patrol and together crossed the open land to the city.
A shadow darkened the city. As they crossed, the shadow expanded to cover the open ground and even the ruin.
Atlantis warriors patrolled with new vigor, and a low-key level of alarm buzzed in their vibrations. Everyone glanced continuously overhead.
The shadow was real. It was made up of hundreds upon hundreds of All-Council warriors. They had descended while she and Gailen had been over at the ruin and now hovered like a hand about to crush them.
Twenty-Two
This was the most ominous sign Gailen had seen in a long, long time.
Probably since he’d heard the eerie hiss of terrifying megalodons, which Queen Elyssa had described as “doom blimps,” converging on the city.
“To the Life Tree,” the warrior urged them.
Dread scratched at his nerve endings. It was good that they had left the ruin when they had, but what new horrors awaited him at the Life Tree that he should be summoned so urgently?
Lieutenant Diras gathered with a new group of dignitaries on the dais. “I cannot, unfortunately, answer any of your questions. Please be patient while I…” He saw Gailen. His shoulders slumped, and he gestured urgently toward Gailen. “The warrior who tends the Life Tree is here to welcome you to Atlantis.”
The new group of visitors turned en masse to Gailen and Starr.
“Yes, Warrior Gailen will answer all questions. I must speak with the patrols about the army. Warrior Gailen?” Lieutenant Diras swiftly exited.
Wait. Was that it? Gailen had been desperately summoned to do the greeting?
Okay…
He released Starr. She communed with the Life Tree while he greeted the new visitors.
“Welcome to Atlantis. Please inspect the Life Tree closely. Despite being such a young tree, you no doubt notice that the protective covering is broken and a large scar crosses the trunk. An All-Council raider impersonated the original warrior who tended the Life Tree, Zoan, and infiltrated the chamber where he…”
A peach warrior floating on the edge of the dais lifted his brows and made an awkward “oops” with his lips.
“Zoan,” Gailen vibrated dumbly. “Second Lieutenant Ciran told us you were not coming. Why did you not tell Lieutenant Diras you used to tend the Life Tree? You could have given this welcome.”
“Yes, well, I did not know I had become part of the speech.” Zoan gestured toward his shining bride, Indigo. “My queen wanted to witness this historic event, so she challenged herself to transform and grow her powers in only one practice session.”
“One practice session!”
Zoan beamed. “She is truly exceptional.”
Queen Indigo grinned. Her white teeth flashed against her dark skin. “You are so sweet. I know you’d do the same for me.”
They had a moment of communication just between the two of them.
Starr floated close. “How did you do that?”
“I wanted it.” Queen Indigo spread her arms, and her soul glowed. “Here, I’ll show you.”
Zoan swelled with pride. “She was going to be a trainer before. It is in her blood. She will be a wonderful mother when she is ready.”
Two queens working together demonstrated the vision of Atlantis better than any story Gailen could tell, and so he abbreviated his welcome to the rest of the visitors and they all watched the queens. It was so wonderful after so many dark years to see their race thrive.
“That is not the only reason we have come.” Zoan lowered his vibration to reach only Gailen. “Have you seen my brother?”
“Your twin? Roa?” Gailen shook his head. “You know King Kadir would never welcome a male who nearly destroyed Atlantis.”
“I know, but Roa is a king now.”
That insane warrior was a king? Gailen sputtered. “Of Siyokoy?”
“Roa founded his own city and claimed a modern bride. Will King Kadir refuse another king?”
That was nothing short of incredible. “Would he dare come here?”
“The All-Council tortured him so much in the prison. He hates them even more than we do. Making a new covenant will hurt them. I think he might come.”
“How do we know he will not try to finish what he started last time?”
Sadness tinted Zoan’s smile. “I do not know. But I would like one last chance to say I am sorry.” He straightened and clapped Gailen’s bicep. “And look at you with your bride. I regret I never made you part of the welcome speech. I would have been sure to mention your thumbs.”
Gailen tried to laugh, but it was weak.
“Are you well?” Zoan asked.
“Just tired,” Gailen assured him and then stopped. It was okay to share his honest feelings. “It bothers