Born of Blood and Ash

Penellaphe blinked a few times. “From Kolis? I’m not sure what he could’ve said. He had no knowledge of my vision before—”

“He lied,” I stated bluntly, causing Penellaphe to jerk. “Kolis knew about the prophecy before you saw it. He just didn’t want you to know that.”

“I…I don’t understand.” Penellaphe lowered her cup to the saucer she held. “How is that possible?”

“It would only be possible if another had seen it before you,” Ward surmised, squinting. “Someone who, conveniently, was unable to speak of it.”

“But why would he act as if he had no understanding of my vision?” she asked, twisting toward Ward. “Why would he question me incessantly about what I saw—?” The cup she held rattled against the plate. “Every little detail?”

“He wanted to make sure you didn’t know the complete vision,” I told her. “And it was good that you didn’t. Ward is right. I got the impression that others knew of it and might be no more, including the last oracle born. And Eythos.”

Eather pulsed behind her pupils. “Wait. Are you saying there was more to what the Ancients dreamt?”

“According to Kolis, there is.” I took a drink of the tea and then leaned forward, placing the cup on the table. “He claimed there were three parts—a begi

“I do. I’ll never forget it,” Penellaphe whispered, clearing her throat. “From the desperation of golden crowns and born of mortal flesh, a great primal power rises as the heir to the lands and seas, to the skies and all the realms. A shadow in the ember, a light in the flame, to become a fire in the flesh.” She exhaled raggedly as she stared, her eyes unfocused.

“When the stars fall from the night, the great mountains crumble into the seas, and old bones raise their swords beside the gods, the false one will be stripped from glory until two born of the same misdeeds, born of the same great and Primal power in the mortal realm. A first daughter, with blood full of fire, fated for the once-promised King.” She cleared her throat.

“And the second daughter, with blood full of ash and ice, the other half of the future King. Together, they will remake the realms as they usher in the end. And so it will begin with the last Chosen blood spilled, the great conspirator birthed from the flesh and fire of the Primals will awaken as the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction to the lands gifted by the gods. Beware, for the end will come from the west to destroy the east and lay waste to all which lies between.”

Another chill curled its way down my spine, raising the small hairs on my nape. “There is another part,” I said. “A part Kolis claims is the end of the vision. It’s about the one born of blood and ash, and the bearer of two crowns. I wish I remembered it exactly, but the title I was given was included in that part. The part about being bathed in the flames—”

“Of the brightest moon.” Penellaphe stood suddenly. “Keella.”

Reaver lifted his head, watching the goddess as I frowned. “What?”

“It was something she said during your coronation.” Penellaphe bent, placing her cup and saucer on the table. “She reacted strongly to the title Nyktos gave you, especially the brightest-moon part.”

I stiffened, remembering they had been sitting together during the coronation. “She inquired about that when she approached us, asking why he had chosen that.”

“Clearly, that part references you. The bearer of two crowns,” Penellaphe stated. “The rightful heir to Lasania, and you as the Consort.”

“That’s what Kolis believes.”

“Is there more?” Ward asked, his forehead creased.

“Yes, and it’s pretty…creepy.” My fingers pressed into my knees. Closing my eyes, I concentrated hard on what Kolis had said. “Great…great powers will stumble and fall. Those left standing will tremble as they kneel, will weaken as they become forgotten. For finally, the Primal rises, the giver of blood and the bringer of bone, the Primal of Blood and Ash.” I opened my eyes. “That’s not the whole thing exactly, but it’s the general gist of it.”

Penellaphe stared at me, her lips parted. For a moment, I wasn’t sure if she breathed.

“He thinks it’s talking about him,” I continued. “That he will make the great powers stumble and fall as he rises as the Primal of Blood and Bone.”

Penellaphe continued to stare.

“Are you all right?” Ward asked, touching her arm. A moment passed before she nodded. “Then can you sit?”

Her gown billowed around her as she did as he asked.

“And maybe speak?” I added. “You’re starting to make me nervous.”

Penellaphe blinked rapidly. “He…he says that’s the end of the prophecy?”

“Yes.”

Her hands curled into tight fists as strands of eather lashed through her eyes. “He’s wrong.”