Draft 2.0. Minor changes and corrections.

Chapter 5.

As a child, the large map that hung in the grand hall held a special fascination for me.

When I was old enough to understand the world was round, and that people lived on two of three large, flat rocks called continents, my father hefted me onto his shoulders and stepped up to that map. I saw that our continent, the Northern Continent, was divided into irregular shaped plots of land.

Kaitain, Caldera, Reinvald, Anderas, Mierna, Orgenval, Kapernia, and many others.

Thirteen territories in total. At one time there had been sixteen but Anderas had sent its military into its warring neighbors and swallowed them into its borders in order to establish what it called a ‘lasting peace’. So now there were only thirteen distinct lands.

My father explained that this map had been drawn up by the Archons and distributed to the capitals of each territory when Anderas finally and irrevocably subdued its troublesome neighbors. In doing so, the land of Anderas became not a territory, but an Empire.

It wasn’t until I visited Anderas in the company of my parents – all part of an official visit to commemorate some special treaty – that I began to view the map with a sense of dread.

You see after the celebrations, my parents took Kaden, Alleyne and I to something called a zoo. It’s a protectorate for animals, where people from across the continent can see them in relative safety. Anderas sported the largest zoo of any land, with a thousand if not more different species of wild animal on display.

In any case, I remember looking at the map of the zoo, and thinking it was not unlike the map of our continent that fascinated me for long hours.

I began thinking of the continent and this world as a giant zoo.

Except it was a zoo for animals, and for people.

And like the zookeepers that attended to the animals, it was the Archons that attended to humanity.

Suddenly, that map in the great hall wasn’t as fascinating anymore.

In fact, I remember avoiding it for many months upon our return to Calandor.

Excerpt from A Falken’s Point Of View.

An autobiography of Falken Galen Claymore Kaiser.

(Falken)

As per instructions, Captain Gunter Reagan returned in the late evening dressed in clothes fit for a man about to embark upon a long journey by air, which was exactly what his mission entailed – a long journey from the east side of the Northern Continent to the Anderas Empire that dominated the far west.

As agreed upon, he landed his Wind Sylph away from the campsite so I had to ride out to meet him, but I didn’t ride alone. Joining me was Tamworth Ryland and a trusted aide of his, my trusty advisor Samuel, and finally Chiren who rode alongside a young woman from the Reconnaissance Corp.

I bemoaned not having Kaden around, but he was indisposed at the southern border of Gaellen Forest, where scouting missions were ongoing despite the setting sun. In fact, he was probably going to have to sleep in his Jotunn tonight.

Poor Kaden.

My backside sympathized for him, or should I say empathized with him?

In any regards, he was stuck over there for at least a few days longer. Ryland and Augustine were troubled to learn of the abandoned Jotnar in the forest, and had called up every available flyer to sweep the land surrounding the forest. Riders on horseback were also dispatched to the nearest towns and villages of which there were three within twenty kilometers of the forest.

At times I felt like invading Kaitain ourselves just to trouble Issen Kurama as much as he was troubling us. However, I kept such thoughts to myself as Chiren was likely to smack my head for even thinking them.

During the afternoon, I had written the final draft of the letter three times that needed to be delivered to the Quorum of Khans in the Anderas Empire’s capital city. I held two of those letters in my left hand as I looked over at Gunter, and asked, “Now, you’re fine with the plan Commander Ryland has put together?”

“Ah, yes, your Grace,” he replied, adding a tight nod before sparing a quick glance at the young woman who stood at his side. She was the young lady who’d ridden alongside Chiren.

I looked at them both, noticing the young lieutenant was standing a little too distant from Gunter. I walked up to them, grabbed their shoulders, and then drew them closer to each other.

Stepping back, I observed my handiwork and nodded in satisfaction. “Much better. Newlyweds are supposed to be close.”

I heard Samuel sigh, and Chiren growl behind me, “Falken….”

Gunter and the young woman looked embarrassed. She was also dressed in civilian clothes, including a coat fit for travelling aboard a Wind Sylph. She had a canvas bag with some hastily packed belongings scrounged from the numerous female attendants that followed General Milerna around.

The gods bless General Milerna for maintaining such a healthy harem of attractive young women.

That wasn’t to say the young woman standing at Gunter’s left shoulder wasn’t attractive.

She was definitely a fine pick.

I looked them both over, and then turned to Ryland. “You have the documentation?”

