Fireborn Read online

  “Getting closer,” Kael shouted, not that there was any need. At the very start of their flight they’d followed the white Beam beneath Weshern, easily viewable through gaps in the red-tinted waters of the swirling Fount. They’d followed that beacon home, the darkened shape of Weshern steadily growing larger.

  “Just stay low and we’ll be fine,” Bree shouted back. “If we’re spotted, drop me and flee.”

  “Never happening.”

  Given how she hung beneath him, it was easy enough to elbow his ribs. He jerked on reflex, sending them sliding dozens of feet to the side.

  “What? I can swim.”

  Kael laughed and shook his head, nerves already gone. Bree turned her attention to their flight path. Before leaving the fiery barrier, they’d discussed their plan. In case people had been left at the island’s edge on watch, they’d stick as close to the waters as possible, letting its waves, combined with the reflection of the rippling fire above, disguise their travel. Once at Weshern, they’d pass beneath the island, weaving around the Fount and then up the southeastern side, where hopefully no guards would be stationed. Plus once there they’d only be a quick flight away from New Galen, and the relative safety of Johan’s hideout.

  The minutes crawled along. Crossing from one side of Weshern to the other was almost an hourlong flight, and going underneath made it no faster than above. They saw no sign of Center’s knights, which was a welcome relief. Much as she’d joked about it, Bree really had no desire to take a midnight swim.

  Once they were near the southwest corner of the island, Kael angled their flight upward. They’d be passing near Lowville, coming up over the edge and directly into New Galen. The rocky ground grew closer. Bree held her breath. They passed over the lip, suddenly flying over homes and green grass.

  No knights. No patrols. Bree breathed out in relief as Kael’s wings gently hummed.

  They kept dangerously low to the ground, and they traveled slow enough that Kael had to keep their bodies positioned halfway upright. Any higher and they risked being spotted from afar by a patrolling knight. Bree glanced about the quiet streets. New Galen looked like any other Weshern town, the houses having belonged to people forced to relocate to make way for the new inhabitants. With so little time having passed, few had had the chance to redecorate or remodel. If not for the many thin red flags and cloths flying from various posts, Bree wouldn’t have known they were in New Galen at all.

  Kael stopped before the tall hideout and shut off his wings. Bree quickly unbuckled herself and stepped free, groaning as she stretched her arms.

  “I hope we never, ever have to do that again,” she said, wincing as her back popped multiple times.

  “Me neither,” Kael said. “You’re not the lightest person to carry, you know.”

  “The straps did most of the work.”

  “I still did the rest.”

  Bree approached the door, but hesitated just before opening it. Was there a secret knock required, or maybe a password to alert guards that she and Kael were friendly? Before she could ask Kael, the door flung open. It wasn’t a guard or a lowly disciple. Instead, it was the last person Bree expected.

  “Kael?” asked Saul, a look of shock on his face. “Bree? You’re both alive!”

  Bree had no clue how to react, so she stood there dumbly. It wasn’t like she’d been close to Saul, but to see any familiar face, let alone someone she’d thought long dead, filled her with happiness. She moved to hug him, thought it inappropriate, and then was given no choice in the matter as Saul flung his arms around her.

  “I thought you were dead,” he said, quickly letting her go. He seemed embarrassed by his reaction.

  “I thought you were, too,” she said.

  “Looks like dying is something we’re all bad at,” Kael said, stepping past Bree to shake Saul’s hand. “So how’d you get here?”

  “Johan’s been taking in Seraphim refugees wherever he can find them,” Saul explained. “I’m on watch for anyone I recognize. Speaking of which, we need to get you inside before unfriendly eyes see you.” He pointed to Kael’s wings and shield. “There’s no room for those in here. Next door’s our armory. Stash them in there, and I’ll make sure someone polishes them up.”

  “All right,” Kael said. He approached the nearby building while Saul ushered Bree into the hideout. Inside was dark and poorly lit. A long hallway past many doors led to a set of stairs to the upper floors. Bree stood opposite Saul, her arms crossed. For reasons she couldn’t identify, she felt suddenly nervous.

