Slay (Fuse Book 4), page 37
“The cure may not be here, but it exists somewhere. I can’t give up.”
“You said you would try, and you have.”
“I haven’t tried hard enough.” She looked at Rush again. “I’m going to depart Eden Star in a few minutes. Ashe is waiting for me outside.”
He studied her face. “What of him?”
She dropped her gaze when the look became too much. “I…I can’t watch.” Her head bowed, and the tears almost drowned her lungs. Her palms flattened against her face to shield her misery as she composed herself. “I just can’t do it.”
His hand reached for her shoulder, and he gave her an affectionate squeeze. “Sor-Lei.”
She sniffled before she raised her chin and looked at him again.
“I know the burden of grief—and I hate that you now carry it.”
She gave another sniff.
“I will watch over him in your stead.”
“You think…there’s a chance?”
His hand remained on her shoulder as his eyes filled with pain. He wouldn’t speak a lie, but he wouldn’t tell her the truth either. His silence was his answer.
Cloaked and hooded, Grave stared at her through the darkness that covered his face.
“We were unable to find the cure within Eden Star. I’m going to visit someone who might point me in the right direction.” Ashe remained behind her, kingly, with his black scales reflecting the sunlight. He no longer had to hide his existence from the world.
Click. Click. Cliiiiicccccck.
“Why do you do that?”
“Compulsion,” he said with a deep voice. “Who is this person you speak of?”
“A witch.”
“And why would she know anything?”
“She knows a lot of things, and I have no idea why.”
Grave stared at her.
“I’m sorry it’s not the answer you want, but I’m still working on it.”
“You promised us a cure.”
“I promised I would try to find it. It must exist… It must. Everything in this world has a balance. This can’t be irreversible.”
He should admire your dedication.
He’s just panicked, is all.
“When will you return?” Grave asked.
“I’m not sure. It depends on the information she gives me.”
Grave gave a nod then stepped back. “We’ll wait here for your return.”
She turned away and approached Ashe. “Let’s get going.” Her hand pressed against his chest, and then they fused into one.
Ashe pushed off the ground and took to the sky. Your sorrow is written all over your face.
I’m sure it is.
They haven’t awoken.
No.
I’m sorry, Hatchling.
She said nothing, his words unable to comfort her.
Would you rather stay?
There’s nothing I can do. I’d rather stay busy than…
Ashe didn’t ask her anything else.
They flew across the desert and over the wildlands, making the journey in record time. Gone were the days when they had to take the road on foot and hide from unfriendly eyes. It made travel quick and painless. They returned to High Castle, where a large camp was laid out beside what remained of the city. The port was full of ships, Captain Hurricane and his crew still docked.
Ashe landed, and they unfused.
“Where’s Diamond?”
Mist Isle. To retrieve my hatchlings and other dragons who remained behind.
“Oh, that’s exciting. I bet you can’t wait to see them.”
I can’t.
She found Steward Magnum sometime later.
“Cora, how are Rush and Flare?” she immediately asked.
The question poisoned her all over again. “Not well… I don’t think they’re going to pull through.”
“Oh…I’m sorry.”
“Yeah…” She felt her eyes grow wet again, along with the sting of regret. “I’m looking for Mathilda. Can you tell me where she is?”
“She and Danica have been working with the injured. They have a few potions that have been instrumental in their healing. Not as strong as dragon tears, but good enough. I’ll retrieve her for you.” The steward departed and moved into the crowd of people.
Cora took a seat on the grass, sitting in the shade provided by Ashe’s large body.
How’s Callon?
He’s good. Wears a crown now.
I bet it’s lovely upon his handsome brow.
It is.
I hope he’s enjoyed this newfound peace.
I’m not sure. We haven’t spoken much. I spend all my time with Rush and Flare…
They turned silent, and Cora quickly changed the subject. I hope you’ve given the future of humankind more thought. When I spoke to my father, he said something that resonated with me…that we need to forgive the past, pardon the crimes, dissolve the betrayals if we want to truly move forward. I know that’s easier said than done, but you need to do the same if you want this world to come into a new age.
Ashe remained quiet, as if he still needed to deliberate his decision.
Steward Magnum returned, accompanied by the witch, with her curly hair, her typical robes of purple. Behind her was Danica, in a long gown made of green, her dark hair in a braid over one shoulder.
“Cora Riverglade, savior of dragons and humankind, how can I help you?”
“Uh, Cora is fine. I need help with something, and I think you’re the only one who might know something.”
Mathilda stepped forward. “What is it that you speak of?”
“I searched Eden Star for a cure to the curse, but to no avail. Do you know of an antidote to the Black Curse and where it might grow? The elves searched all of Eden Star for a flower they couldn’t recognize, but the search left them empty-handed.”
“Why do you ask me of such things?”
“Because you have dragon tears and the Black Curse in your shop. By the way, how did you get that? It only grows in Eden Star.”
Her hands moved to her hips, as if insulted by the question. “I’m well acquainted with the elves you call ‘the Mad’ that live deep in the forest.”
