Chapter 27 #2
“I still don’t like this,” Theron said, adjusting the pin at his clavicle—the miniaturized spear and shield artefacts disguised on his person. “You have your artefacts?”
Aurora hooked a finger around the chain that held her shield pendant and patted her hip where her calendar artefact sat snug in a small satchel.
“They trusted us with this secret. I think that speaks to how much they want amnesty.”
Or they trusted both monarchs would be dead before they got the chance to speak. He almost turned back a hundred times, but each time Aurora reached for his hand and smiled reassuringly as they snuck out of Lord Vettias’ mansion and across his vast vineyards to the base of the mountains.
“Patrol,” Hyllus hissed from the front.
Theron, Aurora, and Hyllus all ducked behind vines as one of the royal guards made their patrol.
“I feel ridiculous hiding from my own guards,” Theron muttered.
“It’s for a good cause,” Aurora whispered. She closed her eyes, listening, waiting until the guard’s steps were far enough away. “Now.”
The trio continued this way until they reached the wall bordering Lord Vettias’ estate. Theron hopped over first.
“No wonder you managed to sneak so many treats out of the temple kitchens. Are you certain you didn’t train as a thief rather than a scholar?” Hyllus joked as he helped lift Aurora atop the wall.
“It’s not my fault you’re all so big and loud,” she snorted.
Theron was waiting, raising his arms to catch her when she jumped down to the other side. Hyllus was up and over in short order.
“Speaking of loud things, did either of you hear that scream yesterday? I almost went to investigate, but Lord Leukos assured me there was nothing to be worried about, except he looked so strange when he said it, I thought he might be hiding something.”
A strangled squeak escaped Aurora as her face flooded with heat. Theron choked back a snort, biting his lips as he shook with repressed laughter. Still in his arms, Aurora glared at him. She seemed ready to resort to violence to hide her shame.
“We, hrm, h-heard nothing,” Theron replied.
“Are you alright, Your Majesty?” Hyllus asked.
“Fine, thank you for your concern,” he managed with a touch more dignity.
“I’ll look into it again when we return. After all, if I’m to be your new bodyguard, I should help keep the inner palace peaceful for you, Your Majesty.” Hyllus smiled.
“I’m relieved my wife has such a diligent guard at her side,” Theron said, unable to help himself, pinching her delectable rear as he set her down.
“A-as am I,” Aurora added, digging her heel into Theron’s toe.
“Come along, it’s not far now,” Hyllus said, leading them through the forest that lay at the base of the mountains.
Seeming to shake off her embarrassment, Aurora squared her shoulders and followed Hyllus.
Theron wondered if she could feel it now that she was queen.
With her every step, she was connected to the land, and in the distance, a thunderous fury rumbled high in the mountains where the spire once stood.
It seethed like water put to a boil, infecting every rock, tree, and mountain stream.
The air was thick with tension. Just last night, Vettias had regaled them with tales of woe—cattle sickening and dying, isolated homes burning down, streams overflowing their banks and washing children away.
The anger of the spirits grated across his nerves. How was Aurora adjusting to it?
“Do you feel it?” she whispered.
“Yes,” Theron replied sadly. “But now that you’re here, we can set it right.”
He could only hope that together they were strong enough for that to be true.
“We’re here,” Hyllus announced.
“They’re meeting us at the base of the mountain?” Theron asked. There was nothing here to mark the spot. No clearing, no landmark.
“You didn’t tell him?” Hyllus asked Aurora, confused and yet touched.
Theron’s heart raced.
“Of course not. It wasn’t my secret to tell.” Aurora shook her head.
Why wouldn’t she trust him?
“What didn’t you tell me?” Theron asked, offended.
Hyllus pressed his hand to the solid rock and, in an instant, a cavern appeared.
Inside, it was lit by glowing blue lights embedded in the rock.
Why was there a cave carved into the sacred mountain?
When had the dualists done this? Had they been responsible for the blight as well?
No, when he reached for Aureum’s magic, he sensed no angry spirits.
Here, they were quiet. Whenever this was done, it was so long ago that the spirits no longer held any grudges.
“Hyllus…I never asked. What wild magic do you possess?” Theron asked.
“You trust him, right?” Hyllus asked her.
“With my life,” Aurora reassured him.
Hyllus released a shaky breath and turned around, his pale blue eyes sparkling like faceted jewels.
“Divine eyes,” Theron gasped, grabbing Aurora and shoving her behind him. He enlarged his artefacts, pointing the tip of his spear at Hyllus’ throat. Hyllus raised his hands in surrender, his brow creasing.
