A thousand thoughts swirled through my head as I followed the guards to the High Commander General’s cave. As far as I knew, Onyxglade hadn’t spoken a word about my stirrings. If he was paid sufficiently, he usually “forgot” what had happened in the first place.
So someone else had to have seen me.
I gritted my teeth as the guards took me inside of the cave and my father stood in front of me. I had seen plenty of disappointed looks from him, but this was by far the most severe.
“My sources bring me strange reports, Stormblaze.” He snorted. “They say that you’ve been…” He lowered his voice. “They said you’ve had visions of the… King.”
I stiffened. How could they tell my dreams? I had never talked in my sleep before.
Unless they had invaded my mind.
“I’ve had one dream.” I growled. “But I have been sufficiently treated.”
Relief shone on his face. “Good. From what this source said, it sounded as if you were seriously considering defection.”
I rattled my wings. “Do you have that little faith in me? Who would tell you these lies?”
“You’ve always been weak in heart, Stormblaze.” Smokewing rumbled. “And even the strongest of Shakirans in history have faltered against the King before. He is relentless, to say the least. It’s quite annoying.”
“I have a mate, a daughter, and a foal on the way. I would have to be a complete idiot to defect.” I snarled. “But you still haven’t answered my question. Who told you this? I’ve only told the Mansha and you know as well as I do that he keeps confidentiality.”
Smokewing looked uneasy. He shifted.
“Who, Father?” I snapped.
Smokewing gave the slightest of glares. “Fine. It was Fireheart. She said that you bought the treatment from the Mansha, but never took it. She was also the one who said you were having the dreams.”
Fireheart. “My sister is behind this?”
Smokewing nodded. “She is bitter to say the least.”
“Why shouldn’t she?” I gave a dry laugh. “She knows as well as you and I that she was in line for your position until I was born.”
“Me and your mother have begged her to just settle down and find a mate, her true place, but she’s refused every bit of advice. She breaks so many minor regulations…” Smokewing hissed. “Watch your back, Stormblaze. The mare is out for your blood.”
“A betrayer for a sister indeed.” I grunted. “I will talk to her.”
“I strongly advise against it.” He said. “Fireheart is a very dangerous mare. She’s perhaps learned more magic than anyone else in the honorable Dark Order. She could tie you up in mental knots in a heartbeat and have you speaking your most unfathomable truths. Tread lightly and know your true perceptions before you dare approach her.”
I lifted my head, feeling a slight twinge of amusement. “You are afraid of her.”
Smokewing’s glare intensified in toxicity. “I do not fear her. But when me and your mother thought that we would never have another heir save for her, we taught her all the magic we knew, and then some, just so she would be accepted in her position. You must understand how much she’s slashed, crawled, and killed to have the respect she has now.” His eyes ran over me. “You are her only obstacle in becoming the Dark Order’s first mare to be High Commander General.”
“Noted. But if she’s being so insubordinate, why don’t you punish her?” I snapped.
He lowered his head. “Despite her rebelliousness, she is still our best fighter. I do not want to have to take her from the army if we don’t have to.”
“I understand. Now if you don’t mind, I have to get back to my family.” I started toward the door. “I will be careful, Smokewing. But my sister doesn’t scare me.”
“Just keep this in mind… she knows the spells that bring your darkest secrets to the surface. Be very sure of your heart before you face her.” His eyes grew dark. “I do not want to be the one forced to burn my own son’s wings.”
A shiver ran down my spine. “I understand.”
Black thoughts ran through my mind as I left the cave. I should have suspected Fireheart. She was no more a sister to me than Onyxglade. Whisperspring had never met her and I preferred to keep it that way. My daughter did not need to meet her aunt.
Whisperspring was standing in front of the cave when I approached. She ran forward and shoved her nose in my chest. “It’s a lie, isn’t it?” She whimpered fearfully. “You’re not really defecting, are you?”
“No. Some pegasus made that up.” I nickered.
“Oh, good. Mom was really worried, so I said I would guard the entrance until you came back.” She fluttered her aqua and pink feathers. “I made sure no one else came in until you got home.”
“You are very brave, Whisperspring.” I said. “I will be very pleased to have you as my apprentice.”
Whisperspring smiled. “We should go inside and let Mom know you’re okay. She’s been fretting.”
I nodded and strode toward the cave. I ducked my head down and saw Autumnflight pacing. As soon as she caught sight of me, a small whimper escaped her and she rushed toward me. “I was worried that they were going to make a mistake and burn your wings!” She exclaimed.
“No. It’s just a bunch of lies. Some Equinoxian was poisoning everyone and they were just making sure that no one had been affected.” I looked at Autumnflight. “But… we need to talk.”
Autumnflight read my expression and turned to Whisperspring. “Whisperspring, if you would like, you can go to Falconclaw’s cave and see if he would like to train with you.”
Whisperspring nodded, disappearing outside.
“What’s wrong?” Autumnflight asked as soon as Whisperspring’s hoofsteps faded.
“My sister was the one who told my father about me visiting the Mansha, spinning it to make it seem like I was refusing treatment.” I growled.
“Fireheart.” She spat. “That mare has no honor.”
“None.” I agreed. “Anyway, I’ve made up my mind that I must talk to her, confront her in her actions. Someone must put her in her place, even if my father is too afraid to do so.”
Autumnflight’s brown eyes filled with caution. “Are you sure that’s wise? Do you know how dangerous she could be if you stepped on her hooves the wrong way?”
“I can’t let this go on!” I snapped. “She is trying to drag my name through the mud, and I won’t stand for it. Smokewing is too concerned with losing a good soldier, but I’m not.”
Autumnflight lowered her eyes. “When will you do this?”
“I’d prefer right now.” I said. “But I wanted to let you know that no matter what happens, you and Whisperspring are the most important things in the world to me.” I stepped toward the door. “And I will not let our family be scorned like this.”
“Be very careful, please?” She begged. “Your sister is very powerful. Choose your words, guard your mind, clear your heart.”
I nodded. “Of course. Thank you.”
I stepped outside, preparing to bring back my honor and face my betrayer.
Cue dramatic music!
I can’t wait for next Monday to read what happens next!