Chapter XIV
To the relief of the entire party, all four of the teams succeeded in reaching the rendezvous point with the Korrei-Tarr not long before late-afternoon, which meant that they were slightly ahead of schedule. King Markreas capitalized on this, so the very second the final group arrived, he gave them five minutes to quickly get some water and food before ordering the force of nearly one hundred to continue the trek north. They were using a less populated highway, but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be anybody traveling it, so they sent scouts further up ahead to watch for anyone that may be using the road and, if they encountered a person, they were told to inform them that the highway was currently closed and that they’d need to use one of the offshoots if they wanted to head south. After all, the last thing they needed was some merchant riding his cart through the distortion fields and suddenly finding themselves facing an army of Ijirian soldiers. As for the generators, they were shockingly effective despite decades of sitting idle, which was probably due to the talent and skill of the people who serviced them.
I honestly never thought I’d live to see machines like these taken back out of storage, Nakoma Taurus internally mused. They’re a relic from a war-ravaged era of our Empire, so the fact that they’re back in use isn’t exactly a good omen. Here’s to hoping this will be their singular purpose in all the Age of Prosperity.
They were square-shaped metal boxes that stood at about five feet tall and had wheels constructed on the bottom to make them easier to push. They were using three in total, and those assigned to move them were exclusively wind mages who could replenish their supply of mana the second they started running low. One was kept near the front, one was in the middle, and the last was way in the back, allowing the three to work together and form a perfect dome of distortion magic over the entire company. With them functioning as efficiently as they were, the Kosah-Rei should never get even a slight hint that such a force was on its way to their castle until they were ready to make themselves known.
I really can’t believe we’re doing this. It was one thing to be discussing it and planning it, but another to actually be making our way up there. At this point, we’ve fully committed ourselves to this operation and there’s no turning back. We got the Council’s permission, we rallied Alharo’s soldiers, and we’ve collected all eight Masters. This is actually a reality… This is actually happening…
Currently, Nakoma was sitting upon the saddle of his personal brown-colored stallion, Fleiaro, as he rode in the vanguard between Toranei and Koroha, with Markreas and Alharo just on Koroha’s right. He recalled how surreal it felt to have Markreas’s royal team reunited the other day, but now that the King himself was among them, that reunion was truly completed. It brought a soft smile to the Master of Fire’s face as he took a deep breath of the forest air and felt the gentle breeze blowing through his crimson hair. The sun was lowering on the horizon, which cast an orange hue through the canopies above and barely succeeded in lighting the road ahead. The time to make camp was rapidly approaching, but given how fast they were already moving, Nakoma suspected that Markreas was trying to get as far as he could before they stopped for the night—a plan the Master of Fire fully agreed with. After all, the sooner they reached Ankalla, the more likely it was they would do so unnoticed.
“By the way, Alharo,” Markreas was saying when Nakoma tuned back into their conversation. “I know the others have already said it, but I feel it’s appropriate to do so myself as well. Thank you for joining us on this operation. Your cooperation will be indispensable to finally rid this country of the Kosah-Rei disease.”
The Vice-Captain laughed boisterously, as if Markreas had said something funny. “Please, Mark, I wouldn’t miss something like this for anything! We’re not getting any younger, and I sometimes long for the old days of traveling the countryside with the team—seeing the realm and going on adventures! Sure, this is a far cry from the more minor assignments we enjoyed back then, but it’s probably the closest thing I’ll ever get. Let’s make history one last time, eh?”
Markreas joined in Alharo’s laughter, though his was far more booming than the other man’s. “Glad to see you haven’t changed a damn bit! You’re still the same ol’ wildheart who used to drag us into trouble! Let’s just hope you can actually back up your eagerness with action nowadays! We don’t want Koro and Tora having to save your sorry ass again, now do we?”
“Oh, please!” Alharo retorted. “That only happened once or twice at most, yet the four of you make it sound like I was some damsel in distress on every mission we went on!”
Koroha smirked then gave a shrug. “While I won’t try and claim Markreas isn’t exaggerating, I also can’t sit here quietly while you claim it was ‘once or twice’. Have you forgotten about that time you picked a fight with that street gang in Krato? Or perhaps you’re not counting the rogue wizard we encountered near the Noranian border. Oh, there’s also the two instances where you were nearly killed by that rebellious organization at Trista. Shall I go on, Alharo? I’ve already named four and that’s just from our Third Year.”
“Er, no thank you, I think my reputation has been dealt enough damage,” he grumbled.
