“Then it’s best to be prepared for anything,” Gregory looked at Brita. “Where to now? What path does your Tell sense.”
Brita took several steps in the direction the group had originally been heading. “We must continue on.”
“I agree,” Juna said.
A smile tugged at the corner of Siban’s lips. Even during these dire times Juna made sure she had her say. Though he didn’t know exactly how old she was, Siban was certain that Brita had nearly a thousand years on Juna. Being part of the Trilation may give Juna increased powers, but he doubted her Tell abilities were as finely honed as Brita’s. Plus Brita had seen two violent wars and survived. Siban thought that experience, not pride, was the best teacher.
Gregory claimed his post at the front of the line and strode forward, leading them to an unknown fate, and possibly, Siban ruminated, the same nightmare Rell had freed him from a year ago. He wiped his sweating palms on his pants, repositioned his sword and took his place beside her. What had started out as an attempt to rescue the Bringers had now turned into a quest to save two worlds.
…
Sha-hera circled the treetops and glided downward to perch on a low branch overhanging the trail. The quiet jingle of an approaching rider tinkled through the night air. She waited until the donkey was twenty yards away and then spread her wings and floated to the ground to land in front of the animal.
The donkey reared at the presence of the predator, but Fatima retained control, quieting the animal with soothing words and magic. Once calmed, she slid from the animal’s back. “Sha-hera, you startled me.”
“Yes, I’m sure I did.”
“What is it?” The Splinter gripped the reins and took a few steps toward her. “Does Vile have a message for me?”
“Why else would I be here?” Sha-hera lied. She sauntered toward Fatima, closing the distance between them. Though the donkey shied away, Fatima stood her ground. Not many were brave enough to travel these roads at night, but the Splinters had their own magical protection. “He has another task for you, but you are to report only to me.”
The Splinter laid her hand against the animal’s neck and it instantly grew quiet.
“What are his orders?”
From Fatima’s tone, Sha-hera could tell that the woman was not happy about the prospect of doing more of Vile’s bidding. “You are to gather the Splinters from your clan and travel north to the Frost Lands.”
“The Frost Lands? But that’s nearly three weeks ride with our wagons.” She lifted her chin a fraction of an inch. “For what purpose?”
“You should ask fewer questions and concentrate on the task at hand.” Fatima was becoming far too inquisitive. Sha-hera contemplated her response. She needed the woman to believe the orders came from Vile, but didn’t want to reveal too much of her plan. “My army and I are under orders to transport several items for Vile. He wants you and your clan to smooth the way for our arrival.” She paced around Fatima and the donkey. “Keep the residents of Pillager’s Peak occupied until we’ve accomplished our goal.”
Though her explanation was true, the Splinters’ presence had nothing to do with moving the Bringers. Sha-hera needed the clans’ magic if indeed the Abyss rested within the Threshold. This could be her one chance to open the prison and she would not suffer a lost opportunity.
“But what about my daughter?” Fatima turned, never giving Sha-hera her back. “She is too young to make such a journey.”
Sha-hera stopped in front of her. “I care not what you do with your offspring. My only concern is subduing the town so they will not notice our presence. It would be unfortunate if they were to stumble upon Vile’s precious cargo.” She reached out and let one of Fatima’s coppery locks slide along her talon. “Are we understood?”
Several seconds passed before Fatima replied. “Yes, Sha-hera, we understand each other perfectly.”
Something other than compliance laced the woman’s acquiescence. As long as Fatima gathered the other Splinters, Sha-hera didn’t care if she railed against her when she was out of earshot. Results were her only concern. The curl slipped from her talon and Sha-hera lowered her hand.
“Send four of your clan members to other Splinter clans in the area. They are to do as I have instructed, subduing the smaller villages surround Itta, Alba, and Faela. In turn, they should send messengers to the southern clans, instructing them to do the same. I want Splinters in every small village in the land.”
“You mean to control the outlying areas?”
“No, my sweet.” She gave Fatima her sweetest smile. “You are to control these villages.”
“And what are we to do with the people once we accomplish this?”
She could see the Splinter trying to work out the logic of what Sha-hera was asking, perhaps even plotting how best to use the situation to her benefit. “What you do best. Bleed them of money, lure them under your spell, steal, lie, whatever it takes to subdue them.”
Fatima stiffened, her jaw clenching and unclenching. She took a shallow breath. “Is there anything else?”
“No.” Sha-hera shook her head. “That should be enough—for now. I shall give you further instructions once you reach Pillager’s Point.”
Not saying anything further, Fatima turned and remounted the donkey. With a light tap to its hindquarters, she urged the animal forward. Not looking back, Fatima continued on her previous course, spine straight and head held high.
Sha-hera watched the Splinter until the darkness swallowed her, only the tinkle of bells could still be heard. With that task out of the way, she could now concentrate on transporting the Bringers to the Threshold. For her army the journey would be arduous. Flying would be a more desirable option, but stealth was of the utmost importance and that meant moving the Bringers through the tunnels. Some of the passages had not been traveled in centuries and may very well have collapsed, but Vile’s plan would not be waylaid—and neither would hers.
Sha-hera turned, preparing to take flight and froze. Icarus stood in the center of the trail, his yellow gaze peering at her through the dark. “So the banished son has taken to skulking in the woods?”
“I might ask you the same thing?” His deep voice caressed her. “What are you doing out here talking with a Splinter.”
“My activities are none of your concern.” Her body remained tense, expecting him to attack. “What do you want, Icarus? Are we to fight?”
“What business does Vile have in the Frost Lands?” He glided forward.
Sha-hera flared her wings, taking several steps backward. “Why don’t you ask your friend, Rell?”
He stopped. “What about Rell?”
“I assume you’ve seen her.” When he didn’t answer, she continued. “I can tell by your silence you have. She’s quite beautiful as a human, don’t you think?” To have Icarus foil her carefully laid plan was not a risk Sha-hera was willing to take. Sending him on a wild chase would accomplish two things, keep him occupied and possibly get him sent to the Abyss if Vile caught him back in the Shadow World. What a victory. To command him as well as the entire army imprisoned inside the Abyss sent a rush of joy through Sha-hera. “As we speak, she and her friends are attempting to find the Bringers Vile has taken prisoner.”
His gaze constricted, the slanted pupils of his eyes dilating. “Where?”
“The Shadow World. I’m certain Rell found many secret passages in and out of the tunnels while she was Bane.” She paused. “Unfortunately for them, Vile also knows this.” She crouched preparing to launch herself into the sky. “I’m feeling very generous tonight Icarus, so I’ll give you one last gift.”
His lip curled, exposing a white fang. “And what is that?”
“Ask Vile about who you really are.” She smiled when his expression softened to surprise. “I think it’s time you know.”