Chapter 19

"You ready?" asked DG, pulling the flap on Cain's tent slightly.

She stepped in at his affirmative grunt. He turned to greet her, doing a double take as they made eye contact.

"What do you think?" She asked making a face as she ran her fingers through her blonde bob, "It's just magic, a glamour...I thought it would help us stay unrecognized."

He stepped toward her and examined it more closely.

"I'll say. You don't look anything like yourself."

"Do you like it?"

"No, but I'm partial to the way you usually look. This is right clever, though," He said as he pulled a few strands of hair between two of his fingers.

"I should probably put one on you too..." she started hesitantly but barreled on as he started to back up from her, "Oh come on, it's just a bit of magic and you've got a pretty distinctive look."

"I'm leaving the coat and hat."

"Cain, they don't make people any more blonde than you. This is it," she said gesturing to his head, "The most blonde a person can be. You are at the end of the color spectrum of blonde. The next color is what happens when you stare at the sun-"

"I get it," He snapped interrupting her, "Fine. Just get it over with."

She examined his features as he eyed her warily before resigning himself and closing his eyes. After a moment she lifted her hand, waving it down the front of his face. He flinched at the rush of magic on his skin and reached up to feel a heavy mustache and beard and a glance in a nearby mirror told him she had chosen a dark auburn for the coloring. He had to give her credit, the effect was rather transformative but not so drastic as to look unnatural.

Turning back to his bunk, he buckled his coat and handed DG a cloak before grabbing another for himself.

"It's Azkadellia's netting. We'll be on foot and need the cover. If the weather holds out it'll be two days to the mountain."

Cain paused to peer out of the tent and pull a standard army hat on.

"They'll be starting the mourning fires soon. Ready?"

DG nodded, tucking the cloak in her bag before pulling her scarf over her head.

"Head toward the Northwest treeline. Put the cloak on when you get there and wait for me."

Cain's eyes lifted to over her shoulder, focusing on the rear entrance of the tent. DG turned to find Az looking quite distressed.

"Say goodbye but make it quick. We've got to find shelter tonight before it gets too cold."

DG gave him a grateful smile and Cain set off towards the woods. Azkadellia already had her pinned in a hug by the time the tent flaps settled behind him.

"Please be safe, little sister."

DG gave a watery laugh into her shoulder.

"You know I can't, Az."

"Then I'll just settle for you coming home."

"Yea, now that... that I can actually try to do."

"Send me a message through the trackers that you have made it to someplace safe tonight. Ok?"

DG nodded and gave her sister a last squeeze before darting out of tent, knowing she would start crying if she stayed a moment longer.

She slid into the ever growing crowd, the newly lit bonfires casting shadows across the snow. She glanced at the suns as they slowly sank behind the mountains, temporarily mesmerized by their beauty, an inferno bearing down on the snow covered peaks. She shook herself free and adjusted her pack before heading toward the Northwest corner of camp.

Cain was already there when she arrived, cloak in place. She pulled her cloak out of her bag, slinging it over her shoulders and closing the clasp at her neck. She was just pulling the hood up when Cain stepped toward her and tucked her newly blonde tresses behind her ear further under the cap. His hand rested at her neck and he just looked at her, eyes softening. Even with his changed features, she could read every word.

I'm sorry this is happening. You can do this. I am with you.

She reached for the hand at his side, clasping it with a firm squeeze.

Thank you.

Hand still in his, they started North.

Azkadellia stood next to Raw, the flames of the bonfire reflected in her eyes. She felt a presence step to her other side and a glance took in the uniform and sword.

"Commander," she greeted him.

"Your worship."

"What are our casualities?"

"Very small considering the force of the attack and the little time we had to prepare. Overall, morale is the best it has been in months. This is first time the men feel they have won against these creatures."

"Do you think our ruse was successful?"

"Hard to say. The enemy retreated for the avalanche and the General quickly removed himself and Princess Dorthea after it stopped. There's no way of knowing for sure though."

After a few more beats of silence, the Commander spoke again.

"You and your sister are fairly proficient on a battle field."

"You sound surprised."

"I am. All the lords and ladies I have met thus far don't have the stomach to wash their own dishes, let alone fight in war."

"DG was not raised as a lady. She spent her youth on the Other-Side."

"And yourself?"

Azkadellia's eyes fell to her shoes briefly before she looked back up at the fire. '

"The Sorceress was no stranger to violence. As a consequence, neither am I."

She felt Commander Bowen's gaze as he appraised her but she refused to meet it, instead continuing to stare into the fire.

"I see I have much to learn of the House of Gale. Do not hesitate if there is anything you need."

The Commander bowed before turning back toward his quarters and Az let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

He stands too close, he stares too long, he speaks too directly... people usually run by now. What does he mean by it?

Unfortunately, staring at his retreating back did not provide any clearer answers for Azkadellia.