Golden Fate: A Fractured Nation

Blood King

I awoke to a shred of light beaming across the horizon. The sun would be rising soon and the priestess would be looking for me. For now, the break of dawn was a faint blue light illuminating the fading stars. The sun had not yet peaked, only given a mere glimpse of its radiant light. The fire crackled beside me, the embers long burned out. Nothing more than the smell of smoke and a few blackened pieces of wood remained. I smiled softly at the smell, letting its remnants fill my nose.

Cas stood on the opposite side of the fire, gathering his swords and tent. He swung a large pack over his shoulders before turning to me. "Oh, you're awake." His eyes lingered on me before turning towards the frozen river. "I'll leave first and cover for you. The priestess is rather smitten by me so I'm sure I can distract her from your tardiness." He smirked at me causing a small laugh to pry itself from my throat.

His eyes lingered on me as I laughed. "You sound like her." His eyes were full of sorrow, as if the pain was being relieved right in front of me. He shook his head free of the thought. "forgive me. I need to get going." He offered one last smile before mounting Ghost and taking off down the frozen path.

I sat there, guilt churning in my stomach. I looked and sounded like our mother. A painful memory for my brother that he is consistently reminded of. I was just like her in every way except our personalities. I was not as kind, gentle, nor as loving. I wondered if he resented that about me.

My eyes fell to the newly claimed dagger on my hip. Perhaps he thought giving me the tools to protect myself might save me from a fate like hers. I believe each of us holds a kernel of guilt over her death. Even Ambrose, as cold as he is, mourned our mother.

I wondered if he regretted the cruel way he spoke to her, the vicious tone of his words. The hundreds of times he said he hated her and wished she was dead, maybe he feels like he spoke her death into reality. As if a rebellious little boy could hold such a power over life.

Fael suddenly nudged my hand, pulling me from my thoughts as her cold nose chilled my skin. "Fael, stop it. That's cold!" A glimmer caught her eye and I knew I was done for. She suddenly pounced on me, her heavy feet pushing into my chest.

"You're not a pup anymore! you're heavy-" I pushed against her chest, squirming beneath the sheer size and weight of her paws. Fael looked down at me, purely offended. I groaned, pushing against her with all my might.

Fael snorted, a cloud of frosted air taking up the space in front of her. She was basically laughing at my struggle, mocking me for it. "Oh please, you try to move something triple your body weight." A grumble emerged from her jowls as she flopped her head onto my chest, pinning me beneath her.

"oof." I grumbled, tangling my hands in the fur of her cheeks. "Fael, are you pouting now?" She grumbled, averting her red eyes to the side, but still leaned into my touch. I scratched at her ears, leaning back to stare at the sky. "Thank you, for everything ya mutt."

Fael stared at me for a moment, and I stared at her. I would miss her dearly once I was gone but I knew Cas would care for her. Fael whined, nuzzling against my hand. I patted her head, letting out a groan. "I know. I'll miss you too."

Fael suddenly started assaulting my face with her tongue. The thick, slimy muscle nearly coated my face in her saliva. "Gross! Fael, don't do that!" I squirmed out from under her, standing and wiping my face with my undershirt. Fael sat proudly before me, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. "nasty beast." I flicked a hefty glob of her spit back onto her muzzle. Fael shook her head, pawing at the wet spot on her nose.

I leaned my head back in laughter at the sight. I would truly, truly miss this in the Cove. Fael stared at me a moment before turning her head towards the sun, now cresting over the horizon. "I know, I know..." I sighed, approaching Fael and pulling myself up onto her back. "I suppose we ought to go."