Chapter 50
The moment Casimir stepped out of the tent and into the rain, he assumed his role as general. As terrified as he was of Ava’s task, he had to stay focused and be prepared for anything. Getting distracted by her would only risk his life and the others around him.
Good, Aro said. You’re much calmer now.
“It’s time we end this. Any word on where Andras is?”
Not yet.
Casimir, Raine, Pax and Jorrar were to stay close to Ava, in charge of her safety as they practically dangled her out in the open like a lure. Casimir loathed the plan.
The rest of the royalty and leaders were to be spread among their forces, commanding units where they could.
But it wouldn’t be as organized as it needed to be.
Because now they wouldn’t be able to march in straight formations like they’d originally planned.
There would be no structured lines or methodical warfare.
They were surrounded.
Standing their ground and attempting to break through was their only option. They could not let the daemons advance or they’d be trapped and at their mercy.
Tents were swiftly torn down, piled together to allow for as much room to fight as possible. Casimir ordered a company of soldiers to remain guarding the healers’ quarters, raising rocks and vines to provide a barrier for protection.
Soldiers sprinted through camp. Leaders barked orders, preparing for battle. Fires were doused—though few had remained due to the rain. Weapons were gathered, armor donned.
While it appeared chaotic, they rallied and organized their forces quicker than Casimir thought them capable. His heart swelled with pride at the tenacity of his soldiers.
Adjusting his sword, Casimir marched forward, scanning for the approaching enemies.
They’re about a quarter of a mile away, Aro said, ambling up beside him along with Sabriel and Luna.
“That’s much too close.”
I know.
“Luna’s fighting?” Casimir asked, eyes catching on Ava’s feline companion.
She won’t leave Ava’s side. Though she’s small, she’s quick. She’ll be alright.
Casimir knelt, scratching behind Luna’s ears. “Watch over her,” he said softly. She purred and chirruped, rubbing his hand.
Rising, he said, “Let’s go. Spread the word to the others. We meet them where they are now. Do not let them advance any further.”
They were off, marching in a curved line.
Swords were held high, bowstrings pulled taut, hands raised, prepared to release their magic.
Dozens of animal companions accompanied them, following their partners into battle.
Panthers, bears, wolves and even several large reptiles stayed close, baring their teeth in anticipation.
Desmond strode up beside Casimir, hand on his sword. Arda was curled around his neck, preparing to spy and feed the group information on Andras’ whereabouts.
“Are you ready?” Casimir asked.
“I am.”
It didn’t take long for them to reach the edge of camp. Casimir paused, turning toward his men. The rain had shifted to a chill mist, coating their weapons and armor in moisture, drops sparkling like stars under the moonlight.
“Though this isn’t what we originally planned, we will not fail to protect our own.
We will not falter. Do not question your abilities.
” He marched back and forth, hands behind his back.
“We do this not for glory or honor. But for our loved ones. For our home. For our world.” He unsheathed his sword, raising it high, heart racing with adrenaline. “For Eorhan!”
The same speech was being made by the other leaders, boosting morale and urging their forces on. Thousands of shouts echoed back, chanting those words.
“For Eorhan!”
Swords were slammed against armor, soldiers beating their chests with zeal. A fervent drumbeat of vengeance, retribution. For all the fae who’d been lost in the throes of conflict.
The broken and fractured kingdoms joined for the sake of their people.
And marched as one.
It wasn’t long before daemon soldiers and ice fae appeared, sprinting toward them with their own battle cries. Casimir gripped his sword, readying himself as he waited for the inevitable clash between the two opposing armies.
He took a quick look at Ava beside him, her eyes wide but face resolute. She gave him a nod and he returned the gesture. They faced their enemies yet again…prepared to fight.
The battle was here.
Their archers released a volley of Ingeothenian arrows into the advancing army, taking down many before repeating the motion.
Golems grew from the mud, swinging their massive fists into the enemy unit, tossing soldiers aside.
Rocks erupted. A flash of lava to the left.
A vine bursting from the ground to the right.
It was a blur of motions and colors, a whirlwind of violence. A cacophony of sound invaded the air—the screams of soldiers, the snarls of their animals, blades clashing.
A clang of steel rang out as a soldier met Ava’s sword. Pride ran through Casimir as she parried with ease before her blade met the flesh between the daemon’s plates of armor.
A whirlwind of ice flew toward Casimir. He dodged it with a roll to the left. Pax lunged from the right, impaling the ice fae with a roar, then disappeared into the melee.
It was quickly devolving into chaos, impossible to remain organized when they fought in such a formation. All the plans they’d made, the strategies they’d reviewed, were meaningless now. The daemons had forced them into a different style of warfare—fight back and survive.
Aelerion charged, facing off with several daemons.
Casimir stepped forward to help, but the raucous king didn’t need it.
Dark armor glinting in the moonlight, he extended a yellow-veined arm.
A ball of lava formed above his palm, oranges, yellows and reds writhing within.
With a push, he tossed it forward. Reaching the daemons, it exploded, magma hurtling outward and burning through their armor.
The whistle of a blade caught Casimir’s attention.
His arm vibrated as his sword met the blow.
With a snarl, he pushed forward, knocking the daemon’s sword away.
The man advanced again, thrusting forward.
Casimir dodged with a swift spin. A low growl came from his left, and Aro barreled into the enemy, pinning him to the ground and tearing his head from his shoulders.
An ice fae took the daemon’s place, focused on Casimir. Forming a glistening spear in her hand, she spun it around before sprinting forward. Casimir crouched, planning to jump away. He pushed, but his legs buckled, feet frozen in place. Literally.
Fuck.
Ice encased his boots and the ground around him, rendering him unable to move. With a frustrated snarl, he struggled, trying to yank himself free. But the ice was too thick. Too heavy.
Raising a hand, he prepared to use his astral magic to melt it, but the woman lunged with her spear before he had the chance. With a swipe of his sword, he barely deflected her attempt, unable to completely dodge it. Searing pain shot down his leg as the tip of her weapon slashed his thigh.
Taking a step back, she gripped her spear with a triumphant grin, then flew at him once more.
His sword clutched in both hands, he stopped her blow, shattering her icy weapon.
But quicker than he could make sense of, she had drawn her sword.
Their weapons now locked inches from his face, Casimir was unable to call upon his magic, needing all his strength to shove her away.
It was almost impossible to do without the ability to balance or fix his stance, his feet still frozen solid. Sweat dripped down his brow. His hands trembled, her blade inching closer to his throat.
“I wonder what type of glory I’ll receive for killing The Bear,” she said, pushing harder. “Perhaps—”
Her words were cut off with a gurgle. Eyes wide, she stumbled back. The blade of a sword extended through her stomach, blood seeping down her legs. The ice fae slumped forward, revealing Casimir’s rescuer.
Ava.
The look on her face was pure savagery. Violence in her green eyes like he’d never seen before. With her boot on the woman’s back, she yanked out her sword.
“Mine,” she snarled, breaths heaving, as she kicked the body away.
Casimir melted the ice and strode forward, clutching the back of her neck. His lips met hers in a fierce messy kiss, before pulling away, both of them panting.
“Thank you, love.” Casimir kissed her temple before they turned, back-to-back, their swords held high, and fought their way through.
Together.