Like clockwork, everyone was in sync when news came that the armada had finally started its move. Jayln was long gone, off to lead her people far from the valley where even now ships were detaching from the Armada to provide soldiers to attack.

Avin messengers flitted in and out of the tower, the hopes of the small defense on their wings. Fiona pointed out Tia to Kiana as the woman took off above them, soaring over the sea. Kiana gave the princess a small smile and took her hand.

Good thing too since just then Matius activated the spell and the magical vessel under their feet shot off across the water. Fiona held Kiana and her father steady as they zipped across the waves to the coast of mainland Aziron.

She helped Kiana hop from the spell to solid ground as Matius did the same for her father.

"Let's get you to the city," Matius said and held out his hands.

"You'll like this, Kiana," Fiona whispered, using her free hand to take Matius's.

The Third Apprentice had the king's hand with his other forming a chain and they all dissolved into wind.

They flew over the wet coastlands and towards the dazzlingly colorful city of Zi'giza. Landing in the square, Fiona turned to Kiana who quickly pulled up her hood.

Fiona frowned at the way her eyes flicked across the streets in fear. She retrieved her hand and asked, "How'd you like riding the wind?"

Kiana met Fiona's eyes and for a brief second she gave a genuine smile. "It was just like you said, I loved it."

The square was empty, the whole city locked down in preparation for the attack. Matius led them deeper into the streets to the safe house where they would be staying. He swayed a bit as he walked but by the time they arrived at the door, he'd gotten his breath back.

Once they were inside, Kiana asked, "Matius, were you able to..."

The mage nervously pulled something out of his robe. Fiona frowned as he handed the dagger to Kiana. "I did find one for you, although I'd rather no one mention it to the Arch Mage. Just promise me you'll look after them."

Kiana nodded. "I swear it."

"Hey! I thought being the last line of defence was my job!" Fiona complained, gesturing at her own weapon. Kiana after a brief hesitation leaned over and pecked her on the cheek.

"Never hurts to have backup. I do know how to defend myself."

Fiona had a hard time picturing Kiana hurting anyone but obviously she wasn't lying. Kiana had promised to not lie to her ever again.

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Matius clapped his hands. "Alright, you know the drill. Fa'raz is next door if you need to send a message to me. If the army makes it to shore, I'll be back with your uncle."

Thanks to Fenrin's donated magic, they'd been able to spy on Lyra when she'd given her captains their orders. The main target was indeed Zi'giza and everything was set to fall back to the mainland for their last stand.

The girls nodded and Matius turned to leave but paused when the king spoke, "Be careful, Matius, and good luck."

Matius smiled and gave Eirik's shoulder a squeeze before dissolving back into the wind.

He landed a bit hard and Yu'jana steadied him. "You could have just let them walk you know," she pointed out.

Matius snorted. "Sure that's responsible, let the blind king of Valhym and the recently pardoned, number one enemy of Aziron find their own way to Zi'giza."

Yu'jana rolled her eyes. "Just take it easy for the rest of the day. You're going to need all your strength. Here," she offered her arm, "let's go, he's waiting."

Leaning on his fellow apprentice, Matius made it to the top of the tower where the Arch Mage stood muttering. Countless runes sparked and flickered along the top of the tower. The wind was frigid and Matius sighed. He hated the cold but also couldn't spare any magic to warm up the air that kissed his cheek.

"Did Go'zar already leave?" Matius asked Yu’jana.

"Yes. He wasn't happy about it."

"I imagine not."

The Second Apprentice had been quite peeved when the Arch Mage told him he'd be sitting the battle out. However, they'd all known it was coming. The whole reason there were three of them was so that, should something happen to the Arch Mage, there were three chances for the knowledge they all shared to survive.

With Matius being yuji and Yu'jana needed for the defense, Go'zar had drawn the short straw.

Matius could feel the nervous energy beneath Yu'jana's calm as she watched the Arch Mage work. "Are you going to be okay?" he asked and Yu'jana gave a wry smile.

"You know I am. It's just hard, we've been through a lot together."

"I know."

Yu'jana turned to Matius, her forlorn expression tinted with guilt. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't...he's your father after all."

Matius gave the old mage an affectionate glance. "Are we allowed to say that now?"

They laughed. How many fights had they gotten into with other Azir who'd objected to the Arch Mage's adoptee? When the Arch Mage had made Matius an official apprentice, it’d drawn new lines for their relationship and his peers had gotten a bit more accepting.

"Go'zar left something for you." Yu'jana handed Matius a pendant.

It was an inheritance locket. Matius rolled it on his palm before slipping it over his neck.

"He made it himself, so it should work," Yu'jana added, "did you tell Jayln?"

"Without knowing Go'zar was going to deliver? No, but she knows what to do." Matius took a shuddering breath, the thought of his wife stirring the icy water sitting in his stomach. "Promise that if something happens to me, you'll get it to her?"

"Of course. Who do you want it to go to?"

Matius smiled. "Hope. My little girl. The boys are already too fond of their mother's way to have any use for magic."

"How old is she now?"

His heart ached as he whispered, "Eight last month."

Yu'jana took his arm again and they sat in comfortable silence as the Arch Mage worked, the sizzle of his magic the only change in the calm before the storm.