you feel that?

I think it was an earthquake, he answered breathlessly.

Solana stared through the thick shadows toward his voice. Are you all right?

I’m just half asleep, love. Are you and Kalea all right?

She seems to have slept through it, Solana answered.

Good, Flint replied, an obvious note of relief in his voice. He sat up and reached his hand forward, placing it on Solana’s shoulder. I’m relieved.

Your hand is cold, she whispered, fighting the fear within her and gripping tighter to their daughter. She isn’t an earth elemental, is she?

Thankfully, no, he answered, getting to his feet and taking a few steps toward the doorway where he shifted the curtain and looked out into the candle-lit hall. I’m going to find out what’s happening. Stay here with Kalea.

Flint, is something attacking the temple?

I’m not sure, Flint took a sharp breath, but I want you and Kalea to stay far from the earth orb, do you understand me? If things take a turn for the worst, then you must get away from here. Find Daray and Erika, they’ll take care of you both.

What are you saying? she stuttered. I’m not just leaving you.

Flint looked back and shook his head. I don’t know for certain that there is anything to fear, he answered, gripping his chest as another earthquake rocked the temple, but there might be.

Solana looked into Flint’s pain-filled eyes then down at Kalea. I promise. She will be kept safe.

And you as well, Solana. Flint smiled and looked longingly at his family before hurrying from the room. Reaching the end of the hall, the temple was again struck by a quake, this one stronger than the others had been. Flint gasped and lost his balance, looking up as he realized that someone had caught him.

Are you all right? Cresson questioned, holding him up. Flint, right?

Flint managed to nod but found he could force no words from his lips.

The orb chamber? he questioned and when Flint nodded again he pulled his arm around his shoulder and began to help him forward.

I warned you, Kuma scolded.

Don’t speak down to these people. You are a stranger here, Zerth soothed.

I was right. This could have been prevented if he had just listened to me.

It does appear that you were correct. The High Priest bowed his head. There are cracks appearing on Varen’s tomb. It does appear that he is trying to escape.

How do you know that those cracks weren’t caused by the quake itself? Amala questioned. Why jump to the conclusion that this stranger should be trusted?

A normal earthquake would not affect the elementals, Cresson answered. Only an attack on the orb would do that.

Amala turned her eyes toward Flint who’d been sitting quietly away from the group, quickly realizing that he was shaking. She hurriedly turned her focus to the woman seated next to him and the baby in her arms. Solana, was she . . . ? her words faltered.

Kalea’s all right, Solana said gently.

Amala’s stern look returned and she glared at Kuma. Who are you? How do you know of Varen?

That’s not your concern, Kuma grumbled. Who I am has no importance on this.

Wouldn’t you ask that question of a stranger? Cresson questioned, meeting eyes with Kuma.

Kuma shook his head and scoffed. No matter the answer I give, it could be a lie or the truth. Those who have already made their decision about me will say that I’m deceptive.

You’re right, Amala snarled. I doubt you’d know what the truth was. You seem to me to be someone who’s told a lot of lies.

And you are someone who’s been hurt very deeply. Kuma stared into Amala’s eyes. For that reason, you may be treated as fragile by those around you but do not expect that of me. You are far from weak.

Amala glared at Kuma.

How did you know that Varen was here? Terran questioned. Is that what brought you here?

As I’ve explained, a vision brought me here. I now suspect that it was Varen’s presence that drew me to this place, he answered. I am here to help if you’ll have it.

It took the Elemental Warriors to trap him the first time. I doubt there is anything that you could do, Terran answered. I mean no disrespect to you, stranger, but it is my understanding that our magic is stronger than that of almost any other.

There are those stronger than you, Kuma replied.

Certainly not you, Amala muttered.

Why do you think that you could do something against this man? Cresson questioned. You’re a stranger in these lands, aren’t you? What could you possibly know of him?

Don’t think for a moment that we haven’t noticed that you have the same accent, Amala growled, glaring at Cresson. Not only the same accent but the same air of nobility about you.

Do any of you know what a daemon is? Kuma questioned.

Creatures of chaos, Solana whispered.

Kuma nodded. If only those creatures had remained in their own realm, then you would have little to fear.

You’re aware that Varen is a daemon? Terran nodded.

A daemon, the High Priest gasped. Those creatures haven’t been seen in centuries. They are nothing but a myth now.

They haven’t needed to be seen. Daemons can walk around and look the same as you or me but they are not the same. They have continued to inhabit Graythal all this time. Some of them not even knowing their own identities, Kuma explained.

Some of them so far removed that the stain of chaos is a curse, Amala whispered.

Daemons do not appear as we do. Once they take on their true form, they are forced to live that way, Solana pressed. A true daemon who calls forth the chaos cannot hide amongst the crowds.

The stronger ones can, Kuma replied. I swear to you, Varen is one of these creatures.

Daemons are supposed to be guardians—they’re supposed to be protectors. Solana gripped her daughter tighter to her chest.

Do you really think that there aren’t those amongst the daemons who can be swayed by their own desires or choose paths that may negatively alter the lives of the innocent? It has happened for centuries and will continue, Kuma explained.

If Varen is as you say, then what makes you think that you can face him? Amala questioned.

I am offering my help to all of you, that is all. He shrugged.

I think you’re here to free him, Amala accused. There was no movement from him until you showed up. No cracks in the stone, no quakes, nothing. Now a stranger appears and Varen is suddenly trying to break free. It doesn’t make sense that you are here to help us.

You think I’m here to free Varen? Kuma gasped.

Are you? Amala snapped. You tell us nothing and allow us to make our own assumptions and I have made mine. I do not trust you and I think that you’re here to see to it that we all die. I think you’re a servant and your master is buried in this temple and you’re here to free him.

Kuma glared at Amala.

I assure you, my lady, that we— Zerth said calmly.

Quiet! Amala snapped. Are you his servant? I can’t see anyone destroying themselves of their own accord to help another. Obviously, this man cares nothing for his own servants to allow such a thing. No doubt he is just like his own master.

You can make all the accusations you wish of me but do not speak to this man with anything but respect, Kuma growled.

"Respect is