The five queens of Acorilan formed a closed circle of shared power. As their energies merged and magic pulsed through them, the ring of women began to glow.
We’re forming a ring of protection, came Briwinna's voice.
As quickly as the message passed through Jularra’s thoughts, both Leona and Vylas hurled storms of stone and fire at the connected queens. The debris of fire, flame, rock, and mud struck the increasingly radiant ring of energy surrounding the queens of Acorilan. But while the women were protected, they would have to change tactics to neutralize the threat.
Jularra communicated a thought back to her ancestors.
What now? How do we fight back?
Oprendia locked eyes with her from across the circle.
We are your coven, and you are our queen. Guide us on your will and we will see it done.
Jularra couldn’t fathom an appropriate response to Oprendia’s suggestion, but looking around at the other women—mycoven—brought her calmness and clarity. She focused, and conveyed her intentions silently to the rest of the queens.
Leona and Vylas continued to hurl wave after wave of raw, elemental magic at the coven, but the strength of the women's united defense had grown far too powerful for either Leona or Vylas to overcome. Jularra’s new foes began to tire. The stream of vibrant power connecting the coven grew even brighter.
Something started to take shape at the coven’s center.
Their power grew brighter still. A separate stream of light appeared within the coven’s energy and started to spin within the larger stream of power.
Faster and faster, the energy compounded. Vylas’ and Leona’s assaults slowed down as their futility became more apparent. Just before they gave up completely, the Acorilinian Gracewarden spawned at the center of the coven.
The linked Acorilinian queens grew in shared strength to the point that they no longer needed to be physically touching. Their energies spilled out from each of them, keeping them connected. The other queens dropped their arms.
Jularra let her arms fall as well, turning to face Leona from within the circle. The old witch looked haggard and wobbly. Vylas, just as exhausted, knelt unsteadily beside her.
“You claim a regard for magic, yet would use it to serve yourself.” Jularra addressed the spent couple with resounding authority. Her voice rose until it boomed around the scarred walls of the rubble-strewn chamber. “That’s what started all of this!”
Rings of concentrated power smoldered into existence. They grew larger and wilder, but where Jularra nudged them, they responded. Previously kissed with smoke and fire, they now resembled clouds of white and blue. Liquid-like streams of incandescence with a crystalline finish coursed through them. “Gracewarden. I trust you will… rehabilitate... our Voidwarden?” Jularra said.
The golden Gracewarden turned and nodded its helmet-clad head at its queen.
“And these two,” Jularra continued, referring to Vylas and Leona. “Please see that they can never endanger this world again.”
The Gracewarden marched towards the couple and drew its sword. As it stomped over, it took off its helmet and tossed it to the ground, eliminating its ancient anonymity.
A smile crept onto Detsepera’s face.
Epilogue
I was told at one point that Korden’s funeral procession stretched the entire length of road from Morganon to Honor’s Crest. I’m not surprised at all.
I didn’t want to be anywhere but there, outside the entrance, waiting for Korden to be laid amongst the honored fallen. Amongst those worthy of remembrance.
Surrounding me were the people to whom I will forever owe my crown, Acorilan’s survival, and my life.
Annutsik stayed for days after his armies helped dispatch Latham’s and Torguria's armies. Most of Latham’s people were captured, and I suspect they will return to being constructive citizens—after I take a few actions to ensure that happens. Nothing too drastic.
Though Annutsik can be somewhat abrasive, he’s a good man, and I’m glad I had an occasion to explore a relationship with Yubik, regardless of the circumstances. It should prove stimulating, at the very least. I told Annutsik yesterday that I had absolutely no idea that he was coming to help. His response was that he hadn’t intended to help with any sort of fight, and that he was only chasing the Torgurians out of the lands I had recently granted him. After an impressive pause, he winked at me.
Melcayro and Abranni are admirable siblings, and admirable people. They are tireless in their efforts to gain freedom, and their loyalty knows no limits. They are wise beyond their years and their skills in the Gifts are nothing short of inspiring. I truly look forward to building on our relationship, though my commitment to help them with Hignriten is already wearing on me slightly. But I won’t abandon that promise.
Wona and Vischuno. I’m humbled by just thinking of them. Sister and brother of a different kind, their integrity and character are qualities I will forever attempt to reproduce in myself. They are shining examples of Acorilan’s best, and especially as examples of the Bedrock and Spire. I’m even considering naming them both as my two, equal Chief Advisors. But it’s still a bit too soon for that.
At various points during Korden’s procession, I kept wanting to turn to him, to confide in him, which I still feel a little silly about. But it’s been a habit ever since I first emerged from the mountain as queen, and I expect that it will be a habit for a long time. Frankly, I hope it’s always a habit.
One habit that I hope to be rid of sooner rather than later is the frequent consideration of what Vylas might advise. What he might say. What he may think. The idea that the words he spoke to me my entire life were nothing but a manipulative facade is one of the most revolting states of mind I can contemplate. I don’t want that in my heart. To think of him nurturing my skills, playing with my mind, encouraging me to do this, suggesting
