Kaewyn had returned to the western wall just after first light. He took his morning meal of porridge made from wheat along with some bread and wine looking out over the wall, quietly observing soldiers and commonfolk go about their business. The bread was slightly stale and hard but the wine and porridge were both appetising and filling. He didn’t know why he had been drawn back to this particular spot, but it made him feel calm and in control. As he continued to ponder why, he came to the conclusion that it was because he wanted to be able to see what was going on rather than be at ground level amongst the hundreds if not thousands of people in the streets of Taneby. Everyone had somewhere to be or something to do, but he just wanted to calm himself after the chaos of the battle.

The battle for Taneby had ended well before the sun had risen. When the Vinum Province troops joined the fight, the vast majority of the Oscuans saw no reason to continue fighting any longer and surrendered in droves. Only the most dedicated or delusional followers of Marcus Severus fought on for the next hour to the very end. Tavian had been rescued but his men had been decimated. The allied Oscuans under Tavian’s command had lost nearly fifty percent of their force with a great deal more wounded. General Alaric had reported that the Greystone troops had suffered some casualties as well, but not nearly as many as their ally.

Taneby was a very different place today than it had been the day prior. Everywhere one looked, there was rubble, bloodied bodies, looted homes and business. Some fires continued to burn, spewing smoke into the air and streets but the majority of the fires had been put out. People wandered the city in search of loved ones or food, and others had already begun the long process of rebuilding what had been damaged or destroyed. Kaewyn couldn’t look at any of it without feeling an intense guilt. Perhaps that was why he found comfort on the wall. He could pretend that nothing had happened as he looked out across the plains and fields outside the city. It was peaceful, calm even, and provided him with a sense of serenity. Walking through the city only filled him with guilt and self-loathing.

While he sipped at his wine, he noticed from atop the wall that large portions of the Vinum Province army to the west had begun to move. Far too many men for some small matter, he thought to himself, and his curiosity only grew when he saw that the rest of the Vinum Province army was preparing to join the others. Within minutes he saw tents being collapsed and supplies being loaded onto wagons. Many soldiers rushed about in all directions, carrying weapons, crates and other supplies. He had no idea what was going on, but all that movement reminded him that the Greystone Army would soon be packing up and beginning the march home to Xu Castle. He smiled when the thought of being back within those familiar walls crossed his mind. In his youth, he hated being trapped at home and always found excuses to slip away into town, to go drinking or finding travellers with interesting stories to tell, but now he wanted nothing more than to isolate himself within the castle. He had experienced enough in the time since his father had left for the campaign against the Great Traitor and had no desire to seek out anything other than a warm bed.

Yohren appeared shortly after Kaewyn had finished his wine. His retainer was sweating heavily and the arm that had been injured during the battle was now cast in a sling of Athaia’s making. Kaewyn own shoulder wound had been treated by the physician as well sometime after the Oscuan surrender. Thankfully it had turned out to be minor, but she had still given him something for the pain which he had been told to add to his wine. Whatever it was, it had soured the wine somewhat, but he wasn’t really drinking it for the taste to begin with.

“Kaewyn, I bring news.” Yohren said through heavy breaths.

“Does it have something to do with why the Vinum Province troops are rushing about like frenzied ants?” He asked with a slight chuckle, amused at the thought.

“Yes… Kaewyn, it isn’t good.”

The way Yohren spoke immediately caught his attention. He turned his in makeshift seat and looked at his retainer in the eye.

“What is it?”

“News is spreading among the camps.” Yohren explained with tears in his eyes. “They’re saying a large army of barbarians have been spotted travelling north toward Vinum Province.”

“By Ohnix, can we not have a moments rest? That must be why the Vinum Province army is acting the way it is.” Kaewyn guessed with a tired sigh, but when Yohren didn’t elaborate further, he realised that his retainer was doing his best to refrain from crying. “Yohren, what’s wrong?”

“The barbarians are destroying everything in their path Kaewyn…” Yohren shook his head. “If the rumours are true, then they’re coming from where my village is. It’s… already too late.”

“I…I’m sorry Yohren. I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll help Lord Rhys repel these savages.” Yohren said through tears. “Tell me you will fight them, and bring me with you when you do.”

“Of course, I… We will assist Rhys as soon as we are able.” Kaewyn said, standing from his seat. “We should find Tavian and Marcus to discuss what we are going to do. Has Rhys sent word yet?”

“Not that I am aware of, I suppose it’s possible the messenger is still looking for you. It’s not like everyone knows to find you up here on the wall like I do.”

