Daniel jolted awake, his heart racing from the remnants of a dream that clung like cobwebs. He sat upright, the room spinning slightly as his vision struggled to focus. Where the hell am I? The question echoed in the silence of the unfamiliar room. As his eyes adjusted, fragments of yesterday’s battle filtered through the haze. The clash of bone, the booming power of the Dunamis, blood and violence, and then... nothing.
He found himself on the floor, not in the luxurious bed that dominated the room. Why the hell did I pass out here? With a groan, he pushed himself up, his muscles protesting. The room was opulent, with tapestries and ornate furnishings, a stark contrast to the rough conditions he was accustomed to.
Stumbling slightly, Daniel made his way to the washroom at the back of the dwelling. The cold water from the basin was a shock to his system, but it helped clear the fog from his mind. He looked at his reflection, noting the weariness in his eyes. Back home, that much drinking would've knocked me out for days.
After freshening up, he stepped out into the morning air. The coolness of the dawn bit at his skin, and a gentle mist cloaked the treetops, creating an ethereal canopy above. He breathed deeply, trying to shake off the remnants of his hangover.
Nearby, he found one of the Dae-Leu’s flowing basins. Again, he splashed water on his face, the chill invigorating him, then drank deeply, feeling the water cleanse his parched throat.
Footsteps approached from his left, and he turned to see Nasha and Avria walking towards him.
"Morning," he greeted, rubbing the last of the sleep from his eyes.
"Good morning, Daniel," Nasha responded with a nod, her voice steady and calm.
"Good morning..." Avria's voice trailed off, her gaze averted, lacking her usual assertiveness.
"What’s going on?" Daniel sensed something amiss, his instincts prickling.
"Alektor has requested our presence this morning, before we proceed with any travel plans," Nasha explained.
Daniel's eyes lingered on Avria. "And what's wrong with you?" he asked, noticing her subdued demeanor.
Nasha’s attention turned to Avria as well. “Yes, you have been acting strange this morning, Avria. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Avria said, “Nasha I would like to speak to Daniel alone. If that is alright.”
Nasha looked between the two, and then nodded. Walking back to her stone hut.
Daniel’s fuzzy memory suddenly was jerked, as she looked at him. Her eyes, her mouth. Oh shit. He thought, his blood pressure rising. I think I fucking kissed her last night. Me and my stupid drunk ass. He silently cursed himself.
“Listen.” He said, suddenly feeling like he wanted to fall on the nearest blade. “About last night… I didn’t mean to—"
“No.” Avria interrupted him. “Things were said last night, and… passions were high. You were not yourself.”
Daniel scratched his head awkwardly. Fighting the urge to hide under the nearest rock.
Avria cleared her throat, and her face turned a shade of blue. “I am not used to this sort of thing Daniel. I don’t know what to say.”
“Well.” he sighed, “I’ll start by saying, I’m sorry. It’s still really hazy for me, but I know what I did.”
“Save your apology, Daniel.” She shook her head. “What I want to know, is why?”
“Why?” Daniel’s mind raced as he pulled the memory up from the muddied depths. “I guess—”
“You know what?” She held her hand up to stop him. “I changed my mind. I don’t want to know why. We can sum it up to an inebriated state of mind, and your base instincts.”
“Now hold on a second.” Daniel narrowed his eyes. “I was drunk off my ass, yes. But I distinctly remember not being the only willing participant.”
“Enough.” Avria huffed, bringing an end to the topic. “Aside from this nonsense. We have not received word this morning from Vul De Mar about my father or Illya. But Alektor has requested our presence.” She inhaled deeply, looking up toward the ethereal canopy above. “I fear what he will say. Now that he’s had time to think about what to do with us.”
“We’ll be fine.” Daniel spoke confidently, attempting to reassure her. “Alektor made it pretty clear last night how he feels about you and your family. My concern isn’t what he’ll do, but what Yomin and Phobos will do to retaliate. Your dad and Illya are in serious danger.”
“If they aren’t dead already.” She turned toward Alektor’s stone tent. “I suppose we should make our way there.” She faced Daniel again, looking him up and down. “You look terrible. You should at least attempt to bathe and find something better to wear. Do so, and I will meet you there.”
