Daniel let out a deep sigh as what was left of the defenders and citizens of Vul Dema finally came to a halt before the great barrier that protected Baa’Yega territory. Anxious cheers and gestures of celebration erupted throughout the Dae survivors, but the faceless glares of the Baa’yega warriors atop the wall told Daniel a different story. This was not sure to be their salvation. Daniel scanned the bone masks of the warriors as they peered down. Not what I expected, but I guess they aren’t attacking us so… He thought.

Avria walked beside him, a grimace on her face. “Something is wrong.” She turned to wave over Lord Atun, who hurried to meet them. The once regal and well-dressed Dae looked ragged and weary. Of course, he was. They all were.

“Yes, Lady.” He bowed as he approached.

“Let’s see what we can do to get these people inside.” She strode forward, Daniel in tow, walking beside Atun.

Avria stopped at the gate and raised her voice. “I am Lady Avria, of house Regios! I am followed by refugees of Vul Dema, who seek sanctuary within the borders of Baa’Yega! Send an officer out immediately to negotiate our peaceful entry!”

There were several moments of tense silence, until the warriors atop the wall began to move. Daniel couldn’t tell what was going on from his vantage, but soon a gate opened and a Baa’Yega officer exited, flanked by several other warriors.

“To whom am I speaking?” Avria asked as they all approached each other.

“I am lieutenant Troq, of house Melious.” The officer said, his faceless mask turning toward Daniel for several moments. “Where did you say your people were from?”

“Vul Dema.” Avria gestured behind her. “We’ve been fighting Visgo raiding parties and have run out of supplies. I demand you allow them entry to rest and feed themselves.”

The officer shook his head. “That will not be possible until we’re given the order. My apologies, my Lady.”

Avria fumed, crossing her arms. “You would subject these people to further strife? Upon who’s order are we waiting?”

“That would be Prince Tegan, my Lady.”

“The Prince…” Avria turned to Daniel, “This will take forever.”

“My Lady,” Atun spoke up. “I will go in to negotiate on our behalf. I’m sure the Prince will be satisfied if a noble he’s familiar with advocates on our behalf.

“You should go.” Daniel looked at Avria. “You’ve met the Prince, haven’t you?”

“I will not enter these walls, until every single person is behind them.” Avria’s eyes were serious, and Daniel appreciated the honorable gesture. Avria truly was a testament to the house of Regios.

“Fair enough.” Daniel looked at Atun. “If she’s staying here, you’re probably the best choice.”

“He is.” Avria faced the lieutenant. “I am sending Lord Atun to advocate for us. He is a well-known noble and was the governor of Vul Dema. I’m sure Prince Tegan will appreciate the gesture.”

“That is acceptable, my Lady.” Troq bowed. “I will escort him to the prince myself. And we will bring food and water out for you all, while you wait. This might take some time.”

Nearly nine hours later, Avria paced, “Warriors of Baa’Yega!” She shouted in frustration. “We have given you the proof you need to verify we are who we say we are!”

The Baa’Yega did honor their word and provide some food and water to the people, but after nearly half the day, the weary hearts of Vul Dema’s survivors were beginning to wane.

“Damn them…” Avria cursed, “Something’s wrong.”

Daniel grunted as he walked to her side, his body still wracked with pain from his battle with the Visgo. “No word yet from Atun or anyone?”

Avria shook her head in disgust. “You never can trust politicians.” She grumbled and continued to walk back and forth, like a lioness.

Another hour passed and finally a portion of the wall separated, and a troop of Baa’Yega warriors poured out.

Daniel tensed as they approached, painfully aware that this wasn’t a friendly assortment. Their lieutenant strode to the front of the formation, a standard war-group. “Lady Avria.” He said, revealing a scroll from beneath his blue cloak bearing the seal of the King. “Prince Tegan of House Rogima has granted your request for asylum here, within the safety of Baa’Yega’s territory. His grace and mercy, however, does not come without conditions.”

Avria stiffened, but nodded. “What does he ask?” Disappointment was clear in her voice.

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The Lieutenant’s featureless helmet shifted to Daniel’s general direction. “All are welcome here… with the exception of...” He hesitated, searching for the proper word. “This creature.”

Avria’s eyes widened at the condition. “What?” She asked, in shock. “No, that’s ridiculous. Daniel is a member of the Lokkadonian warrior caste, and a Captain. He will be given the same treatment as the rest of us.”

“I’m afraid that isn’t possible.” The Lieutenant said. “High King Phobos himself declared that all of the Spirit-Sent were to be detained, and sent to Torre’ for further study. After the role they played in the destruction of Vul De Rah. Even your own King, Yomen, has echoed the order.”

“What!?” Avria bristled. “They also risked their lives defending that city!”

“Looks like we missed a lot.” Daniel said with a grimace. “No rest for the weary.”

“I will not-” Avria pressed, but was cut off by the Lieutenant.

“I’m sorry, my lady. But my orders are clear. We are not to allow the creature to enter our lands. This is our price. If you comply with this, then the full support of the Baa’Yega will follow. Your people here will be given shelter, and you will be given a full escort to Vul De Mar, where you may join the counter-offensive that is building there.”

