Sylvia stopped Natta before they left the shadow of the trees. Before them lay the Great Rove. This far north, the road was surrounded by flat land, and there were many roadside encampments. Anyone who could not afford an inn made rest around open fires. Droves of people were travelling over the cut stone pavement. Families with carts full of furniture, clothes, and tools were heading south. Soldiers in full armour were northbound with loads of food, leather, and weaponry.
“Busy”, Afi commented.
“It always is. We are almost at Anderjärn now”, Theodorus shrugged.
“People travel to Anderjärn even now?”, Afi wondered.
“Especially now. You can find anything here, and cheaply. The settlement developed as a cheaper alternative to the markets of Storhjärd. Tradesmen sell raw materials here and buy finished goods in bulk. Then, they go to Storhjärd and jack up the prices. It has never been more profitable. These days, there is no road tax beyond Brofäste, not to mention the lack of quality control and law enforcement. Anderjärn has grown into quite a sizeable city since the fall. You can say what you want about the losses, but the chaos has been exceptionally rewarding for a select few.”
“It seems there are a lot of people fleeing, though. Trying to avoid the upcoming battle, no doubt”, Afi commented.
“I wonder why they continue on south. Would it not be safer to stay here?”, Sylvia wondered aloud.
Theodorus chewed on his escape and chuckled. “You do not want to linger in Anderjärn. On that note, make sure you keep a close eye on your possessions. And whatever you do, do not hand your horses to anyone you do not know and trust. We are not in Fristad any more.”
“I say we avoid the city altogether. We are supposed to meet the others on the north side”, Afi suggested.
“I need to speak with someone in Anderjärn”, Sylvia said. “Andreas and Lennart. I figure they are craftsmen. Smiths maybe, or jewellers.”
“Both”, Theodorus confirmed. “Andreas is a jeweller and farrier. Lennart is a blacksmith.”
“You seem to know a lot about this place”, Afi prodded.
“I have been around”, Theodorus answered vaguely.
“How about you take the lead?”, Sylvia encouraged.
“With pleasure.”
They joined the flow of people, trotting along behind a wagonload of grain. In contrast to most cities Sylvia had seen, Anderjärn did not have any wall or barricade. The transition between single establishments and a city was seamless. More houses popped up along the road, and more market places along with them. If you were tempted to draw a line where the city began, it would have to be where the large oblong slabs of stone, which lined the Great Rove, had been worn down into a gentle slope.
Theodorus led them off the road close to a huge market, dominated by stacks of scrap metal. They crossed the market and trotted through the crooked roads of the city. As they turned a corner, the stench of rot, vomit, and charcoal assaulted them.
“What is that?”, Afi grumbled.
“We are close to a taproom that I highly recommend you avoid. The Shadow Bear Tavern”, Theodorus answered.
“Let me guess. Mercenaries from the mountains gather there.”
“How could you tell?”, Theodorus jested.
“That is awfully on the nose.”
“In more ways than one”, Theodorus laughed.
Squeezing through another alley, they escaped the miasma. The road they emerged on was far more slender, and the cobbles were uneven and gnarly. They followed the uneven path up a slope, and stopped at a crossing that smelled of wine and firewood. Theodorus hopped down from his horse and pointed at a house. “Just round the back. I will watch the horses.”
“Theo!”
A blond woman dressed in a flowing white gown hurried up to Theodorus and threw her arms around him. With mossy green eyes, she looked up at Theodorus like he was a dearly missed lover.
Theodorus tugged his face guard down and smiled at her. “Lilja. You are as dashing as ever.”
“Sweet talker. Where have you been? You have not shown your face in a year! Well, not your face, but the rest of you.”
Theodorus chuckled. “I have been busy.”
“I heard! You are a royal guard now, are you not?”, Lilja asked. She ran a hand under his cloak. “Want to get a drink and enjoy the evening? I will make sure you are nice and relaxed. A special treat, just the right thing before a battle.”
Theodorus glanced over to Sylvia. She shook her head in amusement and headed around the corner to the smithy.
“Maybe another time.”
Sylvia followed the wall of the house until she reached an open arch. It led into a tiny yard squeezed in between the houses. An anvil resting on a thick stone socket told her she was in the right place. “Hello?”, she called.
A short man peeked out from a door. He smiled through a thick white beard and raised a hand in greeting. “One moment!”
“No hurry”, Sylvia nodded politely.
She glanced around. There was a small outdoor hearth, standing in the very middle of the gravel yard. Along the walls were a water bath and cooling racks. In the nearest window was a display of horse shoes and necklaces.
“No use trying to have a store when everyone goes to market”, Afi commented.
“Seems like it.”
The bearded man emerged from the building, wiping his wet hands on the hem of his leather apron. “What can I do for you?”
“I am looking for Andreas and Lennart”, Sylvia said.
