King Estal entered the village at the head of an army. He went clad in gray armor and held a spear in one hand. Behind the gray armored host, they were dragging a large force of Calishans. They were bound at the wrists and numbers a hundred at least.

Asborn and his sons went to meet him. They kneeled in fealty. "King Estal. Victory is ours."

"So I have heard," said King Estal. "Estal owes much to the brave militia. We were delayed, for the bats of Neseriah dropped hundreds of Immortals into the midsts of our city. They sought to set fire to the grain stores and kill all they could lay hands on.

"We were hard put to it. But this old man's father was a Prince of Antion." He fingered the haft of his sword, then looked to the slaves. "These are those captured. We have brought them to aid in the repair of your fortifications. See to it that they live."

"I will do so," said Asborn. "Then we'll have someone to ransom."

"More than that," said Estal, "it is the will of Princess Safara that all prisoners be treated with respect. We should have executed them if not for her."

They should have executed them, reflected William. This kind of attack was pure barbarism, and the Calishans had taken no prisoners. Their bodies should have been hanging from the walls. And yet everyone, men and women who had hated Calishans from birth, was doing as Safara willed.

Even though she wasn't there to will it, how far did Safara's reach extend?

"Now I have need of one of your sons," said Estal. "Aris' fleet has been seen approaching the shore. I wish to meet him there. His forces should be enough to route anyone else."

"I have been told that Lady Azgora has already half routed them herself," said Asborn. "Ensor will go with you. He's had his first battle today and killed three Calishans."

William hurried forward, Massacre padding behind him. Estal looked up. "Ah, Sir William. Though I suppose I haven't had the chance to make the title formal. I see you've had your share of battle."

William looked at his skull armor and realized it was covered in blood. He must have looked terrifying, like the visage of death itself. "Yes, I have."

"More than that," said Ensor. "I saw him kill a Calishan Immortal. And his pet chimera turned the tide."

William was surprised Ensor was singing his praises. Given how they had met, he hadn't been expecting it. "Massacre isn't my pet. She is my friend," He paused. "King Estal in regards to my mission. The Cyclopi are still considering their options. I believe that if we can win more victories, King Themos may come in on our side.

"If we cannot, he may remain neutral. Or worse, take the side of the Calishans."

"Well, it is much to ask for his assistance so soon," said Estal before approaching Massacre. The lion head eyed Estal warily, but Estal reached forward without fear. He scratched her behind the ears. "You are a mighty beast, indeed. May I ask you a favor?

"Could you stay here and watch over these prisoners. Ensure nothing goes wrong with the repair of this place."

"Bah," said Massacre.

Estal looked at William. "What does she say?"

"Massacre says she will do no such thing," said William. How had Estal known Massacre was a girl? William hadn't figured it out until Kiyora had told him. "With your permission, King Estal, I wish to go with you and see the fleet myself."

"Of course," said Estal. "It is a shame I have not been able to formally knight you. You have more than proved yourself." He looked around. "Perhaps I shall make a festival for this victory."

"There is little to celebrate," said William.

"Yes," agreed Estal. "Not today, at any rate. This is indeed a grim victory. But in a few years, men will drink toasts to the valiant defense of Estal. And the fleet may bring good news, heralding the end of the war. It may be that the Calishan fleets have already been defeated."

"One can only hope," said William. But he did not hope. Not for a moment.

"Come," said Estal, "we will take a small party and go to the shore."

Thus they set out for the shore. As they walked, they passed several burned-out villages. Here, men were busy burying the dead. Others were picking through the ruins, trying to salvage anything of use. Estal looked on grimly but said nothing.

"Calishan pigs," hissed Ensor. "I used to drink there."

William realized that the burned-out ruins of one building must have been a tavern at one point. He could make out many charred corpses within. Beyond, they came across a large group of Calishans who were bound and forced to kneel in a row just past it. Above them were many armored knights of Estal, who placed blades to the back of their necks.

Mother was standing there by them. Estal came forward. "Lady Azgora. Who are these men who are being executed?"

"Calishans," said Mother. "Who else? They massacred everyone they could lay hands on than met up with their other forces. I gathered the militia and met them in battle. We drove them before us and killed all the Immortals. These are all that survive."

