Determined faces surrounded me, waiting patiently for the news I had to deliver.

“I’ll cut to the chase. They want to take over Far Reach, build a temple of Devotion, and have their soldiers stationed here. They said we would allow us to keep position of power here, though we’d be governed centrally as part of Malatia. Which to me basically means we’d have sweet fuck all power here. In our own town. Just so we’re clear. I told them, no thanks.”

“Oh aye,” Fakasta said. “I’m sure that’s exactly how told them.”

I replied with a quick wink before continuing. “Beyond that, they told me they’re more likely to side with Darkness than Justice and that they are now very much opposed to Natom Hilgresh. Though honestly, I don’t believe a word of it.”

“There is no reason to have agreed to those terms,” Grigor said flatly. “Other than the threat of a war. But we are surrounded by war, anyway. What’s one more enemy.”

Joel looked less convinced. “I mean, I don’t think we should be making enemies for the sake of it, and I sure as hell wouldn’t say no to more allies, either. Especially since Mal’s with them. But, this is shady as fuck. Those terms are so ridiculous it’s almost like they don’t want us to agree, anyway. Did you offer an alliance?”

“I made it clear we would tolerate an alliance. But that we would never hand over Far Reach. We basically finished with me telling them to send Mal up if they want to negotiate an alliance where Far Reach remains independent. Or to just send their damn army up.”

I looked to Fakasta to see what his response would be. He looked to be deep in thought. Either that or taking a dump in his armor.

“Fakasta? What do you think about all of that?”

He shook his head as if clearing his thoughts. “I should send someone to speak with Grimstrom, the King or even Darkness himself with this.”

“That’d be great, but let them know, I won’t bend on the independence. Malatia can either be trade and diplomatic partners or we fight.”

“I can’t guarantee Darkness will go to war with Devotion over this, Clive. You might have no choice but to accede to their demands up to a point.”

Grastad started laughing. “Of course he has a choice, Fakasta. We’ll just fight them without you. When we started this settlement up, we didn’t have your help and we were ready to take on all comers. Nothing’s changed. This is our town, and we won’t give it up for a few pretty words and idle threats.

“Well said,” Grigor added immediately.

It strengthened my resolve seeing all of Far Reach council nodding in agreement.

“You may well have condemned us to a war we cannot win against Devotion’s followers, Lord Clive,” Zeine added seriously. “It would have been easier and simpler to take the offered chalice and hope that it was not poisoned. Yet, my people and others here have been harried from our home lands. Our friends and family slaughtered in the name of these Gods. So it warms my heart that you do not surrender what power we have gained here so meekly to one of them. If they wish to work with us, that is well, but we should never accept the burden of their control.”

“Thanks for your word’s Zeine. They mirror my own thoughts on the matter. We’ll do our best to control our own destiny. For now, we wait and see what Devotion decides to do. And what word comes from Nuinaer.”

“I’ll go now and pass on the information you’ve given me,” Fakasta said and left towards the tunnel.

My eyes wandered over the lines of our waiting warriors. “We should probably rest people up. Can’t have everyone standing like that for days on end.”

“I will see to a rotation,” Grigor offered. “Though we’ll keep everyone on high alert still.”

“Thanks Grigor, I’m going up to the castle roof. I want to keep an eye on them for a little while.”

He nodded stoically and went to wards our lines while I flew up with Sania hot on my heels. On landing, I acknowledged the eight Krysan who were responsible for manning the four large ballista. One of them stood watch while the other seven sat around a fire keeping their hands warm. A much-enjoyed necessity to operating the mechanism of the powerful weapons, because although the winter had passed, and the days were starting to get noticeably longer, the air was still cold.

Sania and I moved over to the parapet surrounding the wall and looked out down the valley saying very little. Instead, my mind filled with thoughts and surprisingly very few doubts. If I had any qualms about my decision over Malatia, the support of the council smothered it.

