Standing within the training field, there are hundreds of soldiers, all dressed in Drogaem's colors. They are poised in ranks, holding shields and armor, their faces covered in silver Helms molded into the shapes of long-snouted beasts. I watch as they stand at attention, General Gregore marching at the head.
Gregore looks over in my direction, and I quickly put my head down, scurrying back up the steps and into the castle. My heart beats wildly in my chest, and I lean against the wall, knowing full well that a training field full of Drogaem’s soldiers cannot mean anything good.
"Willem," I whisper. "I have to tell the rebels."
They are the only ones who can help those that I know Drogaem will be sending his troops to murder. The war is beginning, and Drogaem has made the first move. He is preparing his army, and if they are being readied, that means the portals to the human world are most likely already set and open. The time is coming near, and I know deep down there's a chance I won't make it to the other side.
Chapter 13
Briar
I didn't hear anything from Drogaem all night, and in the morning, he still hadn't summoned Kane or me. Going through the day, I'm nervous. I manage to tell Kane what I saw in the few moments our paths cross in the night. His response was little, as he hobbles off into the castle. Our disconnect is growing stronger, and it's driving me crazy. I force myself to think about one thing and one thing only, and that's getting a letter to Willem. He has to know what's going on. They have to be prepared.
The day goes by like it has for the last week or so, quiet, and still. It's too still for me. I sit down at the desk in my room and begin to write a letter to Willem, giving as much information as I can. I don't know a lot, and without the courtiers circling like vultures as they used too, there are no whispers to be heard in the castle. From outside the window, I hear Drogaem's voice, and I carefully peek over the edge, seeing him below. There's a disgusting smile on his face as he speaks to Gregore. I can't hear what they're saying, but he's in much too good of a mood to be up to anything other than dark plans.
The skies will darken even further soon, and I will be able to move in the cloak of the shadows. As soon as I know that Drogaem enters back into the castle, I will prepare myself to leave. I didn't tell Kane I was writing to Willem, only that I saw the soldiers gathering in the training fields. He has little to say about my communication with the rebels, and I know it's because he doesn't want to get his hopes up. With the information I told him about Willem wanting me to kill him, I'm sure that he puts little faith in their camaraderie or alliance during this time.
As I write the words on the paper, I don't blame him, I am not fully sure that the rebels will show to defend anyone during this time. While they have attempted to help us in the past, knowing a few of them, I am aware that they tend to be self-serving at times. Nonetheless, I will reach out to them and keep the hope.
I finish the letter and read it back to myself.
Willem,
I write with haste. I wish I could've gotten this letter to you sooner, but I must move within the shadows. Things are beginning to intensify. Drogaem has paid little attention to neither Kane nor me over the last week or so. I knew Drogaem was up to something, but until yesterday I didn't know what.
In the training fields, he has gathered his army, led by General Gregore. I know that he had his Huntsmen putting out and setting up the portals to the human realm not too long ago. You may already know, but many of the guards have been terrorizing the city and the souls that live within. I believe that Drogaem is beginning the first phase of his plan to take over. He has no good intentions for anyone.
We are nearing the time, the moment we will need to decide where we stand within this battle. I'm reaching out to you in hopes that you feel the same as Kane and I do. Regardless of who rules, or who is aligned in the end, we need to save as many as we can. We will work here to stop Drogaem, but I plead with you, protect those that cannot protect themselves. Stop the Huntsman from entering the portals. Though I know you think very poorly of the human race, it will get pretty quiet down here in a few centuries if no humans are left to die and come below.
I will check if I can for a reply, but with the soldiers all around and Drogaem on the watch, this may be my last letter to you. If you want my attempt to use my powers to mean anything, we need our Kingdoms to be in one piece when this all ends.
Good luck,
Briar
My hands shake as I fold the letter. I stick it in the front pocket I sewed into the waistband of my skirt. I don't take the time to put the seal on it, as Willem knows I will be writing whenever I can. I lean toward the window, finding that the soldiers I could see circling around the castle were no longer there. Down below, Drogaem is gone.
I stand, patting the letter within the folds of my skirt and stare out as the crimson sky darkens to a blood red. There is a nervousness clenching in my
