Unfortunately, the amount of time my father had to mourn was very limited. We still had another barrier blocking us from those still alive in the center. After a few minutes to allow the soldiers to surround it, Dad, with puffy and reddened eyes, began beating on it, this time at a different, faster-paced rhythm. With only a single cycle, the shadowy barrier wobbled, warped, and fell apart.

The moment it fell was tense, but much to everyone’s relief, the scene beyond the final barrier wasn’t nearly as grim. It was, for the most part, the best-case scenario. Women, children, and the elderly were patiently waiting with gaunt eyes and worried looks. The amount of armed and armored warriors was less than fifty. The number of those who were not wounded could be counted on a single hand. Which, unfortunately, meant that most of the defenders had perished outside the inner barrier.

“Administer aid and food! Gather the healers and doctors for the injured and sick!” Lin’s garbled voice ordered.

The soldiers put down their weapons and began assisting those in need. Supplies and healers were called in from the rear, and the remaining members of the Shadowclan started to receive assistance. Lin motioned for me to follow her, and my father joined us. At the center of the barrier, we found the remaining Shadowclan priests and priestesses. Sededa noticed us and rushed over.

“You came…you actually came,” she muttered.

Sededa, just like everyone else, looked worse for wear. She clearly hadn’t slept much, if at all, and it looked as if she had aged in the short time since I saw her with her sunken, red eyes. Her tribal priestess garb was splattered with dried blood, which thankfully didn’t appear to be hers.

Zydrae was also present and slowly came over to us, being propped up by two others. She somehow managed to look worse than even the dead. There was no doubt that this was due to the barrier being maintained for days.

“Alanis…Kaladin…it’s good to see both of you,” she said with a weak croak.

“Zydrae, what happened here?” Dad asked, his tone dead serious.

“There’s so much to talk about. Would you mind if I just—” Zydrae began to answer, but her eyes fluttered closed, and her body went limp.

“Mana Sickness,” Lin answered as she raised her hand. “We will get her some help immediately.”

Lin turned to us and nodded. “Thank you, Alanis and Kaladin, your help has been appreciated. We’ll see to all the civilians here and assist with the clean-up and burials. I’m sure you have many questions and want to rest. I’ll escort you back to the palace now.”

My father looked hesitant and ready to argue, but Lin insisted, “Please, there isn’t anything you can do for them right now. Get your rest while you can. We have much to do and discuss over the next few days.”

“I have something to inform you of as well. It’s urgent and the reason we rushed over here on such short notice,” I said.

I couldn’t see her face beyond the darkness of her dungeon item, but I imagined the worried look she gave me. Lin ushered us away, and we passed the pile of corpses and the scenes of battle. However, before we left, I saw Varnir. He was hugging a man and woman, who must have been his parents. It seemed they made it to the safety of the second barrier and were holding up with the others.

At least there was some good amongst all of this.

—

Lin ran a hand over her face and through her hair. She looked dead tired, much like everyone else. We took our own private carriage back to the palace, and my father sat outside of it with the driver.

“Christ…you mean to tell me you think something even worse is coming?” Lin grumbled.

“So far, I believe that to be the case. I have no reason to distrust the Moon Mother as of yet, and it is true we may have a common enemy with Arotal and Amon-Ra,” I said.

“Our spies in Sandervile and the other city-states have confirmed they are not amassing their armies, which is why all of this came as a surprise. Although that information is now a week old, I don’t imagine that the confederacy can muster its armies and be on our doorstep so soon, considering they have to move through Keldrag Pass,” Lin said.

“Yes, I don’t think the description of a ‘wave of death’ means troops. No, I believe it to be something far more grave. And the city to the west of the capital…” I trailed off.

“It’s Curia, no doubt about that. We have no other major cities in the area. And a far greater threat…” she said, putting a finger to her chin and humming.

The carriage hit a bump on the road, and Lin’s eyes went wide. “Curia…it was hit hard as well…actually, initial reports are vastly different from other cities and towns. The rebels focused their attention on food supplies and citizens, but at Curia, they hit the soldiers' barracks and even damaged the western wall.”

“An attack is imminent. And every adventurer received a notification of travel for the Iron Citadel,” I said.

Lin bit her lip. “It’s not unheard of for a dungeon to spew out monsters. The Iron Citadel is somewhat notorious for it even, which is why we build so many fortifications at new entrances when we find them, as well as to control those coming through it. But enough monsters to raze a large city…that’s something I’ve never heard of.”

“The Iron Citadel is large enough. There could be an entire army of the undead in there, and no one would be the wiser,” I offered.

“I’ve never seen it personally, so I wouldn’t know either way. But does that mean Amon-Ra and the Holy Kingdom can control monsters found in a dungeon? If that’s the case, then there isn’t a single place in the world where the Holy Kingdom can’t touch,” Lin said with a shake of the head.

“Luminar should prepare for the worst. The army will need to be gathered. If the Moon Mother is correct, Luminar may fall if things aren’t prevented,” I said gravely.

