Kaleb looked to old Winterlimb, then up at the sky. “So, the ritual worked, then? The shielding spell is in place again?”
She nodded. “It seems so.”
“Good.” Kaleb sighed, leaning against the trunk of the great tree and cradling her in his arms. “It was worth it, then. You and your people are safe—we won, Minx.”
She was taken by his enthusiasm, though even as she dwelt in his arms, her heart overflowing with joy, she couldn't altogether believe that was the case. The territories of the Fae were protected now, it was true, but her people still had many enemies. Those enemies, unfortunately, would not be deterred forever.
In that moment, though, she chose to put away her fears.
Her people were safe for the time being, and her love had returned to her. That was enough.
Chapter 25
With the shielding spell in place, the denizens of Pan and the surrounding areas could breathe easy.
Though none among them were so naive as to believe they'd won the war.
Enemy forces were seen beyond the borders of the Trading Center, and still other clusters of dark warriors were spotted on the outskirts of Pandling Grounds. At present, they were held in check by the powerful warding spell that had fully enveloped the region. Both the hunter and Torrent himself were doubtlessly among the hordes however, and it was well understood that these tenacious foes would not give in until they had succeeded in their aims.
The First said as much as he congratulated Minx for her leadership during the most recent crisis. Both he and the Fae Elders were shocked to learn of Kaleb's survival—such a thing, they all agreed, was difficult to understand. Having deviated from their ordinary preparations however, they all conceded that his survival and bonding with Minx was deserving of further study when peace finally returned.
“As previously mentioned, the lake remains tainted,” the First continued during their meeting in his private quarters. “The taint has slowed, thankfully, but Torrent still maintains a terrifying level of control over the lake. Our struggles against him are not over—far from it, they're just beginning. But I thank you both for your bravery. The territory has been secured against the dark army for now, and we may find ourselves with time enough to plan a more effective counter-attack in the days to come.”
“What will happen now?” chanced Kaleb. “The Fae have lost many warriors. Do you have an army capable of marching against Torrent in the days and weeks to come?”
It was Minx who broached the ensuing silence. “The dragons will have no choice but to assist,” she replied. “As we've said all along, a partnership with the dragons is the only way forward. And even then... it may not be enough. Our forces have suffered tremendous losses. If the dragons had joined with us from the start, then perhaps things would have played out differently...”
The First nodded. “We will give the matter some thought, yes. For now... I advise you both to rest. We will have peace, for now. I cannot promise it will last long, but for the battles to come, I suggest you gather your strength. We have survived to fight another day.”
Minx and Kaleb did precisely that. Leaving the First's quarters, they strolled together with Mau to Winterlimb, spending time beneath the ancient tree's great shade. The residents of Pan that they met on their way were all in good cheer, thrilled at the recent victory and hopeful for the future. It was likely that many of them didn't know just how badly the Fae warriors had fared in recent days, or how difficult it would be for them to carry on against the dark forces without external aid. She, like the rest, did not focus on this however. She sat down in the grass with Kaleb and the Faelyr, resting against Winterlimb's vast trunk.
“You know how you've been able to speak to the lake?” began Kaleb, watching the clouds pass.
“Yes, what about it?” asked Minx.
Here, Kaleb turned to the towering tree, running his hands against its dense bark. “It's strange, but... I've had a similar connection to Winterlimb here. Early this morning, before I fully awoke, someone... or something... reached out to me. It was a deep, soothing voice, and when I heard it I felt drawn to Winterlimb.”
“Winterlimb has spoken to you?” Minx could hardly believe it; she was half-sure that he was merely kidding around.
Kaleb proved firm, however. “Yeah, I'm certain of it. I tried to respond, to keep the dialogue going, but I guess he wasn't in a talking mood after he relayed his message.” He chuckled. “I know, it probably sounds crazy.”
“Well, what did he say?” asked Minx.
“Not a whole lot,” he admitted. “He just thanked me. That was it.”
How can Winterlimb possibly reach out to a dragon? If he were talking to anyone, it would be a Fae, wouldn't it? I don't believe him! chimed in Mau.
Minx smiled, peering up at the tree herself. “If he speaks to you again, please let me know.”
For some time, the three of them remained in Winterlimb's shade, enjoying the warm breeze. In the grand scheme of things, the events of the prior day constituted only a small victory. She shuddered to think of how much they would have to sacrifice to fully defeat Torrent and his hordes. In recent days, her people had been pushed to their limits to save their lands. How much more would they have to give? How much more blood would have to be shed before they were rid of this menace? For now, Kaleb and Minx were together—and they were closer now than they had ever been before. But would that last? Could they, too, be torn away from one another again by the dark forces then dwelling outside of the barrier?
Minx relaxed in Kaleb's arms and looked into his eyes.
There could be no telling what the weeks ahead would bring, but she was steeled
