“It took the lives of twenty celestials to perform the spell to imprison him the first time,” Soryn said, with a shake of his head.
Sia turned back to the books still flipping open in front of him. He waved several away. “Destroy him? How does one destroy a god, Ashiyn? This world can’t even destroy an immortal like you.”
“Well, you’re lucky they could not destroy me. I’m the only one who has any chance of saving this pathetic world now,” Ashiyn retorted. “I didn’t destroy you. I liked you.”
“Yes, I will be forever grateful for the fact I am a ghost trapped in a giant cave library only to serve you forevermore,” Sia said dryly as he waved a few more books away. “At least until Sihtaar consumes you!”
“Sia, please help us,” Soryn said gently. “Ashiyn is the only one who can save the world now.”
Sia floated back over to them to hover in front of Soryn. “Save this world? King Ashiyn only destroys! Do you know the millions he has slain in his three thousand years? Allow me to show you!” Sia threw an arm out and a giant scroll rolled from the top shelf of the cave and started unrolling in waves across the floor until it covered the entire room around them. “Those are all the names of those who have died by his hand.”
Soryn clenched his fists and his jaw. “And where is the list of the people he has saved in the process? He saved me, Sia.”
“You blind fool. He killed Rurik because it served his purpose to do so, not because he cares about you.” Sia scoffed, then floated back up to the top of his library. “I have nothing more to help you. There are no books written about killing demi-gods. It hasn’t been done, at least not by anyone who survived long enough to tell the tale.”
Ashiyn gave the chronicler an annoyed look, then stormed toward the cave entrance. “Come on, Soryn. He’s being difficult now. Maybe another thousand years of isolation will improve his mood.”
“Wait,” Sia said, turning to them, looking stricken at that. “Perhaps you could free me from the cave, my King? I could follow you around and help.”
“You just said you have nothing to help us.” Ashiyn turned to glare over his shoulder. “Besides, you need your library to be any use at all.”
“It is all magic, my King. I can summon any book I wish at any time, from any place.” Sia floated down to them. “Please don’t leave me here alone for another thousand years, Ashiyn. I am going mad!”
“You were always mad, Sia,” Ashiyn continued out of the cave, only pausing to make sure Soryn followed. “If you find something useful, Sia, I will release you. Until then you will stay here.”
“But who will make you pay for your crimes, my King?” Sia called after them.
“That’s the beauty of it, Sia. No one exists who has that sort of power.” Ashiyn snorted as he left the cave.
He mounted Illusion, then stroked the winged equine’s neck. “Illusion, you need to let Soryn ride with me.” Illusion immediately pinned his ears and tried to nip at Soryn.
Soryn stepped back out of range, looking concerned. “I don’t think he likes that idea.”
Ashiyn scowled and used his magic to turn the winged equine’s head so he could look into Illusion’s eye as he spoke. “Listen. I don’t have time for you right now. You'll let Soryn ride or I'll feed you to Sihtaar.”
Illusion let out a disgruntled huff, but he allowed Soryn to climb up behind Ashiyn. Then, with a strong buck to try to unseat both riders, he leaped into the air. He tried to throw both riders the entire ride home, but Ashiyn and Soryn managed to hang on until they got to the safety of the castle and could jump off.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Exhausted, Ashiyn and Soryn retreated to their separate rooms. With the knowledge that the castle was the safest place in their falling world at the moment and that Sihtaar was busy consuming the armies of darkness, they both slept through the night. The next morning Ashiyn saw to the normal routine of checking his castle, then wandered out into the stable.
Illusion glowered at him from the corner as he angrily ripped mouthfuls of hay from the hay bag.
“What is it now, you demanding beast?” Ashiyn crossed his arms, watching the winged equine. “I can’t have you trying to kill us every time we ride somewhere. Soryn’s griffin is lost now.”
Illusion threw up his head with a snort, then waved his wings at Ashiyn before turning his tail to the door.
Ashiyn walked into the stable and picked up a brush. He brushed the stallion’s dappled silver coat until it shone like moonlight. “I don’t think he can have his wings out like that often, Illusion. He can’t just fly himself. He’s my friend, understand.”
Illusion turned his head so he could consider Ashiyn with one of his large brown eyes.
“I know you understand. I brought you back from death because you were my only friend,” Ashiyn said, his voice soft, not wanting to risk being overheard by anyone.
Illusion nickered softly then rested his head against Ashiyn’s chest and stayed there snuffling as Ashiyn brushed his neck and mane. With an alarmed snort, Illusion pulled back and glared at the doorway, his ears pinned.
Ashiyn knew it was Soryn in the doorway. He didn’t bother looking. He put the brush away and pulled the winged equine’s head to him to rest forehead to forehead with the beast. “It will be well, my friend,” he whispered.
Illusion relaxed again and with a sigh, he pulled out of Ashiyn’s grip and went back to his hay. Ashiyn made sure