While I could have probably been more diplomatic, it had never really been my way to sweet talk and kiss ass just because someone thought they were important, and I wasn’t going to change that now.

The day dragged on without an attack, nor any sign of Mal. The soldiers in the Malatian camp never seemed to move at all. I couldn’t make out many details, but Sania informed me of those that were important.

As the daylight waned, the arrival of Feen and another Wultr on the roof signalled the end of our watch.

“Lord Clive, Lady Sania.” Feen said. “Grimstrom has arrived, and he wishes to speak with you. We will take over your watch now.”

“Ah, thank you Feen. But haven’t you been standing on the wall for most of the day?”

“I’ve just came from a rest and an evening meal. Kuhn is resting now. He and another will take over from us later in the night. Do not worry, everything is covered.”

I smiled and headed down into the room of the main hall underneath, with Sania.

The fire for the hall was roaring and crackling and throwing out enough heat to warm the entire space surprisingly well considering the lack of windows.

Grimstrom sat at the table with Fakasta awaiting our arrival. Grigor sat opposite them and stood as we entered.

“Ah, Clive. I’ve heard all about the offers and troubles that have been made.”

“Good to see you Grimstrom, and how do the dwarves of Nuinaer stand on this?”

“Our relations are good with Malatia, which is not something we wish to throw away. If it was Destruction or Justice, there would be no doubt, but this is something a little different. We should probably seek further discussion with them before making any further rash decisions. This is technically their land.”

I couldn’t keep the frustration from my voice as I shifted in my chair. “I haven’t made any rash decisions in regard to Malaita, Grimstrom. They’ve made a rash decision to come here and demand we hand Far Reach over. Which we won't do. Not just me, but the full council are in agreement. We are independent and we will stay that way.”

“This isn’t their land, either,” Sania added with more than a little heat in her voice. “This is the land of my birth and the home of my ancestors. The Malatians may claim these mountains with words, but we claim them with our lives and the lives of those that came before us.”

“All the same, they feel they feel they have a right and they are offering a tentative alliance. Better to have them side with us, than with Justice.”

“Have you spoken with Darkness?” I asked.

“He is silent for the moment, but I believe I know what his wishes would be in this matter. And that would be to try and develop talks further than they have gone so far.”

“So if the Malatians attack tomorrow?”

“We will do as we agreed,” Fakasta said.

Grimstrom nodded, but took it further. “But, Devotion are not our enemy, and we won’t want to provoke a war with them. Not in our current predicament. If they bring further armies up into the mountains, we will not be able engage with them. We have concerns in our own land to prepare for.”

I wanted to rant at Grimstrom. Point out the promises that had been made by Darkness himself. But I could see where he was coming from. They had only intended to defend us against their own enemies. Not Devotion.

I slapped my hands down on the table in frustration and met Grimstrom’s eyes.

“I understand. You consider them allies and the only remaining power in the area that might have your backs in this war. I offered them the chance to speak again, Grimstrom. We will see if they take me up on it, and if they do, we can see what compromises can be made. But let me be clear. I won’t accept Malatian governance. I’d rather move off the land and take everyone with me, than accept their rule. Though I think it more likely we’ll fight to the last as there’s not really anywhere else for any of us to go, is there?”

He let out a big sigh. “I suppose not, Clive. It’s a difficult situation, but I will attend any further talks with you if you wish?”

“Of course, as long as you accept that I won’t give up independence.”

The burly dwarf shrugged noncommittally, and our meeting came to an end.

As I walked away from the strangely tense meeting, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me from the rollercoaster of the day we’d had. And we hadn’t even fought a battle yet.

I dove on my bed and silently rejoiced that I had the equivalent of an off button because despite the exhaustion, I knew there’d be no way I’d get to sleep the old-fashioned way with the thoughts buzzing around my head.

As soon as I opened my eyes the following morning, the stress and strains came flooding back in with force, though with a fresh mind, I was far better equipped to deal with it.

