Part 1

Rayman and his men saw Nolvis’s walls, causing the group’s anticipation to grow. They had finally made it and were only a mile away from Calchester when they picked up their pace, eager to get to safety.

The entire way to Calchester, Rayman and his men had been followed closely by the Vog, trailing them. Watching where they went, eyes on them constantly. Everyone was on edge, day and night, they knew the Vog were watching them.

A shiver ran down his spine as Rayman looked back to his left, gazing at the hillside where movement flickered in and out of their watchful eyes. A Vog rose up to the top of the hill for a moment, motionless, watching them, then slid back behind the hill out of sight again.

No one knew for sure why they were being followed so closely but Rayman’s best guess was that they were supposed to enter into Xer from Aslone, not Calchester. The decision to push on and go to Calchester had been unanimous, wanting to be back in the army and to see their families again as soon as possible.

That choice, however, had been a mistake, or so they thought. Their nerves would have welcomed the chance to be rid of the Vog and to never see them again. However, they pushed on to Calchester, doing their best to keep their eyes on the Vog following them, never knowing if they would attack or not. No aggression had been shown but merely the thought that anything could happen and the Vog’s behavior could change at any moment, nagged at the back of their minds.

Everyone was on edge right up to the point of reaching the gate into Xer. There was a long line of stragglers trickling into Calchester, which the Xerian’s met with open arms. This was good news, as Erik must have brokered a deal with Xerath to let his people into the kingdom but this also meant that the main army was not here.

Rayman’s heart sank when he realized the Vulkirian army and king Erik, were nowhere to be found.

“They must have already moved on into Xer.” Kevin guessed. “They would have wanted to reach safety the moment Erik made a deal with Xerath.”

“It would be the smart thing to do.” Rayman said. “I just hope my family is inside.”

“As do we all.” Kevin murmured. “It feels like a lifetime since we’ve seen our families.”

“Agreed.” Rayman sighed. “Come, let’s go inside and figure out where everyone is going.”

Walking at a steady pace, Rayman and his men were glad to rid themselves of the constant stress of the Vog at their backs. Apart from several stares at their rugged looks, they entered the gate quickly and without any issues. Passing through the giant walls towering above them, instantly gave them all relief. Dozens of guards lined the entrances, directing the flow of refugees forward.

Stern looks from the guards momentarily put them on edge but they said nothing and urged them forward. Entering the inner gate brought them to another wall encircling them. The flow of people moved left through a smaller gate which Rayman guessed led through the city, however, his attention turned to a tall man standing on the inner walls overlooking them. He looked to be in charge.

Rayman broke from the line of refugees, making his way toward the tall man. Immediately several guards yelled at him.

“Get back in line!” one shouted.

Rayman’s men moved away from the line, following him which made the rest of the Xerian guards nervous. Every man on watch shifted and readied their weapons.

“Get back in line now!” more guards started yelling, causing a scene that made onlookers stop in their tracks, wondering what was happening. Most backed away, unwilling to involve themselves in whatever might take place.

“I’m Rayman. Adviser to king Erik.” he raised his arms in a non-aggressive gesture. “These men are with me.”

“Stay where you are.” a guard said, his voice less tense.

“Let them approach!” the tall man on the wall yelled, his voice, commanding and sharp.

At this point, the traffic of people had stopped completely and clogged the entrance to both gates. “Keep moving! There’s nothing to see here. Move!” more guards shouted at the refugees.

“Rayman was it? My name is Martin.” he said loudly. “I command Calchester at this time.”

“I am looking for our armies. Our king. We were separated from everyone when the attack on Vlakias took place.” Rayman explained. “If you would show us to king Erik, we would appreciate it. We’ve been on the road a long time and are weary from travel.”

“Come.” Martin gestured. “We’ll talk more in private.”

A side gate creaked open, allowing them entry. Rayman and his men walked through, getting looks from the guards as they did so. A man pointed toward an alley, which Rayman proceeded to follow his directions. It led down a small street which opened up to a large clearing with housing and food stalls circling the area.

