Zeteria, Twelfth Domain, Freilus Forest.

The three Heralds flew over the trees in silence, their wings gliding over the air currents.

Abbas had quickly placed himself at the head of their group, leading the way. The clouds continued to gather, and the air was heavy. The Herald perceived the apprehension of his teammates behind him. He guessed their thoughts.

If the rain would only slow them down, a storm would force them to land immediately. They dared not to take lightning seriously. The few Phemacians who had been overconfident during a storm painfully learned their lesson.

However, Abbas was almost certain that Aydan would risk everything if they were running out of time to save the girl. Despite his paleness, the young Herald managed to keep up with Abbas’s pace. The latter was watching for Kadir’s reassuring signs, who would warn him in case Aydan couldn’t keep up anymore.

Abbas was puzzled by his own actions… What led him to lend a hand to Aydan? His orders were clear… to help the young man fulfill his mission of protection. Nothing justified this hunt. Once Aydan was located and taken care of, they should have communicated with their superior and waited for further instructions. The most logical option would have been to wait for a healer and request for backup before going after the Sraxs. But time was against them, and they made a decision in a hurry… an impulsive decision fueled by Aydan’s emotions.

Just admit that you’re fond of him. His familiar, Varso interrupted his thoughts.

Maybe…

He's strong-willed.

I call it being stubborn.

But he is determined too, Varso added.

His familiar was right. Aydan was prepared to give his life to save the girl. Abbas and Kadir had two Circles on their chest; Aydan possessed none. And yet the young Herald had naturally assumed leadership of the group. They were following his decision to give chase.

It’s his heart, Varso pointed out. He has a good and strong heart.

Abbas nodded mentally. There is no doubt that Aydan would progress rapidly on the path of Mecens. He already had a taste of his potential when Aydan was only Gofer. Since he had become Herald and accessed the Wildlink, his self-control and maturity had surprised more than one. And he was only sixteen…To Abbas’s knowledge, Kadir was Aydan’s only close friend. Only he had the patience to wait for the rare bits of information that Aydan revealed about himself.

Your independent character and your stubborn nature are blocking you from reaching the Third Circle. Aydan may progress faster on the first few circles, but the fourth one is Trust.

Indeed, it will be a big challenge for him, Abbas replied.

You all have your strengths and weaknesses; the Circles are just a way to reveal them.

Yes. And we are not all destined to be Harbingers.

Indeed. To surpass oneself, to seek perpetual improvement... such is the daily life of the Mecens. And I'm happy to progress by your side.

Thanks, Abbas replied to his familiar.

Why are you helping him so much? The falcon asked with curiosity. It isn’t in your character to get involved with others’ matters that much.

Abbas thought about the question.

I was given orders…

Orders you have far exceeded, Varso interrupted him.

I agree, Abbas recognized. I cannot really answer your question. There is no logic to my actions right now. Just... I don't know. When you transmitted to me the depth of his distress via the Wildlink, I couldn’t remain insensitive.

What about the girl?

The one the Consul chose to be the future Scion? I don't really know what to think about her. She is so naive and predictable.

She's hiding something.

You also noticed it!?

Yes. Nam too. I'm sure Aydan's familiar knows something…

You are still frustrated by this mystery?

I don’t like it. Is the Commander of the Sraxs here by mere coincidence?

Abbas felt his heart skip a couple of beats.

Do you think he’s come for her?

I do not know, but the possibility cannot be excluded.

The Herald thought about the information he knew. According to Kadir, there had been an entire prison camp. The Empire came to stock up on slaves, as usual. It was the most likely conclusion. His fists clenched in response to his anger. Many lives were at stake. If their group succeeded with their little mission, they could save many citizens of the Republic.

Kadir has found them. Varso notified him.

Abbas's gaze left the dark masses of clouds and landed on the edge of the forest. A dark flag stood out under the branches of the trees. He even discerned the Srax soldiers and shuddered. A whole squad ... And there were only three of them. Abbas hovered around to consult with the other two Heralds.

