Chapter 20: Forging

Vina sighed heavily, her frustration evident as she withdrew her blood from the Halos portal ring before her. This was the second failed attempt, met with the same disheartening notification.

Travel activation failed. The arriving ring did not activate. You are restricted from traveling to this location.

With Langternem nestled tightly against her chest, Vina addressed the inert portal ring, her voice tinged with a blend of determination and exasperation. "Come on, Etana. If you're going to stop me from coming to you, you have to come to me." Sensing Langternem's agitation within the crystal, Vina fought to suppress her rising frustration.

It was the onset of evening, and Vina had carefully navigated her way across the labyrinthine expanse of The City of Halos to reach this spot. Her Dedicated, particularly Riza, had vehemently opposed her plan, insisting on accompanying her with guards for protection. Yet, Vina was resolute in her decision to keep her departure hidden from Hakim and Haldo. Despite her insistence on autonomy, she had taken precautions to ensure her safety. By visiting several Refuges of Trina beforehand, she had secured a fail-safe route back to the city.

"Damnit, Etana," Vina muttered as the portal ring remained inert, grappling with the numbness that enveloped her regarding her sister. Though she yearned to feel genuine worry and concern for both Etana and Ann, she found herself grappling with only an unsettling sense of incompleteness. The urgency to reunite with her sisters persisted, though the motivation behind it seemed increasingly elusive.

During daylight hours, she had attempted to utilize Vibrance Tracking to pinpoint her sisters' whereabouts. Etana lingered in the vicinity of The City of Randar, while Ann's location was situated somewhere amidst the wilderness bridging The City of Halos and The Watch's domain. Realizing the futility of reaching Ann in such remote terrain devoid of documented portal rings, Vina shifted her focus to The City of Randar, encircled by portals. Consulting her book, she sought out alternative connections near Randar, experimenting with several before discovering one situated several days south of the city.

Gazing down at Langternem, Vina exhaled another heavy sigh. "You or Etana?" she questioned the creature within, grappling with Eilin's vague directions to Norfany, a location shrouded in ambiguity. Despite her internal conflict, Vina felt an inexorable pull towards Norfany, though she struggled to comprehend the source of this compulsion. "Etana," she asserted resolutely, striving to suppress the unsettling knot coiling in her stomach. Pressing her blood back into the ring, she reactivated the portal, hastening through before her emotions could impede her decision-making.

Yet, her arrival proved a grave misstep as she found herself immediately tackled to the ground, Langternem torn from her grasp. A surge of panic engulfed her as Blood Sense alerted her to the presence of numerous individuals bearing both paliternian and stigandorian blood. Despite her valiant efforts to resist, her infusion enhanced strength faltered against the combined force of multiple assailants. As something snapped something around her wrist, her breath caught in her throat, the sudden cessation of Blood Sense plunging her into a disorienting state of vulnerability.

“She has a bounty!” someone yelled.

“The payout is huge!” another yelled.

A paliternian woman stepped forward, pushing people to the side as she forced her way through. Her voice boomed over the crowd, signaling her use of the Commanding Voice skill. “No harm will come to an Asharaina by order of the Asharal! Get back to the line!” Looking up from the ground, Vina saw the woman had a tattoo of a five stars connected by a circular line running through them on her neck along with The Watch’s bleeding eye emblem stitched on the shoulder of her armor. The woman bent down and inspected the crystal that contained Langternem.

“Don’t break that! It will end our world if you do,” Vina called out, frustrated that she couldn’t activate refuge recall with people still holding on to her.

The woman's gaze flickered with a blend of anger and concern as she inspected the crystal containing Langternem. "Is it safe for me to carry?" she inquired, prompting a distracted nod from Vina as she grappled with her restricted abilities, a sense of helplessness washing over her. The world seemed far darker than it was before, and she felt tears coming involuntarily to her eyes from the experience of losing one of her senses.