“That so?”, the man asked. “And who might you be?”
“I am Sylvia Fri.”
“Sylvia”, the man repeated. Turning his head, he called aloud, “Lennart! A Fri is here to see us!”
Another man appeared in the door. The two were much alike and yet perfect opposites. Whereas Andreas’s hair and beard were snow white, Lennart’s were grey like ash. Andreas was short and Lennart tall. Andreas was soft and round while Lennart was angular and built like an ox. Both did they wear similar thick tunics and leather aprons, and both had inquisitive beady eyes.
“She says her name is Sylvia Fri”, Andreas introduced.
“Sylvia. What do you want?”, Lennart asked sceptically.
“Andreas. Lennart. Yrian sends his regards”, Sylvia greeted.
The two smiths exchanged a look. Lennart came to Andreas’s side, and eyed first Sylvia and then Afi from head to toe.
“Thank you. You are a friend?”
“I would like to think so”, Sylvia nodded. “Yrian suggested I ask you about a ring.”
The two men exchanged another glance.
“In what context did he discuss it with you?”, Andreas wondered.
“He taught me to cut blackstone and then mentioned it in a rather conspiratorial tone.”
“You have affinity, I take it.”
“Who? Me?”, Sylvia asked, pointing at herself in a theatrical performance of bewilderment.
Andreas smiled softly. “Very well”, he agreed.
Lennart went back inside and returned with a ring in hand. He hesitated slightly, but Andreas nudged him, and he handed the jewellery over.
Inspecting the ring, Sylvia could tell at once that it was magical. “What does it do?”, she wondered.
“It is a charm. It is supposed to keep its wearer from evil. It was intended for our daughter, Britta, but she fell in Holms Fäste before we got a chance to have it delivered.”
“How much do you want for it?”, Sylvia asked.
Lennart shook his head. “Just avenge her. That is payment enough.”
Sylvia nodded in agreement. “I intend to. I am sorry to be brief, but I have to keep moving. Thank you for your time and your gift.”
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“Always for a friend”, Andreas responded. “You are welcome back at any time.”
Sylvia dipped her head in thanks and left.
Theodorus was still standing by the horses, with Lilja clinging to his chest. She eyed Sylvia with curiosity written all over her face. Getting up on her toes, she wrapped an arm around Theodorus’s neck and whispered to him. Theodorus laughed and stroked a hand over her back. Lilja stepped back, but Theodorus kept a firm grip on her arm. He held his free hand out and she pouted. She handed his coin purse back to him and he let go.
Lilja turned to Sylvia and bowed her head. “Sylvia Fri. It is an honour to meet you. If you ever find yourself looking for some entertainment, I recommend the Shadow Bear Tavern.”
“I will keep it mind”, Sylvia smiled.
Lilja winked at Theodorus. “Next time”, she mused, and sauntered away.
“A friend?”, Sylvia teased.
“Something along those lines. Did you find what you needed?”
Sylvia made a non-committal noise. “Let us go find the others.”
Oskar’s assorted soldiers had made camp north of Anderjärn, but an hour from the capital. It was far enough from Storhjärd that they did not need to worry about any surprises, but close enough to strike. The Fri and Nordborg camp was set up in the usual manner, centred around the baker’s tent and surrounded by carts. Guld’s army had set up beside them in a more traditional square, with rows of identical tents. On the opposite side of the Great Rove was a colourful assembly of tents and carts. More people still were setting up their resting spot for the night.
“I bet a good portion of these people are here to help us”, Sylvia commented.
“Interesting”, Theodorus said. “I trust you will find your way from here?”
“Oh, I am not sure, I might loose my way”, Sylvia jested.
Theodorus slid out of his saddle and gave the reins to Sylvia. She stroked a hand over Maher’s neck and let the reins hang loose. When she kept riding, the horse followed.
Sylvia did not have time to pull her tent from Natta’s back before Yri came up to her. “What in the name of Gaia were you thinking?!”
“It is good to see you too”, Sylvia responded.
Yri deflated in a sigh. She pointed at Sylvia. “Never scare me like that again.”
“No promises.”
Yri frowned. She took a hold of Sylvia's chin and looked into her eyes. Worry was evident in Yri’s every feature.
In an effort to evade the question, Sylvia commented, “I see we have quite a lot of company.”
“Yes. It seems we are not the only ones with a grudge. Who would have thought?”, Yri joked.
“Dana’s advice was sound”, Sylvia smiled.
“It is thanks to you, really”, Yri stated.
“Me?”
“You suggested that we go on this campaign in the first place, declaring our great next king of Sev. Oskar AudOlafsson, the heir of Floki himself. It is a tall tale, but it turns out our little prince of legends is very motivating.”
“You mean all of these people are here to fight?”, Sylvia asked in astonishment.
