PART 1

Henry gazed up at the enormous walls as soldiers peaked their heads over, getting a look at the party below. Their mad rush to the border was anything but pleasant, this only added to the fact that an army of Thrak lay at their heels. A giant metal door lined with thick black bars crisscrossing the exterior blocked their way into Unari and Henry couldn’t help but feel intense anxiety from himself and his companions.

Everyone was on edge, and it showed plainly on all their faces.

Kyburn lifted his head to the sky and shouted again, “Open the gates! I am Lord Kyburn of Zulin! Open the gates!”

A minute had passed and still no answer. Everyone was beginning to think they would never open the gates. Even the two Emarine looked worried at the prospect of being barred entry. They kept glancing behind them. One eye on the Thrak.

The fear in all of them grew, even the Emarine.

Could he blame them? For some reason, Henry believed that the Emarine were steadfast and fearless but even the greatest warriors could falter. He wanted to believe that they would save them, that Lamir and Yvlana would rescue them from the coming flood of aliens.

Inwardly, he knew that was foolish. Even they had limits, but it didn’t stop him from hoping.

Henry still gawked as he studied the Emarine’s glamorous armor as they stood next to his horse. Their helmets had folded backward, revealing their pale faces. Yvlana looked beautiful, Henry had to admit, her long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes demanded attention.

He tried to resist but his eyes fell, looking at her female frame, the armor fitting well against her body. She was majestic. Momentarily enraptured by her beauty, Henry didn’t realize he was staring.

Noticing his gaze, Yvlana barked at him, “What are you looking at?”

Henry stuttered inaudibly then fell silent, unsure what to say. Instant guilt swept over him and he averted his eyes. His embarrassment only grew as Yvlana’s voice drew attention from the others.

Lamir lightly punched his sister's shoulder for being harsh but she ignored him and still looked upset and moody. Like Yvlana, Lamir also had blonde hair and blue eyes, their likeness proved their kinship.

Lamir always had an air of stoicism about him. Looking relaxed and unfazed by the approaching Thrak, he simply waited patiently. It wasn’t as if he showed no emotion but rather kept his own worries and fears in check, rarely ever showing outwardly. It was a far contrast to the humans.

A loud screech drew everyone’s attention to the wall, as the large metal gates slowly slid open, hinges grating against each other. Immediately, Kyburn urged his horse forward and the rest followed suit.

The Emarine stayed to the back, trying to avoid unnecessary attention but misjudged the amount of stares their appearances would bring. Their tall hulking forms would grab anyone’s attention. Bright shining armor didn’t help them to blend in either.

Hazam rode next to Trygve, who pulled up next to Kyburn and started whispering fiercely. Kyburn cocked his head but said nothing back. To Henry’s annoyance, he wasn’t close enough to hear what they were chatting about.

As if the Emarine could read his mind, Lamir tapped his leg, “Trygve is wondering how Kyburn will explain to Lord Landis that Kligirian soldiers are within their walls.” he copied. “Hazam is asking what they will do about the Thrak outside.”

“You can hear them from here?” Henry gaped. “That is amazing.”

“We Emarine are highly advanced in every aspect. Our senses are more than double that of a human and our strength… well, you saw what we could do.”

“Actually I didn’t see the fight.” Henry said, disappointment clearly dampening his mood. “It’s been a dream of mine to see an Ancient in real life. Uh, I mean Emarine.” he corrected himself.

“I am curious. Why did you give us this name? What brought about your conclusion that we were your ancestors?” Lamir asked. “I understand that you came here without knowing your origin and the humans that landed here lost what technology you already had advanced in. But what brought about that conclusion?”

“I’m-I’m not entirely sure why exactly but we don’t know much about the Emarine. Only that your technology was vastly superior to ours.” Henry frowned. “We believed you, the Ancients, to be our ancestors simply because you were here before us and we shared the same physical forms, albeit you are far taller and stronger than us. We believed we lost the knowledge of our past and slowly decayed into the world we live in now.”

