"Dear Father, I miss you very much. I do not know why I am writing this, but maybe it is in the hopes that one day we will meet again and you can read about my adventures. I have wanted to write since the Bridge opened; everything has been busy and exciting.

I have struggled to describe my feelings about what I have experienced over these long and short months. It was only five months ago that we started this plot to bring the Altaerrie here, but it feels like a lifetime ago. I thought crossing the mountains was a grueling journey, but even that feels like forever ago.

But we did it. We found Indolass and the Bridge. We did it. We opened it and went to Altaerrie. But then, you were robbed from me. I miss you so much. It is not fair. Your life's work, your dreams of meeting the people across the Bridge, and you were robbed of it. I still remember our talks next to the fire on the way to Indolass, and I'm wondering what it might be like on Altaerrie.

According to the Altaerrie calendar, it has been two weeks since we wrote this note and first went to their world. So much has happened since then, and already seen so much, and yet, so little. The humans we encountered are called the Americans. But they are not the on only human nation. There are the British, which the Americans rebelled against. Then there are the Japanese who make all of their technology and something called anime. From what i understand, their version of motion pictures with thaum magical ink. Then there are Canadians that provide syrup...?

Do not ask about the last one. I am starting to learn not to trust everything they say. I will never understand human humor.

I do want to say, though, I have become close friends with the group called Comanche. Humor aside, I have never felt so accepted within a group before. We have fought many battles and shared stories. The fact that I am a half-elf means nothing to them, to which I believe they still do not know or care.

At the academy, I had few friends. I was never accepted by elf society and an outcast within the lats. Few of my professors or other classmates ever saw much from me. I saw myself only working in administration or scroller. Going on adventures and seeing the world was only a dream—a perfect dream, but only a dream.

I still cannot believe it. High-ranking military commanders know my name. My leader, Ryder, relies on my magic and knowledge. Even the Templar, Natilite, remembers me and considers me a friend. And then I was terrified when Ryder was taken. I started to believe that I was going to lose another friend after everything he had done to include me in his unit. I was approached by a Colonel who said they wanted a meeting to learn more about the Bridge.

What shocked me was seeing Comanche come together after their leader was taken. They were so determined to find him, and in the end, we discovered that Ryder did not just escape but brought a friend, a little slave girl. I do not know many who would adventure through the wild with a slave girl.

I know you are not here, but if you could see what I see, you would be happy. The Altaerrie are very different from what we expect, and I do not know their full intentions. However, they seem to understand the threat the Unity poses and seem to want to help. Your gamble and your sacrifices were worth it.

Now, we are back at Salva. I know I failed to save you, but we saved about half of the prisoners. I hope you can forgive me. I promise I will keep looking. I love you, Father, and I hope Tekali watches over you. For the first time, there is hope in the world. I can feel it. Mother has not abandoned us. I hope to see you again soon. - Fraeya Holiadon journal entry

March, 15th, 2068 (military calendar)

The Palace (Minutemen HQ), Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Feeling the warmth from the afternoon sun peeking through the glass window, Assiaya woke up from her cot. While it was uncomfortable compared to the feather mattress she had grown used to under Kallem, it was a blessing compared to sleeping on the rocky ground or leaning in those armored vehicles for over a week.

"Morning."

Hearing the inner voice, Assiaya turned into her bed and pulled the blanket over her head. "I want to sleep," she mumbled.

"You slept for ten hours. Time to wake up."

"Ten hours?" Assayia mumbled. "It had been that long? I want to sleep still."

After twisting and turning in bed a few more times as the voice continued to nag, Assiaya couldn't fall back asleep. She pushed the covers off and sat up, rubbing her eyes.

"It is quiet in here."

"Yes, it is...." As Assiaya spoke, she realized she didn't hear the snoring she had become accustomed to in the wild.

The dual-eyed girl frantically looked around the room. She saw only a stone wall with dark wood covering the lower half as a decoration. Across the room walls, there were cloth decorative designs. Unlike her time with Kallem, they were dirty from lack of upkeep, and she wondered if this was normal outside of the royal lifestyle.

