Kaewyn stood with his arms crossed and eyes closed as the warm winds rolling off of the arid lands of Oscua brushed against his skin. It was easier to keep his eyes closed as the wind often carried dirt with it and irritated the eyes. Marcus and Arlan flanked him on either side were in the middle of discussing ideas for a potential siege. He listened in for a while, but eventually his interest waned. In truth, he would have rather been back in his tent alone rather than deal with such serious matters. He wished that he felt as confident and as self-assured as he had before the army marched into Taneby Forest at his direct command. Back then he felt as if he could accomplish anything, but now he simply felt flat and defeated. Since their losses in the forest, he had started to believe that he was unfit for such responsibility. When he looked at men like Arlan, like Marcus, they always seemed to have the answers and make the right decisions. Even the General, a man whom he had always known to be rash and reckless during his time at the Gate Captain, seemed to have grown wiser and more responsible.

Kaewyn sighed and opened his eyes. About two-hundred metres ahead of him stood the massive gate and walls of Taneby. The settlement was the beating heart of Oscua Province and its capital, while serving as the home of the militaristic Severus family. Taneby was a Castletown, which meant that the castle and town were both built together, with the immense walls of the castle surrounding the town as well as the castle itself for protection. The walls were easily an immense fifteen metres tall, nearly double that of his own humble Xu Castle. Gargantuan towers guarded each corner of the city and commanded a view of the surrounding area. The gates were made from Oscuan iron and looked to have been reinforced recently. Above the gates, the imposing gatehouse was as mighty as the towers. At a guess, Kaewyn believed it would have been possible to station well over a hundred men with bows up there. If they planned to attack Taneby, it was not going to be a simple task.

The gates of Taneby strained loudly as they creaked open slowly. Tiny figures, like ants in comparison to the walls, emerged on horseback. He counted three riders coming toward them, just as they had agreed. Once again Kaewyn found himself wishing he were somewhere else, but it had to be him. For the first time in a long time, he wished Rahim were by his side. He would gladly let his brother take command, if only it would spare him from making another mistake.

“My lord, they approach.” Arlan said as he shielded his eyes from another gust of dust filled wind.

“I know not the temperament of this… Marcus. if what Tavian has told us of his brother is true, he will be antagonistic and hostile.” Marcus explained.

“So not much different from how you usually are.” Kaewyn remarked.

“Is this really an appropriate time for humour, my lord?” Marcus replied shaking his head.

“Not really, but it makes me feel better.”

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“Forget it. They’re almost upon us.”

As the three riders came closer, Kaewyn recognised immediately the black and gold crest on the shields of the two who were obviously there to guard the third rider. He was armoured head to toe in an expensive looking full coat of plates. There was not one bit of his body that was vulnerable, and even his horse was armoured and protected.

“Paranoid much.” Marcus whispered.

The three riders stopped within speaking distance, and after a momentary pause, only the man who must have been Marcus Severus dismounted and approached. He took off his helmet and rested it in one arm and smiled a wicked smile that reminded Kaewyn immediately of his father.

“Lord Kaewyn Edderfield I presume? We meet at last!” The man said cheerily with a slight bow of the head whilst looking directly at Arlan.

“I am Arlan, grandson of Arlan the Swift. I serve Lord Kaewyn.” Arlan said proudly as he nodded towards him.

“My apologies.” Severus said with a chuckle. “I figured the man who killed my father and brothers would somehow be more… warrior like.”

Kaewyn knew that Severus’ words were aimed to sting his ego, but he still felt his blood begin to boil. He had to remain calm. Diplomacy was a mind game. Subtle insults and jabs were merely a tool to gain an advantage, one only gained if the recipient of such words let it affect them.

“One does not need to possess a warrior’s skill to win a battle.” Marcus interjected. “Your father discovered that when he challenged us to battle.”

“Ahh yes, the Battle of the Rau as they’ve begun to call it.” Severus said with a smile. “I thought my father knew better than that. To fall prey to a night attack? I almost do not believe it still.”

“Strange things tend to happen when you are blinded by overconfidence…” Kaewyn said thinking on his own mistakes. “You called for this parley, so speak. Otherwise, we have nothing else to say to each other.”

“Fine, fine. It if must be so.” Severus said as if he was saddened that the conversation must turn to business. “I want only one thing, my dear Lord Edderfield. Peace. I wish for there only to be peace between us.”

“You waste our time to speak of peace?” Arlan said.

“Why am I wasting your time? This is a genuine wish of mine.”

“You wish for peace?” Kaewyn questioned. “You want to surrender then?”

“Surrender? Ohnix no. Why should I surrender? You are the invader here, after all. Not I.”

“Your father invaded Greystone Province. Vinum too.” Kaewyn said.

“True, but despite his actions, I still believe that you wish for peace too.”

“And why would that be?”

