“He’s waking up. Tell the Duxii.”
After unpleasant dreams, a vial of Focus potion was brought to Pavonikos’ lips, the bitter taste of Elecule renewed their senses. And something a bit more. Taking the vial from the Healer, they drank the rest down. Their eyes opened fully. The first thing Pavonikos saw were the faces of Healers and Soothers that they had saved before in the Crafts District.
“Thank you,” one said. At once they each made a small sign of gratitude.
‘What for? You're all here because of my failure,’ Pavonikos felt like saying, but the words stayed in their throat.
One of the Healers pressed a few things into their hands; a few vials of Focus potion, one containing the head of a Golden Kiss. The flower was an easily-conjured gift of thanks in Ludceta, as well as a mood-booster when consumed. Something the Tribunus sorely needed.
“This isn't much, but we needed to repay you somehow. Sorry, Tribunus.”
“No need to apologise, soldier. This is a thoughtful gift. Thank you all,” Pavonikos smiled, voice full of gratitude even if they didn’t think themself worthy of the gift.
“We’ll thank you in more than flowers when we get home, Tribunus. We owe you our lives after all.”
The Healers and Soothers all fell silent as Duxus Gallus came over. He dismissed them all and they scattered, all hurrying over to tend to sleepers and the freshly awakened alike. Gallus set his eyes down and made a short bow.
“Tribunus Virgilius Pavonikos,” he addressed them, “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” Pavonikos answered, “I remember what Aegeus told me. Thank you for coming back for all of us, Duxus Gallus.”
Gallus remained stone-faced, immune to praise as ever, “You should be thanking the Vattirmanni. We would have blown you straight to Paradis if it weren’t for his Warg-eyes.”
Gallus’ words sounded different from when they had first met. He sounded almost respectful towards the soldier that seemed to draw his ire. Pavonikos followed his gaze to one soldier in the 13th Cohort. Right away, they recognised the man: Rufinus Phonikos. Beside him were the equally familiar faces of Valerian Corvus and Adonis Tyto. All three were hard at work like the others, trying to awaken as many as they could.
“I’ll thank everyone as soon as I can.”
“Save it for when we get out of this miserable place. We have many more people to save and so little time.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, that’s right. No one told you the ins and outs, did they?”
Gallus opened his eyes to Roya, relaying his memories from the Residential Tower up until that very moment to Pavonikos. The most important memories bloomed brightest in their mind. The possessed Duxus Strixus fell. His eyes burned away. His sister lay asleep - important knowledge locked away in her psyche. Duxus Aquilina stood at the edge of the forest, the backdrop of a silver shield behind her. A Chronograph appeared next. 5 of its notches were marked. As the hands of the Chronograph passed, notch to notch, Pavonikos saw the Crafts District, the Scholar’s District, then rooms like this one.
The Imysion had secured each room, leaving behind groups of soldiers with civilians. It hadn’t been long until they caught the attention of Daimons. Since then, their approach changed, and it was with great urgency that the Imysion awoke all of the sleepers within the Magisterium and clear out a safe passage for escape. Most of the Leucrocottas were slain. Any more that were seen were to be dispatched on sight without killing their load. Finally, the memories ended when they found themselves once more, face to face.
“You didn’t find the Magister Bellaxus on the other floors...”
Gallus shook his head, “Not yet, Tribunus. I was hoping that you might know something of his whereabouts.”
“I’m afraid not. He isn’t in this room,” Pavonikos sighed.
“It’s a lot to take in…” they winced, rubbing their temples again, “And so little time…”
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Gallus took out his Chronograph, showing it to Pavonikos. “We have a little over 2 Chronocycles left.”
“2 Chronocycles to check the last few rooms and make our way back towards the city,” Pavonikos recalled Gallus’ earlier memories. From the distance, he counted eight segments - which corresponded to the number of courtrooms in a Magisterium. Out of those eight segments, the Imysion had only visited 5 rooms, the current one being the 5th.
“That’s right, Tribunus.”
Pavonikos looked around themselves, “It seems doable. I have no doubts about that…”
All around, soldiers and civilians banded together to wake everyone within the room. There were so many people taking part in the rescue efforts and the spell they were using seemed more efficient than the one Corvus patched together. The time taken to wake the sleepers was trivial compared to the other concerns that Pavonikos had.