“Then shall I name a couple?” Toranei cut in a sly smirk. “Because I’ve not forgotten the debt you owe me for bailing you out of that gambling ring back in Krato. That was the same trip as the street racer gang, yes?”
“W-well, I—”
“It was,” Nakoma confirmed. “It was also the same trip as when he singed off his eyebrows in an attempt to show off for that noblewoman he was crushing on at Castle Miraka. I’m not sure her father would have approved of him anyway, but that certainly didn’t help.”
Alharo let out a grunt as he mumbled, “I’m starting to remember why we don’t hang out anymore. Was I always the butt of your jokes?”
“Yes.”
“I recall so.”
“Absolutely.”
Koroha, Toranei, and Nakoma each gave their responses respectively, while Markreas let out more barking laughter—a sound that was far more happy and genuine than Nakoma had heard from the King in a long time. That wasn’t to say he was an unhappy person, but the role of King had certainly matured him, making it so that this more childish amusement was rare. Nakoma found himself grinning as well, for he hadn’t realized how much he missed the royal team. This was a nice respite from his troubles and anxiety, so he decided that he would bask in it for as long as he was permitted.
“You know, I think you would get along with Caeli, Alharo,” Koroha remarked with a snicker. “Thinking back on it, it sounds like he was Ilirianna’s version of you. Maybe you guys should get a drink sometime and bond over being the team’s jester?”
Alharo snorted then let out a huff. “Oh yes, very funny. I’m just such a clown in your eyes, huh?”
“Sometimes,” she teased, to which he just rolled his eyes.
“Well, while we’re on that topic, what’s the deal with Mr. Caeli?” The Vice-Captain lowered his voice then, as if only now not wanting the conversation to be overheard. “I’ve heard he’s an impulsive fool with no sense of respect or competence while, in the same damn breath, I’ve heard he’s one of the greatest wind mages of his generation. He’s a man whose rumors are full of contradictions, so I was hoping you four may be able to shed some light on the man. Who exactly is he?”
Markreas shook his head with disapproval. “Well, I can’t say you’ve heard incorrectly. He’s a talented fool if I’ve ever seen one—and he’s got Liri more interested in him than I’d like to admit. I do think that, if ever given the chance, she’d petition Koro to allow him to replace her someday. The thought of him being a Master gives me shivers.”
The five of them spared a glance over their shoulders, spotting Ilirianna and Ryokumo riding side-by-side not too far away from them. Nakoma had to fully agree with Markreas’s assessment, especially after the many poor experiences the Master of Fire had with that young wind mage.
“They certainly do seem close,” Alharo muttered as they faced forward once more. “Is this Caeli fellow going to be the next King then?”
“Absolutely not!”
“Over my dead body.”
Markreas and Toranei were swift in their dismissal of such a horrible prospect as King Ryokumo Caeli, and not only at the idea of him having any governmental power but also of him as Ilirianna’s husband and partner.
Alharo grinned at the firm responses of his old friends, adding, “Then are there other prospects for her husband? I mean, you two got married not long after we graduated, but her royal team left the Academy nearly two years ago. If she’s going to have heirs, should she not start thinking about that while she’s still young?”
“I’ve considered it,” Markreas told him with a sigh. “In fact, I’ve been close to suggesting she be betrothed to Nigreos in order to strengthen ties with Noctalus. The Battle of Stellareid was a sharp blow to our relationship with them that a marriage between Liri and Nigreos could start to mend. But even setting him aside, there are plenty of other options both among the nobles of Erika and even the other Great Cities. Lady Callora of Harunhein has a son around her age and there are plenty of children from the Ring of Kraton that would be perfect for a princess’s groom. The issue is that Liri is headstrong and stubborn. She seems to be aware that Caeli is a poor political choice, but she refuses to accept any other options.”
Alharo’s eyes widened with surprise. “So she really is interested in him?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Toranei spat. “Though there isn’t a soul in the Citadel who can figure out why. He’s beyond obnoxious, and disliked by nearly everybody who knows him aside from a select few. I, too, think Nigreos would be a perfect option, especially due to past traditions of marrying within the royal team, but…”
The Queen trailed off, and Nakoma knew without having to ask what was troubling her. The fact of the matter was that they had lost all sway over Ilirianna’s opinion. She did what she wanted and couldn’t care less what Toranei told her. That was more than obvious at the dinner, for she brought Ryokumo with her knowing full well it would piss her mother off beyond belief. She was becoming more disrespectful, and the more defiant she got, the more worried they were becoming that a King Ryokumo wasn’t such a far-fetched idea. Nakoma knew they needed to find some way to rein her in, but thus far, they were utterly failing. As he pondered this, he thought back to a brief interaction he and Toranei had right after Ryokumo and Ilirianna departed the Niras Lounge.
