“Wow,” Hazel breathed.
“Ignore him.” Tejus addressed us. “I need to remove the boundary and then we’ll tie him to one of the horses. Ruby, will you ride with Ash?”
“Of course,” she agreed quietly. Her eyes hadn’t left the mad mass of sentry flesh that was Jenus of Hellswan.
“Release me! Release me so that I might show you how it is done, brother! Hellswan should have always been mine—it was promised to me!”
Tejus rolled his eyes as he removed the borders and then stepped inside to gather up the chains. Jenus lunged for him as soon as he did, but Tejus was prepared, sidestepping his attack so that his brother fell forward and landed with a smack on the ground. Jenus lay there for a while, laughing.
Tejus gathered up the chains and then hauled him back up.
“Will you control yourself?” he hissed at his brother. “You are no more mad here than you were at home.”
He dragged his brother over to Ruby’s horse, and I pulled her away.
“Keep out of his way,” I muttered. “He’s obviously volatile.”
“Yeah,” she agreed, watching Tejus tie him to the horse. Jenus now had his gaze fixed on Hazel, smiling as she stood with her arms folded, glaring at him.
“I don’t know why you’re so angry.” He smiled at her. “I let your brother live. He was nothing more than an amusing toy—a little puppet on strings…a little—”
“You do not get to mention my brother,” Hazel growled at him.
“Or you’ll do what?”
Tejus laughed out loud at his brother’s challenge, and started tethering Jenus’s horse to his own.
Jenus cried out in pain, collapsing forward on his bull-horse.
“STOP—please STOP!” he yelled, clutching at his head.
Tejus pulled on the reins of the bull-horse, and we started walking out of the forest. Jenus groaned, the pain of the syphoning carrying on.
“Brother,” he cried, “stop—I beg you!”
“It’s not Tejus, it’s me,” Hazel retorted, her pert nose wrinkling in satisfaction, “and this is payback.”
Jenus whimpered once more, and then fell silent. When we reached the edge of the forest, Tejus looked back at his brother, laughing.
“Hazel, enough now. If you carry on he won’t make it back—he’s weak enough as it is.”
“Okay,” she agreed, sighing.
A few moments later, Jenus started to stir. We were back riding through the cornfields now, not far from the storm cellar. Any pity I might have felt for Jenus was immediately erased. He had used all of them like playthings for his political gain, and as far as I was concerned, Jenus deserved everything that was coming his way.
Jenus started giggling again, and I let out a breath. Ruby rested her face against my back, turning it away from Jenus. I held her hands against my waist, idly rubbing my thumb against the smooth shells of her nails.
“Tejus, Tejus, what have you done?” Jenus laughed uproariously. Clearly he had lost all reason. If he had any sense he would keep his mouth well and truly shut. “Monster begat monster! How his lovely angel has fallen! My brother, the cancer that has corrupted beyond imagining…oh, how the mighty fall!”
“Ash, will you gag him?” Tejus muttered.
“Absolutely.”
Rose
I paced up and down the abandoned pub that we were using as our base. We were waiting for Mona to arrive with the other witches and GASP members. It would only take a few moments, but I still felt it was too long. I wanted to get back out there. I just couldn’t accept the fact that the portal wasn’t opening.
“They’re here,” Corrine announced, walking toward the door. Before she could reach it, Mona stepped inside, followed by the coven and Ashley and Landis, then Claudia and Yuri.
“I’m glad you found it,” Mona said, greeting Corrine and then glancing around at the rest of us. “We could have been out at sea for months.”
“But it’s shut,” I replied, unable to look on the bright side at that moment.
“I know,” Mona agreed, “but Rose, don’t lose hope. Portals are there for one reason only—to give access to the supernatural dimension. Which means that if one exists, there’s a way to get it open, no matter how hard it may seem.”
I nodded. She was right, I supposed. I was losing perspective on this, and I couldn’t afford to let my emotions get in the way. I had to stay clear-headed if we were going to have a chance at finding the kids.
“What do you suggest?” Corrine asked.
