(Ivan)

Spring arrived with a burst of color. The snow-white winter continued to yield territory to her gregarious sister. The dragon puppies and the blood roses bloomed in shades ranging from pink to crimson. The storm daisies and morning irises added vibrant tints of azure. The amber hue of the golden flowers was yet another thread woven into the quilt of spring.

Springtime is imbued with the magic of life, Ivan mused during his morning run. It’s a shame that it’s such a short season. Though its brevity might be the key to its beauty. If it lasted ten years like winter and summer, it would likely become ordinary. Still, it’s strange that Spring and Autumn only last a few months.

The weeks that followed the liberation of Pike were a blur. Commander meetings, scouting, research, training, and even more training.

Ivan looked around as he passed the outer gate. The city’s fortifications had been steadily improving. A deep trench was being excavated around the perimeter of the city. It was a major undertaking to shield Pike against the use of certain siege weapons. It was an arduous task even with the help of the casters.

To improve visibility, the tree line around the city had been cleared further back. The extra lumber was being used to build more catapults and barracks.

The northern road was lined with oxcarts going to and from the stone quarry. A section of the wall was being patched next to the eastern gate and many buildings needed repair.

Ivan dashed between two buggies and waved at Guild Master Nick. The Guild Master oversaw Picks and Bricks, the largest mining company in the city. He had met Nick last year during the Brawlers Tournament.

“Snowstorm!” the Guild Master bellowed and waved back exuberantly.

An influx of refugees from the surrounding farms and villages were still trickling in. Some of them were returning home and others sought the protection of the city.

After circling the eastern checkpoint, Ivan headed back to Pike. It was time to train the new recruits at the local arena.

Bay Valks was already there, working with the early arrivals. Ivan did not care for Bay’s inclination to be domineering and scornful, but his swordsmanship and work ethic were excellent. The truth was that there was a shortage of skilled arms instructors and the two of them were needed.

They nodded at each other, and Ivan waved over a group of recruits that had just arrived.

Training farmers was challenging. Many of them possessed brute strength but lacked finesse. Old habits were difficult to unlearn. The large looping movements used when wielding a scythe were not practical in combat.

“Young man, I’ve got socks older than you,” one of the recruits snapped at a trainer. “I know how to swing a stick.”

Ivan heard some chuckles.

Well, at least I don’t have to deal with people questioning my skills. Winning the local tournament has its perks.

Teaching and training were relaxing. Time slipped by when you enjoyed what you were doing.

“Trainer Snow, I’ve got a summon for you,” a messenger girl cried out. “It’s from the castle.”

“I’ll manage your recruits, again,” Bay grumbled.

“Thank you. I’ll take over both groups next time,” Ivan replied.

He read the missive. The message was short – “Come to the library.” It was not signed, but he knew the handwriting very well.

He raced toward the library and was directed to one of the side chambers.

“Ivan!” His aunt threw her arms around him and gave him a hug. “I’ve missed you so much.”

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“Aunt Lisa! It’s great to see you safe and sound.” Ivan embraced her. “I’ve missed you too!” He sighed with relief. He had been worried about her.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw William tossing sugar cubes to Sapple. The little tree was bouncing up and down.

He turned toward the small Dendro Kamilian. “Hey Sapple, you’re looking spry. How was the trip?”

“Ships bad.” The bark around his eyes scrunched up. “Sapple seasick.” The tree swayed from side to side. “Sugar good.”

“I’ll try to keep our adventures on land from now on, but I can’t promise.” Lisa shot an apologetic look at the little tree.

“Lisa is my lady. Sapple follows.” The tree puffed up its trunk. “Sea or no sea.”

Lisa smiled at Sapple. “You and William can catch up. I’m sure that both of you have a lot of new stories to share. Ivan and I are expected elsewhere.”

