The lands around William were barren and broken, with rocks strewn about them. Some were smooth from rainfall or had lain in craters. There was no air of corruption as in Blackfear. It was not corrupted as Blackfear but simply dead. It was all broken stone and shattered walls. The wind howled, even as the rain let up and the world was bathed in golden light.

These desolate ruins now seemed beautiful, an echo of past glories. And William thought it could not have been as terrible as Lamech thought. Evil was by nature a corruption of what was, and Thrakmul could not be built without many virtues.

He saw roots and trees growing up around him. This land was not entirely dead, and they refreshed themselves at a spring Amenos found. The water was heavenly on their mouths as they dried themselves. Once done, they filled their canteens.

"I hate to leave the ship," said Amenos. "But it doesn't seem we'll have a chance to return for it."

William nodded.

Clambering through the ruins by day and night, he and Amenos headed after Arkan and Tavish.

It was a painful journey, leading into the ruins in the rain. The mill they'd tracked them to was found empty. They'd stayed long enough to watch the fight and warm themselves. Then they'd headed off. But it wasn't long before the rain returned, pushing them harder. The very walls of Thrakmul seemed to be fighting against them. William kept a spell aloft, illuminating his surroundings with the sun spirit. Meanwhile, Amenos shivered in the rain.

"This is no good," said Amenos. "We should find shelter and wait. Tavish and Arkan will not move on unless we press them."

Soon enough, they took shelter beneath an overhang and waited. The rain poured down as they did, and they tried to keep themselves warm without a fire. All around were jagged rocks and fallen buildings. As they watched, William saw the remnants of a great wall. But it was now battered into nothingness, where the city began.

It was a city, wasn't it?

Looking back, he saw remnants of an ancient harbor standing in place. A shattered tower was on either side, and an island was far off. Fields that could have once been fertile were now destroyed utterly. Once or twice, they found old bones, clutching ancient weapons preserved by magic.

"What did this?" asked William.

"Anoa the Bright," said Amenos. "He and Neral Dinis had a personal enmity. Neral Dinis lured him here, and Anoa followed. The spirits of the land supported Neral Dinis, so Anoa destroyed them.

"In fairness, the Furbearers were not nice." Amenos grinned. "Neral Dinis initiated the hostilities in the most dishonorable and destructive ways."

"I know," said William. "Anoa cursed this land to remain barren. This is Thrakmul, the Desolate City. All who walk here are unwelcome.

"Tavish must have come here to arrive in secret." He saw minor signs of growth returning, the grass here and there in the dirt. Even so, there were many stretches where the ground was pure, barren rock. "It seems the wrath of Anoa has waned."

Yet now and then, he heard whispers, voices of wrath that went through the rocks. They spoke of fires burning day and night, of slaughter unheard of.

At that moment, they saw the light in the distance as the rain died. William looked to Amenos, and both drew swords and headed toward it. Then, hurrying off as quick as they could, they tried to stay out of sight of it. Eventually, they came to an acropolis with a broken structure at the top. A palace or temple, perhaps? Or a granary?

Scaling up the hill, they came to the light of the fire and found Arkan and Tavish speaking with two Furbearers. Sokar and Kata were on the opposite time beneath a large canvass shelter.

"Ah, hail the conquering hero! Get the man a drink!" called Arkan.

What?

"Kata, Sokar, what are you doing out here?" said William, sheathing his sword in bemusement. "Why are you drinking with these scoundrels?"

"This was once the great Furbearer City of Thrakmul," said Kata with a shrug. "Neral Dinis had his fortress here and long contended with Anoa. For sixteen years, the armies of Haldren laid siege to it. Anoa was often called away to other businesses.

"But at last, it fell.

"And my people fell to flee into the hills and hide in snows. You can still find skeletons out here in this place. Harlenorian and Furbearer, like snowflakes melting in the sun. We've been giving them proper burials according to their heritage."

"Was this arranged?" asked William. "Why are you working together?"

"No," said Sokar. "They just happened to enter after we did."

"It was a good fight," said Tavish, sharpening a knife.

"We didn't want to meddle without knowing the sides," said Kata. "And well, you were the one who taught us that politics weren't personal. So we didn't like the idea of fighting them just for vengeance.

"So we're just happy you took out their friend. Lamech was not pleasant.

"Which side are you on, William?"

William blinked. "What are the sides?"

"It doesn't even matter at this point," said Sokar, looking at Tavish warily. "By learning the sides, you shift the balance of power and change what they are. As a result, we've had a small war on the borders of our land and gained peace.