Not seeing Ryder, Assiaya started to panic. She stood up and rushed over toward the window and saw American and Salva soldiers outside.

"Look at the floor. Beside your bed."

Assiaya turned and saw a dress on the floor. This confused her as the clothing was not there when she went to bed. That was when she decided that Ryder must have left them there, probably found within the palace and brought to her.

The girl removed the olive-green shirt, which acted as a nightgown because of its overall large size. It was meant for a military-age male rather than a girl like herself. It was the best he could have done on short notice. She didn't mind; she just wanted to go to bed as quickly as she was good at the time.

"I wonder if it is another shirt," Assiaya upsettingly said.

"Would you rather be in a maid dress?"

Assiaya stood as she reflected on the question. "At least I felt like a girl. I do not enjoy dressing like a boy."

She grabbed the clothing and discovered that it was a maid dress—not the quality she had grown accustomed to in the service of the Vampire Lord, but sturdy. Unlike the dark purple and black colors of her formal master theme, this one was red and white.

"He must have not found anything else."

"Or he thought that I was used to this and found something we were comfortable with," Assiaya said.

After changing into the maid outfit, she looked for a mirror but discovered there wasn't one in the room. That was when she noticed his blanket was folded correctly and lying on the cot. Surprised by the discipline, she turned to hers. She folded her blanket and tidied up the place until the dual-eyed girl heard a knock on the door. She saw Ryder standing in clean military clothing—an olive-green shirt and pants with cameo colors covering the sleeves.

"The Americans do not have much for fashion taste."

"It might be a soldier thing," Assiaya thought.

"Morning," Ryder said. "Or afternoon. I don't know any more about this moon's light cycle. Anyways, I see you found your clothes. Best I could find on short notice."

Assiaya smiled brightly, as her assumption that he had picked out her clothing was correct. She waved at him, making sure she had his full attention and then twirled in a circle once before stopping to wait for his reaction.

Ryder stood there, slightly confused, before smiling. "You look sharp."

Assiaya stood there staring at him with an annoyed expression.

Ryder noticed that reaction and said, "I mean, you look pretty in that dress."

The dual-eyed then smiled, thrilled that she got the reaction she wanted.

"Hungry?" Ryder asked. "I have food ready at the tavern."

The girl nodded and rushed over, taking the Captain's hand. The two left the building, one of the town's citizen homes.

Once outside, Assayia saw the impressive number of American troops. Among them was their version of humanoid constructs, either guarding the city or assisting them in the city clean up. There were many native Salvas, all men. Because they were all armed, they must have been the militiamen Kallem had been fighting. She did recall that the woman and children were with a Dwarf brian. Still, it was a sight she had never seen before, always locked away with the other servants.

Everyone was busy installing these large weapons, cleaning the streets, and staffing the wall.

Assiaya pulled on Ryder's shirt and pointed.

"They are preparing for a siege," Ryder said. "The Aristocracy and Unity are regrouping for an assault against the city. This time, we will not get caught with our pants down. They want a fight, and we will show them one, so don't worry."

While she had never heard that phrase, she understood its meaning. Her formal master took the city twice before finally being defeated. It took a little while for them to find the rest of Comanche. One tavern was repurposed into a mess hall for the soldiers, and the Minutemen took full advantage of it.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Afternoon, Boss," King said. "How was the debrief?"

"Thrilling as usual," Ryder replied. "It almost made me wish I stayed behind."

"It could not be that bad?" Fraeya asked.

"I can understand, Fraeya," Natilie said. "There is a reason why I prefer not to meddle in close-to-commander military affairs: politics."

"True that," King said.

"Boss," Barrios said. "I knew you were going to bring the Brat. Pay up, Higgins."

"Why is she in a maid outfit?" Wallace asked.

