PART 1

Rayman watched Henry sprint from the meeting room. He still sat in the corner and pondered everything Lamir had told them.

Rayman didn’t feel surprised by the news, his emotions were dull and he couldn’t think fully. Erik’s death was still so vivid in his mind. He thought of Shay, Daniel, and Alexi. The Thrak were far from his thoughts but he listened carefully anyway.

“Henry, wait!” Kyburn shouted as he ran after the boy.

“What do we do now?” Trygve asked cautiously.

“The only thing we can do.” Xerath’s hand shook. “We get everyone we can behind walls… and we defend.”

“Citizen retreat back,” Hazam suggested in his thick accent. “Into Vulkira.”

“That will only delay the inevitable,” Yvlana said. “What good will it do to send your people away to only be hunted down later. At least they stand a chance with the soldiers.”

“No,” Lamir interjected. “It will give the soldiers more reason to fight. Give them hope that their families and friends might live.”

“We’ll send the civilians north. I’ll let the lords of the cities decide if they let them through into Vulkira or not.” Xerath said. “For now, we all must head for Xerixes. It is our best option. It has the strongest walls, most men, and protection. If we are to make a stand, we should do it there.”

Rayman froze, his original plan was to meet his family and all his people in Xoroya. If they couldn’t make it there, then they would have to go north. He would need to send another hawk as soon as possible to give Torstein new orders. He hoped the general wouldn’t have to be told to do so. Torstein was so loyal and followed orders to the letter that Rayman doubted he would turn north before it was too late.

“I agree.” Lamir folded his arms. “We need to leave now. We cannot waste any time.”

“You.” Xerath pointed at the guards in the room, still out of breath. “Inform the commanders we are to move out immediately. Only take what is necessary. Leave the rest. Move!”

“Yes, sire,” they yelled and scrambled to do as they were told.

Rayman, still not saying anything, stood and headed for the door. He needed to write the letter and get it to Torstein before it was too late.

“Rayman,” Xerath spoke behind him. “Will you stay with us? I don’t think it is wise to leave. You could help us in Xerixes.”

“If I can,” Rayman said with a low voice. “I will go to my family. If not, then I will stay in Xerixes.”

“Good.” Xerath sighed in relief.

Rayman strode out and headed for his room. Paper and ink would be ready for him on his desk. Lamir was right. If he knew his family was safe, he would fight till his last breath.

In his previous letter, Rayman hadn’t the heart to tell his people that Erik had been killed, not by Thrak, but by Amira. And so, he had informed them that Erik had fallen in battle on the wall. Defending them as a hero.

Rayman broke down crying from the thought. His emotions were completely out of whack. He needed to clear his head. Erik wouldn’t have wanted this. The young king would want him to step up and lead as he had commanded him to do in the first place.

Erik had suspected from the very beginning his possible death. Perhaps that Vog could tell him more. Maybe Felkuru knew more about what happened to Erik. They did have that bond that connected them. The first chance he got, Rayman would hunt Amira down and kill her. The rage inside built rapidly. But as quickly as his anger rose, it faded away.

Focusing on revenge while his family was in danger snapped him out of it. He pushed it from his mind and slid into his room, locking the door behind him.

Outside, the city was already in an uproar of men shouting and preparing to leave. He could hear the faint barking of orders. They would likely leave this very night if they wanted to make it to Xerixes in time.

Rayman pulled out the quill and began to write. As briefly as possible, he ordered Torstein to head for Aslone or Calchester as they were as far north as they could go. He had instructed Torstein to make sure his family was protected. He knew Torstein would do whatever he could with or without his instructions but he’d asked anyway.

He sighed deeply then rolled his letter tightly. He thought of Shay, her smile and loving touch. Her life-bringing kisses and he longed to hold her in his arms again. He thought of Daniel and their time while fishing. Daniel would more than likely want to fight. He hoped he wouldn’t.

