Free Discovery at Nerwolix by C.G. Coppola Page B

location was leaked and after that…”
    “Some wanted to protect it. Others wanted to
use it. In the process,” Sampson sighs, “it was destroyed.”
    “The whole thing?” I ask.
    “Well,” Blovid shakes his head. “Not everything …”
    “It was the last time the Lost Princesses
appeared,” Qippert stands in the archway, the red curtain pulled
back. “They said we were not mature enough to handle our Gift. They
destroyed nearly everything that was not already shattered. All
except one piece.”
    “What happened to it?” I ask.
    “They took it—hid it somewhere on
Dellapalania or one of her moons. They said they would return it at
the time it was needed, to the one who could handle using it.”
    “Who?” I glance around the Dofinikes.
    “No one knows,” Qippert shrugs, moving
further into the very tight space. “And that was the last we saw of
them.”
    “Or of it,” Sampson says.
    “We are the only World that lost our Gift,”
Blovid frowns, a tinge of guilt and melancholy reflecting in his
tone. “It is why Mybyncia and Nerwolix protect theirs so
scrupulously. No one except their Leaders know the Gift’s
whereabouts. They fear the same will happen.”
    “But Reuzkimpart will do what he must to
locate them,” Clarence places the bowl of Vilbrees on the floor
next to the bed. “He believes the fate of the Dofinikes rests in
it. It is an act of pure survival, and he will bring war on the
Worlds to do it.”
    “He already has,” Sampson sighs. “You heard
Queen Ravan—she wants to go on the offense and strike Dellapalania.
What stops her from this once Pryncbia is fully recovered?
Chancellor Keller only has so much say in the matter.”
    “The queen wishes to invade Dellapalania?”
Jothkore’s eyes widen at the news.
    “Yes,” Blovid agrees, “she spoke of it right
before I fled to Larupip. That is why I wanted you to stay and
assist,” he glances to Sampson and Clarence. “We need her as an
ally, not an enemy—it could severely impact our role in this war.
Tell me, even after the toxin was reversed, was she still
discussing a possible invasion?”
    “No,” Sampson shakes his head. “Her focus
rested with the recuperation of her people. She may readdress the
subject at some point, but the Chancellor assured us we have their
aide if we need it. I expect this would include sharing any
invasion plans with us.”
    “But do you think she would?” Blovid raises
a brow. “If so, I will need to warn the others.”
    “No,” Sampson shakes his head. “As a
courtesy to us, and all we did for them, I do not believe an
immediate counterstrike is something they are seriously
contemplating. If it changes, I am sure we will be notified.”
    “Good,” Blovid exhales a sigh of relief.
    “But what about Nerwolix?” Reid asks.
“They’re still neutral. Hozfin told Sampson he doesn’t want to get
involved in any war. Unless Jothkore has good news from King Thias,
we’re sitting on neutral ground.”
    “Not necessarily,” Blovid shakes his head.
“Nerwolix will only stay neutral until they are invaded, which
Reuzkimpart plans to do. Once he lands, he will make a fierce new
enemy. We just need to be here to help the Zingfinolds defend their
lands and we’ll gain an ally.”
    “What about Thias?” Reid asks.
    “It is most likely that Reuzkimpart will
invade here , in the southern terrain. There is a good
possibility the Nerwos won’t even be involved.”
    “Why?”
    Clarence folds his arms. “It is believed the
Floating Ruby is here, in the southern terrain.”
    “And the Nerwos won’t help?” I ask. “It’s
their home too.”
    “They are a separate people from the
Zingfinolds now,” Sampson explains. “It would be a surprise if they
assisted us in any invasion. What do you think, Jothkore?”
    Pausing a moment, he considers. “I have been
around King Thias for only a short while and he is just now warming
to my presence. I have spent most of my time with Rhester and