Matyxal. The name weighted heavily on Zyryxa, casting doubt over her resolve.

“They must be stopped,” Lexyn said, her determination palpable. “Our homesteads will never be safe as long as they’re here.” She looked down at her feet, her self-doubts creeping in.

Pelzyq puffed out his chest. “The homestead didn’t have Pelzyq,” he said, strutting over to Lexyn.

Qoryxa’s flaming eyes! He was an insufferable lout!

Lexyn beamed at him, before casting her light at Zyryxa. “Nor did they have Zyryxa. Combined, you can deliver Qoryxa’s justice, and,” she added with that sly grin of hers, “make a full suit of furs.”

Pelzyq roared with pride, but Zyryxa shook her head, folding her arms. She loved everything about this girl but knew her plan had a fatal flaw. “Do you know who Matyxal is, Pelzyq?”

“Meat for the axe.”

Zyryxa shook her head. “Matyxal has won the Warrior’s Tourney each festival since the last peace. She is far beyond you,” Zyryxa swallowed her pride, “perhaps even beyond me.”

Pelzyq laughed. “You heard Little Mouse. We take this singer two-on-one and…” he swung his axe into a gelubor, effortlessly splitting it before strutting like he’d just won the Champion’s Melee.

Zyryxa watched, mouth agape at the marvel in front of her. The head trauma in his past must have been legendary, yet, she found herself as much amused as much as exasperated. She struggled to keep her lips flat, lest he get the wrong idea.

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“Even if you can defeat her,” Anniqa said, rocking her rousing baby, “there are still a dozen men and half as many drakes to contend with.”

“If we free Natazia,” Lexyn said, rising to her feet, “and put a spear in her hands, she could finish at least half of their men.”

“If they haven’t killed or mutilated her yet,” Bax added.

“Matyxal mourns peace,” Lexyn said, “If we strike quick and decisively, she will not interfere. We can do this.”

Lexyn’s confidence sent chills reverberating down Zyryxa’s spine. Awed by Lexyn’s determination, Zyryxa’s objection that Matyxal’s sword would make music of their screams died in her throat.

“If Little Mouse fights, Pelzyq fights.”

That decided it. She would not be a worse friend to Lexyn than this cretin. Zyryxa gazed toward the ashes of the homestead, snow now burying the dead. “Qoryxa demands judgment be delivered. I’ll fight until their last man’s blood soaks the snows.”

Bax stepped forward. “If you three are brave enough to fight for us, I’m not going to hide from those who killed my husband and took my wives. I’m in.”

Anniqa’s face tightened with sorrow, her words piercing Zyryxa’s heart. “Bax…”

“I’ll bring them home,” Bax promised, his voice breaking.

Anniqa sobbed, holding her baby close. “I can’t do this alone,” she whispered as little Xana clung to her father, crying, “Don’t leave me, Daddy.”

“I have to try,” Bax said, fighting off sobs.

Zyryxa felt the shadows of her past looming over her, her mother’s voice echoing in her mind. To feel is not weakness, my little champion. To feel is to be reminded of what matters. She placed a comforting hand on Xana’s shoulder. “Your daddy is coming home, along with your mommies.” She gazed at Anniqa through a veil of tears. “You won’t have to do this alone. I promise.”

Anniqa looked at her through tear-filled eyes. “Then I hope you are as powerful as Zyrthalla was, Zyryxa.”

Zyryxa nodded, her heart swelling with resolve.

“She is her mother’s daughter,” Lexyn said, placing a reassuring her hand on Zyryxa’s back. “We will not fail you.”

“Bring them home,” Anniqa said, breaking into uncontrolled sobs as she embraced Bax.

“I love you,” Bax said, hugging his family tightly, giving them each a kiss before stepping back.

Zyryxa mounted Zyrxl, her heart heavy but full of determination. She led the way forward, ready to face whatever awaited them.