"Now we are out here scouting these parts."

"To what end?" asked William.

"I wanted to see if we might resettle this area, but the land is still desolate," said Sokar. "I don't think the spirits of this place want anyone living here."

"Everywhere I go, I feel the hatred of the land," said Kata. "This place of consumed by wrath. And I don't think it is directed at any one place. But, at least we can give some of the dead peace."

"How did you fair?" asked William. "I've had no news of you since the death of Lord Rius."

That was how an extended explanation of events came to William. He noted to get Tanith to write down her story at some point.

The account of the war between Kern and the Furbearers fascinated him. But Amenos was concerned about this.

"If Lord Kern has lost the war," said Amenos. "Then Gavin's next move is subversion. Turn House Telus against House Gabriel and divide them. Once that happens-"

"The Furbearers are completely reliant on House Telus," said Arkan. "Gavin can move right in. King Osrif will end up a glorified vassal to House Telus.

"Whereas if it doesn't happen, Duke Vanion can mediate between powers. Which gives you, Prince Sokar, the advantage."

William looked over to where Oresa was thinking silently. "Do you have any input in this, milady?"

"Well," said Oresa. "I was recently kidnapped again.

"But now that you're here, I'm rescued. Duke Vanion has a right to keep his holdings. And it will be better for everyone if he does.

"But having a full-scale war over it won't be good."

"So where is Felix?" asked Kata quickly, brushing her hair back.

"Guarding my armor," said William. "Inglorious, but I had to come after the lady here as quickly as possible."

"Yes, I really appreciate it," said Oresa. "Why come after me, though?"

"I was going to head to Ran Telus to investigate possible disloyalty," said William. "Felix will have sent a letter by now, knowing him. Father should learn of it by his own devices.

"However, en route, I was informed of your taking by Farasa and came after you.

"This is Amenos, an old friend of my mentor Rusara."

"A pleasure to meet you," said Amenos, offering a hand.

Oresa took it, and Kata looked to Oresa with lingering eyes, then William.

"You observed the battle?" asked William.

"Yes," said Sokar. "And we won't be shedding any tears over him. Lamech was cruel to the slaves he captured. I can't believe someone that evil is my age."

"Lamech was twisted by the world," said William. "I think he just decided to be what he was rather than fighting it."

"Yes, well, it was a splendid fight," said Arkan.

"Aren't you going to lament your son?" asked Oresa, concerned.

"Lamech wouldn't want me to," said Arkan. "Our arrangement was master and apprentice, a Sathri concept. He viewed me as a valuable resource and someone he could learn from. His status as my adopted son was insurance; he couldn't inherit if he murdered me.

"It was also a penance.

"My Father was a great sea captain and was Admiral before me. However, over time, he went mad and one day went after myself and my Mother. He was drunk, traumatized, and beyond reason. To defend her, I slew him with a knife and dedicated my life to restoring my homeland.

"I asked the gods how to purify myself of sin.

"They told me to adopt a Blackguard as my own. Lamech was an excellent subordinate, but it was ultimately him or me. And he might still be alive, so I don't intend to get sentimental."

"Kata?" asked William, noting her eyes on him. She had tied her hair above her head and wore red garments like Farasa's. They seemed to be cut the same, only more concealing.

"...I've never seen you without armor. You look nice," said Kata.

"Are you sure you have no ill will?" asked William suddenly.

"We've already killed more than our fair share of Harlenorians," said Kata. "We both seem to be dying people anyway."

Dying peoples? Perhaps that was why Jehair had been so keen to take advantage. They were dying people.

"Not anymore," said William. "The worst has been averted."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Well, all our people got home, amazingly," said Kata. "I guess we lucked out. Unfortunately, many of us were killed after Tanith and Father attacked Lord Kern."

"I liked it," said Sokar.

"I know you liked it, Sokar," said Kata. "I didn't. Helping find places to ambush and kill people is not my fun idea."

"William, about Neral Dinis?" asked Sokar. "How did he strike you?"

"Reasonable," said William. "But dangerous, and I should be cautious about meeting with him. I met him when he was backed into a corner. In a position of power, I cannot say."

"There's been talk of raising shrines to him," said Sokar. "I know you hate undead, but we have a history. To us, he seems like the hero, almost a benefactor."

"Well, opening a dialogue is a good idea," said Arkan quickly. "If Neral Dinis acknowledges you as an equal or even a lesser power, it would be a powerful piece. By doing so, you ensure King Osrif has real credibility. No one can just walk in.