“Well, I need to see it first, but usually we would need someone on the other side of the portal willing to break it, which is obviously going to be tricky if we don’t know where it leads or what species of supernatural resides within it.”
“So we won’t have enough power from just our side to break it?” I asked.
“I can’t say that for sure, but it seems doubtful if Corrine has already tried with no results. However, if we can get enough power on this side of the portal to work against it, we may find a way to break through.”
I looked around at the ten witches gathered, not including Mona and Corrine. How much more power than this would we possibly need?
“Perhaps witches aren’t our only answer,” Corrine mused. “What about asking the jinn to help as well?”
“That could work,” Mona agreed.
“Let me call my mom,” I interjected.
“Good idea.”
I picked up the phone and walked outside the pub. It was starting to rain, a gray sleet that was turning the sea more violent by the second.
“Mom?” I called out over the noise of the crashing waves. “Can you hear me?”
“Rose! Did you find anything?” Her voice came clearly through the line.
“We found a portal in the sea. We think it leads to the kids, but we can’t open it—it’s locked, or something. I’ve got Corrine and Mona here, but they think we need the help of a few jinn. Could you speak to Nuriya or Aisha? Their powers might be of help.”
“Of course,” she said. “I’m so glad you found something at least. I’ll get some jinn over right away—where am I sending them?”
“The Fair Isle off mainland Scotland…which is not very fair,” I remarked, eyeing the run-down pub.
“Okay, I’ll message you when they’re on their way.”
“Any news on Sherus’s omen?” I asked before she hung up.
“Absolutely nothing. We’re keeping our eyes open, but there’s nothing so far. Your father is becoming agitated—he worries that we’re in the eye of the storm, but neither of us can find anything that indicates something’s wrong…though I suppose that probably means we’re missing something.”
“Okay, well… I’ll talk to you later.”
We hung up, and I made my way back inside. Claudia was arguing with Corinne about going to visit the portal before the jinn arrived, but Corinne wasn’t having any of it.
“There’s no point, Claudia. Better that we wait and then have a concentrated dose of power to try to break the portal. It will be no use if we tire ourselves before the jinn get here.”
Claudia stormed off toward the bathrooms, and I smiled weakly at Corrine, who rolled her eyes. This situation wasn’t exactly bringing out the best in us, and Claudia was fiery on a normal day. But I understood her frustration.
“You okay?” Caleb asked, coming to stand next to me.
“I spoke to Mom. She’s going to message me when the jinn are on their way. All we have to do is wait—”
A buzz emanated from my phone. Good, Mom worked fast. It was a message from her saying that Nuriya, Aisha and Horatio were coming. I sighed with relief and put the phone away.
“They’re coming,” I announced to everyone in the room. Turning back to Caleb, I rested my head on his shoulder. “I just want them home. I want to wake up in our house, and get the kids breakfast, and yell at Benedict to get started on his homework, and tell Hazel to put her e-reader down while she’s at th
e dinner table.”
Caleb pressed his lips to my forehead. “I know.”
“How can we help?” Nuriya’s voice interrupted my daydreaming. Looking over toward the bar, I saw that the jinn had arrived.
“Thank you for coming,” Mona said to the jinn. “We need your help opening a portal—we think it’s locked or stuck.”
“Where?” Aisha asked, hands on her hips while her amethyst-colored eyes gazed around the pub. Her curly jet-black hair was swept above her head in a severe bun—it was her signature hairstyle for missions and made her look like she meant business.
“Out there,” Corrine replied, pointing to the raging sea that could be seen from the windows.
Aisha’s face scrunched in a grimace on taking in the view, before she straightened and announced, “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”
Ruby
We approached a stone pavilion surrounded by forests on either side. The pavilion itself was crumbling and rotten—it had probably once been beautiful, but that had been a long time ago. Sentries milled about, all in their black cloaks and muttering and whispering among themselves. I squared my shoulders, wanting to face them with confidence.
