"And she just exploded? Just like that?"

Luke chuckled on the other end of the command radio. "She sure did. We must have hit their munitions room. It just went up. The force was strong enough to blow the entire ship apart."

Jack listened to the results of the battle as Luke went through it all piece by piece. It was already the late evening, and his force was still camped on the field of battle, the scene of the army's victory from yesterday. They had originally meant to march out this morning, but some of the marines had found a way to smuggle in some stiff drinks, and as a result, were in no condition to march this morning. Jack permitted them the day to recover before they set out for Septhada in the morning.

"What about that enemy destroyer? Did you ever locate it after it got into that fog bank?"

"I sent two destroyers and the Stardust after it," said Luke. "The fog was pretty heavy, but it started to dissipate around midday. They found the smoking destroyer not long after and sent it to the bottom of the seas."

"So the entire task force is gone," whispered Jack. "All of it."

Luke chuckled on the other end of the radio. "Did you expect anything less from me?"

"Not at all," said Jack with a laugh. "I'm just relieved they're gone. I'm thankful for both of these battles. Our position here now is more secure than ever, and a good portion of that is all thanks to the men."

"They did remarkably well in this last battle, Jack. They shot well, they followed orders well, and this is the result. It was a hell of a battle, Jack."

"We really bloodied the noses of our enemies today, Luke. I imagine the Swabians in particular will be looking to avenge this defeat. Especially after we left none alive."

"If they are so willing to follow their countrymen into the grave, so let them," scoffed Luke.

Jack chuckled again. "I'm really glad you're back, brother. It didn't feel right doing half of this shit without you."

"Likewise, Jack. Although I have to say, I'm not looking forward to spending a lot of time in this desert country."

"I don't think you'll have to. My tasks here are just about done. Remarkably, after the battle, those clans that had gone silent on us started communicating again. Of course, they blamed it on not receiving my couriers, but now that they've seen us come out on top, they are loyal once more. With those enemy clans being destroyed, Andalucia is at peace. It's time for us to move on."

"Thank god for that, Jack. Where we going next?"

Jack chuckled. "Patience. Let's meet up to celebrate the victories. Can you send the task force back to that beach we originally met at tomorrow?"

"You bet I will."

*****

The next day, Jack, Kat, Greg, and a squad of marines left the army camp at midmorning to head to the beach where they'd first rendezvoused with the reinforcements from Java. The rest of the army was under the temporary command of Dustin, and beginning the long march back to Septhada. They'd set out right at dawn, hoping to make the trek back to the capital city in the next week.

For now though, it was time for another brief reunion with the victors of yesterday's battle, already being called the Battle of the Andalucian Sea by the sailors. Jack thought it was a fitting name, well-deserving of the respect that it garnered from that fight. He also thought it was a damn miracle that they were able to trounce their enemies in two back-to-back battles and completely remove them as threats to the country.

If that wasn't evidence of their mission being watched over by higher power, he didn't know what else was.

As with the last time, Jack and the group slipped through the small gully onto the beach itself, finding the task force at anchor just off the coast. The ships looked proud after their victory, and some of them, like the Horton, wore their battle scars with satisfaction.

Unlike the last visit, all the commanders were waiting for him on the beach when he arrived, many of them wearing ear-splitting grins in celebration. Even Mike Cutter of the Stardust was grinning, an unusual sight for the man.

Of course, the best view for Jack was the look on Abigail's face as she came bounding up to see them. She pushed into his arms before he even neared the rest of the group, her dark locks slipping under his chin.

"I missed you," she said softly, her voice small against his chest.

"I missed you too. You did great yesterday from what I heard," replied Jack.

"We really did it, Jack. The Destiny put up a great fight."

"Just like I knew she would," he said with a chuckle.

Almost as soon as she was out of his arms, she visited Kat next. The two women embraced each other with wide smiles and easy laughs before Abigail was able to greet Greg as well.

"Well it looks like someone really missed you, Jack," said Pete, motioning to the clearly embarrassed Abigail. It was new ground for her. For so long, she'd tried to conceal her emotions from everyone else that to let them out so easily for all to see could be hard for her. In that moment, Jack hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her close, saving her any further embarrassment.

"As I missed her," he said proudly, kissing her lips and then beaming with a smile. Several of them gave him knowing looks at the display of affection, no doubt wondering just how far it went.

One of them in particular, Mike of the Stardust, looked back to Kat as well. Jack wondered if he'd put together that he was with both of them. Such a relationship was clearly against Javan customs, but if Mike thought so, he held his tongue. After all, today was a day of celebration.

For the next half hour, Luke regaled all of them with another run-through of the battle. It was now the third time that Jack had heard it, yet he still enjoyed the tale just as heartily as the first time around. Such a victory would be well-celebrated at the Admiralty, but up until that point, he didn't know just how celebrated it would be until Abigail handed him a dispatch.

"This came in just for you this morning. I don't think Admiral Bancroft realized you weren't onboard the ship so I waited until I saw you to give the good news."

Jack took the dispatch and quickly scanned it.

ATTN: COMMANDER JACK EASTERBROOK

COMMANDING OFFICER, TASK FORCE 21

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VICTORY OVER THE OCCITANIAN FLEET. YOUR VICTORY GIVES HOPE AND INSPIRATION TO ALL THE PEOPLES OF JAVA, AND YOU'VE MADE YOUR COUNTRY PROUD. IN LIGHT OF ALL OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE STARTING YOUR CURRENT MISSION, I'M PROMOTING YOU TO THE RANK OF COMMODORE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

"Commodore," said Jack breathlessly. "But that's two ranks up. He's pushing me over the rank of captain to commodore."

"Well-deserved for everything you've accomplished," said Abigail with a beaming grin. "Keep reading, there's more!"

IN ADDITION TO YOUR PROMOTION, I'M PROMOTING ABIGAIL WAINWRIGHT TO THE POSITION OF COMMANDER.