“Of course.” His aide handed him a metal cylinder – a scroll with a metal clasp. Ryland spoke to the pair standing before us. “Gunter Reagan and Emiri Fauntine. This is a marriage license, signed and approved by the office of House Claymore. If anyone asks, at least you’ll have this for proof. If you lose it, don’t worry as I have made copies.”

I gave Ryland a sardonic look he failed to catch.

Trust him to make ‘extra’ copies.

Gunter took the scroll nervously. He stared at it and held it as though it might suddenly burst into flames in his hand.

I noticed the look Emiri gave him before rolling her eyes in disappointment.

Ryland handed over a small satchel. “Here we have maps that’ll come in handy and further evidence that the two of you are on a honeymoon journey across the lands. With any luck that will provide all the cover you need.”

Gunter took the satchel.

A purse was handed over from the aide to Ryland and then to Gunter. That one contained funds for the journey.

The aide handed a couple of small booklets to Ryland who then held them out to Gunter and Emiri. “Your identity passes have been amended to show your married status. Again, his Grace signed and stamped them with the official seal of Caldera.”

They took the identity booklets, and in turn opened them to read the new printing.

I saw them share a nervous, somewhat embarrassed glance.

With Chiren standing behind me, I threw her a look over my right shoulder. “Don’t they make a lovely couple?”

She reached out and jammed a thumb into my back.

“Sis—ow, that hurts.”

Chiren leaned close to me. “You and I are going to have a long talk later.”

I nodded quickly so that she would stop hurting me.

Chiren removed the offending thumb from my back.

As I rubbed my back I noticed something was missing from Gunter and Emiri’s hands. “The rings,” I blurted out.

Ryland coughed to both clear his throat and gain my attention.

I was shocked to see him hold out two slender rings.

“This is my plan,” he said, “so it’s my responsibility to provide for the finer details.”

I almost asked him to allow me to do the honors but Chiren jammed her thumb into my back once again.

Gunter and Emiri un-gloved their left hands.

Ryland hesitated and looked at me. “Actually, I don’t have the authority to do this.”

I gave him a perplexed look.

However, Samuel stepped up to him. “In that case allow me. As advisor to Archduke Claymore and his father before him, I’ve been vested with the authority to conduct marriages.”

“But it’s not real,” I said. “So you don’t have to go through that long spiel they do at the beginning. Just cut to the chase. Ow!”

Chiren hissed, “Falken, I swear you say too much.”

Samuel sighed. “Real or not, it is still a sacred matter.” He cast Ryland a displeased look. “I do admit I find this idea somewhat…disturbing.”

After handing over the rings, Ryland calmly folded his arms and pointedly ignored Samuel.

I grabbed Chiren’s hand and quickly said to Samuel, “But it will add to the realism. It’ll add to their cover of being newlyweds on a honeymoon journey across the continent to visit the Anderas Empire, one of the great wonders of the Northern Continent.”

Samuel took a deep breath as his shoulders rose and fell.

He stepped before Gunter and Emiri, and took another long breath that seemed to go on forever.

I was starting to grow impatient. “Come on, Samuel, we don’t have all night. Make your peace with this later.”

That earned me a foul look from his steely eyes, before he turned back to the young couple.

“Gunter Reagan, as you place this ring on the bride’s hand, repeat after me….”

Gunter followed Samuel’s instructions. His hand trembled a little as he placed the ring on Emiri’s ring finger.

Then it was Emiri’s turn, and her hand trembled too as she placed the ring on Gunter’s ring finger and repeated the words Samuel spoke.

I had a weird feeling run through me when I realized both rings were a perfect fit. I gave Ryland a suspicious glance.

How did he know their finger sizes? More importantly, how did he produce those rings?

Samuel’s voice distracted me. “And now you may kiss as husband and wife.”

Both leaned toward each other, then stopped and stared at Samuel.

“Eh!”

Samuel froze. “Dear gods in high heaven—I do apologize. I was so caught up in the moment.”

I smirked. “Samuel, Father always said you were a softy.”

He whirled on me. “Don’t forget, you young whelp, I’ll be presiding over your wedding in two months’ time.”

“Geh—why’d you remind me,” I whined. “Don’t I get a say at all?”

Ryland spoke firmly. “Could we get this over with?” He took the letters from my left hand and addressed Gunter and Emiri who were both furtively glancing at the rings.

