Chapter 11
The sun peered over the dense forest, burning away the early morning chill.
“Looks like we’re almost ready to leave, general,” Pax said from beside Casimir. Though he previously guarded Casimir and Ava’s suite, his loyalty and quick decision making had earned him a promotion as a captain within their army. Now, he was a valuable leader within their ranks.
Casimir regarded the giant orc warrior. “We’re making good time. We should be joining with Saxumdale in three days as long as everything continues as planned.”
Though the majority of their army had been on edge, there had been no signs of the daemons or their forces over the last week. Casimir wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or concerned about their silence.
“May I ask you a question?” Pax said.
“Of course.”
“How are you faring with Ava being in the middle of all this?”
Casimir pulled his hair back with a leather strip. “We need her. Her magical abilities are unparalleled and the portals will come in handy during the siege.”
“But?” Pax gave him a knowing look.
“It’s difficult not to worry about her safety.” And that was putting it lightly. After seeing her in danger so many times already, he couldn’t bear it if something happened again.
“If I may be blunt.”
Casimir faced him, adjusting his sword at his side as he waited for Pax to continue.
“She can handle herself. She’s come a long way these past few months.
I know you weren’t conscious during most of your rescue, but I saw what she did.
I saw the bodies.” He shook his head in awe.
“Those daemon soldiers had practically become a part of the trees, as if they were pulled into the bark. It was…I don’t even have the words for it.
” He placed a large hand on Casimir’s shoulder.
“Ava will be fine. Don’t let your worry distract you. ”
“I know she will. Thank you for the reminder.”
“Anytime.”
Pax gave orders to the soldiers as they finished packing up the supplies.
Tents, horses, food, water, weapons and healing supplies.
There was much to carry and keep track of, and though Casimir had been in countless battles throughout his life, he’d never moved with an army of thousands.
He knew he and his leaders were capable, but it was a daunting task nonetheless.
We’re getting close to passing Frosthaven, Aro said, lumbering up beside him.
“I know. This is a dangerous part of our trip.”
You seem to have your head on straight.
Casimir rolled his eyes. “How did I get so lucky to have such a sarcastic companion?”
Probably because you tend not to listen and put yourself in danger over everyone else.
Casimir gave him a flat look.
I’m just pointing out the obvious.
“Thank you for your confidence.”
I’m confident you learned your lesson.
“I did,” Casimir said out loud as he scratched behind Aro’s ears, earning him a pleased growl.
“Let’s move out!” he shouted, the other leaders repeating the order as he climbed on Aro.
Wait, Aro said. Ava’s coming.
Ava strode forward, beautiful in her leather armor, with her long hair braided tightly down her back. Luna trotted next to her, weaving between Aro’s legs in greeting.
“Come up here, princess,” Casimir said, reaching his arm out.
Ava climbed on, settling in front of him and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
“Mmm,” she hummed, leaning back. “This reminds me of something.”
“What does it remind you of?” He gave her a light kiss on the neck. “A certain horse ride?”
“Yes. I remember every second of that ride.”
“As do I.”
You will not get frisky on top of me or I’ll throw you off, Aro said with a growl.
“What’s with him?” Ava asked.
“He’s traumatized by this.” He tilted her chin and kissed her.
Aro grumbled as they began to move, the army headed out.
Casimir swiped his thumb back and forth along Ava’s stomach, relishing having her in his arms. Every second she was out of his sight was agony, and though he was ignoring his worries, he desired to wrap her up safely and keep her protected from those who wished her harm.
How tortuous it was for his soulbond to be the key to saving Eorhan and the one Deidamia and Andras hunted above all else.
The other night, they’d camped near a hot spring and were finally able to clean themselves of the accumulated dirt and sweat of their trip.
Casimir had taken significant advantage, spending the night worshiping Ava until she could barely contain the screams she’d had to silence in their definitely-not-sound-proof tent.
The desire to spend every waking moment with her was almost unbearable.
He longed to go to the animal rescue and watch her laugh at the playful cats, or sip tea on the balcony of their suite.
To sleep in and remain in each other’s arms until the sun was high in the sky.
To make love to her until they were drenched in sweat and exhausted with pleasure.
But war interfered with it all.
After it was over, Casimir was determined to create the life he always longed for—a quiet existence with his dear one.
He already knew exactly how he would accomplish this.
He’d been planning it for several months.
After they banished the daemon queen and rid the world of her forces, they’d be able to spend their lives together… in peace.
The terrain had started to change as their travel took them closer to the territory of Frosthaven.
Sprawling oak trees transitioned to regal pine, their sharp scent mixing with the chill now in the air.
With each step, the snowy mountains grew closer, their peaks bright in the morning sun.
The once green landscape was now covered with a layer of white powder, sparkling like quartz when the light peeked through the tree branches.
Only a few more days of travel, and they would reach the borders of the lava kingdom’s territory.
“General,” Maeryn’s voice interrupted as she approached on her massive midnight black horse. “We have a problem.”
“What’s wrong?”
“There seems to be an obstacle ahead.”
“Obstacle?”
“An ice wall is blocking the way forward.”
“Show us,” he replied.
They halted the army and he followed Maeryn, joining Aelerion and Thalia at the front lines.
Before them sat a blockade of ice, just as Maeryn had described. Almost fifteen feet high, it towered above them, obstructing their path.
“Queen Valeria must know we’re here,” said Thalia. “Shall we melt it?”
Casimir stroked his beard, glancing at Maeryn. “Not yet,” she said. “Can you send some of your flying creatures over to see what’s on the other side before we make a decision?”
“Yes.”
On it, Aro said.
Casimir faced the army behind him, raising his voice. “We’ll investigate beyond the wall before we make a decision. Take some time to rest but do not let your guard down. This is enemy territory.”
“I could make a portal on top of the wall and we can look for ourselves,” Ava suggested.
“While that’s a good idea, you must save your magic for Igneothenia.”
Minutes later, Percy, Jorrar’s black and white marbled owl, a giant black eagle belonging to one of their soldiers, and a brown and white hawk flew over the wall.
“I’ll let you know what Percy says,” Jorrar said as he stopped his horse next to the group.
They waited in silence, nervous energy in the air. After a while, the animals returned, Percy landing on Jorrar’s shoulder.
“Nothing. He said there’s nothing there.”
“I say we melt it and get out of here,” boomed Aelerion.
Though the animals hadn’t seen anything, Casimir didn’t trust it would remain that way for long. “Maeryn?” he asked.
She nodded and gave orders to her soldiers, forming a line of lava wielding fae in front. The rest of the company backed away and Casimir dismounted, helping Ava down beside him.
“Slow and steady!” Maeryn yelled. “If we melt it too quickly it will come crashing down upon us!”
“She’s something else, isn’t she?” Raine said as he walked up.
Casimir raised a brow. “She’s an excellent leader.”
“And sexy as fuck,” whispered Raine.
The fae aimed their lava along the wall with caution, starting at the top and working their way down. They rotated through the soldiers, giving each other breaks. Earth fae joined, carving out a ditch in the ground to direct the water flow away from the army.
An hour later—the ice now about six feet high—they released the last of their magic to melt what remained, steam billowing into the sky.
Quinn joined, watching the obstacle disappear.
Casimir tensed, peering through the haze as his hand moved to the pommel of his sword. “Let’s see what surprise is likely waiting for us now.”
The last bits of ice melted, the thick cloud blocking their view. But through the fog, a lone figure stood, as if waiting the entire time.
The vapors dissipated, revealing a woman with white hair and blue eyes.