The fearless little girl... (TS_33)

I was woken up by the image of a small, brown-eyed girl, in a place that is not at all familiar to me. And which has probably seen better times. A lot better. Surrounded by the ruins of what had once been houses and corpses in various tattered conditions, she did not seem the least bit frightened. Unlike me, it scared me to death. What for the love of Light is a little kid doing in the midst of such a calamity? Or better yet, how come the girl is still alive? And why is she in my dreams? It's been a long time since something scared me like this, in the middle of my dreams or outside of them. This is a new level of concern for me. Or maybe not, just one I don't want to come back to, the Tre'Asco level of concern.

My head can't cope with it, so I'll take painkillers for breakfast and try to forget.

I slipped out of bed while Steven was still sleeping. He usually gets up first, but we didn't get much sleep last night and he doesn't seem to be about to wake up. Which is actually good, I don't feel like explaining the dream to him. I can't even explain it to myself. But I'm sure it will catch up with me. I came to the conclusion that, unlike me, he doesn't have much work to do today, so he's not in a hurry. Half-dressed, I returned to my place. There's no news waiting on the table, so I don't have to bother with anything. I quickly dressed and disappeared from Nerkam before Riley could spot me. I'm supposed to be sitting downstairs and accepting my people for an audience, which I want to do as much as think about the little girl. All their disputes and complaints seem so down-to-earth and so pointless. And the more I think about the dream, the more details I can remember, the more blood...

How is this possible? And who the fuck is that girl?

The Lion's tail is once again filled with people. For years, the area at the confluence of two rivers has served as a place large enough to gather an army, or in our case two. A city built of field tents welcomes me from a distance with the fluttering of thick fabric. I don't want to appear in the middle of a full camp and endanger others in particular, and I have no idea where Remis' or Darien's tent is. So I moved to the front of the camp and came across a bypassing patrol. Simple, dark blue uniforms decorated with lighter strips, symbolizing the sun, do not fit very well in the South, but I have always liked them. We needed to clearly separate this particular army from another, much more dangerous one. And you can't see blood so much on the dark colours. So I can justify it at least in that way. The four soldiers saluted and went on their own again.

I tried to get through the camp as quickly as possible to the command tent. Despite the fact that it is early in the morning, everyone is already on their feet. It's to be expected, I'm simply surprised how quickly everything changed once again. The unit commanders are yelling at everyone under them, giving orders, and most of them panicked when they saw me. I want to ignore them, but it's hard when they're saluting and almost falling to their knees at my sight, some literally. I'm not here to check, to see if they manage to prepare, follow my orders and protocols and have everything under control, but they probably see it that way.

The red tent is not difficult to find in the flood of white tarpaulin. In addition, there is another patrol in front of the tent. So it's quite clearly shouting the commanding tent. The younger of the two men has two gold stripes on his shoulders, so a corporal. He saluted and, without looking at me, spoke too loudly, or rather shouted I suppose. "General Remis doesn't accept any visitors." that made me angry in an instant, do I have to carry that golden circle with me everywhere?

"Do I come to you as a visitor?" I grunted and examined the corporal. I saw the colour vanish from his face. I shook my head and walked into the tent before he could faint or apologize.

Remis leans over the table with the map. As always, with a perfectly groomed uniform already on, he must even sleep in it. I'd bet he sleeps in one and the other is right next to his bed. So that he could change first thing in the morning, but didn't risk wasting time at night, should something happen. He doesn't look any worse than usual, so he and Ethan couldn't drink much yesterday. Remis didn't drink much, what Ethan looks like is a question for another time. "Who's guarding your bloody tent?" I asked, walking over to the map and looking at it. It is similar to the one in a small hall, it works on the same principle, only on a much smaller scale. Half of the army is ready, fighting is already underway in several places. And I'm really glad we're not wasting time.

"It's Darien's tent, I've only just arrived," he lifted his blue eyes from the map, a crooked smile on his freshly shaven face. Sometimes I feel like Remis lives only for war. He's not a serious person, but as the fight approaches, he always changes completely, suddenly he has a clear goal and usually a plan, at least for the next few hours. I really like him because of that. "He's got a terrible mess here, I had to send him to another camp further south of here or I'd kill him."

"I thought he invited you here, not that you were here to check on him," I laughed and pulled a cigarette from a small case, offered it to Remis, and lit it for both of us.

"A little bit of both," he admitted with a smile. "You know, my wife loves the Capitol and my son looks happy there too, but it's terribly boring, even with all your parties and gatherings. I suggested to Percy I'd help him a bit, and he basically handed over command to me, which was unexpected but welcomed."

"So you drove yourself into it, and now you're going to have to stay here," I looked at him angrily. "You realize your wife doesn't like me precisely because she thinks I'm forcing you to stay here."

"I know, but think about it, you'll only see her again if we win."

"And who's going to tell her you're dead?" I should be concerned about Darien's behaviour, but the fact that Remis is here and overseeing everything reassures me a lot more, he's more experienced as a general and makes decisions a lot faster. Usually better ones. Remis' presence makes me almost feel comfortable about this whole thing, but we still have rules and those should apply. "We'll make it easier for everyone, I don't like your handovers or whatnot. You're still in the army, not my Council to change things as you please. You'll be in charge here, officially, and Darien will submit to you with his army and orders."

"As you wish," he nodded and puffed the smoke out. He tapped the map with his finger and started. "In the morning there were two minor skirmishes and a bigger one. I think they're testing whether we're ready. They sent small detachments with the monsters in the lead, attacked and retreated, it all went without major injuries. The scouts are already reporting a whole unit of Chastisers among the enemy army forces. And I think we should launch major attack first, we know they are gathering in Tarnatta and we can still surprise them,"

"We can't attack until the diplomats return," I stopped his planning.

"And when will they be back?"

"Tomorrow at the earliest. So if you want to plan an attack, don't rush it. If the Dishonest have already reached Tatnatta, tomorrow there will be no one there." I suspect that my people will come back empty-handed, but I don't want to just attack a neighboring state without trying to resolve the situation peacefully, at least on paper. I must avoid unnecessary bloodshed, at all costs. On paper. Otherwise, I really don't care what happens to Narral and its inhabitants, and the other Heirs probably don't either.

"Alright, we'll wait," he closed the book with his notes and looked at me. "I haven't had time to thank you… for bringing Ethan back."

"Getting him to come with me took a lot of work," I remembered how I'd met Ethan. Getting him out of prison took more work than I expected. I usually don't have to persuade people to do it, they want to get out of there on their own and as quickly as possible. That's kind of the essence of prison, isn't it? You get there against your will and want to leave quickly. "But if you'd told me he's so much fun. I would have found him much sooner."

