Winter of the Wolf (The Desolate Empire Book 4)
Page 1
Contents
Title Page
The Olvisyan Empire
Kronland
Kendryk
Gwynneth
Anton
Braeden
Elektra
Teodora
Lennart
Braeden
Maryna
Braeden
Kendryk
Gwynneth
Maryna
Anton
Gwynneth
Elektra
Maryna
Gwynneth
Braeden
Teodora
Gwynneth
Lennart
Braeden
Teodora
Maryna
Teodora
Lennart
Elektra
Maryna
Kendryk
Teodora
Anton
Teodora
Maryna
Teodora
Lennart
Maryna
Braeden
Elektra
Anton
Elektra
Kendryk
Gwynneth
Braeden
Maryna
Teodora
Lennart
Kendryk
Gwynneth
Elektra
Maryna
Braeden
Gwynneth
Maryna
Lennart
Braeden
Anton
Maryna
Anton
Gwynneth
Anton
Teodora
Maryna
Anton
Gwynneth
Teodora
Braeden
Elektra
Lennart
Elektra
Anton
Gwynneth
Lennart
Braeden
Anton
Teodora
Lennart
Maryna
Anton
Braeden
Elektra
Gwynneth
Elektra
Teodora
Gwynneth
Elektra
Teodora
Braeden
Gwynneth
Lennart
Elektra
Braeden
Lennart
Gwynneth
Elektra
Maryna
Gwynneth
Braeden
Teodora
Gwynneth
Maryna
Elektra
Anton
Maryna
Gwynneth
Teodora
Braeden
Maryna
Gwynneth
Elektra
Maryna
Anton
Lennart
Braeden
Teodora
Anton
Lennart
Teodora
Braeden
Gwynneth
Elektra
Gwynneth
Teodora
Gwynneth
Braeden
Gwynneth
Teodora
Gwynneth
Teodora
Braeden
Maryna
Gwynneth
Anton
Gwynneth
Anton
Braeden
Anton
Gwynneth
Maryna
Lennart
Anton
Elektra
Teodora
Lennart
Maryna
Braeden
Elektra
Gwynneth
Teodora
Braeden
Elektra
Gwynneth
Anton
Elektra
Lennart
Maryna
Teodora
Elektra
Braeden
Lennart
Anton
Gwynneth
Maryna
Lennart
Anton
Maryna
Braeden
Anton
Lennart
Gwynneth
Maryna
Teodora
Elektra
Teodora
Braeden
Teodora
Elektra
Lennart
Teodora
Anton
Gwynneth
Braeden
Maryna
Elektra
Lennart
Gwynneth
Braeden
Teodora
Anton
Gwynneth
Epilogue- Trystan
Cast of Characters
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Copyright
About the Author
Winter of the Wolf
The Desolate Empire
Book Four
Christina Ochs
Kendryk
Kendryk grabbed Anton by the collar, dragging him backwards before his punch hit its target.
“Sorry,” Kendryk said to the man, still sitting on the bench with a puzzled expression, his arm raised to protect his face.
Kendryk and Anton had stopped in a tavern less than two days’ journey from Birkenfels. Since they were on their third pitcher of the sweet Terragand wine, Kendryk should have known something would go wrong.
“What did you think you were doing?” Kendryk pushed Anton back into his seat.
“Protecting the young lady,” Anton slurred, nodding toward the serving girl, who’d scuttled to the other side of the room at the prospect of violence.
“She can take care of herself,” Kendryk said. “The man didn’t do anything.”
“He was rude.” Anton scowled. “Pretty girls get tired of men who act like that. I know, because Susanna always said ...” He trailed off, staring at the table.
Kendryk squeezed Anton’s shoulder before sitting back down. He had to worry that Teodora’s awful letter about his family might be true, but for Anton, the worst had already happened. Lately, whenever they saw pretty girls of the common sort, Anton tended to become protective, especially if he was drunk.
Anton propped his elbows on the scarred surface of the table, looking sheepish. “I overreacted, and I’m sorry. You’re right; she can take care of herself.”
“It’s all right,” Kendryk said. “Just stop and think for a moment the next time you want to hit someone.” He needed to change the subject before Anton became even more morose.
“I’ll try.” Anton pushed his mug away. Kendryk noted with approval that he shook his head when the innkeep appeared with an enormous pitcher. “I might have picked the grapes for what we’re drinking.”
“How awful,” Kendryk said. “They really did treat you like a peasant in the infantry, didn’t they?”
“Mostly.” Anton’s head drooped. “But it wasn’t too bad. It was fun as long as Susanna and I ...” He trailed off, swallowed and looked down.
Kendryk had to keep him from thinking about Susanna again. Bad enough they were both morose all the time, even when they weren’t drunk. He was well aware of his own words slurring, though he hoped his mind was still keen enough for this conversation.
Anton looked ready to pitch face-first onto the table.