“Hm. I see.” Lamir stroked his chin. “For primitive humans, I do not blame you for coming to this conclusion. Though, I am still curious how humans came to Isulia. I wonder what brought your colony ship here of all places.”

“I too wish I knew.” Henry lowered his eyes.

His whole life he believed so many different things and he had to question everything he knew to be true. Hearing that earth had been destroyed filled Henry with a faint sense of loss. Unable to ever go there now that it was gone, filled him with an emptiness he didn’t know was possible.

“What was it like?” Henry asked slowly. “With all your technology, why couldn’t you beat them?”

“The Thrak are not like the ones here.” Lamir began. “Well, they were like the ones we fought on Votis but they have changed since our time in cryo-sleep. They’ve evolved into something different. Or devolved, depending on your look of things.”

“I’m not quite sure I understand what you mean?” Henry admitted.

“When we came to Isulia. Three thousand years ago, they were mostly immune to technology.” Lamir said. “They were bigger and stronger. Their skin could absorb our lasers. So we actually tried more primitive weapons, such as guns from your twenty-first century. Much like the ones they used on earth, but they too proved to be useless. The Thrak didn’t stop evolving. Every time we designed a new weapon, they would counteract it with their evolutionary ability to adapt.”

“Evolution?” Henry frowned.

“Evolution is the successful change in our biology. Each generation passes on a trait that advances its characteristics.” Lamir quickly explained as simply as he could. “But the Thrak are on a whole different level.”

“Do you believe in Hashem?” Henry asked. His curiosity in what the Emarine believed in suddenly spiking his interest.

Lamir cocked his head, taken aback by the sudden question.

“I think it's possible.” Lamir pursed his lips. “But not in the Hashem, you believe in. I find it fascinating that our cultures still believe in a higher power even after thousands of years. Albeit in different forms.”

“But there is only one Hashem.” Henry looked at him in confusion. “Hashem created everything. He created all life as we know it.”

Lamir squinted his eyes, unsure how to respond to him. “Let’s just say I’m not opposed to the idea of a higher power but that doesn’t mean I believe in Hashem.”

Henry tilted his head, flabbergasted by his response but he could see he was making Lamir uncomfortable. “Sorry. I’ve never met someone who doesn’t believe in Hashem before.”

“It’s quite alright.” Lamir smiled. “I do not blame you. I too once believed in Hashem with all my heart. But after what I’ve seen life can bring… I find it difficult to…” he paused, thinking deeply. “To understand why we are alive.”

“I see.” Henry bit his lip. “You’ve been through horrors. I’ve only seen glimpses of what death and suffering can do to a man. I too once doubted Hashem. You see,” Henry paused, wondering how much he should open up to this Emarine. “I lost my parents when I was young.”

“I’m sorry.” Lamir frowned. “As did I. Yvlana and I are orphans as well.”

“I’m sorry too.” Henry felt the pain in his chest rising. “But Hashem brought me, someone. That someone saved my life and I saw the wonders of this world. I saw once again what life can be like when you are surrounded by the ones we love. Hashem saved me.”

Lamir looked as if he was going to say something but hesitated.

“What is it?” Henry asked.

“It’s… It's good not to lose hope. If you find that hope through Hashem, then I am glad for you.”

Henry wanted to ask what Lamir truly believed in, as he saw that the Emarine was holding back his true feelings but Lamir spoke first.

“Now. Where was I?” Lamir smiled. “Something about the Thrak?”

“You said the Thrak can evolve.” Henry reminded him.

With that, their previous conversation was over. Lamir obviously wanted to change the subject.

“Yes. To answer your question. We couldn’t defeat the Thrak for this reason. We had to resort to close combat on most battlefields. Our swords and close-ranged weapons were the only things that worked against them. Their skin had adapted into a metallic material, which made them immune to energy blasts.”

“I see.” Henry bit his lip.

In all honesty, he didn’t fully understand what he meant but Henry understood the gist of it.

