Ascension (Unbound Prophecy Book 1) Read online

  Eighteen

  Violissa looked out at the crowd before her, so many of her people had come to witness this day. She smiled when they’d all finished singing, out of pride for her people and her land. Remembering that Sinow was still present, she checked her emotion and directed her eyes toward him. He had removed his hood at some point during the proceedings, and she was caught by the expression of sheer adoration and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on that shone on his face. That desire to run into his arms came over her again, but she was able to control herself easier this time with the help of her newly enhanced powers. He had such a dark beauty about him that she felt she could stare into his eyes all day. But she had a celebration to begin, and he had to prepare for his own ascension. She smiled briefly at him and nodded to let him know it was time for him to leave. He surprised her with a brief bow before he shifted. She felt the loss of his presence immediately.

  Turning again to face the field, she held out her arms and said, “Welcome to a new era, to a new Cirillia. Let the celebrations begin!” As the crowd screamed and cheered in response, the fiddlers stepped up and began to play. She knew they would celebrate well into the night, and the Council would make sure they were all well fed and, of course, had plenty to drink. There would be singing and dancing, much in which she would partake. She looked to her right, the Council had begun directing the crowds and conjuring food and drink. Only a few of them remained on the platform with her.

  She walked over to them, and they bowed in respect. “Gentlemen, I’m still the same Violissa. You know I don’t like you to bow.”

  “I beg to differ, my Queen, you are most certainly not the same girl you once were,” Cyric stated, moving forward. She stepped up to meet him and gave him a big hug. She knew it always unsettled him to have affection from her like that, so she liked to make him squirm when she could.

  She laughed. “Well, gentlemen, it would seem there were a few unplanned surprises in it, but the ascension is finally over.” She opened her palms and held them out, a purple butterfly emerged and flitted around her face as if to greet her. It was followed by a flock of many more multi-colored butterflies all appearing from her palms.

  “Nature Queen,” Daneele said heavily, “should have seen that one coming. I don’t remember there ever being a dual ascension. You certainly are one of a kind, Violissa.”

  “There never has been one,” Kinnel stated as he walked up to them. “You are the first, Violissa. It is a blessing from the Fates.”

  “It’s no blessing, Keary. It’s her right as queen.”

  “You’ve always been entirely too literal, Kembal,” he replied, “I consider it a blessing to our people and our lands.” He stopped and looked squarely at Violissa. “How are you feeling, my dear?”

  She smiled and reached a hand out to touch his, “Wonderful. It’s as I expected but so much more. I can see and hear, sense so much, from the smallest blade of grass to the tallest tree. They’re all part of the balance within me. If I open my mind, I can hear everyone and everything, from you to the Dark King, and I can even feel what they’re feeling if I allow it.” She walked toward the trees behind them and waved her hands. “For me, they will bend or they will sway.” Looking up at the sky she said, “The clouds will flow or stop, the rains will come or go. All simply at my word. It is an enormous amount of power, some of which as you know I had, but it’s now amplified a hundred-fold.” She swirled around to face them again then continued. “It’s a little frightening to think of this kind of power in the wrong hands. Do you think Sinow’s ascension will awaken such power in him?”

  Daneele scratched at his beard. “I dare say it will, though not to the effect that you have experienced as he is not connected to the land as you are. But the prophecy does state his powers will be formidable. He showed greater abilities than any before him even from the womb. At best, you will have an advantage with your nature powers, but I believe that his Dark magic will equal your abilities.”

  “Violissa,” Anwell interrupted before she had time to ponder Daneele’s words, “the people have begun celebrating and are requesting your presence. As you only have a short time before you leave, I’d suggest you favor them.”

  “You’re right, Anwell, thank you. This conversation can wait. The sunset will be upon us soon, so we must make haste as we’ll not want to miss the prince’s crowning.”

  With that she stepped down from the platform and began to mingle with her people. It was one of the traits that made her so special to them. She truly enjoyed being among them, speaking with them, learning their stories. She spent the time she had left visiting, eating, dancing and singing with them. Even with her new powers, she remained the same gentle, loving ruler she’d always been. And they loved her that much more for it.

  Later that evening after hours of dancing and revelry, she and Anwell approached the realm border. Violissa could feel Mackay, one of Sinow’s Council, standing on the other side. The border hid either realm from the other, so neither side could see through, but they could sense each other’s presence. Violissa, however, discovered she could now see past into Tenebron. She decided to keep that tidbit to herself but wanted to try something before Mackay and Anwell created the opening. The meeting grounds were the only space beyond either kingdom that did not require the power of both Light and Dark to enter. The border had been designed to require both so to never allow anyone to pass without some sort of treaty or pre-arrangement that meant the two sides were at peace. Knowing Sinow had somehow come through that border when she’d called him, Violissa suspected the two of them were the exception to that rule. She also suspected they would both now have the ability to bring down the boundary that had separated their people for so long. She had no proof, but somehow knew now was the best time to test that idea. She thought of an opening in front of her, weaving a spell under her breath to remove a small section of the border. She moved her hand with her words and watched as the magic took hold. The wall shimmered, the only indication that it existed, then cracks ran through the space, splintering away until an opening appeared. It had all happened in a matter of seconds, and she was just as surprised as they were that it worked. Anwell stared at her, his mouth agape.

