Katrina splashed water onto her face, trying to wash away the remnants of the battle. This was only her second major engagement, yet her hands trembled uncontrollably. Glancing at her fingers, she saw the congealed blood of the Dae, dark and sticky between her nails. Panic surged through her, and she frantically scrubbed at her skin, desperate to cleanse herself of the grim reminder of what she had done and what she had taken part in.
“Use your Dunamis.” Avria said, walking to stand beside her. “Infuse it with the water, and you will see it fall from your skin with little effort.”
Katrina’s eyes watered, and she lunged in to hug her master. “Lady, Avria!” she said. “God, I missed you. I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you were dead.”
Avria let out a deep sigh. Her body seemingly drained of all energy. “It’s good to see you too Katrina.” Her words lacked any enthusiasm, and her eyes were distant. “Though… Delmos and I are as good as dead…” She spared Katrina a weary glance. “The things we have done… The things I… have done.”
Katrina did her best to get her emotions in check. With the events of the battle, and what led up to it. She knew Avria and Delmos would need support from everyone. “Where is Dan?” Katrina asked, wiping her cheeks.
Avria shook her head. “I can’t seem to find him anywhere. I’ve been looking for him.” She reached her hands into the basin Katrina was using to wash her face. Cupping the cool liquid, she did the same.
“Avria… I’m so sorry… about everything.”
“There is nothing that you could have done, Katrina.” Avria rested her hands on the sides of the Basin, and hung her head. Letting the water drip down. “I don’t want you blaming yourself.”
“Daniel— He… He acted on impulse. I couldn’t.”
Avria turned toward her, “That is precisely why I need to speak with him. The things that Yomin did, are horrible. But we are traitors now, Katrina. There is no viler a thing to be called in Eleutheros.”
“I know… and I’m sorry.” Katrina let out a huff. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. You, and Delmos, and… and Boros!” Her eyes locked with Avria’s. “Him being here complicates things too. What he did to Robert… and the way he stood by and watched us get dragged away like that. I can’t believe Boros would do such a thing.” Katrina said, shaking her head.
“The loss of his brother and father killed him, Katrina.” Avria said. “His sister is now the only family he has left. And she will most likely be killed by Yomin regardless. The House of Ignos is a powerful name. Many want to see it rendered to ash. The same is definite for my father.” Avria clenched her fists. “My father… the head of House Regios. A traitor… the sire of traitors…” She narrowed her eyes. “I must find Daniel.”
Katrina nodded, then turned toward where the Rexunii royal camp was set up. “Have you checked with the Rexunii yet?”
Avria breathed hard, but shook her head. “I have avoided that place.”
“He’s most likely there.” Katrina gestured in the direction, and began walking toward it. Avria followed, and they walked side by side in silence.
As they entered the camp, Katrina saw that they had several assorted stone structures, grown out of the ground. They were large and spacious, filled with lavish rugs and comfortable cushions and beds. Wow. She thought, this sure beats the tents we used coming here. In the center of the camp, they found who they were looking for. Daniel was there, and was sitting alone, staring at a large free-floating flame.
She hesitated for a moment, thinking whether to leave him alone or not. But Avria strode forward. She walked directly to him. Huh… she thought. They have a lot to talk about.”
Katrina noticed his head wound was gone, then looked to see that his hip was no longer bleeding. He must have healed himself; she thought. She strode behind them, sitting far enough away to not be a part of the conversation, but close enough to hear them.
“This is where you’ve been hiding?” Avria’s words were angry, her usually composed speech now seethed with barely concealed rage. “Daniel.”
“What is it?” He spoke sharply, staring into the fire.
“Daniel, I need to know what happened.” She crossed her arms. “Your actions—”
“Don’t blame me for what happened, Avria. Delmos told me what happened to your father. How your lands and titles were stripped. The Lokkadonians abandoned you.”
“That isn’t what this is about, Daniel.” She stepped closer to him. “My entire family has been destroyed. And loyalty is more than that. Retaliating if you are wronged by your liege lord... It renders oaths meaningless.”
