Mark of Brikyif Wamtell Unbreakable Resolve

By MM Sudie

The unthinkable has happened. Aurora has been taken by the Warlocks of Andor. Kerr, Thuban and Wolvow want to rush to the castle to save her, but they know the three of them cannot storm a castle alone. The three of them must meet up with the Wamtell Knights first. In the dungeons of the Wamtell castle, Aurora faces torture at the hands of the most powerful Warlocks of Andor. Slowly, her hope is starting to fade. Aurora and her friends must all hold onto their hope if they ever want to see each other again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781947109117

Book preview

Prologue

Wamtell was freezing. Yes, he had read it would be worse than the frozen winters they were used to, but this was beyond what he’d thought. Vay’ven wrapped his scarf around the lower half of his face then drew his cloak tighter around himself. They were checking the land because there were rumors that the Warlocks of Andor, an old and powerful enemy of the Valkwell, were back. Vay’ven looked around at the group. There were four Dwarves, each with an aritum and three other Shadow Elves. The Dwarves were named Hadrone, Forahno, Lornold and Arkuth and their aritums were Maro, Agate, Chance and Thyst. The bond each Dwarf shared with their aritum was fascinating, but Vay’ven hadn’t been able to find a good way to ask the Dwarves about it yet. The Dwarves and their aritums were nice enough. It had just been a little awkward for the first few weeks because every other race in Saylon was still getting used to the idea that Shadow Elves were not demons of darkness. Vay’ven looked at his fellow Shadow Elves. Their leader was Yoth’illow, an experienced Shadow Warrior who didn’t speak a whole lot. Sav’owth had a few more years of being a Shadow Warrior than Vay’ven did, but none of that mattered anymore because of how Sav’owth had so nearly killed Aurora a little over three years ago. Sav’owth had gotten lucky and was only reduced in rank and never allowed to advance again. Vay’ven paused as he thought about Aurora. She was the one who had shown Saylon the Shadow Elves were allies even after they had sentenced her and her friends to die by the Monster of Omen. The day the sentence was to be carried out was one he would never forget. He had been knocked to the ground by the monster and had no way of escaping. Aurora, the woman they had just left to die, ran back and saved him from that monster. She’d nearly been killed herself in the process, but she told all of them she had no regrets about saving him. Thinking about Aurora always made him smile because she was such an amazing woman. Someone put a hand on his shoulder. You alright?

Vay’ven looked up to see his cousin, Dar’gel, standing in front of him. The rest of the group was stopped a good ways ahead of them and looking back. Vay’ven hadn’t been aware that he’d stopped walking. Yes, Vay’ven replied. Just thinking. I didn’t mean to stop.

Dar’gel’s smile reached his dark green eyes. You always did let your head float into the clouds, little cousin.

It’s better than thinking about how cold it is here, Vay’ven pointed out. I can’t feel my hands and I’m wearing two pairs of gloves.

Dar’gel shook his head as they reached the group who began walking again. Sometimes, you complain more than Uri’yval. Aren’t you the one who told me you loved winter?

I do, but it’s the snow I like, Vay’ven clarified. And I am not worse than Uri.

Not all the time, Dar’gel replied. And you’re smarter than Uri; you became a Shadow Warrior, not a Shadow Guard.

Vay’ven smiled. There wasn’t anything wrong with being either a Shadow Warrior or Guard, but both groups always claimed they were the better one. It was all in good fun though because warriors and guards respected each other greatly. He looked at his cousin. You say that, yet your favorite trainee chose to become a Shadow Guard.

Dar’gel didn’t speak right away but put him in a headlock. Name one Elf in Labyrinth who doesn’t like Nes’eve. Nearly all of us are archers and he puts every last one of us to shame.

Sav’owth looked back at them and laughed when he saw Dar’gel holding Vay’ven in a headlock. That’s not saying a whole lot when it comes to me. Children can put me to shame in archery. He watched Vay’ven for a moment. Are you really going to take that from him?

