PART 1

“Can’t you stay longer?” Sasha pleaded, knowing he would deny her request but tried anyway.

“I’m sorry, Sasha. I have to do this, nothing has changed, this was what Kyburn needed me for from the start.” Henry said as he packed several items. “I can’t let him down.”

Sasha sat on his bed, legs folded and arms on her knees, watching him pack. Her red hair was pushed to one side over her shoulder, waiting for him to finish. She had come from the city to visit him in the palace because he had been in several meetings with Erik and Kyburn most of the day. They had spent the evening together but it didn’t feel long enough. Feeling left out she had waited for him in his room when he returned.

He’d been surprised to see her in his room but he welcomed her company. She sat quietly, watching him intently. Her eyes followed his every movement.

It was early morning and Henry was planning to leave before midday. Sasha had hoped to spend more time with him before he left, which was the reason she sat on his bed watching him buzz around his room carefully packing books and clothing.

“I made this for you.” Sasha reached over the bed and picked up a small basket she had brought in with her. “It’s not much but I hope you like it.”

Henry stopped what he was doing and turned to her. She held out her arm, the basket dangling in the air. “What is it?” he asked, stepping toward her.

“It’s lemon cake. Your favorite.” Sasha smiled. “I made it so you’d think of me on the road.”

“Thanks. I love lemon cake.” Henry grinned. “How’d you make it?”

“The innkeeper's wife let me use her kitchen.” she said. “I made it last night.”

Henry carefully packed the cake into his satchel to eat later, gently folding it into the pouch.

“When are you leaving?” Sasha asked, her voice solemn.

“In a few hours.” Henry sighed, feeling guilty for leaving her. “I’m sorry.”

“I know. I am too.” Sasha replied. “Just promise me you won’t do anything reckless.”

Henry walked over to her, still sitting on his bed, and kissed her gently on the cheek. “I promise. I’ll come see you the moment we are done. Will you be staying in Xerixes?”

“I’m going back to Zulin in three days.” she replied. “I’m taking supplies we can only get in the capital back to grandmother.”

“I see. Well… I hope you have a safe trip home.” Henry said awkwardly.

“Thanks.” she murmured, folding her knees into her chest again.

She lowered her eyes, not wanting Henry to see the sadness in them. Sasha wanted desperately for him to stay but she knew she was only making it harder for him. She could feel his eyes on her, but she didn’t look up.

“Do you remember when your parents died?” she asked out of nowhere.

“How could I forget.” Henry went to sit beside her. “Why are you bringing this up?”

“I thought you were going to die, or worse, hurt yourself.” Sasha recollected. “Those first couple days after finding you, that terrified me, Henry. I don’t ever want to feel that again.”

“Nothing’s going to happen to me, Sasha. We will be well guarded and have the royal seal for diplomatic immunity.” Henry tried to dampen her fears. “Kyburn has been training me, I can defend myself.” he said confidently. “There’s nothing for you to worry about. I’m not going to die. I have you to come back too.”

“You don’t know that. What if you did die, Henry? You were almost killed just a week ago by those bandits. How can you sit there and tell me everything will be okay?” her tone increased in intensity. “I couldn’t bear it if you died. I just won’t be able to, Henry. Do you understand?”

Henry leaned back, taking in deep breaths. She knew her fears were warranted but at the same time, she couldn’t expect him to never do anything that involved even the slightest danger. They lived in a dangerous world, people died every day. Sasha knew he didn’t know how to help her contain her fears and manage them properly. She didn’t know what she wanted from him or what she wanted him to say.

“I understand. If you were ever harmed or Hashem forbid taken from this world, I wouldn’t be able to bear it either but I can’t stop everything I’m doing because you worry over it.” Henry tried to explain logically but came away with his own worried face.

“Put yourself in my shoes.” Sasha whispered. “What if it were I who was running off into danger? Wouldn’t you be worried out of your mind?”

“Please. I need your support.” Henry gave up. “You are my reason for living and I need to know that you trust me and believe in me. I know you worry, but there’s nothing I can do about that now. I must do this. You know I have to, not only for Kyburn but for myself too.”

“I do believe in you. And I trust you but it's the people in this world that I don’t trust.” Sasha said. “But you have it. Do what you have to do and come back to me.”

“I will.” Henry leaned and placed his arm around her as she leaned into him, her head on his chest, legs, and arms still folded around herself.

“I know you don’t want to disappoint Kyburn, as he is as close a father to you as any but I can’t help but be angry with him for dragging you away from me.” she mumbled.

