Page 112 of Oath of War
‘No!’ Ormond and Alaric said in unison, but I didn’t look at them.
‘I’m human. I can’t manipulate portal magic,’ I said, but my mind was already working on an idea.
‘No,’ Valaram said, ‘but I can. You can insist on bringing a guardian. I’m not your Anchor, so he may not object. As long as I’m near the portal, I can close it.’
‘Hrae! That’s ridiculous,’ Alaric said. ‘Stay here, Ani. I’ll return through the tunnel I escaped through and close the damn portal.’
‘Even if you manage to get back into the palace, do you really think Cahyon would let you go anywhere near his grand spell?’ I asked, shaking my head. ‘No, first we need to know where the portal is. I’ll take Valaram. If we go openly, trumpets blaring, we can create a big enough distraction for you to sneak in. Use the tracking spell and I will be where the portal is. That way, one of you will be able to close the it, and I’ll do my best to keep that bastard occupied without getting myself killed.’
I moved my horse closer to Orm and placed a hand on his cheek. ‘Please be careful dealing with the zmij, my love. Focusonly on that while Ari and I ensure nothing else crawls out from this arsehole’s spell.’
Orm grasped my hand, kissed it, and then pressed it to his chest right above his heart. ‘I will see you before nightfall. Just promise me you won’t take any risks that aren’t absolutely necessary.’
‘I’ll try,’ I answered with a smile, hearing a deafening roar as Vahin plummeted to the earth. I looked at my dragon, knowing he would be fighting the eldritch beast, and my heart tightened.
‘Come, Ambassador. I hope you haven’t forgotten how to charm self-absorbed tyrants,’ I said to Valaram before smiling at Alaric. ‘See you inside, my love.’
I pressed my heels against my horse’s sides, and the chestnut stallion shot forward. There was no time to waste. The longer a gate to the Void stood open, the more horrors could pass through, and I really wanted to survive this battle.
‘I will come for you, Little Flame. Even if I have to tear down the sun, I will come for you.’
Vahin’s dark promise echoed in my mind long after my dragon roared his challenge and shot into the sky.
I felt the stares of every undead creature as we approached the gates. Valaram lowered his head, hiding his identity in the shadow of his hood, but I sat proudly on my horse.
‘I’m waiting!’ I shouted as we stood before the ornate iron gates, and a moment later, a postern opened, seemingly by itself. No one questioned Valaram’s presence as we entered, though several Moroi fixed their bloodshot eyes on him, their tongues sliding across their lips in a gesture both feral and unnerving.
‘Bloodthirsty bastards,’ I mumbled under my breath. Realising my slip, I quickly covered it with an arrogant sneer.
One Moroi stepped forward with a menacing growl, his movements tense as he gestured for us to follow. I nudged myhorse forward, feigning indifference, while carefully observing his companions from the corner of my eye.
I couldn’t afford to show weakness. Whatever control Cahyon had over them seemed tenuous, and the slightest sign of fear could snap it. Drawing inspiration from Empress Talena herself, I tilted my chin up and regarded every monstrous being we passed with cold disdain, my eyes sweeping over horrors I couldn’t even name.
There were some I recognised from my university studies, like the lamias, with their snake-like bodies and venomous bites, and the monstrous psoglav,2 a dog-like creature whose iron jaw was able to bite through granite.
My heart sank. The lack of resistance and the ease of our journey to Katrass finally made sense. The Lich King hadn’t bothered creating more undead monsters—he’d just invited these creatures instead, leashing them like dogs, ready to hunt.
‘Val, whatever happens, you must close the portal,’ I whispered, touching his shoulder. I exhaled slowly, desperate to hide the tremor that shook my body. I was grateful he’d come with me. Facing the Lich King alone would have been much more daunting.
‘I’ll do my best, lara’mei,’ he said, covering my hand with his own. We passed under a decorated portcullis only to enter a courtyard full of golems—silent sentinels—guarding the palace. I wondered if Cahyon was worried his fearsome guests would turn against him.
We passed the army of constructs, arriving at another closed door. I felt something wet on my cheek and raised my face to the sky. A heavy dark cloud loomed overhead, but the cold moisture on my cheek wasn’t rain.
It was snowing.
I had arrived at Katrass as the first snow dusted the palace’s courtyard, just as the Lich King had requested.
‘Bloody fate,’ I muttered, annoyed.
‘Welcome to my home, Nivale. Though if I recall correctly, Iexplicitlytold you to come alone.’
The voice drew my attention sharply, my head snapping as I turned to see a middle-aged man standing in the doorway. He looked so much like Alaric that I nearly scolded him for greeting me in the open. Thankfully, I noticed how much older he was before the words left my mouth.
‘Must’ve misheard that part,’ I said lightly, dismounting my horse with deliberate grace. ‘After all, what lady wouldn’t bring her servant along?’
A second voice, more feminine and wickedly sharp, rang out from the dark interior. ‘Watch your tone, mage.’
I peered into the darkness and noticed the female hiding in the shadows. ‘Or what, Rowena?’
