Arriving in Warchief’s office, Lidea was greeted by the familiar sight of books, maps, and papers scattered all over the floor. Somehow making the room feel full despite its lack of furniture. Her eyes were quickly drawn to the source of the clutter, who currently stood hunched over his desk. Warchief looked weary as he leaned onto his hands, the meeting seemed to have stolen all the energy he had for the day.

Crystal who stood beside him, didn’t seem to fare any better. The healer looked gloomy, her arms crossed tightly in front of her body and her lips drawn tight. Dark circles marred her angelic features and she was wearing her normally pristine white healer’s dress, which was stained everywhere with spots of green, yellow, or brown. The origin of which Lidea didn’t want to guess.

A single look at their expressions was enough for her to know that she was about to receive some bad news.

“What happened?”

Briskly she stepped between them, only now noticing the crumbled piece of paper they were studying. At first, she thought it was written in a foreign language until she noticed some familiar words. It was Lynean, just barely legible.

“Wulf brought this down from the castle. We are in trouble.”

Frowning in concentration, she glanced over the short piece of text. It claimed that the church had created a magic absorbing stone that could break through their barrier and that an attack was planned as soon as there were enough to supply some sort of army. It sounded far-fetched and her doubts increased as her eyes glued themselves to the initials that had signed the letter. V.K.

Valerian Kyeiron.

Immediately she was reminded of when she had received a similar letter, though written better. One which had prompted her to make the biggest mistake of her life.

“We have an advantage if they solely attack us from the main entrance. The tunnel will funnel their troops to us, so we just have to defend ourselves from a couple of men at a time. But with the difference in skill and sheer numbers, it won’t matter. Without the barrier, we stand no chance.”

Frustration echoed through Warchief’s voice, and his expression turned to one she didn’t knew he was capable of. Defeat. It unsettled her to see him so out of character. Was he just tired? Or maybe the pressure of everyone’s expectations was finally getting to him.

“What is even the point of worrying about an attack? Our rations are depleting rapidly. I’m already at the end of my healing supplies, and food-wise I think we have enough for another week or two. I can ration further, but that would mean that we severely weaken ourselves.”

Crystal spat in anger, as they both stared at the letter like it was a contract signing their doom. Seeing them this upset, softened some of the grudge that had formed within Lidea after they had declared they were leaving with no thought about what would become of the people they left behind. They did care.

Or maybe they just want to survive.

A cynical part of her brain added but Lidea tried to silence it.

“So we either die by starvation or we get killed. Pick your poison I suppose.”

Warchief’s attempt at a smile looked more like a grimace as he looked at Lidea.

“Unless our Princess has any brilliant ideas?”

She glared at him for using the nickname but the seriousness of the situation made her not mention it.

“How sure are we that Valerian is telling the truth?”

Both looked taken aback, probably not expecting her to question the news itself, but Warchief was quick to recover.

“I didn’t have much time to talk with Wulf, but did ask him to look into this. He promised to try but that this kind of information is likely kept within the church ranks and I have no informants there.”

“You managed to meet him?”

She couldn’t help asking surprised. Even Warchief wouldn’t be able to leave the barrier with soldiers posted right outside of it, so Wulf must have come down to see him. Everyone would have noticed a noble coming down. The man was either ballsy or a fool. She rather believed the former as his response sounded too sensible for a stupid man.

“He has his ways.”

Warchief’s deflective answer stoked the fire of annoyance within her but she ignored it to focus on the news at hand. Wulf was probably right. This was the sort of sensitive information that would be closely guarded. Aristocrats were just too gossipy to trust, so more likely only Valerian and his father knew. Meaning it would be almost impossible to verify the news. The Pleberien Church members were mostly fanatics, not the type to be easily bribed or that would become chatty after a drink or two.

“Besides, I am inclined to believe him as I can’t see the reason why he would lie.”

That was what had bothered her as well. They might be trying to smoke them out of their hiding place but without knowing where they would escape from, they had no way of preventing them from just leaving and regrouping after they figured out that it all had been a ruse.

Still, she couldn’t help herself from being wary. Valerian had proven that he was willing to do anything if it was to safekeep his father and throne. Even if it meant throwing his childhood friend into hell.

“I can’t either but I know we can’t trust him.”

Something in her words piqued their interest. Warchief looked at her in curiosity while Crystal seemed to be concerned. They must be wondering why she felt this strongly about Valerian. Sure they had heard how he had beaten her, but the truth of what transpired that day had been lost. After all, no one who knew was still alive but for Valerian and Lidea themselves. The precious prince would never admit that he had only won through deceit, and Lidea’s pride prevented her from sharing how she had failed her men.

Now was different though.They needed to know, how devious Valerian could be despite his innocent façade.

“It is just that it looks eerily similar to how he defeated me. We had lured them into a gorge in the northeastern corner of the country. With our archers lining both walls, they had no way of getting out alive, and I kept them there for over a week. I could see his men become desperate, hungry, and willing to do anything to go back home. Then I send Damian, one of my best soldiers, in under a white flag. I thought Valerian would surrender. Instead, I received him back as a dead man. I should have given the order to kill them all then but I didn’t.”

