The sun glinted off the snow and river. The smell of blood filled the air, and Riley’s ribs ached. She grimaced and focused on the notifications.

[Your base level has advanced: 342 → 343!]

[You have slain 35 humans. +16380 experience.]

[You have assisted in slaying 239 humans. +4684 experience.]

[13719 people have sworn loyalty to you. This bond will break if you fail in your noble duties.]

Riley blinked. How much blood did I lose? She focused on the second notification and read the same number. Where are these oaths coming from?

Clearing it away, she looked up. “Did we take it?”

Nicole looked down, her hair dangling over Riley’s face. “I think so.”

Riley nodded. “You can put me down.”

Nicole smiled and gently set Riley on her feet, propping her up.

“Thanks.” Riley felt pain lancing through her ribs and arm. Gods, I hate broken bones.

“That should handle it,” the healer said. “Take it easy. There will be residual pain.”

Riley straightened. “Thank you.”

The healer nodded and walked down the line. Turning, Riley peered up and saw decapitated bodies all around her. That’s Dad. She turned and looked at the fort. A whistle rang through the air, and Travis waved to them.

Using Nicole as a crutch, Riley walked across the muddy, arrow-filled terrain. The surrounding troops hobbled and limped forward.

Burning mana, Riley sent a wave of healing through them. She walked through the gate and looked around the bloody courtyard. Bodies lay everywhere. Swallowing, she walked over to the barracks. I need to meditate.

Summer turned and barked orders. “Everyone, go meditate! Take a position in the barracks. Squad four, be on alert.”

Riley nodded. We need the bridge up, and we need to prepare for the flood. Walking around the bodies, she entered the barracks and sat on a bench. Leaning against the wall, she let her mind slip away, leaving the mess and pain behind.

~~~

Emma walked down the snowy road. She looked at the students and soldiers that stretched up and down the road. Students panted and huffed. Their breaths billowed, creating soft clouds.

Turning, she looked at Lin and swallowed. Gods, are we going to die? She looked down the line. The sound of rolling carriages and caravans rumbled from behind her. She listened and heard the sound of the river.

Looking over the heads, she saw a large, stone fortress rising from the ground. The size of a small village, the fort towered upward. Several towers sat up top, and barking orders filled the air.

Walking up to the gate, she looked at the commanders and walked up to one.

“Name and best classes,” a man barked.

“Emma. Earth Mage and Fire Mage. I also have guard and scout.”

“Join the mages!” The man gestured to a group near a tower.

Emma walked inside the fort, crossing the muddy ground and joining the group of mages. She turned and watched classmates walk in.

“Gods, can’t someone clean this mess?” Lily asked, sighing loudly. “It’s appalling.”

“Can’t handle mud now?” Timothy replied, striding through it and walking up to the group.

“They could dry it.”

Emma sighed. These two. She looked at the pacing captain, who was frowning at everyone.

A voice rang through the courtyard. “Attention, recruits! As a reminder, we are at war. You will be assigned a squad and schedule. You are expected to obey it. As of this moment, a group of veterans and knights has been able to take two of the forts across the river. Our priority is reinforcing the position.” The commander studied the group. “Some of you will be sent across the river now. Report to your captains.” He turned and walked away.

Emma turned back toward her group. Mages with armbands began walking through the group.

“Can we see across the river?” Dwight asked. “I want to.”

“I’ll ask,” Timothy said, stepping forward and walking toward the commander.

That’d be nice. Emma swallowed and waited. The captains worked through the groups. Pausing in front of Emma, a mage looked at her. “Stone Mage?”

“And fire.”

“You’re on C squad 13. You’ll be working on the bridge. Report to it now.” The mage gestured to the gate and walked to the next person.

Emma swallowed and nodded. She walked out the gate and followed a stream of people to the narrow bridge that stretched across the river. That doesn’t look stable.

Turning, she approached the mage captain, who was barking orders.

A mage next to her turned to Emma. “Squad?”

“C squad 13,” Emma replied.

“I want you practicing. Raise pillars in the river over there. Make them permanent and spread them apart. We need to slow crashing water,” the mage said, gesturing to the recruits raising pillars in the river.

“Is Riley here?” Emma asked quickly.

The mage sighed. “Lady Riley is meditating across the river. She is busy. Do not bother her.”

Condemnation. “Can I visit there?”

“After you are out of mana, you are to report there. Now, practice.” The mage glared at her.

Emma bobbed her head and joined the group. She began practicing. Triggering Mold Stone, she began pulling out pillars while veteran mages prowled.

One stopped next to her. “Which?”

Emma pointed to the round pillar.

“Good. I’m certifying you. Cross the river and help build the bridge fort.” The mage gestured to a group across the river.

“Okay. Thanks.” Emma walked to the bridge and joined the line. She slowly crossed, ignoring the icy water beneath the narrow stone.

Jumping down, she landed and walked up the slope to the small foundation. Joining the line, she waited and watched.

People bustled around and pointed out where to place the stone pillars and slabs to form the foundation for it all. Mages walked up, added stone to the foundation, and walked away.

Emma made her way forward at a surprisingly quick pace. She looked at the gesturing mage and added to the foundation, pulling and fusing stones for the massive foundation.

Her mana plummeted, and she blushed. Turning, she walked away and followed the line. How much mana is this going to take? She walked toward the fort with a smoldering bonfire. The smell of burning flesh and hair lingered in the air.

Walking past it, she headed into the fortress and followed the line of mages into the barracks.

The room was full of people meditating and lounging on benches and chairs. She turned and looked for a spot, spotting a bench with several gaps between the members.

“There’s a spot,” Dwight said, sighing loudly.

“Hey, it’s Riley,” Kamal said, pausing and pointing.

Emma turned.

Riley was leaning against another girl. Her short, blue hair covered the girl’s shoulder, and a large blood stain was on her armor.

Looking at the spot, Emma considered taking it. She stepped forward.

Dwight walked up and reached his hand toward Riley. Nicole batted his arm away and glared.

“Do you know who I am?” Dwight asked, scowling at Nicole.

“I don’t care,” Nicole said, anger in her eyes. “Don’t wake her. She’s recovering and trying to get some mana back.”

Timothy strode forward. He frowned. “Who are you?”

“Nicole. Her handmaid. Leave,” Nicole hissed.

A ripple of noise spread through the fort. Timothy scowled. “I am the crown prince, and I—”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Your majesties,” Travis said, emerging from a room. “In here.” He gestured them to the command room.

Emma swallowed and looked for a new spot. Finding none, she turned back. Maybe if I’m quiet? She walked toward Riley.

Nicole smiled at her and gestured.

Emma took a seat next to Riley and leaned against the wall.

Dwight frowned and walked over. He scowled at Nicole and took a seat next to Emma.

A few others walked over and filled in the gaps. Emma leaned against the wall. I should try meditating.