“I just don’t know what to do about her,” the Queen had confessed. “We’ve done something wrong, but she won't tell us what and instead decides to resort to petty behavior like this. I had truly sought to speak with her tonight, but I’m not about to have such a conversation in front of a man like him.”
In the privacy of that lounge, Nakoma had taken her into a hug and comforted the woman he loved more than anybody in that world. “I’m so sorry, Tora. I really thought this would work, too, but she’s just not the same anymore. Talking feels like our only option, but she won’t even permit us that. At this point, I feel it’s only proper to wait until the operation is over so that we can clear our minds and think about it then.”
“Yes… I suppose so…”
Nakoma sighed, his thoughts returning to the present moment yet again as Alharo responded to the Queen’s comment.
“Nigreos wouldn’t be a bad choice, and if she has any decency and respect for her country, she’ll at least consider it. Everything I’ve ever heard and seen from your daughter indicates that she is a smart woman, so I don’t think she’d rattle the political world for a man like Caeli.”
“I wish I could agree,” Toranei whispered. “But anyway, enough of this nonsense. We were having fun before, and I’d rather not let the likes of Ryokumo Caeli spoil it. Where were we? Oh yes, we were discussing your past misadventures, Alharo.”
But the Vice-Captain was already vehemently shaking his head. “Absolutely not! We’ve already more than discussed that topic, so I’m not letting us get back to that! Mark, as it happens, there was something more important I wished to discuss now that we’re together.”
Markreas grinned at his old friend, but seeming to sense that this wasn’t just a mere diversion from the previous teasing, the King cleared his throat and turned more serious. “Then go ahead. Ask away.”
Alharo shot Toranei a smug expression at his successful altering of the subject before he, too, turned to business. “What exactly are your plans once the attack begins? Are we simply storming the fortress or do you have particular match-ups you’re trying to make? I ask simply because I’m hesitant to send my men after the leaders if they can’t beat them.”
“Yes, of course,” Markreas responded. “And I assure you that I have little intention of pitting the Korrei-Tarr against the more dangerous cultists. The Masters are here for that very purpose and I have given quite a bit of thought as to who should fight who. Naturally, in the heat of battle, things do not always work out quite as we intend, but this is the running idea.” The King straightened up in the saddle and continued. “For one, I fully believe that the best match for Quill Tyrus will be Master Cartus. Since becoming the Master of Rock, her armor has never once been so much as cracked. According to Rennigan, Tyrus’s invincibility is fueled by his mana, so in a battle of endurance, I think Sinna can wear him thin enough to finish him off, especially with Master Rana and Glaus himself at her side.”
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Alharo frowned. “You’re having Rennigan take part?”
“Yes,” the King confirmed. “He and Caeli are the only ones who have experience fighting Tyrus, but between the two, Rennigan has far more than Caeli. So long as he’s accompanied by the Masters, I trust in his ability to survive.”
“Fair enough then,” the Vice-Captain said. “Then what of the others?”
“Sartella, Firrik, and Miyon are not inherently powerful,” Markreas explained. “Their survival in the past has been mostly attributed to luck, so I think they could be defeated by any of your men. Therefore, I don’t intend to pit anybody specific against them. Kristoff is a different matter entirely.” He smirked with unbridled amusement. “One of the few victories we achieved from Stellareid was the answer to his armor. Abigail Reiner managed to solve the riddle and relay it to Liri before her death, so we know that with each set of armor he possesses, the weaker his defense becomes. Reports indicate that Acostav destroyed one in Noctalus and Abigail destroyed another in Stellareid. That means he’s been weakened twice since Nakoma’s encounter with him in Hiriech, which is why he and Koro will be focusing on him.”
Nakoma nodded. “On top of that, I was injured back then. If I can face a weaker Kristoff at full strength, I can beat him no question. Koroha’s help will only expedite that process.”
“Exactly,” Markreas stated. “For Vesh, I want him handled by an Iiji, whether it be Tora or Liri. Nigreos and Album would be fine, but Vesh’s rock magic is powerful and I think would serve as too strong for the Noctalus to beat on their own. Iiji strength is more than enough to crack his defenses.”
