Page 24 of The Cruel Dawn
I roll my eyes. “I look like an ordinary, shabby Mera warriorbecauseof High Lord Megidrail. I’m prohibited from wearing the armor of a Grand Defender. Everything I own—my sword and armor—are gifts from either humans or Renrians.” I reflect for a moment before touching my amulet. “Except for this—this was a gift from my father, but he gave this to me a long time ago.” The stone in the moth’s thorax is cold.
“I can see how that upsets you, so…come.” Malik Sindire rises from the couch and beckons me to follow him back down that light-filled corridor. We turn into a space filled with glass cases of weapons and armor.
Avish and Dyotila stand at attention in the middle of the room.
“Incredible,” I whisper, awed.
Malik Sindire taps his cheek and rocks on his toes and heels. “Itisincredible. You may not remember, but one of my joys in life is traveling the Aetherium and collecting a realm’s best armor and weapons, and books of unusual knowledge. Vallendor, I’m afraid, doesn’t contain much of any of those things, no offense to the Lady, but this realm still captivates me. It is—or was—absolutely gorgeous. Perfect in so many ways.
“Nothing in this showroom is truly unique, but…” His expression softens with wonder. “There are beautiful things here. Powerful things, many of which were inspired by the Lady of the Verdant Realm herself.”
“Really?”
“Certainly. Only the best in this room.” He tilts his head and grins at me. “And you will need the best if you are to defeat the traitor. And since I collect only the best, please take all that you need. Whatever I have is yours, Lady.”
I wander around the room and choose pewter-colored armor that reminds me of stormy skies and ancient mountains.
“Any blades, Precious One?” Malik Sindire asks.
“I will keep the swords already in my possession. But…” I pluck a dagger with a gray-leather handle. Its blade matches the pewter armor and is engraved with swirls that make it look as though it’s in motion. “I’ll name her…Tempest,” I say.
Malik Sindire nods, satisfied. “Each piece has been crafted by the armorers at the Abbey of Mount Devour.”
“Really?” I ask, eyebrows high. Such rarities demand a price. “So what must I do for you if I’m to walk away with these gifts?”
He stands before me, and even though he barely reaches my chin, his presence is what dominates this space. “You mustwin.You must defeat Danar thoroughly and without mercy. Because if you don’t, he will kill you, and then he will take the next realm, and the next realm. He will keep searching for something he cannot have.”
He takes Tempest from my hands and strokes the blade. “Your taste is immaculate.” He meets my gaze. “Stay alert, Precious One. Do not hesitate to use this dagger—you are a wanted woman and will not be afforded any consideration or respect.”
7
After my visit with Malik Sindire, I return to the Sanctum and to my tent.
Zephar and Shari aren’t there, but the bed has been made and fresh flowers have been placed against the pillows.
Zephar’s apology.
Outside, a horn blows: a call to arms.
I shove myself into my new set of armor and rush back outside, joining my contingent of Mera warriors—Diminished all—rushing to grab their blades, bows, and arrows.
“What’s happened?” I ask, running alongside Ianna. He’d been one of the first destroyers to join me in the destruction of Ithlon.
“Attack on a caravan,” he shouts.
Together, we race down the pathway to the misty garden. I check my swords and dagger—I’m ready to fight. We run through Gasho and out the now-repaired gates. My lungs fill with dusty air, but a smile finds my face after all the previous uncertainty.Thisis what I’m meant to do.
But then Isee.
My stomach drops.
Gorga!
Banners with the moth sigil lie trampled on the ground. Women wearing those ochre-colored robes are being chased by green-scaled bandits wearing gray armor. Idus, the prince of Gasho, takes cover behind the two large guards swinging blades too weak for these opponents.
Shari is ripping through a Gorga bandit’s neck. Zephar is swinging his dual swords at another bandit, but he shouts in frustration as his blades bounce off the Gorga’s thick skin. Finally, thankfully, one of his blades cuts deep into the Gorga’s hip.
Didn’t I tell someone to place protective wards on the roads?