“One who wishes for peace does not return the bodies of slain kin to their families in ornamental coffins.” Severus explained. “In fact, I would not have been surprised to hear you dumped them in the Rau. But you didn’t, did you? You allowed me to bury them with full honours and hold a funeral right here in Taneby. So why is it that you no longer desire peace when you once did? What has changed since that fateful night? Ahh… I know what changed. My brother Tavian!”

“Tavian warned me you planned to avenge your father and brothers. He told me you were planning a second invasion.” Kaewyn said. “I also seem to recall you swore upon your ancestors that you would have your revenge. Is that not a good enough reason to ride here with an army and stop you?”

“Oh, I might have said some words… sworn some things even.” Severus chuckled. “But I have had time to cool off since then. In fact, perhaps I should be thanking you. For without your… timely intervention in the natural order of things, I would never have had the chance to rule Oscua, what being a third son and all, but now I do rule. All in thanks to you.”

“You have spoken much but said little.” Marcus said, hiding none of his impatience. “Why do you not just come out and say whatever it is you want?”

“I thought I was speaking rather plainly, but perhaps not. Should I slow down so you can comprehend what I am saying?” Severus said mockingly at first, but then he raised his voice in what appeared to be genuine anger. “Or perhaps you should remain silent and let those who are destined to rule speak instead?”

“By the gods Kaewyn, he talks even more than I do!” Marcus said.

Severus then scoffed derisively. “I can see how Tavian managed to manipulate you into acting on his behalf when you allow your advisors such… liberties. My little brother has always been ambitious, though he got very good at hiding it. My father and brothers always thought he was the quiet, disappointing child, but I know him better. He wants my title for himself!”

“Tavian said you banished him.” Kaewyn said.

“Well… yes, perhaps I did, but it was either that or have him killed. A lapse of judgement on my part to be sure. I chose to listen to one of my advisors who pleaded for Tavian’s life, claimed I should consider brotherly love and all that. When I heard that he had run off to you and somehow convinced you to invade Oscua, I regretted letting him live. And that advisor I mentioned? I caught him trying to flee the city with his family, so now their heads decorate my great hall.” Severus explained with a sick smile. “Regardless, why should we let Tavian come between us? We do not have to be enemies as our fathers were.”

“You murdered a man and his entire family for… for giving you bad advice?” Arlan said in disgust. “Are you completely mad?”

“What use is an advisor who gives bad advice? Failing at your one purpose in life… I have no time for such buffoons.” Severus said calmly, as if he were discussing something so casual and not the lives of his servants.

“I find it difficult to trust that your wish for peace is a genuine one.” Marcus said, pointing toward Taneby’s immense walls. “You have recently reinforced your gate, and I see modifications to your defences. Your brother also informed us of your rapid recruitment of new troops. These are not the actions of one content with peace.”

“I was worried for the safety of my lands. A worry proven valid considering you and your army’s presence here. Without my father, Oscua descended into panic and madness. I needed to re-establish order and the best way I could do that was to rebuild the army you destroyed.” Severus explained. “I am sure you can appreciate my situation, with Lord Corrhen being so recently murdered and yet, when you marched to war against the Elentide to avenge your father …. Not only did you not attack them, but you ended forming an alliance with them, so great is your desire for peace. I do not see why I cannot emulate your own deeds in this respect, to make peace with my father’s killers, as you have done.”

“The man directly responsible for my father’s death is dead.” Kaewyn said, referring to Eliya’s late father. “We no longer had any reason to fight with the Elentide.”

“Is that so? Well, the man responsible for my father’s death is also dead.” Severus chuckled. “No, not you. I speak of the man himself.”

Kaewyn shared a look with Marcus who rolled his eyes. It was clear that he too, was becoming frustrated with Lord Severus. It was obvious he wanted something more than peace, and he was done wasting any more time going around in circles.

“I believe we are one and the same Lord Edderfield, and while we might be saddened by our father’s deaths, in truth, we have both benefitted greatly as a result.” Severus continued. “The only obstacles that remain for us now are… each other, and our ambitious brothers!”

“Are you done speaking nonsense?” Kaewyn said, fed up with Severus’ ramblings. “Or have you finally come to the point you intend to make?”

“I told you plainly the first time we met. I want peace between us.”

“Then set your terms and get on with it.”

“Very well, what I propose is this. Much like you and the Elentide, I suggest we become allies.”

“Allies?” Kaewyn said in surprise. “How… how could we ever trust that your intentions are honourable?”

“You cannot. But you do have something I want.”

“And that is?”

“Give me Tavian! Or there will be no peace!” Severus said with a wicked smile, his demeanour changing all of a sudden. “With him constantly plotting my demise, the rule of Oscua will never be secure.”

“And you’ll do what with him? Have his head decorate your great hall alongside that of your advisor? I think I would rather take my chances with Tavian.” Kaewyn said flatly. He was not about to throw in his lot with this crazed lunatic.

“You are throwing away a perfectly reasonable offer! Are you touched by the gods? Can you not see!” Severus shouted almost irrationally. “But no matter… if you choose to die in an attempt to climb my walls, then so be it. The next time we speak, Lord Edderfield, you might be lucky enough to still be alive to beg for my mercy. I will enjoy that moment almost as much as when I will inevitably get my hands on Tavian, the little shit!”

