Warm days passed in the northern forests where Alana and the new Legion of the Bear rode and camped under tall evergreens, fending off rival gangs of bandits and hunting rabbits and deer. Alana and Ira rode together. But Alana did not ride like a warrior. Her body faced the horses' flanks, protecting her sex and her belly. Ira had told her it had been around three months of pregnancy, and she had to be taken care of. She yearned to see her husband again and tell him of the life that was forming inside her. Her mind was full of questions and nostalgia for things long passed, and a growing fear of losing all her dreams.

Once, she had prided herself on developing skills in the sword and lance, but her body was growing fearful of battle and training, her mind became sluggish and melancholic, and Ira forbade her from training. Alana felt like a withering rose. She was becoming weaker every day, and the progress she had built at the sword abandoned her like water flowing through her fingers. She needed Kassius by her side. She had never missed him so much in her life. Ira was a great help, and although the men were her friendly and kind, she felt more vulnerable than ever.

The bandits who had accompanied them stayed in the forest. The legionaries donated some of their weapons, including Alana's Parzhian dagger, and bought some horses and provisions. They left and crossed the dark woods, riding by the banks of a clear river. Alana narrowed her eyes, peeking from behind Ira's back. Gentle fumes flowed up to the blue sky above the village with a small fenced wall of wood and thatched roofs. A red flag hung from the main wooden gate, and red canopies could be seen from a distance. She and Ira had passed by that same village a few weeks prior, but there had been no canopies or flags.

"There must be some kind of carnival," Ira said. "It might be the feasts of Jupiter, they're around this time of the year."

"Do you think they'll have lamb chops?" Alana said, suddenly overcome by hunger. She could even taste the fat and feel its soft aroma.

"Do you want to ask the men?"

Alana felt an impulse surge within her. She wanted lamb chops, and she was going to get them, no matter what.

"Let's just pass by, like last time. Quickly."

"Well, you tell the soldiers?" Ira asked.

"You tell them."

"Aren't you supposed to be the leader?"

"I don't feel like telling them, Ira," Alana said with a sigh.

Suddenly, she heard the rumble of hooves in the distance. Alana narrowed her eyes. Three men were riding out from the village, carrying official flags and ceremonial armors.

"Stop," Alana said to Ira, and timidly lifted her right hand."Stop!" Ira repeated. The troop halted, one by one. A few soldiers whispered behind her, questioning what those riders might want. They advanced with fluttering banners and relaxed expressions on their faces. Their armors were kingly, and colorful capes hung from their backs. The one that rode ahead had pink cheeks and a bun on the side of his hair.

"Greetings, travelers," the messenger said, bracing his horse before the group. The other two did the same. Their horses nickered, with their black eyes half-open.

"Greetings," Alana said from her steed, craning her neck from behind Ira's back. "We are just passing by, going south, back to Itruschian lands."

The man smiled, revealing six teeth.

"We were wondering who you were, as I see both Itruschian and Eastern armors," he continued.

"We are Gadalians and are not in league with the Itruschian Empire anymore. We only wish to pass through your lands in peace," she said.

"Well, of course," the messenger said, stroking his red mustache. "Rest with us if you may. Indeed, you may pass through our village, rest, eat our banquets, and be joyful. Please, fellow travelers. Join us."

Alana looked back at the company of mounted soldiers, then back at the messenger and his escorts.

"Is there a fair going on?" she lowered her voice.

"Alana?" Ira looked back at her, with narrowed eyes.

The word "fair" brought terrible memories to her but also positive ones from when she was younger and her father would shoot darts and dance with her along the maypole. She was curious about what kind of delicious food they could have. Her stomach groaned for lamb chops.

"Not a fair, nor a festival, but something far greater," the man announced, with eyes sparkling with joy. "We were greatly blessed by the Great Gods and would like to share that bounty with all men and women in these parts."

Alana cleared her throat.

"Not a fair? But there's food, isn't there?"

"Certainly, my lady."

"What about cheese?" Alana asked, thinking of her friend Ira and how cheese usually improved her mood.

"We have one of the most famous cheese farms in the Teutlands," the man said with a proud grin.

"Then you may expect us there, good sire."

The man bowed his head, the Suevian bun of hair bounced on one side.

"We will be expecting you," the man said, lifted his head, and spurred on his horse. They galloped back to their village.