“... however with the rate we’re going, it’s likely that more Daimons will come to investigate. We’re incredibly lucky that we’ve only faced weaker Daimons so far, but I worry that we’ll be attacked again by a full scale force. Worse yet, we might be attacked by the Princidaimon.”
“Duxus Lophura and I agreed to buy everyone time in case that happens.”
“That’s very brave of you and Duxus Lophura, however, I have no intention of letting anyone throw their life away, especially someone who went out of their way to come back for us.”
‘Don’t be foolish. There is very little else we can do if that happens. Some of us will have to make sacrifices. Didn’t Laevinus teach you that?!’ Gallus felt like saying those words, but they remained as thoughts that lingered in his mind.
He cleared his throat, “Then, should the situation arise, what do you suggest we do, Tribunus?”
Pavonikos paused. They ran through the scenarios in their mind but they could hardly concentrate. Something else was disrupting their thoughts. Each scenario led to a bleak end.
“I’ll discuss it with you and the other Duxii later. I need some time to think.”
“Very well, Tribunus,” he paused as if hearing someone’s thoughts, “I must go. We should discuss our next plan of action as soon as possible.”
With a sign of respect, Gallus returned to the 13th, leaving Pavonikos alone with his thoughts. It felt strange being relied upon for direction. In the absence of the Magister Bellaxus, the Tribunus was next in rank. They had been trained for this and yet, Pavonikos still felt unprepared.
Before they went over to assist the other soldiers, they were stopped by the sound of a voice, “Tribunus Valerian Pavonikos.”
Pavonikos turned, “Aegeus Columbidos. Or should I call you Duxus now?”
Under his white cloak, Aegeus was adorned in red cloth and lamellar, a sign that he had taken on the role of Duxus. The red started to fade back to its original colours.
“Now that you’re here, I suppose the 1st has no need for a Duxus.”
The red started to fade back to its original colours. As it did so, Pavonikos felt a heavy feeling in their chest. Memories of the vision they had seen in the Scholar came flooding back, threatening to overflow and break past the Soothing spells.
“Stop,” they muttered.
“Tribunus?”
“I’m sorry…” Pavonikos shook their head, rubbing at their temples, “I took some Focus potion too fast. Carry on.”
“Of course, Tribunus,” Aegeus said. Relieved of his colours, he bowed.
“Oh and one more thing,” they said, stopping himself from walking off, “The other Duxii told me they wanted to meet with you in Roya.”
Pavonikos looked surprised, “Really? If that's so, then why didn’t Duxus Gallus tell me?”
A troubled look crossed Aegeus’ face. Briefly he shut his eyes.
“The other Duxii have taken issue with his ideas. I suspect that he and I aren't too popular with them.”
“Why is that?”
Aegeus relayed his memories to Pavonikos. They saw the plan Aegeus devised with Gallus in secret and the other Duxii’s reactions when they revealed it to them.
“I see. Gallus informed me of your plans. I hadn’t realised you kept it from the others.”
“It was necessary, Tribunus,” Aegeus sighed, “We all agreed to risk our lives to come here, but there are those among the Duxii who believe that we should abandon those at the upper floors.”
“I see,” Pavonikos thought to themself. It’s no wonder why there were disputes in the Imysion. Divided in their goals, it would be easy for the Daimons to break them. The cracks were already showing. “ I still believe you should have been more transparent about this with the Duxii.”
Aegeus lowered his eyes, “Forgive me, Tribunus.”
“You did what you thought was right,” Pavonikos placed a hand on his shoulder, “Together you came this far and handled things as best as you could.”
“But what will happen, Tribunus? The Duxii will be looking to you for direction now.”
Pavonikos paused, feeling their stomach drop at the thought. They took a deep breath and closed their eyes.
“Well… It seems they'll find their Tribunus quite unpopular too. Don’t worry Aegeus. I have no intention of abandoning anyone else to the Daimons.”
It took what they could to sound confident in their thoughts alone. Deep down, Pavonikos was unsure if they would be able to keep their word.
Yet, it was enough to reassure Aegeus, “Thank you, Tribunus.”
Pavonikos dismissed him. As they were about to part, Aegeus turned.
“And Tribunus.”
Pavonikos turned their head back slightly, the tip of their hat concealed their troubles.
“It’s good to have you back.”
