Wielding the dagger made Liera dizzy. What little magic she had drained fast. She set foot back onto the ship’s deck, combat training fighting off the fogginess. The air had grown even hotter, somehow. She heard Gyn issue orders to the ashfen crew and lightly moved away from his voice, hiding behind the seats to catch her breath. Her vision spun and she relinquished control, becoming visible. Thankfully the ashfen were all gathered up front, which gave her time to rest and gather her magic.

With a deep breath, she activated the weapon and stood again. She made for the leather opening, but the ship shook violently as it took to the skies. Liera stumbled and fell, dagger slipping out of her grasp. It clanked twice against the floor, before sliding next to one of the water crates.

“Did you hear that?” Gyn called out to the other ashfen.

“Damn it.” Liera mumbled under her breath, crouching behind the seats and watching him through the gaps between them.

Gyn grabbed hold of a rope for balance and looked down at the staircase. The moment he turned his back, Liera used the turbulence to roll away from the seats. A sudden jerk sent her crushing against the barrels instead and her hand found the dagger’s blade. The edge cut into her fingers and she choked back a scream. Her form wavered out of sight, right as Gyn turned his head. Had he seen her? She moved the dagger to her other hand and pressed the wound against her clothes, so that they’d soak up the blood. Gyn looked at the water barrels through squinted eyes.

He had seen her. Liera’s grip tightened around the hilt. The dagger wasn’t made to kill, but she could end his life without sound. Gyn walked closer, grabbing onto whatever he could for balance. Liera felt her head grow dizzy, but she couldn’t let up. She pushed at the remainder of her magic, fed the orb in the center of the weapon until her legs trembled.

“I thought I was clear!” Gyn yelled and Liera tiptoed to his right. He was within range. She could– The man turned around sharply, barking in another direction. “How many times do I have to tell you to secure the damn supplies? Get to it or the emperor will have all our heads!” He sighed and left as the other ashfen crossed the deck to the barrels.

Liera slid under the seats and after a brief glance around, dispelled the magic. She took a deep breath and held it. To think she was about to kill the andren ambassador… How could they ever explain that? She cursed herself for panicking and watched the ashfen tie the supplies to the platform. They did a thorough job, and that gave her some time to recover some nora. Even though she had little of it, at least it replenished quickly.

The ashfen mumbled under their breaths as they worked. “Do you think it will spread to the capital?” The youngest one asked, worry hidden in his voice.

“They say a woman died of it in Rijhan,” the other ashfen said, a burly man with a beard. “The Emperor had to push the boundary back another fortnight. I think it’s a good choice, but this...” He turned around and glanced outside. Liera saw red reflected in his eyes. “This is just painful.” They all fell silent after that. After strapping the supplies onto the deck they returned back to the front.

Liera slinked out from her hiding place and activated the dagger. She stuck her head outside the opening and looked in both directions. She saw only red sand. The ship moved fast, so whatever it was that the ashfen had seen was long gone.

People whizzed past below the ship, an afterimage of a dark line streaking through the desert. Was it a wandering caravan? The ship begun to increase altitude again, and she held onto the leather cover. She looked up ahead and saw smoke rising to the sky.

Then for the briefest of moments, she glimpsed at a city in flames. People running on the streets, screaming, buildings collapsing and red light swallowing everything. The chaos vanished as the ship sped forward, replaced by sand, then more people, cities and flames. Liera felt her magic draining, but she didn’t leave. She couldn’t. Andre was burning. All of it. What was going on? She slid behind the crates to gather her nora, then made her way back to the staircase that led below the deck. Gyn had his back turned, so she raised the hatch and closed it over her head. Everyone was waiting for her below.

“You’re injured!” Asah rushed to her side to inspect the wound as Vince went through their supplies. “How did it happen?”

“I had to grab the dagger by the blade.” Liera presented her hand to Vince, and the man bandaged it like he had done it a hundred times. The cut was more shallow than the pain suggested.

“So?” Vince asked. “What did you see?”

Liera gathered her thoughts. What had she seen? “Burning towns,” she settled. “Counted twelve, but there were definitely more ahead.”

Blake scratched his head. “What do you mean burning?”

“What do you think?” She snapped. “They were up in flames, with people still in them.”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Asha said. “It couldn’t have spread from one city to another.”

“I overheard some of the ashfen crew talking. They were worried of something spreading to the capital and the emperor–” That’s when it struck her. A smile spread on her face. “It’s a disease. The Emperor is trying to stop it from spreading and they don’t want us to realise.”

“If that’s true…” Vince placed a hand on his chin. “If that’s true then we can use it in negotiations.”

“Let’s not rush to conclusions,” Asha interjected. “If it truly is a disease, it will be difficult to hide.”

Liera tightened her grip on the dagger. “I should go back up.”

“No.” Vince placed a hand on her shoulder. “You should rest for now, and it’d be best not to take any more risks.”

Liera was about to argue with him, but recalling how she almost caused a diplomatic episode, decided against it. The whole affair had already stressed her out, so she could use some rest.