The ride back to Hellswan with Jenus had been harrowing. Once we’d reached the gates, guards had come and removed him from our sight, probably to get him cleaned up before being presented to the rest of the royalty and the ministers. We’d had time to have baths, but before long we were back in the cold, hurtling through the air on vultures as I clung on to Ash’s waist for dear life.
I wondered if Jenus had arrived yet, and I quickly scanned the crowd to see if I could locate him, but at this distance it was difficult to distinguish one sentry from the other.
Tejus and Ash led the way, with Hazel and I following behind. I hadn’t really had a chance to talk to Ash, but I knew from the way he was marching ahead with Tejus, his back straight and his legs stiff, that he was probably on edge.
“Are you okay?” I asked Hazel quietly, before we reached the pavilion. She had been quiet on the ride back to the castle once she’d finished syphoning off Jenus, and then ridden on a vulture by herself, with Tejus controlling the bird with his mind.
“I’m okay… just trying not to be hungry,” she murmured. “At least there are plenty of ministers here I don’t like…”
I laughed out loud, and Tejus spun around.
“They’re not going to like you being here”—he glared at us both—“so try to conduct yourselves in an orderly manner.”
When he turned back around, Hazel rolled her eyes. It felt like we were naughty schoolchildren or something, being told off by our teacher.
“Don’t mind him,” Hazel whispered. “I think he’s taking this worse than I am…”
I eyed her speculatively. “You do seem to be managing okay…are you sure you’re not in denial or something?”
“I’m just trying not to think about it too much.”
Right.
I didn’t have the heart to tell her that was the very definition of denial. But before I could say another word, we’d reached the pavilion. Three ministers—seriously old ministers—were walking toward us, scowling.
“Explain this, Tejus!” one of them barked. “Humans!”
“Technically one human and a sentry,” Tejus corrected him.
“What?”
“Nothing,” he replied. “Minister, this trial is a kingship trial; the old rules should still apply. Kingship trials have always allowed spectators.”
“I’m well aware of the rules, Tejus! But this is preposterous. We do not allow humans at the Pavilion. This place is sacred.”
I took another look at the place.
Really?
“I really didn’t think it would be a problem,” Tejus continued smoothly. “Ash brought along his chosen human, as he was permitted to do so in the kingship trials. Why would this be any different?”
The old minister glared at him, and then his eyes roved over to Hazel.
“And her? Is she for Jenus?”
In a split second, Tejus was face to face with the minister, his jaw clenched tightly.
“No,” he bit out.
The minister stumbled back, and quickly righted himself.
“Very well. I’m sure there will be others willing to assist your brother.” He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. Tejus relaxed slightly, stepping back.
“What is going on?” a familiar voice trilled from the crowd of ministers, and I saw the distinct royal-blue robes of Queen Trina. My entire body flushed with rage, and it took all my effort to stay standing and not run over to her and try to gouge out her eyes.
The minister looked at Tejus and then back at Queen Trina.
“The matter is settled,” the minister mumbled. “Ash will have a human to syphon off, but only if Jenus is provided the same privilege.”
Queen Trina smiled her sickly smile, directed at Tejus. Before she opened her mouth, I knew what she was going to do.
“Well, of course,” she simpered, “I am a great supporter of those from royal bloodlines—I’d be happy to allow Jenus the privilege of syphoning off me.”
You’ve changed your tune.
It wasn’t long ago that Queen Trina had been a huge supporter of Ash, and firmly against Tejus. Clearly her plans, or more likely her plot, had changed.
“Though,” she continued, “I don’t know how fair that will be…Ash, your human looks a little pale. Have you not been getting out much?” She smiled at me for the benefit of the minster.
“I’m sure I’ll be fine, but thank you so much for your concern,” I replied without missing a beat. “I’m sure my youth and your extensive experience are equally matched.”
Queen Trina’s eyes flashed with rage as she held her placid smile in place. She didn’t reply, and I continued to grin at her. One day I would get my revenge on Queen Trina—perhaps not today, but that day would come.
Lithan hurried over, with Qentos behind him.
“Jenus of Hellswan is ready,” Lithan declared.
