How Shadows Turn to Ash

Chapter 14: Octavia

Nobody spoke when Octavia emerged from her room, a map rolled up in her hand. Friedrich stood with his soldiers outside the castle, not noticing when she walked up, holding out the parchment.

"Octavia-" he said, looking startled at her appearance. "What are you-?"

"The Eternal River," Octavia said before he could dare to try and give her some feigned empathy.

She unrolled the map, showing the blotted X she had marked on the paper, despite the fact that everyone knew where the Eternal River was. "That is where my father's resting place is to be. I want to attend the ceremony. Afterward, I will choose which of your men to take as my husband."

Friedrich slowly took the map from her. Several of the surrounding soldiers paused in their sparring, leaning in with little attempt to pretend like they weren't listening.

"Very well," Friedrich said cautiously. "Is there anything else?"

Octavia pulled her shoulders back, clasping her hands in front of her. "I would like to visit my sister," she said.

Friedrich pursed his lips. Octavia waited. She could see the uncertainty on his face, trying to read between the lines of her request. The clanging of weapons filled the awkwardness before Friedrich ran a hand over his face, giving a terse nod.

"Dainn?" he called because it always seemed to be Dainn. Octavia turned just in time to see Dainn struggling to position his crutch while holding one of his blades. His jaw clenched before he turned to give Friedrich his full attention. "Escort Octavia to see her sister. Be quick about it."

Octavia frowned, eyes flicking to Dainn's missing leg. Dainn himself fixed Friedrich with an incredulous look before giving a taut nod. Awkwardly, Octavia waited for him as he limped over to her. It was clear he hadn't quite figured out how to move around yet. Octavia was a little impressed he was even standing so soon after such an injury.

"Are you just going to stand there?" he snapped at her.

Octavia raised a brow. "Hurry up then," she said and took a few quick steps in front of him. His mouth dropped slightly - as if in disbelief she would dare mock him in such a state. "Why is Friedrich upset with you?"

Dainn readjusted his crutch, eyes narrowed at the ground. "What do you mean?" he asked through gritted teeth.

Octavia shrugged. "He sent you to take me to the dungeons, a journey which includes a trip down some stairs, by the way." Dainn cursed loudly at that. Octavia figured he had probably known that, but given his concentration on moving forward, he forgot the upcoming challenge.

"This is clearly painful for you. I'm presuming this is a punishment."

"Every word out of your mouth is a presumption," Dainn shot back. Octavia rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. Dainn swore again. "He's been making me do this since I got back. Apparently, I'm getting a fake leg or something. I don't know. Friedrich wants to make sure I know how to move either way. He's convinced I can still fight."

Octavia tilted her head. "Can you?" she asked.

A hint of resignation crossed his face, but it changed after a moment into something determined. "I can still breathe, can't I?" he asked.

Octavia considered that.

The plotting part of her had already registered that this was good news. He couldn't ride that damn dragon like this. Assuming he was the only one who could control the thing, that worked out perfectly for her.

Another part of her felt as if she had been shaken awake. What sort of life was one where fighting was the equivalent of breathing? Why was this fight so important to him? It felt as though only the righteous should have this sort of determination.