~~~

Riley sat on the floor and played her lute out to the stars. A massive smile sat on her face. Gods, it’s gorgeous here. With her fingers plucking the strings, she looked at the floor and saw Dwight. What is happening down there?

Further confusion spread across her face as she saw the prince and Emma. Sighing, she dismissed her lute and pushed herself out of the heavens.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself leaning on Nicole. She reached over and played with a white curl, chuckling to herself.

“Awake now?” Nicole asked. She sighed. “Sorry.”

Riley sat up and looked over. She waved. “Emma?”

“We’re getting some experience with war,” Dwight replied, poking his head out. “You really should talk to your handmaid. I could have her beheaded.”

You could try. Riley paused. Wait. Do I have to obey their orders? I sure hope not. She looked down the line and saw Summer meditating.

“They have a very mediocre bridge up,” Nicole said.

Riley nodded. She stood and smiled at Emma. “Be careful out here.”

“Can we talk?” Emma asked. She stood and leaned closer. “I’ll probably be forced into the army instead of school,” she whispered.

Riley frowned. “We can discuss it later. My family is in a lot of debt.” She sighed and patted Emma’s shoulder. “How many are being forced here?”

Emma leaned closer. “Some of the baron kids and all the mayor kids.”

Riley grimaced. Gods, this kingdom’s terrible. Hopefully, Althea’s up for helping me burn it down. She turned to Nicole. They probably are.

“We’ll talk later. I need to chat with some knights,” Riley hugged her, turned, and walked to the command room. She knocked, and the door cracked open.

A captain saw her and nodded, opening the door further. Riley walked into the room and saw the two royals sitting on the nicest chairs. Oh, gods. Maybe we should run off.

The door shut, and Travis looked at her. “How’s the mana?”

“Not much.” Riley walked up and looked at their map. We’re finally moving inland. She looked to the west and saw that more forts down the line had been taken. And we are breaking through.

Travis turned back to the group. “Any questions?”

“I’d like Riley in my retinue,” the princess said, turning and smiling. “It’s safest.”

“No,” Travis stated bluntly. “Your father warned you of this. He informed us. If you fear for your safety, retreat. She will be here while we finish the bridge work, but we must march again soon.”

“Do we have eyes on them?” Riley asked.

Travis shook his head. “Ivan and a few others are scouting to see where they fortify. We also have a squad dealing with the flood. Your primary goal will be defending our construction crew and breaking the next fort. We’ll march on the closest village when they are ready.”

“Thanks.” Riley turned and walked over to the wall. She smiled and took the offered seat.

Lily frowned. “Why is she in here?”

“She’s a knight.” Travis turned back to the group. “Any other updates?”

Several shook their head.

“Dismissed.”

Riley sat on her chair and debated going to look at the bridge.