Avria’s mouth hung open for several long moments.

“Avria...” Daniel said.

“I’m thinking!” She snapped, her eyes darted to the survivors of Vul Dema, then to Daniel.

“Avria?” Daniel asked again, this time with anger building in his voice.

“For what it’s worth, my Lady, I understand your predicament.” The lieutenant said, “Prince Tegan has expressed his dissatisfaction with the order. He very much wanted to meet one of the creatures himself. But the war effort needs you; and we must ensure the safety of our clan by enforcing the High King’s law.”

After several more minutes of contemplation, Avria clenched her fists and cursed in frustration. Electricity crackled around her, manifested by her fury. “Nothing is ever easy…” She said, “Lieutenant… take the survivors into your territory… They are in desperate need of rest and recuperation…” She sighed again, turning to Daniel. “Let’s go.”

Daniel’s eyes narrowed as she began to walk toward him, now looking deflated and weary. He knew she had been put in a terrible position, and to her credit, she chose him over the safety and promise the Baa’Yega offered.”

“My lady?” The Lieutenant asked, surprise clear in his voice. “Are you, yourself, declining our offer?”

“No.” Daniel said, sternly. “She isn’t…”

“Daniel, no.” She closed the distance and grabbing his shoulder. “I am not going to-”

“Avria!” Daniel shouted, interrupting her. The sudden outburst something she had never seen from the man. “We’ve been through a lot these past few months.” He said, regaining his composure. “But you’re needed elsewhere. You heard him; your family needs you, and Lokkadonia needs you. We’re useless out here. Seriously, what the fuck are we going to do? You have to get to Vul De Mar, help them take Vul De Rah back, for Agron. For Oros…”

She shook her head as he spoke the words. “I can’t just leave you out here.” She said through clenched teeth. “By the Spirits, Daniel, I owe you, my life. I can’t just abandon you out here. I won’t.” She turned to the Lieutenant. “You must give us more information about this royal decree.”

“As I told you already, my Lady. High King Phobos and the High Espi-Dae have declared that all of the so-called spirit-sent are to be sent to Torre’, detained, or killed on sight. The roll they played in the destruction of all of Southern Lokkadonia is proof enough.”

“This is foolishness.” Avria hissed. “After everything you have done for them. For our clan.”

Daniel looked at his filthy hands. Caked in blood and grime. What the hell am I going to do now? My allies want to kill me more than my enemies. He thought. “What about Boros, what does he have to say about this?” He asked the lieutenant.

“Hego Boros is adamantly against the ruling but has no say. The Ignos seat of power is gone, more than half their warriors are dead or missing. King Yomen has ensured his safety, but maintains the High King’s wishes. The House of Ignos is all but destroyed.”

“What about Illya?”

“Lady Illya is missing. She is presumed dead at this point. If Alektor had her, he would have used it against Lokkon by now.”

“No…” Daniel whispered; she can’t be dead. He thought, fury roiling in his chest. Just another reason why Robert and the Rexunii had to die. He looked back from where they’d come. The forests were dense around here. He could maybe survive out there for a while. Find some way to help eventually. He let out a deep breath.

“Daniel.” Avria snapped her fingers, getting his attention. “I will fix this. I will speak with King Yomen. I will go to the High King himself if I have to. This foolishness will not stand.”

“It’s ok.” He said, then took a deep breath and grasped her shoulders. “If there’s anyone in this world who can do it; it’s you.” He looked into her eyes and nodded his assurance. “I’ll figure something out.”

“There is much we still need to do.” She grunted. “Don’t die on me out here.”

Daniel pulled away and smiled. “You don’t need to worry about me, and you know it. Rally the Lokkadonian forces, kick King Yomin’s ass into shape, and get to Vul De Rah. That's what you need to do; make Alektor pay.”

Fury and resignation filled her gaze, and her yellow eyes focused on him intently, as she scanned his face. “Stay alive.” She said, her voice hard and determined. “I will need your power to take the city. Is that understood?”

Daniel chuckled. “Understood.”

She brought her fist across her chest in a salute, and turned to face the Baa’Yega Lieutenant. “Tell your Prince we will comply with his condition.”

“Very good.” He said, turning to walk back through the open portion of the wall. “Please, will everyone follow me!”

At that, there were cheers of joy as the refugees began to clammer behind him through the opening.

Daniel watched as the exhausted survivors walked through the gate into safety. Avria stood in the rear, ushering them through. True to her word, only after every single Dae had entered, did she finally start to move. She turned to face Daniel, holding his gaze for several moments. He nodded at her, doing his best to look confident and reassuring. He felt neither. Then, without a word or gesture, she spun on her heels and walked through into Baa’Yega territory.

A gust of wind blew past Daniel as he stared at the wall, and it’s now closed gate. He felt empty inside. For the first time since arriving on Pelemont, he was truly alone in this world. He had no real allies to speak of. No real heading anymore. He glanced back toward the forest, now painfully aware of the state of his body, which was utterly drained.

Fuck… he thought, taking a deep breath, and forcing his battered legs to move.