Gray Sage
Beware the JubJub Bird
Shiloh’s grace washed over Djac as he greeted the small group of citizens who had gathered. He was only truly acquainted with a handful of them, but the traditional Shilan greeting of touching foreheads soon identified him as a friend, and the number of people wishing to welcome him only grew. He seemed to forget his fatigue in the warm greetings and pleasant smiles.
Having been distracted by the people for long enough, he remember his companions, only to see a group of four young women had surrounded the princess. Two of them had their arms crossed, one picked up a few strands of Alise’s dark hair, lifting it like it was dirty straw. Djac sped toward them.
“היא חושבת שהיא יכולה להטעות אותנו?"
He heard one say.
"זה יכולתי להריח כלבה מים ממרחק של עשרה מיילים!"
Another one scoffed and shoved Annalise while the others spit over their shoulders.
"אתה!"
Djac shouted to the one who had pushed Alise. The princess stood there with all dignity, her eyes lowered, her expression humble.
"אתה יודע מי אני?"
Djac snarled. The young girls glanced at each other with unease. They couldn’t have been more than seventeen.
"כן אדוני. אתה הלהבה הלבנה"
The girl answered, her own expression turning sheepish, two of them even bowing by placing their wrists to their foreheads.
"טוֹב. אז תכבד אותי בכבוד ותרחיב את הכבוד הזה לאישה הזו ולאורחים האחרים שלי. האם אתה מבין?"
They all began to back away from Annalise and the others, murmuring that they understood and giving half hearted apologies. He watched them scurry off, and turned to face Alise.
“Are you alright?” He asked her, restraining himself from placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him with a somber expression.
“Are you still confident we’ll be welcomed here?” Her eyebrow twitched at him.
“Where is he, I want to see!” A rich voice came through the crowd. Djac moved toward it, a great smile crossing his face at the sight of Jethro. Djac threw his arms around his friend, joining in Jethro’s deep laughter.
“My son, you are most welcome!” They touched foreheads and pulled back to look at one another. It had been over a year since his last visit to Shiloh, but Djac could see the war was weighing on Jethro. He carried a staff to help him walk, his eyes were tired and his hair and beard were white, in stark contrast to his dark, freckled skin.
“And tonight, you will be my honored guests at our festivities.”
“Festivities?” Djac inquired.
“Indeed! We are celebrating my lady bride. Forty years under the sun she has been mine, and this city should be reminded of something other than death for a while.” Jethro added the last part more to Djac than to anyone else.
“Please, let me introduce you to my companions.” He ushered Jethro to where the others were waiting.
“You will remember her Highness, Princess Annalise of the Water Realm.” Jethro’s face sparked in shock.
“I remember the Princess, but you do not match my recollection at all.” He chuckled.
“The deceptive appearance was necessary for traveling incognito, my lord.” Alise dipped into a perfect bow even when she technically outranked all of them.
“Be that as it may, your beauty has not changed.” Jethro took her and leaned in to touch her forehead. Djac smiled. Jethro would not have greeted her thus if he had not meant it. She accepted, inclining her head graciously.
“This is Halvard, one of our Air elements.” Annalise introduced him.
“And this is one of my captains, Goran of Hôlar Nës.”
Jethro nodded and inclined his head, but Goran reached out and heartily shook Jethro’s hand, clearly put off by the close proximity of the stranger’s face. “Greetings to you and your fair city.” Goran said instead.
Djac grimaced at the audacity. Alise looked infuriated. Jethro simply smiled and shook back, like a true diplomat. Halvard had gone pale, looking like he might be sick at any given moment and would not know a pleasant greeting it if slapped him in the face.
“Please, follow me. We will have refreshments and amenities. You must be exhausted after your long journey in the shadows.”
*****
Dusk fell dazzling orange in the west, silhouetting much of Shiloh through Djac’s balcony. He watched it, reluctant to dress for the evening. Still enjoying the quiet of his room, and the brief respite between the shadows and the socializing. The calm of the tangerine sky was almost eerie.
A knock sounded at his door, disturbing his revelry.
He went to answer it, wondering if he should care about only being in his trousers, when he opened it to reveal the princess.
