The first rays of the sun filtered through the windows. If Lara was still asleep, the Mecens were already busy packing. Aydan’s clothes and wings were now dry.

You linked your life to an interesting young woman, Rha said to him.

Yes.

She challenged Omar for you. I must say I agree with her. I don't like him.

You don’t have to like someone to obey his orders. Nor to work alongside him.

Wise words for such a young person. Become Harbinger quickly, Aydan. I do not want to lose my life by the orders of an overambitious superior.

I'll do my best. But the path of the Mecens is not traveled in a few months.

Are you doubting me? Rha asked in an amused tone.

You know I am not.

So trust my choice.

Aydan thought about these last words while he adjusted his uniform. He learned new knowledge about the Wildlink every day, like with the Mecens. He loved it.

Always improving, constantly pushing his limits while being aware of his weaknesses… The search for a permanent balance between the possible and the impossible… The training he had followed as a Gofer had laid the first milestones on the path of excellence he chose to take.

Now that he was Herald, he had no Harbinger to permanently chaperone him. Only his will would help him progress again and again. He foresaw this arduous path would never end. Aydan tightened his belt while grimacing when the fabric pressed on his wound. His body was demanding rest, and the three hours of sleep was far from being sufficient. But it would have to do for now.

When he was ready, he joined the other Heralds and greeted them. He was the least ranked and was expected to be flawless in his conduct. They didn’t stop their conversations for him, and only Kadir and Abbas gave him a welcomed look. The young man clenched his teeth and forced himself not to take offense by the others’ behavior.

The Harbinger Omar entered a few minutes later. His gaze examined each one of them.

“Herald Aydan, you are injured. Flying may make it worse, so you will escort the young woman,” he announced.

“As you command, Harbinger,” he replied with an impeccable salute.

He forced his fists to loosen. He didn’t like the decision, but he will obey. He wanted to fly, but Omar was right. Flying now would only open his wound. The young Herald did his best to ignore the mocking smiles of his colleagues. No Phemacian liked to be limited to the ground, and his pride was a bit hurt by their reactions.

They see it as punishment. Will you let it bother you? Rha asked.

Aydan breathed softly, letting his breath dissipate the last traces of his annoyance.

I’ll take it as an opportunity to spend time with my Brynhild… before my next mission.

Lara was delighted to learn that she wouldn’t ride alone. After the final preparations, they set out on the horses brought especially for her.

She quickly lost the Phemacians flying above them. She could no longer see them. Lara sighed and glanced at Aydan. He was impassive at his side. She was looking for signs of his irritation. She saw his hands were a little too tight on the reins.

“Sorry,” she said

“For what?”

“You got stuck with me on the ground. I know you’d rather fly.”

The Herald didn’t answer.

The young woman sighed again and looked at the white clouds of her breath rising between the branches of the trees. The journey would be long if her friend remained silent. Lara wondered how far the Harbinger and his men would escort her. Until they exited Tador Forest? Or maybe to Asmor? Or to her house?

Her mood darkened. She imagined her father’s reaction. He trusted her and must have been furious. After he made sure that she wasn’t injured, she would receive an earful.

“Are you thinking about your father?”

She turned to Aydan, surprised he initiated the conversation.

“Yes. I fear his disappointment.”

Aydan raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t you think the word is a little weak?”

“I know, I shouldn’t have lied to him,” she whispered between her clenched teeth. “But it makes things easy sometimes. And don't sermon me by taking your people as an example.”

The young man sighed. Lara continued.

“This isn’t the first time I don’t agree with him, and it won’t be the last. Have you never argued with your father?”

Aydan instantly stiffened, and Lara smiled. She had touched a sensitive point. The young man wasn’t as irreproachable as he wanted her to believe. Like her, the Phemacian had grown up without the presence of a mother by his side. The father figure held an important place in their lives.

“So?” She refused to give up.

The young man sighed, and his wings stirred the air unnecessarily.

“You don’t give up, do you? Very well... It happened to me as well,” he admitted.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“And how did your father react?” She asked

“Not well.”

She waited for him to continue, but he remained silent.

“You won’t say anything else about it, will you?” She grumbled.

Aydan nodded.

“Is he demanding with you?” She asked.

“Yes. Look, Lara.. don’t ask me more about it.”

She stared at him, curious, and Aydan easily guessed the questions that burned her lips.

“My oath to you is to protect you, not to obey you.”

Lara sighed and shook her head. The Mecen smiled at him.

“You Phemacians are impossible to deal with.”

She waved her reins and sped up with her horse, trying to distance Aydan. The fresh air ruffled her hair, and she burst out laughing. It was exhilarating to think of nothing else other than the wind against her skin. She slowed down after several minutes and looked up at the clear sky. It would be a beautiful day.

“You want Omar to scold me again?” Aydan grumbled, joining her.

“Sorry, I forgot about them. Do you know how long they’ll be following us?”

“The Harbinger did not give me that information.”

“I don’t like him.”

“That makes us two.”

