Chapter 38: Amber’s POV

Ok I know that there has been a lot of dialogue these past few chapters but I promise that there will be more action very soon.

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His speech was perfect. It was everything it needed to be and more. I could feel the change in atmosphere among the people as his words were spoken, the fire of hope burning brighter with each sentence. I could never understand why my parents, especially my father, followed Sage so blindly. I could never understand their unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm to carry out her work. I mean we could ask for no better Queen, but I never thought she was anything special. But now, looking at my best friend inspiring hundreds of people so effortlessly, I understand. It’s not because they believed in the Queen, but they believed in their friend.

But yet another thing I will never understand is how Liam doubts himself so much.

Once he finishes a deafening cry of support rises from the people around me. I join in, me and my parents’ roars reverberating across the field. I glance back at the people that have been entrusted to me by Liam, and I can't help but feel pride. In the past few hours I had begun to learn a little bit about the group of people I had been assigned to command and protect, and I had come to appreciate each and every one of them. Their loyalty inspires me, and I know they will fight with the true hearts of warriors, despite being nothing but commonfolk.

Then I feel a sense of dread overcome me and I falter. I have never fought a true battle, not like my parents. I have fought a few humans and creatures over the last few months but nothing like this. Nothing this…big.

Sensing my unease, my father gently bumps his shoulder to mine, despite being almost double my size.

“It's going to be fine.” He says in that familiar way us dragons have of speaking.

“What do you mean? I never said it wasn't. I'm good.” I respond back.

“But you thought it.” He says playfully.

“Since when can you read minds?” I fire back.

“Always have.” He smirks my way and I can't help but let out a humorless laugh.

“You know, Amber, I was too hard on you before.” He says after a while. “I tried to stop you from going on that mission and I said some things I shouldn't have. I guess I saw myself in you, and when I was your age I wasn't ready to take on the world yet. But you...you're more than ready. I know that now.” He explains.

“Don't sweat it, pops.” I flick him with my tail and he chuckles.

“I love you so very much, dear.” He responds and nuzzles me. I smile and close my eyes, savoring the feeling of his embrace. “And whatever happens, know that I'm proud of you.” He pulls back and my yellow eyes meet his violet ones, and I can't help but feel my sense of dread deepening. I should say it back. Why do I feel such an urge to say it back?

“You did tell the triplets the same, I hope?” Mom chimes in playfully.

“Of course, dear. I tell them I love them every time we leave them anywhere, though I doubt they hear me. They’re too busy arguing over who can fly better.” He laughs, turning to his mate. Mom approaches me and looks me up and down once before smiling and nodding. Immediately a sense of validation surges through me.

“It’s a wonder they haven't taken each other's heads off yet.” I smile.

“I'm sure they would if they could- '' Mom trails off when she sees Dad go rigid, his head outstretched to get a better look at something.

“Heads in the game, everyone.” He says, his ears perked and his eyes carefully analyzing something in the distance. “We’ve got company.”

My heart hammers in my chest as I come to stand in front of my troops. This is it. This is the moment. I flex my wings and roll my shoulders, preparing for the fight ahead. I glance behind me at Reid, leading her own squad. She meets my eyes and offers a soft smile which I return. I shoot her the words “Don't die” in her head and she smirks, mouthing “You too”. Kate stands in front of me, so I'm unable to make eye contact with her, but if I could I imagine she would look just as terrified as we all feel.

At the crest of the hill, leading the humans and creatures alike, Liam watches the army form at the bank of the river. I watch intently as well, taking note of every move and every inch the troops shuffle. Ivar, the only one on a horse, breaks off from his army with four officers, and trots towards us. The sound of weapons being made ready echoes through our ranks, and Liam simply holds up a hand to signal us to wait. I crouch down, ready to spring into the air at any moment, a heat building in my chest as fire is cultivated there, lying in wait.

When Ivar is at the base of the hill he holds both his hands up in a sign of nonhostility, and his voice carries over the field.

“Liam! How good it is to see you.” He says.

“This can end one of two ways, Quentian.” Liam says, his voice tight. I can't imagine how hard it is for him not to run and strangle the man right here and now, I know I would. “EIther we come to a peaceful truce, or a battle commences and blood from both sides is spilled. Which do you prefer?” It's silent for many moments as Ivar stares up at us, his horse shifting nervously and his officers glancing around.

“Is Sage well? I heard you were looking for the antidotal flower. You might not believe this, but I hope she survives. I really do. She was too good of a ruler to be put down like that. Such a shame it had to end like that.” His voice is heavy, yet not one person sympathizes.

