Chapter Thirty Four:
Tempit
The next three days passed in a haze. My waking vision haunted with the sight of the Engon people turning black, screaming in agony.
I did that. I caused them that pain.
‘Are you still moping?’ Amergin asked, nudging me with his shoulder while his hands remained on the horse’s reins. ‘We’ll be approaching the back line of the army soon, so you should focus!’
If it bothers you so, little one, find a way to change it. Firo’s soothing voice spoke.
I can do that?
When you gain my power, you’ll be able to do many things. If you can’t bear to see people suffer under the immortal’s rule, then change it.
But how? Without that hammer, those people…
It is true Marcellus and his hammer’s magic formed the weather phenomenon on that area, but humans are stronger than they realise. Even I am shocked by their rapid evolution. Do not give up hope.
I sighed, pulling away from the dark thoughts and at last focusing on Amergin’s warning.
‘The back of the army? What do you mean?’
‘It speaks.’ Amergin muttered before turning to face me. ‘Earl and the Duke’s army marched out weeks ago to attack Tempit, remember? It’s why the route has been so quiet for us; no one dares to travel right now. There’s been a siege for over a week now, so they’ll be a defensive back line as we approach the city.’
‘Oh.’ I said, feeling stupid. I’d completely forgotten about Earl and his army. ‘How do we get past an army and into Tempit unseen?’
‘That’s my question.’ Amergin said, staring at me with piercing eyes. ‘You must have a brilliant plan.’
‘Err…’
Amergin growled, forcing the horses to stop.
‘Then you’d better think of one.’ He snapped. ‘Fast!’
Luckily I never had to think of a plan. We were miserably munching on some leftover supplies when a familiar wolf trotted up, snatching the food from my hands.
‘Hello to you too.’ I muttered, trying to disguise my relief. ‘So you managed to get out of the lake then.’
The wolf growled, eyes dangerous.
‘Stop it, Ulmar.’ Dagan said as he walked up, taking the food from Ulmar’s mouth and biting into it. ‘We don’t have time for petty squabbles.’
Eww, he just ate something with wolf drool all over it!
Amergin began growling again, pure hatred glaring at Dagan. Dagan flinched, but tried to look casual by continuing to eat.
‘If we don’t move soon, it will be too late for Firo.’ Dagan said, gaze focused on his food.
‘Firo is the only reason I don’t rip you apart!’ Amergin spat, standing and striding over to Dagan, their faces inches apart. ‘You better hope we save her and she heals me, or I won’t care what Candence says. I will kill you!’
Dagan just nodded, his face resigned.
‘Fine, but for this plan to work, you need to do exactly as I say.’
‘This is the stupidest plan I’ve ever heard of.’ I muttered, making sure I was loud enough for Dagan to hear.
‘Do you have a better one?’ he snapped. ‘How else do we get past this army?’
‘I thought you’d know some secret tunnels.’
‘Yes, once we’re in there.’
‘…We’re really supposed to trust our lives to that schizophrenic elf? You realise he made up the Firo promise in his own head. How long will it be before his imaginary Firo changes her mind about curing him and he attacks us?’
‘I know that!’ Dagan hissed, glancing over at Amergin near the horses. ‘But what else can we do? Once I get my dark magic back he won’t be a problem anymore.’
I wasn’t so sure. I remembered how Amergin’s blood had been more affective against me than Marcellus’ attacks.
‘Are you ready?’ Amergin called, now grinning from ear to ear.
Yeah, I bet he’s loving this plan.
Dagan took a deep breath before nodding and climbing onto the back of the cart, I looked around, noticing Ulmar had managed to escape.
‘Yes, tie us up.’
I tried to shift into a more comfortable position, wincing at the spasm of pain that shot up my right wing. No matter how I manoeuvred myself I was squishing something.
‘Stop that!’ Dagan hissed, moving his head away to avoid his eye being poked out.
‘I need one of your magic wing rubs.’ I complained.
‘I can’t when my hands are tied.’
‘Shhh!’ Amergin warned. ‘We’re in sight of the city.’
