She acknowledges me with a simple nod, then continues to walk the room. “Many new things have transpired over the past few days, and I feel it’s my duty to prepare you as quickly as possible. You could be called into full service at any time.”
I glance over to Lilly and Willa, and we share a worried look. We’ve heard horror stories about the Otherworld. Of people with skin as pale as death dressed like barbarians—a people who tortured their prisoners with sadistic rituals. That alone should move me to wield my sword against them and seek vengeance. But our place is here, protecting Empress Iana. If the country must wage a war, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see a battlefield. I’m somewhat embarrassed that I’m relieved. I’m not a coward. I wouldn’t have been promoted to the most prestigious faction if that were so. But I can’t deny that I’m frightened by the possibility of war.
The other newly promoted members of the Nactue must share my concern, because all four wear worry lines creased between their eyes.
Carina stops pacing and faces us, her back straight. “There are things your protector training has misled you to belie—” a throat is cleared loudly, and Carina glances over her shoulder before continuing “—has not fully prepared you for.
“The Otherworlders worship a dark goddess.” Carina pulls at her ponytail, tightening it against the crown of her head. “It was once believed that the goddesses banished this evil deity, and that the Otherworlders followed her beneath the earth to be near her.”
Willa raises her hand, and Carina arches an eyebrow. “Yes, protector?”
“This goddess . . . is it the moon goddess?” Willa asks.
Carina snorts, but quickly nods her head, her features quitting their amused expression. “That would be the one. Though she’s just a myth, the Otherworlders’ manic worship of Bale has imprisoned their minds. Truly, because no sane people would attack the Three Realms.”
I wince, and Lilly’s hand lightly brushes mine, though she keeps her eyes on the former Nactue leader. I appreciate the comfort she offers, but I need to get over my issues. I’ll need to lead the Nactue and protect the empress against these creatures, and I can’t freeze up every time someone utters a sensitive word or insinuates madness.
A former Nactue steps forward—the one who cautioned Carina’s words. She has long black hair and a slash of red makeup across her eyelids. “It’s very possible with these new developments that you will be up close to the fighting, but that will be in pursuit to see the empress to safety, away from here.”
I step up. “So the attack on Perinya, you believe, was only the first.” I swallow down my apprehension and press on. “That they have plans to attack us, as well?”
Carina crooks a smile. “I believe they have plans to assassinate every ruler and ruler’s heir of the Three Realms before the next full moon.”
My eyebrows pull together. “But why?”
“Other than the fact they’re mad?” Carina eyes me. “For the very thing all wars are fought over, protector. Mercury.”
The next full moon.
Madness.
Dark goddess.
Carina’s words echo through my mind as I block a blow from Willa. I’m distracted, and Willa is a vicious opponent when I’m at my best.
“Kal, you’re not even trying.” She swats my butt with her blade.
Rebounding with a lunge, I laugh. “I’m taking it easy on you after the last time. I have pity.” I send my blade toward her midsection and she blocks easily.
“Enough,” she says, and tucks her sword under her sleeved arm to wipe her brow. “Do some of your leader duties or something. I’ll pair off with Lilly.” She glances over to where Lilly rests on the sideline, then back at me. “You obviously can’t handle my skills today.” She winks and lops off toward the back of the training room.
I part my lips to unleash a comeback, but then snap them closed. What are my leader duties?
With the full moon only being days away, my senses are on high alert, and I wish Carina would answer that question for me. I want to know what else the retired leader knows about the Otherworlders. She must understand more about them than anyone else I’ve talked to, and she knows more than she’s admitted. Only she obviously thinks I’m ill prepared to handle it.
Lilly shielded me from a lot of the gossip about the bottom-dwellers during protector training. She’s always been protective, and didn’t want me to hear the whisperings about madness after what happened to my father. But I’m older and stronger now. And really, I don’t have a choice. If I’m to lead the Nactue, I need to know our enemy.
The double doors swing open with a creak and Carina steps through. She clears her throat, and I slink my way to the row of protectors forming in the center of the room, nod once to her, and take my place among my sisters.
I’m the new leader, yet Carina makes me feel like I’m lacking in my role, giving instructions to the Nactue as if I’m an afterthought. Ignoring my presence. It’s infuriating, but in a way that I’m embarrassed to admit aloud, I’m grateful. Am I prepared to lead the Nactue into battle? I’m unsure, though I’ll try my hardest during training today to prove I’m at least worthy of the title.
“There has been no report from Perinya’s liaison,” Carina says, walking to stand before us. “Which could mean he’s been silenced. Either killed or abducted.” Her eyebrows pinch, and she swipes her long ponytail from her shoulder, pulling herself up straight. “Perinya’s communications were shut down during the attack. We’re in the dark with no way to know what transpired there until our convoy reaches their realm and reports back. And with
their kingdom recently suffering the loss of their king, they’re an open target for a full attack.”
Lilly hesitantly steps forward, but forces her voice strong. “Will they report back before the end of the week?”
She’s thinking the same as me. We’re both worried about the full moon—that there will be an attack on Cavan, on the empress, before we even know what we’re up against.