“‘Such a shame it-’ You chose to poison her! You chose to kill her! And now you want to say that you're sorry?” I believe my father says something to him in his head, because he pauses, looking off into the distance for a moment, and sighs. He takes a second, closing his eyes briefly before setting his gaze back on Ivar, clenching his fists tight. “I will repeat myself only this once Ivar You either agree to come to a truce, or we attack and take no mercy on you or your men.”

“Aha! So you have become the King that the rumors told of. I applaud you, Liam, it is not an easy thing to do. It takes years to become so wise in the way of ruling, yet you've done it in mere months. Congrats!” He claps a few times, his gloved hands muffling the noise.

“Answer. Now.” Liam says through clenched teeth, his fists shaking. This man really is insufferable. Suddenly, Ivar’s previously friendly face goes dark and intimidating.

“Hate to break it to you, Liam, but no one here is backing down. I cannot back down unless I wish to be slaughtered by my own father, my troops cannot back down out of fear from their families being murdered by me, and you cannot back down out of the knowledge your people will be hunted by mine. So, it appears we are at a stalemate.”

“It appears so. Until of course, someone makes the first move.” Liam counters.

“Indeed. But, unlike most board games, those who make the first move are not always those who prevail. Choose wisely, young KIng.” He smiles, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.

“I would say the same to you, but it appears you have already made the worst choice of your life.” Liam straightens his back and glares down at the man. He only smirks and spurs his horse, turning it back the way he came.

“See you on the battlefield then?” He calls over his shoulder, but in a moment he's out of earshot. Still, Liam calmly replies, “You can bet on it.”

The people might be too far away to see it, and don't know Liam well enough, but I notice him fold in on himself ever so slightly. His strong posture and set shoulders crumble for a moment, as if the weight of this battle becomes apparent on his young body for only a second. Once the moment passes he is back to the strong facade of a king.

After a long few seconds of silence Liam turns back to us, unsheathing the sword that had been gifted to him by one of the only blacksmiths left. He weighs it in his hand, testing the balance and taking a few half-hearted swings. He’s most definitely going to end up tossing it away in favor of a weapon he's more comfortable with once the battle starts, but for now he keeps it. Most likely only for appearances.

He doesn't say a single word, merely makes eye contact with as many people as possible, his mouth set in a hard line. Whatever happened to the lines in the corner of his eyes from smiling too much? Or the smirk that always seemed to rest on his lips? Or the mischievous glint in his eye? What happened to the carefree prankster I had become friends with? Because the man standing in front of me is not him, not anymore. Though, I’m still torn on whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

There is nothing more to be said. Nothing more to be done. The vulnerable are safe, deep in the forest with the physician. The warriors have been prepped and ready. The right words have been spoken to light fires of hope in the people. Motivation is high, and tensions higher. All is ready.

All that is left to do is for someone to make the first move.

His eyes find mine, and for a split second a flash of that old, wonderful smile graces his lips. But just as soon as it appears, it’s gone. I take a deep breath and find myself making a vow. If not to the goddesses than to myself. I will keep both myself and Liam alive long enough to see that smile again. Neither of us will die today.

And as if the fates themselves were sealing the deal, a shiver runs down my spine, the semblance of a presence just beyond my conscious thinking, just beyond my ability to recognize it. It’s that same feeling I had when I stood face to face with the fate of death, The Ender. I will carry out this vow, with the goddesses and fates as my witness.

Finally, LIam nods. Just a simple nod. But a ripple of pride carries throughout the crowd. We’re ready.

A deep, thumping sound resonates throughout the field. It's rhythmic, sounding at the start of every second. Then another one joins it, a slightly different tone, sounding right after the first. Then a third, a constant beat. A fourth, then a fifth and finally a sixth.

War drums.

Liam turns one final time to face the army. Our potential doom, but also our potential triumph. My impending sense of dread deepens, the pit of my stomach seeming to open up.

The drums swell to a haunting crescendo, before abruptly stopping. All is silent for many moments, the people shifting nervously, a wave of anxiety crashing through our ranks.

Then, piercing war cries rise up from Ivar’s troops, and they charge.

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Word count: 2016

I SWEAR THE FIGHTING WILL HAPPEN SOON I SWEAR

But I just can't rush into it, can I? I got things to write! Emotions to make! Suspense to build! I'm working ‘ere, I'm working!!!

AnYwAyS, got any predictions for the future? Hopes? Dreams? Theories? You know I love them!

Oh and I won't be posting another until after Christmas so Ill go ahead and wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and happy holidays! I hope everyone gets everything they want and has an amazing time with friends and family.

Cya next week!