Caelen laughed, fishing for something in a pile of papers. "You might be interested in this," he handed me an open letter. "Athran is offering help, they want to take care of the border up at Alryne. We don't need them yet, we have the men and I'd rather take care of the orders on my own, but of course it's up to you."

"You're right, we don't need them yet, and I hope we won't. Caelen, try to keep this war away from Athran."

"I'll do my best, but tell me what to tell the commanders. Men are nervous about these monsters, and I honestly am too," he puffed out his cigarette and ran a hand through his short, yellow-ish hair. "We've gotten used to the Chastisers, their dastardly tactics, and the unpredictability of Narral, but this is something else entirely."

"Tell them to keep them as far away as possible and watch each other's backs, they're an enemy like any other. Every unit has a mage, doesn't it?" I asked, Remis nodded. "Then tell them to slow down the attackers, that should help. And it may sound obvious and silly to you, but let them know that it's in their best interest not to be scratched, bitten, or worse, die."

"Don't worry…" he reached for his pen and wrote it down. I took the notebook from his hand. It will be easier to write down for him what exactly to give them than to explain it to him. His interpretation of magic scares me.

A red dot lit up on the map, Remis swore and opened another book. I read the name of the village, upside down from my point of view, Dryhelm, near Fraiell. I've never even heard of the place before and suddenly I feel like I should be there. It's a strangely urgent feeling. I'll have to remember the coordinates of that place. The nearest unit is a few dozen kilometers away. "There's no one there, I have to send someone out of here."

"Prepare a unit for me, I'll take care of it," I said firmly, unbuttoning my coat and dropping it on the nearest chair. Remis nodded promptly and ran out of the tent. A moment later, I heard him giving commands. Which gave me enough time to prepare.

I walked out of the tent in bright white armor. It's the worst colour for armour in all respects, except one, can't be overlooked. And that's the only thing I really need from armour, for someone to be able to find my body, no matter what. Daniel needs to find it, no matter what. Although, the protective part also comes in handy sometimes. According to Jon, I'm not careful enough and he can't complain like that.

The unit was already waiting for me, I passed the selected men lined up in two rows, one captain, two corporal, one mage. The uniform of the mages differs in some details and therefore they are easy to recognize, it is tighter and more flexible, made of different materials, designed so that they can move comfortably and nothing slows them down. And unlike soldiers, their basic equipment does not include a sword, but a lighter dagger and a bag with a few potions. And aside from that their routine training looks a bit different too. Remis faced me, his back to the men. "I know there's no point in asking, but shouldn't I, Your Majesty, be the one going?"

"No, my dearest, irreplaceable Remis, you shouldn't. Just look after my army." it's so nice when he is considerate of someone like me.

I took a few steps towards the open space. The place we're going to doesn't sound familiar, I've never been there, I've never heard of it, and yet, I'm so drawn to it. But I can't explain why. I can't shake the feeling that not going there would be a mistake. I have to see for myself what awaits there. Even if it's a trap. When opening the portal, I had to count on entering the coordinates that I read from the map. The crack in space widened, I examined it. It leads directly to the field, so we'll either have to turn around when we come out or I missed it and we'll be in a completely different place. "We'll meet on the other side," I nodded to the men and walked through.

For a moment I was afraid that I had not remembered the coordinates correctly, that I had opened a portal leading only to an empty field, uncomfortably far from the city. When I came out, it was clear to me that I had not been mistaken. Even before I turned to the wooden fortifications, the screams of terrified people reached me, and I could smell the strange smell of drawn magic. Sweet but spoiled in so many ways. I'm starting to think it might be a trap.

The men followed me through the portal, lined up on the other side, waiting for orders. I waved my hand for them to follow me while speaking loudly, I don't want to waste time and I don't plan to stay with them for long. "We're here to help ours and get this place back under control. Those of you who can cast spells will slow down the undead, the rest will cut off as many limbs as possible. Follow your captain's instructions and don't get killed. Trust me, you don't want that."

The gate leading in is already open. What a surprise. I pulled out my sword, gripped the hilt tightly, and took a deep breath. The main thing is not to lose the sharp thingy, I reminded myself. Not far from the gate, the first dead bodies are waiting, frightening-looking wounds resemble an attack by an animal. Torn throats and other body parts don't lie, every now and then I run into undeads with bright blue eyes, and there's no ending to it. And it's getting worse. I added to my stride, after hearing a scream.

The first part of the unit overtook me. I was a little upset that they went first, but I don't want to complain first thing in the morning. I don't have anyone to complain to anyway, I didn't feel like asking for names in the camp, and now it's a bit late.

I'm approaching a place that used to be a market. Now it's a complete mess, pieces of wooden stalls are lying on the ground, and among the crushed fruits, vegetables and other products are somehow inappropriately thrown pieces of lacerated bodies. And a lot of blood. It's all strangely familiar. Several men from the village are fighting the monsters, along with the first part of the unit. The soldiers behind me ran to help them. I got rid of the head of one of the grunts and tried to get my bearings. I'm not going to run back and forth with my men. I'm interested in the screaming. No one was shouting here. All I can hear is the grunts, the tired voices of the locals, and the captain's orders. He has an ugly harsh voice, sending half the men to the other side of the village, the other half to stay here with him. But none of this is anywhere near the screaming.

I didn't join either group. That unexplainable feeling resurfaced. That feeling leads me to a completely different place. I turned right and ran down a long street. I heard the same scream again. A high, desperate shriek. Am I the only one here who hears this? I turned again, this time to the left. All the buildings I run around look exactly the same, stone, decorated with wooden beams, sometimes a colorful flower or tree flashed somewhere, but otherwise just as unoriginal. No wonder, this close to the border with the most boring country. If this city burns to the ground, it will be very easy to rebuild it. I made one last sharp turn to the right.

A group of undead is heading towards someone at the end of the street. I can't see through them who's there, but it seems to me that it's a mage, the blue protective barrier around the character is weakening. I need to stop them before they get too close, and all I can think of is a wall of fire between them. And if accidentally catches the whole city on fire... Well, I've already explained that.

I've cut the distance between me and the attackers, there are four. Three of them stopped, one continued to the wall of fire. Someone just can't be helped. Complicating matters is that the three of them are approaching me in line. I remembered my own advice I'd given Remis just a moment ago. I can slow them down with a little frost. The advantage of element spells is their simplicity. It won't stop them completely, but it will give me time.

