51. Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-One
Ryker
O nce Nikan and I were back in Oryn, I went down to talk to Mavris, ordering Nikan to stay put in the hall for the time being. I needed to update Mavris on my conversations with Asmen and Dainos, and I needed him to focus.
I had hoped to gain Dainos as an ally in this upcoming war, but I understood strategically why he couldn’t. At least I was able to gain Asmen. Having Oryn on one side of Atara and Dusan on the other side, it at least reduced the perimeter that would have to be guarded. Only the edge bordering Riyah and the coast would require warriors to be posted.
Mavris had returned to Voara directly after his conversation with Nikan and had been running things in my absence.
Not wasting another minute, I entered Mavris’ study, finding him finishing up a conversation with several Noavo.
“…and make sure there are enough supplies on hand to accommodate the influx of citizens. That’ll be all,” he dismissed them, and they passed by me with a bow as they left.
I approached, and Mavris stood, running a hand through his long hair and greeted me, “Ryk. Thank the Gods you’re back. How did it go? ”
“Not as well as we hoped, but better than it could have. Dusan has agreed to work with us. Torx has sided with Gaol and Ulrik,” I grumbled.
“I don’t understand Voron. He’s new. He still has a lot to learn about running a Nation, and one of the first things he does is sign up Ulrik to fight in a war? Is he from Gaol? Does he still hold some loyalty to Jymar or something?” Mavris asked incredulously.
“He’s from Oryn, actually. Arra said his family kept him well-hidden until the Trial, fearing he’d be killed. Maybe he holds a grudge for it. I don’t know. Either way, we’re about to go up against three Nations. Dainos was considerate enough to warn me they’ll be at the Ataran border in two weeks,” I stated bitterly.
“Shit…” he whispered. “At the very least, it allows us to prepare.” Mavris shrugged.
“It does. And I plan to slow them down as much as I can. I’ll have the Vaavi infiltrate their forces in Riyah and do what they can from the inside.”
“Can we get Riyah to stop them? Deny them passage?” he asked.
I wish.
I shook my head. “They won’t, and it wouldn’t matter anyway. Riyah doesn’t exactly have a defense system.”
He tilted his head to the side. “But they have a few blood wielders in Bhara. Three, last I heard. That’s as good a defense system as any,” he said with a smirk.
Like the one I saw at my mating trial.
He was right. Blood wielders were the most powerful of the elements, but they were locked up until they were needed. I was grateful Mavris would be with us. Having a blood wielder on the field with us was a significant advantage.
“Speaking of blood wielders…” Mavris gave me a knowing look.
“Absolutely not,” I snapped, shaking my head.
“You would be stupid not to have him with us,” he scolded.
“It would be a cold day in Odes’ grave before I—”
The sound of a bang and a shout from a familiar voice stopped me short. My eyes narrowed.
“Don’t give me that look. This is war. He’s a strong wielder. He’s the one who taught me how to hide my ability and the only reason I’m still alive. That’s strength you can’t find in a regular warrior. We need him,” he said as heavy footsteps approached.
“I know we do, but he can’t handle it, Mav,” I hissed through my teeth.
Mavris crossed his arms. “Things have changed.”
I rolled my eyes just as the door swung open, and my father stormed in. I had noticed he was different earlier, during my outburst. But I worried it was just a one-time thing.
“Kleio’s tits, Ryker. It’s about time you showed up. I was beginning to think this wasn’t your palace seeing as you’re never here,” Cadoc said, coming over and slapping a hand on my shoulder.
“Father,” I greeted warily. “How are you?”
“I’m alright. Your brother has been keeping me company since he got here. And I’ve been reading over the translation notes in the book. Most of it doesn’t make sense, but from what I can tell, it appears to be some alternate magic system unknown to us. If that book belongs to the dark wielder, and he’s from another realm, it could be a kind of magic that our realm has never seen before. It’s like a guidebook.” He spoke so articulately I hardly recognized him. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen him with my own eyes.