The group filed out, and Travis looked at the remaining people. “Now, prince and princess. I will emphasize your parents’ instructions. You are to retreat if there is risk. Do not give countermanding orders. That is paramount. For now, you are here to learn and nothing more. Understood?”

Timothy frowned. “I should get a squad.”

“I’ll consider that, but you will not be adding Lady Riley to your group. She is our sole Void Mage.” Travis looked at each.

Lily sighed, and Timothy nodded.

Marcus nodded. “If you have any skills that impact your allies, I’d advise working them into your build. While the value of such skills is low in most places, they are very powerful here. You’ll have several from knights and our oaths to you.”

Lily gasped. She spun and stared at Riley. “How did you get auras like this?”

“Crystals, princess,” Riley lied. “And I made an oath to your family.” She smiled and feigned nonchalance.

Travis sighed. “Indeed. We are doing what we can, and she did reach C-tier. Her noble class advanced to Baroness.”

Lily nodded. “And this is typical?”

“For nobles prepared to fight on the battlefield, yes.” Marcus smiled. “Where are yours?”

Lily scowled at him. “I have better skills. They aren’t even useful. And you should address me with my title.”

Travis sighed. “Marcus, go check the scouts.”

Marcus stood, gave a jaunty salute, winked at Riley, and walked out the door.

Nicole’s fingers danced down Riley’s arm. “Be careful, Riley. She noticed.”

Riley turned and drummed one on Nicole’s back. “Let me know if we have to run.”

Travis spoke. “Knight Summer is meditating. I’m going to ask you to meditate in the mage tower if possible. There is a high possibility that the enemy comes here in earnest.”

Riley nodded to him and walked out the door.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 343

Bard (C)

Level: 319 + 5

Dominating Presence C +1 level to the assigned class. Enemies within 100 meters of you lose 20 strength, 20 dexterity, and 20 speed. You may expend bardic inspiration to increase the effect. Psionic Storm C +1 to the assigned class. Conjure a storm of void or psychic energy. Variable cost. Restoring Presence B +2 to the assigned class. Subjects regain 1% stamina and 1% mana every 30 minutes; their healing is augmented by 50%. Allies within 100 meters count as subjects. You know of injuries and may use mana to heal allies within fifty meters. You may use inspiration to expand and increase the effect. Empowering Presence C +1 to the assigned class. Your subjects gain +20 strength, +20 dexterity, and +20 movement speed; allies within twenty meters count as subjects. You may use Bardic Inspiration to temporarily boost the range and the effect.

Psionic Assassin (B)

Level: 266 + 12

Assume Disguise S +30 charisma. Enhance your current disguise by altering your displayed information and taking on the disguised form. Grants +5 levels to the assigned class. Perception and Insight suffer -250 levels against your disguise and -50 levels against your deception or stealth. Penalty applied: Gods’ Oversight. Momentous Tempo B +10 speed. This boost will increase to up to +100 for every ten seconds you are in motion. Slowing in any way will reduce the effect. +2 levels to assigned class. You may use a charge of inspiration to boost your movement speed by an additional 10 for a minute. Death's Cloak A Slain enemies will grant experience to your base level and active classes. +3 levels to the assigned class. Perception and insight suffer -25 levels against you. Penalty applied: Covenant. Ambush B +10 speed. +2 levels to the assigned class. Costs one stamina to use. On use, you teleport to a shadow within 20 meters. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Spell Thief(B)

Level: 271 + 2

Predatory Sight C +1 level to the assigned class. Your perception and insight are boosted by 30. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. You may use 1 stamina to double this effect for ten seconds. Spirit Blade C +1 level to assigned class. Manifest an ethereal blade of psychic energy that will vanish after thirty seconds or six seconds after being thrown. Costs one stamina or one mana to manifest a blade.

Pretty C Use a mana to get Beauty’s help! She may provide it anyway. Oh, and you’ll stand out in a crowd! After all, everyone knows a Beauty. Music's Lute - You may summon this lute from the heavens. It will return to the heavens when you will it away.

Ranger (C) Level: 290 Inactive. Noble (C)

Level: 43 Inactive. Enchanter (E)

Level: 115 Inactive. Alchemist (D)

Level: 240 Inactive. Infiltrator (D)

Level: 34 Inactive. - -

Conjure Storm D Manipulate or conjure up a storm. Mana cost varies. Conjure Potion C +1 to assigned class. Conjure a potion that you understand. You may add an additional minor healing effect to any potion. Cost varies based on the potion and potion duration. Heavenly Refrain C +1 levels to the assigned class. Use this skill to have the heavens join your song. Grants +100 charisma for the duration of the song and may only be used as long as the gods are willing. Control Water E Manipulate the water around you. Cost varies based on amount.

Dexterity 1555 Strength 686 Speed 567 Intelligence 1228 Charisma 1038 Stamina 962 Mana 2424 Inspiration 665