He had not expected to see her, but her appearance was achingly stunning. She wore a royal blue chiton draped over one shoulder, dangling glinting earrings, and a sheer gold veil that draped down her brown curls. She had clearly been dressed for the occasion by attendants, and he found himself wishing she hadn’t been. If she had been a distraction before…
“Can I come in for a moment?” She wrang her hands, a nervous energy that was unlike her. “I wanted to discuss something.”
Djac kept his face placid and opened the door further. He watched her enter and cross the room, looking out of his balcony just as he had a moment ago.
She turned to face him, her eyes falling to his chest.
“Have you truly worn that all these years?” She asked. Djac frowned. It occurred to him at that moment that he couldn’t recall a single time when he had taken it off his neck. It would have been too great a risk of losing it.
“Yes.” He said in an almost accusatory manner. “What was I supposed to do? Take it off? Give it to someone who might have had need?” His words drenched in sarcasm. He wasn’t sure what had driven him to be hostile, but his anger was rising. Just her being there had seemed to set him off.
“No, of course not. I just hadn’t realized what it was that I…” She trailed off.
“I believe you regret giving me this trinket.” Djac said, not longer trying to hide his spite. He had an idea of where this conversation was heading, and he didn’t like it. Illogical as it may have been, he did not want to, could not, give it back.
“That’s not exactly what I…”
“If you wish it returned, by all means, princess, stop dancing around the issue and say it.” Djac took a step toward her, inching closer until he felt full on imposing.
“Djac, you have no idea what that stone means to me.” She arched an eyebrow, clearly getting annoyed with having to go on the defensive.
“Well as it happens, it means something to me too. And I can tell you one thing, if you want it back,” He snatched her wrist, making her gasp, and forced it against his chest where her pendant swung, “you’re going to have to steal it from around my neck!” His voice was a harsh whisper, the space between them was gone.
They stared at each other, the energy between them crackled. His frustration reflected in her face, tempered only by shock. The moment lingered, making Djac’s heart race and his anger rise.
This time, he didn’t ask for her permission.
His free hand slid over her neck and jaw, and the fire erupted from both his hands, sending them careening through that thrilling, consuming, earth shattering state that he couldn’t stop thinking about. Its effect hadn’t diminished or dimmed. Her essence was as potent as he’d ever felt it, and it only made him feel more desperate. Desperate to drink. Desperate to cool. Desperate to drown. The peace he found there was overwhelming, and would be his temptation always. He wanted this indulgence everyday until he died. If the ecstasy didn’t kill him first.
Their knees hadn’t given out this time, but he had backed her against the wall, his hand around her waist, her arm around his neck. If anyone had seen them…
She growled and shoved him off of her. The both of them panting, she stumbled out from underneath him, pacing toward the door, still a little unsteady on her feet.
“Curse you, Djaccar!” Her exasperation rolling off her in waves.
“Curse you, Annalise!” He echoed. His anger had not abated. In fact, it had only been stoked, like she had reached inside the hearth and churned the flames. She reached for the door and slid out into the hallway.
*****
Music sparkled through the streets as the merry festival got started. The night sky blessed them with brilliant stars, and the smell of food and drink filled the air. Jethro had likely emptied his family’s coffers for this event. These luxuries were hard to come by in a time of war, but the smiles and laughter Djac saw on the faces of Shiloh’s citizens was hard to put a price on.
He came to the center of the city where an enormous bonfire raged, filling the air with the musk that only a fire could bring, and a warmth that felt welcoming even in the heat of the desert.
Dancers moved in rhythm around the fire while onlookers clapped, a custom dearly upheld by Shiloh. They had a long history of dances around the fire, each of them a beautiful and unique tradition. Jethro stood by his wife, the two of them greeting guests and well-wishers. Laila was dressed in white, a symbol of benevolence and grace. She looked lovely in the firelight, with a smile that made her eyes crinkle.
“Care for a drink?” Ali held out a goblet of spiced wine. Djac smiled at him and accepted. Ali and his team had arrived a few hours before, just enough time to catch their breath before the party began.
“I would have expected you to be resting.” Djac took a sip.
“And miss this?” Ali gestured to the assembly. “We can eat here as well as anywhere, and our beds will be waiting for us at the end of the night.”