“Me and Asah will keep an eye out, so you don’t have to worry,” Vince added. “I don’t know if you’ll be able to sleep through the turbulence, but you should try.”

“Thank you.” She nodded and nudged Blake, and together they went down the corridor that led inward. The interior of the ship was made of dark wood, with small glowstones over each door.

“We’re staying on this one.” Blake motioned to one of the two rooms and opened the door for her.

She peered inside, at the large and comfortable beds waiting for them. There was a bookcase filled to the brim with tomes and parchments of different sizes and even a valve for clean water. Connected to one of the barrels above, she’d assume. Gyn wasn’t lying. The emperor had truly spared no expense to make sure they were comfortable, even during the journey. “Why would he go so far?” she asked herself out loud.

“To flaunt his wealth, I’d guess?” Blake sat on the floor next to the bed and leaned his back on it. “Built by exploiting the weak.”

Liera sat next to him. “That’s what we’re trying to prevent, remember? We won’t allow anyone to wrong us anymore!”

“I don’t mean just us.” Blake covered his face with his hands. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Liera moved closer. “What wouldn’t I understand?”

“I’ve seen how you look at the ashfen when you kill them. It’s fun to you. It’s a game. And you only care for winning, no matter the stakes or sacrifices.”

“Sacrifices?” She felt the anger surface, but gave him a chance to explain. “What’s the matter with you lately? Ever since we left Danira you’ve been acting strange.”

“Go away.” Blake turned his back on her.

“No, tell me.” She grabbed him by the shoulder and tried to stop him.

“You want to know?” Blake slapped her hand away and shot up with tears welling in his eyes. “My brother is in the hands of a lunatic, my country is on the brink of war and the only person that I ever truly loved is under Oath to spend the rest of her life alone! And if that wasn’t enough, I suddenly have to go on a mission that could decide the fate of humanity. You’re the one acting strange, as if this is all normal!”

Liera spent a moment silent. “Everyone’s having it hard, Blake, but we do our best.” She could never have imagined how much it had all affected him. There was always this carefree air around him, like nothing could get under his skin.

“I don’t care…” Blake rested his back on the wall and slowly let himself slide down. “I can’t take it anymore. I want to go home. I want to be with Sasha.”

Liera sighed and climbed onto the bed. “Remember who you’re doing it for, Blake. If that can’t give you the strength, I don’t know what will.” She turned her back on him and lay there.

It wasn’t the responsibilities that got to her, but the fact that she had to bear their burden alone. When did it all get so twisted? After Rane was taken, the only people who could understand her were Blake and Drayton. Now they too seemed gone. She shut her eyes and tried to clear her mind. Blood had spread on her bandaged palm, and so she let her arm hang next to the bed. In the end, it all came down to her mission. Find evidence to incriminate Caelus, prevent war and get Rane back.

She snuck a glance at Blake, who’d curled up in his own bed. The airship shook violently, books slipping onto the floor with thuds. There’d be plenty of time to think until they reached Trosa.

◆

“I hope your journey so far has been pleasant, ambassadors.” Gyn smiled as he motioned them to their seats. He showed a completely different face than the one Liera had seen when she was alone. About a day after that incident, the turbulence stopped entirely, and they were all allowed back on deck. As expected, there was no sign of fire nor any mention of disease. The four of them sat around the driver, where the view of the cities ahead was clear. The climate soothened the southern they reached, temperature turning mellow and deserts being replaced by endless green plains.

Gyn continued after they settled down. “As the more seasoned of you know, there will be a strict schedule to follow once in the imperial palace.” He nodded at Vince and Asah and fumbled in his pocket for a small piece of paper. “You will have twelve hours to settle down and relax. We even have beds for you to sleep. During that time, you can reach out to me if you wish to get acquainted with the palace’s history and architecture. I will gladly accommodate you.” Gyn turned to Blake and Liera and twisted the ring on his finger. “Under no circumstances are you to roam the palace unattended. I hope that is understood and I expect it to be respected.”

Liera cursed inwardly. She had expected such measures, but they made reaching her contact that much more difficult. “Of course,” she said, tracing the dagger’s blade with a finger.

“Good.” Gyn clasped his hands behind his back. “There will be imperial guards present both in and out of your rooms, Oathbound to ensure your safety. Worry not though. They’re highly trained and you won’t even notice their presence after a while.”

The last vestiges of Liera’s hope died out. It’d be near impossible to sneak out if under constant surveillance.

“Now that the typicalities have been settled, we can proceed. Tomorrow morning will begin with a trip to an old capital for your amusement. This year, two of the country’s Blades have requested your presence. It is my hope that you will oblige.”

Liera had heard of the Blades before. Their training dictated that they knew of the enemy’s forces just as well as their own, if not better. And the Blades, despite not having made their presence known during the previous war, couldn’t be disregarded. What reason could two of them have to arrange a meeting?

“After that, we will hold our customary contest of strength.” Gyn placed a hand on Blake’s shoulder. Liera could almost feel her brother tense up. “Your valiant fighter will face off against an ashfen of the Emperor’s choice. As I’m sure you’ve already been told, this is a simple spar.”

