Daniel held his hands out again, feeling the roiling power within him build. With a strain of mental effort, he pushed it to the palms of his hands, and unleashed a focused blast of white-gold fire. The beam, more like a lance of energy than the flamethrower-like techniques he'd been practicing, struck the hillside nearly a hundred meters away. He watched as the smoke cleared from the impact area, where dozens of similar looking craters scarred the hillside. He both nodded and shrugged at the result; not fully there, but far better than where he started earlier in the day. In the time since returning from the expedition, Daniel had secluded himself. He had seen good friends die in war. It was an inevitable probability when subjecting yourself to such things.

But it always hurt; it always churned in his heart like hot coals in a fire. And Avria was different to him. She had been devoured by a demon before his eyes, after saving him from the very same fate.

“You are getting quite good at that.” A familiar voice called from behind him.

Daniel turned to see Illya of house Ignos, approaching from the tree line. He had found this little spot, just outside of the city, hidden by a large cluster of trees. There was a vast clearing against a rather steep hillside that reminded Daniel of a shooting range back home. How’d she find me? He thought, turning to look at the charred hillside, a trail of smoke billowing into the air. Well, that explains it.

“I don’t mean to intrude, Daniel.” Illya’s words came out uneasily. “Its just, I’ve been trying to see you… since your return.”

“I know.” Daniel responded, turning to face her. “I tried too. But you were always busy, apparently.”

Illya let out an exasperated laugh, “I’m sure that’s what they told you. Do you know what they told me? That if I am caught with you, they will throw me in the dungeons and have my brother executed.”

Daniel sighed, walking toward her. “That sounds like something they would do.” Before she could respond he wrapped his arms around her in an embrace. Illya gasped in surprise at the sudden show of affection, but quickly returned the gesture. After several moments, he could feel her trembling in his arms, and hear the muffled sobs she let out against his chest. “It’s alright.” He said, tightening his hold. “They aren’t going to kill Boros, Illya. I swear to you.”

Several more tense moments passed as she finally looked up at him. “I can’t tell you how good it is to see you again, Daniel.” She said through several sniffles. “There has been so much death… and our family is all but gone. They want to destroy us…”

“Alektor seems to really have it out for your family.” Daniel agreed, his voice gentle. “Don’t worry though, I’ll protect you and Boros. After everything that’s happened, it’s the right thing to do.”

“But how?” Illya pulled away but still held onto him, as though afraid he would leave her. “I’ve been promised to Lord Turak of house Skotos. And Boros has been marked for death. Despite the efforts of not only Lord Telmos, but also of Katrina.” She leaned forward, pressing her forehead into his chest. “Spirit’s bless that girl… Katrina has been a true friend through all of this.”

Daniel sighed, feeling the weight of new responsibility start to lift the burden of grief and anguish he felt over Avria’s death. He knew he had a duty to protect the last remaining members of house Ignos. He was sick of the politics. Sick of the endless conflict and death. This needed to change; with the revelations brought by Lauren during her interrogation. There was so much more at stake than the meaningless squabbling between houses.

They spent another hour or so together in the clearing. Illya vented her worries and woes to him, all the while clutching to him like her life depended on it. Daniel allowed her to indulge, knowing that it brought her a bit of comfort in her new harsh reality. But as the morning chill started to subside and the early afternoon came, he gently let her know that it was time to get back. She did not protest in any way; allowing him to lead her through the small cluster of trees back toward the gate. She had a small smile on her face as they walked together, her arm linked with his the whole way. When they approached the gate, a group of crimson clad warriors met with them, and escorted them back to the palace, where a retinue of Rexunii warriors blocked their path.

“Spirit-Sent.” The Rexunii officer who led the group greeted him, bowing his head, deeply. “Thank you for bringing Lady Illya back to the palace safely. We will take her from here.”

Daniel narrowed his eyes at the warrior, feeling suddenly very uneasy about letting her out of his sight. “That won’t be necessary.” Daniel’s words were direct, but held a touch of warning within them. “I’m taking her to see Alektor.”