"And you as well," said Jack as he turned to look at her. "Congratulations, Commander!"

She giggled slightly and tapped the paper. "Keep reading, Jack!"

FINALLY, I'M RECOMMENDING THAT ALL OF YOUR COMMANDERS BE GIVEN THE PRESTIGIOUS NAVAL CROSS IN COMMENDATION OF THEIR ACTIONS AT THE BATTLE OF THE ANDALUCIAN SEA. WE GIVE THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR MEN, JACK. CARRY ON, AND GO FORTH WITH YOUR MISSION.

FLEET ADMIRAL PERCIVAL BANCROFT

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, IMPERIAL JAVAN NAVY

"The Naval Cross," whispered Jack. "You realize one of those hasn't been given out in almost twenty years?"

Pete started to grin. "Personally, I think it's the least they could do, seeing as they didn't see it fit to give me a promotion out of it."

They all laughed at that, even Mike, who swatted at Pete's stomach. "That's because you were just promoted six months ago!"

"Still," said Pete. "It was a damn fine victory!"

"That it was," agreed Jack. "Well, this is momentous. In the space of a few minutes, I've gone from only vaguely knowing about the Naval Cross and the last recipients of it, to now standing in the company of several of them. I've never been more proud of this group, or more proud of this task force."

"You can say that again, Commodore," said Luke with a sly grin. "To think, just when I caught up to you in rank, you had to spring forward two more. How the hell am I going to catch you now?"

"Just keep winning battles like that, Luke. I'm sure you'll be there in no time," said Jack with a laugh.

"So what are we going to do now, Jack?" asked Pete finally. "With the Occitanian threat over to the Vector, do you think we'll go home now?"

Jack shook his head. "The Occitanians may be gone for now, but we have a lot of land left to explore. I doubt the Swabians are going to take this loss well, and I'm going to surely need your ships in the days ahead. I'm thankful for having your ships back in my task force."

"I think that sounds like a good plan to me," said Mike. "I wouldn't mind seeing more of this Vector. Hopefully the other lands aren't as bleak as Andalucia."

"Not if we go to Picardy next, right, Jack?" asked Abigail. "That was our original destination before this side excursion."

"Yes, Picardy is next," said Jack before catching the eye of Kat. She smiled at him warmly and nodded her head.

"Before we go, I want you to sail your ships to the city of Methusa on the Northwest coast. It's the best port in the entire country and the most logical sailing point to Picardy. Wait for me there while I finish our business in Septhada, and then we'll get underway."

"Sounds like a plan to me, Jack. I'm anxious to see what's next," said Pete.

"Make that two of us," added Mike.

"What about you?" Jack asked Abigail as the other men started talking amongst themselves. "Do you want to come back to Septhada with me? Or are you going to stay on the Destiny?"

She thought about it for a moment before responding. "I thought I might stay this one on the Destiny. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed being on the ship, and I'm not ready to go back on land again. I'd love to be with you, but we'll have plenty of time once you reboard in Methusa, right?'

"Plenty of time," he confirmed, kissing her softly. "I can't say I won't miss you."

"As I will you," she replied. "I'll just have to ask Kat to take care of you for me."

As close as Kat was, she heard that request and beamed in response. "I'll take good care of him. I promise."

"That settles that," said Abigail triumphantly. She kissed him one more time. "I'll see you when you get to Methusa, my love."

*****

Two days later, the army was still on its course to reach Septhada, and it was currently traveling through the central highlands of the country. Kat couldn't help but try to observe the features of the country as they went through it. For so long, she was used to traveling with just Jacob and making sure they navigated a safe passage through the countries of this part of the world. She was trained to always notice distinct landmarks to guide her path, and even though right now she was just following the army as they moved, her old instincts never quite settled down.

She imagined she was one of the only few in the whole column that still worried about threats. By the looks of the faces of the men as they marched, still high off their recent victory, they didn't have a care in the world. And why would they? This army had been so triumphant in the last few months, defeating all challengers and securing the country for themselves and for Jack's rule moving forward.

Jack's rule.

The words still gave her goosebumps every time they crossed her mind. Of all places, she would have put Andalucia nearly last on the list of countries where he'd be ruling yet here they were. They were right on the cusp of something truly great. Something that would fulfill words that had been spoken long ago.

She turned to look at Jack as he walked just a ways behind her. She knew he hated everything to do with prophecy—the loss of freewill, the idea that your actions were predetermined. But just about every move that he made since he entered the Vector had been guided by that prophecy whether he knew it or not. And if he did what she thought he was going to do in Septhada, there would be no more doubts about his true identity.

"You look deep in thought."

Kat turned her head to find Vera walking quickly to catch up to her. The young woman settled in by her side and had turned to look up to her face.

"Just thinking about the country," said Kat evasively. "I won't miss all this sand and heat when we leave."

"You and me both," said Vera with a giggle. She grabbed some of her hair. "I feel like my hair will never be the same after all this time in Andalucia."

Kat laughed with her. "You'll enjoy Picardy when we get there. There's no sand except on the beaches and the temperature is moderate year round. It's a lovely place to be, as well as to have a home."

"I've been to Picardy once with my father when I was fourteen," said Vera. "It was a terrible trip for him, and half of his cargo spoiled. I remember how mad he was about it, and how we had to leave with a shipment of cheap Samaran trinkets just to get out of the country. But I also remember how every day seemed to be perfect. I remember the look of the boys there. There's something oddly attractive about red hair and freckles."

Kat grinned. "If you like those features, you'll really enjoy your time there. It's such a nice country. Can you see now why I made it my home?"

Vera nodded quickly. "Of course. Especially considering all that's happened in your past back in Galicia."

