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King Davin’s jaw drops in an incredulous look, but Aurdyn ignores him. He scoops me up in his front left paw and lifts off. I watch as the ground spirals away beneath us.
Aurdyn flies out over the forest and to a small cave near the clearing that overlooks the battlefield. The rest of our warriors conceal themselves in the many caverns along the cliff face wall, around us.
The wind howls and bites at my exposed skin, and despite my many layers I begin shivering. We’re downwind from the battlefield, so the horses and the Mages and Wraiths should not be able to scent us, at least, but I am so cold I am miserable.
Still in his Dragon form, Aurdyn wraps his tail around me and pulls me to his side before curling his wing over me, sheltering me from the ice-cold wind.
I snuggle against him, grateful for his warmth as we watch the Dwarf army take up their position on the opposite side of the clearing. They stand in formation, shields, axes, and swords at the ready as they wait for our enemies to arrive.
If all goes according to plan, we will be able to attack the Mages from behind, cutting them off from the rest of Ruhaen’s army.
The Dwarves should be enough of a distraction in front of them that they wouldn’t think to guard their backs. Aurdyn’s people and the Dwarves have been at odds for so long, I doubt the Mages even suspect that the Dwarves have aligned themselves with the Dragons.
I force my focus to remain on the battle and our plan, partitioning away the part of my mind that I do not want Aurdyn to see.
As if sensing this, he gently nuzzles me with his snout.“Do not worry, my T’kara,”He speaks in my thoughts.“I will keep you safe.”
“I know you will,”I reply in kind. Guilt fills me and despite risking alerting him to my true fears, I add,“But know that if anything goes wrong, it is not your fault.”
He gently nudges my side.“The gods are with us, my T’kara. I know they are.”
I still at his words. He sounds so certain.
The High Priest’s words ring in my head of him telling us the heart tree gives us the visions we need to guide our path. Is this what she showed him? That we would live?
The question slips through the barrier I’ve erected in my mind, and Aurdyn’s gaze meets mine evenly, and the truth falls into place.
This is why I am here. He would not have allowed me to come otherwise. If he thought I would die, he would have found a way to keep me from this place.
His eyes search mine and I reach out, smoothing a hand along his massive jaw. He leans into my palm, as if reveling in my touch and I fear my heart will break.“I love you, Aurdyn. More than anything.”
“And I love you, my T’kara. Do not be afraid. All will be well, my beautiful and clever mate.”
A horn sounds in the distance, echoing through the forest.“It’s Ruhaen.”I catch sight of my uncle’s banners through the trees as the marching cadence of hundreds of bootsteps fill the air. Movement flits through the forest and my heart begins to pound at the nearly two dozen of Wraith hovering along the edges of the men.
Even one of them is dangerous, and I am glad we are downwind and high above them. They should not be able to detect us or me up here. They are able to scent magic, drawn to beings that wield power so they can drink of their life force to replenish their own. Because of my new fire magic, I’m sure if I were on the ground, they’d be on me in less than a minute.
Their hooded figures flying among the trees as their glowing red eyes illuminate their skeletal faces and razor-sharp teeth. Their attention is entirely fixed on the Dwarf army up ahead. Dwarves may not have as much magic as the Elves and the Fae, but it seems it’s enough to entice the Wraiths.
Five Mages ride at the back of the army. Their obsidian eyes scanning the forest and their pale gray skin easily visible as they hold their staffs.
My uncle’s army stands proudly at the front, facing the Dwarves. Dressed from head to toe in their obsidian armor and wielding their heavy swords and axes, they are a proud and terrifying sight to behold. I feel sorry for these brave men, under the same dark enchantment that has enslaved my uncle’s mind as well.
If this goes wrong, many, if not all of them will die today. Drawing in a deep breath, I ready myself to draw upon my magic. I will do whatever it takes to spare as many lives as possible here today.
Ruhaen’s army stops at the edge of the clearing, glaring at the Dwarves across the way.
King Davin holds up the white flag, indicating he wishes to talk. “I want to speak with the ones in charge.”
The Mages ride to the front of the line. Such hubris, as if so certain their victory is already assured.
“Have you decided to surrender, Dwarf King?” one of them yells.
“I came to ask if you’d take a trade,” he replies. “I have something you want, and I’ll give it to you on the condition that you leave my kingdom in peace.”
“What is it?” another asks.
He turns back, motioning to his men and one of them brings forth a bound and struggling version of me.