The first attacker is already within reach, I flicked my sword and missed him by a good ten figures. I didn't even have time to curse and had to quickly back away and attack again. I hit the soft tissue on the stomach, the black liquid and the viscera spurted out. The white armour had taken a huge portion of the charge. Again, I didn't even have time to curse, so I bowed at the approaching blade and bent my own hand with a sword on the way up. I cut through the black cloth one of the attackers was wearing and sent him to the ground. I cut off the head of the last of the three. With that one, I'm sure he won't get up again.

The sticky liquid trickled down the blade, leaving a trail of thick filth in its way as I hurried to the last of the foursome. He did not pass through the flames, waiting in vain for them to stop burning. I stabbed him before he turned around. I drew my sword, turned it towards me, and decapitated him. The flames dropped along with the body. The barrier behind them is gone.

A little girl clings to the bloodied body of a slightly older boy. Maybe a brother? I quickly retracted my sword and knelt beside them. I stretched my hand out to the motionless body, I can't feel any pulse. His eyes are wide open, there's several deep wounds on his side, and an injured leg. Much of his blood spilled on the ground, creating a menacing circle around him. I can't do anything for him.

I closed his eyes while saying a quiet prayer, there's probably nothing else to do for him. I hate it when this affects children, it leads to very bad memories.

I noticed the shiny necklace around his neck. There are letters lightly engraved on the round plate, they look like J and E, but I'm not sure, maybe it's initials, maybe not. I took it off. I bet it's blue steel, nothing else has such bright reflections even under overcast skies.

The little girl looked up, just as in the dream, she is not at all frightened. Heck, it's the exact same scene I saw. All the feelings from the morning returned. Who is she? Judging by the clothes, neither of the two belongs to a noble family, but I could be wrong. "I know you're scared, I've come to help you," I said in the kindest voice possible, handing her the boy's medalion. I guess the girl scares me more than I scare her.

"Do you have parents here?" the little girl shook her head, tears welling up in her brown pupae. She quickly took the locket from me and hid it in her jacket pocket. That was a brilliant question, I can go ahead and ask her if she happened to see their deaths and the blood on her clothes didn't happen to belong to them. Now Steven or Emmett would suit me, they would both know what to say.

Damnit…

I held out my hand to her, she doesn't seem hurt, but I could be wrong. "Are you hurt?" she shook her head again, strands of brown curls rippling. "We've got to get you to safety, okay?"

"Who are you?" she asked in a high-pitched voice, I must have heard her. She can't be more than eight. And she feels strangely familiar. Sure, she's the girl from the dream, but I'd never met her before, and I could have sworn I knew her. I've seen those eyes before. Big and yet so pretty. Where was it?

"I'm kind of supposed to be in charge here. Call me Anie, what do they call you?" I stood with my hand outstretched, the little girl clutching me tightly. Her little hand is as cold as mine. I don't think it's cold here though. If anything, it's hot. I looked around, the best thing to do would be to get back to the others quickly. I don't see any more undead anywhere, and I finally got over the feeling that I had to run somewhere. I am at my destination. I should have found the little girl. But why? What does she have to do with me?

"Tara. Will the monsters come back?" she asked as she tapped beside me.

"I don't know, I think they will," I admitted. I am ready to defend both of us. "But as long as you're with me, you don't have to worry. Nothing will happen to you."

"The others said that, too, but they died," she continued to speak in a cute and relatively calm voice. But why the fuck isn't she scared? This place scares me and I've experienced much worse and more painful things.

"I'm not quite like the others," I frowned, the others died, but she didn't. Were they trying to protect her? Why would anyone do that? She looks quite ordinary. What's so special about her? I looked at her again, there's nothing on her except cute balaclavas. Or is it? "And I don't think you are either."

Why her? I got a glimpse of a small piece of her future, the protective bubble was created by the little girl, so I was drawn to her, because of that. Even though it doesn't make any sense to me. It's a very interesting ability. An attacker approaches us and Tara does it again. But what good is it to me? I don't need protection. Certainly not in a form of such magic.

I heard a grunt, to our right. I have to concentrate, we are at a crossroads, I heard him, but I can't see him. Another sound, another grunt. The vision didn't prepare me for that. I let go of her hand and drew my sword, shielding Tara with my own body. But she doesn't need my protection.

He jumped off the roof, Tara screamed, the blue bubble enveloping her again. I didn't hesitate, ran towards him, chopped and took his hand. I know it won't stop him, I wanted to cut him off with the second cut. I aimed too low, slashed him across the chest, deep enough for him to stop, but it wouldn't kill him completely. Only then did I cut off his head. I am wasting my time unnecessarily. I need to concentrate and the recurring headache doesn't help me much.

Tara cried out again. I felt a rush of adrenaline, I was a few steps away from her, I drew a rune in front of me and threw the monster away with a strong wave. By the time she got to her feet, I was already there, carefully separating the head from the body again. I turned, another one was close to me, this time Tara's screams didn't warn me. The thing slashed my shoulder with its sharp nails, the armor stood its test, its nails slid harmlessly. The tip of the sword slid through his chest as I kicked away the limp body and gasped. I did not expect such a warm-up in the morning. Where do they still come from?

Tara curled up in a ball, the blue barrier completely enveloping her. She does it completely naturally, I can't believe it. The little girl has a huge talent. She possesses an ability that others have been learning for years.

Distracted by Tara's abilities, I didn't notice another creature, the armour didn't help this time because it isn't in place, sharp claws digging into my left forearm, piercing my skin, leaving deep, long wounds. I angrily swung my sword, the blade peeling the skull with a loud crack. The wound on my hand immediately began to bleed heavily and long scratches sting. I wanted to curse, but I can't in front of the little girl. I contented myself with a sigh and pierced the head of another. Straight into the blue void it has instead of eyes. There is no end to this and I don't have much time to waste. Fuck.

For the first time I heard something more encouraging than a grunt, the captain's voice. I got rid of the last undead in sight and ran over to Tara. The barrier disappeared when she saw me. "Behind you!" she warned me.

Seriously, how fast are they? Every time I look away for a moment, another one appears. I stood up and with a single cut into which I put all my frustration and anger, I beheaded both new attackers. The captain rushed towards me with a frightened expression. That's exactly what I would have expected from her, but I didn't get it. It's really perfect that I'm in blood and some black shit, scaring my own men more than a little girl.

