Mark if Destiny

by K. T. Webb

  “You seem awfully tense,” Legacy observed when they were far enough down the tunnels that she thought Renata would not hear them.

  Honor shrugged. “I am just overly concerned about what will come. So many things remain unknown in Alderwood that I fear we may make the wrong choices as we fight this battle.”

  “That is nothing new for me. Renata has raised me to take on the role of Queen. It has been drilled into my head from a young age that one day I will rise to the throne and restore Alderwood. Every day I live with the fear I will not meet the expectations that have been placed on me.”

  Honor had doubted her own abilities with near perfect consistency since the beginning of the adventure she now found herself on. But she had lived her life believing herself to be a poor orphan. Legacy had been destined for greatness from the beginning, even the name bestowed upon her ominously predicted the things she would do for Alderwood. Though, Honor did not know if she was supposed to be Renata’s legacy or the legacy left behind by Alderwood. She certainly was not going to be her father’s legacy. Similarly, Honor’s own name was obviously chosen with a purpose. She was, again, certain Renata played a role in each of their names. She was supposed to be a leader who would bring the Gildi back and fight for the wild magic to be free from the Shadow Mages once more. It was poetic to name such a leader for an admirable quality that would rally the troops around her.

  “Legacy, do you feel like our lives were planned for us before we were even born?”

  “There are times I feel that way, yes. But I always remind myself that even when Renata tells me what I am to become, it is ultimately up to me. I am not a prisoner here. I could leave if I wanted. I choose to stay because, after everything I have learned about where I come from and where I may be heading, I want to be a part of the revolution that will bring an end to this era.”

  Honor weighed her words. There was no denying the truth and passion behind what Legacy said. The more she thought about it, the more she felt the same conviction. No one forced her to follow the breadcrumbs Renata left for her. No one was forcing her to journey to Frosthaven.

  “I see what you mean. I have to keep reminding myself that I am here of my own volition. Renata may have set up the events before me, but that does not mean the choices were not mine.”

  They were nearing the mouth of the tunnel to set Honor on the road toward Frosthaven. Frigid air drifted toward them through the opening, beckoning her into the frozen world outside. Honor was glad she had accepted the extra layers Renata offered her as Legacy shivered under the plush cape she had draped over her shoulders. She turned to face her sister.

  “I will be back as soon as I can. I will direct the members of the Resistance to return to Kilgore. I hope the others are able to return soon, as well, and that I will be back in time to receive them.”

  “We will be waiting for you. I have complete faith you can do this, Honor. Stay safe.” Legacy pulled her into a tight embrace. “I will see you in a few days’ time.”

  Walking away from the caverns at Kilgore was one of the hardest things Honor had ever done. Behind her, her family and safety waited for her return. Ahead of her, days of uncertain travel through unforgiving terrain seemed to call her forward. She was unsure how long it would truly take to get to Frosthaven, but Renata had warned her of some of the creatures and conditions she may encounter along the way. Honor pushed away the nerves that threatened to send her running back to the arms of the sister she barely knew. She was part of something bigger than she had ever imagined, and this was just the next step in the journey that would change the world as she knew it.

  Chapter 18

  Honor huffed through the thick scarf wrapped around her face. Her legs ached with exhaustion with every trudge through knee-deep snow. The fury of winter was in full force. Wind whipped around, sending the wispy snow into cyclonic towers that drifted along before disappearing. From the location of the sun, Honor determined it was well past noon, and she was heading west. To her right stood the mountain chain that was home to Mount Crystalline. As long as the mountains were to her right, she was heading for Frosthaven.

  The exposed skin around her eyes had begun to hurt. Renata had made sure she was bundled up with sufficient layers to keep her from developing frostbite on her journey. Luckily, the afternoon sun provided some warmth. If it were overcast, she would be much colder and would feel the urge to find shelter already. Winter in Milltown had never been so bitter. It was no surprise few people settled north of Alderwood. Beyond the mountain range was largely unexplored because the conditions were too harsh for humans to survive. According to Eirny, that is where the impaisos came from years ago. Now what remained of their race was in hiding—scattered across Alderwood in the aftermath of being kept as slaves. If anyone could find them, it would be Rowan and Eirny.

  The Ice Forest did not have a clear path through it because so few people made a regular trek through the icy wilderness as they did in Ternion Forest. Thin white trees accompanied the occasional evergreen, snow drifted between them creating a labyrinth of frozen walls that changed with the wind. It would be easy to get lost if Honor was not careful.

  Once again, she looked to her right. The mountains were still there, closer than they were before. It was reassuring and terrifying all at once. If the wind picked up, and the snow whipped around her, she would be stumbling blindly through unknown territory.

  Noting that the sun was beginning to dip, Honor knew she would need to find shelter for the night. Unforgiving winds would lead to deadly temperatures if she slept in a tent. There was no way she could sleep under the stars or climb a tree and sleep on a secure branch. Not only did she need to protect herself from the elements, but the idea of unknown dangerous creatures lurking in the darkness chilled her to the bone. Being a skilled hunter able to protect herself should the need arise was different from being the hunted. There was always a chance of facing something she could not overpower, something she had never seen before. Honor began to watch the rocky hillside to her right and searching for anything that may provide shelter overnight.

