Page 27 of A Kiss of Hammer and Flame

Terryl studied her. ‘I was not aware.’

She sipped her water and shrugged. ‘Why would you be?’

He was silent for a moment. ‘You said that you knew little of the capital and its prophecy. Would you like to learn more?’

Cahra nodded, grateful for the reprieve. Terryl really did have a knack with people.

The Wilds were still as Terryl began, the hush comforting despite the darkness. ‘Hael’stromia,’ he started, his voice barely above a whisper in the quiet, ‘isn’t simply the city at the centre of the kingdoms of Kolyath, Luminaux and Ozumbre. Four hundred years ago, our realm’s capital housed great Oracles blessed with the magick of foresight and the ability to thwart any faction who endangered peace across the lands with their ultimate weapon. When Hael’stromia fell and the Seers, blamed for its loss, were run from the capital, such divination was forbidden in the kingdom of Kolyath, with Ozumbre joining them in solidarity. But before the Seers disappeared, they beheld a vision: the realm’s prophecy, as related to its chief weapon.’ He paused in his story. ‘You really do not know of the three omens?’

‘No,’ Cahra said. ‘I’m not high-born enough to know much of this.’

The lord’s face darkened. ‘Another example of Atriposte strong-arming power by withholding information.’

Cahra wasn’t surprised at Terryl’s disdain. After all, he did come from a rival kingdom. ‘Is the King of Luminaux any different?’

The sour expression left his face, blue goldstone eyes shimmering. ‘You will find that there is much that is different, indeed.’ He continued, ‘Unfortunately, one topic all three sister kingdoms agree on is the war to control Hael’stromia. Kolyath and Ozumbre desire it, and do not wish Luminaux to have it. It has been this way for centuries.’

She mulled over Terryl’s words, her thoughts churning. She’d never experienced war, outside of Kolyath’s harsh austerity. The closest she could imagine was the Red Square in the aftermath of the kingdom’s torture or executions, the cobbles stained blood-red.

She traced a pattern on the log she was sitting on and said, ‘But Hael’stromia has been abandoned for ages. If the capital is in such a woeful state, then why does every kingdom want it?’

‘They covet Hael’stromia’s fabled ultimate weapon.’

‘I’m aware,’ Cahra muttered. It was the only thing Kolyath’s Steward cared about.

‘Well, once in control of the weapon, a kingdom could lay claim to the empire’s old seat of power and rule over the other kingdoms, their lands and resources,’ Terryl explained. ‘Of course, to do so, their possession of the weapon is required. That is where the prophecy and its three omens come in:

‘For when the Seers reappear,

When the Key has been bestowed,

When the mark walks the path to enter the Nether inlife,

Then shall Hael rise again.’

‘That’s the prophecy? Well, that’s vague,’ Cahra said flatly.

‘Perhaps. The first line, the first omen, is what Jarett seized upon.’

‘You said the first line after I found you,’ she remembered.

Terryl nodded. ‘I know it all by heart.’

‘But why?’ She frowned.

He rubbed his temples, saying, ‘This morning, you told me that there were things that I did not know about you. I have revealed the same.’ He studied her. ‘Have I your trust?’

Cahra deliberated. Her instincts told her yes, but she’d been thrust into the unknown. ‘It’s not that I don’t trust you. I’ve just known you for such a short time, by my standards. This morning, I was excited for you to collect your sword. Since then, I’ve fled my kingdom, I currently have no idea where I am, and my future is in the hands of a foreign lord and his, what, private army? And I have no idea what’ll happen to me once we reach Luminaux…’ She broke off, her voice quavering on the last point.

Terryl was aghast. He’d clearly not realised any of what she’d been thinking. ‘Cahra, you aresafe. I know that may seem hard to comprehend, given what we have been through, but you have my word. No harm will come to you, not from myself or anyone in Luminaux.’

‘You swear it?’ She couldn’t stand how fearful she sounded.

His eyes grew wide. ‘On my honour! I believe you when you say that none of what has befallen you and I was intentional. As does Raiden,’ Terryl said, before she could argue. ‘If my longsword truly does herald the first omen, then you are the catalyst for the prophecy’s first development in centuries. Surely, you know what that means?’ His expression softened. ‘My kingdom will be delighted to host you.’

She breathed out, feeling the tension in her neck and shoulders ease. ‘If you say so.’

‘Oh, I do.’ His voice brimmed with playful assurance. ‘In fact, I believe there is much that you might like in Luminaux.’

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