Either he's terrified of the sight of blood, or he's terrified of ending up on the other side of my blade, but still. "Your... Your Majesty, the city is under control... These were the last ones. You seem to have been pursued." he started immediately, the fact that he wastes no time is something I like. Other soldiers rushed to the captain. I hid my sword. If anything else digs its filthy fingers into my hand, it's his fault. "They were led by one of the Chastisers, we've already taken care of her."

"I don't think they're here for me, but for the little girl," I pointed at her. The blue bubble around her gradually fades. She sits calmly on the ground. Damn, what's wrong with her? She's supposed to be terrified. "I didn't catch your name, Captain," I said in a calm voice, the wound on my hand hurting terribly. It is supposed to start healing, but it doesn't seem to be in a hurry. I looked at the scratches on the inside, where the bracers should have been. How come I forgot them? How come they weren't with my armor? I put my other hand on the wound to help the healing a little. I have to do something before I bleed to death. "How many men have you lost?"

"Ashtar, Your Majesty. I lost two men and four others were injured." I'll just have to come up with a more effective strategy or we'll lose the war before it starts. "We need to get you to the infirmary."

"I'm fine, believe it or not, this doesn't threaten me."

"Those damn scratches of theirs are full of poison."

"In that case, it's fitting that poison can't kill an Immortal. Where is your mage?" I asked, the bleeding subsiding very slowly, the stinging and pain not.

"He helps people in the square, I can call him," he replied reluctantly. I removed my hand from the wound, the onslaught of my own magic, which I pumped into the wound, began to burn my entire forearm. Long scratches slowly fading. The terrified look returned to the captain's elongated face as the bright red disappeared, leaving only fresh scars. I probably won't get recognition for curing myself.

"Alright, Ashtar, go back to the camp as soon as you arrange it here, see to it that the wounded are sent back to the Lion's Tail, and tell Remis that I will stop by later. That will be all." the captain turned on his heels and marched off to carry out orders. I knelt back to Tara. "Is there anyone here who can take care of you?" Tara's gaze turned to my bloody sleeve, she ran her little finger over the wound. I was quite surprised that it didn't add to the pain. It works more the other way around, as if she's trying to calm me down. "Tara, are you listening to me?" the little girl sobbed instead of answering. I carefully hugged her. "I'll take care of you, you just have to let me, okay?"

"I know your statues," she sobbed in my arms. "Why are you here?"

"Because you need me. You probably won't believe me, but I dreamed about you," I whispered back to her. Maybe I need her too. Who knows why I feel responsible for her and that she belongs to me. That's about the last thing I need. With all the problems, now is the best time to pull a little girl into it.

I can take her to the only safe place and make sure my people help her develop her talents. While I'm going to try to stop everything around here. And then I can figure out why she looks so familiar.

I went back to my place, left the dirty armour in the Senate with clear instructions to clean and complete. I don't have the time or inclination to look for my bracers or scrape off the black shit left on my armour. That's why I have all the other people under me, right? I need a quick shower and head for a meeting with Daniel, I can't keep him waiting and something tells me he's already back. I ran out of the bathroom in pants and a shirt, I still have to quickly check the mail before leaving.

"Your Majesty!" cried out Riley, for some reason surprised. It's my apartment… and he's carrying exactly what I was looking for.

"Ignore me, I'm leaving in a minute." I took the pile from his hands, a report, a contract, another report, a message from the Emperor. "He didn't find Mallette, of course... Why do we let him be emperor?" I muttered to myself. Riley frowned in confusion. "Didn't you see a letter with a blue ribbon here?" Addison shook his head. Invitation to the Festival of Boundless Blossom, my gaze slid to the small ring of my left hand, I smiled. I'd almost forget I'm engaged. It's crazy. Riley noticed it too, took a sharp breath and was about to say something, I didn't let him. "Steven wants me to stand by his side at the festivities, officially, can you prepare everything? I need to forward mail to Athran, cancel appointments here for the whole week, and get my clothes ready. I'm sure the Second Heir will pick something for the occasion. And be so kind as to point out to my seven esteemed advisors that I do not wish to hear anything about the problems here while I am away. And if something happens, let them try to solve it."

"Of course," he smiled promptly. "I must congratulate you."

"There'll be plenty of time for that later, but thank you, Addison. I appreciate it and he certainly does as well. Even though he would have worded it quite differently," I quickly read the contract that Addison had brought. Niocalsen asks for more funding, I don't have to think about it for a long time, I signed it. My guess is that a lot of mages will die in the coming weeks, they might call this compensation. Someone like him can easily balance lives with gold. I returned the folder to Riley.

"What about your meetings today?"

"Cancel them, I've got something now, and then I'll go back to Remis."

"Were you at the front?" he wondered. I rolled up my sleeve to show him the fresh scar, he shook his head disapprovingly. I don't like the injury either, but what can I do about it. I could have gotten myself killed, too, and then I'd have been in a much worse mood.

"See you later," I put the other letters down and looked him straight in the eye. "Addison, not a fuss about this," I raised my left hand and wiggled my ring finger. He nodded obediently.

Daniel is already waiting for me at a table at my favorite establishment. Fortunately, the wooden paneled walls aren't ablaze, although he again plays with torches. I sat down next to him. He straightened, his white suit rustling. "This place has been protected by my family for a very long time. Try not to set it on fire. Have you waited long?" I asked, a square glass of whiskey appearing in my hand. I drank, a delicate taste with a hint of vanilla pleasantly warms me on the palate.

"Have I ever given you the impression that I might be in a hurry?" he replied with a question.

"You probably aren't, but I am." I looked into the dark eyes, which seemed to be full of concern. This is a bad sign. Very bad.

"I'm sure you've noticed that there's something going on there that shouldn't be happening. I can't fix it myself, and that's just the beginning. The Twins met someone there, I don't know whom, but I know for sure that the person advised them on how to change A Dun'Amanh." he paused so I could process it. Meeting someone right there is pretty bad. With someone who can give them advice even worse. Who could know something like that? A handful of people know the place, and not very well. And those who know their way around, should be somewhere else. "Those little monsters of theirs are disturbing everything around them, even the souls of the dead, and on top of that, you've almost lost the commander of the Fifth Army,"

"Which leads me to… I don't see him anywhere." I interrupted, and Daniel looked at me hurtfully. He doesn't like it when I do it, but I don't like it when he lectures me about the situation and doesn't try to suggest any solutions.

"He's in a safe place, but I'll get to that later. You should know that the biggest problem right now is the monsters. You've met the man or what's left of him, I can't help him find peace. Not even to the others. Something or someone is holding them there. Only the souls of those you have killed by your own sword disappear," he said worriedly. I thought, turning the glass with my hand, the caramel liquid flowing from one side to the other, spinning, the drops hitting the transparent walls and flowing down again to reconnect with the whole.

