Broken, but Not Defeated

Chapter 45 (Caldina)

I mount Azrial and turn to Mave. "Keep an eye on Juliana, and don't let the prince near her, understand?"

"Yes, commander."

"Good," I say, "Same as last time, we meet at Hoolan Hole." Directing Azrial, I lead my witches towards the south. The wolves lead the way except, unlike last time, the forest seems to be teeming with life. Owls hoot, night birds chirp, and squirrels race across the floor. Once we reach the meadow it is filled with herds upon herds of deer. The large oak trees that made up most of the forest's large population were beginning to sprout leaves, The rare moon roses were beginning to bloom, and green moss and grass were beginning to carpet the earth.

"Let's go," I say, mounting Azrial. I lead my group of witches Hoolan Hole.

"Commander, you won't believe it," Sienna says.

"What?" I ask.

"The forest is brimming with life," Sienna notes. We both turn at the sound of horse hooves.

"I'm guessing it was the same for both of you?" Esta asks, jumping off her horse as her party rides in.

"If you mean the forest was completely different from last time, then yes," I say, squatting down to pull a thorn out of Artic's paw.

"Oh, that is not at all what I was going to say," Esta says. "The west is the same as last time, empty, like a black void."

"Oh," Sienna says. "Wait didn't we find a letter that said to go where the wild things are?"

"It might mean the west. After all, your aunt's palace is in the west," Esta says, leaning on a rock. "What do you think, Caldina?"

"A trap," I say, "The only plausible thing I can think of is that it's a trap. Esta's right, my aunt lies in the west, the Fae in the east, and the humans are in the south. Any one of them could have sent that letter to get us to put our defenses down. My best decision is to let it go." I walk towards Azrial. "Mount up!" I command, swinging into the saddles we set off.

"Caldina?" Ingrid queries, riding to the front. Usually, I would never have allowed her to do that, but I'm too tired to say anything.

"Yes?" I say, slightly annoyed at the interruption.

"How many soldiers do you think will ride at our side?"

"As many as I can get."

"Really?" She questions, giving me a look.

"Listen, Ingrid, if I knew the numbers, so would the rest of thirteen. Other than that, I don't know. Now back into formation!"

Slowly the gates creak open, dismounting I look up at one of the windows and I see movement, Looks like my witches weren't the only people on the lookout for me. Cyrene makes her way to me.

"The prince hasn't moved all night. He must be waiting to make his move."

"Good," I say, nodding my head. "Any news from King Levindal of the Fae?"

"None so far," Arietta says, pushing open one of the double doors.

"Nothing?"

"Nothing," Cyrene agrees. "Oh, there is one thing!"

"What?"

"Mave and Juliana are downstairs in the junk room."

"What!" I snap, wheeling around, I sprint for the door, just then Mave appears in front of me.

"Calm down, Caldina. She was just looking for that boy's stuff. She'll never find out the truth."

"Good." I say, turning back around. My eyes settle on a Fae ambassador running down the stairs.

"My lady, I just got a letter from our King, he said he'll be here in five days to pick up his brother, and his brother's mate," the Fae says between breaths. I clench my fists.

"Very well, Cyrene, prepare a room for our esteemed guests," I snap, storming past the others, I march up the stairs towards my room, then stop. I spot Anya walking in the hall parallel to the one I'm in, and it looks like she's carrying extra clothes. Interesting.