It came after me and covered the space between us in one long stride. Swinging with wild abandon, it aimed for my waist and then my throat, slicing through the air with the jagged and rusty blade. The Lyhtan growled in frustration and swiped a clawed hand at my face. I pulled back just before its talonlike nails could dig into my flesh.
With preternatural speed and precision, it attacked. As fast as me, if not a little faster, its blade rang out against mine over and over as I parried each thrust or cut. The serrated metal made a clean break difficult. More than once I became hung up on the rusty barbs and had to move too close for my comfort in order to free the katana. I gave silent thanks to Raif and my training as I fought, glad to have the stamina required to stand against this much stronger foe. It hissed and uttered unintelligible words as it struck over and over again, hungry for blood and intent on my death.
I sensed a movement from inside the room, and my eyes darted to the side. The Lyhtan followed suit and looked toward the open window. The sky reflected off the glass, almost blue with hints of muted orange washing over it like watercolor. I used the opportunity and took a quick step forward, bringing the blade down with all I was worth. It sliced into the Lyhtan’s chest and the creature screamed and thrashed, clutching at the wound. I pulled back and swung full circle, the blade singing as it cleaved the air, cutting across the creature’s throat and severing its squealing head.
The vile thing rolled and came to a stop at my feet while the Lyhtan’s body convulsed in a macabre display before falling over the railing. I heard it land with a thump, followed by utter silence. My sword hung limp at my side, covered with the rusty orange blood of my enemy. I turned toward the east and watched as an explosion of light was born out of the gray morning, coloring the sky with a brilliance that caused me to shield my eyes. The Lyhtan’s head, which rested still at my feet, shimmered like it had been covered with a thin layer of early-winter frost. The effect intensified, and soon the disjointed orb glittered in a golden-red light and disappeared.
“It has gone into the light,” said a voice from behind me.
I turned to find Xander standing in the doorway. He had a reverent expression on his face, and he bowed his head. If you ask me, not very fitting for a king. But I didn’t bother to point it out as he paid me respect for services rendered.
The sound of frantic footsteps came rushing up the stairs, and Raif burst into Xander’s room at a full run. He skidded to a halt just feet from his brother and looked from me to him and back again before sheathing his sword.
“Is everything all right?” he asked.
“Yes,” Xander said. “The fight was over before I even knew it had begun. She’s a credit to your training, Raif.”
Raif smiled and inclined his head to his brother. Moments later, several Shaedes entered the king’s suite, many of them dressed in the weird ancient costume that Raif was fond of. Anya came a few minutes after that, and in the commotion, Xander was led from the room, leaving a trail of nervous worshippers behind him. Only Raif and I were left to watch the sun rise to a giant yellow orb in the sky.
“Were you scared?” he asked me.
“Shitless,” I said.
“Good. Fear is what keeps you alive in a fight. Was it alone?” he asked, looking over the balcony to where the Lyhtan’s body had landed.
“As far as I know,” I said, joining him at the railing. “I felt the presence of only one.”
Raif raised a curious brow and then looked away. “You are full of surprises, Darian.”
I didn’t ask him to explain what he meant. He’d probably give me enigmatic answers anyway. “Raif, what’s an En-fig-mal-ae?” I said, enunciating the word the Lyhtan had spoken.
“Some say they’re an order of humans with too much time on their hands, but I’m not so sure. I haven’t heard the name in centuries. The Enphigmalé are a legend, a rumor without detail started to incite paranoia among conspiracy theorists.” Raif said with disdain. “Why?”
“The Lyhtan said the Enphigmalé will see to the end of our kind. What did it mean?”
Raif shook his head and looked away. “I don’t know.” He turned and strode back into the room. “I’m taking a team out to secure the perimeter. We need to make sure this place is locked down tight. I don’t need another security breach like this one. Also, one of our point men didn’t check in this morning. I’m afraid there may be a casualty. Will you be all right if I leave you here?”
I can’t say I wanted to go with him on his scouting expedition, but it did sting a little that Raif didn’t ask. I shrugged and nodded. “I can take care of myself.”
His chest moved with silent laughter. “That was obvious the first time I laid eyes on you. Xander won’t be back this morning. They’ll have him under lock and key until it’s time to leave. This may be an attempt to keep him from attending the Summit, or it may just be a coincidence. Are you rested?”
“Rested enough.”
“We have a long day. You can use Xander’s bathroom to clean up,” he said, looking at my blood-spattered attire. “A change of clothes is on its way up for you. I’ll have it left on the bed.”
“What’s on the agenda?” I didn’t think Raif had a day of embroidery planned.
“Today is the Summit. Delegates from all of the ruling bodies will be in attendance. It’s more or less a gathering of political blowhards.”
I laughed. “Not much different from human politicians, I gather.”
“True.” Raif smiled. “It’s a clearing of the air, I guess you could say. They come together once every three months, and Xander’s going to use the opportunity to rally support, in the event our troubles with Azriel escalate into all-out war. It’s best to line up our allies now, while we have the chance. And he wants you in his entourage.”
Great. The fun times kept rolling. “How long do I have to get ready?”
“Thirty minutes,” Raif said with a smile in his eyes. “Is that long enough?”
I answered with my first real smile of the day. “I’ll be ready in fifteen.”
Chapter 18
A change of clothes had been left on the bed, waiting for me, when I got out of the shower. Raif spared me the embarrassment of making me wear one of his Lord of the Rings outfits. Instead, he’d left a black ensemble draped across the coverlet of Xander’s bed.
I left Xander’s suite and met Raif at the foot of the stairs in the foyer. Again, he stood at Xander’s right side, something I’d only just noticed, whispering in his brother’s ear. A collective murmur ran through the small crowd as I stepped from the final stair. I got the impression I’d been the topic of conversation—the Lyhtan slayer, something new and exciting to discuss. I was greeted with plenty of approving nods and even a couple of smiles. However, the expression that made me take pause came from a pair of violet eyes.
Anya stood toward the rear of the entourage, her eyes narrowed into hateful slits. If looks could kill, I’d have been dead a million times over. I flashed my most winsome smile. She turned, her long braid whipping out behind her like a huge length of rope, and headed straight for the door.
I paid Anya’s display little attention, and instead, focused on the King of Shaedes. Xander stood a few feet away, looking over the heads of his advisers at me with a fixed and serious expression. He didn’t look like his cocky, carefree self. The weight of a kingdom sat atop his shoulders, and I could tell it was a heavy weight to bear. His drawn face looked too tired for having slept through the night. The sparkle was gone from his eyes, which now appeared dull and lifeless.