Marcus Severus spun around on the spot and returned to his men, climbing up on his horse as he mumbled incoherently under his breath.

“Fare-not- well Kaewyn, and may a wild dog piss in your boots!”

With that final insult, Severus rode off back toward Taneby and soon disappeared through the gates, which then slowly closed after him.

“I simply cannot believe that I share a name with that man.” Marcus said shaking his head.

“My lord.” Arlan said. “We are not going to consider his request to hand over Tavian, are we? I do not think I could stomach delivering him to such a vile creature.”

“Do not worry Arlan, I have no intention of dealing with Lord Severus. It was abundantly clear from this meeting that he is completely mad.” Kaewyn explained. “Though I must admit, I do wish there was a way forward for peace.”

“Peace will only come when the Empire is restored Kaewyn, and for that to happen we must remove people like this lunatic from all positions of power wherever we find them. For the immediate future however, when Tavian rules Oscua and this Lord Severus lies dead. matters in our corner of the Empire should improve.” Marcus said. “And if in the future Tavian proves… unreliable, we can simply replace him with someone else.”

“Come on. We should be getting back to the siege camp.” Kaewyn said. “If we are going to assault Taneby, we need to come up with a plan of attack.”

“I have a few ideas already.” Marcus said, bowing his head.

Kaewyn was already worrying about how they were going to assault Taneby’s massive walls. Without proper siege equipment, the task was impossible. He was only vaguely familiar with siege warfare from his books, but even with his relatively small knowledge on the matter, he knew that it would be costly to assault such a place by force alone. Despite his obvious lunacy, Severus was not wrong when it came to how many would die if it came to battle. Taneby was far better defended that he had expected. They needed a plan.

As they returned to camp, Marcus proposed the building of several siege engines. He suggested they build half a dozen catapults to hurl massive rocks at the enemy fortifications, weakening the gatehouse and arrow towers before an attack. He also suggested they construct ladders and siege towers to scale the walls. The siege towers were gargantuan wooden platforms with sheltered ladders that could be pushed up against the walls of a besieged city, allowing troops to climb the tower in relative safety. They took a massive effort to build however, and were vulnerable to fire. Kaewyn then probed the idea of building a siege ram, to which Marcus explained that his analysis of Taneby’s gate meant that a ram was unlikely to be able to punch through. Feeling saddened at his idea being discarded so quickly, Marcus then suggested they could potentially build a fake ram of sorts in plain view of the enemy. He went on to say that this fake ram could worry the defenders who may then divert manpower and supplies into reinforcing a gate that they had no intention of attacking.

The Edderfield siege camp was relatively bare and composed of not much more than hastily erected tents and wooden palisade walls for defence. Troops were busy building additional defences in case of a surprise attack. The men who had taken part in the Battle of the Rau knew how important it was to be prepared for an attack when it was least expected.

General Alaric was busy organising the camp’s construction, but when he spotted Kaewyn, Marcus and Arlan returning to camp, he rushed over and met them at the entrance.

“So? I’m guessing the bastard wasn’t willing to surrender.” General Alaric chuckled.

Kaewyn shook his head.

“My brother would never surrender.” Said Tavian as he revealed himself, appearing from in between two tents. “I am sorry that I did not accompany you Lord Edderfield, but I cannot bring myself to face him. Not yet.”

“It was probably for the best.” Kaewyn said. “Your brother… seemed particularly eager for your blood. Offered us—”

“Careful my lord.” Marcus whispered, cutting him off. “No need to close off potential courses of action unless it is absolutely necessary.”

“…Offered us an alliance if we turned you over.” He finished.

Marcus sighed but remained silent.

“I thought he might do something like this.” Tavian said nervously. “I… I hope you are not considering such a thing?”

“Why shouldn’t we?” Kaewyn teased. “His offer was rather reasonable. We hand him over to you in exchange for an alliance, and none of my men have to risk their lives.”

“Well… yes, b-but.” Tavian stammered.

“Do not fret Tavian, even if I thought his offer was reasonable, I would not accept it.” Kaewyn smiled. “I have already agreed to help you. Besides, even from our short encounter with your brother, it is plain to see that would not be… a reliable ally.”

Tavian let out an extended sigh of relief and then returned an awkward smile. “I am glad you see it too. An alliance with my brother is likely to end as well as someone trusting a fox to look after their chickens.”

“That still leaves us with the problem of sieging Taneby.” General Alaric said. “Those walls… I don’t fancy our chances in an assault unless we take the time to prepare properly.”

“Agreed General.” Marcus said. “I have brought with me some plans for building siege equipment. Do you have any able-bodied men with any expertise in carpentry?”

“You jest Marcus, most of our men are former loggers of Oakerton and the surrounding villages. They know their way around timber and construction. I’ll have them report to you within the hour.”