Pavonikos smiled back at them. When Aegeus left to rejoin the others, their smile went away. The weight in their chest remained. They saw the Duxii circled together, their gazes joined Pavonikos’ own expectedly. But Pavonikos turned to Gallus first and closed their eyes. This time, no one would be left out. They were all looking to the Tribunus for guidance now. As much as Pavonikos was dreading this meeting, they would stand their ground and make their decision known, even if the other Duxii disagreed with it.
Meanwhile, the three friends from the 13th stood together on lookout after waking several more people. To save Focus potions, the Imysion and the awakened civilians of Lidantium alternated through their duties. With the steady addition of people, they could afford to maintain the rotation of work and rests.
“I-I was so scared I’d n-never see you both again,” Valerian said.
“We made a promise. How could we leave you behind?” Rufinus said, “Nevermind that. We’re here now.”
Rufinus pulled both his friends into a tight hug. It caught the eyes of some of the lookouts and passing people.
“R-rufus. Everyone’s watching,” Valerian whispered.
“We’ll be reprimanded by the cock again,” Adonis joined in flatly.
“I don’t care. Let him shout. Is it a crime to embrace friends?”
They remained in Rufinus’ embrace for a few more moments before he released them. Rufinus sensed Gallus’ eyes on them, but the shouting or whipping didn’t come, strangely enough. They caught up on what they each experienced and what they learned.
“So you think this Princidaimon is targeting Paradisian and Kyrusian specialists?” Rufinus asked, scratching at his beard.
“Y-yes. If I’m r-right about my assumptions, then I think its l-looking for… uh… access to some very potent knowledge…”
“Well that can’t be good…”
“Mn,” Adonis answered.
“Any idea what its goal is?”
Valerian shook his head at Rufinus’ question.
“I don’t want to imagine what would happen if it gains access to the Eternal Library… And if it masters Kyrus, we’ll be in big trouble.”
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Kyrus was the veil between Magus’ other faces. Sealing eyes… Drawing out objects from the different realms… Seeing and learning the true essence of something… A master of Kyrus could do all manner of things.
But something else was bothering Adonis.
“Kaeva…” he muttered.
“Hmm? What is it Ado?”
He turned his deep dark gaze on Valerian, “Did you see any Draekslanni?
“N-no, Ado. Not even anyone from the 13th.”
That’s because no Draekslanni from the 13th had been chosen. And Draekslanni were a rare sight in cities like this one. Any other supposed Maleficari were even rarer. Still, it seemed strange that not a single Maleficari that had anything to do with Kaeva had been seen in this place, despite supposedly being more susceptible to possession. The more Adonis lingered on the thought, the more he wondered if it had something to do with the Seal on his Kaevan eyes. Was that what kept his fellow Draekslanni safe?
“What are you thinking, Ado?”
Adonis shook his head. He had very little evidence to support his theory, “Nevermind. I-”
“Tyto,” called out one soldier. “You’re up.”
“S-so soon?” Valerian asked.
“I came here earlier than either of you,” Adonis answered.
“Oh, that’s right,” Rufinus said.
Adonis walked up to the soldier.
“You’re switching with Passer of the 13th. We tried contacting her but she hasn’t responded back.
Adonis took a moment to recall who Passer was. When he did, he groaned inwardly.
‘Saoirse .’
“I’ll find her and let her know.”
Rufinus and Valerian watched him leave before turning forward.
“P-Passer? I d-don’t remember there being a Passer…”
Rufinus leaned over to whisper - if they were caught closing their eyes whilst on guard duty, they’d have their heads bitten off, “Do you remember seeing a strange woman in our ranks?”
Valerian shook his head.
“Well, Ado certainly did,” he chuckled, “I think he likes her.”
“R-really? I didn’t think he liked anyone. A-aside from us, at least…”
They continued to whisper amongst each other, catching a few jokes until one of the Duxii came to check up on the lookouts.
Page Breaker [https://64.media.tumblr.com/a8dc877f97e5bcb4db42e99defb4db7b/9b1a21f683d16fe3-22/s540x810/ac3df64d4b3edc0a91966fe40ed359ff6386d0ae.pnj]
Saoirse scoured through the pods carefully. All of her attention since stepping foot in the Magisterium was set on searching. As much as she wanted to deny it, something deep within her told her that what she sought was somewhere in this tower. It was close.
After some time searching the room and spending Focus to ignore the ultraviolet lighting, she could make out a woman with long rose-coloured hair.
