The Jewel of Kamara (The Delthenon Chronicles) (44 page)

The
funnel she sent at him collapsed before it reached him. Her strength was waning.
She would die here today. And he would live. Hallam was dead, but someone else
would come along and use
Ricton’s
abilities to finish
what he’d started. She had to end this. Once and for all.

She
knew she didn’t have enough magic left in her to take him out. She had to think
of something else. She watched him as he panted. He was weak too. Of course he
was. He was only human. And then it hit her. She had thought there was only one
way to defeat him, but there wasn’t.

She
gripped the jewel that hung against her chest and prayed one last time to the
Goddess to protect those who fought for her. Then she hurled one final blast at
him and ran towards him. She saw the surprise cross his face as she brought her
sword up and in one swift swing she cut. His head rolled down his arm and
landed with a thud on the ground as the shrill sound of
Aidis
’
voice filled her mind and Tempani’s world went black.

—

Her face was warm as the sun beat down on her. She lifted her chin and
basked in the feel of it. The ground beneath her was no longer hard but soft.
And moist. Her eyes flickered open, her nose twitching as something fluttered
across it. A butterfly. She pulled herself up and blinked in wonder as she took
in her surroundings. How did she get back to Amarill? Was the fighting over?
Where was everyone?

“She’s
awake!”

She
looked around, searching for the voice that filled her heart with such joy.

Hamalia
fell to her knees and pulled Tempani into her arms. “You’re all right,” she
cried. “Everything’s fine.”

“Am
I dead?”

“No
sweetheart,” she said as she pulled back and stroked her daughter’s face.

She
glanced up as a shadow crossed over her. “Papa?” She squeaked as he sat with
them, wrapping his arms around them both. “We did it. They’re both dead.”

He
smiled at her. “I knew you could do it.”

“Where’s
Chae?” She asked, looking around for her brother so they could make this
reunion complete.

“He’s
fine. They’re looking after him,” her mother said.

“I
have to see him.” She got to her feet. “But I’m scared to wake up. Will you
still visit my dreams now that I’ve fulfilled the prophecy?”

Hamalia
rose and kissed Tempani’s head. “Not like this. The Goddess only granted me one
last visit as a favor to you. You will see me now only in your memories.”

Tempani
wrapped her arms around Hamalia’s waist and breathed in her mother. “No, you
will find a way to come back to me. I know it.”

“Stubborn.
Just like your father.” Hamalia laughed gently before sighing. “It is time for
you to return.”

“I
love you.” Tempani squeezed her mother tightly.

“I
love you too, sweetheart.”

Tempani
released her mother and then held out her hand to Otto. “Come on. We have to go
back.”

Otto
shook his head sadly. “Not me, Tempani.”

“What?”

“This
my final resting place.”

She
put her hands to ears, trying to block out what she was hearing. “No,” she
moaned. “No.” The lump in her throat ached as tears pricked at her eyes. “No!”
She screamed. “Not you.”

“Tempani,”
he said quietly.

“No!
It’s not fair!” She screamed at the sky, because that’s where she assumed the
Goddess was. “I did this for you, and you just keep taking! Leandra! Chennai!
Rando! Not him! It’s not fair!”

Otto
grabbed her and held her firmly against his chest. “It’s all right. Please.
It’s all right.”

“It’s
not all right!” She pushed him away. “How can you say that?”

“I
chose my death,” he explained. “I chose to die so others could live. That you
must understand.”

She
stared at him, her tears falling freely now.

“You
made the same decision,” he said. “I know you did. You may be able to fool
others, but I know you best.”

“I’m
my father’s daughter,” she whimpered.

“And
I couldn’t be prouder of you.”

“I
should be dead,” she whispered. “I had nothing left.”

Hamalia
gripped her hand. “You had someone else on your side.” She reached out and
placed her hand on Tempani’s stomach.

Tempani’s
eyes rested on her stomach. “I’m pregnant?”

“You’re
going to be a wonderful mother,” said Otto. “My only regret is not being there
to see it.”

She
threw her arms around him and cried into his shoulder. “We wasted so many
years.”

Otto
pulled Hamalia into their embrace. “We love you and Chae more than life itself.
You remember that.”

She
nodded and sniffed as she let them go. She waved as she took one last look at
them.

—

The
wind rushed past her as she flew through the air. She forced her eyes open and
shrieked when she saw the clouds brushing past her face.

I’m
taking you to your
niska
.
Aidis
spoke to her.
Tempani relaxed as she clung to
Aidis
.
She’ll fix
you.

“No,”
Tempani said. “I’m fine. Take me back to my people.”

But
if you die I’ll have to wait for someone new to play with.

“I’m
not dying,” she insisted. “Take me back.”

As
you wish.

Aidis
turned around and flew back towards the city.
They slowly descended and dropped below the clouds.

I’d
prefer to keep you out of range of any arrows.

“Surely
the sight of you will scare any remaining enemies away.” She could see the
palace in the distance. “Take me there.”

They
flew slowly, and she was able to get her first glimpse of the devastation.
Homes were ruined, roads covered with debris and broken bodies. Those still
able to move were pulling the dead to the side, a herd of centaurs assisting.

