Chapter 184:

“This building is a little much.” Anton rubbed his chin. “It’s not going to be too ostentatious, is it?”

“Probably.” Umikgruid laughed. “But it needs to be. At least that’s what Lady Verona said.”

Anton stood at the edge of the Sovereign Palace’s construction site, one of the largest buildings to be built in Atros. Though the Dwarves were working tirelessly to expand and develop their own holdings they had not forgotten about the lands above. Anton had expressed, to the best of his ability, that building housing and defences took precedence over this building, but the Dwarves wanted to continue regardless. The lower level had almost been completed, using thick trunks of wood and cut stone from underground, and it looked even larger than he had been first told.

“It will be impressive, that’s for sure.”

A series of tables and chairs, built for Dwarven height, lay near the active construction site. A large sheet of paper lay unfurled on one, a detailed blueprint of the Sovereign palace. Anton recognised some of the drawing detailing an expansion and a large rear garden, specifically the lack of modesty in the design.

Verona, standing nearby, seemed to pick up on his discovery.

“What?” Verona shrugged. She folded her arms over her loose winter clothes. “Might as well make it impressive right now, yes? Won’t it be more difficult to expand it once it’s done, right Umikgruid?”

“Perhaps.” Umikgruid stroked his beard. “Depends how you build it. But Dwarves wouldn’t build something that would require tearing down just to make it bigger.”

Kal tugged on Anton’s sleeve. “Perhaps it’s best that we’re doing this when we don’t have to worry about paying the Dwarves. I’m sure this doesn’t come cheap.”

Umikgruid nodded slowly. “Certainly not. But our generation will honour-”

“Stop!” Cetina yelled.

Cetina drew her sword, Rasha lowered her halberd and took a strong stance, as a man ran towards them. He held a piece of paper in his hand, nothing that would be inherently dangerous, but the speed at which he ran was worrying, so too were the thick and loose winter clothing, clothing that could easily harbour a hidden weapon. Anton was still only human, a knife could still easily kill him. Or a small hidden crossbow. His close brush with death in Qaiviel was more than sufficient.

“Sorry.” The man quickly caught his breath, puffs of steamy vapour escaped his mouth. “I was ordered to deliver this message to you. One of the communication pens began moving and wrote this.”

Anton knew the people that were looking over the communication were quite old. It allowed them to contribute, in a fashion, after their bodies had become too old and frail to help with construction or harvesting. He didn’t mind that they essentially used it as an excuse to take a nap or gossip, spending their time making trinkets, so long as they did their job.

“Are you their official messenger?” Anton asked. He reached for the paper but Cetina stopped him with a simple push back with her wrist on his.

“No.” The young man replied. “I was on the way to the eastern farms when they told me to give you this.”

“Thank you.” Cetina took the roll of paper. “You can go return to your duties.”

The young man didn’t know exactly what to do, requiring a silent signal from Verona to leave. He quickly realised his mistake and fled as fast as he could.

“Reminds me of that kid from the dock.” Verona giggled. “Except he was staring at my chest, rather than at Cetina in fear.”

Cetina’s armour does hide some of her curves but not that many.

Anton quickly glanced at the women surrounding him.

Seems that I’m surrounded by them. Not that that’s a bad thing, far from it…

“What does it say?” Anton asked, focusing his attention at the present.

Cetina unrolled the paper. Almost immediately her eyebrows furrowed, she didn’t know how to read well and a brief lesson from Mezot wasn’t about to fix that.

“Um…” Cetina’s harsh stance evaporated, replaced by a sheepish and nervous one. “Kal? Can you read this? There are a lot of big words on this that I can’t read.”

Kal took the paper with a smile. She held it out, like it was a decree to be proclaimed to the masses. “Let’s see…A message from Duchess Belinda. She wants us to meet her on the far western border.”

“Sounds like those Centaurs are acting up sooner than he’d hoped,” Anton said softly. He noticed Rasha lean to Cetina’s ear and ask her a question, only to receive a light shrug in return.

“Are we sure about going back?” Verona asked, planting a hand on her hip. “Leo’s not exactly…”

“No.” Anton shook his head. “He’s not exactly the most trustworthy man.”

A silence fell over them. Rasha and Umikgruid shared a glance, they had not witnessed Queen Lila’s murder.

“But I think we should still see what they have to say. If Qaiviel falls we’re going to have a lot of trouble getting resources and people, even though we’re going to have more and more Beast-kin.”

“There’s no point in letting the people die because of Leo.” Anton sighed. “Does it say what she wants?”

“It doesn’t.” Kal passed the paper to Anton. “But it definitely sounds like Leo will be there.”

Anton quickly read the letter. It did indeed sound like Leo would be present, that Duchess Belinda was just facilitating the meeting.

“We still have that land we’re supposed to receive,” Verona added softly.

“You own land as well?” Rasha asked, she waved towards the center of Atros. “Beyond all of this, of course.”

“I don’t own this land-”

“You kind of do.” Verona sniggered. “If it weren’t for you we wouldn’t be here. So it is, in a way.”

“Maybe.” Anton shrugged. “But it’s probably not a good idea to leave a king waiting. Especially one as unstable as Leo.”

Cetina raised her hand before Anton could take a step. “We’re not just going to let three of us go with you. Not after what happened last time.” Cetina’s hand inadvertently reached for her leg, where she had been shot several times. “So we’ll be sending Human, Dark Elf and Dwarven warriors through first.”

Cetina looked at Umikgruid. “If you’re willing to lend us a few. If they’re building a wall then they’re going to need builders. And no one is better at building than the Dwarves.”

Umikgruid stammered, slowly nodding and stroking his beard, a faint redness to his cheeks.

Buttering up is a part of doing business. I felt like that’s what Duran was doing a lot, especially when we first met. Lots of praise and flowery words, but you’re getting to the heart of the matter too.

A quick glance confirmed Anton’s suspicions, especially the faint wink from Cetina’s good eye.

“Calo and Sheso should be able to lead a small force. I’d like to bring the Beast-kin with us, but that’s going to piss off the Qaiviel soldiers a lot. Even if they don’t officially follow the tenants of The Holy Father, they’re still going to have some severe prejudice. It was bad enough when Kal came here.”

Kal glumly nodded.

“And we don’t have anywhere near enough rifles to be intimidating.”

“By summer we should have a lot of those things.” Umikgruid quickly interjected. “And thousands of those small bullets, if that’s what they were called.”

“Then we’ll have enough strength to stand on our own.” Anton flexed his hand. “So, let’s go see what the King of Qaiviel wants. Oh. Verona?”

