Slay (Fuse Book 4), page 10
Cora looked at the dragons. Will you?
More silence followed, then Charcoal finally spoke. You’re right. It’s not for humans to decide how dragons freely use their magic. They have the best intentions, but their stance has inadvertently controlled dragons again, just in a different way.
Exactly.
Our communication with Queen Magnum is limited. When we arrived in this place, they told us that we were free to live among them without fear of subjugation. They have left us in peace ever since.
I will speak for all of us—through my hatchling.
Rush turned to Cora, and their eyes locked. A small smile moved on to his lips at the affectionate nickname.
Her eyes softened, like she understood.
This brings me to my next question. Will you fight alongside us?
Neither dragon spoke.
Before I left Mist Isle, I asked for volunteers. Eleven came forward. Including myself, that makes us an army of twelve. King Lux has more dragons than that, but we also have the element of surprise. He has no idea that we’ll attack from the skies, the sea, and the earth. I have the greatest hope that this will be a smooth conquest. We also have Talc in Eden Star, and with the two of you, that gives us an additional three, plus Flare.
Charcoal and Crystal seemed to be having a conversation in private, their eyes locking for quite some time.
Cora turned to Rush, a different private conversation happening. It’s okay if they say no. Losing two dragons won’t make that much of a difference.
Dragons aren’t soldiers. Flare’s voice came through. They have a far greater impact. It makes a huge difference.
They’re going to say yes, so don’t worry about it.
You think?
Yes. The memory of that night was branded on his mind like a hot iron to cattle. They escaped the suffering, but others weren’t so lucky. They wouldn’t continue their lives and pretend their kin weren’t cruelly subjugated underneath the castle.
Charcoal spoke. We’re grateful to be free, but our lives are constrained by our limited space. It’s not really living, just existing. The dragons of Mist Isle also suffer from the same circumstance. We’re dragons—we need the whole world to be free.
And we need to save those that are left behind.
Thank you for your sacrifice. Now we must convince Queen Magnum and the Guardians to abandon their stubbornness and fight for us.
TWELVE
Morals
The Guardians arrived the following morning.
Maverick was in the lead, his line of armored guards behind him. His cloak flapped in the wind, and he carried his helmet under his arm, as if he was prepared to don it if the confrontation turned into a full-on war. He had a lean face marked with a shadow across his hard jawline. Eyes the same color as liquid night, they looked at Rush with the utmost disdain.
Did you do something to him personally?
No.
You sure? I’ve never seen anyone stare at someone like that.
Then you should see the way I look at my father.
Maverick stopped several feet away, and his men remained in formation around him. His eyes shifted to Cora, and while his look remained as hard as ever, it was obvious the memory of his torture was still fresh in his mind. “Queen Magnum requests your presence.”
“Then why didn’t she just come?” Cora asked, unable to control her temper.
Maverick’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. “Because she is the queen. You come to her—not the other way around.”
“Last time I came to her, you tried to strike us down.”
“Because you disrespected us—”
“Okay,” Rush said. “This could go on awhile. Tell Queen Magnum she can speak to us here under the truce of the blue sky. She’s also to bring the weapons she confiscated.”
“General Rush, always making his demands.” Maverick’s hands came together at his waist, staring at Rush with that never-ending look of loathing. “Should I bow first? Perhaps curtsy?”
There’s someone who hates him more than I do.
This guy’s a dick.
Rush kept up his hard stare, doing the best he could to swallow his rage.
She projected her mind to Rush. This is why I don’t keep my mouth shut.
Rush managed to sidestep the insult. “You can pretend that you’re in control of the situation, but we both know you’re scared shitless right now. Cora could crush your skull at a moment’s notice, and your sword and shield would do nothing to stop her. Maybe you should bow to me—because you’re my bitch right now.”
Daaaaammmmmmnnnn.
Maverick kept a straight face, but there was a faint tightening of his jaw.
“It’s still our intention to be your allies. Queen Magnum can join us here to discuss it. You’re dismissed.”
You just made this guy hate you more.
Good.
Maverick wore a scowl before he turned around and returned the way he’d come, his men guarding his flank. After a few minutes, he disappeared.
“Why didn’t we just go with him?” Bridge asked.
“Because if we’re inside, our dragons can’t emerge,” Rush said. “And Charcoal and Crystal can’t join us either.”
“Good point,” Bridge said.
They waited a long time for them to return, and eventually, they saw the small army come back up the hill and join them on the outskirts of the trees. Queen Magnum had come, wearing a midnight-black robe over her gown. She and Maverick walked side by side, as if they were equals rather than a queen and a servant.
Queen Magnum stopped before them, her eyes hard but her expression indifferent. With her arms rigid at her sides, she stared, her eyes settling on Cora the longest. “I’ve come at your invitation. Now, what do you offer me?”
It was a peculiar meeting, a group of people standing on the grass in the sunshine, no desks and thrones in their vicinity. It stripped all of them of their power, made them exactly what they were—just people.