Daniel turned toward her, his eyes red with anger. “Oaths. Don’t talk to me about that bullshit. You swore an oath to Yomin? To Phobos?”
“It goes deeper than your emotion, Daniel!” She barked. “We are Dae. And more than that, we are Lokkadonians. We honor the spirits, and our kings!”
“Which do you honor more?”
Avria paused. “What?”
“I said, which do you honor more? Your kings, or the spirits?”
Avria’s jaw tightened, but she clearly knew where he was going with it. Katrina did too. Not to say she approved of it, but Daniel did have a bit of a point.
“We, of course, honor the spirits first and foremost.” Avria said through tight lips.
“And did a spirit, not appear out of thin air all that time ago? And charge Agron with protecting us? Yomin was going to kill us, Avria. Phobos, had no intention of honoring whatever fucked up bargain you struck with him, and now two more people that I care about are dead.”
Avria shook her head, exhaling sharply as she sat down next to him. “This whole situation is out of our hands. My father is… he won’t survive the night. And the fact that I am now a traitor to my people… I am having a difficult time rationalizing this, Daniel. I helped you kill hundreds of my fellow clansmen, because I felt I had no choice. My instinct as a warrior took over, and I did what I had to do… But now.” She looked up toward the darkening sky. “I feel empty inside… which is something that I have never truly experienced. And that power that you used.” Her eyes shot back at him. “What in all the realms was that?”
“When you saved my life in Vul Dema.” He said, “You did something in my Dunamis that healed me. Ever since then, my power seemed… different. Then, after you left me at the border of Baa’Yega territory. A spirit visited me in my Dunem Dae Espa. I can’t explain it…” He turned toward her. “Besides that, I’m sorry about your family. I know it’s my fault… And I didn’t mean what I said about your oaths. I know they’re important to you.”
Avria seemed to deflate. Her previous anger dissipated as she leaned forward and rested her face in her hands. “Nothing is as I thought it was, anymore. But you are right… Gro’ak tasked us with protecting you. Agron knew it was the way. And went against Yomin and Phobos regardless of the threat he faced. How can I turn away from such a sacred mission?”
“Sacred?” Daniel raised an eyebrow.
“You know what I mean. You humans are special, albeit very strange.”
“Strange indeed.” A deep voice said from behind them.
Katrina turned, and saw High King Alektor, walking up with his entourage of warriors and politicians. Lord Turak, Princess Ambrosia, several nobles she didn’t recognize, and about twelve royal guards.
Avria stood, whirling to face the High King. Daniel just turned around on the small bench he was sitting on. It was then that he noticed that Katrina was there. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, then went back to Alektor.
Alektor appraised the two for a time but ultimately turned his attention to Avria. “Lady Regios. I am surprised to see you here.”
Avria tensed. Her fingers flexing instinctively.
“Your defensive posturing is meaningless.” He continued. “You are not here as my enemy, today. Your assistance of the Spirit-Sent today on the field of battle proved your intentions. And the depth of your character.”
“What are you talking about?” She hissed. “After everything that has happened.”
“Accept it, or don’t.” He turned toward Daniel. “Now, Spirit-Sent Daniel, strange though you may be.” Alektor sat across from Daniel, using his Dunamis to lower the intensity of the flame. “Your power today, changed the course of the battle.” His eyes scanned all of the members before him. He looked from person to person, then gestured for everyone to sit around the fire. “I would like to address everyone here.”
Alektors people sat on the surrounding benches. Turak and Ambrosia on his right, and the other nobles to his left.
“I understand we have agents of the Torre’ here today.” Alektor again looked directly at Avria. “It is rare that I am pleased by the actions of the Torre’, but you have my thanks, not just for rescuing the Spirit-Sent, but for your role in the battle.”
Avria could barely look at him, her face a mask of rage and disgust.
“We attacked because of the Spirit-Sent.” Alektor folded his arms. “Our preparations were already completed for a surprise attack. But word from our spies that Daniel and Katrina were promptly imprisoned for the High Espi-Dae came to us, and we had no choice but to push the attack. I will not sit by and watch them destroy another Spirit-Sent… Never again.”
