Page 78 of Shattered Crown

The revelation chilled Thorne's blood. If Sebastian had allies among the courts, their situation was even more dire than imagined.

“What of the palace?” Elder Willow asked. “Young Silas faces his own trials?”

“He meets with his father,” Thorne replied. “Seeking alliance against Sebastian's forces.”

“Good. Unity may be our only salvation.” Her voice faded further. “I must rest now. The others will brief you fully.”

As Elder Willow's consciousness receded, other guardians approached. Their reports painted a comprehensive picture of devastation. Whole sections of forest lost to shadow. Ancient protections failing. Creatures fleeing or succumbing to corruption's call.

“We can't hold much longer,” Rowan admitted. “Not without significant reinforcement.”

Thorne considered their options. Abandoning the Eldergrove meant conceding their greatest stronghold to Sebastian. But remaining to fight might mean losing everything in one catastrophic battle.

“We need to buy time,” he decided. “Strengthen what defenses remain while seeking allies. Kai, can you help establish communication networks?”

“Already on it,” Kai replied. “Briar and I have some ideas about combining human and fey magic for enhanced message spells.”

They worked through the night, implementing emergency measures. Thorne poured his own essence into failing wards, knowing he weakened himself but seeing no alternative. Every hour bought was another chance for help to arrive.

As dawn approached, exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. Only thoughts of Silas, preparing to face his father, kept Thorne focused. Their bond hummed with nervous energy from the palace.

Be strong,he sent through their connection.I'm with you.

The response came immediately:Always.

A scout's warning interrupted his reverie. “Movement at the eastern border. Large force, mixed shadow and corrupted fey.”

“Sebastian tests our readiness,” Thorne growled. “Show me.”

They reached an overlook as the enemy force emerged from shadow. Hundreds strong, a mixture of creatures that should never ally. At their head rode a figure wreathed in darkness.

“Not Sebastian,” Kai observed. “But someone powerful.”

“One of his lieutenants,” Thorne agreed. “Sent to gauge our remaining strength.”

The army advanced deliberately, corruption spreading before them like oil on water. Trees withered at their approach. Animals fled or fell convulsing as shadow touched them.

“We can't match their numbers,” Rowan warned.

“We don't have to,” Thorne replied. “We just need to make victory too costly to pursue.”

He reached deep into the forest's remaining power, calling on ancient pacts and primal forces. The land itself rose in response, thorned barriers erupting from soil, chasms opening to swallow advance units.

Kai added his own magic, weaving illusions that multiplied their apparent numbers. Corrupted fey hesitated, uncertain which targets were real. Briar coordinated with forest spirits, creating confusion in enemy ranks.

The shadow lieutenant raised a hand, dark energy gathering around their form. Thorne recognized the attack pattern and countered with pure forest magic. Powers clashed in spectacular display, neither gaining clear advantage.

“They're probing,” Thorne realized. “Testing our capabilities for the real assault.”

As if hearing his words, the enemy force began withdrawing. They'd gathered the intelligence they sought. The true battle would come soon.

“Double the watches,” Thorne ordered. “Rotate guardians to maintain ward strength. This is going to be a long siege.”

18

FATHER AND SON

He adjusted his collar for the third time, fingers fumbling with pearl buttons that once felt natural.

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