Somehow I had managed to fall asleep. My dreams twisted into horrible visions of fire and lightning, of giant shadows swallowing the city, of Owen writhing on a table in a deep dark place. I jerked awake, the sudden loud splashing of heavy boots on the wet stone had freed me of those horrid nightmares. For a moment my disoriented mind had forgotten where it was. I stared at a glowing ceiling watching the symbols in the Muryoko glyph shift and pulse in the magic circle. Sweat dripped down my brow and into my eyes. I winced as the stinging sensation blurred my sight.
I heard the sound of ten maybe twenty men marching into the room and stopping outside of the cell. When my eyes finally cleared I saw a horde of Juprus soldiers dressed in their white cloaks. They each carried a flaming torch with an emblem stamped into the metal rim. The emblem displayed a diamond trapped within a combination of a club and a heart surrounded by the shape of a spade. It was a cruel disarray of the symbols reminiscent of a deck of cards stacked one on the other, and if the symbol meant anything, the diamond in the center could only allude that royalty was on its way. Among the soldiers marched General Xuxa and Heist. Xuxa's red blade clinked the armor on her side. Her gaze had a paralyzing grip to anyone who looked directly into it. I glanced for only a second, long enough to feel my spine tense and my arms grow stiff.
"Red Hearts!" she commanded flipping her cloak in the air. The large red letter Q flashed in the torchlight. "Assume your position, your king approaches! Attention!"
Movement flowed back into my tired limbs. I stood to my feet, fixed my matted hair as best I could, and wiped the slime off my arms. I was positive I did not look the least bit presentable. If anything, I could use a nice warm bath. Owen, Zeno, and Gorin stood to attention, their eyes fixated on the doorway. Once again Hijinx was nowhere to be found. He must have heard the soldiers and quickly disappeared into the safe confines of Zeno's hat.
The soldiers marched into two rows creating a pathway from our cell to the doorway. They bowed at the waist, remaining so until a shadow crossed the threshold.
From the entrance stepped a man in a long silver and black gown. The glittering threads played with the torchlight with each mindful movement of the fabric. This man's hair was pulled into a bun held in place by many shiny rods and black beaded ornaments. In front of his mouth swayed a large elaborately decorated fan. Its design in the shape of a dragon's open jaws made it appear this man had a giant angry scowl on his face. His olive skin and light brown eyes shimmered behind a layer of thin silk. There was no denying this man was king.
Following him through the doorway appeared two bald figures in equally elaborate gowns. Their hairless skin shone of the purest white as though sun or age had never graced their bodies. On their sunken faces were eyes of grey storm clouds. For a moment I swore they flashed a bright purple as the two men set their sights on me. Together their ears shared a pair of diamond earrings. A haunting feeling surrounded them sending a gripping fear down my spine. They stopped short of the cage as the king walked onward.
He halted at the bars; his piercing gaze moving up and down studying the four of us like a kid in a pet store, amused and ready to tap mockingly on the glass. A strong smell of petunia and lilac wafted into my nose. The king tilted his head and chuckled.
"So this child is the great destroyer of worlds, the mirrorbender of the ages, the prophesied one," he sneered behind the fan. "Pitiful. Such a disappointment."
"My King Cassius," whispered one of the bald men. "Regardless of what she looks like, this girl is dangerous beyond measure. Her very presence alone sets this world off balance. Every action she takes leads our world further down the path of destruction."
"I have no intention of destroying anything," I shouted in response.
The king laughed along with the soldiers like I had told an amazingly funny joke.
"Typically people in my court do not speak unless I allow them," said the king, "but for you, Mirrorbender, I'll ignore the disrespect this time."
I gritted my teeth and responded again.
"I mean no disrespect, but I can't say the same for you. Imprisoning innocent fairies. Locking us up with no explanation. If my presence here bothers you that much, I'll be happy to leave. I don't even want to be in this world. I just want to go home. Isn't that what everyone wants?"