After a quick breakfast of porridge and berries and our new supply of hazelnuts, I took my place on the top of the castle roof again with Sania. Everything looked the same as yesterday apart from the white sheen of morning frost on the tree tops.

It wasn’t until two hours later that we saw signs of life leaving the encampment . Two figures, one of them was a black shape on all fours, the other in armour that reflected the low morning sun. It didn’t take a genius to work out who they were, and I couldn’t fight the grin that spread on my face. I watched them for a few more minutes before jumping from the castle roof, angling my descent to the front of those lining the opening in the wall.

“Messenger coming,” I shouted as I landed.

Within minutes, Joel arrived by my side to stand with me. “Is it him?”

“I reckon so, mate. Whoever it is walking alone with a black dog.

Joel nodded. “Good. Let’s see what the sly arsehole’s got to say for himself.”

“I thought you were looking forward to seeing him?”

“I am, but he’s still a prick for leaving us.”

“Well, we have to let it go, Joel. He made what he thought was the right decision for him at the time, and he’s still our mate.”

Joel didn’t reply, but he his face was stretched with a grin.

After another ten minutes had passed before a heavily armored man with an exceptionally large Labrador at his side came into view. He strode confidently toward us. His face covered with a visor. Once he was certain that no one was attacking him, he raised the visor and shouted over. “They said I had to come alone, but I didn’t think you pair of wankers would mind B coming along.”

I didn’t answer Mal, instead I dropped to one knee, and shouted of Boris.

“Hello boy, how ya doing?”

Boris came bounding over happily, barrelling into me. Tongue lashing out. He was level 18 now and much bigger than last time we’d seen him. Built more like a mastiff than a Labrador. A quick looked up to Mal, showed he was level eighteen too. The same as Joel.

“Boris is more welcome here than you are, you daft sod,” Joel said.

“We should probably tone it down a bit before we end up arguing,” I suggested.

“I wasn’t arguing,” Joel shrugged. “Just stating a fact.”

I ignored him and beckoned for Mal to follow. “Come on then, mate. Let’s get ourselves comfortable so you can tell us why I should listen to a damn word Devotion’s followers have to say. We’ve an important representative from Nuinaer up especially for this too.”

Mal followed, unresponsive for a while, before finally speaking. “Clive, I just want to get this out the way before we go any further. You should know Elsbeth and me have become close. Like really close.”

“More fool you, mate. But I’m sure you know what you’re doing.”

“What do you mean more fool you? She said you wouldn’t even talk to her! After everything she’s done for you.”

I felt a bubble of anger, but took a deep breath and calmly popped it. “Let’s not talk about Elsbeth, Mal. I’ve no energy to spend on that. If you think I care because of old feelings, then don’t. It’s all water under the bridge.”

“She doesn’t deserve your anger mate. You're being a prick.”

“There’s people waiting for us,” I replied as we came close to the castle entrance. He grabbed hold of my shoulder to stop me, but let go when the towering Nystiobek guard who’d appeared at the entrance let out a long, low growl at him.

5Boris tried to return the growl, but it was evident he didn’t give it his usual gusto.

“It’s alright everyone. He’s pretty much a brother to me.” I said as I marched on. Mal falling into step behind me.”

“So what’s going on here? The Mother said this was a totally new settlement.”

“It is. We’re still building it.”

“Who’s the leader here? One of the Dwarves?”

“Asking a lot of leading questions aren’t you.” I heard Joel say from behind Mal on the stairs. “This is Clive’s town. Well Clive and Sania’s.”

“Oh aye, pull the other one,” Mal laughed.

Joel chose not to reply, and I didn’t have much to say either. I wasn’t going to try and convince him. I really didn’t need to.

Everyone turned as we entered the room. All eyes fell on Mal in his shiny blue and silver armor.

As I moved to sit at the head of the table with Sania, I pointed to a nearby available chair. “Take a seat, mate. Make yourself comfortable.”