A Dun'Amanh is only a transfer station between the world of the living, eternal peace and everything else. Built by my ancestors to separate the chaos that death, along with all its failed spells, has brought to the world of the living. It is a place that was created so that people could live in peace and quiet away from the Barrier separating the two worlds. In addition, it is also a place that allows us to break out of the natural order and become Immortal. So whatever the Twins are planning, they can't want to jeopardize that unique place. It would endanger not only the whole world as they know it, but also them. And it does not seem right to me, their instinct of self-preservation is stronger than anything else. That's why they're always on the move. And whatever they try to achieve, they're failling, which gives me at least some hope. They need to slow down. Rethink it.

And I gain the time I desperately lack.

I put down my glass, let the liquid stop, and tapped my fingers on the table top a few times before speaking. "If we find out what formula they're using, we'll be able to fix it. Which brings me back to the fact that we need to find the Twins. You must have found out something."

"And if you find them, what then? You don't expect them to tell you, they won't give you the formula."

"It doesn't matter what I expect, Daniel. Only if you found them."

"I didn't find anything specific. If I had to, I would tell you that a lot more people are working for them this time. It's hard for me to track them, but I feel their presence much more. I think they have to give orders to someone in our world."

"So they're no longer careful." The glass in front of me disappeared, my appetite passed, the only thing I wish for at the moment is what this bar couldn't give me. Even though it withstood even more difficult tests. I love this place. "Take me to Witty."

Daniel didn't move, only everything around us changed. I don't know where he took us, we are still sitting at the table, or rather at his illusion. The atmosphere of the place is reminiscent of the Senate, but I do not smell the pleasant, sweet smell. So this is an artificially created place, without the use of runes, probably created by Daniel. I stood up, the ground under my feet, like everything here, half shrouded in mist. It's like going through a dream, everything makes sense as long as I don't think about it too much.

I walked through a cheap copy of my favorite hangout place, a man standing at an improvised bar, his back to me. "Witty?"

I put my hand on his shoulder to turn him around. Several images immediately came to my mind. Witty returns to the unit, everyone welcomes him with open arms, but he behaves differently, the troubled look in his eyes tells us what he went through. I know the look all too well. He stands motionless among the others, not looking relaxed at all, rather the opposite. Another image shows him in a tent, with his back to me, talking to someone. I can't see the faces of either of them. They're both whispering, so I can't even tell by their voices. I had a terrible feeling, something was wrong with Witty. How much time had he spent with the Twins, how long before they woke him up, had they manipulated him?

I didn't even have time to gasp, Witty turned around again, standing in a field full of men, dying one by one, being dragged down by those greedy monsters with blue eyes, sharp teeth and claws. The screams of the men are deafening, I can feel their pain, my bones vibrate with the undead, now so familiar grunt. I can't breathe, I can't think. I loosened my grip and gasped in fright. Daniel brought him back, but Witty is gone.

The commander turned slowly, his facial expression not completely absent, but something about him doesn't seem right. The glass look in his eyes revealed everything the rest of his body was trying to hide. They broke him. And he knows it. "I'm sorry," the sharp blade, still covered in sticky, black liquid, slid between the ribs and hit the heart. "I can't risk it." Witty's body collapsed to the ground.

"Why!" cried Daniel behind me. "Why did you want me to bring him!" he looks at me and the body alternately, surprised. This is probably the first time I've seen Daniel really surprised by someone's death. He is probably right when he says that death cannot be sure next to the Immortals.

"I don't have to explain my actions. I guess you'll just have to believe me that it's for the best. At least his soul won't get stuck." the blood on the blade mixed with the black goop. I'll have to clean it as soon as I get back. I don't want to look at that blood. I came here to bring Witty back. Fuck! This is not what I wanted, and yet I'm sure it's the right decision. It has to be. If I can't risk something, it's my army, and to bet on a possible swindle from one of the commanders seems unnecessary stupid.

Daniel walked over to the body. He looks me straight in the eye. "I believe you, that's why I have to tell you this. I couldn't help but notice that beautiful ring on your finger. I should congratulate you, but instead I'll give you advice. Steven's future is uncertain, and your friend Edgar is up to his ears in it. He's also looking for something in A Dun'Amanh and he's not alone. The door they're trying to create is a heinous attempt at betrayal, but there's something else to it." Daniel examined the body and disappeared in front of me with the makeshift bar. I went back to the real thing, but only for a while.

"Where is Jonathan?" I asked the first servant in the hall. Like so many things here, servants are just part of a well-designed spell. Perhaps to make this mansion feel even more abandoned. With the sword still in my hand, I pulled the ring from my left hand and put it in my pocket. I'm not in the mood to show it to anyone. Not anymore.

"The Fourth Heir has gone to the Isle of Lemford," he announced promptly. "He hasn't come back yet."

"Is he coming back?" I wondered. He walked up to me and handed me a piece of clean cloth with a nice smile. I took it and carefully wiped the blade, I don't want to cut myself. Not with this. "Where's Damien?"

"I don't know, madame, the Second Heir didn't share this information. Would you like me to make you tea and biscuits?" he asked, still smiling. "Your room, as always, is ready."

"I'm not staying here, I'm just," a loud sound from the next room interrupted me. The servant doesn't even think about it, he continues to smile. So it's someone he let in. I shoved a piece of cloth back into his hands and went to see for myself.

I walked down a short corridor, a shadow flickering in the doorway, I plunged my sword into the wood on the doorframe, and prevented the visitor from leaving, unless he wanted to take it through the window to the garden, but it leads nowhere. The blonde mountain of muscles stopped. "Marc..." I exhaled in surprise. I didn't expect that, even though I probably should.

"Hello," a wide smile lit up on his face. "Jonathan's going to be angry about that door. Can you put it away?" he nodded his head toward the blade.

"He'd have to be here first to notice," I said angrily, Marcus must have come to pick up his mail, so he's not at Lemford. Marcus wouldn't get there to see him, not fast enough to make it worthwhile. I turned my sword to widen the hole in the wood paneling before I pulled out the sword. "He's in Nerkam, isn't he?" Marcus's silent. I turned around, apparently my father is very busy and I'm just wasting my time here. Why did I ever think he could help me?

"Wait, he just needs some time to come to terms with everything," he tried to calm me down. I felt like making more holes in the wood, I squeezed the hilt of my sword in anger. Jonathan isn't the one who needs to come to terms with anything. And I damn well need his help. So it makes sense that he's not here. He's never here when I need him.

