The Legendary Warrior (Book 5) (17 page)

But she didn’t say any of this.

She just smiled, showing a bit of teeth, and then said to her friend:

“He’s probably in a ditch somewhere, thinking he arrived in Languor.” Bastion laughed at the thought, and sighed in relief, believing that Daisy had not held anything against him. But she knew better than to call him out on what he had done. Someone capable of such horrors was best kept at a distance, entreating them until they either changed their ways or proved themselves so horrible she would have no choice but to escape. However, until that time came, there was a Langoran to find.

*              *              *

The guards of Languor let them in without question, so there was no reason to believe that the news of what happened in Prattle had reached their doorstep. But once they came to the open courtyard, they knew that wasn’t true.

The citizens had either decided to avoid the incoming conflict or had been ordered to go to their homes by express order of the King. Whatever the case, Catherine and her group were about to find out quickly
what had happened.

Zain,
Arimus, Shanelle and the other two Allayans that had left with them, Sway and Krave, were standing in the middle of the courtyard, shining like beacons between the polished stone beneath them and the gold buildings surrounding the perimeter. The morning sun blinded them, and they all shielded their faces.

Catherine, James, Talia, Zhou and Marie approached cautiously, unsure of what kind of welcome lay before them. Marie tapped Catherine’s shoulder and directed her attention to the
rooftops. Langoran guards lay in wait, crouched low, but not enough to conceal their presence. They held large swords in their hands, with a bow and a quiver of arrows on their backs. Despite their already impressive size, they all wore full suits of armor, shielded from head to neck. Even from where they stood, Catherine could see that they were already panting from the heat. The former Queen of Allay turned her gaze to Zain who was smiling smugly.

“This looks familiar,” Catherine said to him. He shrugged his shoulders.

“It’s simply a precaution. I have no intention of fighting with you today. But I did hear about your little altercation in Prattle. So…you have the stone of power?”

“Is that a rhetorical question?”

“Yes it is,” he smiled wide. “And I take it you’re seeking refuge here in my wonderful Kingdom?”

“I’m willing to share the stone with you,” Catherine lied. Zain clapped his hands together and the guards on top of the roofs backed away. The fact that they could no longer be easily seen was actually more disconcerting to Catherine.

“Isn’t this something?” Zain laughed. “Enemies that have turned into the best of Allies. To think, I thought you liked Tyuin more than me.”

“I do,” Catherine said, giving him a wink. “But you see the bigger picture.”

“That I do,” he mused, waving to Arimus and the others. “Go. Greet your friends. Then we will head toward the castle. There is much to discuss.”

Arimus
was the first to step forward, running over to his daughter and giving her a bear hug that took her breath away. She giggled once she was able to, and then he let her down to gave James a hug in the same fashion. James laughed as his father-in-law let him down and patted him on the back.

“It’s good to see you,” he said as the rest of the
Allayans and Marie mingled with each other, introducing themselves to the new Prattlian and describing a few of the things they had experienced recently. Zain raised an eyebrow at seeing Marie.

“Isn’t that a
Prattlian?”

“She is,” Catherine spoke up. “But she’s with me. She’s my adviso
r, and I can vouch for her. She actually betrayed Tyuin on my behalf.”

“I seek new experiences,” Marie said, walking toward the King with her hair whipping back and forth like a broom across the ground. She boldly extended a hand out to him. He looked at it like it was a snake for a second, and then he grabbed it and shook it, laughing heartily.

“I like her already,” Zain said, then his face fell. “But we will be keep close watch on you. If you show any sign of betrayal, we will kill you on the spot. No trial. Understand? If you plan on turning against us, it would be best if you head out now while you still have the strength in your legs.”

“I understand,” she said, “and I have no intentio
n of aligning with Prattle.”

“Alright then,” he said, winking at her. “Then why don’t you begin telling me about Prattle while the
Allayans spend some time together. I can show you the castle. You can tell me about Prattle’s defenses.”

“And why would I do such a thing? Planning on attacking my homeland?”

