Page 150 of The Sea of Zemira (The Zemiran Chronicles 1)

Mazie’s stomach twisted in knots again as the fog finally cleared around them.

Here we go, she thought.

She unsheathed her sword and gave her pixie a nod, jumping to her feet. Right as she stood, three arrows shot across the deck, all coming from the closest ship belonging to the Fae. The other vessel seemed to be heading in a different direction.

Where are they going?Raven asked herself as she watched a jet-black-haired elf, clad in fine, grey armor, raise his bow. However, the elf did not point his bow at the Sybil Curse—it was towards the protectors on the other Fae ship.

“Well,” she said to her pixie. “Isn’t that interestin’.” She held out her palm and the little creature stepped into her hand. Mazie’s pulse jarred in her throat. “Let us fight like pirates and die like one too!”

Raven sprang across the deck.

“We are to attack the ship to the right,” Mazie shouted, turning to Kitten. “I believe we have some Elven allies with us.” She turned to the black-haired elf who had his bow still raised, and once their eyes locked, she gave him a nod, right before he shot his arrow at the queen’s protectors.

Mazie watched Lincoln climb onto Anaru’s back, and they rose into the sky.

* * *

Elijah dashed across the ship, picking up one of his men’s swords from the deck as his father’s three ships sailed closer to his. Using the black smoke leaving his hands, the cloud of magic wrapped him in a cocoon, carrying him across the sea towards his father. He landed at the center of the deck, wielding his sword above his head, and began fending off the royal guard.

Using his powers, he encircled the men, drawing them to their knees and sending them into a dream.

A slow clap sounded from behind the prince. When he turned, his father folded both arms across his chest, and a vicious grin flashed over his lips.

“I am impressed,” King Matthias said. “I have not seen you use that kind of power since you were a young lad.”

Elijah held out his sword. “That is because you were ashamed every time I tried, pretending my powers were a disgrace to you and our family. And when you needed to subjugate, you would force me to use my magic to accomplish your vile agendas.”

The king ambled around Elijah, but with each step, the prince became even more anxious.

“Those powers are shameful, Elijah. You’re a monster,” King Matthias gritted out. “Just like all the other Newick witches. A sorcerer is nothing but an abomination to our world.” He straightened his back. “I did my best to be your father, but at times I could not bear to look at you.”

Elijah glanced at the approaching ships. It was strange—the elves and the pirates were fighting each other.

The prince swallowed, turning back to his father and the other royal ships floating behind them, waiting for the king’s orders.

“Oh, I assure you,” Elijah said. “I have done plenty well without your help. You are nothing but a hypocrite who used the Newick gem for your own political needs.” Elijah’s nostrils flared, growling through his teeth. “You took everyone I loved away from me.”

Matthias ran his fingers through his beard. “You were nothing but a tool for my ideals. But you were not even useful! Who would want a complete failure for a child?” he taunted.

The prince felt frozen in thought. The hatred he had for the king ran deep, but those words made him feel as if his heart had been ripped out.

The king snorted. “Enough of this banter. Use your sword, boy. Fight like a man.” The king’s eyes narrowed as he unsheathed his own sword. “Prove to me I didn’t raise a coward.”

The use of magic would have ended the duel in moments, but the power from the emerald on the king’s crown would shield the prince’s magic against him.

Elijah gripped the hilt of his sword hard, not caring about the pain. He leapt forward, swinging the blade quickly at his father. The king scampered back, holding his sword up high, blocking the hit.

“I beg you, Father. Do not do this! End this madness and let the world regain magic! You will kill the kingdom!”

The king jumped forward, slicing across Elijah’s chest, but only grazing across his shirt, slicing the skin beneath.

The prince winced as his skin burned from the wound.

Matthias’s face scrunched up, wielding his sword above his head, right as a cannon fired from a close range. Elijah slashed his sword at his father, as the king was momentarily distracted by the noise. His crown fell off his head and onto the deck.

* * *

“Fire!” Mazie shouted, lighting the cannon pointing towards Queen Cassia’s protectors.

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