Chapter 11 - The Whispers of the Northern Border
The ink on the royal decree pardoning Elias Wind and restoring the honor of the Wind family was barely dry when the first scout arrived from the northern frontier.
Cassian stood in his war-room, staring at the map laid across the mahogany table. Elara stood beside him, her hands resting flat against the parchment, her gaze fixed on the marked territories where Stonehaven met the frozen wastes.
“Explain the report again,” Cassian commanded, his voice tight with the residual fury of a king who had spent years guarding a broken kingdom.
The scout, shivering despite his heavy fur cloak, bowed low. “My King, Lady Elara. The northern clans are restless. With Allaric and Isolda stripped of their power, the rogue factions that Isolda secretly funded have lost their coin. But instead of dispersing, they are gathering under a new banner—a coalition calling themselves the Iron-Tooth Legion.”
Elara’s eyes narrowed. “Isolda had dealings with the Iron-Tooth Legion? They are cutthroats, mercenaries who deal in forbidden dark magic and forged blood-oaths.”
“Worse,” Cassian muttered, his golden eyes flashing dangerously. “They were the ones who forged the original treason documents against Elias. Isolda didn’t just fabricate that seal on her own; she bought it from their black-market alchemists.”
A sudden rustle at the heavy oak door made them both look up. Rowan and Rose slipped into the room, hand in hand, their copper hair catching the pale afternoon light.
“Mama? Papa?” Rowan asked, his bright eyes wide. “Are you going to war again?”
Cassian’s fierce expression melted instantly. He strode across the room, dropping to one knee before his son and daughter, lifting Rose into his arms. “Never, little wolf. Your mother and I are just planning a journey to keep our pack safe.”
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“Can we come?” Rose asked, wrapping her small arms around his neck. “We want to see the snow mountains!”
Elara smiled softly, walking over to brush a stray curl from her daughter’s forehead. “Not this time, my sweethearts. You will stay here in the palace with Miriam. Your father and I have to settle an old score.”