“For whatever reason, the Thrak have formed into what we see today.” Lamir finished. “They can be killed much easier but they are still as deadly as ever. If we could regain our more powerful weapons, then this fight would be much easier.”

“Do you think we have a chance without your weapons?” Henry asked.

Lamir glanced at him as they continued striding through the streets. “Of course.” he smiled at him. “We always stand a chance and these walls will give us an enormous advantage.”

Henry could hear the tone of his voice, and he knew Lamir wasn’t telling him the whole truth. Perhaps part of him did believe they stood a chance but Henry was still grateful for his positive attitude toward their dire situation.

It gave him hope.

Even on his horse, Lamir looked down at him. Not only was he tall, but he was also built like a mountain. His arms were huge and his chest stuck out. His armor emphasized his large muscular figure and Henry couldn’t help but admire him.

Henry looked down at his own arms, still scrawny. Training with Kyburn had put some muscle on his body but he wasn’t nearly as muscular as he’d like to be. Henry felt like a twig in comparison.

Lamir wasn’t at all what he expected. He was strong, but kind and compassionate as well. He didn’t try to throw the blunt truth at him. Henry was glad for his sympathy. This was all foreign to them and Lamir knew it.

Yvlana, however, was a different story. She was beautiful but her attitude towards them often masked that fact. She had every right to be angry, but they weren’t the ones who had abandoned her. Henry thought of different ways in which to connect with her.

“I hope the information is more helpful than detrimental.” Lamir looked back at a small crowd waving at them. “It must be strange for you to hear all this. The Thrak. Earth. Us. It’s a lot to take in.”

“No.” Henry smiled. “I’m glad you’ve told us. I don’t know how to feel about it but I’m glad I know.”

“Tell me, human.” Yvlana chimed into the conversation. “Your friend.”

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“Who?” Henry looked back at her but was immediately startled by how close she was.

“Erik.” she pointed with her chin. “The king man.”

Henry chuckled at her choice of words, “What about him?”

“He has a connection with the Vog, yes?” Yvlana asked.

“Yes. He’s bonded with one. His name is Felkuru.” Henry raised an eyebrow at her. “Do you know Felkuru?”

“No. But I felt him,” she admitted.

“Felkuru?” Henry asked, his confusion written on his face. “Or Kaladin?”

“Both.” Yvlana furrowed her brow. “Tell me. Is it possible? I thought… for a moment I could feel Kaladin’s presence through Erik.”

“I-I, suppose.” Henry shook his head. “I honestly don’t know though. But if you say you felt him, then I believe you. I wouldn’t be too surprised by it. It’s definitely possible.”

“Perhaps your connection with Kaladin has somehow leaked through them.” Lamir guessed. “I don’t know much about the Vog, however.”

“Neither do we,” Henry said. “Armin and Erik are the only people I’ve heard of bonding with a Vog. There’s so much we don’t know about them. How the fusing works. How they can communicate. It’s mostly still a mystery.”

Henry paused.

“I see.” Yvlana huffed. “Thank you, human. It makes me more at ease. I thought I might be…” she paused. “Crazy.”

Henry looked puzzled as if she was crazy. She had just thanked him. Granted, she didn’t bother to use his name but still.

“Your welcome.” Henry both asked and stated, unsure how to respond.

She shot a glare at him for good measure then backed away.

“If you want to ask Erik about it, I’m sure he’d be happy to let you know what he knows,” Henry said over his shoulder.

“I’d rather not.” Yvlana turned her head as if ignoring him now.

Henry glanced at Lamir who shrugged, then they both smirked from the exchange.

Passing through the city, they neared the castle entrance, where Lord Landis would be waiting for them. As they drew closer, Trygve and Kyburn’s voices increased in volume. Obviously arguing over something of importance.

“Trygve wants to keep us a secret.” Lamir rolled his eyes.

“A little late for that.” Erik slowed for them to catch up to him. “Half the city knows about you by now.”

“He must mean he doesn’t want us to get involved with Xer.” Lamir clarified, still listening to them. “He thinks Kyburn will… betray him and use us for their gain.”

