I never imagined that the wasteland—the Sunken Bog—had extended past the mountains and farther into the east. Or that lakes like the one the humans call theToxic Thirstcould form in other places.
Maybe I shouldn’t be so shocked. Before I left, Genova warned that the Sunken Bog was encroaching into the city’s food supply within the wall.
It certainly explains why the fae are so far west.
“What about Milena? Is your hatred of her born from her complicity in the blight that now plagues your home?”
“No, although whatever hand she had in creating it is certainly a cause for hatred.” Queen Karasi twitches. “No, you see, Milena Ironmeld stands at the right hand of the human queen who opposes me. Milena has joined with the human army and uses her power to fashion weapons with which the humans attack my people.”
It takes me by surprise that Milena would have aligned herself with humans here in the northwest when she sent a message with Thaden Kane threatening the human city in the wasteland. I suppose I imagined that her hatred of humans would have extended to their entire race, but maybe it’s all about territory.
After all, her exact message was simple enough: She wants her city back.
It wasn’t a message for the Vandawolf alone. It was for himandme. She told Thaden that the wolf who rules the city had killed her brother, and that the Blacksmith who serves that wolf is a traitor to her people.
Iam a traitor to my people.
The fae may call the Cursed WastelandVadlig Odemark, but Milena called itSvikari Traidor: Home of Traitors.
All of that indicates that her wish to reclaim the city is personal.
Still, the timing seems odd. If Milena is busy fighting a war in the north, I’m not sure why she would have sent Thaden Kane to threaten the Vandawolf now. Unless she believes that the war here will soon be over, freeing her up to attack the south.
I only have theories and no real answers.
Queen Karasi gives a heavy sigh as she turns to me, her golden eyes dull and her shoulders slumped. “Milena Ironmeld has emboldened her leader—nay, I would go so far as to say she has poisoned her Queen’s mind. Together, they have rejected every peace treaty I have offered. Every plea for grace. We managed to make it to this open valley and here we have stayed, caught between humans in the west and the darkness in the east.”
Her cheeks regain some of their color. “If you end Milena, so too will her malicious influence end. And then, we may have a chance for peace. Between fae, humans,andBlacksmiths.”
She makes it sound as though I would become the fae’s ally, as if I could somehow mend the rift that Malak created years ago. I suppose it depends on how she decides to spin it for her people. What story she might tell.
But something doesn’t make sense.
I consider the encampment far below me, taking note of the countless tents and recalling all of the information Gliss gave me about fae power. I have no doubt that the small flame Karasi conjured to light the lamp on this balcony is nothing compared to the damage she could wreak with her fire—the damage a single Solstice fae could do, let alone many of them.
It puzzles me that an army like this could be challenged by any human force, regardless of Milena’s support.
Carefully, I say, “Even with Milena’s weapons, the human army is still only human. And Milena is only one Blacksmith.” I turn to Karasi. “You have immeasurable power at your fingertips and a thousand warriors in your army, all of whom I assume have power of varying levels. You have fierce lightning-birds to carry your warriors across the sky and attack from above. How is it, with all that power, that humans have managed to repel you?”
She looks surprised. “But I thought you knew?”
When my forehead creases, she peers at me more closely.
Her voice lowers to a whisper. “Well. That would explain why you didn’t hesitate when I asked you to kill Milena, as powerful as she is.” Karasi presses her hand to her heart. “My dear child, I find myself suddenly filled with guilt and I don’t like that feeling. Not at all.”
A trickle of fear makes my blood run cold and my command for answers is sharp. “Explain.”
She gives me a bitter smile. “Milena and her humans have crushed us at every turn because they have something we do not.” Her golden eyes are cold as she says, “They have dragons.”
Chapter27
The humans in the north control dragons?
The blood drains from my face.
Of course, I know that dragons exist. There was a time when I thought their existence was a myth, but Milena killed one when she changed Thaden Kane. I felt its power in the imprinted medallion—an immense burn that could rip me apart—and it was a young dragon, not even fully developed.
But the idea that dragons are somehow allied with humansandwith Milena is very unwelcome news.
