In the face of extremities, the brave stands against the current, for the wise have already fled to safety. — Overheard in a taver

A considerable amount of time had passed since Ona, and I parted ways. The days were dull, boring, and unsurprisingly chaotic. The destruction was beyond expectation, entire villages were wiped out, with bodies littering the muddy roads and barren fields. As for the survivors, their fate was worse than death.

So much suffering and so much pain in such a short amount of time. Humans were truly vicious, unforgiving creatures. One would imagine that following the long peace their hearts would grow softer. After all the last war which the kingdom was involved in was decades ago. Alas, it came as no surprise that avarice was considered a primordial sin, after all, it poisoned our minds. Proud as we were of our tenacity and ingenuity, we were ignorant of our uncontrolled greed.

Perhaps it is why the Cacilians or the Bahadur, even the scaly Cinaed kept humankind at a distance, leaving us to quarrel with one another, constantly embroiled in conflict.

“Arrogance. Cavern-dwelling, hut living beasts. They cannot even hold a candle up to us. Bound to live in their hollow caverns for eternity.

Clicking his tongue in annoyance he continued.

“Cowards.”

Drunkard Kain was back and with vengeance, and surprisingly he didn’t stutter.

Was he sober?

Regardless that was the least of my concerns and believe me, tempted as I was to respond to myself, entertaining my inner thoughts would only be a slippery slope towards utter madness.

What if…

The hunger for a conversation was incontrollable left without a choice but to blurt towards Sol out of the blue.

“What do you think of the Bahadur Confederacy? Do you consider them as a potential threat to our security?”

She stared absentmindedly. Her brown eyes were going fuzzy at this point.

“The Baradur…who are they anyway?”

“The Confederacy of Bahadur, BA-HA-DUR. Ferocious warriors, but also surprisingly excellent governors. Although it must be said the last time, they went to war was even before this kingdom was founded. Nevertheless, they are a reigning force within the Aksum continent. Just how can you not know of them?”

Her head had leaned sideways and a smile was struggling to form.

“I-well, never heard of them. Isn’t an enemy invasion why we are leaving Endelthir behind, anyway?”

“Do you reckon they are the masterminds behind all of this mess!?”

Her index finger pointed up in question, her face grimaced.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“B-but how?! You were a member of a free company. I am sure you might have come across them — some of them are even famous sellswords. Even I came across them in Sanctum. They easily tower over the tallest man you’ve ever met. Their gazes are vicious, akin to a wolf; their claws are sharp, and their dark fur makes them the perfect predator.”

“No, really I have no idea who they are..”

“No clue at all? Really?”

“Really.”

And that’s precisely why Drunkard Kain is — in some ways — better.

It was saddening as most of our exchanges would end in a similar fashion, but could I blame her? We had extremely diverging lifestyles. In fact, she seemed less stressed and bothered by everything than I was, and maybe it was better that way. She knew less, and by not knowing she did not have the looming existential crisis that haunted me, and like many others she basked in the sun.

And yet, at this point in time my existential crisis was nowhere near as distressing as Ona’s absence. Even if most of the time she was a bully, a mean bully she did make life in the palace more bearable.

Contributed greatly to that dull feeling that loomed in the air to the point where I couldn’t help but wonder why did I leave?

“Cause you’re a cowar-coward! That’s why”

Yet again Drunkard Kain showed up with renewed vigour to berate me. His mannerisms did remind me of Ona in all fairness. Although it pained me to admit his words were true. I had abandoned my country without thinking it twice.

“Have you got no shame? No sense of duty?”

No. None at all.

That was precisely why I migrating to a different country with my tail tucked between my legs. Notions of greater purpose, freedom, and allure were all mere excuses to make me feel better. There was no turning back now, at least not until things settled down. Plus, what did you expect after listening to an imaginary, flying, trash-talking, rambling alcoholic?

“Are we there yet?”

Sol grumbled. It had been more days than I can remember since that day and morale was running low. My patience too.

“Soon.”

That was the forty-fifth time that I uttered that word that day.

I stared into her eyes for a moment, she was unconvinced. I didn’t care, however, and once more looked far into the horizon.

It was beautiful. The plains and forests stretched as far as the eye could see. My sense of direction was simply okay — a skill I picked off spending summer camp with my brother’s regiment. I wasn’t the best but it was all I could muster to make my life easier, so whilst timing was unclear at least I was certain we were heading in the right direction. My instinct however was saying soon — simply keep heading north, and north we went.