“Yes?” Verona raised a silver brow. “I’ll get some blood before we go. And I know that my power isn’t well like in Qaiviel…I don’t like it that much, even though it’s really useful. If only Jira had been a little nicer about it.”

“Not that…Well, that. But I want that feather cloak that you’ve made.” Anton smiled. “Time to show the nobles of Qaiviel that we aren’t just some mercenary hicks.”

“If only I had more than one.” Verona sighed.

---[]---

Anton waited until several people had returned through the portal before stepping through himself. He wouldn’t allow Cetina to step through first, the reason was obvious and Cetina secretly appreciated it. Rasha, and other Beast-kin soldiers, waited outside the portal, ready to step through at a moment’s notice. He couldn’t quite read their expression, he knew he would have been more than conflicted if he was a Beast-kin ordered to help a human kingdom.

The flash of white receded and Cetina’s armored gauntlet pulled him free. They stood not in a building, as was almost customary for the portals, but outside under the shade of a large tree. The Atros soldiers formed a rough perimeter, thankfully following basic defensive tenets of keeping their ranged soldiers behind those with shields. He noticed a glare from Cetina towards one soldier but neither said anything. However, they were not alone. Duchess Belinda stood before him, alongside Alfred and a few dozen heavily armored guards. Their armour and weapons were better than his human and Dwarven warriors, far more so than the Dark Elves, but Anton wondered if they were as well trained. There was something about the way they held their weapons, the way they held themselves, that told him they were inexperienced, fresh recruits. There was also the colour scheme. Not the colour or raw metal but a dull green covering the body of their armour with a bright red on their helmets. Anton had not seen this colour scheme for a Knight Order. But he doubted they were actually an order, Duchess Belinda now had a vast fortune but no authority to create something like that. A more elite guard was not.

“Anton.” Belinda bowed her head. “It is good to see you again.”

“Same to you…” Anton moved forward as more people arrived through the portal, Verona and Kal with them. “How has Qaiviel been faring? We haven’t had much word from Qaiviel.”

Though we might have heard something in Alcanares.

“Things have been going well.” Belinda smiled. Her eyes were drawn to the brightly colored feathers forming the cloak. “May I ask what this is? I’ve never seen feathers with such a wide variety of colors.”

“It’s something my wife made.” Anton raised his arm and pulled Verona underneath. She wrapped the edge around her neck like a scarf. The feathers themselves made no sign they were about to tear free or scratch her skin. “She’s very talented.”

“I’ve always wanted to make something of my own.” Verona smiled. “And I think I’ve done very well.”

Belinda slowly nodded. “I agree. I know that many nobles would be willing to pay a high price for something like this.”

“Rainbow Birds only exist in the Kar Kingdom.” Alfred said. His brows furrowed. “So…”

“Leo already knows that’s where we are.” Anton shrugged. “Telling him that anyone that settles there will be killed is more than enough to satisfy anyone’s suspicion. But soon it won’t matter if they know. Firstly, they’ll have to go through Qaiviel and your territory. I’m sure that it’s only grown stronger since the civil war.”

Belinda grimaced and motioned for him to follow her to the tree. Soldiers from both sides moved with them, each eyeing off the other, especially the Qaiviel soldiers to the non-humans. “As well as could be expected. My territory is doing well, but the rest…”

“People aren’t taking the abolition of The Holy Father well?”

“No.” Belinda almost smiled. “Especially here in the west. They were a very faithful people, and now everything they believe in has been ripped away from them. Leo-King Leo is not very popular here.”

“I imagine not.” Anton pointed to the west. “I presume this is the wall that Leo wanted completed.”

“Yes…” Belinda forced her face to remain flat. “It will be a monumental undertaking, to say the least.”

“If it can be completed within a generation.” Alfred quietly added.

The wall, such as it was, was nothing more than a thin broken line of stone dividing the green, fertile grasslands of Qaiviel from a blasted, desolate hellscape beyond. The grass stopped abruptly a few meters past the wall but not as a smooth line. Some magical force prevented any form of plant life from extending any further, trespassing in the lands beyond. A mountain range lay either side some miles away, forming a rough corridor towards the desolate land. While the lands of Qaiviel were bright the desolate lands looked darker somehow, deep blue arcs of lightning darted between the low slung black clouds, producing a sound far too soft for lightning so close.

“The Conflagration?” Anton asked aloud. “That? That is where the Centaurs live?”

“And a great many other terrifying creatures.” Alfred moved close to Anton, he heard many weapons shift in readiness. Alfred pointed to the north of the division. “See those floating rocks? Those with the red crystals?”

At first Anton had thought that it was merely a trick of the light, that his eyes were seeing shadows cast against the mountains, but now that Alfred had pointed them out they were impossible to miss. Large rocks, easily the size of a house, floated and slowly spun across the entirety of the Conflagration. They clustered near the mountains, tight formations which slowly spun around each other. Large red crystals grew out of the bottom, glowing faintly with an unknown magical energy.

“I can now,” Anton grumbled. “Didn’t see them before.”

“They’re Lightning Pods. At least that’s what the locals call them.”

“People live here?” Kal asked, her voice muffled slightly by the mask. “Near this strange place? Are there…Issues, arising from being so close?”

“Only if you eat food from the Conflagration itself,” Alfred said calmly. “It does a human body no good.”

Alfred pointed to four villages near the border, some distance away from the ruined wall. Anton was surprised they were larger than Atros was initially, surrounded by dozens more smaller hamlets and countless smaller farmsteads, all with small fields of crops and fruit-bearing trees, some even with a coral with some fat cows and sheep. Despite being so close to the Conflagration they seemed prosperous.

“So long as you eat plants from this side they’re fine.”

“Transformation?” Verona asked.

Anton felt his dragonoid feet more acutely than normal.

“No. But it will kill them eventually.”

“And the Centaurs live here,” Anton said. “No wonder they want to leave. They must have some immunity…What do these Lightning Pods do?”

“At night they release energy.” Alfred shrugged. “As lightning. Anything struck is killed. And they are just one of the many horrors in the Conflagration. One of the reasons why our expeditions to remove the Centaur threat have failed.”

“And yet they still live in that place,” Verona added.

“I imagine those villages don’t last long when the Centaurs invade,” Anton said dryly.

“No.” Alfred pursed his lips. “But they are prepared as best they can be.”

Which is fodder, at best.

“The local lords settle them here?” Anton asked.

Verona scoffed. “I bet they don’t like moving into a place where there are corpses and ruined houses.”