“Excellent.” Marcus said. “Attacking the city directly is only one of many steps my lord. We can also build a perimeter around the city and attempt to starve them out. I doubt their food stores can support the population for long.”

“A sound idea…” Kaewyn said hesitantly. “Even if I do not like the thought of putting the common people within Taneby through such a horrible time.”

“Perhaps it will force Lord Severus to admit defeat and surrender.” Arlan added.

“I told you before, he won’t surrender. No matter what.” Tavian added. “And the people will long starve before my brother does.”

“I did only mention it as an option…” Marcus said defensively.

“I…I know, but I do not wish to starve my own people.”

“General, Marcus, it appears to me that the both of you are already coming up with some good ideas. When you come up with something with some promise, I’ll be waiting to hear from you. Until then, I think I am going to get some much-needed rest.” Kaewyn announced. “I will speak to you all later.”

As everyone went their separate ways, Tavian stopped him and mentioned that he had seen Yohren and that he had been looking for him. Apparently, he was waiting for Kaewyn by his tent and was particularly eager to speak with him. Kaewyn thanked Tavian and then headed toward his tent. Arlan followed him a short while and asked why he had not been seeking him out for their usual morning training sessions of late, to which Kaewyn apologised and promised to make more of an effort. The ever-polite Arlan explained there was no need for an apology and that he looked forward to training with him again soon, but Kaewyn felt as though he didn’t quite believe his promise.

At first Kaewyn struggled to find which tent was his, but when he saw Yohren pacing back and forth in the distance past some men enjoying their midday meals, he knew he had found the right one.

“Yohren.”

“Oh!” Yohren replied. “I wanted to… to talk to you.”

“I know. Tavian told me as much.” Kaewyn said as he began to pull his gloves from his hands. “Is this about why you’ve been acting so strangely of late?”

“I uhh… I suppose it is.”

“Alright, let us talk inside. My feet and backside are aching and I think rest would do me some good.”

“Wait!” Yohren nearly shouted. “Before we go inside… I need to tell you something.”

“What’s wrong Yohren? Surely it can wait until we’re inside.”

“There’s someone in there.” Yohren said, avoiding his gaze. “Someone you need to talk to.”

“Yohren… I’m really in no mood to speak with someone I’ve not yet been introduced. Did you have to let them inside my tent?” Kaewyn said tiredly.

“None of this was my idea Kaewyn. I just want you to know that.”

“Ohnix be kind.” He sighed. “Who is in my tent Yohren? I’ve no time for games.”

Yohren nodded to the tent flap and opened it for Kaewyn to go inside. With another sigh, he crouched through and entered. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darker interior of the tent in comparison to the bright midday sun outside, but sitting on what appeared to be his travelling bed, was a figure clad in armour. Kaewyn immediately recognised the outfit of the figure as the armour of an outrider. The outriders were tasked with scouting ahead and patrolling the blind spots of the army on the march to prevent enemies from attacking from behind or the sides. They were excellent riders above all else, and usually were selected from amongst the best cavalry troops.

“Who are you? Yohren, who is—”

As Kaewyn was speaking, the apparent stranger stood suddenly and turned their head, locking eyes with him. He would recognise those dark blue eyes anywhere, for he saw them nearly every night when he was lucky enough to dream.

“Kaewyn… it’s good to see you.”

He could not believe his eyes. He blinked once, twice and then shook his head in disbelief. Camilla stood in front of him armoured like a warrior.

He rushed toward her and hugged her tightly, feeling her squeeze him back. He didn’t want to open his eyes for fear of her disappearing again. Utter relief swept over him as he held her close.

“I know you have been worried for me…” She said softly. “Yohren told me how stressed you had become.”

“I thought you were gone, missing, or something worse.” He said as rapidly as his mouth would allow him to speak “I cannot believe you are here…”

Camilla gently pulled away and lowered her head. Kaewyn noticed that she had cut her once beautiful long brown hair and made it short, resting no lower than her ears. The armour she wore looked suspiciously similar to the armour set he had found Yohren hauling the night he became the new Lord. The pieces began to fall into place, and with it an understanding of how this had all happened.

“I’m sorry Kaewyn.” Camilla said. “I should have asked to come with you, but I was afraid you would say no. Or that one of your advisors would convince you to deny me.”

“I don’t understand. Why are you here, Camilla?” He asked plainly. “This is… incredibly dangerous for you.”

“I know, but I’ve had enough of sitting back and letting others risk their lives for me.” Camilla said passionately. “I want to fight alongside you and the others. I want to protect our land from those who threaten it. I want… I want to help.”

“You could be killed out here.” He said.

“So, could you Kaewyn. I don’t see any difference.”

“Yes, but—"

“But what?” She said combatively. “The book you left in my chambers when you left Kaewyn… it was… I don’t even know how to put it into words. It showed me that I can fight too! Those women were so brave and inspiring.”

“The book I left you. That’s why you’re here?” He asked.

“Yes Kaewyn, it changed everything. How can I sit at home and worry about the lives of those I… care about, when I can help you too?”

