Chapter 62: Cenric

Chapter

Sixty-Two

CENRIC

The early morning light stretches lazily over our camp as I join my fellow Bloodstone warriors. Yesterday, Gabriel and Liam led their men away from the camp to prepare for their part.

Now, it's my turn. I gather the remaining warriors for my mission in this campaign against the rebels. Each of us has painted our faces with black ash beneath our eyes and mouths—our tribe's traditional war paint.

Everly stays next to me as I walk through the warriors, checking to make sure everyone is prepared.

Everyone knows what is at stake today. If we fail, the rebellion will spread further into our lands, threatening our people, our homes.

But we will not fail.

We are too seasoned, too hardened, too skilled to be defeated.

My father's sword hangs at my side—ready to quell this rebellion. My father gave it to me the day I received my first command, and it has followed me into every battle ever since.

We outnumber the rebels, and they are far less disciplined than our ranks. Their rabble is no match for true Bloodstone warriors. Soon, they will learn why our tribe's military prowess is legendary across these lands. I will teach them that lesson at the edge of my sword.

I move to the horse corral with Everly close behind me. It's hard not to think about last night, to not remember making her mine.

If I wasn't preparing for war, I would analyze that moment more.

Praxis approaches, his face drawn with concern. "Our mother's gone."

A knot twists in my chest, but I keep my expression neutral. "What do you mean?"

"She left during the night. Took the girls with her. She didn't even leave us a note."

Of course she didn't. It's her best tactic—running and disappearing like smoke on the wind.

I should have expected this.

"It's probably for the best," I say. "We can't afford distractions right now."

Frustration flashes in Praxis' eyes as he rocks back a step. "How can you say that? She's our mother, Cenric. Don't you care?"

I care that those two little girls are forced to move again. And I care that Praxis is affected .

"We have bigger concerns right now, Praxis. Two thousand rebels are waiting for us, or have you forgotten?"

A fierce scowl twists at his mouth. "I haven't forgotten. But this is family, Cenric. It matters."

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. "We need to focus on this war."

His scowl deepens, then he turns on his heels and stalks away.

Everly shifts next to me, drawing my attention back to her as she stares up at me.

"What?" I ask.

"You are so severe with him sometimes," she says in a soft voice.

"I don't have time to worry about a mother who likes to step out on her children right now."

Everly nods. "I know that, but Praxis…" She shakes her head, as if she's unable to find the right words to describe my brother.

"He's not like me," I say.

"Exactly. And maybe he needs you to promise him that you will do whatever it takes to find her when this war is over."

"I have no intentions of finding her."

A frown tugs at Everly's lips as she settles her hand against my arm. "But you would for him."

Maybe, but right now I cannot think about that. Not when I need to be sharp, focused, and ready for the battle ahead. I can't let thoughts of Rosa cloud my judgment. Too many lives depend on me being at my best today.

The horses nicker and snort as Everly and I approach the stables. My boots crunch on the frozen ground as I make my way to my mount, a powerful black gelding named Arrow. He tosses his head and whinnies as I approach.

"Easy, boy," I say, running a gloved hand along his muscular neck.

I glance over at Everly, taking in the determined set of her jaw as she moves toward the horse I prepared for her, a painted gelding. Everly meets my gaze, her blue eyes glinting with resolve as she gives me a brisk nod before swinging up into the saddle.

I turn Arrow toward the center of the camp, where my warriors stand in formation. The air thrums with energy as I guide my mount through their ranks, while Everly hangs back with Praxis.

Pulling Arrow to a stop, I survey the sea of faces before me. These men and women have trained relentlessly. They are the pride of the Bloodstone tribe, and today they will prove why.

"Brothers and sisters," I begin. "Today, we face an enemy that threatens not just our tribe, but the very fabric of our society. They think they can tear down what we've built, destroy the peace we've fought so hard to maintain. But they underestimate the strength of Bloodstone warriors."

A cheer rises from the ranks, and I let it swell before continuing.

"Each of you carries the legacy of our ancestors—the fierce determination that has seen us through countless battles. Today, we add another victory to that legacy."

I draw my father's sword, raising it high. "We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for our families, our homes, our way of life. When we charge into battle, remember what you're protecting. Who you're protecting. Let that fuel your strength, sharpen your blade, and guide your aim."

The warriors roar their approval, weapons raised in salute.

I point my sword toward the horizon, where our enemies wait. "For Bloodstone! For victory!"

The battle cry is taken up by one thousand voices, a thunderous sound that shakes the very earth. As I wheel Arrow around to lead the charge, I catch Everly's eye. I give her a nod before spurring my mount forward.

The time for words is over.