Kat remained quiet for a moment. For the longest time, she'd never even considered going back. She knew if she tried it, she'd likely be caught by the regent and most likely executed. It wasn't like she could exactly hide out to escape notice either. Her face was known throughout the country, and no doubt someone would hope to tip off the regent's men to her whereabouts in order to collect on the fat bounty he had on her head.

Would that still hold true though with Jack's arrival? Now, things didn't look so bad. And if he was who she thought he was, perhaps a homecoming back in Galicia didn't have to look so unlikely?

"Who knows what the future holds?" she said finally, regaining Vera's attention. "Maybe things have changed, Vera. If Jack goes to Galicia, I certainly won't stay behind."

"If he goes," Vera stressed. "Who knows if he actually will."

"I think he will eventually," said Kat firmly. "There's too much at stake for him not to. He may not know it himself yet, but I bet it's crossed his mind. Galicia is his destiny."

"You always leave me with the impression you know more than you're letting on," said Vera with a small grin. "Is there something you're not telling us?"

Kat took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding. "I know I've told you little about the actual quest I've been on for the last three years. It had to be that way on purpose. I don't relish having this burden, but I do truly believe that things are starting to come to a head. Events are moving by really quickly right now. I really hope to be able to tell you more here soon, but I can't do it until I'm sure. It's just too important, Vera."

"I didn't expect all of that," said the other woman quietly. "I know it's a burden, but perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if you could just let out the stress. Talk about it with others?"

"I'd love nothing more than to do that. And I hope the day comes soon when I can."

Vera nodded. "I understand. I don't like it but I understand. I won't pry any further until you're ready."

Kat gave a sad smile. "I hate that I have to keep this away from all of you. Especially you, since you've become one of my closest friends."

"The feeling is mutual," said Vera with a matching grin. "And I'll try not to hold it against you. Maybe!"

Kat laughed and circled her arm around the other woman's waist and pulled her close. "You're so understanding!" she teased.

The two women carried on their chatter for the next half an hour before Vera slipped away. Kat had been enjoying the conversation and noted the loss of it as soon as Vera was gone. Still feeling talkative, she slowed down to allow Jack to catch up, coming in tight against his side.

"There you are," he said warmly as he looked at her. His headgear covered most of his hair, but a good portion of his face was free. At this time of day, it was just too scorching to go anywhere in this country without it. "I could hear you and Vera laughing up here."

"Just some girl talk," she said evasively. "It feels good to laugh again now that this country is at peace, and we don't have to worry about any threats from the clans."

"Or Swabians," Jack added. "Although who knows if they might try again here. I doubt Lord Avila will be too pleased about his defeat."

Kat nodded. "He'll throw a fit about it, I'm sure. His people in charge of the island will almost certainly die for their failures. He'll probably send new blood."

"What keeps men willing to work for someone like that? Where any setback could mean your life?"

Kat shrugged. "Most people just see the good things that can come of it. Like the gold. Working for the Swabians keeps your purse so heavy that many of them don't think of the consequences until it's too late. Once it happens, there's little you can do about it anyway."

"That country is an enigma to me," said Jack. "I'm surprised the entire Vector hasn't banded together to destroy them."

"They did once," said Kat. "Almost five hundred years ago during the Fourth Swabian War. The Galician king wielded a mighty alliance of Apulia, Naxos, Picardy, and Carinthia against the Swabians who were trying to expand their lands once more. Some of the worst fighting took place on Naxos but the Swabians were eventually pushed back. It all ended with the siege of their capital city, Dagobern."

A memory in Jack's head clicked at that moment. "Dagobern. I've heard that name before. That Swabian envoy we met when we first landed in Andalucia. Berimund was his name. He mentioned something about a Sack of Dagobern, but he said it was during the Fourth Galician War."

Kat nodded. "Same war. The Swabians called it the Galician War while we called it the Swabian War but it was the same conflict. And yes, they all cry victim about what happened during the siege of the city."

"What happened?"

"The same thing that always happens to soldiers when victory is imminent and one thing stands in their way. The city was brutally sacked when the Galician and allied armies took it, a fact the Swabians will never cease to remind you about. However, there were lots of tragedies committed by the Swabians during the conflict. Killing prisoners, dirty attacks, and the like. During the siege, they delighted in torturing prisoners just to taunt the besieging army, so it's of little wonder they went a little berserk once the walls were finally breached."

"I can only imagine," said Jack as he reflected on it. "What started that war if you don't mind me asking?"

"The Swabians were trying to incorporate Naxos into their empire. The Nax were tightly allied with Galicia, mostly due to their small size. They needed a large country to protect them, and being as the Swabians and the Galicians were traditional enemies, it was the logical choice. When their diplomacy failed, the Swabians attacked the island without warning. They nearly took it over too before the Galicians could get an army in place to help defend it."

"From there, the Galicians called in on their traditional allies to help. Apulia and Picardy sent men to fight, and since the Galician king was so respected, he got aid from Carinthia as well. They managed to push the Swabians off of Naxos, defeat their fleet at sea, and then surround their capital in order to end the war."

"It sounds like this enmity goes way back, Kat. Especially if this was the fourth war they fought between them."

She nodded. "It was the fourth and the last. For the time being after that war, Swabian power was broken. Their emperor died during the sack so there were many lords that fought each other for power. Many of them didn't hold onto it for very long, killed by the next ambitious lord who wanted the throne. It was a chaotic time for them, but it was a peaceful time for the rest of the world."

"They all rushed to find a way to protect Naxos," said Jack before he turned to look at her. "Yet, didn't you tell me that Naxos was just conquered by the Swabians? And their people used as slave labor?"

Kat nodded. "It's a . . . different time now than it was then. Much of that reaction to the Swabians was led by the Galician king. Without the king to act as overlord, most of those alliances fell apart. The Apulians completely disarmed after the war. They saw how the threat from Swabia was diminished and abolished their army. Picardy tried to maintain the alliance, but those fortunes waxed or waned depending who the current Galician king or regent was. Petty regents would let alliances slip away, not understanding their importance to keeping the Swabians from their aggressive acts."

