The Last Empath of Doctsland

by Leah Putz

  I could just make out the shape of her head nodding through the darkness. “She seems very sure.”

  “Please take me to her,” I said, getting up and pulling on my jacket. Siofra led me a short distance to a small group of people who stood and bowed upon my arrival.

  “Good morning,” I sat among them, near to their minute fire. “I’ve heard you know of Green marsh. Please, tell me everything you know about this place, especially concerning Lura of Nul.”

  A young woman moved forward to sit beside me. “Yes, it is my home city. I left several years ago to be with my husband in Cessam, we wanted more distance between us and Nul,” she said, glancing to a man beside her I assumed was the aforementioned husband. “But Lura has been governess there since her brother became king.”

  My eyebrows shot up at this new knowledge. “She has?”

  “Indeed. Shortly after Siglind’s coronation, it became clear what kind of king he would be. He was too young, too selfish to have that kind of power. He began at once to increase taxes to have more military funds, and to grow his army. The people of Nul spoke out, called for Lura to be crowned as the eldest, despite her gender. In response, Siglind sent her away. He probably would have had her killed if he thought he could get away with it unnoticed, but the people of Nul, and of all of Bushand, have always loved Lura. He would undoubtedly have lost any favor that he had. She took refuge in Green Marsh, and was immediately made governess, and has been ruling there ever since.”

  “And do you think she will be sympathetic to our cause?” I asked earnestly.

  She glanced around at her companions, who all shrugged. “It’s hard to say” she answered. “Lura does not agree with her brother’s ways, and has not upheld some of his more recent, ridiculous laws. She sees the error in his ways, and surely, deep down, knows he is not fit for rule. Saying that she will openly defy him, though. That is an entirely different story.”

  I chewed my lip, pondering her words. It was encouraging to know that Lura was so close. After all, our hope in a Bushanean leader lay in her. “Thank you so much for this information, it has been most helpful,” I said, standing. I pulled Siofra away from the fire and spoke quietly. “We need to go there. This is our best opportunity yet. If we can get Lura on our side, it will speak volumes to the people of Bushand.”

  “Are you entirely sure they will join us?” she asked.

  “No, of course not. But I believe it’s worth a try. And it’s definitely worth having Lis locate it and try to get a sense of them. I’ll go wake her and ask her to do that now.”

  “Okay,” she replied. “I agree. Let me know what she finds out. In the meantime I’m going to start getting everyone up and ready to go.”

  I made my way back to where Lisalya was sleeping soundly. While I’d been away with Siofra, Jion had risen and was cooking breakfast over the fire. Lisalya looked so peaceful, I hated having to wake her even as I reached out to do so. I brushed a few strands of black hair which had fallen over her eye behind her ear and murmured her name.

  She blinked her eyes open. “The sky is still dark,” she mumbled.

  “I know, I’m sorry. We think we know where Green Marsh is, only a half day from here. I’m hoping you can try to locate it, perhaps get a read on their location and their allegiance.”

  “What time is it?” she asked drowsily, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands.

  “It’s just before dawn. Again, I’m sorry to wake you up, but we’ll be getting everyone up and on the road before the sun has fully risen anyway, so I haven’t robbed you of a terrible amount of sleep.”

  “Okay,” she said, pushing hair out of her face.

  I grabbed a steaming plate of eggs from Jion and handed it to her. “Here. Jion made you some breakfast. We still had some eggs left from the chickens we had to leave at the base camp. We need to use them before they go bad.”

  “Thanks.” Once she finished eating, she closed her eyes as I’d seen her do whenever she was focusing on locating someone or something with her powers. After a while, she said, “I’ve found it.”

  “Good,” I answered. “And their allegiance?”

  “They are ripe with hatred for the king. I believe they will join us. Though, there are very many. It’s quite possible that not all of them will feel as such.”

  “Of course, but as long as we have a large enough majority, we have to take the risk.”

  “The majority is definitely in our favor,” she said, blinking her eyes open. She looked at me for a moment. “Did you get any sleep last night?” she asked.

