Chapter 436: Light Vs. Shadow
-the battleground. I rise above it, Trill at my side, Iepa hovering before us, infinitely sad.
I know you doubt, the maji says, and I can hardly blame you. But please believe, no matter the mistakes my people have made in the past, this one we wish to unmake.
A line of demons fall, the ground crumbling beneath them, swallowing them as they scream in agony. Witches shift to save them, earth magic joining with Sidhe.
Your father is correct, Iepa says. Not all of us have the best of intentions. Like all races. The formation of the demon planes, the division of their race, was never meant to go on for so long. An experiment? Yes. We've tried for time unknowing to perfect our creations.
Witches die under a cloud of poisoned smoke, choking, lifeless even as the Sidhe retreat from the advancing sorcerers. We're losing, badly.
This can't happen. The very earth protests, heaving and bucking beneath the feet of the enemy, but for those who fall, ten more take their place.
Are there sorcerers on every plane? I need to focus, to ask the right questions before Iepa chooses to send us back and leave us on our own again.
Not yet, she tells me. But once they have the light to show them the way, there will be no plane free of their taint. Or their influence.
Trill gasps beside me. That's what's coming? What the prophecy means?
In a way, Iepa says. You are the light, Trillia. It is your brother who will betray you and give you over to them. And when that happens, you will become a tool of the sorcerers and they will have what they need to cross the veil.
Trill weeps openly, clutching her chest as though Iepa has torn her heart from it.
Things are moving faster now, Iepa tells me. Because of recent events, it is possible the time-table of those you call the Brotherhood could be brought out in the open too soon. If that were to happen, all would be lost.
Helpful. Tell me what to do, then. All of my frustration rises to the surface as my demon roars her fury, Shaylee writhes with rage and even my vampire core burns with cold white fire while the family magic inside me calls for action. I can't act unless I know what to do.
You must keep them safe, Iepa says. The light and the shadow both. That is your task for now. Only they can decide the fate of all planes, Sydlynn Hayle. And you are now responsible for them.
More freaking riddles? I'm done. I pull back, shaking my head. I'm not some pawn in your game, maji. If you want my help, you have to tell me more.
Her face falls into sadness as infinite as the Universe. Alas, she whispers, even I don't know everything. But what I know, you know, I swear it.
Something jerks against me, pulling me away, this time not with my consent. I reach for Trill, feel her fingers tighten in mine again, hear Iepa call out one last time.
You must be ready-
***