Kat took a long sigh. "And that brings us to today. We have an ineffectual Galician regent who cares for nothing outside his own borders. We have squabbling between the Picards and the Carinthians. The Apulians have no army and the no one lifted a finger to help the Nax from being conquered. It is truly a troubled time."

"One of the traders mentioned that the Apulians were looking to rebuild their army after what happened to the Nax," said Jack. "Perhaps there is hope yet?"

"Even still, it takes a long time to train an army to fight properly," said Kat. "Even then, they will be untested until they taste battle, which puts in doubt their effectiveness. I really fear for the world if this Swabian aggression continues to go unchecked."

"Not unchecked," said Jack with a soft smile. "I'd say we've checked them here, don't you think?"

Kat turned to look at him. "We did, Jack, but we've only destroyed a regiment of theirs. Their army is large, and their ships are dominant. Not to mention, there's just too few of us. Even if we managed to string together an alliance between the Sorellans, Andalucians, and Picards, we'd still be too few in number to take on the empire if they decided to strike anywhere with force."

"So what you're saying then is that we need the Galicians? That I need to find a way to convince this regent to fight for us?"

Kat scoffed. "Good luck with Regent Eric Rosdahl. You'd have a better chance at convincing the Swabian emperor to become a pacifist."

"There has to be a way for us," said Jack firmly. "And it's not just those nations that are standing together against the Swabians. You have the might of the Javan Empire on your side as well. We'll find a way to do this, Kat. I can't complete my mission in the Vector if the Swabians keep attacking my new allies."

She nodded slowly. "Sometimes I need to remind myself that we need to take things one step at a time. I have a bad habit of getting too far ahead of myself. I should focus on the road ahead and where it leads us and not get lost in the big picture."

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea. We'll be leaving soon from this country," said Jack. "I need to do one last thing in Septhada before we go and then we go try to convince the Picards to join our alliance. I just hope we have a better time there than we had in the last two countries."

Kat smiled and looked at him. "We can hope!"

*****

Across the sea from Andalucia, on the grand island of Cormfeld in the Empire of Swabia, Lord Regaulfus Avila stood on the upper balcony of his palace watching the training field below. The palace was large, decadent, and had way too much space for him alone to make adequate use of. Even this balcony was attached to a mostly unused wing of the palace, the extra space not needed to maintain him and his servants. He only used the balcony because it gave the most excellent views of the training field below, and on occasion, he enjoyed watching the veterans of his personal regiments train for battle.

Today's training was for target practice. Below him, the field echoed with the roar of rifle fire as about twenty men worked their own individual target while several instructors observed. While normally the instructors would be there to teach, they were mostly unneeded in the veteran formations that made up some of his first regiments. And while he was too far away to observe the targets, their choreographed movements and smooth firing let him know that they were some of the best in the field. Not just anyone could be a member of Lord Avila's regiments.

Their training could be grueling. Weeks upon weeks of poor food, little sleep, barking sergeants, and subtle psychological threats ensured that only the best came out on the other end. Infractions were dealt with swiftly and harshly. Death was a daily occurrence. One estimate of the graduation rate was only about fifteen percent. It was a tough curriculum, and you always walked into it with your life in your hands every single day.

Avila wouldn't have it any other way. Some of the other lords in Swabia were content with quantity over quality but not him. He wanted to know that when his soldiers went into the field, they were going to achieve victory every time, no matter the cost.

It was also why the soldiers in his regiments were forbidden from surrendering. Retreating was also something that was heavily frowned upon, and only could be used if the good justification could be given for it. Yet no matter the situation that the regiments found themselves in, they could expect to hold their ground. The price for those that surrendered was much worse. Avila refused to barter for the lives of those that surrendered. Any of those that were returned to him after the conflict was over were put to death. He had no use for those without the required zeal to be one of his soldiers.

Avila's attention was diverted back to the field as one of the sergeant's blew a whistle, signaling the next group to step up to the shooting platform. This training would go on all day, at great personal cost to him in salaries and bullets. Most of it was paid for by his numerous investments, including the slaves from Naxos and the mines in Andalucia. Yet other funds came from the people of Cormfeld, taxes levied to keep them safe while defending their island.

He was also no stranger to other, more unique investments that had paid off splendidly, letting him afford this gigantic palace and a budget that most other lords salivated over. All of it was necessary though. You didn't rise in Swabian society without having a source of income. And his hopes for his position were always elevating.

His ambition didn't come without consequences. Smaller lords than himself were always looking to bring him down a peg. Any misstep on his part could invite a knife into his back, a fact that was unavoidable in Swabian power politics. He had to keep rising, or else he might stagnant. If he stagnated, he knew his enemies would strike.

Avila became aware of the sounds of footsteps behind him. For a brief moment, he contemplated whether it might be another assassin. He'd already avoided two of them this past month—sloppy affairs that didn't manage to get anywhere close to him. Yet, it still was enough to always have him on his guard constantly, even though the premises were surrounded by his own personal guard and his regiments.

You didn't stay alive without taking extra precautions.

Avila hazarded a side glance behind him, relaxing when he saw one of his servants approaching him. He turned to face the man fully.

"My lord, your cousin Adalbert sends a messenger. Shall I send him up?"

Avila nodded. "Yes, that'll be fine. I need some news about the developments in Andalucia. Send him in."

The servant nodded and retraced his steps before waiting near the open door to the chambers. After a few moments, two men walked in through the door. The first one seemed to be leading the second, and after they got closer, Avila could see that the second one was being led in chains. The man leading him was narrow-faced, with large, beady eyes and an overly sweaty face. The second man was known to him, his dark hair and features having graced this palace before.

As they reached the balcony, both men bowed deeply before resuming their stances before him.

"My Lord Avila, your cousin Adalbert sends his greetings. He hopes to find you well," started the beady-eyed man.