Lin sighed deeply. “I know. Sadly, my power to make orders is lacking outside of the capital. Here, when the royals are not present, and my mother is gone as well, I can muster and command troops. But gathering the army and commanding them elsewhere is above my station. Only one of the recognized War Gods or Captain Fairchild can do that without authorization.”

The silence drew on between us for a few moments before Lin said, “I’ll send scouts to the border and ask War God Vasquez. If we get confirmation that the undead are attacking, then things will be different. For now, we need to handle the fires still burning elsewhere in the kingdom.”

“We only have a few days. Tomorrow, I’ll take whoever I can and leave for Curia,” I said firmly.

“I know…I know. I won’t be able to join you. I’m sorry…Kaladin,” Lin said.

“Nothing to apologize for. You have things to do, and you’ve been nothing but helpful. It’s time I pull my own weight,” I said with a smile.

Lin snickered, but her smile faded as she sighed. “If killing a Dragon isn’t pulling your weight, then I’m afraid of what’s becoming of this world.”

“I have something to ask you. Do you know if Squeaks and my grandfather are safe?” I asked.

Lin’s eyes avoided mine as she closed them shut. “Squeaks is safe and unharmed. He was attacked, but War God Vasquez saved him. As for your grandfather…”

No…no way…did they…did they really come for him?

“I’m sorry, Kaladin. But your grandfather is dead.”

—

I couldn’t believe half of what Lin had told me. That the old man had made a last stand completely outnumbered, and was even winning. I knew Grandpa was strong, strong enough to beat most people. But to win against such powerful opponents at his age was remarkable.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

But that was only the tip of the iceberg. A giant, mutant freak of a person that could regenerate wounds? Attacks made of light from an impossible range outside of the city? Grandpa, having his heart pierced only to turn into some avatar of death and destroy the entire land around him? Then…just to disappear without a trace? Couple that with the confirmed turncoat of Chief Shadowstorm and Parhen…

Just when things were starting to turn for the better…something in this accursed world had to try and knock me down a peg.

I didn’t know what to make of any of it. I just felt numb to it all. Empty. Now, with his death and the death of Aunt Illyssia, I could feel the walls getting tighter around me. Would they crush me into dust and hopelessness? I wasn’t sure. But if there was one thing I was sure of, I wouldn’t let it.

Whatever this wave of death entails, I’ll beat it back. I’ll see what entity Deguzman spoke of, slay it, and then move on. I’ll see to it that the Holy Kingdom regrets all of this. History in this world may be skewed and shrouded in mystery, but all of this will be the catalyst for their downfall.

Because there is no way I can’t. Not anymore. If Amon-Ra, the Exarchs, and Arotal are willing to go to these lengths, then I cannot hide. I will not hide from them. And if they want a war...

Then it’s a war they will get.

I made my way to the room where Mila and Sylvia were staying but stopped. I had just happened to glance into the courtyard below and saw someone sitting on a bench. Lin had told me that people would inform my family of what had transpired while we were gone. And I knew I couldn’t leave her alone.

I took a detour and went down the stairs. Now that the sun had set, the palace was eerily quiet. The feeling that King Maxwell would jump out at any moment hit me a few times, only to remember the state in which we had left him in Flumare. My heart sank further when I thought about it, and when I sat down next to Cerila, it went even further.

For a lack of better words, Cerila looked defeated.

Cerila didn’t even stir when I sat on the cold bench. Hubris lay at her feet, her shoulders slumped, her arms limp, and her head hanging down, her long white hair covering her entire face. She was by far the closest to Grandpa. His death must have been unimaginable to her. I even started to believe that the old man would live forever, even if it were impossible.

Sometimes, it felt like he could always do the impossible.

I took a deep breath, stood up, and faced her. There was no conversation to be had tonight, so I just hugged her. It felt like the only thing I could do was be there for her.

She weakly wrapped her arms around my waist. Despite knowing just how strong Cerila was, I felt like she had no strength left. That she would crumble and disappear with the wind, and with her tears and muffled sobs, I knew it very might well be a real threat. I had heard that people could die of a broken heart. And with the amount of sleep she had been getting these last few days with all the stress…Cerila’s life may genuinely be in danger.

Cerila continued to cry for a long time, and I just made sure not to leave her side. It wasn’t until her grip loosened and her sobs petered out that I moved away. I caught her limp body as she passed out. I sighed, not at her but at the blade at our feet.

I bent down and tried to move it, but it wouldn’t budge an inch. And seeing that the sword could come back, rather violently at that, I had to get creative since I couldn’t just leave Cerila out here alone for the night. I wrapped my hand around hers and intertwined my fingers, almost like I was trying to wear her hand like a glove. I made sure her hands gripped Hubris, and with that, I was able to move the blade.

Perhaps it was her touch that allowed it to move. Or maybe the sword could sense her unconscious intentions and touch. I had no idea which one was more plausible because none of it made any logical sense. I scooped Cerila up, letting the sword rest against her body.