Once he was seated, I addressed the table. “Mal here is a good friend to both Joel and me. He’s from our world and we grew up together. That said, he’s the only one I trust from Devotion’s lot to tell us anything like the truth.”

Mal looked white from all of the attention. I got the sense he wasn’t expecting it to be like this.

“Mal, this is Far Reach’s council. Apart from the Dwarves back there who are our trade partners and friends.

“So why do they need to be here to discuss this?” Mal asked. He was clearly a little nervous still.

“We’re here to protect our investments,” Grimstrom replied.

“Don’t you have enough to worry about with the trouble in your land without being here?” Mal said. Surprising everyone with the question.

Grimstrom raised an amused eyebrow. “Don’t you worry about us and what we do, lad. Worry about yourself.”

I didn’t want this to descend into a pissing contest, so I tried to push on. “Mal, cut to the chase. What are the terms you’ve been sent with?” Why should we trust Devotion not to sell us out?”

“You trust Darkness,” he replied flatly.

“I have my reasons for trusting Darkness and not trusting Devotion. Now cut the bullshit and answer the question.”

“Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you trust them or not, Clive. This is their land. You either agree to their terms or they remove you.”

“It’s our land. Did they really send you here with no other offers?”

Mal laughed bitterly. “What’s going on Clive? What happened to you? You’re squatting on someone's land, and they’ve come to evict you or get their rent. How do you think this is going to play out? Just pay Malatia its dues and live here happily ever after. Hell, even me and Elsbeth have to move here once this is all settled.”

I shook my head emphatically. “No. As much as I’d like you here, Mal. I’m not handing this place over.”

“Are there no alternatives?” Grimstrom intervened. “No way to accept Far Reach as an independent state and still work with them?”

“I’ll be honest with you,” Mal said. “The leaders of the army we brought don’t expect you to surrender after the way Clive spoke to the Mother. They don’t even want you to surrender. I was only sent to give them a last chance out of respect for the dwarves, before they bring the army up here. We aren’t looking for a deal.”

“And you’re okay with that?” I snapped at Mal. But he ignored me.

“Providing the dwarves don’t get involved. Once the town is secured, you can still trade with us. We will even accept refugees from Kalabri and continue the work that has been done here.” Mal said as if that was perfectly reasonable. “My leaders also promise to keep Clive alive, though with less opportunity to cause carnage everywhere he goes.”

He turned to me with an expression of sympathy as he spoke the last words. I felt my blood boil. Only Sania’s voice calmed me.

“Ask him if he still has free will and how much the bond with Devotion demands of him?”

“I forgot about that,” I replied, gratefully.

Amidst the uproar around the table at Mal’s words, I thumped the table with a clenched fist. “Mal. Can you hear yourself? It’s like you don’t care if Malatia attacks us. The man I knew before becoming a follower of Devotion would never have turned his back on me like this?”

“Things change and you're so out of your depths, Clive. You don’t know this world or the Gods here. You need us and you're just too ignorant and angry to see it. You want to know what I really think? I think this is for your own good.”

“And this isn’t the bond of Devotion affecting your thoughts? Directly or indirectly?

“I’m not the problem here, Clive. You are. You’re always the fucking problem. You’re the problem that got us stuck here in the first place.”

“Fuck. Dude, that’s harsh,” Joel said. “And totally unfair.”

Mal ignored him. And I ignored Mal’s words.

“If you could take back the bond with Devotion would you?” I asked.

I thought I saw a brief flicker of panic in Mal’s eyes at the question, but it disappeared so fast that I couldn’t be sure, and he replied confidently.

“You don’t understand Devotion very well if you have to ask that question.”

For some reason, which was unusual for me, I picked on the nuance of Mal’s reply. Perhaps it was just a false hope, hearing what I wanted to hear, but his answer could have meant more than one thing. I couldn’t really dig into it at the minute, and I had no idea how I could even break a bond between a God and their followers, but it was something to look into. Either way, I’d decided I wasn’t going to let our friendship sour too far if I could help it. Unlike Joel who I heard speaking again.