"Only thing I could find in her size at the Palace," Ryder said. "Later today, we will look around town to see if we can find more appropriate clothing."

Hearing the idea, Assiaya smiled with joy. The team noticed her reaction and collectively laughed. She didn't care, though, as she was happy to spend a day with him while not moments away from death.

"Hey, Assiaya," Wallace said.

When the girl responded, Barrios said, "Give us a spin."

Thrilled by the attention, Assiaya stepped back to give herself room. She twirled once before stopping, waiting for everyone's response. A few of them clapped, but the two men known as the Twins gave her the best compliments.

"You look bright," Barrios said.

"Thank you," Assiaya said before pointing toward Ryder. "He told me I looked sharp."

Ryder turned from confusion, noticing the Twins lecturing him how ladies want to be told their beauty, not like they were in a business suit. For some reason, as Assiaya watched, she chuckled at the sight.

"Glad to see that she is still full of energy," Higgins said.

"Alright, alright," Ryder said. "Lesson learned."

"I am happy to see that she has not lost her spirit," Natilite said. "After what we have been through, most would be scared."

"She slept well," Ryder said. "Ten hours, I think."

"Lucky," Ford said. "I only slept for five."

"You humans need to learn the value of sleep," Fraeya said. "You rush everything, never taking the moment."

"Not everyone lives a five hundred years, Fraeya," Natilite said.

"Being half human, I probably only will live half of that," Fraeya said. "Still, I struggle with that concept. How do you accomplish things in such a short lifespan."

"Damn," Wallace said. "How old are you?"

"I do not know," Fraeya said. "We do not track age like most races do. After a while, it becomes meaningless. We elves go by eras within our life cycle and be judged by that."'

"Eger," Natilite said. "Most likely, she is the oldest one at the table."

"You're... looking good for that...," Ford slowly and awkwardly said. He then glanced down in embarrassment.

"Worst..., complement..., ever," Wallace said, mincing how Ford spoke.

Fraeya took a slight breath, looking embarrassed, slightly glancing over to Ford. "Still... thank you."

While Bruno Barrios grabbed Benjamin Ford by the shoulder and the rest of the team continued their conversations, Assiaya stood baffled but thrilled simultaneously. She was not accustomed to so much celebration as the Vampire way was proper and orderly. Everyone was having fun.

A different man in a white apron whispered into Rommel King's ear.

King nodded, turned to Comanche, and said, "I was informed because of a successful mission."

"If that was a successful mission," Wallace said. "I do not want to know what a failure is."

"Wallace," King said, glaring at the Sergeant. "The brass ordered the chief to make us a special meal."

Assiaya sat on the wood bench between Natilite and Ryder. She saw two other men approach and set a plate before her. The dishware had three fluffy golden-brown cakes with a dark color syrup over them.

"Pancakes," King finished.

"Pancakes?" Assayia said. "It looks like bakery food but is..., fluffy."

"Yup," Ryder said. "Trust me, you will love it."

Assayia grabbed the plastic fork and knife and watched Ryder, seeing how he had eaten the meal. That was when she noticed most of the team was watching her, waiting for her reaction.

"No pressure."

She cut a section from the top layer and ate the pancake. Her eyes widened as the taste exploded in her mouth as if she had never experienced a taste of that combination before.

The dual-eye girl inhaled the syrup-soaked pancake, wanting to eat as much as possible with her empty belly.

Many Comanche members laughed at the sight, commenting on it before starting their meal.

As Assiaya started cutting into the second layer, she noticed another man in the room. He was dressed face, clearly a military man. He was older and was well-postured.

"Hello, sir," Ryder said.

"Welcome back, gentlemen and ladies," Hackett said. "I am glad you all made it back alive."

When 4th Battalion discovered them, it took nearly a day to retreat through Aristocracy lines and reach Salva. The enemy noticed them and attempted to block them, resulting in heavy fighting. But Ivy did its job and safely extracted the Minutemen, the RSC, and all the remaining prisoners.

