The Secret Kings by Brian Niemeier

Author:Brian Niemeier
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781541210578
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2016-12-19T07:00:00+00:00

By the time Astlin regained consciousness and returned to the Guild house dock, the Kerioth was gone—along with Xander and Izlaril. Only the catwalk, two of its sections scorched and twisted by elemental fire, gave any sign of the battle with Kelgrun.

What could she do now? Transporting herself onto the Kerioth with Shaiel and his Blade would be taking a huge risk. Boarding the ship alone would probably lead to her death—or worse, Xander’s.

Astlin felt as if a crushing weight had landed on her back. She leaned on the railing and groaned, looking down on the maze of walkways, ductwork, and ships stacked in layers all the way to the white floor half a mile below.

I came here to find Xander, she thought, but Shaiel just snatched him away from me again. And he’s got Smith. And Teg’s in a coma.

Since her return to Zadok’s domain, people had called Astlin a queen; even a demigod. All she felt like now was a bad wife and a worse friend.

At least the Shadow Caste can’t hurt any more innocent people.

Green-white light flashed behind her, and Astlin turned to see Celwen striding through the gate, followed closely by Gien.

“I am sorry we kept you waiting,” Celwen said, practically beaming.

Astlin waved off the apology. “I just got back a minute ago.”

Celwen looked down at the first section of singed, warped steel. “You had nothing to do with this?”

“That was Kelgrun,” Astlin said. When Celwen cast nervous glances around the dock, Astlin added, “He won’t be a problem anymore.”

“He wanted to die,” said Gien, “so he got his wish. But he wanted to kill everyone else first, so he didn’t get all of it.”

Celwen looked to the end of the catwalk and frowned. “When you told us to meet here, I thought you would find us a ship.”

“Our nexus-runner was here,” Astlin said. She bit her lip. “But Shaiel got to it first. Sounds like we’re all in a rush to leave.”

“We’re going up to the Night Gen ship so I can surrender,” said Gien.

Astlin stared, wide-eyed, at the strange little man in his green robe, black cap, and veil. He seemed less like the ruler of a sphere and more like a clown.

A mad, potentially murderous clown.

Astlin pointed at Gien. “Is he serious?”

“That is what I asked him,” Celwen said. “But yes, he has agreed to surrender Temil, and the fleet commander has called a tentative ceasefire. Gien has lowered the shield. We can depart the surface in a ship.”

Celwen looked glumly at the ether-runners docked all around her. “But I can only fly nexus-runners.”

“I can man the Wheel,” said Gien. “I really can. Pick any ship you want, and I’ll fly it.”

Celwen’s face fell. “I am not entirely comfortable with that idea.” She looked hopefully at Astlin. “Teg mentioned that you are a pilot. Can you fly us to the Sinamarg?”

“Teg!” Astlin slapped herself on the forehead. “He’s lying in some godforsaken hole on the Stone Stratum!”

Astlin turned to Gien. “Did the Shadow

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