Page 146 of Journey to the Elderoak
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They were saddled, equipped with supplies, and on their horses within an hour. Ava rode her own after having practiced to overcome her nervousness. Casimir had gifted her a beautiful white mare named Bella upon proving her confidence and ability to ride, and Ava leaned forward and stroked her mane, trying to ignore her nerves as they made their way out of the city.
In addition to their core group, they’d brought along a company of eighty soldiers and a group of healers.
Quinn and Raine led the party, with Ava and Casimir following. Jorrar, Kai and Thorne rode behind them with Aelerion and Thalia bringing up the rear, insisting on helping. The group was followed by the rest of the soldiers on their own horses, packed with tents, food and weapons.
They followed the road through town, passing shops, taverns and restaurants, before leaving through the tunnel under the mountains. Ava hadn’t ventured here since she first arrived many months ago. Dark stone walls encased the path, illuminated by glowing fungi and insects, providing subtle lightas they passed. The sound of horses’ hooves echoed in the passage, mixed with fearful whispers of what they may find.
“How long will it take to get there?” asked Ava as they emerged into the forest.
“Two days,” Casimir replied. “If we hurry and only stop to rest briefly.”
Two days? Would they make it in time?
Ava learned Casimir and his friends used to frequent Oakshire when they were younger and were close with the innkeeper there, a funny older orc named Sugha who always mothered and chastised them when they were too rowdy.
The animal companions darted in and out of the woods as they continued their journey. Aro occasionally emerged, checking on Casimir before disappearing again, Luna riding on his back. Titus remained at the castle, occupied with catching insects throughout the forest.
“Are you not capable of walking, Luna?”Ava asked, amused.
Oh I am. But this is much more comfortable and Aro doesn’t mind.
Raine’s white wolf, Sabriel, stayed close to Quinn’s black panther, Bastien, and dozens of other creatures who must have been companions to some of the other soldiers traveled through the woods. Large cats, hawks and other birds, wolves, even a giant snake.
Ava glanced at Casimir. His jaw was clenched, and his hands were tense on the reins as he led his horse next to her. “Are you alright?” she asked.
He turned toward her. “Yes. Just worried.”
“Me too.”
“And I’m terrified to have you with us. You just recovered from the ball and?—”
Ava reached between their horses and grabbed his hand. “Cas. I’ll be alright. We all will. We’re stronger together.”
He let out a breath, still obviously worried.
They continued for hours before stopping and making camp for the night. Ava dismounted her horse, legs aching from being stuck in the saddle for so long, and thanked the soldier who led her away. Casimir parted ways with her to direct the set-up of their camp.
Ava wandered through the soldiers erecting tents and lighting fires with efficiency. They’d chosen a large clearing in the woods, surrounded by tall deciduous trees with yellow flowers glowing in the night. As she passed a soldier preparing a pot of stew, herbs tickling her nose with the promise of a hearty meal, she scanned the group, searching for her brother.
He stood at the edge of camp, staring at the night sky with his arm around Quinn, a pensive look on his face. His giant eagle, Skye, had landed next to them and lowered her head. She gave her a scratch, ruffling her feathers, and Skye chirruped low in her throat, relishing the attention.
Ava stopped on the other side of Thorne. “Are you alright?”
He turned, a smile on his face that didn’t reach his eyes. “Not really.”
“He’s worrying about everything as always,” said Quinn, though she wasn’t sarcastic this time, voice laced with her own concern.
“Is there anything I can do?”
“There’s nothing anyone can do,” said Thorne. “Not until we win this war.”
She stood silent as the three of them watched the stars.
Thorne spoke again, “I fear this is only the beginning of horrific things to come. Death and destruction, hate and depravity.”
The cool breeze whipped Ava’s braid and she wrapped her arms around herself. “Do you think we will? Win this war?”
