Normally a trip to Sacer’s capital would have taken about four days going on horseback at a fast pace. Shark’s magic, Erupting Rhizanthella, gave them the ability to manipulate the earth, so it took mere hours.

None of that time did anything to ease Dorothea’s nerves. When they dismounted near the capital city, Udara, she took deep breaths to steady herself. Cerid looked ready to throw up after the shaky trip, and Shark’s face was twisted as a struggle on whether to laugh or comfort him played out.

She smoothed her hair and clothes, turning to Shark. “Do I look okay?”

They snickered. “Here, lemme help you.” As always, they fixed the parts of her hair she had a tendency to miss.

When they turned to him, Cerid spoke in a formal tone. “Welcome to Udara,” he said. “Sacer’s capital, home to several of its elite noble houses and one of two fort cities in the territory.”

“Home sweet home,” Shark drawled with disdain.

Dorothea squeezed their hand as the trio went closer to the entrance. She stopped and gave Cerid a questioning glance when he held up a finger, signaling them to wait. That was when she heard voices, two distinct ones saying…well, strange words.

“And whaddya think about that, huh?!” A woman’s voice presumably, triumphant and full of energy.

“About what, exactly? You lost me several minutes ago.” A male voice, tired.

“What? Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t listening?”

“As if that would have stopped you.”

“Come on, don’t be like that. I genuinely want your opinion.”

“You drag me out here for what you said was a necessary private conversation, monologue about what kind of underwear you might want to buy, and now you want my opinion? It’s hardly my business.”

“It could be your business again. And don’t say underwear, it’s uncute. It’s lingerie, liiingerie.”

The only response was a long sigh.

“Excuse me!” Cerid burst from the trees. The woman yelped, and a sphere of flame bloomed in her palm before she hurled it at his head. The person she had apparently been quizzing on the topic of undergarments lifted his hand, and the flame was enveloped by water. A sphere of it appeared from the air and ate the fire before it dropped to the earth and soaked in with a little plip. “G-Good day, Commander Nobelis, Captain Tamlin…” Cerid wheezed as he pressed a hand to his heart.

Dorothea and Shark glanced at one another and silently agreed to see how this played out.

“Creed! Shit, we thought you were dead!” The woman approached and slapped his back hard. “But then, where’ve you been?”

“You see, well, that is…” Cerid fumbled.

“Can your friends explain?” the man asked mildly. “The ones hiding over there.”

Shark and Dorothea jumped, looked at each other, and sheepishly crept from their spot. “You caught us!” Shark gasped with mock surprise.

“I was in Sirpo,” Cerid explained. “My squadron and I suffered a Ghurian attack on the border. Afterwards, I pursued the enemy to Sirpoan territory. The two with me are here as representatives.”

The woman’s eyes widened. “The rats attacked Sirpo?” Her brow furrowed. “In that case, you did well to follow them. Creed, I’ll have you make a report later. For now…” She stepped closer to Dorothea and reached out her hand. “Commander Iree Nobelis. Trust me when I say you’re in good hands.” She pointed to the man she was with. “That’s Rhys Tamlin, my captain.”

“Hello.” He nodded, placid gaze still focused on Iree.

Dorothea made sure to give the commander a firm handshake. “Dorothea Atlin, leader of the Sirpoan council. Well met.”

Both the commander and captain looked shocked, but the former quickly laughed. “Wow. A living legend, right in front of me.”

“We have a lot to talk about,” Dorothea stated, tone guarded. She explained what had happened from her side, including how the attacker seemed to have come for her specifically. “Then Cerid came in, and we decided to come here.”

The commander clicked her tongue. “Never thought the rats would go that far.”

“Miss Atlin saved my life, ma’am,” Cerid added. “I owe her a great debt.”

The commander smiled. “Then thank you very much, really.” She clapped her hands and pointed behind herself with her thumbs. “Let’s go. As Sirpo’s council leader, the only logical choice is for you to meet with our leader. No time to waste.”

Sacer’s leader, Cinder Creed. Dorothea only knew what Shark had told her on drunken rants clouded by resentment. Still, if he was anything like his son, he couldn’t be all bad. Maybe just mostly.

She started observing the second they got into his office after rushing through the city. Iree had spoken first to explain the situation to the council leader, so she had time to think.

His books, covering two of the walls in shelves that stretched all the way to the ceiling, were organized in terms of height, width and subject. His wastebasket, despite the legions of documents spread in straight rows across his desk, was empty. None of those documents had a single splotch or crossed out mark on them, fluid penmanship striking definitively.

He was an organized man not prone to making mistakes, and he wouldn’t hesitate either once he’d thought things out. After flitting her gaze across the office to gather these impressions, she looked forward to find Cinder’s eyes on her. His expression was gentle, highlighted by a kind smile.

“Miss Atlin.” He stood to offer his hand to her. Once her palm met his, he placed his other hand atop hers to blanket it. “Thank you for coming. I cannot imagine the stress you are under, so your quick response is impressive and admirable.”

