PART 1

Henry gazed up at the enormous walls as soldiers peaked their heads over, getting a look at the party below. Their mad rush to the border was anything but pleasant, this only added to the fact that an army of Thrak lay at their heels. Giant metal bars blocked their way into Unari and Henry couldn’t help but feel intense anxiety with all of them building the tipping point.

Kyburn lifted his head to the sky and shouted again, “Open the gates! I am Lord Kyburn of Zulin! Open the gates!”

A minute had passed and still no answer. Everyone was beginning to think they would never open the gates. Even the two Emarine looked flustered at the prospect of an approaching army. Even after all this time, Henry still gawked at the glamourous armor as they stood next to his horse. Their helmets had folded backward, revealing their pale faces. The woman looked beautiful, Henry had to admit, her long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes demanded attention.

Noticing his glances, Yvlana barked at him, “What are you looking at?”

Henry stuttered inaudibly then fell silent, unsure of what to say. Her tone and mood seemed to always be that way.

Lamir lightly punched his sister's shoulder for being rude but she ignored him and still looked upset and moody. Like Yvlana, Lamir also had blonde hair and blue eyes, their likeness all but proved their kinship.

He had an air of calm and majestic heroism to him. Looking relaxed and unfazed by the approaching Thrak, he simply waited patiently. Though at the time, Henry didn’t know that he was thinking if they weren’t allowed in, he would simply scale the walls with his sister and leave them to die.

A loud screech drew everyone’s attention to the ground, as the large metal gates slowly slid open, hinges grating against each other. Immediately, Kyburn urged his horse forward and the rest followed suit.

The Emarine stayed to the back, trying to avoid unnecessary attention but misjudged the number of stares their appearances would bring. Their tall hulking forms would grab anyone’s attention. Glistening and shining armor didn’t help them to blend in either.

Hazam rode next to Trygve, who pulled up next to Kyburn and started whispering fiercely. Kyburn cocked his head but said nothing back. To Henry’s annoyance, he wasn’t close enough to hear what they were chatting about.

As if the Emarine could read his mind, Lamir tabbed his leg, “Trygve is wondering how Kyburn will explain to Lord Landis that Kligirian soldiers are within their walls.” he copied. “Hazam is asking what they will do with the army of aliens outside.”

“You can hear them from here?” Henry gawked in amazement. “That is amazing.”

“We Emarine are highly advanced in every aspect. Our senses are more than double that of a human and our strength… well, you saw what we could do.”

“Actually I didn’t see the fight,” Henry said, disappointment clearly dampening his mood. “It’s been a dream of mine to see an Ancient in real life. Uh, I mean Emarine.” he corrected.

“Why have humans given us this name?” Lamir asked. “We have coincided with humans for thousands of years. We are as ancient as you.”

“I’m-I’m not entirely sure why exactly but we don’t know much about the Emarine. Only that your technology was vastly superior to ours.” Henry frowned. “We believed you to be our ancestors. That we lost the knowledge of our past and slowly decayed into the world we live in now.”

“Hm. I see.” Lamir tapped his chin. “For primitive humans, I do not blame you for coming to this conclusion. Though I am curious how humans came to be on this planet.”

“You mean we weren’t here when you were?” Henry’s eyes went wide.

“No. When the Thrak invaded our colonies and homeworld, the humans had given up the fight and fled into deep space.” Lamir explained. “Your homeworld, Earth, I believe it was called, was destroyed.”

“Oh.” Henry felt strange hearing that.

His whole life he believed so many different things and he had to question everything he knew to be true. Hearing that their homeworld was destroyed gave Henry a faint sense of loss. Unable to ever go there now that it was gone, filled him with an emptiness he didn’t know was possible.

“I am sorry.” Lamir looked down at him. His height still towering over Henry even on the horse. “It must be hard to know this now.”

“No.” Henry smiled. “I’m glad you have told me. I don’t know how to feel about it but I’m glad I know.” he made mental notes to write down in his journal for later.

“Tell me, human.” Yvlana chimed into the conversation. “Who is he?”

Henry followed her finger to the back of Erik, “That would be king Erik.” he replied. “Why do you ask?”

“Hm.” she pondered. “Nothing.”