"What we want is retribution." King Cassius leaned forward. His hazel eyes dug deep into my soul. "All these generations your family has traveled to Tartarus without fear of consequence, and in every age they alter our world with ideas and laws not understanding the impact they cause. My people have suffered great from the actions of Mirrorbenders. We have had enough."
"My family is a good people," I argued. "We would never cause anyone any harm."
"Tsk, tsk," he mocked waving a finger at me. "Mirrorbenders have always been trouble. Sure a couple might have ended wars but they started them all the same. Mirrorbenders come, Mirrorbenders go, and still our land suffers from drought, famine, disease, hordes of Shadows and the growing legions of darkness. The old gods might have granted your family great power, and the people of this world may have given you their trust, but your family has spoiled those gifts with acts of selfishness and the like. So hear the old songs sing of peacekeepers, divine angels of justice, healers, seekers of knowledge, yet no matter the title or the age, the songs always end the same. Evil is still here." The king straightened his back and smirked. "So you want to go home? Well, Mirrorbender, here's the truth. We are already home, a home that your last ancestor left crumbling. He abandoned this world during the worst, and no Mirrorbender ever returned to save it. We grew to no longer need the Mirrorbender's influence. We learned to fight for ourselves and get what we want and what we need independent of a Mirrorbender's magic. But now you have come as a threat to our existence and our way of life. It is time we end this cycle of Mirrorbenders once and for all. You will be the last Mirrorbender that Tartarus will ever see. I will make sure of it."
"So then you wish to kill me," I said. "Even though I have done nothing wrong?"
"Of course," said the king. "Would you let loose a rabid dog run rampant in the street knowing it can harm others? No, you kill it before it has that chance."
The other bald man behind the king spoke.
"My King Cassius, I must remind you," said the bald man. "As your advisors, the Mirrorbender would be very valuable to us in the war to come. Imagine harnessing the Mirrorbender's power against the Neptus and Plutus armies. Juprus would finally conquer and move from this desert land into greener pastures. Your people would thrive and you would be king of all of Tartarus. And then when the battles are done and war is won, terminate the Mirrorbender."
The king sighed.
"My advisors are correct--"
I slammed my hands against the bars. The soldiers activated their WEAKs, jumped in front of the king, and pointed their spears at me ready to strike.
"I won't be a weapon!" I cried. "I won't fight any war!"
The king squinted his eyes and turned his head to the side.
"Then you have one option. Death."
Zeno grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back.
"Hope," he said calmly, "let it go."
"Red Hearts, General Xuxa," said the king sauntering back to the exit. "Prepare the Mirrorbender and bring along her friends. I want them to have a front row seat to the demise to the Mirrorbender legacy." The king turned back to look at me one last time. "Oh and Mirrorbender. Give us a good show. Don't be another disappointment."
I wanted so bad to yell at the king, but I knew my words would be pointless. This whole place had it out for me. Owen was right. We never should have come here. We should have taken our chances with the desert. I clutched my chest and fell to my knees, crying. I began to doubt my family. Could we really be so terrible and have caused so much pain? I was reminded of the small town of Bristondale and the burnt outlines of its inhabitants. I was the reason for that. Perhaps the king was making sense. My family had made a mess of this world. Maybe I deserved to die.
"Save your tears, Mirrorbender," whispered Gorin. His furry arms shifted his leather vest. "There will be times to cry and times to fight. Now is a time to fight."
"The king is right, Gorin," I said looking at the oversized shrew. "My family should have never come to this world. We set everything off balance. Am I being selfish wanting to go home instead of helping others."
"Now now, Mirrorbender," whispered Gorin. His raspy but calming voice brought me out of my thoughts. "If you had known me years ago. I was a selfish wilder. I had everything I ever wanted and needed, but I always wanted more. Then when my family was captured and killed and I survived torture and death, I learned to value life and know the path before me was meant for something great; that I was kept alive to fulfill an unknown destiny. I wondered for many years what that purpose was. Then you were shoved into my cage and sparked a fire in me. Now don't go telling everyone I was nice to humans. It's not the way of a Cornersweeper to be accepting, but I believe in you. And if there ever was a hope that this world needed, it would be you. Understand that if this plan of our works, the people of Blackstone might have a greater respect for you and your destiny may be that much clearer."
