Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6) (21 page)

“Ceased?” She grabbed onto Gabriel’s arm. “Tell me true, Brother. Did you end Munenori? Is that why you are in the Iga village?”

“I came to Iga because you were here, Naga. And, no. I played no part in your Senpai’s punishment.”

Silent tears trickled down her cheeks. “Punishment? So he
has
been ceased.”

“Mourn not, little one. The edict was handed down years ago now.”

She furrowed her brow. “What? But I visited with Munenori… only just yesterday. How was he
ceased
, yet remains?”

“His
gift
was ceased—the magical blood of the Shinobi. Munenori’s lineage is now lost. When the gifted ones of this village pass… there will be no more. Already the people are aware. Not a single Shinobi child has been born with magical talent for many years now.”

Jenevier only shook her head in silence, trying hard to process the horrible news.

“Did you not think it odd that Lala was the only new one to be revealed at the Kougai?”

“…No,” she whispered. “I had never been to a Kougai before, so I didn’t… I just didn’t realize…” She paused.

“Cherish the Shinobi you have, Empress. There will be no more.”

Bitter tears trickled down her face. “I… I killed the Shinobi.” Her voice cracked. “In my selfishness, my lust… I destroyed one of the most precious things on this layer. My husband’s people… my friends… my family… the noble Iga race. How? How am I to live with this guilt, Brother? How am I to walk out there and face the most honorable people I have ever known… knowing that
I
—the one tasked with ruling them, protecting them, loving them—have utterly destroyed them?”

Gabriel didn’t answer.

“It isn’t right that only Munenori was held accountable, Gabriel. I, too, was a guilty party in that forbidden union. Why was only
he
punished, while I was spared?”

“Yes, ‘tis true. You are guilty as well. Whether your sentence has already been carried out, or will be in the future, I cannot say.” He softly touched her cheek. “You have known little peace, baby sis. Perhaps you have already paid for your sin. And… perhaps your trial is yet to come. And perhaps…” He paused and bit his lip.

“Perhaps what, Gabriel? Tell me.”

He gently placed his hand on her belly. “Naga, you have known Finnean and Yui as well. Have you not? Perhaps…”

Jenevier slowly glanced down at her tummy, before covering his large hand with her trembling one. When her gaze once again met his, she could not make out his fair features through the water pooling up in her eyes.

“…My womb,” she barely whispered. “My lineage was ceased as well. What have I done? How horrible am I, Brother? What kind of mother… what kind of wife—”

“Shhh, now.” Gabriel pulled her against his chest, stroking her curls. “We don’t know that for sure, Naga. Father has not and will not say. He knows that we love you too much. If you are to be punished, Father will see to you Himself. Not me or one of your brothers.” He tenderly kissed her ear and then whispered there, “He knows we would be too lenient with you.”

“Not Uriel,” she mumbled into his soft tunic. “That Arch… he would torture me and laugh while he was doing it.”

Gabriel chuckled softly. “Not true, little one. Were you not told how he loved you first? His temperament is due to the fact you do not return his feelings in-kind.
He
is the one you should be constantly doting on, not Raphael. At least… that’s how Uriel sees it.”

Jenevier sat up and wiped her eyes. “It’s okay. I will not resist Uriel if he is chosen to punish me. I deserve it. I know that.” Her tears poured forth then, warbling out her words. “My heart is crumbling within me, Brother. I hate myself. I hate how I destroy everyone and everything that ever loved me. I am a wretched woman and a worthless Angel. I deserve Apollyon. Hell, I deserve Ahriman. What I don’t deserve… is forgiveness.”

Gabriel pulled her back to him, resting her cheek against his chest. “Let us rest for a while now, Sister.” He gently kissed the top of her head. “You have been endowed with far too many revelations for one day. Close your eyes and dry your tears, little one. Let us find peace in the quiet, protected village of your beloved ninja. Remove your worries and sleep minus fear. I will protect you, Naga—hold you until your plagued mind finds the harmony you now need.”

When she was able to finally match his steady breathing, she willed her tears to cease. Then, Jenevier ever so slowly closed her eyes… and slept.