“You’re a fucking traitor Mal.”

“I’m a traitor, Joel? You’re the one who cared about nothing but getting home. You’ll desert Clive the first chance you get!”

The smile that lit on Joel’s face would have been comical if not for the situation.

“I went home, Mal. And I chose to come back and support Clive. I took down a pit demon with my Transit on Hylton road.”

“Seriously?” Mal asked, looking genuinely surprised by the revelation.

“Deadly serious,” Joel replied. “Now we just need you to sort yourself out and come back.”

“Then take the fucking deal,” Mal shouted at Joel before zeroing back in on me. “How can being part of Malatia be worse than being stuck out here like this surrounded by enemies? It’s fucking stupid Clive. Is this all so you can have a little power over a few people who’ll listen to you or something?”

I shook my head sadly. “No mate. It’s purely that I don’t want Devotion to have any power over me. I think deep down you already do, and if you don’t I’m sure you will one day.”

Mal was about to offer another retort, but I held my hand up to stop him. “Don’t bother,” I said, walking around the table to where he sat. He jumped up as I approached, as if I was about to attack him, but I just put my hand out to shake. An expression of confusion blossomed on his face as he reached out and shook back. “Are you taking the deal?”

“No mate. It’s good bye, again. Thanks for coming and it was honestly great to see you. After all, this is over. If you ever want to stop by again, even if it’s just for a drink with us, then please do. Now come on, I’ll see you out safely. And if your troops do decide to attack, please don’t be involved. I’ll tell my people not to come after you, but that’s the best I can do if you're among the attackers.”

His face furrowed into a deep frown. “You think you can win against what we’ve brought?”

I smiled sadly. “I garunfuckingtee we can win.”

“You’re mental Clive. You’ve always been a stubborn bastard, biting off more than you can chew. But this is mental. Don’t do it.”

“It’s done. I hope you have a long, happy life with Elsbeth. All the best, mate.”

“So this is it? We’re parting as enemies?”

“You might be parting as an enemy. But I don’t think of you as one. I blame Devotion for this, and I understand the bond you have now with her probably better than you do yourself. I wish there was something I could do about it and one day I might be able to. If you want me to. You did choose to follow Devotion, and I know you’re at least a little happy with her and Elsbeth,” I said with a friendly clap on his shoulder as I led him down the stairs.

“Well, you chose Darkness!” Was his pathetic protest and I had to laugh.

“No mate. I chose myself. This isn’t Devotion vs Darkness, it’s Devotion vs me. I’m the centre of all of this.”

“What’s happened to you? You're delusional!”

“Mal. I really wish I was. Now remember, if you ever change your mind and want to support your old pal against the rest of the world, you know where I’ll be.”

“That’s what we came to do!” he shouted at me as the lines of our soldiers parted to let us through.

“You being here Mal, it’s about control. It’s always about control. If you have any love left for me and Joel, please don’t come up here in the attack. Hopefully I’ll see you again soon, under better circumstances.”

He opened his mouth to speak again, but as soon as I heard it was a further defense of Devotion, I shot up into the sky, tired of talking. Tired of waiting.

Returning to the room where everyone still remained, talking amongst themselves I announced my return.

“Well, everyone, that was. The final offer from Devotion. This means war.” I retook my seat as I spoke.

“They left us no choice,” Grigor boomed while Grimstrom stood up from his seat looking unsettled. “I’ll go back to Nuinaer and attempt to speak with Darkness, again. For now, we’ll continue as we are. Fakasta and Stilbraker’s troops will defend with you as a unit separate from Nuinaer as part of our trade agreement. That way, Nuinaer can be absolved of war making. Though there’ll be no reinforcements until I’ve spoken with Darkness and King Oblitifist at length.”

I just shrugged. What else could I do. His words didn’t exactly fit within the spirit of agreement I’d made with Darkness, but I couldn’t afford to complain either, as things stood. So I would just have to be patient and prepare for the worse.