Oskar was in one of the sleighs instead of on a pony. Though he had to look up at her, a knowing edge glittered in his eyes. “You are doubting yourself. Don’t.”
“I think it would be natural. I promised a great deal,” Rakel said.
“Stop worrying. If any mortal can pull off this battle, it’s you,” Oskar said.
Rakel glanced at Phile—who carried Farrin’s sword, wrapped and disguised. “I hope so. If I can’t, I might ruin us all.”
Oskar’s smile was as timeless and knowing as the snow-covered mountains. “You are the Snow Queen, Rakel. Have faith, and step forward.” He gestured at the valley. Verglas troops poured in one end; the Chosen oozed from the opposite direction.
Grateful for the chance to set her musings aside, Rakel drew her shoulders back and tugged on her magic. It sensed her fear, for it doused her like an avalanche. Rakel scowled and tilted her head back, taking control of her powers. It softened under her hands, and the temperature began to fall. She closed her eyes and felt for the ice structures she had made the previous night. They were standing—though she couldn’t tell if the resistance fighters were behind them or not. At the moment, the walls were covered with caps of snow, hiding the resistance troops in darkened caves.
Rakel dismounted Frigid and started walking with Oskar to the front lines. It took several minutes to reach the magic users stationed in front.
“Archers, on my mark,” Halvor shouted as he rode past. A Verglas soldier—Knut probably—blew a haunting note on a ram’s horn.
From the Chosen side came a drumbeat that throbbed like the heartbeat of a monster. It made Rakel’s stomach churn.
Eydìs held a hand to her chest. “They have so many more soldiers.” Dismay clawed at her voice.
“Stand strong, partner.” Frodi removed his gloves and snapped his fingers, cradling tongues of fire in his palms. “We’ll get through this.”
Eydìs nodded, though the creases on her face spoke of worry. “Good luck, Princess. We’ll hold them off.” She smiled.
“Thank you. Phile, which regiment are we facing?” Rakel asked as General Halvor stopped his mount by her.
Phile joined them. “The third, Kavon’s—like Halvor predicted. I think almost all of Farrin’s magic users are present, but none of the mercenaries under him are. It’s all Kavon’s forces, and a few squads of troops Tenebris brought with himself.” She rubbed her mitten-covered hands together and gave Rakel a reproachful look. “Do you have to make itthiscold? Give it a few more minutes, and I won’t be able to feel my nose.”
Rakel eased off on her powers. “Sorry.”
“Everyone is in position,” General Halvor said. “We are ready.”
“Do we let them strike first?” Oskar asked.
“No. I want to use our archers as our first attack, but we will make them come to us,” Halvor said. “Princess?”
Rakel scanned the troops. “You arecertainSteinar will remain in back?” She had argued strenuously against his presence, but Steinar had been insistent.
“Yes,” General Halvor said.
“I still can’t believe you let thekingout here,” Phile said.
Halvor sourly frowned at Rakel. “He gave his word to stay out of combat—which is more than could be said for other royals of the same family.”
“This is a risk we have to take, Halvor. If I can get Farrin…”
“I know,” General Halvor said.
Oskar pointed to the sky. “I believe they’re readying their assault.” Swollen thunderclouds formed overhead. In spite of the cold temperatures, lighting flashed and crackled.
Rakel scowled. “He’s finally learning. He used the warm temperatures and my artificial cold front to create a storm-head.”
“Princess,” Halvor started.
“Done,” Rakel said. There was a large boom overhead as Rakel tapped her powers, this time using them to clear out all warm air. The temperature dropped again, making Phile shiver.
“Darn that boy!” she sniffed.
“Incoming,” Topi called.
