Page 18 of An Archer's Reckoning

“What are you—”

I reached forward, placed a hand on his shoulder, and focused.

Chapter 7

Isabel

My eyes blazed as I strode down the winding stairs and remembered the rush of power that filled me as the spirit of Irina returned and nested within my soul. A thousand years of caged anger coursed through my veins. It took all of my will to contain my sister-soul.

Children in their long brown robes and ridiculous masks of twisted beasts flocked to the base of the stairs, anxiously awaiting their Queen’s arrival. Through the pulsing soul-gems on my crown, I felt the abject devotion pouring from each of them. The waves of emotion were unnerving. Empathy was one of the Gifts I had stolen through the seven sacrifices.

“Focus. There is yet much work to do,”my sister-soul chided from within.

My grin faltered. Apparently, Irina could hear my thoughts and share my feelings. That could prove inconvenient. Irina’s every desire was bent on destruction and, while a certain amount of war was necessary to win the day, I did want thereto be a continent filled with people to rule. The more the spirit writhed within my consciousness, the more I wondered how aligned our aims truly were.

That Irina remained silent through those ruminations frightened me more than anything.

When I reached the bottom step, Danai Thorn, the only one not in a mask and robe, dropped to one knee before me.

“Your Majesty,” he said respectfully as he stared at my now-scarlet eyes.

“Yes, Danai, we succeeded.” I stunned him by placing a hand on his shoulder. “But this is only our first step. What happened with Jess? With those men who tried to stop our ceremony?”

“Most died, Your Majesty. Jess and a few men in black fled across the lake. Our archers failed to stop them.”

I removed my hand and crossed the ceremonial chamber, its roof now open to the night sky. The bloody haze of Irina’s return remained thick, cloaking the statue that towered above in a shroud of crimson light.

Danai trailed a few steps behind, struggling to keep up with my purposeful strides. He craned his head to watch as I closed my eyes. Ripples of magical energy flowed throughout the room as my senses sought my quarry. After a long moment, my eyes flew open.

“She’s in a field, sleeping by a small fire. The Melucians are with her, but I could not See much else. There were no landmarks, no hills or roads to mark their location.” I thrummed my fingers against my chin. “As long as she’s on the run, she cannot trouble our plans. I will deal with her later. Did the generals on the border receive our orders?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I sent three plans, two of the King’swar games, and yours. Our generals will assume each came from the King. They await orders on which to execute.”

“Where are they in preparation? How long before they can send the advance units to clear out the Rangers?”

“I received word only a few hours ago. The men and equipment are in place. When the weather clears, they’ll be waiting for your command,” Danai said.

“Excellent. Send word to them. Begin Phase One. Take out the Rangersimmediately.”

“Majesty, word of the King’s death will surely reach the generals before any other instruction. They may not follow your command.”

I whirled and pinned Danai with a glare. “They will do as I command. I will be Regent by the time the order to advance reaches their ears.”

“Regent? Yes, of course, Majesty.” Danai’s gaze faltered. “But . . . what about winter? The plan is to wait until spring. First snows have already fallen in the mountains, and we cannot get siege equipment through the pass. Our men will die in the cold of the peaks.”

I stopped at the door that led to my private chamber, knuckles white as my hand clutched the handle, then turned to face him. My eyes flared as a bloody mist swirled around Danai’s shoulders, gripping him with its icy touch.

“Begin. The. Invasion.” I glared down at him. “I will deal with winter—andneverquestion me again.”

He dropped to a knee as I released him. His head bowed and shoulders trembled. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

I slammed the door behind me, leaving Danai on his knees.

“Idiot! A thousand years of waiting, and he wants to let a little snow slow us down?”Irina’s spirit stirred.

Unable to resist, I reveled in Irina’s wrath.

I marched into Cradle wearing a gown of solid gold with the Phoenix emblazoned across the front.

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