Magic Corrupts, Magic Conquers, page 3
Kana nodded. “It was horrible. I was knocked out pretty quickly and when I came to, things were being brought under control by the Kiabi Warriors. They’re tasked with making sure those creatures stay within the forest and are the only ones who can retrieve them if they escape.”
“They are morphed from the forest’s trees,” Cindra added.
“Morphed? Is that why I saw a man? When Ashe and I were attacking it with Divine magic, it changed into a form that…well it didn’t look entirely human, but close to it.”
“Kiabi Warriors are Morph creatures,” Kana replied. “They can shapeshift into various forms, same as your Circoux. Your Divine magic seemed to have forced a change onto it. Which is…” She shook her head. “Incredible. Perhaps such a thing was always possible but there’s never been an instance that I know of where a Kiabi Warrior has been subjected to Divine magic.”
“I see…” Morph magic wasn’t anything new, I was blood bound to a Morph creature after all, but it still made my head spin thinking of a forest whose trees could become powerful warriors, as well as take on a form that looked human. It was a genius defense system though. There were thousands of trees in that forest.
These revelations were keeping me in a very stunned headspace. I was already grappling with a lot and here was a ton more dropped onto me.
“The Kiabi Warriors have been retrieving every entity that escaped, but a lot of damage was done to those who were close to the forest,” Cindra said, her voice hard. “We lost several of our number, and many have injuries they will never fully recover from. Both physical and mental.”
“Holy shit.” I felt cold and clammy. I could not have imagined these kinds of creatures existed within Drisdari Forest.
And I had set them free. People had lost their lives and suffered irreparable damage because of me.
No wonder Cindra had been prickly from the moment she laid eyes on me. Kana probably felt the same way but was doing a better job at hiding it. Likely for Toji’s sake.
Callan was squeezing my hand tightly, but I barely felt it.
I was struggling against a guilt trip, but it was hard. I hadn’t intended to cause a magical blackout, but I was still ground zero for everything that had happened.
“This is horrific,” Callan said, his tone strained. “Especially because it opens up bigger questions as to how Penn moving through time caused all magic to shut down. But why would a Kiabi Warrior target Penn?”
“A Kiabi Warrior coming after someone who did not escape them is not something we’ve ever documented,” Kana said, shaking her head. “So I really don’t know why…”
“Perhaps you have become a target to them,” Cindra said, her narrowed eyes on me.
I frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Cindra clasped her hands together on top of the table, tilting her head as she considered me. It was the kind of scrutinizing look that would make someone squirm, but I was too stunned to be affected.
“You, Pennrae Linbry, seem to be quite a force,” she said. “You are an over three-hundred-year-old warrior able to wield a weapon none have been able to wield in all of recorded history. A weapon that carries the power of Divine magic.”
The room had fallen quiet. Too quiet.
My throat felt dry and my grip around Callan’s hand should have had him protesting, but he said nothing, just held on to me tightly.
“What…” My voice cracked. I cleared my throat. “What are you saying?”
I didn’t wanna hear it. I was at my quota for bad news for the rest of the decade.
“You want to know what I think?” came Cindra’s matter-of-fact voice. “I think your tremendous power has put a target on your back. You caused the collapse of magic across the entire world and upended the Kiabi Warriors’ control over the forest. Something I would imagine they cannot risk happening again. So maybe they decided that you need to be eradicated.”
Chapter Three
Chatter erupted from everyone.
“You can’t be serious with that theory!” Gideon exclaimed. “You’re essentially saying Penn has become a target for assassination for something she never intended to do. And this ain’t no regular assassin after her either!”
“That can’t be the reason,” Toji said, sounding stressed.
“Are these Kiabi Warriors protectors or killers?” Callan said hotly.
I felt as though I was slowly fading out of the room. The talk became incoherent until I wasn’t focused on what anyone was saying.
My breaths were coming short and shallow, and heat was rising in my body even though goose bumps had broken out like I’d experienced a sudden chill.
Magic rose within me, both Divine and Shaper, like tiny bubbles popping under my skin. I was hyperaware of the Gladius, of the power it held, of the truth I had known all this time that it was no small thing I was able to handle a weapon imbued with Divine magic. Wielding the sword had made me feel powerful, had been instrumental in stopping the destruction that had almost wrecked the world and thus revived magic.
But because of that I was now the target of a powerful forest guardian?
Laughter bubbled up my throat and I almost choked on it.
None of this was funny, but the laughter had nothing to do with humor. I felt like I was sliding out of my skin, cleaving apart, because as strong as I was, my strength was no match for this huge, horrible truth.
Suddenly, the frantic conversation around me was interrupted by a shrill voice from the other side of the door.
“What is this manner of keeping me waiting? Open this door immediately!”
The door was pushed open, and a woman dramatically swept inside. I almost couldn’t see the woman for the clothes she was swathed in; a long expanse of multicolored, jewel-tone fabric wrapped around her curvaceous body, beneath which I could make out a heavily encrusted gold dress. She moved with her own music, made from the many pieces of jewelry she wore, from glittering bangles halfway up her forearms, to more necklaces than I could count in every style; slim, bejeweled chains, stone and crystal pendants, and a diamond choker. Huge chandelier earrings pulled at her earlobes.