Alexi was still so young. Her tiny hands and small body were so frail, he longed to be there to protect her. Rayman wished he could hold her in his arms again. To stave off the evil of the world from corrupting that innocent smile of hers.

A knock on his door pulled him from his thoughts. “Who is it?”

A muffled response returned, “Dur-sir. If-have-with-please.”

Rayman grumbled, unable to understand his words, and opened the door. Durlan, Erik’s personal guard stood before him, looking awkward and his head hung low.

“What is it?” Rayman asked roughly.

“Sir.” he cleared his throat. “I’m reporting for duty, sir.”

“That doesn’t concern me,” Rayman replied harshly. “I have no authority over you. When we return to our people, Torstein is your commander. Not me.”

“With all due respect, sir.” Durlan stiffened. “You are in charge of Vulkira. Erik chose you to succeed him. In all but name, you are the king of Vulkira now.”

“Leave me.” Rayman sneered. “I’m no king. I don’t want to be king. And I am certainly not in charge. Get lost kid.”

Durlan looked dumbfounded and hurt. He bit his lips, turned, and walked away.

Rayman bit back a curse. He was taking out his frustration on the boy. Durlan was barely a man and he was yelling at him. Regret filled him and he wished his emotions weren’t so sporadic.

Erik had left a hole in him. One that he wished didn’t have such an effect on him and yet, it did. Rayman sighed. He had to lead now. It’s what Erik would have wanted. If he didn’t, then there wouldn’t be anyone to lead after everything was over.

He took another deep breath and left the room, heading straight for the messenger post. Hopefully, they still had more than enough messenger hawks to send his letter. And by Hashem’s will, it would make it to them in time.

He’d have to talk to Durlan later. If there was a later.

PART 2

Henry ran from the room but ignored Kyburn’s pleas for him to stop. He heard him trailing behind him as he went straight for the stables.

“Henry you can’t,” Kyburn shouted. “Please, Henry. Think this through. You’ve seen what the Thrak are capable of. I’m sure Sasha and the others got word and escaped. Going there now is suicide.”

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“I won’t leave her to die,” Henry said stubbornly. He slowed his pace to let him catch up but was set on his decision. “Sasha needs me. I-I have to try. What would you do if you were in my position?”

Kyburn placed a hand on his shoulder, not to stop him, but to make him turn. Henry whirled. He was met with sympathetic eyes. That same feeling he had on the wall came back to him. Kyburn was his ally and he knew he loved him. He had forgotten that in his blind rush.

“Please, Henry.” Kyburn hugged him in the middle of the hall. “I can’t bear to lose you too.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” Henry muttered into his neck. “I won’t sit around and do nothing. I have to do this. I love her. Sasha is…” he stuttered. “Sh-she’s everything to me.”

Kyburn looked at him long and hard, gazing intently into his eyes. His face softened.

“If I can’t convince you to stay.” Kyburn lowered his voice. “Then I’m coming with you son.”

“No.” Henry frowned. “No. I’m doing this alone. I won’t put your life at risk too. I know the land. I will be fine by myself.” he lied.

Kyburn didn’t say anything, only followed after him. They reached the stables and Kyburn gestured to two of the stable hands.

“Prepare two horses for each of us,” he commanded. “Fill our saddlebags with enough food and water for two weeks. Quickly.” he snapped when they hesitated.

“Kyburn please, stop.” Henry gritted his teeth. He had turned the tables on him. “Just let me do this.”

“Henry.” Kyburn turned back to him as the stablehands rushed about. “You are my son. What kind of father would I be if I didn’t go with you? Zulin is my home too. I will help you save Sasha and whoever else survived. Without me…” he paused and put an enormous grin on his face. “Without me, you wouldn't last a day.”

Henry didn’t return the smile, he was too anxious from the events that were about to unfold.

“Kyburn!” a voice from behind shouted.

Xerath, with a haggard face and worried expression, approached them slowly. His dark hair was matted and unkempt. His brown eyes were drooping from lack of sleep. Henry felt a stab of sympathy for the king.