‘Could it be…?’
Saoirse tore the membrane apart fast. The face of the sleeping woman was not what she expected and her hair had been dyed by magic, but just to make sure Saoirse opened one of the lids of her eyes. Topaz eyes - another false lead. Inspecting the rest of the body, she noticed her attire: Grey lamellar and a white cloak that had lost its glow. The symbols upon the cloak and silver clasps made the gold ichor in her veins run hot; this woman was an Inquisitor.
Saoirse opened another set of eyes which darkened with a spell - something potent, written in an otherworldly script. The others wouldn’t be able to trace it, just as they hadn’t traced the true origin of the counterspell. It would be easy to dress up the death as another failed awakening.
“What are you doing?”
The spell disappeared from her eyes. Keeping calm, she slowly looked up to see the Draekslanni man with black eyes.
“Oh, it’s you again, Frawdairch.”
He looked at her with an unreadable expression. Had he seen the spell in her eyes? Maybe he hadn’t really lost his ability to see into Kaeva.
“What brings you here?” she asked, hoping that would throw him off.
“You’re on lookout duty. We’re switching places.”
“Is that so?” she recalled those messages she had ignored for some time.
She stood up, dusting herself off, “Very well. Take care of this one, Adonis Tyto.”
After she had walked some distance and felt his gaze turn away from her, she looked back to see his reaction. He seemed to stare at the Inquisitor for a long time. Something glinted in his eyes - a trace of resentment. But he kneeled over and closed his eyes to awaken the Inquisitor.
‘He has a great deal of restraint,’ she thought to herself before heading to the room’s entrance.
Page Breaker [https://64.media.tumblr.com/a8dc877f97e5bcb4db42e99defb4db7b/9b1a21f683d16fe3-22/s540x810/ac3df64d4b3edc0a91966fe40ed359ff6386d0ae.pnj]
The Duxii were gathered within the garden of Pavonikos’ Mindscape. They were sitting around by the curve of a stream. Memories and other information streamed across the waters. Occasionally the Duxii would look over and slip in their own thoughts - theirs flowed like leaves carried across the stream.
The Duxii had all said their piece. Some suggested taking the survivors they had accumulated so far and leaving whilst they still could.
“... So? What are your thoughts on this matter, Tribunus?”
The waters were agitated. Something beneath the surface struggled uncomfortably. As much as it wanted to drift to surface, it was repelled by all of the people here. Steeling themself, Pavonikos took a breath. The thought emerged just as they opened their mouth.
“I stand with Duxus Aegeus’ original plan,” the expressions of the other Duxii remained unchanged with those words, but their thoughts were coloured with what they truly felt, “ I will not leave here until every last person in this place is saved. That said, I suggest a change to Aegeus’ plan. No one will have to make any sacrifices and no one gets left behind.”
“And how do you suppose we achieve that, Tribunus?” Gallus asked. He was the only one stood up, leaning against an Elecule tree with his arms crossed.
“Sacrifices won’t be necessary, Duxii. That’s because, I believe if we are swift enough, we can avoid encountering the Princidaimon at all.”
Eyebrows were raised. They didn’t even have to say what they were thinking aloud.
‘That’s an incredibly naive idea. Hardly a plan at all.’
“I’m sure you’re all wondering why the Princidaimon has not appeared before us itself. Or why it has only sent lesser Daimons instead of an army of the same force we saw in the Crafts District,” Pavonikos continued, “I believe it may be unaware of our meddling so far. We’ve made many direct attacks to it in Roya and we’ve stepped foot in its territory in Tirra. Isn’t curious that it hasn’t come out to defend itself beyond sending in lesser Daimons.”
“That hardly answers why it hasn’t appeared,” Duxus Enicurus said. “Forgive me, Tribunus, but it seems you are making a lot of hopeful assumptions.”
“I must admit, I am only basing all of this on what I currently know. Assumption is all we have. Unless, you all know something else.”
Duxus Lophura began to speak, “Suppose you are correct in its desire to seek out knowledgeable hosts. Wouldn’t it be possible that it’s merely drawing us towards another trap?”
“If that were so, Duxii, it would have taken us all when it had the chance. Why risk losing so many hosts at once?”
“May I add,” Duxus Minerva chirped in, “that these hosts appear to be important in building a body for this particular Daimon. As we’ve seen before, the Daimon-possessed creatures have a limited lifespan. And in every corner of this city, flesh and Ichor moves as if sustained by the very energies that pulse through a Daimon. If I were to guess..”