“With Kyburn’s training, I’m getting better at defending myself. I won’t be useless in combat anymore. I can protect myself far better now than a week ago.” Henry said. “And yes, Kyburn treats me like his son and I’m glad he does. He is someone I strive to be like, strong, loyal, and kind. If I wasn’t so invested in being a Historian, I’d want to be just like him when I grow up.”

“You look up to him, I get it, Henry.” Sasha said. “I hope your bond will grow as you journey together. When he says he needs you, I trust that he means what he says. You are the most intelligent person I know.” she praised him.

“Thank you.” Henry smirked from the complement. “And you are the most beautiful.” he leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

They sat together for several hours, occasionally speaking of old memories together and their time in Zulin as if it were a distant memory. Sasha still wanted to have that picnic he promised her before he left and she remembered his embarrassing attempt to ask her out for lunch.

They talked about the past. About their future.

The morning flew by and it came time for Henry to leave. Looking out the window, she guessed it was nearly mid-day and they would want to head out soon. Henry gathered his things and headed outside with her hand in his.

Kyburn and Erik were waiting outside in the street for him, accompanied by thirty soldiers. A sizable amount considering their task of going through a foreign land.

Their hands still intertwined, they went down the steps heading for Henry’s horse, which was saddled and ready for him. To their surprise, King Xerath and Queen Cara stood close, speaking with Erik and Kyburn and her interest piqued. At this distance, they couldn’t make out what they were saying but Sasha knew Henry wished to be part of their conversation.

“There you are, Henry.” Xerath shouted and gestured for them to come over and join them in their circle.

“King Xerath,” Henry bowed, Sasha following suit an instant later. “Queen Cara. I wasn’t aware of your arrival.”

“We only just arrived.” Cara answered, looking tired.

Xerath walked up to Henry, arm outstretched. “I wanted to thank you personally for undertaking this task. I know it will be rough but I know you won’t let me down.”

“Oh. Um. Of course your majesty.” Henry said awkwardly, taking the king's arm, clasping it tightly. “I am honored you trust me with such a mission as this.”

The king’s grip was so strong, Sasha thought he would break Henry’s hand by the way he winced.

The queen, draped in a beautiful violet dress, which matched her eyes, strode up to them. Her gaze turned from Henry to her.

“You must be Sasha. Kyburn spoke of you.” Cara stopped at Xerath’s side. “I’m sure you must be frightened for Henry. Our soldiers will take good care of him. There is no need for worry. Though, I also know that mere words won’t alleviate your fears.”

Sasha curtsied and addressed the queen politely, slightly blushing from the attention from royalty. “I am flattered, your highness. Thank you. It does help knowing Henry will be surrounded by trained soldiers.”

“Indeed.” Cara smiled genuinely at her. “If you’d like, I will have a room prepared for you in the palace, until you wish to leave that is.” Cara offered. “Henry is a special young man and we will take good care of his wife for him while he is away.”

Henry and Sasha blushed visibly, turning bright red. “We… we aren’t married.” Henry stuttered. “N-not yet that is.”

“Oh. My mistake.” Cara smiled. “Still. You are welcome in Xerixes, Sasha.”

“Thank you, your highness.” Sasha curtsied again in respect, still blushing intensely.

“Alright then.” Xerath smirked from the exchange. “Good luck, Henry. And may Hashem guide you all on your journey.” he nodded at him.

“Thank you, lord.” Henry bowed again also.

“Shall we?” Kyburn said impatiently. “We’ve already lost daylight.”

Sasha was too shy to hug or kiss Henry in front of everyone so she squeezed his hand instead, they had already said their goodbyes but this was a last gesture. Henry returned the squeeze and glanced down at her, saying everything he needed to her with his brown piercing eyes.

Flipping onto his horse, he glanced back at her, his eyes focused and determined. Not wanting to diminish his determination, Sasha smiled widely and waved an encouraging hand toward him. That alone made him grin. She understood all too well how she could affect him with her mood or actions. She gave a silent prayer to Hashem for strength, not only for Henry but herself too.

“Move out.” Erik shouted and the band of soldiers pushed forward, leaving the city.

Xerath stood in place, Cara’s arm looped in his, watching them disappear behind the city buildings. Sasha stood still, watching as Henry rode off.