"Since you're going there, tell him I killed Witty, huh?"

I'm so upset, I want to see only one person. Wearing a tight T-shirt, he stands behind his new bar, trying to polish a glass. Wide enough to stick his paw in there. Knowing I'd see him like this someday... "You look worse every day," he laughed, hazel eyes looking at me in amusement.

"I'm getting worse every day," I rolled up my sleeve to show him the pink scars from the morning. "I was at the front in the morning and forgot my bracers, then I lost a Commander of the Fifth, and now I'm starting to consider killing Jonathan, just as a reminder so he doesn't forget." it's only when I'm sitting so high, I don't have to look up into his eyes. That's what he and Steven have in common, they're both annoyingly tall.

"Shouldn't you use a different sword then?" he asked provocatively. "Besides, is he not the one Serving? He's going to die a few times anyway," he added with a smile.

"Jonathan? Hardly." Unlike me, he doesn't bother to raise his sword while there are other options. And when someone forces him to take the thing, it always ends badly for them. Not brutally, but badly.

I lean over to him, as always he is smiling, I can feel his fresh breath and warmth on my face, the hazelnut eyes are smiling too. My breathing quickened, as did his. I smiled and took the towel from his hand, touching his fingers, Emmett flinched, he'd never done anything like this before. "How could you lose someone from the Fifth? Are you already fighting?"

"That's... a really long story," I ran the blade over the cloth and wiped off another layer of dirt. He laughed, put two shots next to me and stopped.

"How much blood have you lost?" he asked, bottle in hand, looking at the pink scars, knowing me well enough to know I'm okay. And that it is useless to ask such questions. I rolled my eyes and grabbed his hand with the bottle, it's pleasantly warm. Unlike the bottle. This time he didn't flinch, he just bit his lip. Since when does it bother him that I'm touching him? I helped him pour the shots and only then let go of his hand. He pulled it quickly to his body. What's his point? I drank the vodka. I love the taste, it is so simple and pure. Unlike everything else that is always changing.

"There was a little girl, Tara," my thoughts returned to the events of the morning. "In the midst of all the confusion and dismembered bodies, she simply bent down and created a shield around her." I laughed incredulously at the memory, I'll have to go visit her in a few days when she gets used to her new surroundings. And I'll have some time off. "How can a small child do something like that?"

"That's what you care about? Is she all right?" he asked worriedly. I nodded. Sure she's okay. Otherwise, I would have started with this.

I recalled the cute little girl's face, the big brown eyes, the little mouth and nose, the brown hair, and a bunch of questions. But why does ahe look so familiar? I looked at Emmett, his eyes are brighter, more alive, but he looked at me just as innocently. "Have you ever been to Dryhlem?"

"Where?" he laughed in confusion. "I wouldn't even find it on a map."

I frowned at my old friend, no one had ever heard of the village, and neither had I. And suddenly, out of nowhere, I found an extremely powerful little girl in there. A strange and hardly believable coincidence. I don't like those. "You know, you are the only one who knows my favorite kind of alcohol?" I said quietly, taking the bottle from him, pouring some on the towel, and running the blade over again. Witty's blood is almost gone, but the black marks remain.

"If I didn't know, I wouldn't be a very good bartender, would I?" he took a piece of cloth and a sword from me and leaned his back against the board across from me. I trust him in everything, even though he's holding a weapon that can kill me and he's tossing it around in his hand. He poured more alcohol on the towel and ran it through the blade several times. "You really should learn how to clean your own sword. You're old enough for that."

"I know how to do it, but no one lets me," I protested.

"Mhmm..." completely immersed in cleaning, he put down the towel, examined the blade. He shook his head disapprovingly, probably to himself. He grasped the handle firmly and ran his free hand over the blade several times, the sharp light reflecting off the diamond-like surface in all directions, as if trying to burn the dirt. After a few minutes of work, he seemed satisfied with the result. He gave it back to me. I thanked him with a smile without looking at it. I know I don't have to control it, despite his nature, Emmett is a terrible nitpicker. I let the sword disappear and folded my hands in my lap. Fresh scar protrudes, does not fit the light skin, not even a little. "How in the name of your all so glorious family could you forget your bracers?" he asked in confusion as he grabbed my hand so he could reach out and examine my white, untanned forearm one more time. He probably doesn't mind having to touch me anymore.

The scars slowly but surely lose colour. A few more hours and they'll be gone, with a bit of luck before I see Steven. Explaining to him how they got there is always a painstakingly long process. And my explanation is followed by his lecture about safety. It still itches, but I bravely fight the urge to scratch it. "I don't know, they should have been with the armour, they're always there, but I guess they weren't there this time. And somehow I didn't think to check," I shook my head in disbelief. I'm sure he'd check it out, every time we were getting ready for battle together, he bullied me to do everything right and check things at least twice. "Em, have you been talking to your father lately?"

"Sure, whenever I have little spare time, I go talk to him, tell him about my own life and dreams, and I can't wait for all his useless advice. I think you're confusing me with those two…" he rolled his eyes and chuckled to himself. "Where's my baby brother anyway?" he asked after a while, pouring more shots and putting down the bottle. Instead of drinking, he crossed his arms on his chest and waited. He clenched the muscles of his arm, making me feel like I'm being interrogated. He looks exactly the same, doing that. The makeshift ring in my pocket somehow became heavy, a paranoid fantasy came over me.

I can see the ring shift a little in my pocket with every move I make and eventually fall out. It will spin on the board for a while, accompanied by that strange sound of spinning metal, until it stops. Leaving us both in awkward silence.

I'm not ready to tell him. I can't tell him. I don't want to. My heart raced again, leaving the rest of the body behind in panic.

"How should I know? He was in Alryne in the morning, now he's probably in Athran," I replied calmly. My palms are starting to sweat.

"Aren't you babysitting him?" he asked again in that strange, almost accusatory tone. What's his point? Did Steven talk to him?

"I'm not his mother, Em," I wiped my wet palm and reached for the glass cylinder with the liquid inside. He should buy bigger shot glasses or pour vodka straight into the big ones.

"I thought you were trying to save him from an unknown threat, in spite of fate," I drank only after he had finished that thought. I waited to see what he would come up with, but this took my breath away. I looked into the hazel eyes, now full of worries. No matter what Edgar believes or expects from me, if Emmett loses his little brother because of me or my family, he'll never forgive me. A new wave of sweat broke out on me, completely icy for a change. I kicked in the second shot of vodka, hoping it would warm me up a bit, but the alcohol worked the other way around. I don't enjoy standing alone against fate, and meeting the expectations of others isn't much fun either. Everyone knows exactly what I should do, but no one tells me how. "But he's a lot more fun when he believes he has a future. Even if it's with you..." he added the last sentence sadly, almost disappointedly. What the fuck does he mean?

