CHAPTER 48 - The March Began
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Though I couldn't stand being in his presence, I couldn't deny the peculiar comfort of sleeping beside him. For reasons I couldn't explain, the nightmares that had plagued me since my revival never came when he was near. And the absence of those terrors was a relief I had never thought I'd cherish.
How ironic...
The very man who plagued my nightmares was also the key to getting rid of them.
Alas, winter was not forever.
That morning, I stood on the balcony as the first light of dawn stretched across the sky. The snow had melted into silvery streams, and small buds were pushing through the thawed earth in the garden below.
Though winter always held its own beauty, spring had forever been my favorite. It was the season of rebirth. Of new beginnings. It was when even the dragons rose from their slumber.
I hope Mistfang is well...
While I watched the sun climb higher, Ryn's voice suddenly murmured close by.
"Happy birthday, Rainey," he said.
A smile touched my lips.
Of course he knew...
"My whole family have their birthdays in spring," I said softly. "Claude will turn twenty-five next month... And sweet Skye will turn fifteen after that..."
I breathed in the fresh air, letting it fill my lungs.
I didn't feel my age at all. Though I was technically twenty today, I felt like a hundred.
Ryn's voice came again, a little excited.
"Do you want to see your birthday gift?" he asked.
I frowned and unfastened the dagger from my hip.
"You got me a gift?"
"Don't look yet!" he warned. "It's a surprise..."
I chuckled at that.
"And what could a ghost possibly have gotten me?"
Ryn's laugh was low and soft, almost fond.
"You shouldn't underestimate me so much, mortal..."
I couldn't see him, yet I felt his presence close, almost as if he stood right behind me. His voice brushed my ear like a whisper of wind.
"You can look now," he said.
Intrigued, I slowly lifted the dagger and tilted it to catch the reflection.
My breath caught.
Though in reality my chamber seemed normal, neat with my trunk sitting upon my bed, in the dagger's reflection, it was completely transformed.
Every inch of the chamber was blanketed with flowers — an endless sea of breathtaking colors blooming brightly. And not just any flowers either...
Snapdragons.
A sob caught in my chest, and tears welled in my eyes.
Snapdragons were such a nostalgic memory from Drakfjord... Sprouting wild and free across every field during spring. Their fiery colors had been the backdrop of my childhood... Even Skye only wore dresses in the same hues as them.
It had been so long since I'd last seen them...
More lifetimes than I even knew.
"How... how did you do this?" I asked, my voice trembling.
In the dagger's reflection, I watched myself kneel, reaching down to touch the flowers. Of course, my fingers only passed through empty air, but the sight was more than enough.
Ryn chuckled softly, the sound curling around me like a breeze through petals.
"Turns out, although my magic cannot reach your world, I have some influence in the dagger's world," he said.
"What magic is this?" I asked. "Illusion?"
"No, not illusion," he laughed. "My magic is drawn from the space inside shadows. Think of it as... A bag that can hold anything in the world. I can store things inside it, and take it out whenever I please."
I nodded as I listened, suddenly remembering the way he'd pulled out his lute from the shadows when I asked him to play music.
"Though before you get excited, I can't store things anymore since I have no influence over the living world," he continued with a sigh.
"I can only retrieve what I stored when I was alive.
And it just so happens that a couple thousand years ago, I had a soft spot for a Drakfjorden mortal who loved flowers. .."
A laugh slipped from my lips. I couldn't stop staring, couldn't stop marveling at the endless field he had given me. Slowly, I sank to the floor, holding the dagger above me.
In the reflection, I couldn't even tell I was in my chambers anymore. It looked like I was in an endless field of flowers. And at that moment, I pretended I was back home.
Maybe once all this was over... Once I stopped Sylvos' conquest and got my revenge, I'd lay in a field of flowers just like this. Surrounded by my family, my dragon, and even Ryn and the vylnir too. And I'd forget about all the horrors I had to go through.
I could see it...
It felt so close, I thought if I just reached out, I could grasp it.
Everything was falling into place. All we needed was Pyree... And now, more than ever, I was sure it would turn out fine. Because it was spring. And spring was when the dragons woke up.
Including my sister.
Sitting up, I angled Raincatcher to catch Ryn's reflection. He stood close by in the dagger's world, his feathery black hair falling into his strange eyes as he studied me. I smiled at him, bright and unrestrained.
"Thank you," I whispered. "This is the best gift I've ever gotten."
He tilted his head with a small, almost embarrassed shrug.
"It's only flowers."
I shook my head, gripping Raincatcher tightly.
"No. You've given me hope. This life... I feel it. It's different. Thank you, E?????."
His eyes widened at the sound of his proper name.
"You..." he breathed.
"I've been practicing," I admitted embarrassingly.
His eyes shifted to the deepest shade of purple.
"You'll succeed, Rainey," he promised. "I swear it. I'm not letting you die ever again."
I chuckled at his earnest expression.
"I hope so," I smiled.
With renewed energy, I finished packing my trunk quickly, folding the last of my things with precision.