A will was in the air. William almost felt as though loving coils surrounded him. He knew the others felt it as well from the way they changed—all except Mother, who remained silent.

"Let them up," said Estal. "We will force them to mend what they have broken?"

William expected a cry of outrage. But no one said anything. Already the knights were removing their blades. And something told him this was right. Better to have mercy. Then he saw Mother, who looked at him flatly. Just like that, the coils seemed to fall away.

"Can they restore the dead to life?" asked William. "Can they feed those who will go hungry? We have already spared many. But if all are taken prisoner, what retribution will those who raid you in the future fear?"

"You would have us seek revenge, then?" said Estal.

"If Calisha thinks they can draw back their hand after striking you, why should they fear to lose it," said William. "We must win this war. But we must also make the Calishans regret forcing us into it."

"And what would you have us do?" asked Estal.

William hesitated. The coils gripped him again, demanding he have mercy. Let them go. Yet Mother's gaze was on him. He felt like he was being crushed between two wills. "Put all the Calishans to work with the exception of the nobles. All of the nobles will be rounded up and executed."

"Why should we do that?" asked Estal, looking at him.

"The custom," said William, "is, of course, to ransom those who are most valuable. If someone must be executed, then it is better to execute the commoners. By killing the nobles, we send a message. It will terrify all future raiders. Anyone who considers acting in this fashion will know that their title will not protect them.

"Nobles are the ones' who fund these sorts of expeditions they will be much less keen to invade."

The coils tightened. William could hardly breathe. But he felt as though everyone else was straining against them. Eventually, Estal looked away. "Put the prisoners with the rest. I shall consult Aris on what happens next. The shore awaits."

Oh, wonderful. The matter would be put up to Aris' legendary judgment. Mother turned to the troops. "Let them up. We'll put them to work repairing some of the fortifications."

The rest of the journey was silent. William felt anger in the back of his mind. It was like the anger of a lover who has lost their spouse. What he felt was a deeply personal kind of anger. And it was directed at Azgora. No, Mother.

When they came within sight of the wall, William was surprised. There were burning corpses in a pile there. Ensor whistled. "Well looks like the gate guards did their work well."

"They attacked here, then?" asked William.

"There was sore fighting here," said Mother. "However, we managed to relieve them before it fell. The enemy came in great numbers, and none survived."

"Those fortifications are very formidable," said William. "How could a few hundred men take them?"

"Look," said Mother, pointing with her spear.

William did look at them. For a long moment, he didn't get it. Then the obvious dawned. "Right, the wall was meant to keep people out, not in. The fortifications are no good on this side."

King Estal had a pavilion set up on a hill and guards posted around it. Most of his entourage set themselves up there. As William came to the top of the hill, he looked past the wall and saw the fleet. For a moment, he was struck with awe.

"So many ships?" asked Ensor. "Where did they all come from?"

"Many of them are Calishan vessels," said Mother. "Aris and Tanith must have captured a great many."

Even now, huge chests of valuables were being piled upon the shore. Lines of slaves were being led out into the shore. William looked to Mother. "I'm going to see if I can go greet Tanith."

"Do as you like, my son," said Azgora.

William and Felix made their way through the gate. They searched among the valuables being unloaded. Eventually, he saw Tanith leaping off a ship to land in the shallows to wade ashore. Thank Elranor, she was still alive.

"Tanith, you're back!" he called as he ran to her. He removed his helmet and held her close to him. "I'm glad you're still drawing breath."

"Drawing steel as well," said Tanith. "Well, we had one or two issues, but I'm well content with the bloodshed. We saw some bats carrying troops here. You kill any Calishans?"

"Too many," admitted William. "They attacked the villages, and we were hard-pressed to hold them at bay. How did you fair?"

Tanith stretched and looked skyward. "We destroyed a fleet of Calishans fleets in harbor using fireships, or most of one. A few got away. Then we met another fleet our own size in battle. We captured most of their vessels and killed every one of them.

"Of course we were on our way back a larger one came after us. But we got bailed out by the serpent Jormungsk. The one who trapped us in the Iron Kingdom. So we rallied and burned that one to the waterline too."

"Jormungsk?" asked William. "Why would he help you?"

