The Names We Shed

Chapter 12- They know

Chapter Playlist- Truth hurts- Lizzo

After an hour of attempts to shatter the rocks, I gather them at the top of the trail. "Let's run."

I run in front of them, although their training means they are in shape, they still struggle to keep my steady pace over the uneven terrain. We make the long journey back in front of the boulders. I position them again. "Shatter it." Kalan shatters it without even thinking about what he's doing. It takes Makasha and Valerie another run before they do the same.

I position them in front of another set of rocks. "Shatter them."

They do it without hesitation. "Good your barriers are gone- now we fly the two hours back".

My students groan but they launch into the sky.

They head back to their rooms and the baths and I go to talk to Helen.

"Do you mind if I try a couple of different combinations? I want to see if I could potentially, take a pair partner."

"Go for it."

"Thank you."

"Blackwell wants to see you." She motions to the falcon sitting nearby.

"Why?"

"The council of the nations is coming up- you are expected to attend representing what's left of the Valkyrie- your votes will count for something and Blackwell wants to know where you stand."

"Blackwell's never been interested in me before."

"You have more power now that you have apprentices and now with your relationship with the Tundra- it's the perfect time for them to try and slip in as your allies and get your vote to dissolve the immigration federation."

The immigration federation did not make anyone who supported it popular amongst some fae and all humans. It required humans to stay in Eden, Blackwell, lower Collandra, and lower Asher. When it was signed into action, most humans simply didn't care, they couldn't survive in the other parts of the countries or in Tundra or Naytch. Now with some human inventions, they want to live in the cities of upper Collandra, and explore Tundra during the summer months. But that would disrupt the trade routes that were carefully planned around the movements of every culture.

"So the people that called me a whore and took my mother as a sacrifice want to be friends?"

"Yes."

"I don't want to be allies. Can't I just kill them all?"

"No- you and your three apprentices are going to go down to Blackwell and spend three days discussing various topics in a formal setting."

"Am I being punished?"

"Yes."

I glare at her. "It's been years since I've had to use all that etiquette crap."

"Make sure to show your power a little- keep those princes on their toes."

Blackwell is ruled by eight fae princes and a human senate. The senate is led by a human queen and a fae prince. Queen Livy and Prince Falle are the current ruling pair. The senators and other seven princes are important but it's not necessary to know their names.

We leave two days later. Albert had finished masks for Valerie and Makasha, as well as their armor and weapons. The masks are a reflection of your personality and your future as a Valkyrie. My mask is solid black, shiny and completely reflective, the only carving is a crown carved into the inside on my forehead. Makashas mask is dark green with copper edging and plants and animal carvings cover her mask. Valerie's mask is a dark purple with white edging and her carvings are inlaid with gold. The carvings show an ancient Valkyrie dance and story.

"They all suit you."

I summon my armor and place on my mask. Today we wear full armor. I carry two swords, six knives, and a battle axe. Kalan has one sword, four knives and a shield. Makasha carries a spear, six knives, and a shield and her sister carries two swords, two knives and a battle axe.

The shields are big enough to cover three fully grown Valkyrie in a battle. We haven't practiced fighting together, with me in the center but they have practiced together.

The shields are built to be small when flying but have pieces that slide out for protection so we can land and shield almost instantly.

It's a short flight, only three hours but with the heavy armor, and weapons, it's a workout for the trainees.

When we reach the castle of Blackwell, I signal for them to hover and I drop. After a second they follow me. I hit first and they hit a second later, it's impressive to say the least. They stay silent, arms crossed, and masks on. I walk forward, letting a little bit of my power hit them. Prince Falle flinches and Queen Livy stumbles back a few steps. Just a reminder, I think, of what I can do.

"Welcome to Blackwell." Queen Livy says, stepping forward to greet me.

"Thank you for inviting me."

Queen Livy steps back to her place next to Prince Falle. Prince Falle speaks, his voice like crackling fire and creaking wood floors. "I can't wait to hear your opinions on the gathering of the nations- especially since you've attended the last two and Queen Livy and I have never attended one."

I nod and motion to the three warriors standing behind me.

"My apprentices."

"Ah yes," Queen Livy steps forward, a massive smile over taking her face. "I very much wanted to meet your apprentices." Her hair is scarlett and her chestnut eyes and pale skin compliment it. A golden crown sits on her head, and her dress is a dark green with leaves sewn onto it.

"Come." I whisper into their minds and all three take three steps forward.

Queen Livy and Prince Falle motion us past them, and we follow a servant down the hallway, where senators and princes line the walls. The servant takes us to a large guest room with no furniture. As soon as he leaves, Valerie, Makasha, and Kalan yank their masks off.

I carefully remove mine, turning it over before they can see the crown carving.

"What the hell? Where is all the furniture?"

For once I can't help but agree with Valerie. This is beyond rude.

"Welcome to being a Valkyrie."

Makasha wanders over to the window, which is floor to ceiling and the only decent thing in this space. "Uh guys is this normal?"

We walk over, where we should have seen outside, instead we see a hallway, with prisoners in cells.

"Oh shit."

I think we all started screaming- but that might have just been me.

I have vague memories of being shackled and paraded through the streets.

I see Queen Jane and King Quincey of Tundra, Queen Livy and Prince Falle of Blackwell and Lord Nash and Lady Locke of Eden.

Jane, at least, has the decency to look nervous as they eat dinner.

It's only me. At least we are spared that mercy.

It would seem I am the entertainment tonight.

Jane gasps, her face going pale.

She can sense it, if no one else can. I am not the one awakening, the drug is too strong. But she knows what is coming, my power, with only one order. Kill. It rises in all of its hideous disfigurement.

It kills. With no care to what or who. It simply slaughters.