Hammond watched silently as William, his son, talked to Philip, who was eating after the journey. The prince looked extremely exhausted and needed a rest. The Lord broke out of his thoughts and looked at the table in the dining room where Rheus Matir was silently eating his soup, not saying a word.
- Make it up, Rheus. As my old tutor Lord Castagne used to say, "We never know which meal will be our last."
Matir wiped his chin and quietly set the bowl aside. He crossed his arms and stared at Hamonnd with piercing eyes.
"Where are we standing?", He asked quietly. Hammond sagged at that question.
-What can I tell you, Matir. We have lost. Everyone. We lost our friends, some families. We were surprised by an enemy that we did not expect in the worst nightmares. The kingdom has fallen. I can already say that I am one of the few lords who still defends against Ravenna's army. But it won't be long either. I must retreat north to a better manned stronghold and defend myself against it there, he announced sadly.
Matir got up from the table and began pacing the dining room.
-It's a witch. He has on his side not only an army of people, but also forces we consider unclean or fairy-tale, such as used to threaten children. But now you see it, Duke. Magic exists, and in the hands of the wrong people it can destroy empires.
"You don't expect me to kneel in front of her like those traitors," Duke said.
-No. You'll do what you want. You must protect your people. I have sworn to protect Philip, and I will do it if I should die. The best I can do is advise you, Lord.
- Give it to yourself, Rheus. We've known each other since yesterday. I can only vegetate or seek help outside the kingdom, but they are already controlled.
He pointed to the map lying on the table and marked a black dot with the words Spider Forest.
- Behind the forest we will find a fortress where we will be safe. It will take them weeks to find her. But we have to move quickly.
Rheus nodded
-You're right, Duke. You can't sniff in place. Send a unit of 20 soldiers there with women and children, and let's wait for the enemy here.
Duke thought he misheard.
-What did you say? I am to defend this castle when I know failure is certain.
-Let 30 stay- said passionately Matir-30 soldiers with me and will get acquainted with the enemy forces. We'll run away, I guarantee you. We will set traps to make them think there are a hundred of us.
"Are you talking about a diffuse attack?" Asked the intrigued Duke?
Matir nodded.
-I will send William and Philip ahead and I will stay with you. Hammond announced.
-As you wish, but I will leave you alone for two days. He must go to the Misty Mountains to see the old man.
Hammond opened and closed his mouth in silent question.
- Old Theodrill will help us. Maybe he will know something about the witch and the origin of the army. Look for me this time in two days. The enemy will not come to you sooner.
After these words, he left the hall and left the Lord. Matir went to the stable, but Philip blocked his way.
"Where are you going, Reus, you won't leave me?", He asked fearfully.
Matir adjusted the horse's harness and bent down to prince level.
-Your life is the most important to me. I promised that I would protect you at all costs. I need to travel to the Misty Mountains to find answers to some questions. I'll see you soon, my lord.
-Phillip. Will come by name, Rheus.
Matir kissed the prince's hand, then got on his horse and left the town, leaving the teenager with questions in his head.
Snow White stared at the window sill of her cell, where ravens had formed their nest, many of which had accumulated in Tabor in recent days. The days passed by eating the small portions of the lake provided by the guards, praying, and playing with the shammy dolls she was allowed to keep. She heard footsteps and was surprised because the food was already being delivered today. Curious, she got up from bed and waited for the visitor. One of the hooded knights stood in front of the door, and to the accompaniment of the clink of keys, he opened the cell.
"Her Majesty wants to see you," he grunted under his breath and ordered the little girl to follow him. Snow White obediently followed the guard.
