As the crowd gathered at the gates slowly began making its way into the city, Midhir stepped outside. He could now see the crimson dyed sky, and the sun setting over the treeline.

Rare stars glimmered in the sky as he watched the sunset. A frigid wind blew against him, tugging at his clothes and hair. Shadows grew longer, and the overgrowth seemed much more frightening than it did at daylight.

The thick layer of roots covering the ground had already creeped much closer to the road. The trees seemed to be stretching their branches over the stone paved road, making it seem much darker, and much narrower.

Had those travellers remained outside for the night, they probably would have stood no chance. The disappointment he felt in Alistair stung. The young Orlein heir was still easily swayed by Captain Rianne’s words – he lacked experience and wisdom, qualities Solus was hopefully going to instil in him.

As the last of the travellers passed through the gates, Midhir let out an audible sigh and returned to the safety of the city walls.

The crowd was gathered at the plaza by the gates. Soldiers were checking their belongings for weapons and crystal tools, and any objects that carried the symbol of a twelve-part snake devouring its own tail. Some people protested, but they were quickly silenced by the piercing gaze of Captain Rianne. The woman seemed quite displeased about Alistair’s decision, and the daggers she often glared at Midhir showed who she blamed quite clearly.

“I’ll head back to the mansion,” Midhir said as he passed by Alistair. “Unless you need my help. I’m still exhausted.”

The young noble shook his head. “No, you’ve helped plenty – in more ways than one. Please make sure to get some rest.” He didn’t meet Midhir’s gaze.

The eerie glow of the light blue barrier continued to illuminate the city somewhat even after dusk. The unnatural glow was unnerving as it didn’t cast normal shadows. It almost seemed like the light was everywhere.

He made his way back to the Orlein mansion with a fast pace. The guards at the gates left him through, and without pause he returned to his quarters. After shutting the heavy curtains, he undressed, put on a nightgown, then threw himself onto the soft bed.

“Hurry, mother…” his voice was but a whisper. Fear was rampant in the city – it had struck Captain Rianne, and even Alistair. It affected their decisions, made them think differently. They sought enemies everywhere, and lost empathy.

Fear was killing their minds. An’Larion had let Bareon deal with the dangers of the overgrowth on its own for far too long. They felt alone and isolated, and they had been until now. The Imperial family should have sent help far sooner.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

With a sigh, he rubbed his eyes, hugged his pillow, and turned to the side. The barrier would protect Bareon until the Enforcers arrived. It was fine to rest now.

His mind drifted off to sleep almost instantly.

A raven watched the young boy from the window.

It’s draining him. It warned the witch. You could help them, you know. You should – you caused this.

A scoff echoed in its mind. “I did no such thing!” She protested. “And no, I can’t help them. I did all I could – I stand watch now, over the sands of gold. The fires grow, old friend.”

The raven shuffled its feathers and picked one of them off its left wing. It’s eyes remained fixed on the window as the boy closed the heavy curtains. A sliver of doubt appeared in its mind. Had he noticed it? It shook his head violently. No, he couldn’t have. And even if he did, it was just a raven.

You’ve been saying the same thing for the past… three centuries? Maybe even more.

It was easy to lose track of time after the first couple of centuries. It hardly mattered anyways, so there was no need to remember it.

“No, I haven’t!” She gasped, as if it had suggested something offensive. Her tone quickly grew darker. “I feel something change – something stirs in the beyond. It’s too soon for that, so I must stand watch.”

The raven didn’t respond. It had made a suggestion, and she had shot it down once. There was no point in pressing it.

A knock on his door startled him awake. “Come,” He said after scrambling to get out of bed.

The door opened, and Aodan stepped inside. “Good morning, sir.” He glanced at the drawn curtains before continuing to speak. “We just received word that the Enforcers are on their way and will arrive within the hour. Lord Orlein has asked everyone to get ready to properly welcome them.”

“That was fast,” he muttered. He couldn’t help but wonder, were the issues in the Olisar province solved, or had they been sent here without having resolved them?

“Indeed. The Imperial Family has been very kind to send them here with such urgency.” Aodan bowed, then stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

Midhir brushed his hair back. “…right.” He mumbled before shaking his head. It didn’t matter – previous mistakes were a matter for later. Now, he needed to prepare.

After putting on a proper outfit and tying his hair with a black ribbon, he stepped out of his room to join the others who had gathered down the hallway.

“I can’t wait to see them!” Willow whispered as he joined them. “I’ve never met any of them before, I wonder how they look.”

Arwen raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you live in the capital? I would have thought you’d be well acquainted with them.”

“Enforcers prefer not to announce their identities.” Midhir explained as they began walking towards the entrance of the mansion. “Especially in An’Larion, everything is kept under strict control. A normal person would probably live their whole life without ever formally meeting an Enforcer.” Even he didn’t know most of them. He had met one of them, and only a couple of times in his life.

Soon after they arrived at the entrance, Lord Orlein and Aodan joined them. Before they could exchange pleasantries, the sound of galloping horses echoed in the still air. Their gazes turned towards the street leading downhill to the city just as four riders appeared.

Midhir’s lips curled up into a soft smile as his gaze met with one of them.

Not a moment later, Willow audibly gasped.