“Captain, Lieutenant, here are two identical letters for the Secretary of the Quorum. Deliver at least one copy, and then fly back home with the Quorum’s reply. I’ve outlined on the maps what we believe are five of the best routes to take to Anderas. Be aware that we’ll also be sending a copy of the letter by courier. However that will take at least one more day.”

Gunter said, “Commander, your Grace, I’m confident I”—Emiri bumped him—“we can get these to Anderas within a week. The Ether is strong, and the lunar cycle will guarantee the Ley Lines are close to the surface so we should have plenty of power to provide lift for the Wind Sylph.”

I spared a studios look at the flying machine parked on the ground behind Gunter.

It was shaped like a cross between a dolphin and a gull. Oddly it had two seats in tandem which suited the situation fine, except I realized this wasn’t a racing Wind Sylph. This flyer was larger, and had twin Etheric drives cowled within streamlined housings or nacelles built between the forward fuselage and the wing assembly.

Gunter noticed my attention upon the Wind Sylph, and said, “Your Grace, please trust in my brother’s engineering talent. This Wind Sylph has the best possible engines for a craft its size. She’ll outrun an ocean storm.”

“We just need you to outrun House Kurama’s messenger,” I replied.

“As you wish, you Grace,” Gunter said with confidence.

I looked at the pair of them, especially Emiri before I addressed Gunter. “Captain, you take good care of her. She’s your responsibility now.”

He froze, then his expression turned quite serious. I saw him reach out and take the young woman’s right hand in his left. “Yes, your Grace. With my life, your Grace.”

Emiri blushed so hotly it was visible even in the fading light.

I gave her a meaningful look. “Don’t let him stray.”

Her eyes widened and she swallowed noticeably. “Ah—yes, your Grace.”

I waved a hand lightly. “When you return, we’ll get your papers all in order—or maybe not. Ha ha ha—ow!”

This time I felt two thumbs in my back.

Gunter and Emiri looked downright concerned.

“I’m joking—I’m joking,” I told them quickly.

They nodded uneasily and quickly glanced at each other. I thought Gunter was rather reluctant in releasing Emiri’s hand.

After a few more words of advice, they both saluted with their right fist across their chest, and then climbed aboard the Wind Sylph.

As a group we stepped back to give the machine a fair amount of room. When its engine spooled up, I could feel the Ether ‘brushing’ past me as it was pulled into the Etheric drive. Then the Wind Sylph extended its vane-like wings and a short while later it took off less than gently. But it gained altitude and speed quickly, and was soon surging across the evening sky steadily turning into night.

Both were skilled scouts so I had no doubt they would find their way even at night.

I watched the Wind Sylph fade from view. “Hey Chiren.”

“What?”

“Thank you, for everything.”

“Gods, I really hope this works out,” she muttered.

“I’m sure it will.” I faced her. “By the way, did the Lieutenant volunteer for this assignment?”

She gave me a narrow eyed look. “Why are you asking?”

I shook my head a little. “I just felt…they really did look good together.”

I turned to stare in the direction the Sylph had flown.

After a while Chiren said, “The girls from reconnaissance told me Emiri Fauntine had often revealed an ‘interest’ in the young captain. So I approached her and explained the mission to her. And yes, she did volunteer.”

I clasped my hands behind my back…protecting it. “I hope things work out between them.”

Chiren sighed so loudly she reminded me of Samuel. “If not, you’ll be paying for their marriage counseling and divorce proceedings.”

I gave her sour look. “Chiren, you can be so negative at times. Don’t you believe in the power of love? It can overcome so much.”

Before she could retort with her thumbs, I jumped her again, giving her a warm embrace.

“Like I said, thank you for everything, big sis.”

“Ah—fine, fine. Just let me go.” I heard her sigh again. “Falken, when are you going to learn to act your age?”

“Right now, I’m desperately holding onto unmarried life.”

I broke the embrace quickly, careful not to look at her, and then turned to the others standing nearby.

“Very well,” I announced. “Everyone back to camp and then onto the next problem.”

Chiren sounded weary when she asked, “And what would that be?”

“House Kurama,” I replied as I walked to my horse. “I think it’s time we had a little talk with them.”

I stopped before climbing onto the saddle, and turned to face Ryland.

“Tamworth, tell me the numbers so far. You should have a better grasp on them by now. How many did we lose?”

I saw Ryland take a deep breath. “Nineteen, your Grace. Six more injured.”

“And the Kuramans?”

