Page 89 of Memory of Ashes

This was bad.

“How many beasts are there?”

“Too many.”

Chapter 20

Amelia

They returned to the capital. With the beasts now loose in the human world, its high stone walls offered the safest refuge she could think of. No one knew whether the creatures could be killed. The fae had become immortal upon entering this world, so it was possible that the beasts had too.

Once they’d regrouped, Elthar split his army. He sent half back through the rift with Felin to await further orders, while Elthar and the remaining troops escorted Casyl back to the capital, collecting stragglers who had fled from the beasts along the way.

They had formed an alliance now that Tiryn was dead. Amelia wondered whether that now made Casyl king.

As they approached the capital, Tiryn’s army—now Casyl’s—stood outside the gates, clearly expecting Elthar’s forces to attack.

Casyl galloped out ahead, his army cheering when they recognised him and solemnly addressed the assembled men. “My father, the king, is dead. We fought King Elthar’s men near the rift, but he is our enemy no more.”

The men whispered hurriedly among themselves. They were unaware of how Tiryn had been controlling Casyl; only Tharos, Ruven, and Danae had known, but they trusted Casyl. He was their commander.

“We now have a common enemy. Two of the Leshies have come through the rift and attacked our men. They are now terrorising us in this world, and more of them will come. King Elthar will be our ally. We will war with him no more.”

Salkin stepped out from among the men.

He eyed Elthar with unconcealed rage. “So, we’re allies now. How gracious of the blessed to have lowered themselves to our company. What happened to your father?” Salkin turned to Casyl.

“He was killed in battle,” Casyl replied.

“But we cannot be killed!”

Casyl was losing patience with him already. “We can if we’re dragged back through the rift.”

“And why isn’t he in chains?” Salkin said, gesturing to Ruven. “Is he not a prisoner?”

“He is the one who helped save my life. He is with me.” Casyl stared him down. “Now I’m tired. We need to rest.”

His beady eyes darted between Ruven and Elthar before resting on Casyl.

“You murdered him!” he growled.

The men shifted uncomfortably behind them.

“Do you know what he was doing, Salkin? You were his closest friend; surely, he told you all about his plans.”

He ignored the question. “Did you have something to do with it?” He eyed Amelia, almost foaming at the mouth.

Casyl stepped forward between them, his jaw tightening. “I killed him, Salkin.”

Salkin’s head snapped towards Casyl.

“You killed your own father?”

“Yes.”

The warriors murmured behind them. Some had come to stand behind Salkin.

“And now you expect us to kneel to you?”