Vyvy watched me from the bed in its fox-like form, eyes gleaming in that eerie, yet cute way.
Unable to resist, I made sure to tuck in plenty of dried plums at the top of the trunk for our journey.
When I opened my door, a cluster of servants stood ready. They bowed before rushing in and carrying my things away.
I patted my shoulder, and Vyvy leapt lightly into the air, shifting mid-motion into a twisted black bird before landing on me with a flutter of wings. With both Raincatcher and Windcleaver fastened securely to my hips, I finally left my chamber.
On the bridge outside of Dahlia, Virella and Sireen waited. The sight of them tugged at something in my chest. I was off to war, leaving behind the only friends I could truly call my own.
Virella crossed her arms, thin lips curling in her usual smirk.
"I'm not suited for war, so best leave it to you."
Sireen pouted slightly.
"I wish I could come... I've always wanted to see Driftwoode."
I chuckled.
"I doubt Driftwoode would be a popular tourist destination this year... Besides, the traveling will take ages. Spring would be over before we reach the southern border. We might not even reach Driftwoode until autumn. Maybe more."
Virella shuddered.
"Over half a year of traveling? Gods... I wish you luck then, Raine. And... my brother will be tagging along, so make sure to give him a good beating on my behalf."
I laughed softly.
"I will."
The three of us hugged tightly, and I basked in the warmth of my friends.
I wished Tahlia could have been here too...
With a sigh, I pulled away, letting my gaze linger on them one last time. Virella, with her golden mane of hair, sun-kissed skin, and sharp green eyes. And Sireen, with her short brown-to-white hair, tanned skin, and large dark eyes.
I memorized them as they were in this moment, unsure if I'd ever see them again...
"Goodbye, you two," I smiled.
"Goodbye," they replied.
And before any tears could fall, I turned and walked away.
The servants led me down to Dornhold Fortress' gates, where the full might of Thornmont's departure awaited.
Wagons and carriages stood in neat formation, surrounded by military transports and lines of horses stamping against the stone.
The banners of Thornmont, a silver sword cleaving through a field of black and green, snapped in the breeze.
With no time to waste, I was guided to a carriage that, to my surprise, was entirely my own. I stepped inside, closing the door behind me.
It was more spacious than I had expected. The couch stretched long enough for me to lie down, serving as both seat and bed. A small basin sat neatly in the corner, and a single desk was tucked against the other.
Vyvy flew from my shoulder, shifting back into its fox-like form and landing with grace on the seat beside me. It curled there with a low, satisfied growl.
Smiling, I gazed out the window, watching the soldiers and attendants preparing for the long journey.
Just then, a flash of dark silver caught my eye.
Startled, I flinched.
Then I realized who it was.
Sylvos rode by on his large unicorn, the beast's silver mane stirring in the wind.
"Did I scare you, my dear?" he asked with a light chuckle.
I narrowed my eyes.
"No. I just didn't expect you to be so close."
He tilted his head to get a better view of me, still smirking.
"Did you get enough rest?"
"Yes," I lied smoothly.
In truth, last night I had slept in my own chamber again, and the nightmares had returned with a vengeance.
He studied me for a moment, as if trying to read the truth from my expression, then nodded.
"Good. We'll ride until nightfall, so get comfortable. But if you don't feel well, let a guard know, and I'll see if we can stop."
"I'll be fine," I replied quickly.
His lips curved into another smile, softer this time.
For a heartbeat, it seemed as though he wanted to say more. But instead, he gave a brief nod, turned his unicorn, and rode off toward the front of the army.
I let out a quiet breath as relief washed over me.
I had been worried he might somehow know it was my birthday. But it seemed he didn't. Good. I wanted to keep this day mine alone.
Just then, another shadow glided across my window. I turned my head to see the three Nightshades passing by. Their expressions were full of disdain, eyes cold as frost. Without a word, they swept past, heading toward their private carriages.
I rolled my eyes and leaned back against the seat, waiting for the army to set off. My fingers absently stroked Vyvy's fur as the distant shouts of soldiers and neighing horses filled the air.
Suddenly, a third shadow darted to my window, this time nearly launching himself inside.
I jolted upright, heart leaping to my throat. Then recognized the nervous man before me.
"Chamberlain Feldor?" I whispered, still recovering from the fright.
The aged man glanced around anxiously, as if making sure no one had seen him. Then his gaze fixed on me, desperate and almost reverent, like I was some beacon of salvation.
"I might be asking too much of you, Princess," he said, his voice trembling, "but... you are my only hope."
My brows drew together.
"What's the matter?"
Feldor's shoulders sagged under an invisible weight.
"It's too terrible... Too dangerous... For His Majesty to go to war without an heir. I begged him to keep his Nightshades close during these travels, hoping for a miracle. But he is too stubborn to listen. The only woman he seems to... to truly care for... is you."
Heat crept up my neck at his words.
"That... That isn't true," I said quickly. "Before his travels north, he spent plenty of time with other concubines."
