Sergeant Pern sent two riders with an urgent report to the city before the dust of battle had fully settled. Ashan guided Moira back inside, and the entire team decided to wait until morning to begin their return journey. None of them had been injured, but the lack of sleep and the intensity of the spell had left the necromancer thoroughly drained. They ensured she could rest, setting up a bed brought especially for the occasion in a corner of the armory, far from the groans of the wounded and the conversations of the watchmen, still buzzing with adrenaline from the fight.
Unfortunately, several archers from the walls succumbed to their wounds during the night. Half the garrison remained alert until dawn, but no retaliation came. This battle was won.
Late in the morning, Moira explained to the garrison commander that the bodies could be burned, with no risk at all other then unpleasent scent, and despite the appearance of the ground, it was safe to walk on. She assured him that within a season or two, young grass and other wild plants would reclaim the area where the vegetation had withered. He emphasized that she shouldn't worry about it, even if nothing ever grew there again. The lives of the garrison and holding that position were far more important than worrying about such consequences. He assured her as well that he remained in her debt.
A short time later, as they made their way back into town in a light drizzle, Tex broached the subject. "Help me understand, Moira. Do you think the Elder could do something like what you did yesterday?" Tex asked, keeping her tone neutral, though her eyes betrayed genuine concern.
"Honestly, I don't know, Tex," Moira replied, quickly adding, "The examples of runic magic I've been able to examine so far suggest he uses very archaic components. Moreover, the runic language as a medium for casting spells doesn't lend itself to the kinds of constructions I use. What I did wasn't even a single spell—it was a combination of two distinct ones. You see, there are different schools and methods of spellcasting, and—"
She paused, realizing she was losing Tex in her explanation. She decided to simplify.
"There's no doubt that our enemy practices necromancy. However, the direct weaving of spells, which I use, and casting spells through written runic language are two very different methods. I can't guess what else he has up his sleeve, but everything we've seen so far revolves around summoning or transformation. It's possible that wherever he got this arcane knowledge, it was a limited source. But we can't be certain."
Tex digested this for a moment, then sighed and said, "It's better than nothing, but I really hope we don't meet him on the battlefield."
"If he shows up, I'll face him, and we'll put an end to this madness. I won't back down, Tex," Moira declared, her voice resolute. Her determination seemed to reach her companion, who looked bolstered by the statement.
"And you won't stand alone, Moira. If the chance comes, I'll send everything I have in my quiver straight at him," Otan added, with several others chiming in with similar affirmations.
Ashan said nothing, simply riding to Moira's right, his expression calm and betraying no trace of fear or hesitation.
On their way, they kept an eye out for other signs of danger or magical interference. They found nothing of the sort. Moira’s crow circled high above, ready to warn her of any threats, but fortunately, none materialized. Before entering the city, they checked the gathering point of the army once more. In their absence, it had grown at least threefold. By now, several hundred soldiers were bustling around the area. There were no traces of magical threats there, so after a thorough inspection of the terrain and surroundings, they finally returned to Kaarv, entering through the northern gate. The number of hanged bodies had decreased—older ones were apparently being taken down after some time, and fewer new ones were appearing. They lodged at the now-familiar inn.
Over the next few days, the influx of troops intensified. They spent most of their time patrolling the assembly area and its surroundings to protect the gathered recruits from magical threats. On the third day, banners from Kardum itself arrived, bringing at least four hundred soldiers who joined the camp. It was finally beginning to resemble an army.
That same day, they were invited into a tent where Captain Darva personally received them. Much to the group’s delight, as the commander was widely liked and respected by her subordinates. They all sat together to learn about the next plans. Darva began outlining the situation.
“We’ve received reports from the overseer of Kaarv about your activities. Excellent work. Our strategy takes into account that the enemy might deploy those transformed beings. The coalition has dug deep into the city coffers, and we will field two units of heavy cavalry in case of a significant enemy force. They are already en route and, along with the last wave of recruits, should arrive by tomorrow.”
These words were met with approval and satisfaction from those gathered. Darva waited a moment before continuing. “The road wardens will form light cavalry units, and all of you will be assigned to a small detachment near the command center. This will ensure that Lady Moira can quickly reach any critical location should she choose to address specific magical threats. I must emphasize here that the contract Kardum entered into specifically involves advisory roles and protection against such dangers. According to the council’s official stance, Lady Moira is not and will not be part of the army.” The captain emphasized the last sentence emphatically, without leaving any doubt that they had to play carefully here.
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In the silence that fell for a moment, the wind could be heard beating against the canvas of the tent. It made sense, of course. No matter how things turned out, neither side wanted Kardum to be seen as a city that hired a necromancer for military purposes.