“In here.” Martin emerged from the castle in the center of the city, to their left. “We have lodgings prepared but first, we must speak.”

They quickly followed him into the stone castle and trailed behind Martin through several rooms which finally ended in a large meeting room with a wooden table in the middle. Several chairs were scattered about and the commander of Calchester headed for the far chair.

“Please, take a seat.” Martin pointed to the chairs around the table while pulling a chair out for himself. “I’ll make this short. Xerath charged me with explaining the situation to you. As Erik requested, this letter is for you.” he handed Rayman a small encased note with the Vulkirian seal on it.

Unopened.

“Xerath has generously given your people temporary control over the city of Qutreth.” Martin explained further. “I’ve been made aware that you all have been traveling from Bienrior and must be exhausted. Each of you has been afforded your own private rooms in the Inn two blocks down from here.”

Martin started handing out tiny strips of paper with the address and room number for their Inn. He paused for a moment, counting out the slips of paper then looking up to count the men that stood before him.

“My apologies. There seems to be a mistake. I only count ten of you. I am aware that… Ben.” Martin reviewed the names on the slips of paper. “Ben was slain in Vori? There were supposed to be two more of you? King Erik gave these names out personally.”

A gloomy mood fell over the room, an awkward silence befell them all. Fin in particular turned his gaze downward and the others avoided Martin’s questioning stare.

“Are they-” Martin started to speak, reading the room.

“They’re dead.” Rayman said promptly, taking the two slips of paper from Martin who pursed his lips with a grim expression.

“I see.” he frowned. “My condolences.”

“Thank you, captain.” Rayman raised his arm for a handshake.

“Of course.” Martin took his hand firmly in the shake. “Please, take your time to recuperate but…” he hesitated.

“We won’t overstay our welcome.” Rayman knew where this was going. “Two days and we’ll be out of your hair.”

“Very well.” Martin nodded. “Again, my condolences but these are trying times.”

“Understood.” Rayman nodded understanding. “Thank you for your hospitality. Please relay our gratitude to king Xerath.”

Everyone mumbled thanks then filed out of the room, eager to find their lodgings. Rayman however clearly noted his name wasn’t on any of the slips.

“Your wife is in the city. I’ve arranged a guard to escort you to your family personally.” Martin smiled as if reading his mind. “I’m sure they will be eager to see you.”

After weeks of constant strenuous travel, Rayman smiled back at the captain, relieved to be in a semblance of safety and comfort. His family was so close and he had finally made it to them after what seemed to be an eternity.

Briskly making his exit, Rayman flew through the doors entering the large clearing. Fin and Kevin noticed his smile and waved to him.

“I’ll see you soon.” Rayman shouted over his shoulder. “My family is waiting for me.”

The guard escorting him couldn’t ignore his eagerness to hasten the pace and increased their speed to a swift walk. Rayman felt slightly guilty for leaving his men to themselves after all this time but they would understand. They too would rush to see their families, and Rayman wouldn’t hold it against them so he reasoned the same for them.

“Right there.” the guard pointed, his armor clanking and sweat beaded on his forehead from the speedy walk.

He nodded his thanks as he ran past the Xerian guard, reaching the small stone house, and loudly knocked on the door but was unable to speak. A fear in the back of his head told him he was dreaming, that he wasn't about to see Shay again but a soft, soothing voice came from behind the door.

“Coming.” her voice reached him through the wooden door and his heart nearly leapt out of his chest in anticipation.

The door opened and Rayman stood frozen in place, staring at his beautiful wife. Her eyes went wide and she rushed him, almost knocking him over in a hug.

“You’re back!” she shouted in glee.

Part 2

Shay’s loving embrace broke his walls down. A wave of relief washed over him, weeks worth of pent-up emotions simply slipped away, forgotten.

“I’ve missed you so much.” Rayman kissed her passionately. After several long moments, he broke the embrace. “Where are Daniel and Alexi?”

Shay didn’t bother explaining, only shouting to her children, “Daniel! Alexi! Come quick, your father is here!” her voice filled with overwhelming excitement.