Vay’ven would have liked to say he wasn’t going to just take it, but he’d never been able to get out of any hold Dar’gel used against him. That didn’t stop him from trying, but no matter how hard he tried to pull back, he could not make his cousin release him. Dar’gel watched him for a moment, then shook his head and released him. You looked too pathetic. Why can’t you ever throw me off?

Vay’ven shrugged, but before he could say a word, Arkuth and Forahno rode over on Thyst and Agate to join them. The three of you look very happy, said Forahno.

Dar’gel nodded. It’s fun to taunt my cousin. How are you doing with the cold?

Better than you, Arkuth replied. Dwarves are more resistant to heat and cold than any other race. Though the three of you don’t look all that cold right now.

Because we’re moving, said Vay’ven. The moment we stop we’re going to get cold.

Arkuth smiled, but before he could say a word, Yoth’illow gave a warning call. Someone is coming!

The two Dwarves got off their aritums, then Arkuth drew a rather large broad sword as Forahno raised a war ax in each hand. Vay’ven and Sav’owth drew their swords. Dar’gel raised his bow. A group of Humans in white robes were approaching them. Their leader had blue patterns on his robes while the others had silver on the edges of their robes. All of them were armed. Vay’ven glanced at Dar’gel and Sav’owth. Neither had lowered their weapons nor had they moved. As Shadow Warriors, they were trained to control every emotion when battle came upon them, and they were deadly. Not to say the Arita Guards with them were nothing. Vay’ven knew one Dwarf alone was a force to be reckoned with. Four of them would be unstoppable. The person with blue on their robes stepped forward and spoke. Dwarves, nothing but a nuisance. The figure looked at the rest of them. Elves, but paler than the snow and clearly allied with the Dwarves. Tell me, why have you sided with them? Everything we’ve heard about Elves says they are no friends of Dwarves.

Times change, said Hadrone. Put your weapons down and tell us who you are.

The Human smiled but did not lower his sword. Why don’t you ask your Valkwell allies who we are? They know who we are and they will bow before us again. He waved back at those following him. We are the Warlocks of Andor.

Vay’ven didn’t know a lot about the Warlocks of Andor beyond knowing they had once enslaved the Valkwell. He knew if they were back, it was bad. Forahno stepped forward. Go crawl back into whatever hole you’ve been hiding in. We will not let you touch the Valkwell.

The Warlock before them shook his head. Very well, we will make you fear us as well. Attack!

Vay’ven was ready as a Warlock came at him. He had no clue how to fight magic, but he could easily block the Warlock’s sword. The Warlock smiled at him. You and the three like you are quite interesting. I have no doubt you are Elves, but you do not move or fight like the Elves I’ve heard of. He took a step back. Now, why would that be?

Perhaps you know nothing of Elves. Vay’ven slashed with his sword, very narrowly missing the Warlock’s torso. You cannot trust rumors.

You cannot, the Warlock agreed. You must find the truth. So that means there’s something about—

Vay’ven’s sword met the Warlock’s throat, ending his words. He hardly paid attention to the falling Warlock as he turned to face another. As he blocked the Warlock’s attack, he glanced around for the others. Sav’owth was covering Yoth’illow as they fought three Warlocks. Dar’gel was proving his skill as an archer as he used his bow at very close range. Hadrone and Maro, and Forahno and Agate were advancing on a group of Warlocks who were backing away from them. Arkuth and Thyst were standing over a dead Warlock. When Vay’ven looked at Lornold and Chance though, he couldn’t help letting out a gasp. Chance was dead, and Lornold was lying on the ground, disarmed and not moving as a Warlock raised a sword over him. No! Vay’ven rushed over to help the Dwarf.

He was half a second too slow. The Warlock’s sword was through Lornold’s neck before Vay’ven could stop him. Vay’ven put his sword through the Warlock’s chest but at the same moment heard a whistling scream of pain. He knew that yell, but he didn’t want to believe it as he turned to see the Shadow Elf who was making the sound. Dar’gel was on his side and the snow in front of him was turning red as he yelled. Vay’ven rushed at the Warlock standing over his cousin, and without any hesitation, slashed through his neck so violently that his head flew for several feet. Vay’ven knelt by his cousin. Dar’gel! Hang on!