“No one will be using me.” Yvlana scowled.

“But you will still help us, right?” Henry asked, a slight panic rising.

“We must,” Lamir said simply. “Without us, you would not last the night. Do not worry, Henry, Yvlana talks big but she will not abandon people in need. We are soldiers after all.”

“Shut up.” Yvlana punched his arm. “I will do what I want. If fighting here gets me closer to Kaladin, then I will defend your precious city.”

“It’s not just this city,” Erik commented. “If the Thrak make it through Unari, then they will have free rein into all of Xer. And there would be little we could do to stop them from slaughtering innocent civilians. Not to mention all the people outside of these walls. They are defenseless.”

Henry shuttered at the thought of the Thrak attacking Zulin. It would be a massacre if they were attacked there. Slight panic gripped him as he thought of dying and never seeing Sasha again. Or worse, they would fail here and he would be powerless to save her or anyone he cared for.

“I’m going up there,” Yvlana announced, loudly. “See what we have to work with. We don’t have much time before the Thrak arrive. They're just wasting time arguing.”

“I will stay with them,” Lamir said. “Contact me if you need anything.”

She nodded and grabbed a large bag off one of the horses. Yvlana waved at him in confirmation then leapt onto a building with one jump, the black bag of L.E.C. weapons held tightly in one arm. Landing effortlessly on the roof, she sprinted back toward the wall, hopping over gaps in the buildings while doing so. She disappeared and they kept moving toward the castle without her.

“Wow.” Erik and Henry breathed simultaneously.

Lamir smirked in response.

“Where did the female go?” Kyburn shouted.

“Yvlana is checking the walls,” Henry yelled back. “She wanted to start preparations.”

Trygve looked red in the face and Hazam looked unsettled but they neared the castle and a dozen stablehands approached them. Sliding to the ground they each handed off their reins and walked for the door.

Before entering, Kyburn called Captain Arne over to himself and started whispering in his ear. Arne nodded once then turned, sprinting toward the wall.

“Where’s he going?” Lamir asked, but the look on his face told Henry he knew already.

“To keep an eye on your sister,” Kyburn replied. “You two are an anomaly. I don’t want the soldiers here getting the wrong idea. She shouldn’t have run off like that. It makes my job more difficult.”

Lamir shrugged, “She does what she wants. I can’t stop her.”

“I'm not asking you to stop her.” Kyburn sighed. “Just-” he trailed off.

“She’s rash.” Lamir pursed his lips. “I know. I’ll have a talk with her but I doubt it will do anything.”

Trygve looked as if he was about to ask something when Kyburn turned and walked into the castle where Landis was sure to be waiting.

Kyburn took his steps in huge strides and Trygve lagged behind, trying to keep up with his long legs. Erik and Henry followed closely after.

Durlan waited with the rest of the soldiers patiently. They had barely escaped during the fight and they all had lost a lot of men. Henry felt a twinge of sympathy for Arne. He’d have a tough job keeping up with Yvlana.

Henry felt small and insignificant walking next to Lamir, his head barely reached his chest. Not only that, Henry looked frail and puny beside the muscular build of the Emarine. He couldn’t help but glance up at the tall figure as he bent his head down going through each doorway.

A large round-looking man gestured them all to enter the main hall where Lord Landis waited for them. Kyburn took the lead followed by Trygve and Hazam. Lamir and Henry walked through as Erik brought up the rear.

“Kyburn. My old friend.” Landis chuckled. “I see you’ve brought guests.” gesturing to Trygve and Hazam.

Landis shifted in his enormous cushioned chair, chugging down wine in the process. Liquid leaked from his mouth and into his stout beard. Wiping his lips he gestured for them to sit.

“There is little time for that I’m afraid.” Kyburn almost glared at the man.

Henry had wondered why they had passed straight through Unari on their way to Kligira. They hadn’t stopped and Henry now expected this was why. Kyburn obviously didn’t like the man and Henry couldn’t help but have a similar feeling, judging from his relaxed and unworried position.