“That was why I decided to come here Yohren.” Kaewyn sighed. “I suppose I should make myself known. Come on, let’s try to find Tavian at the very least.”

Yohren nodded, and the two of them descended the steps at the western gatehouse and made their way into the heart of Taneby. Kaewyn didn’t want to see the destruction he and his men had wrought, but considering the circumstances he knew he had no choice. Soon, the pair came to the town centre. The worst of the fighting had taken place here and it showed. Most of the bodies had been cleared into piles, but there was still much to do to return the square to normalcy. Several soldiers were wandering the square and collecting abandoned weapons, while others scrubbed at the ground in an effort to clean what had seeped into the stone. Kaewyn also an older couple holding each other close and wailing loudly, while a young child clung to their hip. Others simply seemed to be staring off into nothingness with a blankness to their eyes that was particularly unnerving. After a few more minutes of wandering the square, they found Tavian addressing some of the civil officials of Taneby who had emerged after the fighting had stopped, and told him the news of the rumoured barbarian invasion.

“How many?” Tavian asked in surprise.

“I don’t know.” Yohren explained. “All they said was large army.”

“…This is quite unfortunate.” Tavian replied.

“It could not be much worse, that is for certain.” Kaewyn added. “We would be grateful for your support in Vinum, Tavian. I am sure Lord Rhys will be sending a messenger to request our aid any moment now if he has not already.”

Tavian gave a pensive look before rubbing his forehead. “I cannot…”

“What!?” Yohren stammered. “Why not? We just helped you take Taneby from your brother!”

“Easy, Yohren.” Kaewyn said with a calming gesture.

“It’s not that I do not wish to aid you… it is just that we have only just taken Taneby. My rule here is tenuous at best. If I leave now, I fear the city, and indeed the entirety of Oscua Province, will fall into chaos.”

Kaewyn sighed. He knew Tavian’s words held wisdom, but that did not make it any easier to hear them.

“There’s more. My brother Marcus managed to escape.” Tavian explained. “He was spotted riding north with fifty riders just before you opened the gates for the Vinum troops. Most likely his retainers and followers I’d imagine.”

“Where do you suppose he is headed?” Kaewyn asked.

“I’ve no idea, but if I were to guess, there’s a port on the Rau river up north. I’d bet he plans to take a ship and cross into the central provinces. He has friends there.”

“Friends who would simply take in a landless noble? Or friends who would throw their lot in with him and give him troops to return to Oscua?” Kaewyn asked.

“Time will tell.” Tavian replied. “All the more reason I cannot join you, however much I may wish to.”

“What about your troops?” Yohren asked.

Tavian shook his head. “I lost many men in the battle. What men I do have are currently spread out around Taneby trying to re-establish order. While my brother was not well loved, some believe me to be a weak candidate to succeed my father.”

“You are not a candidate Tavian.” Kaewyn pressed. “You are the Lord of Oscua now.”

“Yes, yes you’re right.” Tavian said with a hesitant nod. “And I owe you much for helping me reclaim this land, but some see me as not much more than your puppet, Lord Edderfield. They believe I am simply ruling in your stead.”

“If you were a puppet of mine, then I doubt you’d have the courage to deny me aid when I desperate need it.”

“Again, I am sorry, but I’m afraid I have no choice in the matter.”

“No, it’s…. I understand.” He said. “I just wish it were different.”

“As do I.”

“Is that… Marcus?” Yohren said, pointing toward a bunch of scholarly looking individuals in the middle of a heated argument.

“I imagine you are speaking about your advisor and not my insane brother.” Tavian chuckled.

“Yes, that is our Marcus alright.” Kaewyn said flatly. “Come on Yohren, we’d better go see what the fuss is all about before he starts another war.”

“Lord?” Tavian said. “I… just wanted to thank you, truly, for everything you have done for me. I hope that I am unable to help you now does not lower my standing in your eye for long.”

“You are a lord now Tavian. I cannot fault you for thinking of your own land and people first for that should always be your first priority.” He explained. “Now I really should be going. As you know, there are important matters for me to attend to.”

“I bid you farewell, my lord.” Tavian said as he bowed his head. “And luck be with you.”

“And you as well, Tavian. Until next time.”

With their goodbyes said, Kaewyn and Yohren in the direction of where Marcus was exchanging verbal blows with several angry scholarly types. The way they argued reminded Kaewyn of the brawl in Oakerton where he had first met Yohren. The pair then shared a knowing glance and smiled.

“Nothing good ever comes of scholars arguing in the streets.” Yohren said.

“Normally I would agree.” Kaewyn said with a smile. “But it did bring us together.”

Yohren returned his smile with a chuckle as the two of them walked right up to Marcus and the scholars.

