PART 1

Shay sat in the back of her cart with Alexi in her lap and Daniel sitting next to her. Along with several other families, the cart was full of people and the roads were rough but manageable. Leaving Vlakias so suddenly had come as a shock to them all.

Erik announced that they were to evacuate the city and head south to safety. Shay had less than two hours to pack everything she owned into four bags and flee the city. Erik had assigned two guards to her at all times and still, they stayed within a close distance. It gave her a sense of security and put some of her worries at ease, but the situation was stressful, to say the least.

Rayman had gone to Vori, where it all started and at first she had nearly gone crazy in worry until Erik himself brought her news that two scouts had seen him and his men on the road to Bienrior. Shay had been beside herself in concern of her husband.

Knowing Rayman was alive and on his way to meet them in Nolvis relieved an enormous amount of stress and anxiety. Erik, occasionally checking on them and making sure their every need was met added to that sense of security and safety that Shay was extremely grateful for. Erik had assured her all was well and everything would be okay. Those words, repeated over and over again in her head as they traveled and every time she thought of Rayman.

“Mother?” Daniel’s soft, sleepy voice woke her from thought.

“Yes, dear?” she turned and smiled.

“How far away is Nolvis?” he asked. “Will father be there?”

“I hope so.” she trailed off, worry creeping back. “Nolvis is only a day or two away now. We’ll be there soon.”

“I’m tired of riding in the wagon,” Daniel said. “I’m going to walk on the road for a bit. I saw some of my friends running ahead to fish along the river, I can still catch up to them.”

“Good idea, it will do you good to move about.” Shay brushed his face with her thumb, wiping away dirt. “But promise me you’ll stay close and if I call you, come to me immediately.”

“Mother,” Daniel shrugged her away. “They are passing the caravan and stopping at the bridge. We’ll wait for everyone there. I’ll be sure to catch us some fish for supper. I won’t be close enough for you to call.”

“Oh.” Shay cocked her head. “I suppose that is alright. Are there many of you going.”

“About a dozen of us boys,” Daniel replied. “But there are sure to be others. Don’t worry mother, we’ll be alright.”

“Okay then. Make sure to watch yourself and keep an eye out for any danger.” Shay rubbed his back. “If the men leave, I want you to come right back with them.”

“Yes. Yes.” Daniel reassured her unconvincingly. “Tell Alexi to be ready for fish tonight.”

Daniel grabbed his fishing rod and leaped from the back of the wagon and jogged ahead of the line of carts, certain to catch up to his friends.

She was glad Daniel took up fishing with his friends. It was something to do to get his mind off of everything. However, as of late, Daniel would come home with bruises and cuts from fighting. At first, she had thought the worst but Rayman quickly found out that it was a local wrestling club. She wondered if that was what he would really be doing, rather than going to fish.

Shay had insisted he’d stop fighting and spend his time on more important matters but Rayman had stopped her.

“What is the harm in a couple of bruises.” Rayman would say. “He’s a man now, let him get roughed up a bit. It won’t do him any harm to learn how to fight.”

Shay had relented and by doing so, realized the validity of what her husband was pointing out. Daniel had grown older and stronger for it. Letting off steam during a game was good for him and Shay acknowledged it. Daniel was eighteen now, he was taller than her, his shoulders had broadened and he looked more like his father each passing day. He was growing so fast, Shay couldn’t help but wish he would stay a boy forever.

Alexi stirred in her lap and she glanced down at her daughter. Her small hands wiping at her dreary eyes.

“Where is Daniel?” she asked, yawning.

“He’s gone fishing,” Shay replied then kissed Alexi’s cheek.

“Where are we, mommy?” Alexi sat up and studied her surroundings.

“We are on the river road, nearing Nolvis, dear,” Shay repeated. “We’ll be there in a day or two,” she said before Alexi could ask. “And yes… father will meet us there, honey.”

“I’m hungry, mommy,” Alexi complained. “Can I have pie?”

“You ate all the pie, dear.” Shay smiled. “Here, there is bread.”

Alexi snatched it up and nibbled on it adorably.

“We’ll be there soon,” Shay whispered.

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PART 2

The long line of people, traveling to Nolvis flowed across the bridge and began setting up tents on a hill near Nolvis. Erik had ordered they set camp here.

Daniel had rejoined them upon reaching the crossing of the river. He held over a dozen fish in a wet sack hung over his shoulders. He had no bruises or cuts.

“So he’d really only gone fishing.” she thought to herself.

Shay’s wagon was led away from the rest and several guards helped her pitch two tents. Erik had given her one for the children and one for herself.

It took less than an hour but they arranged everything neatly and to her satisfaction. “Thank you, men.” Shay nodded. “I greatly appreciate your assistance and please thank king Erik for me if you see him.”

They nodded and left her to her business, while Alexi waved goodbye to them, whereas Daniel nodded his thanks and gathered his belongings to start settling in.

“Alright you two, it’s getting late, I want you in bed,” Shay ordered. “It’s been a long journey and I want you two well rested.”

“Yes, mother,” they said in unison, though Daniel looked disappointed and annoyed.

Before turning, their faces brightened and pointed behind her. “Look, mommy.” Alexi grinned.

