With practiced precision, the gold-clad knights pointed their spears toward us, each bracing their weapon one after the other, creating a wave of steel that rippled around us. Seraphim retook her battle stance, and Seth lowered himself into a defensive posture.
Raising my hands in surrender, I glanced at Phaedrus to see him doing the same thing.
Seas. How had a man trained by Ainwir become a chthonic? Abyss-touched mages who gambled with life were supposed to bereckless, not cowards who avoided fights they couldn’t win.
“Resume your search, Aeacus,” the Oracle commanded. “I shall handle these sinners.”
Every muscle in Seth’s body tensed. His eyes flashed to me. I caught a hint of confusion in their scarlet pools before his gaze darted back to the Oracle.
Irritated, the commander bowed stiffly. “As you say, my lady.” Sheathing his sword, he watched me across the trees. “Interrogate them. I think it’s no coincidence they should appearin the same place.”
“I agree. It will be done,” the Oracle promised, watching him sharply. Nodding, Aeacus turned, beckoning his men to follow. The black-clad men disappeared through the trees, returning to the beach.
He had gazed into my eyes, searching for resemblances to a woman he pursued. Who?
Eleos grabbed Seth’s sword arm and shoved it down. We were outnumbered, and Seth could see that. Gritting his teeth, he reluctantly lowered his blade.
Eleos turned toward the Oracle. “You spoke of a search. Who are you looking for?”
“That is none of your concern.”
Phaedrus caught my eye. “They seek the Elpis maiden. But you did not match the description they had been given.”
“Why not?”
“That, I don’t know.”
“What, ah,” Percy said nervously, eyes darting to the spears at our backs. “What punishment will we receive, exactly?”
“You have drawn the blood of the king’s most holy,” the Oracle said. “You shall face the harshest punishment a soul can weather.”
Seth closed his eyes, mouthing the words she spoke next.
“You shall face the trials of Duat.”
5
Aethra
I’d been captured three times in as many weeks. At least all of my kidnappers had been gentle. The Oracle’s gilded gold men had only shoved me twice, thus far.
Commander Aeacus’ lion had hit my ankle hard—I’d walked with a limp since the battle. Stumbling on a rock, I lagged behind and received my third punishment. The towering knight behind me shoved me forward, and I tripped over my feet. Spinning around, I scowled at him.
The knight at the head of our procession held up a torch to illuminate the tunnel we descended. I couldn’t see any of the others; several paces and armored men separated us. Rock walls closed in on me, funneling me down a narrow corridor into doom.
What were the trials of Duat, exactly? The question gnawed at my mind. A musty scent clung to the cavern walls—an underground water source must be nearby.
Torchlight illuminated an ancient, eroded arch at the end of the hall. Grabbing my arm, the knight escorting me dragged me through the door into the chamber beyond. Apair of knights awaited us inside, standing by Seraphim’s side.
She flashed me a grin. Ever the optimist, that one.
My captor shoved me one last time for good measure, and I crashed into the wall. Wishing my hands weren’t bound so I could rub my aching nose, I glowered at his retreating form, resisting the urge to say something I’d regret.
One by one, the rest of our group was led into the chamber and similarly sent off with a parting shove. Seth’s guard threw him roughly, tossing him to the ground before kicking him for good measure. Spitting at his face, the golden knight turned around and departed, the rest of his cohort streaming out behind him.
Rock scraped in the darkness as a door sealed us into the gloom.
Blinking, I tried to see anything, but the world had turned as black as the Empty.