Alfred’s face fell flat. “The Centaurs don’t leave anything in their wake. The people here probably don’t know they’re….Well, what choice do they have? They can’t just leave of their own volition.”

“Nor to avoid helping with the construction.” Belinda pointed to a large camp near the center of the small broken line of the wall. “King Leo has ordered every available person to assist.”

The camp was easily as large as King Leo’s forces during the civil war. However the tents were far more spread out, disorganized and looked like they had been there for some time. Some wooden buildings had emerged, specifically a sort of latrine, not something that would be built if they had just arrived. At the center he spied five wooden buildings situated close together. These were surrounded by dismounted knights in black armour.

“I see,” Anton said. “I suppose we shouldn’t wait too much longer.” Anton looked at Belinda. “Is there anything that I should be aware of this time?”

Belinda’s lips twitched. “No. At least nothing that I’m aware of. You don’t pose a threat to Leo’s rule.”

“At least for now.”

A convoy of open carriages had been prepared for them. Anton rode with Belinda, and his escorts, while the Atros and Belinda’s soldiers rode in others or jogged alongside. Except for the Dwarves, they were given preferential seating.

“Those soldiers.” Kal began, sitting on Anton’s left. “Are they a new Knight Order?”

Verona scoffed, resting her chin on her hand whilst leaning against Anton. “A gift from Leo, perhaps? In return for your cooperation and silence?”

She glanced to Cetina, standing beside Kal, her feet spread slightly apart for stability, with her helmet pulled down. She could see relatively well from behind the visor, Anton had tried it on once, and her sword was drawn and ready, resting against the side of the carriage.

“No.” Belinda sighed. “But I have been given permission to form my own…What is it called, Alfred?”

“Personal retinue.” Alfred softly replied. He sat next to Belinda, opposite Anton, but his attention was clearly focused outside. “For defensive purposes, especially since we’re near the Deweth Clans.”

“And are they acting up?” Anton asked. “I know they haven’t tried to go through the forest again but they might try the old fashioned way.”

“How is Marcus doing?” Verona asked.

“He’s doing well,” Alfred said. “As well as can be expected. He and the other Knight Orders on the border are keeping a vigilant watch. Last I’ve heard they haven’t seen any movement, which is a little strange. They should be trying something. It is winter, after all.”

“A personal retinue?” Anton shifted the topic back. “As many as you can afford? And that’s going to be quite a bit now, yes?”

“It is. I have received all of the confiscated money and land. And you?”

“Money yes. But not the land.”

Anton studied one of Belinda’s soldiers more closely, alongside the Dwarves with their innate curiosity towards anything metal. Overall they wore an improved version of Cetina’s armour when they first met, with a good array of weapons and armour. Their crossbows were of a good quality too. Belinda…Alfred knew of good suppliers and that their soldiers needed to be taken care of. It would do nothing for their morale to know they were fodder.

“I think that might also be addressed today,” Belinda said absentmindedly. “It was something that was promised to you, and Kings should not go back on their word.”

No one said a word as they continued trundling along the bumpy dirt road. The peasants in the field stopped to watch them for only a moment, a tiny break from their endless toil in the fields. Anton quickly noticed something; only women were present. He saw a young boy but no male over the age of five.

“Must have taken everyone,” Anton mumbled. “Are the soldiers and Knights helping?”

“I don’t know,” Alfred said. “But if Leo is serious he would.”

As they approached a village a small cadre of guards approached, more militia, to stop them. There were no men but it didn’t diminish the threat they posed. They wore equipment more befitting a life at the fringes of civilization; thick padded cloth armour, whatever scraps of metal had been fastened to their armour, a thick reinforced padded helmet, and everyone wielded a long spear, more of a pike.

If they’re going against Centaurs than that’s the weapon that I would use. Not much point in a shield if they’re fighting against fast-moving horses. To be fair it’ll be pretty useful against Goblins and wolves too. Wait…

“Alfred,” Anton said. Alfred raised his hand as the militia spoke with the leader of the carriage convoy and quickly allowed them passage.

“Sorry.” Alfred smiled lightly. “Just wanted to make sure they didn’t try to stop us for too long. Though people can be forced to live out here, it can also attract the desperate and the criminal.”

“Would be stupid to attack this many people,” Verona said idly, watching the pleasant grassland scenery roll by.

“Do the Centaurs use bows or javelins?” Anton asked. “If they do we’ll need to increase the size of the wall.”

“Beyond them simply jumping over?” Kal asked.

“I doubt they’d be able to create catapults or siege towers.” Anton trailed off. “Could they?”

“No,” Alfred said, much to Anton’s relief. “They barely have any technology. They use spears and the odd javelin. But they prefer to get in close.”

“But they’re still horses,” Anton said.

His attention was momentarily diverted to a house in the center of the village. A line of soldiers stood out the front, all with expectant looks on their faces. A young woman emerged, the typical look for a peasant woman, and pulled the next soldier in as another left. He was busy buckling his belt, with a relieved expression on his face, and almost ran into another soldier.

“So if they get wounded they’re pretty much finished.” Anton continued. “A horse just isn’t the same after breaking its leg.”

“And that’s why they fight with such ferocity.” Alfred followed Anton’s glance and almost smirked. “They know what happens should they fall.”

A gathering of women approached the convoy, offering themselves for rather modest prices. Some soldiers, even some from Atros, appeared tempted but at their speed, and a few sharp looks from their commanders, convinced them to politely decline.

“Everywhere you go.” Verona sighed. “Does this happen everywhere in the world?”

“Sometimes.” Alfred shrugged. “I’m sure they’re doing well. I just wonder how many have husbands that are working at the wall. And that don’t know they’re doing this.”

Anton kept quiet as they moved through the village.

A large detachment of Knights, wearing black armour, approached their column. Again they spoke with the leading elements but didn’t try and stop them. As they rode around some spotted Anton and gave a quick wave.

“You’re popular amongst the Black Riders?” Belinda smiled. “Then that’s a good sign.”

“I wonder if we could make a Knight Order.” Verona wondered aloud. “We’ve got enough money from Leo to start one. They…They can be the ones to open the chests though.”

“Maybe a few Knights,” Alfred spoke with professionalism. “But raising and training a man long enough to become a Knight is not cheap.”

“Certainly not.” Anton patted Cetina’s leg, much to her confusion. “But Cetina would be our best bet.”

Cetina laughed, reaching over and patting his head. “Not if you want me to stay as your bodyguard. It’s bad enough keeping you safe, and keeping a bunch of prospective recruits away.”

“Oh?” Verona leant onto Anton, propping herself up and leaning on Anton’s head. “Who would they be?”

