“You said that the King’s brother took control of the war effort. Does that mean Stotor is not defeated?” I asked. Florencia stopped to think.
“Jonas, the enemy that we fought on the riverbank of Poscale is defeated, but as you know, Stotor is massive, and we don’t know how far and deep it’s corrupted. Castieltoch still stands, but it’s weakened, and we fear that the Enemy is knocking at its gates already. But I don’t know how well the war effort goes, Pitties hasn’t told me anything, and I don’t have any access to the secrets of ministers and lords anymore. All I know is what baron Fascamonta has told me—raids against our villages in the northern provinces. But this time, the raids are more… organized than the army we fought. As far as Fascamonta knows, there doesn’t seem to be any deeper plan behind the attacks. The raiders want to pillage and steal slaves and war gear or riches. And the raiders themselves are vile mercenaries and murderers and thieves, not demonic thralls.”
“No magic or demonhosts?” I asked, surprised.
“Nothing particularly daring or dangerous yet,” she replied. “But the raiding parties do seem to slip through our defenses now and then, especially near the unmapped mountain regions. We’ve always known that there are many secret pathways between the mountains, which we now think might be hidden with some kind of magic or ritual. And, of course, the Castalmand Mountains themselves are ancient, and there have been few who have dared to explore them. But I’m certain they’re using some kind of dark magic.”
“I’d be surprised if they didn’t. We must find out how strong their magic is, so we’re never taken by surprise and the men-at-arms are safe. I cannot expect them to win against a dark sorcerer with a demon whispering in their ear.”
“Neither do I, Jonas, but we have our mages and wizards as well. There have been some who have abandoned Cappesand since you left, like Rosalda, and use their powers for some better purpose. The King brought his best cadre and wanted to build fortifications and keep to contain Stotor. I don’t think the work has begun yet, maybe he’ll wait until springtime. But until then, raiding parties get through our defenses, and I know there’s been at least two larger battles.”
“I hoped we wiped out those bastards on the banks of Poscale!” I said. “But it seems the sacrifice of the corisseri was for nothing!”
“Their sacrifice wasn’t in vain!” said Florencia quickly and she took my hand in hers. “You killed the Chosen of Rufasmos, Jonas, whatever that means in the larger scheme! The same Rufasmos who Keon Zek demanded a reward from, and the same Great Lord who the secretary of Scorro obeyed. I don’t think we comprehend how strong a blow you dealt to them. And their deaths saved the lives of countless civilians. God’s know what terrible madness Rasmog would’ve done if you didn’t defeat him. Please, you can’t blame yourself, Jonas. There was nothing that you could’ve done differently.”
“I could have fought harder! I could’ve been stronger!”
“How could you have known that Vranik was so strong, turned into this new kind of demon? How could we have possibly known? Jonas, the death of the corisseri was a terrible thing, of course, but these things happen during times of war.”
She laughed.
“Or at least, that’s what the books say. There hasn’t been a true war in living memory, only border disputes and skirmishes. There hasn’t been a battle this large as in Poscale in over a century!”
Even though the deaths of the corisseri and captain Orsin hung like an anchor upon my heart, I couldn’t help but find some solace in Florencia’s words. I breathed out a weary sigh and changed topics again.
Let the dead stay dead. It became increasingly apparent that I was going to have a lot of work ahead of me, and I hoped Florencia would stand by my side, ready to face the upcoming darkness.
“I’m surprised Fascamonta doesn’t know about the situation. Wasn’t he friends with Pitties?” I asked.
“They’re acquaintances, but not friends,” said Florencia. “Pitties doesn’t inform anyone about the war who doesn’t have to know, and Fascamonta doesn’t have to know. Just because you get along well with him, doesn’t mean everyone does. There aren’t many people in Lienor who are not nervous even hearing his name, let alone talking with him.”
“In either case, Flo, I need to heal quickly and gather my strength. I need to go north and join the fight against the raiders. We don’t know when one force brings along a demonhost or chosen champion!”
“Please calm down, Jonas. There’s more,” said Florencia with an irritated tone. “Your task right now is to heal and rest. The entire northern and western armies are here! Tens of thousands of men, commanded by the King’s brother himself. Hugues Landoros is very capable and he has cavalries, archers, knights, battle mages, the King’s Guard, and much more. There’s no place in Lienor that’s more safe. I don’t know who has the might to break us.”
“Such a show of strength draws attention!” said Goxhandar. “Your King thinks himself safe, but is only a target besmeared shining and easy to hit.” I had to agree, but what else could be done?
Suddenly, Florencia turned to me and looked into my eyes, her expression serious.
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“Jonas, I think the King will ask to see you very soon. Pitties already hinted at the possibility. They have plans for you. For us. Our mission has to change to fit the new situation, and they’ll tell us what needs to be done differently. But Pitties didn’t tell me what the plan was.” Florencia winced. She didn’t seem to like being kept in the dark. “They’ll come and ask for you soon. You must ready yourself!”
