Chapter 6 - The March to Dragontooth
For three days, the Royal Army marched east through heavy rain and biting mountain winds.
Mara rode at the front of the column beside Julian, wearing lightweight silver plate armor custom-fitted over her dark tunic. Her golden phoenix mark throbbed with a gentle, comforting warmth beneath her breastplate, keeping the freezing cold of the mountain air from affecting her.
Julian looked over at her as their horses plodded through the muddy mountain pass. "You ride like you were born in a saddle, Your Highness. I was told you grew up in the lower kitchens."
Mara offered a small, bitter smile. "I spent four years hauling heavy grain sacks to the stables every morning. I learned how to handle horses because the head groom was the only person in the palace who didn't kick me when I walked past."
Julian’s eyes softened with respect. "The nobles in the capital think power comes from lineage and silk gowns. But real strength is forged in the dark. I watched you face those assassins, Princess. You didn't break."
"Call me Mara," she said softly, looking at him. "When it's just us."
Julian hesitated, then gave a respectful nod. "Mara, then. My father was a border captain who died fighting Duke Vane’s corrupt border taxes eight years ago. When I took my oath to the Crown, I swore I would see justice done. Fighting by your side... it feels like the gods are finally answering that prayer."
A scout on horseback came galloping down the winding trail ahead, pulling his reins hard before Julian and Mara.
"Captain! Princess!" the scout gasped, breathless. "Vane’s forces have blocked the Iron Pass ahead! They have erected heavy timber barricades and lined the cliffs with archers! We cannot pass without taking massive casualties!"
Julian pulled his sword, looking at the narrow canyon walls ahead. "If we get trapped in the pass, their archers will rain fire down upon us."
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Mara closed her eyes, feeling the golden heat swelling beneath her collarbone. She opened her eyes, her pupils flecked with brilliant sparks of molten gold.
"They brought fire to a canyon," Mara said quietly, spurring her horse forward. "Let us show them who commands it."