“And the dragon tears?”
“Crystal was happy to supply them in the Land of Ashes.”
Well, mystery solved.
Yes.
“So…do you know of a cure?”
“If I did, don’t you think I’d sell it in my shop? That would have given us a much different advantage in the war. We could have eradicated the Shamans before the fight. Then we would have just had to deal with Shadow.”
Her heart gave a somersault in disappointment. “You don’t even have a guess, maybe?”
“I can’t guess an antidote, honey.”
Danica stepped forward. “The Black Curse grows in the forest, a warm, humid place. I suspect its antidote must be in the opposite. A cool, dry place.”
“I don’t know where to find snow,” Cora said. “We haven’t had a winter in a long time.”
Mist Isle is a cool, dry place.
Cora turned to Ashe, realizing he was right. “That’s an idea…”
“What?” Danica said.
“Ashe said Mist Isle might be a suitable place.”
Danica gave a nod in agreement. “He’s right. Travel there and see what you find.”
“Thanks, Danica.” Her eyes lingered on her face longer than they should.
Danica’s stare did the same. “I hope your friend pulls through.”
She felt the pain in her heart that never truly faded. “Thank you.” She turned to Ashe. “Let’s go.”
FORTY-FOUR
Beyond the Veil
The waterfall provided a backdrop of music, a rainbow appearing in the mist at the bottom. The water rushed over the pebbled rocks and swept away down the stream. Sunlight struck his skin like a warm touch. Painless, he’d hadn’t felt this peaceful in a long time. There was no worry, no fear, just serenity.
But there was sadness. Flare?
Nothing.
He stared at the waterfall, knowing he wouldn’t hear the voice ever again. Flare, you there? He was aware of his loneliness, aware that he was just a single person now. His soul was half the size it used to be. His heart…nonexistent. Miss you, man.
He looked around, seeing a forest similar to Eden Star, but the world was a lot quieter than it used to be. He felt a sense of solitude, as if he was on a plane different from the one he’d left.
Without any real confirmation, he knew what had become of him.
He’d crossed the veil.
When he looked around, he was alone, alone in the wide world.
He thought of Cora, remembering the last time he saw her, about to be slaughtered by his father. As much as he wanted to see her again, he hoped he wouldn’t. He hoped that she would live a long life, find happiness, maybe marry someone…
It was impossible to feel panic or fear. It was just constant serenity, with twinges of sadness that came and went. He’d be in one place, and then suddenly, he was somewhere else, in another beautiful location that felt familiar even though he’d never seen it before. Sometimes he would fly, become part of the wind and sweep across the world.
Now, he found himself in a meadow with flowers, bees buzzing around the petals. When his hand felt his torso, he was as strong as he remembered, his body uninjured. He was brand-new.
“Rush Hawkehelm?”
He stilled when he heard the deep voice, unable to identify the person who spoke. It didn’t sound familiar. He wondered if he would find his father here, but he also wondered if he would be allowed into eternal peace after the destruction he’d caused. Despite his horrendous crimes, Rush hoped his father was at peace…even though he shouldn’t.
He stood up and turned around.
What he saw made his entire body clench like a fist.
Tiberius Riverglade, King of Eden Star, in his king’s uniform, medals pinned to his chest.
Rush expected to feel terror, to feel afraid, but his body was unable to produce those sensations in this place. It reminded him of those lazy mornings when he woke up naturally, when his mind slowly grew into consciousness. It was like that but all the time. “King Tiberius.” His body bent forward in a bow, the gesture instinctual.
King Tiberius stared before he drew closer, having the same posture as his brother. He looked a lot like Callon, except his eyes, eyes that were green like the leaves of the forest. Rush had stared into them endlessly in a different place, in a different time. When King Tiberius was directly in front of Rush, there was a subtle blue tint to his outline, a haze that streaked in the sunlight. “I know you’re weary. You betrayed your own blood. Your father has passed on, as has your sister when her dragon was forced to unfuse. You’ll never gain the favor of any society, despite all your sacrifices to rectify your misdeeds. This place is peaceful, easy, a lot better than the place you just left.”
Rush stared at the kingly face but couldn’t believe the words he heard. It was real, as real as everything else in that meadow, but it felt like a dream.
“You can still go back, Rush.”
“I don’t think I can…I’m too weak.”
“You’re too weak because you’ve forsaken your strength.”
“I accomplished what I set out to do. Flare can unfuse from me if he wishes to live.”
“You know he won’t do that, not if there’s any chance you might come back. I’m sure Cora told you that I was fused once, so I know the depth of a dragon’s loyalty.”
Rush looked ahead, admiring the beautiful world where he now found himself. “You’re right… I’m weary. Too weary.” He’d returned from the brink of death before, but death wasn’t an option then, not when Cora needed him, not when the world needed him. “I’m sorry for what I did to you. Know that I’ve regretted it every single day. I’m ashamed, too ashamed to go back.”
King Tiberius continued his piercing stare. “I forgive you, Rush Hawkehelm.”
