When the time came for Philippa to leave, she was both excited and anxious. She couldn't wait to see Asaya again, but was worried about Bardulf because when he began his journey, the ice would be treacherous. Lynn tried to comfort her by saying Bardulf was always alert and always careful, but Philippa still didn't feel confident. Twice, she tried to back out, saying how she'd rather not risk his life because she wanted something so petty as visiting her parents' graves, but Bardulf wouldn't hear of it. He told her she would go and he would follow soon after.
Now, as she got into the sleigh that a wolf would be pulling, Bardulf went over and knelt beside her. She looked at him, her big coat drowning her in fur, making him smile. She smiled back and held her arms out. Bardulf obliged and embraced her carefully. "I will see you soon. Listen to Varg. He is the one I have assigned to stick close while the other three patrol or fight. I want you to use whatever form of communication you have to tell him what is wrong so he can help you." He kissed her head and pulled away so he could look into her eyes. "Have fun. Be safe. My plan is to be there two days before your Name Day, so watch for me, okay?"
Philippa nodded her head, giving him a frown he knew to be worry.
He cupped her face. "Don't think about all the bad. Just think of how happy you'll be to not wear a heavy coat all the time." That made her smile. "Goodbye, my sweet. I'll see you soon."
He kissed her lips, lingering a moment so she could return it. When he pulled away, he helped her to lay back on the pillows and blankets, covered her up to her chin, then gave her one last look before covering the whole sleigh with another blanket.
Bardulf looked to Varg who was pulling the sleigh and nodded. Varg returned the gesture, howled, and began to pull. Slowly at first, they moved, then faster until minutes later, they were out of sight.
The white wolf watched the departing party with glee. She had hoped the female would remember her Name Day. Had hoped she would return to the other kingdom for it and continue her yearly ritual.
The white wolf also knew she'd have to be clever. If her plans were to succeed that day, then it was possible the black wolf would ruin everything. For a moment, her thoughts raced as ideas came and went until one caught her attention and she smiled with delight. It was perfect!
She bounded down snowy slopes and slid on ice until she came to the castle. As if disintegrating, the white wolf turned into a snow flurry or a cloud of ashes, depending on one's opinion, and floated through a window into a bed chamber.
Bardulf continued to work with his men as they prepared the people for the Warmwake, creating structures so that if there was a flood, nothing would be destroyed. His thoughts were always on Philippa though. He wanted to be with her, protect her, keep her warm. His wolf was antsy, pacing about in his head, growling to get out and find her. But while Bardulf knew the compulsion to do as his instincts warned, he was king first.
Flik watched his king with worry. He saw the war within Bardulf's eyes, as well as the others around him. He understood how his body wanted to go after his mate even when his mind knew there were other important things to worry about. Flik saw it in other men, like Varg. Especially when they first mate and the dance wasn't finished yet, the males were always wanting and needing to be with their females.
Philippa slept most of the journey and spent the rest eating and thinking. There was too much time to think, but Varg wouldn't let her out to walk or stretch her legs, so she stayed in her sleigh and felt the smooth ride beneath her. One of her thoughts was of the possessor and how it continued to take control of others in order to attack her. She didn't understand what she did to cause such a reaction. She didn't understand why she herself wasn't being possessed if the thing wanted her. Wouldn't it just be easier to possess her and be done with it? Why the illusion?
It took six days for the wolves to pull her through snowy landscapes and cold winds, six days of boring nothing in the sleigh. So, when the seventh morning came and she felt them stop, she was surprised. Soon, the blanket covering her was removed and Varg looked down at her with a small smile. "If you would like, we can spend an hour here and you may stretch and walk around."
She moved her hands to ask, "Where are we?"
"Wradian. It's close to the border of Asaya."
He helped her out of the sleigh and steadied her as she gathered strength. When she was able to stay upright on her own, she looked around. It was a grassland. To the north was Zurus and she could see snow in the distance. But everywhere else was grass. She took off her big coat and laid it in the sleigh, the walked around, seeing Jared, Ernest, and Stephan laying down with their eyes closed. She looked to Varg and gestured to do the same.
He shook his head. "I need to be able to carry you if danger arises. I will stay human and alert."
She smiled at him, then began to walk. He followed her at a distance, but she didn't mind. She was grateful for the familiar presence at her back. She wished Bardulf were here, but knew she would see him soon.
Without thinking, she closed her eyes and let the warm air brush her face. But soon, she felt her foot catch in a hole of some sort and began to fall, arms flailing to keep upright. An arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back. Philippa thought it was her husband for a moment, turning to give him a broad smile and a warm welcome. But she saw Varg instead and felt her heart drop.
"Be careful, Luna." He let her go and stepped back. She nodded slowly, and decided to head back to the sleigh, her heart yearning for something she couldn't have. She missed Bardulf. She missed his safe presence and gentle arms. She wanted him here. "Luna?"
She glanced behind her to see Varg's worried face. She gave him a questioning look.
"You're crying."
Realizing he was right, she wiped her tears away and sniffed. She waved off his worry, telling him it was nothing and that she was fine. However Varg could see just how not fine she was, because her eyes had dulled with sadness. He could see the resignation of her situation in the slump of her shoulders and the bow of her head.
Going up and standing in front of her, he set his hands on her shoulders and made her look up. He said, "You will see him again. It won't be long now. He is likely already on his way. Just remember that nothing can keep him from you. Nothing at all."
She nodded.
As soon as they reached the others, she got into the sleigh and they were off again.