  “So how’d you escape?” she asked, breaking the silence.

  “Pure luck, really,” Saul said. “I ran as fast as I could into the forest, with no real direction in mind. Center’s troops did their best to search, but the woods are too big. Once things calmed down, I figured out which way was south and began making my way out. I didn’t get far before one of Johan’s disciples spotted me in Warwick and guided me here.”

  “Were you alone?”

  Saul shook his head.

  “Alone? No, there’s others here. Not enough, though. Not near enough.”

  Their mood sobered, and Bree crossed her arms and looked to the floor.

  “Well, I’ll tell Johan you’re here,” Saul said, turning to leave.

  “Saul,” she said, stopping him. “I’m...I’m glad you’re alive.”

  It sounded like such a stupid thing to say upon hearing it exit her lips, but thankfully Saul accepted it for the sentiment it represented.

  “You too, Bree,” he said. “Maybe when things calm down we can get another training session in with our swords. I have a lot of bruises to repay, after all.”

  Despite her exhaustion and stress, Bree flashed a smile.

  “Sure,” she said.

  Saul vanished down the hall. Bree heard the door open behind her and turned. Kael stepped inside, now without his harness.

  “Where’s Saul?” he asked.

  Before she could answer his eyes widened, and Bree turned about to find Johan approaching, his scarred face covered ear to ear with a grin.

  “Never in my wildest dreams did I think to see either of you again,” he said. “Please, be welcome in my home. Forgive me for being in a hurry, but follow me. We have much to discuss.”

  They passed the stairs, then entered a room Bree guessed to be Johan’s. At least it seemed that way, though it lacked any signs of life. Even the solitary bed looked mostly unused. Johan shut the door behind them, then rubbed his hands, barely able to contain his excitement.

  “We’ve steadily gathered surviving Seraphim from the attack on the Aquila Forest and hidden them in safe havens within New Galen,” he said. “Plus many that had been hesitant to join Argus’s resistance have come searching for us, pushed into action after hearing of the deaths of so many. Not the reaction Marius was hoping for, I’m certain. I’ve also been in contact with a man you might know, Varl Cutter. We’ve begun coordinating movements and supplies between my men and his ground forces stationed throughout the island. As of this moment, both Weshern’s resistance, and my own movement, have unified in our fight against the Speaker’s tyranny.”

  Bree wondered what such a cooperation meant. Johan’s disciples sought far more disruptive changes than Argus and Rebecca’s original list of demands. Working with them felt like another escalation in a conflict rapidly approaching complete and total warfare. But did they have any other choice? Without Johan’s help, their resistance might have already disbanded.

  “What of Clara?” Kael asked. “Did she make it out of the cathedral all right?”

  “She’s safely back at her family’s mansion,” Johan said. “I’m sure she’ll be suspected, but I believe without further proof no move will be made against her.” Johan stared right at Kael. “Though I’d caution against further contact with the Archon’s daughter from now on. The eyes of Center will certainly be watching her more closely.”

  Kael was clearly unhappy but accepted Johan’s wisdom. Bree
leaned against the wall in the corner, resting her head against it as she closed her eyes and asked a question whose answer she feared.

  “Do you have a list of the dead?”

  “Nothing complete, but as survivors arrive we’re writing down the names of those whose deaths they witnessed. I can bring the list to you, if you’d like. I’ll also have Corm, one of my disciples, come speak with you later so you might add your own names to the list.”

  Bree nodded, wishing she could hide the hurt creeping into her neck and chest. There was only one name she could add to that list. Though she couldn’t guess as to what happened to Rebecca Waller or Argus Summers, both of whom had been alive when she fled, she did know for certain Brad’s fate.

  “We need to retaliate,” Kael said as he sat down on the bed. “We can’t let Center have such a huge victory and then go unpunished.”

  “That’s actually why I’m thrilled you arrived when you did,” Johan said. “Marius has prepared a public execution for several people they captured during the attack at the Aquila Forest.”

  “Who?” Bree asked, feeling every muscle in her body tighten.

