“But...I don’t...what I mean is...”
Aincor didn’t wait for her to finish, his face expressionless, masking his disappointment. “I see how strong your faith is. Just make sure you stay here with your faithless brother.”
He turned to Vathan with a mixture of anger and contempt. “I regret that I must leave you in the presence of one so heroic and loyal as Talon, as it seems an insult to his memory.” He leaned down so that his eyes met Vathan’s, his dragon-scaled leather armor creaking, early dawn light already glinting on its polished red surface. “If I did not so love your sister, I would have struck you down already.” With those words, he was gone.
Faelani wept as she watched him go, afraid that she had seen the last of him, and wishing she had been able to proclaim absolute faith in his ability to prevail. She knew that he was walking into far worse than he expected—Léiras had foreseen it. She also knew that despite her own strength of will, regardless of Aincor’s insufferable confidence and disregard, she would die without him. Aincor was stubborn, reckless, insensitive, and self-important, yet Faelani knew of his fear, and she loved him anyway.
The war-party set forth, and it was a grand sight. The great Houses of the Èolar—the Dragon, the Raven, the Owl, and the Wolf—strode forth, silken battle-standards unfurling in the foul breeze, lifted their swords and spears to the Fire-heart. They would have followed him anywhere. They chanted as they marched toward the Pale Fortress, knowing they would soon face the great Evil within it, firm in their resolve.
Vathan heard them chanting, and he gave a great cry of frustration, pulling hard on the chains that bound him to the wagon. “I am not a traitor!” he shouted, yanking on the heavy iron manacles again and again. “Aincor! You do not know what awaits you! Release me so that I may aid you! Release me so that I may fight and die beside you!” He slumped over, knowing his struggles were futile, his long hair obscuring his face. Faelani could not see the shame in his eyes, but she knew it was there. She came nearer, placing a tender hand on her brother’s shoulder.
“I know...I know. He judged you far too harshly,” she whispered. “He really isn’t himself now—but it hurt that you did not trust his decision.” She swallowed in a dry throat, knowing that her lack of trust had hurt Aincor far more deeply. She shook it off, her tone lightening with false hope as she tried to lift her brother’s spirits. “Your disgrace will not stand, for Léiras knows of your courage in sending the wind- walkers. Aincor will see the truth of it when we return home.” Even as she spoke the words, she knew they meant nothing.
“None of us will return home, Faelani. You know it!” said Vathan, turning his stricken face toward her. “You know he is walking into something dire, along with your son and mine, but your warning—our warning—was of no help. He has made up his mind, and will not turn aside. Now my only choices are whether I will die fighting beside him or die chained to this wagon like a dog!”
“Or,” said Faelani, “you could die by the King’s hand if you try to follow him and he catches you. He will strike you dead for your disobedience this time—have no doubt of it.”
“I would rather face that dishonor than remain here, helpless to do anything but wait for Wrothgar’s minions to find me. Please, sister, if you have any solution, share it now.”
Faelani trembled, terrified by her own thoughts. She glanced over at the armored body of Talon and closed her eyes. She did, indeed, have a solution, but it would take all her courage to implement it.
~~
Wrothgar slumped on his throne, a ragged, healing scar drawn across his breast, as the Shadow loomed before him.
“Why hast thou summoned me?”
“You are here to serve Me in battle, nothing more.”
The creature laughed, a horrible, gurgling, oily sound that
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