The Ashes Wake

Chapter 15: Lana

LANA
"I was sent to Rowan Forest during the shadow wolf civil war as a veteran, but what I saw there made me feel as if I was a youngling-new and scared shitless. The ground was so affected by the wolves' many shadow switches that some of our troops disappeared into the dirt all together. Blood spattered the trees, tufts of fur blew in the wind. I think the moment I seeped into the ground was the moment I decided I'd retire from the Militia. My duty and honor wasn't quite worth feeling as if I'd be a shadow for the rest of my life."

Report given by Militia Soldier Luike Remender
6302 Year, Majira Season

-

Before they rode out, Lana was sent to Theodora to have her side treated. They'd shared a short goodbye, the Tonist in tears while Lana hugged her with a blank face, still overwhelmed by her sister's appearance.

It would take a mere day to reach Highborn Castle, which stood at the edge of the Imperial Capital, the second largest and most important city in not only Kifalme Colony but the entire Realm.

Lana was most concerned about what had become of her sister. After Chief Enzo called the battle off, Lyra had been drug back into her gate of the stadium, all the while Lana screaming after her. The Royal Militia allowed her a few minutes to grieve, but then they too walked her to the opposite side and into the skeleton of the stadium.

Lana knew she was still in shock-from being chosen for the Royal Militia and from meeting her long lost sister within the blood stained walls of the arena. They were two things that didn't make sense, two things she would never have thought possible. Chief Enzo allowed Lana her daggers, but she was told to bring nothing else.

Now she was riding on a royal Wendigo, its massive body lined with thick muscles. Lana knew the journey to Highborn Castle was so short only because of their speed and stamina.

The creature was beautiful with a mane of shimmering orange hair and a pelt of pale yellow. Lana had only heard of Wendigos-four legged beings with stocky thighs, two long tails, and obsidian black hooves-but to see one, to ride one-was a different experience entirely. It felt like a machine with a thousand parts moving under her. Apparently, the Wendigos could run as fast as Darklyes could fly when galloping.

Soldier Kent, riding beside her, must have sensed her examining the creature. "They're good for battle too," he yelled over the hooves meeting hard ground. "Their large jaws can crush even a Glareum's arm!"

Lana studied him. He was of Sanguinem descent, which painfully brought the thought of Clyde to her mind-they hadn't even been able to say goodbye. But despite the same lineage, that was where their relations ceased. Kent was tall with firm arms and black skin. His hair sat in fine little waves, much like the thick and smooth tone of his voice. The Wendigo he sat upon was larger than hers, and its mane and pelt were different shades of blue. The eyes were a deep violet.

"How aged are you?" she asked as Chief Enzo slowed his massive Windego to a brisk walk, the rest of the Royal Militia soldiers following suit.

"Sixteen," he replied. "Only been in for a year, but if you work hard you can climb the system pretty fast." He patted his creature's neck, which shone with sleek sweat. "Penrose and I were assigned calvary a week after I arrived at Highborn Castle."

Lana nodded. So the Windegos had names. "What does my creature call to?"

"Sunburst."

It was a fitting name, with her bright colors.

Chief Enzo turned and spoke over their small group of seven. "We still have half a day's ride until we exit Oceanum and cross the border into Kifalme. Until we vacate the urban terrain, keep your Windegos at a comfortable trot."