A Spark Against the Shadows (Book Two) Fully Released

Chapter XXIV - To End the War: Part I

Kota glanced back at the four soldiers behind them and then looked over at Sonya, who kept her eyes forward. The sudden flash of red as flaming debris flew over the walkway caused them to look left as the flames from within the castle spread to the city beyond the walls. He shook his head before Sonya moved closer to him. "Do not worry, Kota. We are getting the chance you wanted. Possibly to resolve this without anymore violence, I am here for you no matter what end this comes to."

"I am not sure what I want to happen here tonight. I am just tired of people getting hurt because of my decision," Kota answered back quickly as they walked down the walkway. "This war would not have happened if I did not answer that letter."

Sonya kept her eyes forward as she stayed quiet for a second before turning her head towards him. "This is not your fault. She planned this all out well before she came after you. That much has been clear from the beginning."

"You are right, but people are losing their lives out there because of this attack. The only reason tonight is happening is because I was not strong enough to get away from her that night in Elida."

Sonya stopped as the soldiers did the same behind them as they raised their weapons towards the two of them. She held up her hand to the soldiers as they lowered their arms. Sonya glanced between the soldiers and took a step towards Kota. "This is the business of war and, unfortunately, people will die. The only thing we need to focus on is ending this night to save thousands more. Cities and villages can be rebuilt, but you cannot bring people back to life."

Kota stared into her eyes as he thought about her statement before she raised a hand to his shoulder. "We will end this tonight. Just focus your mind on the people we will save after tonight by ending this war."

Kota paused before he nodded in agreement. The soldiers got their attention before directing them forward. The group approached a large metal door that laid about ten feet tall and each door the same width as the height. He looked out of the corner of his eye and saw the two guards holding their weapons before facing the large door. The two men pushed on the door as it opened inward.

Sonya bumped his elbow and smiled in his direction before they directed them both inside the room. Kota and Sonya walked inside as they examined the enormous throne room with a pointed roof. Near the middle of the room, two sets of large stone cauldrons on top of ten-foot-tall pedestals laid on each side of the large red rug, leading them to a set of stairs. They stopped for a second as they reached the enormous rug before Kota saw the King sitting on the throne at the top of the steps.

The massive metal door closed behind them while being directed forward until they reached between the closest large stone pedestals. Kota stared at the King, who laid covered in red armor from neck to toe. He lowered his hand as two soldiers moved between the pedestals and stood still, staring at the two of them. Kota took a step forward and bowed. "Your Grace, my companion and I have not come to strike the crown from you, but to end the war and start peace negotiations her tonight. I am sure we can reach a sort of agreement."

The King did not move an inch as Kota spoke. Turning towards Sonya as the two met glances before he continued. "Your troops are heading towards Pasea thanks to the order of my brother. I believe, like him, you have been manipulated into starting this war against Damira by a woman named Cordelia."

Sonya stepped forward, continuing where Kota paused. "She is after an ancient relic. We do not know why, but she is after the relic of Mara. We have seen what she leaves in her wake firsthand and continues to bring ruin where she-"

She stopped as the King pounded his fist onto his golden throne. Sonya glanced at Kota before the King's voice echoed out. "You bring an army to my door, and you expect me to believe you? Kota, the dead prince, the one from Asana? Sonya, the traveler who lost her precious item before being banished herself?"