“Initially, I believed you to be a scholar.” One of them said arrogantly. “But I see I was horribly mistaken.”

“Indeed.” Another said with his chin raised high. “This one is merely a simple advisor.”

“Are the two mutually exclusive in your experience?” Marcus retorted. “A scholar with no one to advise is simply a man with an over inflated opinion of himself. Put your supposed talents to use and serve the Empire instead of moving about from town to town, aweing the commonfolk with your mediocrity.”

“We would never bind ourselves to one lord.” The first scholar replied. “We only came to Taneby to offer sage wisdom to the lord of Oscua, but now that he has been replaced, we will offer our collective wisdom to the young lord Tavian instead, but we would never think to shackle ourselves to his service like some caged dog.”

“We are followers of the Scholar’s Way, and our talents are too significant to waste in one part of the Empire” Another said. “When we are satisfied the young lord has taken our words to heart, we will depart for where we are most needed.”

“Where you and the rest of the followers of your Scholar’s Way are most needed, is to help the soldiers dig out a new pit latrine.” Marcus said snidely. “A task well suited to men so well versed in shovelling manure and pretending they have struck gold.”

The look of utter shock on the scholar’s faces had clearly brought joy to Marcus as a wicked grin appeared on his face as the scholars fumbled for an answer to his insult.

“Perhaps the young Lord Tavian can benefit from our wisdom another time.” One scholar said. “Perhaps… Lord Kaewyn would be more receptive to our words?”

“Agreed.” Another chimed in. “It seems he could learn much when it comes to choosing whom he accepts into his service. If one such as you can rise to high in his court, then it is clear he lacks the capability to employ the correct people.”

Kaewyn had heard enough from these pedantic scholars. Besides, he needed to speak with Marcus about the urgent matter of the barbarian invasion and no self-important idiots were going to keep him from speaking with his advisor a moment longer than necessary.

“Marcus.” He said, making himself known to the scholars. “I need to speak with you at once.”

“My Lord Edderfield.” Marcus said, bowing his head ever so slightly, the faintest hint of a coy smile upon his lips, knowing that they had just insulted the man standing beside them.

“L…Lord Edderfield? We did not realise you were standing right there.” One of the scholars mumbled nervously. “Please… accept our apologies.”

“Just… go.” He said with a dismissive wave of the hand. “I need to discuss an important matter with my advisor.”

“Perhaps we may be of help?” Another scholar offered eagerly.

Kaewyn faked a smiled and remained completely silent. He simply stared at them hoping that it was enough to give them the hint that he wanted them gone. The lead scholar then bowed awkwardly and the group shuffled away and left them in peace.

“My lord, I was searching for you when I ran into those buffoons.” Marcus explained. “Judging by your furrowed brow, I trust that you have already heard the news.”

“I have, Marcus. That is why I sought you out. I saw from the walls myself that Lord Rhys’ army has already begun to prepare for the march back to Vinum.” He explained. “I have already asked Tavian for his assistance, but he believes he cannot leave Oscua so soon after having just taken the city.”

Marcus narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side. It was clear that he was confused by what he had just heard. With a lone finger stroking his beard, he began to speak.

“Forgive me my lord, but I am not certain I understand.” Marcus said curiously. “Pray tell, what news are you referring to exactly?”

“The barbarian invasion of Vinum.” Yohren said plainly. “You haven’t heard?”

“There’s… there’s an invasion!?” Marcus said in bewilderment. “Why have I not learned of this sooner? There is so much to discuss, to prepare. I need to—”

“Wait a moment. You didn’t know?” Kaewyn asked. “Then what news where you referring to earlier?”

“I was back at our camp going over a small matter with the supply sergeant. As it happens, I have been receiving standard soldiers rations instead of my personal requisition for days now, and—”

“Marcus…”

“Oh, my apologies. I digress. We received a messenger from Xu Castle in fact. From Seneschal Talbury to be precise.” Marcus explained. “It would seem that your headstrong brother has… well, he—”

“Rahim?” Kaewyn said as his mind began to race. “What has he done? What is going on Marcus?”

“According to reports, it appears that Rahim has crossed the fjord into Edheren Province… with an army at his back.”

Kaewyn felt an involuntary shudder course through his entire body as a wave of nausea swept over him. Rahim had given him his solemn word. Crossing the fjord was a betrayal in more ways than one.

“I cannot believe it.” He said in disbelief, his voice soft and weak. “How has this happened? Rahim gave me his word!”

“Seneschal Talbury himself received a traveller who was there when Rahim crossed the fjord. The traveller apparently thought it odd and decided to visit Xu Castle to find out what was going on.” Marcus explained.