As she looked at the people restraining her, she found her blood shot eyes ability still worked when she saw countless hidden items on their person. To test her abilities, she quickly switched her active infusions over to blood recovery and felt they worked as well. She could not, however, form a weapon from her blood. “Only my physical changes are still functional,” she realized.

Looking around, she saw she was in the middle of a massive army encampment. As far as she could see in either direction, large war camps had been erected. In the distance she saw multiple lines of trenches had been dug long and straight. As the nighttime approached, soldiers were filing into the trenches now and to the south she saw a dark haze with shadowy figures that moved about. In the rear of the camp massive bonfires were burning and additional fires were being lit all along the front lines. From a distance she thought she saw some metal torches, although unlit still looked familiar. “They’re preparing for something,” Vina thought.

“Bring her,” the woman commanded to the two still holding her arms.

The two men pressed her forward, but they relaxed their grip enough to force her wrists to cross behind her. She followed the woman ahead of her without resisting. “Thank you for preventing them from collecting on my bounty,” Vina said while she carefully felt what had been attached to her wrist.

The woman didn’t even look over her shoulder when she spoke, “Don’t thank me, Asharaina. You owe us a debt, and I intend you to pay it before your time is up in our world.”

“What debt?” Vina inquired distractedly. She rotated the circular band on her wrist but couldn’t find any kind of clasp. She ran her fingers over it trying to feel for any runes or otherwise, but the material was completely smooth.

The woman pointed out to where the soldiers were still amassing and setting up for the evening. “We have been fighting and dying. Where were you?”

“I’ve been busy finding Trina,” Vina answered firmly.

The woman's retort sliced through the air like a whip, laced with bitterness and accusation. "Busy, indeed. While our people perish and suffer under The Darkness, you waste time sketching pretty images. You are no Asharaina deserving of loyalty," she spat, her contempt palpable as she expelled a disdainful gob onto the sandy soil below. Vina staggered slightly as the men behind her exerted force, propelling her forward, their grip tightening on her arms. "Yet, despite your unworthiness, the Asharal sees fit to spare your life."

"Asharal?" Vina's curiosity sparked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "I've never heard of them. Are they like me, an Asharaina?"

In an instant, the woman pivoted, her hand connecting with Vina's cheek in a resounding slap that split her lip. Though Vina attempted to evade the blow, the restraining grip of the men thwarted her efforts. A faint smile ghosted across her lips, however, as she tasted the metallic tang of her own blood. “My title still works!” she thought excitedly. While she couldn’t sense her own blood, she felt it was still responding to her influence.

"Do not dare to equate yourself with him!" the woman seethed, her anger radiating like heat waves as she strode purposefully towards a looming tent in the distance.

Vina kept her mouth shut for the rest of the walk, instead focusing on teasing the blood out from her lip, across her cheek, and down her neck to her shoulder. The blood now seemed dead to her senses and she feared losing it if she lifted it from her skin. Slowly, she moved it down her arm but didn’t quite make it to her wrist before she was pushed into the largest tent in the camp.

Guided by her captors, she stepped into the cavernous depths of the tent, its interior bathed in a warm, inviting glow. Her gaze swept over the assembly gathered around a grand table, settling upon a figure who exuded an aura of authority. Clad in kaliter armor reminiscent of her own, yet subtly distinct, the man bore the weight of leadership with stoic composure.

After a moment, he looked up at her, and stood to his full height. She saw he was only a few inches taller than herself. Above his head, his title was on full display, and for the first time, Vina saw exactly what her own title must have looked like. The letters were so large they clipped through the tent material.

Asharal of Command, Carda Ardaxin

Carda gestured to the people in attendance around the table and spoke softly to them. Then he walked around to the front and approached in a hurried manner. “Is she tranquil?”

The woman in front of Vina bowed her head, “Yes Asharal. She had this with her. She claims if it is broken it will destroy the world.”

Carda looked down at the crystal and considered it, “She tells the truth, Pa’lal. Place it in the chairs for now. The guards aren’t needed any longer. You can return to your responsibilities, but please first get Gij and Sylena.”

