The Ring Keeper, page 45
She counted six or seven at least. But they couldn’t cross the line. They stood shrieking and hissing, waiting for Zarek.
One of them, he killed quickly, almost easily, as it stood against the barrier. The others moved back after that.
Zarek stepped over the border and instantly they attacked, trying to surround him. He kept the Warding at his back, and when too many got close, he ducked back within the protected area. They followed as far as they could, and he drove the sword into another of them. It screamed and struggled, but Zarek cut it down. Another demon dead.
He kept fighting, but dawn was coming. A moment later, the Shekkar disappeared. He kicked the ground in frustration and walked back toward Ana. “I could have killed all of them like that. It’s the perfect place to fight them.”
“You killed two more,” she said. “Only eight left. And we’re home. We made it back to Sarine.”
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Year of Warding 42, Sarine’s Countryside
Ana
A CHILL DAWN SURROUNDED ANA AND ZAREK. At least, they were safe for the moment since the demons wouldn’t be able to attack again until nightfall. Gripping the horse’s reins, Ana’s rapid breath steamed in the icy air. Zarek stood with Blackbane still in his hand, staring back toward the Warding. The morning was growing rapidly brighter.
A sudden pounding of hooves announced the arrival of four riders in the dark-green uniforms of Sarine. At the sight of Zarek with his sword drawn, two of them drew their own blades.
The other two confronted Ana.
She looked from the sword point aimed at her throat up into a very familiar face, his eyes wide with shock. “Toren!” she cried. “You’re all right! I was afraid they had killed you.”
He put his weapon away immediately and yelled at his companions. “Stop! It’s Lady Cirana.”
At his words, his men backed up, still staring at Zarek warily.
Ana pulled off her helmet. “Please, Toren, order them not to harm Zarek!” She went to stand between the men.
Toren’s men lowered their weapons.
Dismounting, Toren came to face Ana. “You brought an Aran captain back with you, my lady?” He eyed Zarek uncertainly.
“He’s not Aran,” Ana protested. “We had to dress this way to escape. This is Zarek.”
Toren stared intently at him. “Zarek? Weren’t you the one who brought Lady Cirana to the White City four years ago?”
“That’s right,” Zarek said.
Looking unconvinced, Toren glanced at Ana. “Are you sure he’s the same man?”
“Absolutely,” she said firmly.
Toren stared at her for a long moment. His eyes came to rest on her bandaged hand, and his expression tightened in pain. “Whatever they did to you… it’s my fault. Your safety was my responsibility, and I failed you.”
“No, you didn’t. I’m so glad you’re safe. I’ve been worried about you.”
He took a sudden step forward and hugged her. “You’re alive. You’re all right. I thought we’d never see you again. Emperor Callonen was insane with worry. I’d never seen him like that before.”
Ana felt her eyes fill with tears. “I’m home now. We’ll find Callonen soon and let him know. What about you? What happened to you that day?”
Toren released her and looked down. “Gavin tried to kill me. And he nearly succeeded. For several days, I thought I was going to die. It took months to recover. I’ve only been back on duty for two weeks.”
Ana’s mouth fell open in shock, and her eyes filled with tears. “No! You wouldn’t have been hurt if not for me… But you’re recovered now?”
“Yes,” Toren said, “except for the shame of being tricked by that spineless traitor. If I ever see him again, I’ll…” He gripped the hilt of his sword.
“If I find him first, you won’t need to bother,” Zarek growled.
“What about Rosie? Is she all right?”
“She is anxiously waiting for news of you, but she’s fine,” Toren said.
“I would have come sooner if I could have. Zarek helped me escape from Hakvere,” Ana explained, turning to meet his eyes and smiling. “He saved my life.”
Toren held out his hand to Zarek. “The Empire of Sarine will be forever in your debt.”
Putting his sword away, Zarek took the offered hand, allowing a smile onto his face.
“You’ll go straight to the city and let the emperor know you’re safe?” Toren asked, turning back to Ana. “We must finish our patrol and check in with the others or they will assume something is wrong. I can send two men with you.”
Zarek met Ana’s eyes and then glanced back to Toren. “I will stay here and fight the demons at the border. Ana should go back to the city.” Zarek took Ana’s hand. “I will only be a few days behind you.”
Ana took a deep breath, considering her options. “We have an urgent message for the emperor. Haldreth is planning to break the Warding and send the Shekkar after him. His army is marching toward the White City now. They may already be inside Sarine.”
Toren exchanged glances with his companions. “We need to alert the rest of our troops patrolling the border. Do you know when he plans to destroy the Warding?”
“It could be any time,” Ana said. “Zarek found Blackbane, and he’s been killing the demons one by one. Once they are gone, we will have a chance of defending Sarine.”
Toren’s eyes widened as he noticed the legendary blade at Zarek’s side.
“We need to let Emperor Callonen know there is hope,” Zarek said. He turned to Ana. “Go with them and take the message to him. I’ll meet you at the city. You’ll be safe there.”
She saw his determined expression. But she wasn’t going to leave him. “What will you do when the Warding falls?”