“She felt something inside him,” Lamir replied for her. “My sister has a strong connection to… a friend of ours.”

“Kaladin?” Henry asked. “I promised I would help you find him and I know Erik will also keep his word.”

“That is not it.” Yvlana huffed. “I felt Kaladin through him.”

Henry looked puzzled, as if she was crazy, “Oh, okay.”

“Forget it.” she scoffed.

Passing through the city, they neared the castle entrance, where Lord Landis would be waiting for them. As they drew closer, Trygve and Kyburn’s voices increased in volume. Obviously arguing over something of importance.

“Trygve wants to keep us a secret.” Lamir rolled his eyes.

“A little late for that.” Erik slowed for them to catch up to him.

“He must mean he doesn’t want us to get involved with Xer.” Lamir clarified, still listening to them. “He thinks Kyburn will… betray him and use us for their gain.”

“No one will be using me.” Yvlana scowled.

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“Will you help us fight the Thrak?” Henry asked, panic rising.

“We must,” Lamir said simply. “Without us, you humans would not last the night. Do not worry, Henry, Yvlana talks big but she will not abandon people in need. We are soldiers after all.”

“Shut up.” Yvlana punched his arm. “I will do what I want. If fighting here gets me closer to Kaladin, then I will defend your precious city.”

“It’s not just this city,” Erik commented. “If the Thrak makes it through Unari, then they will have free rein into all of Xer. And there would be little we could do to stop them from slaughtering innocent civilians.”

Henry shuttered at the thought of the Thrak attacking Zulin. It would be a massacre if they were attacked there. Slight panic gripped him as he thought of dying and never seeing Sasha again. Or worse, they would fail here and he would be powerless to save her or anyone he cared for.

“I’m going up there,” Yvlana announced, loudly. “See what we have to work with. We don’t have much time before the Thrak arrives. They're just wasting time arguing.”

“I will stay with them,” Lamir said. “Call me if you need me.”

Yvlana waved at him in confirmation then leapt onto a building with one jump. Landing effortlessly on the roof, she sprinted back toward the wall, hopping over gaps in the buildings while doing so. She disappeared and they kept moving toward the castle without her.

“Where did the female go?” Kyburn shouted back.

“Yvlana is checking the walls,” Henry yelled back.

Trygve looked red in the face and Hazam looked unsettled but they neared the castle and a dozen stablehand approached them. Sliding to the ground they each handed off their reins and walked for the door.

Kyburn was rushing as Trygve lagged behind, trying to keep up with him. Erik and Henry followed closely after.

Arne waited with the rest of the soldiers patiently. He had barely escaped during the fight and they all had lost a lot of men. The captain wanted to give them a rest and regroup them for the fight to come.

Henry felt small and insignificant walking next to Lamir, his head didn’t even reach his shoulders. Not only that, Henry looked frail and puny aside the muscular build of the Emarine. He couldn’t help but glance up at the tall figure as he bent his head down going through each doorway.

A large round looking man gestured them all to enter the main hall where lord Landis waited for them. Kyburn took the lead followed by Trygve and Hazam. Lamir and Henry walked through as Erik brought up the rear.

“Kyburn. My old friend.” Landis chuckled.

Landis was a fat and old man, chugging down wine in the process. Liquid leaked from his mouth and into his stout beard. Wiping his lips he gestured for them to sit.

“There is little time for that I’m afraid.” Kyburn almost glared at the man.

Henry had wondered why they had passed through Unari on their way to Kligira before going to Riqun. He expected this was why. Kyburn obviously didn’t like the old man and Henry couldn’t help but have a similar feeling judging from his relaxed and unworried position.

“Yes. Yes. Monsters at the wall.” Landis mocked. “Next thing you’ll tell me horses will fly.”

For a moment he scanned the room then finally his gaze froze on Lamir. Instantly his eyes bulged from his head in shock.

“What is that!” he yelped. “G-g-guards!”

“Quiet down.” Kyburn’s shoulders sunk visibly. “He is an Emarine. They’ve come to help us.”

“Emarine?” Landis gulped. “Help us? What are you talking about Kyburn. Explain this-this thing!” he pointed a fat finger at Lamir.

“If I may?” Henry stepped forward. “We know them as Ancients. This one is called Lamir, sir.”