Regret swamped her and made it difficult to breathe, but she composed herself to finish off her story in a rush.

“I only found the letter on Damian’s body when I helped prepare him for his burial. Valerian apologized for the death, stating he needed to keep up the air of an infallible commander to defeat his father. He said that he agreed with me and that he wanted me to help him win this battle so he could take the power from Morto. We would have a mock battle and in turn for my quick surrender, my men would be let go. My mother had made Morto promise he would not harm me, so I would be imprisoned or banished until Valerian had a chance to release me or call me back.”

Lidea still couldn’t believe how stupid she had been to believe him. She should have realized that after all those years he wouldn’t have been the child she had once known, just as she wasn’t the kid from that time either.

“None of my men agreed, obviously. But I had seen how the years of fighting had started to wear them down. I just thought it was the quickest way to end it all. So I went ahead and the rest of the story you know. He didn’t keep his promise after I surrendered and instead had me watch as he killed everyone but me. I know that he comes across as someone who wants the best for everyone, but please be cautious.”

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There was a silence as she finished speaking and she could see that Warchief wanted to say something but it was Crystal who suddenly hugged her.

“I better never meet him again, because I will gut him if I do.”

The woman growled, astounding Lidea who had never heard a human make such a sound. She knew the healer meant it, could feel her claws digging into her back as she was being squeezed tight. The half-demoness forgetting her strength in the light of her anger. She would almost feel scared for Valerian, but he deserved whatever fate would get to him.

With a smile, she hugged Crystal back.

“I will cheer you on if you do so. But could you let go just a bit? It is hard to breathe.”

“My apologies!”

In an instant, Lidea was released and the healer immediately went to check her body, as if scared to have injured her frail human friend through her aggressive cuddling.

The sight made her feel warm inside, and she chuckled while trying to reassure Crystal.

“I’m alright. No need to worry this much.”

“Just let me worry already!”

Her exclamation caused Lidea to roll her eyes but she didn’t protest any longer.

“Thank you for telling us.”

Warchief spoke with a gravity unbecoming of his carefree personality, but then the man with his thousand secrets probably knew better than anyone how much it had taken off her to divulge that story. Lidea accepted his gratitude with a nod, earning her a smile from him before he sighed.

“We will have to keep your advice in mind. Honestly, I hope he is deceiving us. It would be for the best, considering we have no way to go.”

“That is not true though.”

Both pairs of eyes turned to her, Crystal’s questioning, while Warchief’s held a spark of hope as he asked.

“Do we have somewhere to go?”

Lidea couldn’t hide the smirk as she responded triumphantly.

“Did you think I did nothing in those tunnels all morning?”

Her cheeriness was contagious as both started smiling when Warchief stated the obvious with clear relief in his voice.

“You found us a way out.”

She was happy to see his optimism returning and she could almost see the wheels turning in his head. Crystal instead was too busy hugging her again.

“Of course you did! Why didn’t you tell us sooner!?”

The healer almost sounded offended and Lidea outward laughed this time. Amused at how quickly Crystal switched between moods, she couldn’t help herself to tease her a bit.

“As if I had the chance. You guys were far too busy moaning.”

The shove she received from Crystal caused her to tumble into Warchief who was quick to catch her. A bit stunned by the sudden force, she missed how rapidly Crystal went from annoyed to horrified.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

Before she continued to another apology, Warchief stopped her by stepping between the two. Creating a physical shield to protect Lidea from more of the half demoness’ overeager responses.

“Why don’t you keep your joking to a minimum, Lidea, as long as Crystal is sleep-deprived and forgetting to manage her strength. I would rather not have any accidents.”

“I’m fine, just a bit surprised. I suppose I never considered that you actually have to think of how much force you use when we interact.”

Crystal smiled as if she were looking at a kitten or baby, giving her the impression she found Lidea’s naivety endearing. Ignoring the impulse to roll her eyes again, she pointed at the letter. Keen to return to the subject at hand.

“Not to dampen your spirits, but we do have a problem. The way out was created to be used on a dragon’s back, meaning there is a significant climb up an almost vertical shaft over quite some distance. It will be challenging for anyone who is not in great condition.”

Warchief nodded in understanding as he started thinking out loud.

“At least we have a way out now. We will be able to get supplies, given we don’t get caught. It will give us time to find a way to get everyone up there. Hopefully, that it is such a hard climb up, means that no one will try to get down it either. Where does it come out?”

“The Royal Hunting grounds, right at the eastern edge of the city.No one is allowed to come there but by a royal invite, and as Morto isn’t a great hunter and Valerian loathes killing animals for sport, it is mostly deserted. But even if someone would pass by, the entrance seems to be invisible from the other side. I assume the riders created another barrier.”

Hearing that caused Warchief to grin mischievously.

“Hiding under the king’s very own nose. Those dragon riders sound like the kind of people I would get along with.”

“So, are we actually going to evacuate? Even if the message might be fake?”

