Chapter 55: Words From Outside

It was a two-mile ride from the vanguard to the main body of the army, the sun was already falling, and the chill autumn air made Nabooru shiver as she clutched at her coat. It was infuriating watching the few Gorons or Hylians that travelled with them walking about in the same clothing they had worn the entire war, while every Gerudo covered themselves as if it was already winter. It was difficult to pose as the fearless and ruthless commander when you're trying not to shiver in your shoes.

The armies had stopped the march for the day. By now her tent would have been constructed, and she would give anything to sit inside or perhaps by the fire. And it was only going to get worse. The last time a campaign lasted through winter they had lost several sisters to the cold alone. And Nabooru did not relish the thought of going through that again.

The mainguard of the army already had their defenses set. Wagons circled around, with wooden fences constructed at the entrances, and guards standing watch.

"Who's that coming?" Called one of the guards, barely stepping away from the large fire at her back. Lucky.

"Commander Nabooru, to see the king."

The vai nodded, and opened the gate, letting Nabooru pass. She enjoyed the warmth coming from the fire before the gates shut behind her. With all the people and animals living together it certainly smelled worse than riding across the open countryside, but from the dozens of fires and people all living together one had to admit it was warmer.

A Gerudo camp had a certain structure to it. War wagons on the outside, making as good a wall as they could, with wooden gates taken apart and rebuilt every day at the entrances. Just inside were the common soldiers and servants all mixed together. And theoretically the deeper inside the more important members of the army were stationed. Gan's tent should be in the middle.

As she rode soldiers stopped to wave at her, whistling and calling with joy for their commander. It all seemed familiar. Though, she did notice just outside Gan's tent, that merchant had set up shop. A weasel that one, squeezing into wherever she could to sell her wares to those most likely to afford them. Nabooru didn't give her a seconds thought as she dismounted Honeyhoof and tied her to a post next to two other horses she knew well. She was the last to arrive then.

"Vaasaaq," Nabooru said as she entered the tent. "Sorry I'm late, had to wait for my scouts."

There was no great table in Ganondorf's tent, nor was there any place designated to stand or sit. There was only one chair used for Gan's writing desk. And for now it stood empty. The other commanders were spread about the room, Bethmasse stood tall near the entrance. Desquesza sat cross legged across from Gan, a map spread out between them.

"Did I miss anything?" she said as she sat at Gan's side.

Only then did she get a look at his face. The lamplight flickered over him, casting shadow over the deep bags beneath his eyes. Hair speckled his chin and lip. It looked as if he had not slept or shaved in weeks.

"Nothing has been decided," Bethe said.

"What news from the scouts?" Dessi asked. "It'll be best to go over their reports before we decide our next move."

Nabooru glanced down at the map and pointed at the river. "No sign of any enemy, but this bridge is down. We won't be able to cross here like we originally planned. Now word is, that at this bend here," she gestured to a curve on the river line, "the water is shallow enough to ford. But with the current cold weather, I can't see that being pleasant for anyone."

"The soldiers' life is not to be pleasant," Bethe said. "The horses will survive, and I will make certain the infantry know that complaints will be dealt with harshly."

"Infantry and cavalry is fine," Dessi said. "It's the wagons I worry about if we do a true ford. Chief Darunia's weapon, those bombs, they won't work if they get wet. And that's not even going into our supplies. We can't raid off the land anymore, if we lose wagons in the river crossing we'll be in a bad place come winter."

The three looked to Gan. But he did not say anything. He wasn't even looking at them, he stared down at the map. One hand rubbing against his temple, wincing.

"You alright there, Gan?"

Still nothing.

"Gan!" Nabooru said. "Big oaf!"

"What?" he spoke for the first time since she entered the camp, but it was soft. Confused. As if he was just waking up. "Yes. Fording the river. That will work."

"And the wagons?" Bethe asked.

"How long do you think it will take to build rafts for them?" he mumbled.

"A day, plus another to actually get all of them across," Dessi said. "We'll be further delayed."