We travelled under the cover of the night, with the northern star being our guide. We avoided the daytime travel like the plague, which made us feel like some sort of fugitives — even outlaws. The truth was we didn’t commit any crimes, and yet there was this knot in my heart which I couldn’t place my finger on.

Oh right, abandoning everyone back home during the war. That’s it.

Mystery solved, didn’t take that long. Nonetheless, adjusting to this new on-the-run lifestyle was not easy. It was a gargantuan task and say what you will but anyone with my background would say the same.

From prince to beggar, heaven to hell. Dust to dust. And I’m singing oh, oh.

Might as well become a travel-travelling bard. Ha!

Drunk Kain’s laughter is truly irritable. Reminded me of Ona. Speaking of which Ona would always rebuke every time I complained how hard life was –

“And beggars can’t be choosers, and you were born with a golden spoon. Not silver.

Words which only now I truly understood. Without much choice. Sleeping on a mound of leaves wasn’t half bad, except for the occasional unwanted visitor — the furry friends, and the crawlers and other such similar nightmare-inducing creatures. Everything else aside, getting my hands dirty wasn’t that bad either, although I really wish I didn’t have to. Speaking of wishes, hot baths and decent meals was on top of my wishlist at the moment especially as our diet consisted of fruits, and whatever leftovers we could scavenge from the already ransacked villages.

“I swear if I eat oats with water again, I will go nuts. Pun intended.”

Sol’s reaction to my classic joke was mute, even Eloise who usually welcomed my humour remained silent, not even a single neigh.

“Sol, how about we add some meat to our dull meals, what do you say?”

“Nope.”

It was in such a manner that our campfire conversations played out. Starting off with a great joke and unfortunately falling into obscurity. Nothing interesting occurred, until of course, my eyes were opened to something I had never expected.

“Sol, how about now? It’s been god knows how long since we last tasted meat. What’s so daunting about adding some variety to our diet?

She glared at me with the kind of look that she was ready to pounce at me.

“For the last time, I said no. It will only anger the spirits of the forest.”

“You can’t expect someone to completely live without meat because of some farcical spirits…”

Realising my comment was a tad too harsh I faked a dry cough.

“Do elaborate for the ignorant”

“What’s so difficult to understand? If you do something that angers the elements, and you fall out of favour then you are no longer worthy of their power. That’s how druid ‘magic’ works.”

Sol’s words made me realise I was forgetting something important — she was a druid. Magic was prohibited across the continent, but indirect magic wasn’t. Sol slipped through that category as menders and healers in this day and age predominantly used concoctions.

“Fascinating, and to follow up from that– which deities or spirits do you worship Sol?”

“The tribe I was born and raised worships the teachings of Luvia, the deity of the falling dusk. Because of her favour, I am able to summon light that can heal and mend light wounds-”

“Hold on a moment, direct magic, isn’t that supposed to be against the law?”

“Maybe, but I’ve only saved lives so there’s not much they can say, right?”

“I am certain benevolent acts do not make it an exception, that’s not how laws work! Plus, is your power restricted to restoration?”

“Well, no. I can use it whichever way suits me. I just don’t like harming others — animals included. So no meat!”

Her eyes darted between my gaze and the fire. She hesitantly said.

“Do you want to see? I have to say it’s very cool”

“You’re even asking? Of course, but two conditions: one I don’t turn to ash, and second wasting precious use. Wouldn’t there be consequences from using it haphazardly?

Sol pondered for a short moment to which she laughed.

“We have long given ourselves in servitude to the spirits. If your spirit, soul and body can take it, then the eternal will let you wield their power. Of course, if I were to go around doing what I want all day I’d very soon die of exhaustion most likely.”

That was shocking, wasn’t magic supposed to work on a basis of equivalent exchange? Why wasn’t this mentioned in the

“Do you happen to recollect any occasions where someone did die from overuse?”

“Let me see, well. My elder sister went on a rampage against the neighbouring tribe. A day later she returned, her eyes were bleeding. Her nose was bleeding. Her mouth was spewing blood. It wasn’t nice. That’s why when you see these things, you just naturally know not to overdo it.”

“I-I see. I am ready!”

Heeding my words Sol grabbed the short blade resting by her side and pricked the tip of her finger. Drop by drop the blood flowed. Her other hand hovered above her wound, her eyes were closed and her lips were slowly moving soft whispers could be heard.

At that point, a small light coalesced until it magnified and disappeared completely. The whole process lasted no longer than a breath. Her wound was never there, to begin with.

My jaw had dropped to the floor. What I witnessed was incredible and yet terrifying. Perhaps aware of my reaction, Sol retreated and went on to her own place. Her reaction was bizarre, but maybe she thought my reaction was even worse.