Erik stalked up to her, alone and looking rugged. “Shay.” he smiled. “I hope the journey wasn’t too hard on you and the kids.”

“You made it very comfortable for us, thank you, Erik.” Shay nodded, bowing slightly. “You have been very kind and generous to us.”

“Of course,” Erik said it like it was nothing. “You are like family to me and I know Rayman would do the same for me if I had family unattended. You are important to me after all.”

“If there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.” Shay offered. “Rayman will be grateful as well to you for your generosity.”

“I’ll be sure to let you know.” he smiled. “Now. Who is that?” Erik changed his voice into a higher pitch. “Is that Alexi? No… Alexi is a tiny thing. You’re too big to be Alexi.”

“It’s me!” she squealed. “I’m Alexi!” she rushed toward Erik, arms outstretched.

“Oh!” Erik huffed. “You’re so big!” scooping her off her feet, Erik threw her into the air then twirled her in his arms.

She was giggling with joy and Shay savored the gleeful moment. “How old are you now?” Erik asked with a silly voice. “Are you three? Are you four?” he joked.

“I’m six!” she pouted, crossing her arms.

“Six!” Erik exaggerated, opening his mouth wide in mock shock.

He set her down gently and Alexi ran to her mother, clinging to one leg. She hid half her body behind Shay, embarrassed somehow.

“Daniel.” Erik’s voice changed again, deeper. “You’ve been getting along well? I saw you fishing at the river earlier. By the looks of that sack, you caught a lot am I right?”

“Seventeen, to be precise,” Daniel replied politely, but quickly changed the subject. “Do you have news about my father?”

“I… I don't.” Erik’s face frowned, looking at the ground.

“Oh.” Daniel lowered his gaze in disappointment. “I’m sure he’ll be here any day then.”

“I hope so.” Erik met his gaze and forced a smile.

“Alright, kids.” Shay cut in. “Say goodnight and go to bed.”

“Goodnight,” they said as Daniel grabbed Alexi’s hand and led her to their tent. She grinned and waved at the king then disappeared behind the tent flap.

Shay moved forward and gave Erik a much needed hug. “How are you, Erik?” she asked, knowing he was under an enormous amount of stress himself.

“I’m well. I’m lucky to have Jebbin and Torstein to help lead and give me advice.” Erik responded, his voice going lower. “I wanted to make sure you and the kids were well and settled in.”

“We’re fine, Erik. Thanks to you.” Shay patted his cheek lovingly. “Are you meeting with Xerath soon? Have you heard from your sister?”

“Yes. Tomorrow in the morning.” he replied. “I will be very busy these next few days. If I’m unavailable and you need anything, let Jebbin or Torstein know. They will take care of it.”

“I will, thank you,” Shay said, noticing his nervousness. “What is it? You can tell me.”

“You know… you are like a mother to me. I would trust you with my life but… I’m not sure how to tell you. It sounds… crazy.” Erik explained slowly. “In Vlakias. The Vog, their leader, I just… don’t know how to feel about it all. Everything’s happening so fast.”

Shay stepped back in confusion but ready to support him any way she could, her motherly instincts kicking in. “What do you mean? Speak to me.”

“I spoke to it,” Erik said quietly. “He spoke to me.”

“You spoke to the creature?” she asked in disbelief. “What did it say?”

“It told me… Rayman was alive. That Rayman accidentally killed his son. That’s why they came out of the caves and attacked Vlakias.” Erik said, unsure if what he said was coherent. “He gave me the option to flee Vulkira with my people or stay and fight them. I chose to flee. And now, I feel as if I’ve betrayed Vulkira.”

“Oh.” Shay was taken aback by the information. “Erik, you did what you thought was best for your people. If we had stayed and fought, I fear we would all be dead. You made the right decision.”

“Did I?” Erik asked, defeated. “I abandoned Vulkira. The people will hate me now.”

“I don’t. I love you no matter what.” Shay said forcefully, realizing he needed a push in the right direction. “You will do what is necessary for us all. I know you will make the right decisions that will benefit us. You mustn’t care what others think of you when you know in your heart you are doing what is best.”

She paused, letting that sink it. He looked defeated but her words reached him and he gave a faint smile of appreciation.

“I believe in you and so does Rayman. Jebbin trusts you and Torstein will follow you anywhere because you are worth following, Erik.” Shay smiled at him, trying to encourage the young king. “If we had stayed and fought them, we surely would have lost. I saw the way they effortlessly broke our defenses and overwhelmed the entire city in a matter of minutes. You made the right choice. And don’t for one second blame yourself for what happened to Rayman. I know he won’t think it was your fault for sending them either, no one could know that would happen.”

Erik paused, taking in her words and took a deep breath, then let it out slowly.

“I needed to hear that.” he sighed heavily, then Shay moved to hug the struggling king again. “Thank you… Shay.” Erik smiled. “For believing in me. I will do whatever it takes.” his tone, more determined now.

“Don’t try and do it alone, you hear me?” Shay poked his chest. “You have people that love and support you. Share the burden.” her tone, motherly and worried for him.

He nodded politely and thanked her again. “I must go. I have much to think on. Goodnight mother.”

“Goodnight… son.” Shay smiled as he walked away.