The officer was taken aback by his response, looking unsure of how to answer. “I don’t believe the High King is expecting—”

“Look.” Daniel cut him off, his warning tone turning dangerous. “If you want to take her, you can try. But believe me, after the week I’ve had, you wouldn’t even get close.” He took a threatening step toward the warriors, his expression displaying the promise of violence. “Don’t test me right now, Lieutenant. She’s coming with me. You can tell your superiors, or whoever gave you the order, that I said ‘no’. If he or she has a problem with it, they can take it up with Alektor.”

Without so much as another glance at him, Daniel strode through the cluster of warriors, straight into the entrance of the palace.

“Daniel…” Illya whispered to him, tightening her grip on his arm. “I don’t—”

“We’re ending this bullshit, right now.” He grunted, the grief he felt in his heart turning into an anger he wasn’t sure he could contain. With each step he took, the flames of his resolve flared within him. Before long they found themselves at the entrance of Alektor’s study. The half dozen guards standing sentry outside, were a good indicator that Daniel’s prediction of where they could find him was correct. Alektor always spent the afternoon in this particular study, unless called elsewhere.

“We’re here to see Alektor.” Daniel said to the guard closest to the door.

The warrior stared back at him through the eyeholes of his bone helmet. Showing only the briefest hesitation before sliding the door open slightly.

“Highness, Spirit-Sent Daniel is here to see you, with Lady Illya.”

Daniel heard an unintelligible response from within, but the guard nodded toward him and slid the door all the way open. As he entered, Daniel saw Alektor was in the middle of a small meeting, with Athica, the Queen of Visgo, and Robert’s widow.

The Dae Queen nodded toward him as he entered, her hands gently held over her now swollen belly. Also in attendance was Ambrosia, the Princess of Sabree’, and several Rexunii nobles he didn’t know the names of.

“Daniel.” Alektor’s voice seemed far more worn than usual, further emphasized by his tired looking eyes. “I am glad you decided to join us.” He glanced at Illya, a flash of irritation crossing his features. “Though I would prefer you had come alone. Lady Illya has no business attending this meeting.”

“Well, she needs to be present for this conversation.” Daniel said, his voice calm but commanding. “We need to talk about what she’s doing here. And what you’re planning to do with Boros.”

Daniel didn’t miss the inward groan that the High King attempted to conceal with his stoic expression. “I wasn’t aware there was anything we had to discuss.” He said, in a level tone. “Lady Illya is betrothed to Lord Turak. She knew of this long before coming here, and is well aware that it was one of my conditions for keeping her from sharing the same fate as her brother.”

Illya seemed to shrink behind Daniel as Alektor’s gaze intensified toward her. “She is also aware,” Alektor continued, “That I gave her specific instructions to stay far away from you and Katrina. It seems she has no intention of honoring any part of our agreement. Which is regrettable.”

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“Would you cut the bullshit, please?” Daniel snapped. Alektor’s eyes narrowed at the outburst, but Daniel was past caring anymore. “Your vendetta against house Ignos has been paid in full. You killed Oros, her brother. Slew her dad, Agron, in the middle of his court, conquered Eleutheros, and still want blood? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“How dare you speak to the High King in such a manor!” Ambrosia shouted as she stood from her seat. “We have been tirelessly going over this very real threat that we now face. A threat that you endured at great loss, Daniel. We simply don’t have the time or energy to waste on the Ignos harlot!”

“I wasn’t talking to you.” Daniel growled, “And you don’t need to lecture me on what kind of threat we’re facing. I fucking fought it!” His gazed turned toward Alektor, “And I’ll be damned if I’m going to just sit back and let you people torment or kill one of the only Dae left that I care about in this world. Illya is off limits.”

Alektor rose from his seat, his eyes blazing now with unmasked fury. “You will remember yourself, Daniel.” He fumed, “House Ignos has a great many crimes that they have committed. Crimes that span over hundreds of years.”

