Nightfall

by Den Patrick

  ‘No other way?’ said Streig. ‘What’s going on?’

  Some sacrifices have to be made.

  ‘What sacrifices?’ shouted Streig, his eyes darting to the edge of the roof where a dozen gholes were pulling themselves up with a wiry strength.

  ‘They’re here,’ said Felgenhauer.

  ‘Let them come,’ grunted Steiner as Silverdust cast a javelin of fire towards the nearest ghole. It fell back into the gardens three storeys below, falling like a comet.

  Kjellrunn, whatever you intend to do, you must do it now!

  More gholes had climbed the opposite edge of the roof, just forty feet from where they huddled.

  ‘I can see Kimi!’ shouted Streig, pointing south. ‘They’re coming back. The dragons are coming back!’ Flodvind and Stonvind could be seen high above the city, but too far away to be of aid.

  ‘They won’t get here in time,’ replied Steiner. The gholes sprinted forward and Kjellrunn drifted into the air, eyes closed, the Ashen Torment pressed between her praying hands. Her hair floated around her head as if underwater and her lips moved silently as if in a fever.

  ‘May Frejna’s eye not find you,’ she said, her voice impossibly loud.

  Goodbye, everyone, I will miss you. Silverdust bowed his head.

  ‘And may Frøya keep you close,’ shouted Kjellrunn, crushing the Ashen Torment between her hands.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  Kimi

  People still speak of the day two war-weary and wounded dragons set down on the docks of Arkiv, and more than a few sincerely wish to set eyes on such noble creatures again.

  – From the memoir of Drakina Tveit, Lead Librarian of Midtenjord Province

  The gholes’ predations had stopped almost as quickly as they had begun. Even the frenzied intelligence that still lurked within the corpses feared the dragons, it seemed.

  ‘I’m going back,’ Tief had said. ‘I should never have left my sister there. What was I thinking?’ He was climbing into the saddle before Kimi could object. And so they had flown with all the energy and urgency Flodvind and Stonvind could muster. The gholes rushed towards the centre of the city, where the Imperial Palace stood, damaged yet beautiful in its ruination. The building was being swallowed as a swarm of undead rose up. It was as if half the city were laying siege to the place, armed with nothing more than a ravening hatred.

  ‘Taiga!’ shouted Tief, for all the good it would do him. The dragons beat their wings harder and the wind whipped past. The gholes had climbed the palace walls and made it to the palace roof, closing in on their friends and allies.

  ‘Oh, Frøya no. Please don’t let them …’ Kimi’s words were snatched away as a column of green light raced into the air from the palace roof. A ripple of emerald brilliance followed a heartbeat later, passing through the undead hordes as it expanded in a shockwave of force. The gholes exploded apart in showers of black dust. Scores of the unholy terrors were destroyed in a moment, then hundreds. The wave of force rolled onwards over the city, cleansing all that Volkan Karlov had wrought from the realm of the dead. The gholes’ ashes scattered on the wind, and motes of yellow light remained after, a vast constellation of stars in the evening light.

  ‘Taiga?’ shouted Tief again. The dragons banked around the rooftop of the palace, now silent and stained with the ashes of the gholes. Kimi was already halfway out of the saddle as Flodvind set down.

  ‘Taiga? Steiner?’ Kimi stared around in wonder as the motes of light began to rise into the evening sky. The souls of the undead were now going to their final rest, it seemed.

  Streig, Felgenhauer, and Steiner were kneeling, heads bowed, while Taiga knelt too, with her hands joined in prayer. Kjellrunn was levitating in the air nearby, an aura of light emanating from her body.

  ‘Where’s Silverdust?’ whispered Tief with a stricken expression.

  ‘Steiner.’ Kjellrunn’s voice sounded as if she were many miles distant. ‘Steiner.’ Kjellrunn’s brother looked up at the Stormtide Prophet.

  ‘Not you too,’ he said in a small voice burdened with despair.

  ‘Just as Volkan Karlov’s long life was unnatural, so too are my powers. I cannot remain here, but I will always be with you.’

  ‘No, Kjell.’ Steiner struggled to his feet and held out one hand. The aura of light continued to shimmer about the prophet. ‘Not after everything we’ve done.’ His voice cracked. ‘I can’t lose you too.’