“What does it matter to you?”

“I can tell you a few things,” she smiled slyly. “Though you may not like it. You’ll soon learn just how weak your Kingdom is compared to Prattle’s.”

“Ooooo, yes,” Zain said, turning to Catherine. “She’s a keeper.” Zain extended an elbow toward Marie and she took his arm. They began walking off and talking as the Sages stayed behind.

“How were you able to get out of Allay, James?”
Arimus asked. “What is happening with Lakrymos? What is his rule like?”

“There’s a lot to go over,” James laughed. “Let’s wait until we’re in the castle where everyone can be brought up to speed.”

“I look forward to it,” Arimus laughed, putting his arms around the shoulders of James and Catherine. “Ashalynn is waiting there as well. She’ll be more than happy to see the two of you. Ah yes, the family is back together again.”

“And so that’s what I’ve learned,” James finished, looking around the table for answers. They had retired to Zain’s dining hall, which was very different from the one that was back in Allay. The room was significantly smaller, as it only accommodated private dinner parties and guests, and the décor was much more lavish. The finest and softest carpet woven of silk. Chairs that were created out of gold but then topped with comfortable cushions for all in attendance to sit in. There was only one dining table, made of solid oak, but it extended from one end of the rectangular room to the other,
and it was able to seat fifty people if need be. Zain and his guests chose the right side of the table to dine while they conducted their business. To maintain their privacy and sensitive information, Zain opted to cook for them all, though everyone had chipped in to help in the end.

They had laughed and played, throwing food at each other and using their eidolons for all sorts of kitchen utensils and objects, but once they sat down, the food they had slaved so hard over was suddenly forgotten. There was business at hand, and once it was conducted,
they knew that play time would become a cherished memory.

“So who will take the throne once the people find out?” Zain asked. “That is, if you all aren’t planning on laying siege to the castle.”

“I’m not sure if that’s a good idea,” Catherine sighed. “The people will think that we killed Lakrymos. Even if I became Queen again, nothing would get accomplished. Not to mention that the Allayan Order will have a field day trying to overthrow me.”

“They have that much power?” Zain scoffed. “Why did you allow that?”

“Immaturity,” she said sheepishly. Marie patted her shoulder from her right.

“Orchid is no doubt biding her time,” Marie said. “I don’t know her, but from how she sounds, she is one that will concoct a plan before she acts. She won’t do anything that could hurt her in the long run.”

“If she waits too long, it will hurt her for sure,” Krave spoke up. The Sage was as large as a Langoran and his eidolon was nearly twice his size. Still, he had a soft spoken voice that was so off-putting that whenever he spoke, everyone gave him their attention. “Can’t we try telling the people the truth? About everything?”

“We’ve gone that route before,” Catherine sighed. “Didn’t end well. What counts is that we have the stone of power though.”

“That’s what really disturbs me,” Zain said, shaking his head. “This thing is alive? Geez, who would have thought? And you’re sure you can trust it?”

“I do,” Catherine said. “It’s hard to explain to those not holding it within them, but I can sense its feelings the same way it can sense mine. We
’re intertwined. I know it’s telling the truth when it says the Yama are real.”

“From what it sounds like, a counterstrike is out of the question,” Marie said. “It looks like we’re on the defense when they arrive.”

“I hate being on the defense,” Zain muttered.

“So do you think
Lakrymos and Orchid were telling the truth?” Sway sighed. “Do you think they will arrive in less than a year?” Sway bowed his head at the thought. His dreadlocks covering up the anguish on his face. He had not been a Sage for long, but while he showed concern and anxiety in lieu of battle, once the fighting actually started, all emotion was cast aside, and the job was done. Already he had broken up many fights among the Langorans within their Kingdom. Many resented him for his fiery spirit and desire for peace, but secretly they respected him. Shanelle, who had thought him to be annoying at first, had found a newfound love for the young Sage, and the two had begun a romance not long after their arrival in Languor.

“We can assume,” Catherine said. “But honestly, we should prepare for the invasion to happen at any second. We can’t be too careful about this. We know next to nothing about the Yama.”

