The Thousand Legion

No World Left To Save

“Stop it!” Kalen’s voice exploded through the room. Someone eavesdropping outside yelped. The silence that followed made Jadica uncomfortable, but she didn’t know how to respond. In a subdued, defeated voice, Kalen continued, “Even if I could do what you ask, there is no future here. Jade, this planet is dying. That is the price of Uncreation. The Celestial Fires were the opening salvo. Something worse is coming. Something that will destroy what’s left. It will scour all life in ways Astaroth never conceived. The future is lost, no matter what anyone does. All I’ve done is delay the inevitable.”

She knew he told the truth. Jadica covered her mouth, trying to hide her shock. When their eyes finally met, they squared off. Everyone knew about the unnatural weather disasters the Lightbringer had held at bay with his presence. But Kalen wasn’t talking about mere elemental chaos. He foretold an apocalypse. She hugged herself, chilled by the weight of his words. He didn’t move to comfort her. “You can’t give up. I’ve known you all my life. I know how stubborn you are. Even in the face of impossible odds, you never give up. That’s part of why I love you so much.” Jadica immediately regretted the last words. Declaring her love in the face of the world’s end seemed a secondary concern. To her relief, Kalen only clenched his teeth. “What are you planning?”

“Not planning. Planned and implemented.”

The cryptic answer filled her with both dread and hope. Kalen walked to the nightstand and poured himself a glass of water from a pitcher. He filled a second cup and handed it to Jadica.

“The remaining fae have retreated to their realm,” Kalen continued. He pressed his lips into a tight line. “They made it clear they can’t absorb all the humans, hybrids, and reapers without bringing famine to their own people. Whatever happens, they will not share the fate of Aeryth’s natives.”

Jadica’s thoughts raced. We’re trapped on a dying planet. “We should have left with them,” she said. “At least we would be safe from whatever is coming.” Jadica sighed.

“Pack your things. Get everyone in the palace to do the same.”

“What difference will moving to a new palace make? You just said Aeryth is doomed.”

“We’re not moving to another palace. We’re moving to another world.”