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The forest was a sprawling mass of crimson and amber, the autumnal trees sentinel to our quiet passage. A mosaic of ferns and fallen leaves coated the ground, the air fragrant with the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers. We moved through the woods on the backs of vanira, their legs clicking in the still air.
Kael was by my side, her presence a comforting warmth, her laughter a melody intertwined with the rustle of the dry leaves.
“No way.” She teased my cousin. “It can’t be that bad.”
“I swear, Kael, he keeps those candles burning all night,” Zora complained, her words laced with amusement. “Always with his nose buried in some book or parchment as his pencil scratches away. Ineverget any sleep.“ She yawned, huge and theatrical, eliciting a laugh from both of us. “I can’t wait to switch back to a nocturnal schedule; the heat of the day makes me want to crawl into the shadows and pass out.”
I chuckled, the image of Zora tossing and turning amidst the flickering candles amusing. “Oz’s love for knowledge knows no bounds.”
Kael made a noise of agreement in her throat. “Has he found anything else about where Atar may be?”
I glanced around. Only Tykas Vennorin was in hearing distance, his eyes darting to Zora whenever he thought we weren’t looking.
“No. Not yet.”
The conversation lulled for a moment, Zora’s gaze shifting to Tykas. He had been quiet for most of the journey, but this time it was obvious he was nervous. Kael and I exchanged an amused glance; it was clear that he had a bit of a crush on Zora.
At Kael’s look, I nodded at Tykas and motioned him forward. “Tykas, why don’t you ride up next to Zora? I’m sure she would love some company.”
He seemed surprised by my suggestion, but his eyes lit up as he moved to obey without hesitation.
Zora blushed, but her smile was one of pure joy as Tykas moved his vanira next to hers. “This forest is so beautiful,” she whispered, taking in the sights and smells around us with a contented sigh.
“It’s nothing compared to you,” Tykas replied shyly, his voice barely audible above the noise of the army.
My cousin looked down, a pleased smile spreading across her face. From anyone else, it could be taken as a pleasantry. But sincerity radiated from the young man. He meant every word.
Kael leaned back against me, watching as the couple began chatting, their cheerful voices bringing light to the ancient forest.
The army moved like a serpent through the underbrush, the clink of armor and the murmurs of their laughter a counterpoint to the symphony of the forest.
The playful atmosphere shattered in an instant, a sharp pain piercing my shoulder. I looked down to see an arrow embedded in my flesh, the world tilting around me. “Ambush!” I roared, my voice a warning bell amidst the chaos.
Enemy soldiers erupted from their hiding places, the forest suddenly alive with the clash of weapons and the screams as arrows rained down on us. I gripped Kael around the waist, throwing her behind me to shield her from the onslaught of arrows.
“Theron!”
The sharp pain in my shoulder intensified as Kael reached over and pulled the arrow free. A curse escaped my lips, my body tensing against the pain. She pressed a healing plate against the wound, her magic working rapidly, knitting the flesh together, but the ache lingered like a shadow.
“On vanira, into the trees!” I shouted, my voice a beacon amidst the chaos, “The rest, take cover, root them out!”
The forest was alive with the sounds of battle, the clash of blades, and the cries of the wounded, a cacophony of violence. Zora’s shout pierced the turmoil, and I turned to see a warrior bearing down on her. Fear clawed at my heart.
“Zora!” I moved toward her, but I’d be too late. Gods no, my aunt couldn’t survive losing her. Then Tykas was there, a whirlwind of steel, as he put himself between her and the warrior. He shouted, his sword cutting through the air and lopping the approaching soldier’s head off.
Zora’s eyes were wide as he held out his hand to her. She gripped it and he pulled her up behind him, much as I had with Kael. I turned my attention back to the battle.
My warriors moved through the trees, their blades finding their marks as they picked off the hidden archers. More enemy soldiers emerged from the shadows, and the rebels pressed forward, meeting them. This was the warfare they excelled at, fighting one-on-one on uneven footing. I pulled my sword, striking as a soldier neared.
Behind me, Kael’s magic was a symphony of power, the ground ripping apart, boulders flying through the air to crush our enemies.
Chaos surrounded us, a maelstrom of violence and magic, vanira pouncing from the trees, their bodies a blur of speed and power. The forest was a battleground, the air heavy with the scent of blood and sweat. Steel echoed around us as we fought our way through the trees.
The battle raged on, the woods a witness to our struggle, the ground churning into mud. My voice grew hoarse as I shouted orders in between slaying any soldier that came near.
A shout drew my attention, and I turned to see Raenisa and Caelia fighting side by side. Their swords flashed in the dying light, their movements elegant and deadly. They took down the soldiers near them with efficiency, and soon the enemy found themselves outmatched. Realizing they wouldn’t win, some attempted to retreat.
“Chase them down!” I shouted, pointing at those who were fleeing into the woods. My warriors obeyed without hesitation, cutting down anyone who dared to cross their path. As we gained ground on our enemies, more rebels joined the fray, their cunning an asset as they ripped through our opponents’ ranks like wildfire.
