Those blasted snakes weren’t as fast.
The wave hit the riverbank, sweeping everything in its wake. The water seeped far inland, covering all the Serpents’ destruction and reclaiming its territory.
Though I convulsed on the ground, grim satisfaction twisted my lips as the gigantic snake which had ended Geryll’s life flailed in the waves. It wasn’t strong enough to fight the full force of nature. Hissing and squirming, it was carried away by the water before it engulfed him fully.
But it wasn’t enough. Nothing would be for what had happened to Geryll.
The ground shook as the wave passed us, roaring and spraying us as it went, as if in warning. It had witnessed what we mortals had done.
But the embankment Kylian and the warriors had built held true.
“Proper Blood Brotherhood craftsmanship, that,” he said.
My lips twitched in what should have been a smile. But I still hadn’t regained full control of my body. Blood now coated my lips, dripping from my chin. I must have looked like a ravenous wild beast.
Good.
The battle wasn’t over.
But we’d broken the invaders’ ranks.
Those abominable soldiers had been swept away along with the snakes.
Kleonos was running for his life.
We finally stood a chance to win.
“Leave some of the Serpent soldiers for me,” I muttered, the words barely audible. The daggers pulsed against my chest, eager to be freed from the baldric and taste blood once more.
Through our connection, I felt Allie’s relieved laughter. It filled me with hope and pride.
This win would not bring Geryll or any of the other warriors back.
But it would avenge their sacrifice.
So that it wouldn’t be in vain.
So that no others would suffer.
For that, forcing myself to the brink of death had been worth it.
“Do what you must for the good of the Blood Brotherhood.” Zandyr unsheathed his sword with a hiss. “But the Serpent general is mine.”
Chapter 64
Allie
Solkar’s Reach greeted its triumphant warriors with heavy, icy rain.
Its people wouldn’t be deterred, though. They’d faced winters that would have made my bones brittle, so a little drizzle was nothing but an inconvenience to be ignored as they formed long lines on either side of the main road leading to the fortress.
Most cheered as the warriors marched through, blood still swirling in their pommels.
Some hoisted themselves above the crowd, trying to peek at the ranks, eyes darting for their loved ones. Few covered their mouths, faces crumbling when they didn’t see them.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed the trolls watching the procession, grunting between themselves. Everyone and everything in the crater had gathered for this moment so many of us had feared would never come.
As for the warriors, their smiles were wide, yet some had deadened gazes they tried to hide. Gods knew how long the horrors of battle would haunt them.