  ‘These powers have no place here. The Emperor is defeated, and Bittervinge too. No one person should ever be so powerful.’ She looked at the palms of her hands. ‘Not like this.’

  ‘No, Kjell.’ Steiner was pleading. ‘Not after father and Verner and Silverdust.’

  ‘Look for me in the oceans. I will always be there for you.’ Kjellrunn smiled with look of tender sadness before lifting her face to the darkening sky. The light emanating from her grew brighter and brighter still until Kimi averted her eyes.

  ‘Kjell?’ Steiner called out for her one more time as the light faded, but the Stormtide Prophet was gone, ascended to who knew where. All of them looked upwards, where the souls of the undead drifted higher and higher, motes of golden light, floating away from Vinterkveld and all its suffering.

  ‘It’s like that time back on Vladibogdan,’ said Kimi softly. ‘When you destroyed the Ashen Torment the first time.’ The motes of light blinked out, one by one, until only the first stars of evening remained.

  ‘Silverdust and Kjellrunn were still with us back then,’ Steiner whispered. ‘But not this time.’

  Kimi looked at the wiry and scarred man who stood beside her, so different to the young boy who’d arrived in the forges months ago. He was trembling, though whether it was from exhaustion or grief she couldn’t tell. Likely both.

  ‘You did it, Steiner. You killed the Emperor.’

  ‘Kjellrunn and I did it together, but I’m not sure it was worth it. I’ve lost so much to Volkan Karlov. Too much.’ Steiner turned to Felgenhauer and fell into her arms, wordless and distraught.

  The city remained as silent as a tomb, and Kimi was certain they were the only living creatures for miles in any direction. That night they slept more soundly and deeply than they ever had before, though their grief, both shared and private, waited patiently for them with the dawn.

  ‘We should get word to the other provinces,’ said Tief. ‘Or the people at the encampment are going to starve to death.’

  ‘We could fly to Arkiv,’ said Kimi. ‘They can spread the word via ship.’

  ‘Good,’ said Felgenhauer. She sat beside Steiner with one arm around his shoulders. ‘Tell the ships to come, tell them the Emperor’s rule is ended, tell them Khlystburg needs help.’

  ‘We’re not going to call it that any more.’ Steiner voice was husky with grief and sleep. ‘The city of whips is finished.’

  ‘I’ll come with you,’ said Streig quietly. ‘I’m not sure what else to do now that Silverdust has gone.’ Kimi nodded and turned to Tief, expecting some complaint or other.

  ‘Not me,’ said her friend. ‘I’m going to rest up here with Steiner and my sister. These old bones are good for nothing, I’d say.’

  ‘I understand,’ replied Kimi, and crushed the Spriggani in a fierce embrace.

  ‘Always forget how strong you are,’ muttered Tief. He took out his pipe but the tobacco had run out some time before and he cursed softly. Taiga kissed Kimi on each cheek and smiled. She’d barely said a word since Frøya’s intervention.

  ‘I’ll see you again,’ Kimi said to Tief and Taiga before approaching Steiner. He didn’t look up, didn’t meet her eye. The fire had gone out of him and Kimi didn’t hold much hope it would return.

  She stayed another day in order to rest the dragons. Tief and Taiga remained with her the whole time, reminiscing, voicing gratitude, and remembering Marozvolk in their quieter moments. When the following morning came Kimi was glad to leave. The sadness was suffocating and she had a strong desire to be in the air again.
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br />   ‘Are you ready?’ she said to Streig.

  ‘Time to go,’ said the young soldier. ‘I’ll be seeing you,’ he added to the others, but Kimi found it hard to believe he’d be back.

  The journey across the sea did not provide any opportunity to converse with Streig, and so she had been left alone with her thoughts as the dragons stretched their wings and glided across the Ashen Gulf.

  I feel your loneliness keenly. Flodvind had spoken little since their departure, but her words appeared in Kimi’s mind softly.

  ‘I’ve been with Tief and Taiga so long now, I barely know what to do without them.’

  There is no need for you to do anything. Just sit in the saddle and enjoy the ride.

  ‘When have you ever known me to sit patiently and do nothing?’

  Do you have a choice?