PART 2

They moved swiftly, crossing the Oromis River within a day of leaving Xerixes. Their pace had been hard, heading to Unari where they would enter Kligira. Only when they hit patches of the forest did they slow their pace. Henry had gotten used to riding but his backside and thighs still grew sore from the long rides without breaks. Eventually, they exchanged fresh horses at a small village where they stopped to rest for the night.

Stopping had done wonders for their strength and morale. A good night's rest and a hot meal should never be underestimated.

As they traveled onward, each night before bed, Kyburn would train Henry with a sword, Erik would watch carefully and give him tips occasionally. To his surprise, Kyburn gifted him a fine steel sword, crafted for his size and build, which worked perfectly for him. The sword wasn’t fancy but it did the trick, their sparring swords were adjusted to its rough weight to give him a better feel during practice.

Henry’s skill grew slowly but progressed at a steady pace, enough to feel comfortable with swinging a deadly weapon. His small frame didn’t make him an ideal swordsman but his body grew accustomed to it and his muscle tone grew with each lesson. His reflexes grew sharper along with his reaction time.

His wiry build would never allow him to become a master but Henry gradually became a confident but novice swordsman. Years of training would further his skill but he doubted he’d get that far nor want to train with such dedication. For now, he was content with his progress as was Kyburn.

Nearly two weeks passed when they reached Unari. Bordering the Kligirians, the city was as large and nearly identical to Calchester’s, its massive walls connecting to the even larger border wall. The gates were already opened to them, and they entered the city quickly, not many noticed them as they rode up to the castle within the walls. To Henry’s dread, they only stayed one night before passing into Kligira unchallenged.

Lord Landis, ruler of Unari briefly met with Kyburn, but Henry didn’t get the chance to meet the lord of the city. However, the things he heard about Landis were unflattering and he grew curious as to why the subject of the lord was kept in hushed voices.

Henry guessed the lord was the topic of mockery rather than respect and he wondered why. Kyburn, blank face, and stern said nothing on the matter, only saying he wouldn’t speak of Landis.

Morning came quickly and they were off again, Henry felt unrested even with a comfortable bed for the night, the traveling was rough on all their bodies.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Kligira was a vast country but very flat. Only in the far distance did he see mountains of any kind, forests and lakes were not common. His gaze fell on the mountains ahead of them, so far he could only see the tips of a mountain in the distance, its peak blurry and unclear from this far. It seemed to shimmer from the heat.

“Over those mountains, is where we will find Riqun.” Kyburn commented. “Riqun sits on the east coast of Isulia near the Tykin border. It has many natural defenses, making it near impossible to take without a prolonged siege. Tykin has never been able to take her from Kligira.”

“What makes it so defensible?” Henry asked, unfamiliar with Kligira’s geography.

“It is protected from the south by the ocean and the mountains protect it from the west. The north and east side of Riqun is one of the most heavily fortified castles in Isulia, perhaps even outmatching Xerixes itself in defense.” Kyburn responded. “And for good reason it seems, they have hidden the Ancients ruins below the city for over twenty years, maybe longer.”

With that, Kyburn pushed on, answering most of his questions, though, Henry knew he bored his lord. He couldn’t help himself.

Time passed slowly in the desserty land. The heat of the sun-baked their skin, forcing them to take extra precautions as to not dehydrate themselves.

It had been another two weeks of traveling, still, no Kligirian had approached them. No human or animal in sight. Only the occasional bird in the sky showed any signs of life. Kyburn had mentioned it as extremely odd and worrisome.

“I can’t wait to see it.” Henry said excitedly.

“See what?” Erik huffed, his throat dry and scratchy.

“Riqun.” Henry squinted his eyes while smiling.

“Another week or so and you will. If-” Kyburn cut short, jerking his head sideways.

“What is it?” Henry whispered.

“I saw something on that hillcrest over there.” he pointed, turning everyone’s attention.

A moment later a rider in brown clothing poked up over the hill, revealing himself to them. “We’re being followed it seems.” Erik commented. “Probably for some time.”

“Are they Kligirians or bandits?” Henry asked.

“Kligirians.” Kyburn said instantly. As if on cue a dozen more riders popped into view several miles off.

“We should probably make ourselves known to them before they attack us.” Erik suggested. “Xer’s banner only holds so much protection. We can’t count on them fearing the wrath of Xerians retaliating. We shouldn’t underestimate their hate for us.”

“They will intercept us if they wish to speak.” Kyburn said. “My guess, from them revealing themselves, that will be soon.”

“Should we stop?” Henry asked, shifting in his saddle.