“Thirty six, your Grace, though that number could be higher. We’re still counting…and searching.”

I swallowed, hoping they didn’t see me do so in the dim light. “I see. Please give me the details when we return to camp. I have…letters to write.”

I climbed onto the saddle, steered my horse about, then I gently kicked its flanks with the stirrups, urging the beast to canter back to the First Army’s encampment.

#

(Fallon)

I was allowed to sleep in Falken’s tent.

I had no idea where he would sleep.

The two young women, Silvia and Marina, chose to sleep in the tent and keep me company. They arranged for two, low slung cots to be brought in. Again I was given a change of clothes, an earthen colored night dress to wear.

And so for the first time in a month I shared the company of others through the night.

I appreciated their help and their kindness.

They seemed to understand there were questions I couldn’t or wouldn’t answer. They weren’t trying to pry, and I understood their questions were innocent in nature, but the truth was I didn’t know what to tell them.

I didn’t know what was safe to tell them.

I told the Knight-Commander what I felt I could tell her.

I told these girls almost as much.

I didn’t lie to them, I just kept a little back.

Until a month ago I had lived in that village all my life.

I had travelled to the larger towns within a day’s journey only a handful of times.

I knew little of our lands and our world. I had lost the map when my horse bolted. It wasn’t my horse, but one that had survived the attack on my village. When I tried to remember the attack my head felt like it was being pierced by long stitching needles.

The two of them told me about House Claymore, and the great mountain-citadel of Calandor with its dozens of floors, hundreds rooms, scores of chambers, and great arched hallways all cut into the mountain. I tried picturing it in my mind and I failed.

They described the township of Cadena that lay nestled in the valley that stretched from the base of the mountain to the coast.

Again, I tried picturing it in my mind, and this time I believe I succeeded.

Then Silvia asked me something that stabbed shame into me.

“So…you can’t read?” she asked.

I nodded weakly.

All three of us were lying in our respective cots. Though the Ether avoided my body, enough of it filled the tent that boxed lamps with glowing Etherite could be used to light the interior.

Without looking at them, I sensed one of the two girls sit up in her cot.

Silvia said, “That won’t do. You need to learn. When we reach Calandor, someone will teach you.”

“Is it hard?” I asked.

“No. Only hard if you don’t try.”

“Only hard if you have a poor teacher,” Marina quipped.

“That’s true,” Silvia agreed. “Lady Fallon, you will learn. Learn to read, and write, and do all the other complicated things such as mathematics and science and—and even music. You can learn to dance, and to sing and to play an instrument.”

I smiled at that. I smiled at the young woman’s enthusiasm.

Silvia suddenly climbed out of her cot. “We should start now.”

Marina muttered a loud, “Huh? Silvia get back in bed.”

“No, I want to start teaching her now.”

“You can start tomorrow.”

I raised my neck off the small cotton pillow adorning the cot. The girl was fumbling around in the tent, probably looking for something to write on.

“Damn, Lord Falken has locked everything away. There’s nothing to use.” She picked up a box lantern and carried it as she walked over to me. “I’m going to teach you. Just wait for me here and I’ll go find us some paper and a quill.”

Marina rose from her cot and tackled the girl. “You—will do—no such thing.”

“Marina—unhand me.”

“Get back in the cot—now.”

“Oof, when did you get to be so strong?”

“When I started doing your share of the work. That’s how I built up my muscles.”

“You belong on a farm.”

“And you belong back in your cot.”

Their struggles brought them close to me. Abruptly the box lantern swinging from Silvia’s hand grew dark as the Ether no longer reached it. Both girls stopped struggling. They were spared from falling into darkness by the light of the other lanterns that still glowed strongly.

“Oh, I forgot that happens,” Silvia muttered.

“That’s odd,” Marina softly observed. “I’ve seen Khan’s stand right beside a lantern without affecting it.”

I sat up slowly. “What do you mean?”

Marina released Silvia who began playing with the lantern, bringing it close to me where it lost its glow, then drawing it farther away until it brightened.

“That’s cool,” the young woman whispered.

Marina sighed as she shook her head. “Cool?” She glanced at me. “You’ll have to forgive her. She picks up odd things now and then from the people she meets.”

I nodded uncertainly.

Silvia ignored her friend and asked me, “Are you doing it intentionally?”

I shook my head faintly. “No, I’m not. I lost my attachment to the Ether when I gained the Seal of Arcala.”

