A Star is Born: The Coming Dawn: Book I (39 page)

“Home again, home again, be still, still, still.

Home again, home again, be still, still, still.”

The wooden doll’s song slowed, never finishing the last few notes. She shook her cage demanding the king to let her out, now that she had saved them. The king ignored the doll. Then the snake, that had coiled up to drown out the sound of the doll’s singing, untangled itself and slithered toward Cobaaron.

The serpent grew, sensing the need to be larger and stronger. Cobaaron backed away, as the snake neared. He stepped on a sword. Without taking his eyes from the growing snake, Cobaaron picked up the sword when he took another step back.

The snake slithered toward him and then stretched its long neck up until the head was taller than Cobaaron. Its fangs dripped with venom. Without warning, the serpent lunged for Cobaaron. He sprung out of the way, barely escaping.

The split tongue vibrated as the snake hissed. Its yellow eyes followed Cobaaron as it continued to grow. The reptile attacked again, and the sharp fangs gouged into the rock floor. It missed Cobaaron by inches. As if purposefully not getting too far from the snake, Cobaaron swung his sword and cut off its head. The snake writhed, and then fell still.

Cobaaron immediately faced the king, who was taking two swords from the back wall. Cobaaron swiftly swiped his sword under the venomous fang and smeared the poison on its blade. The second the king faced Cobaaron, he threw the lethal iron at the king. The sword whistled through the air, traveling so fast it was a blur. The sword drove into the king with such force it knocked the king back. He fell, sitting on the hard floor, as the lethal weapon nailed him to the stone wall.

The king’s eyes dripped blood from the tear ducts. And his mouth spewed foam and blood. He slumped over, lifeless. A king was dead.

Then a roar from shaking rocks echoed in the room. The temporary wall crumbled to the floor. They were no longer separated from the warriors. But the rumble continued even after the wall collapsed. The floor, even the entire castle shook. “It’s giving in!” Cobaaron yelled.

He quickly seized Ky’s hand and then rushed toward a window. Ky braced herself as they crashed into a glass window. They dropped several feet before Cobaaron managed to grasp vines that grew up the castle. Ky tucked her head into his chest as glass pelted them as other warriors jumped from the crumbling castle. Cobaaron slid down the side of the castle. The foliage barely slowed them. They landed on the ground hard and rolled as they tumbled along the rocky ground.

A second later Cobaaron hoisted her and dashed toward the drawbridge. The entire structure was failing, as large stones dropped from the towers. The bridge fell with the walls. He sprinted faster. The bridge was crashing down. He increased his speed. They were halfway across the thick wood when the drawbridge split into two long pieces. Warriors hurdled over the rocks as they ran to keep from being buried alive. They didn’t stop running even after they passed the gate. It wasn’t until they were at the edge of the burning forest that Cobaaron abruptly stopped.

The castle fell with a thunderous noise. It looked like an old ruin with fresh growing plants thriving around it. Warriors and women continued to emerge out of the dust and wreckage as they made their way to the edge of the forest.

When they all gathered, it became obvious they lost numerous men. Octavos counted the warriors, and reported, “We lost all but seventy-four studs. Do you think we should search for the twins and everyone who went with them?” Octavos asked Cobaaron, but by his tone, he knew they were dead.

“They’re lost. They died with honor,” Cobaaron said.

“Did you kill the king? You must have if the walls fell,” Octavos stared at the castle.

“He’s dead,” Cobaaron affirmed.

Warriors who were listening bowed while on one knee, showing their allegiance. There was a murmur among the troops that quickly spread, as all warriors dropped to one knee. Soon women, too, fell to the ground with their arms stretched out toward Cobaaron. Everyone was showing reverence; Octavos was the last to bow with the warriors. “Then you are the true king,” Octavos said.

Cobaaron took Ky’s hand, having her stand next to him. “This day we overcame a great obstacle to restore light to the world. The men that died today were brave and should be honored. Celebrate them; remember those who gave their life for this mission. But keep in mind this is only the beginning. We will undoubtedly see more death. And not just men, but women also, because this is everyone’s fight and it’s far from over. Rise. We’re not out of danger. We are still trapped in the fire.”

