Chapter Thirty-Seven

As Arthur dismounted, Lilyrose bounced on her toes, barely able to contain her happy relief at having him safe. The moment his feet touched the ground, she threw her arms around his waist, not caring how bloodied he was. “You’re safe. You’re here, safe,” she kept repeating.

He rested his cheek on her head.

“Well fought, Arthur,” said Lionel. “Edmund will be proud.”

“Father–”

“The physician is still tending him.”

“And you need tending to also,” said Lilyrose.

“Wait. Master Sweyn, Hagen is unconscious–”

“Yes, my lord. I saw all that happened.” He took hold of Arthur’s arm with both his hands. “My eternal gratitude, my lord.” He smiled, his eyes moist. “The eternal gratitude of the people of Tugenrock.”

“Your people are bringing him in. I think they’ll feel happier when they see you.”

Nodding, he backed away then hurried to meet his comrades.

Arthur turned to the marshal. “Bruce–”

“I will see to the northern men and arrange a physician for Lord Hagen, my lord. See to yourself now.”

“Come.” Her arm still around his waist, Lilyrose tried to lead him up the steps into the castle.

“Marlis is still out there–”

“And the gem elves are still here, protecting Ronal.”

“But only her death will free him.”

“Yes, Arthur,” said Lionel. “But first, you must allow the physicians to tend your wounds. Then we will ask the gem elves what is to be done.”

His shoulders sagged, and he followed Lilyrose into the castle.

As the physician’s assistant checked Arthur’s wounds, Lilyrose helped wash them and prepare the bandages. Aware this was the first time she was seeing Arthur’s naked torso, she had to curb the urge to run her fingers down his back, marred now with cuts.

With an abrupt shake of her head, together with a mental admonition, she forced her attention back to the matter at hand.

As the assistant was finishing bandaging his torso, Arthur gasped and stiffened. “That’s fine. Please leave us–”

“But, my lord–”

“Now. Please.”

Clearly puzzled, he did as he was told.

“Arthur, he hasn’t finished–oh.”

Garnet appeared. “I asked that he be dismissed, Lilyrose.”

“Is something wrong?” asked Arthur.

“We have sensed a concentration of power. We fear Marlis may be performing a spell of great magnitude.”

“What does that mean?” Lilyrose’s stomach churned.

Her brows pulling together, Garnet shrugged. “We do not know what she has allied herself with here. But she must be stopped.”

Arthur got to his feet, reaching for his bloodied tunic.

“No.” Lilyrose moved in front of him, her hand on his chest. “Can’t you stop her?” she said to Garnet.

“Before Arthur battled Hagen, she attempted to get past our wards to take Ronal. What she is doing now can only mean she is coming after him.”

“Then you must stay with Ronal,” said Arthur. “Promise me, no matter what happens, you’ll keep him safe and not let her have him.”

Reaching out, she touched her fingers to his cheek then lowered her hand to touch Ruby’s pendant. “I swear it, brave dear one. And we will extend the wards to surround the castle.”

“But why you?” Lilyrose’s mouth turned down. “You’re wounded, tired–”

“I, at least, stand a chance against her.” He glanced at Garnet. “I can still call on the elf essence?”

“It is part of you, Arthur, and always will be.”

“I mean to win. And free Ronal.” He kissed Lilyrose. Then he was gone.

Alone, for Garnet had disappeared also, Lilyrose stood, hands clenched tight against her body. It was only when her breath exited her nose loudly did she realise she’d been holding her breath. “Stubborn. Stubborn, stubborn,” she said through gritted teeth. “Simply because you have elf essence doesn’t mean you’re the only one who can face her.”

Banging her fist on the table, she marched out. And stopped at the door, her unfocussed gaze staring at nothing.

Calling for his sword and shield, Arthur ran to the gatehouse. Hearing the fearful mutterings trickling down from those gathered on the wall, he wondered what they could see.

Lionel turned to him, confused. “Arthur, what’s–”

“Marlis, my lord,” he said, “she’s preparing to attack.” His gaze found Bruce. “Get everyone under cover.”

About to move, Lionel turned back to Arthur. “Where’s Lilyrose?”

“Inside. My lord, please go in.”

Bruce was already shouting orders. Still, those on the wall remained where they were, obviously transfixed by what they were witnessing.

Swallowing hard, Arthur took his sword and shield. Glancing over his shoulder, he felt momentary relief to see Lionel disappearing into the castle. Wishing he’d had a moment to look in on his father, he straightened his shoulders and waited.

A spine-chilling shriek rent the air. Those still on the gatehouse wall screamed and half-running, half-falling down the stairs, fled to the safety of the castle.

Gripping his sword tight, Arthur tried to ignore his madly pounding heart.