“Illya isn’t responsible for any of them.” Daniel retorted, “And as princess bitch over here put so eloquently, we have bigger problems than a four-hundred-year-old grudge against a defeated house.” Daniel let out an angry breath, shaking his head. “I know how powerful you are, Alektor. Everyone here does. But you don’t scare me.” Daniel’s eyes locked with Alektor’s and A mixture of indifference and apathy poured from him. “I’ve looked into the abyss, and seen what stares back. And it wasn’t some High King with a fucking chip on his shoulder. It was a demon… a real fucking monster. And there will be millions more of them, pouring out of gates all over Pelemont if we don’t get our heads out of our asses and stop it.”

Daniel pointed his finger toward the High King. “I saved your life, Alektor. I asked you for a favor, and it turned out to be a bust. But if you want to make it up to me, and prove that you’re the leader we all hope you are. You’re going to have to forgive them.” Daniel gently pushed Illya in front of him, having her face Alektor. “You’re going to have to move past whatever pain they have caused you for the greater good… Because the evil that’s coming? You heard Lauren… it’s here. And if we’re not prepared… we’re all dead.”

Alektor’s eyes remained fixed on Daniel. Studying him with a virulent intensity. But there was clear understanding in them, and Daniel saw the wheels turning. Alektor was a lot of things, but Daniel truly believed he was a fair and good leader at heart. If he could overcome the personal issues he had, Eleutheros could be stronger than it had ever been. But there was a hint of hesitation that rose within Daniel as Alektor’s expression changed. The tiredness that hung around his features suddenly lifted, and he nodded. Great… he’s figured something out. And I’m probably going to hate it. He thought.

“Your etiquette is lacking.” Alektor started, his voice now calm and collected. “However, your words are true; at least in terms of the threat we face. But this is something that cannot easily be forgiven, Daniel. And saving one life, even mine, doesn’t erase the crimes of her family.” Daniel was about to speak, but Alektor held up a firm hand, preventing any interruption. “But in these times, we must do unthinkable things for, as you put it, the greater good.” His gaze turned to Illya, who seemed to struggle to hold it. “You are here, as the sole representative of house Ignos, Illya. So, I will not hold anything back. Your family has haunted me and my people for hundreds of years; committing atrocities beyond words and until recently had been one of the strongest in all of Eleutheros.” He paused, waiting for Illya to respond.

“Y-yes.” She eked.

“I killed your brother.” He continued, his voice holding no hint of mockery or anger. It was merely a statement of fact. “I slew him in single combat, then orchestrated the assassination of your father, Agron.”

Daniel, who still had his hands on Illya’s shoulders, could feel them start to tremble. Mirroring the torrent of rage that was surely building within her.

“I wanted to kill you all.” Alektor pressed, “And if not for the council of Katrina and Daniel, I would have. But we are here now, and you stand before me with one of the most influential men in our world, Daniel, the Spirit-Sent. Who is urging me to allow you to live freely in a city that your family once ruled over. I want you to answer me truthfully now. On your honor as a member of house Ignos. How can I trust that the offspring of my greatest enemy will not seek retribution? How can I rule Eleutheros, knowing that there will always be a threat of violence against me or my kin? Because, I do not see many options from where I am.”

Daniel held his tongue; this was her battle to fight and win. He squeezed her shoulders as a sign of support, but she stepped forward, leaving his grasp.

“You can’t.” She declared, strength entering her voice. “I can never forgive you for what you have done, your Highness. But Eleutheros is beyond the pettiness of houses and clans. And with the threat we now face, I would be a fool to attempt any descent.”

“And what of Boros?” Alektor asked, his face still stoic and unreadable. “He is a powerful warrior, and well loved by the people of Lokkon. How should I ensure that he sees reason, and submits to my rule?”

Illya answered without a moment’s hesitation. “You can’t, do that either. And I can’t guarantee it.”

“I can.” Alektor snapped. “Eliminating him would ensure peace. And you as well for that matter. But again, we are here.” He gestured toward Daniel. “And for obvious reasons, killing you both, or marrying you off to a powerful Rexunii house seems to be out of the question. So, what do you think we should do?”

Daniel sighed, knowing full well that Alektor already had a solution in mind. And was merely toying with Illya, perhaps to make a point.