Stay in the fight, Dar’gel gasped. You’re …leaving yourself open.

Vay’ven didn’t care if he was vulnerable as he looked at the injury on his cousin. Dar’gel had blood pouring from the right side of his chest as he gasped for breath. Just hold on; we’ll help you, said Vay’ven. Labyrinth needs its Range Master back.

Dar’gel smiled weakly. Maybe it’s time for Um’ny to become permanent Range Master.

Vay’ven shook his head as he heard a Dwarf yelling, followed by an aritum giving a shrieking yowl of pain, but didn’t look away from his cousin. Come on, you know no one can replace you.

Tell Uri’yval … Dar’gel paused and coughed. Tell him he’s a great Shadow Guard.

No, you’ll tell him! Vay’ven hardly noticed there were no longer sounds of battle around him as he grabbed his cousin’s hand. When we get home, you can say that to him yourself.

I’m proud of you, Vay’ven. Dar’gel’s grip weakened. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you.

Vay’ven squeezed his cousin’s hand. And you will be there to see it. Stay with me!

I will, just— Dar’gel let out one last breath.

Dar’gel? Vay’ven stared at his cousin. Dar’gel! You have to get up! You can’t leave!

His cousin’s green eyes were open but unable to see the snow falling around them. Vay’ven couldn’t look away. Someone came up behind him. Vay’ven, they’ve got reinforcements coming, said Yoth’illow. We need to get out of here.

No, Vay’ven whispered. I can’t leave him here.

I don’t want to leave him, Lornold, Chance, Arkuth or Thyst here, but if we don’t run now, none of us will make it back to Saylon. Yoth’illow put a hand on his shoulder. Come on.

No! Vay’ven looked up at her. I can’t leave him!

Vay’ven, said Hadrone. Your cousin wouldn’t want you to sit here and die. You need to get up and leave.

Did none of them understand? They couldn’t just leave Dar’gel here unburied. Vay’ven opened his mouth to say he wasn’t moving, when Sav’owth knocked him away from Dar’gel, threw Vay’ven’s weapons into the snow and pinned him. Put your grief aside! Dar’gel is dead! We are alive! We will mourn him once we are safe. Dying now won’t do any good!

Vay’ven had never wanted to attack and hurt another Shadow Elf before, but he was ready to kill Sav’owth. He was not going to leave his cousin out here in the cold. Before he could move though, Sav’owth grabbed him and Yoth’illow covered his mouth to keep him from yelling. Hadrone and Forahno picked up his weapons and loaded them onto Maro and Agate. Once the two Dwarves were on their aritums, the group hurried away. As Yoth’illow and Sav’owth drug him away, Vay’ven could see several figures in white robes stopping at the place were Dar’gel’s, Lornold’s, Chance’s, Arkuth’s and Thyst’s bodies lay. The Warlocks didn’t seem to notice the group of them running away as they looked over the three bodies. They left the two Dwarves and aritums, but as Vay’ven watched, they took his cousin’s body and left. No, Vay’ven thought. They’re going to take him apart.

None of the others had seen it and he could not talk. All Vay’ven could do was watch as the Warlocks took Dar’gel’s body away.

Chapter 1 Languages

Hey. Someone elbowed him. You alright, Kerr?

That was a question he did not want to answer because the answer was no, just as it had been for the past week. Kerr turned to face Wolvow. Do you really have to ask?

Sadly, no, Wolvow replied quietly. But you need to keep any feelings of sadness, guilt and fear hidden. Right now a chimera would be able to tell you’re beyond bothered.

You forgot to mention failure, Kerr said dully, looking down at the snow. "Kaliithing can change that."

Did you fail? Wolvow asked.

Kerr glared at the Elf. Aurora was captured and going to be tortured because he had not been able to stop the Warlocks from taking her. Surely Wolvow could see how much of a failure he was, so why would the Shadow Elf ask such a question? "Zii, Tha nab!" (Yes, I did!)

