The Spirit War(140)

“Doesn’t matter,” Josef said. “If even one of those ships makes landfall, we’ll be overrun. Our only hope is to sink them before they reach the shore. The real question is, are you sure you can hold up your end of the plan?”

“Not in the least,” Eli said with a broad smile. “But we’re going to try.” As he said this, he laid his hand on his chest, just above the burn that held his lava spirit.

Josef nodded and started for the door. “Tell Nico to meet me on the ships when she gets back. And Eli,” he said, glancing over his shoulder. “Good luck.”

“You too,” Eli said.

Josef waved and stomped down the stairs. When he reached the landing, he saw Eli turn back toward the window, his face strangely determined, almost angry. The light around him seemed wrong, too white for this time of the afternoon. And then, as the door swung, Josef caught a glimpse of what looked like a woman’s white arm slide around Eli’s chest. Josef froze as the door clicked shut, and then he shook his head. It was way too early in the fight for him to be seeing things. He took a deep breath to clear his mind and hurried down the stairs.

Eli stood perfectly still as the Shepherdess wrapped herself around him from behind.

Why so dour, darling? she whispered in his ear. I told you this was coming, didn’t I?

Eli closed his eyes. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”

Benehime laughed in delight and spun him around. You were waiting for me?

“Don’t get the wrong idea,” Eli said, pulling away. He reached out, pointing to the endless line of ships. “Did you do this?”

Benehime tilted her head. Do what?

Eli had to fight to keep the shaking rage out of his voice. “You said that the Empress was coming to kill me in revenge for taking you away. Did she think of that herself, or did you plant the idea in her head?”

What a thing to say. Benehime pulled her arms back with a pained expression. I’m the Shepherdess. I don’t start wars. She paused, waiting for Eli’s expression to soften. When it didn’t, she walked to the window with a sigh. I don’t see how this is so difficult for you to grasp, love. Nara is a warrior; war is her nature. What other retaliation can she have but to come and kill the one who stole me from her?

“She could be mad at you,” Eli snapped. “You were the one who left. I was eleven and unconscious when you made me your favorite. That hardly counts as stealing.”

She can’t be angry with me, Benehime said, her voice ringing with musical laughter. Nara loves me. Everything does. You said it yourself.

Eli could feel the anger boiling up his body, and he forced himself to bite his tongue before he said something he’d regret. Beside him, the floor creaked in reverence as Benehime leaned over and laced her arms around him.

Don’t be stubborn, darling, she whispered, pulling him close. I don’t want this war any more than you do, but I can’t help you unless you ask. Your rule, remember? Not mine. Even so, I tried to warn you. I told you to come home, but you never listen.

Eli jerked out of her grip. “The moment you say something that isn’t self-serving, I will.”

Benehime’s eyes narrowed, and her fingers tightened, digging into his shoulders like claws. Must you always be so stubborn? she hissed, pulling him against her with terrifying strength. How can you stand there and play that you’re still capable of getting by on your own? Give up, darling! It’s over. You and I both know your swordsman’s pathetic little country has no hope of beating the Empress. All those men down there are going to die if you don’t ask for my help, maybe your Josef along with them. Can you bear that much blood on your hands?

“Blood on my hands?”

The words ripped out of him before he could stop them. This was too far.

“What of that is my fault?” he cried. “You were the one who abandoned the Empress. You were the one who made me your favorite. I had no say in any of it! I was a child. All I wanted was to live my own life. Now the Immortal Empress is here to destroy a kingdom in order to kill me because you don’t care for her anymore, and you’re saying the blood is on my hands?”

Dress it up however you like to make yourself feel better, Benehime said, her white face cold and haughty. Nothing changes the fact that you could stop this war right now. All you have to do is draw on my power, your rightful power as my star, and you could set everything right, but you won’t. People and spirits are going to die today, and it’s all because you’re a prideful, hateful boy who’s too stubborn to know his place and come back home where he belongs.

“You think I don’t want to go back because of pride?” Eli shouted. “Do you have any idea what it was like to live with you?”