  Soon after she began her search, the wind shifted. Honor had come to know anything was possible with the wild magic of Alderwood, but it still sent a thrill through her when a hand appeared to form from the air surrounding her. It wasn’t solid. It appeared to be made of whatever rode the breeze; leaves and snow swirled around where there should have been flesh and bone. The hand turned Honor toward a large drift. The snow appeared solid as though it was a light dusting of the powdery substance clinging to a mound of ice. Honor approached the spot with caution, but the hand urged her on. Howling erupted from somewhere nearby. Fear rooted Honor to the spot as she drew her bow and nocked an arrow in place. The hand pushed at her back causing her to stumble forward. From her new location, she saw the drift protected a small cave opening from the snow that threatened to infiltrate it. Another howl shook the earth. It was closer and much louder than she had expected. Honor had never seen a wolf big enough to make the sound coming from whatever creature was approaching, and she had no interest in seeing such a creature up close. With a final shove from what she decided was a wind spirit, Honor slipped into the narrow opening.

  Inside the cave was small but seemed perfect for her to hunker down for the night. After checking for other entrances or exits into the cave and determining that there were none, she laid out her sleeping pack. Since there was only one location where air could move in and out, she decided it would be unwise to start a fire. Thankfully, Renata had packed plenty of food that did not need to be cooked, and the sleeping pack was lined with a heavy material to keep her warm.

  Honor did not realize just how exhausted she was until her stomach was full. Despite not being confident of her safety, Honor fell asleep almost as soon as she burrowed into the pack she had positioned against the cave wall with a clear view of the entrance.

  ***

  When she woke, she was disoriented. It was dark and cold. Honor shivered
against the sleeping pack. The idea of crawling out of the only thing that was keeping her warm made her snuggle in even deeper. She had no interest in leaving the protection of the cave. It was hard not to become discouraged by not knowing how much longer she would need to brave the elements to reach Frosthaven. Not to mention having no idea what she would find when she arrived. Would there be members of the Resistance or would she find the heathens rumored to live in the north?

  Honor managed to muster the will to arise. She sat on the soft pack eating a few pieces of a sweet cinnamon bread and staring at the blank walls around her. When she finished her breakfast, she packed her things and approached the cave entrance. Outside, the sun was reflecting brightly off the brilliant white snow. Near the cave entrance, oversized paw prints appeared to have paced back and forth outside the cave undoubtedly searching for what the creature could smell but not find. Honor was infinitely pleased she did not have to face the owner of those paws. With a heavy sigh, she began her trek for a second time.

  By midday she was ready to rest once more. Though it had been hours since she had seen any living creatures she could not shake the feeling of being tracked. It was not a feeling she was accustomed to and certainly did not enjoy. She needed to find a way to turn the tables before whatever followed her decided to attack. Honor found a felled tree that provided the right amount of shelter to keep her from being seen. She walked past it before circling back to crouch beneath the hollowed-out trunk. Staying perfectly still, she waited for the animal to arrive.

  Minutes ticked by that felt like hours as Honor’s legs cramped under her. Her patience paid odd when the creature appeared, sniffing the air and pacing in circles. From her vantage point, Honor could tell the animal was built to kill. It looked nothing like the giant wolf she had pictured when she heard it howl the night before. A sleek white and gray speckled body looked smooth as leather. It walked on all fours like a wolf, but the long snout was pointy and sharp teeth hung over its bottom lip. Beyond the physical attributes that made it hideous, the creature was massive. It would easily overpower her in an attack. Honor observed the animal, wondering how long it would be before it realized where she was. As though it could sense her mounting fear, it turned its long snout to look directly at her. Honor froze in place, terrified it would attack when it caught sight of her. The wide-set eyes were a milky blue. They seemed to be swirling from within almost like the marbles she had played with as a child. It sniffed once more in her direction before sauntering forward, still searching for its prey. Her fear had been for nothing. The creature was blind.

  Honor left her hiding spot with caution and followed at what she thought would be a safe distance. She stayed back far enough that it seemed he would be unlikely to sniff her out. The breeze was not blowing her scent toward him. As long as it was ahead of her, she should be safe. She followed along, allowing herself to drift closer every so often to allow it to keep her on its radar so it continued to track her. Honor knew she would have to kill it at some point, but she wanted to be certain it was alone before she did. If these animals traveled with a pack nearby, she would be in trouble. What if they were not all blind? If it was an ailment that only afflicted this one, the others would spot her without a problem.

  The creature appeared agitated as the sun was starting to set. It spun in circles, sniffing the ground like a dog searching for a place to relieve itself. Honor held her breath when the animal ran toward the bluffs to her right and deftly climbed until it was out of sight. With her bow and arrow ready, she spun on the spot keeping a keen eye open for any movement. When there was none, Honor decided the creature must have caught the scent of something more accessible. She remained on guard as she crested a hill. Relief flooded through her at the sight of lights and buildings in the near distance. She had arrived at Frosthaven.