Kendryk banged his empty mug on the table and Anton jumped.
“I’ve had enough,” Kendryk said.
“Enough wine?”
“Yes, now that you mention it. But what I mean is, I’m sick of doing everything Lennart tells me to. I’m still the ruler of Terragand and I can do what I want.”
> “Hear, hear.” Anton raised his empty mug, then stared into it sadly.
“What I’m trying to say is—” Kendryk stopped and tried to gather his thoughts. “What I’m trying to say is, Lennart wants to shunt me off on Edric Maximus and I won’t have it.”
Anton frowned. “Isn’t Edric your friend?”
“He is. One of the people closest to me in the world.” Kendryk pushed down the awful thought that Gwynneth, the very closest, might be gone forever. “And I’m sure he would approve of us doing this.”
“Doing what?” Anton’s face wore a dull, puzzled expression very unlike him.
“Going to find my family.” Kendryk banged the mug on the table for emphasis, then had to wave off the innkeep when he hurried over. “We’re going to Galladium to find my family.”
That nearly brought a smile. “I like that idea,” Anton said. “We should drink to it, then figure out how to do it tomorrow.” He reached for his mug.
Kendryk slapped his hand away. “No. Enough drinking. We need to clear our heads if we’re to do this properly.” He waved for the innkeeper who hovered nearby. “Bring us cold water, my good man.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” The innkeeper scuttled off.
Kendryk found it annoying he was so easily recognized in this part of the country. He had no desire to play the gracious prince right now.
Once their mugs had been refilled with icy water drawn from the well outside, Kendryk took a long drink. The cold of it was a shock, and hurt his head, but it was clearer after that.
“This is what we’ll do. We’ll leave the king’s carriage behind and ride for Birkenfels where I’ll exchange this escort for my own people. We’ll make for Galladium in all haste, meet with Natalya and find out what’s happened to Gwynneth and the children.”
“But what if they come to Terragand and we miss them?” Maybe Anton’s head was clearing too.
“It’s a chance we have to take. I’ll make sure Edric and the garrison commander at Birkenfels can reach me if they receive any news, and I’ll write to Lennart once we’re well on our way. There can’t be anything worse than sitting around Edric’s palace waiting for news.
“But this will be a dangerous, difficult mission. I can’t have you angry and drunk all the time.” Kendryk hated to nag, though Anton’s drinking really was turning into a problem.
“You’re one to talk,” Anton snapped, then shook his head again. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. That was unkind.”
Kendryk had to smile. Anton never addressed him formally unless he’d transgressed. “We’re both in a bad way but action will make us feel better. Don’t you agree?”
“I agree.” Anton finished his water. When he stood, he only swayed a little. “Are you ready to go?”
Kendryk stood carefully. He didn’t feel too unwell, but wasn’t sure how he’d manage on horseback. He and Anton leaned on each other as they walked into the stable yard.
“Saddle two horses,” Kendryk told the groom, then turned to the guard who’d hurried to attend him. “I’ve decided to ride ahead to Birkenfels,” he said, in a voice that brooked no argument. “Pick twenty guards to accompany me. I want to be there by nightfall.”
Gwynneth
That awful evening, Gwynneth had worried her heart might stop when Stella’s screams had alerted them to Devyn’s absence.
“We must go after him,” Gwynneth said, holding Stella close as she cried. “Or you must send someone.”
“He’ll find Commander Terris,” Natalya said. “They can’t have gone far in the dark.”
“But what if he finds Fernanda instead?” In spite of her exhaustion, Gwynneth’s heart pounded with fear for her son.
Natalya sat down next to Gwynneth and stroked Stella’s hair. “Then I’d fear for Fernanda,” she said.
“He took my pistols!” Maryna exclaimed. “Along with all the shot, and the powder horn. How am I supposed to protect us now?”
“See?” Natalya smiled. “Fernanda doesn’t stand a chance if Devyn runs into her. He’s already shot her once.”
“He’s too young to be on his own.” Gwynneth didn’t want to start crying again, but now more than ever, she needed all of her children close by.
“He won’t be. And you’ll go that direction once it becomes light. If he’s lost, he’ll hear your carriage and escort passing on the road.”
“I don’t understand why you can’t send someone after him.” Gwynneth didn’t want to question Natalya, but she couldn’t believe how calm she was about a little boy alone in these vast woods.
“It’s no use.” Natalya sounded like she was explaining this to a child. “We can’t have everyone crashing through the brush, or we’ll never find Fernanda. Most of my force will go with you.”
“Go with me where?” Gwynneth had assumed they’d return to Allaux at once.
“I want to keep you hidden for a time,” Natalya had said. “I must find out Teodora’s reason for doing this. I have a suspicion, but I need to travel to Norovaea to be certain. In the meantime, everyone has to believe you and the children are dead. Teodora will show her hand soon; I’m sure of it.”
