Kane
The journey back to Ithrador was a blur of urgency and silence. Fallon rode ahead, her jaw tight, eyes fixed on the darkened path before us. I kept pace beside her, silent but alert, my fingers twitching over the hilt of my blade.
We had seen the Brotherhood's forces firsthand. Their numbers were greater than we anticipated, their movements too organized for comfort. If we didn't act now, if we didn't warn Ithrador, we would lose whatever advantage we had left.
The cold night air bit at my skin as I rode alongside Fallon. I could feel the tension radiating off her, a silent storm brewing beneath the surface. She hadn't spoken much since the fight. Since the moment we barely escaped with our lives.
"We should be there by dawn," I said, breaking the silence.
Fallon gave a sharp nod, her grip tightening on the reins. "Not soon enough."
She was right. We needed to reach the capital before the Brotherhood made their next move. If they attacked first, if we weren't ready... I didn't want to think about what that meant.
We rode hard through the night, stopping only when necessary. By the time the sun crested over the horizon, the towering walls of Ithrador's capital came into view. Relief surged through me, but it was quickly overshadowed by the grim reality of what we had to do next.
The guards at the gate barely had time to question us before we pushed through, storming through the city toward the war hall. The streets were already alive with merchants setting up stalls, blacksmiths hammering away at their forges. They had no idea what was coming. No idea the enemy was closer than ever.
The moment we entered the hall, every conversation ceased. Commanders and warriors turned toward us, their gazes shifting from surprise to alarm as they took in our expressions.
General Aldric stood at the head of the room, his sharp eyes narrowing. "What happened?"
Fallon wasted no time. "The Brotherhood is mobilizing. We scouted their forcesâthere are more of them than we thought. They're preparing to strike."
Murmurs spread through the room. Aldric's face remained impassive, but I caught the flicker of concern in his gaze.
"How many?" he asked.
I stepped forward. "At least three battalions. Armed and trained."
A heavy silence settled over the hall. Then, Aldric turned to one of the officers. "Send word to the barracks. I want every available soldier ready within the hour."
The officer gave a quick salute before hurrying off. Aldric's gaze returned to us. "We need to move fast. If the Brotherhood is planning an attack, we have to intercept before they reach our walls."
Fallon nodded. "Then we leave now."
Aldric hesitated, studying her. "You just returned. You're injured."
"I'm not sitting this out," she said, voice firm.
I glanced at her, seeing the fire in her eyes. I should have expected nothing less.
Aldric exhaled sharply before nodding. "Fine. Gather your weapons. We ride at midday."
We turned to leave, but his voice stopped me. "Kane."
I turned back, meeting his gaze.
"Watch her," he said, low enough that Fallon wouldn't hear.
I didn't respond. I just gave a curt nod before following her out the door.
â
Midday came too soon. The warriors of Ithrador assembled at the gates, armor gleaming beneath the sun, weapons sharpened and ready.
Fallon stood at the front, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, her expression unreadable. I took my place near her, adjusting the straps of my armor.
The weight of responsibility settled over me like a cloak. This battle wasn't just about defending our kingdom. It was about ending the Brotherhood before they had the chance to destroy everything we'd fought for.
The gates opened, and with a single command, we rode.
The battlefield awaited.