After the skirmish with the bandits, and harsh words exchanged, Kyburn and his group slowed their pace, the after-effects of battle lingering on their bodies and minds. Erik had mostly brooded in thought the rest of the ride, clearly rethinking his decision-making skills. Kyburn had been right, he had made a mistake that almost cost them Henry’s life and that, stuck to the front of his mind. It was a simple yet deadly error in which he was determined not to repeat ever again.

It took longer than expected to reach Xerixes and it took a toll on their physical well-being. Kyburn had suggested a two-day rest period in the capital, then continue onto the border city of Unari where they would inter Kligira and make their way to Riqun.

Several messengers had headed straight to Riqun to inform the Regent of Kligira of their visit, which Erik frowned upon. Declaring their intentions of tramping through their country, then demanding lodging and accommodations in a foreign home didn’t sit well with Erik.

No one responded kindly with force, especially done in disrespect. Erik bore his own grudges against the Kligirians but he couldn’t imagine their own hatred for Xer and the surrounding neighbors. Kligira had suffered greatly from injustices for seventeen years. King Armin being slain, queen Brinna being executed but to top the insult off, they had executed the Kligirian’s one hope, prince Zegren. The child prince, murdered before them. Something like that wasn’t forgotten by its people.

Erik shivered at the thought, understanding the way the Kligirian’s thought was vital to securing a good relationship with them, though he doubted it possible at this point. Xerath treated them like whipped dogs rather than humans, a nation would only take so much before it rose up on its own. This very issue had troubled him for several years, though he had no direct tie to their suffering apart from the war itself. What transpired after, was Tykin and Xer’s doing, not Vulkira.

Erik himself had no part to play in the strenuous nations' relationships.

Coming up to the gates of Xerixes, Erik’s attention turned to the walls of the magnificent city. There was a reason Xer was feared, their power and fortification of their country was like no other, no one could stand against them.

Erik counted himself fortunate his sister was the queen of this place, and their countries were on good terms, though strained due to the current situation.

“So what was the surprise?” Henry asked Kyburn.

Henry had been ill for a full day, killing a man left that effect on some men, especially a young man like Henry. Though Kyburn encouraged and taught the boy to stay strong and overcome it through the days of travel and Henry had handled it as well as a seventeen-year-old boy could, it still lingered on his face.

Everyone in their party understood what young Henry was going through, which helped him come to terms with the facts much quicker.

Erik was glad Henry had nearly turned back to normal, however, he knew he would never be the same again. He wasn’t sure if the young man knew that that moment would change his life forever. Part of his innocence had been stripped away for good and he would have to live with that fact for the rest of his life.

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“You’ll see when we get there.” Kyburn said mischievously. “You won’t be disappointed.”

Henry groaned in frustration. “You are cruel.” he pursed his lips.

Some of the soldiers chuckled at Henry’s frustration which put a grin on Erik’s face. He had enjoyed the ride to Xerixes when normally he dreaded trips like these. Apart from the ambush of course, that had put a damper on the whole mood. They counted themselves lucky, however, none of them had died and that alone was an occasion to celebrate.

Dozens of people parted for them as they trotted through the city, many greeted and others ignored them. Many surprised looks from the presence of Erik, raised countless faces and brought ample amounts of stares.

Erik had made sure to conceal Frostmoon this time.

The streets of Xerixes were filled with people, going about their business.

Riding up to the palace entrance they were met by a slender man, Erik guessed to be Xerath’s rhetorician. Erik couldn’t remember his name but was answered for him by Kyburns dull reply.

“Hello, Cassius.” Kyburn said, frowning.

“Lord Kyburn. It is a pleasure to see you once again. I assume your travels were pleasant?” Cassius said with a flare of drama. Whipping his long draping clothes around one arm.

“It wasn’t.” Kyburn said bluntly.

“Oh, dear.” the rhetorician almost squawked. “Whatever happened? Is our believed king Xerath in good health?”

“Yes.” Kyburn replied, dismounting. “We are very tired, Cassius. Will you show our guests to their rooms and find us something to eat?”

“Of course my lord.” Cassius bowed, his eyes flicking toward Erik and he nearly choked. “King Erik! I wasn’t aware of your presence. Please forgive my insensitive behavior. Please accept my most humble apologies.”

“That’s quite alright.” Erik said, faking a smile at the oddly cheerful man.

“Please allow me to show you to your rooms.” Cassius bowed again. “I have everything prepared for you all, however, I was not informed that the king of Vulkira would be in your most prestigious company, otherwise I would have planned for his arrival with a more… glamorous entrance.” His voice high pitched and gawking.

“No need for that.” Erik said. “We won’t be staying long anyway. But I thank you for your hospitality.”

“You are most gracious lord king.” Cassius praised. “I’ll have the finest bed-chamber prepared for you at once. As for your guard, I will also see to his needs personally.”

“Thank you, Cassius.” Erik nodded his appreciation.

Durlan grinned broadly, no doubt thinking of all the food he would eat while in the capital.

Everyone dismounted and started walking up the stairs after the rhetorician when a voice shouted behind them.

“Henry!”

It was a woman’s voice and they all turned to see who it was. A young girl with fiery red hair approached swiftly.

“Sasha?” Henry whispered to Erik’s left. “Sasha!” he yelled, immediately sprinting toward her.

“Who is she?” Erik leaned toward Kyburn. “Are they…” he trailed off.

“Their childhood friends.” Kyburn replied, smiling. “And yes, they are… together. At least they will be. They’re young, they’ll figure it out.”

“I see. Good for Henry. She looks like a nice young woman.” Erik smirked. “Was this the surprise you spoke of earlier?”

“Come. Let’s leave them to themselves.” Kyburn smiled knowingly. “We can make plans for what comes next.”