We all stood up as the woman stopped several feet away from the table and looked me up and down with thickly lined eyes. Her face was expertly made up. She looked to be the same age as Jarron and was of similar complexion. Her hair was a multitude of slim locs piled on top of her head in a massive bun. A magnificent crown made of colorful precious stones was nestled within it.
Next to the word gaudy in the dictionary there was probably a picture of her.
Behind her, the two men who’d opened the door straightened and stepped forward, though they remained behind her. They were far more simply dressed in magic-era–style breeches, tunics, and vests in a mauve color.
“Entering the meeting room of the Council of Nova Celes, Queen Rubiyana Elarine Blanchenué Solatien,” one of them announced.
My goodness, her birth certificate must have been a damn scroll.
“Ruler of the magic territory Arcenou on the continent Min Soldu, in her fifteenth year of reign,” the second attendant said. Both then bowed and took a step back.
I glanced at the largest map on the wall. Min Soldu was now the name of the continent known as North America in the Before Times. Nova Celes took up a huge portion in the northeast, while Arcenou lay to the south. That was where most of Drisdari Forest lay. And my hometown, Brackenlik. Queen Rubiyana’s territory was one that embraced a magic-only lifestyle.
Cell phones and internet? They don’t know her.
“So, this is she.” Her deep voice carried an accent that made me think her heritage originated from one of the Caribbean islands. “If she had made her arrival, why was I not brought forth immediately?” She gave me the once-over again. Then her eyes shifted to Callan and she made a pleased sound as she appraised him.
“You would make a fine foot soldier,” she declared. Callan and I exchanged a look. “Yes,” Queen Rubiyana continued. “You would do an excellent job guarding the foot of my bed.”
Callan balked, and it was all I could do to stifle a laugh. This woman was a piece of work. She spared Gideon and Toji a brief look before she turned her attention to Jarron.
“Queen Rubiyana,” Jarron said. He moved to stand in front of her, bowing his head. “We apologize for keeping you waiting. There was an incident as Pennrae was arriving. It was our intention to usher you in shortly.”
Jarron turned to me. “Queen Rubiyana is here for an upcoming summit with the Council but wished to meet you as well.”
Queen Rubiyana swept to the head of the table where one of her attendants pulled out the chair. After she was seated, she looked at me, scrutinizing my face like I was an intriguing specimen under a microscope.
“The warrior woman is at last in my presence.” She snapped her fingers and one of her attendants came over to me, holding a small pouch. He extended it while he bowed.
This meeting felt as though it had taken two left turns then jumped off a cliff. Hadn’t we just been discussing a forest guardian assassin coming after me? Now I was receiving a token from an over-the-top queen?
I took the pouch and opened it, pulling out a vaguely triangular-shaped stone pendant. It had a warm yellow tone with silvery spirals etched into it. It was…cute.
“Protocol dictates the blessing of a gift upon our first meeting,” she declared. It was a practice kings and queens used during my first lifetime to show favor to visitors of high rank.
“I…thank you very much. It’s lovely.” I put it back into the pouch and slipped it into one of the inner pockets of my armor.
“You will be in receipt of many gifts to your domicile in due course,” she added. “Changer of Worlds, you have given magic back to the lands and thus we flourish. Much should you be rewarded. You must come live in my territory. We live the way all should live. You will be poisoned in places such as this.”
Before I could reply, she shifted her attention to Jarron. “What is the manner of the disturbance?”
“A Kiabi Warrior targeted Pennrae,” Jarron explained. “We have confirmed that the magical blackout occurred at the time Pennrae returned to the present, which caused chaos to ensue from Drisdari Forest. But we can only speculate as to why one of the Warriors came after her.”
“Power recognizes power,” Rubiyana said haughtily. “The occurrences the night of your return is a testament to your strength.”
“Shouldn’t you be more concerned about the destruction caused by so many entities escaping?” Cindra’s tone had some bite as she regarded the queen, who speared her with a derisive look. “Most of Drisdari Forest is within your territory. Your own soldiers suffered as a result of the escaped entities.”
“And your tongue suffers from a lack of manners,” she returned. To her credit, Cindra didn’t flinch at the queen’s cutting tone. “How do you suppose I can fault the Changer of Worlds for something unintended?” Rubiyana continued.
“I suppose you cannot,” Jarron cut in. “Yet what about the issues involving my citizens disappearing into the forest within your borders, following bogus treasure maps?”
My eyebrows rose and I slid my eyes from Rubiyana to Jarron. Everyone fell silent as tensions rose higher than they already were.
“Rudeness abounds, I see.” She turned her gaze to Jarron. “You would do well to watch your words with me.”
“And yet it is words we are here to exchange, is it not?” he shot back. “Dozens of Nova Celes’ citizens have been crossing into Arcenou to enter the forest since it is so poorly patrolled. We have families grieving missing loved ones. You have not been doing your part in protecting people from the perils of the forest.”