“Camilla… all of those women you read about in that book? The ones you say inspired you? They all died on the battlefield against the Founding Emperor. Each and every one of them was slaughtered at his command. You don’t even know how to fight!”

“Neither do you Kaewyn!” She shouted back at him. “I saw you practice against Arlan, remember? Compared to him… to General Alaric, to your brother… you’re not like them Kaewyn. You aren’t a warrior.”

“I will be.” He said, feeling the sting of her words.

“Then I can be too. You promised to help me learn. Why not now?”

“We are at war Camilla. Any of us could be killed at any moment. Just like my men in Taneby Forest…” Kaewyn said as he realised something. “By Ohnix you were there too, weren’t you? That’s why Yohren was worried when he’d heard some outriders had been killed. He thought you died.”

Camilla turned her head away, unable to deny what he had said to her.

Kaewyn shook his head. “Yohren… get in here.”

Yohren entered the tent with his head lowered. “I’m sorry Kaewyn… I—”

“Are you a complete fool Yohren? You helped her infiltrate the army, putting her life in danger?” Kaewyn said angrily, feeling his blood begin to boil. He walked up to Yohren and grabbed him by his chainmail shirt. “You should have come straight to me. I trusted you Yohren, and you have betrayed that trust. What would you have done if Camilla were hurt, or worse?”

“The lady wanted my help and—”

“I’ve heard enough Yohren. Get out of my sight.”

“Don’t blame him.” Camilla said. “It was my idea and I would have gone ahead with it whether he helped me or not.”

When Yohren lingered a moment longer, he pointed at the tent flap and stared at Yohren. He could see tears beginning to form under his eyes as he bowed and left the tent. For a second he felt as though he was being cruel and overreacting, but he was still very angry. He felt betrayed by the one person he believed always had his back. It was well within his power to punish Yohren however much he wished, so being told to leave the tent was a relatively minor punishment for him to endure.

“Are you not even the slightest bit happy to see me?” Camilla asked softly.

Kaewyn sighed and turned to face her, noticing that she too, had tears forming under her eyes. The sight of her near to tears caused his anger to leave him almost immediately. He walked to her and hugged her again.

“Of course, I am…” He said warmly. “I am so relieved to see you safe.”

“Okay.” Camilla said, wiping at her eyes. “Good.”

Emulating her, he wiped at his own eyes and realised that he too, had been brought to tears in the moment.

“I’m sorry I got so angry with you… I was just worried for your safety.” He explained. “Yohren has been acting so strangely lately, and now I know why.”

“He really cares about you Kaewyn.” Camilla said. “You were all he could talk about. For what it’s worth… he protested what I was doing every step of the way. He wanted me to tell you every time I spoke with him, so please, do not hold him responsible for what I have done.”

He sighed. “I won’t…

“My lord…?” Yohren’s voice outside the tent alerted them to his presence. “Someone came with news, but I knew you’d prefer to not be disturbed…”

“Come back inside Yohren…” He said softly.

He turned and saw Yohren standing awkwardly in front of him, head down. When he lifted his head, he could tell that he had been crying, or tearing up at the very least. Kaewyn walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Yohren. I know you were only trying to help.”

Instead of replying, Yohren wrapped his arms around Kaewyn and hugged him tighter than Camilla had, prompted her to let out a giggle. Embarrassed, Kaewyn shooed him away only to see Yohren’s big smile greet him

“I’m sorry too Kaewyn.”

“What was this news you spoke of?” He asked, eager to change the subject.

“Uhm, apparently Lord Rhys’ army has arrived in camp. He wants to speak with you immediately.”

Kaewyn felt sick to his core.

“My brother is here?” Camilla asked again.

“Mhmm. The soldier who came looking for you said he was looking angry too.”

“That’s just great.” Kaewyn said, rubbing his temples. “If he finds you here, he will think I bought you here and put you in danger.”

“I will tell him that I decided to come by myself!” Camilla said bravely.

“Camilla… he placed you into my care to keep you safe in Xu Castle while Vinum was being reclaimed. When he discovers your presence…”

“Then maybe we should just… keep on doing what we’ve been doing?” Yohren suggested.

“No.” Kaewyn immediately replied. “I don’t want you to get hurt Camilla.”

“I’m fine Kaewyn. I’m a better rider than all your other outriders.”

“She really is Kaewyn.” Yohren replied. “They can barely keep up with her.”

“And I’m not going back to Xu Castle.” Camilla said defiantly.

“As much as I’d like to send you back home, its simply not a possibility.” Kaewyn said. “It’s not safe for anyone to ride through Taneby Forest now.”

“Then let me stay here and help you Kaewyn.” Camilla pleaded.

“Look, we will discuss the specifics later, but for now, please… just stay in my tent. Don’t come out until I say it’s clear, okay?”

“Alright…” Camilla said, but she was obviously unhappy about it.

Kaewyn sighed. “Thank you… I’ll return as soon as I am able.”

Camilla leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Kaewyn blushed and looked at her oddly.

