62. Sybilla
Chapter 62
Sybilla
I t seemed impossible how fast Isleen’s wings carried us over the Vallic mountains. “What is that?” I asked, seeing spots of moving objects below us.
She answered, “They are Moirai. Makings of Caym from those who worshiped him.”
Thousands of them approached the canyon, the city of Sahlmsara. I shuddered. The front lines had already reached the gates, and Warhorses tried to cut them down. Flashes of amber smoke created a dusky fog where the Moirai traveled.
Tears stung my eyes to think of the empty streets of Sahlmkar and how many had turned themselves over to the Death Origin’s cruel intentions.
Source magic was used defensively in bursts of white orbs, golden beams, and red flames, yet Moirai had already breached the city gates.
“Can your children help?”
“Yesss,” Isleen said, seeming to get satisfaction from the word. “You command them.”
I focused. “Three of you, guard the gates. Avoid harming the soldiers on flaming horses. Attack only the Moirai.”
Three winged serpents fell out of formation and swooped down. We continued on, flying low over the city. I looked back, watching as Isleen’s children roared and spewed amber flames at the marching Moirai.
Sahlmsara was in chaos. People in the distance fled from the canyon, toward the Plateau. Market tents were upturned, and the canals ran an awful shade of murky amber. Death already tainted this place, and my heart was in my throat as I clung to Isleen’s black scales, less than graceful in my ability to hang on. We dipped down toward the amphitheater that I’d spent so many hot mornings training in.
“He is here?” I questioned.
“Yesss.” Her voice grated below me, as though it pained her. “I am following the sword’s direction.”
Flames were being flung at the amphitheater’s gates, and I recognized a tussle of auburn waves. Fenris. And Amara. Where was Asterie?
“There,” I said to Isleen. She broke away from the others and descended so quickly that my stomach dropped. We landed at the gates. Amara, dressed in casual attire like she’d been unprepared, flung sunlight from her palms at the approaching Moirai, protecting Fenris’ back.
“Fen!” I called out. “What are you doing?”
“It’s warded! Amara came to Luz to gather us. When we reached Sahlmsara, the Moirai had already arrived. We were separated. Asterie, Wyeth and Hurley were taken inside,” Fen rambled. “They have her. They have my love.” His voice cracked as he stepped away from Isleen’s fangs.
Fenris, looking exhausted, let flames erupt from his palms again toward the gate.
“Help him,” I commanded.
Isleen let out a roar, breathing amber smoke that mingled with Fen’s flames until the gate rotted through, crumbling.
Fenris turned around, his flames sputtering out. Fear coated my tongue—bitter and sharp—as he took in the creature below me.
With Isolde’s sword in my hand, I sat up straight on the serpent’s back despite my fatigue and desire to slump over. Isleen swung her tail, knocking away any Moirai that approached us.
“Go! Find them!” I motioned Amara and Fen inside, and they ran toward the gates, their steps slowed down by the deep sand.
I could hear the screams of Moirai as they breached more of the city. The Warhorses at the front lines were not enough to hold them all back even with our aid. Lifeless bodies swarmed and climbed the marble walls, making their way into the amphitheater where my friends were being held.
I knew why he’d brought all of my loved ones here. He wanted me to go inside; he wanted me to try to save them. I could not fail.
“Does that flame you used on the gate kill the Moirai?” I whispered to Isleen.
“Yesss,” she answered again. This time, she definitely sounded satisfied.
I focused on the circling serpents above and commanded, “Burn any of the Moirai that dare stand between me and Caym. Protect the citizens of Sahlmsara and the Source-wielders in the pit.”
Three of the circling serpents descended on the amphitheater, and the others flew deeper into the city to help the Warhorses. Isleen beat her wings, and we flew over the open-air dome.
The winged children of Isleen were beautiful, obsidian feathers tucked back and mouths open as they whirled down, ready to breathe amber flames upon their enemies…upon my enemies. I kept trying to justify to myself that they were no longer citizens of Sahlmkar, but instead weapons of Death. My heart sank anyway.
While it was a heady feeling to hold this much power at my fingertips, that power could be so easily molded into something ugly—something dangerous—in the wrong hands.
“That is why you must not let him take you, child.” Isleen’s voice broke through the wind, answering my worries.
“I’ll die before I let that happen.”