"You also might relearn some of your old ways.

"But there is a cost to everything. I have no idea what it might be, but you'll have to pay it sooner or later."

"We know that now," said Sokar.

"House Telus is closer to you and a longtime friend of House Gabriel," said Amenos to William. "It would be better to think of how to convince them to remain hand in hand with you. They have the potential for a real military alliance."

"I'm heading there, actually," said Tavish.

"Why?" asked William.

"Edmund Telus has many debts he has to repay due to the wars," said Tavish. "I plan to offer to pay them off as a dowry in exchange for your friend Tanith."

"What?!" said William.

"What?" said Tavish. "She's beautiful, strong, a valuable asset, and I got on well with her. You'll probably have to aim higher to rise in power. If I can marry her, that nets me a connection to House Telus and gets me into the nobility."

"Why to tell me?" said William, wondering if he should kill Tavish now. But, no, Tanith would want to do that herself.

"So there won't be any nasty surprises, obviously," said Tavish. "This is a common courtesy, so you know now."

William considered the possible results of this course of action. "You have my permission to try. But I don't think you have a chance. Lord Edmund is a very influential man and likely has high hopes for marriage."

"Well, either way," said Tavish. "The money could be used to get me back some goodwill."

"Where will you get the money?" asked William.

"I already have it," said Tavish. "Here. Unlike Arkan, I hid most of my stuff in Haldren, somewhere nobody goes.

"It's just a ways off.

"The problem is transport. I need someone to move it all out to Edmund Telus and ensure it isn't stolen. I had planned to use Lamech and Arkan for manual labor and offer them a cut."

"Why did you need me?" asked Oresa, blinking.

"Pure impulse," said Arkan. "We thought we might be able to bargain with you for something, but we couldn't, so the plan is cut for now.

"Although you did lure William here and get Lamech killed. So that's something."

"Oh," said Oresa in disappointment. "Why are my kidnappings never about me? I really feel like a Princess like myself ought to be kidnapped for my beauty. It was as if a passing knight was dazzled by my presence, seized me up in his arms, and took me away.

"And my hero followed, and they dueled in single combat, and the hero smote the evil knight down! Ah, wait, he's got a crossbow-"

Tavish whacked her upside the head.

"Ow," said Oresa, rubbing her forehead with an eye closed in a vaguely cute manner. "That's not very nice."

At that moment, Isamu rushed into sight with his comrades. Their weapons were out, and they were ready for blood. "Alright, you son of a bitch!

"Where is Oresa! I'll slaughter you all! I'll take all of you at once!"

"Oh, Isamu, you're here," said Oresa. "Um, it was a big misunderstanding, and everything worked out. But now we need to help avert a war by helping Tavish pay off someone else's debts."

"What war? What are you talking about?" asked Urus.

Oresa explained.

"How will that avert a war?" asked Isamu. It was not raining anymore, having slackened off.

"Gavin is likely to try and convince House Telus to defect using debt forgiveness," said Urus. "If those debts are paid, the alliance stands. If they remain unpaid, House Gabriel is incentivized to begin a full-blown offensive."

"I've got more than enough treasure to pay for it," said Tavish. "And nothing better to do with it."

"We'll help if you give us a cut," said Sokar. "We're going to need money."

"That's alright," said Tavish. "Some of Telus' debts are owed to you. Furbearer sewing patterns are quite popular, you know."

"Fine, then let's get to work," said Sokar. "But this clears any ill-will between us. And we share in the credit for handing in the money.

"No more vendettas." William was inclined to ask why Sokar felt he had to clear ill will with Tavish. If anything, it seemed the other way around. Then again, Tavish was more robust.

"Understood," said Tavish.

"Isamu, Urus, Cadas," said Orsea. "Can you help them?"

"Well, first, I'd like to see the paperwork for these debts," said Amenos. "Do you have it?"

Tavish drew out a book. "Of course. I managed to copy most of earlier."

William looked at it carefully after Amenos finished. They made sense based on what he knew. William halted. "You've thought this through."

"Edmund and Father are old rivals," said Tavish. "Stopping the rivalry serves the King and Father and gives me an in."

"Many of these men are dead. They were killed working with Cirithil," said William.

"The money is still owed to their family," said Tavish. "Lord Edmund had to take a lot of loans to entertain guests of import. Vanion dodged those by always being off on campaign."