“Will you be leaving soon?”

“Yes.”

“May I know where?”

“Phemacia, probably. I can't hope for a mission while I'm hurt. This will be an opportunity to complete my formation.”

“I thought Heralds were exempt from this kind of study.”

“We have circles to pass. And other knowledge to acquire. We never stop learning.”

“I’m curious about these teachings.”

“Anatomy, fighting techniques, first aid… You would be surprised by their diversity.”

The two young adults advanced at the slow pace of their mounts. Lara had no idea how far they had to travel to get to the capital Asmor. She knew there was a little less than a day to reach the shores of Lake Perdu. She hoped to return home before nightfall. If she was gone two consecutive nights, she doubted that her father would trust her for anything.

The clouds came to mask the sun. Everything darkened around them, and Lara thought that the sky perfectly reflected her mood. She tightened her cape around her body. The cold suddenly seemed more prevalent, and all joy deserted her. The backlash of the events from the day before filled her mind. Because of her, Aydan almost died. Because of her fears, her father was probably full of worry. She let her fears overcome her and isolated herself as if denying reality would protect her. And for what? She narrowly escaped slavery and the fact the Empire might discover her identity. Moreover, she almost drowned in the waters of Lake Perdu.

Her tears burst out uncontrollably, letting out her fear and sadness. It was all her fault. She acted like a fool. She had been guided by her emotions and fear and only made mistakes. She would have done better to convince her father to leave Zeteria immediately.

“Do you want to stop to eat something?” Aydan asked.

The question suddenly drew her from her thoughts. She sniffed and hurriedly wiped her cheeks.

“If you want,” she replied with a voice she hoped was devoid of emotions.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Lara said hurriedly, turning away her head.

She heard his sigh. He had never been fooled by her lies. How could he be so able to tell the lie from the truth when he came from people incapable of lying?

“Let’s stop then.” Aydan decided.

He dismounted, and she did the same before attaching her horse to a tree. She moved away so as not to allow him to see her distress. However, Aydan stood in front of her with his arms crossed.

“You cried.”

“No.”

“What’s wrong?” He repeated gently.

Lara felt trapped and sought to escape. With a quick gesture, the Herald seized her wrist, and the young woman struggled in vain to free her arm. After several seconds of struggling, she ended up collapsing against him, sobbing on his shoulder. Aydan was confused. He didn’t know what caused the sudden outburst.

He remained there for a long time, motionless, not daring to move while she wept in his arms. Lara was releasing the fatigue, and all the tension of the last few hours. When she finally settled down, her shoulders still trembling, he handed her a handkerchief.

“I'm so sorry,” she said in a voice still chopped by remanent sobs.

“You have yet to understand the importance of Su’wrath… this link that binds us…”

His tone was peaceful and contrasted with his customary coldness.

Lara nodded while wiping her reddened eyes.

“You should not feel guilty. It's me who decides who I give my life to. It is my decision. If I had to exchange my life for yours, I would not hesitate. This is what I chose by taking the oath.”

“But…”

“When you take responsibility for my actions, you put in doubt my honor.” He interrupted.

“It seems so easy to you…”

“I am a Mecen. I have learned to manage my emotions. These unusual situations for you are part of my daily life. Don't blame yourself.”

Lara didn’t answer, busy drying her last tears. She felt both relieved and mortified. She faced the slightest difficulty and lost control of her emotions. Yes, she was kidnapped by the Sraxs, but it wasn’t the first time she met soldiers of the Empire. Well, maybe it was the first time she saw them so close. Aydan was right; she had the right to be a little upset.

She took a deep breath and savored the air which slowly left her lungs. She sighed.

“I thought I was strong, but I spend my time crying. I dream of having your courage.”

“You overcame your fear and freed yourself from the Sraxs, right? At that time, You have decided the price of your freedom.”

The words warmed her. Yes, she had been terrorized, and yes she had doubted herself. But her emotions didn’t prevent her from acting.

“Thanks.”

A simple word, which contained so many unsaid. The Herald only smiled. She knew Aydan would understand what she meant.

*****

They arrived shortly before nightfall. Lara examined the imposing wooden door of her house with a touch of apprehension. She had a pinch in her heart as she saw the light behind the windows. Her father must be worried sick. Despite her newfound confidence, she was anxious. He'd be furious. She raised her hand to knock but hesitated…

Two dry blows resounded.

Her anguished gaze fell on Aydan, impassive, one step behind her. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind when the door moved.

Her father only saw her.

“Lara! Elhain be praised!”

He opened his arms, and she snuggled up against him.

“I'm sorry,” she sighed.

“It’s alright. I’m just glad you are safe. Thank you for bringing her back to me,” he added for Aydan.

“I only performed my duty,” the Herald replied. “I'll come back tomorrow.”

He greeted them before turning away to leave.

Lask watched the Mecen move away, then closed the door and reported his attention to his daughter.

“I believe we need to have a little chat,” he finally said.

With a lump in her throat, Lara nodded.