  She shrugged and said, “It just seemed quicker and I thought I’d try.” She stepped forward and saw Mackay peer around the opening with a look of astonishment and alarm on his face. He was in a protective stance, ready to strike if a threat were on the other side.

  “Stand down, Mackay, the queen was experimenting with her new powers. Didn’t mean to startle you,” Anwell stated flatly as he walked over to Mackay and stepped through the hole Violissa had created.

  “That’s impossible,” Mackay replied, looking from the hole to Violissa, then back again. “No one has that kind of power.”

  “The ascension was good to me,” she said as she stepped through. Looking around, she waved her hand distractedly behind her and the boundary repaired itself.

  “Violissa,” Anwell said in a fatherly tone, “behave yourself. Mackay, close your mouth, it’s unbecoming. Are you the only escort?”

  “The prince did not feel your presence warranted more, although after that display, I’m tempted to disagree.” With that he shifted. Violissa and Anwell followed his trail.

  When they shifted, they were in what appeared to be a large cavernous dungeon. The hairs on Violissa’s neck stood up on instinct. Torches lit from the surrounding walls and shed a small amount of light on the group of men gathered in the middle of the room. Violissa recognized the king and assumed from the number that the rest of the group were Council. Sinow was among them as well. Although his hood was up, she could sense his presence.

  How quaint, Anwell said through enaigne sarcastically to her. You don’t think they’ll try to sacrifice us, do you? he continued jokingly.

  Like they could. She laughed in reply. Be calm, I’m sure it’s very c
ivilized.

  Mackay led them to the side of the room. “Stay here,” he demanded then left to join the others. The king looked toward them and nodded before pulling his hood up. She could feel Sinow’s eyes on her.

  I do believe we’re the brightest things in here, Anwell said.

  I guess I shouldn’t take my hood down then, she replied.

  No, you’d best not; it may cause them to scuttle to the corners like rodents.

  Anwell, you’re terrible. Have some respect, she said, trying her best not to laugh.

  “It’s time,” she heard Sinow say, his voice sounding slightly weaker than it usually did. She sought out his mind and said quietly to him, The pain doesn’t last very long then pulled away as she heard him say her name, Vi... A longing grew inside of her, and she felt his eyes on her again, but knew he was too close to ascension for her to cause him distraction.

  The Council formed a large circle around Sinow. The king stood to their side. The flames in the torches flickered as the hairs on Violissa’s arms prickled. It felt so ominous. Something told her his ascension would not be as uplifting and free as hers. The Council, in their night black robes began chanting in their ancient tongue, calling forth the Fates to release Sinow’s powers. One of them broke circle and faced the king saying, “Do you relinquish title to your throne and to your immortal rule of our people?”

  “I do,” the king replied.

  “So be it. The reign of control is lifted from your shoulders. You are free to depart.” A black mist rose from his person and wafted eerily toward the ceiling evaporating before reaching the peak. He had relinquished his powers just as the Council had to her. The Council all turned and bowed in respect to him as, to Violissa’s surprise, he shifted. She’d thought he’d have a part in the ceremony but apparently had thought wrong.

  He has gone to relinquish his life to the land, Anwell said to her in enaigne, sensing her confusion. He’s no longer needed in the realm as there can never be two kings at one time. He will surrender his life in a private manner away from Sinow and the people. That is the way of the immortals, did you not remember, Violissa?

  I had forgotten, and as I’ve never seen it happen, it seems quite sad now.

  Save your pity. He’s had a long reign and a long full life. He’ll spend the remainder of his eternity either wandering the other worlds in spirit or perhaps if the Fates will welcome him, he’ll be chosen to become one of them.

  I suppose you’re right. There was nothing more to say.

  The chanting had stopped and one of the Council spoke; she was still not familiar with them enough to recognize their voices. “Sinow, son of Drostan, next in line to the throne of Tenebron, the ascension is upon us. Do you accept the gifts of your birth and embrace the powers bequeathed you?”

  “I do.”

  “Will you lead us with thoughtful decisions and calculated risks, never putting anything before the success of this kingdom and the realm?”

  “I will.”

  “Then, it will begin.”

  Sinow pulled his cape down. As it fell to the floor, flames licked at it. Whence they came Violissa could not see, but the cape disappeared into their bed. Violissa felt her heart race as she caught her breath. His eyes were piercing as he held her gaze just briefly before looking up toward the ceiling. She could see every muscle beneath his shirt tense, possibly from the pain he was experiencing, as she watched his chest move with his breaths. There was a movement below her feet, and she felt and heard the ground bellow under her; only this time she sensed its fear and pain at the disturbance to its slumber. Sinow had thrown his arms out just as she had done earlier that day, welcoming the pain that she knew wracked his body. The ceiling of the room began to crumple, the pieces falling hard toward the ground only to become black ash before they landed. The clear sky above shone both moons in their fullest, a reddish glow eclipsing them. There was an eerie light pouring through the hole where the ceiling had once been. It streamed down into a cone that enveloped Sinow. She watched him catch his breath as he struggled to maintain his posture and his sanity. Only she understood the massive change that he was fighting to control as the sudden rush of power enveloped his body.

