Part 1

Rayman paced his room, his hand to his chin and his arms crossed. The revelation and magnitude of Cara’s secret slowly became a bigger and bigger problem. She had murdered the king and queen, corrupt or not, she must answer for her actions. As for Jebbin, he was witness to the deed and covered it up.

He could not stand idly by as they walked free of their actions. Conflicted emotions of anger and sympathy for their situation threatened to tear him in two. If he could take her word for it, which he did, that would make her faultless. However, there was always the possibility she was lying to him to save Jebbin from his own fate. But to him, a lie of this proportion was ludicrous at best. Who would come up with such a lie as this?

Her story made sense though, all of Vulkira knew of the king and queen's corruption but never to this degree. “They started the war with Kligira? Insane.” Rayman thought. “Absolutely unbelievable… or was it.”

“Ugh.” he groaned aloud, haunted by his thoughts, his emotions boiling over. “How would he explain this to the people?” If he set Jebbin free, Torstein would object. Thankfully, few knew of Jebbin’s treasonous accusations. He was keeping a close eye on Amira, keeping her from leaving the city until he dealt with the situation. Trusting she would keep her mouth shut was not something he would do. On top of that, the letters incriminating Jebbin was damning evidence to the contrary.

Even if he was innocent, he couldn’t explain the letters, other than being framed for the crime, which was unlikely as his own handwriting and signature were on each. It was impossible to forge letters like that and with such detail.

“Erik will know what to do.” he thought. “He always knows what is best.”

His brain kept running in circles, conflicted by the information, and how to deal with it. After an hour of torment, he gulped down some wine and flopped onto his bed, rubbing his temples.

A moment later, a commotion outside broke him from his thoughts, tilting his head up to look at his door. He saw the faint shadow of someone run past his door then another stopped at his room.

Pounding on the thick wooden door, someone shouted for him, “Sir! Sir! Rayman sir!”

Jumping out of bed, Rayman ripped the door open to see one of his soldiers with a stunned face.

“What’s going on? What has everyone in a rush?”

“Sir. Scouts in Vulkira report the Vog are on the move and more creatures are attacking Xer’s border at Unari.” he reported. “King Xerath wishes to speak to you immediately.”

Part 2

Rayman stalked into the throne room, two personal guards on his heels. Xerath was seated next to Cara as he spoke to Cassius who was speaking in hushed tones.

“You asked for me, king Xerath?”

Cassius spoke for a moment longer, then pulled away from him, straightening his back.

“Our scouts have reported back this evening. A large force of Vog is on the move from the north. We don’t know where they are headed but they are believed to be moving east.” Xerath explained. “That’s not all.” he held out a letter.

“Is it from Eric?” Rayman asked.

“Not quite.” Xerath frowned. “It’s from Regent Trygve.”

“Why would the Regent speak to us now, after all this time?” Rayman squinted his eyes in suspicion.

“I wondered that myself. However, what it says is more concerning than Trygve breaking his silence.” Xerath stated. “I sent a small party of men into Kligira, along with king Erik.” he paused.

Rayman was shocked but he didn’t show it on his face, “And why is Erik in Kligira?”

“They were investigating something very important.” Xerath dodged the question. “A story for another time, this.” he shook the letter again. “Trygve has written me a similar letter to the one your king, Erik, sent to me when you were fleeing Vulkira.”

“Fleeing?” Rayman asked. “What are the Kligirians fleeing from?”

“I’m not quite sure, to be honest. They have been described to me and my best guess is another species other than the Vog roam Isulia.” Xerath sighed. “Apparently they were attacked in Riqun by a large army of aliens called the Thrak. Something our Historian rambled on about in his younger days.”

“If the Vog are on the move, do you think they have something planned to invade Xer?” Rayman questioned.

“Possibly.” Xerath raised an eyebrow. “But your king seems to think the Vog are not our enemy. And he spoke of a greater evil to come. Perhaps this is that greater evil.”

“Where are they now?” Rayman wondered. “What happened in Riqun?”

“They were overrun and were forced to flee.” Xerath frowned again. “Which brings me to my previous statement. Trygve is asking me for aid. The entire country is on the run from these new creatures and it seems time is short. Very short. Kyburn confirmed it with his own signature to back the claim. And I trust Kyburn’s word implicitly.”

“Unari reported an hour ago, via messenger hawk, that there is indeed a large army of creatures amassing at their gates and Trygve requested entry to the city. Along with any and all his people.” Cassius added.

Rayman began to ask the obvious question when Cara answered before he could ask, “Erik is with them, unharmed as of an hour ago.”

“I’m sending my own army to Unari.” Xerath said. “You may join us if you keep to yourselves and do not interfere with my generals.”

“I will accompany you then.” Rayman quickly responded. “And I thank you for your understanding.”

Xerath nodded, “We leave before dawn. Prepare yourself. It looks like there will be a fight ahead of us.”

“What of Jebbin?” Rayman glanced at Cara.

“I expect you would leave him here for the time being,” Xerath said casually.

“And once I’m gone?” Rayman squinted. “Will he be here when I return?”

Xerath sat up straighter, “I don’t like where you’re going with this but I assure you, Jebbin will be kept safe until our return.”

“Very well.” Rayman conceded.

“Oh Rayman?” Cassius smiled. “Will that woman that arrived with you be joining us? I had a little chat with her earlier. It seems she is Erik’s mistress.” his tone had a hint of mockery in it.

Rayman was confused as to why he would say such a thing, and he let it show for an instant, then a burst of anger threatened to take over at his insolence. “What did you say?” Rayman asked in a low and aggressive voice. “She is a medic from Vlakias. I won't have you speaking of her that way."

"That’s yet to be determined,” Cassius smirked. “I found her wandering the halls alone. Do keep her from places she doesn’t belong will you?”

Nodding slowly, Rayman turned to leave, unsure what he meant, and walked out the doors.