My eyes darted to Mavris, and he shrugged with a grin .
“Care to explain?” I asked in Mavris’s mind.
“I really can’t. He was already here when I came back from the encampment, and he was like this.” Mavris jutted his head to Cadoc.
“I’m glad you looked over the notes. Did you find anything useful?” I spoke out loud to my father.
“It depends on what you define as ‘useful’. There’s a lot of confusing information in there, but you said that Daegel wanted the book, right? That’s what I’ve been looking for specifically—whatever it is that he could be so desperate for. There’s a lot of dark stuff in there that’s scary as shit. I haven’t gone through all of it just yet, but I’ll continue if you like,” he offered.
I raised a brow. My father hadn’t offered to do anything other than obsess over my mother in the fifty years since her disappearance. Not that I blamed him, especially now that I understood the ache in his soul. But I supposed if this information got us closer to Daegel, then it got us closer to my mother as well. Kya too.
Cadoc took a deep breath. “I told you Ryker…something changed. I can’t explain it, but ever since you told me what happened to your mate—ever since you finally listened and believed me—I’m…hopeful. So, I want to help. Whatever I can do to get our mates back.”
“I’m working on it, but I still don’t know how to find them,” I sighed and glanced at Mavris. He gave a nod for me to continue. “Additionally, we have the concern of a war coming to Atara—my mate’s Nation.”
“Which is where you could be of the most help, Father,” Mavris interjected, giving our father a knowing look.
Cadoc sucked in a breath. “And this would help you concentrate more of your efforts on finding Leysa and Kya?”
“It’s not quite that simple, but yes. It would help,” I said.
“Your wielding could make a huge difference in the outcome of the war,” Mavris added.
“That’s a big risk. For both of us,” he directed toward Mavris. Then he smiled, something I hadn’t seen in decades. “Let’s go to Atara. I can continue to read over the book there and find out whatever I can. If we can find out what this dark wielder is looking for, we can use it against him.”
“Agreed. Which reminds me…” I paused.
“You can come in now.”
A moment later, Nikan walked into the room. Mavris’ silver eyes widened slightly, meeting Nikan’s.
“Nikan, I’m going to answer your earlier question. Mavris will be joining us in Atara.” I turned my head to look at my brother. “ You could also make a significant difference in the outcome as well.”
I didn’t outright say it, not wanting to reveal Mavris’ life-threatening secret.
Mavris had a good point earlier. Having a blood wielder on the battlefield was a smart tactical advantage. And having two blood wielders was even greater. It would have been foolish for us not to utilize the best assets available to us.
Mavris nodded, agreeing with me, but he didn’t take his eyes off Nikan. “Let’s go to Atara, then.”
We had to wait for Theron to return before he could Travel us to Atara. Since this wasn’t urgent, I wanted him to finish his thorough search before coming back. We were standing on the rooftop waiting.
Before we came out here, I had assembled the diplomats, instructing them to take care of matters of the Nation while I was away. They would be working with the Noavo to evacuate the citizens near the Riyah and Ulrik border and move them inland. The last thing I wanted was for the other Nations to turn to Oryn while we were stationed in Atara, leaving those near the border vulnerable. They would also coordinate with the Vaavi to have several of them infiltrate the other Nation’s forces and do what they could to slow them down by cutting off their supply lines.
Theron finally returned, and no matter how hard I tried not to, I hoped and prayed he would return with good news. But that hope was crushed with a small shake of his head, and I internally cursed. My hands balled into fists, and I took a deep breath to calm myself.
Soon.
“I forgot how big he is,” Cadoc said quietly, marveling at Theron as he placed a hand on his scaly leg. Nikan and Mavris followed.
I did the same. “We need to go to Atara,” I said to the Spirit, then in a blink of an eye, we appeared in a field.
In the distance, I heard the faint sound of voices—the Atarans, back on Ataran soil.
“Keep looking,” I growled, commanding Theron.
He snarled in response, but vanished once more.
Nikan grabbed Mavris’s hand and pulled him away, walking around the hill for privacy. My father gave me a questioning look.
