The Elements of Zion: The Vine, The Branch, and The Thorn

Chapter 16

The city loomed, dark and twisted. Heaven's Landing was just a memory, swallowed by shadow. A creeping chill settled over us as we drew nearer, the Thorn King's influence crept like poisoned roots into every corner. Trose's feathers ruffled as he fixed a sharp gaze on the approaching Azurian fleet, sails defiant against the tainted sky.

The temples lay in ruins, white walls blackened, overtaken by thorn and decay. Bitterness filled our mouths as if the darkness and corruption of the city had tainted even the air we breathed.

Trose landed with a soft thud on the deck, his talons digging into the wood. Memories of fallen comrades and lost battles flooded my mind, mingling with the present danger of facing the Thorn King's ruthless army again.

I turned to Liamaris and nodded. Victory meant luring them out, but looking at Trose, unease settled over me. "I don't sense Dove's presence anymore."

Trose met my gaze head-on, a glint of understanding in his steely blue eyes. He grunted, a short, decisive sound, then leaned in and in a low rumble, said, "Aye, I might just have a notion where ye can find Him."

We exchanged knowing glances before turning to face our mission ahead. Once we infiltrated the city and sounded the alarm, there would be no turning back for us.

"Aye, those thorny devils cling like barnacles to a wreck," King Triton boomed. "They'll throw themselves at us, but touch light, and they'll go up in flames—a nasty sight indeed."

"Listen up crew!" Liamaris boomed. "Sharpen yer blades and nock yer arrows, 'cause we ain't letting those prickly bastards sink our ships this time, no siree!." He then gestured grandly towards the cannons. "And don't forget about the big guns, lads. We gotta be prepared for any sky rats that might come swoopin' down from the clouds. Fire and fury for those who dare threaten our skies."

Trose leaned in close, his fierce gaze unwavering as he jabbed a finger toward me. "Isaac, I'm not leaving your side, not this time. My oath is yours," he growled.

I swallowed hard, meeting his eyes. The weight of his loyalty was like armor over my own fears. "You've never let me down, Trose," I managed, my voice thick.

"Enough with this duty and sacrifice talk!" Liamaris clapped his hands, his grin roguish as he turned to Maridel. "Now you, Maridel—outcome be damned, you'd best keep an eye on the old man. We can't have him wandering off into the Leviathan's maw, now can we?"

Maridel smirked, crossing her arms. "Oh, your father may be getting on, but he's still got more wins than any king in the lower realms. I'd bet he'll be the one watching out for us."

An immense shadow split the water, rising up in a glint of scales and eyes like abysses. Soldiers scrambled to the deck rails, eyes widening as Leviathan's tail crashed, sending waves over our bow. It wasn't fear alone—it was reverence. King Triton, eyes ablaze, gave a single, booming order.

"A sign from the deep!" Triton's voice cracked through the air. He raised his trident, gaze sharp. "The Leviathan's finally come to join the fight! Even he smells the stink of darkness on these waters." He turned, nodding to his soldiers. "Let's give him a reason to be proud!"Prince Liamaris, his eyes burning with a newfound fire, hoisted his sword high above his head. The movement sent a ripple of excitement through the ranks. "Azurian's!" he boomed, his voice laced with the salty tang of the sea and the thrill of an impending battle. "The time has come to cut those thornies down to size once and for all! Remember the courage that runs through your veins, the honor that guides your blades! Victory's ours for the taking, but only if we fight together like the strong current that pulls a ship onward. Now raise yer swords high, and let the prickly bastards know what true warriors look like."