At that comment, Alharo raised an eyebrow with curiosity. “Just Tora or Liri? What about yourself?”
Markreas' smile darkened, his voice going low as he rumbled out his response. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to be the one to kill that treacherous bastard, but my power is needed elsewhere. There’s one more combatant among them that gave even Ilirianna a run for her money, and that’s where I’ll be directing my attention.”
Understanding dawned on Alharo even before Markreas spoke his final sentence.
“I’m going to be the one to kill Rickori Keskivaara.”
***
As the sun finally set upon the highway of the Akkii Woods, King Markreas and Alharo Bann gave the order to stop and make camp for the night. Guards were posted on the perimeter of the distortion and supplies were retrieved from the storage carriages. Tents were pitched and campfires sprung up all around, the scent of roasting meat accompanying it as everybody went about making their meals. Ilirianna Iiji watched the dark forest begin to light up with the flickering of orange and the chattering of the soldiers as they finally got to sit down, rest their tired bodies, and chat amongst themselves until the time to retire for bed arrived. The Princess smiled, sensing the high morale that indicated a confidence in their victory—one she chose to believe was not going to be misplaced like it had been when Uma Miyon was captured years ago.
For the entire duration of the ride, she rode beside Ryokumo and merely enjoyed his company as they passed the long hours reminiscing on the old days or telling stories of their misadventures since the royal team disbanded. Her friend especially had quite a number of tales she had never heard from his and Rennigan’s investigation into Quill Tyrus’s invincibility. Every once in a while, Album would pull her horse up alongside them and join in, but to Ilirianna’s disappointment, she seemed distant and refrained from offering much to the conversation before inevitably falling back to ride by herself. Ilirianna wondered if perhaps she thought of herself as a third-wheel, and not wanting her to think she shouldn’t be included, Ilirianna made an effort to try and get her to offer some stories as well. It was unfortunately a failed attempt, for Album had very little she wanted to share.
I wish there was something I could do for her, Ilirianna remarked as she thought back on her old friend. She’s never been the same since Stellareid, though I suppose there are few who have been. I can tell she’s been lonely, but she also keeps a distance between us that I can’t quite seem to cross. Kumo’s the only one she seems comfortable around anymore…
Sighing, Ilirianna turned from her absent observation of the campsite to instead gaze over her shoulder at Ryokumo, Album, and Nigreos, who had just finished setting up their own tents and lighting the campfire they were now gathered around. The Master of Darkness seemed to be in charge of cooking the sausages they had packed while Album and Ryokumo sat in silence watching him, the latter chewing on a piece of bread he had retrieved from the food storage. Ilirianna’s smile widened at the sight of her team—a group she cared for even more than she could ever truly say. Tradition dictated that the Princess would sleep in the King’s tent with the rest of her family, but since Ilirianna no longer cared much for tradition, she was going to bunk here with Album—a decision she knew her mother must be furious about.
Ilirianna drew in a long breath of the forest air, momentarily picturing Abigail Reiner sitting at that fire with the others, her crown of flowers intertwined with her hair and her beautiful beaming smile upon her face as she bantered with them. Ilirianna wouldn’t ever think they made the wrong choice sending Abi to Omaruo, but logic could never truly erase the hole in her life that Abi had once filled. Her absence was never more noticeable than when the four of them were together—especially given the fact that they no longer seemed as close as they used to be. Album ignored Nigreos completely, Ryokumo wasn’t joking as much as he once did, and Nigreos himself appeared almost like an outcast, as if Ryokumo and Album had silently decided to ignore his presence. The fire flickered warmly, the smell of the sausage was amazing, and the weather was wonderful, yet all of them sat in utter silence. An outsider would never be able to guess the close history these three had.
If Abi were here, would she be able to mend this gap? She was always more of a people-person than any of the rest of us.
A pang of guilt stabbed at her heart, for she couldn’t help wondering if maybe things would have been different if they’d just been honest with Nigreos and Album. The two of them believed Abi was dead, while Ilirianna and Ryokumo were just beside them with the truth—a truth they had always refused to give them.
“I will avenge Abi,” Nigreos had growled earlier that day during a brief encounter she had with him. “Whatever it takes, Princess. I will make sure the Kosah-Rei pay for taking away a life as wonderful as hers.”
He had whispered it like it was a taboo topic, and perhaps it was to the three of them. Ryokumo certainly wasn’t going to bring it up, and it seemed that Nigreos and Album felt hesitant to discuss her in each others’ presences.