*****

Lala? Can you hear me, Raven Curl?

The sleeping Princess mumbled incoherently and squirmed under her covers.

Do not wake, little one
, Ahriman whispered in her dreams.
I have need of you. Now… now I will keep my promise. I will reveal to you an angelic secret—bestow upon you a celestial lexis. One you will soon put to use for me.

Lala rolled over and reached for Duhrias. He wasn’t there. She mumbled again.

Daichi had been sitting on her balcony, gazing at the moons and waiting for Jenevier’s return. When he noticed his dear nieces’ unease, the beautiful blue Angel lay down beside her and held her hand, stroking her loose curls until she stilled.

“Be calm, little one,” Daichi whispered. “I will keep you safe until your Knight and my Naga return. Nothing can harm you here, lovely Princess. Sleep well.”

Ahriman smiled when he heard the new Arch’s reassuring words. He smiled… then continued to whisper.

Chapter 14

Baytac

(BAY-tack)

Dofarel held up both hands and waited until the murmuring assembly fell silent.

“I have gathered you here today at the request of the Olden King.” The ancient Elf’s gentle voice resonated through the trees. “Famine has struck the Southern lands. A blight has taken their crops, and rain has been far too scarce for far too many moons.”

Jezreel quickly glanced toward Kias. He gave her tiny hand a reassuring squeeze.

“The Kingdom of Wrothdem and the Northern lands as a whole have prospered under Alastyn’s wise rule. And… being kind of heart and overly blessed with grain, the King has sent word that all who will should come.”

A voice rang out from the crowd, “And how does
this
concern
us
?”

Kias stood. “As is our custom, and known by us all, words shall be held until the vote is called. We are not savages. Reverence and respect are not only appreciated… they are expected.”

At the Elven Prince’s kind yet firm words, even the birds fell silent.

Dofarel cleared his throat. “This
concerns
us, because we have a pact with man—a covenant written in ink and forged with the mingling of our bloodlines. It is no longer
us and them
. We are kin. The proof of that bond stands flesh before you.”

At her father’s words, Izadori and her two eldest sons stood and bowed to the assembly.

“We are stronger because of them, and they are stronger because of us,” Dofarel said. “Let the misgivings of the past remain there. Now is the time for promises to be kept, for labors to be shared.”

When he nodded toward Izadori, she began to speak.

“As promised, Alastyn has not only welcomed the people of the South, he has sent numerous wagons loaded with supplies down to their barren lands.”

Gadrick, the eldest Prince of Wrothdem, stood as his mother took her seat and yielded to him.

“My father’s efforts were born out of love. Yet… they have not been received with such. The peoples of the South are ruled by different beliefs, pray to different gods. They are not like us, no. Yet, the ones who chose to relocate are having little trouble assimilating into the North. We are here today, Brothers and Sisters, to request your aid in dealing with the people who chose
not
to come here. Our supplies are not reaching those in need. Instead, the food and medicine meant to nourish and heal the Southern villages, have fallen into the hands of the wicked.” He waited until the collective whisperings had died down. “As soon as our troops made the delivery and returned to us, the wagons were seized. The suffering people of the South were made to give all that they possessed in exchange for the gifts we freely sent. The few have become rich, while the many continue to suffer.”

“My husband is massing an army,” Izadori said softly. “An army that will not only go down and retrieve what was stolen, but will remain there to see that the needy are treated properly. Until their lands are rich once more, the villages of the South will be ruled by Wrothdem.”

“Unfortunately, soldiers cannot be given such responsibility,” Gadrick added. “And my father cannot rule in two places at once. The task will fall to us.” He looked to his younger brother. “Yet, we lack experience.” He turned then to his grandfather. “King Dofarel, I know we now ask a great thing. Much blood will be spilled before Ashgard once again knows peace. Alas… we cannot do it alone. Will you stand with us, Sire? Will your bows be pulled taut alongside our blades?”

Dofarel once again held up his hands until silence ruled.