“First, let me apologize for my actions,” Cora said. “I don’t impose that attack on anyone but Shamans, but as we were stripped of our weapons and confined to a small space, I had no other option.”
Queen Magnum stared at her.
“I don’t want to give the impression that I’m reckless with my powers.”
The queen said nothing.
“We all have the same agenda here,” Cora continued. “We want to save the dragons and end King Lux’s reign of terror. Our differences need to be ignored, as well as our prejudices. Time is of the essence, so we can deal with diplomacy once the war is won. Ashe wishes to speak with you directly, so I will be his voice from this moment forward.” She felt the world slam into her face once Ashe came forth. Big hands grabbed her body and immediately pulled her back to her feet.
His black scales were luminous in the sunlight. His enormous body cast a shadow so long, it stretched all the way back to the village. His wings immediately opened to stretch before they were tucked back into his body. Glorious and powerful, he sat there, towering over everyone below.
Cora didn’t get to look at him in the flesh often, and every time she did, she found something new to appreciate. Her love for him had deepened throughout the months, and that changed her perception as well.
Queen Magnum, it’s my pleasure to gaze upon you.
Once the queen saw him in his true form, the wrath in her gaze disappeared. She took a step back so she wouldn’t have to crane her neck so hard to meet his stare, and there was a new breath of life in her features. All the hardness disappeared. She gave a slight bow of her head. “The pleasure is mine, Ashe, King of Dragons.”
First and foremost, I want to thank the Guardians for protecting the location of Mist Isle for these last thousand years. I’m sure that King Lux has explored every place he could find to ensure no stone was unturned. Because of you, the remaining free dragons have endured.
She gave another slight nod, the emotion visible on her face.
This new alliance quickly turned to hostility. I would like to begin again because we’re your friends and allies, as you are to us. We must work together to achieve what hasn’t been possible these last thousand years. Do you agree?
Queen Magnum hesitated before she gave a nod. “Yes. But I must stand by our laws. Humans have abused the magic of dragons for far too long, and if we ally ourselves with those who do the same, then we’re no different from King Lux.” With rigid stiffness and the regal of a leader, she stood tall. “You must unfuse.”
Again, I appreciate the great respect you’ve shown to my kin, but to impose your beliefs on us as law is just another form of subjugation. I have chosen to fuse with Cora of my own free will, and I believe the connection is imperative to our success in this war. I made the same threat to Flare when he arrived at Mist Isle, demanded that he unfuse with Rush Hawkehelm, but he insisted that it was his desire to remain fused forevermore. As much as I disagree with that decision, I must respect his wishes. It is our gift to bestow upon others, and it’s not my place to decide how that gift should be used. It’s also unfair to compare our behavior to King Lux, who uses death magic to force his way into the minds of my kin. It’s not the same whatsoever, and I find the comparison incredibly offensive.
Cora wished she could convey the power in his deep voice, the way it rumbled in her mind, made the world around her vibrate with his energy.
Queen Magnum’s hands came together at her waist, and her thumb rubbed across the skin of her opposite hand. She took the moment of silence to ponder her thoughts, to weigh them heavily in her mind before she spoke aloud. “My apologies, Your Highness. It was never my intention to offend you. I understand that the intentions behind the fuse are completely different, and I also understand that it’s your right to use your magic as you see fit. But our purpose as the Guardians is to protect the dragons at all costs, and we can’t violate our own morals to fulfill yours.”
This is ridiculous.
It’s beyond that, Hatchling. Ashe projected his thoughts once more. Cora can’t remain in contact with Talc if we aren’t fused, and Rush will perish if he unfuses with Flare. Surely you must understand that it’s not possible for us to take that action, so we must just agree to disagree while working together.
Now the queen didn’t say anything at all.
I’m going to punch this bitch in the face.
You’re quick to reject my stance, so that must mean you have your own plan to defeat King Lux. Please share it with me. Perhaps it will be enough to free the dragons, and our approach is unnecessary.
It is necessary.
Silence.
The queen continued to rub her own hands. “We have our people positioned behind enemy lines. We’ll stage a coup and defeat him from within. That’s all I can tell you.”
Okay, that’s interesting…
How many people?
She held her silence.
Wouldn’t it be wise to have multiple avenues of attack?
“But our plan doesn’t require any dragon to risk their life needlessly.”
I think it unwise to leave the fate of our world in the hands of a few spies. King Lux is smarter than you give him credit for.
“These spies have been in position for decades.” Now her voice had a slight bite to it, offended by his objection. “King Lux and General Noose have no idea what’s right under their noses.”
Imagine if you could be in direct communication with them instead of relying on messages to travel across the sea to Sollum. Now that the empire has ramped up its military presence, ships aren’t making it into port. This wouldn’t be an issue for you if you had fused dragons that could communicate effortlessly on your behalf.
“Even if we did, their minds wouldn’t touch across this distance.”
No. But Cora’s unique abilities would make it possible.
Her eyebrows hiked up.
