Her face may as well have been carved from ice. "This will end, Valdemar. Now."
He took a deep breath. "I mean no offense, Mistress. But it is too late to withdraw. I did not rally all of Bruallia just to leave enemies behind to supplant us when we cross over. They must be crushed now. When that is finished, I will be able to focus on nothing but what you command."
For a long moment she looked at him with considering eyes. He tried not to sweat while his judgment danced in her reptilian gaze.
He didn't succeed.
"Very well, Valdemar. A little while longer will make no difference. But mark my words — should you ever think to disobey again, I will make sure someone less stiff-necked wears the crown of Bruallia. You have two weeks to finish this. Our time is upon us."
Valdemar bowed low. "It shall be as you command, Mistress."
When he raised himself, she had vanished. But something else shuffled in the shadows. The stench of rotted leather stung Valdemar's nostrils as the darkness formed into the silhouette of his monstrous father.
"It is a dangerous game you play, my son." Darroth's voice rattled in his throat. His glowing eyes bore into Valdemar's own. "Must I again teach you the folly of your ways? Is another lesson required so soon?"
Valdemar's hand unconsciously rose to his throat, where the memory of being throttled still lingered like a ghost of pain. His fury mounted as he met Darroth's pale gaze.
"My destiny is my own. Keep your lessons, or take them to the pits of Narak if you wish. You can do nothing without me. And I will do as I deem fit. If I need your counsel, I will ask for it."
He saw the shock and hatred that burned from the shadowy form. Darroth said nothing, but his silhouette thinned out like darkness before sunrise.
Valdemar strode out the doorway and motioned to the general that stood nearby. "I will banquet in Suldan within the week, or your life is forfeit. See to it!"
The general had seen every sort of death in his lifetime, yet he looked into Valdemar's eyes and stammered his reply. He turned and ran, shouting instructions to his men.
Valdemar looked at the endless lines of tents, horses, soldiers, and servants. It was not an army that lay scattered about the hills. It was a living city. And very soon it would cross the Dragonspine and move upon the unsuspecting kingdoms of Leodia.
My destiny is my own.
Chapter 57: Marcellus
A bouquet of freshly cut roses was crooked in his arm, still beaded with morning dew. The Companions lined in front of the army, facing Queen Salliana and her escort. She looked particularly lovely with the sun highlighting her shimmering black hair and glinting from her coppery skin. Her colors were white with green on her simple gown that allowed more freedom of movement. Princess Emillisa stood beside her with excitement beaming from her face.
She carries all her mother's features except the eyes. Her eyes look just like mine.
"You go toward unknown lands and fates uncertain," Salliana said. "But you go with courage and honor, and perhaps that is what will serve you best. Go with the grace of the Goddess, and may her light shine upon you until your safe and victorious return."
I will never see her again. She will never be able to have a conversation with her father.
"Many thanks for your blessing and hospitality," he said. "We shall meet again, whether in this world or when we all shine like rays of the sun." He bowed from his saddle, and the entire army behind him followed his example. The movement rippled down the lines like an iron ocean.
He hesitated only a moment before nudging his horse closer to Emillisa and leaning over to offer the roses. "A small token for the gift of your presence. Farewell, Princess." His heart nearly shattered at the joy in her smile and thanks. He bowed to her again before he turned to lead the army eastward.
Farewell, my daughter. May your days have the peace that was denied your father.
Nyori pulled alongside him. Sunlight glinted off her crystal staff. "Did you know the Queen well, Marcellus?" Her tone seemed…challenging.
She looked especially beautiful for some reason. Her braided hair shone in the sunlight as though she had taken extra time with it. Her cheekbones seemed more defined, and her lips stained berry red. He was glad he was riding, or he may have stumbled.
He hesitated before answering. "I knew her well enough, Shama."
"Truly? I could hardly tell." She gave him a sidelong glance before settling back to ride beside Meshella. He still felt her eyes on him, like needles in his back.
He turned to Han, only to find the man chortling silently. "I'm glad you find this amusing," Marcellus said irritably.
They arrived at the border of the Barrens without incident. There was not much to distinguish it from the lands of Epanos, save that it was a bit less cultivated and wilder than the preceding lands. As they crossed the border and moved deeper into the country, the land appeared drearier. Though spring had arrived, no flowers bloomed there. The sparse bushes and trees still stood naked as though robbed by winter's passing, as though they would never again see the green of a newborn leaf or sprout, nor the color or scent of a flower in bloom.
It was not long before the soldiers felt the effect. Their raucous laughter slowly ceased, as did their conversations. Even the Norlanders ceased their boisterous antics and fell silent except to grumble about the heat.
And indeed it had grown much warmer. Though the snow-capped Alpens of Norland were still visible to the north, no cooling breeze swept through to comfort them. No breeze stirred at all. It was as if the wind itself avoided that place. Yet Marcellus was untroubled by the weather. He was consumed by much more important thoughts.
Emillisa…
Her smiling face was imprinted on his mind, making his decision to become the Reaver all the more a mockery. I didn't know. I thought I had nothing left to live for.
He was sure Salliana had not told anyone else about her daughter's lineage. It might be best if the girl never learned the truth. With as many enemies as he had made, his name would only put her in danger. And how could she deal with what he had become? It would be a boon for her if he vanished in the haze-enshrouded lands of the Barrens.
"Marcellus."
He turned. Nyori appeared concerned as she drew her horse closer. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine." She gave him a look that indicated he hadn't fooled her with the lie, but thankfully she respected his privacy. He gazed at her when her attention was diverted by a question from Han. The wind stroked her hair, and the sun bathed her face as though to highlight it for his attention. He sighed. He was never adept when it came to dealing with emotions, and he didn't wish to try to unravel them with Nyori. Not when she was one of the threads that entangled him.
She pulled her mare to a halt as the sound of wolves howling in the distance became audible. "Someone is coming." But instead of concern, a smile lit her face.
Marcellus pulled rein and signaled his lieutenant. "We will stop here. Gather the commanders for a quick council. Friends will be joining us."
Not long after, Rhanu led a large party to join theirs. Unlike the organized soldiers, his followers approached in a haphazard cloud. They were the most diverse band Marcellus had seen, a clash of cultures and features that somehow had meshed together as one company. They did not wear the gleaming armor of the soldiers, but their weapons were keen and the men hardy, despite appearing as though most had come on foot.
Marcellus clasped hands with Rhanu as Nyori exclaimed and embraced Ayna and Nando. The soldiers did not seem to know what to make of the newcomers, but they appeared welcoming enough, and their spirits uplifted. It was never a bad thing to be joined by more fighters, and Rhanu's band fit the bill as seasoned warriors.