“He’s not a monster, Theron!” Aurora shouted.
“Can you kill someone just by entering the Tapestry?” Theron snarled.
He couldn’t believe he’d allowed such a dangerous man near his wife—his queen!
“I can,” Hyllus answered quietly.
“But he hasn’t! Theron, don’t be such an ass! He’s on our side!”
“You’re too trusting!”
She’d not been a queen long enough to learn that everyone was capable of betrayal.
“And you’re too quick to judge! Hyllus has been a true and loyal friend. When has he ever given you reason to doubt him?”
“Just now, by keeping his magic a secret!” Theron hissed.
“Would you have been so forthcoming, were you him?” She put her hand on the shaft of the spear, urging him to put it down.
Of course not. If he’d had Hyllus’ magic he would have…
hidden it, fearing for his life. Batea’s magic only touched the very periphery of the Tapestry, and that was enough for many to try to take her life—until she’d proved they would all face a fate worse than death if they tried. He almost lowered his spear.
Almost.
“And yet he told you, did he not? Why didn’t you say anything?!” Theron growled.
Why must the people closest to him keep such important things from him? Hadn’t he earned their trust? Hadn’t he earned hers?
“He didn’t tell me. Silvanus, the avatar of my time, did.
I simply reasoned out that if they shared the same fate, they might share the same soul, ergo the same wild magic.
And I didn’t say anything because he trusted me to keep his secret and protect him from being targeted. ” She nodded at his spear.
I’m being a fool. This is why Batea and Myrina kept their own counsel. He hated it, still couldn’t fully trust Hyllus, but eventually Theron removed his spear, miniaturizing it with the shield and fastening his himation once more. Then he levelled Hyllus with his best glare.
“One wrong look, Avatar, that’s all it will take. I will not tolerate threats to my wife.”
“I understand,” Hyllus replied coolly.
“He’s no more a threat to me than you are, Theron,” Aurora sighed.
How could she say that?! He turned to her.
“I am your fated! He’s—”
“A trusted friend. In this time and in the far future,” she said, reaching a hand for his shaking fist.
“You can’t know that.”
Even those you loved could betray you. As he had done to her.
“Silvanus sacrificed his life to save mine after knowing me all of a week, Theron. He was all that was good, kind, and honourable. The same heart and soul reside in Hyllus.”
That only meant her Silvanus was trustworthy. Hyllus was a different man entirely. But he could see he wasn’t going to win this argument. Theron sighed.
“Very well.”
In less high spirits than before, they entered the mountain. Hyllus sealed the entrance behind them and led the way. Sealing them inside for an ambush?
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you, Theron,” Aurora whispered.
“Are there more secrets you can’t tell me?”
Her brow creased with hurt.
“I’ve been inside this mountain before.”
“When?”
“In my time. It was where we were racing while Drakon chased us. Only three of us survived to make it inside.”
Her vision. The first she’d shown him of Drakon, chasing her across a desert plain seething with monstrosities. They’d been racing towards mountains. Now he realised which ones. He took her hand once again, squeezing. He really had been an ass.
“I apologise for losing my temper.”
She shook her head.
“I’m not the one who needs to hear it,” she said, nodding at Hyllus. “He looks up to you. I’m sure your reaction hurt him.”
Hyllus was still young. Theron had known the moment he’d met Hyllus that the avatar had idolised him the same way Theron had idolised Tisander.
“When this is over, I’ll speak to him.”
She squeezed his hand in turn. But reconciliation would have to wait. Ahead, a familiar figure waited.
“Epicasta?” Theron asked.
Merciful Triad, was everyone he knew a bloody dualist?
“Your Majesties, welcome to the sanctuary under the mountains. I’ve been asked to serve as representative for the dualists here.”
Princess Epicasta was looking well, if a little pale, her dark brown hair in a simple braid, her clothes humble, her grey gaze as piercing as ever. Theron smiled. Oh, how the mighty thorn in his side had fallen.
“Princess Epicasta, I almost didn’t recognize you,” Theron sneered.
“Spare me your flattery, Your Majesty, I wouldn’t wish for you to strain yourself.” She rolled her eyes.
Aurora raced for the princess.
“Epicasta! It’s wonderful to see you.”
Epicasta hugged Aurora back, a soft smile on her face.
“And you, Your Majesty. Aureum is lucky to have you as its queen. I hope you don’t mind, but I wish to accompany you back to Altanus once this is over.”
Not on his watch. As if Theron wanted to spare the resources to guard her.
“Are you certain? It might be safer for you here. Flora has people looking for you,” Aurora said, brows pinching with concern.