I kicked the Kelpie's flanks and pulled a Braveheart, riding him back and forth before the Water Army. “Soldiers of the Water Kingdom, I hold no grudge against you. I know none of you wanted this. You're good people whose only fault is your queen. Unchain me and lower your weapons, and I will leave peacefully with my people.”
“How dare you address my army!” Queen Dubheasa strode forward.
“How dare you abduct my mate?!” Arach roared back, sending Dubheasa running back to the safety of her army. “She has offered you mercy, something dragons do not do, and you would fling that in her face? For what? Your pride? Would you truly sacrifice all of these people for pride?”
The Water Fey shuffled and murmured, many of them giving their queen hard looks.
“It's not just my pride, it's yours, King Arach,” she sneered. “You think you're better than everyone. You probably think you're better than the High King himself.”
“It's not about being better,” Arach said. “It's about ruling properly. We have responsibilities to our people, Queen Dubheasa. You put your kingdom in jeopardy for no good reason. All because you think I'm arrogant.”
Dubheasa's face twitched.
I wanted to enjoy this moment, but I knew that if we pushed Dubheasa too far, she'd order her soldiers to attack out of spite. So I had to find a way to save her pride.
“You've treated me fairly well,” I said to her. “Despite the arguments we've had. I know you care for your people. And I know they love you.” I looked over at Nori. “I've seen their devotion. I'm here because of it. Let's not go to war and risk their lives when you no longer have leverage over King Arach anyway. A battle has become pointless.”
Everyone went silent. The whole realm did.
Queen Dubheasa sighed, then said, “Nori, release Samara.” She tossed a key to Nori.
As the Water Army cheered, Nori came forward and unlocked my manacles. I gasped as magic rushed back into me. Magic and strength. It felt like going from child to adult in seconds. As if I could barely lift a sword to being able to lift my husband. In his dragon form. I roared with the power and leapt off my Kelpie mount.
“You're freed,” I said to the Kelpie as I removed the chain from his mouth. “Thanks for the ride, my friend.”
The Kelpie bowed his head to me and pranced away.
Nori bowed next. “It was an honor to meet you, Samara.”
“And you, Nori. Believe me when I say that you have changed me for the better.”
His eyes widened.
“Thank you for being a good man.” I hugged him.
Nori hugged me back and whispered in my ear, “Thank you for saving my people.”
I whispered back, “Couldn't have done it without you.” Then I stepped back and said, “Live well, Nori.” I walked away from the Kelpie and went to my mate. “Hello, Dragon.”
“Hello, A Thaisce.”
Before I could say anything more, the red dragon grabbed me in a giant talon, plopped me atop his back, and took to the sky.
“Fire!” Arach shouted. “To me!”
With that, the Fire Army peacefully left a battle before it had begun. Yes, it was a miracle. There were a lot of unhappy faces and a few grumbles, but they stopped with Arach's next words.
“Tonight, we feast!”
That got them roaring again.
The Earth Army left a bit less dramatically but with no less amount of pride and clamor. They marched into the forest in formation, Trolls beating their clubs against their chests to make a beat for the victory song every soldier sang. And it was their victory as well. Water had attacked Earth. They had as much right to be at that battle as Fire did. Not that they knew that for certain yet. But their presence at the near-war ensured that Queen Dubheasa wouldn't be bothering Earth again. Not now that she knew it was allied with Fire.
Chapter Thirty-Six
After a triumphant flight across the Forgetful Forest, Arach set down on the Road of Neutrality, just outside Castle Aithinne's drawbridge. He helped me down from his back, then shifted into his man form. Not caring one whit about his nudity, Arach instantly pulled me into his arms.
“Vervain,” he murmured into my hair as he held me tightly.