“Yeah…” Daniel said, his eyes low. “I just wish you showed up a bit earlier.”
“Rin and Matea.” Katrina said, her heart sinking at the memory of their mutilated bodies.
“What happened to Rin and Matea?” Alektor asked,
Daniel’s face shot up, “They fucking tortured them both, to death. For hours, they sliced them up, gouged out their eyes and spilled their guts all over the fucking floor!”
“They, did such heinous acts?” Alektor looked truly infuriated at this news. “I knew I should have forbidden them to go. This is my fault. I knew they would not look kindly on a Sabree warrior and a former Doulos, slave.”
“No.” Daniel shook his head. “I would have challenged it. I didn’t trust you. I thought I was making the right call. I thought I could protect them. But I don’t know shit. You knew the Lokkadonians. Knew how they treat those who they see as enemies… This is my fault.”
Alektor stood, and beckoned servants to come with bowls of wine for everyone. Holding his bowl high, he said. “I hereby declare that Rin, and Matea of house Grotish.”
Interesting, he remembered her house name, Katrina thought.
“Be risen to the rank of Nobility.” Alektor continued. “Rin had no house name, or family to speak of. But Matea had a younger sister, and her father and mother. I will send word of her heroism and bravery, and I offer them the territory of Vul Dema. To rule over as Lords. Forever will the actions and sacrifice of these two Dae be remembered.”
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Daniel raised his bowl of wine and drank deeply. Then held it out to the servant, who promptly poured another one for him.
“You are all welcome to join the celebrations tonight.” Turak said, standing. Our warriors are celebrating a great victory today, as you all know. They are eager to meet the heroes of the battle. The Spirit-Sent who felled hundreds of foes using a blade of light.”
Daniel looked up at him and shook his head. “I think what I need right now, is as much wine as you can give me, and a warm bed to sleep in. Thanks for the offer, though.”
Alektor nodded, but again, looked at Avria. “Lady Avria. I would ask that you swear on the lives of your charges, and on the honor of your house, that you will not do harm to any member of my clan, or any who we call ally.”
Avria breathed hard but nodded. “I will refrain from any such actions. You have my word, your highness.”
“Very well.” Alektor nodded. “Though I am sure you will ignore the invitation. You are welcome to participate. As are your charges.” With that, Alektor turned and started to speak with several Rexunii clansmen Katrina recognized but couldn’t remember their names.
An attendant scurried over and bowed. “Lords and Ladies. High King Alektor has requested also, that you join us in camp tonight. Accommodations have been prepared for all of you.” With swift words, he pointed in the direction of their different stone dwellings and left as quickly as he arrived.
“Thanks.” Daniel said, raising his bowl of wine to the attendant as he left.
“Here you all are.” The easily recognizable voice of Delmos called as he approached from behind them. Katrina turned and saw Nasha was with him as well.
“There you are.” Katrina said, giving Delmos a hug. “I was wondering where you went.”
Delmos’ eyes looked tired, but he smiled. “I’m here now, aren’t I?” As he spoke, she could smell a strong scent of wine on his breath.
“You forget yourself.” Avria hissed. “We are surrounded by enemies, and you diminish your mind with wine?”
“Yes.” Delmos shot back. “I’ve fought and killed my clansmen, Avria. I’m a traitor who’s life is worth as much as a Cro’kan’s shit, perhaps less. And to be truthful. I don’t care what happens to me anymore. Father will most likely be dead by morning, and we have no lands or clan to call home.” He grabbed a bowl of wine from an attendant and drank from it. “So, I will enjoy my night as best I can, with the only people left in all of this putrid world I hold dear.”
“Here— here.” Daniel grunted, clanking his bowl against Delmos’ and following his friend’s example.
“Besides,” Delmos grinned. “I heard that Boros killed Robert. Fulfilling all my fantasies of vengeance.”
A flood of confusing emotions passed through Katrina’s mind. She glanced over at where Alektor was conversing, hesitated, then decided to approach them.
“Alektor.” She said, interrupting his conversation. The High King eyed her suspiciously, but gestured for the people he was conversing with to leave.
