His people and everyone else taken by the dust, camped on a small valley, over a soft hill surrounded by a clear meadow. How peaceful. Bitter, Dröm thought this was a befitting last detail.
The first thing he caught was their scent. Hundreds of footsteps followed. Little by little, from the surrounding trees, a crowd appeared. Considering their numbers, the tribes had joined against them. And they had mounted elves by their side.
The child’s consciousness remained calm, unalterable. Dröm sensed her searching for the crowd. Through his eyes, she roamed the army without flinching. It’s not you who is going to die here today. Dröm’s thoughts received no answer from the child.
When his eyes glided over an unusual pair, she cowered, loosening her hold for a moment. Dröm took the opportunity to study them. An imposing man, with the body of a stag and ominous eyes. And a beautiful, poised woman of silver skin and rich brown hair. They both radiated a commanding aura.
Once again a puppet for the child’s will, she forced him to study his enemies. No. Not his. Those could be his brothers.
He marveled at the sight, an army of unified tribes, facing an unjust threat. Oh, how he wished he could join them! How he longed to be worthy of standing by their side. Dröm fought the tears filling his eyes. It was but a dream, and he would die here today. Thank you, my brothers, for my freedom.
The time had come. The dust forced his arm up to order his people to move forward, but he stopped the movement. Dröm’s eyes opened in amazement, and in his mind, he sensed the child’s concern when he resisted her will. No magic in the world would surpass his surprise and joy. Standing among the army, alive and free, a beautiful face smiled at him.
“Flyg...”
CHAPTER XXXXIII
HERE WE ARE
Hakken
There were so many of them.
Sure, the allied tribes and the elves amount to at least twice as much, but they needed to take into account the mountain half-breeds outstanding strength. And they fought without fear of death because of the will of goddess Pouri.
But they didn’t come here to kill them.
Attack your adversary while being careful not to get hurt and not cause them any deadly harm. What a tactical nightmare! At least they gained the higher ground. In the end, Hakken refused to command the army. Under no circumstances would he leave Maeve to join the battlefield without him close by her side. Hevonen and Tyst would lead their forces.
A rush of excitement and fear pumped through his veins, and Hakken closed his eyes, breathing deeply. His head hanging loose, he went through their plan one more time. Hakken would lead their group. They should move fast and protect Maeve at all costs. Kniv would carry her on his back, with Finn close behind. Flyg and Regn would guard their flanks.
The first wave would use the sleeping froggy bombs. Gods, that’s a stupid name. It was imperative to lessen their numbers before clearing a path for them to reach Dröm. Before launching their vanguard, they had to wait and see how they would react. It was unwise to use the same old strategies when a single entity controlled the army they faced.
His assessment was interrupted when a little hand took his. Maeve stood by his side; a watchful frown fixed on the people in front of them. Through her touch, he realized she was trembling. Hakken’s first impulse was to take her in his arms, but he had to remain focused. Instead, he gave her hand an encouraging squeeze.
Maeve smiled for him. “I’m all right,” she said.
He knew. She was probably terrified, but his brave mate was determined to save them all. And he would be by her side to make sure she succeeded.
“We should let them know we are here to help!” Flyg, on the other hand, was on edge. “What if they believe we want to kill them?”
“Calm down, Flyg, I need you cool-headed if we are going to do this.”
He understood her distress, but if any of them allowed emotions to lead their movements, they were bound to fail. They needed to be quick, protect each other and Maeve. Flyg was right, though, and letting the horde know they were trying to save them might give them a little advantage. Anything helped.
Hakken let go of Maeve’s hand and took a few steps forward, filling his lungs. He stared down at the motionless crowd in the meadow. “My name is Hakken.” The sun came out behind him, painting with gold the top of the trees. The mellow wind allowed his voice to reach far, while no other sound echoed in the valley. “I did not come here to kill.”
The stillness was bloodcurdling. If they heard him, he couldn’t tell. But as Flyg said, they needed to know the tribes united to help them.
“Look at the faces of those standing in front of you. Each of us has come to save you.” What words would give them hope? “Once this is over, you will take your place among the half-breed tribes, as has always been your right. Fight to be free, my brothers!”
He couldn’t tell them about their plan or Maeve. If Pouri found out about her importance, she would become a target. Hakken only wished his words to reach them and made a difference. They needed to hold on to hope. He turned to rejoin his group, worry already weighing in the pit of his stomach.
But he found himself facing a tearful Maeve, a sobbing Flyg, a beaming Kniv, and a quite emotional Regn. He blinked at the spectacle. “Could you please not do this now?”
“Vanguard, with me!” Hevonen’s voice boomed in the field, startling them. Hakken quickly took his place, making sure everyone in his group stood ready. After a silent inspection, he turned his attention to the horde. They advanced in complete silence.
A silent battlefield was even
