Jade the Starr Within

Chapter 39

"Come on, Mercury, run!" I push the stallion faster.

Almost there, almost. I jump from Mercury and quickly slit the throat of the gate operator. I'm greeted by bright lights and running water. "Go, go, go!" The elves run across the walls and jump into the city. A large castle looms in the distance. I mount Mercury and race through the city of Ironbelle. Elves try to attack me, but I'm moving two fast. I can see the docks. There is a large ship with a bright white mast harbored by the dock.

"That's the last one!" Khay'rat yells as a body drops into the water.

"Come on, Mate!" Kai calls. A crowd of elves pulls me from Mercury. "Damn it!" I scream.

"Get the hell away!" Kaz swings a whip wildly. Elves fall quickly, grasping at their throats. "Go!" He yells to me. I mount Mercury and race for the ship as it starts to pull away. I accelerate and Mercury leaps off the dock. Mercury flaps his wings once and lands softly on the deck. I dismount and look back, searching for Kazimir. He's nowhere to be found.

"I'm sorry, princess. They were trying to board. I had to move." Kai says.

"It's ok. Let's get to Phorynth."

"As you wish. Jade, Khay'rat, man the sails. I'll take the helm."
We make record time and make land in Phorynth. Uncle Derek sits with Hannah on the cliff edge, facing the water.

"I don't quite think that's big enough for the lady." Kai says. He stands in front of a thin drawbridge, Meena on the opposite side. Hannah laughs and whistles. Meena quickly runs across the bridge, breaking it in the process.

"We'll replace it." I say with a laugh.

Uncle Derek places Little Derek on the ship. "Are you sure you can handle them?"

"Once I make it through realms, Hannah will start getting better. It's only a short trip." Kai smiles and helps Elizabeth across. "And isn't what's-his-name coming?"

"I'm here, sorry, the horse wasn't very fast." Dad calls.

"Isaac. Get your ass on the ship." Uncle Derek shakes his head. "Be careful with my daughter, Kai."

"I'll protect her, sir. I promise."

"We'll come get you lot as soon as the portal is back open." I swear.

"Goodbye, everyone." Kai says. We watch as the ship disembarks and sails into the sunset. It's night when we arrive back to base. I sigh and fall into bed.