Page 60 of Children of Anguish and Anarchy

“Ah!” I grit my teeth, pressing my hands to the open wound. The metal boots of the Welders clank as they approach. Words of surrender choke in my throat.

Before I can speak, iron restraints wrap around my mouth. They bind my ankles and my wrists. The shortest of the Welders jumps into the cavern, inspecting my white streak.

“We got another.” The Welder grabs me by the hair, turning me from side to side. His square brows furrow when he pulls me into the moonlight. Recognition fills his dark brown eyes.

“Do you know who this is?” He turns to the others.

They shake their heads.

“Send word back to camp,” the Welder instructs. “We’ve found the fallen king.”

THEY’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR ME.

I don’t know whether the realization should spike fear or relief. The Welders don’t speak as they carry me through the forest, following the worn trail back to their camp.

Chatter builds through the thinning trees. As we near the edge of the forest, I recognize our path—we head for the only military fortress on the outskirts of Lagos. I used to visit it all the time before magic came back.

Maybe this is a good thing, I try to reassure myself.This could be my chance.If some noble or fallen general has put a bounty on my head, that means they want me alive. It means I may be able to convince them of what’s to come.

As we reach the end of the trail, teams of Grounders work to bury their dead. A dark green glow spreads from their fingertips. They dig their hands into the earth, and grave plots erupt by the dozens. The fresh mounds ripple as they spread across the land.

I prepare to meet the fortress, but the military’s stronghold is no more. Piles of rubble cover the clearing. The tarnished snow leopanaire seal that hung over the entrance lies twisted in the dirt.

In the fortress’s place a new iron dome rises, only a fraction of the garrison that stood before. A team of tîtán Burners stands guard in front of the dome’s only gate. The blast marks and charred skeletons around them warn of what happens to any maji who attempts to get close.

At the sight of the Welders, the tîtáns exchange nods. With a call, thegate slides up. The Welders are quick to enter the dome. I flinch as the gates slam shut behind us.

This is it?Though restrained, I do my best to take stock of what’s left. A few dozen tents lie behind the dome’s walls, all that remains of the tîtáns’ former forces. A makeshift infirmary sits at the eastern edge of the camp. Across the way, a large tent serves eba and stew to the line of tîtáns who wait. A small group spars in the center of the camp. Blasts ring from other tîtáns training behind the dome’s iron walls. Most tîtáns lie in their tents, taking the gift of sleep before the next battle commences.

As the Welders carry me through their army, all eyes fall to me. My presence quiets all conversation. Some tîtáns stare in shock. Others look on with bitter contempt.

“—at last—”

“—I thought he was dead—”

“—he dares to show his face—”

Their voices ring inside my head as we go, making our way to the largest tent at the southern edge of the dome. Wide enough to house six people, the tent stands tall, surrounded by a line of golden armor.

The trio sets me down and takes position, each standing at attention. A crowd of tîtáns gathers around us, eager to see what will happen next.

“General! We found him!” the head Welder calls.

My mind races as I try to think of who lies behind the tent’s walls. Last I remember, Lieutenant Okeke was next in line. The stout officer became a Tamer when magic returned. But Okeke resented my every command.

If he’s had his soldiers looking for me, it’s only to take my head.

My heart spikes as someone stirs. A rustle builds as the silhouettenears the entrance. I prepare to make my case, but all the words leave my mind when I see a familiar face.

Mother…

The former queen exits her tent with the aid of a staff. A bandage covers her right eye. More bandages wrap tight around her abdomen. The color’s drained from her soft copper complexion. Only ice fills her amber eyes.

The last time we were together, I tricked her into drinking her own sedatives. I knocked her out to dissolve Orïsha’s throne. I knew she’d never forgive me for moving against her.

When theIyikaattacked the palace, I was certain she died.

But now Mother bends down to meet me. The breath shrivels in my chest. The Welders back away as she finally speaks.

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