While they spoke, Vina had not been idle. She didn’t know exactly what an Asharal was, but she knew Carda was one of The Watch’s Twelve. She moved the blood down to her wrist and over her finger. “This better work!” she thought as she forced the blood into a single rune word. She felt the word Brittle form over her finger. With one movement she shifted it onto the bracelet and tried to release the rune when she no longer felt it on her skin.

A hissing sound filled Vina’s ears and she looked around in concern, but everyone was following Carda’s commands, seemingly unaware of her efforts. Carda himself had looked away as well to make sure Langternem was secured in a comfy chair. After the hissing stopped, she tried to pull the bracelet once more, but it was still secured tightly to her wrist. Panic filled her as she ran her hands over the bracelet. In a desperate movement, she forced her nails into the burned spot. Digging in hard, she felt her nails push through the material until the bracelet snapped. She breathed a sigh of relief when blood sense activated once more, but Carda’s burning vibrance suddenly appeared right in front of her.

“I’m relieved to find you are as concerned about Langternem as I am,” Carda said, clearly misunderstanding her sigh of relief as he placed a firm hand on her shoulder. “It never sat right with me that The Shaper walked around our world with that thing still embedded in their body.”

Vina snapped the bracelet shut around her wrist once more, holding it in place with her fingers. She felt immediate relief when the bracelet’s effects didn’t reactivate, verifying her hope that she had broken it. “You knew that Kaliq and Siany were containing Langternem?” Vina asked in surprise, trying to turn her body away from Carda in preparation to recall herself back to Halos. But a quick glance at Langternem convinced her to stay. “I can’t leave without it,” she realized.

“I know much about Kaliq and Siany. Most of The Twelve were aware as well, but it was kept hidden from some of the newer members. How did you take Langternem from The Shaper?”

Vina paused for a moment, unsure how to answer that question without angering the man standing next to her.

“You killed them,” Carda concluded. “It’s okay, Vina. I can see it in your eyes. You solved one problem for me, but you’ve created another for the world. What will you do with Langternem?”

“I’m still working on it,” Vina said, trying to buy time to evaluate her situation.

Carda frowned, “That might not be a good enough answer. We’re here trying to stop one world ending evil, and you’ve just brought another to me. I'm going to need a little more than that.”

Vina was working on a response when she suddenly sensed a vibrance she never expected to feel again. She stared off in the distance in disbelief. Carda looked at her strangely. “Vina?”

Her jaw set tightly, Vina made for the tent entrance, only to be restrained by Carda’s firm grip. “How is she alive?” Vina uttered through clenched teeth, struggling against Carda’s hold.

The moment Seassa stepped into the tent, her eyes widened at the sight of Vina, then quickly turned to a frown. She looked unchanged to Vina, save for the broadsword at her side, a stark contrast to her usual thrusting sword. Another, much shorter, woman with short brown hair followed her in, but Vina paid her no heed.

“How are you alive!?” Vina demanded, her voice thick with anger.

The shorter woman looked puzzled, pointing to herself.

“Not you,” Vina snapped. “Seassa!”

Seassa began to protest, “Don’t…” but then resigned herself with a sigh. “... call me by that name.”

“I don’t care what you…” she started, but Carda interrupted her.

“Vina, be quiet.” He spoke calmly, but Vina was suddenly unable to resist the force of his voice. Her lips flexed as her jaw slammed shut, and she glared at Carda in confusion. Carda turned to the people in the tent. “Everyone, please leave. Gij, Sylena, you remain here.”

After the tent was cleared, Carda turned back on Seassa. “Sixteen aliases I have on you Sylena, and finally I hear a new one. Is it real?” Carda asked Seassa, his tone tense.

Seassa's response was laced with resignation. “You've finally unearthed my true name. Treat it with discretion,” she replied, a grimace tainting her expression.

Carda shrugged, “I hope you never give me cause to use it. Tell me why Vina is so upset with you.”