Djac smiled at him. Ali was Shilan. This was his home, and these were his people. He knew Ali’s respect for Jethro ran deep, deep enough to ignore the bags under his eyes. “Let’s not let it go to waste then.” The two of them toasted and joined in the festivities.
They swapped stories with strangers, laughed, drank, ate the kabobs, cheeses, fruits and nuts, and fine breads the Shilans were known for. Finally, they joined in around the fire, dancing with beautiful women and cohorts of brothers. Djac actually found himself having a good time when he spotted Alise.
She sat in an elaborate wooden chair that looked nearly like a throne. She stared at him with contempt, no doubt for what he had done early that evening. Let her. He spun his dance partner closer and lifted her hand as they walked in a circle. When the song ended, a huge round of applause erupted for the musicians and Jethro’s thunderous voice rose over the crowd.
“My children! I have just had a revelation! We are honored here tonight by representatives of each of the four realms! As a tribute to my beautiful wife, and to show that there is hope for a peaceful world yet, I believe we should participate in the Rec’hu Chalabar!”
There was a mixed applause, as half of the people were less than enthused to have the water princess as an honored guest.
“Oh yes Jethro! What a marvelous idea!” Laila exclaimed, clapping her hands. “What a beautiful symbol of harmony!”
Djac looked at Annalise, slightly uncomfortable for her, mostly laughing at her misfortune. She was the only water element there, and she would most certainly be called on to dance. Halvard sat next to her, his eyes on the wine that someone was refilling into his goblet.
“Your Highness, lord Halvard, would you do us the honor?” Jethro held out his hand to Alise.
“I’m sorry, what?” Alise took his hand out of politeness, but the confused look stayed on her face.
“It is a dance, my dear,” Laila answered, “by each of the four elements. We haven’t had one in Shiloh for… well it must have been–”
“Over half a century!” Jethro beamed, leading Annalise closer to the fire.
“Oh no, I really–”
“You would honor us greatly!” Laila said, pulling Halvard to his feet to where Alise stood. “The dance is really very simple!” She gestured to the earth element who had arrived with Ali, who had been sitting in the same area.
“Djac! Come!”
Laila beckoned. Djac’s eyes widened. “No, Vehret Laila, this honor should be given to Shiloh’s leader!” Djac waved his hands, regretting his inner mocking of Alise’s predicament.
“You are our honored guest, I will hear of nothing else!” Laila positioned the others side by side, an almost palpable excitement in her eye, and Djac contemplated just how much disrespect he would be showing if he refused. He trudged his feet across the sand to go stand beside Annalise.
He avoided looking at her as Laila joined Halvard and the earth element’s hands, then took Alise’s hands and crisscrossed them with Djac’s. Her touch set his nerves on edge. He watched Laila’s feet, showing them the steps to the dance around the fire, trying to focus on anything else. He knew this dance. It was a variation to other common group promenades. With any luck, he’d spare himself and Alise from embarrassment.
Soon enough, Laila clapped and removed herself, queuing the musicians to start playing. It was a slower song, and Djac waited until the singing started before taking the first step. The crowd watched them as they began their verses, all of them singing in the native Shilan. It was haunting and meaningful and intimate. All the voices raised together almost made the musicians hard to hear, but he didn’t lose his timing.
The four of them began to walk around the fire in unison, to the rhythm, and Djac found it harder and harder to keep his mind on the dance instead of the partner at his side. He wondered what she was thinking about, other than their steps. He wondered what she had felt when they connected again. If it scared her the way it scared him. The two of them turned toward each other as the steps demanded, and he looked into those falsely brown eyes, which still had the same power over him as when they were an icy blue. They turned away again, walking in unison.
They neared the end of their third circle around the fire, as the third verse of the song was ending, and Alise and Djac turned toward one another for the final time, holding their gaze as the prolonged note from the crowd swelled for the end of the song. He searched her expression for some discernible hint of what was going on behind those eyes. But all he could find was a sadness.
The crowd applauded and Laila came toward them with the biggest clapping of all. “Thank you all! She tittered, “You have blessed this space, and I believe we are closer than ever to peace–”
An arrow streamed across them, and burrowed in Laila’s chest, staining her white dress with crimson. A scream rang out as chaos erupted, arrows flying from every direction, hitting the citizens as the crowd began running everywhere.
