Page 142 of Queen of Legends and Lies
In the end, that’s all we have.
Love and hope and the courage to face the darkness head-on, no matter the cost.
And so, I fall, down and down and down, into the very bowels of the earth itself.
I’m ready to face my destiny.
Chapter Forty-Six
The wind rushes past me as I plummet down the enormous split in the earth. Getting out of sight as fast as possible is critical. The last thing I need is a slew of drachen trailing me. I don’t want to contend with themandNarc.
This plan hinges on everyone else’s ability to distract the majority of the enemy forces. Both the drachen and the corrupted.
Almost too late, I realize I won’t be able to see the ground rushing up below me in the dark. I flare my wings out and cup the air to slow my fall. Pain shoots through my body at the jolt, but I keep my balance.
Calling forth my fire, I send a blaze streaking down to light the path.
The hidden ground is suddenly in view. And entirely too close. I decelerate enough to land hard but safely on the rocky ground.
Darkness encases me, the only illumination the flickering flame dancing in my cupped hand.
I have no idea what to do next. But I can’t just stand here.
Holding my makeshift torch aloft, I pick my way through the winding tunnels and head in what I hope is the direction ofthe abandoned palace. The tunnels are cracked open in places, jagged rents exposing glimpses of the night sky.
Eyril roots snake down through the fissures, their inky black sap oozing in sticky drops. I shudder and veer around the puddles, keeping my distance. Can’t risk the potent substance getting on me.
My heart pounds as I creep forward, straining for any sign of danger. Only an eerie quiet greets me. No hint of the chaotic battle I know is raging above. Just the echo of my footsteps, my ragged breathing, and my thundering heart.
Panic flutters in my chest, and I force myself to breathe.
Where are Narc’s bones?
Easy. Don’t lose your head. Too many people are counting on you.
With careful steps, I continue. Time loses meaning as I carry on, guided by instinct and sheer determination.
After what feels like a small eternity, I round a bend and freeze.
There, looming out of the gloom ahead, I finally glimpse the crumbling ruins of the gods’ ancient palace.
I made it. Now I just have to figure out my next move. My team can’t keep the enemies at bay forever.
The towering doors hang askew on their hinges, with one completely wrenched free. No need to pick the locks this time. The raw power unleashed when I split the earth did the job for me. The light from the glowing crystals seeps around the broken portal, lighting my way. I extinguish my torch and slip cautiously inside.
“Ziva’s flames.” I gasp at the destruction.
The once grand hall lies in ruins, its vaulted ceiling partially collapsed. Gaping holes let in shafts of wan light. The cracked ceiling is domed, with massive chandelier-like fixtures hangingdark and pendulous over my head. Distorted murals that depict the ancient tales of the gods decorate the ceiling.
The only deities still intact enough to recognize are Cyphero, the God of Hidden Knowledge, and the two Victory Goddesses. I can’t help but wonder if that’s some sort of sign. Fate’s way of revealing the truth and a favorable outcome for this battle.
Rubble and broken furniture litter the cracked floor. Clouds of dust swirl in the air. The giant crystals lay splintered, broken. Shattered ends stab into the ground and walls. Gingerly, I pick my way through the debris and peer into the shadowy corners and alcoves.
Where would a god’s bones be kept?
I overturn a table, hoping for some flash of insight. A track. A clue of any kind.
Nothing.