"I hope Adalbert is sending back some good news," said Avila as he eyed the prisoner. "His last message was not very promising. I'd like a better report."

If it was possible, the man got even sweatier. "Unfortunately, Adalbert had to send his regrets. The campaign to unseat the new King of Andalucia has run into some . . . complications."

Avila sighed. "What kind of complications?"

"As you know, our plans there were unsettled when Jack Easterbrook took the throne of the country. Our payments in gold were stopped shortly after, so Adalbert started to invest his time in swaying the clans to rebel against him. We even sent one of your personal regiments against him."

"Ah, yes, the 4th Regiment. Avila's Conquerors. How do they fair?"

The man wiped his face. "Unfortunately my lord, they have been defeated in battle."

Avila slammed his fist against a wooden table near the door. "Defeated! How?"

The man gulped heavily. "They were attacked by Easterbrook's army. Lured in is more accurate, my lord. They were then surrounded on all sides and . . . destroyed."

Avila felt his upper lip trembling in anger. "Destroyed? They are all dead?"

"There were no survivors, my lord."

Avila started to swear. An entire regiment of soldiers, personally trained and equipped at his expense, was now gone. They were supposed to be some of the best trained warriors in the war. Now, they were useless to him, lying dead in the sands of backwards Andalucia.

"That is most unfortunate for Adalbert," said Avila before he turned to look at the prisoner. "And Berimund as well. He was tasked with keeping that country under our control. It's obvious that he's failed not once but twice."

The prisoner finally made eye contact with him. Berimund's legs began to shake. "My l-lord, it can still be saved—"

"Silence!" roared Avila before he reached out to backhand the man across the face. Berimund nearly collapsed to the floor, only resuming his stance with fearful eyes.

Avila struggled to regain his composure. All he could think about was the amount of money lost, the time spent influencing the Andalucian sand-fuckers, the lucrative slave trade that was now obviously over. Yet he was greeted by the sight of another failure.

"I can see now why you're here, Berimund," said Avila with managed composure. "Do you have any final words to explain your failure?"

"Please, my lord, I beg of you. Let me have another chance," said Berimund as he assumed his knees in front of him. The man started to weep as he grabbed at Avila's robes, pleading for forgiveness. "I can do this, my lord. If you send me back, I'll turn the entire country around."

"You've already lost one of my regiments, Berimund," said Avila with a heavy sigh. "You've lost the rest of the country. If Easterbrook has united the country, you'll have lost your only chance. I can recognize when it's time to cut our losses and move onto something else. I believe now is one of those times."

"Let me go to another country, my lord," pleaded Berimund. "Or set me on another task. I can do it. I can prove my worth to you, I promise you that."

"I'm afraid your time is at an end, Berimund." Avila reached into his own robes and wrapped his fingers around the knife that was sheathed at his side. In one smooth motion, he whipped it from his side and flickered his wrist so that the blade cut into the narrow flesh of Berimund's throat. A small, red line opened up immediately in the wake of the blade, and soon a rush of blood erupted from the wound. Berimund's eyes went wide in his final moments, and his body soon crumpled against the ground.

Avila bent down to wipe his knife on Berimund's gray robes, cleaning it of all the blood before he sheathed it again and stepped away. Looking down at his own robes, he noticed a speck of blood against his shin.

"And to think, the man soils my robe with his blood. One final insult," he said while giving a subtle tsk-tsk.

"I will dispose of his body properly, my lord," said the messenger.

"And send someone in to clean up this blood. I don't want it staining my carpet."

"At once, my lord."

"This Jack Easterbrook is becoming a very real threat to our people. I want you to get a new message out to my cousin. I'm giving him a new mission. One that he cannot fail. Remind him that even though he is the son of my mother's little sister, no one under my employ gets second chances. Make sure he understands that."

"I'll deliver the message just as you gave it, my lord," said the messenger with a heavy gulp.

"Good. I'm going to have Adalbert join an existing mission I have going on. One that is turning our enemies against one another." Avila spent the next ten minutes ironing out the new mission that he wanted Adalbert to partake in. After he was finished speaking, the messenger gave a deep bow.

"I understand perfectly, my lord. I will get this to Adalbert at once."

The man left the room shortly after while two cleaning servants came in to remove the blood and body of Berimund. They dropped his body with the bodies of the other recruits who couldn't quite make it through training. A waste, no doubt, but it was worth sending the message to all of those still employed by him. He could only afford to take the best with him to the very top.

It also meant his own plans had to change. The loss of Andalucia was a setback, even as the loss of Sorella was a setback. The same man had taken both of them from him, and it was long past the time that Jack Easterbrook felt his wrath directly. He could have no more setbacks. And that meant he needed to reach out to his allies.

Avila walked across the length of the palace to his own personal office, located on the fourth floor that overlooked the gardens. Upon entry, he immediately sat down at his desk, and began to cycle through some recent correspondence. After he'd flipped through messages from the rulers of Samara, slave reports from Naxos, and lastly a recent proclamation from the Swabian emperor, Avila came across the letter he was looking for. It had been dated for only two weeks prior, and he still hadn't had a chance to respond to it yet. Now was the perfect time.

If he was going to go up against Jack Easterbrook, he needed the help of the one other man who could leverage the same proper force. Someone who would understand the threat of the man who had so disturbed their own plans. With that in mind, he began to write:

ATTN: ERIC ROSDAHL

REGENT OF GALICIA

*****

About a week later, Jack and his army finally arrived back in Septhada. The city seemed to have prepared for his arrival, or they'd at least received notice of what day to expect him. Many of its denizens celebrated the return of their king with great fanfare. Almost half the city came out to greet them as they crossed the threshold of its boundaries, happy faces excited to have their victorious king returning once more. One surprising facet was just how many faces Jack recognized as belonging to former slaves, those that had taken the payment he'd set up before the latest uprising. They seemed to cheer the loudest of anyone.