But Gan was gone again. His mind wandered off wherever it went, his eyes shut tight, and he breathed heavily through his nose. She looked to her fellow commanders. Desquesza raised her hands in shared confusion. Bethe simply shook her head.

Ancestors help me with him. "Then we make for the bend." If Gan wasn't going to lead, then she would have to. "I'll cross with the van, and we'll set up camp. Bethe, you're the best at keeping the line orderly. Organize the crossing for the main body in sections. Dessi you'll look over the creation of those rafts. The order will be vanguard first, then the main army, then the wagons, then Dessi you and your rearguard will pass after all the guards are through."

"The main body will take the most coordination," Bethe said. "I will need someone good to oversee one side while I am on the other."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Makeela is too flighty. I cannot rely on her for something like this. She will be better served in the van. I propose a trade, Makeela for the new one, Tagoma, Gan promoted her for keeping the lines steady, correct?"

"Lot of responsibility for a new promotion," Desquesza pointed out.

"Best way to test her, then."

Nabs gave one last glance toward Gan to see if he would give any input. Nothing, he muttered something, but Nabooru couldn't hear. "Fine. I'll ride back with Makeela and send you the new vai in the morning. Is there any other-"

"If that is all, my sisters," Gan cut her off. "I wish to be alone for now." He spoke without looking at any of them. "I have much to think about. I am counting on each of you."

Nabooru got to her feet. Gan did not rise. He did not seem to notice anything at all anymore. His hand went back to his temple, rubbing at it. All while his eyes stared down. But was he even looking at the map or something past it? Nabs gestured for the others to follow her out of the tent. Gan did not seem to notice as they left.

"What is that?" Nabooru hissed as soon as the tent flap was closed behind them.

"I've been in the rearguard the entire time," Dessi turned and glared to Bethe. "How long has he been like this?"

"Since we left the mountain," Bethe said. "And each of you took your positions on the march."

"And you didn't think to tell us!" Nabooru shouted.

"It is not my place to judge what the king does."

"What are you talking about? That is exactly what you are supposed to do. What good is someone who doesn't question him! Especially when what he's doing doesn't make any sense."

Bethe scowled. "A soldier follows orders, even when they do not make sense. For the commander has more information than the soldier could ever have."

"That's exactly when you're not supposed to follow orders," Dessi said, she gave a pained look to Nabooru. "She was exactly like this after the first part of the battle for the Crown. I needed you then, sister."

"Do not speak to me as if I do not know what I'm doing," Bethe said. "Nothing the king does makes sense. He acted after the battle as he did now. He sat on the ground, paying no attention to anything. If we had listened to you, Commander Desquesza we would have marched back down the mountain and abandoned Commander Nabooru to whatever fate was up there. But we followed our king, and when he decided the right action he was correct. When he led us-" her voice went lower, into a whisper. It was only then that Nabs noticed the faces all looking to them. It was not every day that the commanders of the army squabbled in public. "When he led us to a cursed forest, he again acted insane, saying he wished to go alone."

"But that is not-" Nabooru tried to say.

"We disobeyed him," Bethe spoke over her. "We sent people with him."

"You volunteered to go!"

"And I was wrong! What aid did you or I give him? We did not trust him, and we lost Saevus. I would have died with her had he not carried me on his shoulder as if I was a useless sack of onions. No. I do not question his actions or his moods. He knows things we do not. And I put my faith in his judgment."

Nabooru glanced to Dessi, but her friend only shrugged. "I didn't go in the woods."

"He can't lead an army when he's like this."

"That is why we are here," Bethe drew herself tall. "Until he is ready, we keep his army together."

Nabooru didn't even know how to argue with that. There had been a joke when Bethmasse first joined Gan's guard that she wasn't the smartest of vai. But even then Nabs didn't believe that was true. The large woman grasped tactics as well as anyone, she did her duty better than most. It was not by mistake she was trusted as a commander. But by the sands once she had an idea in her head who could dislodge it? And even if there existed some eloquent scholar who could, it certainly wasn't Nabooru.