Seassa resignedly recounted their past conflict. “In our previous encounter, we had differing views on world salvation. I resorted to poisoning her to coerce her into fulfilling her obligations. Yet, she proved difficult to contain. As a consequence, Langternem’s infection claimed me,” she explained, settling herself near the red crystal. Gij, visibly uncomfortable, distanced herself, while Vina felt the tension in her jaw ease, allowing her to speak.

“That’s far from the full story,” Carda said. “Vina, are you willing to elaborate?”

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Vina glared at the man. “I’m not okay with people controlling me, Carda. That’s exactly why I killed The Shaper. Consider this a warning,” Vina said with venom in her voice. “How is she alive and why doesn't she have a title like you and me?”

Carda chuckled and gestured towards a couch. “If I had more answers, I'd share them with you. Seassa operates under The Adventurer’s Guild’s authority. She is not under my command or even officially assigned to my campaign, but she assists us under the direction of Valtor. I suspect she's not physically here but is possibly a copy or projection. She’s tangible enough to be lethal, yet insufficient for herself to be truly harmed. I’ve seen her die on countless occasions, only to return, often with a different weapon. Does this help you trust me?”

Vina remained standing. She couldn’t see a way she could sit down and keep her hands behind herself. Looking at Seassa, she saw the swordmaster continuing to frown. Vina thought back to the moment Seassa died, “Was she here six days ago?” Vina asked stiffly.

Carda confirmed without hesitation. “Indeed, she was. She had a longsword that day.”

“She was also with me,” Vina said thoughtfully. “But she had the thrusting sword.”

Seassa, her hand resting on the crystal, interjected, “While your examination of me is intriguing, it doesn't hold much relevance. I assume you're both aware of the substantial bounty Haco has placed on Vina’s head. Are you not compelled to claim it?”

“We are not,” Carda answered and waved a hand dismissively at her. “Vina, will you tell me what she isn’t saying?”

A confused hope blossomed within Vina upon hearing Carda’s dismissal. She narrowed her eyes at Carda when an idea popped into her mind. “One more question. Promise me you’ll tell me the truth for a single question, and if I like the answer, I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

Seassa's surprise was evident as she turned to Carda. “Relinquishing control, even momentarily, Asharal of Command? A rare concession indeed.”

Carda's eyes flicked to Seassa briefly before focusing back on Vina. “I vow to answer your question truthfully, Vina, yet reserve the right to abstain should I find it inappropriate,” he declared.

Vina saw the prompt and accepted the promise. She sourced her question from one she recently experienced herself. “What is your primary reason for living?”

Seassa chuckled at the profundity of the question, while Carda seemed momentarily unsettled. “Not a light inquiry, Carda. She only probes for your deepest motivations,” Seassa observed.

Carda gave Seassa a disapproving look, and answered Vina, “I will kill every dangerous outworlder that threatens Trina’s people. I don’t require a promise from you Vina, just tell me yours.”

Internally, Vina sighed in relief as learning Carda's overriding desire was not to kill her family. Although she didn’t like her own answer, she spoke her truth as well, “I need to destroy Langternem at Norfany with the help of the The Kaliters.”

Carda's face grew thoughtful as if considering the possibility. “Hm… if anyone can destroy Langternem, they might. But getting them to work with you is just as likely to get you killed. I’m not sure this is the best thought out plan. If you’ll work with me more, Vina, I think you’ll find we can trust each other. If I take the tranquil off, will you be a threat to anyone here?” Carda asked.

Vina tossed the broken bracelet to him, “If I was, you’d already know it.”

Seassa interjected with a pointed observation. “Difficult to restrain, isn’t she?”

Vina ignored Seassa’s comment and followed through with her promise to Carda. “Seassa abducted me and tried to take me to Zel'alor, another outworlder I’ve never heard of before. It’s some kind of stone person. She calls it The Supreme, and it apparently leads The Adventurer Guild. When I found Trina, there was also an axe there named Everlasting. Zel'alor wants its back. It claims it can kill The Darkness with that weapon. The problem is it also claims to have caused The Severing and almost killed Trina. With the axe and Trina so near to each other, I refuse to bring Zel'alor to her and give it an opportunity to finish her off,” Vina explained.