  ‘No.’ Kimi smiled. ‘But I’d rather be occupied with something else than these thoughts and feelings.’ Her smile faded. ‘I miss them. I even miss Steiner and Silverdust for that matter. And I miss Namarii too, arrogant as he was.’

  You have faced many challenges, Your Highness, but the greatest challenge is how you face your grief. Will you sit with it, or merely try to escape by distracting yourself?

  Flodvind’s words shifted something inside Kimi, like a stubborn knot coming undone, a part of herself she had been ignoring. Kimi Enkhtuya let herself weep as the cobalt waves of the Ashen Gulf raced by below her; the wind on her face dried her tears but the sadness would remain a good deal longer.

  Arkiv was more beautiful than Kimi had expected, and while she had no love for cities and the crowds of people they promised, she had to admit there was a majestic splendour to the island.

  ‘How did you enjoy your first time riding a dragon?’ she asked Streig. They had set down just north of the docks and caused quite a stir among the locals. The young soldier staggered down from the saddle, stiff and bow-legged, and pressed his hands to the small of his back.

  ‘I’m not sure “enjoy” is the word I’d use.’ He released a sound partway between a grunt and sigh. ‘No offence, Stonvind, but I’m not made for the saddle. I’m a foot soldier at heart and a foot soldier I’ll remain.’

  The people of Arkiv began to gather at a distance, both intrigued and wary of the wounded dragons.

  ‘It looks like we have some explaining to do,’ said Kimi.

  ‘Not me,’ said Streig. ‘The glory is all yours. Tell the story well.’

  ‘Glory? Is that what we’ve earned for our troubles?’

  ‘I scored some riches,’ replied Streig, ‘but only because I looted the palace.’ He slung a heavy sack over his shoulder and grinned. ‘So long, princess.’ Streig saluted with a tired smile and headed off into the city, waving off questions from the crowd as he went. More and more of the city folk turned their attention to Kimi when it became apparent that the scruffy soldier wasn’t stopping.

  ‘What happened?’ asked an older man. ‘Does Khlystburg still stand?’

  ‘Yes, but barely.’ Kimi forced a smile. ‘Why don’t we find a tavern? I’ve been in the saddle for two days and I desperately need a bath, a meal and good glass of wine.’

  ‘And your dragons will behave, will they?’ shouted someone from the back of the crowd.

  ‘Only if they’re fed. Can someone provide some livestock? I’ll settle up with them shortly.’

  ‘How do we know you’ll pay up?’ asked an old woman with a furious look. ‘We don’t even know who you are.’ Her words were full of scorn and Kimi’s tiredness dropped away. She drew herself up to her full height and raised her voice so all present would hear her words.

  ‘I am Kimi Enkhtuya, Princess of Yamal, slayer of Veles, slayer of Bittervinge, and champion of Frøya. These are my friends, Stonvind and Flodvind. I have crossed this continent in order to end the Solmindre Empire; I have lost friends and allies; I have fought undead gholes and Grave Wolves to stand before you.’ Kimi stared down at the old woman. ‘That’s who I am.’

  The old woman opened her mouth to speak and everyone present turned to her, curiosity burning.

  ‘Well, in that case we should get you some food, dear.’

  Kimi smiled. Tief had been right, it did sound impressive when spoken aloud.

  The tavern was quickly inundated with the city folk of Arkiv. The owner arranged sittings, in which people could enter and hear Kimi talk about the Empire’s downfall. Two days passed where she did little more than sleep, eat, tell stories, and beg anyone who would listen to sail supplies across the gulf to Khlystburg. She shook hands with several sea captains who promised her they would set sail as soon as they’d finished loading.

  On the third day a familiar face appeared in the tavern, though Kimi hadn’t seen her in months. ‘Kristofine?’

  ‘Your Highness.’

  ‘I wasn’t sure what happened to you in all the confusion.’ Kimi didn’t know whether to curtsey, bow, shake hands, or hug the woman. They had barely spoken during their brief time together aboard the Watcher’s Wait. ‘Sit with me.’

  ‘I’m here with friends,’ replied Kristofine. Standing just behind her were Streig and a man and woman she didn’t recognize. ‘This is Drakina; she was a librarian at the Great Library. This is Reka; he was a lieutenant. He helped me get to Arkiv.’

  ‘And he wasn’t the only one,’ said Streig.

