Arcemis's Arc

Chapter 4 of 16

Arcemis ran from Cade’s palace toward the mountain path, map clenched in his fist. Before he reached the first rise, a hard gust shoved him sideways. An arrow struck the ground beside his sandal. It had flown around three crystal trees. Arcemis drew his gold-lit sword. His best friend dropped from a branch above him, light as a leaf. Freyo wore a white tunic and carried his crystal bow. His green eyes widened, then he grinned. “Arcemis? You vanished for ages, and now you sprint through Crystallis without saying hello? Cruel.” Relief hit Arcemis before anger did. “Freyo, stand down. I have to reach the mountains. A guardian is being hunted.” Freyo’s grin slipped. Wind stirred around his hands. “A guardian?” “Seven must unite against Rhademus and Vaphos. Gaia made me Guardian of Light.” Arcemis raised his glowing blade. “Cade sent me to find a dwarf blacksmith.” Freyo stared at the sword. Then he laughed once, without humor. “Of course. The world waits until you leave, then hands you a war.” He turned toward the trees. “The mountain path is watched. Riders crossed the lower pass this morning.” Arcemis stepped past him. “Then I cannot waste time talking.” Freyo fired upward. The arrow curved through the branches and struck a small crystal hanging high above. A clear note rang out. The wind answered. It rushed down the slope and lifted dry leaves into a spinning wall. “Wait,” Arcemis said. “Why signal them?” “To clear our way.” Freyo’s voice went sharp. “Those riders are close. I can slow them, but only if you help.” Three armored riders burst from the trees. Freyo’s next arrows bent in the air and snapped their reins. Horses reared. Arcemis met the first rider on foot. Gold light flashed across his sword. The man’s weapon broke, and he fell backward into the leaves. The other two rushed Freyo. Arcemis blocked one strike. Freyo leaped onto a current of air and rose above the second rider. His arrow struck the rider’s shoulder. A gust threw both men from their saddles. When the forest fell still, Freyo landed beside Arcemis. He looked at the bound riders, then at the mountain map. “I am coming,” Freyo said. “No speeches. No arguing. Your dwarf needs help, and apparently so do you.” Arcemis looked at his oldest friend. For the first time since Gaia’s command, the road ahead did not feel empty. He nodded. Freyo raised his bow. Wind gathered beneath their feet and carried them toward the mountains. Arcemis had gained the Guardian of Air, but Rhademus’s riders now knew he was heading for the dwarf.