I looked over to the pavilion. In the center I saw Jenus, his hair cut, his beard gone and wearing fresh robes. His feet and hands were now unbound, and he walked slowly around the circumference of the pavilion, muttering to himself. He might have been clean-shaven, but he looked just as crazy as when I’d seen him last.
We made our way up the stone steps, and I took the opportunity to grab hold of Ash’s hand and squeeze it tightly. I wanted him to know that I supported him, that I believed he could do this. His fingers closed around mine briefly and then released me.
“Sentries, kings,” another of the ancient-looking ministers announced, “as Tejus has forfeited his crown, the Imperial trials will continue once a new Hellswan champion is chosen.”
The crowd didn’t make a sound. The only noise that could be heard was the scratching of some stray leaves scuttling along the stone ground.
“Each contender will be provided with a sword, and they will battle one another using the weapon only. Jenus will syphon-pair with Queen Trina Seraq, and Ashbik will syphon-pair with a human.”
“Ruby,” Ash interrupted.
“Yes, Ruby.” The minister glared at him, but then continued. “The battle is won when one of you surrenders or concedes. May the best sentry win.”
The ministers and the other royals stood back. Only one of the old ministers remained, handing swords to Ash and Jenus.
My heart leapt into my throat. I watched as Ash took the sword, thanking the minister with a small bow. When it came to Jenus, he snatched the sword from the minister and held it aloft, his hands and arms shaking in anticipation. He looked like a crazed, rabid beast, foam and spittle forming at the edge of his mouth as he prepared to take Ash down.
“Kitchen boy, see this sword?” he sneered. “It will be as close as you ever get to royalty when your blood wets its tip!”
Ash didn’t reply; he just watched Jenus, taking in the shaking arms, the
bulging eyes and the thin, malnourished frame.
You can do this, Ash.
I hoped he could hear me. I was waiting impatiently for him to syphon off me, trying to keep my mind as focused as possible for when he needed it. But I also knew from experience that Ash preferred to play the more strategic long game. He would wait till he really needed me before taking my energy.
The pair circled one another, moving slowly. I could hear both of their breaths—Ash’s even and controlled, Jenus’s rasping and excited. I looked over at Queen Trina. She was keeping the smug smile on her face, but leaning against one of the arches with perspiration lightly smattering her forehead. Jenus must be syphoning off her. I knew from experience just how painful that could be.
Good.
I hoped it hurt like hell.
Suddenly Jenus lunged, sword pointed toward Ash’s chest. I suppressed a cry as Ash dodged the blade and shifted into position behind Jenus to strike back. Jenus’s sword crashed against his, and both weapons clanged with a deafening screech of steel on steel. Jenus’s attacks were wild and unrestrained. He spun around madly, cloak flying and screaming bizarre obscenities. Ash was far more measured, each attack more calculated and aimed. In any other fight it would have benefited him, his aim almost always perfect. But this fight wasn’t like any other—against the animalistic rage of Jenus, Ash was starting to tire.
Please—please, Ash, take my energy!
I called to him mentally, pleading to have him use me. Queen Trina was fading. Her face had turned a pasty, wax-like color and I knew that now was Ash’s best chance of gaining the upper hand.
Ash! I cried, throwing out my energy.
Finally, he reciprocated and I could feel the tingling sensation of his syphon spreading across my mind. It made me feel warm and fuzzy for a while, until I could feel the more urgent tug of Ash consuming all that I had to offer. It was making me unsteady on my feet, but it was working.
Ash’s lunges were coming harder and faster. Jenus was starting to look panicked. A second later, Ash landed a blow on Jenus’s upper arm. Blood sprayed onto the stone floor and then started to soak his gown. I hoped the blow would make Jenus nervous, but it seemed to do the opposite. His attacks became even more ferocious, his spittle and blood flying about as he launched himself at Ash again and again. This time Ash was better prepared—he blocked the wild slashes of Jenus’s sword, gaining ground as he moved slowly toward him. Jenus threw his weight behind one final aim. When Ash blocked it, sliding Jenus’s sword off the blade of his own, Jenus fell backward onto the floor of the pavilion.