So she stomped off, better to cool down, think of something than to hurl insults at those Nabs thought of as sisters. Behind her Dessi was trying to take up some counterpoint, giving some argument of her own. But what good would that do? Even if Dessi won the argument it wouldn't bring Gan back to them.

"Is there something wrong, Commander Nabooru?" came a soft comforting voice in perfect Gerudo.

"Hmm?" She had wandered directly over to the merchant's wagon. Of course, exactly someone she wished to speak to. "No, it's nothing."

"Fairly loud nothing," the merchant gave a pleasant smile. "If you don't mind me saying so. Is something wrong with the king?"

"I said it was nothing."

"Sorry commander," she nodded her head low. Almost like a bow. "Is there anything I can offer you. Perhaps something warm to eat on a cold night like this?"

Now that was a pleasant thought. As little as she liked the merchant, a warm meal was something few could refuse. She looked over the vai's wares, most of the molduga fins were gone, but there were still some interesting things left. Ingredients for soup, salted meats, clothing, shoes, and a ball that hung near the back of the wagon. Small, with rough stitched leather holding it together. "Is that for sale?"

"That?" the merchant crawled through the wagon to bring the ball to her. "For certain, but I did not have many in stock and this one isn't of the best quality."

Nabooru held out her hand. The merchant quickly gave her the ball. It was tough, rough, and lopsided. But it still compressed when she squeezed it. Probably made from an inflated pig bladder, just like the one they had all those years ago. She tossed it into the air and caught it. Just heavy enough for a good throw, and not too hard. "I'll take it."

The merchant smiled. "Normally it costs only five rupees, but I see that today you are in most need of amusement so perhaps-"

Before she could finish talking, Nabooru grabbed a handful of rupees and tossed them to the vai. Not certain how much she handed out, but it was more than five. "Keep it."

"Thank you, commander," the merchant gave a happy little laugh. "I hope it is what you want, that is meant to be a child's ball. I'm afraid I don't have anything bigger."

Nabooru ignored her and walked back toward Gan's tent. Dessi and Bethe were still arguing with each other as she walked past them. "Can one of you find Storm?"

"This for Gan?" Desquesza asked.

"Who else?"

"Then of course. See Bethe? She's actually helping."

Nabooru did not pay attention to Bethe's response. She marched into the tent, seeing Gan still sat exactly where he had been when she left. "Oy, Gan."

"Hmph."

"Gan. Ganondorf Dragmire. Look up."

"Yes, Nabs," he sighed without turning his eyes toward her. "I can hear you."

Oh well, she tried to give him a warning.

She grabbed the ball with both hands raised it over her head and threw it at him. It flew as straight as that lopsided ball could and with a loud thwap smacked into the side of Gan's face.

He whirled about, his eyes ablaze in anger. His hand outstretched as if he was about to call his sword. And for a moment all the wariness and all that stupid contemplation was gone from him. She grinned as his anger turned to confusion. "Nabs, what was that?"

"You were supposed to catch it," Nabooru walked to where the ball had rolled and picked it up, showing it to him.

"You're supposed to warn people!"

"I did, you decided not to look. Let's try that again. Gan. Look up." And she threw the ball. He caught it with one of his massive hands. "One!" she shouted. Come on you big oaf, remember.

"One?" He shook his head. "Nabooru, whatever you're trying to do, I don't have time for this."

"Agreed. You should be incredibly busy with scouting reports, going over the plans for the army. Or just being with the vai. When was the last time you took watch? Ate with anyone? But you aren't doing any of that are you? You're just sitting in the dark."

"I am thinking."

"And doing a wonderful job with that. Why if you were some priest or one of them, what do the Hylians call them? Those useless people who think all day."

"Philosophers."

"Right, Hylian for useless people."

"They're not useless."

"Are you going to just sit there complaining or are you going to throw the ball?"