She can connect minds over great distances. She could connect you to your fused ally in Karth, even if she’s in Eden Star or Mist Isle. This unique power can make us unstoppable. As long as Cora lives, King Lux will be unable to defeat an army so uniform. You must put aside your reservations temporarily. Once this war is won, we can uphold your laws across Anastille and make sure this atrocity never happens again.
Her eyebrows slowly lowered, but her focused expression implied her deep thought.
Charcoal. Crystal. I need your assistance.
I don’t think she’s going to go for it either.
Yes, Your Highness.
“Cora has the magic of both dragons and Shamans,” the queen said simply. “How can you explain that?”
Cora’s father was fused with a dragon when Cora was conceived. I suspect that’s the source of her dragon abilities. As for the death magic, I can’t explain that right now. But I suspect we’ll discover that soon enough.
Charcoal and Crystal emerged, gliding to the ground and landing with powerful thuds beside Ashe.
Cora took in the sight of all three of them, majestic beings covered in different colored scales.
Queen Magnum regarded the dragons differently, with a distinct look of affection that she hadn’t shown Ashe. Her exterior might be hard as steel, but her heart definitely beat for the creatures she vowed to protect.
Charcoal and Crystal have pledged themselves to our fight. They wish to free the dragons from High Castle, and they’re willing to fuse with a human if necessary. If you refuse to be our allies, they will leave with us and never return. I’ve made my argument and intention very clear, but you must decide if your stubbornness is too great for an alliance. I hope it’s not—because we are much stronger together.
She stared at the two dragons that had lived in her lands long before she was born, the hardness in her eyes dwindling. The breeze moved through her hair, pushing it farther behind her shoulder. After what seemed like minutes, she looked at Ashe once more. “We must make any and all sacrifices to defeat King Lux. As Queen of the Guardians, I make this sacrifice.”
Maverick stepped forward when he heard her words. “Your Highness—”
“I have made my decision, General.” She said it without looking at him, her eyes glued to Ashe. “I will not let these dragons leave Sollum without the greatest protection we can offer. I’m still their guardian, and I must care for them. The only way to do that is to be allies. So, I accept your offer, Ashe, King of Dragons.”
THIRTEEN
Danica
They were given accommodations within the village, staying at an inn. They each had their own room with a real mattress and clean sheets, and it was a great relief on their backs after spending nights on the hard ground and roots of the tall trees that provided them shelter.
Rush wasn’t tired, so he took a seat at the bar in the corner, downing an ale alone.
The hardest part is over.
I couldn’t disagree more.
Queen Magnum agreed to be allies.
Doesn’t mean they’ll be easy to work with.
I suppose.
Rush took another drink of his ale, the fire in the hearth burning. He was the only one there, even though evening had just arrived. Soon, people would be filing in for drinks and a hot dinner.
Cora appeared out of the hallway, fresh after a shower, her long hair in a braid over one shoulder. She was in brown trousers and a white cotton shirt that outlined her muscles and curves. Her green eyes searched the room then came to an abrupt stop when they found Rush.
Rush released a drawn-out breath. I hate it when she looks like that.
Like what?
Fucking beautiful. He took another drink, washing away his longing.
She dropped into the chair across from him. “What’s wrong?”
“Why would anything be wrong?”
“Because you look like you have a stomachache or something.”
You mean, I look utterly miserable. “I think I’ve just had too much drink. It’s not every day I can sit in a chair and order as much ale as I want.”
She accepted the excuse without question then waved to the bartender to get her own drink.
You know, it was easier when I didn’t have to see her all the time.
But you were always worried.
But now, I’m always tortured.
The barmaid brought her ale. “Roast chicken and fingerling potatoes on the menu.”
“I’ll take the potatoes—hold the chicken.”
Both of her eyebrows rose clear up her face. “What?”
Rush stepped in. “She doesn’t eat meat. Could you give her extra potatoes or something?”
The barmaid propped one hand on her hip. “Why don’t you eat meat?”
“Because she doesn’t,” Rush snapped. “We’ve given you our order, so now be on your way.”
She gave him a scorching look of death before she walked to the kitchen.
Cora stared at him. “I think your chicken is going to taste a little funny.”
He gave a shrug. “I’ve eaten worse, so whatever.”
“You didn’t have to step in like that. I can handle myself.”
“I just get tired of hearing the same conversation every time you order something,” Rush said. “You don’t eat meat—big deal. Doesn’t warrant an interrogation and judgment.”
Cora grabbed her tankard and took a drink. “This is good. I’m sick of water. Hope they have some coffee in the morning since we ran out.”
“I’m sure we can buy some before we leave.”
“We’re leaving?”
“Eventually, right?”
Their weapons had been returned, and they didn’t have a guard watching their movements. They seemed to have been accepted without reservation. Tomorrow would be their first meeting.
Cora propped her chin on her closed knuckles. “I’m glad we’re allies now. If she said no again…I was going to have to kick her ass or something.”
“I was getting annoyed too. It’s a nice change of pace meeting someone who’s so dedicated to the protection and perseverance of the dragon race, but it’s also a pain in the ass when that narrow-mindedness comes at the cost of logic. Good thing Ashe made her come around.”