Cerila felt light in my arms despite being nearly as tall as me. I could feel the toned muscles of her arms and body underneath her clothing, and the time I carried her when we were children came to mind. How impossibly small and fragile she felt back then. She had changed so much in only a few years.

I shut my eyes tight and looked up at the night sky. The squawking of Gryphons echoed around the dreadfully quiet city. I sighed to myself and carried Cerila to my original destination. Cerila may disagree, but she needed help. And I would see to it.

I knocked on the door with my foot, and it was quickly opened. Sylvia tossed it open with a worried look as I asked her, “Will you help her sleep for once? I know she’s turned you down, but it can’t keep going on.”

Sylvia nodded slowly, took Cerila’s arm, and sank her teeth into it. It was only a few moments of wet sucking before Sylvia pulled back.

“She’ll stay asleep for some time. I can’t promise that it will be the sleep she needs, though,” Sylvia said, moving away so I could walk inside.

I shook my head as I laid Cerila on the couch. “Any sleep is better than no sleep at this point.”

Sylvia frowned deeply. “Kaladin…do…do you know?”

I nodded. “Yes. I heard about what happened. Aunt Illyssia, my father’s sister, died as well while defending innocents.”

Sylvia’s expression crumbled slightly when I looked back at her. Her beautiful face twisted into a pained look of concern. “Are you okay?”

“No. But I’ll live,” I answered, pulling a blanket from my Spatial Ring and rolling it out onto Cerila.

“We should go to sleep. I plan on leaving for Curia tomorrow,” I said.

“Shouldn’t you take at least a day, Kal?” Sylvia asked softly, hugging me from behind.

“I should. But if the worst is yet to come, then we can’t afford to waste time,” I said, placing a hand on hers.

“What about Mila?” Sylvia asked.

“Lin said her family would watch over her for the time being. I’m sure my father will also need to stay in the capital, considering what’s happening with the Shadowclan,” I said.

“I see…then, we should get some sleep,” Sylvia mumbled with a yawn.

—

Cerila’s POV.

Where am I?

I looked around, and the world felt hazy and slow. I realized that it was another dream, but for some reason, this one started differently. Normally, I was at the foot of an icy river, a man hunched over, facing away from me. Whenever I reached toward him or he began to turn around, just before I saw his face, I suddenly awoke.

It was always jarring, and it cursed my sleep night after night. Every time I closed my eyes, the same dream repeated, and I woke up the same exact way. Yet, this was different.

I felt weightless, like I was flying high in the sky. When I looked below me, I saw an endless snowy and icy valley as far as the eye could see in any direction. Only the enormous mountains that surrounded the valley could be seen off in the distance.

Then, suddenly, my vision jerked, and I was whisked away. I was flying through the air at blinding speed. The snowy landscape moving around me is nothing but a blur. The gray ice and snow-capped mountains came rushing forward, and I panicked as I felt I would crash into it. But I slowed down, a clear crack in the mountains appearing before me, small enough for a few people to squeeze through.

I burst through the crack and found myself in the darkness, only for a faint light to return. The light trickled from above through clear blue ice, and now, I was at the foot of the river again, just like I had been in my original dream. The man was there, but this time, he was standing in front of a large black stone. It actually looked like the tablet I used to communicate but sized up immensely. On the stone, written in glowing blue words, was:

Only in the present can you shape your actions and define your destiny.

Only then can you become the master of your fate as you truly desire.

The world cannot harm you if you do not allow it to.

It is this refusal, that you have already begun to believe in, that opens the door to viewing the world in a place that doesn’t crush you but rather empowers you.

Continue to view the adversity of your life as a mentor that shapes you into a stronger person, Cerila.

Where…where have I heard these words from? This place…how and why is it familiar?

Then, the black stone of the tablet cracked down the center and burst into fine dust. The figure turned his head and despite not seeing his face entirely, I could see his warm smile. I reached out to him, but he disappeared with the tablet.

Wait! Wha—what was the reason behind all of this?! I don’t get it!

Then, the serene blue ice that made up the wall began to crack as well. It splintered off, and water began to burst out from the cracks. A sizable chunk broke off and fell into the icy river, kicking up a splash of water. Another man, this time a young Human wearing golden armor with a flowing white cape, stepped out from the crack.

He smiled down at me with sharp green eyes and short, flowing blonde hair the color of his armor. However, I had never seen him before, but I still had the sense that I knew him. But when I looked closer, I could see the mole underneath his left eye.

No…Grandpa?

His grin grew, exposing his pearly white teeth. His hands began to move as he signed,

Wait…what does that mean?! Grandpa! Don’t go, please! I—

With his final sign, the ice broke apart and fell away. A rush of water exploded out and consumed him. And right before the waves hit me, I woke up. The sun beaming through the window on an unfamiliar couch in an unfamiliar room.

I felt great…yet awful at the same time.