“Lover’s quarrel or something.” I shrugged.
He flashed a grin so slight I almost missed it. “Best leave them to sort it out then.”
Cadoc and I began walking toward the sound of bustling until a large group came into view. We watched as they were setting up a base along the border, hundreds of warriors readying themselves for war to defend another Nation. It had been many years since they’d been mobilized, and it was an incredible sight to see. This was only one group out of dozens of others, creating an army of thousands of warriors along the border.
“I’m sorry, Ryker,” my father said, bringing my attention back to him. He continued to stare out at the brave wielders.
“What for?” I looked at him from the side of my eye.
“For not telling you what a great Lord you are. Not only do you care deeply for your people and protect them at all costs, but you care just as much for your mate’s land and people that you have made it just as much a priority as finding Kya—something I never would have been strong enough to do. I know what you’re suffering right now. I know it all too well. And you’ve managed to do so much more despite it.” He took a deep breath.
My duty to Oryn and to Kya had warred with each other since the moment she fell. I didn’t know if I was making the right choices, but I was doing the best I could.
I didn’t really know what to say to that, but I gave a short nod of gratitude before leading him into the base, winding our way until we found the operations tent.
Hakoa leaned against the table with his arms crossed, his back facing us as he addressed one of his generals and four warriors.
“For the love of Xar, she’s just a little rash and…yes, hotheaded at times. You are supposed to be strong, fearsome warriors,” Hakoa hissed, lowering his voice as he leaned forward. “You can handle a little scolding from someone half your size.”
I bit back a smile, guessing who he was talking about. “I think we all know that size doesn’t matter,” I said, announcing my presence.
Hakoa pushed off the table and turned to face me with a flat stare. “You’re not helping.”
I chuckled. “Arra giving the Noavo a hard time?”
“The Chief gave her permission to take over the formation runs this morning, and she’s berating every single one of the Noavo for mundane things and making them more worried about her than actually doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” Enzo, one of Hakoa’s generals, complained.
“I didn’t give her permission to take over. I told her she could bark orders to blow off some steam. And if everyone was doing what they were supposed to, she wouldn’t have said anything.” Hakoa rubbed his temples. “Lord Ryker, care to step in.”
“Nope. I’m good.”
Hakoa sighed. “You’re dismissed.”
The general and four warriors bowed then left.
“Ryk. Have a nice trip?” Hakoa asked.
“Hardly,” I grumbled.
“Figures. Cadoc.” He nodded to my father standing next to me. “It’s nice to see you, although… Well, I don’t really know how to say this, but what are you doing here?” He looked at me pointedly.
“My father is here to help. He’s a—”
Cadoc interrupted with the loud clearing his throat and raised his brows at me.
“Yes?” I said into his mind.
“I haven’t kept my ability a secret for centuries just for you to go and expose it to the world,” he snapped.
“Such little faith, Father.”
“He’s a powerful wielder and can provide assistance on the front,” I continued.
The only ones who knew of my father’s blood wielding ability were me, Mavris, and my mother. He had spent centuries working diligently to keep it hidden so he didn’ t become a target of Bhara and taught Mavris to do the same. Hakoa knew about my brother’s ability, it was his decision to tell him.
“Do you need to train? I haven’t seen you wield in decades. Not since…” he stopped himself. “Not in a long time.”
Hakoa was under the belief Cadoc was a water wielder. Having met when they were young, my parents had ensured they were always together. My father practiced the motions of water wielding while my mother honed her training so she could wield with only the smallest, indiscernible hand movements. It was the biggest contribution as to how he was able to hide his true wielding element.
“No,” Cadoc stated firmly. “I’ll be fine. I can assure you.”
“Just put him to use helping around the base for now, Hakoa. At least until the fighting starts. We can use anyone we can get.”
My father and I joined the warriors and helped set up, preparing for what was to come.
The terbis wielders began creating a wall along the perimeter of Atara. Taller than any tree and as wide as ten males, the warriors caused rock to erupt from the land, making the ground tremble beneath our feet.