On her way to the queen's rooms, she passed corridors that showed no trace of her father's reign. There were paintings of Ravenna or statues of ravens. Every trace of her father's rule has been erased. Eventually they climbed the spiral staircase in the prison at the northeastern end of the castle. Snow White thought she heard the baby cry. She shook off the thought as the guard urged her, prodding her with a spear. Finally he opened the door with the black obsidian handle and let the princess in front. As she crossed the threshold, he closed the door behind her. The little girl was left alone in the candlelit room. On the left, a small staircase led to a pool filled with an unfamiliar milk-like substance. In the corner of the room to the right was a bowl on a marble platform. Snow White, curious, went to the bowl and looked at the water. To her surprise, she did not see her reflection, but strips of something like smoke floated in the water and formed into shapes. Suddenly she felt a hand on her neck and turned to look at her stepmother's face.
"Curiosity is the first step to hell," Ravenna said through her teeth.
Snow White bowed her head to her stepmother, but didn't say a word. Ravenna started pacing around the room, pulled out her wand and began waving it, purring spells. Lockers with strange liquids started to close before Śnieżka had time to look at them.
-I called you because those two weeks in the cell must have taught you manners, right?
"Yes," replied the princess quickly.
Ravenna looked at her like a curious specimen of bird. -You wanted to say yes, my queen?
"Yes, my queen," Snow White corrected quickly.
-Great. You can see that you learn quickly. You do realize I was generous in sparing your life, right?
-I agree, my lady. Thank you.
Ravenna did not answer, watching the raven, which flew into the room through the window at the ceiling and sat on the ruler's shoulder.
-I didn't have to do this, but I'm not a kid executioner. However, you have to adapt to the new conditions. You have no rights to the throne. None. Unfortunately, your younger brother died in the heat of the fighting, and Philip, well, ran away like a coward, but my spies are already looking for him. Snow White, the country is practically mine, and soon the world will know about my power. You may take your brother's side, but he still left you. Truth? "Yes, my lady," whispered Snow White.
Ravenna smiled and walked over to the girl. She grabbed her by the chins and began to study her face, forcing Snow White to look into the queen's steel eyes.
-You have a really great beauty. I'll take care of her. You wouldn't be able to escape your marriage soon.
-Thank you, my queen.
"Do you know where I will be able to find Philip?"
, The queen asked without looking at the girl, only pulling a sparrow out of a small box, which was still chirping, but could not get out of the queen's grip. Ravenna muttered something under her breath, a green light flashed, and the bird fell dead. Snow White was clearly frightened.
-No, lady. I think his closest would be to escape to Lord Hamonnda, she said, not wanting to lie to Ravenna.
The Queen, with the help of her clawed rings, tore open the cage of the sparrow and put the claw into the bird's body. From within it, she pulled a small heart out and put it down her throat, chewing it with a crunch. Snow White was disgusted with it, but she did not show it.
"Lord Hammond will soon find out that I am not worth fighting for," the queen said indifferently. -I know you are not lying to my child. I appreciate it. As a reward, you will become part of the castle service. You will become my maid. You will keep an eye on my little son Aegon who came to the castle a few days ago. In addition, you will help me with my daily activities. You can only answer when asked and only saying "Yes, my queen". I will let you return to your chamber. You will get new clothes, and soon the servants will bathe you. After a while, I may decide to adopt you. What do you say, Snow White?
Snow White digested the information, but had to respond quickly. -All right, my queen. I agree.
Ravenna walked over to her and kissed her forehead. -Your fate is in my hands, girl. Don't waste the opportunities it gives. Guards! "She shouted Two guards opened the door to the chamber and cursed at Ravenna
-Take Snow White into service. Tell her to wash, dress and hand over her responsibilities. One of the guards grabbed the princess by the hand and snorted for the girl to go. The princess still looked back to see her stepmother disappearing in the doorway
As Snow White was taken, Finn entered Ravenna's chamber.
-I did everything you ordered.
-Great. Any new information about Filip?
-He's with Lord Hammond's court. Just tell me when to go on them.
Ravenna looked at herself in the mirror, then at the dead bird. -Mobilize the Starkiller. Start off at dawn. My flag is to be hung on the Hammond Fortress tomorrow night.