"Amenos?" asked William.

"I agree with your assessment," said Amenos. "As Rusara's representative, I believe this is more than workable."

Amenos would know. Which was good. Without a good advisor, William would have gone straight to violence. You only made this kind of deal by consulting someone who knew what they were doing.

"I can represent Antion in this," said Arkan. "It should redeem my standing enough to halt Korlac. And also make the stalemate even more even-handed.

"Brooking a real peace while inadvertently sabotaging Gavin will go over well."

"Good. Let's get to it," said William.

Tavish led them out as the rain fell away to reveal bright skies. Retrieving some hidden shovels and others, they began to dig. Deeper and deeper they went until, eventually, they delved into it. Finding it open, there was a huge chest. Unlocking it with a key on the ground, Tavish opened it to reveal a chest of pure gold.

Tavish smiled. The sheer volume of it amazed William, and a sense of euphoria overtook him. It glowed and sparkled in the sunlight, and he wondered how much it was.

"That's a lot of money," said Isamu.

"Part of my fortune," said Tavish. "Most is invested in businesses in Antion. Perfectly legal."

"How did you keep this secret?" asked William. "You couldn't have carried it all here yourself. And Arkan and Lamech couldn't be with you all the time."

"I gave the men who came with me a sword each," said Tavish. "And we agreed to kill eachother until only one was left. Then, since I was a child, I waited on the sidelines while they hacked one another up. Then I stabbed the last one as he bled out.

"I buried them in a grave we all dug together before the match."

"That's grim," said Isamu.

"It worked, didn't it," said Tavish. "No witnesses. Let's just grab the handholds and take turns. One from each party at a time. We've got a long way to go.

"William, I need you to handle negotiations."

It took a lot less labor than expected to get the money out. William, on his own, would have had trouble. But Isamu had immense strength like nothing he'd ever seen, and together, they easily pulled it out. Steel poles were already lying near it, and these Tavish slid through iron rings on the chest.

Four of them, at any one time, held it on their shoulders. Together, they marched toward the domain of the Furbearers. When some became tired, they switched bearers to make good time. The ground was rocky, but Kata and Sokar knew the best paths, so they avoided serious problems and went on.

William had always heard the domain of the Furbearers was covered in ice. But it was fading out by now. The treasure was heavy, but the land seemed to speed them on their way. The ground seemed to fly by beneath their feet.

"I was originally planning for Lamech and me to move this," said Tavish. "This works out better. He's stronger, of course, but not someone you can trust fully."

"It'll get worse once we cross the river. We'll take the main road," said Sokar. "We're not doing this as thieves in the night."

"I don't know if anyone has thought of this," said Arkan. "But this is an ideal time to be taken, hostage. There are many notable names among us."

"I will handle negotiations," said William. "And if anyone is foolish to try and seize this company, it will be the end of them. We're well-armed and experienced soldiers."

"He's right, you know," said Oresa, who had not been expected to labor. "Isamu, Urus, and Cadas are powerful."

Cadas proved a great asset to Isamu.

They came at last to the river; William forgot the name. But he did remember the history as he led them forward. "Anoa stormed it early in his invasion, and there was a great battle. It was broken but remade with a drawbridge."

The bridge crossed the river, but the drawbridge was up.

"I know a good ford," said Sokar.

"You would take this chest across the river?" asked William. "I've waded rivers before. It'll be washed out to sea before the first step. And it's high right now with all the snow.

"We'll go through."

Moving to the edge, he approached the bridge guard with several armed men. Judging by the set hastily thrown to one side, they bore excellent armor and looked to have been playing dice. This did not strike William as befitting royal soldiers. "Hold where you are. This bridge is shut in case of Furbearer assault." His accent needed to be corrected.

"The war is over," said Sokar. "And we are on a mission of peace."

"Be that as it may," said the bridge guard, and his voice spoke as though William had given offense. The guard was clad in bright, gold-lined armor and violet garments. "Prince Aras has ordered that no one cross over this river." His posture was not that of a Harlenorian soldier. William had seen it in Ascorn before somewhere, however.

Yet his face was white and pale, though the completion was a little too perfect.

"I am William Gabriel, son of Duke Vanion Gabriel," said William. "I am going to meet a friend of my Father, Lord Edmund Telus. My mission is urgent and of concern to all three Kingdoms."

"I do not care if you are a God," said the guard. "King Gavin rules this country."

"Is this done by the will of Edmund Telus?" asked William. "Perhaps you could send a message for me."