“Can’t you get more information from the stone?” Zain groaned.

“I already told you. He wants to remain neutral.”

“Oh c’mon. Just give him some years of your life. He’ll talk then.”

“Out of the question,” James growled from a few seats down. Zain threw up his hands in defense as
Arimus chuckled to himself.

“The important thing is to ensure that the Kingd
oms are aligned with each other,” Arimus said. “The last thing we need is for the Yama to divide us even further. It’s not inconceivable that they could appeal to anyone of us as allies. They could offer great technology and knowledge to Prattle. Great gifts and new entertainment to Languor, power to Allay in their time of need…even the Quietus are desperate for relief and I am certain they would cherish another call for battle. We need to do damage control and ensure that we are all unwavering in our commitment to one another.”

“I agree,” James said. “I can talk to Orchid about Allay. I’m sure we can work out some kind of deal to get the Kingdom on board for the greater good. No one fears the Yama like she does.”

“The Quietus will be harder,” Sway said. “I’ve tried to befriend them on many occasions but they want nothing to do with the Allayans, especially after they lost their leader.”

“Once again…Bastion
comes up,” Arimus sighed. “Hakin. Lakrymos. He is certainly making a name for himself with these kills.”

“Like I said, it wasn’t his fault entirely,” James said. “We either carried out the mission or faced
Lakrymos’ wrath.”

“Do you have any idea what Bastion’s
plans are?” Zain asked. “We could use someone like him on our side.”

“All I know is that he’s leaving Allay. I’m not sure after that. I will say this though. I spent the most time with him
out of all of you and even I don’t know where he stands. He’s a troubled teenager, and I don’t blame him with all he’s been through. Still, that kind of power inside of him…its bound to come out one way or the other, and it won’t be good for whoever’s around him when it does. I’ve seen him when he loses it. It’s like he blacks out and he can’t distinguish between ally or foe. Is that someone that we want with us?”

“He’s a Sage,”
Arimus said. “And I believe…that although he has done some questionable things, he’s not doing them without cause. Even in the situation with Hakin that you described, he understood why the mission had to be completed.”

“I just don’t like how easily he did it,” James said. “That’s all. Even you weren’t that cold. There’s a difference between doing what you have to do and liking it while you do it.”

“You think that he enjoys it deep down?”

“I’m not sure we wouldn’t all be the same way though,” Catherine said. “After all the murders and torture he’s witnessed, wouldn’t we seek release? After holding in that pain for so long, wouldn’t we act out eventually?”

“This conversation is trivial,” Zain scoffed. “Seriously. What does it matter how he feels? He killed Lakrymos. A warrior so great that his legend was heard even our Kingdom. We’re really going to consider not using this boy simply because he might find some satisfaction in his deeds? Please. I can tell you all right now. I find pleasure in killing. And yet,” he waved his hands across the table. “We are all friends.”

“There’s a difference,”
Krave said softly. “We can beat you.”

“OH REALLY?” Zain shouted, standing up abruptly from the table. “IS THAT IT?
THEN I CHALLENGE YOU TO—”

“Zain, calm down,” Catherine giggled. “That’s not the only reason. We understand that violence for sport is a part of your culture and death comes as a result. We get that. But
Krave does have a point too. Collectively, we could beat you in a fair fight. Bastion…I get the feeling that he could level a Kingdom if he wanted to. All by himself.”

“I’ll let thi
s slide,” Zain said, pointing to them all one by one. “
This time.
But only because we have more business to settle. And from what I’m hearing, a portion of it has been decided. We’re not to use this Bastion. Am I right?”

“He might fight alongside us,” James said. “But we won’t try to recruit him.”

“Fine,” Zain said, rolling his eyes. “What’s next? How do we get Tyuin to stop sulking?”

“Pure logic,” Marie said. “Plain and simple reasoning. Offer him a chance to join us in order to save his Kingdom. If he refuses, let him be and
we will start building fortresses and defenses. When the Yama are here, go back to him and he’ll fold, seeing that he is ill prepared.”

