A/N: Thank you again to my Inner Circle – Yasnah and Infernas81. This chapter was a huge challenge and required several re-writes; Infernas81 helped me immensely with this and is the reason I didn't throw my laptop out the window!

Thank you to ChocolateKake, Guest, Guest and Anonymous for the reviews! I am currently writing Chapter 11 and have been in a slump – no matter what I couldn't get the characters to 'talk' to me; those reviews gave me the kick to come back to my computer and try again, so thank you!

Chapter 8

FEYRE POV

The Spring manor was not the peaceful place it was the last time I was here a few months ago. There was a lot of hustle and bustle as final preparations were made before Tamlin left with his soldiers. He was leaving a small team behind, to guard the capital – and me – along with my legion.

I walked the halls, lost in my own thoughts. Nesta was somewhere in the grounds, giving out orders. Giving her the role of second-in-command was a good idea; she has excelled at it and it seems to have given her a purpose, and it's also given Cassian more reason to get closer to her.

Lucien was trailing me like a lost puppy or a shadow, I don't know which was worse; a puppy always drew your attention whereas a shadow blended in, so you forgot it was there. He took his pledge to Rhys to a whole new level. He had instructed Nesta that at least four Illyrians were to be in the manor at all times. Amongst those hand-picked was Jaze. When we visited the Sterd's war camp, Nesta had asked that he be re-instated to the legion, and I had agreed if that was what he wanted. He gladly accepted, wanting to prove that he'd learnt his lesson. Due to his command experience, Nesta had put him in charge of the manor guards.

I was heading outside, wanting to see if there was anything I could do when Bron came running up to me. Lucien stepped between us, hand on his sword hilt, glaring at Bron. Bron seemed to realise his mistake, and bowed, muttering his apologies, "my apologies, High Lady. I have a message from High Lord Tamlin; he has asked you to join him in his study." I nodded, and he left quickly.

The door to Tamlin's study was open, and he was stood there with several of his generals, maps were all over his desk and they appeared to be discussing strategies. I knocked as I walked in, to alert them I was there. Tamlin looked up and beckoned us to the desk.

"Feyre, this is Tarn," he said, indicating one of the High Fae in the study. "Tarn will oversee the team I'm leaving in the capital, but he'll report to you, Nesta and Lucien, as will everyone else here. Essentially, you're in charge whilst I'm gone."

"When are you leaving?" Lucien asked.

"The bulk of the army will leave tonight; I'll leave in the morning." He turned to his generals, "I'll meet you at the border in three days." The generals nodded and filed out the room. Tamlin walked over to me slowly. "I don't want to tell you what to do, as we both know how that worked out last time, but please look after yourself and stay within the manor grounds. I've strengthened the wards and spells surrounding it, so you should remain safe." I nodded glumly and turned to leave. "Feyre, wait. I'll be meeting some of your Court, is there any message you would like me to pass along?"

I thought about it. I wanted and needed them to know that I was thinking of them and I was there with them in spirit. I grasped my plait and undid it, taking the black ribbons out that were adorning my hair. I gave the three lengths to him, "please pass these along for me," I gently asked. He nodded and tucked them inside his waistcoat pocket. I turned and walked to the door, and stopped and turned around. "Come back safely," I whispered, "all of you." I left before he could see my anguish.


CASSIAN POV

The command tent on the Spring/Autumn border was full to bursting. Rhys was sat in his chair, I was surprised he was still awake, he had used a lot of magic winnowing the legions from Night. We'd brought more to the border than we'd originally planned in response to Azriel's intelligence report. Eris had started moving the bulk of his wargs to the Spring border. It made sense as Spring and Autumn shared a border, whereas to get his wargs to Night would mean crossing other Courts, and that would be an act of war. Az's reports said he had other plans for Night, but so far, he hadn't uncovered what.