“I’ve talked with the Crown Prince and Pitties before. I’ll do fine.” Florencia smiled and breathed out in relief. I hoped my confidence was not misplaced. And even though merely talking with the King was a great honor, and would elevate the mood for any man, I felt very little excitement over what they might say. I couldn’t help but foresee a greater burden being placed upon my shoulders.
We rested there on that chilly bench for some time, until the sun began its descent, and the fresh air seemed to cure Rasmog’s curse more than any tincture or potion that Florencia forced me to drink. Falling into a comfortable silence, she nestled herself against my side, breathing into my chest, and I enjoyed her presence. For that moment, I felt calm and happy, and thought back to the days of Cappesand, when I would dream about having her to myself. Now I had achieved that, yet my thoughts and days were very far from peaceful.
“Such simple desires and worries.”
“The world does seem to impose itself on the wishes of the small but capable,” said Goxhandar, and it did seem so.
*
After a week had passed, I felt more revitalized by the day. Though I still remained sluggish, especially in the morning, and my thoughts were clouded now and then, I could walk without exhausting myself, and I had all but regained most of my physical strength.
In the Temple of Hanuk, there was in the left wing the massive library, where towering shelves of dark wood were filled with old and newer religious texts and treatises and many books of wisdom. And buried there were also tomes of ancient knowledge that Jace had used to create the healing ritual that saved my life.
And it was there that we all gathered, idly passing the time, and trying to distract ourselves from the dull waiting.
Rosalda and Viola were both there as well, sitting on some padded chairs, behind the long table with intricately carved edges, and listening to an excited Jace.
Jace had now cut his hair short and shaved the sides of his head, and only kept a well-trimmed goatee. The tattoos on his fingers and on the back of his hand were still distracting, and I felt a constant pulse of faint energy emanate from them.
“He has a natural talent for this kind of magic,” said Goxhandar. “You ought to urge him to follow that gift. I dare not guess how much time will pass until you rediscover your knowledge in runescript and symbolistic sorcery, Master. It would be a good thing to have one study that art in depth.”
I agreed, and Florencia did so as well. Having someone well-versed in the intricacies of rune magic and protective spells would prove an invaluable asset.
Even now, as we sat there, Jace explained again how he came to read some dialogues between four ancient sorcerers. Apparently, they had delved into the creation of runes designed to disrupt and warp the mental and physical faculties of their enemies. And while Jace never mentioned the word demon in the presence of Rosalda and Viola, I was certain they would soon piece together the truth. We kept dropping hints all throughout the days we spent together.
As the hours dragged on, Rosalda seemed content with listening and keeping her thoughts off of the knights she lost. Viola, however, was completely captivated by Jace and his manner of speaking. She sat with rapt attention, leaning forward as she twirled her hair between her fingers. Florencia looked at her with a hidden smirk, but Jace was none the wiser.
Then, finally, our peace was disturbed by echoing steps. Someone quick and light hurried along the lengthy hallways of the temple.
A man came, short and lithe, with long hair glued on his sweat-covered forehead. He bore a brooch on his chest of a double-headed lion and wearing a royal blue tabard and cloak. His boots were polished and shining.
“Good day. I bear a message on behalf of His Majesty the King. Jonas Espian, you and your companions are hereby summoned to the King’s estate in Loran. You are expected to arrive there by the evening of the day following when you receive this message. You must tell nobody where you are going.”
I looked at Florencia, who sat with a straightened back, and gave her a short nod.
“We shall come,” I said dryly.
“Very well. I shall inform Our Majesty and await your arrival!” said the messenger, turned and left.
I would go and meet the King of Lienor, Gussario Marquize Landoros.
Viola stirred from the seat, biting her lower lip. “Every time our conversation becomes interesting, you’re summoned away, Jonas. I guess I’ll take my leave, but I hope you will have time to visit me again. Meanwhile, I’ll do my best to keep the city protected. I know so much more than I did before. You can trust me. Good luck!” She shot Jace a quick glance, tucked her raven-black hair behind her ear, and stormed off.
Rosalda rose from her seat. “I have never met the King myself, though some of my knights have. It has been my honor helping you Jonas Espian.” She turned to Jace. “And it has been most enlightening working with you. I hope our paths cross again very soon. I wish you all good health and a strong mind. I sense you have a great work ahead of you.”
“Thank you for your help. We all have much work ahead of us,” I said and shook her hand. Rosalda’s eyes were weary and filled with grief, but hopeful. She then bowed and left to tend to the few knights who had not yet fully healed from their injuries.
I turned to the five who stood waiting, looking at me.
“Let us not waste time, and set out now.”
“Can you travel?” asked Florencia.
“Loran is only five hours of riding away. I’ll be fine. Let’s go.”
Jaxine suddenly cried out with excitement and leaped forward to gather all her things. Iskander followed her with a smirk on his face.
I was about to meet the King.