Cetina smiled. “I’m not telling.”

As the two began to chat, almost bicker, Anton’s thoughts drifted to the Black Rider’s Knights escorting them, specifically their cost.

Compared to a Knight, a rifleman is so much cheaper. It doesn’t take years of training, just a body and a few days. And bullets are very, very cheap. Comparatively. Imagine how infuriating it would be, for someone that’s spent their entire life training to be a gallant Knight to be taken out by a peasant, or a Beast-kin slave, with a piece of metal and chemistry. We can spend the money we didn’t waste on training someone for years, and not being productive, on fantastic armour and equipment. I wonder what sort of uniform we’ll end up making? Probably a mix of Arachnid silk and Dwarven worked metal. Oh, and those bright feathers for our elite soldiers. I know that’ll keep Eider and Verona happy.

Images floated through Anton’s mind, imagining the Atros army looking near-identical to those of the First or Second World War Except with large ears, and tails. And some being well over three meters tall and able to fling someone high into the air, should they desire. And then there were the mages.

That’s a thought. Our mages, both Principle and Glyph, would stand out if they were given radically different armour. No bright robes, maybe an armband or a different helmet or cap. Will they like their staves and charms being changed to mimic a rifle? I’d better ask Mezot the-

A nudge from Verona brought him back to the present. She, Kal and Cetina were looking at him, waiting for a response.

“Sorry.” Anton rubbed their legs. “I was miles away.”

Verona laughed. “I bet you were. I bet you were.”

No one explained what they were discussing, nor did they speak through their rings. Anton decided to leave it be, as it couldn’t be that important. Surely.

---[]---

King Leo waited inside the largest permanent wooden building near the ruined wall. The Black Riders ensured that no one impeded their entry into the camp, not that there was as they looked more like soldiers and not like armed militia, like they had during the civil war.

“Hello!” Leo shouted loudly before the carriage had even stopped, catching everyone’s attention. “It’s good to see you all.”

Now Leo dressed like a King at peace; he wore no armour, instead bright and immaculately tailored clothes suitable for a king, his face was very well kept and his beard short and trimmed. Anton noted that he wore the golden crown with pride. A golden sword hung at his hip, one that Anton knew would not be effective in combat. That would be left to the people at his side, the numerous Knights wielding swords and shields, behind those men and women with menacing bows and barbed arrows. Anton could not miss the giant of a man, Bernard, standing by his side, more of a human bear stuffed into a suit of black metal armour.

“Your majesty.” Anton smiled, forcing away the memories of Lila’s corpse away, the blood pooling around the stones. “I am glad to see you out of armour, and into something more befitting of a king.”

Leo smiled. Anton didn’t care if it was blatant flattery, if it made things easier he would say it.

“It does.” Leo waited until the carriage had stopped before waving them forward.

As Anton rose Cetina leant close to his ear. “It doesn’t sound like he’s a King.”

“Let him think that we’re his friends,” Anton said softly. “It’ll work better for us.”

He patted Cetina’s armored shoulder before stepping down from the carriage.

“My…” Leo smirked. “What are you wearing? I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

“Something my wife made.” Anton again reached for Verona. She was more hesitant to smile and act jovial around Leo. She too could not just forget the sight of his sister drowning in her own blood at his feet. “It is one of a kind though.”

Leo simply nodded and looked over his shoulder at the Dark Elves and the Dwarves that had travelled with them. Anton didn’t know what to think that something so bright and colorful had been completely ignored…Then again, what would Leo have to say other than he wanted it? And Anton was not someone that Leo could just demand anything from.

“Dark Elves and Dwarves.” Leo seemed rather impressed. “To imagine you have them at your beck and call.”

“I wouldn’t say it like that.” Anton smiled. He waited for everyone to gather before continuing. “Duchess Belinda said that you required our aid.”

“I cannot offer you something to eat?” Leo asked nonchalantly. “You have surely come a long way.”

“Perhaps later.” Anton glanced towards the ruins of the wall, dodging the issue. “I was told you required help with the border wall. Are the Centaurs proving to be an issue already?”

Leo glumly nodded. “They are.” Leo glanced at Bernard. “Much sooner.”

Guess Marcus really was sent home. Hopefully they’re home. Can’t see that young boy, but he might just be inside.

“So how can we be of assistance?”

Leo looked to towards the wall and the Conflagration beyond. “Could you walk with me?”

Anton glanced back. Verona had all of her pots filled with fresh blood. No one offered any objections, silent or through the rings, but he could still tell they wanted him to be careful.

“Of course.”

Leo began walking, his long coat was only a few centimeters from the dry grass, and waited until Anton joined him. Anton was glad Verona had taken his measurements accurately as the feathered cloak stopped about at his mid-calf, where flecks of grass and dirt would not dirty the inside. Behind their collective guards followed closely behind, each keeping a little space between one another. The Dwarves and Dark Elves attracted most of the attention but the armour of the human Atros soldiers caught some eyes. They had never seen such armour before, Anton wondered what they would think if they had to fight those that wore the Arachnid silk gambeson.

“Things have been going well?” Anton asked. “King Leo?”

Leo waved him down. “Please just call me Leo. Too many people call me that, it’s starting to grate of my nerves.”

We’re hardly close friends. Especially after what you’ve done.

“But things are going well.” Leo gently waved to a commander of the normal soldiers. “No rebellions from The Church, and Bebbezzar has retreated for the winter. But that was hardly an organised assault. Some splinter forces looking to gain resources. Not an organised invasion. I doubt they’d be capable of anything like that for a long time.”

“And yet things have become worse?” Anton asked, using the small talk to observe the camp. It was remarkably similar to the previous camp, except these soldiers and Knights looked far more relaxed. The looming spectre of the Conflagration did nothing to dampen their spirits. Perhaps, more importantly, they did not appear to be working on the wall.

“In Bebbezzar they have.” Leo glanced at Cetina. “If that was possible.”

Cetina kept her face flat, but he knew that she was listening very intently.

“Turns out there is one member of the royal family left.” Leo shook his head. “A young princess, I’m told, stuck in the last city held by the royals.” Leo looked to the north. “Once they owned an entire Kingdom and now-”

“Leo!” A voice cried out from behind. Everyone readied their weapons, Verona held her hand over her pots. Leo’s face dropped for a moment, he recovered before he turned around. “Why are you leaving without me?”

The source was a woman, running towards Leo. She was tall, perhaps a little shorter than Cetina and wore extravagant clothes like Leo, even a small silver crown on her head. Long brown locks flew back as she ran, behind her a cadre of plain-clothed women rushed to catch up.

