Tanzik Albard stepped outside and drew a cloak tightly around him as the cold Serevar winds bit into him. He was grateful he hadn’t shaved in a few weeks since his beard partially shielded his face. He had arrived in the fishing village of Violet Shoals a few days ago and his reception had been as cold as the weather. Serevar was the only province in Cyfandir that had not joined the Katavy Empire, and since Tanzik was a former Imperial soldier, his presence made people more than a little uncomfortable.

“Making yourself useful today?” Asked a gruff, heavyset man in fishing waders.

“Fisk,” Tanzik said tersely, narrowing his steel grey eyes. “I don’t know how to fish.”

“Well, you could bloody learn. Long as you’re eating our food and drinking our beer. Go find Allena, she’ll teach you a thing or two.”

He felt his hands reflexively forming fists and crossed his arms to stop it from happening. “I’ve told you I’ll find a way to repay you.”

“Pretty words, man, but you need to back them up. If all I had was words, my family would starve. Now get, I need to clean up. Veida sees a mess again, it’ll be my head.”

Tanzik walked away. Fisk and his wife Veida were kind enough to give him a place to stay when no one else was willing to, but he always figured Veida was the one who made the decision. He liked them well enough to not want on their bad side, but Fisk’s attitude was already wearing thin on his nerves. But taking advantage of the kindness of strangers was dishonorable, and he knew he needed to help out to earn his keep.

He tied his blond hair behind his head and put his hood up. He headed north to the shoreline where the village’s eponymous shoals were. He was told there was a mineral that gave them their signature purple color. At night, they glowed and shimmered softly in the moonlight. It was a beautiful sight, but it was far too cold for him to stay outside to admire.

***

He saw Allena emptying and cleaning out crab traps in the sand. Her skin was much darker than his and most of the folk in Serevar, and she had long auburn hair tied in decorative knots behind her hair. It hid the scars on the back of her head, but not those on the sides of her face and ears.

“Hey hey, soldier,” she said as he approached. She didn’t sound like a Serevar native, but he couldn’t quite place her accent. She brushed a strand of hair out of her bright hazel eyes. “Fisk send you my way?”

“Seems to think I need to learn how to fish.”

“Nah, he just wants you to do something. And I don’t really have the patience to teach you fishing. Help me finish these instead?”

Tanzik sat across from her. The catch was good and they filled up a few buckets with crabs. Cleaning the traps was tedious, but by working together they finished around noon.

“Wonderful, wonderful,” she said as she stood up to stretch. “Haven’t really had the chance to talk to you, want to grab lunch?”

“Sure,” Tanzik said. His hands were sore and he was glad for a break. She led him back to her home and set out some cod seasoned with sea salt and parsley, dark rye bread, and darker beer.

“So you came from Orbrozan, huh?” She asked as she sat down with him to eat.

“I was born in Monscal, but I served the Empire in Orbrozan.”

“Subjugating the natives, huh?”

Tanzik gripped his fork a little tighter. “That’s why I left. Empress Ermina made a big show about how we only stationed a garrison there to protect them and help them, but…” He trailed off.

“They didn’t need it,” Allena finished.

“Yeah. Most of them didn’t want us there. They just accepted it as part of their reality because there was no other choice.”

“Empress Ermina speaks with honeyed words, but there’s a reason why we haven’t joined her. We’re doing just fine on our own, and won’t give up our freedom for her so-called unity.”

“That’s why I’m here. Only place I could get away.” After eating, Tanzik helped Allena clean up. “Just out of curiosity, what happened with the scars?”

“Oh these? Barely remember. I was pretty young when I got them. Parents took me on an expedition up north. Sailed too far, ran into some monsters. We all made it out alive, Uthix be praised.”

“Uthix?”

“Goddess of mercy,” she said with a faint, far-off smile. “Not worshiped often up here, but she’s a big deal where I came from.”

“And where’s that?” Tanzik put his cloak back on.

Allena opened the door and stepped outside, taking a deep breath and sighing. “The road,” she said as she walked back toward the shoals. It was an innocent question, but had a complicated answer that she wasn’t interested in getting into. “Coming with? Could use help setting the traps back up.”

She seemed evasive, and Tanzik figured he was prying so he stopped asking questions. As he followed, he heard heavy footsteps behind him and glanced over his shoulder to see a woman running toward the village. She was dressed in heavy traveler’s clothing and a cloak with a bow on her back.

“You there… who’s your leader here?” She bent over to grab her knees, panting with exhaustion.

“That’s Väskr, not sure where he is,” he said. “Allena!” She turned around and quickly rushed over to help. “She’s asking for Väskr.”

“He’s in the longhouse at the top of the hill.”

“Oh, a hill.” She coughed and took a few deep breaths. “Lovely. Just, uh… just give me a second. Maybe three. Oh gods… ten?” She stood up straight and put her hands on her hips. “I have a message, need to see him quick.”

“I’ll take you to him,” Allena said.

“Great, I’m going to lean on you, okay?”

