The Guard only laughed and easily disarmed Geon, knocking him to his knees. He grinned and lifted his weapon above the boy’s head. Von dove between them, parrying the blade away. He ran the startled man through and whirled on the other attempting to drag Yavi away.
“Why do you fight? I’ve come to free you,” the Ranger growled at her.
“She does not want to go with you,” Von said. He dropped his sword in favor of two knives. “Let her go, and I’ll not kill you if you go now.”
The Guard looked back and forth between him and Yavi’s scathing glare. “All of you are loyal to him, even the slaves. You’re traitors to the King.”
He used Yavi like a shield and dragged her backward toward the steep hill ending in a roaring valley of flame.
“Stop!” Von quickly closed on him with Geon armed on his left.
“Stand back!” the Guard shouted.
“Release her first.”
“Do as I say or I will kill her!” He pressed the edge of his sword into her throat until a trickle of red leaked down.
Panic. Pure panic.
Von’s hands shook. Legs numb. He couldn’t think straight. Yavi never looked away from him as her tears fell.
They were too close to the fire, too damn close. Flames licked the sky. It reached out for their heels, hungry and waiting. Mere inches away. All he could see was the orange cast and feel the stifling heat on his face.
Only when she burns will she be free.
Only when she burns.
She burns.
Burns.
“Von.” Yavi’s delicate throat bobbed against the blade, sweat gleaming on her plaid face. There was nothing but pure will in her eyes. And permission.
“Release her,” he grated. “I’ll not say it again.”
The Guard pointed the sword at him. “Back off!”
Yavi jabbed her elbow into the man’s ribs, creating an opening. Von hurled a knife. It went straight through the Guard’s skull. His horrified expression froze, and he tipped backward.
Taking Yavi with him.
Her scream pierced Von’s heart. “No!”
He sprang to the edge. By some miracle, she clung to the tall grass, the greedy valley of flames waiting to embrace her. Von and Geon grasped her wrists and hoisted her up. Yavi collapsed against him in gasping sobs. They sunk to their knees together. She buried her face in his neck, stifling her hoarse cries. Numb arms shaking, he clutched her to him, needing to ensure she was safe.
Was it finished? Had this been enough to thwart the Seer’s divination?
“Commander,” Geon clapped his shoulder. “It’s over. We won.”
The screams had quieted, and the smoke lifted. Fires flickered among the mounds of bodies dressed in black and blue.
They made their way to the gathered crowd. The Raiders were jeering at the single surviving member of the Azure Guard. The man knelt among the bodies of his comrades, back erect and calm, managing to look poised. Short grey hair framed his stern face, lined in a trimmed beard. Two Raiders fought over his elegant blue coat. On the lapel was a badge displaying his rank. They had caught the colonel who had called for the attack.
“Kill the bastard,” Abenon said, spitting on the ground. “Or I will.”
Elon sheathed his sword and turned to Von for his order.
They all glanced up at where Tarn stood on a hill against the background of smog in the moonlight. Von grabbed the man’s arm and hauled him to his feet. The colonel didn’t resist as Von marched him up the hill and forced him to kneel before his master.