“They are not here to cook”, Yri quipped.
“Seems we have more coming in”, Theodorus added.
Yri jolted. Her hand flew to her axe and she glared at Theodorus.
“Sorry”, he said flatly. “Where is Oskar? I think he should come out and greet the next round in person.”
“Why? Who is arriving?”, Yri asked.
“Soldiers from Brofäste!”, a lookout called.
“I think Oskar is by the baker’s tent. Go get him”, Yri ordered.
Theodorus slipped away and returned moments later with Oskar and Tone. They came to the edge of camp and watched the riders and foot soldiers leave the road and line up neatly. Vilhelm and his shield approached on foot. Vilhelm bowed his head and his shield bowed deeper still.
“Oskar. My sister sends her betrothed all she can offer in aid for the upcoming battle.”
“Vilhelm. Thank you for being here”, Oskar smiled.
“I see you have quite an army already.”
“I am honoured that so many are ready to fight for this cause at my side”, Oskar said earnestly.
“Did you bring any additional weaponry or amour that you could hand out?”, Yri asked. “A lot of these eager amateurs are badly equipped.”
“I am afraid not. We use mostly archers and good bows are not cheap.”
“Archers? Any good?”, Yri asked.
“The best in Sev”, Vilhelm declared.
“I doubt that, but this is good. We can always use more archers. Set up camp and get some rest. We rise with the sun tomorrow. Unless there are any complications, we attack before noon.”
Vilhelm bowed again and then returned to his troop.
Yri patted Oskar on the arm. “Good choice of wife, Little Prince.” Turning to Sylvia, she added, “That goes for you too. Get some rest. You can explain the reason for your foolish solo trip tomorrow morning, when everyone is present.”
“I will.”
Sylvia returned to her tent. Afi had already prepared everything and was busy grooming the horses. Ducking into the tent, Sylvia sat down on her bedroll and pulled out the ring she had been given. She turned it this way and that, trying to figure out what enchantment it held. Every time she touched it, the same shift occurred. At first, the ring was warm, and then it turned cold. Sylva closed her eyes and ran her thumb around the band, feeling for the magic within. It was a fascinating mechanism. Magic swirled inside the ring at a rapid pace. Any conflicting intent applied to it travelled around the band and then dispersed.
Sylvia put the ring on and called a flame to her other hand. Attacking her palm, she watched the ring swallow the flame. A moment later, hot air billowed around her, ruffling her hair. The ring was not much of a charm after all. There was nothing passive about it. You had to hold your hand against a magical assault to get any use out of it. As a shield, however, it was brilliant. It was exactly what she needed. Now she could give Theodorus both weapon and armour.
Taking the ring off, she rested it in the palm of her hand and closed her eyes again. Focusing her intent, she eased it into the material. Ever so slowly, she strengthened the magic swirling around the metal, until the ring felt heavy in her hand and her head felt light in contrast. Shaking the dizziness off, Sylvia got to her feet and left the privacy of her tent.
“Where are you going? You should rest”, Afi questioned.
“I have something to take care of first.”
“Theodorus?”, Afi asked.
Sylvia did not answer. She just looked back at Afi.
“Sylvia. Whatever your plan is with him, please be careful.”
“You worry too much”, Sylvia smiled.
“I hope you are right.”
Sylvia walked past the baker’s and to Theodorus’s tent. As soon as she had pulled the tent flap aside, Theodorus sat up, dagger in hand. He sighed and put the dagger back under his bedroll.
“Will you always be doing that?”, Sylvia teased.
“Probably. Are you not supposed to be resting?”
“Everyone keeps asking that”, Sylvia chuckled.
“Do you have need of me?”, Theodorus asked instead.
“I do. But first I want you.”
Letting the tent flap fall behind her, Sylvia strode over to his bedroll. She pulled his blanket away and straddled him. When she reached out for him, Theodorus caught her hand.
“Feeling shy?”
“Force of habit.”
Theodorus uncurled his fingers, and Sylvia eased the mask off his face. Once again, she met his eyes with nothing but care. She was crazy. Theodorus told her as much before reaching for her belt.
Familiar with Sylvia’s desires by now, it took him mere seconds to manhandle her out of her clothes and push her down under him. He pulled Sylvia’s legs apart and settled between them. Sylvia’s soul flared up in arousal. She sat up and wrapped an arm around Theodorus’s neck, holding him close and kissing him feverishly. Theodorus opened his mouth and Sylvia slipped her tongue in, tasting the evening’s sweet bread on him. Pulling back, she hummed pleased. She reached between them and wrapped her hand around his erection.
“Getting there quickly now”, she teased.
“That would be your doing”, Theodorus retorted.
