Page 127 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

“I’ll do my best.” I stepped away and joined Viper as we took the stairs to the bottom.

Viper gave his report. “Our scouts have confirmed the Ethereals’ ascension up the mountain. They should be on the ridge above Grayson in the next hour. Clara’s information was true.”

“Looks like you owe Cobra an apology.”

“We both know I don’t apologize.”

“His little tryst with that elf might save our people.”

Viper ignored the comment.

We walked to the southern gate and stood on the ramparts to assess the view. Their pearl-white armor gleamed in the distance, and their blue cloaks matched the color of the sky. Their army had no end, and it was as wide as it was long.

“They left no one behind,” I said.

“No.”

Cobra came to my side and placed his helmet upon his head. “This is so fucked up.”

I looked at him.

“Immortals killing immortals,” he said. “What a waste.”

Father came next, in his midnight-black armor, his helmet upon his head. “Our soil will run red before this day is over.”

All three of us looked at him but said nothing.

“King Elrohir is mine.” Father turned away and prepared to reach the stairs.

“Princess Clara betrayed her people and granted us priceless information in exchange for mercy. We’ve agreed to capture King Elrohir alive in exchange.”

Father slowly turned around and regarded him, one eyebrow slightly raised in surprise. Cobra was the more agreeable son, so his opposition was a notable surprise. Father came back and walked up to Cobra. “She supplied that information because she knows her father is a crook. After the relentless war they’ve wielded against us, I have no desire to grant mercy. My sword will strike him down, and he’ll deserve it.”

“The only reason we have a chance of winning this war is because of her—”

“Then she should have kept her mouth shut.” He turned and walked off, his cloak picking up in a gust of wind. He took the stairs and left the gate to join the Originals on the battlefield.

Cobra watched him go, nostrils flared. “Now I have to fight the Ethereal and protect their king…”

“Your life isn’t worth the sacrifice,” I said. “Father may not even be able to reach him.”

“You know how he is,” he said. “Nothing will stop him.”

“Then we need to get to King Elrohir first,” Viper said. “Capture him before Father has the chance to skewer him with his blade.”

Cobra shifted his gaze to Viper. “You’ll help me?”

“I will try,” he said. “But my place is leading our people.”

Cobra gave a nod. “Thank you.”

Viper stepped away and took his place next to the archers. “Prepare your arrows.”

Soldiers grabbed arrows from a bucket, lit them on fire, and then handed them to the archers.

The archers tightened them against their strings and waited for the order.

Viper stared out over the landscape and watched the Ethereal draw near.

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