"Thank you, Gorin," I said giving the shew a big hug.
"No, hugs, please," he said. "Cornersweepers do not hug. Off, off, off."
The guards arrived at the cell door and removed the lock. I let go of Gorin and stood up.
"Against the wall all of you," said Heist entering the cell. We leaned against the wall; our faces pressed on the cold wet stone. A soldier yanked my arms and tied a rope tightly around my wrists. Heist came up behind me, grabbed my arm, and pulled me out of the cell.
"How you holding up?" he whispered.
"Could be better," I responded. "Nervous."
"You'd be a fool if you weren't," He said, leading me to the exit. "I've never heard anyone speak to the king like that. Use that fire for the fight."
"I'll try," I said, tripping on a stone and nearly falling to my knees.
"Heist," cried Xuxa observing from the back. "Please keep a better hold on the Mirrorbender."
"Aye, general," he said, tugging my body close to his side. I looked through all the cages as we passed by. The worried eyes of all the fairies followed my every step. Behind me walked Owen, Zeno, and Gorin. Their gaze showed confidence where mine showed very little. I felt the magical tingling sensation from the Muryoko Glyph as we passed through the exit.
The stairs were more exhausting this time. I could not tell if it was because we were ascending, or I was low on energy from a lack of food. Most likely my fatigue sourced from a combination of the two. We graced the same slimy stone walls until we arrived at a fork in the tunnel.
"Are you ready?" whispered Heist. "Try not to hurt yourself."
Xuxa called from the back.
"The Mirrorbender turns right. Send the other prisoners to the stands."
"I'm ready," I nodded. Heist reciprocated; his fingers tightening around my sleeve.
In an act of pure talent mixed with surprising realism, my foot slipped on the wet floor and I tumbled to the ground. Needless to say, I actually did slip. Thankfully Heist's strong grip was enough to catch me before my shoulder and head hit the stone floor.
"Hope!" cried Zeno rushing to my aid. He leaned down and smiled. From his fingers and inner coat pocket weaved a thin almost invisible string. It wrapped itself around my ankle, loose but snug. "Got it," he whispered.
"Get her up!" shouted Xuxa pushing herself to the front. She snatched my arm and lifted me to my feet. "I'll take it from here, Heist," she said with a snarl. I felt her sword hit my leg and through her cloak I saw a glimpse of my round mirror strapped to her waist. Xuxa waved her hand to the other soldiers. "Onward. Don't keep the king waiting."
I watched with great unnerving resentment as my friends traveled on. My body shook uncontrollably. The feeling of loneliness and fear seeped into my bones. Thoughts of failure entered my mind. I believed this was the last time I would see any of them. Then I caught their smiles. They were telling me, 'It's all going to be alright. Believe in us. Believe in you.' Courage swelled in my chest. I knew they would be watching me, helping me, always at my side. I could do this. I was never alone.
Xuxa kicked open the door and shoved me inside.
"Watch your step, Mirrorbender," she said harshly. "Can't have you injure yourself before your big show."
The corridor we entered had walls chipped away from the stone bedrock. It appeared newer and less traversed. The steps jutted out with sharp corners unlike the worn down steps we had left behind. I glanced down at my ankle. Zeno's thead was so fine my assurance of it tied there lay solely with the sensation of touch. I could feel magic being pumped into the string like a vein pumping blood. No matter how kean one's eyesight, or sharp one's senses, no one could tell a magical thread was being pulled behind me. I only hoped it would be enough.