Djac scooped up the fire and shot it through the air, hurdling it toward the rooftops where the attackers were no doubt perched. The fire ripped across the roofs, torching them in a blazing tidal wave, causing four, six, ten archers to fall to their fiery deaths.
Soon enough, infantry stormed through the streets, their shamshirs slicing through innocent people as they moved.
“Ali! They’ll be coming from the north!” Djac shouted to his friend who nodded and took off running.
“Jethro, we need to–” a soldier came upon Djac with a warrior’s shriek, but froze, literally froze, mid swing as ice crawled up his body, and his lips turned blue. Djac looked to Annalise who had already moved on to another soldier. Djac turned to Jethro. He held a pale Laila in his left arm, his right shoulder had an arrow protruding from it. Other than stunned silence, Jethro appeared stable.
Djac, rushed to the aid of another fire element, a Shilan, whose skill with a blade was outmatched by the soldier who was fighting him, until Djac summoned hot coals to seer into the soldier’s eyes. The soldier collapsed with screams of pain, and Djac pulled the fire element to Jethro.
“Get him to safety!” Djac commanded before turning to a group of who rushed toward the Shilan leader, swords raised.
A blast of fire and ice shot at them with the force of a battering ram as Djac and Annalise turned their power toward them. The five of them fell dead from the force. Alise turned to find her next kill, but Djac took her arm.
“Alise! Sing!” An arrow whooshed passed them, grazing Djac’s shoulder. He shouted in pain, and immediately turned to take out the shooter, a bolt of blue flame erupting from his fingertips and into the man’s forehead.
“Sing! NOW! END THIS!” Djac shouted, moving again to a pair of soldiers who were attacking one of Jethro’s men. The two collapsed, just in time for Djac to miss a swing from a shamshir.
Djac maneuvered his hands, throwing fire like rocks at his attackers. The man caught fire and began running and screaming for cover. Djac turned and looked at Annalise who looked tormented in conflict. He knew the sacredness of her voice. He knew what he was asking and how almost sacrilegious it would be if she opened her mouth to control all these people. But it had to be done… or they would quickly be overwhelmed. He moved his lips, not even able to bring himself to say it.
Please.
Having been distracted by the people for long enough, he remember his companions, only to see a group of four young women had surrounded the princess. Two of them had their arms crossed, one picked up a few strands of Alise’s dark hair, lifting it like it was dirty straw. Djac sped toward them.
“היא חושבת שהיא יכולה להטעות אותנו?"
He heard one say.
"זה יכולתי להריח כלבה מים ממרחק של עשרה מיילים!"
Another one scoffed and shoved Annalise while the others spit over their shoulders.
"אתה!"
Djac shouted to the one who had pushed Alise. The princess stood there with all dignity, her eyes lowered, her expression humble.
"אתה יודע מי אני?"
Djac snarled. The young girls glanced at each other with unease. They couldn’t have been more than seventeen.
"כן אדוני. אתה הלהבה הלבנה"
The girl answered, her own expression turning sheepish, two of them even bowing by placing their wrists to their foreheads.
"טוֹב. אז תכבד אותי בכבוד ותרחיב את הכבוד הזה לאישה הזו ולאורחים האחרים שלי. האם אתה מבין?"
They all began to back away from Annalise and the others, murmuring that they understood and giving half hearted apologies. He watched them scurry off, and turned to face Alise.
“Are you alright?” He asked her, restraining himself from placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him with a somber expression.
“Are you still confident we’ll be welcomed here?” Her eyebrow twitched at him.
“Where is he, I want to see!” A rich voice came through the crowd. Djac moved toward it, a great smile crossing his face at the sight of Jethro. Djac threw his arms around his friend, joining in Jethro’s deep laughter.
“My son, you are most welcome!” They touched foreheads and pulled back to look at one another. It had been over a year since his last visit to Shiloh, but Djac could see the war was weighing on Jethro. He carried a staff to help him walk, his eyes were tired and his hair and beard were white, in stark contrast to his dark, freckled skin.
“And tonight, you will be my honored guests at our festivities.”