"Apparently King Byran sent him to help us out," said Tanith. "He doesn't want the Calishans getting a foothold on Estal. It makes sense. Estal is too weak to invade Viokinar. But Calisha could do it in a heartbeat. Especially with all the fun, we had with Melchious.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Anyway, we won and destroyed that fleet too."

Tanith had been as horrified as he was in the Iron City. But now that the memory had grown distant, she called it fun. Something was wrong with her, and William found it strange he was only just realizing as much. "What happened then?" asked William, stepping back.

"Well then, Aris ordered us to turn around and start raiding the Calishan shores." said Tanith. "But I convinced him it wasn't a good idea to do it. The last thing I want is to go back to fighting like Argath Marn.

"The man was a total coward who only went for easy targets who couldn't defend themselves. And then he sold out as soon as he got back with false repentance. No glory in that. So I figured we ought to attack Calishan forts along the coast instead."

"You laid siege to Baltoth's own coast?" asked William.

"Yep," said Tanith. "It was the last thing he expected and way more fun than sacking villages, to be honest. A lot more challenge fighting with other soldiers, and their deaths hurt Calisha more. We took three forts, stole a lot of plunder, and made a clean getaway. Aris thought it was way too aggressive, but it worked out pretty well.

"Here he comes now."

Aris was walking down the shore toward them, wearing armor. Esgroth was with him, and he was walking with a limp. Tanith went to meet him. "Aris, turns out we won on both fronts. They didn't need our help."

"As expected," said Aris. "I knew the Calishans could not hope to take Estal without overwhelming force."

"That is little comfort to the people of Estal," said William, annoyed by his attitude.

"All victory has a price," said Aris. "What damage did they do?"

"Several villages were burned," said William. "The Calishans killed everyone they could. They also destroyed granaries. And burned fields." He paused. "I do hope your wedding will be a good one, Prince Aris."

"Your tone is unappreciated, Gabriel," said Aris. "This is my land, and I will do so as I will within it.

"Now, I will speak to my father at once. Esgroth, oversee the unloading of the ships. Tanith, come with me."

"If I may, Prince Aris." said Esgroth. "There are a great many ships in our fleet—more than we can fit in the harbor. With your permission, I would like to keep some of them out at sea. If we send them all into harbor, they will be heavily clustered."

"Just get the valuables unloaded," said Aris. "We'll find a safer harbor for them one we've finished bringing in the goods. We'll have a triumph in the city when we're done."

"I will escort you to King Estal, if you will it," said William.

"I do," said Aris.

He led him back to the pavilion and entered it. There, he found King Estal waiting with many courtiers. William bowed his head. "King Estal, your son is here."

Aris came forward. Estal stood and embraced him. "My son, you have returned at last. How goes the battle?"

"We have destroyed three Calishans fleets, Father," said Aris. "Those ships we did not destroy have bolstered our fleet. None escaped. And we have unleashed great destruction on them for their hubris."

In the history of the universe, there had been many hypocritical statements. In William's mind, Aris' none could compare to that one.

"I am glad," said Estal. "Great glory has been brought to Estal by your efforts. Yet we have also suffered a grievous blow. Several of our villages have been burned to the ground. If not for Lady Azgora and her son's efforts, we should have been badly worsted."

And then the tent flap parted, and Safara entered the room. Her red hair flowed about her like a river as she surged forward. Faster than anyone could react, she hugged Aris. "Aris!"

Aris smiled and kissed her. "Safara, you came to meet me then."

"I wished to see your return," said Safara. "Is it over?"

Aris led Safara away, and they began to speak together. Cassandra entered behind her, clad in flowing while. Enso came up behind William and tapped him on the shoulder.

"So that's the woman all this was for?" whispered Ensor.

"Yes," said William. "She is."

"Who wouldn't fight a war to keep her?" said Ensor.

"Someone with more sense than me," muttered William.

"Come, we must see to the succor of our people," said Estal quickly. "When what arrangements that can be made have been made, we will celebrate. We'll tell the stories of our victories. They shall be told of these days for centuries to come, and my grandchildren will look upon it with pride. And your bride to be shall shine all the more radiantly for the sacrifice of the brave."

"By your leave, Father, we have no time," said Cassandra. "We must send a message to Emperor Baltoth at once and sue for peace."