"Finally, some rest," said one of the legionaries behind her. Alana overheard some others wondering whether they'd have fresh beer, as theirs had run out some time ago. A quick trot echoed behind Alana. She turned to find Elkas with a frown under the thick eyebrows.

"What do you think you're doing?" he said. "We're supposed to keep moving and arrive early."

Alana sighed. She hated explaining things, especially to Elkas.I know, Elkas, I know we need to get there as soon as possible. Believe me, I really want to get there, but... I'm tired. We'll just stay one night and tomorrow we'll ride the whole day. What do you say?

"Now you sent those men to prepare places for us, and it's dishonourable to leave them like that. But I warn you, we are a team. Next time, consult with me," he said, pointing his finger at her.

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"Yes, Elkas, yes," she muttered and sighed. He said no more, pulled the reins, and went back to his troops to tell them all about the change in plans.

"And what if it's a trap, Alana," Ira said, twisting her neck to see her better.

"Who would set a trap for us?"

"The Itruschians, Alana. Everybody's looking for us!"

She scoffed.

"Well, let's keep our eyes open then."

"Alana, don't be so trusting," Ira whispered and spurred again, pulling the reins and guiding Tistirya toward the village.

"Well, we have been here before. Besides, they're not allied with the Itruschians."

"And how do you know?"

Alana pursed her lips.

"Well, let's just keep our eyes open." She turned. "Keep your eyes open, people," Alana said to the group, and they responded with an aye, all in unison.

The wooden gates stood wide open, but two armored Suevians with bronze breastplates stood on each side, leaning their tall bodies on their long spears. Ira rode in the front, Alana gazing from the flank position behind her back. The troop stopped before the gate.

"Good day," Elkas said. "We have been invited by your men."

One of the guards nodded slowly.

"The weapons," the man said, exposing black teeth. "Leave them here with us before you enter."

Elkas looked at Alana with a frown, then returned the glance to the man.

"We shall not give up our weapons."

"Give them or leave," he said.

"Then we shall leave," Elkas said.

"Wait," Alana interrupted them, raising her hand. "Is there a middle way? What if we camp here, next to your gate, and leave our weapons here."

"You are armed to the teeth," the guard said. "Leave your weapons or leave."

"Elkas," Askar spoke from a horse behind them. "What's the big deal? It's normal procedure. Don't tell me they haven't asked you to remove your weapons when you're entering a town?"

"I'm still your decurion."

"Come on, man," Adna complained. "It's just a small town."

"Yes, comrade," said another soldier. "What can they do to us?"

"You've all become too loose." Elkas faced them with a cold glance. "If you want to get skewered here, go for it."

A voice echoed behind the tower walls. The messenger approached them again, this time on foot.

"What is taking you so long?" he said with a cheerful smile, stepping out from the gate and crossing his arms.

"They don't want to give up their weapons," the guard responded, aloof.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't tell you," the man said, scratching his red mustache. "Please, don't think too much of it, it's just a general rule. You'll leave them here and can take them when you want.""But I won't give away this one," Alana said, pointing at the Sword of Ares, bound to the saddle.

"Well, we can make a few exceptions," the man said. "Just a few, but please, put them back. You may set camp outside, yes, but the ones who desire to ride in must do it. Understood?"

Alana looked at the men. They looked eager and hungry. Elkas remained with his arms crossed.

"What do you say?" Alana asked out loud.

"Let's go," most soldiers responded.

They crossed through the main dirt road. The first few village blocks were covered with houses of timber, square walls constructed of upright posts, and roofs thatched with straw. They seemed silent, and a great number of men and women stood a few blocks from there. The smell of fish filled Alana's nostrils, and she darted her eyes around to know what exactly it was. As they approached, it became evident. There were stalls and crowds of people. The entire company glanced bewildered at the sight of people trading in baskets full of fish.

"What is all this?" Askar asked.

People approached them, gifting them with brioches with grilled fish, still steamy and crunchy. The soldiers thanked them shyly. Alana's stomach grumbled. She had expected to find lamb chops, but river fish also seemed nice. An old lady stood next to their horse, her white hair falling down to her hips, extending two skewers with grilled fish to Ira and Alana.

"Thank you," Ira said, smiling at the woman and grabbing a skewer, but when they had passed, she gave her treat to Alana.

"I don't eat fish," Ira said.

