The Winter Phoenix (WAYHAUGHT)

The myth

Nicole was right. Had Bulshar remained in Halsingdor he would have ordered Bondicus not to kill her. Or her consort. For reasons known only to him he wanted both alive. Had Bondicus heeded Bulshar he too would still be alive and not a pile of ash being swept up from a dungeon floor.

Was it stupidity on the part of Bondicus? He knew only too well what Bulshar would do to him when he found out. He had seen what Bulshar had done to Tomos. Was it that he had had enough of being Bulshar's pet ruler? Perhaps, although for all intents and purposes he was the ruler of Halsingdor, even with Bulshar's shadow looming over him. Was it that he knew something about Bulshar others did not? Whatever it was, Bondicus had made a strategic calculation, one which he believed would pay off in his favour. What Bondicus hadn't factored into his calculation was whatever transformation was going on inside Nicole.

The portraits returned to the walls, Waverly's ring found, Nicole listened to the commanding officer left in charge while Svane and his army marched on Saker's Keep. "His plan is to force them to surrender by starving them out," the officer explained. "He has time on his side. Unlike those who reside within the fortress walls."

"How big an army does he have?"

"More than enough to get the job done. Enough to block carts carrying supplies. Enough to weaken his opponent sufficiently without incurring a lengthy battle, or too many losses on his side."

Nicole paced the room, deep in thought. If I go after Svane with those prepared to follow me it would serve little purpose, his army is many days ahead, and better equipped. I'm guessing he took only those ready for the journey and the fight. Those left behind will not be enough for my purposes. "Bring me a spear," she ordered.

A guard was ushered in, kneeling before his returned ruler, holding out the weapon for inspection. She had held one only once before, closely guarded they rarely fell into enemy hands. It had come to her as Svane's men besieged her kingdom, systematically destroying small villages on their way, burning crops, stealing children, her efforts to stop the onslaught frustrated by her enemy's superior fire power.

She studied the blue shard attached to the tip, its length no more than that of her thumb, no thicker than a piece of parchment, it danced before her eyes as sunlight hit its jagged edges. Beautiful yet deadly, it sickened her to think how many lives might have been taken by this primitive weapon. The memory of the old villager returned, begging for his life moments before it was so casually, so mercilessly killed.

More memories flooded her mind, of the fallen on the battlefield, of those who would not be returning to their families. Fighting against this, against those equipped with such weapons was not the way forward. But, what was the way? Even if my men are armed with these spears I will never win. Kate is right, I need to control the source.

"We go to the mines," she announced.

"My liege," the commanding officer replied. "Saker's Keep needs us."

"How many men did Svane leave behind?"

The commanding officer took a step back. "A little over two hundred."

"And, how many marched with Svane?"

The commanding officer paused. "Close to eight hundred."

"He outnumbers us four to one," Nicole replied. "Even with those in Saker's Keep prepared to fight, we stand little hope of defeating such a well-equipped army."

"Forgive me, my liege," the kneeling guard interrupted. "Many have gone there to fight against Bulshar. Prince Xavier among them."

"He's alive!" Nicole said. "How do you know this?"