“Vixie, go!” Tiern shot an arrow, which narrowly arced just short of the bird as it took a sharp upward swoop. “To the castle, now! Tell your father!”
Tiern shot again, puncturing a wing. The bird’s pitying howl shot through Vixie, and she charged forward down the cobblestoned path, dodging guards and soldiers who were coming in her direction, swords and bows drawn. When she got to the castle entrance, she leaped from her horse and gave him a hard smack on the rump to send him back to the stables. “Go, Ruspin!”
A guard stood with the door wide, waving her frantically inside. “Your Highness!”
She panted for breath and dared to take one last look at the group of men on horseback, Tiern among them, as the great bird swooped down to attack. Men were knocked from their horses by its strong wings. The beast struggled against an onslaught of arrows, but managed to grab one of the men by his arm. Vixie gasped as the soldier was lifted high into the air, flailing. It was then that the princess released the piercing shriek she’d been holding in, and she sprinted up the castle steps.
Chapter
15
Wyneth stood in the king’s office, overtaken by chills from what they’d just learned. A monstrous sand serpent that could slither, run, and leap had been on a killing rampage in Zorfina. It was able to bury itself and move in the sand, and therefore had eluded their forces. Each day it killed more people, because King Addar refused to change the laws, just as King Charles had.
And in the mountains of Toresta, King Gavriil had opened a refugee camp for Lashed—a haven against the onslaught of persecution, in hopes that this would earn Rozaria’s approval, at least until she could be stopped. They had no reports of beasts yet, but Lashed were killing people each day, just as they were in Lochlanach.
“There’s a catch,” King Charles said softly as he read the parchment. “Once the Lashed go into the camp, they are not allowed to leave.”
“They are made prisoners?” Queen Leighlane asked.
Councilman Duke Gulfton clucked his tongue and chuckled without humor. “I suppose they’re saying it’s for their own good. That they are protecting them.”
“Smart,” muttered Duke Streamson. “Very smart.”
The two older dukes had been the only councilmen approved to attend official meetings with the royal family again. One younger councilman, a guard, and an officer were still being held for daily questioning. All others had been let go. Their possible treason was so despicable and saddening that nobody spoke of it.
“As for Kalor,” King Charles said, “it is no longer safe for Lochlans to travel there. We’ve had reports of people attacked and rumors of Lashed uprisings. Prince Vito has neither confirmed nor denied that his kingdom is in a state of unrest. It seems he does not trust written communication, which I can understand. In a message with his seal received before dawn, he says he has sent ambassadors to speak with us directly. They will arrive before dark.”
This piqued everyone’s interest.
“That should be interesting,” Lord Baycreek said sarcastically. Wyneth knew from past stories of interkingdom balls and functions that Kalorians and Lochlans did not always play well together.
“Aye, lock up the wee ones.” Duke Gulfton’s jowls shook as if he’d shivered in fear.
“Now, now, gentlemen,” the king admonished. “Remember, Prince Vito allowed many of his kingdom’s best hunters to come here and fight the beast. Every one of them was killed.”
A respectful silence filled the space until Lord Wavecrest spoke. “Any news from Ascomanni?”
“No.” King Charles and the entire room all turned to the man at Wyneth’s side. Lord Alvi rocked back on his heels and nodded.
“My uncle tends to be a private man when it comes to kingdom matters. He’s not likely to send news of trouble, lest it be perceived as a call for help.”
“Seas forbid,” Queen Leighlane said with a sigh.
Lord Alvi gave a wry shrug, unoffended, as if that’s simply the way it was.
A commotion sounded outside in the hallway. Wyneth’s pulse quickened and on reflex she grabbed Lord Alvi’s arm. Without hesitation he brought his hand over hers. Wyneth’s mother, Lady Wavecrest, glanced at Wyneth and did a double take at their joined hands. Wyneth quickly dropped her arm from Lief’s just as the door flew open.
Vixie, disheveled and panting, burst into the room with a veritable army on her heels. The king rushed from behind the desk and held out his arms, which she ran straight into.
“What is it, Vix?” he asked.
“A flying beast, Father!” The entire room gasped and went still, except Lord Alvi, who ran from the room to join the fight.
Vixie pulled away enough to peer up at the king. His eyes darted around at the faces of his family and advisers, all at a loss. Wyneth pressed a shaking hand over her mouth. Vixie’s eyes were rimmed in red. “It took one of the soldiers.” At the memory of it, Vixie broke into tears. Wyneth stepped up and took her from the king, who rushed away with his men.
“I must check on the children.” Lady Wavecrest ran from the room with Lady Baycreek.
Vixie trembled in Wyneth’s arms. “Wyn . . . it was so big. Oh, my seas. Its eyes!”