When they arrived in the city, Assiaya did not remember much; she was exhausted. All she could do was fall asleep on the military cot and pass out when her head rested on the pillow, feeling safe for the first time in a while.

"Good to be back," Ryder said. "Has the brass made a decision?"

"Yes," Hackett said. "The 4th Division had been authorized to provide combat support for this side of the Bridge. The White House has declared that the defense of Salva is a national priority. The enemy will try and retake the city, and we will not allow that. This will be the line that determines if we will stay here or go home."

The Colonel glanced around with his back behind his back before stopping at the three girls on the team. "And I do not know about any of you, but I am not ready to go yet."

"Good to hear," Ryder said.

"I am surprised you are gung-ho to help these people after being taken, Boss," Wallace said. "No offense given."

"That point was brought up in the debrief," Hackett said. "Your Captain made the point that many locals assisted in his escape and guided Comanche through enemy lines, like Ar'lya. Let's not forget that many who stood beside you against the Unity were freed militiamen."

"I will admit, I was pissed," Ryder said as he placed his hand on Assiaya's head, to her annoyance. "However, I would be dead or worse if a few key people didn't assist. I cannot ignore that."

After Ryder removed his hand, Assiaya quickly fixed her hair as best she could, attempting to make herself look presentable. "My hair is fuzzy now."

Her comment drew laughter, but she noticed the Colonel was not laughing. The older man looked puzzled as if he were to read into her.

"Interesting kid," Hackett said.

"Because of my eyes?" Assiaya asked, knowing that it was the first thing everyone noticed first.

Hackett then kneeled to hear eye level and said, "You have pretty eyes, yes, but I do not focus on the surface, little one. Only what is behind it. Anyway, you are the one who brought my Captain back, and that is what interests me."

Assiaya stared at him, baffled by this man's mannerisms, almost like Kallem. At first, the dual-eye girl thought the older man was lying. However, it became clear that he didn't care about her eyes, something she was not accustomed to. Being able to see past her frightened her to some degree, which the man noticed.

However, the dual-eye girl knew that she hadn't saved Ryder. Her plan failed, and he nearly died multiple times to get them as far as they did. That she was helpless throughout the journey.

"Excuse me, Colonel Hackett," Assiaya said. "I did not do anything of value. I hid multiple times while he nearly died. I do not deserve credit. And my plan to free him failed."

"Trust not the one who wields the weapon but the motive of the one who wields it. Now, which one is more important? The weapon itself or the motivation to use the weapon?"

Assiaya stared at the older man blankly, having no idea what he meant. The team chuckled as they understood a reference or what was going on.

"I think she is too young to understand your philosophy, sir," Ryder said.

Hackett stood and said, "You are never too young. You, of all people, should know that."

Seeing that the Colonel was about to leave, Assiaya said, "Colonel. When outside, I notice no women and children. What happened to them?"

"I was going to ask that," Natilite said. "Are they still in the borrian? I would assume they would have been released by now."

The Colonel crossed his arms and took a frustrated breath. "There has been a situation while you all were gone. The militiamen wanted their families back, so we went to the dwarf borrian. For some reason, they refused to release the townsfolk."

"What?" Natilite said, standing up in shock. "I cannot believe that. They made an agreement with the Lord of this city."

"Which he is dead," Hackett said.

"That has been a major issue for many things as of late," King noted.

"Correct," Hackett said. We are still negotiating with the borrian; however, things are not looking good. This has made our Salva alliance complicated."

"Again?" Ryder said. "I thought we moved past that."

"We did," Hackett said. "Your successful raid on the mountain port also was a major boost, so they are with us. However, their wives and children are being withheld. That would frustrate any man and pressure us to resolve the matter."

"Do you think you will?" Fraeya asked.

"I believe so," Hackett responded. "They are either flexing for a better deal or feeling us out as if we were newcomers. However, if we cannot, we might have to go to war against them to preserve our alliance with Salva—something we cannot afford to do now."