The worst part about talking to Wolvow was how he always looked like nothing got to him. How? You told me yourself you gave Aurora your word, life, mind and spirit. You also gave her your option of having a choice, Wolvow reminded him calmly. "She ordered you not to do anything and you had no choice but to obey her because she is the Rora and you are the Rora Ines."

What point are you trying to make? Kerr didn’t care if he sounded angry.

You did your job and listened to Aurora. Wolvow’s voice was still calm even though he had to be able to tell Kerr was angry with him. What would have happened if you did not do as she said after you had sworn to do whatever she asked of you?

It was a simple answer which Wolvow would already know the answer to, but Kerr answered anyway. I would have had to die. Kerr crossed his arms. But wouldn’t it have been better for me to die trying to defend her?

Part of me wants to say yes because Aurora’s life is all that matters when we travel with her, Wolvow admitted before he shook his head. But then I thought about what you told us about the Warlocks you and Aurora fought. Had you died, they still would have taken Aurora. The only difference would be you not being here. Wolvow paused for a moment. "After thinking about it for the past week, I realize I never should have been angry with you. I have seen firsthand what Aurora does when our lives are threatened and know there is no way to stop her from doing what she believes is necessary to protect us. Tha dy luanva er ory ru tiig racess tha." (I am sorry and ask you to forgive me.)

Wolvow asking him for forgiveness made Kerr forget his anger. The Shadow Elf had nothing to apologize for, but Kerr knew Wolvow would keep saying he was sorry. "Tha racess ru. (I forgive you.) Kerr paused before going on. I wasn’t going to die, at least not for a while. Kerr glanced at his burnt-orange wings. They were going to cut off my wings. The Warlocks would have kept me alive for a while because they know how much Valkwell prize their wings. I am kalii exception."

Kerr, what happened to Nova during the last journey Aurora took? Wolvow asked.

Why did Wolvow even have to ask? We all know she can’t use her wings anymore because she followed Aurora.

Wolvow nodded. Yes. Aurora knew how much Nova loved to fly and was there when Maya destroyed Nova’s wings. She saw how depressed Nova had become upon learning she’d never again be able to soar in the skies. He held up a hand to keep Kerr from saying a word. Let me finish. After seeing Nova’s pain, Aurora later saw how much Cato was hurt by the loss of his wings. Seeing Cloerth losing an arm, then his life, did not help. I don’t think Aurora could bear the thought of you losing your wings when she had a way to stop it.

You’re closer to Aurora than either Thuban or I, so you’ve got a much better idea of how she thinks. Kerr thought for a second before nodding. And from what I know of Aurora, you’re right; she shall always do whatever she can to keep us from being harmed. Maybe that’s why we find her so easy to follow. Kerr looked down. "I still feel like I’ve failed her though. I had kalii choice, but my actions, or should I say inactions, are leading her to harm."

You two could make a thunderstorm seem happy, Thuban called back to them.

Kerr glanced at Wolvow, who nodded. They were being depressing. "Luanva. Kerr moved forward to walk with Thuban. It’s been a tough week."

I won’t deny it, Thuban agreed. But we need to find something positive to think about or we’re only going to imagine the worst.

So Thuban wasn’t as at ease as he looked. Even though Wolvow was the one who could conceal his emotions, Thuban was the biggest mystery to Kerr. Thuban’s positive demeanor was a mask none of them could see beneath. So then, what else can we think or talk about? Kerr asked. We’re not going to reach Etsrule for a while.

Tell Lona and me how you convinced Magnus you were allies, Maether suggested. You’re outsiders to Wamtell, so you had to do something to earn trust.

Kerr turned to Maether and Lona. Both had black hair and gray eyes, though Maether’s were a little more silver than Lona’s. Well, it was thanks to Aurora, said Kerr before he stopped to think about how they had been allowed to enter Dawn Halo.

Thuban picked up where Kerr had stopped. Aurora not having a voice helped, but when she showed them the mark on her hand, Storr said we were to be taken straight to Magnus.

Do you mean the leaf with the eye? Lona asked. What is it supposed to mean?

