From the Ashes

Chapter 54 ~ Clashing Armies

Morana knew the day had come before word arrived. She woke before sunrise and sat at her window, watching the sky bleed crimson. A heavy stillness hung in the air, like a breath being held for fear of breaking the silence.

    By the time Arlon came to retrieve her, she had already donned her mother's leathers. They fit perfectly, hugging her form to follow her movements and protecting her every weak point.

Noxbane was sheathed on her hip and Lonan's dagger at the back of her waist. Orilight was strapped across her back, the hilt within easy reach behind her shoulder. She'd tied her hair back first in several small braids to keep it from falling across her face, then into one large one to hold it all in place.

When Arlon knocked on the door, she was ready. She found Neeri standing behind the male, already dressed in similar apparel. Her dark curls were tucked into tight cornrows, then coiled into a bun at the nape of her neck.

Someone had given her friend a sword and dagger of her own, though Morana was sure she'd use her claws, and perhaps her fangs, more than the weapons. Her eyes glowed a vibrant red, proof that she'd recently fed. Judging by the bandage wrapped around Arlon's wrist, he'd once more supplied her with some of his blood.

"Rehema is waiting with Lonan and Gaelen beyond the village entrance," Arlon reported by way of greeting. "She wanted to leave from there so we won't frighten the villagers." He glanced back at Neeri, then at Morana. "I'll be outside. Don't be long." He set off down the hallway, granting them a moment's privacy.

"You look like you're ready to give them all Hel," Neeri said with a sharp grin.

"I'll do my best," Morana replied. "That monster is going to pay for what he's done. Just..." She sighed and took Neeri's hands in her own. "Just don't give me another reason to make him suffer. I have too many already."

"I'll do my best," Neeri echoed. She drew Morana into a swift embrace. "I'm going with Lonan and Arlon to free Tarion. That way there will be at least one person there he might be able to trust, instead of two strangers."

"Thank you. Keep him safe. My father too."

"I will."

They released each other and made their way down the hall and outside the building, joining Arlon by the entrance. From there, the three of them strode through the village, heading towards the entrance. Morana couldn't ignore the gazes that followed them.

It seemed the whole village had gathered to watch them leave. She spied Astrelle, Neoma, and their children among them. Neeri gave the females a small wave and smiled at the children. Morana said nothing. She just looked at each face she passed by. There was so much hope in their eyes, but so much fear as well.

If she failed today, if she was killed and Astaroth survived...or worse, if he managed to achieve his goals and use her to Ascend himself, their hope would be gone. She couldn't even guarantee its return in the next thousand years. If Astaroth was a god, there would be no hope of destroying him. She would doom her people to an eternity of slavery.

Their gods could not save them. Not without giving up their immortality to return to the world, if such a thing were possible, and if Astaroth made himself one of them, what were the odds he would destroy them next?

No, there could be no failing today. She would destroy Astaroth one way or another, even if she had to destroy herself along with him. Morana raised her chin and squared her shoulders, forcing an air of confidence around herself.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Astrelle's hand move. When she looked at the female, she had placed a fist over her heart and fallen into a bow. The villagers around her were doing the same.