Rush turned back to him, receiving mercy he didn’t deserve.
“My daughter carries the same grief as my brother. I don’t want that for her.”
His heart started to quicken, turned into a drum in his chest.
“Go back—for her.”
“So I can pretend to be her friend when I want to be her husband? So I can watch her marry some dignified elf who’s earned King Callon’s approval? So I can try to forget about her with women who mean nothing to me? That’s not a life I want. I’d rather pass on…as I deserve. I told her how I felt, so I have no regrets.”
King Tiberius stared at his face, no trace of animosity in that piercing stare. “I told Cora I don’t want to be the cause for your separation. If you’re the man she wants, she has my full support.”
“Really…?”
He nodded.
“I don’t think I deserve that.”
“I’ve never been one to hold grudges.”
“But I killed you…”
“That wasn’t you. You showed your true self later, when you took a killing blow and spared my brother. When you defied the king who was also your father, spat on his reign, and stood up for what was right. When you loved your dragon so deeply that you made every sacrifice to free his kin. That’s who you really are, Rush Hawkehelm. And I think that makes you worthy.”
Kinder words had never been spoken to him, had never meant more to him. “I appreciate that more than I can say… But Callon is the bigger problem. He despises me, and no amount of pleading on Cora’s part will sway his opinion. For as long as he disapproves of me, Cora will never be mine.”
“His opinion may change.”
“Probably not.” Rush felt the distant twinge of bitterness and pain, masked by his new existence. He felt no anger toward Callon, only respect, but it was hard not to feel resentful of the one thing standing in his way.
King Tiberius stepped closer then gripped him by the shoulder, staring at him head on, the King of Eden Star to the General of the Empire. “There’s only one way to know for certain, isn’t there?”
When he opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the pain.
A headache pounded behind his eyes. He felt empty, like all moisture had left his body. The hunger hit him head on, and not as a slight reminder, but a full-on push. His vision blurred for a moment before the world came into view.
Vines grew inside the window near his bed, white blossoms growing from them. Small birds were perched on the stems, singing a chorus of chirps. He realized he was in a bed, the sheets so soft it was like sleeping with flower petals. He turned his head and saw the small room, a kitchen and a dining table, and also, someone sitting there.
Rush felt his body strain as he propped himself up on a single elbow. He blinked a few times to gauge the identity of the visitor.
To his dismay, it wasn’t Cora.
It was Callon.
He sat upright in the chair, his hardened gaze focused out the window. It was a time of peace, but he still looked like he was on the battlefield. “Where’s…Cora?” Rush could barely get the words out, his throat was so hoarse. He pushed himself upright a little more, feeling all the agony in his muscles.
Callon stared at him for a solid three seconds, as if in disbelief at what he had witnessed. He finally got out of his chair and kneeled in front of Rush. “Take it easy.” He steadied him with a hand so he wouldn’t topple over onto the floor. “I’ll get Voronwe.”
“Where’s Cora?” There was only one thing he cared about.
“She left. The cure for the curse isn’t in Eden Star, so she and Ashe went to search for it elsewhere.”
Disappointment so heavy hit him hard, made him regret the decision he’d just made. “She…left?”
Callon’s eyes shifted back and forth, the consternation creasing his brow. “She didn’t want to watch you…pass away. It’s been weeks since the battle, and you were growing weaker with every passing day. She couldn’t bear it. I wish I could tell her you’re awake, but I have no way to communicate with her.”
“Why are you in here? Where am I?”
“Cora’s tree house. She asked me to look after you in her absence.”
Rush took a breath and felt his body start to tip over.
Callon steadied him. “Rest. I’ll get Voronwe. You need attention and sustenance.”
Rush lay back, his body in agony.
Callon departed the tree house in a hurry.
Rush lay there and felt the soul attached to his. Flare?
I’m here. The voice was weak, far away.
The sound of his voice brought a mist to his eyes.
I knew you’d come back.
FORTY-FIVE
The King’s Blessing
When they arrived at Mist Isle, it was vacant.
I missed my hatchlings.
At least they’ll be there when you return. She unfused from Ashe, seeing the beautiful island with its cool mist, the lush moss against tree trunks, the light color of the grass along the hillsides. The sight of the island almost brought her to tears, because she couldn’t stand in that glorious place without being haunted by the happiest memories she possessed.
Are you alright?
Yeah…I’m fine.
Take a moment if you need it.
She feared what she would find when she returned, the love of her life gone and buried. It’s easier to stay busy. She walked ahead and began her search. We should separate. When I came across the Black Curse, I could hear a whisper, feel its power. I imagine the same thing will happen if I come across its opposite.
Ashe opened his wings and took to the skies. I’ll bring what I find.
After several days of searching, she came across a beautiful flower that only grew against the cliffs. In a bundle of several against the stems, pristine white, its attachment to the cliff was so strong that the petals didn’t break in the breeze.
When her fingers caressed the petal, she felt inexplicable warmth radiate into her skin. She touched it again, and the calluses on her fingertips suddenly faded in an instant. Ashe, I think I found it.