  “I got enough,” I answered, gazing into the fire with tired eyes before turning to look at her. I averted the subject back to the topic at hand. “How close are they? As close as expected?”

  “A little closer. Slightly less than a half day’s march, I would guess, straight ahead in the direction we were walking yesterday. Does the river run straight from here?”

  “For a bit, yes. It begins to wind and curve as we move closer to Nul, but I’d say for the duration of today’s journey it should be fairly straight. Are you saying it will be right along the riverside?”

  She nodded. “We won’t be able to miss it.”

  I stood and began poking the fire with a long stick. “Wonderful. I’m sorry, again, for waking you. You can go back to sleep if you want, or start getting ready for our departure. I’m hoping to leave within the hour.”

  Throwing her blanket back, she stood and began to pack up what few belongings she had taken out for the night. Shortly after, she turned to me. “How can I help get the camp ready to move onward? I’m not going to be able to go back to sleep anyway, I might as well be of some use.”

  “Siofra is already waking people up. Jion and I will probably start helping shortly. If you could join us that would be of great help,” I said with a smile. Standing, we both began the task. The size of the camp meant that it was not a quick job. In fact, making our rounds took the better part of the hour in which I had hoped to leave.

  By the time everyone was awake and ready to go, the sun was painting the sky a variety of purples and pinks.

  “Are we going with everyone?” Lisalya asked as Jion, Siofra, and I regrouped by our fire. “Before we only went with a small crew.”

  “Yes, we’re going with everyone this time. The need for secrecy is not as urgent as it was previously. Siglind knows we’re here. Obviously it’s better if our whereabouts are unknown, but it’s more of a risk to go to a large town with only a small group of us. I’m not about to take the chance that what happened before could happen again,” I explained, pouring water on the fire and stomping it out.

  Siofra, who had been gathering as much information about our destination as possible, began to speak. “According to the individual that suggested Green Marsh, and it has a large wall around it. It’s only accessible via two gates, one on the west side of the wall, one on the east. The town is large enough it may be considered a small city. You were able to verify the size as well, correct Lis?” Lisalya verified her statement silently with a nod, and Siofra smiled before continuing. “If we’re successful here, it will greatly increase our shot at defeating King Siglind. This mission is critical, more than any other up to this point.”

  “Then we’ll make sure we succeed. There is no other option.” Jion spoke with a confidence that I found it difficult to muster after our last attempt at gathering soldiers. Lisalya seemed to share my sentiment, and shivered. Jion noticed. “Are you alright?”

  “Yes, of course. I’m fine. Let’s get a move on.”

  And with that, we were off. The walk was just about as uneventful as the previous day’s had been, and after a few hours’ march, Lis stopped, signalling to alert us of our proximity. “From what I can tell, we’re only a half mile away,” she said.

  “We’re coming from the northeast, so hopefully we’ll be able to easily identify the eastern gate as we approach,” Jion added. “I’m not sure how we’re going to make it appear as t
hough we come in peace with this force behind us. They’re probably going to assume we’re there to attack, which could prove disastrous.”

  I tapped my foot, deep in thought, before I spoke. “Yes, I’ve been mulling that over all morning as well. It’s not going to be easy, but I think I have an idea of what may work. It’s no guarantee, of course, but it may be our best shot. Let’s stop here for lunch and we’ll lay out the plan.”

  I waited until everyone was done eating to announce my plan to the rest of the company. Then we began to move forward once more. Lisalya kept her mind open and trained on our destination, searching for any hint of loyalty to Siglind, or the chilling feeling she had felt from Carthoc and his men. So far, thankfully, she said she had none.

  We had only been walking a few minutes when the forest began to thin around us, and before long we could make out the unmistakable brick and stone of a large wall. Just shy of fifteen feet in height, it loomed intimidatingly over the surrounding woods.

  I held a hand up, signaling for the bulk of the party to wait there as Siofra, Lis, and I continued forward. Uneasiness absorbed me, and I felt my hands begin to tremble as I thought about how much rested on this one mission.