The
chapel lay untouched, and the injured had assembled there. She saw Dahlia
running around, barking orders at her team. She wanted to tell
Aidis
to drop her here so she could help, but she knew she
would be more of a hindrance than anything. Her Power was tapped dry, her body
weak from her fight.

One
of the Kalaowin tribes battled fiercely against a pack of Wyverns. Seeing them,
Aidis
swerved towards them, fire streaming from her
mouth. Her cousins darted away quickly, and the tribe sank to the ground in
relief.

They’ve
had enough battle for one day.

“I
guess we’ll be fighting unknown creatures now the enchantments are gone.”

You
will learn not to kill what you don’t understand.

The
palace had suffered considerable damage. Sections of the main wall had been
blown away, leaving gaping holes in the grounds. The wing that housed the training
rooms and the kitchens were on fire. The stables nothing more than a pile of
wood. It would take years to rebuild the kingdom.

Aidis
landed gently in the gardens, and she slid off
her back.

I
won’t be far.

Tempani
stroked her neck and planted a kiss on her. “Thank you.”

Your
kingdom awaits.

Tempani
shook her head. They had done it. The Kamaris and Kalaowins had fought together
and won. Hallam and Ricton were dead, and Tempani and Nic would rule.

Nic.
Was he alive? She had to find him. She ran through the gardens, and crashed
into Bhatia as she rounded the corner.

“Where
did you go?” She shrieked. “I came to, and you had disappeared. Zadi is going
crazy. They had to sedate her.”

“It’s
a long story,” she said and gripped Bhatia’s hand. “Where’s Nic?”

“I
don’t know. I’ve been too busy looking for you to account for anyone else.”

Tempani
sighed and squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“I
wasn’t worried,” she snapped. “I just didn’t want to be blamed if anything
happened to you.”

She
nodded. “Of course.”

They
walked together slowly, their feet dragging from exhaustion.

“Thank
you for giving me Hallam.”

“You
deserved your revenge.”

Bhatia
nodded curtly. “Wonder what he did to be guarded so heavily.”

Tempani
followed Bhatia’s gaze and frowned at the young man who stood with ten swords
pointed at him. His eyes were red, his face drawn. Tempani made a move to him.
If he was dangerous enough to have that many guarding him she needed to know
what he’d done.

“Sir
Madoc’s orders,” a soldier responded when she asked. “We’re to watch him.”

“What
did he do?”

“Sir
Madoc wouldn’t tell us. Just said to stay here and watch him.”

There
was something so despairing about the prisoner’s eyes that Tempani felt her
heart go out to him. “Let him sit and fetch him some water.”

“He
refused. Said he don’t want nothing.”

“What’s
your name soldier?” She asked the prisoner.

“I
ain’t
no soldier.” The sadness in his voice echoed
through her, and she shivered.

She
pushed through the men and gripped his chin, forcing him to look down at her.
“Tell me your name.”

“Adler,
my lady.” His voice trembled as he looked into her eyes. “Please kill me.”

“If
my commander believed you worth killing, he would have done it,” she explained.
“He has given the order for your guard. I must trust his judgment.” She turned
back to his guard. “Get him some water and make him drink it. I won’t have
someone die from thirst.”

She
motioned for Bhatia to follow her. She would find Madoc and ask him what was
going on. But first she had to find her husband.

The
injured were being moved by carts into the city. She was relieved when she saw
Nika was among those helping move them. She didn’t know how she’d cope if she’d
lost him too. She wondered how many lives had been lost in this. They would
make a record of this. Each person, friend and foe, would be accounted for.

Bhatia
tapped Tempani’s shoulder. “Nic,” she said.

Tempani
turned and despite the devastation and the pain and the exhaustion she found
herself smiling when she saw him. He was bloodied and limping, dragging his
sword behind him, but he was alive. She called out his name and moved towards
him.

He
waved at her and broke into a run, his face a picture of relief. He was almost
within arm’s reach when he stopped, his mouth opening in shock. She watched
him, confused, and then he fell at her feet, a dagger embedded in his shoulder.
She screamed as her heart skipped a beat, and a fresh wave of energy rushed
through her. She sent a blast after the assailant as he tried to flee. The
soldier of the King’s Guard was killed instantly.

Tempani’s
hands shook as they rested on her growing belly. She took a deep breath, hoping
to calm her nerves. Outside she heard murmurings. Excited voices as they filed
into the palace grounds.

She
knew Madoc would be down there. Her commander, and leader of the newly formed
Royal Guard would be keeping order as the people of the city gathered. She
found out Otto had died protecting an injured Madoc, as he lay bleeding in the
dirt. He had not taken the death of his former mentor well, and Tempani knew he
would carry the loss with him forever.

The
Parliament had wanted her to hold the ceremony inside. To avoid trouble. But
she had insisted on holding it outside. She wanted all of her people to attend,
not just the nobility. 

She’d
wanted to hold it earlier so the Kalaowins could attend but she, and the people
of the kingdom, and not been ready for the celebration.