Darkness descended in the form of a shadow-shifting cloud, which began to take on solid form.

“Courage, Arthur,” he muttered.

A horrific creature plummeted toward the castle.

Eyes stretched wide, he whispered, “Marlis.” He knew it was her for he could see her pale, sunken-cheeked face, her black hair whipping around her. But the rest of her was unrecognisable. Her arms were now wings, her hands, deadly talons. Feathers adorned her back and lower body. Her legs, covered in scales, ended in clawed feet.

Almost at the castle, she screeched and recoiled.

Arthur hoped it was the gem elves’ wards repelling her for he couldn’t see anything.

Marlis kept flying repeatedly at the castle, screaming in fury before landing on the ground outside, staring at the castle.

Realising he’d have to go out into the open to face her, Arthur stepped forward and back a few times, gathering his courage. Fighting to relax, he struggled to take a proper deep breath. This time, the reassuring warmth failed to materialise, and he knew why. He was trained to face an armed man, not a creature of magic and that left him riddled with doubt. With a curse, he ran.

Standing with the castle behind him, Arthur adjusted his shield, his sword gripped firmly in his hand.

Marlis hissed, narrowing her eyes. “Fool. You think you can take me?” Taking off skywards, she dove back down, great clawed feet ready to tear into him.

He brought his shield up. The force of her attack threw him onto his back. Leaping to his feet, he struck with his sword. Was knocked down with her wing. Lashing out, he sliced through her scaly leg.

A piercing scream leapt from her. Whipping around, she caught him in the back with her talons before taking to the sky again.

Landing on his sword arm, Arthur winced, almost dropping the weapon. Grunting, he lurched to his feet only to fall back again, a gust of fetid air warning him as she swooped down. But he wasn’t fast enough.

Her claws caught the side of his face. Crying out, he tasted blood as it trickled into his mouth. He rolled aside, but she kept coming. Struggling to his feet, he turned to face her. Curved talons swiped close to him. He ducked back.

He realised she was toying with him, flying away then swooping back down, making as if to slash him, but allowing him to evade her. Turning this way and that, he fought to avoid her. Until finally, he fell on his back.

Before he could get away, she was over him, pinning him down with one foot over his leg and the other over his arm.

Lowering her face to his, she bared her teeth. “You took him from me. I love him, and you stole him from me. I should have killed you when I had the chance. If I had realised my mistake, all those years ago, I would have killed you too.”

Panting, he frowned. What did she mean, kill him too?

“When she challenged me for touching you, I wanted to punish her for her insolence, believing you to be her son. If I had known she was right.”

Arthur blinked, trying to make sense of her words. “Mama?”

“So frail, you mortals. You succumb so easily.”

He struggled to draw breath. “What are you saying?”

A slow smile stretched her mouth. “So, you also know what it is like to have one you love stolen from you.”

Closing his eyes, he whispered, “My mother died. You killed my mother?”

“My first mortal victim.” She started to laugh.

Arthur punched her across the face with his free hand.

Gasping, she loosened her hold on him, slowly straightening her body.

A drumming sound intruded. Turning his head, Arthur’s eyes widened at the sight of Hero bearing down on them.

The horse jerked his head to the side, his rider tugging on the reins with one hand, struggling to slow him. The other hand cradled a lance, aimed at Marlis. It slammed into her shoulder, knocking her off Arthur.

Shrieking, her wings flailing, she staggered back.

On his side, Arthur curled his body, hands over his head. But Hero, having lost his rider, leapt over him.

Knocked off by the impact, the dazed rider slowly sat up. Her braided hair had come unpinned, falling to curl over her shoulder.

Too shocked to speak, Arthur could only mouth, ‘Lilyrose.’

“You!” Marlis stared at Lilyrose then launched herself into the sky once more.

Panting loudly, shaking her head, Lilyrose hauled herself to her feet and staggered to Arthur’s sword. Grimacing, she managed to lift it and stood ready.

Wings pressed to her side, Marlis plunged down.

With a shout, Lilyrose drove the sword into Marlis’ belly, falling to one knee. Then Arthur was by her side, and his strength drove the sword deep.

Marlis landed shakily, staring at them, blood oozing from the side of her mouth. She flapped her wings feebly, but the talons failed to get a proper grip on the hilt. Falling, she tried to reach the sword with her feet; failed. Gasping, groaning, her body jerked and flailed.

Black mist rose from the ground, sighing, whispering. Marlis’ eyes widened. “No. No,” she said, her voice breaking. The mist started to wrap around her.

Arthur and Lilyrose stumbled back.

Marlis struggled, trying to get away from the mist. It slowly poured over her, covering her, from the feet up. Until all that was left was one wide, tear-filled eye. Then it too was consumed. The black mist lingered, slowly dispersed, leaving nothing.