Alexi burst from a small room followed closely by Daniel. Alexi squealed in excitement, rushing toward him with her arms outstretched. Daniel grinned and ran behind Alexi waiting for her to reach her father first.

Rayman bent down and collided with Alexi, his daughter had grown but was still so small. He lifted her into the air and twirled her several times, all the while her joyous screaming filled the street.

“I’ve missed you so much, sweetie!” Rayman smiled. “Have you been good for mommy?”

“Yes, daddy. I been good fo-w mommy.” her grin overshadowing her girly voice. I missed you, daddy.”

“I did too.” Rayman repeated. “Daniel.” his gaze turning to his son. With Alexi still in his arms, he stared at his son. “It’s good to see you.”

“Father.” Daniel said, plunging his face into his chest. “I was worried for you. What happened in Vori?”

Rayman barely had time to set Alexi down before his son collided with him. Seeing his son again, strong and healthy moved him to tears.

“I’m alright now.” Rayman smiled, his eyes watery. He turned to Shay. “Everything’s fine now.”

Shay had one hand on her hip with the other on her face, tears forming in her own eyes. Rayman could tell she wanted to hold him again but waited patiently for her children.

“Oh,” Rayman felt his emotions coming up, threatening to overcome him. “I love you so much. You know that?” reaching out his arms to both his children, leaning down.

Both kids rushed in again and hugged their father, overjoyed to see him again and to have him safely back. Rayman kissed both their cheeks then straightened.

“Can mommy and daddy have a moment to talk?” Rayman asked softly.

“Yes, father.” Daniel said.

“No.” Alexi said stubbornly. “I want to be with you, daddy.”

“Come on, Alexi.” Daniel said, grabbing her hand and leading her back to their room. “Daddy needs to speak to mommy.”

“I’ll come see you again in a moment.” Rayman said. “Promise.”

“Okay.” Alexi said while nearly being dragged away by her brother.

Rayman turned to Shay, who looked at him with a fierce look. Not anger, but worry and passion mixed. She sighed deeply, taking him in.

Rayman slowly stepped up to her and embraced her again, tenderly this time. She melted into his arms and she started crying but not of sorrow, tears of joy.

“I was so worried.” Shay nearly sobbed. “I feared we’d never see you again.”

“You don’t have to worry about that anymore, I’m here now.” Rayman comforted her. “I won’t leave you again.”

After a minute of hugging and kissing, Shay pulled away, wiping her eyes. “Rayman. Erik has left for Xerixes. He told me to tell you something very important.”

“He left?” Rayman looked confused, the change in subject caught him off guard. “Why is he not in Qutreth?”

“He told me it was important but you wouldn’t understand.” Shay began. “Erik also said that you were not to follow after him in some misguided loyalty to him that you were to go to Qutreth as soon as you can. Jebbin will be there and he needs your help and so do our people.”

“He said all that?” Rayman asked, raising an eyebrow. “It sounds as if he wants to get rid of me.”

“The opposite, dear husband.” Shay said. “He wants you to help Jebbin lead while he is gone. He needs you but not in the way you want.”

“I can’t just let him ride off, only Hashem knows where, and get himself killed, Shay. I have to go after him.” Rayman insisted.

The moment he said it, he knew that wasn’t possible. Conflict inside him demanded he stayed and looked after his family, on the other hand, his loyalty to the crown was ever-present. Rayman frowned in frustration, unsure what to do in the moment.

“He knew you’d say that.” Shay sighed. “You’re stubborn as ever.”

“Only because I have you to compete with my bullheadedness.” Rayman chuckled. “Shay. I have to help him. Jebbin can manage on his own.”

“He needs you to do something else for him.” Shay repeated. “Knowing you, the only way to get you to go to Qutreth was to give you another mission.”

“What mission?” Rayman asked.

“Jebbin is hiding something. Something that doesn’t sit right with him and he wants you to find out what it is.” Shay explained. “Rayman, I don’t think Jebbin can be trusted.”