Kerr looked at Lona for a second. He’d thought everyone in Wamtell had been taught the symbol was Tania’s, but Lona truly looked confused about what it was. Maether looked down at his sister before looking back up. You’ve gotta remember, we were held prisoner for a while. Lona was four when we were taken, so she never heard much about Tania and has no idea who Brikyif is.

Well there is a pretty basic definition for what Brikyif’s Mark means, said Wolvow from behind them. It means Aurora’s the hero. Wolvow paused as he seemed to think of something. He turned to Maether. Any chance you know something about what Tania saw that made her run to Saylon and have Brikyif?

The Prince didn’t answer right away, but looked deep in thought. Kerr wasn’t sure whether or not to expect an answer. I don’t know a lot, said Maether at last. The little I do know I was told never to speak of to anyone other than my father, but the three of you have been traveling with Aurora, who is the daughter of Brikyif, daughter of Tania. I guess you have a right to know. Maether paused. My father didn’t get the chance to tell me much, so I apologize in advance for not having much to say.

We know nearly nothing, said Thuban. So even a little bit is good.

Maether nodded. Tania was once a member of the Wamtell Royal Court, but that was over three hundred fifty years ago. She saw shadows in vaguely Human forms rising in all of Zarofell. I don’t know the next part, but I know she told the king when the Warlocks rose to power once again, they would do so because of the shadows. From there, I know Tania left a mark for us to know the hero by. The mark looked similar to hers, only the colors were different and she’d called it the Mark of Brikyif. She then left Wamtell and had Brikyif. After that, no one ever heard from her again.

Kerr nodded as he thought about what Maether had just said. They had already known most of it, but Kerr was grateful Maether had told them all the same. He really wanted more information on who the shadow people Tania had talked about were because by the sound of it, they were very powerful and very good at hiding themselves. "Bec ru, said Kerr. At least we know a little more now."

"What’s bek roo mean? Lona asked, looking up at Kerr. You say that a lot."

It’s Valkwellen for thank you, Kerr explained. I never notice when I switch languages because I grew up speaking Valkwellen.

But you know Rofan too, Lona pointed out. How did you learn it?

"My adoptive xaphuni, I mean father, started teaching me to speak it when I was about your age. Kerr smiled. Even when I speak in Rofan, I can’t help using a few Valkwellen words."

Lona nodded. What’s an adoptive father? Is it anything like a regular father?

"Zii, he’s the same thing. Devlin was the only father Kerr had known until he was twenty-four. I am Devlin’s son, and always shall be."

You used Valkwellen again. Lona was smiling as she spoke. What’s the word mean?

"Zii, I did, said Kerr nodded. Zii means— What did it translate into in Rofan? Kerr turned to Thuban and Wolvow. I forgot the Rofan word for zii."

Wolvow laughed and Thuban smiled before speaking. It means yes.

Okay. Kerr nodded. I never thought about what it meant before because none of you ever asked. He turned back to Lona. So it means ‘yes,’ like Thuban said.

How did you not know what it meant? Lona asked, looking confused. You speak Valkwellen, so you should know what it means.

Kerr smiled. He knew what Lona was thinking. What you have to realize is Valkwellen is the first language I learned. When I think, my thoughts are in Valkwellen not Rofan, so I don’t think of a word being defined in Rofan.

Lona seemed to become more confused by what he’d said. But how can you not know what the words mean?

Lona, said Maether, how do you say yes?

I say yes, said Lona simply. What else would I say?

Maether nodded. You don’t know another language, so you only say yes because that’s what you’ve been taught. Kerr didn’t learn Rofan right away, so to him, it isn’t completely normal to say yes like we do.

Lona turned to Kerr. So you say . . . she paused. I forgot the word.

Kerr smiled. "I say zii."

Lona nodded and smiled before looking at Thuban and Wolvow. Did you two grow up speaking a different language?

Thuban shook his head. No, I grew up with Rofan, like you and your brother. I learned Valkwellen in my fifties.

Lona nodded then tilted her head up to look at Wolvow. What about you?