Not so much. She was doing the bare minimum for Sirpo’s citizens, though she knew he only said that to get on her good side. “Thank you for having me.” She watched as he sat, sitting straight. Not a wrinkle in his smooth shirt and tie, not a hair out of place among the shining green strands combed back from his angular face. He gave the air that whatever concerns he was trusted with, he would resolve them flawlessly.

Once he gestured in invitation, she sat in the chair across from him while Iree and Rhys stood to the side. Shark had understandably chosen not to face the man, and Cerid had opted to wait outside with them.

“Is it acceptable for us to be open with one another?” Cinder asked. “Matters of diplomacy often involve people shrouding their true intentions. Let’s talk plainly.”

“That would be wonderful, thank you.” Since he gave the opening, she jumped in to state her terms before he could. “I understand that the party asking for favors is not the one in the position of power, but under no circumstances will I allow the use of my magic to be part of any contract between Sirpo and Sacer. I offer full reinstatement of our trade agreements as well as my previous promise to Cerid Creed to revive the soldiers that were part of his squadron. This would be in return for limited Sacerian protection of Sirpo’s cities until the war’s conclusion.”

“Very well,” Cinder agreed. “That will be sufficient. We will lend five soldiers to every Sirpoan settlement. There are five cities across the territory with the capital included, correct?”

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“Uh, correct.” Dorothea failed to hide her shock. Was that it? She’d expected arguments and manipulation, the Sacerians working to claim her magic at all costs.

Cinder laughed, a short but warm chuckle. “Don’t misunderstand our intentions, Miss Atlin. An enemy of Ghuria is a friend of ours. Standing in their way by allying with Sirpo is only natural. Even without your guarantee of reopened trade, this would have been the conclusion we reached. Though it is a worthwhile benefit.” He laughed again, and she felt herself relaxing.

“Thank you.”

“Of course. Now, our next steps. I’ll need to hold a meeting with the rest of our council, and then our groups should be ready to move out in the morning.”

Not that she was in much of a position to argue, but… “Pardon me for not understanding,” Dorothea began, “but why is a council meeting necessary when the council’s head is already in agreement with our course of action?”

Iree interjected. “I can see where you’re coming from, but those are just the rules. Before making a deployment of any kind, we have to get the entire council’s permission. Cinder can’t just go over everyone’s heads. Those kinds of formalities are necessary to keep our internal peace by making sure everyone gets a voice in these decisions.”

“I see. Then Shark and I will stand by and comply with your orders. We’ll of course do anything we can to help within reason.” She paused. “Speaking of… Shark’s safety is guaranteed?”

“Your friend may be considered a deserter, but they left Sacer during a protected time. They are in no danger here,” Cinder promised. “Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to assist you both. In the meantime, I’d like to offer you both a place to stay the night in my home.”

“Much obliged. We’ll take you up on it.” Dorothea held back a sigh of relief. Everything was going to be okay.

“Why don’t you let Captain Tamlin here give you a tour?” Cinder suggested. “I know this isn’t exactly a vacation, but it may be beneficial to occupy your mind.”

It seemed best to go along with it. “That would be nice, thank you.” She stood, once again taking Cinder’s hand as he offered a parting handshake.

“Don’t fret, Miss Atlin. You and your people have Sacer behind you now.”

“Thank you. I can’t say it enough, sir.” She bowed, right arm beneath her chest and left arm across her back, before exiting with Iree and the captain.

“Wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Iree said casually.

“Huh?”

“Bowing like that. That’s a formal Ghurian gesture, right? In Sacer, you show your feelings of camaraderie like this.” She faced Dorothea and held up her arm, hand in a fist. Taking Dorothea’s wrist on the opposite arm, she lifted it so their wrists bumped together. “There you go. A Sacerian sign of solidarity.”

With its mixed population, she’d seen both gestures in Sirpo; she hadn’t thought of how it looked to use the mannerisms of Sacer’s enemy here. “I apologize, and thank you for reminding me.” She looked around once they had scaled a grand marble staircase back to the ground floor. “Where’s Shark?”

“No idea. But if Creed’s there, they’ll both be fine.”

“Right…” Maybe they’d gone off somewhere to talk? Despite everything, there still seemed to be a lot of care between them.

“Well, I’ve got some planning to do.” Iree gave her an easy smile. “Don’t worry. All of this will seem like a bad dream pretty soon. In the meantime though, Rhys, treat her well, yeah?”

The captain nodded. Dorothea kept forgetting he was even there, he was so quiet. Iree raced back up the stairs and ducked into one of the many, many rooms within the Creed home, leaving her alone with him.

“Well then…” She glanced at Rhys, feeling lost and alone without Shark there. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could maintain this false veneer of confidence and calm. Everything had changed too harshly, too quickly.

“I won’t keep you long.” His voice was soft yet steady. “Since I’m technically under orders, I’d like to take you to one place before leaving you alone to catch your breath. Is that fine?”

“Yes, thank you.” She’d just have to meet back up with Shark later.

“I know you’ve had a long day,” the captain said, “and you must be feeling pretty jerked around. Thanks for bearing with everything.”

“Considering where I am, I can’t exactly say I’m having it much worse than anyone else.” At least Sirpo didn’t have the constant threat of war hanging overhead, or it hadn’t until now. She’d never thought of that before meeting Cerid.