Gan rolled his eyes, but he tossed it back. It barely made it halfway to Nabooru before it smacked into the ground, bounced twice, and rolled to Nabs' feet.

"That may have been the most pathetic thing I have ever seen."

"Nabooru, we aren't children anymore."

"Obviously, as a child you could throw better than that." She kicked the ball up into her hands and threw it at her friend again. He caught it as easily as before. "One!"

"Why are you doing the count?" Gan said with an exasperated voice. But he actually threw the ball back to her that time. "Even as children, Sir Godwyn would never have us count this. This is mere practice."

"Well, our horses are outside."

"Nabooru our soldiers are out there. They can't see us playing about."

"They can't see us be human? Don't be ridiculous. We've danced with them, sang with them, celebrated with them, and shared our sorrows. You used to play cards and dice, this is no different." She could tell from the way he set his jaw she wasn't convincing him. "Besides, if you don't do this with me, I will keep throwing the ball at you the rest of the night."

"Fine," he got to his feet. "Let's finish this fast." He followed Nabooru out into the open air. Dessi had brought Storm, saddled and ready in front of the tent.

"You betrayed me, too?" Gan muttered as he took the reins from her.

"Don't think of it like that, Gan," Desquesza moved aside giving him room to mount one of the few steeds that could carry him. "We're all just looking out for you."

Nabooru untied Honeyhoof from the post and mounted her. The camp itself was not as open as Nabooru would have liked, but it would work well enough. Some of those nearby were already sneaking curious glances as to what was happening. "Shall we start the count again?"

"If we must," Gan replied.

Nabooru nudged Honeyhoof forward angling away from Gan. She threw it to the side, an easy enough start. Just to get the blood flowing and the muscles to remember what they were supposed to do.

"One," he said pulling the ball to him. He gave a gentle toss back to Nabooru.

"Two," she said. She didn't even need to change Honeyhoof's direction to get under the ball. That wasn't enough. The whole point of the game was to practice horsemanship and reflexes. And, as they got better with age, to show off a bit. Now it was time to show off.

She prodded her mount to go faster. Deliberately and obviously aimed just ahead of where Gan would be and threw the ball.

"Sands take you," he muttered just loud enough for Nabs to hear but Storm lurched forward for Gan to grip the ball before it touched the ground. "Three." Again, he gave her a direct easy pitch.

Well, if that was how he wanted to play, she would just have to make him work harder. "Four," she shouted as she caught it. Then without looking she threw the ball over her head high, toward Gan… roughly. But he would have to go for it.

"Nabs!" he cursed. Storm grunted. She heard heavy hooves and the clear thwip-thwap as the ball bounced. She looked over her shoulder to see Gan trying to get his hands on the ball, but it bounced from one hand to another, and he couldn't get a grip on it. Then it rolled off his thumb, struck his boot and into the dirt it went.

"Only four?" Nabooru called out to him. "You'd be running laps under the mid-day sun for that."

"There is no sun," Gan shouted back as he got of Storm and trod to pick up the ball. "It is night, and it's hard to see when you throw wild."

"All I'm hearing is 'Oh no, Nabooru is better than me. Just like she is at everything.' Is that what you're trying to say there, Gan?"

He didn't say a word, but he nearly jumped back on to Storm and threw the ball at her as hard as he could. No. Not at her. Over her head. She reached high, but it was clear that wouldn't be enough. As a reflex, she did something she hadn't done since they were children. Pressing one foot onto the saddle she jumped. Not high. Her other leg was still touching the saddle, but enough. She got her fingertips on the ball and batted it down to her lap. Honeyhoof sputtered as she landed, not used to that at all. But she caught it. "One!" She held up a finger to her best friend. "You'll have to try better than that!"

Now there were people looking at them. Some were even cheering. "You got her, my king!" one loud voice bellowed. Yes, keep going.

