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Would I ever be worthy of such a woman?

Breathe, Reynard. She is the light this world needs. You are the sword that defends her radiance. My Sanika needs you more than you can ever imagine. Let them worship her. You and I will love her the way she deserves.

I steadied my breathing, the unwavering certainty in the dragon’s thoughts centring me.

‘She’s not a deity, Tymon. Just a woman who went through hell and came back stronger,’ I muttered.

‘Oh, I know it, but they need something to believe in. And they chose her,’ Tymon said, turning towards the edge of the cliff. ‘And if we have to believe in something, why not her?’

His last words were barely a whisper. I didn’t want to hear more of his nonsense. Sana would hate it, so I walked away from the cavern, leaving the place of death to its legend.

‘I miss you, Viper. I miss you so much,’ I murmured, walking down the slippery steps.

From above, my army looked like a sea of men and horses breaking ashore. They were disciplined, already positioning themselves for a long march. Above, the dragons of Ozar circled, patrolling the sky.

Cin, connect with Vahin and tell him everything the smuggler told us about the ballistae. I don’t want any unnecessary casualties.

What are your plans, Rey? He asked.

Wipe out the Tangrian forces and erase Tivala’s castle from existence, then find Roksana and march to the Gates. If she succeeds, we’ll have the means to end this once and for all.

His approval warmed my heart. I mounted my horse and looked up. Cin’s crimson wings swept through the sky. He must have sensed I was watching because he roared, sending plumes of smoke and fire into the sky. The other dragons joined in, heralding our arrival.

My men launched into a marching song with such force that even my battle-worn stallion danced under me. I exhaled and pulled on the reins before heading to the front of the column, where Ivar awaited with the rest of the officers.

‘Two campaigns in one year, my lord. You are truly the War King.’ My Lord Marshal turned to the soldiers, gesturing for the drummers to set the pace.

‘Let’s hope it’s the last war on our soil,’ I answered, as my army moved forward like a well-oiled machine.

I had nothing left. To the east, I could only hope Care’etavos would keep Lumivitae in check. Here, I faced the Tangrian army with a fraction of the force I had when we fought the second Necromancer’s War, and just like before, the future of my kingdom rested on the shoulders of a single woman.

‘If things go on like this, maybe Dagome, like Care’etavos, should start worshipping the dark mother,’ I muttered, and Ivar’s gaze snapped to me.

‘My lord?’

I forced a smile. ‘It’s nothing. Let’s go. It’s time to win this war.’