A World Away

47. The second battle

Az was scrutinizing the armies when Eve found him at the crack of dawn, staring at the distant plains with furrowed brows. His shadows too had gone quiet in anticipation. Mor must have winnowed her in after they had come back from the estate. He still couldn't believe Jurian was not an enemy of their now.

She came and stood beside him quietly, clad in fighting leathers. She would not be fighting today but, in case something came up, she was to be ready. "It never gets easy," he finally said, breaking the peaceful silence. Eve didn't say anything, only staring at the horizon how Az had moments ago.

"People will die today," Eve said, almost to herself. Az nodded. "Don't die," Eve said, finally looking at him. Her eyes were begging him to stay safe- she couldn't lose another close one, it might just break her. "I will come back to you," Az said, staring into the eyes he had come to love yet never dared voice. "Good," Eve gulped and went back to staring at the first rays of the sun.

******

Jurian had been right. The army was exactly where he had said it would be. The Illyrians met them at the border between Spring and Summer Court. And since Rhys had cloaked their armies, Hybern were needless to say, unprepared and shocked when Rhys had un-glamoured them.

Eve had stayed back along with the sisters. They did not have wings to join the Illyrians in the sky nor did they have the experience to join the Darkbringers on foot. So, Eve stayed back on the high ground, along with Mor and Feyre as they watched the armies clash. Elain and Nesta were safely back in their tents.

Cassian, Azriel, and Rhys spread out amongst the front line, all clad in that black Illyrian armour. Their helmets made them look like death angels who would destroy everything that stood in their path. Eve's breath hitched as she watched them and sent a prayers to the Gods to keep them safe from even a scratch. She prayed for every single soldier that fought today- may Mother keep her children safe.

The battle that took place was not chaotic. It was precise and clean- if one could call a battle that. The legions fought as one, impenetrable unit, never faltering.

Soon, after much bloodshed, Eve saw as Cassian selected the general who did not turn and run as others as his opponent. Fighting as if the battle had its own symphony to which he danced, Cassian made his way to the commander.

He didn't stop moving, seemed to know where every opponent fought both ahead and behind, seemed to breathe in the flow of the battle around him. He let his Siphons' shield drop too- to get close, to feel the impact of the arrows that he took in that ebony shield. If he slammed that shield into a soldier, his other arm was already swinging his sword at the next opponent. He was a force no one could stop.

This was Cassian in all his glory. This was her friend with whom she had spent so long with. Though, right now, he was not Cass, he was Cassian, the Illyrian with seven red Siphons to his name, the general commander of the High Lord of the Night's armies. This was the soldier who gave death on swift wings.

Every single soul seemed to stop what they were doing as Cassian threw the spear in one precise blow at the commander. It went right through the commander's chest, so hard it knocked the male clean off his horse. By the time he was done falling, Cassian was there. His sword caught the sunlight as it lifted and plunged down. The armies, seeing their commander dead, outright started fleeing. He had picked out the right opponent.

But, as the army flew in hopes of saving themselves, they were met with Tarquin' army. And then, the outright slaughter of the Hybern army happened from which Eve had to avert her eyes from. "It's over," Mor breathed after eternity. Eve looked up again only then only to see some soldiers on their knees, Tarquin walking to where the Hybern soldiers now lay in a line.

Some died then, water coming out of their mouth. Some were taken away, to be questioned Eve was sure. Eve couldn't bear the screams that now filled the air. So, she busied herself with going to help the injured and bruised.

They soon winnowed to the edge of the battlefield where the camps were once again set. Eve didn't say anything, only went to help once again. Mor had given her a look of concern which she had brushed off- now was not the time for Eve to feel anything. She had one goal, that is, to help. And thus, with that in mind, she did not let the feeling of complete helplessness and loneliness entrap her as she held down a soldier who screamed in agony when the healer started her work on him.

The second battle was over, yet it only felt as the beginning of many more to come so, Eve couldn't find it in herself to be even a bit relieved at the fact that they had won this one. Only dread and anticipation was there in her chest as she went to fetch more bandages for the Darkbringers who for once, did not sneer or pass any comment.

Az visited her once, worried when he hadn't seen her with Feyre or the sisters. Mor had informed him and Az had promptly left to find her, wanting to see her once before he left to scout again. He found her outside a healer's tent, carrying a bloodied water bucket. She looked at him and blinked. Then slowly, so slowly she wandered her eyes all over his body- searching, Az realized for signs of injury. "I am not hurt," he said hoarsely, walking closer to where she stood stiff. Eve nodded, satisfied.

"Why aren't you helping alongside the others?" Az mummered. "It is easier with strangers somehow." She said quietly. Az nodded, understanding what she meant- in front of strangers who did not know you, who did not care as much, it was easier to remain broken and yourself, knowing that the strangers' opinion would mean nothing. It was a safe haven of sorts.

"I need to go again," Az said almost mournfully after a few moments of silence. "Stay safe," is all Eve said. He nodded and was about to leave when Eve suddenly let go of the bucket that she had held in her hands and rushed to hug him. He accepted the hug. Hell, he even bent down a bit and buried his head in the crook of her neck, taking her scent in, letting it replace the metallic taste of blood that surrounded them, letting it soothe the aftermath of the battle.

"Look after your Shadowsinger," Eve said and Az realized belatedly that she was talking to his shadows which had curled around the two. His heart clenched.

After what Az thought was too less a time for a hug from Eve, she let go of him and nodded, giving him a forced smile.

"Remember to take care of yourself too," Az said softly and left before his senses and emotions overcame him and made him do something mad- like kiss her. 

Happy reading :)

XOXO,

the amazing author