"It seems like the dwarves want to keep them as slaves."

"I figured," Assiaya thought. "It is always slaves. This is so frustrating. I thought everything would be better once we arrived here, but they are dealing with the same issues."

"Still better than in Forlace."

"Is it? Because we are not affected, it does not mean it's better. I did not come here to relive what we saw under Kallem."

"I agree. But what can we do about it? If you get involved, it could only lead to a repeat of what we left."

Assiaya thought carefully about what the voice said, struggling to find a counter. She wanted to help; however, she did not know what to do, and she did not want to give up her freedom with Ryder.

"In the meantime," Hackett said. "Comanche will not be deployed for the next twenty-four hours. Take the time to recoup before going back out there."

"Sooner, the better," King said. "I hate being passive."

"That is why we are adapting an active defense," Hackett said.

"If that isn't a contradiction in terms, I don't know what is," Higgins said. "Sir."

Hackett nodded and said, "Then you should have joined the private sector. Good day, gentlemen. Ladies"

The Colonel nodded before leaving the building.

"Twenty-four hours," Gonzales commented. "What to do with all that time."

"Don't get too excited," Ford said. "That is not even a full day here."

"He is correct," Fraeya said.

"That is going to be hard to get used to," Higgins said.

The group continued to enjoy themselves, letting off steam from the intense week they had endured behind enemy lines.

March, 15th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Fortress city of Forlace, Verliance Aristocracy

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

The Vampire Lord, Kallem Verliance, stared at the large crystal surface with a map of his Nevali territory. Focusing on the mountain port of Orlatus in particular.

Since capturing the American Captain, events had not unfolded as he expected. However, he believed that he had discovered his original intent. The Vampire wanted to see what these Altaerrie were made of and who they were outside the battlefield.

"This is a disaster," Korva said.

"Calm yourself," Kallem said.

"The Altaerrie raided the Unity port, taking the prisoners we father from Altaerrie."

"Only the lesser half. Besides, the Unity failed to protect their prisoners, not us."

"Will you tell them that?"

"Of course."

General Verlcon Korva leaned against the crystal table from the other side, staring at his Lord, and said, "How can you be calm? The man you released was the one who raided our Master base."

Kallem slowly calmly looked toward his General and said, "It seems it was."

"How did they discover the facility?" Korva said before taking a deep breath. "It was the girl? Wasn't it?"

"Most likely," Kallem said.

"Why are you not concerned?" Korva said. "The enemy slipped deep into our territory. Not the annexed areas but our territory. Attacked a major facility because you allowed your prisoner and slave to escape."

"I accept responsibility for what has happened," Kallem said. "However, we have gained much-needed insight."

"And that is?"

"Simple. Against all odds, Ryder successfully escaped through the wild. A small number of his people could take advantage of the situation. They adapt quickly and are able to punch above their weight, not just against our forces but against the Unity multiple times. Their desire to win was powerful. Their surrendering, physically or morally, will not come easily. And most importantly, they will do what most consider insane or impossible."

"Like attacking Orlatus?"

"Correct. It made no sense for the Altaerrie to raid the port in their condition, yet they did. It was a gamble that paid off, barely. While they are like Hispana with their warrior spirit, they are not as rigid as we once thought. We must remember that. Flexibility is their strength."

"And the Unity?"

"They already believe that Ryder was the one who killed their Priestess. She knew where Orlatus was, so it would be easy for them to make the connection that he extracted the knowledge from her. As I said, the important prisoners are already going to Palonpulas, so they will get what they want. Plus, the excuse they need for the drums of war."

Verlcon Korva glanced down at the table, staring at the many maps and recordings displayed on the crystal screen. He boldly looked at his Vampire Lord and said, "I will be by your side until the end, my Lord."

"I always knew of your allegiance," Kallem said.

The Lord of Verliance placed his hand over the western frontier map showing Orlatus and moved it aside. He then grabbed a localized map that focused on the City-State of Salva.