“Festivities?” Djac inquired.
“Indeed! We are celebrating my lady bride. Forty years under the sun she has been mine, and this city should be reminded of something other than death for a while.” Jethro added the last part more to Djac than to anyone else.
“Please, let me introduce you to my companions.” He ushered Jethro to where the others were waiting.
“You will remember her Highness, Princess Annalise of the Water Realm.” Jethro’s face sparked in shock.
“I remember the Princess, but you do not match my recollection at all.” He chuckled.
“The deceptive appearance was necessary for traveling incognito, my lord.” Alise dipped into a perfect bow even when she technically outranked all of them.
“Be that as it may, your beauty has not changed.” Jethro took her and leaned in to touch her forehead. Djac smiled. Jethro would not have greeted her thus if he had not meant it. She accepted, inclining her head graciously.
“This is Halvard, one of our Air elements.” Annalise introduced him.
“And this is one of my captains, Goran of Hôlar Nës.”
Jethro nodded and inclined his head, but Goran reached out and heartily shook Jethro’s hand, clearly put off by the close proximity of the stranger’s face. “Greetings to you and your fair city.” Goran said instead.
Djac grimaced at the audacity. Alise looked infuriated. Jethro simply smiled and shook back, like a true diplomat. Halvard had gone pale, looking like he might be sick at any given moment and would not know a pleasant greeting it if slapped him in the face.
“Please, follow me. We will have refreshments and amenities. You must be exhausted after your long journey in the shadows.”
*****
Dusk fell dazzling orange in the west, silhouetting much of Shiloh through Djac’s balcony. He watched it, reluctant to dress for the evening. Still enjoying the quiet of his room, and the brief respite between the shadows and the socializing. The calm of the tangerine sky was almost eerie.
A knock sounded at his door, disturbing his revelry.
He went to answer it, wondering if he should care about only being in his trousers, when he opened it to reveal the princess.
He had not expected to see her, but her appearance was achingly stunning. She wore a royal blue chiton draped over one shoulder, dangling glinting earrings, and a sheer gold veil that draped down her brown curls. She had clearly been dressed for the occasion by attendants, and he found himself wishing she hadn’t been. If she had been a distraction before…
“Can I come in for a moment?” She wrang her hands, a nervous energy that was unlike her. “I wanted to discuss something.”
Djac kept his face placid and opened the door further. He watched her enter and cross the room, looking out of his balcony just as he had a moment ago.
She turned to face him, her eyes falling to his chest.
“Have you truly worn that all these years?” She asked. Djac frowned. It occurred to him at that moment that he couldn’t recall a single time when he had taken it off his neck. It would have been too great a risk of losing it.
“Yes.” He said in an almost accusatory manner. “What was I supposed to do? Take it off? Give it to someone who might have had need?” His words drenched in sarcasm. He wasn’t sure what had driven him to be hostile, but his anger was rising. Just her being there had seemed to set him off.
“No, of course not. I just hadn’t realized what it was that I…” She trailed off.
“I believe you regret giving me this trinket.” Djac said, not longer trying to hide his spite. He had an idea of where this conversation was heading, and he didn’t like it. Illogical as it may have been, he did not want to, could not, give it back.
“That’s not exactly what I…”
“If you wish it returned, by all means, princess, stop dancing around the issue and say it.” Djac took a step toward her, inching closer until he felt full on imposing.
“Djac, you have no idea what that stone means to me.” She arched an eyebrow, clearly getting annoyed with having to go on the defensive.
“Well as it happens, it means something to me too. And I can tell you one thing, if you want it back,” He snatched her wrist, making her gasp, and forced it against his chest where her pendant swung, “you’re going to have to steal it from around my neck!” His voice was a harsh whisper, the space between them was gone.
They stared at each other, the energy between them crackled. His frustration reflected in her face, tempered only by shock. The moment lingered, making Djac’s heart race and his anger rise.
This time, he didn’t ask for her permission.
His free hand slid over her neck and jaw, and the fire erupted from both his hands, sending them careening through that thrilling, consuming, earth shattering state that he couldn’t stop thinking about. Its effect hadn’t diminished or dimmed. Her essence was as potent as he’d ever felt it, and it only made him feel more desperate. Desperate to drink. Desperate to cool. Desperate to drown. The peace he found there was overwhelming, and would be his temptation always. He wanted this indulgence everyday until he died. If the ecstasy didn’t kill him first.