The first language I learned was Shadow Tongue, then Rofan and Elven. Wolvow replied. My wife taught me Valkwellen before I married her.

Kerr smiled when he saw Maether looked as impressed as Lona. That’s four languages. Maether shook his head a little. And you learned three of them at once? He paused for a moment. I know Rofan and I’ve heard of Elven, but what is Shadow Tongue?

Wolvow whistled for a few seconds. Maether and Lona looked confused. Are you going to answer me? Maether asked.

I did. Shadow Tongue is whistles, Wolvow explained. As you can see, it is quite an advantage. Wolvow paused for a moment, then added. Shadow Tongue is the easiest language for me to remember and it is the one my thoughts are in.

Maether nodded and opened his mouth to say something, but Lona spoke first. You sounded like a bird.

A lot of people think Shadow Tongue sounds like bird whistles. Wolvow smiled at Lona. Shadow Tongue was originally supposed to be a code, but the Shadow Elves kept adding to it and eventually speaking it more than Rofan or Elven.

Lona smiled then started to laugh about something. Kerr glanced at the others wondering if any of them knew what she was finding to be so funny. Thuban and Wolvow shook their heads while Maether turned to Lona. What is it?

Kerr can fly like a bird and Wolvow can sound like a bird, Lona said before she stopped to giggle. But neither of them can do both.

Kerr wasn’t sure he found what Lona said to be funny, but Wolvow looked like he was trying not to laugh. Did the Elf not mind being compared to a bird? Kerr hated it when anyone compared him to a bird because he had wings. Thuban was looking between him and Wolvow. Kerr, get over it. Wolvow, what’s up with you?

Wolvow didn’t answer right away looking like he was trying to make sure he wouldn’t laugh. My children are going to be able to fly and whistle.

Kerr wasn’t sure how that was funny, but nodded. He knew not all Valkwell took such offence at being compared to birds, so Nova must not have minded the idea of being likened to a bird or Wolvow would not have been laughing. Lona was looking at Wolvow again. You have kids with wings?

Wolvow nodded, but didn’t answer right away. He looked like he was far away in thought about his children back in Saylon. Kerr couldn’t blame him for getting lost in thought about them though because he got lost in thought whenever he thought about Tershi and his child whom he’d never met. Suddenly Kerr felt like he was going to be torn to pieces. More than anything, he wanted to meet his child, but then he also wanted to save Aurora. There was no way to do both and he had to choose only one. His mind was already made up though; Aurora was going to come first because she was in a very dire situation. That should have stopped him from feeling like he was going to get torn apart, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt he got about putting Aurora over his wife and child. Without thinking about it, Kerr jumped into the air. Hadn’t he struggled enough with the dilemma of Aurora verses his wife and child? He and Tershi had spoken about how him being the Rora Ines would affect them since he had to follow Aurora, so it should have been settled. Why was his mind bringing it up again? He was in the right place doing the right thing, wasn’t he? Kerr kept his jaw tightly clenched to keep himself from letting out any kind of sound that would give away his state of mind. He needed some way to vent the fear and anger mixing inside him, but how? There was no way he’d do anything in front of Maether and Lona, and he was not going to say anything to Thuban and Wolvow. There was too much going through his mind. Kerr shook his head to force it all back. No matter how he felt about what had happened, Kerr needed to keep control of himself. He looked down and was shocked to see he was in the air. When had he flown up? Kerr sighed, then stopped moving his wings so he’d fall back to the ground. As usual, he caught himself before his feet could hit the ground. Isn’t that scary? Lona asked as she watched him.

What? It took him a second to realize what Lona was talking about. "Oh! Kalii, it’s fun."

I’m Lona, not Kali, the princess corrected him.

"I know. Kalii isn’t a name; it’s a Valkwellen word. It’s the opposite of zii, so kalii means . . . Kerr had to think for a moment. No."

Lona nodded. Okay. I’ve only ever heard it used as a name. She looked away for a second then turned back to him. How is falling fun?