Octavos stood, and clapped his hand in Cobaaron’s, shaking it. “You always think of your men. I’m honored to follow you. Should I recruit other warriors? There are several tribes around this area. It would take me some time to search out all the men we need. Possibly months, but…”

“You must,” Cobaaron said. “I’ll take the women and most of the men. We’ll first visit the Escape Mountains and then Sarnia.” Cobaaron gave a sideways glance at Ky as he told Octavos his plans. “It will be important to recruit Wyt. His visions are the strongest I’ve seen among Stars, and he could help us if I can persuade him. I’ll send message boats to all the cities once I’m there to tell them the first king is dead and I’ve appointed myself king of the City of Lights. I’ll prove my sovereignty once all the kings are dead. I’ll ask for Stars to unite there once again under my protection. I’m sure it will anger the two kings when they hear of my plans and they’ll seek me out for battle. I just hope you’re back in time to join me. I’ll need your help.”

“Should I take warriors to escort Stars as I go?” Octavos asked.

“Yes, that was my hope,” Cobaaron said.

“I’ll take ten legions and we’ll leave once this fire is dwindled to smoke.” Octavos paused, clearly thinking but wasn’t speaking what was on his mind.

“What friend?” Cobaaron asked.

“I...I want to take the girl,” Octavos said.

“What girl?” Cobaaron asked, unable to hold back his surprise.

“That girl who offered to separate from the group in the castle. She might be useful,” Octavos said.

“Oh, Athaya,” Ky said.

“Yes,” Octavos said glancing at Ky. “If that is her name.”

“She’s a woman. She’ll only slow you down. There is no logic in that. If you take her, you would have to take others. I don’t think it’s practical. No, you can’t take her.” Cobaaron shook his head in refusal.

“I noticed she’s a woman. I still think she might be of some use,” Octavos insisted.

Cobaaron stared at him. He opened his mouth to say something, but then decided against it. Cobaaron blinked. Ky said what Cobaaron was obviously piecing together, but refusing to say. “You’re interested in her.”

“He’s second-in-command, Ky. Warriors don’t fall in love,” Cobaaron replied.

“You did,” Ky reminded him.

“That is different. We had an accidental union which made me feel things I’d never have felt otherwise,” Cobaaron said.

Ky glared at him.

“I am taking the woman,” Octavos stated flatly.

“Not while under my command.”

“Then I release myself from your army. This will be my last mission. Although, I’ll no longer call myself a warrior. And I will take the girl.”

“Mother of pearl, Octavos,” Cobaaron said hotly. “What is wrong with you? If you feel that strongly about the little woman, take her, but I don’t like the idea. It’s foolish. You don’t have to step down. I won’t accept your release.”

“I’ve never had strong ambitions like you, and I only became second-in-command because we’re friends. You’re like a brother to me.”

“You haven’t profited from knowing me,” Cobaaron interrupted. “If anyone has profited by knowing me it’s Noxis. You and I think alike. You have the mind of a leader. You fight like a leader. My men trust you. No, we are not having this conversation, and you aren’t stepping down.”

“I am stepping down, Cobaaron. I’m not bringing this to you as a spur of the moment decision. I’ve been thinking about this for some time. And now you will be king, once you declare it to the world. You will want to give the army to me when I’ve never wished to control
your
militia you built. It’s the perfect time to step down, and I
am
stepping down. I’ll serve you in some other way, but not as chief of your army.”

“So I’m to give this army to my brother?” Cobaaron asked and scoffed at the idea. “He’d be dead in a week. He’s not ready, and may never be. He killed Oella out of fear, and didn’t stop to think. He makes a lot of mistakes like that. I can’t give the army to him. It was supposed to be you; it was
always
supposed to be you. He would be lucky not to die the day I pass down the army to him.”

“I never wanted it. I thought I was clear when I’ve mentioned it to you before.”

“I thought you were showing me your loyalty and letting me know I could trust you not to kill me in my sleep,” Cobaaron said. They both fell silent. Cobaaron shook his head angrily and looked away. Neither spoke for a few minutes.

“Well, I’m sure he’ll need to form a council,” Ky suggested, trying to break the tension.

“That isn’t really for you, a woman, to say,” Octavos grunted in disapproval.

“Well, if you keep talking to women like they’re second rate, Athaya will
never
be interested in you. She’s not like the other women. She’s not as eager to do anything for a baby,” Ky snapped.