The chamberlain let out a scoffing laugh, bitter as pine sap.
"If only!" he lamented. "Do you know what he did during those visits? He challenged them to play King's Square! Can you believe it? A game, Princess! And if they can't best him, he leaves them without even performing his duty! Isn't it too much?"
My lips parted, but no words came.
Sylvos... hadn't slept with any concubines?
Since when?
Was it after he began visiting me?
No...
That would be ridiculous...
"He needs to produce the empire's future," Feldor pressed, his voice growing more urgent.
"And yet he wastes the gods' time with boards and pieces.
Please..." He leaned closer to the window, lowering his voice to a plea.
"Please help him find a miracle. If the emperor is so smitten with you, perhaps you are the one the gods have chosen! "
I stared at him, unsure what to say.
"So please," he begged, wringing his hands, "take care of your body, drink fertile-inducing teas, and... continue to be with His Majesty as much as possible."
My cheeks burned hot at what he was asking. But for the sake of getting the Chamberlain to leave, I forced a small nod.
"I will," I murmured.
Relief washed over the old man's features. He let out a trembling sigh, as if the weight of the world had lifted from his shoulders.
"Thank you, Princess. May the gods bless you," he whispered.
And with that, he left — looking awfully like a man entering the gates of salvation.
Moments later, the signal was given, and the march began.
Boots struck the stone in unison as the soldiers advanced. Horses snorted. Banners snapped in the wind. And everything suddenly became all too real.
After a year of preparing, the war was finally here...
My heart pounded as the fortress gates yawned open and the world beyond came into view.
I stared unblinking as we descended down the mountain, passing by the sprawling Dornhold city.
The townsfolk had gathered, cheering and waving banners.
They looked so proud and happy to see their sovereign. So ignorantly in awe...
Unable to look at their hopeful faces, I closed my window and drew the curtain.
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By the time night fell, the army finally came to a halt. My body ached from sitting all day, every bone protesting as I stepped down from the carriage. Vyvy seemed to agree, leaping out the confined space as soon as it could.
It instantly shifted into its wolfish from, fur rippling and bones twisting. The creature growled low, restless, its many teeth flashing in the dim torchlight.
"Gσ σ?, ????," I murmured, patting its large head. "G?? ?σ?? ?ι????. Bυ? ?σ ?σ? ???υ?? ?σσ ?α??."
The vylnir grumbled in acknowledgment before darting off, swallowed by the shadows of the forest ahead.
I smiled after it, then stretched my arms, letting the night air cool my skin. Around me, the vast encampment was coming to life — thousands of soldiers dismounting, campfires sparking, and servants rushing to help get food prepared.
If it was anything like the travels from my first life, it would be like this for a while.
We'd march hard throughout spring until we reached the southern border, where Driftwoode's territory began. There, a massive camp would be erected as a gathering point for Sylvos' full force before we crossed into Driftwoode.
I glanced toward the trees, letting my thoughts wander.
"Ryn," I whispered softly. "How many times did we travel for this war in... other lives? If we're not including my first, that is."
The elf appeared in my dagger, leaning lazily against a tree nearby.
"Only five times," he said. "And in all those times, it was as a Nightshade. This is the first life where you hold the title of Beast Warden."
My brows rose.
Maybe the reason why this life was so different, was because of the vylnir I'd managed to tame.
"So... That means I reach Nightshade rank five times in previous lives?" I asked.
He chuckled.
"You reached it around twenty times. But you died far too quickly to travel for war."
My stomach twisted.
I wanted to ask how on earth I managed to reach Nightshade at all in those lives, but the look in Ryn's eyes said it was better not to ask. I had a feeling I knew why... But I'd rather not hear it.
Exhaling, I changed the topic instead.
"What's the longest I've lived?" I asked.
"Almost three years once," he replied.
A groan slipped from me.
"I've only just passed one year. Imagine another two," I whined.
Ryn's lips curled in a sympathetic smile.
"Time will pass quickly," he assured me. "Take it from someone nearly four thousand years old... Traveling takes long. Laying siege takes even longer."
"I know," I sighed.
Suddenly, there was movement nearby and I nearly lunged Raincatcher at the newcomer.
"W-Wait!"
Finnel raised his hands in surrender, his large eyes nearly popping out at the sight of my blade.
Oh.
Embarrassed, I quickly lowered my dagger.
"You scared me!" I scolded lightly.
He bowed deeply, his mousy hair nearly touching the dirt.
"My apologies, P-Princess," he said. "The emperor h-has summoned you t-to share dinner."
I blinked at the unexpected request but sighed and nodded all the same. It wasn't like I could avoid Sylvos forever. Not while traveling at least.
Finnel then led me through the camp. Soldiers and servants watched me as I passed, whispers rising and falling like wind through leaves. Finally, at the very front of the camp, stood Sylvos' tent, guarded and marked by black-and-green banners.
The boy bowed and stepped aside, leaving me to enter alone.
Into the wolf's den.
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