Bonds of Light and Fire

69. Suria's Defense

    Their plan was put into motion the next day, when a force of 400 marched on Suria. Luciana and Kyllian remained with the archers while Vaughan and Aeron made their way to the front lines. From her perch on the wall surrounding Suria, Luciana could just make out the golden flash of Aelin's armor. The Queen stood at the head of her forces, waiting for the Revolutionists to arrive.

    "Golden armor," Luciana murmured. "Not a wise choice for someone wanting to blend in."

    "She doesn't want to blend in," Kyllian replied, appearing at her shoulder. "Aelin is sending a message, both to the Revolutionists and to her people. She won't give up without a fight. The people will see her armor and know she is defending them. The Revolutionists will see her armor and know she won't relinquish her crown."

    "I hope the other Kings and Queens have similar ideas," Luciana said. "All of Erilea needs to know that their crowns will not be stolen."

    Kyllian inclined his head. "Again."

    "Again," Luciana echoed with a smile.

    Kyllian's gaze shifted towards the oncoming Revolutionists. "They're almost here." He backed away and raised his voice. "Archers to the ready!" Luciana fitted an arrow against the drawstring of her bow. "Take your aim!"

    She drew the string back and angled her bow up, until she knew her arrow would strike a Revolutionist and not one of their own soldiers. The archers held their position, waiting for Kyllian's order to fire. Luciana swallowed hard and managed to keep her breathing steady. Light hummed through her veins, begging to be released, but she kept a tight lid on it. She was still tunneling into her magic. She would until she could go no further.

    The crunch of metal armor filled the air. Whispers drifted below them from the soldiers waiting to attack. Not a sound came from within Suria. The city gates were barred shut and most of the people had barricaded themselves inside of their houses. Those who hadn't were standing with the archers and soldiers, waiting to fight for their home.

    "Fire," Kyllian ordered.

    Arrows released with dull twangs. Luciana drew another one and fitted it to her bow. She paused briefly, watching as the arrows in the sky arced and fell. She held her breath. The arrows met their targets and Revolutionists began to fall. Many more kept coming. Kyllian gave orders again and Luciana let her next arrow fly.

    Again and again they released different volleys, until the Revolutionists collided with their own troops and fighting ensued. "Check your aim!" Kyllian hollered. "Fire when you can, but don't take unnecessary risks. We can't afford to shoot our own soldiers by accident!"

    He unhooked his own bow from his back and aimed at someone below. Luciana watched as his arrow embedded itself in a Revolutionist who'd appeared behind Aeron. Kyllian caught her eye and smirked. Luciana aimed at another Revolutionist. Her shot met its mark.

    The minutes passed and Luciana fired arrow after arrow. Someone refilled her quiver once and she noticed the same being done for the other archers. But, all too soon, their quivers were empty and there were no more arrows to fill them with. Kyllian unsheathed his sword and led the way down the wall. Luciana slung her bow over her shoulder and gripped Ailuros' hilt.

    They leaped out of the stairwell, swords drawn. Bloody mud squelched beneath their boots and metal shrieked against metal. Luciana dove beneath an attack and righted herself in time to catch the next blow. The Revolutionist fighting her was a bulky male, one who likely thought that she would go down easily. She would prove him wrong.

    Luciana's golden gaze swept over him as she continued to dodge his attacks. I'll never overpower him using force, she thought. I'm not strong enough. But if I tire him out and strike where I can...