Blake slightly lowered his left shoulder out of Gyn’s reach. “Yes, I know. Bladework.”

“That’s right.” Gyn retracted his hand. "Finally, after that event, the revelry will begin!"

Liera frowned. “When exactly are we going to discuss politics?”

The ashfen laughed. “Don’t worry. After we’ve all danced and drank and feasted together, there will be talks. Business done on an empty stomach often goes awry.”

“Sire,” the ashfen driver called out. “We have arrived.”

The ship slowed and Liera gazed ahead, at the city unraveling before their eyes. The Andren capital was tiny compared to Silyra –she could see it in its entirety from this height– with complicated and otherworldly architecture. Instead of the straight buildings she had been used to, the Andren ones were angular and bent at impossible angles, reaching high to the sky and almost intertwining. The city had been built on a hill, with the palace right at its center. Liera gulped as the ship descended. A ring of ashfen clad in shining green plate had already formed around their landing spot.

“Blightsteel,” Asah mumbled. She leaned closer to Liera and whispered, “Give me the dagger.”

Liera snuck the hilt into Asah’s palm right as the wings touched the ground and the ship stabilized. Gyn got off first and walked through the circle of ashfen soldiers. “Please cooperate,” he said. “This is a simple routine check.”

Blake grumbled something under his breath but got off too. The soldiers moved like clockwork, checking his pockets, clothing and boots. Blake handed them his greatsword and some knives he had on him, then was let through. Liera and Vince were handled just as quickly. Now it was Asah’s turn to be checked.

She and Liera exchanged glances. The soldiers were thorough, until they got to her mechanical legs. Asah took half a step back. "Please," she said. "They're intricate."

"Respected visitor!" Gyn immediately called out. "You don't have to worry. Our personnel are well-trained. No harm will come to you."

"I doubt they were taught how to handle Silyran technology." Asah straightened her back. "Either way, it's a simple device that allows me to walk. Not dangerous. If you insist however, I can remove it for inspection and crawl the rest of the way. I cannot wear it alone, and as we were denied our request for a fifth member, I could not bring my attendee."

Gyn's upper lip trembled as he tried to keep a straight face. The soldiers turned to him and he hesitated. "That– That won't be necessary."

"Thank you, ambassador." Asah calmly walked through the soldiers. "Shall we carry on?"

"Yes, of course." Gyn dismissed the ashfen and guided them through the palace's halls. The walls were decorated with an endless mural, ceiling arcing over their heads to form a sky full of glittering stars. Liera made out ashfen facing off against beasts, clashing weapons with humans and observing the stars with weird instruments.

Asah walked a bit closer to Liera and leaned in to whisper. "I'll return it soon."

Liera nodded and smiled. Asah was resourceful for an ashfen. If she was as powerful as she claimed as well… The mural shifted in both tone and content. Whoever painted this section had used darker colours, red and gold. Shining gold for Ashfen armor, and a deep crimson for human blood. There were Ashfen cutting humans open, laying siege to cities and maps that showed how the borders shifted. How humanity was dethroned, how it was pushed to a tiny corner in the world. The common theme was conquest, and it made Liera sick.

"I apologize for the imagery," Gyn quickened his pace. "Every part of this mural has been designed by different emperors of the past. Our values may have changed since then, but it is still an important piece of history."

They had changed? Liera fought the urge to laugh. She had been dealing with ashfen soldiers and their aggression for years. No matter how civilized Gyn tried to seem, she knew his true nature. A ruthless, cowardly murderer, just like all the other ashfen. The mural changed again, becoming more modern and colorful. Ashfen in long robes were using ladders to paint the emperor’s form with a scary level of detail. They had only reached up to his chest. Beyond that point, the wall was blank.

The corridor ended on what Liera assumed to be the palace’s central hall. It was already bustling with life, ashfen servants rushing about to clean, prepare tables, dishes and cutlery for tonight’s revelry. Hundreds of empty sets of armor surrounded the room, drawing the eye to the crystalline throne on its far end. Stained glass filtered the light from far above, making the crystal shine with a myriad of colors.

“Let me show you to your rooms,” Gyn took a sharp turn to the right, leading them to another section of the palace.

The servants turned their heads away whenever they passed, quickening their step to get out of the way. Some of the younger ones mumbled among themselves. They’d probably never seen humans before. Who knows what falsehoods or myths they’d been fed?

“Here we are.” Gyn motioned them inside the rooms. “You will find everything you need here.”

Blake and Vince did most of the heavy lifting, carrying clothes and armor inside. Liera ran her hand along the tall bookcase that lined the wall. There was a closet for her clothes, an empty chest and a brilliant glowstone lamp. The bed was big enough for three people, and smelled of freshly cut wood. She heaved and let her backpack fall to the ground. After such a tiring journey, it was good to know they could relax a bit. She was about to lay her head back when two guards entered, taking their place on each side of the entrance. Liera rubbed her eyes and cursed inwardly. It’d be hard to get any shuteye with the ashfen watching.