He tapped his speed magic and ran across the open field, stopping at the base of the hill. There was freshly fallen snow and rock, but the pull of Rakel’s magic came from higher up.
He contemplated her presence and the possibilities it presented.Based on the hurried flavor to it, I don’t believe they are attacking.He considered trekking around to the sloping side of the hill.Unnecessary,he decided when he felt her magic fade as she fled.She is retreating.
“Sir?” Bunny—out on patrol—popped out of a bush in her red fox body. “You must have felt her as well. Your orders?”
Farrin stood on a knife’s edge of indecision. He should have her tracked and captured if possible. But Tenebris was days away from arriving, and Farrin knew without a shadow of a doubt that when he came, what little peace and joy Rakel possessed would be snatched from her.
“Investigate the hill,” Farrin said. “They are already gone—her magic faded too quickly for them to be here, still—but see if you can uncover who was with Her Highness and what they were after.”
“You don’t want me to track them?”
Farrin hesitated. “No.”
“Yessir!” Bunny, untroubled by the lameness of his orders, bounded away, her red tail flashing against the white snow.
Farrin started the walk back to camp. It took a great deal of effort to suffocate his nagging desire to chase after Rakel, just so he could see her again.
Tenebris will soon arrive, Farrin grimly reminded himself.I must remain focused.Still, for the greater part of the day, snow-white hair and glacier-blue eyes lingered in his thoughts.
The End
CHAPTER 3
ARRIVALS
This short is actually the first scene of Snow Queen: Sacrifice, but instead of being told from Farrin’s point-of-view, it is told from Tenebris Malus’s. Tenebris was an interesting character to write because of his cruelty and the inner workings of his mind, but readers don’t get a chance to see the way he thinks because Farrin is blind to much of it, and Rakel—who probably has the best handle of his character—sees him rarely and speaks with him even less. I hope this scene—and the revealing of Tenebris’s price—interest you and provide a new scope to see the Chosen through.
Tenebris Malus squintedwhen he and his retinue emerged from the forest and rode into the snow-covered field that edged around the Fighting First’s camp. The regiment was lined up in orderly rows, the officers arranged pretty-like.
As usual, the Runt has impeccable control over his troops.It was one of the many reasons why Farrin Graydim was so valuable. Out of all of Tenebris’s colonels, Farrin was undoubtedly the only one who could have made the rank in a real army, and he was the only one who could have successfully spearheaded the Chosen’s sweep north.
But he didn’t. I’ll have to see why that was…
Farrin shouted something, and the Fighting First rippled as the soldiers saluted.
Tenebris chuckled. “He is a showy one.” In no time at all, Tenebris and his men reached the edge of the Fighting First’s forces. Tenebris’s head rang with pain as he dismounted from his horse and tried to settle his helm in a more comfortable position.
“Tenebris!” Sunnira—one of Tenebris’s earliest friends—broke ranks and ran up to him, throwing her arms around him.
With ease of practice, he laughed and kept his body relaxed, even though Sunnira’s slight weight made him close to toppling over. He had to be especially careful with her. Sunnira was a healer—some of the most dangerous magic users for Tenebris to encounter. It was one of the reasons why he had sent Sunnira—the best healer in the army—north with the Runt. “You look well, Sunnira. I hope you have been taking care of my army.”
“Of course,” she said.
Tenebris patted her hands and passed off the reins of his horse to a soldier. He stretched his neck and strolled towards Farrin Graydim.
Farrin held his salute. “Sir.”
“At ease, Farrin,” Tenebris said. He slapped Farrin on the shoulder and smiled genuinely. Working with Farrin was as close to relaxing as Tenebris could come.He’s the only colonel who is too stupidly loyal to stab me in the back.
“Thank you, sir.” Farrin motioned for his regiment to drop the salute. They complied.
Yes, the perfect soldier he is.“Still as well organized as ever—and a sight for sore eyes. Kavon lets his mercenary troops run wild like savages.” Tenebris nodded—making the pain in his head increase twofold. “I cannot fault him. Those without magic are little more than animals—though it is good to see you have broken yours into submission.”
Farrin straightened his shoulders. “It is our honor to have you with us.”
“I’m sure.” Tenebris shielded his eyes from the brilliant sun. “It has been too long since I’ve ridden with you and the Fighting First. I look forward to speaking with you—and Sunnira.” Knowing it was expected of him, Tenebris smiled at her.
Sunnira cocked her head. “What took you so long to come?”