"Even if it's with me... It's not so long you haven't even talked to him and now he's confiding in you?"

"Isn't that exactly what you wanted? For me to get along with Steve?" he asked, seemingly hurt. The hazel eyes study me, carefully examining every inch of my body. He studies my expression, my pose, everything. Had Steven talked to him about his plan? Is he looking for a ring? Does he know I have it in my pocket? "I don't have to keep him away from you anymore, so..." he raised one eyebrow and waited for my reaction.

I got a good look at my friend. He means it, he hasn't even twitched. I took a bottle from him and drank slowly. I can't feel the taste of alcohol. I frowned at the transparent liquid, but it probably isn't its fault. "Keep him away from me?" I asked with feigned calm. "Am I some kind of villain?"

"You know I love you, but everything that's going on around you..." Emmett turned away from me, preferring to look at something on the next wall, maybe the dissolving wallpaper. "It's not something he should get involved in."

"I didn't want him to get involved in anything either," I have to defend myself. Again. "That's on Edgar, not me."

"I'm not blaming you, Ans," he clarified quickly. "I just... all it took for him was one night with you, one night, to fall in love with you. I mean, it's crazy. I didn't even like you when I met you. And you just changed his life, completely and definitively," Emmett shook his head, stopped examining the wall and looked back at me. "He asked me about immortality."

"And what did you say?"

"That he should ask you, not me," he said imperiously as I frowned angrily. "I don't think he understands what he's getting himself into."

"Em, what do you want to hear? I don't think he understands it either, but we have already voted." it's not a question, I resignedly told my old friend. Steven has already made up his mind anyway, or so it seems to me, and no matter what I wish, the other Heirs have outvoted me. And I can't go against that decision.

"I want to hear that you explained to him what that would mean, that he understands that..." Emmett paused. "You were against it!?" I nodded. "And how… what did he say?"

"I'll let you know."

"You didn't tell him THAT?" he exclaimed in surprise.

"He clings to the idea that only immortality would save him. I don't think so, I've told him several times, but I don't want to argue with him again, he's just as stubborn as you. He doesn't need to know yet," I said firmly. It's only with the promise I made to Steven yesterday that I begin to realize that each of us makes our own decisions that the other will eventually have to come to terms with.

"How come you don't think so," he snapped me out of my thoughts. "I've seen you survive everything. It has to save him," he countered, he seemed adamant of it.

"No, it doesn't. You've seen our family tomb," I said quietly. Emmett jumped on the tabletop behind him and continued to watch me uncomprehendingly. I can't and don't want to explain why his theory doesn't work. From his point of view, of course, we are untouchable, but the Twins see it from a completely different angle. I need to change the subject. "Did you talk to Jonathan?"

"No, just to Jim and don't digress," he frowned. "You should talk to him before..." he sighed, hazel eyes studying me again.

"Before what?" I asked cautiously. I don't want Emmett to say that. I can't tell him myself, we've reached an impasse. Emmett drank straight from the bottle and handed it to me. Only for a few small moments did I see him standing, handing me a similar bottle of clear liquid, in the same bar, even wearing the same T-shirt. Only his expression changed. The broken look in his eyes scared me. I let go of the bottle he was handing me and jumped down from the bar.

Emmett caught the bottle just above the ground using magic and threw it back up so he could catch it safely on the way down. "You okay?" he asked me suspiciously.

"Perfect, everything's perfect." I straightened my shirt and checked my old friend again with a look. He doesn't look at all the way I've just seen him, in fact he smiles a little. "I should go anyway, Remis will need my help. Thanks for the chat," I tried to smile briefly and the next second I was gone.

I'm standing in front of my desk again, looking at an unusually empty table top with no new messages. We have entered a new phase, we are on the threshold of a new war, and I do not have a single new report on where I stand. I can only wait to see how the situation with the diplomats develops, even though I already suspect the outcome.

"Got a minute?" asked Ethan, standing in the open doorway. The uniform of the commander of the guard fits him unbelievably well. Almost as if he was born for it. The dark blue fabric makes the golden command belt on his right arm stand out, and the red cloak shows that he belongs to me.

"You're probably the first person who really wants to talk to me today," I waved for him to go inside.

"I was thinking about what we were talking about," he began, not exactly the right way. We talk about a lot of things. I raised my eyebrows in confusion. "I want to change patrols, I'm going to need your help in finding new members, and you should know that I've put Cayden off duty," he held out his hardboard hand to me. "I wrote everything down for you."

"Because I'm into that," I muttered, opening the folders. "without Cayden, there are only ten of them, and if they take turns every eight hours, it will kill them."

"Normally, I suppose, but you're hardly in the Palace right now and you don't need anyone to be waiting here and back in the barracks. So it's best if the two who are supposed to be on duty are here, ready and only then someone will replace them when needed."

"Well, if the diplomats don't come back, I'll be here even less," I replied, checking the table again. Still no new message. "So plan it as you need."

"That brings me to the fact that the Guard will escort you to the battlefield, shall you decide to pay a visit to that place." he said firmly.

"Is that an order?" I asked, surprised.

"It certainly sounded like that," he laughed. Uncomprehendingly, I measured him with my eyes. "The Duke of Parlasse stopped by."

"Jonathan? He has no right to give such orders," I said, offended. Why does he interfere at all, he has to process everything and he has no time for me.

"He said you'd say it, telling me to remind you that as long as he's your father, he has all the rights he needs. Or something," he laughed nervously.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of him…" does Jonathan really look that scary? Ethan's silent. Maybe he just doesn't want to provoke Jonathan by disobeying his direct orders. Strictly speaking, he serves the royal family, not me exclusively, but there's also that rule where the other Heirs don't interfere with the loser who just has the crown. "When did you talk to him?"

"Yesterday morning," he replied immediately. So Jonathan just avoids me. But why? What can he have so important to work on that I am not allowed to know about it? Just now, when my father's advice would really come in handy, he decided to be unavailable. I feel it sting my heart, it's not the first time, coincidentally he's never here when I need him. The only change is that Damien isn't there for me this time either, because I sent him away myself. Maybe I should check on Stephan, ask him for his opinion.

We were interrupted by a knock on the door. I noticed they are still open, Riley's waiting with a message. Finally! "Your Majesty, news has come from Narral."