“No. We keep going.” Kyburn said. “We aren’t a threat to them, a royal seal proves our purpose is lawful and a personal invitation from Regent Trygve allows us to travel into their lands. If they do decide to attack us, it will bring about great consequences for them. They are not fools. They must’ve been informed of our arrival and have come out to meet us.”

“Or they are just a random patrol.” Henry added.

“Perhaps.” Kyburn pursed his lips. “We will find out soon enough.”

“If they approach us during the night, it won’t be good.” Erik said.

“Sir.” the captain of their escort addressed Kyburn from a few paces back. “Shall I send a messenger to them? Perhaps that would make us seem less threatening.”

“No, Arne.” Kyburn said calmly. “We wait till they come to us. We may yet avoid them altogether. There’s no need to interact with them if we don’t have to.”

The Kligirian’s sat motionless for several minutes, gazing at them. Their yellow armbands gave them away as soldiers of Regent Trygve. It was a menacing sight, with their brown capes flowing in the wind, watching them like hawks. It made them all uneasy.

After the death of King Armin and Queen Brinna, along with their son, Zegren, Trygve was appointed as Regent of Kligira for the past fourteen years. Not much was known of Trygve, only that he complied with Xerath’s demands and fought a constant war with Tykin. That war had lasted over ten years now which still continued to this day, bringing about constant death.

Tykin had bullied Kligira for many years until they fought back and kept the fight at the border, which Xer sat back and watched as they fought it out. As long as the skirmishes stayed away from Xer and Vulkira, Xerath allowed Tykin and Kligira to needlessly fight among themselves.

There was no need to get involved.

Those soldiers on the hill watching them cross their lands, made Henry shiver, unsure what they would do. He loathed the idea of a battle with them. His objective was to awaken the Ancients, if he never saw another fight in his life it would be too soon.

Finally, after twenty minutes of trotting and constant glances to their sides, the Kligirians disappeared, leaving them unwatched and alone. They picked up their pace, eager to find a good place for camp, in case of an ambush, which Henry dreaded but saw the necessity but his muscles ached from the speed.

Night fell quicker than they’d liked but they were fortunate enough to find a reasonable campsite. “No fires tonight.” Kyburn yelled to the men.

They were forced to travel by night and sleep by day. The heat of the sun was too unbearable to both human and horse. Each dawn, they would seek shelter from the rising sun, which slowed their pace drastically. However, this night was different, they would rest.

Henry groaned from the thought of the chilly air as he laid out his bedroll in preparation for sleep. He used his backpack as a pillow and pulled out Sasha’s lemon cake from his satchel. The sweet-smelling delight drowned out his worries as he bit into the delicious dessert savoring the flavor. Henry immediately thought of Sasha and his heart ached a little, more than he cared to admit but he missed her dearly. He longed to hold her again.

He stuffed the last piece into his mouth and readied himself for bed, wrapping his body in the bedroll.

“You don’t waste any time.” Erik chuckled, spreading his own bedroll next to him. “No training tonight?”

“Kyburn said it was too dangerous right now.” Henry yawned. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m glad the Kligirian’s showed up, it means I don’t have to get my ass kicked by him every night.” he joked.

Erik chuckled again, taking off his boots. “Always look on the bright side, I suppose.” he shrugged.

“I want four men on watch at all times tonight.” Kyburn shouted. “I don’t want any surprises.”

“No. No, we don’t.” Erik whispered under his breath as he snuggled into his bedroll comfortably in the sandy earth.

“Do you think they will come tonight?” Durlan asked behind Henry.

Henry turned his head to the Vulkirian as he undid his own bedroll.

“I hope not.” Henry closed his eyes.

“Why do you think we stopped during the night?” Erik asked from under his bedroll, loud enough for only them to hear.

“Why?” they asked in unison.

Erik chuckled, “Because Kyburn knows they will either attack us or approach us tonight.”

“Really?” Henry opened his eyes wide, fear creeping in. “What makes you say that?”

“Is it because he knows them?” Durlan asked. “You know, during the war?”

“Probably.” Erik whispered. “If anyone knows how the Kligirians will act, it's Kyburn. Keep one eye open tonight boys. It’ll be a long night.”

PART 3

“Henry.” a hand shook him violently, ripping him from his dreams. “Wake up.” Erik whispered. “We’ve got company.”

He sat up quickly, pulled his legs out from under his bedroll, and scrambled to get his boots on. It was dead quiet except for the occasional scuffle of footsteps from the men in the camp. Henry silently pulled his sword from its sheath and looked around in the dark. The moon overhead gave a faint light, just enough to see shadows and the glow of glinting steel.