Kerr had to think of how to explain it to Lona because to him, it wasn’t like falling even if that was exactly what he’d been doing. I guess it’s because I’m in control of it, said Kerr. I can stop myself at any time, so it doesn’t scare me.

Vintear don’t just fall, said Lona. They land.

Kerr nodded. Valkwell land too. I got bored of simply landing, so I started letting myself drop from the sky.

What if you land on someone? Lona asked as she looked around at the group. That would be bad.

It would be very bad, Kerr agreed. "But I always make sure there’s kalii one under me and if there is, then I don’t let myself drop."

Maether nodded. You know, until we met all of you, I didn’t think Valkwell were much different from Vintear. I thought your wings would be a lot smaller, but they’re huge. He paused for a moment. I didn’t think your wings would have feathers either.

"The only thing I knew about Vintear was they could fly. Beyond that I had kalii idea what they were. Kerr thought for a moment. I would say I find them to be strange, but as long as I’m in Wamtell, I’m the strange one. He looked over at Thuban and Wolvow. But at least I’m not alone in being strange."

You forgot about Farr, said Thuban. He’s just as strange in this land as the rest of us.

Kerr smiled before moving to pet the gray aritum. Lona looked over at Farr. He’s pretty, she said. How long have you had him?

Twenty-three years. Thuban rubbed the side of Farr’s head. He’s a very faithful friend and companion and will continue to be for a while.

Kerr looked at Farr. The gray aritum was purring as they pet him, leaning slightly more in Thuban’s direction. That made sense though because Farr knew he was Thuban’s. Kerr kept a slight smile on his face as his mind wandered back to Aurora. Did Farr notice she was gone like he, Thuban and Wolvow, did? Maether and Lona noticed Aurora wasn’t with them, but neither of them seemed nearly as hurt by it. Focus, Kerr! He told himself. Aurora would not want you to keep letting yourself feel like this.

Kerr wanted to focus, but it was hard when everything they saw and did made him think of Aurora. Those thoughts led him into what Aurora would be facing when she met Malignus, and when his mind turned to that, Kerr was terrified.

Chapter 2 The Ultimate Warlock

For two weeks she’d been treated little better than livestock. Aurora hadn’t expected to be treated like a living, thinking being, so she was not shocked by how the Warlocks had been handling her. In those two weeks, Aurora’s hands hadn’t been unbound once, making her shoulders and arms sore with every movement she made. She’d hardly had anything to eat, but she wasn’t that disappointed, since her bound hands meant the Warlocks had to feed her. She looked up and saw a castle. How could they already be at the castle? Aurora knew a Vintear would have been able to make the journey in a month, so she’d assumed the wintorms would take about the same amount of time. Yet the castle was growing larger before them after only two weeks of almost constant flight on wintorms. She turned to Deon, who was currently holding her on one of the wintorms. Had Aurora not been gagged, she would have asked how the wintorms had been able to move so quickly. The Grand Warlock noticed her watching him and sneered cruelly but didn’t say a word. Aurora looked forward again, feeling like something was writhing in her stomach. The moment they landed within the castle walls, she wouldn’t have any means of escape, not that she’d had the chance to run when she was so constantly in the air. As the horde of wintorms started to fly down, Grand Warlock Deon tightened his hold on her. Once they were closer to the ground, Deon roughly shoved her off the wintorm. The gag in Aurora’s mouth kept her cry from being heard as she landed hard on her left side. She looked around at the courtyard. The last time she had seen it, almost everything had been engulfed in flames while the Warlocks and Andor Marauders had been running frantically to put the fire out. The few trees decorating the courtyard were no longer blue or green, and the pine scent was gone. She wished she could have caught even a whiff of that scent because it was always comforting. Most of the trees had been cut down and piled against one of the walls while the few stood like black pillars. The barracks, which had also been blazing the last time Aurora saw them, had been taken down as well. About half of the buildings had been replaced, but poorly. Laird grabbed her shoulder and yanked her up. Standing before them were two more Grand Warlocks with white robes embellished with complicated gold patterns like all the other Grand Warlocks Aurora had seen. There was something different about the two new Warlocks though; there was black lining the hems of their robes. Deon and Laird and the High Warlocks bowed to these two. Laird noticed she was still standing, so he forced her to bend her head. From the painful position Laird was forcing her into, she could see wintorms they had ridden to the castle. All of them were writhing and falling to the ground where they stopped moving. It took Aurora a second to realize every wintorm was not merely falling but also dying. Was that how they had made it to the castle so fast? The Warlocks had pushed the wintorms to death? The pressure forcing her to bow vanished. Aurora looked up to see one of the two Grand Warlocks with gold and black on his robes moving forward. So you are the Aurora we have heard so much about. You do not look as impressive as the stories about you would suggest.