“Any idea?” He inquired.

“I can't see her in the middle of all these people,” Aydan said.

“They are all bound together by a rope,” Kadir noticed. “Releasing them could create a diversion for us.”

“And a massacre,” Abbas added, concerned. “We are talking about the Sraxs here.”

From their point of view, the Door was very close. An almost straight path from the forest of Tador to reach it, with Lake Perdu on the left side. The first soldiers were already leaving the cover of the forest, and one of them soon pointed his finger towards the Mecens.

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“They found us,” Abbas informed.

“We’re still out of their reach, Kadir added calmly. Even if they had bows, and I didn’t see any, they couldn't hit us from there. We remain a threat they must take into account. The pressure is on them.”

There she is. She is out in the open.

Herald Kadir looked at the plains. A silhouette staggered in the grasses. Her movements were unbalanced by her bound wrists. Anyone would find it difficult to run in these conditions.

A red glow caught his attention, and he cursed between his teeth. The Commander had just left the forest and was pursuing the girl. Kadir opened his mouth and then closed it without making a sound. He couldn’t speak fast enough; Aydan had already left the group, flying towards her.

"He won't make it in time," Abbas whispered.

Kadir nodded, and the two Heralds rushed towards their comrade.

*****

Within seconds, Aydan arrived at Lara's position. But Red Wings Zain got to her first.

"Let her go," the young Herald threatened by taking a step forward.

"You... the Commander said, astonished. "You should be dead."

Aydan took another step, and his opponent pressed his dark blade against his victim's throat.

"Keep going, and she's done for."

His tone was calm and controlled. As if Zain thought himself to be untouchable.

The young Phemacian raged in silence and remained motionless. His two comrades landed around them. But Aydan's eyes didn't leave Lara.

"I hope you're not trying to impress me with your number," the Commander added.

Aydan could only admire the calmness and the perfect technique of his opponent. With one arm, he held Lara against him, exerting pressure on her throat to force her to stay still. From the other, he held his sword. The girl was terrified. And he was powerless. Aydan clenched his fists in frustration.

"Do you think three Heralds can defeat me?"

"Don't underestimate us!" Abbas replied.

Zain laughed.

"As long as I have the girl, you will never dare to attack."

The Commander even openly checked the progress of his men. What arrogance!

"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you," Kadir said.

Of the three Mecens, he was the most serene. And with the speed that characterized him, he took advantage of this second of inattention to strike. His Venerium blade clashed with Zain’s.

“You seem a little better than the others,” the Srax Commander congratulated. “But you are still kids with no real experience.”

Alcid, your strength! Zain called his familiar

Right away, Master.

With a powerful leap, Red Wings Zain rose in the air with his captive under the amazed looks of the three Heralds.

“Impossible,” Abbas mumbled.

Taking off with so little momentum required powerful muscles. Doing so while carrying someone was unbelievable. In a few steps, Aydan pursued him. The wind was gusting, and the rain was coming down hard. His wings were heavier under this weather. The Commander played them like newbies. The young Phemacian cursed between his teeth. He hesitated for a second before chasing his opponent. It was enough for Red Wings Zain to take a lead Aydan couldn’t catch up to due to his weakened state.

Don’t give up. You can do it. His phoenix encouraged him.

Thanks.

A strong wind got under his wings, and he struggled for a few seconds to regain his balance. When he finally stabilized himself, Zain was hovering over Lake Perdu. Despite the rain, the Commander perceived his men crossing the Door with the prisoners. A satisfied smile appeared on his face. He only needed to waste a little more time.

The Commander adjusted his grip, holding the body of his hostage. He had rendered her unconscious before taking off to prevent her from panicking and bothering him in flight. However, the girl began to weigh in his arms. Fortunately, he didn’t need her for much longer. It was a shame to lose a prisoner, but he had no other choice but to protect his men and make sure the rest of the prisoners reached the Empire.