Carda looked surprised at her words and then glared at Seassa. “Thank you, Vina. You made a wise decision. I see why you are careful about sharing that information,” Carda said thoughtfully. “Are you blind?” he asked as he addressed Seassa.

Seassa straightened her posture on the couch, taken aback. “What? Why would you suggest that?”

Carda's question was laden with deeper meaning. “You seem oblivious to the overarching patterns. Trina appointed three Asharaina: I lead the world's armies against The Darkness; Vina seeks Langternem's destruction. And you? You seem adrift, not recognizing your mission against Zel'alor.”

Seassa met his words with a derisive scoff. “You’ve been communicating with The Darkness too much. Your battles against Stine are faltering. Vina lacks a clear plan against Langternem. Zel'alor represents our only viable path. If Zel'alor falls, we won’t receive any more new Stigandorians, our critical reinforcements. How long can we endure in isolation?”

Carda regarded her intently as if receiving a revelation of which he was previously unaware. “Is that the means of their arrival? Brought here by the so-called Supreme?”

“Yes. The S… Zel’alor operates in its own manner, seemingly unconstrained by Trina’s system. It’s bringing Valtor’s people to our world on regular intervals.” Seassa conceded, apparently still aware of Vina's earlier promise about using Zel'alor’s proper name.

Carda pondered aloud, “I was under the impression The Supreme wasn’t real. The reports claimed it was some kind of fake Valchara. Even Valtor refused to confirm its existence. But it’s another chajirin?” His tone shifted to disbelief. “And you’ve been helping it?”

Seassa’s response was nonchalant. “My actions secured and bolstered your army, Carda. Gratitude wouldn't be amiss.”

Vina, meanwhile, sought clarity. “What does chajirin mean? I’ve heard the term before. And who is Valtor?”

Carda, stroking his chin thoughtfully, addressed Vina while still contemplating Seassa’s stance. “Valtor is the current Kalenar of the Stigandorian people. He’s actively commanding their army in the war against The Darkness as well as ensuring The City of Randar is safe. Chajirin refers to outworlders who defy Trina’s system, possessing their own unique abilities. The Darkness’ ability to possess others, Langternem’s apparent invulnerability – these are examples.”

Seassa interjected again as she pointed a finger, “Vina is chajirin too. Her rapid mastery of swordsmanship defies our world’s norms. Her learning rate isn’t constrained by our system’s limitations.”

Vina, trying to act comfortable in the room, walked over to the table where Carda had been working earlier. She began scrutinizing its contents with keen interest.

Carda looked her way when she moved. “Vina?” He asked warily.

Glancing briefly at Seassa, Vina activated her vibrance tracking skill. After focusing intently on the swordmaster, Vina’s eyes methodically scanned the tent, the backdrop accentuating the vibrant patterns she sought. Four vibrances, identical and glowing through the tent material, were clustered far to the west while two others were seemingly operating alone in other places in the world. “Seassa is not restricted to just two copies. There are currently seven active instances of her, including this one,” Vina deduced, catching a glimpse of a smirk on Seassa's face.

“You’re speculating,” Seassa retorted. “Eight paths suggest eight duplicates. With one recently perished, seven remain. It’s simplistic reasoning failing to capture the true complexity of the world.”

Vina pointed towards a distant location where she had seen four vibrances together. “If I venture in that direction, would I encounter you near a river with a waterfall?”

Seassa’s expression shifted rapidly, surprise giving way to anger. “How did you discern that?” she demanded.

Vina’s threat was clear. “Continue provoking me, and you might just receive an unwelcome visit.”

Returning her attention to the map, Vina began committing the military positions to memory. She noticed the nearby glooms emptying just as Seassa had warned. Now creatures converged on Randar from various directions, with a notably large force approaching from the south.

