65. CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE
The next day, rebels filed into the main tent, and Alena followed, checking on the bandage around her left hand that hid her Omega Mark. Without any further answers about her Gift and its implications, she had decided to avoid unnecessary scrutiny for the time being. Soon, a tangible fervour flitted through the gathering of men and women waiting for the council to begin.
Leukos and Theo were absent, but Pelagios and Xanthos stood by the table, their heads bent in quiet conversation. Fiddling with one of her arm bracers, Elishat conversed in low tones with the other scouts. When she caught sight of Alena, she smiled.
Arms crossed over his chest, Nik kept to himself at the back of the tent and winked at her.
A bright beam of sunlight burst through the tent, and a hush fell over the group.
Leukos appeared at the entrance with Theo close behind. His Western clothes had been traded for the Megarian dark blue Megarian tunic and armour, and he had his sword at his hip. A white woollen cloak, threaded with blue and gold, hung from the leather shoulder straps of his armour, swaying with each step.
Although Leukos wore no crown, he strode in with a cool confidence that commanded attention. Heads bowed in respect and greetings of “Your Highness” echoed as he joined the head of the table. His dark gaze swept over the assembled rebels before briefly landing on Alena.
A warmth kindled inside her.
Xanthos cleared his throat. “I present to you all, Leukos, third son of King Pandion and Prince of Megara.” Although the statement marked the first official announcement, rumours of Leukos’ true identity had been circulating throughout the camp all morning. Apparently, only Leukos’ Council had been aware of his true identity, leaving the rest of the rebels in the dark. “Now that we’re all here, let us begin. Last night, Prince Leukos gave us a detailed account of the days following his departure to the Western Lands. We learned of the Blood Wolf’s demise, the alliance with the Westerners, and the Empire’s attack.”
The rebels gathered closer around the sprawling wooden table.
Pelagios took one wooden piece representing a Rasennan Legion and moved it further north on the map. “The legions are already on the move. Although the Third Legion has stayed behind at the hillfort, the Sixth is on its way north to the front lines. The Ice Kingdoms’ power increases during winter, and the Emperor has sent the Sixth to the border again to support the other legions.”
Alena’s heart sank. The northern front was a very long way from Achaea. Her chance of crossing paths with Katell again in the foreseeable future was non-existent.
“What about Tarxi and his First Legion?” Leukos asked.
Elishat pointed at the Eluvite Mountains, situated on the border between the Western Lands and Rasenna. “Last we saw them, they were crossing back into Rasennan territory, heading east.”
“Any thoughts on where they’re headed?” Theo asked.
Elishat shook her head. “No, but the legion split into smaller groups and went their separate ways. It’s unusual.”
Pelagios replaced the wooden legion piece with three smaller ones. “We’ve seen legions split before during the winter months.”
“Or they are planning an attack,” Leukos said. “Breaking into smaller groups could be a ruse to travel faster and remain hidden from scouts.”
“Before the split, they were all headed east.” Elishat placed the three pieces in the right direction. “Until they reappear, it’ll be hard to guess their ultimate destination. My birds are trailing one of the groups, and if it comes anywhere near Achaea, we’ll know.”
“Our allies will also warn us if they spot them at their borders,” Theo added.
More rebels chimed in, moving wooden pieces among the Achaean kingdoms, and Alena was soon overwhelmed by all the names of kingdoms, tribes, and warriors being thrown around.
“Speaking of allies, Prince Leukos and I have decided to head for Tiryns. Queen Charis is our strongest ally and can provide us with food and shelter for the long winter months.” Xanthos glanced about the table in case of any protest. His gaze narrowed on Alena.
She searched for Tiryns among the many Achaean kingdoms and found the large territory west of Megara, bordering the Great Sea. It was the only Achaean kingdom free of the Empire’s dominance.
“A handful of men will remain here in the meantime, scouting the Imperial roads to keep us informed of the legions’ movements.” Xanthos’ stern gaze turned to Elishat. “They’ll be under your command.”
Elishat’s mouth fell open. She seemed momentarily stunned, then gave a brief nod. Her gaze sought Theo’s, and their eyes locked in silent communication, conveying a depth of emotion that surprised Alena.
“We were lucky to discover the Emperor’s plans to attack,” Leukos said to Elishat in a gentler tone. “We should keep scouting the Empire’s borders over winter while the rest of us gather allies in Achaea.”
Theo’s lips thinned. “I’ll stay behind as well.”
“Absolutely not!” Xanthos scoffed, his face flushing a deep crimson. “We’ll need you to lead the talks with our allies. Your Tirynthian father was the one to initiate Prince Leukos’ engagement with Queen Charis, and your presence will very much be needed for the wedding to proceed smoothly.”