“For luck.”

“Uh huh. I’m going to need it.” He said as he rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t supress letting her see him smile. “Yohren, stay here and don’t let anyone inside.”

Yohren nodded, and as Kaewyn left the tent, he overheard Camilla telling him that he had to help her convince Kaewyn to let her stay and help. Kaewyn sighed again. Camilla was as stubborn as Rahim was sometimes.

Kaewyn wandered the camp in the direction of where he had last seen General Alaric as he suspected that if anyone knew what was going on, it’d be him. He passed several soldiers whom he overheard talking about the new arrivals, so he stopped them and asked where they were. One of the soldiers volunteered to escort him, and so he quickly found Lord Rhys and General Alaric deep in conversation by a large group of silver armoured troops standing in formation.

They must be the Vinum Province troops, Kaewyn guessed.

His guess was proven correct when he saw the familiar White and Green banner fluttering amidst the formed-up troops.

“Kaewyn!? There you are.” Rhys called over to him.

Kaewyn waved and then thanked the soldier that had escorted him, and then approached his childhood friend with a smile he was not feeling at all. Rhys looked concerned and possibly agitated, a sight which made Kaewyn feel completely uneasy.

“Good to see you Rhys.” Kaewyn said, feigning a smile.

“…You too, Kaewyn.” Rhys replied hesitantly. “I must apologise for not meeting you at Galmistead like we agreed. There was a matter… that prevented me from marching as planned.”

“No matter.” He said. “You are here now. How is Alina, your wife?”

“She is… fine, Kaewyn. Alina is, well. She is with child. That is why we did not march.”

Kaewyn’s immediate feeling was one of happiness for his old friend, but the way he had spoken left a sour taste in his mouth. Rhys was distant, even awkward, as if they were merely acquaintances rather than the good friends that he believed them to be. Regardless, he acted how he felt he should, anything less and he felt he would insult his old friend.

“Rhys I… congratulations. I never would have thought that you or I would be having children any time soon. It always felt so… distant, so far away. But now you are going to be a father.”

“Yes, I know. It was quite the surprise.” Rhys said, and despite his distant attitude, Kaewyn saw the faintest of smiles. “But I must ask… where is my sister?”

“Camilla?” He nervously replied.

“Yes Kaewyn, Camilla.” Rhys repeated. “I sent a messenger with word for her to return to Varde Castle a while ago, yet I received no response and no Camilla. With my child on the way… it is especially important for her to be home with Alina to help her when the time comes. I’m told a pregnant woman should be isolated and must surround herself with only other women of the household. I will not be able to enter birthing chamber until my child is born. I’m sure you can understand why I think it important for Camilla to be there in my stead.”

“Oh, of course.” Kaewyn stammered. “I am sure Camilla wishes nothing more than to be there when her nephew… or niece, is born.”

“Mhmm. So, where is she?”

“Oh, right, I uhh, left Camilla back in Xu Castle for her own safety.” He explained. “Under the careful watch of Seneschal Talbury. The last I saw her she was seeing me off as we began our march.”

“Then why did you not have her sent to Varde Castle when you received my message?”

“Oh you know how Camilla is Rhys. You try telling her to do something and she will do the opposite just to spite you. I swear she can be as stubborn as a wild horse sometimes.” Kaewyn faked a nervous laugh. “And I think I know where she gets it from, right?”

Rhys, obviously unamused, let out an exasperated sigh. “I won’t disagree. Camilla is incredibly stubborn, but you could have just made her, Kaewyn. Whenever she acted like that at home, father just used a bit of disciplining until she relented. Better that than letting her get her way all of the time.”

Kaewyn suddenly felt a growing sense on unease begin to rise up within him. Rhys’ words had brought him out of his feigned act to make excuses and pushed him into a place of genuine concern.

“Your father disciplined her?” Kaewyn questioned with a serious tone. “What do you mean?”

“You said so yourself. Camilla can be stubborn. She was always pushing father’s limits whenever she had the chance, trying to be everywhere and always trying to be the centre of attention.” Rhys said casually. “Father didn’t like it.”

“Do you mean to say he disciplined her, physically?”

“…Not all the time.” Rhys said awkwardly, seemingly realising where Kaewyn was pushing the conversation. “Look, Kaewyn, can we speak of another matter?”

“Alyssa was stubborn too.” Kaewyn said softly as flashes of his late sister’s face came flooding to the forefront of his mind. “She argued with my father near every day. In fact, she made Camilla seem mild by comparison.”

“Kaewyn… I—”

“Do you mean to say that you think Alyssa should have been treated the same way? That whenever she acted up, my father should have struck her?”

“Well, no, but…” Rhys sighed before continuing. “I was there that night Kaewyn, when the accident happened… My family was travelling north when that freak storm hit. Father decided we should seek shelter at Xu Castle.”

“I remember.” He responded. “What is your point?”

“Well… I remember dinner ending abruptly after Alyssa…. After she fought with your father.” Rhys explained. “I’m not saying that if she was disciplined it wouldn’t have happened… but maybe it would have helped.”