“How dare you launch accusations at me!” Rubiyana yelled. “As though your people crawling into my lands is my burden to bear? Why don’t you do better by your people, Jarron, so they might not think it better to traipse into a forest in search of legends?”
“It is absolutely your concern!” Jarron countered. “You are profiting off the bogus maps finding their way into our magic district! They come from your lands, of this I am certain!”
“You have a wily, lying tongue,” Rubiyana seethed. “Warrior Woman!” I jolted as her attention returned to me. “I command that you go into the forest and find these missing people. Your power is great enough to traverse it, I am certain.”
“Begging your pardon…” I was glad that was what I said instead of ‘I beg your fucking pardon.’
“Pennrae is not yours to command!” Jarron’s voice was like a clap of thunder in the room. “The Changer of Worlds is a warrior of Nova Celes and can only be commanded by us.”
“Commanded by you?” I repeated. My emotions were rioting, and I was beginning to feel more overwhelmed than I thought possible.
“Penn…” Callan’s voice was concerned as he squeezed my hand.
“You want to keep her for yourself? Are you a Council or a dictatorship?” Rubiyana said. “She is better suited to my territory as I can give her the life she has always known prior to this technological rubbish.”
Why the hell were they talking about me like I was a coveted action figure?
“Her fiefdom is already under construction,” Queen Rubiyana was saying. My jaw dropped. “She will be a much-respected citizen of my territory. Have you a preference for white stone or gray?” She turned to me. “I’ve picked the colors for your guards’ livery, but you may give your input if you wish, though my decision shall be final.”
I could do nothing but gawk. She was building a castle for me in her territory? Under the assumption I would come live there?
What the fuck?
I was getting more pissed every second that passed and Jarron and Rubiyana continued to lobby accusations at each other and stake their claim on me.
This was all too fucking much. I’d come here for a meet and greet and ended up fighting for my life yet again, and now I was being volleyed between two powerful leaders like a tennis ball.
Ashe had been agitating next to me, whining softly and bumping her head against my chest. But it wasn’t her anxiety that had her on edge, it was mine.
I shot to my feet, my hands slamming against the table.
The noise cut off and I felt like I had been popped back to the present even though I hadn’t gone anywhere. I didn’t make eye contact with anyone, but I could feel that all eyes were on me.
“I need a moment. Please excuse me.” I pushed away from the table and headed for the door with Ashe closely following.
I didn’t care about the kind of exit I was making in the presence of a queen, Kana, Cindra, and Jarron. It was the best etiquette I could muster. One that kept my weapons holstered and a rage of screams from being released.
Chapter Four
I barely saw my surroundings as I headed down the hallway, but I made it downstairs, through the atrium, and back outside, heading in a random direction.
I was walking too fast and not paying enough attention. After I bumped into a third person, causing them to fall and drop their bags, I paused and helped them up. Then I kept moving but slowed my pace.
Ashe stayed close, snapping at anyone who recognized me and tried to come over.
I was not one for the company of strangers right now.
I looked around at my surroundings. I was walking across an open space ringed by buildings on three sides with spaces between to allow foot traffic.
I recalled that the Council was headquartered on the campus of a Magech university, which was where I seemed to have ended up.
There was a statue of a Zaphyr rising above clouds in the center of the quad, carved from white stone. This place sure loved its statues.
A few people were taking a respite from the sun under one of the massive trees decorating the lawn. Even though it was now early evening, it was still bright, thanks to the mid-summer season.
I ended up leaning against the broad trunk of a Japanese maple tree, looking up through the vibrant red leaves. I was trying and failing to do some breathing exercises to calm down. Ashe sat next to me, her body tense, still whining and nudging me.
Our bond wasn’t only for fighting strength, it was for emotional strength as well, and even though a human and a Circoux didn’t deal with emotions the same way, what helped was the care we had for each other. I would never be alone, never be without someone that cared about me as long as I had Ashe.
When I lowered my gaze, I saw Callan jogging over and felt further ease. He was a source of strength too. It had become easier to admit how much I needed Callan, but I knew how fragile human relationships could be, whether platonic, familial, or romantic.
They could be torn away at any moment, without warning, and I was still walled up against the pain that would bring, but I was trying not to exist with that caveat haunting the back of my mind.
Callan was here. The world had changed and he was still with me.
When he reached me, he pulled me into his arms and I lay my head against his chest.
I hardly felt like I had strength to stand, so my arms were bunched up between us instead of around him. I inhaled the faint laundry scent of his clothes, letting myself relax into the firm hold he had on me.
I felt like something in my chest was trying to crack open and spill out my emotions in a raw, ugly river. I wanted to release it, wanted to scream until the stars shook, but I held it back, released only a trickle: a heavy sob that made Callan’s arms tighten.
I couldn’t fall apart. Not now.
But I was a dam that was going to overflow. I felt it.
After a while, I raised my head. Callan looked like his heart was breaking for me. He cupped my face with one of his hands, thumbing my cheek.
