“The gods do not waste,” Brother Mark intoned. “And so we know that death is not an end, merely a beginning.”

Aedon sat in the front row of spectators next to Mika. She had taken the news of Reka’s death hard. Five days passed with no sign of more Zombi and Aedon felt it was time to have the funeral for the fallen men. It took a long time to convince Mika she needed to come and say goodbye.

“Though we mourn the passing of our brothers,” Brother Mark continued, “We rejoice that their spirits have been renewed.”

She was caressing Reka’s red stone as Brother Mark continued his service. He knew her stone was tucked securely in her pouch.

“If any here would like to say something, I invite them to do so now,” Brother Mark finished.

Aedon stood and felt a hand pull at his sleeve. Mika stood as well.

“Can I go first?” She asked.

Aedon sat down, he couldn’t speak. Mika walked slowly to the front.

“I lost my mamma,” She said. “Then, for a while, I lost Papa.” She wiped away her tears. “But they both came back to me. Reka will too.” She looked down at the graves and walked back to her seat.

Aedon stood again.

“Riders coming!” One of the sentries called.

Aedon ran to the wall and climbed into the command wagon. A long train of riders approached at a fast pace. He peered into the distance and saw the lead standard. It was Lady Jillian’s.

“It looks like they’ve brought the whole army,” Sean said.

“It’s worse than that. It looks like Lady Jillian has come herself.” Aedon said.

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Two riders broke from the column and galloped toward them.

“Break the wall!” Aedon commanded.

Men jumped from their posts and started wrestling wagons aside to allow the riders room to enter. They managed a gap just wide enough for one horse when the riders arrived.

“Gods,” Aedon whispered. “It’s Lady Jillian and Lord Ian.”

Ulf hopped from his post and stood next to Aedon. Lady Jillian and Lord Ian dismounted and led their horses inside the wall.

Aedon bowed. “Lady Jillian, Lord Ian, it’s an honor.”

“Uh, yeah,” Ulf said. “Same here.”

“Bow idiot,” Aedon whispered.

“Oh right,” Ulf said.

“I am pleased to find you alive and well,” Lady Jillian said. “I wish to freshen up in your fine Inn, then I wish to see you in the town hall. Please make the necessary arrangements.”

“Of course Lady,” Aedon said.

She tugged on his tabard. “This looks good on you. Your uncle was pleased to hear you finally came to your senses.” She and Ian left.

Your uncle?” Ulf asked.

Aedon tugged the tabard. “You didn’t think they kept offering me this thing because they liked me, did you?”

Ulf laughed. “Gods, no.”

He met Lady Jillian in the town hall. She was sitting in his seat, and Lord Ian stood by her side. He hadn’t seen the man in years, but he still looked intimidating.

“I will be brief,” she said. “I cannot afford to be gone long. I will stay one night to rest, then I must be off. Matters have gotten rather out of hand of late, and I am needed back.”

“She did say brief?” Ulf whispered.

Aedon kicked his leg. “Shut up.”

“Yes,” Ian growled. “Shut up.”

“No time for that, gentlemen,” Jillian said. “We are at war.”

“War, Lady?” Aedon said.

“Yes. Ard has once again invaded our borders.” Jillian said. “We received word two weeks ago that small bands of soldiers have marched south from Ard and are attacking our smaller towns. When we received word of your troubles, we came to the conclusion that Ard is launching a full assault on our sovereignty.”

“Are you recalling the militia?” Aedon asked.

“No,” Jillian said. “We think Ard chose your town as a point of ingress. We believe he intended to use it as a base from which to attack Cathair itself.”

Aedon knew this wasn’t true. If he spoke up, though, it would mean his and Mika’s death.

“In light of this,” Jillian continued. “I have brought five hundred soldiers and building materials to transform Prail into a defensive fort.”

“Thank you, Lady,” Aedon said. “When will I meet the new commander?”

“You know him quite well,” Jillian said. “You will command.” She produced a roll of fabric. “Your Captain’s tabard. I suggest you find someone worthy of passing your old one to. That is all I have.”

She stood, and Ian followed her out of the room. Aedon picked up his new tabard.

“Another damn war,” he said.