We were updating the maps with the latest troop movements and waiting for Tamlin to arrive. His troops began arriving late last night, but his 'specialist' unit – as he calls it – is travelling with him. The flaps of the tent opened and one of the messengers stepped in, "General Cassian, High Lord Tamlin's legion have been spotted. They should be in the camp in about half an hour." I nodded, and the messenger left.

I issued orders to the generals and war camp leaders that were assembled. I told them to get ready for the push and dismissed them, then turned to Rhys. "Do you want me to call Az back or do you want him to stay in Autumn?"

He thought about it, "tell him I leave it to him. I could do with him here, but if he's close to getting their plans for Night, I want him there." It was a sensible course of action, and I sent the message to Azriel via the mind link that Rhys kept open between us when were on the battlefield. He didn't respond, which wasn't unheard of, but I knew I'd hear from him later.

A roar from the border announced the arrival of Tamlin. There was a pounding noise that got louder, and the tent flaps ripped open to reveal Tamlin in his beast form. I put my dagger away as he walked in to the tent, there was a flash of light as he shifted back to his Fae form.

"Tamlin," Rhys greeted him.

Tamlin stepped over to the table, then reached into his pocket. "Feyre sent you a message," he said, laying something black on top of the maps. As soon as he withdrew his hand, Rhys snatched up what was on the table. It looked like ribbon, and I could detect Feyre's scent on it. "She took them out her hair and asked me to give them to the three of you," he explained. "She also told us all to come back safely."

Rhys spun around from the table and left the tent without saying anything. Tamlin starred after him. "We're all meeting in an hour, to plan when we leave," I told him as I too left the tent.


I walked across the camp, making sure to get the messengers to take word to the Generals and Camp Lords that there was a big meeting in an hour. I got to Rhys' tent and went in without announcing myself. Rhys was sat with his back to the tent opening, the ribbons in his hands.

"Rhys?" I said as I entered and walked around to face him. I looked at him, really looked at him, and could see the conflict within. I waited for him to talk, as he was about to open his mouth, his tent opened and Azriel came in. He walked around to stand next to me. Rhys tried again.

"I'm worried. I'm worried that something will happen to Feyre or the baby, but then I'm worried that something will happen to me and she won't cope."

"Lucien and Nesta will take care of her in Spring, and Madja should be there now to keep an eye on things," I reasoned.

"And before we left Feyre made us swear to make sure you didn't – and these are her words – pull any of that self-sacrificing shit," Azriel finished.

Looking at the puzzled look on Rhys' face made me and Azriel laugh at him, then he joined in. It was nice that we could laugh together on the verge of war. Rhys separated the ribbons out and handed one to me then one to Azriel. Azriel looked at it questioningly, so we explained the what it was. I was then surprised again to see Azriel shed a tear, before hastily wiping it away. Rhys and I looked at him. "She's my best friend, and unlike you bastards, she likes me."

When I'd finally reined in my laughter I elbowed him, "only one of us is a bastard brother, and you forget, you're a bastard too."


There was barely room to stand around the table in the command tent. Azriel had just filled us in with the latest intelligence of Autumn and we were planning our attack. He pointed to the Spring border. "There are now two legions of wargs on their way to Spring," he informed us, as he moved some pieces on the map to show their anticipated course. Tamlin swore.

"There are two Illyrian legions on the border," I said, "but I can push another down to back them up."

"That would help. My lupus' will also be there." Tamlin stated.

"Make them second line of defence," Rhys told him. "The Illyrians are better suited to tackle the wargs and there should be minimal casualties." He then looked to Azriel, "what about the north of Autumn? Any idea what they've got planned for Night?"

"The Illyrians that were flying down have gained a foothold just inside the Autumn/Winter border," Azriel said, indicating six different places on the map. "I've not uncovered anything about what they're planning for Night, and most activity seems to be centred south, towards Spring."