“Spirit-Sent.” He nodded toward her. “What can I do for you?”
“I…” She choked on her words, trying to recall what she had planned to say. “It’s just… Robert.”
Alektor’s mask of calm cracked for a moment as the words left her mouth. “The criminal responsible for that will be delt with accordingly. I can assure you that. Though I’m sure you were pleased to hear of his misfortune.”
“I…” Katrina shook her head. “I don’t know anymore.”
“Well, I had to convey the news to Demessa, that the father of her child, would not be returning to her tonight.” Alektor took a calming breath and shook his head. “I know you hated him for what he did. But his crimes against your friends brought so many people freedom and joy.”
“No…” Katrina said, her voice soft. “I think I finally understand him. After the years I’ve known him. His struggle showed me who he truly was. His duality. He was put in such a difficult position… and as much as I hate what he did… I can’t for the life of me hold it against him…” Tears started to fill her eyes, and she did her best to blink them away. “He saved people… at the end of the day… he was a hero to some.”
“We all are.” Alektor seemed to let his mask fall again. Looking toward the roiling fire in the center of the camp, she saw real emotion in his eyes. “Heroes and villains. Monsters and saviors. The only thing we can do, Katrina. Is pray that in the end, our side is the righteous cause we hope it is.”
~
Avria fumed, but found herself numb to it all. Such overwhelming loss in such a short period of time had pushed her mind beyond the limits of what she thought possible. All the same, she couldn’t sit by and let herself give up. She looked at Delmos, Katrina, Nasha, and Daniel. She couldn’t allow any of them to give up.
“This is not the time to drown your sorrows, Daniel.” She said, leaning in close to him, irritation clear in her voice. “We must be focused and ready for what might befall us tonight. As I said, we are surrounded by enemies here.”
Daniel turned toward her and frowned. “Alektor isn’t going to try anything, Avria. The Rexunii have bigger shit to worry about than us.”
“Too much wine weakens you, Daniel.” She spat, “These are the people who killed our Hego. These are the fiends that stole Oros from us. They can’t be trusted. We must leave. Tonight.”
“And go where, Avria?” Daniel said between drinks. “Vul De Mar? Belous? By the way, your little Espi-Dae friend is gone too. The fucker. There’s nowhere for us to go. And yes, I hate these people for what they did. But what do you want us to do?”
Avria’s mind raced, going over dozens of potential options. None seemed realistic. At least compared to their current position. Her thoughts were interrupted though as Alektor approached them again. This time with Katrina by his side.
The High King’s yellow eyes rested on her and he spoke. “It has been brought to my attention, Sterion Avria, that King Yomin has, with the blessing of King Phobos, revoked your titles, and repossessed your lands.”
Avria blinked. The manner in which to respond crossed her mind. But to keep up appearances and preserve what little respite they now had, she did so respectfully. “That is correct, your highness.”
“Those fuckers destroyed her house for trying to help us.” Daniel grumbled, angrily.
“Is that so.” Alektor said. “Very well, Lady Avria. I would offer you a position in my court, and all of your previous lands within Vul De Rah. Yomin cannot repossess what is no longer in his possession. You are a noble Lady of Eleutheros, and honorable. Your dedication to the Spirit-Sent has moved me. I would not see a house like yours fall to ruin.”
Avria’s mind raced at the High King’s words. No! not the High King; he’s a traitor! She thought. “Forgive me, your Majesty.” Avria said, bowing her head. “I am afraid that I cannot accept. I am honor bound to my High King, and must accept the fate of House Regios, for the time being.”
“You do not understand, Lady Avria.” Alektor continued. “You can say what you will. But I am still granting you these things. Your titles are hereby restored, by my Authority as High King. And if Phobos does not recognize my authority as High King, to bestow land in Lokkon? I am granting you land in Rexun. The territory of Dio Rego, our furthest northern settlement. My position as King in Rexun is still recognized by the High Court in Belous. By this, you are again among the nobility. Enemy or not, you are worthy of this gift, and much more. Your service and loyalty to the Spirit-Sent far exceeds any gift that I can give.” Alektor turned to one of his royal guards. “See to it that our scribe prepares the proper documents.”