“What will you do in Norovaea?” Gwynneth’s mind had never felt slower as she tried to absorb what Natalya was saying.
“Pay your brother Arryk a visit.” Natalya took Gwynneth by the elbow and helped her stand.
She struggled to her feet, Stella still clinging to her neck.
Natalya gave Gwynneth a gentle push toward the coach they’d come in.
“I don’t understand,” Gwynneth said. “Teodora and Arryk have a treaty. Why would she cause trouble there?”
“Have you ever known Teodora to do the honorable thing?” Natalya smiled and helped Gwynneth into the coach, then turned to beckon the other children over. “I’m sure she’s up to something, and wants both you and Arryk out of the way.”
“Oh gods.” A shiver washed over Gwynneth. “Do you suppose she’s killed Aksel?”
“I have no reason to believe that. I hope it’s all right if I take Maryna with me?” Natalya looked at Maryna and Gwynneth didn’t miss the way her daughter’s face lit up. “It shouldn’t be dangerous and she’ll learn a great deal.”
“Oh please, Mama. Might I go?”
Gwynneth sighed. She hated to let her go, but after what Maryna had done for her, she owed her at least one favor, probably more. “All right,” she said. “But you must do as Natalya tells you.”
Maryna nodded eagerly.
“And you’ll give my love to your Uncle Arryk, won’t you?” Gwynneth’s voice shook with unshed tears as she embraced her daughter.
“Of course. I’ll be so happy to see him.”
“All right then.” Gwynneth swallowed hard and forced a smile. “Get your things and I’ll see you soon.” It had been fortunate they’d left most of their belongings in the coach, or they would have burned along with the house.
Natalya offered a gentle smile. “It’ll be easier for you with just the little ones. I’ll be back from Norovaea in a few weeks and collect you first thing. I’m very sorry to send you on your way so hungry and tired, but you’ll only travel a few more hours before you can rest.”
By now Andres had climbed into the coach and Stella’s sobs had quieted. Gwynneth put her down on the seat beside her and took the baby into her arms. Terror at what had nearly happened had given way to worry about Devyn, but now she remembered Kendryk.
“Please Natalya, you must let Kendryk know we’re all right. I’m sure he won’t say a word if you tell him not to. I write every day and he’ll be frantic if he doesn’t hear from me.”
“I’ll send him a message today.” Natalya closed the door and looked in the window. “I’ll return soon, I promise. Take the next days to rest and recover from your ordeal.”
Natalya mounted a horse while another was brought for Maryna. “If we go now, we can reach the coast by tomorrow evening and be in Arenberg in a few days, wind permitting. Now go, and don’t worry abo
ut a thing.”
Gwynneth didn’t try to smile, but waved and sank back into the cushions as the coach turned toward the road. By the time they reached it, the children were all asleep and she relaxed enough to let her eyes fall shut.
She wondered if she ought to stay awake long enough to see which way they were going, but the coach bouncing gently over the forest floor lulled her to sleep although her dreams were frightening, full of flames and women with wolf-eyes.
Gwynneth jerked awake as the coach went over a bump, then opened the window. They were still in the woods, and Natalya’s guards flanked the coach on both sides and as far behind them as Gwynneth could see. She remembered where Devyn was, and shuddered.
She didn’t feel much better about Maryna. More than anything, she wanted all of her children beside her, and to return to Allaux.
But she had already decided she would never question Natalya again. And if her brothers were in danger, she wanted Natalya to see her plan through.
Though she wasn’t yet thirty, Gwynneth felt old. Everything had caught up to her at once. The stress and frustration of the many months trapped in Allaux, followed by the terror of Fernanda’s attack was more than enough. But she feared losing her two eldest children, even temporarily, might break her.
She tried to imagine what Teodora was planning, but was so tired she couldn’t focus. The sun had risen high and was beating down on the roof of the coach when they turned off the main road. They rolled down a smaller lane for a time, the children all awake by now.
“Natalya has sent us on a little holiday.” She attempted a smile.
The coach drew to a halt and a guard opened the door. Gwynneth handed Renata down, then climbed out. A pretty stone and timber building stood before her.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“The king’s smallest hunting lodge,” an officer said. “Few know about it. By the Maxima’s order, you’ll stay here a few days.”
At the sight of the inviting building, fatigue rushed over Gwynneth and she nearly fell to her knees. A guard took her arm, and led her through the front door.
Anton
It was a relief to be on horseback again, in the fresh air. Anton let Kendryk set the pace with a steady canter. Birkenfels wasn’t too far away, and Kendryk seemed certain that they could change horses if they needed to.
With the news of Lennart’s victory in the north, folk who’d fled the area returned, and most villages were at least half-populated again. Anton reckoned a fair number of people had died during the terrible winter, with armies marching all over the place, but he didn’t want to ask Kendryk for details. He always fell into the most awful depression if anyone reminded him of how bad things were in Terragand.