Crystal asked but instead of answering Warchief looked to Lidea, leaving her to decide. The act reminded her that they would be leaving soon, and it would be her, not Warchief, who was going to be responsible for keeping the group safe. It left her feeling angry and nervous but she was quick to compose herself as she answered decisively.

“Even if we can stay, we are too vulnerable here. We can’t resist the royal army, and they will find a way to get to us. If not now, then later, even if it means that they have to dig their way in with their bare hands. Besides, there aren’t just soldiers here anymore. We can’t keep these families underground for years. This is no life.”

No matter if Warchief and Crystal would return with help, staying here was a foolish thing to do. She would be better off retreating and taking the time to train her men thoroughly while giving the civilians a chance to return to normal living.

“We are going east, to Udrän. Warchief, do we have an overview of all the people that are here currently? We will need to set out a scouting party to find us a place in Udrän to stay. Maybe already set up the basics of a settlement, some tents, firewood, and food. We will need to transfer these people in small groups to not be noticed while keeping most of our men here. Might we be attacked.”

Before she finished, Warchief already rummaged through one pile of papers to find a little booklet which he handed to her.

“Roland made a record of all three hundred and twenty-nine people that reside here now, with some basic information about their capabilities and health. I agree with the idea of a scouting group, let me know who and I will get them to it. We should also find out if there are some carpenters among them to help create ladders for our way out.”

Lidea thanked the innkeeper for his foresight as she browsed through the pages. The information within was invaluable.

“Sounds good. Let’s make a list of who will go when, and divide tasks. It will be good for the morale if they feel like they are helping the cause. Can I leave you to give another meeting to inform the group?”

She expected him to refuse, stating that Lidea should take that role upon her, but the man just nodded.

Lidea then looked past him to the healer who had been listening silently.

“Crystal? I need you to give me estimations of how long each of your patients will take before they are recovered enough to move. Also, let me know who has been helping you out, those people should stay as long as you need them for.”

The healer’s sapphire eyes darkened and Lidea couldn’t help but look away in shame. She knew what her decision meant for those within the infirmary. Most of the cases that were still under Crystal’s care, were those that would need years to heal up, if they would at all. If Valerian was lying then they could wait for them, but if he wasn’t, then their lives were now racing against time itself.

“Recovery isn’t always predictable. But I will do my best.”

Her words sounded hollow and Lidea tried not to think of the decision she would have to take in the case of an attack.

“Thank you. That is all I can ask for.”

Thinking through the following steps they would have to make. She made sure they had discussed everything of importance before she considered one final question. One that had been lying heavily on her mind.

“When do you think you will be leaving?”

Crystal deferred to Warchief, who just looked confused as he asked back.

“What do you mean?”

His reaction annoyed Lidea but she took a deep breath before explaining her question while emphasizing every word.

“Now that we have secured a way out, I was wondering how long you were planning to stay before taking off to find the Dragon Riders.”

As her words trailed off, anger caused his eyes to turn a more flaming orange and she could feel the room heating up.

“Warchief… Calm yourself.”

The healer tried to intervene but Warchief was not allowing it.

“No Crystal! She can’t seriously think that we would go away now and leave her to deal with a potential attack!”

As she tried to lay a hand on his shoulder, he swiped it away and pointed his fury at Lidea.

“I get that you aren’t happy with the plan, Lidea, but that doesn’t mean you have to suddenly treat us as if we are some scoundrels! Don’t we deserve a bit more trust from you?!”

Lidea knew that she should walk away, but the anger that had simmered inside of her for days did not let her. Keeping her tone measured and deliberate, she pointed at his scorching chest as she leveled her gaze upon him.

“Did you? Why don’t you answer that question for me? I’m grateful that you saved my life, but don’t act like you did so out of kindness. You wanted to use me and you have shown that you are willing to lie to manipulate me too. Hell, I don’t even know your name.”

An emotion she couldn’t read flickered through his eyes but she was too far gone to care.

“How dare you act like all should be well and daisy. I have the right to be freaking upset that you are going to leave me on my own to help these people while you go and gallivant all over the world for who knows how long.”

“That isn’t fair Lidea. I’m doing this because we need help, we already discussed this.”

His temper had diminished as he responded calmly, but his flaming eyes showed that he was still angry. Good. He should be.

“Yes Warchief, we discussed it. I agreed that we need help, but that doesn’t mean that I should be bloody happy about the two of you leaving. Now, am I right that you are staying until the evacuation is done then?”

Warchief only nodded once, his lips pressed together and the fire in his eyes still blazing. Knowing this discussion would go nowhere, she decided they both needed some time to cool down before they could work further.

“Fine. Then why don’t you start dividing tasks to people using the book, while I go and find some men to get us supplies? Afterward, I will come back and we can continue working on this.”

“Your cursing habit has come back.”

She didn’t respond to his calm observation, dropping the booklet on the desk before walking out of the room fast. As the door closed behind her, she could hear Crystal admonish him but she didn’t stay to listen. There were more important things for her to do than to argue with Warchief about something that wasn’t about to change.