I held my breath, feeling my heart in my throat.
‘Breathe, idiot.’ Dagan whispered. ‘It will take hours to enter the actual city.’
I sighed, wishing I could sink into a fetal position. Amergin had only one chain so Dagan and I were linked with just our hands shackled. I hoped it looked secure enough to avoid suspicion, but I also wished the chain had been longer so I wasn’t stuck in a sitting position.
‘Just keep your head bowed and look miserable.’ Dagan instructed.
‘So look like you? Got it.’
I saw him open his mouth to reply, but then think better of it and shut it again, bowing his head. I sighed, following suit.
‘I have Firo’s chosen replacement and an escaped slave!’ Amergin bellowed out. I could imagine him waving and grinning. ‘Please take me to Prince Earl!’
The cart stopped. I heard soldiers mumbling to each other, scrambling to find their General.
‘Forget it, I’ll deal with this.’ A voice I recognised commanded. The Duke of Haven.
So his army is securing the back line.
The Duke appeared in my line of vision, studying me closely and forcing my chin up.
‘Yes, this is definitely the same creature he brought to my harbour.’
He stared at me a long time, having an internal debate, before sighing in defeat and straightening up.
‘I will give you a letter with my sigil on, explaining you are to be led to Earl. Deliver that thing quickly; he has already penetrated the city’s defences and is heading to the King.’
I tried not to react, but tensed anyway.
If he’s inside the city, that means Firo will be easier to get to.
I can feel you, little one. Firo purred. You’re so close.
I’m coming, Firo. I promise I’ll save you.
She didn’t reply.
As soon as Amergin had the letter to wave around soldiers were falling over each other to escort him through the army. A lot of them were heading the same way, ready to reinforce those already in the city. To my surprise Earl had gone in with the first wave.
Is he that eager to kill the King he’d attack before his invasion is secure? Or am I missing something?
Some of the soldiers chose to guard the back of the cart, leering at me and prodding me with their swords as an act of courage.
‘Seems more ugly than dangerous.’ One grinned. I couldn’t help rolling my eyes, hoping none of them noticed.
Amergin behaved himself, joining in with the soldier’s taunts a little too easily for my liking. But at least he didn’t try to attack anyone, Dagan included.
‘Wow, this place hasn’t changed much!’ Amergin said loudly, as we passed through a battered gate. ‘Will Earl finally get rid of that monstrous statue when he’s King?’
‘Of course.’ An amused voice spoke, making my head shoot up in shock.
Damnit! He wasn’t supposed to actually lead us to Earl!
Beside me Dagan was having a similar reaction, checking the strength of the chain and cursing. We both froze when Earl stepped into view, Ignatius by his side.
Of course, how could I forget about their alliance?
I started to struggle in earnest while backing away as much as I could.
‘Now, now. There’s no need for that.’ Earl tutted. ‘We all want the same thing here.’
‘I highly doubt that.’ Dagan spat, drawing Earl’s attention.
‘You want the King dead, so do I.’
‘You want to meet Firo.’ Ignatius boomed out, never taking his eyes off me. ‘That is in our interest as well.’
I looked up, confused.
What do they mean?
Be strong, little one. No matter what’s to come, be strong.
‘As promised, I have brought it.’ Earl said, pulling out a blood vial from his cloak. I frowned at it.
That’s not Firo’s blood. That’s…
A large crack made me look down, seeing the shackles restraining my hands covered in vines, now cracked open from the pressure and freeing me. A wolf jumped in between the cart, Earl and Ignatius, growling in warning.
‘Now what?’ Earl asked, more amused than worried. Ignatius just raised an eyebrow, looking bored.
‘Move!’ Dagan screamed, dragging me up and jumping off the cart. He ducked into a side street, weaving through passages that slowly led towards the castle, not stopping for soldiers or to look back.
What is going on?
‘We stick to our main goal!’ Dagan gritted out as he continued to move. ‘That’s all that matters.’
I sighed, pulling my hand out of his grip and falling into step beside him.
We’d come too far to turn back now.
Scribbled Thoughts 