“But an army? By Ohnix, where did he get an army? I left Rahim at the fjord with fifty men!” Kaewyn said angrily as he began to pace back and forth.

“It would appear that he has been levying recruits from the local villages. It is most likely he started doing this right after we left him there.” Marcus said ponderously. “I see no other way he could have raised such a force in such a short time.”

“Did this traveller or Talbury say anything of what Rahim plans to do in Edheren? Or are we as clueless to his motives as we are to where this apparent barbarian army has come from?”

“Truth be told my lord; all we know is that he has crossed into Edheren and that he did not ask for permission nor did he notify the Seneschal before doing so.”

Kaewyn exhaled deeply and looked up into the sky in frustration. What possible reason did Rahim have to betray his trust so brazenly, especially after he had given him his word. His brother had always held a word given to be sacrosanct. It was most unlike him to say one thing and then do another. With the supposed barbarian problem in Vinum, he knew that there was very little he could do about Rahim now. He worried about the alliance he had brokered with Eliya Elentide, but in truth the most he could hope for was that his brother had not just started yet another war for the people of Greystone Province so soon after Kaewyn had just gone about ending one.

He took a deep, long breath, and in that breath, he focused on the now and calmed himself. He put out of his mind all of the expectations and pressures put upon him by others. He pushed away his own doubts about his ability to lead, his shortcomings, and the pressure he felt from himself about living up to his late father. If he was to be his own man and not just be what others wanted him to be, it had to begin with now. He was not going to be Lord Corrhen Edderfield the second, he going to be Lord Kaewyn.

“…Let us return to the camp at once. Find General Alaric, and Arlan too.” He said to Yohren. “Have them meet us in my tent. We can discuss our plan to deal with these barbarians in Vinum and figure out what we can do about my bastard of a brother.”

“Lady Camilla will want to be there too.” Yohren added. “It is her home that is under attack after all.”

Kaewyn found himself smiling at the thought of her, despite the horrible circumstances.

“Yes… there is something I must say to her.” He said softly. “Go on Yohren. We will meet you there.”

Yohren nodded and asked Marcus if he knew where either of the two he had been tasked with finding could possibly be, and was directed to a training field just outside of the main camp. Supposedly Arlan and the General were already back to training the troops again. After his retainer had set off to find them, Kaewyn and Marcus set off toward their camp at a brisk walk. Several Oscuan and Greystone soldiers bowed as lord and advisor passed through the southern gate of Taneby. The gate was to remain open as supplies flowed in and out of the recovering city. Many people had returned home only to find their homes and businesses burnt to the ground. Kaewyn had given his men orders to assist where possible in the rebuilding effort while the army was still in Taneby, but it looked likely that soon the people would be left to rebuild on their own with the barbarian invasion pulling their forces away.

Marcus prattled on about several matters of apparent important the entire time they walked, but he barely heard a word his advisor had said. His mind was racing with all that was happening. A supposed invasion and his brother marching off with an army, it was almost too much for him to bear.

Upon their approach the camp, Kaewyn quickly noticed that something very clearly was out of place. For one, the camp was mostly empty now as the majority of the soldiers were patrolling the city and outskirts during the day. That was expected, but what really struck him as odd was that he had spotted four soldiers wearing silver armour standing by his tent. As he and Marcus got closer, he realised who these men were, or rather, who they served. His heart dropped and he was immediately filled with an absolute dread. He hesitantly walked on, hoping that his eyes had played some cruel trick upon him, but with every step he knew with increasing certainty what must have happened. Feeling sick to the core, he approached the silver armoured guards who were busy speaking with Kaewyn’s own guards by the tent’s entrance. They seemed to recognise him immediately and parted for him to enter. His feet took him closer but every fibre of his being wanted to turn and run away. Marcus had grown quiet, Kaewyn realised, he too must have figured out what was going on. Waving for Marcus to remain behind for now, Kaewyn reached out with a nervous and shaking hand, then parted the fabric that obscured the tent’s entrance and stepped through.

What he found inside was exactly as he feared. A lump formed in his throat and the nausea returned in full force. Sitting on the end of his bed was Camilla. She lifted up her head from her hands and looked at him, her blue eyes were red with tears. She shook her head sadly and silently mouthed that she was sorry, but before Kaewyn could say anything, his attention was pulled to the other side of the tent. Standing there in his resplendent silver armour, with his hands on each of his hips, stood his once childhood friend and Camilla’s brother, Lord Rhys.

“Kaewyn.” Rhys said with a low, cold voice. “Explain yourself.”