Ganondorf heard them. And as she looked back at her oldest friend, she could see it in the way he sat atop his horse. The way torchlight flickered across his eyes as he followed her movement. If there was one thing she knew about Gan, it was that he hated to lose. She threw the ball behind him. And before the ball left her arm, he was already pulling Storm's reins to back up. "Two!" he bellowed.

"Three!" She called after she caught one ball that nearly fell into a crowd.

"Four!" Gan laughed after he needed to knock the ball with his elbow first before he could get his hands on it.

"Five!"

"Six!"

"Seven! You trying to take off my head?"

"Sounds fair, you threw it at mine. Eight!"

"The difference is – Nine! – if I mess up your face no one will notice!"

"Just throw the ball, Nabs!"

Each throw pushed them just a little harder. For one she stood on Honeyhoof's back circling an arm wide for balance. Another saw Gan tumble off Storm, grabbing a ball as he slid to the ground. He landed hard on his stomach with a thud, but the ball never touched the ground. "Twenty!" He roared. And the crowd around them cheered. He brushed off some of the mud and grass that stuck to his clothes, got back on Storm and continued the game.

They must have played for an hour, when Gan threw a ball high, so high Nabooru lost it in the dark and only found it again when she heard a loud thunk as it smacked into one of the nearby tents. "Seventy-four and out!" Nabs called, as one soldier found the ball and tossed it to her. A mix of cheers and jeers met the announcement. Gan with a wide smile spread over his face rode up to her. Storm was sputtering, and so was Honeyhoof. Those two at least would be grateful that the game ended.

"What brought this on?" Gan asked once he stopped and got off Storm. He handed the reins to one of the stablehands when they came running to care for their horses.

"You needed it," Nabooru shrugged as she passed Honeyhoof off as well. "And so did I, I reckon."

"Hmm," he plucked the ball from Nabooru's hands. Looked down at it, then to the crowd that still surrounded them. Now pressing closer as they realized the game was done. He marched toward them, his arms raised high in victory. He found his way to the smallest of the crowd, a little Gerudo girl, no older than six if Nabooru had to guess. Kneeling before her, the big voe handed her the ball.

Even in the dark, Nabs could see how awestruck the child was. What was she? One of the hundred children that followed the army. Camp dwellers and servant's aids. There was no adult standing beside her. Perhaps her mother was somewhere warm, or perhaps what family she had did not make it past the Lizalfos raid on the camp.

No way of knowing. But for the next few days, among the camp-children she would be a queen. Gan stood up and walked back toward Nabs.

"You know, that was my ball."

"I'll get you another one. Thank you for this, Nabs."

She hugged him and led him away from the crowd that had gathered. Not stopping until she was certain no one could hear them. "You going to tell me what you've been stuck on all these weeks?"

He sighed, but he didn't pull away from her. "There's nothing to tell Nabs. The same thing as always, over and over. I've made a mistake. Every decision I make these days I keep thinking about it. Second guessing myself. What if my plan hasn't yet failed? What if I'm laying the groundwork for hundreds of years of our people living in chains? Lifetimes spent under the boots of Hylians, all because of me. And the dreams, Nabs, the dreams. Every night without fail."

"Gan, you can't wallow in that. We all second guess ourselves. So what? Dreams are just dreams."

"I know- I know that. But that doesn't make it easier." He sighed and looked up to the sky. "Nabooru, what do you think this peace will be like?"

"I don't understand."

"I gave you a promise all those months ago, if my plan didn't work, I would do my best to honor our treaty with Hyrule. I would put all my plans behind us, and we would live under Hyrule in peace. Well? Explain it to me, what do you think it will be like? What world do you see?"

"Gan, I don't know. I don't see whole worlds like you. All I have is what's in front of me. What makes sense, and then I do the best I can do from there."

"Try anyway, for me."

Nabooru shut her eyes, trying to think of a world without wars. She had fought them since she was a child. How young had she been when she and Gan first rode into battle? Was there even a thing as a world without war? No. Now, there would always be some struggle. If she tried to tell him about some perfect world he'd never believe her. "It won't be easy. We will have to listen to that useless king and his brat of a daughter. But we will keep strong, we will bring water to our people. I don't know much about how long it will take to build that aqueduct you're so hot on."