I do wish we could go back to the simpler times. It’s never really been the same without Abi, though all of our pathetic losses in Stellareid certainly didn’t help things. The royal team was truly disbanded in more ways than one.
In that sense, she was reluctantly envious of her mother, whom she had noticed talking and laughing with her own team up at the head of the company. It was so rare to see Toranei and Koroha laughing like that, which just emphasized how close the five of them had been. It was a reminder that Ilirianna had once held such a relationship, and that her relationship was long gone.
“Liri? You joining us?” Ryokumo inquired as he motioned for her to take one of the finished sausages.
She snapped out of her thoughts and nodded. “Yes, thank you.”
The dinner was eaten in the same silence it was cooked in. They just sat there and ate, without so much as speaking a word to one another. It was awkward, it was depressing, and it mostly ruined Ilirianna’s appetite despite how long of a day it had been. Even though she knew it would only cause problems, a part of her started to wonder if she could ask Nigreos to trade so that she could sleep in Ryokumo’s tent, but that was a line the two of them would never dare to cross, even if all they did really was sleep. It was either an awkward night sharing a tent with Album, or one spent with her mother. Given how easy a decision that was to make, Ilirianna bit her tongue and stuck with her current arrangements.
Once she’d finished dinner, she got to her feet and muttered, “I’m going to take a walk. I’ll be back in a bit.”
And to her intense relief, Ryokumo was beside her almost instantly. “I’ll join you then. Gotta walk off that delicious meal, after all. Do you mind, Liri?”
“Not even slightly.”
As expected, neither Album nor Nigreos offered to join them, though both looked equally as upset about being left alone with the other. In fact, Ilirianna heard Album excuse herself right as they were departing, leaving the Master of Darkness sitting all by himself at the campfire. She felt a bit bad for him, but not bad enough to sacrifice a much-needed time alone with her best friend.
“Well that was a dinner,” Ryokumo grumbled once they were far enough away. “Honestly, if we’re just gonna sit in silence, I think I’d rather eat with Glaus and his Masters. Not that I think Cartus and Rana would like having me around, but at least Glaus would be entertaining. He’s always reliable on that front.”
Ilirianna chuckled to herself, resisting the temptation to reach out and take his hand. “You know, I may just try that tomorrow night. It sounds quite tempting.”
As they weaved past various campfires and tents, she couldn’t help noticing the eyes that shifted their way. Ilirianna was well aware of all the many whispers theorizing about her relationship with Ryokumo, and it was no question that not a soul sought for her to be anything more than friends with him. Things were only getting worse the older she got, for Markreas was demanding an heir and she couldn’t provide that without a husband. The problem was that she truly didn’t care for anybody except Ryokumo, which left her locked in a dilemma that she couldn’t quite solve. The eyes of the Korrei-Tarr watching them only brought that issue to the forefront of her mind, and though their whispers may not have been about her, she couldn't help fearing they were. Then, in a sudden impulse she knew she may regret later, Ilirianna grabbed Ryokumo’s hand anyway, intertwining her fingers with his.
“Er, Liri? Should we really—?”
“Not even slightly,” she interrupted. “Let go if you don’t like it, but if you’re okay with it, then so am I.”
A part of her wondered if he would loosen his grip, but to her relief, he instead tightened it. She couldn’t wait for this to get back to her mother as a soft blush of happiness came over her cheeks. The camp wasn’t too big, and eventually, they reached the outskirts of the distortion where, just beyond the barrier, were miles of trees and the shadows hanging between them. Now that they had more privacy, Ilirianna and Ryokumo just stood there in a comfortable silence as they gazed out into nature and enjoyed each other’s company and warmth. She wasn’t sure how long they’d been standing there nor was she sure how long she intended to be there, but whether she liked it or not, their time was interrupted by a sudden voice behind them.
“Oh, my apologies. I wasn’t aware this spot was taken.”
Ilirianna swiftly released Ryokumo’s hand as the two turned around to find the Master of the Mind, Seiras Ka, standing just a yard or so away. His small frame was completely concealed by the black cloak draped over his shoulders, but the hood he tended to wear was down, giving her a clear view of his scared visage that looked even more unsettling in the flickering firelight of the camp behind him. His greasy hair hung like a shredded curtain around his head, and his grin revealed the many teeth missing from his mouth.
