Sacrifice (The Snow Queen #2)(61)
CHAPTER 13
TO MARCH SOUTH
Several days later, Rakel sat in the mess hall in Tana—between Farrin and Steinar—listening to General Halvor give the latest updates.
“As long as we continue to avoid coming into contact with the Chosen’s main army—which includes the likes of Tenebris and his two colonels, Grimick and Kavon—we have an upper-hand in the war,” Halvor said. “When our soldiers and magic users work together, they are much more difficult to face on the battlefield. The Chosen Army does not enjoy the same benefits of cohesive forces and teamwork. In fact, our scouts estimate that less than a third of Tenebris’s mercenaries remain with him. Many of them surrendered in combat, and even more of them are leaving voluntarily.”
Several people clapped, a few whistled, and almost everyone smiled.
“By using the resistance’s hit-and-run techniques, we have managed to strike key points in the Chosen offense. I am pleased to announce that Tenebris has pulled out of his northern-most camp, has abandoned most of his northern fortifications, and has retreated south,” General Halvor continued.
“King’s toes!” Phile exclaimed.
The atmosphere of the room brightened as people were further encouraged.
This doesn’t seem right, Rakel thought. Tenebris is brutal. Why is he retreating instead of laying waste to us? Concerned, she glanced over at Farrin. “Could this be a ploy to get us away from the mirror so Tenebris can snatch it in secret?”
He flashed her a small, reassuring smile and draped his arm over her shoulders. “Your clever general has scouts and spies in place around the mountain path, and I have eyes on Tenebris. If he directs a team north, we’ll know.”
General Halvor’s expression turned somber as he continued. “However, the southern villages and towns have paid dearly for our success.”
Everyone quieted and returned their attention to the general.
He gestured to Bunny and Snorri, who stood behind him. Bunny had her right arm in a sling, and Snorri had bandages wrapped around his head, two black eyes, and a broken nose. “Our scouts report that three villages and two cities have been razed. These were fortifications already under Tenebris’s power. He destroyed them and slaughtered hundreds.”
“Even though they were under the Chosen’s control?” an officer, Colonel Danr, asked.
Halvor nodded grimly. “Furthermore, with the loss of his sellswords, Tenebris has changed tactics and has broken up many of his magic users into teams—like we have—of five to twenty. He has sent them across Verglas to destroy whatever they can. Some of you have encountered them.”
He set his gaze on Rakel and Steinar. “Two of these teams have been sighted west of Ostfold. Both times, the forces were scared off. However, I am sending some of our magic users north for additional security.”
West of Ostfold…that’s where Ensom Peak is…and the path that leads to the mirror. Rakel started to lean into Farrin—seeking his warmth as reassurance—until she realized what she was doing and fixed her posture.
“We have succeeded and accomplished incredible feats given our odds, but now comes the most difficult part of the war,” Halvor continued. “As the tide continues to turn in our favor, we will be put on the defense and struggle to hold as many of the settlements in Verglas as possible against pressure from Chosen magic users. Some of the villages will be evacuated, and the refugees will be taken to larger cities or sent north to Ostfold. Even with that approach, our forces will be thinly spread.”
“What you’re saying is that we cannot afford to let this war continue much longer,” Oskar—sitting in the first row—stated.
General Halvor glanced at Rakel. “For more than one reason.”
Steinar’s face creased with worry. “We need to have a direct confrontation with Tenebris, don’t we?”
“Yes,” General Halvor agreed.
“The heaviest losses we’ve faced were in our second battle against him,” Colonel Danr said.
“I am aware, but if we don’t paralyze their main force, this war will grow long and bloody,” General Halvor said.
“What about assassinating Tenebris and his top men?” a magic user asked.
Rakel warmed to the idea. It would spare the people of all the bloodshed facing him head-on would cause.
General Halvor looked to Farrin, who shook his head. “Can’t be done.”
“Why not?” Rakel asked.
“For as long as I have known him, men have been trying to kill Tenebris. He’s never been caught off guard. It is conceivable that somewhere in the world there is an assassin good enough to kill him, but it would take a long time to find such a person.”
“But our scouts manage to get close to him,” Eydìs argued.
“Yes, but the scouts also lack the necessary attack power,” Farrin countered.
“What about you?” Frodi asked.
Farrin shook his head. “My magic does not work well against his cursing powers. Mental attacks are hard to counter. I’ve managed to deflect his attacks, but only when he is in direct contact with me. I can evade them, but that won’t help us. As far as I know, Rakel is the only being alive who can stop his curses before they are placed. Liv’s ability to purify his magic is extremely rare as well, particularly because Tenebris often kills anyone who can do so.”