“Yes. Yes. Monsters at the wall.” Landis mocked. “Next thing you’ll tell me horses will fly.”

For a moment he scanned the room then finally his gaze froze on Lamir as the incredibly tall figure stepped into the room. Instantly his eyes bulged from his head in shock.

“What is that!” Landis yelped. “G-g-guards!”

“Quiet down.” Kyburn’s shoulders sunk visibly. “He’s an Emarine. They’ve come to help us.”

“E-Emarine?” Landis gulped. “Help us? Wh-What are you talking about Kyburn? Explain this-this thing!” he pointed a fat finger at Lamir. “What is going on? I demand to know.”

“I truly hoped you weren’t still this ignorant.” Kyburn seethed. “We are running out of time! Have you not gotten my messages? Have you not paid any attention to my reports?”

“I’ve heard all that.” Landis spat, droplets of saliva spraying from his gaping mouth. “I want to know what he is.”

Kyburn rubbed his eyes in frustration, as did Trygve. The Regent, however, didn’t dare interfere as he was a guest.

“If I may?” Henry stepped forward. “You may know them as Ancients. This one is called Lamir, sir. He’s here to help us fight the Thrak. Two of them, to be exact.”

“Preposterous!” Landis groaned. “It is a devil. Remove it from my sight this instant.”

“Lord Landis!” Kyburn shouted forcefully. “He is not a problem. You are. At this very moment, a Thrak army is closing in on us. We have less than three hours before they come crawling at our borders. You better pray to Hashem that King Xerath will get here in time. Because if he doesn’t, we’re all going to die.”

“Die?” Landis asked dumbly. “Xerath? Here?”

“He is bringing an army.” Kyburn glanced back at Trygve. “We hope.”

“Why hasn’t anyone informed you?” Erik asked from the back. “Are you not in charge?”

Landis’s eyes popped out again, insulted by the question. “I am well aware of these… situations. I decided to relax before deciding anything and to meet with you first. I knew you could handle this.” he motioned to Kyburn.

Kyburn rolled his eyes, along with everyone in the room, “I’m taking command.” Kyburn announced. “By the authority of King Xerath himself, you are relieved of duty, Lord Landis.”

“Wh-what?” Landis’s face flushed. “Y-you can’t do that. Unari is mine.”

“Seal from the king. And his ring.” Kyburn pulled out a letter and showed him the ring on his finger. “You are grossly unfit to deal with this situation. I don’t need you getting in my way. You can have your precious city back after this is over.”

“I advise we put every available man on the walls,” Trygve suggested.

“My men protect gate.” Hazam offered.

Kyburn stared at him, knowing the ordeal they had gone through in Riqun. The Kligirian’s needed rest and protecting the gates would more than likely keep them out of the fighting for some time. It would give them enough time to rest before going to battle again.

“Very good, Hazam.” Kyburn nodded, knowing the Kligirian’s numbers were also greatly diminished and would rather not put them on the front lines unless it called for it. “Let’s go.”

Many of the guards had overheard Kyburn’s declaration and filed in behind him. Henry was relieved to see him take charge. And blessedly, no one questioned it, except maybe Landis.

Kyburn stalked past everyone and out toward the horses. Henry glanced up at Lamir smiling stupidly, obviously amused at Landis and his reactions.

“He is a lord?” Lamir asked disbelievingly. “You humans are strange.”

“Apparently.” Henry shrugged. “I’m just glad Kyburn is taking charge. That guy seems like a buffoon.”

Lamir chuckled, then followed Henry out of the castle.

PART 2

Preparations went as smoothly as possible but the chaos that had ensued right after Kyburn had taken charge, took a while for the citizens to calmly begin evacuation. Blessedly, with the guidance of two near-giants barking orders, one to the soldiers and another to the common folk, things quickly got under control. A steady flow of women and children marched out of the city, fleeing north to Sashix or west to the capital. There they would be safe, for the time being.