“How dare you!” Kaewyn shouted angrily, his voice was thick with emotion. “To even suggest such a thing is… completely unbecoming of you.”

“I didn’t mean to… to bring up such memories Kaewyn.” Rhys said apologetically. “I should never have said anything.”

“Damn right you shouldn’t have.” He said sharply.

All around the two young lords, soldiers had stopped what they were doing and watched them with both curiosity and unease. Several Vinum Province troops whose purpose he suspected was to guard Lord Rhys, tensed up and stood defensively the moment voices had been raised. In response, he had also noticed some of his own men wandering closer cautiously. It was in this moment Kaewyn realised that he and Rhys were not one and the same. They may have once been close childhood friends, but he saw that they had grown into two totally different people. When he looked at Rhys, he no longer saw a warm and trusted friend, someone to laugh with and reminisce on fond times gone by, but a powerful ruler in his own right, one who he had to be wary of and not take for granted as an unconditional friend and ally. He wondered deeply whether his father and Rhys’ felt the same way about each other, or perhaps, as they had lived most of their lives in a more stable and peaceful time, such tension did not exist between them. It didn’t really matter, he told himself, for better or worse, he knew that things would always be different now.

Rhys broke the silence that had formed since their heated exchange by opening his mouth to speak, but then he hesitated, sighed, and then looked away. After he took a deep breath, Rhys then turned back to him with a look of indifference.

“Kaewyn, when this campaign in Oscua has concluded, I fully expect Camilla to be returned to me in Varde Castle.” Rhys said dryly, without emotion.

“We can coordinate our actions better if you and your men can set up camp over there.” Kaewyn said, pointing away from camp. “On the western side of Taneby.”

“…Very well.” Rhys said, nodding his head. “I must also inform you that my men and I will be seizing the supplies you took from the villagers at Galmistead for our own use. I trust that you understand that it was not proper for you to accept these supplies, for I am their lord, and they are my subjects.”

Once again, the gathered soldiers on both sides stared at each other with renewed tension, waiting for any signal from their respective lords. When Kaewyn merely nodded, he swore that he could hear a sigh of relief sweep over them.

“Goodbye Kaewyn, and… luck be with you.” Rhys said stoically.

“…and you as well.” He returned formally. The warmth between them was gone.

Rhys hesitated for a brief moment, as if he was unsure if there was more to be said, but soon enough he turned and walked towards the edge of camp with his men following closely behind. Kaewyn followed them to the edge of camp and watched them for the next ten minutes as they marched out and all of the way to the western side of Taneby, roughly half a kilometre away. He felt a strange tightness in his chest and stomach and an exhaustive feeling swept over him. He supposed it was time to return to his tent and inform Camilla that she was to become an aunt.

When he arrived outside his tent, he was instantly annoyed to see that Yohren was not guarding the entrance and watching out for uninvited guests as he had been ordered to do. If someone learned of Camilla’s presence and word managed to reach Rhys, he would be caught out in the middle of a lie. He angrily stormed into his tent only to find Yohren, Camilla and Arlan within.

“Arlan!?” Kaewyn said with a frustrated sigh. “Yohren, you are supposed to be turning people away, not inviting them in!”

“I tried! But when Camilla heard that it was Arlan that was looking for you, she poked her head out and asked him to come in!”

“Ohnix…” He sighed.

“My lord, do not fret.” Arlan said warmly. “Lady Callidus has told me everything. I will not speak idly and let word slip that she is here in camp.”

“Well, isn’t that a relief.” He said sarcastically, rubbing his temples. For once he wished that people would listen to what he had said or at least considered asking him before acting so hastily. If all of this ended badly, it would be him and no other who suffered the consequences.

“Don’t be such a grump Kaewyn.” Camilla said. “Arlan is trustworthy. You wouldn’t have accepted his offer to serve you if you didn’t agree.”

“It isn’t that I do not trust him Camilla, but with every additional person who knows you are here and not back in Xu Castle, the risk of the truth getting out increases. If Rhys finds out...”

Camilla rolled her eyes dismissively. “He won’t find out.”

“I hope not.” Kaewyn said. “I may not have realised it before, but by Ohnix, Rhys has become somewhat of an ass.”

“Oh?” Camilla said, struggling to contain her laughter. “What did he do to change your opinion of him so strongly? I remember you telling me you thought he was not so bad not long ago.”

“Well, suffice it to say Rhys and I do not see eye to eye on some things and leave it there.” He explained. “Though he did mention one thing that I cannot help but agree with.”

“What would that be?” She asked, cocking her head to the side.

“He may have insinuated that you were… particularly stubborn.” He said, suppressing a smile of his own.

Camilla’s eyes widened and then narrowed sharply, her gaze sternly fixed on him like a bird of prey. “I am not stubborn! Yohren? Arlan? Tell him I’m not stubborn.”

The two men both avoided her hawk like stare and scratched the backs of their heads nervously.

