Alisha Klapheke [Klapheke - Band of Breakers

I n the dead of night, the Lapis library was as silent as a tomb.

A high fever had struck Vahly down, and theyd been forced to stay with Amona for over a week. But the hallucinatory dreams and violent dizziness did nothing to dispel the strange urge inside Vahly, the bone-shaking urgency her magic thrummed through her body. With every heartbeat, her magic demanded that she travel to the western mountains. Now. Immediately. Before it was too late.

Too late for what? Vahly didnt know.

The fever had abated, and the night of their departure was here.

Finally, Vahly could give in to that insistent drumming in her veins and rush toward the mystery of what her magic sought. She couldnt leave fast enough to suit her.

Arc theorized that Vahlys new magic had caused the fever, but it didnt matter now. They had magic to follow and sea folk to overcome. And no one knew how much time they had left before the flooding started and the end began.

The western coast was such an odd destination, a place where humans had once flourished and now only sun-faded art, flooded streets, and castles eaten away by time remained. Her mother Amona had taken her there a long time agoto the lands above the great city the Sea Queen had flooded in one of her first efforts to cover the world in waterbut Vahly had been too young to process the gravity and history of the place. Vahly pressed a hand against her chest, the magic pushing, pushing, pushing. No, the fever didnt matter and neither did the strange quest. It simply had to be done.

The silence in the Lapis caves dragged a distinctly creepy feeling down her spine. The library was always quiet, but not like this, not this deep sort of silence. Usually, a youngling wailed from somewhere inside the labyrinth of tunnels and rooms, and oftentimes, dragons of mating age would stay up late drinking and teasing one another.

But tonightnothing.

She really hoped the grave-like stillness wasnt an omen for their quest to see the scant ruins and caves above the sunken human city of Bihotzetik.

What if the fever had been a warning? A counterbalance to her need to get into the western mountains?

Exhaling her stress, she held up a lantern. The light painted Amonas blue-scaled hands as the Lapis dragon matriarch pushed a bookshelf away from the northeastern wall of the library to reveal a round, wooden door in the rock wall, a brass knob glinting from its center.

The door squeaked open under Vahlys hand. I had no idea this was here.

Amona donned a half-smile. Im allowed some secrets, Daughter. Listen, Ill keep an ear to the ground and contact you if I hear of anyone following you or if any intend to harm you.

Nix stood beside Arc, a pack slung over one shoulder and wing. The black of her pupils nearly overcame the bright yellow of her irises. Why would anyone want to ruin the one chance we have against the Sea Queen?

Arc had a scroll open on the table beyond the secret door. He probably hadnt even noticed the door or Amonas words. Absently tapping his bottom lip with his thumb, he squinted at what appeared to be a list of dragon herbal remedies, complete with colored drawings of green leaves, purple stems, and white blooms. As an elf with royal blood, his vision was exceptional, far better than Vahlys or any dragons. The squinting and thumb tapping were simply his thinking pose.

Amona handed Vahly a bag of what smelled like fresh bread. Amona had insisted on seeing them off herself, with no one else around to preserve their lie that Vahly and the others were closeted in meetings about the coming war and her new powers. Amona had said none needed to know that Vahlys earth magic was still rather limited. Fear would only complicate things and dampen the hope Vahly had given the dragons and their new allies, the elves.

My kynd are not perfect, Amona said in answer to Nixs question about a possible attack. No kynd can be. The Jade matriarch, Eux, informed me that not all of the Jades came to the swearing in Red Meadow.

Vahly gripped the door handle. What?

Amona grimaced. Eux believed all had come because of her command through the Call.

Nixs wings flicked in agitation as she tied her red hair into a knot on top of her head. I made the announcement to all the Breakers at the ciderhouse. Euskal and Aitor spread the word. I dont think we missed anyone. I did a head count during the oath. They were all gathered up beside Miren.

Nix was right. Vahly had heard Euskal calling around when shed been in Nixs rooms, helping her pack up. And Aitor had ignored the fact that his face had been all but ruined by a Jade and had gone off gladly to round up any Jade Breakers who didnt often come by Nixs. Hed returned with a full list of those attending the oath. On the day they all swore allegiance to Vahly, every Breaker who had ever crossed Nixs thresholdand many strangers as wellhad stood near the bald-headed Miren.

Amona frowned at Arc, then looked back at Vahly, her eyes filled with concern. Eux says there is a band of Breakers who keep far away from every other highbeast. They broke away years ago, and no one has seen them.

Theyre probably dead. Vahly walked over to Arc, then tugged on his surcoat. Every time I turn my back on you, youre trying to learn things. The reading will have to wait, my dear elf.

A sly grin slid over Arcs bow lips. I dont mind being called dear.

Vahlys heart thudded inside her chest. She chuckled at herself and shook her head.

Vahly. The matriarchs voice held the sharp edge of a command, and Vahly found herself standing straight and listening intently. Their bonding was definitely still intact, and she was glad of it. It was almost as good as having Amona along on the journey. The security of knowing she had backup in the form of a matriarch was no small thing. Plus, the familiarity of her mothers voice eased her fears about what she might be headed into and how she might very well turn out to be too weak to fight the Sea Queen. I dont think the Jade Breakers are dead. There are rams enough in the high mountains to feed a small group if they are smart about the way they hunt and manage the land.

Nix sniffed. I would strongly prefer it if we didnt use the term Breakers for these miscreants.

Vahly grinned. Like our Breakers arent miscreants?

Nix raised her chin haughtily. My Breakers would never skip out on swearing allegiance to you, Earth Queen.

Smoke twisted from Amonas nostrils. Only to me and to Eux, hm?

Vahly held up a hand. Lets remember were all on the same side here. The past is the past. All right? She dipped her head respectfully to Amona. My matriarch?

Amona let out a smoky breath, her gaze never leaving Nix. You know, I put up with quite a bit from you and yours over the years. And you pulled my daughter into your schemes as well, even though she had no need for more gold.