“I’ll take out as many of them as I can before that,” he said. “I’ll keep fighting. All the more reason for you not to be with me when it happens.”
Ana squared her shoulders and straightened to her full height. “We will send these soldiers to take Callonen the message. I’m staying with you.”
His eyebrows drew together. “That would put you in more danger.”
“Will it? The demons are following me. As soon as the Warding falls, they will hunt me. They won’t wait here for you to kill them. Please?” She put her hand on his arm. “Don’t try to make me leave. I need you. The sword is the best protection I have.”
Zarek didn’t look happy, but she had forced him to consider her viewpoint. Beneath the beard, his jaw was clenched.
She turned back to Toren. “Which of you will take our message to Callonen?”
Toren nodded toward two of his men.
Ana turned to them. “Let the emperor know Haldreth is coming with his army. He plans to break the Warding and send the demons in. Zarek has already killed nine of them, and we will try to destroy the remaining eight. But everyone needs to be ready to fight.”
The two men nodded.
“Ride to the city as fast as you can,” Toren instructed them. They turned their mounts south and rode off at a gallop. He put his hand on Ana’s shoulder. “I have to meet the others, but when that is done, I’ll gather some men and come back to find you. Take care of yourself in the meantime.”
“You too,” Ana answered. “There’s a large group of Arans not far away. Watch for them.”
Toren nodded. “We will.” He looked at Zarek. “Everything depends on you. Please keep her safe.”
“I swear on my life,” Zarek said, his hand on his sword hilt.
Toren and his remaining companion mounted and rode away, following the border.
Ana and Zarek took shelter in a thicket of trees not far from the Warding, where they would be hidden by the dense growth. A little stream flowed past, slowing into a wide pool crusted with ice before flowing on its way. He unsaddled the horse, then watered and rubbed it down.
Ana sat down nearby with her back against a tree, watching for any sign of danger. “Get some sleep. I’ll watch for a while.”
Zarek spread a blanket on a patch of dry grass and laid down. He drifted off immediately.
The day was quiet, and her eyes strayed to Zarek as he slept. As her gaze traced his features, realization flooded through her. He was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. There had never been anyone else, not really. No other man could measure up. She loved him.
Zarek’s face was peaceful. Anger had vanished from his expression, as had the guarded look she’d so often seen him wear. He had been through so much, alone among his enemies, and was truly a remarkable person who had given many years of his life to help his people. His abilities, which could have been used to gain power or fame for himself, instead, had been used to protect others. He had been willing to stand against the man who wanted to destroy Sarine. The king of Ara. Her father… who intended to slaughter everyone she cared about.
The afternoon passed slowly. Ana saw no sign of soldiers, and everything was quiet. As the sun dipped behind the distant mountains, shadows fell over them. She shivered as the temperature dropped. Before she had a chance to wake him, Zarek sat up and stretched. When his eyes met hers, he smiled.
She returned his smile, despite the knots forming in her belly. It would be dark soon.
They shared a quick meal, and Ana rolled up their blankets while Zarek saddled the horse and tethered it in the trees. He checked his weapons. Blackbane hung ready at his side, beside one of the enchanted daggers.
She put her hand on the matching knife at her belt.
“Keep your weapon close, just in case...” His voice trailed into silence. “Wait for me here.” He nodded at the pool. “If something goes wrong, stay in the water, out of their reach.”
The light was fading quickly, and he turned toward the Warding. Ana took his arm and pulled him back. “Zarek, wait!” She couldn’t let him go without telling him what she’d been thinking.
She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I love you, Zarek. I had to tell you—”
“Ana.” He pulled her close.
She never wanted that moment to end. His strong arms held her, and her lips pressed against his. Even without the ring, she could feel the love, desire and desperate fear of loss in his kiss. But their time was up. Darkness had fallen, and the demons were coming.
They both heard a shriek in the distance, and Zarek drew back. He made a final check of his weapons and headed toward the Warding.
Callonen
CALLONEN, SON OF CALDORETH, Emperor of Sarine, stood on the tower and looked out over the White City, while the last light of sunset faded. The city was hushed, despite being packed with people who had come from the outlying lands for protection.
The latest news from the border reported that the Aran army was massing outside the Warding, preparing to invade. Callonen’s forces were ready to meet them. The Warding kept the Shekkar out, but it did not prevent evil men from entering his lands. His army could defend against men; the demons, they had no defense for. Maybe the walls would stop them, but not all of Sarine’s people could fit into the city.
Callonen had just turned to head inside when a sudden shock of power struck him. He didn’t see anything; he only felt it. And it was directed at the Warding. His chest constricted as the surge rushed through his body. His knees buckled, and he fell, each of his muscles clenching.
It passed after a moment, and he lay stunned, trying to breathe.
His guards ran to his side and bent over him. “Emperor! What is it?”
He couldn’t speak, couldn’t do anything for several moments. Finally, he was able to get some air into his lungs. With their help, he slowly staggered to his feet. His body felt weak, and he wondered if he would fall again. He heard no one else’s thoughts, felt no one’s emotions, and sensed nothing beyond his own physical senses. For the first time since his father had died, Callonen was completely alone.