It was a reminder of a task that had been started but not completed, and it was one of the main items he wanted to finish before he left the country. In doing so, he could leave with his conscience intact, knowing that he did the right thing.

It was for that reason that he spent the first couple days working out the logistics of how it could happen. He'd planned to replicate the same form of initial payment to get them on their feet, but vast sums of gold were required to pay every former slave in the country. Although the fortune that had been going to the Swabians had been seized, it was still inadequate to reach the entire country, which required some interesting fund-seeking on his part. As Jack utilized Bazu for help in finding where they could acquire those funds, he finally got to the place where he could issue his long-awaited proclamation.

On the morning of, Jack had assembled the city leaders of Septhada as well as nearby clan chiefs to the palace fortress in order to read off the carefully prepared statement that he'd spent the entire previous night working on. As they seated themselves in the main receiving hall, Jack formally took the platform in front of them to read off the message.

"As you all know, Andalucia has recently come under a heavy degree of turmoil," he started, looking out to the rest of the room. "I can't deny that I've not had my fair share in the role of that turmoil, but the country is now at peace. The northern uprising has been defeated, and the meddling in this country by the Swabian Empire has ended. However, there remains one piece of Andalucian society that still needs set to rights. An institution that needs to end."

"For that reason, on this day, I have ordered that all forms of slavery in Andalucia are henceforth abolished. No man should be shackled to the whims of another man. In this country, we will have free men and women, capable of choosing the lives that suits them best."

Jack took careful measure of the mood of the audience. Many of the city leaders bowed their heads in acceptance, most likely knowing this motion was coming after the release of Septhada's slaves. The clan chiefs were more reserved in their reaction, something that Jack expected from them. To his credit, none of them showed any public displeasure. His relief for that was palpable, but the uprising had the effect of removing any clans that dared to still show opposition to him. Those that were left had accepted his leadership and had shown a degree of loyalty.

"To that end," continued Jack. "I will be charging each individual clan chief with freeing the slaves in their clans upon their return. To do so, they will receive a small treasury of gold with which to give to each slave to start their new life." Jack then gave a veiled and threatening look to the clan chiefs. "Any chief who does not free their own slaves will find their clan forfeited back to my control."

Several of them wiggled in their seats uncomfortably at that message. Jack knew it was a little over the top, but he wanted it perfectly clear that this gold they were about to receive was for the slaves alone. It was not to enter their own personal treasuries.

"To help enforce this new ruling, I will be sending some of my own personal Sciavo with the clan chiefs to ensure my will is done," added Jack, putting the proper insurance in place.

While half the room looked like they wanted to celebrate, the other half had the complete opposite reaction. It was a polarizing issue by any accounts, yet it needed to happen. Backwards Andalucia could no longer tolerate such an affront to all humanity.

"With the passage of the new law, and the release of these slaves, all slave pens and markets are to be destroyed. They will have no use in our new Andalucia," said Jack. "To add to that point, no longer will Methusa be the site of the slave trade in the country. It is to retain its status as a free city, guarded by my own Sciavo to keep it safe."

Jack then softened his tone as he looked around to each individual face in the room. "I know this message comes at quite the cost to this country, but I truly believe this is the right thing to do. Men were not created to be in shackles. Each man is entitled to his own life and to make his own choices. Let that happen in Andalucia now. Let's show these people that they have earned their lives, and they can have a chance to be free."

As soon as he stopped speaking, a small minority of the room burst out in uproarious applause. Others clapped more out of convention, unable to contain their disappointment. He didn't expect everyone to love the change, just for them to live with it.

Word in the city spread rapidly about the news, and just a couple hours later, the same degree of celebrations were taking place just as they had before the uprising. Once more, Jack listened to the sound of the city from outside the palace, relishing the thought of doing the right thing for the entire country.

He wasn't alone though. From behind him came Masud, his deputy with the Burlada. Masud approached his side and looked out to the city.

"They took your proclamation very well from what I can see, Your Majesty," said the older man while gesturing to the sounds emanating from the city.

Jack nodded. "I had hoped they would, but I was more worried about the clan chiefs."

"They will do as they're told. They might not like it very much, but I doubt any more of them have any thoughts of crossing you. You've made quite the impression on the leaders of this country, Your Majesty."

"We've fought long enough just to get to this point, Masud. I would have hated to see all those dead for no purpose. After all, I didn't come here to be king. I just wanted to rescue one woman."

Masud chuckled. "Love makes us do crazy things, doesn't it?"

Jack smiled but didn't answer. Do I love Kat? Is it possible to know for sure when I know so little about who she really is?

"Lots of things will change now. I'm willing to bet this country will be unrecognizable here in another six months," continued Masud.

"You'll have to keep me informed on the changes. I'll want to hear all about them."

Masud turned to look at him. "You're not staying?"

Jack shook his head. "I can't stay. I have my own mission to get back to."

"Your Majesty, the king never leaves Andalucia. It's never happened before. Your place is here with your people."

"Well, now is the time for change, Masud," said Jack with a small smile. "If you can get used to not having slaves, perhaps you can get used to not having me around every day?"

"Who will rule the country though, sire?"

"I'm thinking of appointing my own regent to act in my name while I'm away," he said while pointing back to the palace. "Someone who can take care of day-to-day decisions. Someone who I can trust. Do you think the clan chiefs would have a problem with that?"

Masud didn't take long to think about that before he answered. "As long as you're in charge, I don't think they would try anything. You've managed to cow a lot of them into submission. You deserve a lot of credit for that, Your Majesty. It doesn't happen here often."

Jack started to chuckle. "Maybe it will keep them from making trouble. Anyway who knows? With there about to be a lot more labor needed to fill the roles of the former slaves, perhaps they won't have much time for starting small, petty wars any more."

"You're a devious man, Your Majesty," said Masud with a heavy laugh.