Moira broke the silence and nodded. “Of course, that will also be my official stance. We are in agreement on this.”
"Excellent!" declared the captain, satisfied, as she rose from the table. "I expect all of you here tomorrow at noon. You’ll be joining the rest of the light cavalry to escort part of the column with the command staff." She stepped closer, placing her hands on Otan's and Tex's shoulders, giving each a reassuring squeeze. Her eyes swept across the faces of everyone present as she added, before letting them go, "We’ll reclaim that city. I’m counting on you!"
The response was a chorus of firm shouts and confirmations. As they began to leave, the captain discreetly asked Moira to stay behind for a moment. Ashan, noticing this, waited outside the tent, signaling the others to meet up at the tavern.
"I want you to know," the captain began in a serious tone, "that both I personally and the council as a whole deeply appreciate your contributions to our efforts." She reached for a document from a chest, adorned with numerous seals. "This is an official letter from the council. It details, at great length, that in recognition of your services to the city and the coalition, the city is granting you a tract of land within the Kardum district, which you may select yourself. It also formalizes your title as Enlightened Advisor to the City and increases your compensation beyond our prior agreement."
She handed Moira the document, placing a firm hand on her shoulder and maintaining eye contact as she continued, "Your support is indispensable. I’ve been instructed to assure you that regardless of what happens, we stand by your side and will adhere strictly to the official stance regarding your role in this conflict. The fact that you’ve held the advisory position for weeks before the first engagement should help solidify this narrative. The incident at the northern garrison, if it becomes public, will be framed by the coalition as an act of self-defense."
She released Moira and took a step back.
"I won’t leave you to face this alone, Darva, and don’t worry. My master should vouch for me if this matter comes under greater scrutiny. I wrote to him about the situation as soon as it began. We’re presenting this as the suppression of seditious activities by an unsanctioned necromancer, handled by the apprentice of a court mage serving directly under the Emperor." She tucked the document into her bag. "I do appreciate this gesture, and if anyone tries to exploit the situation against either your city or me, we’ll face it together."
Darva took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, before offering Moira a warm handshake. "I need to thank Ashan again for bringing you to us."
"I’ll see you tomorrow at noon, Captain," Moira replied, returning the handshake before stepping out of the tent.
She was certain Ashan had overheard everything, but he said nothing as they left the army camp and made their way back to their tavern. Once there, he suggested they check on the horses. In the privacy of the stables, he cautiously broached the subject.
"What consequences are the council and Captain Darva worried about?" Ashan asked as he brushed the side of her mare. Moira, leaning against a wooden post, stroked the horse's muzzle thoughtfully. She considered her response for a moment before answering.
"There haven't been wars in this region for a long time, but most nations agree that necromancers should not participate in them. It's one of many rules—like how noble prisoners of war should be spared and allowed to be ransomed by their families, rather than, say, hanged like common bandits," she explained, giving him a vivid example. "I'd say we’re just being overly cautious. There's no party here who could reasonably lodge a complaint. The Elder isn’t likely to take his grievances to the Emperor, is he?" she added with a wry smile, attempting a joke. Ashan, however, wasn’t in a laughing mood.
"I don’t think the council would be this careful without good reason," he muttered, continuing his work.
"I’ve written to my master honestly about the whole situation, and I’m confident that, distant as this matter is from the imperial court, it’s been appropriately framed for those in power. The apprentice of a respected Umbraval is aiding the legitimate northern authorities in removing an unlicensed necromancer who has taken the helm of a cult and rebellion. Even if I break a few eggs along the way, the omelet will be far more important than the eggs themselves," she assured him in a steady tone. "Kardum doesn’t want to be seen as a threat by any of its neighbors, and I’ll help them achieve that. That’s why they’re being so cautious. I’m not in any danger."
She held his gaze as she said this, her words firm and resolute.
Ashan paused, the hand holding the brush still against the horse's flank. With his other hand, he reached out to her cheek, gently stroking it with his thumb. She leaned into the touch, pressing a soft kiss to the inside of his palm before clasping his hand in hers, enveloping it with warmth.
"I’ll make sure it stays that way. Under Hooren’s skies, I’ll always be right by your side," he assured her, his gaze filled with quiet determination and care.
"I know," she replied softly, her voice carrying an intimate tenderness. She kissed the back of his fingers lightly before letting his hand go. "Enough brushing for now. Let’s get back to the others," she said, her tone brightening as she turned to lead the way.
He watched her for a few moments, taking in her confident stride before following. In those steps, he silently swore to himself that no harm would come to her in the coming battle as long as he drew breath.