Seiras let out a raspy laugh as his bulging blue eyes shifted up towards Ryokumo. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced, but I know plenty about you, Mr. Caeli. You’re quite famous, or rather infamous, within the upper levels of the Citadel. It’s my pleasure to finally put a face to the name. I am Seiras Ka, the Master of the Mind.”
Ryokumo cocked an unsettled eyebrow as he regarded the halfling. “Charmed. Can we, er, help you?”
“Oh, no, no,” he replied with a wave of his bony hand. “I was just out for a stroll to stretch my weary legs and thought a place this far out would be vacant. But no matter, I do not wish to interrupt the Princess of Ijiria’s private time, so I shall find another spot to sit.”
“No, it’s fine, Master Ka,” Ilirianna assured him, feeling a slight shiver go down her spine when his eyes rapidly snapped towards her. “We were actually just about to head back. It’s getting late, after all, and we’re leaving at dawn, so I should probably get to bed.”
“Aaaaah.” Seiras stretched his acknowledgement out into an oddly drawn sound before giving a few quick nods of his head. “I suppose so. A good night’s sleep is important with all we’ve got coming up. I, unfortunately, am less in need of it as King Markreas doesn't want me on the front lines.”
Ryokumo frowned. “Why not? Forgive me, for I know very little about your affinity, but Is mind magic not fit for combat? And if not, why bring you if he’s not going to have you doing anything?”
“Oh no, I didn't say I wasn’t doing anything,” the man corrected. “Merely, my job could prove to be quite tedious, even boring should luck not strike me well. As to your first question, mind magic is not inherently offensive, but if you know how to use it effectively, it definitely can be. It just requires a certain…finesse.”
Ilirianna and Ryokumo exchanged uncertain looks, the latter shooting her a subtle but unmistakable curious gaze that silently asked, “Just what is this guy’s deal?”
“If you don’t mind my asking, Master Ka, what does my father have you doing?” Ilirianna said as she glanced back down at Seiras.
The halfling smirked. “He didn’t tell you? Well, I suppose he’s only giving us the information we need the most. I’m sure you know this, but Ankalla isn’t much different from most other castles and fortresses in that it has a secret means for those inhabiting it to escape should it ever come under siege.”
“Yes, I was aware of that,” she replied, recalling the dungeons beneath Aquesen and Saientia that both had tunnels leading outside the buildings’ perimeters.
Markreas had already emphasized the fact that, should they not exterminate the cult fast enough, any of them could slip out the back. That was why the King had old records of Ankalla’s construction produced so they could reference its schematics and identify where those tunnels emptied out. Therefore, with that in mind, Ilirianna could already deduce what Seiras’s purpose was.
“You’re going to guard the tunnels then,” she stated. “You’ll slip in through the back and take out anybody that tries to flee.”
Seiras chuckled. “Exactly, Princess.”
“And you think you can do it?” Ryokumo added. “Not to insult you, Master, but if somebody like Vesh or Kristoff were to slip through there, it wouldn’t be easy to stop them without a more combat-oriented Master at your side. Can your mind magic really defeat someone like them?”
“Rotana Vesh and Barron Kristoff have brilliantly defended their bodies,” the halfling muttered with a wry grin. “But I would be surprised if their minds are as safe. Yes… Should I be forced to take one on, I’d say I have about as much of a shot as someone like Taurus.”
“V-very well then,” Ryokumo stuttered. “In that case, I wish you luck.”
“And you two as well.”
Seiras bent his back in a bow before wishing them good night as Ilirianna and Ryokumo excused themselves to return to the tents. However, despite herself, the Princess spared one last glance over her shoulder to find the Master of the Mind still watching them. They made eye contact as one last shiver went down Ilirianna’s back, and though she knew Seiras Ka was indeed an ally of hers, she couldn’t help but try and put as much distance between them as possible.
“He was interesting,” Ryokumo whispered. “Is he always that creepy?”
Ilirianna grimaced. “Kind of. He doesn't talk much, so I’m not terribly familiar with his personality. He’s certainly eccentric though, and while Markreas won’t admit to it, I don’t think he trusts him as much as he really should. It’s kind of like the eraser in that sense. The Master of the Mind is a power the King wants on his side, but its instability is always a dull fear in the back of their heads.”
“I see…”
“But anyway, enough about him,” Ilirianna went on, trying to shake the unsettled feeling from her mind. “Come on, Kumo, let’s get to bed.”
She then gripped his hand once more as the two of them walked back through the camp, towards where the royal team was sleeping so they could prepare for the rest of their long trek north.