“Forgive me, dear.” Leo smiled as the forces parted and allowed her to him. “I was a little distracted by our new guest.”

Anton held Leo’s eye, Leo dared not look at Verona or Cetina.

“Well…” The woman sighed. “You should have told me. I wanted to ask you about what you wanted for dinner tonight.”

Leo forced another smile. “Duke Anton. This is my wife, Roseanne Retora.”

Roseanne offered her hand to Anton. He understood he was supposed to kiss it, he hadn’t been instructed in proper Qaiviel royal etiquette, nor did he have time to ask. He quickly kissed her hand, Roseanne seemed happy.

“I’m sorry that we missed the wedding,” Anton said softly. “I’m sure that it was a fantastic event.”

Roseanne smiled at Leo. “It was a simple wedding.” She held his hand, just for a moment he hesitated. “But my dear Leo had only just finished dealing with his traitorous brother.”

This is that Ogre family? She doesn’t look that bad, even without the makeup and clothes. What? Does Leo not like tall women? Nothing wrong with them. Nothing at all.

“It was a terrible time,” Anton said. “But Leo has brought stability to a damaged and hurt kingdom.”

“Leo has told me of that battle.” Roseanne’s face softened. “To think that his own family tried to kill him. And…” Roseanne shook her head. “To think they killed his sister after they had been beaten. Such…Petty revenge.”

Leo kept his face perfectly flat.

Guess that’s the story we’re going with.

“But, Leo dear.” Roseanne kissed his temple. “I wanted to know if you wanted battered quail or turtle for dinner tonight.”

Leo kept his annoyance hidden. “I think quail for tonight. Anton, do you think you’ll be staying for the night?”

“I’m afraid that we are needed elsewhere.” Anton bowed his head. “But we will do everything that we can.”

Roseanne frowned. “Leo. Who are these people? Are they not Qaiviel subjects?”

“Not entirely. They are…” Leo searched for a simple way to put their relationship. “Specialists. People from beyond Qaiviel that were instrumental in defeating my brother and the Church.”

Roseanne threw her nose into the air. “Never liked them…But they didn’t save your sister, did they?”

Leo’s eye twitched. “No. No, they did not.”

Don’t you dare try and put that on us.

“But neither did I, nor any of my soldiers.” Leo took a deep, calming breath. “It is something that I regret every day.”

Roseanne’s face softened. “Forgive me. I made you remember something unpleasant.”

Leo smiled and held her hand. “It’s alright. It’s alright. But that reminds me, Anton, I have only given you half of your reward.”

Still don’t know if that gold’s a trap.

Leo looked to his permanent structure in the camp. A young boy ran out, carrying a roll of paper in his hands. It was Noah, the young page from the now destroyed Golden Roar. His clothes were no longer the bright golden cloak, something now befitting a servant of the King but he retained a little of his former colours, even if it was only a sash around his chest.

“Your majesty.” Leo bowed, holding the roll of paper high. “The deed that you were promised.”

“Deed?” Verona whispered.

“I was unable to give you land when you departed.” Leo continued, throwing a quick smile to Verona. “And a Duke of Qaiviel cannot be without land to call their own.”

“Indeed.” Anton smiled, much to Roseanne’s confusion. “But we had to leave before that could be sorted.”

“Oh.” Roseanne returned Anton’s smile. “What is your heraldry? I do not see one on you or your companions?”

“They were only granted their rank after the civil war had concluded.” Leo continued. “And their future land was still under the control of those that had sided with Harold. It took some time to flush them all out.”

“I see…” Roseanne smiled, unwilling to push the issue further, for now at least.

Leo passed Anton two rolls of paper. Anton was hesitant to take them but knew he couldn’t show it, and took it with the flattest expression he could. One roll had a large wax seal of the royal family. The other had none. Anton opened that first. On it lay two maps, one of Qaiviel as a whole, the other of a small section near the coast on the south-east of the kingdom. It looked to be a small town on a raised plateau with a small dock. Overall Anton was rather impressed with the diversity of activities the land offered, but of course this was just a map, a rather rough one at that.

“Duke Anton. I bequeath to you the land of Hardheim. It is a small piece of land but holds lots of potential. It used to belong to a middling priest.” Leo smiled like a predator hiding in wait. “But he, obviously, doesn’t have that land anymore. There is still a church there, a small one at that, but I leave it to you to do with it as you please.”

“Thank you, your majesty.” Anton bowed his head, playing along with the proceedings. “I will do everything in my power to make it a truly prosperous land. I presume that I will have to pay taxes and ensure I have levies for any of your wars?”

Roseanne frowned. Anton knew what he was asking should be common knowledge, but Anton didn’t possess that.

“Indeed. But what that entail’s I’ll leave to you.” Leo said. “It’ll be some time before they are at a strength before they can help and not be treated as fodder by the enemy. Or our own forces.”

True. They should be better than just militia grade soldiers. With all of the money we received we should be able to make it a truly prosperous land. Also, it’ll make people think that my focus is there, doubly so with so much wealth being spent and reinvested, and not anywhere else. Like beyond a forest.

“I will ensure that my soldiers will be of the highest quality,” Anton said.

Leo smirked. “I had been meaning to give that to you, but you are difficult to get a hold of.” His eyes flicked to Belinda and Alfred. “But you’re here now. And that’s what matters most.”

“Could you please show me the wall?” Anton looked towards the Conflagration. “We must get it completed as soon as possible.”

“I shall return to my room,” Roseanne announced. “I shall see you for dinner, your majesty.”

Leo gave a curt nod and began walking, Roseanne turned away with her female servants in tow, Leo slowly following after her.

“She seems alright,” Verona whispered.

Belinda made a noise, catching her attention. “Their family have always been loyal to Qaiviel. A little boisterous. And rumours are they are great fighters.”

“That they are,” Leo grumbled. He rubbed his shoulders, Anton didn’t ask exactly where he had received them.

As they exited the camp Anton saw the work being undertaken. Men, and young boys, worked tirelessly to lay stones to repair and extend the wall. Their clothes were soaked with sweat and everyone worked with a stooped back. Anton didn’t know where they were quarrying the stone from but it wasn’t anywhere nearby. To the south, he heard the rattle of a large cart filled with raw and uncut stone, driven by four large Ix. Columns of carts travelled to and from the mountain, forming a loose chain of empty and fully loaded carts.

“Are the people being paid for their work?” Anton asked.

“They are,” Leo said calmly. “It’s probably the most money they’ve ever seen in their lives.”

