Page 161 of A Crown Without Mercy

Just as they morphed out of sight, branched lightning lit the acheronian morning sky, whose light was concealed behind the rolling, black storm clouds, and the undulating mass looked fit to fall upon them.

“What the hell is happening?” Klyn questioned.

“It has to be Sylvana,” Riordan replied, as he leapt into the air. Except Lucinda, the others followed. When they passed through the mass, it felt as though they had transcended through the cold breath of winter, and their bodies were covered in a thin layer of crystalline flakes.

“Fucking hell,” Nicolai snapped, as landed on the ground.

“Give her a moment,” Marius replied calmly. “We cannot fight the unseen.”

A splintering sound fractured the air all around them and bolts of iridescent-blue radiated outward, along with an ear-piercing screech. They all leapt back when a crystalline-blue dragon appeared overhead. A layer of hoarfrost covered its skin, and her pointed wings were as jagged as the ice that lay along a frozen shoreline. With each beat of her wings, a cold breeze blew, and a gentle snow swirled around their bodies as they stood in disbelief.

“Never in my life did I expect to see such a sight,” Rhazien stated.

“Where the fuck is Sylvana?” Nicolai asked.

“Is she the dragon?” Kieran questioned.

“I have no answers,” Riordan replied. He then turned to Klyn. “Get a legion of warriors to the veil and be ready for anything.”

“Milord, I would like to accompany Klyn in case Sylvana shows,” Kadric requested.

Riordan nodded. “Go.”

The dragon drew back its glacier-blue lips, revealing a triple row of jagged, iridescent skeens that gleamed like ice cycles hanging from an eave in the early morning sun. It looked down into the forest, opened its mouth, and exhaled a wave of ice, not flame.

Another creature suddenly burst from the tree line. It had the head of an eagle as white as newly fallen snow and a curved, yellow beak. Two white tuffs of feathers created its ears, while the feathers faded down its neck until its tawny fur took over where its lion like lower body appeared. Its hind legs and outstretched wings were a deep, umber brown. It let out a death defying screech, stretched its yellow, eagle like talons forward and attacked the dragon.

“Have we all gone mad?” Kundar asked.

“Holy shit,” Tobias stated.

“It’s not possible? Maybe it’s another Faye ruse being used as a distraction?” Astaroth suggested.

“It’s Vispera, and the Griffin is real,” Lucinda replied.

They stood briefly, feeling powerless as the creatures clashed above the forest canopy in an explosion of fury and aggression.

Riordan turned to Lucinda. “In our absence, it would only be fitting for you to step in.”

She wrapped her arms tightly around Riordan. “I will do what is needed. Just bring my daughter back.”

“If she is there, I give you my word.” He pulled away and looked at Astaroth. “Remain

here, and protect Lucinda. See that the gates are closed and the grounds and outlining areas are manned. Tobias, take you men and get to veil.” Riordan then placed his hand on Marius’s shoulder. “Grandfather, are you up for another battle?” Marius returned the gesture. “Riordan, I have dreamt of this day for what feels like eons.”

Riordan then addressed the legion of warriors who had gathered around. “Attack!”

Except for Lucinda and Astaroth, Riordan, his brothers, and their warriors headed for the Griffin. Just as they surrounded it, its claws slid along the dragon’s chest and stomach, and shards of icy scales rained down. The dragon dipped, and then dove straight up, and as it hovered above the Griffin, it let out an explosive wave of ice. The warriors made an evasive move, the Griffin rolled to side, and the dragon’s breath caught the tip of one of one wing, freezing the feathers. The Griffin then expanded its wings, tucked them against her body and, with an explosive burst of power, flew toward the veil, and the dragon gave chase.

“Follow them!” Riordan called out.

Chapter 23

Tobiasandhiswarriorsavoided the mayhem between the Faye and Lycans in the surrounding areas near the veil.“It sounds as if they have turned on each other?”Rhazien stated telepathically.

“They are accusing each other of the loss,”Tobias replied.

“Excellent,”Mordeci stated.

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