“On it.” Tristano gallops out in front of me with Charen at his side. They speed to the top of the hill right as she crests it, her armor glinting gold. One of my soldiers.
They reach her right as she falls from her horse, and Charen barely manages to catch her before she crashes to the road.
“Keep them marching,” I tell Brock, then speed up.
Charen carries the soldier to a grove of trees along the hilltop, and Tristano guides their horses into the shade.
“What news?” I jump from my horse and kneel next to them.
“They’re already here, marching through the barrier.” She coughs, blood streaking down her chin and marring her armor. “Nightsbane is destroyed, leveled. They overran the defenses. They pushed and pushed, trying to gain a foothold, and they have. They’re not far behind.”
I press my palm to the ground and send my senses toward the border. The light fades the farther I go, a great shadow spreading its wings and raining destruction.
Charen removes her helmet and rests her head in his lap. “Have you been bitten?”
“No. But many have. Many are changing.”
“Soldiers?” I take her hand.
“Yes.”
“How many?”
She coughs again, her eyes closing. “Most.”
“Most?” Charen looks up at me.
It’s one of the only times I’ve ever seen him worried.
“Some sent to the Ancestors, some turned. The seekers aren’t just biting, they’re trying to infect with their venom. Sinking their fangs into our hearts.” Her eyes close, her voice growing weaker. “Turning us quickly. Then we fight until we burn to dust.” She groans when I push a wave of healing magic through her. Just enough to stop her from dying.
“Thank you, my lord.”
“What’s going on?” Emma asks.
“Eraldon’s horde is turning our soldiers.”
I can feel her shudder through the bond.
“Any news of Everett or Bladin?” Tristano gently wipes the blood from the soldier’s mouth.
“They live. Retreating, then gathering the forces and plunging back into the fight. It’s the only thing that’s held them at bay.” She tries to sit up.
“You should rest here.” I stand and mount my horse.
“I can ride. I can fight.” She sits up and rises, shakily, but grips her saddle.
Charen helps her up, and she grabs the reins. “I fight for the realm.”
She takes her helmet from Charen and pulls it on.
“Join the rear of the column, soldier.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She rides away down the line as Tristano and Charen mount their horses. A plume of smoke rises on the horizon.
“Hurry.” I spur my horse, and we shoot along the rows of soldiers until I’m at the front, Charen and Tristano following.
“Our first wave has been all but destroyed,” I tell Brock.