“Preposterous!” Landis groaned. “It is a devil. Remove it from my sight this instant.”

“Lord Landis!” Kyburn shouted forcefully. “He is not our problem. This very moment a Thrak army is closing in on us. We have less than three hours before they come crawling at our borders. King Xerath will hopefully be on his way here.”

“Xerath? Here?” Landis said dumbly.

“He is bringing an army.” Kyburn glanced back at Trygve. “We hope.”

“Why hasn’t anyone informed you?” Erik asked from the back. “Are you not in charge?”

Landis’s eyes popped out again, insulted by the question. “I am well aware of these… situations. I decided to relax before deciding anything and to meet with you first.”

Kyburn rolled his eyes, along with everyone in the room, “I’m taking command.” Kyburn announced. “By the authority of king Xerath himself, you are relieved of duty lord Landis.”

“Wh-what?” Landis’s face flushed. “Y-you can’t do that.”

“Seal from the king.” Kyburn pulled out a letter and showed him the ring on his finger. “Don’t worry. You can have your precious city back after this is over.”

“I advice we put every available man on the walls,” Trygve said.

“My men protect gate.” Hazam offered.

“Very good, Hazam.” Kyburn nodded, knowing the Kligirian’s numbers were greatly diminished and would rather not put them on the front lines unless it called for it. “Let’s go.”

He stalked past everyone and out toward the horses. Henry glanced up at Lamir smiling stupidly, obviously amused at Landis and his reactions.

“He is a lord?” Lamir asked him.

“Apparently.” Henry shrugged. “I’m just glad Kyburn is taking charge. That guy seems like a buffoon.”

Lamir chuckled, then followed Kyburn out of the castle.

PART 2

Preparations went smoothly and every man that could hold a bow or sword was on the walls, waiting for their impending demise. The view from up here sent shivers down Henry’s spine. Hordes of black creatures with bright red eyes poured over the land like locusts. It looked as if the land was a constant river of black.

Henry guessed each man had a similar reaction. Clasping his sword on his hip, Henry’s palms were wet and strickles of sweat dripped down his back. Looking down at his hands, he noticed he was shaking from head to toe, his whole body betrayed him. Henry held the fear at bay but his body revealed the truth.

“Henry.” a familiar voice called behind him.

He twirled around to see Kyburn, clad in full armor, looking stoic. “Yes, sir?”

“Come here, son.” Kyburn gestured to him to follow him. “I have something important I want you to do for me.”

“What is it? Henry asked.

Kyburn looked at him with loving eyes, placing his hand on his shoulder, “Look, Henry… I know you want to help fight but I want you as far away from this as possible.”

“But sir!” Henry began to protest.

“No.” Kyburn put up a hand. “I need you to ride. Ride as hard as you can to find Xerath and his army. Tell him to send anyone he can ahead to support us. Calvary, archers, whatever can make it here fast.”

“But, sir,” Henry whispered this time. “I don’t want to leave you here.”

“I know. I know you don’t, son.” Kyburn patted his shoulder. “I need you to do this for me. Alright?”

“Yes, sir.” Henry bent his head.

“I need to tell you something before you go.” Kyburn coughed, looking uncomfortable.

Henry looked up at him expectantly, his gaze locked on the man he admired so much.

“I’ve never said it before but… you are like a son to me. Now I don’t know if you feel the same but I have watched you grow into a fine young man and I’ve enjoyed being a part of that journey.” Kyburn said, his voice gentle and calm. “I have come to care for you deeply and I wish for you to have a future after today. If things go badly here, I want you to live. You hear me son?”

Henry burst into tears and plunged his face into Kyburn’s chest, embracing him as a father. A moment later, he too wrapped his arms around him, hugging him tightly. Henry felt an overwhelming sense of fear and joy at the same time. Fear that Kyburn was saying goodbye to him for the last time and joy in hearing the man he admired as a father, tell him he loved him. In his own way.

“I won’t let you down… father,” Henry mumbled.

“Good man.” Kyburn cleared his throat. “Now go. Find that army and bring us reinforcements.”

“I will.” Henry turned and ran down the stone stairs leading into the city.

As Henry disappeared, he never heard Kyburn whisper something under his breath.

“I’m proud of you, son. Goodbye.” Kyburn said.