  “We’re mostly relying on rumors,” Johan said, turning toward her. “But one name we do know for certain, because Marius made sure everyone heard: Argus Summers.”

  Bree was glad to hear Argus had survived his injuries, but her relief was temporary.

  “We have to free them,” she said. “If Argus dies, we’ll lose what little support our resistance has left.”

  “Of course we’re to free them,” Johan said. “At every turn we must challenge Center’s control. The eyes of Weshern will be on this execution. We’ve already given Marius a black eye with our attack on the Crystal Cathedral. Bloody his nose with a second humiliation, and even the common folk might believe we stand a chance at victory.” Johan gestured to them both. “If you’re able, I’d like you to join tomorrow’s attempt.”

  “You couldn’t make me stay if you tried,” Kael said. “Bree?”

  “He’s killed enough of my friends,” she said. “I won’t let him kill even more.”

  “Excellent,” Johan said, clapping his hands. “If the people witness the Phoenix battling against Center’s troops, the ramifications will be enormous. Assuming you don’t die in battle, of course.”

  “I’ll do my best,” Bree said, and she smiled bitterly.

  CHAPTER

  21

  Sleep was stubborn in coming, helped little by Bree’s snoring on the bed above him, which he’d forfeited to her given all the trials she’d endured. Kael lay on the floor, a thick pile of blankets beneath him, but no rearrangement made them comfortable enough for him to slip into dreams. The sounds of laughter flitted in and out, coupled with visions of burning skin and obsidian eyes. Amid it all, the strange door beneath the Crystal Cathedral kept reappearing in Kael’s mind, as if calling out to him. Sighing, he wrapped one of the thinner blankets around his shoulders, exited the room, and climbed the stairs. Being cooped up in Johan’s little headquarters for any amount of time did not agree with him. Fresh air sounded wonderful. The stairs ended at a short ladder leading to the roof, the top blocked by a thick wood hatch. Kael pushed it aside and climbed up. He’d expected to be alone, but to his surprise Johan stood at the rooftop’s northern edge, gazing up at the midnight fire. His hood was down, revealing his bald, scarred head.

  “Difficult time sleeping?” Johan asked as Kael closed the hatch. His voice sounded slurred, as if he’d been drinking.

  “Pretty much,” Kael said, hesitantly joining the man’s side. So far Johan had not spared more than a glance his way, so intently did he stare at the sky. His eyes were unfocused, too, the pupils wide and black. Combined with the pale skin and scars, it only made Kael’s unease worse. He kept silent, and he refused to watch the midnight fire. Now that he knew what it was, or at least what was partially responsible, it gave him shivers to think on it. How many of those creatures might be crawling above them, clinging to the mysterious protective dome? Did they peer down at him, laughing through the consuming shadow?

  “Can you not sleep, either?” Kael asked, shaking himself free of such thoughts.

  “I tend to avoid the daylight,” Johan said, his slurring suddenly gone. “Too many eyes. I cannot risk being handed over to Center, not when we’re so close to succeeding. The night has become my freedom.” He gestured to the sky. “The ripples worsen. A sign of coming changes.”

  “I’ve never been one to put much faith into such readings,” Kael said. Sometimes older men and women claimed they could divine the future from the way the midnight fire burned, and would point out patterns and symbols. Kael wondered how they’d react if they learned their divine portents were nothing more than laughing demons of flame.

  “And you’re probably wise to have done so,” Johan said, and he smiled sideways. “You seem on edge, my young Skyborn. Are you nervous about tomorrow?”

  Kael shrugged.

  “I am,” he said. “But that’s not it.”

  “Then what bothers you? We’re alone beneath the burning sky. Share, and I promise I will take your secret to my grave.”

  Kael breathed in deep and then slowly let it out. He needed to talk about what he’d seen with someone, anyone, and Johan had once been a member of the theotechs. Perhaps, just perhaps, he’d actually believe Kael’s outrageous story.

  “Johan...is it safe to say the theotechs have been lying to us?” he asked, deciding to ease into the subject. “About a lot of the things we believe?”

