43. The Rift #2
Every step was a challenge. The very air thinned around him and the wind pushed against them both. A slow run finally brought them within the city walls where chaos reigned. Celebrations of freedom were long passed, replaced with rushing adrenaline.
Byron formed portals for the civilians to walk through.
Somewhere safe awaited them on the other side.
Varinis gathered people, ordering them through.
There was no sign of Rhydar, Fintan, and Cahira but Kaiden knew they were helping the people to safety.
Jasper was wisps of black shadows as he cleared rooftops, into the homes, and to Byron’s portals.
Kaiden reached Byron, whose arms were outstretched and moving in circles to hold a portal the size of a circular door open. People ran through to the other side where a meadow of swaying grass and cheerful birds chirped.
“Help get everyone evacuated from the city. The Veil won’t hold much longer and we must be in Arkan when it comes down!” Byron shouted over the roar of thundering feet, and the rendering of Ukoron’s prison.
Kaiden nodded. He gripped Aradia by her elbow. “Stay with Byron. You’ll be safe.”
“No.”
“This isn’t a discussion.”
“You’re right!” She ripped her elbow from his grip. “It’s not. I’m coming to help evacuate the city. You’ll need all the help you can get.” Her chin raised in defiance, daring him to deny her.
He closed the distance between them, until her body pressed against his, and leaned down to shout in her ear. “Don’t be valiant. If it comes between you and someone else …”
Aradia’s face softened at his words. “It won’t come to that.”
He nodded, taking off in a different direction. They raced against time, making sure every person evacuated. Most walked through the portals with only the clothes on their back and families running behind them. Kaiden rejoined the group at the bell tower in the middle of the square.
“What happens now?” Cahira asked next to him.
“We must go to Arkan.” Byron dropped his arms as the last man ran through his portal.
Kaiden noticed a small dribble of blood leak from his nose before he quickly wiped it away. He was exhausted.
Not good.
They would need all their strength if they were to go against his father.
Monsters screeched and roared from behind the mountain, escaping from the prison and into their realm.
A line of black chaos spread across the horizon and over the mountains, moving at a speed only capable by monsters of the depths.
Not good at all!
“I’ll portal you four,” Byron pointed to Cahira, Fintan, Aradia and him, “as close as possible to the palace.” He turned to Rhydar and Jasper. “Start with the city, get everyone evacuated. Who knows what awaits us within the palace. My absence will have been noticed.”
“You can’t go back there.” Fintan moved in front of them, gripping his father’s arm.
“Your mother is still there.” Byron placed a hand on Fintan’s shoulder before wrapping his arms around his son in a tight embrace.
Kaiden swallowed.
Cahira looked down, tears shimmering in her eyes.
“Do not despair.” Byron cleared his throat. “You all are the new beginning to a new age we have so long sought after. A realm we deserve. I will see you again.” He hugged each one, even Jasper, but as he reached Aradia he stopped. “Do not forget who you are and what you were born to do.”
She nodded in quiet resolve.
“The city will already be in an uproar. Expect the unexpected and watch over each other. Varinis has opted to take care of Randale’s people.”
Kaiden glanced at the Master of Spies who nodded. How convenient he would be running away from the fight.
“Remember our deal, future king.” Varinis stepped through Byron’s portal and disappeared along with the rest of Randale’s people.
The portal evaporated as Byron dropped his arms. He raised his arms north toward the mountains and circled in front of him.
Sparks of bright light flickered then glowed as he formed a circle.
The blurry image beyond was dark and gloomy — the Veil.
“Ukoron’s monsters are escaping, fast.” He switched angles and formed another portal.
It was no longer the Veil looming ahead, but a blurry landscape filled with warm sand, marram grass, and a palace atop a large hill.
Arkan.
“Hurry!” Byron opened his eyes. Blood trickled from his nose as the magic drained him. “I can’t keep this open for much longer.”
Cahira placed a kiss on Byron’s cheek. “See you on the other side,” she said before walking through the portal and disappearing beyond.
Aradia squeezed Byron’s arm. “Thank you, Byron.”
Fintan sniffed but straightened his shoulders. He sank to the ground on one knee in a low bow of respect.
“Remember what I said, Fintan, continue to be the better man.” Byron winked with a smile even as his own tears crinkled at the corner of his eye for his son.
Fintan’s shoulder shook but he stood and walked through the portal without looking back.
Kaiden stepped forward.
“Your Highness,” Byron’s voice stopped him. “You are our future.”
“I won’t fail you,” Kaiden said.
“I know you won’t,” Byron smiled. “I’m proud of you. Take care of them all.”
Kaiden squeezed his hands into a fist to stop him from running to Byron and hugging him once more.
“Now go!” Byron shouted. His arms wavered with the force of holding the portal open.
Kaiden glanced at Rhydar and Jasper who nodded in support. Turning, he walked through to the chaos awaiting him.