~
Daniel trudged back to his stone tent, each step heavy with the weight of his recent encounter with Avria. How could I have been so careless? he berated himself. How could I let things spiral out of control like that? Avria was more than just a friend and ally; she was a cornerstone of their group, a beacon of stability. With the current turmoil surrounding her family, she deserved better than the confusion and distraction he had inadvertently caused.
Upon entering his luxuriously furnished hut, Daniel's eyes landed on a neatly folded stack of clean clothing laid out on his bed, paired with a black cloak. He lifted the cloak, appreciating the dense weave of the fabric. The color was significant; black bore no clan allegiance in Eleutheros, a neutral choice for warriors and squires alike. It seemed an appropriate selection. At least Alektor had the tact not to thrust the Rexunii colors upon him. Daniel exhaled a ragged breath, his emotions a tangled mess, and shifted his attention to the clothing. Though not opulent, the garments were of an impeccable quality, testament to the care taken in their preparation.
He took his time in the washroom, letting the cool water wash away the blood and grime of the day prior, and perhaps some of his turmoil. He dressed slowly, the fabric fitting snugly yet comfortably, a silent armor against the world outside. With each piece he donned, he felt a bit more prepared to face what lay ahead.
Clad in his new attire, Daniel stepped out of his hut, the cloak sweeping behind him. His path was set for Alektor’s stone tent. The walk there was short, but in his mind, it was a march towards a confrontation or perhaps a reconciliation. Only time would tell.
Daniel entered and bowed his head. He observed the many occupants; besides Alektor, who sat in the center of the room on a stone chair; he was flanked by many Rexunii nobles. Turak and Ambrosia among them. He saw Katrina and Avria, standing side by side, both looking at him expectantly. Behind them was Delmos and Nasha, who both looked nervous. Particularly Delmos, who seemed to be nursing a significant hangover. With a quick pivot on his heel, he made his way to stand beside the two women.
“Now that we are all assembled,” Alektor began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, “Lady Avria, I trust your accommodations were to your liking?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Avria replied with a stiff bow, the formality in her tone masking the turmoil within. “Your hospitality is most generous.”
“It was no trouble,” Alektor continued, his gaze sharpening as he fixed his eyes on her. “But enough pleasantries, Avria. You must be curious as to why I've summoned everyone here this morning.”
“I assume you bear news, Your Majesty,” Avria responded, her voice tinged with a cold edge, “given my family’s current predicament.”
With a nod, Alektor turned to his right. “Princess Ambrosia, please share our morning's intelligence.”
Ambrosia stepped forward, her eyes meeting Avria's with a mix of sympathy and resolve. “Our agents in Belous report that you and your Sterion companions have been officially disavowed. Following your involvement in yesterday's battle, King Yomin has informed the High King that you aided the Rexunii against him, conveniently leaving out his own treachery and the Spirit-Sent's involvement.”
Daniel watched as Avria's eyes flared with anger, her usual composure slipping. “I would need to verify this,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Our Dae-Jin are at your service, Lady Avria,” Ambrosia offered. “Send word to anyone you wish. They will confirm our report. Additionally, preparations have begun for the execution of Lord Telmos from House Regios.”
“What!?” Avria and Delmos exclaimed in unison, shock and horror etching their faces. Avria's façade began to crack under the weight of the news.
Alektor rose from his throne, his presence filling the room. “Upon learning of this, I immediately sent a message to King Phobos, requesting an audience. I've also informed him that my army is advancing on the Torre lands. His numerical advantage has vanished. I've made it clear: his survival hinges on meeting with me to negotiate peace. And of course, preserving the life of Telmos in the process.”
Avria looked at him, her expression clouded with concern. “I…”
“But this does not come without a cost. I require something from you, Avria,” Alektor finally stated, his eyes piercing. “I require your loyalty.”
Daniel swallowed hard. This guy doesn't play around, he thought.
“Your clan has forsaken you. The High King has branded you a traitor. Your High Espi-Dae has defied the Spirits!”
“I am sworn—” Avria began, only to be interrupted.
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“You are sworn to protect them,” Alektor gestured towards Daniel and Katrina. “As I am. And the rest of Rexun.”