While she scanned the map for details, she answered. “Carda, I don’t know how Trina’s system is supposed to work. Ever since I got here, my abilities have been considered abnormal. Maybe I am chajirin, but if I am, I am one who is trying to help our world. I hope you can believe me on that,” Vina said looking up briefly to match Carda's gaze. She found his eyes to be unsettlings though and looked down at the map again before continuing, “I know you have probably been told things about me. The Twelve have been especially hostile toward my family. To be honest with you, it’s a relief to find one of the twelve whose priority isn’t to kill me or my family.”

Vina didn’t look up when she addressed Gij. “What about you? It’s Gij, right? One of my sisters spoke highly of your work. You’re a builder I am told. Do you hate my mother and father?”

She could feel the woman jump when she mentioned her name, “Uhm, no. It’s mostly the more senior twelve that seem to feel that way.”

Quest Updated: Kill the twelve (3/9 killed) Quest reward has been reduced.

“That’s good to hear. I’ve killed three of The Twelve. The two of you are off my list. I know of one other in your organization, but I don’t intend on killing her either. Haco isn’t likely to forgive me. That just leaves six left. Hopefully they are as forgiving as you two. I’d like to end the conflict between us though. Maybe you can pass that on to Haco. Can you get this bounty off my head?”

“I can try, but Haco and some of the others are not likely to listen. After the destruction of the Aspect of Life, you made a permanent enemy of some of the twelve. We’ve recovered, but many of us are worse off from the experience,” Carda said carefully.

“I didn’t know that would happen,” Vina said quickly. “When I returned The Aspect of Life to Trina, I didn’t know she would or even could destroy the fakes. I am sorry that I hurt you. You may not believe me, but I can see the pain and damage I have caused you.” She looked over at Gij, “But not you. You weren’t bonded with The Aspect of Life. You have only one aspect. It’s the fewest I’ve seen amongst The Twelve.”

Gij covered her shoulder with one hand which Vina knew was where her aspect had bonded with her. “How did you know?” Gij asked in a guarded manner.

Vina smiled softly, but she gestured towards the map sprawled across the table. “Did you construct these trenches?” She pointed to the intricate network of lines etched onto the map, tracing their path with her finger. “They stretch for miles, and I can see multiple layers. It seems you’re gradually retreating towards Randar.”

“Yes. Walls didn’t work and took too long to construct, so we resorted to trenches. I use my aspect to dig them every day. I use a mount and dig it as I go,” Gij explained, her voice carrying the weariness of someone accustomed to the daily grind of warfare. She rose from her seat and joined Vina at the map, her footsteps heavy and reluctant.

Vina nodded in understanding, her gaze shifting to Carda. “Are you experiencing artillery attacks through the use of aspects by Stine’s army?”

Carda rose to his feet, joining them at the table. “I’m struggling to comprehend your words, Vina,” he admitted, his tone reflecting a mixture of frustration and confusion.

Vina let out a sigh of exasperation. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a droplet of her blood, causing everyone to instinctively take a step back. “Relax. It’s just a demonstration. The Darkness’ name is Stine, and I’d appreciate it if you used it. Artillery are long ranged attacks designed to destroy a fortified location from a distance like this.” She used a droplet of her blood to splash onto the map where a portion of the trench existed. She controlled her blood to follow the line.

Carda observed her demonstration with rapt attention, his expression shifting from confusion to comprehension. “Some of Stine’s forces utilize aspects to launch ranged assaults. However, it has many other means of pushing us back each night,” he acknowledged, his voice heavy.

Vina nodded, her eyes scanning the map with a critical gaze. “Yes. At the very least, your trenches are built suboptimally. They need to be built in a sawtooth manner like this.” She used her blood to form a structure she intended. When no one looked at her blood she pointed at it. “Look. A straight line allows the energy of an artillery strike to spread equally in all directions along the trench. A sawtooth will stop the energy at a wall, so it is dissipated. This also goes for any invading troops. A straight line is easier to capture than a blind cornered sawtooth. When a sawtooth is taken, you can organize your troops to retake another once it is safe to do so,” Vina explained.