The three headed up to the longhouse and went in. Väskr, a lanky man dressed in furs, was chasing his son across the hall while the boy screamed in delight. Väskr looked up at his visitors and waved them in, though he gave Tanzik a suspicious look. “All right boy, go play out back.”

“No thank you!” The boy ran toward the kitchen.

“At least he’s learning to be polite,” Allena said.

“Gods be praised,” he said tiredly, rubbing his beard. “Now what’s this, a courier?”

“Yes, my lord,” the woman said. She took off her hat, revealing a mess of short black hair, and bowed. “Lurala Habod at your service.”

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“I’m a working man, not a king. Just call me Väskr. What’s the message?”

“In that case, call me Lura,” she said as she walked up to him and handed him a small scroll case. He opened it up and pulled out a small note. His face darkened. “When?” He said grimly.

“I don’t know my—Väskr. That’s just what I was given.”

Väskr sighed and tossed the note in the fire. “Thank you for the message, Lura. You can return home.”

“Yeah, about that.” She scratched her head and tears welled in her dark eyes. “Um… I can’t. They’ve taken Komstadh on the border already.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

She smiled awkwardly. Allena narrowed her eyes, trying to get a read on her. Tanzik wasn’t paying attention, but she could tell Lura was hiding something. Her reactions seemed disingenuous. “What do we do?” She asked Väskr.

Väskr rubbed his beard. “I’ll raise a fyrd so we can defend ourselves if it comes to it. Komstadh isn’t more than a few days south, so they could be heading here. But we won’t march. We must defer to King Hárkast on how to respond. He needs to be told immediately.”

“I can take the news to Stormhall,” Lura said.

“I’ll go with her,” Tanzik said. “The road could be dangerous, and to be honest I’m not much use here.”

Väskr nodded solemnly. Allena shifted her weight uncomfortably. She wasn’t much of a fighter, and if the Imperial army were to attack Violet Shoals, the village wouldn’t be able to defend itself, fyrd or not. “Väskr, I’d like to go with them.”

“We need you here,” he said. “And I don’t need three people delivering one message.”

“But—”

“Allena, I’m sorry, but I need as many people here as possible. Lura, Tanzik, take Blossom and Forn from my stable and get to Stormhall as quick as you can. It’s a three day journey if you move fast. Blossom’s not the fastest, and Forn’s an idiot, but they’re both dependable. With Amanitra’s blessing, Violet Shoals will still stand by the time King Hárkast sends soldiers.”

“You’re sure he’ll send aid?” Tanzik asked.

Väskr scoffed. “The old man hates the Empire more than anyone I’ve ever met. I’d wager my life he’ll raise an army and send a detachment here. If there’s an excuse for him to fight, he’ll take it.”

“As will I,” Tanzik said.

He grunted. “I’ve no love for turncoats, but if you stand against the Empire I’ll gladly take your help.”

“Terrific,” Lura said, “we’ll head out at first light.”

“Nonsense, there’s still half the day left. You should leave within the hour, get a good distance before dark.”

Lura looked down crestfallen and bit her lip. Allena said, “I’ll put together some food and provisions for them.”

“Good. You all know what to do, then. I’ll take care of things here. Save travels, you two.”

***

Lura saw a small building that looked to be a shrine of Amanitra, the god of strife favored by many in Serevar. After checking to make sure no one was watching, she stepped inside. The shrine was vacant, so she knelt down in front of a statue of the god and lowered her head. Hands held in front of herself in the guise of prayer, she quickly took an iron coin from the altar and slipped it in her belt. She stayed there for a few moments to give her legs a rest and to relax her pounding heart.

Tanzik talked to the stable master and had Blossom and Forn tacked and fed. He went home to get his halberd and his chainmail armor. He then led the horses to Allena’s house. She was waiting outside with a couple of saddlebags full of food and camping supplies.

“Here,” she said, handing him one of the bags as she set the other on Blossom. “Enough food for the two of you. Just enough to get you to the capital, though, you’re on your own from there.”

“Thanks, Allena. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

“Sure, sure, just… keep an eye out on Lura, okay? Don’t have a good feeling about her.”

“She does seem a little odd.”

“No, it’s not that. I mean yeah, but it’s something else, like she’s hiding something.”

“Hm.” He kept quiet. He had his own secrets he was hiding, and was sure Allena did as well. As long as it didn’t interfere with them getting to Stormhall, he didn’t mind. “That why you wanted to join us?”

“Yeah,” she said. It was a half truth, but it was all he needed to know. “But she’s headed our way so I won’t say anymore.”

“You ready?” Lura said as she approached Tanzik. She gave him a forced, lopsided smile.

“Are you? You don’t seem happy about this.”

“Oh! Yeah, that’s just because I’m not. But orders are orders, I’ll be a good little soldier and obey. Was just hoping to rest first. Nice to have a horse though.” She stroked Blossom’s face.

