Author's note
No, I haven't abandoned this story never fear. I am concurrently writing another story and well…it has a wider audience so has taken my time from this. However, I did promise I would finish this and I will.
Chapter 12-Foolish
Alina
I awoke to a repetitive pounding on my door.
"Lady," I heard Maria's frantic voice outside my door. Raising slowly I quickly slipped on a gown over my nightdress.
Cracking open the door a mere inch I peered bleary eyed into the darkness beyond my room. Maria's face, illuminated by a single candle was tight with fear.
"Has the Darkling returned?" I questioned assuming that was why she had called me from my bed at such an hour.
"No," her voice trembled, "Skanta Alina," she pleaded falling to her knees. "save us."
"Get up," I demanded impatiently, "what is happening?" the curt tone of my voice boarding on a sneer. The younger girl didn't respond. "Maria if you cannot tell me how can I help?" I asked more kindly.
"You need to see this for yourself." She finally managed to say as she forced herself to her feet and led the way.
I followed silently wondering what in Hell's name had her so scared. As we made it outside I pulled my gown around me more tightly trying to shield myself from the cold night. Before me, streaming into Os Alta, I saw tens of thousands of refugees. Their faces, like Maria's, tight with strain and fear. I could only assume they were fleeing the expanding shadow fold, but so many and so soon? I inwardly worried. Were they looking to me to save them? I felt overwhelmed by nausea knowing there was nothing I could do, I had no way of destroying the fold with Mal gone. Had Aleksander been right all along? Had I really been so selfish? Would Ravka be destroyed because of my selfish love?
As I contemplated this problem I watched as Maria pointed towards the eastern horizon.
"What time is it?" I demanded, realisation dawning.
"Nine in the morning," Maria confirmed.
The sun should have risen by now, though it was winter it should be light, something dark and menacing lay on the horizon and it was blocking out the sun.
Aleksander, I reached out to him, please we need your help.
After the first panic was over, and the swift riders had been dispatched to bring him back, I felt foolish when I realised that I could have simply called to him. So I did but he had not responded. I had tried now for three days but there was nothing, just static. Was he blocking me? Was he so anger with me? Please I begged him again but there was no response. Was he ignoring me or was he…please god no! I couldn't even bare to give the idea thought.
I was broken from my reverie by Maria's hushed voice.
"What do we do?" she pleaded.
I didn't respond, was this what it was like for him? I wondered, my thoughts drifting back to Aleksander, to be so alone with so much expectation placed upon you? I looked out at the sea of people, the tsunami of humanity that pressed upon the gates of Os Alto. If I do not help them who will?
Please Aleksander where are you, help me! I pleaded silently once more , neither knowing if he would or could help.
Aleksander
I was determined to block her out. she had made her feelings clear enough, I would not torment myself. I would do what I could to save Ravka or die trying. Either way I would not see out the year. The loneliness had worn away my will to live. I have done enough I told myself, this will be my last gift to you and Ravka, I silently promised. History may remember me ignominiously but…my thoughts were broken by an insistent pull on that bond, I steeled myself against it again. Perhaps I was tired or perhaps it was the distraction of the commotion outside my tent but her panicked voice suddenly formed in my mind;
'Help me,' it pleaded.
Frantic questions overwhelmed me, was she hurt? Had she been captured? Had Lanstov taken her after all?
Before I could think to answer myself a rider was ushered into my presence. Too exhausted to offer any salutation he merely handed me a letter. Before I opened it I knew it was from her.
Aleksander,
I'm sorry I should have trusted you, I should have told you sooner but trust me now when I tell the firebird will do you no good. I promise you my aid, we will work together for the sake of Ravka but you must return as soon as you can. The second army is in grave danger.
Alina.
My mind raced with more questions as I issued ordered to pack up camp and move out.
"Bring my fastest horse," I bellowed, I would not wait for my entourage I determined to leave immediately.
What did she mean the firebird would do no good? I asked myself as I all but ran through the tent flaps to my waiting mount. If I rode hard and changed horses I could reach the little palace by night fall. But what would greet me there? I hardly dare contemplate the possibility that I may have left Alina to defend the capital alone.
Alina
I forced myself into action realising that if I did not lead there would be chaos and the people of Ravka would have no chance at all.
"Gather all the mirrors you can find, if you can't find them make them," she ordered. Feet scurried away from her. All I can hope, she told herself as her plan continued to form in her head, is that I can buy us all a little time.
Grisha arrived from all directions with mirrors, some gilded, clearly lifted from palace walls, others plain and homely but it mattered not. I ordered the fabricators to set out a field of mirrors. I knew I could not hold back the darkness for ever but, with the aid of the mirrors, I could amplify the light and hold it back a little longer, make my strength go further.
With my plan in place I ordered the retreat from Os Alta.
Author's note
Will Aleksander return in time to help?
Thank you to all those who have reviewed and are following this story, I'm quite invested in this story even if it is different to my usual. Some reviews and feedback would be greatly appreciated.