Their knees hadn’t given out this time, but he had backed her against the wall, his hand around her waist, her arm around his neck. If anyone had seen them…
She growled and shoved him off of her. The both of them panting, she stumbled out from underneath him, pacing toward the door, still a little unsteady on her feet.
“Curse you, Djaccar!” Her exasperation rolling off her in waves.
“Curse you, Annalise!” He echoed. His anger had not abated. In fact, it had only been stoked, like she had reached inside the hearth and churned the flames. She reached for the door and slid out into the hallway.
*****
Music sparkled through the streets as the merry festival got started. The night sky blessed them with brilliant stars, and the smell of food and drink filled the air. Jethro had likely emptied his family’s coffers for this event. These luxuries were hard to come by in a time of war, but the smiles and laughter Djac saw on the faces of Shiloh’s citizens was hard to put a price on.
He came to the center of the city where an enormous bonfire raged, filling the air with the musk that only a fire could bring, and a warmth that felt welcoming even in the heat of the desert.
Dancers moved in rhythm around the fire while onlookers clapped, a custom dearly upheld by Shiloh. They had a long history of dances around the fire, each of them a beautiful and unique tradition. Jethro stood by his wife, the two of them greeting guests and well-wishers. Laila was dressed in white, a symbol of benevolence and grace. She looked lovely in the firelight, with a smile that made her eyes crinkle.
“Care for a drink?” Ali held out a goblet of spiced wine. Djac smiled at him and accepted. Ali and his team had arrived a few hours before, just enough time to catch their breath before the party began.
“I would have expected you to be resting.” Djac took a sip.
“And miss this?” Ali gestured to the assembly. “We can eat here as well as anywhere, and our beds will be waiting for us at the end of the night.”
Djac smiled at him. Ali was Shilan. This was his home, and these were his people. He knew Ali’s respect for Jethro ran deep, deep enough to ignore the bags under his eyes. “Let’s not let it go to waste then.” The two of them toasted and joined in the festivities.
They swapped stories with strangers, laughed, drank, ate the kabobs, cheeses, fruits and nuts, and fine breads the Shilans were known for. Finally, they joined in around the fire, dancing with beautiful women and cohorts of brothers. Djac actually found himself having a good time when he spotted Alise.
She sat in an elaborate wooden chair that looked nearly like a throne. She stared at him with contempt, no doubt for what he had done early that evening. Let her. He spun his dance partner closer and lifted her hand as they walked in a circle. When the song ended, a huge round of applause erupted for the musicians and Jethro’s thunderous voice rose over the crowd.
“My children! I have just had a revelation! We are honored here tonight by representatives of each of the four realms! As a tribute to my beautiful wife, and to show that there is hope for a peaceful world yet, I believe we should participate in the Rec’hu Chalabar!”
There was a mixed applause, as half of the people were less than enthused to have the water princess as an honored guest.
“Oh yes Jethro! What a marvelous idea!” Laila exclaimed, clapping her hands. “What a beautiful symbol of harmony!”
Djac looked at Annalise, slightly uncomfortable for her, mostly laughing at her misfortune. She was the only water element there, and she would most certainly be called on to dance. Halvard sat next to her, his eyes on the wine that someone was refilling into his goblet.
“Your Highness, lord Halvard, would you do us the honor?” Jethro held out his hand to Alise.
“I’m sorry, what?” Alise took his hand out of politeness, but the confused look stayed on her face.
“It is a dance, my dear,” Laila answered, “by each of the four elements. We haven’t had one in Shiloh for… well it must have been–”
“Over half a century!” Jethro beamed, leading Annalise closer to the fire.
“Oh no, I really–”
“You would honor us greatly!” Laila said, pulling Halvard to his feet to where Alise stood. “The dance is really very simple!” She gestured to the earth element who had arrived with Ali, who had been sitting in the same area.
“Djac! Come!”
Laila beckoned. Djac’s eyes widened. “No, Vehret Laila, this honor should be given to Shiloh’s leader!” Djac waved his hands, regretting his inner mocking of Alise’s predicament.