Smiling, Sylvia lay down. She shot him a sultry look. Leaning over her, Theodorus kissed her again. While his lips were pressed over Sylvia's, he pushed the head of his penis into her, and Sylvia whined. She pulled her knee up, hooking her leg over his hip. Theodorus placed a hand over her mouth and rolled his hips. Sylvia took his hand and pulled it down to her throat instead.
“Really?”, Theodorus asked.
Sylvia gave him an impatient glare.
Theodorus pressed down, careful not to bruise her larynx. “Like that?”
“Harder.”
Theodorus hesitated. He crooked his head and searched her eyes. “You really trust me.”
“I do”, Sylvia responded without a second thought.
“And danger arouses you?”, Theodorus questioned.
“Your kind does.”
Theodorus leaned down. He grimaced and brought the escape forth. Keeping it between his teeth, he grinned. Sylvia reached up and tangled a hand in his hair, urging him closer. She kissed him, trusting him to control the edge and avoid hurting her. When she relaxed back, Theodorus squeezed her throat a little firmer, definitively firmer than he would have dared to without her fingers curling in his hair and her soul burning in arousal. A little firmer still, and Sylvia sighed in delight. Theodorus could feel her entire body raise up beneath him, shaking under his hands.
Never before had Theodorus felt a warmth as hot as the one burning in his chest now. Sylvia looked right back at him through the vast emptiness. She shared this moment with him in its entirety. He felt her soul as though it were his own, and her soul was dancing in ecstasy.
It was still dark when Sylvia woke up. The light from a fire outside the tent sneaked through gaps here and there. Sylvia stroked a hand over Theodorus’s cheek until he finally stirred. She watched him startle awake, bring a hand up to cover his face, remember whom he was with, and finally relax again. She let her fingers tangle in his long hair, so coarse to the touch. She inspected the relaxed slouch of his shoulders, the small natural curve of his lips, and the crisp white of his eyes.
“It is a shame that you have to hide under that mask. You are rather beautiful.”
Theodorus smiled at that. He remembered the evening, remembered how Sylvia had met his gaze without fear, had looked right into the vast white and shared her very being with him, without her soul giving a single quiver. She really was not afraid of him, was she? She had no reason to indulge him this way, to tell him pretty lies. Theodorus turned toward her. “You really think so?”
Sylvia nodded a little. “Yea. You are like some fable being, enchanting and mysterious.”
“Says you. Beautiful curls of thick hair, soft tawny skin, and those freckles. An intimidating mage with looks taken from a legend.”
“Lilja was right”, Sylvia determined. “You really are a sweet talker.”
Theodorus chuckled. “Sometimes.” He sighed and his smile slowly diminished. “Sylvia. Would you take offence if I cuddled with someone else?”
Sylvia frowned. “No. Why would I take offence?”
Theodorus shrugged a little and motioned between the two of them.
“I never agreed to be exclusive with you”, Sylvia stated.
“Fair enough. I just wanted to make sure. I have come to understand that there are many ways to look at these things.”
“And which are those?”, Sylvia inquired.
“Where Tone is from, sex and partnership is exclusive to two adults. Here, it need not be exclusive as long as it does not concern a bloodline. I have even heard that there are lands in which exclusivity is frowned upon”, Theodorus elaborated.
“Yea, I have heard something along those lines as well. I just fail to see how it matters if there is nothing at stake.”
“That makes sense”, Theodorus agreed. He turned onto his back and stared up at the ceiling of the tent. Another deep sigh escaped him. “Do you reckon Oskar will have to be exclusive with Aulikki?”
“Of course”, Sylvia said at once. “It is the most important bloodline of them all. She has to bear his children and he should show her the same restraint in turn. It is a matter of respect.”
“I suppose you are right”, Theodorus mumbled.
“Why do you ask?”
Theodorus shrugged. “Just thinking.”
“Do you think Oskar lacks restraint?”
Theodorus tensed.
Sylvia shook her head. “Never mind. Do not answer that. It does not matter.”
She sat up and dug in the pockets of her jacket. Taking out a ring, she placed it in Theodorus’s palm.
He frowned at it and then at her. “Where did you get this?”
“What is more important is how you will use it. I hope you still have the blackstone dagger?”
Theodorus pulled it out and handed it over. Sylvia used her whispered knife to engrave something.
Theodorus watched the magic shimmer along the wooden edge and settle in the blackstone. “Just what are you plotting?”
“We need to win this battle by any means, and you are the man for the job.”
Receiving the enchanted weapon, Theodorus read the inscription. “Drain.” He looked up at Sylvia with a frown. “Have you spoken to Oskar about this?”
“He almost died in Holms Fäste. Are you willing to give Gramr another shot?”, Sylvia asked.
“Of course not.”
“Then you need to protect him again today. You will do what I ask and not give Oskar the opportunity to tell you otherwise.”
Theodorus nodded. “What are my orders?”