"Come on, Ira, it's a gift," she said.

"I don't like it. Can't eat it."

"Fine," Alana said. Now she had two, and the savory smell called her. They had also been seasoned with herbs and pepper. She took a bite of the side and chewed on the soft and savory skin. It was good-quality fish. Looking back, the soldiers were also enjoying it.

"Fish soup!" said a woman stirring a giant cauldron; her assistant sunk a big ladle inside and served the people who passed by holding their own bowls. Warm steam flowed up from the bowls and the cauldron, carrying the smell around.

"I pass," Ira muttered.

"Come on, enjoy what's in here," Alana said. "When will we get a chance like this again?"

"They have good cheese, but it seems like today is fish day," Ira said, guiding her horse to turn on a corner of the village. "I'm not really down for fish day."

"Well, we've got to be thankful," Alana said.

They followed along on their horses. The red-mustached messenger guided them to the mayor, a thick man with black hair and a long dark mustache, red cape, and dark trousers, held by a belt with a golden buckle with solar signs.

"Welcome, travelers," the man said with a slight nod.

"Thank you," Alana said. "May the gods bless you for treating us so well."

"Who are you, young travelers, who were wandering around our lands? We wish you the best, whoever you are.""We are Gadalians, wronged by the Empire," Alana said. "Looking to go back to our people in Adachia and liberate them."

"I see, a noble effort indeed. We enjoy our freedom, and now we want to give it freely. We have been blessed by the sea-god. He visited us," the man said with a smile. "He came to these shores and blessed us with mountains of fish, to feed and to share. He climbed to our shore, and we were afraid, but he called us, and bid us not to be. He told us to share these blessings with all the world, so the world can be better. So the world can be born anew."

Alana narrowed her eyes.

"You say a god of the sea came and spoke to you?"

"Indeed!"

"And did he ask for anything?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, young lady, he asked us to share it with all those who came near."

"And what did he look like? I mean, it is, no doubt, a wonder, what you saw. But we've never heard of anything like it."

"Well, for now, worry not, tell your men to rest of their burdens. They may camp nearby, if they desire, and we have fish to share all day and all night."

"Indeed," Alana said, looking from side to side. She glanced at Ira, who understood immediately. Alana turned and dismounted steadily.

"Well, my men can rest, and I'd like to see what you told me about. Along with my friend, Ira."

"You may," he said, lowering his head.

They followed the man, leaving the group of soldiers behind to enjoy the festivities of their newfound fish bonanza, and Alana walked with him to the rocky riverbank. The mayor walked steadily in front of them, his cape fluttering lightly, and the sun reflecting pure light upon the pristine waters.

"There," the man turned toward her and pointed at a wide gap among the rocks. Some of them had been crushed, as if recipients of a gargantuan weight. Alana pursed her lips and swallowed. She directed a glance toward Ira, then looked back at the man.

"What did he look like?" Alana asked.

"Blue like the afternoon sky. But he was good. Full of love. We have heard of the giant that attacked people up north. But we know this one was good. He had nothing but good intentions. He took out the fish and many great treasures of gold that were lost in the bottom of the river. He spoke of love and peace."

"Interesting message," Ira muttered. "What was that peace he talked about?"

"Peace between the nations, and an end to all wars and hunger. An end to pain and disease."

"Peace sounds good," Ira said, looking at Alana.

"Well, that's very strange," Alana said, running her hand through her hair. "I guess he was a good guy, right?"

"Indeed, all we had to do was swear allegiance to him and the king who will come."

"King?" Alana raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, he is called the Luster and Dragon, but his true name, he did not say."

"I see," Alana glanced at Ira, who kept her arms crossed.

"I told you not to eat the fish," Ira said in the Gadalian speech.

"Ira, everybody is eating them."

"You saw what the giants did to those people up north, didn't you?"

"There are good and bad giants, it seems," the man said. "But we're lucky to have a glorious, peaceful giant on our side."

"I see," Alana cleared her throat. But for her, things were not as simple. She had to know more. She remembered that line from the spell they had recited. The last section, according to Kassius, said, "I challenge the eternal evil."

Alana and Ira walked back to the main square. When the sun started to go down, it was time for the horses to rest.

The feast continued late into the night, in front of a burning bonfire in the village's main square. Alana sat next to Ira, on a corner.