The young Mecen was rushing towards him despite the extreme weather. Zain smiled again; he had led him exactly where he wanted. The Commander suddenly let go of the young woman, who, still unconscious, was falling towards the lake. The Herald wouldn’t make it in time before the imminent impact in the ice-cold water. Zain’s plan was simple. If he was right and the Mecen cared about the woman as much as he thought, he would dive to save her rather than pursue him.

The Commander would have preferred to ensure their death, but the Door wouldn’t remain open forever. With a little luck, they would both drown or succumb to hypothermia. He checked one last time that Aydan was going after the woman before leaving the scene at full speed. Emperor Kaligula, may Yakarl lend him HIS strength, wouldn’t like his report.

*****

Aydan realized with terror he wouldn’t make it in time. He forgot about the Commander. Nothing else mattered other than his Brynhild. The young Herald dug in deep, pushing his fatigue and exhaustion to the bottom of his mind.

Don't forget that I'm with you.

A surge of energy reached him from the bond he shared with his Familiar via the Wildlink.

With the heavy rain, Lara’s body colliding with the water was inaudible. Only the ripples it provoked on the surface notified Aydan. The young man couldn’t help but slow down. He hated water. His training with the Mecen Corp had taught him to swim, but he would rather not go in. However, he had no choice. His oath came first.

“My life will be given before hers,” he whispered to motivate himself.

He reigned in his fear, buried it under the weight of his determination, and addressed a short prayer to Elhain before folding down his wings and dropping towards where Lara had fallen. He closed his eyes a second before the impact. The icy waves grabbed him, and he felt his whole body seize up in response.

Have no fear.

Waves of heat from his familiar invaded his body, neutralizing the cold. He felt his muscles relax and respond to his orders again. He opened his eyes and looked for the slightest trace of Lara. Underwater, his wings were a major handicap. They made his movements clumsy and imprecise. They greatly slowed him down. Aydan gritted his teeth and forced himself to reach the depth, leaving a trail of bubbles behind. It took long seconds to locate the young woman.

When he discerned a hand, he closed his fingers on her wrist and pulled with the little strength he had left. The young man managed to catch Lara, but their combined weights dragged them to the bottom.

His boot eventually sank into a soft texture, and he sought to use it to propel them to the surface. But the soil underneath the water was too soft. He couldn’t generate the necessary momentum to push both of them up.

I can't provide you with oxygen, Rha warned him. You must go back up now!

Almost out of breath, Aydan struggled with all his might. His body was so heavy! His bulky wings were unsuitable for this environment. Moreover, he hadn’t fully recovered from his recent injuries. Going after Zain had taken his last reserve of strength. Aydan had nothing left in the tank. And he didn't even know if she was still alive.

Should he give up? Leave her there to save his own life?

Black spots appeared in his vision. He was suffocating. He was in desperate need of air. He couldn’t hold out for much longer. He was going to fail again.

Her honor before mine; my blood will spill before hers; my life will be given before hers.

The words of Su’wrath came back to him. He had sworn to her. He couldn't give up while his heart still pumped blood.

With the sole force of his will, he forced his limbs to move, to remember the movements necessary to go find air. Nothing else mattered… only moving upwards… following the bubbles that rose so easily to hatch on the surface. Everything was blurred before his eyes. He only heard the encouragement of his familiar, matching his determination. One movement after another, progressing little by little toward a single goal that mobilized his entire being.

He only realized after several seconds that he succeeded. His first breath of air was drowned under the rain that was falling on them.

One last effort, Aydan. You're almost there.

Mobilizing whatever he had left, he raised his wings to the surface to stabilize himself and make sure Lara’s head was above the water. All that was in his mind was to close his eyes and get a good rest.

He never knew how long it took him to reach the shore. Every second seemed endless. His feet suddenly bumped into a roughly stable ground. He staggered over the few meters that separated him from the banks before collapsing. He was more than exhausted. With no strength left, he fainted before his body crashed onto the ground.