“It is not a matter of bows and blades. It is a matter of blood and justice. Our kinsmen,
my
grandchildren, are in need of us. We will not sit idly within the trees while Elvish flesh is torn asunder. Our vote this day will not be
if
we will join this war. Come forth and cast your ballots as to whether you will freely enlist.”

A collective gasp swept over the people, then silence. No one moved. When the sound of heavy footsteps caused the gathered masses to turn, they saw the large, scarred, raven-crowned half-Elf making his way to the front.

Baytac came face to face with Prince Gadrick and cleared his throat before speaking.

“I freely offer not only my bow, but my blade as well. I have never fought a Southerner, but I am certain of this… not one shall be left standing before me. I will follow your lead, young Prince. I will follow your King.”

When Baytac held out his large hand, Gadrick looked down at it in surprise. The stunned Prince slowly lifted his arm and firmly grasped Baytac’s forearm. The dark Elf roughly patted the younger man’s shoulder and laughed.

At the counting of the last white stone tossed into the ballot well, every skilled Elf stood behind the speechless Prince of Wrothdem.

“There is no time to lose,” Dofarel said. “Return to your father and make ready your forges. When our quivers are full, we will meet you at the open field near the base of the Thralldom Mountains… two days hence.”

Gadrick bowed deeply before taking his leave.

*****

“Ready yourself, dear husband.”

Valadrog turned to Vareen at her approach.

“War is coming to Ashgard,” she whispered.

“Has a summons come down?”

She shook her head. “No. Not yet. I saw much blood—heard many cries. Alas, I have not been told if we will be joining them… a vision only.”

“I see,” Valadrog mumbled. “Perhaps the men of Ashgard have grown stronger than we knew.”

“Perhaps so,” Vareen said. “It would be good if Jenevier’s kinsmen could see to their own, yes.”

“Well, as long as the
unseen forces
remain neutral in this war, there will be no need for our interference. Alas, I will inform the generals of the current situation.”

“That would be wise,” Vareen said softly. “Just make sure they remember their duty. Those two… they seem to throw all reason to the side, where
she
is concerned.”

Valadrog chuckled. “You worry too much, dear wife. Although Vittorio and Vareilious
do
tend to have a blind spot where she is concerned, Jenevier will be in no danger. This is a war between Ashgardians, not Jinnites. Her heart now lives on a different layer.”

“Her heart lives with her friends, no matter the layer. The Olden King is as dear to her as our own precious son once was.”

Valadrog furrowed his brow. “Yes… ‘tis true. And that colorful little Angel can be a bit tempestuous on the
best
of days. Let us hope the Archs hold sway with her… lest our summons be one that we do not wish to answer.”

“Fret not, my love,” Vareen whispered. “We will not be summonsed to perform a task outside the realm of our capabilities. If the Death Angel must be ceased, it will not be by the hand of a Guardian.”

“…Yes.” Valadrog glanced up to the transporting clouds. “And now my worries have been multiplied,” he whispered, taking Vareen’s hand as he did.

*****

“Naga! Naga! Naga!”

Cherie burst into the room just as Jenevier and Gabriel entered from the balcony.

“I bring news, Empress,” Cherie said, panting. “Troubling news.”

When the girl had finished speaking, Jenevier spread her wings and turned to go. Gabriel grabbed her wrist, halting her flight. She jerked free.

“Do not hinder me, Brother.”

When Jenevier’s temper flared, Taka flew towards the Arch, twittering wildly.

Gabriel looked at the little Dragon Pixie before placing his finger to his own lips, shushing the agitated creature.

“Hush now, tiny companion to my sister. Know peace, little one.”

Taka immediately calmed. Flying back to Jenevier, he gently curled around her neck and fell fast asleep.

“…Gabriel, you cannot stop me in this.”

“Very well.” Gabriel crossed his arms over his chest. “Tell me, Naga. Have you received summons concerning Ashgard?”

She matched his level glare, yet did not speak.

“So soon you forget the promise you just made,” he said.

Still, Jenevier held her tongue.

“Tell me. How many wars are fought each day upon the layers?”

“Gabriel… this isn’t the same.”