The mention of a wedding sparked a palpable sense of excitement through the gathered rebels.
Alena froze. For a moment, Xanthos’ words didn’t make sense to her. Then they did, and a rush of air left her lungs in a sudden whoosh.
Leukos threw Xanthos a sharp look, and an awkward silence fell upon the tent.
“Xanthos,” Pelagios grumbled under his breath.
“Everyone out,” Leukos ordered. “I’d like a word with my councillors. Elishat, Alena, both of you stay.”
Alena barely registered his words past the buzzing roar in her ears.
Engagement? Wedding?
Leukos was engaged?
Slowly, Alena looked at Leukos. His gaze met hers, and something like regret flickered in his eyes, confirming it all.
The harrowing truth bore down on her, constricting her chest. She dug her nails into the palms of her hands to ground herself, refusing to fall apart before the Council.
“We said we’d wait until we reached Tiryns.” Pelagios towered over Xanthos, his brow creased.
The councillor gave a short, exasperated sound. “The sooner he knows, the better.”
Elishat closed the flaps behind the last rebel, leaving them in the dim candlelight, and returned to the table.
At once, Leukos turned to the two men, his expression darkening. “Tell me what? We’ve discussed this already. Charis and I have refused the engagement. She’s our ally and a friend to me, regardless of the vow our parents made when we were children. Besides, she has another suitor.”
Xanthos waved towards Pelagios as if permitting him to speak. The Silver Shield ran his fingers through his thick beard, looking torn. “It’s not that simple, Leukos. Your parents travelled to the Great Temple in the Inachos Plains to swear an oath before the gods. They drew blood. I was there. Queen Charis might not like it, but she’s honour-bound. And so are you, boy. If we ask Tiryns for an alliance and their army, then you’ll have no choice. The Tirynthian Council will accept nothing less than a wedding to seal the alliance.”
The blood drained from Leukos’ face.
The pressure in Alena’s lungs eased a little. He hadn’t known.
Theo clicked his tongue. “The Twelve are gone, and any oath sworn before them holds little importance. A wedding to Queen Charis would ally Megara to Tiryns forever, and they’ve always sought to take control of our city. We must remain prudent.”
“Better Tiryns than the Rasennans,” Xanthos snapped. “I don’t like it much either, but we need their army. And to do so, we must win over Queen Charis and her people to our side. Which reminds me…”
His focus shifted to Alena, displeasure evident on his face. “The girl will have to go. We can’t bring her with us. The Tirynthians won’t take too kindly to a maiden arriving at the prince’s side.”
Leukos’ head snapped up. “No. We’re not leaving Alena.”
Pelagios folded his arms over his broad chest, his gaze darting between them. “Xanthos has a point. Tiryns may see it as an insult to their queen if you arrive with another at your side, no matter who she is. And you need these men to fight for you.”
All eyes turned to Alena, and her throat dried up. Elishat came to her side, glaring back at the councillor and the Silver Shield. “Theo knows Tiryns better than anyone. Let’s ask him.”
Pelagios glanced at Theo. “What say you?”
Caught between his childhood friend and his duty, Theo tensed, hesitating to answer.
“They may take it as a slight,” he said at last, his voice low and regretful.
The sinking feeling in Alena’s gut worsened.
Leukos seethed. “Then we find another ally.”
Xanthos erupted in immediate protest, and Pelagios’ thunderous voice echoed the sentiment. Theo and Elishat argued back, doing their best to support and defend Leukos.
As they shouted over each other, Leukos’ eyes locked onto Alena from across the table in a silent apology.
Dark eyes that had captivated her attention at first sight despite being enslaved.
Dark eyes that had been watching over her all summer.
Dark eyes… that she could no longer count on.
If Xanthos and Pelagios’ words were true, then Leukos was engaged to Queen Charis, ruler of Tiryns and Megara’s strongest ally. They would need her army and support in the upcoming war against the Empire, and Alena refused to compromise their alliance.
The voices grew louder, and knowing what she had to do, she steeled her nerves. It took all her strength to rip her gaze from Leukos.
“There’s no need to argue.” She sucked in a breath, forcing her voice to remain steady. “I won’t be going to Achaea.”
They grew silent, their collective gazes fixed upon her. Raising her left hand, she unwrapped the bandage and revealed the golden Omega Mark.
Elishat gave an audible gasp, while the three Megarians stared back in shock. A deep frown settled on Leukos’ face, but Alena couldn’t bring herself to care about his feelings in that moment.
“I’m needed elsewhere.” She was lying. She had a half-baked plan at best. “I have my own path to follow now.”
Xanthos looked rather pleased with her announcement. “And Prince Leukos thanks you for all your help and will be more than happy to let you go.”