Several figures moved in and out of sight, though only a silhouette, however, they kept their distance for now. Their camp was an open plain, no grass, no trees, just dry dusty earth, and tiny hills like lips were as much cover as they could get. Whoever was creeping up on them had been spotted approaching from all sides, their moment slow and fluid almost unnoticeable but they were there.

There were more than two dozen shadows surrounding them, flowing clothes gave them away as the soldiers from before. The Kligirian soldiers silently skulked in the shadows, growing more and more clear the closer they came.

Every man was at the ready, Kyburn kept his sword drawn by his side and he knelt near him, whereas Erik stood, unperturbed by the enemy, flashing Frostmoon in the moonlight. It glowed a gorgeous deep blue. For a moment the Frotrium steel stole his attention, admiring its blue hue, but Henry refocused on the Kligirians once again.

Durlan crouched next to Erik, urging him to get down, but the king ignored him.

They had chosen this spot to give themselves ample warning of any who approached but by the time they had risen, they were completely surrounded. The landscape was unforgiving as there was little they could do to hide. Underestimating their numbers had been a grave mistake, deliberately showing only twelve of themselves earlier that evening had thrown them off guard. By Henry’s count, it would be an even fight. But, even if they managed to defeat them, there would be heavy casualties.

His heart pounded in his chest, his ears throbbing as if a constant booming was in his head, the silence drew to a close, however, when a man near them shouted. Henry turned to the voice, surprised by how close he was, making him even more nervous that the enemy and drawn so near without him noticing.

“What Xerians do Kligira!” a voice shouted. “Not come!”

Kyburn stood and shouted back. “We are here under the diplomatic protection of King Xerath and I hold here a sealed letter from Regent Trygve allowing us entry and safe passage to Riqun!”

His voice boomed in the night air then was replaced by silence. It was so quiet that Henry’s ears rang. Unsure what the night would hold, Henry felt himself starting to sweat from anticipation. It felt like an eternity waiting for a response from the Kligirians, when another voice shouted back at them.

It was a different man who spoke this time. “I speak with leader. You make aggression... we attack. Understand?”

“Approach!” Kyburn yelled into the darkness, his stare trained in the general direction of the voice. “You have my word no harm will come to you.”

A spark of light drew Henry’s attention and a torch lit the face of a dark-skinned man whose face was covered in sweat and dusty grime. His long black beard blew in the slight breeze and his eyes shimmered, glistening from the torchlight.

“Henry.” Kyburn whispered. “Take it.” he handed his sword to him and approached the man, unarmed.

No one else moved or said a word, only watching the two men come to a stop three steps from each other. They stared each other down through the low-lit torchlight, neither backing down.

“My name is Kyburn.” he said to the Kligirian, finally. “I am lord over Zulin and am here on the personal orders of King Xerath.”

The bearded man looked him up and down. “Kyburn from battle of Yidor?” he question. “You kill king.” he spat to the side. “You not welcome here.”

Henry noticed Kyburn’s body tense in preparation, as did the Xerian soldiers, wincing in anticipation. Henry worried that the man would attack Kyburn then and there but to his relief, he didn’t make a move.

Erik shifted, with the tip of his sword in the ground, hands on the pommel, and eyes glued toward the exchange. He was ready if a fight broke out.

“I am. Though that was many years ago. I’m not here to fight.” Kyburn responded. “I have no quarrel with you or your men. I only wish to see my king’s business completed. I am a soldier, like you. I’m following orders.”

The Kligirian scowled and spat to the side again. His lips turned up in a sneer but he still made no move to attack.

His face was tight and unfriendly but after a moment it softened. “My name Hazam.” the Kligirian said a moment later. “Show me. Seal of Trygve.” he held out a hand.

The Kligirian’s accent was thick and difficult to understand but thankfully, Kyburn knew exactly what he was saying.

Kyburn cautiously pulled the letter from his coat pocket then revealed it in the torchlight. He didn’t hand it over, however, but kept it close enough to retract it if Hazam reached for it. Noticing this, the bearded man instead leaned forward to get a look at the paper and pursed his hairy lips.

“This is Trygve seal.” Hazam said loud enough for his men to hear, though he looked surprised. “Why you here?” he shook his head at their camp.

“This is a diplomatic mission. I cannot divulge that information.” Kyburn calmly responded. “Will you let us pass peacefully? I have no desire to fight you or your men.”