Carda's eyebrows furrowed in surprise as he absorbed her words. "Do you possess military expertise?" he inquired, his tone betraying a newfound respect.

Vina shook her head, “No. I came from a world where this was considered history for children in schools. That world had many tools, machines, and tactics for warfare. My knowledge is actually quite basic. If you knew what was created to make trench warfare obsolete…” her voice trailed off. She was surprised to find her memory from history classes back on earth was as pristine as the day she had read the books.

“It doesn’t matter. Trenches were often built in layered manners allowing for fallbacks as well as reinforcement, which you’ve already done. The third layer was the reserve layer which would allow for counter attacks or resupply. In front of the trenches they would string something called barbed wire. It is a type of stringy metal that snares, hurts, and slows down the enemy. Look at my blood, this is the design for the barb. You’ll need to create it in loops. I can show you later. The strands will need to be created separately. Every strand can stop at least one enemy, but hopefully you’ll snare more. Gij, you might be able to build the trench and the barb wire simultaneously.”

Vina took a deep breath, “There’s a problem with this approach though, Carda. Trench warfare is how you win a war of attrition. With the infinite creation of creatures by the Assemblers, Stine won’t run out of resources. The more assemblers it captures, the more doomed this approach is. You need to destroy the assemblers before you can use this strategy.”

Carda started to talk, and Vina raised her hand, “I know, I know. You think it can’t be done, but I think I know how to do it.”

Carda’s inquiry was direct. “Will you commit to helping us destroy the assemblers, Vina?”

Vina, slightly exasperated, replied, “Yes, I'm already trying to help you. Are you not paying attention?”

You have sworn to Carda that you will help destroy the assemblers. Failing to help Carda will result in your death.

Vina took a sharp intake of breath, “What the fuck Carda! I didn’t promise you anything.”

Carda, his tone urgent, elaborated. “Time is not on our side, Vina. We're being pushed back to Randar. Tens of thousands will die if Stine gets that far. We need you to target the assemblers in our rear while we maintain the frontline. It's our only chance to withstand a prolonged siege.”

“I warned you against trying to control me,” Vina growled. “What is wrong with everyone in this world? Why are you all so dead set on manipulating everyone around you? I’m still willing to help you, but not like this. I won’t do it with a collar around my throat. Release me from the promise right now!” Vina demanded, anger and panic rising within her.

Seassa, her vibrance tinged with concern, intervened. “Carda, you've ensnared a force not easily contained. Vina's defiance could lead to her own demise, and by extension, ours. If she perishes out of spite, the consequences will be catastrophic.” She tapped Langternem’s crystal as a stark reminder. “Remember, this entity requires daily feedings from Vina, or it will feed on us.”

Gij suddenly moved quickly to Carda’s side, placing a hand on his arm. “Carda, maybe it’s okay to let this go. She really was helping us. I think she was leading up to a solution that may not require her to be in attendance. You know she doesn’t want to be here right now. She wants to destroy Langternem. Let’s not ruin this opportunity.”

Vina nodded her thanks to Gij, and there was a quiet moment in the tent. “I release you from your promise, Vina. I am sorry. It’s been a long war,” Carda said in a weary voice.

Carda has released you from your promise.

She saw the window notification releasing her of responsibility and glowered at Carda. “Final chance.” Vina warned him. She turned to Gij, “The way we kill assemblers is in our blood. I’m going to make a sword now, don’t freak out. I know some people don’t like what I do.” Vina held her hand out, and she formed a sword from blood in her hand.

Gij stared at her in surprise. Then she held her own hand out and a metal sword formed in it as well. She gripped the hilt before it fell over. “You can make things too?”

Vina gave her an authentic smile, “I can. I was planning on giving this to you, but I don’t like to give these away if I can help it. Do you mind if I use your sword?”

Gij handed her creation over, and Vina dissolved her own weapon back into her locket. She couldn’t help but smirk when Gij paled at seeing the blood flow back into her. Vina started tapping the blade with her fingernails and felt just how soft the metal was. “You’re probably not going to believe this, but here we go.”