No numbers though…

Several Black Riders and Royal soldiers stood on top of the wall, all watching out to the Conflagration. Most were seated, idling with their small stoves and maintaining their weapon. When one noticed Leo approach a sharp order was given, everyone jumped to attention. Anton heard Bernard grumble, that was enough to drive a sense of fear into them.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” Leo said as they began ascending the stairs, once it had been stone but those had eroded and had been replaced with wood. “Considerable work.”

“I know that Alfred told me a little bit about this.” Anton followed close behind. “But I still don’t understand why the previous kings have ignored this.”

“Once a wall is built it doesn’t go anywhere.” Verona idly mumbled. “Last time I checked.”

“That is the problem.” Bernard pointed to the villages behind the wall. “They steal the stone. The Centaurs don’t attack every winter, so they forget quickly.”

“And cut stone is good for building a sturdy animal pen,” Alfred added. “Doesn’t rot, like wood.”

“And sometimes they don’t attack for an entire generation.” Leo continued. “Regardless, I will be the one to finish this. So…”

“You want the Dwarves opinion on the wall?”

“And their help.” Leo turned to Umikgruid, at the head of the Dwarves. “Honourable Dwarves, I request your professional opinion on the matter. Though we cannot match your skill I would still like to know what you think.”

Umikgruid glanced at Anton. “Well, if it’s just to keep the Centaur’s out, then this will be more than sufficient. They can’t jump that high, right?”

“Higher than a human,” Bernard replied, he didn’t care that he was speaking with a Dwarf, the only issue was only that he had to crane his neck downwards. “But not as high as this.”

Umikgruid nodded thoughtfully. He and the Dwarves moved to the edge of the wall, they were too short to see over the secondary wall.

“Do they have siege engines?”

“No. Nothing of the sort.”

Umikgruid patted the stone, the surface turned to dust underneath his gentle touch. “Then it should be fine. Well,” Umikgruid nodded to the ends of the wall. “So long as you finish the rest of it.”

“How many Dwarves do you have?” Leo asked.

“How much are you going to pay them?” Anton asked in return. “The work of the Dwarves does not come cheap.”

Leo began to converse with Bernard when a scout whistled loudly. Those on the wall looked to the soldier, standing high on a wooden tower, waving furiously towards the Conflagration. Through the strange shadow, far in the distance, a hundred objects moved towards them, a trail of dirty red dust rising into the air.

“Centaurs!” The scout yelled. “Centaurs approaching the wall!”

“How many?” Leo asked, his hand moved to his sword. He grimaced realising the golden sword would do him little good in a battle, let alone against a creature like a Centaur.

Alfred produced his telescope, the nearby soldiers and Knights marvelled at the piece of precision equipment, the Dwarves seemed only mildly impressed. Alfred’s lips twitched as he counted the approaching Centaurs.

Kal pulled on Anton’s sleeve. “One hundred and thirty.”

Anton used his own eye enhancement, he presumed that Kal had just used that, and observed the approaching Centaurs.

They were nothing like what Anton expected.

The Centaurs were a fusion of man of horse, a powerful horse body and a human torso, but they were much, much larger than the horses Anton expected, nothing like the tales or fantasies of Earth of a slender and majestic creature. If anything they looked like a large draft horse, bred for pulling ploughs and other heavy equipment, but even more muscular. The human half was just as well built, even the females, and rippled with strength with every movement. Anton immediately understood why these were so. If he was a mere peasant, given a spear and pointed towards a wall of Centaurs charging towards him he would flee, after wetting himself.

Their coats were rough and impregnated with the red dust from the Conflagration, their hair was kept short and tied behind their head, less it became an annoyance or a liability in battle. In their hands they wielded long spears tipped with obsidian, red waves ran throughout the stone. Extremely sharp but covered in breaks and fractures, extremely fragile. Against exposed flesh, it would be ideal, not so much against a Knight in full plate armour. No armour adorned their bodies, they ran completely in the nude, except for the females, who wore nothing more than a thin band of cloth across their flat chests.

I wonder if their reproductive organs are the same as a horse. Looks like the males still are.

“One hundred and twenty,” Alfred said, glancing at Leo. “Approximately.”

Bernard nodded to a Black Rider Squire. He blew a small horn, the camp behind burst into life.

“We’ll run them down.” Bernard fastened his helmet. “Those beasts won’t last long against our armour.”

“Can you catch the Centaurs?” Anton leant against the wall, almost knocking a loose stone free. “They don’t look like they have much in the way of armour. And they don’t have a heavy human on their back, wearing even more metal armour.”

Bernard didn’t have a retort.

“But it seems odd for just a hundred to attack,” Anton said. “I’m sure that I could kill them by myself. Hell, a few hundred of your archers could easily deal with this.”

“True…” Leo stroked his beard. “This is nothing like the previous attacks, right?”

“Absolutely not,” Alfred said. He looked for Belinda, standing near the staircase and surrounded by her soldiers. With a nod, they readied their crossbows. Anton didn’t doubt their effectiveness against unarmoured skin.

“So what do you want to do?” Anton asked. “They…Can they use magic?”

“Never seen one that could,” Alfred said.

“Perhaps we should see what they have to say.” Anton offered. “See if they want to do something more than fight.”

Leo, as King, technically still had the final say. He thought deeply on his decisions, looking out to the Centaurs rapidly approaching.

“Let’s see what they have to say,” Leo spoke with authority. “But I don’t want anything to happen to my people, or my guests.” He looked to Bernard. “If they do anything suspicious, you hit them with everything you have.”

---[]---

The Centaurs, as Anton suspected, approached the central camp. It was clear they wanted to talk, it’s not like there weren’t dozens of other ways through the wall. Anton stood just behind Leo, while he stood surrounded by heavy Knights with spears and pikes, archers on the walls. Atros soldiers waited alongside them. The Dark Elves were given lots of room as they stood perfectly still, watching the Centaurs approach without saying a word.

“These Centaurs look pretty tough,” Verona said softly. She tapped Kal’s side. “You okay with this, if things go bad?”

Kal nodded. “If they attack us, then they’ve made their choice.”

Anton caught Alfred’s attention. “Have the Centaur’s ever done something like this?”

Alfred glanced to the wall. Belinda waited on top, still surrounded by her soldiers. It was the safest place for her, the Centaurs would have to climb before they could reach her.

“No. But I’m intrigued what they want to say.”