  ‘I was hoping you could help me get back to Khlystburg,’ said Kristofine. ‘I’m desperate to see Steiner.’

  ‘Of course.’ Kimi forced a smile. ‘But I’m heading south. I have to attend to my people, and I’ve no wish to set eyes on Khlystburg again. Not for a few months at least.’

  ‘But with the dragons I could be with Steiner in a matter of days.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Kristofine, but I’m not going back. Namarii died defending that wretched city. I …’ She remembered the intoxicating effect of the Ashen Blade. ‘I was not myself during that time. Scores of people died.’

  Kristofine stood up so quickly the stool she had been sitting on upended and slammed to the ground. ‘To Hel with you then,’ she muttered, and marched from the tavern.

  ‘I did warn her you wouldn’t go back,’ said Streig.

  ‘Then why did she insist on asking?’ said Reka.

  ‘Because she’s in love,’ replied Kimi. ‘And people in love are prepared to do anything.’

  ‘Maybe we could come to some arrangement,’ said Streig.

  ‘I said no, Streig.’ Kimi frowned and looked away. ‘I’m not going back.’

  ‘Just hear me out,’ said the soldier with an impish smile.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

  Taiga

  The Council of Midtenjord Province shepherded the former Empire through the difficult years ahead. The council members were held in such high regard that further outbreaks of war or border disputes were quickly silenced. Their fame and the sacrifice of their comrades held the fledgling union together during that first decade.

  – From the memoir of Drakina Tveit, Lead Librarian of Midtenjord Province

  ‘I am a high priestess of Frøya,’ proclaimed Taiga to all that remained of their faithful crew. Tief looked up from his reminiscing and Felgenhauer favoured her with a quizzical look that might have been a frown. It was hard to tell with Felgenhauer, Taiga decided, the woman always seemed to be on the verge of frown. ‘And Frøya is the goddess of love, fertility, spring, and good health.’ She looked around the squalid common room they had taken over, in the squalid palace. ‘And there’s not much in the way of good health here.’

  ‘Meaning?’ said Tief, rising to his feet.

  ‘Meaning we’re out of food.’ Taiga crossed the room to Steiner. ‘This place is a tomb. It’s no place for the living.’

  ‘I need to get to Arkiv,’ said Steiner. It was the first time he’d spoken all day. They had done little since Kimi’s departure save recover from their wounds and an exhaustion that weighed heavy on them.

  ‘Good. Then we’re agreed!’ said Taiga che
erfully. ‘We’ll head to the docks.’

  ‘I didn’t agree to anything,’ muttered Tief.

  ‘That’s nothing new,’ replied Taiga. ‘Now come on.’

  The city, once so full of life, was now a hollow memory. Buildings still loomed over the cobbled streets, but every row of houses had a ruin, every tower was missing its roof or bore the scorch marks of draconic fire. Taiga and Felgenhauer walked ahead of the men. Felgenhauer had picked up a spear as they left the palace, but she used it more as a walking stick than a weapon.

  ‘How are you?’ asked Taiga, surprised to discover she cared at all.

  ‘I feel like I’m missing something,’ replied Felgenhauer. ‘As if one of my hands had been severed in battle. So much of who I was is now gone: the Empire, my rank, my mastery of the arcane. All gone.’

  ‘You sound sad about it.’

  ‘In a way.’ Felgenhauer stole a cautious glance at the priestess. ‘But I also feel relief. I hated what the Empire was doing. Hated that you and your kin were prisoners beneath the island. Hated that I had to keep up the pretence of a faithful Vigilant. Hated my own complicity.’

  They walked together for a time and neither said anything. Taiga was acutely aware the former Matriarch-Commissar Felgenhauer had been her jailer at one time, her oppressor.

  ‘Tief never liked Marozvolk very much,’ said Taiga. ‘Couldn’t bring himself to trust her until close to the end. And then it was too late and she was gone. I don’t want things to be like that between you and me.’

  ‘I don’t want that either.’ Felgenhauer gave a guarded smile. ‘I’ll do everything I can in the coming months to make things right for the Spriggani.’

  ‘If we don’t starve to death first.’

  ‘Perhaps the goddess will grant us one more miracle,’ replied Felgenhauer.

  The docks were strewn with debris, the houses waterlogged and smashed, but sounds of industry could be heard from two streets away.