Page 73 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“Forgive the interruption, but you have not eaten since before the battle,” Grisden said, his voice carrying the gentle rasp of age. “You must keep up your strength when tomorrow promises to be arduous.”
Jaega felt a smile soften his features despite the gravity of their situation. “Your timing is impeccable, as always, Grisden.”
“It is my duty to anticipate your desires,” the valet replied, setting the tray on the table near the fire. “Particularly when you are too focused on the needs of others to consider your own.”
“The troops are settled for the night?” Jaega asked as he took a seat at the table.
“As much as any soldier can, knowing there is another battle on the horizon,” Grisden confirmed, moving with practiced efficiency to straighten items on Jaega’s desk. “Will you require anything else this evening?”
“No, that will be all. Get some rest. The days ahead will demand much from us all.”
As Grisden departed with a respectful bow, Jaega stared into the orange fire, which cast long shadows across his tent. His thoughts turned to the battles that lay ahead on the road to Norello.
But he had faced necromancy before and survived. He would do so again, not only for himself or for Kitsuki but for every Valzerna soldier who trusted him with their life. Whatever darkness Nasume had embraced, whatever horrors awaited them on the battlefield, they would face it together, with courage and honor.
The fire burned in the brazier, a beacon against the encroaching night.
Chapter 27
Kitsuki
As Kitsuki’s forces marched deeper into Kunushi territory, the landscape transformed from the craggy mountains of the border to dense forests that provided both cover and challenge. Their progress had been steady, despite sporadic resistance from wolf shifter battalions that seemed more intent on delaying them than defeating them. The absence of necromancy in the subsequent encounters left Kitsuki uneasy rather than relieved.
Silence could herald either a retreat or an ambush.
Kitsuki sat in his command tent, reviewing maps spread across the campaign table. The flickering silver flames of the brazier cast dancing shadows on the parchment. His fingers traced the path they would take tomorrow, committing each elevation change and potential ambush point to memory.
Jaega stood opposite him, his orange-gold eyes reflecting the silver fire as he marked defensive positions with small carved tokens. “The terrain grows more challenging as we approach Norello. These ridges would provide excellent vantage points for archers.”
“We will need to secure them before moving the main forces through the valley,” Kitsuki agreed, his voice measured despite the tension building within him. Each step toward Norello brought them closer to Nasume, to confrontation, and to an end to the conflict.
The soft call of the sentry outside interrupted their planning. “Your Majesty, Lieutenant Norkon has returned.”
Kitsuki straightened, exchanging a meaningful glance with Jaega. “Send him in.”
The tent flap parted to admit Rylan Norkon. Dirt streaked his face, and his black uniform bore tears not present when he departed. He bowed to Kitsuki, then saluted Jaega.
“Your appearance suggests an arduous journey,” Kitsuki said.
Norkon stood straighter. “Indeed, Your Majesty. I have much to report, none of it encouraging.”
Kitsuki gestured to the third chair at the table. “Sit. You look as though you have pushed yourself to the limit of endurance.”
“Thank you for your kindness.” Norkon sank into it with relief. A servant appeared with a goblet of wine, which the lieutenant accepted with a grateful nod. He took several sips before turning his attention back to his king. “I flew to Norello as instructed, maintaining raven form throughout the journey.”
“What did you discover?” Jaega asked.
Norkon took a measured breath. “Norello has changed since my last reconnaissance mission. The city appears abandoned. No civilians remain on the streets or in their homes. The markets stand empty, the forges cold.”
It was unwelcome news. Kitsuki asked, “Evacuation?”
“No, Your Majesty. The people remain, but not as citizens. They have been repurposed.”
The word hung in the air, heavy with implication. Kitsuki’s dragon stirred within him. “Explain.”
“The civilians have been conscripted into labor forces,” Norkon continued. “They work day and night without rest, hauling materials to the castle, digging trenches around the city perimeter, constructing what appear to be ritual sites at key points throughout Norello.”
Jaega’s brow furrowed. “What manner of ritual sites?”