The Centaurs were less than a minute away. It was quite clear that speed was their main strength in combat, and why Qaiviel hated them so much. Once people were inside the safety of a fortress, or even a city, their threat would be substantially reduced. But outside they would be easy prey. The Centaurs slowed as they approached, allowing a single Centaur to ride forth. This was larger, more muscular than the others. Apart from his size, he wore a simple piece of blue cloth tied tight on his arm. No one else wore anything so vibrant.

I wonder if he won that in combat?

The Centaur flexed his muscles as he approached, glancing back to receive quiet adulation from his fellows. Anton groaned internally at the Centaur’s leadership selection method.

“Are you the King?” The Centaur’s voice was deep, more of a growl, all coming through a confident sneer.

Anton leant close to the girls. “Always with the strong but stupid ones. Right?”

They chuckled but still agreed.

Leo took a step forward but Bernard, correctly, stopped him. “Who…” Leo stopped, took a deep breath and straightened his back. “Who would the King of Qaiviel be speaking with?”

He can’t afford to act like he normally does. Un-Kingly. Maybe that’s just around us? Make us think that we’re his friends, so we won’t do anything against him.

The Centaur beat his chest once, holding the spear tight in his hand. The Knights drew closer to Leo, the numerous archers and crossbowmen shifted so they could strike at a moment’s notice, even Verona and Cetina readied their weapons. The Centaur didn’t seem to care, or notice.

“I am Guchugur, Chosen of Khan Dorgar; Ruler of the Red Wastes, Uniter of the Warherds and Destroyer of the Abaloth.”

I presume that’s some horrifying creature in the Conflagration. Probably powered by whatever’s giving those Lightning Pods the ability to fly. Not to mention there’s probably a thousand other horrors beyond this wall.

Anton looked to his feet, they had yet to cross onto the Conflagration itself. Whether or not it would impact upon his magic he had no idea. Right now he didn’t want to know. At least on the grassy side he could use his magic with impunity.

“And what do the Warherds want with us?” Leo asked.

Alfred gently stroked his chin. “Unification has never happened.” His voice was little more than a whisper. “Never.”

A lot of things are changing in this world. Compared to what I have planned, this is nothing.

Guchugur laughed. “Khan Dorgar has decided to grant you human’s mercy. Instead of slaughtering you all, like you deserve-”

Yeah, this one isn’t smart.

“-He is granting you the chance to leave your lands before spring.”

Leo said nothing. It was a little hard to formulate a proper response.

If we have the wall completed they can’t threaten us. Especially if it’s properly manned. But we need to buy some time. Spring sounds like it might be enough, if Leo’s willing to put his soldiers and Knights to work.

Anton stepped through the lines to Leo. “Just pretend you agree.”

“What?”

Guchugur appeared to be growing quickly impatient.

“What are you saying?”

“Play along,” Anton whispered. “Just say you will. We can get the wall finished by then. If you’re willing to put in the effort.”

Thoughts flashed through Leo’s mind as he stepped forward. “My people have no desire to fight anymore. Tell your Khan that we will be gone by the time the snows have melted.”

Guchugur was honestly taken aback. He, nor that other Centaurs, had any idea what to say.

“I didn’t actually expect you to agree,” Guchugur said after some time. “Khan Dorgar said that you humans…”

The Centaurs eyes narrowed, glancing to the ground to his right. There was nothing special about the grass at all.

What’s he thinking about?

Guchugur’s mouth curled up into a smile. “That humans were untrustworthy. That they’d lie and cheat, they’d do anything to win.”

The other Centaurs began to catch on.

“And that, your Majesty, is exactly what I think you’re doing.”

Leo silently clicked his tongue. He clearly wanted to glance at Anton, perhaps glare, but Anton felt it was worth a shot.

“So why even come here?” Bernard asked.

Guchugur laughed. “Khan Dorgar wanted you to know that we’re coming. Now. In the winter, when your people cower in your wooden and stone huts, desperately hoarding what little food you can scavenge.”

Anton stepped to Leo’s side again. “It would have been smarter for them not to say anything and just attack. There might be something more to this.”

“I doubt it. But…” Leo whispered. He turned back to Guchugur. “Tell your Khan that I wish to speak with him. Without his Warherd at his heel. I’m sure there is something to discuss.”

“There is nothing to discuss.” Guchugur raised his weapon. Everyone readied to fire, all waiting for the slightest signal from Leo to attack. Leo kept still and waited for the Centaur to continue. “Your kingdom will fall. You’ve never faced the full might of the Warherds. Maybe one or two at a time, but never all thirty.”

“Th…” Alfred coughed, unable to hide his shock. Many were equally stunned, perhaps a little better composed.

Guchugur only smiled. “We are far stronger than you could possibly imagine.”

There’s no point to this. No strategic or tactical advantage, apart from trying to inspire fear. But that’s going to work against them. We’ll just try and finish the wall early. What else could they possibly be hiding?

Anton looked along the expanse. There was no sign of anything moving across the Conflagration, so it wasn’t some elaborate distraction.

“That’s all that I was told to tell you.” Guchugur smiled. “But if I were to take the head of the King back-”

Anton summoned a large Fire Bomb over his head. The burst of light stunned Guchugur and the other Centaurs, they recoiled from the burst of light, screaming something as their hooves pranced on the ground. The human soldiers were stunned too, those on the wall were unable to see their targets but those near Leo understood that Anton was a mage of some skill.

“You aren’t going to do that.” Anton stepped forward, to just behind the line of Knights, Cetina immediately to his side with Kal and Verona close behind. He was certain he heard a call from Calo or Sheso but he didn’t have time to look back.

“What?” Guchugur slowly slunk back.

Well, I’ve put my foot in it now. Just keep going.

“You aren’t going to get the King’s head today,” Anton said. He was certain Leo threw him an odd look. “Nor any other day.”

Anton threw the Fire Bomb over the Centaurs and detonated. The showers of flames struck the centaurs, burning their thick coats and sending them into a panic. Guchugur tried to order them to stand their ground but there was no point, people weren’t willing to listen to instructions when their body was burning.

“So.” Anton summoned a field of Lightning Bombs and lowered them in front of Guchugur. “You’re going to tell your Khan that if he tries to attack I’ll destroy your entire herd.”

Guchugur’s face hardened, his anger overcoming the fear of the lightning bombs.

“Do you think I’m joking?” Anton asked.

“Are you alright?” Verona asked through the ring.

“I’m fine,” Anton replied. “Just back me up if things get hectic.”

“Don’t go bad,” Cetina said sternly.

Those words cut through something running through Anton’s head, clearing his thoughts slightly. Ever since he had transformed he had been feeling more aggressive. Normally he’d kept his head but it had landed him right in the middle of attention.