Marina folded her arms. “But I’ve seen Khans stand beside lanterns without affecting them. They must know a way to control that ability that keeps the Ether away. I’m sure you’ll learn how to do it.”

My mouth opened, and then I closed it slowly and quietly.

Silvia hung the box lantern from a large hook screwed into a tent support pole, then she stepped up to me. “You’re going to learn a lot of things, Lady Fallon.”

Marina shrugged a little. “Just don’t forget us when you’re an important Khan in the service of House Claymore.”

I shook my head faintly yet quickly. “No, I won’t forget you. I will never forget you. Not the kindness you’ve shown me…nor the hope you’ve given me.”

“Hope?” Silvia said.

I nodded weakly. “I thought…my life was over. I’ve been alone for more than a month. I’ve avoided people at every turn. Had I not entered the forest today, I might have continued as I was.” I wrapped my arms around me. “I’d never been alone for so long. It hurt being alone. It hurts to be alone.”

Silvia leaned down and embraced me.

She whispered loudly. “You’re not alone anymore.” She drew back. “As pretty as you are, I fear his Grace will have a hard time leaving your side.”

“Me? Pretty?”

Marina snorted. “This girl is clueless.”

Silvia nodded sagely. “In fact, I believe you just may steal his Grace’s heart.” Her expression fell. “Although, that may not be a good thing.”

Again, Marina snorted. “Damn right. Not if he’s engaged to be married in two months.”

I stared at the two young women. “Married?”

“Yes,” Silvia said softly. “To the first daughter of House Sandoval of Reinvald, Lisanna Sandoval.”

Marina opined, “Pretty, but very jealous. At least, that’s what I’ve heard.”

I swallowed then asked, “Would you tell me more?”

“Hah,” Silvia blurted out. “You’ve come to the right place. Now, lie down and let us fill you in on all the sordid details.”

“Sordid?” I asked.

Marina sighed. “She means all the dirty and immoral details of which there are none.”

“Every girl has skeletons in her closet,” Silvia said with a pout. “Lisanna is no exception.”

“Ah, have it your way,” Marina said and walked back to her cot. She climbed into it and tucked herself up to her chin in blankets.

I’d noticed it was growing colder as night fell.

Silvia patted my head and pushed me back down into the cot. Then she tucked me in before returning to her cot. She left the box lantern open as she walked by where it hung on the support pole.

“Now,” the young woman said, “where should I begin?”

“Start with the marriage and why it was arranged,” Marina suggested.

“Okay. And then I’ll tell you more about his Grace,” Silvia added.

I suddenly asked, “What kind of woman does his Grace like?”

There was quiet in the tent. It lasted for a little while.

“He likes blondes,” Marina said.

“No, brunettes,” Silvia corrected, “but with large, firm breasts, just like Knight-Commander Kell’s.”

I realized I was touching my breasts, feeling their shape and size, wondering if men considered them large. I was certain they weren’t as big as those possessed by the young woman who’d spoken to me this afternoon.

Chiren Kell, a woman with the Ether Kinetic talent. She wore a pretty ring on her left hand. That was the marriage finger, wasn’t it? Did that mean she was married?

I realized I was doing something improper and quietly tucked my hands to my sides under the cover of the blankets.

Marina observed, “They’re not as large as General Milerna’s. The General’s breasts surely take up all the room in her Jotunn’s cockpit.”

Silvia said, “I heard her next Jotunn will have breasts of its own.”

“Why?” Marina asked.

“To make room for the General’s pair.”

“Gods, if she hears you say that you are so dead,” Marina whispered hoarsely.

Then both women burst into peals of laughter.

I listened to them laugh as I lay back, and I thought of what the Knight-Commander had told me.

She had admitted she was not an authority on the subject of Khans, and the Orden, but she readily told me what she knew.

It answered questions I didn’t know I had.

It gave me more questions to consider.

Then I thought of the Archduke…Falken Claymore.

Lord and master of House Claymore, and ruler of the land of Caldera.

I wasn’t sure why, but like before there was something about him that made me feel I’d made the right choice to save his life.

I decided to trust my instincts.

Come what may, I vowed not to regret my decision to save him, no matter how hard the times ahead would prove to be.

And one day, perhaps sooner rather than later, I would tell him my name.

My full name.

Fallon Kassius.

The name given to me by the Seal of Arcala, when I woke up that morning almost a month ago.