“Why?” Avria's voice rose with anger. “Why do you want me? I'm a Lokkadonian murderer, aren't I? You hardly know me. I even attempted to kill you during the Battle of Vul De Rah.”
“I need you because of them.” He pointed again. “They trust you. They believe in you, as does Vul De Rah! Your family is revered; the people still speak of your father's time in power over the Glade. I need an old family, respected by the Lokkadonians, yet loyal to me.”
Alektor clasped his hands behind his back, a strategist laying out his plan. “Consider my situation. You meet all the criteria. Rexun has never had a Hego in charge of regions. I will appoint your father as the first Hego of Rexun, making your family the rulers of Vul De Rah.”
Avria's eyes darted around, her mind racing. Daniel could see the news had thrown her off balance, with everything happening to her father and her house, now abandoned by the High King, she looked about to crumble.
“Alektor, can we have a moment?” Daniel asked, gently taking Avria's arm and guiding her outside.
“Avria, you have to take this deal,” he urged, facing her.
“I can't, Daniel!” She spat out. “That man killed Agron. He killed Boros! I would never forgive him for that. I'd rather wander Pelemont as a beggar than pledge allegiance to him.”
“You have to,” Daniel said, his grip firm on her, forcing her to meet his gaze. “We need you. We need you alive and powerful. You're the only Dae I trust fully. Yes, that includes Delmos. But I believe that things happen for a reason. You can hate him,” He pointed at the entrance of the stone hut. “But, for the love of all that is holy, plan his downfall later, right now, we need to be in a position of strength. Go back in there and accept the offer.”
“Daniel…” She struggled to find the words. “You are asking me—”
“I’m asking you to save your father’s life, Avria.”
She grimaced, closing her eyes and growling in frustration.
Her expression shifted from anger to determination, and with a nod, newfound confidence entered her eyes. She re-entered the tent.
“Your Majesty,” she announced, bowing, “I accept your proposal.”
“What!?” Delmos and Nasha exclaimed together, even Alektor showing surprise.
“I accept on the condition that you plead for my father's life, and you honor your commitments to Daniel and Katrina for the entirety of your reign.”
“I am… very pleased to hear that,” Alektor said, a silent acknowledgment passing between him and Daniel. “I will dispatch the message at once. Lord Telmos' fate is now linked directly with High King Phobos!”
Ambrosia bowed and turned to relay the orders to nearby attendants.
“Very well,” Alektor concluded. “Lady Avria, may we convene later this evening? Much needs to be discussed.”
Avria bowed her head in agreement, then turned and walked out, her steps deliberate, her mind undoubtedly on the precarious path ahead.
~
“What are you doing, Avria!?” Delmos hissed, “You are not the family head, Father is! You can’t do that!”
“I had to!” Avria snapped. Daniel was right, she needed to seize power. And from the looks of things, Torre’ had lost their honor long ago. “There is no other way to complete our mission, Delmos. Father has been captured, and is on the verge of death.”
“So ‘he’ says.” Delmos said, “Have you forgotten what Alektor did to us? The thousands dead? Oros’ dead body at your feet?”
Avria felt a pulse of anger within her. “No…” She responded, hotly. “But how can I do anything as a peasant? How can we make a difference with no house? How can father make a difference if he’s dead!?”
“If that is true.” Delmos said, “I will agree. Saving father and keeping Dan and Kat safe are our priorities.”
“I agree.” Nasha said, interjecting. “We need to survive. I seem to have been also disavowed by the Torre’. So, we now have a shared predicament.”
“And after all that time spent on building a relationship with Phobos.” Delmos mocked.
“Let’s wait to see what Alektor does.” Daniel said, approaching them. “He just said his message was received by Torre’. They should respond quickly.”
“Is the army really moving, Dan?” Delmos asked,
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Daniel shrugged. “He always is a straight talker.”
“What does that mean?” Nasha asked.
“It means everything he’s told us so far, has been mostly true.” Katrina said, joining the conversation. “It makes sense that Yomin would lie about your role here. Anything to get back in the High King’s favor. It’s his word against yours.”
