Page 51 of The Lies of Lena (The Otacian Chronicles #1)

Chapter Fifty

W e were patiently waiting in the cave that I learned was Immeron’s forge a week later. Today was not only the day we’d receive our weapons but also the day Edmund would acquire a new arm and leg.

The days came and went between training, helping my people get situated, and aiding the family who lived up here as best I could, considering the people in Ames would be staying here for a while.

To my surprise, Roland didn’t try anything else with me, though he would occasionally catch me looking at him and would give me a smug smirk in response. The thought of actually trying anything with him was frightening and exhilarating all at the same time, but I suppose I was happy he hadn’t attempted anything more.

The Otacians had kept to themselves most days, and I hardly spoke to Silas, though our eyes met quite often. While I hadn’t said Oquerene was the destination of our journey, Nereida hopefully pointing us in the correct direction, I did mention south. Silas wished to make allies, so our first target on our journey was Forsmont.

Mage lights illuminated the cave, and a large anvil caught my eye, along with various pieces Immeron was working on—swords, knives, maces, and more. A rather spacious workbench was scattered with material, and Immeron finished tinkering with something before strolling over to us.

“Well, here it is.” Immeron walked with pride as he revealed Edmund’s new lower leg and foot. The thin black lines that it was made of almost resembled veins. It was rugged yet sleek and elegant at the same time. There were even toes.

“That seems rather flimsy, no?” Roland questioned, Edmund slapping him in the arm and Hendry giving them both a side-eye.

Immeron smirked. “It may appear that way, but this is made up of carbonado, the strongest form of natural diamond. I expect a decent payment, Your Highness.” he gave Silas a side glance, to which the Prince nodded.

Elowen and Hendry helped lower Edmund to the bench inside the cave, and Elowen lifted his pants sleeve over the stump.

“This may hurt for a moment,” Immeron mumbled, and he held it in place.

The wires then twirled, seemingly coming to life, before they shot up into his healed wound. He cried out, and Elowen quickly placed her hands on his temples and relieved the pain.

After a beat, Immeron spoke. “It shouldn’t hurt now. Try standing.”

Elowen slowly removed her hands, and Edmund blinked and then slowly stood, shock appearing shortly after .

“It…it feels like my leg.” He wiggled the toes, and I and the others gasped. Edmund and Elowen shared a grin.

“Now, here,” Immeron said, walking over and bringing back a forearm and hand with the same carbonado wires. It looked nearly identical to Ayla’s. Edmund bent down so El could numb his pain, and then the wires shot up again, inserting themselves inside of him. When it was over, he stood straight, rotating his new fingers.

“Part man, part machine,” Immeron said with pride, crossing his arms.

Edmund’s eyes teared up as he walked around. Roland cursed under his breath with a sideways smirk while Silas just stared wide-eyed. Edmund walked to Elowen, scooping her up and twirling her around as she giggled.

“It is just perfect,” he said, beaming at Elowen as he placed her down. He grasped her hand with his new one and kissed the top of it.

Merrick, next to me, went to move towards him, but I gripped his arm before he could, shaking my head to say, “Don’t ruin the moment.” He glared at me before crossing his arms and looking away.

Edmund wrapped his arm around El’s waist before turning to Immeron, and she blushed as she leaned into him. “This is truly the most fascinating thing I’ve ever seen. I never dreamed I’d walk again after the attack or have my arm back.” He grinned and bowed in respect. “Thank you.”

Immeron’s sons Ceren and Benor then began to reveal the weapons they created for us.

A bow for both Merrick and Hendry, a dagger for Elowen and Erabella, and swords for the rest of us. It was truly remarkable to see the custom-made weaponry .

I examined my blade. Its sheen was almost iridescent, and opals were in its hilt. I couldn’t help but gawk at its beauty.

“Each of your weapons has special properties,” Ceren said as he tucked his dark brown hair behind his pointed ear. “Your blade, Lena, can be infused with fire magic.”

My head shot up. “You’re kidding.”

He smiled softly, his eyes the same dark blue as his father’s. “Nope. You can utilize your magic to charge the weapon, making it so your strikes are even more deadly.”

I gaped at my piece, and then my eyes trailed over everyone else’s weapons, the most notable, other than mine, being Silas’s shining golden sword. It had a hilt that was flecked with purple-red metal, shaped to appear like feathers adorned it. A large topaz was embedded in its center. I could tell he was thoroughly impressed with the craftsmanship; it blew even his royal sword out of the water.

Each person’s weapon had different attributes. Because the Otacians didn’t have magic, their weapons were altered to have enhanced durability.

