Sacrifice (The Snow Queen #2)(62)

The room—once bright and exuberant—turned quiet and grim.

“We will win,” General Halvor said. “Our goal, however, must be to limit our losses and prepare ourselves for the possibility of another invasion in several years if we do not stamp out all the Chosen officers.”

Rakel’s stomach rolled. This isn’t what I thought it would be like. I thought it would grow easier, and everyone would be happy and free afterward. All of this fear and death—blast that mirror!

Rakel rubbed her eyes. “We will need to face Tenebris in the next two to three weeks,” she said. “Any later, and everything will be in bloom.”

“We are limited to the locations to which Tenebris flees,” General Halvor said.

With this exchange, the room began to lighten again.

“Our Snow Queen,” someone murmured.

Rakel smiled in affection, but at the back of her mind, their reaction nagged at her.

“We will pull out of Tana in three days and march south,” General Halvor continued. “During our march, we will stop at one of the villages that were razed so we can witness what Tenebris has done.”

He means we have gotten complacent. If we don’t see the slaughter, it is easy for us to brush it off. Rakel thought.

“That is all I have to say. Thank you.” Halvor bowed stiffly.

The meeting adjourned; the crowd began to disperse. Rakel, however, remained sitting, contemplating Halvor’s words.

“Is everything alright?” Farrin asked. His eyebrows were raised in a subtle expression of concern, and he brushed her shoulder with his fingers.

“Yes, it’s just…we’re winning.”

Farrin nodded.

“But it doesn’t feel like it. Towns are razed; villagers are slaughtered…” She trailed off.

“Life is far more complex than humanity would want. Just because you win doesn’t mean everything will turn out well,” Farrin said.

Remembering her talk with Kai, Rakel said, “But there are still things worth fighting for.”

“Of course,” he agreed. “Unfortunately, Tenebris lacks mercy and will do his best to bring as much damage upon Verglas as possible even as he loses.”

Recalling the way he had very obviously wounded Farrin when Farrin was still in his services, Rakel pressed her lips together. “He’s searching for the mirror. That’s why he sent the teams north.”

“Presumably.”

“How many know about the mirror?” she asked.

“Of the Chosen? Not many. But Tenebris was not the only one to learn of it.”

“You mean groups besides the Chosen know of its existence?” Rakel asked.

“Assumedly,” Farrin said. “I cannot say for sure, but I don’t believe he discovered its existence by happenstance. Tenebris is too purposeful for that.”

Rakel fell silent and stared at her hands.

Farrin placed his hand on top of hers. “I know it feels hopeless, and the knowledge of the slaughter he has committed is horrible, but you have to remember what you’re saving your people from. You cannot allow yourself to take responsibility for his actions. You should be proud of all you have accomplished, Rakel.”

He squeezed her hand. Without thinking, Rakel repositioned her palm so their hands were intertwined, drawing strength from the connection. “Thank you, Farrin.” She drew back her shoulders and smiled at him. “It can be difficult to remember what we’re doing is right.”

Farrin, who had been admiring their hands, raised his eyes. “You are burdened with many responsibilities, but you have done well. Even before I sided with you, I admired you for your loyalty and courage.”

“I’ll have to be the one to face Tenebris, won’t I?” Rakel asked, her dread building.

“Not necessarily. Liv’s powers might prove to be more fatal to him.”

Rakel looked across the room where the female magic user smiled brightly at one of Farrin’s underlings. “I don’t think I could ask her to.”

“She would do it,” Farrin said.

“Yes,” Rakel said. “She’s plunged headfirst into his magic to save others. Though she feels inadequate, she has courage like I haven’t seen…but…”

Her magic isn’t meant to hurt others. And mine…mine is meant to protect. But how can I face him and win? If I took his life, wouldn’t that make me more like him?

“We can find another way. As I recall, you’ve had an antipathy for killing since you started the resistance. No one will force you to change that stance. If you can capture him in ice, I can help you,” Farrin said.

Rakel nodded. She could feel his heat leaking into her through their joined hands. Though it felt a little strange, it was oddly relaxing. She squeezed his hand, released it, and then stood. “I will think on it.”

“Don’t take too much of this burden on your shoulders,” Farrin warned.

Rakel smiled. “I know. Come—Crow has Bunny cornered. We should grab him lest she reacts violently. Soon, your healer won’t be able to fix his nose anymore.”

Farrin stood and glided behind her. “As you wish.”

The door to the mess hall creaked open. Out of the corner of her eye, Rakel saw Gerta—her cheeks wet with tears—peer inside. “Farrin, could you see to Crow and Bunny?” Rakel asked.