Page 111 of My Eternal Light

Everyone stopped and tried to make out what was going on.

“What the fuck have they come up with now?” Aiden asked, squinting against the brighter sun.

Kincaid saw a familiar form and whooped loudly. He ran out in front of his fellow warriors and raised both hands. Using air magic, he simply pushed the enemy down the street toward the oncoming force.

Behind him he heard Darian whisper. “It’s the goblins.”

They all felt a surge of magic as holly bushes appeared to line either side of the road, keeping the enemies from escaping.

The horns sounded again as the goblins wheeled around on their dire wolves to circle the enemy. Using long spears, they effectively created a blender.

Doors opened and the fae watched as their distant neighbors had answered the bells.

“I feel positively useless,” Aiden said grinning. “Do you think I could recruit them for units?”

“Brie, we clear?” Ari asked.

Brie was wheezing, she was laughing so hard. “They couldn’t escape the wind tunnel. They got caught up with the spears. We’re clear.”

The largest goblin dismounted the enormous wolf and walked over. He took a knee in front of Darian. “The goblins greet our new king.”

Darian motioned with his hand for him to rise. “Gilheim, you are a friend, please stand.”

Gilheim flushed a darker green and stood. “We felt you come into your power. You embraced the cooler weather and shorter days. We look forward to your rule.”

Darian strode forward and offered his forearm. Gilheim took it and the goblins let out a cheer. Behind them the fae had started coming out of their homes. Nervously at first, but then with more confidence, they approached the goblins to offer their thanks.

The goblins looked gobsmacked. They stood with their hands on the backs of their necks, shuffling their feet around embarrassed.

Gilheim looked confused. “They do not fear us?”

Darian clapped him on the back. “The fae have learned what true monsters are. Tell your people they are more than welcome in the city. In fact, I’d like to visit and try that boar Meryn was talking about.”

Gilheim straightened. “I will hunt it myself,” he promised.

Kincaid felt his mouth water at the mention of the boar when his stomach twisted sharply.

“Ouch!”

“Caid, you good?” Ari asked.

“I think so, I…” he rubbed his chest. Fear. Terror was coming at him in waves.

Zadie.

He clutched at his chest. “Zadie! The kids!” he gasped. “This was a distraction!” He looked around, trying to figure out the fastest way home.

Darian raised his hand, then his eyes widened. “I can’t open a portal.”

Aiden stepped forward. “Why would that happen?”

“It won’t open when ferals are near.”

“Where were trying to open it?” Oron demanded.

“The palace. It’s a defensive measure built into the foundation. With ferals near, you can open one from the palace out to evacuate, but cannot open one going to the palace to prevent infiltration,” Darian said, looking sick.

“Men, run!” Aiden ordered.

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