Daggers of Ice

Chapter 19

Chapter 18:

The Western Mountains.

Corradyn.

The castle was just as he remembered – built into the side fiery mountain, shrouded by enchantments and dark magics. And from his position on the throne that rose from the ground like vengeful, he fumed.

Lilyn sat on the stairs, the midnight fall of her dress pooled downwards as she rested her head lovingly on his knee – a pretty decoration with vermillion eyes and tempting lips. As a woman she had been beautiful but his blood, which would enhance one's greatest ability, made her near irresistible. She had always been his greatest tool; she had been his first follower, the first joined to him and she would always be the one at his feet. She would be his greatest tool when the emissary's flooded in, seeking to join him.

And they would come.

He could not make his move yet; not against the impertinent Arianna of Charn or the Kings and Queens of Narnia. He had yet to amass his army; for his followers had dwindled in his absence.

So while he gathered troops he would break down their defences one by one, starting with the pretty little Ice Queen who had entrapped Jadis within her mind.

He had felt her, the White Witch, fighting the girl who had become her prison.

"Dryad!" he beckoned.

She appeared before him, her eyes on the floor. She was one of his favourites, a pretty little thing so willing to serve. Her awakening had been delayed and as such it was not entirely complete; her body had lain 'dead' for too long. And though she had been a close servant of the Ice Queen, there were gaps in her memory. Perhaps she could ascertain a weakness in the emerald-eyed girl.

"What do you know of Arianna of Charn, the Ice Queen who holds the witch inside her mind?"

The dryad titled her head to the side for a moment, her lips pulling downwards in a frown as she thought. Trying to remember.

"Who might know of her weaknesses?" He clarified. The very thought of the young woman caused his blood to boil; for she had dismissed him with such ease.

The witch had not educated her thoroughly.

There had been nothing in her bearing that had told him she knew who he was. And what he was to her.

She had been kept in the dark.

"There is a northerner-brother, named Faelar," she said in her musical voice, one that perhaps used to be lively. Then she shook her head, as if she were in pain. "He is her protector-guide, he would die before betrayed her." Her brows furrowed once more in thought. "Jenari, perhaps he would know. He spoke of her plans often. Before I...before the fire, he asked me again if I could...confirm what he was saying."

So there was a northerner who knew all of Arianna's plans.

"My lord, forgive the interruption," the voice came from the side of the room. The man stood, bowing deeply and Corradyn recognised him as one of the new followers, who'd yet to bind themselves to him. His eyes did not yet burn with fire, but their inky depths were fervent. "For Jenari is no longer part of the false Ice Queen's court."

"She is not false."

The man paled, all colour leaving his face at Corradyn's sharp tone. How dare he, a weakling sorcerer insult Arianna. The one whose blood ran thick with magic.

"Forgive me, great lord. I meant no disrespect," sweat beaded on his brow and Corradyn knew it had nothing to do with the flames that flickered. "Jenari no longer serves Arianna. He has gone to Cair Paravel, to betray the f- Arianna to the Kings and Queens of Narnia."