His words stung but were not surprising considering his dislike of her. When Leukos remained silent at his side, however, a lump rose in the back of her throat.
She swallowed past it. “May I leave now?”
A muscle ticked in Leukos’ jaw. “You may.”
Before anyone could protest, she strode out of the tent without another word, a tell-tale prickle in her eyes.
Alena’s tent was empty, a short reprieve before she had to face the others again. Her leather satchel sat atop the fur blankets, ready to be filled once more with supplies for her travels. She’d need to speak with San and give her the news. Kaixo, as well. No doubt, he wouldn’t react well to the news of parting ways with Leukos.
She had no idea what her next destination would be, but one thing was for certain: she wouldn’t be going to Achaea. Clearly, she wasn’t wanted there, and that suited her fine.
Her vision blurred, and she rubbed her eyes, refusing to shed any more tears. She had cried far too many since the hillfort.
Picking up a loose linen bandage from her satchel, she started to roll it. Dull work to calm her nerves.
The tent flaps rustled behind her.
“Alena.” Leukos’ low voice broke the silence, and she tensed. “I didn’t know. Believe me—”
“You didn’t know about the engagement, or you were unaware that you wouldn’t have a choice in the matter?” She kept her back to him, her voice flat.
A beat of silence. “I—”
“Because it seems to me, Prince Leukos, that you’ve been keeping important information from me.” She huffed a shaky laugh. “Again.”
He edged around her, but she refused to meet his gaze, staring at the roll of coarse linen between her trembling hands. “Alena. I’m sorry. I never wanted the engagement, and neither did Charis. I didn’t mention it before because I thought the matter was settled.” He reached out to touch her. “Please, you have to—”
She jerked back. “Don’t.”
Hurt flickered across his face, before he schooled his features, wiping all emotion from his face.
She almost called him a coward.
“Is this a bad time?” Elishat ducked inside the tent.
“No,” Alena said just as Leukos answered, “Yes.”
Elishat’s piercing gaze darted between them, finally fixing on Leukos.
He studied Alena for another moment, then turned on his heel. “This conversation isn’t over.”
He stormed out, and Alena released a shaky breath, dropping the bandage on her satchel.
“I’m sorry about Leukos,” Elishat offered. Up close, her bronze complexion accentuated the jagged pale scar on her left cheek. “What the other councillors said… it wasn’t fair. That man, Xanthos…” She spat a few harsh words in her native tongue.
Even without understanding them, Alena was inclined to agree. “I’ll be fine. Did you need something?”
Elishat’s gaze dropped to Alena’s left hand. “When did you get that Mark? Theo mentioned you’d been Gifted, and we all thought it was your eyes, but…” Her warm, earthy brown eyes were unblinking. “You’re the Omega.”
The reverence in her voice reminded Alena that Elishat had been the first one to mention the Omega during her previous stay. The scout likely had more information.
“This is incredible.” Elishat sank to the rug, pushing her sword across her lap. “Come, sit, and tell me everything. Then I’ll share with you what I know.”
Alena obeyed and recounted everything about the Blood Wolf’s attack, every word the Huntress had told her, and the Gifts she’d received.
Elishat didn’t seem surprised by the Huntress’ revelation about the Mother Goddess. “She is a goddess from the east. One of the first to rule over men.”
Alena’s breath hitched. “This Gift—my Omega Mark—comes from a Parthian goddess?”
“No, the Mother Goddess is much older than the tribes.” Elishat tilted her head, her feline eyes meandering into deep thought. “My people only speak of her and the Omega in legends. She is the mother to all, both mortal and immortal.”
No matter how many scrolls Alena had read or how much knowledge she’d accumulated, nothing could have prepared her to be gifted by an ancient goddess.
One of the first to rule over men.
How many hundreds—thousands—of years ago was that?
The thought was overwhelming, and it dawned upon her how ill-prepared she was for the circumstances she found herself in.
“This isn’t a regular Gift, Alena,” Elishat went on. “This isn’t like a patron god’s Gift or a pact one. This is old magic.”
“But why would this goddess choose me?” Alena studied the shimmering golden symbol etched in her skin as if it contained answers. “I don’t understand.”
Elishat took her hand and brushed her thumb over the Mark. “I don’t know why you were chosen. My people are nomads who travel between the great cities and deserts of the east. They hear many things about the histories and legends of old. Older than the Achaean heroes or even the Southern pharaohs. The stories of the Mother Goddess are the oldest known to my people. In these legends, she always chooses a lone warrior to thwart a rising threat and restore balance to our world. In what way, it is unclear. Some say it’s because the goddess was betrayed and wants revenge. Others say she was the first to Gift magic to a mortal and now seeks to reclaim it. I can’t tell you what darkness the Omega warriors are tasked to stop, but what I can say is that the goddess always sends a messenger to guide them.”
