Page 146 of Her Ivory Flame

“Are we safe now?” an elderly lady asked a few feet from her.

She rose letting go of the boy and let out a long breath. “For now,” she said with a firm voice. “The enemy has given wings to its abominations and Mydalsa is at risk.”

She could hear voices whispering around her and people glancing around with worried looks.

“We will make sure to protect our home, just like before.” Kaden started, his eyes glazing at her. “This time we have our Queen to help.”

Tears formed in her eyes, that statement making her heart leap and she could feel the tension around them melt.

“You are safe to go home.” she gestured to the trail back to the village.

People started to head back towards their homes, hugging her as they passed and she couldn’t help but let a few tears slide down her cheek.

The battle had been won, but they still had a war coming and she only hoped her power would be enough to win it.

Xander and Boone stayed in the village to help the villagers while the rest of their group headed back towards her longhouse.

“I'm so glad you are ok,” Raine said, squeezing her hand as they entered the large main hall.

“I could say the same to you.” She smiled back.

“This is yours.”

Raine handed her axe back to her and she nodded in thanks. It had been strange to be missing that weight on her hip but she had known it was in good hands.

“So, are you ready to go kick some butt?” Finnley teased.

“It’s not going to be that easy.” she groaned.

“We still need to figure out who is behind the betrayal and the attacks.” Kaden sighed.

“I think we keep my power a secret for now.” she suggested. “It gives us an advantage.

“I agree.” Kaden nodded.

The large wooden door opened and she saw Xander and Boone saunter in.

“The village was untouched, it seems everyone was able to return home.” Xander said with a long breath.

She glanced in his direction and could see the exhaustion in his eyes, and he knew it was warranted with how hard he fought. All of them seemed to be that way, including her.

“How long until we need to return to Elnora on time?” she asked towards Kaden.

“We had a few days but I’m thinking we should leave tomorrow and spend a night on the road in case he has people out scouting for you.” Kaden replied.

“I agree.” Xander nodded.

Raine and Finnley were sitting on the other side of the table, both looking like they were holding the other in gratitude they both made it out.

“You think Emris will blame us for the attack?” Boone asked casually.

“If Silas or whoever is behind it spins it the right way, it is a possibility.” Kaden groaned.

“Ok,” she started, her hand resting on Kaden’s arm as they kept standing in the middle of the room. “We go back on the road and if Emris tries anything stupid, I will take care of it.” she smiled hesitantly. “I have my power back and he is no match for me.”

“We can’t just take out the king.” Xander barked. “We need a plan.”

“We will see how it goes and make it up as we go.” Kaden snapped, obviously annoyed with Xander’s tone.