Hazam stroked his beard, thinking, staring at Kyburn. “We let pass.” Hazam finally said.

“Thank you.” Kyburn nodded. “We do not wish to disturb your lands, only to go to Riqun where we are to meet Regent Trygve.”

“You go Riqun, yes. We follow.” Hazam said with his thick accent.

“You want to follow us?” Kyburn asked, squinting his eyes.

“Yes. Make sure you not lie.” he tilted his head at him. “No trust Xer. No trust kingslayer.”

“Very well.” Kyburn shrugged, understanding his doubt, though the prospect of a small armed force following them didn’t sit well with him, he couldn’t outright refuse either.

Hazam turned suddenly and shoved the torch into the ground, extinguishing it, and walked away without another word. The shadowy figures around them slipped into the night like slithering snakes. It was so slick and fluid, Henry would never have seen them move if it weren’t for the moonlight. They disappeared over the small hills.

“Well, that went well.” Erik shifted, sheathing Frostmoon. “I half expect all of us to die tonight.”

Henry gulped in surprise, “You did?”

“He’s joking,” Kyburn reassured him, walking over. “Though that exchange could have gone sideways very easily.”

“Do you think they will pose a problem?” Arne asked Kyburn. “We don’t have the numbers to take them in a fight if it comes to that.”

“I get the feeling if they wanted a fight,” Durlan interrupted. “We’d already have one.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Kyburn said. “Durlan is right, it’s unlikely they will attack us now. They know who we are now and they have the proof they wanted. They will respect that.”

“Unless they want us to let our guard down.” Erik countered.

“I know these people.” Kyburn looked at Erik. “They may be unsavory and undereducated but they aren’t barbarians. They have a code of honor.”

“Tell that to my father and mother.” Erik mocked.

“Lord Kyburn knows far more than you do, boy.” Arne raised his voice. “He fought in the war when you were just a pup. It’d do you some good to remember that.”

“That’s enough, Arne.” Kyburn commanded, then turned to Erik, his eyes steady and focused on the young king. “You doubt my authority, that’s fine. I’ve dealt with young men like you before but don’t question my experience with the Kligirians. They’re far more honorable and trustworthy than you.”

Durlan shifted, unsure whether to defend his king's honor but thought better of it. The tension in the air grew stiff and anxious.

“You defend them, yet you murdered Armin and ruthlessly killed Brinna and her son.” Erik glared. “They assassinated my parents. They are anything but honorable.”

“Please.” Henry moved between them. “Stop fighting. We’re on the same side.”

Kyburn froze at that and glanced at him several times before responding.

“Your right, son.” Kyburn softened. “Forgive me, Erik, I spoke out of turn.”

If Erik was shocked by his humility he didn’t show it. Henry didn’t know why they were at such odds with each other but it didn’t bode well for their journey to come if they didn’t put their differences aside.

Erik frowned, turned, and walked away. Durlan trailed after him, still unsure what to do with the situation.

“What’s gotten into him?” Arne asked. “He’s been broody ever since we left Xerixes.”

“Don’t take it personally.” Kyburn sighed. “He’s hurting. He’s lost his kingdom and he’s lost his way. I shouldn’t have spoken to him like that.”

“He needed a good talking too.” Arne said seriously. “He isn’t in charge here and the sooner he gets that through his thick skull the better.”

Henry wanted to defend Erik but kept his mouth shut. He knew Arne was right but in the little time he knew Erik, the more he realized the weight on his shoulders. He’d been thrust into a world at the age of fifteen and been told to rule a kingdom. Erik was used to a life of luxury and wealth, though he treated his people with great kindness and care, he wasn’t as grown up as Henry initially thought.

Like everyone, he knew Erik had many flaws and he felt for the king. Vulkira was crumbling around him and he desperately held onto the past. His few friends, halfway across the continent.

“We leave before the sun rises,” Kyburn shouted. “I want to cover as much ground as we can before the heat hits us.”

Kyburn walked over to Henry, arm outstretched for his sword, “Don’t worry, Henry. He’ll be fine. He just needs time to adjust.” he paused for a moment, thinking. “Keep your guard up, I haven’t forgotten your training either.”

Henry groaned from the thought, anticipating the aching muscles. He appreciated Kyburn attempting to distract him, however. He handed Kyburn his sword and did what he could to fall asleep but wasn’t able to after that exchange. Erik had a lot on his plate, as did Kyburn and the Kligirians were out there, he knew, watching them, waiting. This was going to be a long and sleepless journey.