Guchugur snarled. “If-”

“Every single one!” Anton created as many Fire Rings as he could and released them as far as he could into the Conflagration. He felt nothing different from releasing in the red dust, not even as it began to glow red from the impending release of heat.

“I’ll destroy every single Centaur in your rotten realm!”

The fleeing Centaurs had already reached the area that was rapidly burning. Most were still concerned with their burning hide and not what was occurring beneath them.

Sorry that you’re being caught up in this-

Over a dozen pillars of flame erupted into the sky. Guchugur remained completely still, stunned by what was happening. Bernard grunted and ordered the Knights to form a shield around Leo to protect him against any falling debris.

-But an example needs to be made.

Anton could see nothing against the bright flame but he could hear the screams of the Centaurs over the roaring flame. His mind briefly thought about those in the camp and the villages behind the wall, to see massive pillars of light against the dark Conflagration. Would they think it was a god? Or a terrible omen?

The light and heat receded. Craters now filled the Conflagration, turning the red dirt into a dark obsidian. All of the Centaurs bar Guchugur were in a mixture of excruciating pain, writhing on the baking ground. Anton normally had reservations about hurting horses, the unfortunate causality in war of this era, but not these. These wanted nothing more than to destroy the people of Qaiviel and everything beyond. And that meant Atros.

“How?” Guchugur stammered. His front legs had crumpled, his human body almost fell over but his human hands kept him upright. “How…”

Anton tapped Leo’s shoulder. “Excuse me.”

Leo said nothing, content to allow it to play out.

Anton threw a lightning bolt at Guchugur’s hand. It missed, as he intended, throwing up chunks of grass and dirt into his face.

“Do you understand the position you’re in?” Anton pushed through the Black Rider Knights. “Tell your Khan that if any Centaur tries to cross this boundary and into the lands of Qaiviel I will destroy them.”

The wails and screams of the dying grew louder.

“Do you understand?”

Guchugur was still stunned into silence.

“Do you understand?!” Anton threw a weak lightning bolt at his horse body. It wasn’t enough to kill him but more than sufficient to stun him, to cause every nerve to fire at once.

Guchugur’s body kicked and spasmed, he gasped for air but he was now listening to Anton.

“Do you understand?” Anton asked more softly this time. “Tell your Khan exactly what I said. And don’t think that’s all that I can do.”

Anton summoned a Small Fire Imp. The creatures burst through the flaming ring and approached Guchugur. The Centaur recoiled from the small flaming beast, his hooves scuffing at the ground as he tried to run away. Anton stopped the Fire Imp just before the Centaur.

“I can do a lot more than that.” Anton waved to the people on the wall. “Do you think that those archers can’t do that as well?”

Any semblance of colour drained from Guchugur’s face.

“I…” Guchugur staggered to stand. “I understand.”

“Good.” Anton looked to the Dark Elves.

Guchugur did not rise. His lips trembled as the last of the Centaurs died, their burnt limbs reaching out to the sky in some death induced delirium. The wind blew loudly across the Conflagration, still the Centaur did not move.

“Get up and run!” Anton shouted. “Before I change my mind. Or do I need to engrave my message on your hide?”

The Fire Imp raised its small dagger, the expressionless face was even more terrifying for Guchugur as it moved to his flank.

“No!” Guchugur leapt to his feet, he was so afraid that his legs refused to coordinate. “I’ll tell him!”

“Perhaps I do need to have it written into you.”

The Fire Imp leapt onto Guchugur’s back. Guchugur bucked wildly and threw the Fire Imp off, a singed section, a copy of his feet, remained on his back.

“Get away from me!” Guchugur screamed and fled with all possible speed, great plumes of dust thrown up by his hooves.

Anton dismissed the Fire Imp. No one said a word until the Centaur was nothing more than a simple dot on the horizon. A visible wave of relief washed over the Knights, however the leaders were not so relieved.

“Why did you let him live?” Leo asked.

“Did you want me to kill him?” Anton said calmly. Cetina tapped his back and motioned for him to step back from the huddle of Black Rider Knights. This was Leo, after all.

“Now he’ll return to the other Centaurs and tell them we attacked them,” Leo spoke sternly. “If they all died they might think something happened to them.”

“And then they’ll just keep sending them,” Anton said. “And he said they were planning to attack before spring anyway. They were going to attack regardless of what you said, this was just an attempt to demoralise you. But now they’ll think twice. Especially when they see the burns on that Centaur’s back. And that no one else is returning.”

“Fear is a dangerous weapon,” Bernard grumbled. “It might backfire.”

“It’ll give them pause.” Anton shrugged. “They’ll wonder if it’s actually true or not. That indecision will grant you precious time that you can use to finish the wall. So long as you mobilise everyone you can. And that includes your Knights and the Royal Army. Not to mention the locals. It’ll be a huge effort but it could be done.”

Anton looked either side towards the distant mountains. “If you move with everything you have you might just be able to finish it. Start with wooden palisades and continue from there, maybe start just building it out of dirt to begin with. An earthen wall with a giant ditch in front, filled with spikes. That’ll hold them at bay. Centaurs can’t scale near-vertical cliffs. No?”

“No,” Alfred said. “No, they cannot.”

Leo clicked his tongue. “We were never actually going to be able to negotiate with those animals. Worse than Beast-kin, little more than monsters.”

Leo looked to the Conflagration. “Perhaps we’ll be able to take the war to them one day, let them feel fear that our people do. But…I must agree. Bernard?” The Black Rider grunted. “Mobilise everyone. Everyone that can move. All of the western Knight Orders, the local militia forces and every miner and stone cutter that can be spared. Ensure that they are well rewarded. Use the gold confiscated from the Church. Everyone and everything must be mobilised to finish this wall.”

“At once, your Majesty.” Bernard quickly repeated the order to those on the wall. Pages and Squires saluted and disappeared, Anton could hear the thumping of heavy boots on wood.

“This isn’t what I was expecting when I called for aid,” Leo said flatly.

“Should the Centaurs return notify us immediately,” Anton said. “A few flame pillars and they’ll go scurrying back to their red wastes.”

“I’m not sure about that,” Alfred said softly.

“You didn’t have much of a choice to begin with. Not if that Centaur spoke the truth.” Anton waved to the Dwarves watching from the wall. “The Dwarves will help with building the wall. So long as they are paid well.”

“Of course.” Leo looked to the still glowing craters in the Conflagration. “Whatever is necessary to keep my people safe.”

Anton said nothing as Leo stared at the dot of the fleeing Centaur. It was now just a matter of time to see if it was the correct decision.