Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 125422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 627(@200wpm)___ 502(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 627(@200wpm)___ 502(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
I nod, touched by their resolve. “Very well. Two of you go with Vellamo by the sea route, three remain with us on land. I’ll let you decide who.”
Kaleva considers then points to Mieli and Tenko. “You both go with Vellamo.” Mieli smiles softly, Tenko’s bones rattling as he nods. “The rest of us will go through the forest.”
Hanna exhales, easing her posture. She raises her chin and addresses the room. “Then it’s settled,” she says firmly, and everyone looks surprised to hear her speak. “My father, Ilmarinen, and Rasmus will carry the sampo with the main group. The Magician can help hide our movement with illusions. Tapio, Tellervo, Lovia, Tuoni, and I will move through the forest, guiding the main force. Vellamo and her flank of Keskellis travel by sea, meeting us later near the forest’s far side before it reaches the Gorge of Despair.”
My heart blooms at her determination, at her taking control, getting involved and giving orders, like the true Queen of Tuonela.
My cock grows hot, and I have to swallow down my lust for her. This isn’t the time nor the place, but later, whenever we get another chance, I’ll remind her again that she’s my queen in every way.
The Magician inclines his hood. He says nothing, but I know he approves of this plan. He probably already saw it coming, that riddling bastard. Lovia stands straighter, ready for action. Torben and Ilmarinen exchange a look, determination etched on their faces. Rasmus swallows hard but nods—he has accepted his fate, cast his lot with us.
I consider the timing. Nightfall isn’t far. “We have a few hours to pack and prepare,” I say. “Gather only what you can carry. We travel light, swift, leaving nothing for the enemy to reclaim. The wounded who can fight, we take with us. The severely injured… We will find a way to keep them safe, even if it means reopening the portal.”
A heavy silence follows. The reality is grim—some may not survive the journey. Still, no one challenges me. We know what mercy and loyalty mean in times like these.
Vellamo steps forward, voice soft. “I will select a small band of troops to accompany me and the two trolls by sea. We will find a boat that can navigate the coastline. The Old Gods lurk in the waters, but I’ve faced them before, and they aren’t as numerous as the ones on land. If we’re lucky, we’ll slip past them.”
Tapio and Tellervo exchange glances before Tellervo speaks, “We will do our best to coax safe passage through the forest. Even corrupted trees remember ancient pacts. They may not open paths easily, but we can at least avoid the worst snares.”
Hanna looks down at her hands, flexing her fingers. I know what she’s thinking—that a single flare of her solar power could carve a safe route, but the cost is too high. She meets my eyes, and I shake my head slightly. Not this time. She nods, looking relieved and guilty all at once.
Lovia breaks the silence. “I’ll organize the archers and gunmen for the forest group. We’ll need eyes that can see in the dark, or at least follow faint moonlight. The Magician can help with that?” She glances at the hooded figure.
The Magician’s galaxies swirl. “I can weave gentle illusions to mask our scent and footsteps, perhaps sharpen eyes a fraction, but no grand spectacles—we must remain subtle, lest we attract unwanted attention. That goes for the shamans as well. Magic must be used with caution.”
The meeting lulls as we each absorb our roles. Outside, a gust of wind rattles the shutters. The mood in the room is grim but purposeful. We have a direction now, a plan to follow. Remaining here would mean inevitable defeat. We must move, strike where we have an advantage, and pray the forest grants us mercy.
I gaze around at each ally. Until recently, many of these faces were strangers or distant acquaintances. Now, we’re bound by blood, battle, and sorrow.
And the biggest factor of all: revenge.
“Go now,” I say firmly, ending the silence. “Prepare as best you can. Eat, rest if you can, tend to the wounded. We have only this chance. Make no mistake: the enemy will come again, harder. We must not be here when they do.”
As the gathering disperses, everyone filing out to begin preparations, Hanna lingers by my side. The Magician remains a moment, galaxies twinkling softly. I consider asking him again if he foresees success, but his silence is answer enough. He tips his hood and vanishes into the castle.
Now, it’s just Hanna and me, and I close the door softly, letting the muffled sounds of activity fade. She steps closer, searching my face.
“Tuoni,” she whispers. “I want to help, to burn the hell out of our enemies and ensure we never lose anyone else. But I can’t risk forgetting you, or anyone else, ever again. I don’t know if that makes me a fucking coward or what.”