by B. T. Narro
“It’s true,” Beatrix said. “We just came from there.”
Even with her confirmation, dozens of men and women glanced at each other incredulously. The man who’d asked to speak with Adriya moved close and took her hand.
“You knew this?” he asked gently.
She surprised Desil by slipping her hands under the man’s arms and leaning against him. He embraced her comfortably as if they were close.
Eckard, Desil realized. They had been a couple. He was the one who told Beatrix and Kirnich that Leida and Adriya were looking for Basen. That felt as if it was years ago, not weeks.
The soldiers of the Academy took the news hard. Desil had seen the dead king with his own eyes, smelled his rot, but he didn’t know Fernan well enough to mourn him. The king must’ve visited the Academy plenty of times for these people to feel as if he really was their leader, at least one of several. Fear showed on their faces, not just sorrow in their teary eyes.
Neeko stepped in front of Desil to show him a face of intent. “I never knew what became of Micklin, but I had a feeling I might have to kill him one day. Was it he who murdered King Fernan?”
“I believe the king was poisoned by Allephon or someone close to him. It should come out shortly, when your army questions him in front of psychics.”
Eckard said, “Something isn’t right. Why would Allephon be here if he could be questioned with psyche?”
“Because he didn’t know we could get here first with a portal,” answered Beatrix. “He must’ve planned to come here to announce the news of my father’s death before we could get to the army and tell them the truth. Knowing him, he’ll claim the culprit was a Tenred spy. That will encourage the ongoing war effort.”
“There’s one thing you’re leaving out,” Basen said. “He also wants the akorell metal and eppil plants before we can get to them. I’m sure part of his plea to end the war swiftly will be sending off a team to gather the supplies for his explosive.” Basen pointed west toward the end of the trees. “Someone who knows as a fact that Fernan died a while ago and it wasn’t Beatrix who killed him has to be out there when Allephon makes his announcement. However, there’s an order to capture, or even kill us, upon sight. We’re viewed as traitors, after all.”
“Desil is as well,” Leida argued. “We should all go now. Our loyal friends will protect us.”
Desil looked through his spyglass toward Tenred’s wall. “Hundreds of troops on horseback are making their way through the army. Allephon probably brought everyone loyal to him. But I don’t know what he looks like, and even if I did, I couldn’t confirm he’s there from this distance.”
“Adriya’s mother and father are there,” Leida told Basen. “And many of the Wind Knights, I would assume. The chances of battle are almost nil.”
“You’re right—there won’t be a battle. No one is going to start one on our behalf, just as I wouldn’t for any small group that defies the king. Most of the troops out there are direct enlists in Fernan’s army, now Allephon’s. They are paid and promoted by the Estlanders. Their lives and livelihoods depend on following orders; Kirnich can attest to this. They won’t stand idle if their leader commands them to arrest someone.”
“That’s true,” Kirnich said, “but what are you suggesting we do instead?”
“If any of us are recognized by Allephon or those loyal to him, he will gladly interrupt himself to detain us,” Basen replied. “And if we refuse, he’ll be more than glad to order his men to kill.”
“My parents would never allow that,” Adriya said.
“And they would get themselves killed when they tried stopping it. The rest of the Academy isn’t going to wage war against the greater half of the army. The year for the school has just begun, which means a third of the troops from the Academy have only just started training. This war is the most unfair to them, as they have had no time to complete war-preparation training like you and Leida have. They will not fight against their own kind. They are not your friends or your family. They don’t know you. I’m sure most of them were hoping to avoid combat altogether. Half are psychics and chemists still figuring out their talents. Desil, I’m sorry, but it has to be you.”
He wasn’t ready to go until he understood why he would be the best choice.
Adriya shifted as if needing to relieve herself. “But Allephon won’t recognize me or Leida, especially if we get there now before an announcement begins.”
“He might recognize me, actually,” Leida said with the same urgency in her voice. “We met when I was called into the castle for questioning.”
“And both of you will be recognized by half of the troops of the Academy.” Basen put his hand on Desil’s back and started to walk him toward the end of the forest. “Word will get around that the daughter of Cleve and Reela and the daughter of the headmaster are here. You were last seen disappearing with me. Anyone can make the connection that I’m somewhere nearby. Think of your parents, Adriya. They wouldn’t know to keep their reaction hidden when they see you. Everything we’ve worked toward could crumble in an instant. We can’t allow Allephon to imprison us.”
Now Desil understood, but was there really no other option? Everyone walked with him and Basen, excluding Neeko and his men.
“We must go,” Neeko said apologetically. “We’ve been idle here too long. Someone could see us and design a trap.”
“Good luck to you,” Basen replied.
This was all happening so quickly that Desil could barely keep up. It gave him no time to consider all the options, as well as the risks. He would have to trust that Basen wouldn’t knowingly send him off to his death.
“Wait,” Beatrix said as they reached the last few trees. “How is Desil supposed to get word to the Wind Knights if he doesn’t know who to speak to?”
“Your mother must’ve introduced you to Cleve and Reela Polken at some point?” Basen asked Desil.
“Many years ago.”
“You told me you never forget a face.”
“I don’t.”
“Then you will recognize them. Cleve is the new headmaster, so those in his army should know of his whereabouts at any given time. Just ask the younger troops you see. They are less likely to be loyal to Allephon. When you meet Cleve or Reela, tell them these exact words in private.” Basen whispered in Desil’s ear: “I come from the south and I’m here to help.” Basen leaned away. “You won’t share that with anyone, understand?”
“That part I do, but the rest is going over my head.”
“There’s no more time. Who knows what lies Allephon is already spinning. Find some way to gain audience with Cleve or Reela, but stay inconspicuous.” Basen gave Desil a little push. He stumbled out of the woods as Neeko’s men and women went deeper into the forest. Most looked back at the headmaster as if expecting him to come, even after his explanation of why he couldn’t.
A few shared words of their disappointment with Basen, which Desil ignored. He focused instead on whispering the phrase to himself that he needed to remember.
Neeko’s shouting distracted him. “Eckard!”
“I’ll catch up.” He was the only one of Neeko’s troops who remained, and he faced Adriya with a worried look.
Desil put them out of his mind. He needed to focus solely on his task.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Leida couldn’t believe her father had sent Desil off alone. She was too stunned to figure out her feelings. Her father put his hand on her shoulder and tried to look in her eyes, but she glanced away.
“Sweetheart, I know this must seem harsh to you, but it’s the safest course of action we can take.”
“For whom? Certainly not for him.”
He surprised her by dropping his hand in frustration. “We can’t show ourselves there just yet. The Wind Knights must be alerted to everything with subtlety so a safe plan can be devised.”
“Adriya,” Eckard said, somewhere behind Leida. “I have to leave, but not before we talk.”
; “I’m worried about my friend, so I need to hear this. You wouldn’t understand.”
“I was worried about you and Leida!” Eckard retorted angrily. “That’s why I told them. Ask her if you must; she is a psychic.”
Beatrix and Kirnich were busy with their own conversation a short distance away. “Leave us alone,” the princess spat. “We’re figuring this out.”
“There’s nothing to figure out!” Basen announced, his emotion still a surprise to Leida. The only other occasions when she’d seen him this frustrated were during his gripes about the king’s contracts for Academy students. “Our only option is already at play. We can either go out there with Desil and get ourselves killed, or none of us can go, which will let Allephon get away with murdering your father, Beatrix. What you should be asking yourselves instead is if you trust Desil to handle whatever happens.” Basen paused, but no one spoke. “I do, otherwise I wouldn’t have sent him. Now do the rest of you?”
Leida supposed if she put her worries aside, she did trust Desil to know what to do, but she couldn’t get past the feeling of how wrong it was to send him off alone.
No one answered Basen.
He walked deeper into the woods and said loud enough for all to hear, “Fine, I will take complete responsibility for this decision, even though I know the rest of you agree with it.”
Leida almost couldn’t believe she was watching the same father she’d known to be composed and patient her entire life. It made her uncomfortable to see him pace and mutter to himself like a madman. She wanted to comfort him, but she couldn’t be sincere until she convinced herself he was right.
“I’m sorry, Adriya,” Eckard continued.
Adriya put herself beside Leida so Eckard could face them both. All Leida wanted to do was walk off to be alone, like her father, and think through this. However, she wouldn’t pry off her friend’s fingers as Adriya took her arm.
“I want you to tell Leida and me exactly what you did.”
“Only if you will listen to my reason why,” Eckard countered.
“Fine.”
“I told Beatrix Estlander you were leaving the Academy for long periods of time to search for the headmaster.”
“Which was a complete betrayal of our trust,” Adriya accused.
“How did you even know?” Leida asked.
“I saw how concerned both of you were when you found me in the dining hall and asked if Cleve had shown up that day. I searched for clues myself and found something serious had happened. When the two of you weren’t at Redfield during the announcement that the headmaster was missing and wanted for treason, I knew you were both involved somehow. I told the king’s daughter, then I went out searching. I found the two of you with…I’m assuming he’s the same man?” He pointed a thumb over his shoulder in the direction Desil had gone.
“Yes. Where did you find us?” Adriya asked.
“In Kayvol. I recognized Leida’s voice from inside a tavern. Then I followed when the three of you headed west past the Academy and went down a ladder.”
“So it was you who ran when I called out,” Adriya said. “Why not show yourself?”
“So you could scold me? So you could threaten me to leave you alone? What would be the point? This way, I might be able to keep following you and help.” He looked away with a scowl. “Little did I know you would be leaving the continent, otherwise I would’ve shown myself and convinced you to let me come.”
Leida resisted the urge to look over at her friend. They’d argued whether they should’ve gotten Eckard involved, Leida opting for more help. It was in the past now, which made her think of an important question.
“Why are you telling us all of this now?”
“Because I needed both of you know why I did it.”
“You already said it.” Adriya’s voice had softened. “Because you were worried.”
Eckard stepped in close to her. “I was. I still am.”
Their tones were as gentle as feathers. Both of them had a way of unraveling each other’s aggression with a single look of care. Leida stepped away to give them time alone, as well as herself.
“Do you forgive me, Leida?” Eckard called after her.
She looked toward her friend for confirmation. Adriya nodded.
“I do, Eckard.” Kirnich and Beatrix have been invaluable to us. If Eckard was the one to thank for them getting involved, then he deserved more than just her forgiveness. Her mind wasn’t in the right place to find the words, though.
Beatrix and Kirnich still seemed to be plotting as they passed a spyglass back and forth to watch the army.
Alone with her thoughts, Leida could finally work through this complicated situation. She weighed each known option while she sought better ones. They didn’t have the luxury of time—they needed to return to the Dajrik Mountains for the akorell metal as soon as possible—but they would accomplish nothing without the potion that liquefied the akorell and separated it from rock. To get that, they needed to speak with Steffen Duroby. To speak with him, they had to show themselves. To show themselves, they had to deal with Allephon.
She supposed they could’ve waited until he left to speak with the chemist, but that would allow him to manipulate the army however he pleased.
We need to deal with Allephon even if we didn’t need the akorell melting potion.
She sighed. Sending Desil to find Adriya’s parents really was the best option.
The pressure on Leida’s father must be more than she realized. She didn’t know what it was like to take responsibility for the lives of others. She’d assumed it came naturally to her father after all of his time as headmaster, but looking at him now, the world on his shoulders as he paced with a miserable look on his face, she realized how wrong she was.
She’d seen the way the troops had looked at him with disappointment. It must have seemed to them that he had abandoned them when they needed him most. Some may have lost a friend in this war already, possibly more, and their headmaster had nothing tangible to show for his time away from the school.
There hadn’t been a chance to share their accomplishments with Neeko’s troops. They should have akorell metal soon. They really could end the war. Leida believed it. She was determined to show everyone, but there was one person in particular who most needed to see her faith in the headmaster right now.
She went over to her father. He stopped his mumblings and looked up with a hopeful sparkle his eyes.
“I believe in you,” she said. “Not just with your recent decision, but with everything. It’s why I went to Kanoan to help you, and it’s why I’m still here rather than fighting beside my friends. Everyone will see what I see in you by the time you’re done. You will end this war, Father. I know you will.”
They embraced. He kissed her head. “We will end it, sweetheart. It’s not just me anymore.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The only reason Desil was able to slip into the ranks of the army was because most of them were focused on Allephon. There were some, however, who showed Desil puzzled looks. One grabbed him.
“Who are you?”
Desil felt something sharp against his stomach. He looked down at his shirt stretching around the point of a dagger. At least the man’s sword was still sheathed.
“I’m an ally who needs to speak with Cleve or Reela immediately. Where are they?”
“If you’re an ally, where’s your uniform?”
Desil paused to think of how best to answer. He remembered Cleve being a giant of a man. It shouldn’t be difficult to find him if he was near.
“I’m not that kind of ally,” Desil admitted.
“Then you must be questioned by a psychic before stepping on this ground.” The man in uniform stomped his foot. “Are you a merchant, a delouser, or something else? You look like a soldier without a uniform, which would make you a Tenred spy. Psychic! Who’s near?”
“I am,” answered a woman on her way over.
“I just arrived,” Desil said
, “and I don’t have time to explain myself. I am an ally of Kyrro. For the sake of the kingdom, bring me to Cleve or Reela Polken before they speak with Allephon.” Desil tried to move around the man, but the knife dug deeper.
“No one gets into the troop section unless you explain who you are and where you came from.”
Tenred’s army must’ve done more damage than Desil realized if Kyrro’s army was this protective of each other. They had made camp a mile from the wall. There weren’t enough tents for everyone, so Desil didn’t know where many of them slept, but he saw now that there were different sections to what looked like a traveling town. Men and women without uniform worked to Desil’s right while uniformed troops worked just as hard to his left.
Soldiers and commoners groomed horses, delousing no doubt. The swordsman had asked Desil if he was a delouser. It was too late to say he was now that a psychic was here. A trail of whom Desil assumed to be merchants made their way out of the Fjallejon Pathway, around the soldier section of this massive camp, and into the back of a queue at least seventy people long. Two men in uniform questioned and searched each man, woman, and even child before allowing them through. Some had bread tucked under their arms. Others covered their goods in a blanketed basket. More than a few seemed to be returning cleaned undergarments or first-layer clothing. Even more people were taking out soiled garments from the troop area.
At closer look, Desil noticed more and more people without uniform working among the soldiers. Desil knew soldiers would be fighting, eating, and sleeping, but he’d never considered how they would accomplish that. He saw now how much more there was to war. For every man or woman Desil noticed to be eating, he counted another preparing food. Soup and bread seemed to be the meals of choice, or perhaps choice had little to do with it. He watched an officer—designated by the stars on the shoulders of his uniform—take a disinterested look at a woman’s basket and fish out some carrots and beets. He handed her a coin in exchange, then gave the vegetables to a woman in uniform stirring a vat over a fire. She let go of the ladle to start chopping the new vegetables on top of a tree stump.