“Another guess,” Clamatorus scoffed.
“Let her finish,” Pavonikos said, “Continue, Duxus.”
“Ah, yes. I think the evidence points to Lidantium becoming the cradle for a much larger host.”
The Duxii were silent. They had fought Daimons the size of an elephant, but none the size of a city.
“Then… Why pick and choose which people to bring to the Magisterium?”
“Well, if we look closely at the structure of this place… It does resemble a central nervous system. Perhaps it needs to be choosy about who to incorporate. Everyone else might make up the other parts of the body.”
The similarities were not lost on all who had a basic knowledge of Anatomia. To be rendered a simple organ- No. A mere cell in a body that had no place being in their world to begin with… it was a terrifying idea.
“Choosy indeed…” Pavonikos said grimly. “You’re all aware how it has mainly targeted specialists of Paradis and Kyrus, correct?”
The implication was clear to the Duxii. It wanted access to all of Magus’ knowledge and a way to see past, or perhaps break the veil that obscured and separated the different realms.
“All the reason why it’s plausible that it's unaware of our meddling,” Minerva added. “I don’t think a creature that intelligent would want to lose such precious parts.”
“That’s assuming a lot,” Gallus said.
“Assumption is all we can go on right now, Duxus Gallus,” Pavonikos sighed, “The least we can do is thwart this Daimon’s plans by saving all we can from this place.”
“You’re still adamant on that?” Clamatorus said, “We don’t even know how long we have till the Princidaimon is made aware of our meddling.”
The arguments continued, many started gathering towards the edge of the stream, quickly covering its surface. The Duxii began forming groups based on what they should do. One group suggested leaving with those they had saved so far, the second believed that they should continue with the plan set out by the Tribunus and fall back on Aegeus’ plan should the Princidaimon attack them. One final suggestion came up.
“May I suggest a combination of these ideas?” Duxus Lophura said, “It may be wise if we split our forces to evacuate a majority of the civilians we’ve awakened. Namely, we should keep those with extensive knowledge in Paradis and Kyrus far away from here.”
“Splitting the Imysion? Do you have a death wish, Lophura?” Duxus Enicurus exclaimed, “Not only would we be ill prepared to face a small army of Daimons, but it would slow us down dramatically without the civilians to assist us in our rescue efforts.”
“You’re only scared because you decided to dedicate your life to Tirra,” Calamotrus smirked, glad that he had specialised in the “right” realms.
Though Enicurus was agitated, he had enough self control not to respond at all.
“In that event,” Pavonikos cut in, “You would still need a Tribunus to lead you here. Despite my specialism.”
Gallus nodded. “I too would prefer to stay. If our predictions are correct then the 13th will be the last thing this Daimon scum wants in its head.”
The others muttered in agreement, though Pavonikos felt even more sympathetic towards the 13th. Hearing that, they were reminded how anyone labelled Maleficari were barred from specialising in Paradis or Kyrus. Only few would have the privilege of studying Roya. The exception to this of course was Valerian Corvus, who Pavonikos recalled, was only there as punishment for his poor performance during training. Though, after spending some time with Corvus and knowing what he was capable of, Pavonikos wondered if it had been done on purpose.
“Very well,” Pavonikos said, “I believe we should settle this with a vote.”
The others nodded in agreement. With that, Pavonikos led them down the riverside to a clear pond.
“Cast your votes, Duxii.”
Page Breaker [https://64.media.tumblr.com/a8dc877f97e5bcb4db42e99defb4db7b/9b1a21f683d16fe3-22/s540x810/ac3df64d4b3edc0a91966fe40ed359ff6386d0ae.pnj]
The votes concluded. The circle of commanders broke apart to rejoin their cohorts and manage the rescue efforts. Pavonikos felt like they had been there for days, trying to argue and mediate between the Duxii, but checking their Chronograph, they found that they had been there for the better part of 5 Midi’cycles. Drained - in emotion rather than in Focus-, they took a moment to rest their eyes.
They heard hooved footsteps approach heavily upon the flesh-covered ground. Pavonikos opened their eyes.
“Nethuns.”
The horned steed walked beside Pavonikos.
“Ave, Tribunus Pavonikos,” he said unto their mind, bowing his head slightly.