Aurora frowned at the Warlock. The Grand Warlock nodded before turning to Deon and Laird, looking pleased. You two have done well. Clean up the wintorms, then you may rest.

Deon and Laird bowed. They turned to the High Warlocks and began giving orders on removing the dead wintorms. The Grand Warlock before Aurora turned back to her. I am Lord Ebner and this is Lord Gage.

Aurora gave Ebner a look clearly saying she was not impressed and did not care. Gage walked forward, smiling. Ah, you did not understand the meaning of Ebner’s words, did you? We were two of Regroth’s Lords. He waved a hand making the gag in Aurora’s mouth vanish. It means we earned our titles.

You betrayed your king for a promise of money and power, Aurora retorted. You destroyed who you once were and destroyed your titles.

Neither of the Grand Warlocks seemed surprised or angered by Aurora’s words. Come, it is time you met Malignus and learned why he is called the Ultimate Warlock. Ebner grabbed her shoulder and pushed her forward. Then you will see why it is wise to join him.

Aurora didn’t say anything as she walked with the two Warlocks to the castle doors. The last time she had walked through the doors, Aurora had been with Thuban, Kerr and Cloerth. She’d felt safe even though they had been pursued by several enemies at the time. This time Aurora felt fear washing through her because she was alone. Aurora kept her eyes on the ground as Ebner and Gage continued to steer her though the castle. She did not regret giving herself up to make sure Kerr lived and kept his wings, but she wished Cloerth had not died before she made her choice. Her hesitation had gotten a friend killed. To make things worse, every time Aurora closed her eyes she saw Kerr’s blue eyes begging her not to force him into doing nothing. It had been the first time Aurora had given Kerr a command he could not ignore. The feeling she had about it was strange because she did the only thing she could think of to keep Kerr safe, but in the process she’d deeply hurt him. How had Thuban and Wolvow reacted to finding out what happened? Aurora hoped they hadn’t been mad at Kerr because she hadn’t given the burnt-orange Valkacy a choice. She looked up when Ebner made her stop walking. They were standing outside a set of large marble doors, but they were not the doors leading to the throne room. Where are we? she asked.

Ultimate Warlock Malignus’s chamber, said Gage. He is most anxious to meet you. Gage paused for a moment. And one more thing. He shoved Aurora back onto a bench by the door. Since you are not a Warlock, it is respectful for you to be barefoot in his presence. Gage paused to smile. Even Regroth must follow this rule.

Before Aurora could point out she didn’t care about being respectful, Laird raised his hands then clenched them into fists, making Aurora’s boots fall off her feet in shreds. Deon waved a hand to make the bindings on her wrists fall away. Aurora rubbed her wrists and shoulders as the two Grand Warlocks yanked her back to her feet, pulled the doors open and forced her inside. The room was well lit by a mixture of torches and windows. The carpet beneath Aurora’s bare feet was blue and very soft. All the furniture in the room was made of dark wood. The cushions on the chairs and couches were a combination of dark blues and purples. Silks to match the blue and purple cushions and carpet were draped over everything. The stone walls were unadorned but so highly polished, they shone in the light of the torches and sun. Even though the room looked inviting and cozy, Aurora pulled in her arms and hugged herself tightly. She had been told she was in Ultimate Warlock Malignus’s chambers, but she was alone. A soft creek sounded to her right. Aurora turned to see what had caused