Tanzik nodded, jaw clenched. Just following orders got him in the mess he was in now. He and Lura mounted the horses and headed east toward Stormhall.

Allena headed toward the shore to set up the remaining crab traps. In the evening when she returned home, she sat by the fire, staring deep into its dying embers as tears welled in her eyes. The thought of losing another home broke her heart, but she couldn’t be here when it happened. When the sun set and the only light in the sky were the moons and stars, she got up. She packed a rucksack full of food and hooked an iron smithing hammer to her belt. She left her home and headed east, careful not to let anyone see or hear her.

***

The road was rough and poorly paved, and Tanzik and Lura slowed down for the horses’ sake. After a few hours, they led the horses off the path and set up camp.

“So where are you from?” Tanzik asked after they ate a small dinner in silence.

“Komstadh,” she said sadly. “Lived my whole life there.” She held her knees close to her chest and stared off into the distance.

“What was it like?”

She paused for a moment. “Loud,” she said. “But in a good way. It was right on the border between Serevar, Perandor, and Monscal. Lots of traffic in and out. Not as much as Stormhall though, I’m sure. Always new and interesting people to meet. Lot of opportunities to make a living there.”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I know what it’s like to lose a home, it’s not an easy thing.”

“Yeah? Where was your home?”

“Makan, a town in southern Monscal. Got sacked when I was young, before they joined the Empire.” He steadied his shaking hands, taking a deep breath to quell the burning anger in his heart.

“Ouch.”

“One of the reasons they joined, for the stability. There was a power struggle at the time, I think. Don’t remember the details.” He knew very well, but wasn’t sure how much he could trust her with the truth given what Allena said.

The sun sunk beneath a hill, bathing them in a dim orange light. As she went to sleep, Lura inspected the iron coin she stole from the shrine. On one side was carved a face, and on the other was a symbol. She didn’t understand what either of them meant, but knew that she needed to find out somehow. She sighed and drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

***

They woke up the next morning to the sound of fire. Alarmed, Tanzik got up and grabbed his halberd.

“Morning, soldier,” Allena said cheerfully. She was sitting cross-legged by the fire roasting some meat on a spit.

“Allena? What are you doing?” He set his weapon down.

“Good question,” Lura said, rubbing her eyes and slipping a knife back into her belt. Her hand hovered close by it, just in case.

“Väskr changed his mind last night, said this was too important to leave to chance.”

“Huh,” Tanzik said. “He didn’t strike me as the kind of man to second guess himself.”

She shrugged. “You’ve only known him a couple days. He’s stubborn, but not foolish. I’m not a fighter, so I can’t help much there. But the more people delivering the message, the more likely we are to succeed.”

“Fair enough.”

“You rode in the dark?” Lura said.

“It was slow going, but yeah. Roads are in bad shape but I’m a pretty good rider.”

Lura nodded, but she didn’t believe it. It was cloudy that night and no experienced rider would travel that far in the dark. She saw the way Allena looked at her and saw the mistrust lurking behind her eyes, so Lura figured she was here to keep an eye on her. She resented it, but kept her mouth shut.

Tanzik looked at them staring each other down and cleared his throat to get their attention. “We’ve got a long road ahead of us, let’s mount up and ride.”

They ate quickly and set out, riding into a golden sunrise toward Stormhall. The road led them through spacious woods with tall fir and spruce trees, hills strewn with blue and yellow wildflowers, and a narrow limestone gorge that led into a canyon.

An hour into the gorge, bits of shale and pebbles began to skitter and clatter down the steep walls. Allena looked up around suspiciously and sniffed. “Something’s wrong,” she said.

They stopped and dismounted. Tanzik put a hand to his ear. “Footsteps? Could be wolves.”

“They’ll leave us alone,” Lura said. “We don’t look like easy prey.”

“No,” Allena said. “No, the footfalls are too heavy.” She sniffed. “Oh. Gods.”

“What?” Tanzik said as Lura scoffed quietly.

“Vargr,” Allena whispered.

“Wait, what? Those are real?”

“Oh yeah, very real,” Lura said. She took out her bow and nocked an arrow.

They heard a heavy thud and the scraping of claws behind them and turned to see a large, hideous creature with dark, coarse fur and wide, long fangs. Its eyes were dark and bloodshot and it had horns sticking out of its head. Its feet were heavy and had long, jagged claws. It hunched down in an aggressive stance. It bared its many teeth from a large, slavering mouth and let out a low, guttural growl.

There was another thud from behind as another vargr dropped from the top of the chasm. Allena’s heart quickened and she took out her hammer, wondering why she thought it would do anything to help her. Tanzik gripped his halberd in both hands and readied his stance. Lura took aim. The horses became spooked, squealing and moving frantically as they were unable to go anywhere with both paths blocked.

“Glad you decided to come with us now?” Lura asked, standing beside Allena to protect her.

Allena swallowed and cleared her throat. “I’ll admit, I’m having second thoughts.”

The vargr closed in from each side until, suddenly and without warning, they lurched forward and charged.