“You’re leaving then?” he glanced at Henry. “Kyburn, I need you now more than ever. Please don’t go.”

Henry saw the conflict within Kyburn. His hesitation to answer. His inability to look Xerath in the eye for a single moment. Henry caught it all and it made him feel sick inside for making him choose.

“My friend.” Kyburn started. “I must. You know this.”

“I can order you both to stay.” Xerath threatened. “In fact I-I do.” his voice shook. “Kyburn, I need you with me. You’re supposed to stay. You have to be by my side. You always have to be by my side. I order you to stop what you are doing and come with me to Xerixes.”

Upon hearing that the stablehand froze in their tracks. Their king had given a direct order that contradicted Kyburn’s.

“You don’t understand.” Xerath almost pleaded. “You’re my only friend. I need you,” he repeated. “Henry.” he turned to him, a slight look of desperation in his eyes. “You have to stay with me too. That’s an order.”

“Xerath. Stop this.” Kyburn stepped over to him. “I’m sorry, brother. I know Henry will slip away any chance he will get. If he does that, then I won’t be there to protect him. Better to go with him now than never.”

“You…” Xerath stammered. “You stupid boy! They are all dead! Zulin is gone by now and you both know it. Our only chance to survive now is to band together and fight those damned things.” the king pointed at Henry, who flinched from his tone. “Tell him Kyburn. I know you know it’s true. Zulin is gone and so is that girl. I’m sorry, Henry. I truly am but this is for your own good!” his voice started shaking.

Kyburn embraced Xerath, tightly. “My dear king. Know that I will always be your friend. I have always been loyal. I have always done what I thought was right. You saved my life countless times but you won’t save me this time.” he whispered. “I have to help him. I need… to help him.”

Xerath cleared his throat and visibly relaxed. His face darkened into a sorrowful mess. “You’ll die,” he mumbled back.

“No, we won’t.” Kyburn smiled. “We’ve made it this far. I’ll get everyone I can to head for Xerixes. With any luck, and with a bit of Hashem’s help, we’ll meet you in the capital.”

Xerath pushed him to arm's length and stared past him. Looking directly at Henry for a long moment. “You stopped me that day from making a terrible mistake. One for which I will be eternally grateful for. Today, I must stop you from making a terrible mistake.”

“No.” Kyburn frowned. “The mistake would be giving up hope.”

“But.” Xerath stuttered, a loss for words.

“It’s alright.” Kyburn smiled.

“Is he really worth it?” Xerath whispered. “Him, of all people?”

“I love him as if he was my own,” Kyburn responded.

Henry looked on in stunned silence, unsure how to proceed. He dared not say a word, however.

“Th-then you have my blessing.” Xerath smiled wryly. “I’ll send twenty men with yo-”

“No.” Kyburn interrupted him. “It will be better with just the two of us. We can slip through unseen.”

“Sire!” a voice shouted above the general buzz of soldiers preparing to leave. “King Xerath!”

Xerath turned to the soldier and shouted back, “What is it?”

“Sire. The Emarine soldier, sir. Mr. Valhorn. He has returned.” he began. “He has the queen with him and two surviving guards. They were attacked but Mr. Valhorn rescued them.”

“Where are they now?” Xerath asked frantically. “Is my wife alright?”

“She was wounded, sire.” the soldier replied quickly. “The Emarine took her into the castle. It seemed as if she was alright.”

“Kyburn.” Xerath whipped his head around. “If things get too hectic, promise me you two will turn right back around and head for Xerixes.”

“Yes. Yes.” Kyburn waved his hand. “We’ll be fine. Go see to your wife.”

“You.” he pointed to the stablehand. “Give them whatever they need.”

Henry watched him rush off behind the soldier, who led the way.

“Thank you,” Henry mumbled.

“Don’t thank me yet.” Kyburn frowned. “What we are about to do will be extremely dangerous, Henry. I don’t think you know how dangerous.”

“I-I-” Henry stuttered, unsure of himself.

