Chapter 40

Year 163 – Fall – Quintus Mensis – 10th day

Avem, town of House Valmai, land of the Vale

As the siege continued, the attrition of the constant stress was taking its toll on both the militia and the refugees, yet the inability of the Kalator to make clear progress through the northern fort and the natural border of the Oluja River was giving the residents an illusion of comfort and safety.

Yet as mighty as the unexpected hope grew, a grim rumour was taking roots among the refugees. Among those who ran from the Frey were many who had seen the calamitous witchcraft of the Kalator sorcerer. Among them were many whose hopes had long been shattered. Many refugees were thinking of leaving Avem.

That morning, Vatra was walking with Ethen when they heard another volley of rocks crashing against the northern fort.

Vatra – “Say, Ethen, have you ever been to Rock Eden?”

Ethen – “To Rock Eden? No. Before serving House Valmai, I was in the Union military, so the only town I visited was in need of support. Rock Eden is an unshakable fortress, so even when the Eastern tribes had pushed all the way to Avem, they were doing just fine.”

Vatra – “So that’s why some soldiers talk about going there.”

Ethen – “Which soldiers?”

Vatra – “Mainly the Frey ones, but some of ours as well.”

Ethen – “And you, what do you think?”

Vatra – “I’m starting to like this town. I’d rather not leave it now.”

Ethen – “I’m glad to hear it! Besides, I don’t think Rock Eden would allow refugees.”

Vatra – “Aren’t they rich?”

Ethen – “Well, they are, but their space is limited. So, every refugee doesn’t only mean another mouth to feed, it also means less space to store food.”

Vatra – “Be honest, do you think we can hold until winter?”

Ethen – “We can, but I don’t know if we will.”

Vatra – “You’re afraid of that witch?”

Ethen – “Thorkel could be lying about his power, but not his soldiers, not every single one of them.”

Vatra – “I think it’s a she.”

Ethen – “No offense, but I doubt any girl could be as strong as that warrior we fought.”

Vatra – “You think her strength is innate?”

Ethen – “I suppose it’s probably some sort of witchcraft as well, but enough of this; speculating about it won’t help. Tell me, does anybody suspect you?”

Vatra – “It happened twice, but I don’t think it led anywhere.”

Ethen – “Good. If anyone has suspicion, bring them to me. I’ll deny them.”

Vatra – “Do I really deserve your help?”

Ethen – “Probably not, but I enjoy your company.”

Vatra – “But you know I’m not her.”

Ethen – “True . . . but it’s the closest I’ll get so don’t feel bad about it. I’m not just doing this for you. It appeases my mind to have you by my side.”

Vatra – “Who was she?”

Ethen – “She was my sister. She had a far stronger sense of duty than I used to have. I try to live up to it now.”

Vatra – “And you think I have a sense of duty?”

Ethen – “You’ve been a slave. You’ve lived through war and are now a refugee, yet somehow, you face the tempests of life like a whimbrel bird. Your good heart doesn’t falter. Seeing your conviction and seeing you staying true to yourself gives me hope. It might not quite be a sense of duty, but a sense of solemnity. Your heart is nobler than of those who rule these lands.”

Vatra – “I don’t deserve such praise. It is like a knife in my heart, reminding me of the countless failures I’ve lived through. This conviction you see is but a mirage of the shame I live every day where I don’t live up to the hopes of those who believed in me . . .”

Ethen – “Many would have run from adversity . . . I ran from adversity myself. One day, you’ll know you deserved those praises.”