Chapter 343: The Winds of Winter
The long line of soldiers wound through the narrow ravines and jagged chasms like a Crawler itself, dark against the pale blue stone. The sharp scrape of the thousands of steel boots echoed into the air only to be swallowed in the depths of the sky. Clouds, thick and endless as the sea itself, blanketed the entirety of Blue Canyon, turning everything gray and cold.
The Last Light Company pressed on through the chill with heads held high. They had been on the march for nearly three weeks now and were surely exhausted by now, but from my place at the head of the column, they seemed as neat and orderly as the day we left Bluerock City behind. Their armor glistened duly in the gray light, matching the sparkle in their eyes. A few young recruits caught me watching them and, without breaking pace, their faces lit up and they waved.
I blushed slightly and gave them a small smile, before quickly looking away. I shouldn’t be staring, not when they were enduring so much for my sake.
My thoughts turned from the army as a sallow wind descended from the clouds, cutting through the valleys and chasing through the ranks of soldiers. They failed to so much as falter, even the weakest among them was third level and capable of enduring far worse temperatures. I, on the other hand, shivered, drawing my cloak tightly about me. Instinctively, I reached for my mana but hesitated, then let it go with a sigh. Elinore still wasn’t happy about me using magic yet, and I’d no doubt receive a tongue-lashing if she discovered I’d cast a spell.
"Hey, isn’t it time for you to ride a bit?" Korra’s voice cut through my thoughts. She walked on my left side, her eyes warm with concern.
I shook my head quickly. "I-It’s only been an hour...I couldn’t, not when they’re all so..." I looked back over the marching ranks of soldiers, my stomach twisting.
"Xiviyah," she said, sighing, "You should ride. You’re just going to tire yourself out."
Fable whined in agreement, his starry golden eyes fixed on me. He’d been constantly brushing and rubbing against me ever since I demanded he let me off the last time, but I’d been ignoring him.
"Please, I can walk too!" I protested, my tail flicking anxiously. "No one else has been able to rest yet, and I can still–"