  Honor began her descent with mounting excitement. Her task was almost at an end. The return trip would not be as lonely; she would bring members of the Resistance with her. Momentarily forgetting the danger that may still be lurking nearby, Honor rushed forward as the sun dipped behind the mountains. Being enveloped in darkness was not as terrifying when she was so close to a village. The flames from fires and torches flickered ahead. Soon, she could rest and thaw herself from the journey.

  A howl tore through the night. Honor stopped in her tracks. The creature had returned, and it was nearby. Without the sun, Honor could not see the animal that blended so perfectly with its surroundings. She searched desperately for any hint of movement. Another howl filled the air, much closer this time. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. It was right behind her. Honor turned to meet her attacker face to face. The milky eyes glowed eerily in the darkness like two flames blazing in the night. It was no longer sniffing for her; it stared directly at her as though it could see into her very soul. Honor carefully reached under the heavy coat she wore in search of a blade. Her hand brushed a hilt just as the creature lunged forward.

  Honor rolled to the right narrowly avoiding the snapping jaws that threatened to devour her. As she rolled, her hand grasped the dagger she had been searching for. Knife in hand, she assessed the situation. She could not see the entirety of the massive animal, but based upon the location of the glowing eyes, she knew approximately where she would need to strike in order to drive the knife home. A low, menacing growl emanated from the creature and vibrated through every cell in Honor’s body. It lunged again, knocking her off balance. Honor managed to get a slice in with the knife, but she was only able to deliver a flesh wound. The animal whimpered before releasing an enraged roar and charging her location. Before she could stand, the animal stomped a paw down on her leg, pinning her in place. Shining blue orbs closed in on her face. Thick, hot drool dripped down and covered her chin and neck. If she had not been so terrified, Honor would have thrown up. Her hands were still free, so she slashed wildly at the creature above her, desperate to wound it and possibly regain an advantage. It deftly dodged each swipe. Honor refused to close her eyes as death loomed closer. She would give nothing the satisfaction of her fear, especially in her final moments.

  The familiar whistle and thunk of an arrow striking its target let Honor know she was no longer alone. Rapid fire arrows were sent toward the creature; many hit home causing it to rear back in pain. Honor was free to move. She got to her feet, taking only a moment to note the intense pain in the leg that had been pinned by the brute. If it was broken, there was no way she would make it back to Kilgore as planned. Another volley of arrows rained down upon her attacker until it fell to the ground whimpering like a wounded puppy.

  “That was close,” a nearby voice said.

  “Leave it to an outsider to lead a woldigo so close to the village,” another voice grunted.

  “Excuse me, are you okay?” This voice caused Honor to whip her head around frantically searching for its owner. Something about it was familiar.

  “Must be in shock. Looks like it got his leg,” the first voice observed.

  “Should we knock ‘im out and take ‘im to the healer?”

  Neither of those voices belonged to the person who had asked if she was okay. That was the person she was desperate to find. She tried to speak, but her heart was still racing, and the blood was thumping in her ears. These people could not even tell she was a woman. The layers must have hidden her figure which may have been better for her in the long run.

  “Can you speak?” It was the familiar voice again.

  “Gray? Is . . . is that you?” Honor managed to choke out.

  “Honor!” Elation rang thick in his voice as he pulled her in for a fierce hug.

  “What was that thing?” she asked through his embrace.

  “Take it you know each other,” the surlier of the two strangers said.

  “We do. It was a woldigo. A distant cousin to the wolves we know from County O’Hehir. They are very dangerous during the day when they are blind, but deadly at night when they can see. What are you doing out here?” Gray dema
nded. “How did you get this far north?”

  “It really is a long story. Can we get somewhere warmer before I share it with you? There is so much for me to say.” Honor realized in the week or so since they had parted ways her life had changed drastically.

  Gray agreed and offered her support to walk the rest of the way to the village. He supported her weight more than she wanted him to, but it was a relief to the intense pain in her leg. The longer she walked, the more certain she was that the woldigo had done significant damage. By the time they reached the village, one of the other men had already run ahead to summon a healer. Gray helped get Honor situated in a small hut that smelled like a wet dog. It was a far cry from the airy tents of their camp back home.

  “This is broken. I will need to set it and treat it with some herbs to stop infection spreading from the wound,” the healer explained to Gray.

  Honor peeked down at her leg and instantly regretted the decision. A deep gash exposed a sharp, broken bone. As intense as the pain was, she had a feeling she had yet to experience its full effect. Adrenaline coursed through her body from the attack and her skin was still cold from her journey. The healer walked her through what would happen as she set the bone and wrapped it with a wet fabric permeated in a powerful smelling concoction. Almost immediately, the pain began to ebb. Honor breathed a sigh of relief as Gray continued to grip her hand tightly.