Jack laughed alongside him. "I try, Masud. I try."

"Tell me, sire, what is to become of the Burlada? And the Muthada and Numratha for that matter? You are still technically our clan chief, as well as king. Traditionally, the king appoints a new clan chief to his former clan when he ascends to the throne. What are you to do with us?"

Jack patted the man's shoulder. "You'll find out tomorrow, Masud. I have big plans in store for you and the Burlada."

Masud looked back at him with a degree of confusion and a look that almost made Jack feel bad for leading the man on.

I'm sure he'll forgive me when he finds out what his fate will be in the morning, he thought to himself as he walked away.

*****

The next morning, Jack sat at a small meeting table with the deputies for all the clans that still acknowledged him as clan chief. To his right sat Greg and to his left was Kat, both waiting for all the deputies to arrive and be seated. Inwardly, he had to wonder if they knew why they were here. Abel and Samir seemed to not have any notions of what was to come from this meeting, yet Masud gave him a knowing look. His nephews did as well. Jack imagined that he'd shared the information with them about his intent to leave Andalucia.

Once they had all seated themselves before him, Jack stood up to start the meeting.

"Thank you all for joining me," he said with a warm smile as he looked at each of them. "Of all the clans in Andalucia, you three represent those that are the closest to me. While at one time, we all found ourselves enemies to each other, now we find ourselves allies. And as my allies, I wanted to share this upcoming news with you first. I'm planning to leave Andalucia in a few days and continue on with a mission I have with my own government."

Predictably, the deputies from the Burlada didn't look at all surprised, confirming his earlier suspicions. However, Abel and Samir looked greatly confused and even somewhat distressed at his announcement.

Before they could voice their objections, Jack put his hand up. "I understand that this is a big change to Andalucian society, but it's something that needs to happen. To that end, we still have some unfinished business that I need to take care of before I leave. To start things off, I'd like to ask Abel of the Muthada to rise please."

The young deputy blinked at him several times before he remembered that he was to stand. He did so somewhat awkwardly as Jack approached him. Jack wasn't sure if there was an official ceremony for what he wanted to do, but he came up with his own plan for the events that followed.

"Abel, will you bow before me?" he asked the man, gesturing to the ground.

Without any words, Abel's knees soon touched the floor as his forehead did the same. Upon rising, Jack stopped him with a hand on the shoulder.

"From this moment onward, I appoint you as Clan Chief of the Muthada. You will lead them from this moment onward until you take your last breath. Rise now, Clan Chief."

Abel exhaled hard when Jack started speaking but once he figured out where it was going, he couldn't help the silly grin on his face, fully taking his king's words and the meaning behind them. For Jack, it was a moment that was long past due. His deputies had shown themselves to be loyal, brave fighters. Even though they had come to him by chance, they had proven themselves worthy of the honor he now bestowed upon them.

They would make good leaders of their clans.

Samir of the Numratha had much the same reaction as Abel, seeming to relish the unexpected elevation in his position. It was only once Jack came to the Burlada that he had the first real decision to make. Knowing each of the three men well, he wondered who to choose to make the new clan chief.

Masud had the most experience, being the oldest of the three men. Wabu was the oldest of the old clan chief's sons and by custom, the one with the most claim to it. Even Hafiz was a possibility, the man having come a long way since their first terse meeting shortly after their father had perished in battle. Yet, Jack knew what he wanted to do.

"Wabu of the Burlada, I appoint you as the new Clan Chief. May you lead them well and may your fortunes rise as their new leader."

Jack knew he made the right choice when both Masud and Hafiz soon congratulated their kin on his elevation. It wasn't the easiest choice to pick Wabu, and Jack could see a small measure of disappointment in Masud's eyes. Yet, he had a different role in mind for that of Masud, and he now turned to face the man.

"Masud, I told you last night that I had big plans in store for you. Owing to your experience and your wise counsel, I'm appointing you as my regent while I'm away from Andalucia. You will stay here in Septhada and rule in my name," said Jack. "All of the clans are to obey you as if you were me. I task you with keeping me informed of all that is going on in the country, of defending her shores, of keeping the former slaves free, and with the well-being of all her people. Do you accept, Masud?"

Masud's eyes were filled with tears as he kneeled down before Jack. As his forehead touched the floor, he pushed himself back up to look at his sovereign. "I will do all that you command me to do, Your Majesty. I hope to live up to your expectations of me."

Jack patted the man on the shoulder. "I know you will. You've shown yourself to be a good man, a wise leader, and an able soldier. I know you will do well, and it'll keep my mind at peace while I'm away."

Jack let the men digest the huge changes that had just befallen them, taking a few steps back. These men were all capable and worthy of guarding the kingdom while he continued his mission. I feel right about this one. They will capably defend their clans and Andalucia.

After the group of men had started to chatter amongst themselves excitedly, Jack noticed that the youngest of them, Abel, seemed to lack the enthusiasm of the others. He approached the man quickly and questioned him.

"What seems to be on your mind, Clan Chief?" asked Jack with a sly grin. "You don't seem as excited as you were just a little bit ago."

Abel nodded. "Still just trying to take it all in, Your Majesty. I've never been a clan chief before. Nor did I ever expect to become one."

"I thought the same thing when you first informed me that I was in command of the Muthada," said Jack. "It will grow on you with time. You'll figure out what the best thing to do will be with more experience. You'll make mistakes, but that's part of being chief. The best ones learn from them. I wouldn't have picked you if I didn't see it in you to be one of the best, Abel."

The younger man nodded. "I guess I'm just not sure what to do now. How do I get started?"

Jack laughed and touched the man's shoulders. "Now we celebrate. We'll have a big feast this evening before I'm due to leave. And we'll toast the new clan chiefs and the new future of Andalucia."

Abel started to chuckle. "I could definitely go for something to eat!"