Rhys looked thoughtful. “Well said.” He led them back to the fort wall, where they arrived at the base of one of the watchtowers. A wide entrance was cut into the stone, interrupting the dark ivy that blanketed the surface. “Come on. There’s a great view from up here.”

They were going to the top? “Um…” She’d dealt with the heights today because she’d had to to make travel faster, but Shark had been there to comfort her. Now was…

He turned from his place already on the first step. “Is there a problem?”

No weakness. She was Sirpo’s representative. “Not at all.” She hurried after him.

“Watch your step.”

Although the staircase was cast in dim light, Dorothea still noticed the occasional spider scuttling in fear for its life at their feet, webs drifting ghostlike over their heads. At the peak they emerged into a narrow room where the breeze from two windows circulated to chill the space. The captain waved away the soldier on duty there, and they were left alone.

He gestured for her to plant herself in front of the window that faced the city. “Come on and look.”

Dorothea hesitantly obeyed, appreciative as he shifted so their shoulders wouldn’t touch. What first caught her eye was a glittering golden roof that seemed to shimmer and undulate in the distance as the heat shook the horizon. It was in the direct center of the settlement; this would be the Creed mansion, where she’d just been. The blue splotch of a nearby lake was surrounded by a thick dash of red flowers. Most of the other buildings were colored with soft pastels, and people milled about like little hopping birds down below. From here it looked like a lovely, gentle and pleasant place.

She laughed at herself. “Before coming here, this isn’t what I expected at all. For a warring nation, everything seems so peaceful. Ignorant of me.”

The captain smiled. “The circumstances may not be the best, but officially, welcome to Udara and to Sacer.”

“Captain Tamlin, thank you. You’ve all been so kind.” It shocked her how quickly they’d been to welcome her in and offer their help. She’d been so cynical it was a little embarrassing now.

He smiled slightly. “Just Rhys is fine.”

“Rhys. May I ask you a few questions?” Being in an unfamiliar place made her curious.

“Of course.”

“The Creed residence is more, well, fancy than any other home that surrounds it. Is that because they’re nobles? Because in Sacer, nobility is very important and comes with certain privileges. Right?”

“Right. The most valuable magics are in the lines of the most noble families. Attending the most battles, being on the front lines and such earns them some perks.”

“I see.” So in a warring nation, battle was how power was created and retained. “Do all nobles live with their whole family like the Creeds seem to?” There were enough bedrooms in that house to keep a small village in, though there hadn’t seemed to be many people around.

“Yes. It might seem strange from the outside, but it’s normal here for families to group together. Guess it’s part of knowing you could lose one another at any moment. It’s good to see your loved ones as much as you can.” He looked away, seeming a bit embarrassed.

“No, it’s not strange. It sounds wonderful.” Of course it had only ever been her and her mother, but that had been enough.

As she tried to find a new topic, she made the mistake of looking down and not out. The reminder that she was in fact deathly afraid of heights hit like a blizzard. Letting out a whimper, she screwed her eyes shut.

Different images splashed behind her eyelids now, ones bright and fuzzy on the edges with age.

A child, a leafless tree on the outskirts of a snowy city, its rough bark tickling her palms as she shimmied up, grasping its branches like holding a friend's hand. The view from the top, the black pinpricks of the treetops extending around her. Getting down wasn’t a problem until one of the branches let go of her hand. Laying there on the ground, screams swallowed by the wind, each second had been an eternity.

Hours before her mother found her, incoherent and sobbing, the way she could barely pull herself together enough to use her magic. The reversal of time on Dorothea’s body made her feel like she could run forever, climb dozens of trees. But she never would again, of course.

The sensation of her mother’s tears soaking into her scalp as she crushed Dorothea’s body to hers had been so reassuring. There was no anger towards her foolish, horrible child who had whittled more of her waning life away with this reckless act. Yes, Dorothea was horrible, and her mother wasn’t there to help her now.

In the present moment, she once again felt singular in her terror. A hand coming to rest between her shoulder blades anchored her with a jolt.

“Are you okay?” Rhys was looking at her with wary concern.

Dorothea’s hands were latched to the window ledge, creating small scrapes on her palms and scuffing her nails when she jerked in shock. “Yes, I, I’m sorry.” How pathetic she must seem, especially to a soldier. “I just…” She had to keep her reasons close so no one would see her for the wretch she really was. “I’m not good with them. Heights. The short of it is that I once fell from a tree.” Telling a partial truth didn’t make her feel any better.

He winced sympathetically. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know. Let’s get back down.” He offered his arm, and she gingerly held his sleeve.

“Uh, yes. Again, I’m sorry.” It was either get herself together or fall down the stairs, so she’d just have to become very collected very quickly.

Still, the remembrance came as a sobering shock. She’d almost forgotten what she was: a worthless girl living selfishly and pretending she knew the difference between right and wrong. Eternal Rosemary would take her life one day, but it could also save many others if she was willing to trade herself for it. Yes, for the war others had started that had taken her mother from her.

What was truly the right thing to do?