Page 122 of Oaths & Vengeance
I clenched my fists. “You can’t hurt civilians if I do this.”
He leaned forward, baring his teeth. “Open the portal, or I’ll have you whipped right here in front of my army, and then I’ll have Rynn punished next.”
My chest tightened because I knew that was no empty threat. How could he be so cruel?
“She has nothing to do with this,” I said, trying to hold on to my courage in the face of his malevolence. Of course, he’d back me into a corner.
Lord Morgunn pulled away a little, his features softening slightly. “No, she is innocent. Open the portal, and all will be well. I’ll even look the other way at your hiding your full abilities from me, especially since you’ve become more useful to my plans now than ever.”
I only had impossible choices before me. The amount of trouble he’d gone through to set up this attack meant he’d show me no mercy if I refused to help him. If I did what he asked, he’d attack Radoumar and kill innocent people, but their population was large enough to put up a better fight than the places my uncle usually targeted. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.
Also, Veronna had been gathering its forces in one place in anticipation of Lord Morgunn assaulting the border. Darrow would know we went elsewhere once I crossed onto his land, and he could have his channelers move his already-prepared force to the west to react quickly. I would also do what I could to save his people until he arrived. It was the only way I could see to survive this mess and prevent Rynn from being drawn into it. I’d do anything to protect her.
“Very well. I’ll open it,” I agreed, still hating myself that I gave in to his demands.
My uncle smiled. “Wise decision, Aella.”
I took the small bag of holmium he handed me and a small piece of parchment with the rune sequence drawn on it. Somehow, he knew it. I only memorized the ones I visited often, so I’d hoped I could claim ignorance on how to get there. One little paper destroyed that possibility, but I should have known my uncle would come prepared. I had never volunteered a sequence and always made him provide them, which he did without fail.
Inwardly, I prayed that Darrow would forgive me for this as I began channeling. It was almost as much of a struggle as it had been to reach Jolloure Island, likely to prevent dark elf infiltration, but it didn’t take as long as I anticipated. Every time I pushed through a difficult ring, it seemed to get easier the next time as I learned the weave of the wards.
The first regiment of soldiers began moving the moment the air popped, and the blue light appeared, with the cavalry in the lead and followed by troops on foot. I held out my hand, keeping my power flowing as they disappeared inside. They moved so efficiently that the first regiment took just under ten minutes. Directly after them, the second began filing through the ring. It wasn’t until near the end of the fourth that I began to feel the drain on my powers. By the time the fifth and last regiment disappeared, my hands shook.
Lord Morgunn grabbed my arm and guided me toward the portal with six soldiers escorting us. No doubt, he’d assign a few to guard me during the battle. I let my powers go two steps before we entered the murky blue. As usual, the portal stayed open long enough for us to enter.
An eternity seemed to pass before we reached the other side, or perhaps it felt like it because I really didn’t want to know what I would find once we arrived. Finally, it pushed us out, and we stepped into total chaos. The strikes of swords,wooshesof magic, and pained screams filled the air. I’d never visited Radoumar before, but apparently, this was one of the few Veronnian rings positioned within the town. That made it easier to attack quickly, but it also meant I would stand witness to the carnage. My uncle couldn’t hide me far away like usual.
Hopefully, Darrow would pick up on my arrival quickly, and he’d bring a large force with him, but that would take time. Lord Morgunn’s army could do a lot of damage before my husband arrived.
Furious thoughts raced through my mind. Radoumar appeared to have fought back, based on the dozen dead Therressians I counted on the ground nearby, but the Veronnians must have already been overwhelmed near the ring. Our first soldiers who’d come nearly an hour ago had destroyed everything nearby, and mangled bodies lay everywhere—killed by magic, sword, or fire. My stomach threatened to revolt at the sight.
I took note of my uncle and his two soldiers, including the one who powered an impenetrable shield for him, heading northwest before they disappeared from view. Next, I tried to locate Ulmar but couldn’t see him through the dense smoke and blazing buildings. He could have gone anywhere. The four guards my uncle left behind circled me, acting as my wardens and protectors.
They wouldn’t be standing for long. My uncle knew I had been traveling places without his permission, and he’d been suspicious enough to keep the details of the attack from me until the last moment. Though I’d certainly pay for it later, I couldn’t stand by and watch the massacre without helping. He wouldn’t touch Rynn since he made it this far and would need her healing abilities after we returned. The only element slowing me down was having to bide my time for twenty minutes so I could regain a measure of my powers. I’d neared the end of my reserves when I finished channeling.
The waiting while hearing innocent fae die in the distance killed me, but I couldn’t help them if I had no magic left. In the meantime, I paced thedais before the portal ring. My guards watched me warily, which made me wonder what my uncle had told them.
Finally, some of the weakness left my body as my strength began to renew. It was time to save as many people as possible. I clenched my fists, lifted my head, and pulled power to me. When it was concentrated enough, I sent it streaming out in every direction with high-velocity winds. It sent the four male elves guarding me flying and also struck down many more of Lord Morgunn’s forces within the vicinity. Some hit the ground so hard that they were knocked unconscious, while others struggled to rise.
Not wasting a moment, I grabbed a sword from one of the fallen and raced toward the area with the worst screams. I had to dodge motionless bodies covered in blood and gore, a bleating pack of goats that had gotten loose, a wagon blazing with fire, and much more before I reached an area with active fighting.
“HELP! Please, someone, help me,” a terrified woman screamed up ahead.
I squinted through the smoke until I saw a soldier wrestling her to the ground. My vision colored with red. It was bad enough they were killing innocent people, but raping them brought out even greater rage within me. The female elf had tears in her eyes as he yanked up her skirts.
Thrusting out a hand, I sent a focused burst of wind at the soldier. He slammed into the wall of a house directly behind him. I held him there as I ran up to the woman, dropping my sword to help her to her feet. She was trembling, eyes wild, and in shock.
“Get inside your house and hide,” I said, catching her gaze. My right hand remained outstretched to keep my wind power going. But I picked up my sword with the other and pressed it into her grip. “Use this on anyone who tries to touch you.”
“But…” She turned her head toward the soldier who’d harmed her.
I shook my head. “He’ll never touch a woman again. I promise.”
Eyes widening, she nodded.
“Now, go!” I urged.
She ran into the next house over from us, disappearing inside with the slam of a door. I was so furious at what this soldier had done that I had nomercy. When I turned to face him, he must have seen my rage because he began to babble incoherently where he lay pressed against the wall.
