Page 161 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

“She found you?”

He chugged another glass before slamming it down. “We were the first on her list since we were the ones that showed you all how to make the rings. Once Azrael fell, I knew we had to flee, but she found us. Jaski almost died getting us to safety. Her magic has been unpredictable and difficult for her to call forth ever since. She used too much too fast and for too long. It fucked with her.” He motioned toward his leg, the steel around it reflecting in the dim lights. “And Nismera left me with this.”

I crossed my arms, leaning back a tad. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help.”

“Still got that shining self-righteousness, I see. Thinking you can save all the realms, boy?”

“Someone has to try.” I tipped my head toward the guards. “So, is that why you are hiding beneath a brothel with mercenaries?”

The said mercenaries’ eyes widened, and they avoided my gaze.

He chuckled. “Not just a brothel, a meeting place for those looking to rebel. The ones with the same symbol on the side of their head as yours. Although, yours isn’t quite right.”

“Smart.” I nodded, my lips turning down. “You need better protection, though.”

I thought back to when I’d entered and wondered just how many rooms weren’t being used for their intended purposes.

He coughed a laugh. “Those are N’vuil mercenaries you’re talking about.”

I focused on them, and the three of them looked as if they wished to be anywhere other than near me. “Shitty mercenaries. If I can disarm them that quickly, they won’t be able to survive Nismera if she finds you.”

Killium clicked his tongue. “No mercenary could stand up to you, Samkiel. You are the untouchable king. You will cause a stir, given you’re the only one who has ever come close to wounding or killing Nismera.”

“I don’t plan to cause a stir just yet. I still have some things I need to do first, which is why I’m here.”

He nodded. “Yes, yes. I don’t know where the Everrine is. Last I saw, she was in the Zelaji realm, and it has since been destroyed and cultivated by a rather nasty infestation.”

“I’ll start there then.”

“Did you bring what you need for this weapon?”

“Yes, and I can help if you need a bit of power. I don’t want to hurt Jaski.”

“Always so kind. I knew I liked you better than the old gods.” Killium stood, and his mercenaries came to attention. “With your power, I’ll only need an hour to craft it.”

An hour wasn’t bad. I’d assumed he would need longer. It was good news, to say the least. I feared for the tavern I’d left her in and all the beings in it if I were gone too long. But I couldn’t talk to her yet. I needed to make sure this was done first. Then, we would have a discussion. It wasn’t fair to her, and I knew it. My absence would only cause those demons she so desperately guarded against to come roaring back, but I needed time to think and plan.

We left his small kitchen, heading back into Killium’s shop. He had gadgets and items stacked everywhere. Jaski placed a helmet over her head and moved at lightning speed, her arms going so fast she looked like she had six. Green magic clung to her slight form, and sparks flew in every direction. Smoke curled against the ceiling, and the vent above her buzzed. Above the noise, I could hear her humming contentedly. I stepped around another table, lightly tapping on one circular hanging contraption. It buzzed ominously, and I pulled back.

“That’s a new project for a Prince in Sundunne,” Killium said.

I turned toward him, a single brow raising. “Are you supplying weaponry to rebels, Killium?”

He only smiled at me as Jaski flipped back the face guard of her helmet and turned to hand him the dust fragments she had made. She said nothing as she walked back to her station. Killium grabbed a few metals before settling at his table. He leaned forward, dragging a complex piece of machinery close, adjusting some dials and flipping a switch. It whirled to life as he placed his goggles on his face. Sparks flew into the air as he worked, both of them set on their separate tasks.

I grabbed a seat next to Killium, telling him exactly how I wished for it to look and what I needed it to do. An hour turned to three before he was done, but it was still much better than I expected. I stood and stretched before pulling my cloak back on. I took the package he handed me and tucked it securely into my pocket. His mercenaries had watched us the whole time and now pretended to have more interest in the items around Killium’s shop than me.

Jaski wiped at the sweat on her brow and grinned at me, leaning into Killium’s side.

I fastened the last thick button on my side, the cloak hanging to the back of my thighs. “When I rebuild this world anew, I will return for you, friend. As long as I live, you will always have a home and business.”

“Even if it is mildly illegal activities?” Killium asked, wrapping his arm around Jaski’s shoulders to support her.

I smirked, placing the hood over my head. “We will work on that.”

He nodded, his eyes shining with unshed tears. Jaski patted his chest. “You were always one of the good ones. You and your father. I am glad you are back. Maybe there is hope after all.”

SIXTY-FIVE

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