“You are our honored guest, I will hear of nothing else!” Laila positioned the others side by side, an almost palpable excitement in her eye, and Djac contemplated just how much disrespect he would be showing if he refused. He trudged his feet across the sand to go stand beside Annalise.
He avoided looking at her as Laila joined Halvard and the earth element’s hands, then took Alise’s hands and crisscrossed them with Djac’s. Her touch set his nerves on edge. He watched Laila’s feet, showing them the steps to the dance around the fire, trying to focus on anything else. He knew this dance. It was a variation to other common group promenades. With any luck, he’d spare himself and Alise from embarrassment.
Soon enough, Laila clapped and removed herself, queuing the musicians to start playing. It was a slower song, and Djac waited until the singing started before taking the first step. The crowd watched them as they began their verses, all of them singing in the native Shilan. It was haunting and meaningful and intimate. All the voices raised together almost made the musicians hard to hear, but he didn’t lose his timing.
The four of them began to walk around the fire in unison, to the rhythm, and Djac found it harder and harder to keep his mind on the dance instead of the partner at his side. He wondered what she was thinking about, other than their steps. He wondered what she had felt when they connected again. If it scared her the way it scared him. The two of them turned toward each other as the steps demanded, and he looked into those falsely brown eyes, which still had the same power over him as when they were an icy blue. They turned away again, walking in unison.
They neared the end of their third circle around the fire, as the third verse of the song was ending, and Alise and Djac turned toward one another for the final time, holding their gaze as the prolonged note from the crowd swelled for the end of the song. He searched her expression for some discernible hint of what was going on behind those eyes. But all he could find was a sadness.
The crowd applauded and Laila came toward them with the biggest clapping of all. “Thank you all! She tittered, “You have blessed this space, and I believe we are closer than ever to peace–”
An arrow streamed across them, and burrowed in Laila’s chest, staining her white dress with crimson. A scream rang out as chaos erupted, arrows flying from every direction, hitting the citizens as the crowd began running everywhere.
Djac scooped up the fire and shot it through the air, hurdling it toward the rooftops where the attackers were no doubt perched. The fire ripped across the roofs, torching them in a blazing tidal wave, causing four, six, ten archers to fall to their fiery deaths.
Soon enough, infantry stormed through the streets, their shamshirs slicing through innocent people as they moved.
“Ali! They’ll be coming from the north!” Djac shouted to his friend who nodded and took off running.
“Jethro, we need to–” a soldier came upon Djac with a warrior’s shriek, but froze, literally froze, mid swing as ice crawled up his body, and his lips turned blue. Djac looked to Annalise who had already moved on to another soldier. Djac turned to Jethro. He held a pale Laila in his left arm, his right shoulder had an arrow protruding from it. Other than stunned silence, Jethro appeared stable.
Djac, rushed to the aid of another fire element, a Shilan, whose skill with a blade was outmatched by the soldier who was fighting him, until Djac summoned hot coals to seer into the soldier’s eyes. The soldier collapsed with screams of pain, and Djac pulled the fire element to Jethro.
“Get him to safety!” Djac commanded before turning to a group of who rushed toward the Shilan leader, swords raised.
A blast of fire and ice shot at them with the force of a battering ram as Djac and Annalise turned their power toward them. The five of them fell dead from the force. Alise turned to find her next kill, but Djac took her arm.
“Alise! Sing!” An arrow whooshed passed them, grazing Djac’s shoulder. He shouted in pain, and immediately turned to take out the shooter, a bolt of blue flame erupting from his fingertips and into the man’s forehead.
“Sing! NOW! END THIS!” Djac shouted, moving again to a pair of soldiers who were attacking one of Jethro’s men. The two collapsed, just in time for Djac to miss a swing from a shamshir.
Djac maneuvered his hands, throwing fire like rocks at his attackers. The man caught fire and began running and screaming for cover. Djac turned and looked at Annalise who looked tormented in conflict. He knew the sacredness of her voice. He knew what he was asking and how almost sacrilegious it would be if she opened her mouth to control all these people. But it had to be done… or they would quickly be overwhelmed. He moved his lips, not even able to bring himself to say it.
Please.
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