Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 127722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
I was relying on the promise of a stranger that this could do serious damage to Necrosis, but it was a risk I couldn’t afford not to take. I was more comfortable with the broadsword I’d been using forever, but this sword was just as good as what I already had, so I didn’t have much to lose. “I’ll make sure to give it back to you.”
“You better.” She gave me a small smile. “Well, I’ve got a lot of work to do today. Thought it would be smart to light up the bonfires in the field. You know, since they’re coming at night. Won’t be able to see them otherwise.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“If I had more Ice, I could make a ton of arrows and that would be so helpful, but I don’t.”
“If this Ice is as powerful as we hope, then we’ll find more.”
“The guy made it sound like that was impossible.”
“If he already found this, then it’s not impossible. We’ll comb this world until we find it.” I returned the blade to the scabbard and set it on my bed. “If our army were equipped with it, then Necrosis wouldn’t have as much power over us. I’m sick of them invading our lands and feeding on us like we’re fucking livestock.”
“Yeah, me too.”
A knock sounded on the door again.
Elora turned at the sound. “Looks like your lover is back for more…”
I rolled my eyes and opened the door, coming face-to-face with Commander Dawson.
He glanced at Elora before turning his focus on me. He was in his full uniform, the black plate armor on his shoulders and chest, his cape behind him. “Her Highness requests your presence.”
“I’ll be right there.”
He stayed in my doorway, as if my agreement wasn’t enough.
“Look, I just woke up. I need to eat and take a piss, alright?”
Commander Dawson stepped away, his cape flowing in the breeze behind him.
I turned back to Elora. “I guess I’ll see you later.”
“In case we don’t speak again…” She moved into my chest and hugged me tight.
My arms automatically dropped down, and I returned her embrace, my chin on her head.
“I know we’ll make it through this. We always do.”
I didn’t share the same confidence.
“Take care of yourself out there.”
“I always do.”
She pulled away without looking at me, like one more look would just be too much.
My broadsword had been replaced by the sword of Ice that Elora had forged for me, and I was in my full armor and cape. The black metal completely covered my body, the chainmail underneath it protecting the open areas at my joints. My vambraces were jagged and sharp, and the backs of my boots had the same sharp edge if I ever needed to kick my way free of a hold. The weight was noticeable, unlike my other armor I wore at the outpost. It was hard to move around in, but when it came to Necrosis, one hit could be the difference between life and death.
Queen Rolfe was in her study, standing above a map covered in chess pieces. She was in the same armor, her long hair in delicate curls and interwoven with feathers. Her Ice sword was at her hip. She didn’t raise her chin to look at me. “I’ve sent an emissary to the coast. They’ll inform Huntley of our situation the second he arrives.”
I’d never fought a battle without my brother. I always had his back, but he also always had mine. No one else would look after me the way he did, not even my own mother. Her only concern would be slaughtering as many Necrosis as possible. Since she was my queen, I had to share her heart with the rest of her people. I wasn’t necessarily more important than they were, but I knew those same rules didn’t apply to Huntley. She would betray her own people for him in a heartbeat. But for me…she wouldn’t do the same.
I tried not to take it personally.
“I won’t lie.” She raised her chin and looked at me. “Morale won’t be as strong without your brother here to rally them. He’s a symbol of strength and hope to our people, the future king.”
With a stony expression, I blinked.
“I can’t be everywhere at once, Ian. I need you to lead our people when I’m unable to.”
“As I do at the outpost every day.” I couldn’t keep back the retort, not this time. I’d proven myself a million times over, but she never fucking noticed. It was impossible to be seen when there was this enormous shadow always cast over my face.
“Battle is different.”
“Whether at war or peace, I lead just the same.”
She turned back to the map. “Commander Dawson will lead the first charge.”
Commander Dawson appeared from the other room, his helmet tucked under his arm, his other hand at his back.