FORTY TWO

Raven and her father’s army hid in the Varinian trees, keeping out of sight. Once she had given orders to the general, she made her way to her sister. “We’re ready to attack if need be. Father gave me the army no problem.”

Penelope scowled. “You know, just because we agreed on not killing each other doesn’t mean my hatred towards you isn’t still there. You agreed to be a shadow, so be a good shadow and zip it.”

Raven was going to say something in reply to that when a thick red mist appeared out of nowhere, silencing them as it formed in front of them. Raven nodded to a couple of her soldiers and they followed her to the front of the line, waiting to see what was going to come out. Her hand on the ready, she eyed it intently, her purple eyes glowing with anticipation.

Mortezan came out of the mist, his eyes glaring at everyone as he stepped through. He stared up at the sky and closed his eyes, inhaling through his nose and out his mouth. “Varin,” he said coldly. “The place where it all started.”

“Father,” the two girls said in unison.

“Penelope. Raven.”

Raven looked at her father, smirking. “You did it.”

“It took some time, but yes I did.”

“How does it feel?”

“It’s not my body, but as of right now, it will suffice.” He turned his gaze toward Penelope. “This is still your mission. Ready our soldiers. We’re going to battle.”

Penelope stepped forward, taking charge. “Yes Father.”

Raven was furious. The very thing she had told him not to do, and he went around and did it anyways. How am I supposed to protect him when he doesn’t heed the words that I tell him? She looked at the villagers and growled, her purple eyes glowing menacingly. She started to shake, her hand on her hilt as she walked toward the front of her army. The way she saw it, if he didn’t care about what she told him, she didn’t care about what he said to her. She lunged her sword in the air, causing her people to shout and issue out their war cries. She was bloodthirsty; she wanted to unleash her fury. She looked behind her, searching for her father and when she did, smirked in his direction. The line of villagers were ready to defend Shinguard. She smiled, recognizing the overwhelming sense of fear stimulating from them. “But first…” Her eyes glowed red as she charged maliciously toward the village…