  Lisalya, sensing my anxiety, rested her hand on my arm. “I sense nothing that should alarm us here. As long as we can convince them our cause is true, I believe they will join us.”

  I took a shuddering breath and nodded, my lips quirking nervously.

  I heard them before I saw them, a loud clear voice calling from above. “Who are you, and why have you come?”

  I suddenly realized there were countless sentinels perched along the top of the wall. Briefly, I wondered how I had not noticed them before, but as we grew closer I could make out rivets in the wall that they could hide behind, shielding themselves from view completely if they desired it.

  “Hello!” I called back, a pleasant lilt to my voice, trying to convey that our presence was not a threat. “Myself and my companions have traveled a long way in the hopes of speaking with the leader of this great city, Green Marsh.”

  “Traveled a long way? From where? And how many of you are there? I see only three.”

  “From Doctsland,” I announced, and we all held our breath after the word was spoken. This would be the moment of truth. They could shoot us from the high point of the wall, or welcome us into the city. Purposely, I did not answer the sentinel’s second question, which certainly would increase the likelihood of our getting shot.

  “Wait here,” the voice called, and several of the archers disappeared. Those that were left stayed standing on the edge of the walls, arrows at the ready and trained at our heads.

  “I hate waiting,” Siofra mumbled, shifting impatiently from foot to foot.

  “I know,” I replied, a nervous smile on my lips. “It won’t be long. I hope.”

  We stood in tense silence for what was probably only ten minutes at the longest, but felt like several hours. As each second went by, the tension in our party grew. I pitied Lisalya, who must have felt the agitation rolling off of at least Siofra. I had been getting better at hiding my mind from her, not to mention dealing with her own unease.

  Just when it was beginning to become unbearable, the speaker returned. “We do not permit strangers into our city, but the governess of Green Marsh has agreed to speak with you. She’ll be coming out shortly, and you must not move from your current places. You’re in our sights. Should anything appear to go amiss, you’ll be dead before you know it.”

  Although I was excited to have an audience with Lura, a shiver went through me at the sincerity of the threat. I replied, trying to install a confidence in my voice that I certainly didn’t feel. “Yes, of course. We understand. We greatly appreciate her willingness to meet us.”

  There was no verbal reply, but the gate before us began to slowly pull open. A tall woman, dressed head to toe in armor, strode out to meet us. Though she appeared intimidating, when she took her helmet off she wore a kind smile. I immediately recognized the signature orange hair both my step siblings shared, and Lura’s round rosy cheeks. She had hardly aged a day. “Visitors from Doctsland? And three of them, at least.” She glanced back at the forest, raising a knowing eyebrow. “To what do we owe this honor, step-brother?”

  I bowed, and my companions followed suit. “Thank you for receiving us, Lura. I have two close companions of mine accompanying me, Siofra and Lisalya.”

  “I am Lura, governess of Green Marsh. But you have not yet answered my question. Why are you here, Viktor?”

  “We come seeking your help. As you seem to have guessed, we are not alone here. In fact, we come with a force of foot soldiers, made up primarily of Bushanian citizens that have joined our cause. I’m sure you’re well aware of the threat King Siglind has made against my home country. We have come to protect ourselves, and to protect Bushand from his harsh rule.”

  “Our help?” Lura inquired. At the mention of the foot soldiers she had grown tense, and Lisalya bumped my hand lightly with her own in warning. “And how can we help to protect Doctsland? Not to mention why?”

  As so began the speech, the same one I had given three times hence, though at this telling there was a newfound sense of urgency and desperation in me. I explained the plan in detail, emphasizing the fact that the naval fleet would be arriving soon, and when we join forces with the Doctsland fleet, our likelihood of defeating Siglind greatly would greatly.

  Silence fell over our small group when I had finished speaking. We held our breath.

