"I think I do," Miro said, seeing the resolve in the Emir's eyes.
"I will stay here, and take as many of the enemy with me as I can. I will watch as my ships leave the harbour, and as you destroy those vessels you don't take with you. Then, when the time comes, I will destroy this city, and everyone in it."
Miro nodded, knowing there was nothing he could say.
"You have my word," Emir Volkan said.
47
SHANI looked at the oval mirror, and then crouched down next to the device Ella had placed over the three Lexicons.
Bartolo and Jehral looked at her with concern. The three of them had guarded the portal day and night, and the tension was affecting them all. What would they do if someone crossed, and their combined efforts couldn't prevent some evil force gaining entry?
The ancient chamber within the Sentinel wasn't a pleasant place to sleep, eat, and share each other's company. There was something about the light that came from all places and none. The decayed wall was a mystery that no one could explain, and made it appear as if a dark force had permeated the chamber, melting all in its path. Shani and Bartolo bickered, while Jehral retreated into himself, becoming silent and moody. They had all put their faith in Ella, and each of them secretly wondered if they'd done the right thing.
"They're fading," Shani said, looking at the Lexicons.
"Are you sure?" Bartolo asked.
Shani glared at Bartolo. "I'm sure."
"Just asking."
"How long do we have?" Jehral asked.
"Opening the portal the first time must have taken more power from the Lexicons than Ella planned."
"How long?"
"I don't know. Perhaps there's some loredrain… I've been monitoring them closely. We can't chance it…" Shani made a decision. "I'm going to open the portal."
"Shani," Jehral said, "Ella said to wait exactly three days."
"Do you want to leave her stranded there?"
"What if you open the portal and she's not there?" Bartolo said. "What if you open it and whatever power is left goes, so you can't open it again?"
"If we wait much longer, I can promise you there won't be enough power to open the portal at all."
Jehral and Bartolo exchanged glances.
"Ella said…" Jehral began.
"I know what Ella said! She's my friend too. I'm telling you, we have to open it now, while we still can!"
Jehral spoke to Bartolo. "I'm no loremaster."
"Nor am I."
"What if she's right?"
"I'm telling you I'm right!" Shani said. "Men! Jehral, if Ilathor was here you'd do as he asked without a second thought. Bartolo, you'd be the same if Rogan gave you an order."
"Are you ordering us now?" Bartolo said, smiling to take the sting out of his words.
"I'm telling you what I believe. We need to open the portal."
"I can't let you do it," Bartolo said, growing serious again.
Shani scowled and straightened, placing her hands on her hips. "Let me? You can't… let me?"
"Please, both of you," said Jehral, his hands held out in placation. "Calm down. We need to make the right decision here. The wrong decision could leave Ella stranded on the other side."
"Opening the portal now is the right decision," Shani said.
"It's the wrong move," said Bartolo.
Jehral sighed, as the elementalist glared at her husband and the bladesinger returned her glower.
What was happening on the other side of the portal?
They had no way of knowing.
48
WHILE battle raged on the walls of Emirald, the sailors amongst the defenders were recalled and asked to convene in the harbour.
Commodore Deniz was fighting to close a breach when the order came. A skilled swordsman, the Holdfast champion three years running, he fought like a man possessed.
His blade was perfectly straight and custom-made from Narean steel. He had been a lieutenant for six years and a captain for ten. He'd crushed the pirate fortress of Gaskar and defeated Zafra the pirate king in personal combat. The Emir had personally promoted him to commodore, a rank he'd held for five more years. Deniz had seen his fair share of combat.
Deniz didn't understand this enemy, but he believed all creatures could be killed. The defenders had quickly learned that flame and heat were the best weapons against these unholy warriors, and pitch came up to the walls in a steady stream. Deniz discovered removing the heads was the most efficient means of despatching the creatures with a sword, and had made sure the men were instructed accordingly.