“It seems a bit too convenient for my taste.” Delmos said, “But I guess we will see. It isn’t like I have a choice in the matter. Elder sister has sworn oaths. Though, from what I’ve been hearing, oaths mean little these days.”
Avria fixed him with a severe glare. “I will go see what Alektor wants tonight. Then we’ll figure out our next move.”
~
Avria returned to her hut, her steps heavy with the day's revelations. Slumping onto the couch, exhaustion washed over her. It looks like we'll be staying put for now, she thought. Yet, the idea of reclaiming land and restoring her family's status brought her a flicker of hope. With this position, she could make significant changes in Vul De Rah, protect its people. She imagined Daniel settling back into his old room at the palace, Katrina perhaps taking up residence in the Regios Estate. The struggle was only beginning, but with the right support and the proper planning, they could make it work, somehow. She started going over the plethora of obstacles that they might face. They were daunting to say the least, but she wouldn’t be alone. Her mind snagged on Daniel's image, and she caught herself falling into the memory of the night prior. Damn that man! He must have tricked me last night.
She sat for several more hours, summoning a Dae-Jin to dispatch a message to an ally within Vul De Mar's court. Meanwhile, she sought confirmation of Alektor's claims about her father and her own standing. When the truth returned, it felt like a physical blow. Her father was indeed slated for execution the very next day and she and Nasha had in fact, been disavowed by the Torre’. Being branded traitors and heretics by both the crown and the Espi-Dae.
A knock at the wooden plaque beside her hut's entrance pulled her from her brooding. "Come in," she called, and Alektor entered, his presence filling the space.
"I hope I am not intruding," he said, scanning the room.
"No, Your Majesty," Avria replied as she stood to greet him, her head bowing in respect.
Alektor clasped his hands behind his back, a gesture she had noted he favored, and approached one of the large couches without sitting. “I need to know I can trust you, Avria," he began. "There are sensitive matters, things you would have discovered in time, but must be safeguarded at all costs.”
Intrigued, Avria nodded. “I have pledged my service to you, Your Majesty. I am not without flaws, but I will strive to uphold your expectations.”
Taking a deep breath, Alektor stepped closer. “We've learned that Reku, or Robert, as you knew him—had sired children with not one, but two Dae women: Demessa of House Irro and Queen Athica of House Krat.”
Avria blinked. Surprised at the news. Then her eyes widened. “Humans and Dae…”
“Yes.” He said taking a moment. “It seems the Great Spirits have blessed us with the ability to mate with these creatures. Which.”
“Which makes them, extremely valuable. Based on the abilities they have been developing. This is very interesting news.”
“Very Dangerous news as well.” Alektor said. “If the offspring have some of the same abilities as Reku, or Daniel, or Katrina. They will be… a new species.”
Avria’s mind was racing at the implications. A new species, she thought.
“Any event like this has not taken place since the first ascended walked our world. Absorbing the very essence of the spirits themselves.” Alektor walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I am going to need you to help me with them. They seem to be very fond of you. You are a mentor and friend to them.”
“I am what I need to be.” Avria said. “But yes, I am fond of them both.”
“Good.” He spoke, then turned to leave.
“Your Majesty,” Avria called out, causing Alektor to pause and face her once more. “I must inform you that I've confirmed your claims. My father… is indeed scheduled for execution tomorrow.”
“No.” Alektor responded decisively, “He is no longer in any danger.”
Avria’s heart surged with hope. “They’ve responded?”
“Only an hour ago.” He smiled. “Phobos has agreed to meet with me in three days at the border of Torre’ land. And I was sure to mention that Telmos will not be harmed. Or I would commit the same punishment to him, once our conquest of Belous was completed. His lack of an army at the moment proved quite the motivator.”
“This one defeat shouldn’t have been enough to eliminate the Lokkadonian’s ability to fight.” Avria raised the question. “There are thousands more warriors in reserve.”
Alektor acknowledged her point with a nod, his smirk revealing more. “I did not mention it earlier, because I needed to be sure of your loyalty. But there have been thousands of warriors and nobles from all around Eleutheros, who have pledged themselves to our cause. They are arriving by the hundreds every hour.”