  After a while, Lura spoke. “How do I know this is not some trap? Siglind has been trying to overrun Green Marsh with his brutish soldiers and his sorcerer for months. My brother is very eager to remove me from power now that he has more of a firm hold on this country. We keep our doors closed without any outright attack, but we won’t be able to hold out for long. What is there to say you have not been sent by him, to trick me into saying I would join with his enemies? Surely that would give him enough cause to openly attack my city, under the guise of thwarting terrorism?”

  Drawing my sword, I drew a gasp from Lisalya and Siofra as I placed it on the ground at Lura’s feet. “Siglind has been tormenting you and your city, along with the rest of his kingdom for long enough. Now he threatens to do the same to mine, but I cannot stand by and allow that to happen.”

  Awe dropped Lura’s jaw open as she gazed at the sword at her feet, an ultimate sign of humility and respect, especially from one royal to another.

  I spoke again, my voice sounding more like my father’s than my own- a royal edge that came from somewhere within me I was slowly learning existed. “We are marching to Nul. We will remove King Siglind from rule, for the betterment of my people, and the people of this country. You can choose to join us, or you can choose to let us pass in peace.” Conviction was strong in my voice, though I could only hope it was strong enough to convince Lura.

  “If it were entirely up to me, we would join you. I believe you, and the young boy I remember at my mother’s coronation certainly wouldn’t trick me into ruin. But alas, I cannot make this decision for my whole city alone. I must consult with the council. Pray tell, who else from Bushand has joined you? This may help to convince the others of the worthiness of your cause, and the likelihood of success.”

  I explained the sources of our allies, and when I mentioned Cessam, Lura lit up. “Cessam! So Merek is with you then? This is wonderful news, he is well known, as well as trusted and respected.”

  I opened my mouth, about to explain that Merek had remained behind to protect the citizens in Cessam, but a voice stopped me. “Yes, Merek is with them.”

  We whirled to find the man in question sauntering up to our small party.

  “Merek!” I exclaimed, overjoyed at his sudden appearance at exactly the perfect time. “I had not expected to see you, though I could not be more pleased.”

  “It’s hard to march an army alongside the river without being noticed. When I heard whispers that a
force was moving this way, I decided it was time for me and my small guard to leave Cessam. It leaves Cessam all but defenseless, but I suspect Siglind will shortly have more to worry about than my inconsequential little town.”

  “Merek, will you come speak to the council with me? I believe our combined voices will likely sway them,” Lura implored.

  Bowing, Merek replied. “Of course, my lady.”

  Lura turned back to us. “Please wait here until we’re inside the city gates. Then we will let the sentinels know you can rejoin your camp while you wait for our response.”

  “If we’re going to make it to Nul in time, we need to get back on the road by this evening at the latest. We need to get at least a few miles in before nightfall,” I said.

  Merek nodded. “Understood. We will return with an answer as quickly as possible. Regardless of whether or not Green Marsh will join you, I will.”

  “Many thanks, my friend.”

  Just as Lura instructed, we waited and watched until they disappeared behind the city walls. Then, we turned and made our way back to the forest where our camp waited. As soon as we broached the border of the trees, Jion greeted us eagerly. “Back already? Merek passed through, I directed him to you. Did he help to sway them to our cause?”

  “We don’t have an answer yet. Merek and Lura have gone back inside the city to speak to their council. We were told to wait here until they have an answer for us,” I replied.

  “I see. Well, would you like something to eat to pass the time? We prepared lunch while you were gone.”

  “Yes, please. I’m starved,” Siofra said, plopping down on the ground beside the fire. Lisalya and I followed suit, and we ate the rabbit Jion had caught and prepared in stressed silence. I tried not to let the anxious anticipation coursing through me occupy my every thought, but was finding it difficult. Again, I yearned for a drink to steady my nerves. Glancing up, I met Lisalya’s eyes, and was grateful for the kind, encouraging smile she sent me.

  It was only shortly after we had finished eating that Merek and Lura appeared together through the trees. I scrunched my eyebrows as I stood; we had all anticipated a much longer wait. “Back already?”