"And what does it say?" I asked quickly, Riley still standing in the doorway, he shook his head instead of answering. Ethan looks at my secretary incredulously. I feel like something happened between them, but I don't have time to tinker with it. I am interested in the report.

It's a message from the Council, that's why Riley didn't open it. It's quite a long message, I had to lean against the table top and read it carefully again. The diplomats will not return, they were detained yesterday for unauthorized use of magic and executed this morning. Without a trial or a good reason. Just as the Council writes, this is an act of war and the period of peace between the two countries is definitely over. This means several things, the most important of which is the transfer of power. Until the situation is resolved, I do not have to answer to the Council, their job will be to lead my country while I deal with the situation on the battlefield, but whatever I say and do will stand without me having to discuss it with them.

To make matters worse, Narral is not only declaring war on me, but is officially opposing all my magic-supporting allies. Which, of course, is the group that Athran belongs to. "The period of peace is officially over," I announced. Neither of them looks surprised. I'm not surprised, everyone has been waiting for it since yesterday. "That will be all Riley. Ethan, you will escort me to the border."

"Shouldn't you consult His Majesty?" asked Riley from the doorway.

"About what? Steven has no reason to get involved in this war."

"I think it does."

"I think you're overstepping your boundaries, Addison," I corrected him in a completely icy voice, he turned with a bow and disappeared into the hallway.

"What's his problem?" asked Ethan mockingly.

"How for the Light am I supposed to know," I grumbled irritably. "Bring Cayden here."

"Didn't you want to go to the border?" Ethan's gray eyes focused on me. I nodded, "I told you he was off duty."

"And I'm telling you to bring him here," I said calmly. Ethan doesn't look convinced. I added in an equally calm voice. "trust me, Ethan."

By the time he came back with Cayden, I had put on my armour for the second time today. Only this time, I carefully checked all the gear before I was ready to leave. I started with decorated bracers, checked the chest plate with the golden sun, made sure I had a sword and a few bags strapped to my belt, and finally checked the pads on my legs. Everything fits.

"I hope you want to explain to our new commander that I'm perfectly fine and fit for duty," Cayden said as soon as he entered. He doesn't seem different than usual, he speaks as calmly as ever, smiling. Even off duty, he wears a uniform. Typical.

"No, that's why you're here. I walked through the Barrier and spent some time in A Dun'Amanh, not that it's a concert of yours. But I have a message for you, from Luke. He wanted me to tell you you were right. That he should have been looking over his shoulder." I looked straight into my grey-green eyes. Cayden's obviously relieved, he smiled and nodded like it's something he's been waiting for all this time. "Today is your day off, tomorrow morning you're on duty."

"I can go on duty today," he countered.

"No, you can't. That's an order and now leave, go have fun, get drunk or something." Cayden obediently saluted and turned around.

"I'm beginning to understand why Hamilton didn't like you." Ethan placed his hands on his chest. He also prepared for the journey, unlike Cayden, who had just left, Ethan's chest plate is attached. "You're making unnecessary complications and going against my decisions."

I walked over to Ethan and put my arm around his shoulders, adding in a low voice. "Hamilton adores me, like everyone else," I took us to the gates of the tent city without further warning. I will have to have my own tent set up, to which I can safely transfer at any time.

"Yes, everyone loves you, and that's why we're at war," he grumbled. Ethan doesn't like moving between places, but it's the fastest way to travel. And also the most comfortable.

There is terrible confusion in the camp, while in the morning the commanders shouted to their soldiers to get up and prepare for the embarkation, now they shouted at them to prepare for the inevitable approaching battle. I quickly weaved between them with Ethan in tow, and a few minutes later I was standing in front of Remis' tent. Fortunately, the guards had already changed, these two recognized me immediately and bowed. Positive change.

"Your Majesty, General Remis is not here. A battle broke out at the border," one of them reported obediently. I nodded my head and walked into the tent. Darien and several other commanders are waiting there. He was about to take a breath to start, but I stopped him with my finger. It takes Darien so long to explain anything. He always adds his own observations and it can be useful, but not now.

The central part of the eastern border glows bright red. I need to get my bearings quickly, Remis was supposed to stay here, but I'm not really surprised that he personally went to the border. Along with him there were three battalions, according to the small marks on the map. I looked at the uniforms of the men standing around the map, the two majors, the colonel and the general. "When did Remis leave?"

"About an hour ago, he took three units to secure the border, we're supposed wait for further orders," Darien announced, not the least bit bothered that he had lost command of his own army. But after what I saw in the morning, I'm not surprised at all. How many men will this little attack on the border cost me? How many will get stuck at A Dun'Amanh?

"I'll go and have a look for myself," I decided. I inadvertently started a long debate about how dangerous it would be for me. None of them understands the meaning of the word immortality. Surprisingly, Ethan was the only one on my side. I thought he wanted to help Remis, though maybe it's because it's his job now to take care of my safety and he doesn't want to get left behind.

With a new unit behind me, I walked through the portal to the border. From the busy camp we were transported in a second to the edge of utter madness. Remis' soldiers held on bravely, some even in formation, but on one side they were completely cut off and on the other side they will soon be too. I drew my own sword and gave the command to attack.

It took several long hours to get the situation under control. Remis ordered the border to be secured around noon. The enemy followed them all the time, and when they approached the armour of the last part, they decided to attack. So it took much longer to build the barriers in the last few kilometers.

Plus, Ethan and I had to fight through quite a few bodies to help Remis. Amid all the shouts, shouts and grunts, the news of the wounded general reached us. Fearing for Remis' life, we made our way across the battlefield. Completely exhausted, we got to the general, who, with his wounded hand behind his back, continued to chop down enemies with the other. We literally had to drag him out of the fight so I could tend to his ripped hand. It took another few hours for everything to calm down and for me to be able to return home with a clear conscience. With the last of my strength, I took off my armour, hid my sword, and treated all my wounds, most of them not serious. Still wet from the shower, I threw myself on the bed. I expected undisturbed sleep, but I didn't get anything like that.

My exhausted body was aroused several times by the same dream. I was at a feast, all around a thousand little white and blue flowers. On the floor, falling from the high ceilings of the hall and slowly descending to the ground. In the flood of all the flowers there are several familiar faces, all enthusiastically celebrating, dancing... I want to join them until the green eyes stop me. That's when I always woke up. After the fifth time, it stopped being funny. I put on some loose shirt, probably Steven's, and walked into the living room. I had no idea how long I had slept, what time it was, or what had happened while I was sleeping.