Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

“ W e need to allow some of the attack through the bubble. For the media to capture the truth of the Carmine,” Victoria said when they returned to the current safety of the tree line.

Keeping his attention on the containment bubble with another pulse of power, Solomon could only stare at Victoria in shock. When was this part decided? Did no one think to tell him earlier?

“What was the point of a containment barrier?” Emrys asked. “A waste of Solomon’s power. The one mage you’re all counting on to stand against the Prime. This barrier weakened him.”

“It’s there to corral the main contingency of the Carmine’s power. But we must reveal their attacks upon us. This is crucial. Ordinary people do not realize they are underneath the Carmine’s control and that their sickness and hatred is spreading.” Victoria looked to Solomon. “Please. This must happen.”

Understanding there was far more that would happen here than a simple assault on a building to bring down a horrible regime, Solomon adjusted his glasses while he considered all the options. He altered the tiny spell that kept his glasses firmly in place. “Will there be other shields?”

“Sol—” Emrys tried.

“You can’t—” Julian tried to add.

“She is right, Emrys, Julian,” Solomon interrupted to stop them.

“This isn’t us,” Julian said.

The three of them were pacifists. None of them wanted an actual battle. Julian and Emrys fought to save the grove, but they had the Gloriosa assisting them. Plus they didn’t have to take lives to protect the grove and each other.

This wasn’t the same. There would be action. There will be death.

Standing on the edge of a true battlefield, Solomon felt out of sorts. From how Julian and Emrys adjusted their positions near him. He could tell they felt the same.

“This isn’t us,” Julian repeated.

“No. This isn’t who we inherently are, but it is where we are right now. On the edge of this battlefield. Trying to fight for our right to live. To protect the lives of the students. Children. Innocent ones who are ripped from their families because they were gifted with arcane,” Solomon said. “This can’t remain the way of the realms. It’s destroying the realms. How many collapsed realms are you discussing in your ecology class, Julian?”

“Too many. Far too many because the damage is accelerating,” Julian said.

“Because of the destruction of the magical gemstones anchoring the realms,” Emrys added.

“If the center of our realms collapse—” Solomon paused.

“It’s only a matter of time for the rest of the realms to collapse,” Julian finished.

“And we don’t know what lies beyond that far eastern border across the sea,” Emrys added.

“So we must hold our ground here and fight.” Julian lifted his hand to Emrys’s cheek. “Like we fought for my grove.”

Emrys nodded in agreement.

“Not only to fight, but at the same time we must reveal their horrible acts.” Solomon turned to Victoria. “But only if our people are safe.”

“Raise shields, Andre,” Victoria said.

Solomon turned to find Andre and watched him nod and spread the word. Apparently, Andre was in on the change and never said anything. There was a look of regret or something else in Andre’s expression.

“Alter the bubble, Solomon,” Victoria ordered.

Though this wasn’t how he wanted this battle to continue, Solomon altered the spell as members of the Carmine launched multiple firebombs.

The fiery bombs arced through the sky and went through the containment bubbles. Many of them fell short and landed on the grassy field. Others made it to the tree line, but were stopped by the different shields.

At least that is what Solomon could observe on this side of the building.

“First wave, step up,” Andre ordered.

Mages stepped forward.

“Loose!”

Fireballs launched into the sky from all around the building. Many burst all around the building. Some reaching targets within the Carmine lines.

Both sides continued the attack.

Twisting the magic until he connected the bubble to the gems, Solomon pulled free. Rolling his shoulders and preparing for what would happen next, he touched his glasses. Then he called in the black leather belt that held his rapier and dagger sheaths. Securing the buckle low on his waist, he tested the draws from both scabbards and adjusted their position.

“Ready for this,” Emrys said while he adjusted his own scabbards. Though, he would rely more on his staff.

“Yes.”

“I’m not going to be the one to tell you to stay back. All I’m saying is keep some energy in reserve. Take a couple of these gems and put them in a real pocket,” Emrys said while he passed over two charged gems.

Accepting the gems, Solomon tucked them into a small pouch on the leather belt. He unbuttoned the cuffs and rolled the sleeves up his forearms. “That’s the plan.”

“Can’t believe you’re wearing a vest to battle.”

“Rap your knuckles against it.”

“What?”

“Do it.”

Emrys shifted his staff and rapped his knuckles against the simple blue vest. Instead of hitting flesh, there was an odd hollow knocking sound. “What?—”

“There’s a protective lining throughout the vest. Bullets and swords can’t get through it.”

“Magic?”

“I’ll keep a personal shield tight on me. I promise.” Solomon blew out a long breath. “Just need to get to the building. That’s where he’ll be waiting. Stop him. We stop the rest of it.”

Emrys placed his hand on Solomon’s shoulder and squeezed. “We’ll get you there.”

“Just don’t burn yourself out,” Julian said while he added his hand on Solomon’s shoulder.

Reaching out, Solomon took hold of their hands in a simple embrace of love and friendship. Part of his heart wished that Cormac was there for an embrace.

“Cormac is close and you know he’s focused on you,” Julian said.

“Reading my mind?” Solomon asked.

“No. But I would do the same if Emrys was with his cousins.”

“Instead I’m right next to you.” Emrys kissed Julian’s cheek. “Time for you to change, darling.”

“Working on it,” Julian said while he stepped back.

“Got an extra one of those vests?” Emrys asked.

“Not right now,” Solomon said.

“Next time.”

White flames rolled down his arm while Solomon stepped forward. Next to him, Emrys twirled his staff and the gem brightened.

Julian transformed into a mysterious creature. A thick bark layer covered his arms and chest. Some lines of bark went up his neck. On the ends of tiny branches, scarlet red oak leaves bloomed.