"Even Baltoth will think twice before invading us again," said Aris. "We've all but won."

This was too much. "Are all of Baltoth's armies broken?" asked William. "Has his Empire fallen into the sea like the legendary continent of Namina? We must seek an end to this war while the victory is fresh in Baltoth's mind."

"Always you seek of peace, and never a victory," said Aris. "Are you afraid?"

"I'm not fool if that's what you're asking," said William.

"Enough!" said Estal. "We are all fresh from battle, and harsh words are seldom meant in that state. Both of you have proved your valor and will show due respect."

"Father, I believe Sir Gabriel is correct," said Cassandra. "We must attempt to end this war. With the recent defeats, Baltoth may well decide it is in his best interests to admit defeat. "

This was not going to work.

"So be it," said Estal. "Send for Emira. I will speak to her at once."

Before anyone could move, an orange mist entered the tent. It flowed into it, hiding everything from view. Then it faded away, and before them stood Emira. She fell to a kneel before Estal. "King Estal, you have sent for me?"

Estal flinched. "Calisha has sent its armies. And they have failed. Your fleets are defeated. And your vanguard is broken. The next blow will suffer a similar fate as the world watches.

"I ask now that Baltoth cease this meaningless war and return back to his own domain."

"Emperor Baltoth understands well that your will did not do the taking of Safara. Rather, it was by the will of Aris," said Emira. "He salutes the valiancy of your defense and will gladly allow the matter pass in light of your son's youth.

"His offer given before remains: Return Safara to her husband. With the added stipulation that compensation is given to Calisha. Payment for the destruction wrought on our shores."

"Compensation?" roared Aris. "You would demand compensation over the wreckage of your fleet and the bodies of your armies? Why should we yield as a defeated power?!"

"Was it not you who dealt the first blow?" asked Emira. "Was it not you who struck without need? Have a care, Prince Aris. Baltoth's patience is not infinite. In your pride, you cannot see the fall. Nor the brand which will soon be set to a pyre of your own making."

"Do not threaten me, Calishan-"began Aris.

"Enough," said Estal. "Ambassador, it is the custom among powers that the victor gains the advantage. Do you deny this?"

"I do not," said Emira.

"Then how can you ask me to discredit myself and the pride of my nation with such terms?" asked Estal. "I shall not give up my sanctuary offered to Safara. She is here as my guest and may remain so long as she desires."

"Then there is nothing more to discuss," said Emira.

Then, suddenly, the smell of burning entered the tent. A man rushed in. "King Estal! The fleet! Come quickly!"

They rushed out of the tent and onto the hill. Looking out over the walls, William saw the fleet of Estal. It was burning. Dozens upon dozens of ships were burning. Men cast themselves into the sea to escape it. Other desperately tried to put out the flames, or carry valuables to safety.

"What happened?" asked King Estal.

"Bats emerged from the shadows of the cliffs!" said a man. "They dropped firebombs on the fleet while we were unloading!"

"Why didn't you shoot them down?" asked Aris.

"We tried, but all the men had gone ashore!" said the man. Neseriah must have sent bats to linger just out of sight of the harbor until the fleet returned. Very clever.

"Move the fleet out!" cried Aris. "Put out the flames! Save the ships!"

As chaos overtook the beach, Emira walked forward confidently. "This flame signifies the first blow struck upon Estal. As your ships are consumed in the heat of fire, so too shall Estal be consumed by your pride."

"You... coward!" roared Aris. "You spoke with us in parley while your armies marched to war!"

Emira smiled. "Did you not do the same? Are you not bound by the rules of your own making?"

William approached Safara, knowing this was their only chance. He tapped her on the shoulder. The sensation of coming into contact with her supple flesh sent chills through him. It was all he could od not to stammer nervously. "Safara, a word if you will."

She looked up. "Yes, yes, of course?"

They walked to one side. William forced himself to speak. He shouldn't say anything, but he knew he must. She deserved to remain and do what she liked. "Listen to me Safara. You must return to Calisha," he said. The hurt on her face was like a knife to the heart. "Estal will be defeated. The longer we do battle against Calisha the harsher the end will be. You must go back before more people die."