To date that was the longest, I had ever conversed with Sol, and although I was amazed, I was also incredibly worried. What if we were prosecuted and burned at stake? Magic was after all prohibited, and what if she can use this, it only means there are other people out there that go unnoticed. It comes as no surprise it was banned outright. A catastrophe of unimaginable proportions could occur at any moment.

Cut, cut. No. Ignore it. Kain, listen to me. What you have here is a gift, a treasure. This can be your key to opening doors you could not imagine. What if she can heal more than small wounds? The son of a noble, the daughter of a king? Think of the rewards!

My thoughts were spiralling out of control to the point where greed was slowly embedding itself in my desires.

No, that was below me. I am thinking exactly like those people I was critical of a moment ago. Using such tools to your benefit. There are too many variables I have to consider. We cannot go around like that. Short term benefits maybe, but long term it will only lead us up the gallows.

With that, I pushed everything that had transpired into the depths of my mind. Never mind my desire to have meat, I was no longer feeling hungry.

Another thought that came to mind was that my mental conversations had to be reduced drastically. I was spending way too much time inside my mind, no longer paying as much attention to my surroundings. The mental fatigue had started to show.

With the sun setting, we set out once more, in the middle of the stary sky a bright light was shining on the horizon. As we approached nearer it a large fire was raging swallowing an entire farm.

Yet another victim, land and wealth laid to waste. Humans really knew nothing else but war. They fight and pillage, bringing destruction for the pursuit of riches. Ironic isn’t it.

Even Endelthir, a nation that war was not very common the most common topic was war. The entire society is they children or maidens, they were all infatuated — mesmerised by knights and their deeds. Everything glorified war, and because of that, I believed that we as a civilisation had regressed. It came as no surprise that the diplomats of other races focused solely on trade and nothing more — for them we were nothing more than a body of walking disappointment.

On the topic of disappointment, if my father were to find out that Sol and I scoured through the burning farm for provisions whilst committing a crime, then that would shock him even further.

“Are you sure you want to steal? Theft would cost you an arm, or an ear, and sometimes your head. Quite frankly I am okay with nuts and berries.”

Is what I asked Sol, only to have her roll her eyes at me, and then proceed by taking the leftover remains of food.

“Kain, the owner is dead, who is going to come to ask who stole their tomatoes? if we don’t take it, someone else will.”

So much so that even drunkard Kain, in an unexpected show of solidarity held a long-winded speech explaining how our cleaning was not considered stealing as they chose to abandon it, and therefore forfeiting their right of ownership. Instead, they committed a sin of loitering, and we were doing a greater service to mother nature herself, by making use of the goods provided.

“F-fine, but was it worth it? You got burned quite badly.”

“It's okay, remember. I can handle this much at least.” To which Sol’s words were spot on. The burn marks no longer ached, although the redness remained.

I apologise father for Sol has sinned. Not me.

A deviant, an outlaw, and now collaborating with the occult. I could feel that my case was only getting more challenging to defend, and to satisfy my moral compass had no choice but to fool myself as it was all her fault.

We left behind the ruins of the farm and continued our journey in the most inconspicuous manner possible. We travelled at a steady pace along the edge of the deep forest and given the last few towns we bypassed I was certain it was Whilain’s mountain range, meaning we were on the right path. Dipping in and out whilst seeking refuge when needed to avoid caravans or marching armies proved tricky but ultimately, we managed just fine.

And avoid them we did, only the aftermath wasn’t something we could bypass. The once rich fields in wheat and flourishing orchards were replaced by scorched earth, and on multiple occasions with bodies piling covering the earth. That was problematic because aside from the carrions, disease and pestilence, there was also a growing concern over rumours in which corpses reanimated to life, which was highly unlikely and most likely a rumour to deter looters. Sol however seemed to be disturbed, and she did mumble something about the elements being unpleased by I instead chose to ignore it.

Lingering no longer we continued the long journey. Along the way, different thoughts crossed my mind. The banners that we came across put into the spotlight the Despotate of Lesaly, a grumpy neighbour of the kingdom. However, this time something had changed. Their sheer madness to invade couldn’t be explained by looking at past events, as in the past they were unable to even quell their own rebellions let alone launch expeditions abroad.

One thing was clear: the Endelthirian army had scored a victory and, therefore outlook could be considered promising at best. Perhaps the Kingdom had a chance to push back against the current — maybe Ona and the Legate reunited and formed a counterattack. But would that be sufficient?

