Wings of Grace

Chapter 34

   "You know where the Sovereign Cross is?" Lara's anger immediately dissipated.

"I had received word of her location after we arrived back at the castle. While you were fighting with 'The Keeper', I was tracking her down." Greno paused. "And because of that I have let you down. I apologise for not being here for you. It was wrong of me. I should have stayed by your side." Greno looked forlornly down at the floor as if the weight of all his ancestors were on his shoulders.

Lara moved to his side, placing a consolidating hand on his left arm. "Greno, I can't always expect you to be with me every step of the way. After all, this is what I've been training for, isn't it? Both you and Ennar have taught me so much in such a short time. I'll admit maybe I wasn't so successful on my first time out, but hey... I'm still alive. That's got to account for something. Right?" Greno didn't appear to be too appeased by her words.

"I have to admit, I was frightened by The Keeper's strength and how insignificant a pawn I am in his game. "Lara sighed as Greno looked pensively at the bruising marks on her neck. "But it was more important that you located the Sovereign Cross. Akaine's life depends on her and saving him means more to me than my own life at this moment." She closed her eyes, biting her lip.

She didn't have to have them open to feel everyone's incensed frustration at her words. But none of them understood. And they weren't likely to. He was her brother for God's sake. She just had to save him.

"Princess Larayna... you will be the death of me, figuratively and literally speaking if you keep saying things like that." Threlu spoke exasperatedly to Lara before turning to face Greno, "Where exactly is the Sovereign Cross? Were you able to talk to her?"

"No. I haven't actually spoken to her... Also, since Princess Larayna is the only person who has had any contact with Akaine and The Elemental Destroyer, I think she should be the one to argue our plight.

"But she doesn't have the time, Greno. Remember, there is still the King to save from the Deathbrones. They will not just lie around waiting for her to show up at her leisure." Ennar interrupted.

"I..."Lara started to speak but was disrupted by Threlu's slamming his hand on the desk.

"Ennar is right. We don't have time to waste. Princess Larayna, if you believe this will prevent you from having to sacrifice yourself to the Elemental Destroyer than go with Greno, see if you can get the Sovereign Cross to help us, while we entertain 'The Keeper'. Only know that every minute you spend there, King Lyon will be undergoing his own internal torture at your expense. The Keeper's surprise, I can only guess will be one of pure agony with a twist of terror... Lyon is a strong man but even the best of them can only take so much of a beating before they fall."

Lara glared at Threlu. How she hated him at that moment. If she could be in two places at once she would be.

Hold on why couldn't she? Quickly she turned to face Greno, her face lit up.

"Greno, I could split into two. One could go with you and the other go after Lyon."

Both Greno and Ennar shook their heads.

"The mental concentration required to fight the Deathbrone will take all of your energy. You can't possibly be separated and still be able to perform at full intensity. If that was your choice, then you might as well hand yourself over to 'The Keeper' right now." Ennar quickly deflected her idea.

"Then I have no alternative."

Ennar looked relieved.

"That's right. You're doing the right thing. Giving up on this Sovereign Cross will...