Avria’s head hurt. This was clearly an over the top gesture, to win Daniel and Katrina over. The empty words disgusted her. But she kept her mouth shut, and bowed her head. “Thank you, your Majesty. I am not worthy of such praise.”
“No.” Daniel said, downing another bowl of wine. “You deserve it. You deserve that and so much more, Avria. Thank you Alektor.”
“Well, if that is everything, I must retire for the night.” Alektor said, turning and whispering something to Katrina, who nodded. Then he turned, and made his way away from the firelight, and into the darkness.
“Great.” Daniel stood, swaying a bit as he walked toward one of the servants. “I’ll take that.” He said, grabbing the jug of wine out of her hands. “He’s got the right idea.” He said, making his way toward one of the luxurious stone huts.
Avria shook her head. “As always,” she said, under her breath. “You are making things so much harder on yourself.” She stood to go follow him, maybe to smack some sense into him. But she stopped when she heard Nasha’s raised voice. She turned to see her in a heated argument with Turak, Alektor’s right hand.
“Say that again, we’ll see what happens!” She shouted.
“I said,” Turak bent closer to her. “That I hardly recognized you with both of your legs. Maybe if you had been running away, it would have been easier.”
“You!” Nasha brought her fist back to punch him, but Avria caught it before she could throw it.
“That is uncalled for, Lord Turak,” Avria said, her gaze falling hard on the man.
“Yes, the great Avria, of house Regios. They say you are quite the warrior.” Turak said. “Alektor can talk all he wants about how great you are. But you Lokkadonians are all the same. Murderers and rapists. Slavers and scum, all of you. It was a shame I couldn’t kill more of you today.”
“You might have your wish, Turak.” Avria said with barely concealed hatred. “Look for me on the battlefield, next time. You’ll find me at the front.”
“All of you people are so arrogant. I like that.” He turned to Nasha. “It is always so satisfying to see the look in their eyes when they realize they’ve chosen their foe poorly.” He smiled, and the sight brought an involuntary chill down Avria’s spine. This man was dangerous. And could not be underestimated.
“Have a good evening, Turak.” Avria said, bowing her head. “We are grateful to be your guests for the evening.
Turak lingered a moment longer, then walked away, slinking into the darkness of the night.
“Be careful tonight, Nasha. I want everyone on high alert. I don’t care what Daniel says.” Avria grasped her shoulder. “We all lose. I am lucky that you lived. If you hadn’t, I would never have gotten to know you.”
Nasha, smiled. “Aw, Avria.”
“Enough of that.” She said, looking at Katrina. She was standing awkwardly, waiting to speak with Avria.
“Avria.” Katrina said, her face apologetic. “I’m sorry about that. I spoke to Alektor about a few things… and your situation came up. He insisted—”
“It doesn’t matter.” Avria cut her off. “We can speak about it in the morning. Go to your dwelling, and get some sleep.”
“I… um.” The human girl stuttered.
“Go.” Avria insisted, and Katrina obeyed, disappearing into the darkness.
Then she looked toward where Daniel had gone. There was a small light on, in the furthest stone shelter. She shook her head, determined to talk some sense into him and make sure he didn’t drink himself to death. With purpose, she strode across the camp and opened the flap of cloth that covered the open doorway. She saw Daniel, sitting on a loveseat, drinking wine straight from the jug.
“Daniel.” she said, sternly. “That’s enough. You need to stop and get some rest. We’ve already been threatened tonight by a very powerful warrior. I can’t have you unable to defend yourself properly if you need to.”
“How many months have we been here?” Daniel asked, his words sluggish. “I know it’s almost been two years, but… I don’t really know.”
“What? Daniel, didn’t you hear what I said?” Avria huffed, realizing that he was already far beyond his limit with alcohol. “Of course, a warrior of your caliber, and you can’t hold your wine.”
“The weird part is…” He continued, ignoring her comments. “I don’t even remember my old life much anymore. None of the good at least… only the pain.” He lifted the Jug to drink, and Avria dashed over and snatched it out of his hands. Pouring it on his face in the process.