“Promise me.” he pointed a finger into his face. “Swear to me right now that if I tell you to run. You will run. If I think it is too dangerous to proceed then we will turn back.” he paused, waiting for an answer. “Swear it to me, Henry.”

“I swear.” Henry barked shakily.

“Good.” Kyburn nodded. “Then we leave in ten minutes. Where are our rations?”

Henry heaved the saddle on his horse as the stablehand prepared their rations. Glancing several times at Kyburn, he didn’t know how to take this. If Sasha was alive, there wasn’t anything in this world he wouldn’t do to protect her. Kyburn must’ve known that. Xerath must’ve known that. Yet they were letting him go.

Kyburn and Xerath shared a brotherly bond like none other he had ever seen. He prayed to Hashem for swiftness and protection. For his own sake, and Kyburn’s.

PART 3

Xerath entered the infirmary as Kaladin stood over the bed. Cara laid still. Blood seeped from her stomach and a cut on her forearm. Kaladin stepped back, blood was still smeared on his chest plate. He hadn’t taken the time to take his F.S.A.P. suit off before entering, nor cleaning it for that matter.

“It’s nothing serious,” he assured him. “Your wife will be fine.”

“Let me see.” Xerath bent over Cara’s sleeping form.

“Felkuru found her not far from Unari. The Thrak had chased them all over the countryside.” Kaladin explained. “I tended to her wounds afterward. She’ll be fine,” he said again.

Xerath kissed Cara’s forehead lightly and brushed a lock of thick black hair from her face. Her eyes twitched under her eyelids but she remained asleep.

“What’s wrong with her?” Xerath frowned, looking up at him. “Why isn’t she awake?”

“A physician is already on the way, perhaps he can give you a definite answer. But.” Kal bit his lip. “She asked about Erik.” he paused for a long moment.

“Oh.” Xerath stood up, strained his head, and looked him in the eye. “You saved her. Thank you,” he said simply. “How can I repay you?”

“Not only me.” Kal shook his head. “Without Fel, I wouldn’t have gotten to her in time. I’m sorry I was the one to tell her about your brother-in-law. I would’ve left that job for you but…” he trailed off. “You can repay me by leading your people. The fight to come will be like no other you have seen.”

“I know all that. Jebbin was right. He’s always been right.” Xerath gave a faint smile. “I’m just happy she’s alright.”

“You should know, that name, Jebbin.” Kaladin tilted his head. “A man with that name was killed by Amira’s hand. Cara knows about Amira too.”

“What?” Xerath almost yelled. “Jebbin is dead?”

“That's what she said.” Kal pointed. “Did you know him?”

“No. Well. Yes. Sort of.” Xerath shook his head. “I didn’t know him well but Cara certainly did. As did Erik. He was Cara’s…” he paused for a long moment. “Somewhat of a father figure.”

“I see.” Kaladin scratched his head. “She has been through quite a lot.”

“Yes,” Xerath whispered. “She has.”

“I best be going. Yvlana told me you plan to leave tonight. If you need help with anything,” Kaladin gestured to the bed. “Let me know.”

“Thank you.” Xerath raised an open hand to the Emarine.

Kaladin paused for a moment but took his hand, clasping it tightly. Xerath winced from the pressure of those powerful hands and Kal noticed and pulled back immediately.

“Sorry.” he coughed. “Right. I’ll be going.”

Xerath couldn't pin Kaladin. He knew he could trust him, but he didn’t seem capable of saving Isulia. He seemed too soft. Xerath worried about that as Jebbin’s predictions came rushing back.

Xerath watched him leave then sat back down and took Cara’s hand in his. The dread and stress of everything faded away for a moment. He wanted to kiss her. Live with her. Have those children Jebbin had prophesied they’d have together. Everything so far had come to pass. Now, Jebbin was dead. What that meant, Xerath didn’t know. But a dark and sinister plot nagged at the back of his mind. “I’ll need to give it to him,” Xerath whispered under his breath. “I will keep my promise to you, Jebbin.”