  “Kael, I’d wager they’ve been lying to you since the day you were born. If you’d like to discuss the falsehoods of the theotechs, you must narrow down the subject.”

  Kael drummed his fingers against his leg as he stared out at the quiet, cramped homes of New Galen bathed in the red light of demon fire.

  “The stories we’ve heard of the Ascension,” Kael said. “About how mankind was besieged by demons, fireborn and iceborn and the like...”

  “Evil creatures serving the shadow that swallowed the world, desiring nothing but destruction and ruin,” Johan said. “I am well aware of the tale, and of the beautiful, flawless angels who grabbed the holy islands in their hands and lifted them to the sky as God washed away the foul creatures in a terrible flood.” The man chuckled. “It paints quite a picture, doesn’t it?”

  “So you don’t believe it?”

  Johan raised an eyebrow as he glanced sidelong at him.

  “Did I say that?” he asked.

  Kael shook his head.

  “No, sir.”

  Johan put a hand on Kael’s shoulder and squeezed once.

  “There is truth buried in those stories, now twisted and changed over the years to fit the theotechs’ agendas. Or perhaps I give the theotechs too little credit. Perhaps they tell the stories humanity is capable of hearing. The truth is a hard edge, and not all can endure its cut. Some need it blunted with fantasy and fable.” Johan removed his hand. “But I have a feeling your troubles are not born of a few bedtime stories. Tell me what really bothers you, Kael Skyborn. I will hear it with open ears and an open mind.”

  “Are you so certain of that?” Kael asked. “I’m worried you’ll think I’m insane.”

  Johan smiled.

  “I earned my scars by challenging wisdom long accepted by my brethren. I will not condemn you for believing what others may deem strange or wrong. Now what troubles you so greatly that you’re up here on a rooftop in the middle of the night?”

  He didn’t have to answer. Kael knew he could leave now, return to his room, and toss and turn the night away. But there was a chance Johan would believe him. That tiny chance someone might tell him he hadn’t lost his mind.

  “When I rescued Bree from the Crystal Cathedral, I...saw something,” Kael said. “In a room where they’d been torturing my sister. It was a furnace on wheels with nothing connected. Just the furnace, all by itself. And inside...” Kael looked to the fire burning across the sky.
Imagined it listening. Laughing.

  “Inside was a living creature made of fire and coal,” he finished.

  He glanced at Johan, dying to see his reaction. Only there wasn’t one. Johan stared at him, silent, his face a perfect mask, his eyes windows into nothing. Waiting for him to continue.

  “Bree saw it, too,” Kael said, convinced Johan didn’t believe him. “It had eyes, a tail, and these thin, long claws. It wasn’t some beast, either, Johan. It laughed at me. It looked right at me with these black eyes and laughed. And that wasn’t the only time I saw it, either. When we fled the island, we flew miles and miles to the east. We reached a clear wall of some sort. I could touch it, and feel it, but we could see right through. And then the midnight fire came. It was spread by those creatures, Johan. We’re in a cage, and that fire above us, I think it’s swarming with them. Watching us. Mocking us.” Kael shivered. “Waiting to get inside.”

  The excruciating silence dragged on. Kael wished he could read the strange man’s mind. Was he thinking of a way to dismiss him without hurting his feelings? Perhaps debating a more rational explanation for what he witnessed? Kael looked away, pretending he’d said nothing as he tapped his hands against his sides and waited.

  “There were...whispers,” Johan said after clearing his throat. “Rumors of things we might one day witness for ourselves as we ascended the ranks of the theotechs. When I began asking my questions, I lost my chance of climbing higher up the chain, but those whispers still reached my ears. Fanciful stories, Kael, ones I easily dismissed as nothing more than the imaginations of the youthful members wishing for extravagant explanations for the source of the prisms and the power for the Founts. Fanciful stories that perhaps I should not have dismissed so easily as I did.”

  Kael shivered. He felt like he stood at the edge of a cave, and Johan was about to give him one final push into the light. Johan turned from the rooftop’s edge and leaned closer, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper.