by Ryan Kirk
Surprisingly, the emperor’s outburst appeared to impress the warleaders more than his composure. They nodded as he spoke.
“Tell us more about your proposed alliance,” one of the other warleaders asked. There was no edge in her voice.
“I’ve already ordered my troops toward the border,” Hanns answered. “They will not cross unless ordered, but they are accompanied by monks and warriors with strong affinities. With your permission, we will march side-by-side to Faldun. We will take back your capital and deliver it to your hands. And Prince Regar will be defeated.”
“And after?”
“After, I use the power of the gate to defeat the Lolani queen.”
“What about your troops?”
“They will leave.”
The warleaders glanced from one to another. They spoke quickly, in Falari. Brandt looked to Hanns, but if he could understand their language, his face betrayed nothing.
The warleaders spoke for some time. They didn’t shout or wave their arms about, but the passion with which they argued was evident. Watching them, Brandt couldn’t tell if Hanns’ argument swayed them or not.
Eventually, Weylen nodded, ending the final conversations around the circle. He locked eyes with Hanns. “We reject your offer.”
Brandt saw Hanns’ fist clench, fingernails digging into the palm. “You will die without our help.”
“Better that, we think, than allowing the empire a foothold in Falar. Your ways will never be ours, and should your army cross, the treaty shall be broken.”
Weylen’s threat landed heavily. Perhaps Hanns would risk war with the Falari. But the treaty wasn’t just between the two nations. It included the Etari, as well. If Hanns brought his troops across the border, he risked fighting both independent countries on the continent as well as the queen. That conflict, should it come to pass, would be impossible to win.
“I’m offering to help,” Hanns said through gritted teeth.
Brandt wasn’t sure if it was imagination or not, but he swore he felt Hanns’ power growing. Weylen took a mighty risk angering Hanns further.
“And for that, we thank you. But we do not want those with affinities coming through our land.”
“Even if they are your best hope for survival?”
“Even then.”
It was only then that Brandt understood Hanns’ mistake. He should not have fought to free Weylen’s village. The emperor saw it as a chance to save lives. The Falari saw it as a confirmation of their worst fears.
To Brandt’s imagination, the silence that stretched between the Falari warleaders and Hanns was full of threat. The Falari understood the gate’s importance, but they didn’t understand how much it meant to Hanns personally. Brandt had seen Hanns fight for his life, but he’d not seen the emperor this angry before.
Which made Hanns’ next words all the more surprising.
“Very well. Then escort me to Faldun alone.”
From the expression on Weylen’s face, the statement surprised him as much as it did Brandt.
“Take me back to Faldun,” Hanns said. “You can’t fight against a man with a gate, especially if half your people support him. And you won’t let my warriors over the border to assist. So take me. Escort me, make me your prisoner, do whatever you need to satisfy your sense of honor.” The last words were laced with disdain. “Just get me close enough to fight my son.”
Hanns’ offer set off another round of debate among the Falari, but this time, Brandt thought he had a better idea of their disposition. This offer of help was too generous for the Falari to refuse. The warleaders had to know they had no chance without Hanns. Their discussion was louder than their first.
Brandt leaned over. “Are you certain about this?”
The plan left Hanns completely at the mercy of the Falari. Brandt trusted the mountain warriors, but the opportunity to betray Hanns was a temptation he’d rather not offer anyone.
“There’s no choice,” Hanns whispered. “I’d rather they trust me, but this does have the advantage of keeping more imperial soldiers out of harm’s way. Regar can’t be allowed to maintain control of that gate.”
The discussion ended suddenly. Weylen spoke to Hanns. “Your offer is accepted. You may join us on our march to Faldun.”
Hanns bowed. “Thank you.”
They said their farewells, and then the two imperials left the room.
They marched to battle.
48
That anyone would knock on her door surprised Alena. That the person who did so was Ana surprised her even more.
Alena let her friend in. A cold evening breeze gusted from the peaks as the town bustled to prepare for the march ahead.
Runners had gone throughout town not long ago, informing the village’s inhabitants of the decision of the warleaders. Their choice didn’t surprise Alena, because she didn’t think Regar had left them one. The warleaders could fight and die quickly, or they could hide in the mountains and die slowly.
Ana paused when she saw the preparations among Alena’s small group of warriors. It only took her a heartbeat to guess Alena’s purpose. She met Alena’s gaze, and for the first time, Alena noticed Ana had been crying. “You’re joining them, aren’t you?”
Alena nodded. “I can’t return to the empire, but regardless, my task has always been in Faldun. We plan on following the rest of the war parties.”
“The emperor is traveling with them.”
“Really?” The runners hadn’t shared that piece of news.
“The warleaders refused to permit the army to cross the border. Hanns offered his strength, not as an emperor, but as the man who controls two gates.”
Alena wanted to hate Hanns. He’d exiled her, a decision whose full weight Alena still hadn’t felt. With a word, he’d torn apart her family again. She knew he was wrong, but it was hard to rage against a man who would fight against his own son, alone, to save the empire.
Hanns’ choice also complicated her life. Between her and Sheren, they’d already decided it would be wiser to follow behind the war parties than to join them, but if the emperor was present, she’d need to stay well behind. She didn’t dare risk his anger.
She turned to her guest. Ana hadn’t taken more than a couple of steps into their place, as though she wasn’t certain this was where she belonged. Alena, recognizing a need Ana wouldn’t voice, stepped toward her friend and embraced her.
Ana returned the gesture, wrapping Alena up tight in her strong arms. Alena felt the woman’s determination, even in her distress.
When they separated, Ana wiped a tear from her eye. “I’m sorry for coming here, but I wasn’t sure where else to go.”
“You’re always welcome, wherever I am,” Alena replied. She studied the former wolfblade. “Brandt?”
Ana nodded. “This path he walks, I’m not sure I can follow him on it much longer. He hides it well, and I think even he believes he only does it out of love, but I don’t believe him anymore. If he continues, I fear his desire to grow stronger will consume him.”
Ana paused. “Perhaps it is already too late. The Brandt I know never would have let the emperor exile you. He would have fought on your side, even if he disagreed with you. When he remained silent against the emperor, I realized just how much he’s already lost.”
Alena put her hand on the woman’s back, strangely relieved Brandt’s actions had cut Ana as deeply as they had her. When she made contact, though, she dropped halfway into a soulwalk. Lately, it had been happening more often. Some instinct within her connected with others without conscious direction. It was the same ability that had first made her realize her gift. It didn’t happen every time she touched others, but it was more common now than in the past.
When she dropped into a soulwalk, Alena understood the other part of Ana’s distress. She took a step back, as though Ana had burned her. “Oh.”
Ana guessed Alena’s reaction well enough. “You felt it?”
“Yes.” Alena paused, di
gesting the information. “Congratulations. Does he know?”
“Not yet,” Ana said. “I only learned myself a few days ago, just before the attack on the village. It didn’t seem an appropriate time.”
No, Alena agreed, it wasn’t. “Do you know what you’ll do?”
Ana’s laugh was bitter. “I haven’t the slightest idea.”
Alena didn’t have any ideas, either. Her heart ached for the other woman, but she couldn’t think of a single way to help, outside of offering her support. “Whatever happens,” she said, “you’re always welcome here.”
Ana took several deep breaths. “Thank you.” She glanced over their preparations. “And what, exactly, do you hope to accomplish at Faldun?”
“I intend to separate Regar from the gate.”
“You can do that?” She didn’t believe her.
“I hope so.”
“And if you are successful, then what?”
Alena chuckled. “I haven’t the slightest idea.”
Ana smiled at the echo. “You intend to prevent Hanns from controlling the third gate, don’t you?”
Alena grimaced. She supposed it would have been too much to slip that past Ana, and there was no point attempting to lie. “I do.”
Ana smiled at her own private joke.
“What?”
Ana shook her head. “It’s just that everyone else is fighting to control the gates, and you’re here, trying to prevent them. You’ve taken on the most challenging task of all, and you aren’t even hesitating to confront a traitorous prince, an emperor, and an invading queen.”
“You make it sound hopeless.”
Ana laughed out loud at that. “The fact that you don’t speaks volumes about you, Alena. And I appreciate that.”
Jace joined the women. “Well, if you’re looking to join our hopeless cause, we’d be delighted to have you. Although I’ll warn you, we don’t accept just anyone. Our application and training are very rigorous.”
Ana and Alena both rolled their eyes, but Alena appreciated her brother all the same. As a child, he’d regaled them all with his academy adventures, but somewhere along the line Jace had learned how to say exactly what a group needed to hear. Tonight, he’d stepped in just before the conversation became awkward.
Ana spoke of Alena as though she were a hero, which Alena knew she wasn’t. She just refused to do nothing while those with the power of the gates destroyed their world.
Alena didn’t think Ana had found her answers, but she bid farewell to the group. Alena walked her out, standing in the street with the former wolfblade. “I’m not sure what I can do to help,” she said, “but if you ever need anything, I’m here.”
Ana gave Alena a deep bow. But before she could say anything in response, Brandt came around the corner. “Ana! I’ve been looking—” His voice trailed off when he saw who Ana stood next to. Concern transformed into disgust. “What are you doing here?”
Alena was no stranger to those who didn’t accept her. Her years among the Etari taught her how to deal with those barbs. But coming from Brandt, a man she had so much respect for, the words broke her heart.
Her response was colder than she meant. “I was exiled from the empire. In case you haven’t noticed, we aren’t there.”
A part of her flinched from the sound of her own voice. She wanted to repair the wounds in their relationship, but Brandt’s words crawled under her skin, making her feel unwelcome among her own friends.
Brandt turned to Ana. “What are you doing here?”
Alena felt the storm brewing. Ana’s fists were clenched, and Brandt looked ready to draw his sword if given the excuse.
Ana unleashed her anger. “I’m here with our friend! The woman who risked her life for us, the woman who helped you with your memories after Landow! She’s not a traitor.”
Ana’s fire met Brandt’s cold reply. “She’s been exiled for defying the emperor. She’s no friend of ours.”
Alena stumbled back a step, her knees unsteady beneath her.
“You don’t mean that,” Ana said.
“I do,” Brandt said. He turned and walked away, back to the rooms he and Ana shared.
Ana looked at Alena. “I’m sorry,” she said. Then she chased after Brandt.
Alena stood alone in the street. Brandt and Ana were friends, and people she admired. To see them come to this made her want to weep.
But no tears would come.
She heard the sound of footsteps behind her. Jace stood a few paces away, his face a mask of anger.
“You know I’m loyal to the empire, right?”
Alena nodded. Of course she did. Jace had always wanted to serve. He was, perhaps, one of the most loyal subjects the emperor had. She expected, at least until her exile, that he would rise far in the government.
“Then you know what this means when I say it,” he said. He paused, closing his eyes as though the next words required tremendous focus. “I think you’re doing the right thing.”
He gave her a smile and returned back to their chambers.
Alena looked up at the stars above. What had she ever done to deserve such a brother?
Though she was the only soul on the street, she no longer felt alone.
49
Brandt sat on the edge of a rooftop, watching the sun rise over Weylen’s village. Ana had barely spoken a word to him last night, and they had again spent the night apart. Brandt didn’t want to fight, but he didn’t know how to fix what was broken between them.
He’d spoken rashly last night. Yes, he was angry at Alena. She possessed a secret of limitless potential, and she still didn’t understand how many people might die because of her moral certitude. But he’d still been too quick to react, and once started, hadn’t been able to stop.
He looked down at his hands. Control was part of the creed of the wolfblades, and outside of a few occasions in his life, he’d always maintained it. But now his emotions always seemed to get the better of him.
He felt unbalanced. And that had driven him to the rooftop this morning.
As Brandt watched the sunrise, he studied Weylen’s village. He felt an absence here, and it seemed more acute on this quiet morning. After a long study, he found what he missed.
Nothing decorated the buildings of Weylen’s village. The stone walls were sturdy but simple, lacking the craftsmanship of an imperial building. There were no statues here, no paintings. No thought was given to the aesthetics of the place.
Once he saw, he couldn’t unsee.
A society so focused on the art of war lost its art.
Brandt heard soft footsteps behind him, and Ana held a cup of steaming tea in front of his face. He felt his heartbeat calm just by virtue of the small act.
“Thank you.”
She sat down next to him, a cup in her own hands.
He recognized the tea as an offering, a truce, if only for a few precious moments in the morning.
“I would die for you, you know,” Ana said.
A lump formed in his throat. “I know.”
They each sipped at their tea.
“I don’t know how to make this better,” Brandt confessed.
“Neither do I. I want you to put this all behind you, to return to the empire with me. But you can’t do that, can you?”
Brandt wouldn’t admit he found the idea tempting. Ana wouldn’t believe him, but he didn’t want to return to Faldun. He didn’t want to be anywhere near a fight between Regar and his father. His imagination couldn’t begin to envision the power of three gates clashing.
He wanted to be with Ana, isolated from the world in a place almost like this. Some of his most cherished memories of the past decade were of the two of them resting in the mountains above Highkeep. If he could live in those moments forever, he would.
But the stakes were too high, and he couldn’t live with himself if he abandoned Hanns now. The battle at Faldun would be the key to the future of the empire. He imagined it as a fulcrum.
And
, although Brandt also couldn’t admit this out loud to Ana, the answers to the questions that had plagued him for over a decade called to him. He shook his head.
“I’m pregnant.”
Brandt almost spilled tea down his shirt. “Really?”
Ana smiled. “I’ve suspected for a few days, but Alena confirmed it last night.”
The mention of Alena almost sucked the joy out of the moment, but even she couldn’t spoil this. “I’m going to be a father?”
“You are.”
Brandt heard the question in the statement. Knowing that, would he still march to Faldun?
He considered, examining his own emotions.
The decision came easier than he expected. Far from making him reconsider, the knowledge that he had a child to protect only buttressed his determination to defend the empire.
“Then I need to finish this at Faldun,” he said. “It could be the chance to make everything right.”
Ana’s mouth was set in a tight line. “Then I’ll need to go with you.”
Brandt started to argue, but when he saw Ana’s expression, he relented. She’d no doubt expected this and had come here with her decision already made. He couldn’t convince her to flee to safety any more than she could convince him. The thought made him smile.
“What?” she asked.
“We really were made for each other.”
“I already feel sorry for our child.”
They sipped at their tea as the sun finally broke free of the mountains. Below, the town stirred to life. The war parties would set out today, leaving messages for those still to arrive. They couldn’t waste time. The warleaders had decided any delay only served to allow the usurpers longer to prepare. Those still on their way would have to catch up.
“You should apologize to Alena,” Ana said.
Brandt let out a slow exhale. He wished he could take back his words to her the night before, but he still felt some of that anger.
“She’s doing what she believes is right,” Ana continued. “She knows what it means, and she’s willing to sacrifice ever seeing her family again. Do you think she would do that without a compelling reason?”