Most
of the Kalaowins had now returned to their tribes, but some had chosen to stay
in the city, joining Madoc’s ranks or attending the university or working
alongside the commoners to rebuild their homes. There were still skirmishes
between the races, but the hatred and fear that had long existed had been
abated. There were still some hot blooded Kamaris who made life very difficult
for the Kalaowins and vice versa, but Tempani knew it would be a long journey
to unite them. The unrest wouldn’t end when Hallam died.

They
tried to adapt to life with creatures that they’d heard of only in tales or
dreamt of only in their nightmares. The Parliament worked tirelessly on
learning all they could about each species and how to co-exist with them.
Aidis
was a great help on this. Her knowledge was beyond
all expectations.

Zadi
shuffled behind her, her right hand resting on her sword. The stump that was
now her left arm was a constant reminder of the battle with Hallam and Ricton.
So too was the absence of the man who normally stood on Tempani’s other side.

She
hadn’t been able to bring herself to replace Rando yet. She knew she had to,
but she couldn’t bear the thought of it just yet. It was too much.

Gone
too were Yuta,
Keer
and
Helio
.
Xanthir too had perished as he fought alongside the Raiders. Lindow had
returned from hiding to fight and had lost his life. Tempani found it difficult
to visit the manor now that his friendly face wasn’t there to greet her.

Her
niski
had survived the battle but his heartache over
losing his second child had taken its toll, and he’d passed away from a heart
attack two months later. Her
niska
had refused her
offer of a room at the palace and had taken her tribe back to the mountains.
She promised she’d be back for the birth of her great-grandchild though.

Chae
had survived. Barely. Dahlia, now trainee to the Chief Healer, couldn’t fix all
the damage that had been done, and he’d never be able to walk again. He had
told her that for him, that was a fate worse than death. He was in a dark place
at the moment, and she wasn’t able to reach him. Dahlia’s support to him was
unwavering despite his ending their relationship. She kept telling Tempani that
they would find their way back to one another.

She
often wondered if those who had survived the physical pain would ever move on
from the emotional scars. She figured only time would tell.

“I
have three groups patrolling the grounds. They’ll see anything the Guard miss,”
Bhatia said when she walked in.

She
had appointed Bhatia as the head of a new outfit of female fighters, the
Shiasa’s Ladies. She’d had no doubt that Bhatia would be a great leader and an
asset to them. The problem was that she didn’t feel the need to keep others
abreast of what she was up to. Madoc was supposed to be in charge of her, but
she ignored his rules. The only person Bhatia would take orders from was
Tempani. Her loyalty to her was unwavering.

“Thank
you.” Tempani smiled at her.

“Are
you ready?” Darby came through the door behind Bhatia, his eyes shining with
joy as he kissed Tempani’s cheek.

She
smiled at Darby, forever her guide and now her most trusted advisor.

Tempani’s
heart hurt for Darby. Not only had he lost Wimarc, a bad king but a friend to
him nonetheless, but then Mother Chennai and Otto. She knew he’d never get over
the last two. Just like she never would.

“Is
he coming?”

“I
tried.” He shrugged and patted her hand when he saw the disappointment on her
face. “Tryphena tried. He just won’t listen.”

She
swallowed the lump that always formed in her throat when she thought of Teddy.
It was becoming harder to hold onto the faith she had that the man he’d once
been would come back to them.

She
reached down and patted
Tilaw’s
head and then nodded
at Darby. “I’m ready.”

The
crowd below broke into applause as Darby stepped onto the balcony. She followed
behind him and grinned as the cheers erupted.

She
looked down at the faces that had gathered before her, and if her heart could
burst from pride, it would have at that moment. The Kamaris and Kalaowins stood
together in celebration.
Elik
and his herd amongst
them. A griffin soared overhead. This is what she had fought for.

She
glanced into the sea of faces and let her eyes fall on Nika. Her cousin watched
her, pride in his eyes. Wrapped in his arms were
Thara
and Tempani’s godson,
Ilya
. Beside them stood Keane
and
Indiro
, dressed in the uniform of the Royal
Guard.

Leela
and the manor staff smiled and waved as they stood around Chae, who sat in a
small wagon with Dahlia at his side. 

Darby
stepped towards the crowd, holding her crown high up in the air to show them.

She
gazed at it fondly and smiled as her eyes fell on the jewel. She had insisted
that it be incorporated into her crown and it now sat at the front of it,
surrounded by diamonds. The Kalaowin jewel in the Kamari crown. She never
thought she’d see the day it happened

Her
heart thumped in her chest as he rested it on her head.

“I
present to you, Tempani of Lenthir. Your Shiasa,” he cried. “And Nicolass of
Lenthir, your king.”

She
stepped forward, Nic moving in unison behind her. She reached back, gripped his
hand and pulled him to her side. From this day on, they were equals.

The
roar was deafening as the bells from the chapel chimed and rang across the ground.
She glanced up as a shadow passed over them.
Aidis
had arrived.

They
moved towards the crowd and walked slowly down the steps. They met Madoc at the
bottom and smiled as he crossed his arms over his chest and bowed. With him,
Zadi and Dagan ahead of them, they walked amongst their people.