Page 16 of Wolfsbane (Deadly Duet #2)
SIXTEEN
MOREL
The sound of Grisset’s army filled the air, their shields pounding into the ground at a perfect rhythm, as if the Earth had a heartbeat, welcoming me as I stepped into the middle of the field, shadowed by Hesper. Orion was waiting for us, standing at the top of a large platform, reaching high enough to see out and be heard far. He was grinning as we walked closer, knowing what I was preparing to do.
I held my hand out, helping Hesper up the stairs as she flashed me a smile, the crystal around her neck and ring safely around her finger. We dashed up the stairs, stepping onto the wooden platform and gazing out as the winter wind blew across our faces. The army of the night filled the field, reaching as far as the eye could see in a sea of darkness. I stepped towards the edge, their shields halting as I raised my hand, the world falling into a natural silence.
“Army of the night, people of Grisset,” I addressed them, yelling out for all to hear, “I come to you with unfortunate news. As you know, our neighboring kingdom and friends in Hellbore have been attacked, the kingdom falling under the influence of an imposter named Boletus. Well—” I stopped, looking at Orion as he nodded. “It seems Boletus and his army are on their way to Grisset, searching for Hellbore’s queen. Queen Hesper has trained you, teaching you as she lived amongst you.” I looked back as she stepped to my side, removing her glove. “And now,” I smiled, “she is not only the queen of Hellbore, but she is your queen!” I raised her hand, revealing the ring to all. “Boletus comes for her. I will not let that trader, that murderer, take my queen! Will you?” My army began to pound their shields. “As your king, I ask you: will you fight by my side and defend Grissett? Will you defend its queen?” My throat burned from yelling out into the air, my heart racing from the adrenaline, listening as my army continued to pound their shields.
“A symphony of stars!” one soldier cried out.
“A symphony of stars!” another repeated, voices rising until the entire army was chanting alongside the beat, shouting loud enough to shake the mountains.
I beamed with pride, turning to face Hesper as she stepped forward, retrieving her sword and raising it to the sky.
“Army of the night! I shall ride alongside you at dawn, not as your teacher, not as Queen of Hellbore, but as Hesper, your queen. The queen of Grisset!” The field erupted as the army cheered. “May the world fear the army of the night and kingdoms of shadows!”
Hesper lowered her sword as our forces continued, stepping back to me, smiling as she bared her teeth. “Let us rain darkness on Boletus and his men.”
“As my queen commands.”