*****

Late in the afternoon, Kat sat in front of a vanity in the quarters she shared with Jack. She was preparing for the banquet tonight, a joint celebration of the new clan chiefs as well as a farewell dinner before they left for Methusa and eventually to Picardy. She had just washed her hair not long ago, and was now trying to bring some order to the chaos. The brush made smooth work through the lustrous locks, but she had trouble deciding how she wanted to wear it. She was still deciding when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," she called out.

In popped Vera, and she quickly slammed the door behind her. She had a look of panic on her face. "I have almost nothing to wear to this dinner! Most of my clothes are more practical instead of dressy. I can't go without having something to mark the occasion!"

Kat started to giggle. "Why don't you check some of my things in there?" she said while pointing to the closest. "I didn't have anything when I arrived here so once Jack freed me, he let me go shopping down at the market."

"Would it be okay if I borrowed something for the evening?" pleaded Vera.

"Of course! It just might be a little tight across the chest for you." Kat gestured to Vera's much larger bustline, especially compared with her own.

Vera shrugged. "I'm willing to deal if something looks nice. A little discomfort can be worth it for temporary gain." She then pushed into the closest, and Kat heard her sampling a few dresses while she continued to brush her hair.

A few moments later, Vera emerged wearing one dress and holding another. "What do you think of this one?"

"Pass on that," said Kat while she wrinkled her nose. "It's not a good fit for you." Even though Vera had a spectacular body with just the right amount of curves, the dress didn't do her any favors. It would make her look too boxy. Kat didn't care for it either, thinking she might end up leaving it in the closest when they left for Methusa.

Vera took a deep sigh. "Okay, let me try this other one."

Vera began to slip out of the first dress, letting it bunch around her waist after she'd removed the straps and then let it fall to the floor. She was only wearing a small pair of underwear underneath. Kat wasn't exactly shocked—she'd spent enough time with Vera that she'd seen her in various states of undress, but the way that she was positioned made something come to her attention. Something that just so happened to reflect off the light in the room.

Kat slid closer to her as Vera stepped into the other dress and tried to hold her gasp. "Vera, what's this?" Kat reached out to run her fingers over the skin of the other woman's hip. There was a slight blemish in her flesh, an imperfection that had a distinct shape.

"Oh, that," said Vera before turning her attention back to the dress. "That's a birthmark. I've had it as long as I can remember."

"It certainly has a distinct shape to it, wouldn't you agree?" asked Kat. Her fingers traced the distinct pattern once more before she turned to look up at Vera.

"I've always hated it," said Vera. "It almost looks like a branding. Or a bulls-eye."

Kat smiled and tried to hold back the tears. Once more she traced it before she pulled her hands away, noticing Vera was now staring at her.

"Kat, are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine," lied Kat. "It's just not every day you see things like that."

Vera started to giggle. "What, birthmarks? Everyone has them! I bet even you do!" She then pulled the dress up over her waist and stomach, before sliding the straps over her shoulders. "Does this one look any better?"

Vera had to ask the question twice before Kat snapped back to reality. "Yes, much! It looks so much better on you, Vera."

"Finally," said the other woman with a long sigh. "I was beginning to think I'd never find the right dress. I'm going to finish getting ready in my room and I'll see you there?"

Kat nodded. "Of course. See you in a little bit."

As Vera left the room, Kat's mind was still buzzing. What are the odds? How did I get so lucky in this? And how did it happen to my closest friend?

As her mind went over all the possibilities, she knew she shouldn't have been so shocked. It was fated by the prophecy. She was just the agent of change, in charge of seeing it through. Was there any doubt that these people and patterns were drawn to her? It couldn't help but make her smile, and it only served to make her choices more rewarding.

She was still smiling that evening when she prepared for bed with Jack after the banquet. As she slipped into more comfortable clothes, she moved over to where he was sitting, draping her arms around his shoulders from behind. "Hi," she whispered with a breathy voice.

"Hi, yourself," he said with a grin. "I take it you enjoyed dinner?"

"Very much so," she answered. "Everything that's happened since we got back to Septhada has been wonderful."

"Quite a change of pace, right? A lot different from finding ourselves constantly at war or under threat."

"It's not a bad way to live life," she said with a giggle. She tried to make herself focus on his eyes. Those piercing blue eyes that seemed to find their way into her soul every time. "I'm so proud of you, Jack."

"Why's that?"

"For what you've done here. Your actions, your words, all of it. I think if anyone could turn Andalucia around, it could only be you."

"Somehow I think our work is far from over here. This has just been about Andalucia recently. We still have a long way to go."

Kat nodded. "We do, and I know you'll do well in other places too. Just like how all the former slaves now have you to thank for their freedom here."

"I just hope they can make something of their lives now, especially having so much time squandered in service to someone else unwillingly."

Kat couldn't contain her grin. "You've given them a new lease on life. You've brought a new light into their lives. What they make of it is up to them, but you were the one to give them that key." And in doing so, you fulfilled another line of prophecy, she thought.

Jack chuckled. "Talking with you always makes me feel better."

She gave him a sultry look and then kissed him deeply. "Why talk when there's so much more we can be doing?"

"I'm open to suggestions," he growled in return.

She pulled him by the hand to their bed. "I want to kiss you until my lips ache. Until we fall asleep. Can you do that?"

He answered her by kissing her passionately. They tumbled onto bed, and for the next thirty minutes, Kat got her fill of his lips. He was the first one to fall asleep, and for the rest of the time she was awake, she rested her hand lightly against his back, gently stroking him.

She had searched for him for three years of her life and now here he was, within her grasp. Not only that, he'd proven every test he'd been through so far, fulfilling prophecy on his own without any help or nudging. It was time to pull back the curtain and explain his destiny and his background.

She looked forward to landing in Picardy to visit her home, but the trip wasn't about her anymore. It was about him.

After all, the king deserved to hear the truth. He also needed the symbol of his throne.

And she was going to give him both.