Bloodline (Cradle, #9)

by Will Wight

Her friends had shown their worth. To everyone.

“I’m so jealous,” Fury said. “What did it feel like, killing a Monarch?” Yerin snorted. “Didn’t get him in a fight, did I? About like swatting a fly.” Uncle Fury closed his eyes and breathed in slowly through the nose as though savoring a scent. “Like swatting a fly…oh, it’s beautiful. It’s better than I ever imagined. The King of Dragons, swatted by a child. Like a fly.” He took another deep breath. “Perfect.”

“Bleed me dry, I’m just going to say it. Don’t kill a bunch of Jades.”

“This is a fun surprise. Just relax, all right? Be casual.” In Lindon’s mind, Dross began to whistle.

The Heart Sage floated in place with her shield raised, vigilantly watching the Dreadgod.

“…I could have waited for you outside,” Ziel muttered.

“You do know I’m teasing you, right? You have to know that at this point. I find this violence disproportionate.”

Ziel stood motionless next to Lindon. The edges of his cloak fluttered in the wind. “I’d like to hear about the scripts,” he said. Lindon sighed. “Thanks.”

“You know me, Lindon. I love nothing more than keeping a low profile.”

I’m afraid my bloodline legacy won’t be of much use to you from here on, although I myself will be the same emotional asset and source of courage as always.”

“They have gone to punish our attackers. We needed every Jade we could spare to deal with their—” “Wait!” Rahm shouted, but he was too late to stop her. “—giant turtle,”

Lindon felt the moment when Orthos sensed his presence too. Relief. Urgency. Pure joy.

“Very well, then. Die with honor, turtle.” “You as well, human.”

“He’s here,” Orthos said.

“Forgiveness,” Lindon said. “I lost my focus.”

When he was sure they were alone, Lindon broke down and wept.

“Not enough. With only this much, I’m afraid the flavor won’t set in.” Orthos flicked his tail. “Some Archlords do eat intelligent sacred beasts.” “There’s one such Archlord before you now. Be silent and marinate.”

“And hence he earned his title,” Eithan said gravely. “To this day, legends speak of the Cup Sage.”

Lindon watched the mug as though committing it to memory might help him somehow. “Pardon, but I couldn’t transport the mug directly from the shelf to the table without my authority.” “I can,” Eithan said, rolling up his sleeves. “Let me show you.” His smile dropped and his eyes sharpened. He held out his hands, focusing his will. Then he grabbed the mug, lifted it, and placed it on the other end of the table. “Behold!” he cried. “I have transported the cup!”

and you know what they say: if you want something done right, get Eithan to do it.”

Ziel took another swig from the bottle. Technically it was an elixir, as it had beneficial effects on the spirit, but you could also accurately call it wine.

[I don’t want to judge you based on your treatment of dream madra, I really don’t, but if I did, I’d say you’re like monkeys doing carpentry. That is to say, you’re clumsy and very stupid.]

If the heavens fall upon us, they will crack on our roof.

She’d had no choice, and this was for their own good. Which was exactly what her mother always said.

If my core popped tomorrow and I was no better than a Copper, he wouldn’t leave me alone until he found a way to put me back together.”

Even Ziel cheered her on. In his own way. He nodded approvingly and grunted once or twice, at least.

[What is this? What’s happening? Hey, get out of here! Shoo! No, you can’t kick me out! I live h—]

“I…advance,” Lindon said.

“I’m glad we found you,” Lindon said quietly. “I was never lost.”

He met Yerin’s red eyes. “I’ll see you soon.”

The last of his madra failed him, and soon he was fighting with nothing but the strength of his limbs. Even so, he swore an oath to the heavens. If nothing else, he would die before his sister did.

Sage of Twin Stars, Jai Long thought. He believed it now. Then he collapsed.

“Dross,” Lindon said aloud, “I would be very grateful if you had a battle plan for me.” [Battle. A battle plan. I’ve got a wonderful strategic retreat plan.]

Lindon spoke quietly. “I don’t know if I can stop even one of its techniques. I couldn’t ask you all to come protect my home when I’m not sure I can keep you safe.” She looked up at him, and rather than angry, she looked amused. “Didn’t, did you? I’d contend you asked us to stay behind. But we’re not exactly tripping over people who can tickle Dreadgods. My list ends with me and you.”

“I said ‘put me on your list,’” Eithan called up. “You couldn’t hear me, could you?”

“I will defy this beast with all the power of a leaf drifting on the wind!”

[Objective two: don’t die. Wait, how about we make that objective one?]

The power of the Void Icon was strong in that technique.

[N-no! No, and in fact, I can make it even better than a surprise! A huge event! You’ll really, ooohhh, you’ll really show them. They’ll say, ‘Underlord Orthos is so great, I can’t believe that we ever cared about him before. I really hate who he used to be. Compared to now, I mean. Just…just hate him.’]

“Dross…thank you. You saved us.” When no one responded, Lindon stretched his perception into his own spirit. “Dross?”

“We were sent here by the Sage of Twin Stars,” Jai Chen said.