"In the absence of movement north, I suggest we concentrate on fortifying the Spring border and bringing our legions down," Devlon said. "I took the liberty of going by the Hewn City on my way down and Lady Morrigan has managed to get the Darkbringers out, so they should be prepared if Eris gets anyone past us."

"My Lords, I would suggest we send five legions straight south from the north and leave one spread around the border of Autumn and Winter. Lord Tamlin's Accipiter Squadron could come from the south, so they converge on the capital." Sterd suggested.

Tamlin didn't look too happy. "That plan could send their army south to Spring."

"They're already on their way to Spring!" Sterd stated vehemently.

"The wargs are, but we don't know about the others," Hart retorted.

"Enough!" I barked at the both of them. "Sterd's plan is solid. What other legions have you got Tamlin?"

"My shifters can also advance from the south," Tamlin told us.

"What do they shift to?" Sterd asked.

"Wolves. But not wolves like the lupus battalions. I'm talking big wolves."

"How big? They'd have to be able to stand up to the wargs and those fuckers are huge!" Rhys said.

"Ask Feyre, she killed Andras in his shifted form."

Rhys sent a mental image of the shifted Fae that Feyre had killed. It was lucky for her that he wanted her to kill him, otherwise she'd have been dead before she'd even drawn her bow. Still, looking at her memories, it was a good shot she managed to get at him. I was so engrossed admiring Feyre's shot of getting Andras straight in the eye that I wasn't paying attention as Rhys and Tamlin sorted out the finer points of the plan and dismissed everyone else.


RHYS POV

Tomorrow morning, we leave the camp to take the fight to Eris and Autumn. We barely had time to register the fact that Eris had finally killed Beron before we were trying to kill him too. I was laid on my bed, Feyre's ribbon in my hand, absently drawing it through my fingers. It was late, but I wasn't tired; I rarely slept before a battle. I knew there was a good chance she was asleep, but I gave a gentle tug on the bond. Feyre didn't respond and I chastised myself for disturbing her; she needed her sleep, being pregnant had taken a lot out of her. I was going to get up and find out if Cassian was drunk yet when I felt her.

Rhys? She asked, sleepily.

I'm sorry darling, I shouldn't have disturbed you.

'S okay. What's up?

We're getting ready to leave for Autumn in the morning. She didn't say anything, but I felt her concern through the bond. Hey, don't worry. Remember, you made Cass and Az promise to make sure I didn't pull any self-sacrificing shit. I tried to lighten the mood.

I should be there with you, at least at the main camp.

No. You're where you should be, safe. Besides, you're looking after Spring for Tamlin. Who'd have thought it, the High Lady of Night in charge of Spring. I mused.

I don't want to be in charge of Spring. I don't want anything to do with the Spring Court.

I didn't mean it like that….

Then what did you mean it like? She growled.

There's no need to get so upset Feyre darling. I tried to placate her. I was merely musing at the turn of events, but I can see it's in poor taste. Before you get really pissed off at me, I didn't contact you to piss you off, I just wanted to talk to you, make sure you're ok, see how it's going.

We're good. Nesta's having fun bossing the Illyrian's around and the guards that Tamlin left. She's doing a really good job. Who'd have thought that I would accidently find her forte! Lucien won't leave me alone and has the manor beyond guarded. Elain, well….she's still feeling guilty about all of this. The three of us have tried numerous times to assure her that this needs to happen, but she's struggling. She's started withdrawing back into herself again, so I'm having to fabricate reasons that I need her help to try and keep her mind with us.

And you?

Missing you. Worried about you and the others. Pissed that I'm stuck here. You need to hurry up and get this war won, then we can visit your favourite shop, she teased.

She then sent me several images of her wearing some very skimpy undergarments and some images of her with none. We spent some time sending images back and forth. We continued until I felt the images on Feyre's side take longer and longer to come through and realised she was trying to keep herself from falling back to sleep. I told her to go back to sleep, sending her every ounce of love that I could muster.

