The Monster's Caress - S.E. Smith Page 0,85

The sounds of battle still raged.

“I want you and the unicorns to go to the old fortress. Call my house-elves and have them seal the gates,” she instructed.

“I have already instructed the other unicorns to go there,” Xyrie replied.

Nali looked at the elder unicorn, her dear friend and mentor. “I want you to go too, Xyrie,” she said.

Xyrie shook her head. “Nay, Empress. My place is here, protecting you and the Kingdom,” the unicorn firmly stated.

Nali shook her head. “You saw what happened to Pai. I can’t lose you, Xyrie… or Asahi,” she stated.

“I will do what I can to help you, Nali. Trust in those who stand beside you,” Xyrie replied.

She bowed her head, knowing that Xyrie would not budge on her decision. “I must return to the cliffs,” Nali said.

“I will go to the river,” Xyrie replied.

“Xyrie…,” Nali muttered in frustration before she shook her head.

“Go, Nali,” Xyrie gently ordered with a toss of her head.

Nali called forth the form of the gargoyle, hardening her flesh. She harnessed her rage and grief. She would not lose any more of the creatures under her protection. Pai’s death would be the last, she vowed to herself.

She lifted off the ground, soaring back to the cliffs. In the growing light of morning, Nali surveyed the scene below. Koorgan and the gargoyle forces hammered at the remaining two alien trilobites. Gem’s blinding power and the blue-white flames of dragon fire consumed the alien fragments that were ripped or cut off.

On the cliff, Ariness and Isha had formed a massive magical shield to prevent the trilobites from breaching the top. Nali’s heart thundered when one trilobite rose above the barrier and unfurled both of its fangs. It struck out toward Isha.

Ross tackled Isha, pulling him aside and rolling away as Ashure charged toward the creature. With his enchanted sword, Ashure jumped high into the air and pierced the underbelly of the trilobite, slicing it open. Nali dove, catching Ashure from behind as he fell.

The alien trilobite struck out with one of its fangs as it fell backward. She twisted in the air, grunting when the fang shattered as it hit her stone back between her wings. The blow, combined with the weight of Ashure, was enough to knock her out of the air.

She flipped over at the last second, wrapping her wings protectively around Ashure as they hit the ground and skidded several yards. Grass and dirt flew in all directions as she cut a deep rut in the ground before coming to a stop. She peered through her wings making sure it was safe.

“Tonya will thank you for saving my neck,” Ashure said.

“It isn’t safe yet,” she replied, opening her wings and releasing him. “Where is Asahi?”

“Asahi—yes, well, things became a little complicated after you left,” he nervously answered.

Nali pushed Ashure aside and stood. She wildly scanned the area. The trilobite Ashure had sliced open was turning to ash before her eyes. Isha, impressed with the success of Ashure’s move, had retrieved the enchanted sword and was using the same move on the last creature—with the help of Koorgan who held it around the neck from behind. Koorgan tossed the mortally wounded alien off the mountain. Gem and Drago hovered nearby, ready to incinerate it. Yet, no matter where she looked, Nali didn’t see Asahi.

“Where is he?” she demanded as she turned and faced Ashure, who was now standing.

“I’m not sure. The last time I saw him, he was headed in the direction of the river. He disappeared when the bugs came up over the cliff’s edge,” he confessed.

“I have to find him. The alien is still inside him. With the destruction of the others, the alien might….” She shook her head, unable to continue as visions of the dead Sea Stag formed in her mind.

“Nali, wait,” Ashure said, touching her arm when she took a step away from him.

“What?” she snapped before she drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. “I’m sorry. Pai is dead, and I’m afraid of losing Asahi.”

“I’m sorry about Pai. I know how much you cared about him. I… I think it would be best if I went with you to find Asahi. He… isn’t the same. I can fill you in while we search for him,” he hesitantly explained in a compassionate voice.

“It will be faster if we fly,” she said.

“I was afraid you’d say that,” he muttered.

Despite the tense situation, Nali smiled when Ashure turned his back to her and raised his arms