I kept pace with Itsvan while Death Dealers flanked us close on either side. With a flick of numerous reigns, we began cantering through the dirt, heading into the forest on a previously established pathway.
We rode in silence for several minutes; enjoying the wind lashing at our faces, through the gaps in our helmets. The familiar, exhilarating feeling of cutting through the air on horseback was an experience I had missed greatly. When we eventually reached a fork in the dirt road, Itsvan directed ten Death Dealers to follow the path to the right while he kept the remaining two with us; following the track veering to the left.
Itsvan and I were ahead of the other two Death Dealers so I utilised this opportunity.
"Forgive me for asking, Itsvan". I addressed him loudly over the thundering of horses hooves. "But why do we seperate from the others?"
Itsvan chuckled slightly from within his helmet as he turned his head to face me. "Viktor originally ordered you to accompany us tonight, to track the wolves. What he does not know is the wolves will still be tracked tonight but not by you. My other men are going to the suspected areas the wolves inhabit while we are taking you to your village. Well, what remains of it". He trailed off, turning his attention back to the path.
Excitement and surprise immediately twisted within my stomach. "My village?!" I paused, dread pooling in my stomach now. "Itsvan, Viktor will know if you deceive him".
"Well, who's going to tell him, m'lady? We certainly won't". He fumbled with his horse's reigns. "He will only know if you tell him".
This was such a huge risk but I could not turn down the opportunity to go back. I wanted so badly to know what had happened there; if anyone or anything else survived the attack. I turned to Itsvan.
"Why have you decided to do this?"
He stared at me quickly before focusing back on the path ahead.
"After everything that happened, you were taken away so quickly, with no chance to try and at least salvage any of your belongings".
"My horse was rescued though". I told him while lovingly stroking Lucifer's mane.
"Yes but nothing else". He glanced behind him to ensure his men were still there.
"Well, thank you Itsvan. I hold a great deal of gratitude for this". I forced a small smile, even as anxiety began to pool in my stomach at the thought of deceiving Viktor.
Itsvan made further conversion as opposed to riding in silence, which I appreciated.
"I was there that night m'lady". He kept his gaze straight ahead, scouring the path for any potential threat. "I saw the devastation...the destruction".
I swallowed hard. "What happened that night Itsvan?"
"Has Viktor not told you?"
I fiddled with Lucifer's reigns in my hands. "He has but even then, it is hard to piece it all together".
Itsvan sighed through his helmet; the melded silver skull sat comfortably over his head, glinting in the moonlight.
"I accompanied Viktor many times to your village. From my understanding, your father had taken ownership of the mine in exchange for our protection but he did not seem to fully trust us."
My heart sank; a twinge of guilt filled the pit in my stomach as I already knew this.
"Time and time again, we visited. And time and time again your Father lacked significant offerings. I had tried to tell Viktor numerous times to actually listen to what your Father had to say...but murmurings from mortals about the wolves just made him angry. He saw it as excuses; as disobedience".
I lowered my gaze from Itsvan to Lucifer's back; stroking his fur between my fingers.
"Did you believe my Father?" I mumbled, attempting to hide my dismay.
"That I did, m'lady. But Viktor was intent on your Father keeping his word. He had no sympathy. Less offerings from your Father meant less resources for us, and as you know, silver works best against the beasts".
I could not argue with these words; the precious mineral seemed extremely lethal to the creatures.
Itsvan continued. "The night it all happened was the night Viktor had lost his patience completely... although it astounded me that he had any to begin with".
I knowingly nodded, experiencing this for myself only too often.
"And when the mine worker met his demise, it seemed the commotion had stirred the beasts that your Father had indeed warned us about. We were not ready". I could hear a hint of melancholy in his words, as if this fact troubled him. "I do not blame Viktor, m'lady...he only does what he believes is needed to protect our species".
I slowly nodded my head; shivering as I was forced to remember Augustus and his disturbing execution. Who was to know the violent repercussions of that act?
It still made me uneasy knowing just what Viktor was capable of. Viktor...the man I had fornicated with the night prior...the man who drove me crazy...
I swallowed hard. "And with the battle?"
Itsvan cleared his throat. "We were highly outnumbered but we managed. Only once the beasts were exterminated did we finally have the time to quickly survey the area for casualties. I remember Viktor screaming "The girl, where is the girl?!" He did seem concerned for your safety, m'lady".
A lump rose in my throat. "Oh, really?"
Itsvan chuckled slightly. "Oh yes, he had observed you in battle...It is no wonder he wanted to make you a Death Dealer".
I knew Itsvan meant this as a compliment but I could not summon the strength to replicate his humour; it seemed he remained oblivious to Viktor's true intentions.
"Oh, I meant no disrespect, m'lady". He hastily added, quickly glancing to me at his side.
I swallowed back the lump building in my oesophagus. "It is fine, thank you". I returned his stare only briefly before focusing on our path once more.
We had reached a patch of dense forest. Our dirt track had become scarce; hard to see underneath overgrown grass. This didn't seem to bother Itsvan though as he cantered confidently through the trees, as if he had made this journey many times before.
"If we keep up this pace, we will be there shortly". He called out to his men behind him, gesturing us to speed up.
"I was always told by my Father that a ride to Castle Corvinus would be at least a day's journey".
"Not if you are one of us". Itsvan smirked, patting his horse's neck proudly. "These grand steeds are our most prized warhorses; faster than the horses mortals have". He winked at me.
"I guess my Lucifer has plenty to live up to" I joked, stroking the soft mane in my lap.
"Nonsense, m'lady, he must have been born from our stock! How else could he be keeping up?!" Itsvan's eyes flashed as he turned his attention back to the track in front of us.
I watched Lucifer as we rode, once again in silence. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself, he was never allowed to move this fast around the village.
My wondering about my horse's lineage was interrupted by Itsvan's loud voice.
"Just over this hill men! Begin dropping speed!"
My heart thundered tumultuously in my chest as I inhaled and exhaled sharply; bracing myself for what was to come.