  The streaming reddish light ebbed and flowed as Sinow’s powers grew. Violissa fought the instinct to strike against the unnatural darkness that had immersed the room. Her own power surged through her in response to Sinow’s. The room was suddenly thrown into pitch blackness as the light darkened. She looked up, even the moons were shrouded, no longer lighting the night sky. No stars could be seen. Violissa removed the hood of her robe, the glow from her own aura providing a low light. Since her ascension, she had a constant light around her as if she were a shining star; she hoped it would dissipate soon as it was hard to go unnoticed when one was glowing.

  One of the Council lit the torches, and their vision was restored. Sinow was hard to miss. He stood still in the center of the circle, his head bowed. He rolled his head from side to side as if stretching his neck. The muscles in his arms and chest seemed amplified, his hair darker. His aura was now visible, a black fog that encased him. As he lifted his head, she saw the most remarkable change had been in his eyes. They were blacker now than the darkest black, no pupil even discernible. Where one could lose themselves in those eyes before, one would run in terror at the thought of being pulled into them now. She shivered as he looked out beyond her into the dark, his hands grasping and ungrasping at nothing. His Council moved to their knees, looking up at his formidable presence. He was truly terrifying.

  Then, he looked at her, the breath caught again in her throat and her heart pumped heavily, but this time, there was a shiver of fear in her reaction. She fought hard to control the power within her that was edging closer to release against his dark presence. They were now equals with enemy powers, and although he could not best her, instinct was hard to control.

  She felt his mind reach for hers and opened herself to it hesitantly. She didn’t know what to expect, those black eyes bore into her without expression.

  Violissa, he said, and she knew immediately that the power had changed him. There was no soft voice speaking the nickname he had given her, instead a deep authoritative voice addressed her as his father might have, only with a distinct lack of respect in his tone. She instinctively hardened the tone of her reply, Sinow.

  You have seen what you came to see. This is the last we will see of each other for some time. I will call for you when it is necessary. She sensed a little hesitation in his words as if remorseful for what he was saying. Things are not as they were, nor will they ever be again. Goodbye, Violissa.

  He withdrew before she could respond, his eyes still watching her. She gave a nod in respect to him, informed Anwell they were leaving, and shifted.

  Nineteen

  That night Violissa dreamed of Sinow, only this time there was no question it was a true dream. Whether her powers had locked down any subconscious need to meet him in the Dream Realm or the Fates had given up manipulation of her dreams, she’d never know, but the feel of it was not as the others had been. In her dream, they made love again. Only this time the hunger was fierce in both. It was rougher and more animalistic than it had been before. She gave in to the burning need she’d felt for him and freed herself of her restraints. When the dream was finished, Sinow disappeared. She was left alone, naked in the quiet glade. Then something shifted, and the glade disappeared. She rose and looked around, she saw she was in a great hall filled with light, windows lined every wall and beyond she could see the green of the land. A thin gown now lay upon her previously naked form. She walked around the room. In the center of the hall stood a pond of crystal green water, a fountain flowing up from the center of it. As she approached it, the water began to turn black, the light began to dim. When she looked back out the windows, the grass had become dry and black, the lush green landscape was gone. Turning back to the fountain, she
found no water but something that more closely resembled ice. That solid liquid began to crack and along with it the fountain itself. The closer she got the more the fountain deteriorated. She held out a hand to touch it and it crumpled to dust around her. At the bottom of the dust lay a scroll. She knew it on sight, the scroll of prophecy. As her hand reached out to pick it up, it crumpled to dust as well, blowing away as a slight breeze picked it up.

  She followed the source of the breeze and found herself standing across from a woman. There was no doubt in her mind this was one of the Fates. They rarely showed themselves, no one even knew how to describe them. It was said they would appear as men or women but some said they would take other shapes like animals. Either way, they rarely returned to the land. While the original Fates were ever present and all powerful, they had allowed the ruling immortals to join them if they were worthy and wished to do so. Therefore, many of the Fates were immortals who’d retired their physical form. One couldn’t just die an immortal, it was impossible. Many took the form of stars watching the world below for eternity; these tended to be former Council. Some just wandered the realms as spirits. A few chosen, however, ascended to become Fates, to no longer rule but to watch and guide through prophecy along with the first true Fates. These were the ones who would at times show themselves. It was the way of the immortals. The Fate Violissa now looked upon had chosen the form of a woman. Whether this form was her true form or one she had chosen to make Violissa more comfortable with her presence was a question Violissa didn’t have time to contemplate. Violissa imagined, however, she must have been very old as there had been no female immortals since the Elvin. She had a delicate and airy look, a soft light seemed to surround her. Somehow Violissa felt the Fate was not deceiving her about her gender.