“Please, Octavos, that is my partner—an extension of me. Respect her as you do me. And Ky please try to get along with him. He’s my closest friend. Don’t speak to him the way I allow you to challenge me.” Cobaaron spoke to Octavos again, adding, “She’s right, though. You’ll be second to me still, even when I’m king. You will be the prime councilman. I’ll present my men with a tournament. At least then I won’t have to give my brother a death sentence.”

“I’d do the same thing,” Octavos said in agreement. “They should battle out their leader. I don’t believe Noxis wishes for your army either. Let’s hope he’s pleased.”

“If not, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s quarreled with me,” Cobaaron said with a small smile. “I’m sure he’ll see the wisdom in my decision.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

“Huntra!” Ky called out when she saw him. He hopped toward her in a hurry. The thick layer of smoldering gray ash stirred as he rushed to meet her. He grew as he approached her, and stopped to head-butt her with an affectionate hello, and then began to purr. Ky petted him behind the ear and spoke softly to him.

It had taken nearly a week for the dragons’ fire to snuff out enough that Ambrosia could smother the fire with magical wind to make a path to reunite the two groups. All the warriors and women trapped in the circle, emerged from the few burnt trees left standing, looking tired but otherwise surprisingly healthy. Oella’s magic kept it from burning even after she died. Their numbers were higher than Cobaaron had thought. They lost over a legion, which was less than anticipated. The women were down to seventy-eight including Ky. Yet there was still a sense of triumph. A king was dead. The women spoke of nothing but wanting to celebrate and honor their king with an elaborate feast.

After the week of staying outside the forest in homes made of stacked rocks from the fallen castle, it was time to leave and begin the long journey to Escape Mountains, which were far south. People were getting restless being out in the exposed air.

Octavos wasted no time choosing the best men to go with him, and sprung it on Athaya at the last second that she was to accompany him and commanded warriors to make eight palanquins so Athaya could bring women with her. The news surprised many, especially Vergara, who protested loudly that Athaya shouldn’t be singled out to leave. Nevertheless, Athaya was asked to choose seven women to join her. Without delay, the men separated from the army and began their journey.

Ky and Huntra made their way past the troops which would follow Cobaaron. She could hear the warriors speaking of the once thriving woods. What they used to call the Black Forest was referred to by a new name, the Dead Forest, because it would never grow again after being burnt by dragon fire, unless healed by the greater magic of elves, goblins, or moon ash.

The trees were so few, Ky could see for miles. She kept looking back to the other group of warriors that left with Octavos and Athaya, as their distance grew. They were avoiding the giant soft shell turtle that emerged from the lakebed in search of a new home.

The sparse forest made it easy for Cobaaron and his troops to cross the valley. They covered a lot of ground very quickly. By evening they had walked so far they were approaching the edge of the Dead Forest where fire still raged. Ky could see the orange flames, tall and whipping high in the sky. Fire was tearing through the land in the direction the wind blew.

Ky could see the blaze extend across the horizon like an orange sunset. The fire was in their path, and when it became clear they couldn’t go around, they were forced to stop. The rest was welcome to all the women, who after several weeks of traveling, still weren’t used to roaming for so long.

The warriors gathered half-burnt logs. Women sat around their fires to warm themselves, while the warriors surrounded everyone as a hedge of protection, and they all waited.

Cobaaron was oddly quiet. After asking repeatedly what was wrong, and him responding by saying nothing, Ky gave up and decided to give into her exhaustion. It had been hard to get adequate sleep while on hard ground in the brick homes. She couldn’t get used to not sleeping in a bed. Huntra’s fur felt like a soft mat. She curled up in her blanket within his room. Her heavy eyes closed, without needing to adjust, she fell into a deep slumber.

She dreamed of sailing the ocean, except the ships had writing on the sails. When she read the writing, the letters got smaller to the point that she couldn’t decipher what it said. There were hundreds of ships around her, and all of them were drifting through underground tunnels in fast-flowing water. The splashing waves sprayed, flooding the deck and rocking the vessel violently. The current slammed the ships into the jagged stone walls. Ky was screaming as she tried to cling to the rigging with a tight grip. One by one the ships were separating by entering different passageways. Finally, there was only her boat and when she felt like she couldn’t hold on any longer, the water calmed. Ky found herself floating up into an enormous underground lake. The ship drifted to the shore as the ship spun. It felt like hours later when Ky screamed. A giant hand of King Verellis picked up the ship.