I didn’t have to convince them to defend Atara. They took their orders and carried them out, creating a fortress around the healing Nation we were desperate to protect.
I spent the day overseeing the front lines alongside Cadoc until Hakoa joined us. Nearly the entire Noavo force was along the border to Riyah, and with everything ready, it was time to meet up with Malina.
I found her near the outskirts of the base with a small group of Atarans in a field dusted with snow, running them through basic defense forms. Nikan obviously had no issues finding her, as he was standing next to her while she gave instruction.
Watching for only a minute or two, I was impressed by how she was mindful of each of the different elements, teaching them how to use their abilities in more combative ways. It was more natural for someone to teach within their own element or use maneuvers that were broad enough for all of them.
But she wasn’t paying attention to their exhaustion. She had likely grown up with grueling training and hadn’t yet dealt with those who needed to build their stamina.
“Malina,” I called, summoning her with an authoritative tone.
My voice interrupted the Atarans’ concentration as they struggled to hold up their individual elements around their bodies, encasing them. Water splashed to the cold ground, and rocks tumbled. The air wielders lost their hold, releasing gusts of wind while the fire wielders nearly burned those around them.
“What?” Malina snapped her head to me with a glare of ill intention.
“They need a break,” I commanded more than suggested, approaching her. “And I’d like to speak with you privately.”
She looked back at the group and opened her mouth to speak but then closed it, not knowing what to say.
“Dismiss them,” I said quietly so only she could hear.
She nodded. “Be back in an hour,” she barked harshly, and they all rushed off, giving her wary glances as they passed.
“Thank the Gods.” Nikan blew out a breath. “I couldn’t watch that for much longer. I’m going to make sure you haven’t chased them out of the Nation after that debacle.”
I snorted a laugh.
Malina playfully punched him in the shoulder before he jogged off to catch up with the rest of the Atarans.
“Remind me not to let you and Arra work together,” I mumbled under my breath. “You do know those are your people, right? That they’ve never done this? Try not to break them on their first day.”
Malina crossed her arms and shrugged. “I don’t exactly have time to go easy on them. They have a lot to learn.”
I nodded my head to the side, gesturing toward the hills away from the base. “Take a walk with me.”
“Why?” She looked at me questioningly but kept pace as I began to walk away.
“Because I need to talk to you about some things you won’t want anyone overhearing.”
She sighed deeply. “Such as?”
“Like how you’re doing. You’ve been through the toughest part of coming off demid, but it doesn’t mean you don’t still crave it. And it certainly doesn’t fix the issue that led you to the elixir in the first place,” I said, keeping my eyes on the gently rolling hills before us.
“And you’re just concerned about my well-being?” her voice dripped with sarcasm.
I turned my head to look her straight in the eyes. “No. I need to make sure you’re not going to fuck everything up when things get ugly. Because they will. And soon.”
“I struggle. I’m not going to lie about that. And I think about it constantly. But I’m not going back to it,” she said defensively. I could practically feel the anxious waves of defiance and determination flowing through her.
Good. I needed her to want to fight this. Even if it was just out of spite—to prove me wrong.
“Additionally,” I continued. “I want an assessment on the Atarans.”
“It’s only been a day,” she retorted.
“And I need to know now if they have potential or if they’re going to be a liability.”
She reared her head back. “Liability? ”
“Yes,” I said sternly. “If they don’t have what it takes to defend themselves or help in protecting Atara, then they need to get out of the way. I commend them for wanting to fight for their home, but the fact of the matter is, they can just as easily become part of the problem.”
It’s the hard truth. It wasn’t worth having another body on the front lines if it wasn’t useful.
“I mean…I don’t know. A few of them are grasping it faster than the others,” she said plainly.
I opened my mouth to respond but stopped when Theron’s voice roared in my head.
“Ryker!” Theron appeared behind me, shielding me with his body.
I spun on my heel just in time to find Daegel emerging over the hillside.