Pavonikos blinked, “I’m glad to see you, friend.”
They spoke in short, catching up with each other about what they had missed.
“What about Cyrene? Is she…” Pavonikos trailed off, not wanting to hear the answer.
“Do not despair. She is well. She decided to remain with the others to help with the rescue efforts.”
Those words relieved the Tribunus, “That’s good. There are many still here in this city that will need her more than I.”
They ran their hands through Nethuns’ hair, “You came here for Laevinus too, didn’t you?”
Nethuns made a small nodding motion, “I owe him that much.”
Nethuns flicked his head towards his back. Pavonikos understood what this sign meant but shook their head. Pavonikos was not his rider.
“Nethuns, I can’t.”
“A Tribunus must have a mount.”
Pavonikos hesitated. The Monoceros tilted his head to the side to get a good look at Pavonikos. Despite the Soothing spell, Nethuns’ deep, pale eyes saw past it.
“You don’t think yourself worthy,” he stated.
“No, I-” Pavonikos paused, realising that they had blurted the words aloud. “I’m not ready.”
“I know.” Nethuns shook his head, gesturing for Pavonikos to look about the whole room, “Do you think anyone here is?”
Pavonikos went quiet. They knew the answer very well.
“You are not an army, Pavonikos. There is a reason why you have Duxii by your side. Do you remember what Laevinus taught you?”
Don’t carry everything on your shoulders. Pavonikos remembered the words well.
“Of course, Nethuns. Every lesson. But some of the Duxii disagree with how we should proceed.”
Nethuns snorted. Disagreements between humans annoyed him to no end, “What was agreed upon?”
“We are to split our forces. Some of the cohorts will leave to save those we have saved thus far. The rest of us will stay to proceed to the other floors.”
“A reasonable strategy,” Nethuns rose their head. “But I can imagine why not all would see it that way.”
“Nethuns. Do you really think it's impossible to save everyone?”
“I believe,” Nethuns exhaled, “that anything’s possible in hindsight. You mustn’t blame yourself for not taking paths you couldn’t see.”
They looked around the room. As the Imysion finished up with waking those they could and collecting the eyes of the dead, they assembled.
Nethuns nuzzled them, “Let’s go, Floriana. Your soldiers await your orders.”
Pavonikos stroked the length of Nethuns’ nose. His third eye - his horn - was glowing slightly with determination. They mounted their back, a saddle reforming to their specifications. They trotted over to join the head of the 1st Cohort.
The Tribunus announced to the Imysion their next steps. They would be split once more - Duxii Clamatorus, Enicurus and Minerva of the 5th, 2nd and 6th were to go with all they had saved so far to the safety of the forest’s edge. That would leave Tribunus Pavonikos, Duxii Lophura and Gallus of the 1st, 10th and 13th to continue onward. There were murmurs amongst the soldiers and civilians. Few civilians began saying farewell to relatives in the 10th and 1st cohorts before they parted once more.
Pavonikos drew forward upon Nethuns. Their breath hitched in their throat when they came across the unravelled bodies of the soldiers they couldn't save. They picked up their eyes and held them in their hands, before quickly performing the Last Rites.
When the Last Rites were done, they moved on.
Page Breaker [https://64.media.tumblr.com/a8dc877f97e5bcb4db42e99defb4db7b/9b1a21f683d16fe3-22/s540x810/ac3df64d4b3edc0a91966fe40ed359ff6386d0ae.pnj]
Once they entered the next room, Saoirse saw something glint in the ultraviolet lighting of the hallway ahead of her. Looking closely, she saw something wedged between the larger branches of purplish nerves that ran across the ceiling and walls.
She recognised it straight away. Her eyes glowed with simple Tirran symbols. A small plant grew, wrapping around the object and wrenching it out. Before it withered away, it dropped the object down. She caught the thing with ease, not attracting any attention - it could have easily been mistaken for a piece of falling debris.
Saoirse checked the thing in her hand. It was a dragonscale pendant, shaped like a Star Poppy. Draconic runes wove together names and sweet memories she recognised. Saoirse pressed the ichor-stained pendant against her own.
“Draekslanni girl!” the sound of Gallus’ voice almost startled her, “Stop lagging behind.”
Saoirse didn’t realise she had slowed her pace. She had almost joined the Cohort behind her. She stowed the necklace into her pouch and hurried over to join her Cohort.