“Scraps, so secretive.” William narrowed his eyes. “Aunt Lisa, I’ve got a lot more stories to tell you when you get back. If you need me, I’ll probably be at one of the healer tents near the central market.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to in the last month.” Lisa hugged William and waved goodbye to him.

On the way out of the library, Lisa told Ivan that there were some new developments in the south. She explained that the Lord Commander had requested their presence and a meeting had been arranged on the palace balcony garden. They chatted as they walked.

The garden was a large elliptical structure jutting out of the keep. It was flanked on each side by a tall turret, which supported a glass dome. The enclosure was divided into different sections. There was a nursery for plants, a water garden, trestles with grape vines, and a flutterby habitat. Ivan and Lisa followed a winding cobblestone path through the vegetation. After a brief walk, they reached a clearing in the middle of the garden. Lord Harvin and Drake Grey were already there. They exchanged pleasantries and chatted about recent events. Rose, Greg, Rob, Lin, and several Scaran commanders trickled in. Hark Bolt was the last one to arrive.

Once everyone was there, Lord Harvin jumped straight to the point. “We have good news,” he announced. “Tork has declared war against the Shadow Lands!”

Lord Harvin paused as murmurs of excitement echoed under the glass dome.

“They have already freed several villages between Tork and Calot. Enemy supply lines have been disrupted. A company of Torkan riders raided supply wagons on the outskirts of the capital.”

Lord Harvin looked exceedingly pleased as he continued to relay the latest developments. “Officially, Tork is a part of the Nature Kingdom. However, they’ve always maintained a state of independence. Their territory is mostly inaccessible because of the surrounding mountains, cliffs, and swamps. They flourish in those inhospitable conditions with their horned bog gecko mounts and unique dwellings. The timing is perfect. A sizable Shadow Lands force was heading toward Pike until the Torkans joined the war. Shadowlanders will drown in droves in their swamps without ever reaching their tribal heartland.”

Ivan had read several books about Tork and he had always been fascinated with the people of that region. Not many dared to venture into Tork’s territory. The swamps around the city were treacherous and few outsiders knew how to navigate around the deadly swift sand. The most dangerous apex predators in the entire kingdom lived in the marshes around Tork. The gharials were by far the deadliest. They were an intelligent ambush predator. Going to Tork without an experienced guide and a gecko mount was a perilous undertaking.

“Excellent news,” Greg agreed. “We received a message from Tork via a mirror of communication. It came directly from their Royal Chieftain, Taran. I’ll read it aloud.”

Brothers and Sisters,

We have come to the realization that we can no longer maintain our policy of noninterference in the conflict with the Shadow Lands. Over the years our council has been divided on the issue. The multiple attempts to revise our Family Code were met with resistance.

The enslavement spell on Baza was voted to be an act of aggression against Tork.

After much deliberation, we have reached the conclusion that our common enemy will not stop until they have enslaved us all.

Once we declared war on the Shadow Lands, bloodstalkers were dispatched to raid enemy holdings. Convoys were ambushed, and scouts were captured.

Further plans will be discussed in person on Eel Island before the upcoming Spirit Competition. The Nature Kingdom’s fortress there has a secure location appropriate for military planning.

May your roots run deep, and your branches rise high. – Taran

The room exploded with excitement after Greg read the missive.

“A toast for our brothers and sisters from Tork.” Lord Harvin cheered.

“Hear! Hear!”

The gathered shared stories about the city of Tork and their elite soldiers, the bloodstalkers. Ivan’s interest was piqued when he overheard a discussion about their training.

He listened intently when Rob described the traditional rites of passage to become a bloodstalker. Years of intensive training were followed by a trial. The proving grounds for the young initiates were the deadly swamplands outside of Tork. The recruits were only allowed to take two items with them. They had to survive alone in the wilderness for thirty-three days. Not many completed the test on their first attempt, and some never returned. The trial was called the Bloodrun and it was a grueling undertaking. Only those with exceptional hunting and survival skills completed the trial and became bloodstalkers.