Avria’s curiosity was peaked, and she tiled her head to the side.
"They've come after witnessing or hearing tales of the Spirit-Sent’s divine intervention in yesterday’s battle," Alektor elaborated. "Daniel’s summoning of a holy flame, and Katrina raising mountains to fight their enemies, are said to be the work of the great spirits themselves."
"That's..." Avria shook her head, skepticism in her tone. "Quite the exaggeration. Did your agents help spread this narrative?"
"Winning a war encompasses more than just combat, Avria," Alektor's gaze locked with hers, intense and calculating. "I've only nudged the story along. It has mostly grown on its own. We now have thousands from every clan in Eleutheros coming to pledge their faith to the Spirit-Sent."
“And many of those… are from Phobos’ reserves, I take it.”
Alektor didn’t respond, only smiled and turned again to leave. “Enjoy the rest of your night, Lady Avria. We will march at first light.”
“Of course, your Highness.” She bowed again, and before she brought her head back up, he was gone.
She walked outside and looked up at the darkening sky. Humans and Dae could have children. She thought, how very strange. She turned to her left, toward the bonfire in the center of their camp. Katrina and Daniel were there, Delmos and Nasha. Talking about something. She looked at Daniel. And the thought of him from the previous night crept into her mind once more. She shook her head. Stop being foolish, she told herself. There is no chance of that. And no time for it. She looked again at the fire and saw Daniel, who must have noticed her, approaching. By the Spirits... She thought, bracing herself.
“Why don’t you come and join us?” he asked, walking up to her. “You’ve had a pretty intense day. You should sit with us by the fire. It might do you some good.”
“Thank you for the offer, but no.” She said, turning her head to look anywhere but at him.
“You sure?” he asked,
“I am.”
“Look. I don’t want it awkward between us, Avria.” He said.
“It isn’t… ‘awkward’ between us, Daniel. I just have a great deal on my mind. And to be completely honest with you, I would prefer to sort this out on my own.” She tried to sound unperturbed but couldn’t help a bit of frustration from bleeding out in her words.
“That’s fair, I guess.” He said bluntly. “After a day like yesterday… and all the shit going on, I could use the distraction.” He turned toward the fire, his eyes lingering on Katrina, who was sitting next to Delmos. And now looked to Avria like she was distressed.
Avria let out a sigh, sensing there was more he wanted to share. “Alright, Daniel, what's going on over there?
He didn’t answer, just turned from Katrina and exhaled heavily.
“Did something happen between you and Katrina?” she asked, genuine curiosity raising itself within her.
“Yeah.” He answered, but with a great deal more gruffness than usual. “But It’s not something important enough to mention now, though.”
Avria raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”
“Everyone’s at their wit’s end over there, Avria.” Daniel gestured toward the fire. “Delmos is going through the same shit as you right now, but only has a fraction of your poise and control. Nasha, who apparently was the only member of her house in Lokkadonia, has been completely abandoned by them. Katrina, is suffering from major PTSD after the battle yesterday, not to mention the death of Robert. And I can’t close my eyes without seeing the hanging and butchered corpses of two people I was supposed to protect.”
Avria nodded along, a deep pang of sadness suddenly reaching her heart as he spoke. “I see…” She eyed the group at the fire again, noticing Delmos was again indulging himself in copious amounts of wine. “We are all suffering, Daniel.” She said, unusual softness in her tone. Which surprised even her. “But at least we are together… The same could not be said for the thousands of Dae who died yesterday.”
“Yeah…” Daniel looked at her. His brown eyes blazing with intensity. “We’re dealing with it all right. But we’ll keep pressing on. Fighting the battles as they come. We’re going to figure this all out. We’re going to save your father, and get you back to where you belong. In Vul De Rah.”
His words resonated like thunder in her ears, each one accelerating her heartbeat; and she looked at him, and his fiery stare, and the determination in his eyes. She breathed in deeply, doing her best to bury her childish thoughts.
“Anyway,” He concluded, his words bringing her back to reality. “I’ll leave you to it. If you change your mind, you know where to find us.”
He turned from her with a wave of his hand, and strode back to the fire. leaving Avria to respond with little more than, “Alright then, see you in the morning...”