“Did anyone else find what she said sexy?” Zain laughed as everyone gave him strange looks. “What? She’s like a cold-hearted killer.
But with words. I like it.”

“I’m just speaking as I normally would,” Marie said, blushing.

“I’m going to call you Killer from now on.”

“Please don’t.”

“You single, Killer?”

“NEXT!” Catherine exclaimed. James tried not to laugh. “What about the Quietus?”

“What do you think, James,” Arimus asked him. “Do you think you’ll be able to talk with them in spite of what happened?”

“I would have to blame Bastion for everything.”

“Isn’t that close to the truth though? Weren’t you going to leave Hakin alive that night?”

“I would like to think I was.”

“That’s good enough for me. I think you should talk to them.”

“I second that,” Marie said. “Everyone knows James is half-Quietus, and therefore his lineage gives him an in that none of us could even dream of having.”

“Killer has spoken,” Zain said, giving her a wink. Marie folded her hands and stared at him with bored eyes. “And the stone?”

“We can’t give it to just yet,” Catherine said carefully. “But as soon as the Yama are defeated, we will. Also, we’ll remain in Languor until this ordeal is over. You’ll know where the stone is at all times.”

“Fine with me,” Zain said, still looking at Marie. “So I guess that’s it, isn’t it? We begin the preparations tomorrow. I’ll give an announcement to my people, letting them know that war has begun. I’m sure they’ll be excited. I expect all of you to help out where you can.”

“We will,” Catherine said, nodding her head once, then she turned to the group as a whole. “Everyone enjoy the rest of your day, with what little of it there is. We have a lot to do.” The group began getting up from their seats and thinking about how to enjoy themselves for what may be the last time. Zain and Marie walked off together,
and a slap was heard once they had left the room. One could only imagine what warranted the blow.

Shanelle
, Krave and Sway were talking excitedly among each other, and they soon left the room too, leaving James, Catherine and Arimus alone at the table.

“Well, you two have more catching up to do,”
Arimus said, giving his daughter a kiss on the forehead. “And so do I. Ashalynn is waiting for me in my chambers.”

“You’re terrible,” James said, shaking his head. “I swear, all you can do is think, breathe and dream
Ashalynn.”

“And you don’t for your Catherine?”

“Got me there,” James laughed. Arimus gave him a playful punch to the chest, and then he strolled out the door, leaving the couple be.

“I missed you,” Catherine whispered, throwing her arms around his neck. He kissed her and then held her around th
e waist. For a minute they embraced, taking in each other’s warmth and letting their heartbeats fall back into sync. James’ husky smell, the flowery fragrance coming from Catherine’s hair. The soft pillow-like feeling of her skin. The tight, hardened muscles of his. She found her hand moving across his chest and her eyes staring deep into his. He reached down and kissed her again, and when he tried to let go, she grabbed the back of his neck violently and pressed him further into her.

They forgot about the world around them.

James pulled away from the moment only for a second, in order to transport them away to their sanctuary. To their private beach, where they had spent so much of their free time together. As the waves of the ocean crashed against the rocks in the distance and lapped at the sand nearby, he let himself go again.

Lost in the ambience, they lost themselves.

And in the process, they gained everything.

*              *              *

“Where is he?” Bastion cried out as he leaned his back against a tree. “You don’t think he ran into the Quietus, do you?”

“All I know is that we’ve been searching for hours,” Daisy sighed. “You really can’t sense him with your eidolon?”

“No, he’s got to be too far away. Either that or he’s really hurt.”

“He was already hurt pretty bad before he left. You think he fell asleep somewhere? There has to be a reason we can’t find him. Maybe he doesn’t want to be found…”

“He wouldn’t ditch us.”

“He already did, Bastion.” Bastion turned to her and examined her face. She was tired. There were bags under her eyes, and her hair was split all over the place. Her shoulders were slinking down and her breathing was erratic. Bastion sighed and put his head down.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m being inconsiderate.”