“I…” Illya’s fire started to flicker, under Alektor’s scrutiny. “I don’t know…”

“Of course.” The High King said, “It is a conundrum indeed. And you?” Alektor looked at Daniel, his eyebrow raised.

“Send him to another clan.” Daniel answered without hesitation. “A place where he could thrive in his own right, but still not have the same support as he would in Lokkon.” Daniel glanced down at Illya, and she turned to meet his eyes. “And have her marry into a powerful house. But not Turak’s.”

Alektor seemed to have been caught a bit off guard by Daniel’s answer, but he barely showed it. “Then who?”

“Have her marry Prince Reni, in Baa’Yega.” Daniel’s words came with a pang of guilt he felt within. He didn’t want to offer her up like some piece of furniture, but there was really no other option for her. Reni was a bit strange, like his sister, but he was a nice enough guy. And the Baa’Yega were still very fond of house Ignos. “I met him during our travels. He’s a good man and would treat her well.”

“Reni?” Ambrosia interjected. “That would be greatly raising her station. Reni is next in line for the throne of Baa’Yega.”

“Ambrosia is correct.” Alektor agreed. “Doing so would require a great deal of trust and sacrifice.”

“Then stop beating around the bush and tell us what you have in mind.” Daniel snapped, his patience for politics and the constant maneuvering waning. “You clearly already know what you’re going to do. So, just tell us already.”

Alektor sighed, taking a moment to walk and pour himself a bowl of wine. “I will need something from you, Daniel. If I am to take such a risk.”

“Here we go.” Daniel rolled his eyes. “What is it?”

“I need you to join my clan, officially.” His words came out smoothly as he sipped from his bowl.

“Join your clan?” Daniel asked, the request being probably the last thing he had expected him to say. “You want me… to join the Rexunii?”

“Yes.” Alektor turned to Ambrosia, who nodded in approval. “I want you to become our first Hego.”

“I…” Daniel found himself at a loss for words, so Alektor pressed on.

“As you are a Spirit-Sent, your position is somewhat ambiguous.” The High King continued. “And without a true position, your political power rests in the ether. With this, you will have a true position. A true purpose and responsibility to care for and develop a territory of your choosing.”

“That—” Daniel balked, “Is completely ridiculous. I don’t know the first or last thing about governing people. How the hell do you expect me to do something like that?”

“It is a role you will come to know.” Alektor sat, taking another drink of wine. “With the proper guidance, of course. But this is my condition, if you wish to see the house of Ignos endure.”

Son of a bitch, Daniel thought. He’s holding the lives of Boros and Illya hostage. “What choice do I have?”

“It would certainly simplify Lady Illya’s current predicament, as well as Boros’.” Alektor’s tone was again commanding and in control. “And help me in rationalizing the great risk I would be taking, keeping the house of Ignos relevant within the boundaries of Eleutheros.”

Illya reached down and squeezed Daniel’s hand, her bright yellow eyes meeting his. “Please.” She whispered, “Not for me, but for Boros.”

“What about Katrina?” Daniel asked Alektor, “She should have a position too.”

“I have been thinking about that.” Alektor’s response was quick, almost as though he had been waiting for that exact question. “Any position she likes, I will bestow. I, of course would have some suggestions.”

“I want to talk to her first.” Daniel’s mind was racing. As much as he wanted to help Illya and Boros, he couldn’t just agree. The fact that it was Alektor’s plan, alone, gave him pause.

“As you wish.” Alektor waved his hand, “Let us speak on it further, tonight. Until then, Illya, you are free to do as you wish. I will treat you as any foreign dignitary, or royal guest. You are free to come and go as you please, barring you stay within the city limits, and have an escort with you at all times.”

Illya bowed her head, clear tension in the motion. “Yes, your highness. Thank you.”

Suddenly the door to the study slid open, and the guard from outside entered the room. “I’m sorry to interrupt, your Highness. But we have an urgent message from the city gates.”

Alektor and Daniel shared an uneasy glance, and the High King nodded toward the guard. “Proceed then.”

“There is a full war-group of Baa’Yega warriors there…” The guard said hesitantly. “And they are allegedly escorting King Reku, and— and Princess Avria.”