"Edmund Telus will accept the mercy of Prince Aras," said the guard. "And you are of no concern." This was far too much of a caricature, as though he were pretending to be who he was.

"With me are Princess Kata, Prince Sokar, a direct representative of Antion. There is also Princess Oresa of Calisha," said William. "Many respected names who have been of invaluable service. They seek to make a show of friendship with Edmund Telus.

"Would your master insult all of them?"

The guard laughed alongside his men. "Should a Prince concern himself with the whore children of brigands? That and a mere political servant and a barbarian bitch?" Far too aggressive, no royal guard would speak as such.

"Will you allow me to represent my house in the negotiations?" asked William.

"No," said the guard. "You're little better than brigands already."

"You realize that this side of the bridge is Furbearer territory," said William. "They are not yours to insult and harass."

"Everyone is Prince Aras's to insult and harass," said the guard.

That was too much. These men were not royal guards.

William turned away, about to suggest an alternative path. Then he considered the political implications and was turned back here. So instead, he drew his sword and smote him with the flat of his blade. They fell senseless to the ground around them.

Isamu and Cadas rushed in and rapidly knocked out the other guards.

William sighed. "Isamu, Urus, Cadas, can you swim?"

"Yes," said Isamu. "I've been doing this a long time."

"Get over that river and drop that gate," said William. "Don't kill any if you can avoid it. And absolutely do not kill any wearing the colors of House Telus. Do what you want with these.

"If you find Prince Aras, don't lay hands on him. And don't kill anyone."

The group did, leaping into the river and swimming across. There was a sound of fighting and clashing and screams of agony. Promptly, the door dropped and slammed open, and they stepped over it. Isamu and his people were on the other side, and several men of Ran Telus were standing by.

"Thank gods you're here, milord," said a man. "Prince Aras's men are all over the countryside. They've fanned out everywhere. They said he was coming as a guest but arrived with armed men.

"Then orders were given that the area be sealed off."

"I didn't notice anything like that when Tanith and I came through?" said Kata.

"Lady Telus came through?" asked the guard. "That can't be.

"Prince Aras has men watching for her."

"She was likely wearing her armor," said William. "Did you speak to any guards?"

"No," said Kata. "Just walked in this the ox carts like she owned the place. She exchanged a few words with the guards and walked off."

"Enough," said Arkan. "What now?

"Taking this treasure now is useless."

"Let us leave it as bait," said Amenos. "Treasure attracts men far from home. Put it somewhere they can hear of it. Then, wait to see who arrives."

"Sokar," said William. "Go back to your people and form them out here. Don't cross the river. You men keep the gate open. Isamu, you and your companions will assist in the guarding. No aggressive moves, defend but nothing else.

"Tavish, Arkan, keep the treasure here. You're in charge if unity is needed."

"Where did he get these men?" asked Arkan. "Gavin isn't this ineffectual. And he'd never make this kind of move without first taking Gel Carn."

"It hadn't fallen when these arrived," said a man.

"Babarassians," said Sokar, removing a helm.

Silence. It was true; their face was tan like that of Sokar. How had they gotten in here?

"Impossible," said a guard. "Their skin was as pale as ours a moment ago."

But each helm revealed that some disguise had fallen away. And now they were looking at many dark-skinned men.

"He must have hired some contingents of them and dressed them in royal colors," said Tavish. "The fool. You can't control an organization just with money."

"I wouldn't know," said Arkan. "But I doubt the King had any part in this stunt. These men obviously do not understand royal decorum. No Harlenorian guard would ever mistreat so important a figure."

"What about you, William?" asked Kata. "What about us?"

"You, Oresa, and myself will go to the city directly," said William.

"What?" said Kata. "How?"

"Simple," said William. "We'll say Arkan planned all this and that your brother and Oresa's bodyguards betrayed you. Then, if they think we're desperate, they'll want to use us."

"Gavin can't possibly be this stupid," said Arkan. "Neither could his son."

"We'll find out soon enough," said William. "Remember;

"No attacks. If they press you, draw out beyond the river and keep them here."

"What if they invade us?" asked Sokar.

"Well then, that's not my decision, is it," said William. "But I do not think for a moment these men are working for King Gavin. It is likely someone else, perhaps someone beneath notice, who can hire them.

"Creeping into his shadow, if you will."

"I hope so," said Arkan. "If not, we're about to have a civil war."

William sincerely doubted that. He felt such a conflict would end quickly with Arkan hanging from a noose.