She looked torn. And so she should be, this magnificent and innocent creature, beloved by all who beheld her. She looked at the burning and wept. "...I can't. You don't understand, Suloth isn't going to try and rescue me. He'll punish me. I've seen what he does to his relations that defy him, what he did to Rammas.

"He'll do that to me if I'm lucky."

This was ridiculous. What was he doing here? Why was he hurting her feelings like this? "And how many people have died already for the sake of this elopement? Why is your life worth more than theirs?"

This question actually surprised her. "I'm a demigod. That sets me apart."

"Then why are you defying your father?" asked William. "We could get assurances of your safety. But you must go. Please."

It wasn't really the hardest thing he'd ever done. He just felt like it was. Emotions were irrational, after all, but it worked. Safara slithered over to Estal, looking downcast. "...King Estal, many people have already died to defend me. My selfishness has caused horrible grief to the people of this land. I will return to Calisha if it means peace."

"No!" cried Aris.

And several others had said the same in that moment. Safara, beautiful and tragic, turned to Aris. "Aris I must-"

"Shall we submit to the intimidation of Baltoth?" asked Aris. "To return Safara now would be nothing less of murder."

"I can promise that she will not be permanently harmed," said Emira.

"And of what worth is your word, Emira?" asked Aris. "You who parleys while readying a dagger to strike at our hearts? I tell you now, Estal will not submit to you, or Baltoth! Your armies will break on this island, and to take it will be the end of you!

"I offer you nothing! And that is far more than you will receive if you persist!"

"Aris, you must let me go," said Safara, ever willing to sacrifice herself. "My life doesn't matter-"

"Safara is mine!" snarled Aris. "And no power on heaven or earth shall take her from me!"

Estal stepped forward. "My son, calm yourself," he looked to Emira. "Emira, I ask that you remove yourself from our presence. If you remain here before the destruction you have caused, I cannot guarantee your safety."

Emira bowed politely. "Your courtesy is appreciated, King Estal. I pray you will come to your senses." Then she looked to Safara. Something passed between them, and Safara flinched. Then Emira turned on one foot and walked away.

"Tanith, escort Safara back to the city," said Aris. "Put a watch on her. No one is to lay a hand on her."

"Aris-" began Safara.

Aris put a hand on her shoulder. "Enough. It is for your safety. I do not want assassins or kidnappers to seek you out. Please. Do this for me."

"Wonderful," said Tanith, "so now I'm bodyguarding your pet snake."

"She is not a pet!" snarled Aris.

"Sure she isn't," said Tanith.

Tanith was far more intelligent than most gave her credit for, and had seen right through Aris' facade. Aris valued Safara only as a possession. She was faultless here as in control as a slave. If William had her, he would have let her go. No, no, this was absurd. Why couldn't he stop thinking about her like this?

Was everyone thinking this way?

"William, I am told you fought well in the battles," said Mother.

"We've been told a great many things," muttered William.

"You mean to say you did not?" asked Mother, surprised.

"No. I'm just irritable," said William.

Mother paused. "In any case, I am proud of your role. You are a credit to your family and a worthy son."

"Good to hear," said William.

"Is something wrong?" asked Mother.

"Hmm, possibly," said William. "Your goddess tried to rape me. I was transformed into a bull by Herus and trapped by a medusa."

"Wait, what?" said Mother. "When did this happen?"

"A few days ago," said William. I haven't talked to anyone about it. Tanith rescued me. Anyway, when I was rescued from that, I found that Aris had started a hopeless war. A war that I cannot escape from because Tanith talked me into it, and now all the ships are being burned.

"And the only way to stop this is to get the King to do the one thing no one here is willing to do. Am I missing anything?"

"Bah," said Massacre helpfully.

"Silence Massacre," said William. "We're all going to die. Everyone here is going to die."

"William you despair too quickly," said Mother. "One can never know the paths that destiny will take. All one can do is set yourself against the challenge of the day. The fate of Estal has not been decided on this day. It will be decided on the days to come.

"And at that time, I know you will make me proud."

William remained silent. Once, he would have been glad to hear those words. But now he was just tired. He wanted to go home and rest, but that was not an option. Blood and death awaited. It was his duty to perpetuate it.

The Calishan's vanguard had been defeated, and many of their ships were broken. Yet it was only the beginning of the war. And William just wanted it all to end.