“What the fuck, Avria!?” Daniel shot up, looking at her now. His eyes were hard and angry. She didn’t care.
“Do I have your attention now?” She said, “Get your ass to bed. Sleep off this foolishness, and get a hold of yourself. You’re stronger than whatever this is.”
Daniel leaned in close to her, his eyes focused and filled with rage. “No,” he said.
“What? What do you mean, ‘no’?” Avria asked, perplexed.
“I said I’m not going to see that piece of shit High King in Torre’.” Daniel spat. “He can go and fuck himself! Him and all his Espi-Dae who want us dead!”
“Daniel, I am not here to ask you to go to Belous and see High King Phobos. I admit that it is too dangerous.”
“Then what are you doing here?” He growled.
“To make sure you don’t drink yourself into oblivion. We need to be as alert as possible tonight.”
“Bullshit.” Daniel cursed, “Why the hell would you even care? You hated my guts when we first met. Treated me like shit. Not until I risked my life to save you, did you warm up, even the slightest bit.”
“What!?” Avria knew he was drunk. And probably wasn’t sure of what he was saying. Either way, he had crossed the line, and he needed to sober up. She pulled her fist back and punched him in the face as hard as she could. To Daniel’s credit though, he didn’t fall over. He reeled back but looked at her in surprise.
“I sacrificed my whole life for you!” She yelled. “My house! My family’s honor! I saved your miserable life! I fought against my own people for you! And this is the thanks I get!? My father is sitting in a prison in Vul De Mar, right now, because he trusted me, because I had faith in you.” She was again, overwhelmed with rage and pulled her fist back to punch him, but he dashed forward, using his superior hand to hand skills, he held her arm up, then brought it behind her head, while forcing her against the wall of the hut.
Avria was so angry, she forgot herself. She had let him outmaneuver her. Sloppy, she thought.
“Avria…” he said, staring into her eyes. “I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. None of it.”
Avria struggled to free herself but found his strength far more than she expected. Granted she wasn’t using her Dunamis to enhance her muscles, but he also had the power to do that now. “Let me go.” she said, narrowing her eyes at him.
“I don’t know why, maybe it’s the wine, or, almost getting killed again, or losing Rin and Matea.” He shook his head. “But I can’t do it anymore. I can’t let people die for me anymore. I can’t be beholden to someone again. Oros died for me, and so did Agron. And so did Matea, and… and Rin. Avria, she was so pure, and innocent. She was a good person.” He met her eyes again. “Like you.”
Avria felt a heat in her cheeks as he gazed into her eyes. “Wha… what do you mean?” she asked, with a lot less force than she intended.
“You are a good person.” He said, “And, so beautiful.”
Avria’s heart started to beat uncontrollably. Feeling as though it would burst out of her chest. Not in fear; but in confusion, and some unwanted anticipation. Before she could finish a thought, he pressed his lips onto hers. She felt a bolt of lightning go up and down her body. And she lost all will to fight it. He slowly let go of her hand, and she found herself instinctively grasping his neck, pulling him in closer. She couldn’t think, it was as though her body was moving on its own.
“Dan~~!” A slurred voice called from outside the hut.
Avria’s eyes shot open, and she pushed him with Dunamis enhanced strength across the room, just as her drunk brother, Delmos, opened the flap.
“Come on!” He hiccupped. “There is some fantastic wine out here! Some I’ve never tried before; I need to get you one immediately—” His eyes focused for a moment, and he saw Avria leaning against the wall. “What, the hell are you doing in here, Avria!?” He looked over at Daniel. “Dan!? Explain!?”
“She punched me, Delmos.” Daniel said, holding his cheek where she had in fact punched him.
“Oh…” He said, his face looking less sober now, and back to it’s true drunken form. “Well in that case, good! Now let’s go!” He said, leaving as abruptly as he had entered.
Avria’s heart was still beating, and she looked up at Daniel, who rose shakily.
“I…” She said, her eyes darting around the room. “I- I have to go.”
With that, she sped out of the hut, walked several feet and looked up toward the night sky. What the hell am I doing? She thought.