The Kindred's Curse Saga, #3
Heat of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Diem is chained in the rebel camp and discovers the captured Arboros Queen. Tensions spike when Diem finds a cache of explosives and defends the Queen from being taken. She taps unexpected physical strength, uprooting a tree and breaking her chains, but fails to prevent the Queen’s removal to Mother Dell and is knocked unconscious.
Summary
Escorted roughly through the woods despite agreeing to cooperate, Diem argues with an unnamed Guardian about prejudice against the Descended. Her attention snags on a hidden stockpile of explosives—evidence the rebels are prepared for large-scale attacks—deepening distrust on both sides.
Brought to a small encampment, Diem is chained beside the Arboros Queen, who is also a prisoner. Shocked the rebels have captured the sovereign of the realm they occupy, Diem worries about what leverage the Guardians truly seek. When Guardians arrive to take the Arboros Queen away, Diem demands assurances of safety and blocks them, escalating the confrontation.
Dragged aside, Diem watches the Arboros Queen seized. Desperate, Diem tests the limits of her flameroot-dulled body and discovers immense strength, straining her chains until the tree they are anchored to begins to uproot. The camp erupts as Guardians try to counter her effort.
With a final surge, Diem snaps free and lunges to rescue the Arboros Queen. Her coronation gown tangles her legs, and as she scrambles up, a Guardian warns attack; Diem narrowly evades one blow but is struck from behind. The Arboros Queen is taken to Mother Dell while Diem falls unconscious, having revealed her formidable physical power but failed to protect the Queen.
Who Appears
- Diem BellatorProtagonist; chained by rebels, discovers explosives, defends the Arboros Queen, and unleashes surprising strength before being clubbed unconscious.
- Arboros QueenCaptured sovereign; relieved to see Diem alive, seized by Guardians and taken to Mother Dell despite Diem’s intervention.
- Unnamed Guardian escortHostile guard who chains and taunts Diem, orders the Arboros Queen taken, and attempts to subdue Diem with a club.
- Guardians of the EverflameRebel mortals holding the camp; store explosives, capture the Arboros Queen, and struggle to contain Diem’s strength.