“Oh, come on!” She protested. “What have I ever done to be called stubborn?”

“Your very presence here is evidence enough, is it not?” Kaewyn teased. “And earlier, when I was mad with Yohren, you told me you would have found a way to come along whether he agreed to help you or not.

“That isn’t fair.” She snapped back half-heartedly. “That was… different!”

“To be fair, my lady, you did just demand that I help train you alongside Lord Kaewyn.” Arlan added.

“You’re going to train her?” He asked in surprise.

“I do not see why not.” Arlan replied. “She is willing and eager. I have trained men with far less enthusiasm than her. That is… if you do not object.”

“Just the basic stuff.” Camilla added. “I have no plans to become a legendary blademaster like you do Kaewyn.”

“Uhm…” Arlan mumbled. “…what?”

“Forget it.” Kaewyn said, feeling quite embarrassed.

Camilla started to giggle and soon, everyone in the tent had lost themselves to laughter. Even he, whose expense the laughter was directed at, couldn’t help but let himself be swept up in the moment. After they began to return to normalcy, Kaewyn started to have doubts about whether training Camilla was the right thing to do or not, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. As far as he was concerned, he figured if she wanted to learn how to fight, then so be it, but he was not her family. Rhys was the head of the Callidus family, and ultimately, what she was allowed or not allowed to do was up to his discretion.

“It doesn’t matter how I feel about it.” He began. “I am not so sure your brother would approve…”

“Do you really think Rhys would approve of me being here, right now? Who cares what my brother thinks? I am done listening to him.”

“And there’s that stubbornness we were talking about.” He said with a smile.

“Okay fine. Maybe you have a point.” She conceded as she crossed her arms defensively. “But I prefer to think of it as being determined.”

“You certainly are that Camilla.”

“My lord.” Arlan said. “I give you my solemn oath that no one will hear of the lady’s presence here from me, but I need to attend to some matters with the cavalry before it gets too dark. One of my new duties is inspecting the horses to ensure that the troops are taking adequate care of them and I’d like to see it done.”

“Very well Arlan.” Kaewyn said. “Thank you.”

“I’ll join you.” Yohren suddenly added. “What? I want to see the horses.”

Arlan shrugged and nodded.

“Go on then.” Kaewyn said. “But I take it now that I know what is going on, you won’t be disappearing on me or acting strangely anymore?”

“I can’t promise that.” Yohren replied cheekily.

After Arlan and Yohren departed, Kaewyn and Camilla found themselves alone in his tent. The pair spent the rest of the afternoon discussing how she had managed to secretly accompany the army for the past several days without being discovered. She went on to explain that most of her success was entirely due to Yohren’s assistance. He was the one who had sourced her armour which helped her hide her identity and he also organised her to ride with the outriders. It was a perfect idea to keep her from being discovered he realised, as the outriders rarely mingled with other troops and often rode alone or in pairs for the vast majority of the time. Camilla was also an excellent rider, so she’d had little trouble in doing fulfilling her duties and fitting in.

Camilla further explained that after each day on the march how Yohren had stood in line with the soldiers to be given rations, which ended up taking a very long time as he had to do it twice, once for himself and once for her. Eventually, he realised he could get away with nearly anything if he simply mentioned he was the retainer of Lord Kaewyn. No longer did he have to stand in a line with the regular troops, and he was given the finer quality supplies reserved only for the Lord as his higher-ranking staff. When Kaewyn heard this, he scoffed aloud and then laughed, realising that Camilla had been eating his food. He then explained to her that on several occasions, no food was ever brought to him in the evening after making camp, and when he questioned why, the cooks swore that they had organised his meals and apologised profusely as they rushed off to prepare him another. The both of them laughed together for a while and continued to share stories of their experiences. Soon, he realised that the entire day had gone by as less and less light illuminated the outside of the tent, but he didn’t mind at all. It was the first time since the trouble in Taneby Forest that he had enjoyed himself so much. Despite the trouble Camilla’s presence posed, he was glad for her to be with him again.

“I should apologise Kaewyn. I’ve managed to keep you all to myself for the entire afternoon.” Camilla said with a smile. “I’m sure you had a lot of work to get done. I’ve just… missed talking with you.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that. Marcus and General Alaric are probably happy that I am not around getting in their way all the time. I’ve made a mess of it recently.”

“You’re talking about what happened in the forest.”

“Yes… I was over confident and arrogant. My decision cost many lives.”

“A lord has to make decisions and it’s going to go badly sometimes. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself.”

“I know that, but it was different this time. This time I ignored advice and thought I knew better.” He sighed. “I should have listened.”

“The fact that it bothers you so much means you will listen next time.” She said supportively. “As for ignoring other people’s advice and thinking you know better? You are not describing yourself; you are describing Rhys.”

He allowed himself a small chuckle. “That reminds me, there was one thing your brother told me that you will want to hear.”

“Oh? I doubt anything he has to say would interest me, but go on.”

“Camilla. Alina is with child.” He said with a warm smile. “You are going to be an aunt.”