We walked forward down the corridor until we came to a small eating hall with rows of table and chairs. Large muscular men sat around. In their hands were mugs full of a light blue substance. Xuxa tossed me into one of the chairs and clapped her hands. A young boy with a black spade tattoo on his shoulder rushed over with a tray containing two mugs full of the suspicious brew.
"Drink up, Mirrorbender," said Xuxa placing one of the mugs in front of me. She reached behind and sliced through the rope around my arms.
"I'm sorry, General, but I don't drink," I said rubbing my sore wrists and looking uninterested at the drink before me. "I'm not old enough."
"It's not alcohol," said Xuxa taking a large gup from her mug. "It's Vigor. High in protein and dipped in magic. It tastes whatever you crave the most. They give it to soldiers before a battle and prisoners about to die. Kind of like a last meal of sorts. One cup fills you up with a boost of energy. You look half dead, so drink."
I took a sip. The liquid warmed the back of my throat. It tasted of many things. First it tasted of a joyful summer breeze with a hint of mango and kiwi. Next it tasted of strawberry ice cream followed by peaches, then suddenly I thought of home and my abuelita. The rich taste of horchata filled my tastebuds. I pulled the drink away. My belly was full. New energy flowed through my muscles.
"Tasty, huh," said Xuxa placing her mug on the table. "I can never finish a cup."
"So what flavors did you get?" I asked.
"I only ever get one flavor," said Xuxa swirling her drink. "But that is a story not worth our time."
"Not even for a mirrorbender about to die," I suggested.
"Fine," said Xuxa while rolling her eyes. "I guess one story won't hurt." She sighed and stared down at her drink. "My mother was a great cook. She made the best bean buns in the world. She meant to one day teach me how to make them, but needless to say, Mirrorbender, we don't always get what we want. One day in the rice fields she was attacked by a Shadow disguised as her friend. I saw it happen from a distance. The beast morphed from its human form into a black creature with snarling sharp teeth. I attempted to charge at the Shadow and save my mother, but I couldn't make it to her in time. The Shadow got away and she died in my arms. I was too weak to defend her, and I joined the army soon after to assure I would never be weak again. Now I drink this stuff to taste that cooking of hers, the bean buns that no one can recreate." Xuxa let out a deep exhale. "I don't know why I shared that with you. You're an enemy of the nation after all. Can't let you or my men see me vulnerable. I would lose all respect."
"I've lost someone too because I was too weak to do anything," I said biting my bottom lip. "It's why I want to go home. I don't belong here. I never wanted to come to this place."
"You really mean that?" Xuxa turned her head and looked at me with curiosity. "Hmm. I can usually tell when someone is lying, but you are a mystery. Very difficult to read."
"Did you really mean those words you said to me the other day? If my family hurt you or your people, I am deeply sorry."
"I don't need your apology, and, yes, I meant every word. Your family is a stain on this land."
"And yet you share a drink with me. Like equals."
"We are not equals," said Xuxa looking away. "You are a prisoner. I am a warrior of the nation. No matter how hard you try to dig, I will never see a Mirrorbender as my equal. This whole drink and storytime is to prepare you, make you feel comfortable, and make sure the show won't end too quickly. That's all."
I sighed.
"And by prepare, you mean to give me a weapon?" Xuxa saw me eyeing my mirror strapped to her belt. She flicked her cloak over it.
"You will get no such thing. Mirrorbenders are supposed to be resourceful and full of surprises. The king insists you demonstrate your true power when faced with death, and should you overcome the champion, which I highly doubt you will, he may be inclined to show you mercy."
"And what exactly will I be fighting?"
Xuxa pointed across the room at the muscular men seated around a table.
"You see those men? Some fight for glory, and some fight for wealth. If they prove themselves in combat, the law grants them their wish, fail and they face at least an honorable death. Each of those men have survived many fights in the arena, but they would not dare cross swords with the being you are about to face. You walk a dangerous road, Mirrorbender, for none who have fought that beast have lived. No matter the rewards. It is death in your future. May the gods rest easy your soul."