The weapons for us Mages were made to complement our strongest forms of magic. Merrick’s onyx bow was designed specifically for ice arrows, and so long as Merrick charged his weapon, regular arrows would turn to frozen ones simply by him firing it.

Viola’s blade was infused with illusion magic. Just as she could shift her body, she could shift her weapon to be anyone she desired.

Elowen’s dagger could be charged with healing magic to take a life painlessly if need be .

We all took our time admiring our weapons, asking any questions we had, and saying our thanks for how much effort was put forth into our items.

The rest of the evening was spent packing our necessities for the trip to our first destination, Forsmont. We already had bedrolls we each would be traveling with, save for Era who would share with Silas, so we had to pack light. We packed as much food and as many filled water skins as we could comfortably carry, and we were to change into our new clothing and armor in the morning.

I found myself alone that final evening. I sat by the cliff’s edge, looking off into the distance as I contemplated the journey ahead.

The breeze was pleasant, and from this high up, I realized just how small I was.

You will be our savior, Lena Daelyra.

I wasn’t much of an optimistic person, not with everything life had shown me thus far. But I had followed Igon’s words, and I truly felt like we were on the right track.

“You’re not going to jump, are you?” Silas said softly from behind before sitting next to me. “Being a leader can make you feel that way, sometimes.”

I leaned my head towards him, laughing through my nose. After a few moments of silence, staring off at the rolling hills of Tovagoth with our feet off the cliffside, I spoke .

“Do you fear what your people think of you now?” I asked quietly.

He considered, his jaw ticking as he stared off into the distance. “Yes and no.” He turned to me. “I think…I think I made the right call. I can only hope that when all is said and done, my people will understand.”

“I am grateful for you, Silas, and all that you have sacrificed. Thank you,” I whispered, looking to the sky.

I knew we were alone, and even if someone was secretly watching, it was so dark no one would see. I was afraid of his rejection, but I couldn’t stop myself. I wrapped my hand in his, and he tensed.

For a moment, we were frozen, both so unused to each other's touch after so many years of separation. I wondered if he would pull his hand away, but then he began to drag his thumb back and forth against the back of my hand. I felt my body relax.

“Don’t thank me, Lena. Remember, I have a selfish goal that drove my decision.”

I looked into his amber eyes that sparkled under the moonlight as they dropped to my lips. That caused my heartbeat to quicken.

He may want to take the throne from his father. He may have had the ambition long before he knew I was alive. But I knew he still felt love for me, even if that love was but a small sliver in his heart. Even if we could never have one another again. Even though I had lied about so much.

“Here.” He fished into his pocket, then extended his hand. In it was Igon's compass.

My eyes rounded. “My Gods…I completely forgot about it.” I resisted the urge to slap my forehead and took the bronze compass from Silas, rotating it around and studying it. A pelican was engraved on its back.

I gave Silas an embarrassed smile. “See, not meant to be a leader.”

He offered a small smile, and the sight caused my heart to skip. “I have forgotten many things. You've had plenty else on your mind,” he whispered, his smile fading.

My lip trembled as I studied the man I still loved more than I wished to admit. “You kept your promise,” I breathed.

His brows furrowed, and his face was just inches away as he asked, “What do you mean?”

“Erabella told me what you’ve done for the Outer Ring…” My throat bobbed, and my eyes began to sting. “Investing in it, giving the people heated water, lifting the damn curfew, for fuck’s sake.” I used my free hand to wipe the tear that had fallen, then laughed softly. “I knew you would, but still, hearing it just—” I tilted my head to him with a smile. “I’m proud of you.”

His eyes widened, and he jerked his hand away, the action causing me to startle and my eyebrows to draw together.

“Lena—” He shook his head before exhaling out of his nose. “You should get some sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us,” he muttered before he stood and began to walk away.

Instantly, I stood as well and grabbed his hand. He came to a stop.

“Don’t go,” I pleaded. He turned to me, his golden eyes flickering with anguish. “Did I…did I say something wrong?”

“I cannot bear your kindness.” His honey eyes shifted back and forth between mine, a deep frown now taking over. “Do not give it to me.”

He tugged his hand away again, and I stared at him in bewilderment as he walked off.

I remained standing there for a moment, mind racing, then turned to view the night sky from this high up one more time before we left tomorrow morning. I took note of the large full moon shining above.

So much had changed so quickly. But, for the first time in my life, I felt hopeful for my people. Hopeful for myself.

As I stared into the stars, a cold feeling washed over my body, causing goosebumps to spread. Immediately, I was on alert.

My heartbeat quickened.

It wasn’t just a cold feeling…but a presence.

A presence that was all too familiar.

“Lena,” a woman spoke in my head, and my knees buckled at the sound of Kayin’s voice. “We have work to do.”