Every man that could hold a bow or sword was on the walls, waiting for their impending battle. The view from up here sent shivers down Henry’s spine as he gazed at hordes of black creatures with bright red eyes pouring over the land like locusts. It looked as if the ground was a constant river of black.

Henry guessed each man had their own fears but scanning the rows of men, he could see the worry was being held at bay. Unlike Henry, they showed a semblance of composure as he clasped his sword on his hip. His palms were wet and a trickle of sweat dripped down his back. Looking down at his hands, he noticed he was shaking from head to toe, his whole body betrayed him.

Doing his best, he closed his eyes, forcing the fear down. “I don't want to die. I don’t want anyone to die.” Henry held the fear at bay but his body revealed the truth. A wave of guilt washed over him. “I’m a coward.”

“Henry.” a familiar voice called from behind.

Opening his eyes, he twirled around to see Kyburn, clad in full armor, looking stoic. “Yes, sir?”

“Come here, son.” Kyburn gestured to him to follow him. “I have something important I want you to do for me.”

“What is it? Henry asked, looking suspicious.

Kyburn looked at him with loving eyes, placing his hand on his shoulder, “Look, Henry.” he paused a moment, “I know you want to help fight but I want you as far away from this as possible. I can’t protect you. And I couldn’t bear to lose you either.”

“But sir!” Henry began to protest. “I want to fight with you. I can help you fight,” he said it but his hands still shook.

“No.” Kyburn put a hand on his shoulder.

“No.” Henry blurted in defiance. “You’ve been training me. I can fight. I can do this.”

“I need you to ride. Ride as hard as you can to find Xerath and his army. Tell him to send anyone he can ahead to support us. Calvary, archers, whatever can make it here the fastest.” Kyburn ignored his plea. “This is just as important as fighting.”

“But, sir,” Henry whispered this time. “It’ll look as if I’m running away.”

Henry’s lips trembled, on the verge of tears. He wasn’t stupid. Henry knew. Kyburn wanted him to live. If he left, there was a very good chance that he would never see Kyburn again. Honor be damned.

“I know. I know you don’t, son.” Kyburn ruffled his hair. “I need you to do this for me. Alright? There’s no shame in this. I’ve selected you to be my messenger. That’s all.”

Henry bent his head, sniffing.

“I need to tell you something before you go.” Kyburn coughed, looking uncomfortable. “I’m…” he once again paused. “I’m not good with words.”

Henry looked up at him expectantly, his gaze locked on the man he admired so much.

“I’ve never said it before but… you are like a son to me. Now I don’t know if you feel the same. You are your own man now. But I have watched you grow into a fine young man and I’ve enjoyed every moment. Every part of that journey.” Kyburn said, his voice gentle and calm. “I have come to care for you deeply and I wish for you to have a future after today. I want you and Sasha to have a future together. If things go badly here, I want you to live. You hear me son?”

With that, Henry burst into tears unable to hold it back, and plunged his face into Kyburn’s chest, embracing him. A moment later, Kyburn also wrapped his strong arms around him, hugging him tightly. Henry felt an overwhelming sense of fear but a hint of hope and joy. Fear that Kyburn was saying goodbye to him for the last time and joy in hearing the man he admired as a father, tell him he loved him.

“I won’t let you down… father,” Henry mumbled through sniffs.

“Good man.” Kyburn cleared his throat. “Now go. Find that army and bring us reinforcements. I trust in you, Henry. Time is of the essence.”

“I will.” Henry turned to walk away but stopped.

Kyburn was staring back at him. “After this is over. Will you marry us?”

At first, Kyburn tilted his head in confusion but quickly understood the meaning.

“I want you to be the one who marries us.” Henry smiled stupidly at him. “Sasha would love that too. That means you can’t die here. Not today or tomorrow.”

“Absolutely,” Kyburn smirked back. “Go.” he waved.

As Henry disappeared down the stairs leading to the city below, he never heard Kyburn whisper under his breath.

“I’m proud of you,” Kyburn said solemnly. “Goodbye, son.”