When she'd fallen back to sleep I decided to take a walk around the camp. I found Cassian quite quickly, staggering around the camp with a few of his officers, laughing very loudly. When they saw me, they made their excuses and left. Cassian guffawed at their scuttling away from me. He had obviously been drinking a lot. He slung his arm around my shoulders.

"Let's go get a drink," he said.


We walked around the camp, and as everyone started waking up and having breakfast Cassian, Azriel and myself got ourselves ready. I say got ready, they tapped their gauntlets and were instantly wearing their battle armour, all seven Siphons apiece visible. They already had Viktorius and Truth-Teller strapped between their wings and were armed with all their other weapons, they were more than ready. I merely snapped my fingers and was wearing my battle armour. My sword – Noctis Vicissitudinem – was strapped down my spine.

I met up with Cassian and Azriel outside my tent. I was going to winnow with Cassian to one of the legions attacking from the north, whilst Azriel was going to take a small team and attempt to infiltrate Autumn's palace while we had them occupied. Tamlin was going to lead his shifters that were pushing from the south and Bron would look after the Spring border.

"Ready?" I asked Cassian and Azriel. They both nodded. "Good, then let's get this done."


Looking behind me, I saw the ranks of Illyrian Warriors at my back, Cassian was stood next to me. He drew Viktorius and I drew Noctis Vicissitudinem; my sword, meaning Night's Vengeance, was a gift from my mother and sister after completing the Blood Rite. The blade and hilt were jet black, not a speck of light reflected from their surface. The handle was wrapped with black leather and there was a large onyx on the pommel with the crest of the Night Court engraved on it – a mountain with three stars above it. Unlike Feyre's sword Arco Iris, that reflected and shimmered with the colours of a rainbow, Noctis Vicissitudinem seemed to pull all light from around it, it was almost like there was an aura of Night around it. The weight was welcome in my hand and I spun it around in anticipation of what was to come.

I decided against contacting Feyre this morning, I didn't want her to worry any more than she already was, and I needed my head clear. I looked over to Cassian and he looked back, not a hint of a hangover in his face. He gave me the grin that meant trouble for our enemies. I flared my wings and slightly bent my knees, ready for a speedy take-off. Cassian knew the signal. He braced himself similarly to myself, as did the legions at our backs.

"LAUNCH!" Cassian roared, as Cassian and I, followed by row after row, launched and headed towards the capital of Autumn.


It had taken us over a day to get near the capital. We'd stopped for the night, to give the soldiers chance to rest and eat, then resumed early the next morning. Cassian had sent scouts out and hadn't seen any sign of Autumn's forces, so he ordered the legions to put down again. Whilst we were trained to fly then fight, I wanted them in peak condition, and with the amount of flying they've done, it wasn't too much to put down for a while. Besides, Az and his small tactical team were still not quite ready. Tamlin was in position, ready for the go from Azriel.

Three hours after we'd made camp I got a message from Azriel – his force was about two hours flight away from the capital, but he was going to rest them and leave their encampment early tomorrow morning, so they should be there about an hour after us. Hopefully, Eris would be so busy dealing with us and Tamlin that he wouldn't notice Azriel's team.

Cassian got the forces rallied before daybreak the next morning. We took off quickly, flying fast and hard, ready for battle. As we got closer the scouts reported back that they had spotted some of Autumn's forces, most appeared to have formed a perimeter around Autumn's palace, but several battalions had free roam in the capital.

Nodding to Cassian, we split up, ready to implement the plan. I got in position to lead a direct assault on the palace, clearing a way inside whilst Cassian would deal with the forces outside. Devlon and his legion would join me, and the rest were taking the outside.

Once again, I drew Noctis Vicissitudinem and adjusted my grip on the handle.

"ATTACK!" Cassian shouted, as the Illyrians all dived down and Tamlin and his forces appeared. The air was wrought with sound as orders were shouted, boots clomped on the ground as Warriors forcibly landed and as metal clashed with metal. Autumn was about to fall.