Winter's Rebellion

Chapter 12: Beneath Dark Skies

Tristian's POV

I tossed and turned all night, unable to find rest. As soon as the first light filtered into the cave, I rose and began to pack. The campfire had burned low, leaving the cold stone floor strewn with sleeping knights. I paused, scanning their ranks, but Sir Lucian and Sir Percival were nowhere to be found. A feeling of unease settled deep within me.

This feeling grew as I moved among the knights, stepping over bodies and brushing aside those who lay in my path. Some glared at me for disturbing their sleep; others asked who I sought, but I gave no reply. I was too focused on my search.

With urgency driving me, I rushed to the cave's entrance, my eyes quickly scanning the dark forest beyond. The sun was only just beginning to rise, casting faint light through the trees. I stepped out, breathing in the crisp morning air, and my gaze fell to the ground. It wasn't long before I spotted fresh tracks in the snow, leading deeper into the forest.

The storm had eased from its earlier fury, and the snow now lay in a light dusting. I followed the tracks toward a nearby cave where another group of our knights was camped. Just beyond the trees, I saw them—Sir Lucian and Sir Percival—speaking in low voices just outside the entrance.

I crept forward, careful not to disturb the branches underfoot, straining to hear their conversation. But as luck would have it, a twig snapped beneath my boot. Their voices halted at once, and their heads snapped in my direction, eyes locking onto my position.

"Sir Tristian? Are you well this morning?" Sir Lucian called out.

I hesitated briefly, then stepped forward. Regret flickered through me—I had forgotten to bring my sword. Rooting out a traitor in the presence of an entire army would be impossible. But alone? That was a different matter. Annoyance at my carelessness simmered beneath the surface as I approached them.

"Why are you two out here alone?" I asked, careful to mask the suspicion in my voice.

"We were devising a plan to find the Princess," Sir Percival said smoothly.

"Without a map?" I pressed, unwilling to let the matter drop just yet.

Without hesitation, Sir Lucian withdrew a map from within his armor and unfolded it, revealing a well-worn depiction of Eldoria. I nodded, feigning satisfaction, as I studied the circles marking potential locations where the Princess might have sought refuge with Sir Adrian. I took the map from Sir Lucian, tracing the markings with my finger.

"And what is your plan?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the map.

Sir Lucian pointed to a circle deep in the forest. "We are in the valley of caves. We believe they may have taken shelter in one of the more northern caves, nearer to where they were last seen training before the storm struck."

Sir Percival added, gesturing to another mark on the map. "We've also considered the ruins by the river. The terrain is perilous, but it is possible they sought refuge there."

I nodded, considering the possibilities. "Both locations are distant enough that we will need to divide our forces. We must recruit a sizable number of men to ensure her swift recovery."

Sir Lucian glanced toward the northern caves again. "We were thinking of taking a small group to search the other caves while the rest of the knights comb the southern paths. With any luck, the Princess and Sir Adrian will be found by nightfall."

I rolled the map back and tucked it into my belt. "The caves are a solid choice, but I doubt they'd risk the river in such weather." My gaze shifted between the two of them. "We'll split up. I'll lead a group to the caves. Sir Percival, you'll take men along the southern path. Sir Lucian, you will lead another group to the ruins. If it takes longer than a day, we shall meet each other back here tomorrow."