Belford's Heart

Chapter 33: Reclaimers

"I shall return to the world a flame everlasting!" Belford heard her voice again. It was the first time since they stood together within the malice beyond the clearing. It was so strong as it ran through the streets of the city, and still so beautiful as it graced his ears. He did not realize the others had run far in front of him as Vathas led them through the street. He stared down to the center of the city, watching as the crowd danced before a table that held two women before it. One must have been Kressida as she sat much taller than the woman beside her. Even from his high vantage point, he could tell she was strong, and most unfortunately the very woman standing between him and Evelyn. It was only then that Evelyn sat beside her. Her hair was long down her back, flowing free from any braids or ties. It looked soft like the foam of the ocean, and her dress wrapped her body tightly. He needed to run, he needed to catch up with the others, but his body remained still.

"I will still protect you," he said softly knowing only he could hear his words. He felt that they still needed to be said, and speaking them aloud made his body warm as he held his eyes on her. Inexplicably, she turned to him. If he did not know better, he would have sworn she saw him. Her eyes were bright in their glow, just as beautiful as the first time they looked upon him. There was an understanding to this look. Something that made him certain that some part of her knew that it was truly him that she looked upon. He wanted to cry, but his body did not allow it. It was only a further surge of energy; an exponential increase in the determination. She was not yet lost to him. And if she was, he would not allow himself to believe it.

Three huffs of frustration sounded in his ear as Grifford bashed him with his head. He was pulled away from his stare, turning to the griffon and then looking up at his companions who waited for him to continue. Vathas waved him forward with wide eyes that still glowed softly in gold. Belford met them, and leapt to run and clear the space he had allowed to form between them.

"You must stay focused, Belford," Vathas said. "The moons fly full above us. Time dwindles with haste."

"I heard her, too," Philip said, turning to comfort Belford. He laid a hand on his arm, meeting his eyes with equal determination rife within his face. "She lives, and that means she can still be saved."

"She must be saved," Belford said.

"And she will, so long as we carry this out. Kharlan, are you with me?" Vathas said, turning to look at Kharlan who still could barely contain herself in his presence. She nodded passionately, straightening her posture. "Good. You and Mu'las will be entering the peak from here." He pointed to the opening that led to the middle layer of the peak's corridors. "If this mimic of my city is a true one, there will be a mark of Avalonia etched in the stone exactly twenty-nine steps and to the right toward the chamber of the flame. Since you were so familiar with my secret holding in the mountainside, you should know all you need to gain access."

"And what is held within, it will conceal us?" Mu'las questioned. "You are certain?"

"Be sure to tie the headwraps high above your heads. Next time, we should have you grow out your horns." Vathas allowed himself to smile as they shook their heads. "There will be a servant named Thume working to prepare the platform for the final ritual. It is essential that you do whatever you must to eliminate him."

"Understood," Kharlan said, taking a deep breath. "And after we eliminate him?"

"Bide your time until our lovely lady approaches the platform with Evelyn. Make it look as lovely as she likes it." Vathas nodded. "Go. Should we triumph, your names shall be written with mine for the second Reclamation of the world."