Epilogue

Ashe stared at the ceiling of her room. She had not left the room since the battle. Seven days had passed. She hadn't received any injuries, not physical ones at least. She couldn't bring herself to go to Great Lord Ivo's burial. The day after the battle news spread throughout Adhu Aqua. it mentioned every detail of the battle and of the severe losses. Commander Beckett had been given the role of temporary Great Lord. After the battle, she was brought back to the Drucker family house. The family fed her and allowed her to stay for as long as necessary. Ballack Drucker arrived every day to give her updates on the health of her siblings and friends. She was made aware of Alaric who had slept for three days. He had not said a word to anyone. Florian was still alive, his face however required many treatments which the Drucker family was happy to provide. He should make a full recovery. Savia suffered a few injuries but none was particularly severe. Everard was the last person she wanted to think about. They told her it was a miracle that he had still been alive. He kept himself alive with a healing cast. He could not heal himself completely, all he could do was not allow himself to die. Ballack mentioned that he requires another means of healing that could not be found in Adhu Aqua. Commander Drucker and Commander Orvyn had not regained consciousness, they suffered severe wounds to the abdomen and neck respectively.

There was a knock on Ashe's door. She slowly rolled out of the bed and walked over to the door. She knew who to expect. As she predicted Ballack stood outside her door. He had a smile on his face as usual. It seemed nothing could faze Ballack.

"Y'know, you have been summoned to the castle. Great Lord Cressela's orders, y'know."

She was about to speak when he spoke again.

"It is urgent." His tone had been serious for a second but he went back to smiling.

Ashe nodded. She grabbed her robe and spear and followed Ballack. He led her to a carriage. Savia, Alaric and Florian had already been there. Savia seemed the same to Ashe. She wore her cloak with the hood pulled tight, she stood close to Alaric. She also kept her eyes focused on him. Alaric wore his sleeveless robe as well. His eyes were back to their regular colour but he seemed distant. He had a bracelet attached to his wrist that had a purple glow. The Seal of Habbeo. Florian's face had been wrapped up, his eyes found hers as she arrived. He had the crimson blade strapped to his back. They all wordlessly entered the carriage. Their journey was silent. The entrance to the castle had been pristine. There had been no signs of the battle that took place there. They were brought into the castle and escorted to the top floor. The first time Ashe walked through these halls they had been decorated with carpet and paintings. This time the walls were barren, the carpet gone. Every step echoed through the halls. They reached the throne room and entered. Cressela Beckett sat on the throne. The only injury the woman showcased was the scar above her eye. They stood before her in a line.

"Before I get to business there is something I would like to inform you upon." She started. "Commander Drucker, Commander Orvyn as well as the Everard boy will be transferred to Meinspir. There they will be getting treatment from the Desano." Noting the lack of response she continued. "Onto the reason I summoned you here today. I was placed in charge as Great Lord of Adhu Aqua and as such I have a responsibility to protect my citizens and ensure their future. It is because of this that I ask of you four to respect my wishes." She paused for a bit.

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"Lord Alaric Burchard"

"Lord Florian Cornexia"

"Lady Ashe Cornexia"

"And Lady Savia."

"You are hereby exiled from Adhu Aqua." Cressela's words did not contain any malice. Ashe could tell it was a difficult decision but it was one that had to be made. The citizens were aware of Alaric and they were rightly afraid.

"Any objections?" Cressela asked.

No one spoke a word.

"Then you are dismissed."

Ashe turned towards the exit.

"Before you leave, Lord Alaric, may I have a word with you?"

Alaric turned back to Cressela as the rest left the room.

They had waited for Alaric outside of the throne room. After a few moments, Alaric joined them.

Florian broke the silence. "Where shall we go next?"

Alaric did not make eye contact with anybody and spoke.

"Cognizance."

Godric sat on his throne as Dalton's replacement entered the room. He was a middle-aged man with long brown hair cut weirdly. The sides were bare but the top had been long enough to sit below his shoulders. The man's hair was combed backwards.

"We have received a letter from Lord Everard, Your Majesty." His steward said.

Godric raised an eyebrow.

"Shall I read it aloud, Your Majesty?"

"No, Anselm. Hand it over so I can read it." Godric responded.

Anselm did as he was told and handed the letter to him. Anselm then left the room. He waited for his steward to leave before he opened the letter.

Dear Father

I have escaped the attack at Isern. I am now travelling alongside four other casters. I am safe but I do not know for how much longer. There is one caster of particular intrigue. His name is Alaric Burchard and he seems to be the son of Jerial the Merciless. What intrigues me even more is that Jerial seems to be living within Alaric. We are currently in Adhu Aqua. I encourage you to send your army, I know of your wish to eradicate Jerial. There is another problem, I obtained a whip from Lord Chapman but it makes me feel strangely. I am scared, Father. I hope you arrive soon.

Love

Everard Adalbert

Godric folded the letter and called for Anselm once again.

"You have summoned me, Your Majesty?"

"Call all Meinspir soldiers, we are marching towards Adhu Aqua. Tell them to prepare for war. We leave at first light." Godric ordered with a smile. Jerial, I finally have my opportunity. You will not escape death this time.

Anslem nodded and left the room.

It has been too long. The Zidal Empire will change forever.

The End

The arduous journey has just begun

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