Page 51 of Winter Goddess
He wiggles the shoulder guards back and forth to make sure they're well secured.
"I think you're ready."
I shake my head. "I don't think I am."
He pulls me closer. I can't feel his touch through the thick armour, but his closeness is comforting nonetheless.
"When you woke up, you were different, Wyn. Not bad different, not good different, just changed. More aware. Sharper, somehow. I don't know how to describe it, but I can tell you how I felt. Like you were the one person I'd follow anywhere. I trust you completely because I know your heart. I know how much you care for us, for everyone in this Realm. You will lead us through the darkness and back into the light. I have absolutely no doubt about that. I'm not saying it will be easy or that there won't be losses, but I believe in you, Wyn."
I swallow hard. Don't cry, Wyn. Don't cry, not after all the beautiful things he said.
"I love you," he adds and the floodgates open. I rest my head on his shoulder as I cry and cry, my tears soaking his shirt.
I know this is the last time I'm getting this emotional. The last chance to get rid of all the pent up sadness in me. It's not the deep sadness, that one will have to stay stashed away for a while, just the sadness of what's about to happen. People will die. This isn't a game, this is war. I don't think I'd ever be completely ready for that, but Frost's words have hardened my resolve. There's nobody else who can do this. I'm the Winter Goddess, the Queen of this Realm, and I'm going to lead my people to victory.
* * *
While I was unconscious,some of the visiting dragon shifters taught our strongest mages how to create a temporary Gate. I'm glad since this means I don't have to teleport everyone and can conserve my strength.
All eleven of them are standing before me in a courtyard that I've surrounded with the yellow magic that makes it impossible for anyone to listen in. My Guardians are behind me, giving me strength.
Until now, I’ve stayed in the shadows, not wanting anyone to know that I’m awake. Only the Council and my Guardians knew before this moment, but it’s time to show myself to the people who will be fighting and dying for the Realm.
"Are you all confident you'll be able to create a Gate and keep it open for long enough to let one battalion through?"
They all salute as an answer. I didn't know much about how the military works before, but my mother's knowledge is filling the blanks. Thanks to her, I now have all the statistics of how many soldiers we have, how many Guardians specialise in specific kinds of magic, how many weapons we have at our disposal. There are poison flasks that can be thrown, magical grenades and bombs that can make everyone freeze. At first, it looks like we're unbeatable with all these resources, but I'm aware that the Morrigan will likely have the same. Plus, she has the higher numbers. Her demons might not all be as well trained and as powerful, but they make it up with how many they are. Nobody knows for sure, but demons are known for spawning at high rates during times of war. I don't want to think about how exactly they do that. Let's hope it's cloning or something like that, not sex and baby demons.
"Good. Storm will assign each of you an officer to report to. No matter what happens, you stay with that officer and follow their commands. Once everyone is in place, your officer will be told your destination. You'll then open a Gate and make sure everyone gets there safely, before closing it again. I don't want any enemies using our Gates to enter the Palace. Understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" they shout as one. Their auras are full of hope and confidence. They really believe that we're going to win this. Well, we are. I have the same confidence in my heart.
"There may be strategies that you're not aware of. If your officer asks you to bring everyone to a new location, you do that without question. Everything relies on you eleven and while you should feel that responsibility, I want you to be proud of your role."
Their auras brighten even more.
"Be ready, the signal to leave could come at any time. Don't get distracted and defend this Realm!"
I shout the last few words and a chorus of cheers responds.
"Good work," Storm whispers from behind me, before walking towards the mages and handing each of them a note with the name of their commanding officers. They don't know it yet that we're not just defending the Realm. We're also attacking another one.
Being the ones to throw the first stone leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, but it's what will give us the best chances of success. I know the Morrigan and I'm sure she won't expect us making this move. She doesn't see us as equals. She's a clever Goddess, but her superiority will be her downfall.
I go through my checklist in my head. The Council has been briefed. I’ve said goodbye to my father. The mages know what to do. Our forces are ready to be transported to their designated attack points. Now all I need to do is tell our allies. The Council have reassured me that all our allied Gods have their forces ready, so all they need is the time and place of where I want them to join my own army. This isn't my plan, it's what Storm and Gwain have been working on, but it needs to look like it's all me. People trust in me, their Goddess, the woman who survived an explosion that killed the old Winter Queen.
I turn to my remaining Guardians while Storm is still talking to the mages.
"Do you think we're ready?"
"Aye. Time to kick that bitch off her throne." Arc's voice is full of passion and anger. Good, that will help him in the battle.
"Yes, all the healers are standing by. Theodore will supervise them."
There was no persuading Crispin to stay with the healers and off the battlefield. He won't leave my side, and to be honest, I'm grateful to have all four men with me. I might have all these shiny new powers, but that doesn't mean I'm not afraid. Terrified, actually.
"We can do this," Frost says confidently. "I told you already and I will tell you as often as you need to hear it."
Storm joins us. "Are we doing a pep talk?"
