“How can we help, father?” asked Minx, taking one of his shaking hands in hers. “What can we do to reverse this? Torrent made it to the lake, but he isn't in full control yet. We're going to defeat him yet! Shall I administer a healing spell? Or, could the Elders assist you?”
Valdar shook his head solemnly. “I'm not sure that anything can be done. Your mother is gone, and unless we can heal the lake...” He took a deep breath. “I can no longer fulfill my duties, Minx. The Silence needs someone strong—someone that can be relied upon during these turbulent times.” He drew near to her, cradling her head with one of his hands. “Minx, I hereby transfer my title of Silence to you. You will be a part of the order now; you will rise and succeed where I have failed.”
Minx was moved at this, and not a little surprised that he still had faith in his reckless daughter. “But father... I don't know what to do. How can I be of service to the Silence? What will they ask of me? I have only been a disappointment to you. I have failed repeatedly in my efforts to secure reinforcements, and these lands would be safe if not for my decisions. Will they even have me, father?”
Valdar nodded. “You will do well, and your role will be clear in time,” he assured her. “Until then...” He glanced blearily about the burning square. “You must survive.”
Kaleb hauled Valdar to his feet, supporting him with one arm. “All right, let's get him to safety. The Trading Center has fallen. We should lead as many Fae as we can out of here and regroup on the outskirts of Pandling Grounds—or even in Pan itself.”
Valdar agreed with this course of action, shuffling uneasily under Kaleb's guidance. “We should also speak to the First,” he added. “I will inform him of your new role in the Silence, Minx.”
The Fae huntress took hold of her father while Kaleb ventured into the raging battles to round up as many Fae warriors as he could. They planned to meet on the edge of Pandling Grounds and to seek out the quarters of the First once they'd gathered as many survivors as possible. Mau followed sullenly behind her as they made their way through the war-ravaged square, appalled at the state of things. I can't believe it's come to this. Torrent beat us on our own turf. It's like the end of the world...
It's not over yet. Minx had to tell herself as much, had to repeat this as she surveyed the incredible destruction all about her. To give even the slightest credence to the alternative would be to give in to despair.
Chapter 21
In total, a few dozen Fae warriors—many of them injured—were led from the Trading Center and toward the edges of Pandling Grounds. Minx was reunited with Kaleb, and together with Mau and Valdar began the trek to Pan, where the private quarters of the First were located. Under ordinary circumstances, the First—leader of the Fae—could be summoned to the headquarters of the High Council by appointment only. When the Trading Center had been breached however, he'd been relocated by a squad of heavily-armed guards to a fortified location in Pan.
The remnants of the Fae army were posted around the entrances of the tree city, where they sought a bit of rest and kept their eyes peeled for unwelcome guests. On the way out of the Trading Center, Kaleb had added to the destruction—not to punish the Fae, but rather to make the dark army's progress through the Trading Center more difficult. Clusters of enemy warriors had been routed by the fearsome shifter, and at the sight of the mighty red dragon, many others had fled in terror. They would surely return to wreak havoc on the remainder of Fae territory, but it was hoped that these diversionary tactics would afford the beleaguered Fae a bit of extra time.
Kaleb, Minx, Mau and Valdar started into Pan, where the tree-dwelling Fae were on high alert. They muttered amongst themselves, noting the sorry states of the returning soldiers. The mood was tense. Minx did her best to ignore their queries, their disappointed expressions, and pressed on till her father made a brief motion with one of his feeble hands. “Here,” said Valdar, “pointing to a large habitation just ahead. It was built into a massive tree, the trunk of which was ringed in armed watchmen. At Valdar's sign, a few of the guards left their posts and assisted Minx in supporting him. “Gentlemen, please let us in. We must speak to the First. It's a very grave matter, I'm afraid.”
The quartet was guided by the silent guards, who all but lifted Valdar up the winding wooden steps leading to the First's dwelling. The four of them were taken into an ornately-carved chamber fronted by two additional footmen. They spared Kaleb a confused glance, but at Valdar's say-so did not move to exclude him. Idling in this room for some moments, the First finally emerged from deeper in, clad in an impressive suit of silvery armor. This suit of armor, a treasure of the Fae, was only donned during times of war. The First, young and wan, had about his gentle face an uncommon sternness, and wore not one, but two swords along his waist. He appraised his guests, sparing them a curt nod. It wasn't until his gaze met the weakened Valdar that his eyes softened and he took on something of the hospitable. “Valdar, my old friend,” began the First. “What troubles you?”
Valdar gave a slight bow in accordance with custom and took a shaky breath. “I wish I could tell you that the news I bring is good!” He chuckled slightly. “We have been routed. The Trading Center has fallen and