“And that is where you err, sweet sister. This is
exactly
the same.” He relaxed his arms and sighed. “Men war… sometimes because they have to, and sometimes because they want to. The outcome is not for us to decide. Especially not
you
, Naga. If we are called upon, we will assist. But you… you will go only if the
dark ones
make an appearance.”

“But why, Gabriel?” Jenevier balled her hands into fists. “Why must I sit on the sidelines when people I cherish are in mortal danger?”

“You know the answer to
that
, minus my words. You tell me, Naga. What human could stand against you on the battlefield? You have been blessed thusly but for a single purpose. Do not forget that.” He softened his voice. “Just because your loved ones go to war does not mean they are righteous in their pursuit. If they are to prevail, they will… absent unauthorized interference from a Death Angel. If you are summonsed, only then will you go.”

Jenevier growled an instant before she took flight. Gabriel seized her around the waist. His vise-like hold was unbreakable. She didn’t even bother to struggle. Had she actually
needed
to breathe, the task would have been nigh impossible.

“Shhh…” Gabriel whispered. “Calm your soul, little one. If you do this thing out of season, disaster awaits you. Remember my words back in the Iga village… Father wishes you upon a task.
Nothing
is more important than that.”

“…But… Gabriel…” She sniffed.

“I know, little one… I know.” He tenderly kissed the side of her head. “It gets easier. I promise.”

“How? When?”

“When you are finally absent mortal ties. Think about it, Naga. If a war broke out on Ashgard a thousand years from now, would your passion run quite so high?”

She sniffed again. “…No. I suppose not.”

“Let what will be, be. Make ready for the battle, yes. Yet… do not go to Ashgard until summonsed.”

*****

Baytac bowed low before Alastyn. “Your Grace.”

“Ahh… Dark Elf—friend to my beloved Angel. Welcome. My heart is strengthened to see you numbered among my rank.”

“I will gladly serve you in any way you need, Sire. I have no experience in actual war, yet my mind is naturally turned thusly.”

Alastyn furrowed his brow. “Meaning?”

“Meaning…” Baytac stood and looked the Olden King in the eye. “…always have my thoughts been tuned to strategy.”

Alastyn smiled. “Then perhaps I have finally found a proper chess partner.”

The massive Elf glanced to the side. “I
do
favor the game, Your Majesty.”

“Very good. Once peace has been restored to our fair land, we will spend days on opposite sides of that marbled square board.”

“Although I am unworthy of such an honor, it would be my greatest pleasure, Your Grace.”

Alastyn turned toward his eldest. “Gadrick, my son.”

“Yes, Father.”

“A dear friend of mine spoke highly of this darkest of Elves. Jenevier said—”

“The Angel of Death?” the Prince interrupted.

Alastyn nodded slightly. “One in the same, yes. She drew swords against Baytac, here. The Elf held his own with the Angel.”

“Not true,” Baytac mumbled. “That tiny little troublemaker, she gives me too much credit. Once the Angel in her came out, I was felled within a blink… charred with the next breath.”

“Charred?” Alastyn furrowed his brow. “Did Jenevier snap and sic her Dragon on you?”

“No, Your Grace,” Baytac said. “The Dragon snapped.”

“…Protecting his Guardian,” Alastyn mumbled, mostly to himself.

Baytac nodded. “The two of them… together like that… fear is too small a word.”

“…Yes,” Alastyn agreed. “Too small indeed.”

The Prince looked from one man to the other. “But… against the Angel… what creature could stand?” Gadrick whispered under his breath.

“Yes, ‘tis true,” Baytac agreed. “Alas, even as a woman, Kagi Naga was as fierce as any opponent I could have imagined.”

Alastyn smiled. “She said much the same of you.”

“I wasn’t certain she would still feel that way…” Baytac paused and bit his lip. “…once she tasted my father within me.”

“Yes,” Alastyn said. “Her reaction to such knowledge was a terrifying thing indeed.” A gentle fondness shone in the King’s emerald eyes as he spoke. “But Jenevier… she has a large heart,
too
large for such a tiny woman. If she named you brother and showed favor unto you, then you can mark that bond down as an eternal one.”