It took about an hour for us to reach the Accursed reactor. If possible, the decayed building chilled the bone more in person. The shadows were heavier there, and not a single brick welcomed our company. Hilda remained in the custody of two soldiers because she refused to get any closer.
Helman stalked the ground near the entrance to the crumbling tower. I hadn't noticed it before, but his hands were on the wrong arms. I had no idea the reactor could wring such cruel changes in people.
Silverbolt hadn't said a word. Oddly enough, Helman allowed him to keep the mask. The empty gaze stayed level and gave nothing away.
Helman tapped his curved blade against his palm, "Tell me, what royal edict does her majesty the queen want to impose upon us now?"
The blade slid up my neck and pressed against my chin. The sharpened tip reminded me to stay focused on the truth. "A witch cursed my mother a year ago. She hasn't been in ruling capacity for months."
"Is that so?" Helman said in a dubious tone. "Then why does Rexword keep telling us our taxes have gone up and brought new conscription laws?"
It made sense Lord Rexword would have his way with these unfortunate people. We never sent any envoys to speak with The Coil leaders. How would they know any different? "I assure you the crown has nothing to do with that. We are holding a tournament to see who will rule Ivorhaven. I turned to Silverbolt, "This is my champion."
"Then why have you come? Why is he not preparing for his inevitable demise? Lord Rexword could do him under a minute." Helman's hand reached for the mask. I could hear metal ricochet off of the blackened bricks.
"We don't have time for this shit," In an instant, Silverbolt sprang into action. Helman's blade landed at my feet. By that time, Silverbolt held our captor by the neck. His free hand carried a massive charge.
Helman's gnarled hands hung in the air. "Gentleman, give the man some space. I'd rather not lose my life."
My hand closed around the cold steel and rested it between Helman's shoulder blades. I had a captive audience and spoke the truth, "We are following a lead that says Lord Rexword is buying children from here. I had no idea he was coming here and wreaking havoc on your lives. I would never, not after everything that happened. You deserved better from us."
Helman relaxed and ceased to struggle, "Why are you here now?"
"We need proof Rexword is working against the crown should Silverbolt lose in the tournament," I said. I tossed the sword behind me. It landed between two bricks in an upright position. "Release him."
Silverbolt turned to me and cocked his head to the side, "Are you sure?" He released the chokehold and shoved Helman forward. "It could go south on you."
"I'd like to deliver a message. The Coil is considered a lordless land, yet it's still a part of Ivorhaven. So I invite your leaders to enter the tournament or have a champion fight in their stead."
Silverbolt chuckled and nodded, "Make it a strong one too. I could use a challenge" He crossed his arms and waited for their response.
Helman hung his head, "Lets take them to see The Humbled. She will decide if we should believe your words."
Narrow spaces and I are not friends. I was reminded of it as we descended to The Coil's basement. The halls were thin, dimly lit, and littered with people trapped in lifeless rock. Horrific faces cried out for help without a sound. The cracked floors, and crumbling walls, conjured concerns about The Coil's structural integrity. A sweet scent in the air induced euphoria. A ridiculous grin adorned my face, and soft giggles found freedom.
I held the wall. My legs were limp noodles and didn't obey my commands. The will to stay conscious started to wane, and the ground beckoned me to sleep, and I gave in.
Then it happened. Two powerful arms caught me before I touched the ground. The lion mask stared down at me. "Oh shit." He drew a triangular thing from one of his pouches and strapped it to my face. "I know it isn't fashionable, but it'll keep you alive."
"You're being nice. Why?" The object made me sound like I was down a deep hole. "I sound funny."
"I'm your champion, right?"
"Right."
"It's my job to protect you, right?"
"Traditionally, yes."
"What makes you think I wouldn't do the job properly?" Silverbolt held me up until the effects of the gas started to wear off. My thoughts grew more coherent and reasoned.
I didn't count on him doing the job properly, although I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. "You have my thanks, Silverbolt. I am proud to call you my champion." I meant every word.
"Young love," Helman teased. "You two will be walking down the aisle before long." He descended the rusty metal stairs. Tiny chunks rattled and banged against what remained of the barely-sturdy steps. "I have to warn you. The Humbled's face comes with consequences which is why she lives alone at the bottom of the reactor.
"That doesn't sound encouraging." Silverbolt fiddled with a baton. A silvery trail followed it everywhere. "I think you need to elaborate on the subject."
Helman stopped and shook his head, "The Humbled was at ground zero when the flash happened. Her beauty outshines the All-Mothers."
"There's more, isn't there?" Silverbolt stopped and crossed his arms.
"You need to learn some manners, champion," Helman said, "You were right to ask." He continued down. "Despite her unearthly charm, it causes madness in others unintentionally. We had to move her down here because the whole town was in turmoil. The Humbled agreed because the power fills her with dread."
"How is she still alive? The reactor went offline a hundred years ago?" I asked. To which I already knew the answer.
"The magic extended her life beyond a human. She might be immortal for all we know." Helman stopped at a wooden slab covered in blooms and thorny vines. "The humbled is behind this door. Try not to overstay your welcome. I've given you warnings, but this is as far as I go. Should you survive the ordeal, come to Carmens Tavern. I'll tell you whatever you want to know."
The soldiers vanished up the stairs, desperate to put as much distance between them and the Humbled as possible.
Silverbolt craned his neck upward and said, "That's not good."
"You wanted to know how The Flash happened," I said. I enjoyed the I-told-you-so moment. "Is putting your life at risk worth it?"
"Always."
Silverbolt's statement took all the satisfaction out of the moment. "You take the fun out of everything."
Silverbolt knocked on the colorful slab. The noise reverberated across the antechamber. "So I've heard," he said. He tested the door with a hand. It screeched open.
My face twisted up in dissatisfaction with my tongue lapping against a cheek. "How can you stand that?"
"I listen to you all day, lots of practice." He delivered the words without so much as a chuckle. Without hesitation, Silverbolt strode through the door before I could register a response.
I followed him and took a deep breath, "May this get resolved quickly."