“Who?” Alena’s breath caught in her throat. “Who does she send?”
A wistful smile crossed Elishat’s face. “She always sends a fox.”
Alena wasted no time searching for the fox in the surrounding forest, but despite her efforts, it was nowhere to be found. Even the wolves confirmed they hadn’t sensed it all day. Once night fell, she headed back to the camp, her mind still reeling after her conversation with Elishat.
Her hunch had been right. The fox was indeed a messenger sent to guide her. To where, she didn’t know, but she had to find it again.
Outside the tent, San was alone by the small campfire, grilling fish over embers.
“I didn’t find the fox, but it’ll come, I’m sure of it.” Alena drank from the fresh bucket of water left outside.
She’d explained the situation as best as she could to San, giving her the choice between travelling to Achaea or the unknown with her. San had been adamant. She would not leave her.
With a tired sigh, Alena sat on a flat rock by the fire. “We need to pack as much dried meat, bread, and supplies as we can. Let’s prepare some saddlebags, and I’ll ask for horses in the morning.”
San nodded, then checked on the skewered fish before handing one to Alena.
She declined, too unnerved to eat since the rebel meeting. She dreaded having to confront Leukos again the next day. And yet the idea of leaving without seeing him one last time made her sick to her stomach.
“We should tell Kaixo soon.” Alena had spotted him earlier in the forest, trailing after Leukos. “It might be best to give him time to say goodbye.”
San seemed to ponder her words, then blew on the grilled fish in her hand. “I will speak tonight.”
“San, it’s not too late if you wish to go to Achaea.” Although they’d be safer in Achaea, Alena refused to force the choice on them.
“No. Alena is best. Ama said.”
Alena gave her a half smile. “All right then.”
If their deity agreed, then who was she to say no? At least she wouldn’t be alone on her travels.
Her stomach rumbled, and this time, she took the offered fish from San with a sheepish smile. After eating, she slipped back inside the tent and sorted through her bundles of herbs. Her cloak lay on the bed of furs, along with an Achaean short sword she’d been given, and Damocles’ dagger.
She was pondering whether she’d need more weapons for San and Kaixo as well when a deep voice interrupted, “You’re leaving?”
Alena stilled, then set aside the bundled valerian roots clutched in her hands. “Yes. Tomorrow, or the day after.”
“But you’re not going to Achaea?”
Biting down on her cheek, she turned to face Nik. “No.”
His brow lowered. “What about Leukos?”
“What about him?” she countered with a shrug. “Leukos is a prince of Megara and the leader of the rebellion. He must go to Tiryns and form an alliance with them by honouring his parents’ oath and marrying Queen Charis.”
Nik’s mouth opened and then closed again. Understanding seeped into his blue eyes. “So, it was true. The idiot’s engaged.”
Alena nodded, fighting to control the conflicting emotions inside her.
His stare assessed her, and his lips pressed together as if he could easily perceive all her fears. “Then I’ll go with you.”
“No.”
“Be reasonable, Red. You can’t—”
“Nikander.” She levelled her gaze on him. “You made a promise to Leukos to fight for Megara. You can’t back out now. Even though he’ll never admit it, he needs your support.” She knew little about Achaean politics, but the Megarians seemed at a disadvantage seeking aid from Tiryns under such dire circumstances, regardless of the engagement. “Besides, it’s time you went back and faced your past. Show them the man you’ve become and prove them all wrong.”
He regarded her for a long moment, then relented, releasing a breath. “Your father might not have prepared you for it, but there’s no doubt you’re the Rebel Queen’s daughter, Red.”
He gave her a rueful smile, and her chest tightened. She was going to miss him.
His focus shifted to the belongings scattered on her bed, and his lips pressed into a tight line. “Take my sword.” He unbuckled the belt at his hip. “The steel is of higher quality than yours.”
Alena cast him a grateful look and went to exchange it with the short sword, but he shook his head. “Keep them both and remember your training on the road. And take care of San and Kaixo.”
His words dipped into a plea, and she nodded, not trusting her voice.
“Alena.” A grave expression swept over his face, and he paused as though gathering his words. “Thank you. I don’t think I’ve actually said it before. I’ll never forget what you did for me. I owe you my life. But you’re right, it’s time for me to go back to Achaea.” Then, he added more carefully, “I promise to watch over our fearless leader while you’re gone, don’t you worry.”
Alena blew out a shaky breath and stepped closer, throwing her arms around him.
He hugged her back. “This isn’t goodbye. Promise you’ll get the answers you need and then come back to us.”
“I will,” she murmured. “I promise.”
He pulled away and ruffled her hair with a half-smile. “Be careful out there, Red.”