Page 10 of A Dawn of Gods & Fury

We remount, and I follow Zander as he moves toward the wall of cavalry, my heart thumping in my throat. I wish I could erect an air shield in case of stray arrows. Surely, no one would attempt something as foolish as to shoot either of us.

Even battle weary and covered in blood, Zander sits regal atop his horse. “Soldiers of Islor! My name is Zander. Some of you know me as king, while others will refuse to address me as such. In these coming dark days, it does not matter which side you choose as long as you listen to me now, for time is not our ally.” His deep voice carries, riveting all eyes to him as he lets his stallion pace several steps to the right, then to the left. “Cirilea is in the throes of rebellion, and we do not know its fate. King Atticus left for the east to fight against Kier soldiers, welcomed into our lands by eastern lords who plotted to carve up Islor for themselves. They are the true traitors to Islor, and they will be judged for their treason.”

Amos’s eyes widen, the news a genuine shock to him.

“But Islor has far bigger woes than simple traitors. The rift is open.”

Gasps sound.

A curse slips from Lord Rengard’s lips.

Zander searches the faces before him, studies the range of terror, fear, and anger painted on them. “As I am sure you have all noticed by now, we have entered a new age, one with hope for all. The blood curse that has plagued us for two thousand years has ended. The poison that taints Islor’s mortals is no longer our concern. That is thanks to Queen Romeria of Ybaris!”

I struggle against the urge to shrink as countless eyes grip me.

“Queen Neilina is dead. Under Queen Romeria’s reign, the Ybarisans are no longer a threat to Islor. There will be no battle against them. We are now united against a common enemy, and with Ybaris and Mordain at Islor’s side, we will prevail!” His voice projects confidence that I let seep into my bones, hoping it will ferment.

But, aside from the odd whinny or hoof scrape, the army remains silent. No cheers, no claps, nothing to hint where the people of Islor’s heads are at, which king they believe in.

Do they believe him?

Will they follow him?

Zander nods, more to himself. “The rift welcomes your swords as we battle for the future of Islor. Our realm will need every one of you in the coming days.” Abruptly, he turns.

I canter alongside him, back to where Lord Rengard and General Amos wait.

“Have them move into camp as soon as possible,” Zander orders, his tone giving away nothing of his mood.

“When do you anticipate another attack?” Lord Rengard asks.

Zander peers up into the clear blue sky. “As soon as the sun goes down.”

Elisaf greets us as we arrive back at camp, Caindra’s shadow passing over on her way to her stone perch.

“You have returned already.”

“I did not need to cross the bridge. The Ybarisans were on their way here. Her Highness’s new commander and Mordain’s Shadow leader.”

I sigh with relief. Two of my only allies survived the night. Not that I should expect less with the skilled fighters, but a part of me worried that the other Ybarisans might be more of a threat to Kienen than the Nulling beasts, given his allegiance to me.

“They brought a dozen healers with them, at Kienen’s request. Some of their strongest.”

“Proving his worth yet again.” Zander nods with satisfaction. “Where are they now?”

“The healers are at work in the tents. The others wait near the gates, but—”

“Best speak to them at once.” Zander kicks his heels to his horse.

“They found Lord Telor,” Elisaf says in a rush, stalling him. “He is wounded. A healer is with him, but she did not appear confident when she saw him.” His tawny face furrows. “How he still breathes is beyond me.”

Zander’s gaze flitters to me, and I see the question in his eyes. Lord Telor is perhaps his most powerful ally in Islor’s political arena, even more so than Lord Rengard. But what is more, he is an old friend.

I shake my head. Not even a spark of my key caster affinities shows itself yet.

Elisaf hesitates. “If you have anything important to say, I would say it now. He is there.” He nods toward the large canopy nearby.

“Go to him,” I urge. “We’ll find Kienen and Solange.”

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