Element [The Darkling]

Chapter Three

I did my best to sleep that night, but it was difficult. I can't tell if it was the nerves, the pure fear, or the nightmares that kept waking me. Perhaps it was everything all at once.

But dawn had broken and the camp had started to wake when I shrugged on my uniform and made my way out of the tent for a brisk walk about the camp. Something to get myself going before I boarded the ship that would take me straight to Hell.

"Cheer up, Dubrov." I looked up from my walk back to see Mikhael staring off to my right, his cup in hand. "The Black Genral's here to save the day." He added, his tone sarcastic, voice dry.

My head snapped as I turned to see a carriage with black horses rush into the camp, passing by us all.

"Oh, is he going to tear down the Fold?" Dubrov asked as he brushed his teeth, oblivious to Mikhael's sarcasm.

"No, I was being sarcastic."

"Oh."

"He's a Grisha, not a miracle-worker." Mikhael muttered.

I took steps backwards, concealing myself behind the tents as I turned to make my way back towards the cartographer tent. I could feel it.

Aleksander was riding in with the Black General. I remembered the way it felt.

"Mal!" I hissed, slapping the side of the tent and going over to the opening. "Mal, look." I said urgently, and Mal led the cartography team out to see what the fuss was about.

"Is it him?" Alina asked, poking her head over Mal's tall shoulder.

"General Kirigan." Mal replied.

"The leader of the Second Army, here to grace us with his presence?" Raisa asked with a cheerful tone. "He must believe the new skiff will be a shining success."

"Or a spectacular failure." Alexei replied, and I winced, lowering my head.

"Alexei!" Alina scolded.

"What?" He asked, and then he saw Mal and I looking back at him, not pleased. His face fell, and he looked down in shame. "Sorry, Mal. Astrid."

"Do you think he's coming with us?" Mal asked, looking back at the rest of us.

"If he does, then you know what he believes." Alexei replied.

"He's a shadow-summoner. There's no use in him going with us. He'll only do more harm than good." I replied, skeptical of the idea.

"Are we children, or are we soldiers?" Bodhen demanded as he passed by the people of the First Army, who had stopped to watch the Black General come in. "Get to your posts and pack your gear. Skiff launches in 20. Sergeant! Get your crew ready!"

"Mal, you're with me son. Astrid, you too." Yure said as he handed us rifles. "Chin up," He added with a grin, seeing our apprehensive expressions. "I've crossed it three times without incident." He rolled down his sleeve, and sure enough, there were three scars on his forearm. "You'll get your first soon enough."