Page 76 of Oath of War
‘First,I’m righthere,’ I complained, ‘and yes, it actuallywasan accident. We needed a king, so I named the best man for the job. Second, there is a good chance they’ll be bringing their own supplies and ... Well, if push comes to shove, I can ask Valaram to create a portal to the capital.’
Orm gave me a curious look, so I hastily explained. ‘We can leave supplies behind that way. I don’t think Talena will be happy to have her mages use their aether for such a mundane task, but we won’t know until we ask.’
He nodded, and I felt the gentle play of his fingers as he absentmindedly stroked my back. ‘Good,’ he said. ‘Regarding the armies, we can make room in the castle for the leaders and fortify a field for the rest. I discussed strategy with my brother, and we’ll be heading towards the Rift as soon as possible. Ensure all dragons are well-fed and ready. We need to clear the sky of spectrae so that the ground forces have a chance of facing the monsters.’
‘Will Lady Annika be flying with us?’ the man who’d dropped his goblet asked.
‘I will,’ I responded, aching to fly across the border. ‘I have a score to settle with that immortal bastard and his minions.’ Even surrounded by friends, I felt a crawling sense of doom.
At my words, the dragon riders visibly relaxed, and I could even see a few smiles, as if they were welcoming the upcoming battle.
‘We’ll join you,’ Katja said, and I looked at her with a frown. ‘You’ll need healers and cooks. Someone has to mend soldiers’ clothing, and many of the women here can fight and will protect the camp when you move farther into the enemy’s lands.’
‘There is no need for that,’ I said.
She huffed, shaking her head. ‘No need? Say that to the mothers, wives, and daughters of those who died in Zalesie, or to those from the mountain villages who lost everything inthe attacks. They want revenge. Many couldn’t even bury their families.’
I swallowed the bile that rose in my throat, wondering how many had perished.
‘I appreciate the sentiment,’ Orm cut in, ‘but they will be a hindrance, and our soldiers will feel obliged to defend them. As much as I want to grant their wish, this is the wrong way to do it.’
Katja bristled. Before my friend could snap at him, arguing during what had turned out to be another war council meeting, I intervened.
‘She’s right, Orm. There is nothing more dangerous than a mother fighting for her child, nothing more vicious than a woman whose heart has been broken. You won’t have a bunch of weak females to protect—you’ll have a pack of wolves that will rip out the enemy’s throats for the chance to spit in the Lich King’s eye.’
Orm’s eyes softened. He raised his hand, gently trailing his fingers over my cheek, uncaring of the looks we were getting. ‘If you’re sure they can fight,’ he murmured, turning to Katja. ‘Fine, get your pack of she-wolves ready. They’ll train with the soldiersandbehave like them.’
‘Splendid, I’d better get to work. We need more chain-mail shirts and armour with tits,’ Bryna said, rising from her chair, and her entirely inappropriate comment burst the bubble of tension in the room.
‘Thank you, mistress blacksmith,’ Orm said. ‘I’m sure many will appreciate armour with ... I mean, designed for females. Can I also ask you to work with the soldiers to fit a gate to the dragons’ cave? Having a secure place like that saved a young rider at Roan Fortress, and I want our citizens to have a shelter, too.’
He looked around at the rest of those in the room. ‘I’ll have more details when Reynard arrives. Until then, please stayvigilant. Patrols must not engage in fighting unless a civilian’s life is at stake. Miss Katja, as you run the town council, I’ll need you to ensure the town has enough supplies for both our visitors and a potential siege. Tomma, you’re in charge of the riders—I’ll take the ground forces. Does anyone have any questions?’
‘Since everyone’s planning to march to war, who will be in charge here once you all go, sir?’ asked Orm’s adjutant, who sat quietly in the corner.
‘We have a town council ... and Ian will take over any military matters,’ Orm replied.
The adjutant frowned. ‘Ian? The barkeeper, Ian? But he is—’
‘Disabled, yes, but not stupid. He was a dragon rider and a bloody good one. He’ll know what to do. I don’t need heroes to stand with naked swords. I need a leader who can keep his head when the worst happens. Ian is the perfect choice.’
If I thought I couldn’t love him more, I was mistaken. Orm’s logic saw past scars and physical constraints, finding qualities many overlooked, and as long as men like him were around, we had a fighting chance.
‘You are right, my Ursus. Ian will be perfect.’
A few days ago
Istood in front of the portal, contemplating my life choices. The weatherworn stone arch gleamed in the last rays of the setting sun. Now that they were activated, the carved runes shone with an inner light, seemingly mocking my indecision. I was alone on the island, with only the birds to witness me stepping into danger, the ruins of the fae palace I stood in a silent reminder of the threat the Lich King posed.
The portal lay hidden deep within the gardens, discreetly nestled into the partition wall. Over time, it had likely been overlooked, mistaken for a decorative arch entwined with climbing roses. Even the artisans who had worked here, chisels and hammers in hand, must have thought it nothing more than an ornamental relic, blending effortlessly into its surroundings.
And yet, this unassuming structure was my gateway to Katrass. I only had to take a step, and I’d be there. For so many years, that had been my only goal, but now, here I was,hesitating. Annika’s tears burned a hole in my chest, more painful than the curse ever was, and knowing I was the reason for them shattered something deep within me.
I’d done my fair share of despicable acts in my life. However, not once had I ever felt this low, this guilty, this unworthy of the woman who’d sent me away with her blessing, stained with the taste of her sorrow.
You can still go back.
I shook my head to get rid of the temptation.
