Page 68 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

I feel my smile drop during the cheers and claps on my back. My eyes flit to the ground. It is such an unfamiliar feeling to want to share an occasion with someone and yet that someone was risking their life in another townto save their kingdom.

A hand rests on my shoulder and I look up into the forest green eyes of my only friend for the past five years. “Come on. Let’s see if there is news.” He seems to know exactly where my thoughts were. I nod and follow him from the courtyard, allowing other warriors and guards to spar among themselves.

Chapter 36: Aradon

Verena

Last night I was sent a message from one of our scouts. A border town we hadn’t anticipated being attacked was close to being ravaged through by Dryston’s soldiers. Hadeon and I left then and there with a handful of our own ready to fight back.

Our journey to the border town of Aradon was fraught with tension and fear. The once lush forests had given way to barren rolling hills, a stark reminder of the destruction that loomed near. The air was heavy with the stench of death and burning wood, a constant reminder of the imminent danger.

As we ride closer, I can see the panic in the townspeople’s eyes. They frantically pack their belongings, desperate to flee before the enemy arrives. In the distance, a small pack of Zoryan soldiers ride as a foreboding threat.

My heart pounds with worry for Eryx, who was facing a similar fate in another town. Every step I take feels like another strong pull to him, my mind consumed with thoughts of his safety. Desperately, I look up to the heavens and pray to the Gods for his swift and safe return home.

Hadeon and I look to each other, already reading one another’s mind. Once we get closer to the town buildings, I dismount the horse, handing my reins to one of the guards.

Hadeon gets the attention of the locals and I jump on to the fountain inthe center of town as all eyes look toward me.

“You don’t know me personally. I am the new Queen of Khyrel, Verena. I am here to lead you all to safety. Zorya has sent soldiers to weaken our country and we will do everything in our power to stop them!”

The townspeople stare at me in disbelief, whispering amongst themselves as they try to process my proclamation. Hadeon stands by my side, his presence reassuring and commanding respect from the crowd. I can see the flicker of hope ignite in their eyes, a glimmer of belief that maybe, just maybe, they stand a chance against the impending threat.

Without hesitation, we began organizing the villagers, assigning tasks and formulating a plan to defend their homes while they rendezvous with a few of our trusted soldiers, who lead the townspeople toward a nearby town. Hadeon’s military expertise paired with my strategic mind prove to be a formidable combination as we prepare for the inevitable clash with the Zoryan soldiers.

We eventually clear out the small village of people and as night falls, all that is left is burnt out candles, previously used for lighting the buildings and the flames of Zorya rearing closer from the south.

The tension in the air thickens, each passing moment bringing us closer to the inevitable confrontation. The sound of approaching footsteps echo through the deserted streets, sending a shiver down my spine. With a deep breath, I steady myself, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

The clash was imminent, but I refuse to let fear cloud my judgment. With Hadeon by my side, I knew I’d make it out alive. Hopefully.

We stand off behind one of the run down buildings, some soldiers placed sporadically around the village in beneficial positions.

Hadeon meets my gaze, our eyes speaking in a language only we know. I nod at him, understanding to stay put and stay quiet— for now.

Apprehension fills the area as we wait in silence, every nerve on edge as the sound of approaching boots grew louder. I can feel my heart racing, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I prepare myself for the battle ahead.

Shadows flicker in the darkness, a prelude to the impending clash thatwill determine the fate of Aradon.

Suddenly, the group of Zoryan soldiers came into view, their menacing figures illuminated by the ominous fully lit moon that engulfs the village. Hadeon’s grip on his sword tightens, his jaw clenches in determination as we watch the enemy draw closer.

As they enter the town square, a moment of stillness hangs in the air before chaos erupts. Our soldiers sprung into action, launching a surprise attack on the unsuspecting Zoryan forces. Swords clash, arrows flew, and the night was filled with the sounds of battle.

With silent footsteps, I draw my sword and charge into the thick of it. My feet pound against the ground as I move with deadly precision, fueled by the adrenaline coursing through my veins. My blade slices through flesh and bone as I fight ferociously to defend our land from Dryston’s invading forces, determined to protect the innocent villagers and uphold our honor.

Blood splatters across my face and body in a vicious red spray as I slash through the enemy soldiers with ruthless efficiency. My biceps scream in agony as I swing and strike, each impact sending jolts of pain up my arm. The ground is littered with bodies — most of them down for the count — but I refuse to let my guard down.

In a swift motion, I drive my sword deep into the chest of a Zoryan soldier on the ground, watching as the light fades from his eyes. As I wipe the blood from my face, I notice Hadeon’s horrified expression as he watches me take down our foes. Confusion furrows my brow as he looks like he’s seen a ghost. But before I can question him, an arrow whizzes past me, grazing my blonde locks with its deadly tip.

My heart races and I spin around, ready to face another attacker. But all I see is a fallen Zoryan soldier behind me, impaled by the mysterious archer’s shot. Cold fear grips me as I realize someone was sneaking up on me, and Hadeon’s earlier reaction suddenly makes sense.

But where did that arrow come from? There’s no one in sight and none of our own soldiers have a bow and quiver. Could there be another unseen force at play here? One that may or may not be on our side? The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as I steel myself for whatever hiddendanger may still be lurking nearby.

A groan leaves a body and I search for them.

A guttural cry escapes from his trembling lips as I close in on him, my sword held tightly in hand. His feeble attempts to crawl away are halted by the cold metal pressing against his back, forcing him to turn and face me. “Verena?” He stammers, recognition dawning in his eyes. But there is no mercy in my heart for him, only a burning rage that fuels my every move. “Why are you doing this?” He begs, his voice shaking with fear.

I feel a surge of anger at the mere mention of my name. “I am merely protecting what your corrupt ruler has taken advantage of. Khyrel and Zorya had a truce for centuries until your king broke it with his unquenchable thirst for power. Do not be fooled, he is not on your side nor has he ever been. I will leave you alive to deliver this message to your commander and king — I am fighting for the innocent people caught in this war of envy that Dryston has ignited. And I will see it through to the end, putting an end to Zorya’s tyrannical reign once and for all.” He stares at me in disbelief, unsure if he can trust my words. But he knows better than to stay in my presence any longer, scrambling away toward a Zoryan steed, desperate to escape the wrath of an avenging warrior on a mission for justice.

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