From memory, the citadel of Sanctum was well supplied to withstand approximately two years of siege which should give the royal court sufficient time to come up with a plan or a resolution. Regardless, my priority was to arrive in the northern Duchy of Navisk. From there it would be a new beginning.

The following day a discovery greatly improved our spirits. Far ahead between a narrow ridge, there rested a keep which oversaw the area. A sturdy palisade wall and for added protection two guard posts were erected. It clearly wasn’t abandoned.

Although great news to come across something that was not burnt to the ground it raised the question of whether this was a brigand stronghold, an enemy encampment or potentially an Endelthirian keep.

Without much consideration, Sol and I agreed that we had no choice but to approach. At any signs of hostility, we would retreat.

We trod ahead and approached leisurely towards the wall. Our disguise would be a scholar and his apprentice. We were in search of supplies for our journey.

As we drew nearer, banners that had lost their colour waved at the mercy of the wind, the figure of a peafowl with three stars flying overhead. I tried hard to remember if I had come across this coat of arms, but memory only served to reaffirm that this was neither Endelthirian, nor Lessalian. Which was both great news.

“Approach no closer. Who’s there?”

Our attention was drawn to the guards atop the watchtower. Their leather coifs and shabby gambesons worried us. Even bandits were more likely to be better equipped than them.

“Greetings, I am but a wandering scholar. This is my assistant. Who is the lord of this fief?”

“Aye, a scholar you are. Beyond this point begins the land of duke Sief. What do you want?”

Whispers erupted from behind his back, whispers which with enough effort could faintly be discerned.

“We seek passage for Akra. Would you please be so kind to point us in the right direction?”

“No travellers allowed by order of the duke, and our land has a lot of your lot. All talk no use.”

His hand moved, pointing his spear towards the direction we came from.

“Your words are true, for scholars are many but I assure you that your lord will be eager to hear what I have to say and offer.”

The man spat on the ground in ridicule.

“No is no. I thought scholars have trouble seeing, but you have trouble hearing.”

An irritating fellow. His stubbornness was one expected of a guard stationed away from his lord’s supervision. Perhaps a bribe? No, that would only give them the motive to expel us, or even worse — rob us.

“I bear words of great importance, to both your lord and king.”

Surely my words made them think as whispers being resumed.

“Me too. Sod off!”

He angrily waved his spear whilst raising his middle finger.

How vulgar.

“Isn’t there famine and pestilence wreaking havoc upon this land? The Gods have abandoned you, and instead, they sent me for salvation. The damned will roam the world of the living again.”

“Everyone is hungry, and everyone is dying. What are you going to do?”

I pondered for a brief second, it was true. Behind me was a land decimated by war. What lay ahead of me was unknown, but it was certainly not great either.

“I have served many kings and gave counsel, helping their people have a roof over their heads and sleep with their bellies filled. To that I say, take me to your lord and if I am deemed a nuisance, I shall compensate you heftily.”

A momentary silence ensued, followed by more whispering.

“Wait here.”

One of the guards retreated into the keep. We also retreated into the distance in case they planned anything suspicious. It was an onerous wait filled with uncertainty until the wooden gates opened, and a group of poorly equipped guards appeared. The vulgar one was among them, it appeared he was the leader of the squad. It only made sense as he did all the talking.

“If you’re wasting my time, I will take your horses. Deal?”

A tough bargain, but a necessary one, nonetheless.

“Deal.”

“Great, now you follow me and don’t talk unless I say so.”

A bizarre request but we complied.

We followed the group of guards patiently. The leader’s name was Athaulf, and aside from his name, our walk was done entirely in silence. We zigzagged through the forest and passed a small stream towards what appeared to be the hinterlands of Tors named after the small town that acted as the border town. Akra was only a few days travel by horseback, but to get there we would require travel documents, and only the Lord himself could issue them.

Although silent the walk was pleasant. The vegetation was lush, the fields were wide, and the sight of wildlife was abundant. That was very strange as Athaulf had explained the western side of the Duchy was struck by famine. Peculiar but there was certainly something.

We crossed paths with hunters, lumberjacks, farmers, and miners who eagerly greeted Athaulf. His popularity was apparent, but there was also clear respect in their greetings. As for us, they gave us the weird look but that must probably be the sorry state in which we were in.

Not too long after the town of Tor revealed its walls. It wasn’t majestic at all, in fact, the fields around it seemed uncultivated and much of its defences were crumbling apart.

Despite the sorry state in which Tor appeared, I was overfilled with excitement. At last, no more hiding and sleeping rough. A bright future awaited ahead.