“Great call on the barrier!” Afan shouted, making sure everyone heard. Molinia clans may be united, but the competition for accolades was strong. Dariea had invited Jano to an audience with the leaders and he suddenly felt very uncomfortable. She was conspicuously missing from the event she had invited him to. His body trembled at the thought of being questioned by these people without her protection and now they were discussing his wall. It was like something from a bad dream. He shifted back and forth as a select group of Molinia’s most senior leaders discussed his work. He really didn’t belong here and he reminded himself of it often. They seemed to be loudly cheering themselves rather than really discussing anything but the King of the Chaos-Shapers was absent for the moment.

“Did you hear that? All on their own.” Afan kept talking, his face was beaming. It was well known that, much like Gryff, Afan had thrown himself into work after his son’s death. The Queen of the Shadow Air clan rolled her eyes, as though she was used to this kind of politicking. She was small, with short golden hair and a smooth round face which looked like it could be quite friendly. Though she was clearly bored by the proclamations of her counterpart. Jano had seen her conjure a great whirlwind and destroy hundreds of the undead, so he knew that appearances could be somewhat deceiving. Queen Riva of the Shadow Air clan, as Dariea had explained to him afterward, was considered just as powerful as the others, but she was less ambitious.

The doors to the Great Hall opened as King Zabar and Dariea walked through. Dariea was whispering something intently to him as they walked, as though issuing last minute guidance. The others took notice and slowly stopped their conversations. Even Afan stopped praising his son, even though in reality, it was Jano’s actions and even his idea. To his credit, Gryff had tried to mention that, but it was ignored by his father.

The King took his seat and Dariea took a step back and stood to the side. She gave Jano a nod which seemed to convey a message that he didn’t quite understand.

“Honoured guests. I understand that we are all concerned about the aggression from the Qursan Empire. We have long known the threat that they posed. From their aggressive expansion in the northern reaches of their lands to their constant attempted raids on our territory. Now it seems as though he plans to transform those border skirmishes into actual war.”

Zabar took a sip of water. He paused and looked at each of the clan leaders.

“I propose we bring my main army back from the campaign in Goshnia.”

The other leaders looked disgruntled, they grumbled and muttered amongst their respective retinues. It looked to Jano that they were expecting such a proposition; but they weren’t happy. Afan looked particularly aggrieved.

“I know that the full force of the Chaos-Shapers are by convention not allowed to stay within the lands of Molinia. But these are extraordinary times, and we will only bring them back with a unanimous vote.” the King hesitated for only a moment. “All those in favour, please raise your hand.”

All but Afan raised their arms. Jano remembered the speech he gave before the initial battle on the night of the spring festival. That he had wanted the Berserker Fire clan to prove their worth in the absence of the army of the Chaos-Shapers.

Eyes rolled and Queen Riva flapped her arm in frustration. “What could possibly be stopping you Afan?” She shouted. King Zabar watched from his throne in the centre, but he did not seem annoyed at his fiery ally. Afan began to pace and glared at the others. He seemed genuinely surprised that he was the only one, but before he managed to speak, Zabar started.

“Easy Riva, I understand Afan’s reservations, given our history. We all know that the Chaos-Shapers have long been the agitators of these lands. Our forefathers used their power to try to dominate our lands for themselves. Where that wasn’t possible, we used our powers to undermine.”

He took a moment to consider his words. His eyes were pearly black, as though he reflected the very nature of chaos himself. Perhaps he did, though Jano always thought he seemed nice.

“That was wrong. I have committed the Chaos-Shapers to the wider cause of Molinia. Now that there is an external threat to our civilisation, I want to give us the chance to prove it. We are no longer the assassins of days gone by. Give us a chance to prove it. Afan, I am willing to give your clan leadership of all operations, as a gesture of good faith.”

Afan’s face lightened for a second before he corrected it but Gryff was positively smiling by his side. Afan slowly nodded his head. “I am willing to discuss the idea.” He said.

Queen Riva positively vibrated. “Just say yes you insufferable idiot. So we can bloody get on with saving our lands from more attacks like those. My people are not used to being attacked by the dead.”

Afan turned quickly to stare at her. Her eyes, not dissimilar to the Chaos-Shapers, were a deep black and they were fixed on him. “Okay I accept. On the conditions laid out here and subject to further discussion. When do you propose to bring them back?”

King Zabar smiled softly and he extended his hand toward Dariea. “Our friend here will be setting off this evening, with a small party of assistants.”

“This evening?” Afan coughed.

“She is the most talented traveler here, more experienced than any of us and she can travel quicker.”

“Gryff will accompany her then.” Afan blurted out.

Gryff looked shocked. “…but father..” he stammered but Afan held out his hand. Zabar shuffled in his seat.

“As assistance, and to show our good faith. I insist Gryff accompany the party.”

“Dariea was selected due to her ability to Jump through chaos. She cannot take more than…” Zabar said.

Queen Riva moved forward. “The Shadow Air clan will send Robin, one of our most talented students.” She smiled at Afan, but it was not a friendly one. “As a gesture of goodwill.”

Dariea and Zabar began discussing something between themselves. Dariea looked calmer than the King, but Jano couldn’t tell what they were discussing.

“Fine. Fine. But Dariea will not be able to take any more. Be aware that there may be some conflict on their path if they cannot Jump much of the way. Prepare your people well.”

Jano noted that the Shifter clan offered no such offering and they left as soon as they were able. The others left the room with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Once they had all left, Dariea finished talking to Zabar and collected Jano.

“Come on. I guess I have some explaining to do.”