Page 114 of A Blightress of Wrath
Lanna’svoice rang through the streets calling for help, andIwatched my mother speak toClairanniabefore she suspended the sun and opened a portal.
Assoon asClairanniawas gone, my mother faltered, only slightly and possibly not enough for anyone else to notice, butIdid.
Ifisted my hands at my side, useless in this battle for whichIhad no training and would be more collateral than warrior.
Instead,Ifollowed closely behind my mother, watching for any sign that she might fall as she lifted her simulated sun even higher on the horizon, a mirror to the rising sun to the east.
Weneared the castle doors, catching the shouts forIlyennato come hold the castle stone, her lapis magic able to repair the structure from further destruction.
Atall man approached my mother, glinting in silver armor at his shoulders with a woman at his side who also glowed in flaming red curls, shaved on one side.
Hishandsome face broke into a grin, and he swept his arm across the dark skin of his brow.Butit was not his golden eyes that beamed with joy upon seeing my mother which made me gasp—it was his hands, no more than brilliant orange flame shaped into long elegant fingers.Hisarms encircled my mother, bringing her into a shaking embrace.Hemurmured something in her ear, guiding her slowly to the ground.Herenormous raging sun above the castle dissipated in a flash along with the emerald shield over the city.Ireached her side just as the man who must be theHandlessKing, lowered her unconscious body to the ashes.
“Mother!”Icried, taking her hand.
“She’salright,” theKingmurmured, a sorrowful smile on his lips. “She’llcome to in just a minute.”
Inodded, relying on the people who knew her power to help me understand.
Thewoman with red curls and freckles stared down at me in disbelief. “She’sthe spitting image of him.”
Hemurmured his agreement and huffed a laugh. “It’sgood to meet you again,Saelyn.”Heheld out his swirling flame of a hand for me to take. “Iam your uncle,KingPhiliusofHyrithia.”
Itook his hand, awed with how his flame did not burn my skin but held a warmth that felt something like comfort.
“Theshield,”Isaid. “Weneed to replace the shield.TheBlightresscame last night to theSpireand my mother’s power was the only thing that stopped her.”
Iswallowed the lie, remembering the deep rumble of theBlightress’slaugh asIhad reforged time to change the ending to what would have been a massacre.
“Renn.”TheKingdidn’t even turn to the woman before she was up, calling out to theWieldwryns.
Adozen lights rose from the hands of the powerful channelers and conduits around us, forming into a dome of colorful magic rolling over the city.
“Howlong until she—”Istarted.
“Saelyn?” my mother’s voice called to me.Iheaved a breath of relief, helping her sit up.
TheKingpatted her shoulder and said, “It’sclear.We’vetaken backHyrithiathanks to you,Baron.”
Shenodded, accepting his glowing hand to help her stand.
“Areyou sure you’re alright?”Iasked.
“Yes.Thatspell affects me like this every timeI’veused it.Let’sget to the castle and rest a moment.”
Ismiled quickly, taking in a deep breath and telling myselfIcould be useful here in some capacity and get theBaroninto the throne room.
Shedidn’t let go of my hand as we entered through the doors, theKingahead, letting out a long whistle at the destruction of his home.
“FuckingBlight,” he cursed under his breath, tracing the black remnants across the stone walls with his glowing fingers.
Heled us toward the throne room, andIwanted so badly to ask how he had lost his hands but kept quiet, instead observing the reactions around me.Cheersand laughter rumbled lightheartedly through the room.
Ilyennasummoned her power in the corner, reshaping the stone walls and glass dome above into one that could hold its structure.Thefloor was covered in soot over an intricate pattern of tiles.
Iscanned the room forThevin, eyeing first the few soldiers on the floor healing from their wounds by the medicusWieldwryns.Clairanniawas among them giving orders, andIsighed in relief, confirmingThevinwas not one of the wounded.
Theredhead rushed to theKing. “Nocasualties, noWieldwrynstaken.Thehalls are clear andHyrithiais ours.”
