The Remains

The fire had spread by the time Kyera and her supporters broke through the tree line into the village. The smell of death, decay, and burning filled her nose, causing herself and several of the forest children to force back gags of disgust. Bodies lay torn open in the street, homes burned, live stock shredded beyond recognition. No one and nothing was spared. In the center of the square drug from its customary place near the poor side of town, was a stall. Across the sign, in now charred writing that could no longer be read, but Kyera clearly knew the words. The smell of medicinal herbs burning only cemented her suspicion. A body tied to the post made Kyera's heart throb with pain. Another innocent, dead. Burned for no reason other than spite and hatred. Even the snow coated roofs could not stop the fire from engulfing them. 

"Oh my Gods…" Alexi whispered as he looked at the carnage he couldn't come to terms with what he was seeing. Damar and Clovis stared wordlessly, knowing there was nothing that could be done, their minds in shock. 

"Why are they here? They should have been in the castle, the place was still considered a war zone… they are civilians…" Alexi whispered on and Talis put a hand on Kyera's shoulder. 

"Princess?" He asked softly, knowing they wouldn't have orders till she spoke.

"They left no one alive here. Not a bloody person alive. Still, have the younger knights, Heathrow, Oslo, and Race search for survivors. The rest of us must make our way to the palace, or we will face the same destruction there." Kyera replied her voice suddenly monotone. No one questioned her. They moved to obey. She looked to the sky. The dragon's were following, She raised two fingers and made a circular motion. "Let this land know your fury." Kyera cried to the low circling twins.  

Within seconds of her command the low roars of two dragons filled the air as the storm twins shot straight up into the clouds. Within seconds the wind began to sweep across the land at an alarming rate. No one knew what to think as the clouds went from their soft white to the boldest grey black they had seen in a long time. The winter suddenly became brutal, more brutal than anything this area had ever seen before. The army made haste through the forest toward the palace. Kyera and the royals staying at the front, discussing strategy as the snow began to fall. The storm Twins worked hard and whipping this small snow storm into a raging blizzard. 

"This is going to make it hard on our warriors…" Damar pointed out and Kyera looked at Viren. 

"No, Prince Damar, this would make it hard if your army wasn't ours. The forest gate army, as well as my own trained in the snow and sleet. War and protecting our borders does not rest just because a blizzard decides to crash the party. You and your brothers may have a hard time… but this is our playground." Viren informed them taking his own twin swords out and spinning them twice at his sides. Kyera smiled at the other man, he met her eyes and nodded. Clovis nodded and Kyera looked at him as well. 

"This is my fight." Kyera told him gently and Clovis nodded, knowing it was true. There was no way to get away from the truth. 

"It is our kingdom." Alexi pointed out and Kyera nodded at him, completely in agreement. 

"It was my choice to spare the Dark Ones nearly  15 years ago. Now we pay the price for that decision. This fight is my fight, the fight with Bastil that comes after… will be yours to take. Be safe, fight hard, and remember, shifters have an animal within. Many of us are pack animals. Stay close together, don't let a group get you by yourself. This will be their last stand." Kyera replied as she popped her own neck left then right. The sickening snap of those muscles and joints realigning themselves was loud enough to be heard several feet away. The royals nodded and she turned to the men. She raised a paw into the air, her human hand formed into a fist, the white scar where the blade had pierced her skin many months ago reflected in the light.