“What is it? What can we do?” the guards asked.
“I can’t—” Callonen struggled to speak. “It’s gone. The Warding is gone.”
As the afternoon lengthened, a widening column of refugees streamed through the city gates. Another wave of his people seeking protection.
Callonen watched from the top of the wall. It had been two days since the Warding failed. How quickly could the demons travel? They would probably arrive tonight.
By nightfall, everyone was inside. The space within the wall overflowed with people, and the gates were shut and barred. Darkness covered the city.
Two large braziers had been lit just inside the gates. General Gray posted several guards there, while many more patrolled the battlements.
Callonen stood among his men, Gray’s solid presence at his side.
“We’ve set up the defense, Emperor,” the general reported. “This afternoon, they finished filling a pool of water in front of the gates. We hope it will offer some protection.”
“Thank you, Gray,” Callonen said.
“You should move someplace more secure,” Gray advised.
“No,” Callonen said. “The demons will look for me. If they find a way in, I’m going to meet them. Otherwise, they will slaughter anyone they encounter.”
“You don’t know that.”
Callonen tightened his jaw. “After all this time? After everything that’s happened? I know.”
As the night deepened, he kept watch from the walls. The demons could arrive at any time.
CHAPTER FIFTY
Year of Warding 42, Sarine’s Countryside
Ana
ANA WATCHED ZAREK DISAPPEAR into the darkness. She wasn’t far from the Warding, and she could hear the horrible voices of the demons calling to each other. Several of them shrieked, probably announcing Zarek’s arrival. From this distance, she could see only a faint glow of green from his sword blade.
So far, the protection of the barrier held. Zarek would be safe fighting them. He had to be. Ana felt a strong temptation to leave the safety of the water’s edge and creep nearer to find out what was happening.
She took a few steps away from the pool. With great effort, she stopped herself. Zarek was all right. He would protect himself. Gripping the hilt of the wizard’s dagger, she paced. For several long moments, she listened to the distant sounds of battle.
Another demon shrieked. She realized the glowing green blade was coming back in her direction. He was moving fast. She could tell even in the dark, and she knew at once what had happened.
The Warding had broken.
Zarek sprinted toward Ana and the safety of the water. She could barely make out the black shapes of the Shekkar as they pursued him. How many were still alive?
The glowing sword blade gave a sudden jerk, as if he had fallen. Ana’s stomach clenched in terror. Had they caught him? A demon shrieked in mortal agony, and she saw his sword moving toward her again. But now the Shekkar were between them, running straight for her.
Ana retreated into the pool, gasping as the icy water soaked her boots. She drew her dagger.
In the dim light, she could see four demons on the bank snarling as they reached out for her.
Zarek struck one down as he charged into the water. He was breathing hard. “Ana? Are you all right?”
“Yes!” she assured him.
He turned back to the three remaining demons. Standing just out of their reach in the shallow water, he held the sword ready. With his left hand, he drew his dagger. The demons slashed at him with their claws. Zarek blocked them with his blade.
The Shekkar spread out along the bank. One of them shoved him so he stumbled to one side where another of them reached out to slash at him.
Ana lunged forward to block its blow with her dagger before it could reach him.
The creature’s claws grated against the blade, and it swung at her with its other hand, forcing her to jump back out of reach.
“Ana, get back! Please!”
Why would he say that when she’d just prevented the demon from slicing his arm?
Zarek drove his blade into a demon’s throat, and it crumpled with a gurgling cry. Only two remained.
“Don’t risk yourself,” he ordered.
There were only two demons left. Zarek killed another, but moving forward to deal the fatal blow allowed the remaining one to slash at his arm.
It had hit him.
“No!” Ana screamed. “I could have stopped it!”
From the sound of his voice, his jaw was clenched. “Just keep yourself safe. It’s already too late for me.”
Her stomach dropped. No. She felt numb and dead inside as the realization flooded through her like icy water. He was telling her he had already been poisoned.
Zarek kept fighting, though his movements grew slower. Only one demon left. They couldn’t let the last one escape.
Moving swiftly, Zarek charged forward and drove his blade through the demon’s chest. It slashed at him, and Ana heard him gasp in pain. The last demon fell to its knees. Zarek drove his blade twice more through its body until it stopped moving.
He left the water, slowly, methodically retracing his steps, making sure each demon was dead.
The night was now silent. Ana didn’t hear a sound around them. With the dagger still in her hand, she stepped out of the pool and followed him.
Zarek walked back to the line where the Warding had been. He was counting their fallen enemies. “Eight,” he said when they reached the last one. “That’s all of them.”
Ana ran to him and threw her arms around him. “You did it! You killed them! Sarine has a chance now.”
“Yes.”
“But you—” She burst into tears. “Zarek, no!”
His arms tightened around her. “I’m sorry, Ana. There were too many. When the Warding fell, I ran, but they were too close.”
Her mind flew back to the moment when she had seen the sword fall in the darkness. Was that when it had happened?
She wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. Maybe they would still fail, but she couldn’t give up yet. “My father has the ring, and he’s heading for the White City. If we can find him, we have a chance. Let’s ride.”