"I explained it to you."

"You droned on about rocks and slopes and water transfer. Why would you think I would remember that nonsense?"

"Because I value your opinion. Because I plan all my campaigns and battles with you, because I know how clever you are."

"Yeah? Well, not about rocks. Doesn't matter. However long you think it will take, it'll take longer. But we will get it done. Together. There will be troubles, aye. Not every Gerudo will choose to go peaceful with the Hylians. And not all the snooty Hylians will accept us either. But we'll get through that, too. And once we're old and tired, we'll leave it for the young to deal with. And whatever trouble they get into, we'll know we made the best world for them." That was it. The best she could hope for. It sounded simple even as she said it, naïve even. But as she spoke, Nabooru truly thought that world could become real. Naïve didn't mean wrong. And perhaps there was a better world, if they could make it.

Gan sighed. "I just… I can't see it."

There were no other words Nabooru could think to say. They both stared out among the beautiful stars. The world was so big. Too big for anyone to ever see. Even someone as clever as Gan. But she would help him, they would do right. And maybe that world could become real some day.


It was three days later when the messengers arrived. The army had just stopped for the day when scouts signaled the riders were approaching carrying letters and notes. Any word from life outside was always welcome in the army. Tents were only half constructed, and the defensive wagons were not yet put in perfect place. But still people crowded around the riders, and Nabooru was no different.

"Swellala of the Sand-Snakes," one of the message-bearers called.

"That's for me!" a big vai with gold rings on her arms waving and pushing her way to the front of the crowd to receive a package.

"Tomurda no other name given," said another, this time handing out a small note.

"What's this?" the vai asked, as she took it. "I can't read this."

"Someone gave us a verbal message," the messenger said as he pulled another note from his bag. "Once we finished handing the rest of them out we'll tell you what it says. Jocasta?"

"Commander Nabooru daughter of Matron Bulira?"

"Give it here," she moved to the front, her people knowing to get out of her way rather than making her push through. The messenger gave her a parcel and a letter. In his cramped precise script that she had seen so much over the last few months it said Sir Jora in Hylian.

Nabooru felt her pulse quicken. Just seeing his name made her happier, and all the problems of running an army, all the guilt of secretly betraying his trust drifted away. She wanted to tear it open right there in front of everyone, but she was still a commander. Playing around with Gan may seem endearing at first, but if she made a habit of gushing about and showing weakness? That could bite her. She must remain Commander Nabooru, the Desert Wind, the Right Hand of the King and the fiercest warrior under the sun.

So she pulled away from the crowd, and with steady hands she carefully broke the seal and unfolded the note. Trying to ignore the way her heart pounded.

Nabooru, my love,

Simply reading that made a smile spread across her face, and her stomach churn in excitement. It was ridiculous, he had told her he loved her a hundred times, and yet every time felt as wonderful as the first.

It has been far too long since I got to see your smile and held you in my arms. Every day I miss you more than the last. I read your last letter a dozen times or more, every detail you send me from the front is a relief. I feel like a knight's wife, forced to sit at home and wait while my loved one is out saving the kingdom. I wish I could be beside you now. It is painful when duty keeps us from those we are meant to be with. As a token of my affection, I sent a little gift I hope you like it.

There are two pieces of information I wish to tell you. The first is good, I think. His majesty has appointed me the personal protector of the princess, replacing Lady Impa. I don't know the details, but whatever happened the king was furious with her. I know you did not think highly of her, but I counted her ladyship among the most dutiful people at court. While this is undoubtedly a position of the highest honor, I find myself spread thin. Between the councils, dealing with the guilds and banks, and trying to scrounge up money for the king's various programs I don't know how I will find time to also look after the princess. Which is not helped by the fact her royal highness definitely did not wish her guardian to be replaced. It has been three days and she has hardly spoken to me beyond a sharp word of command.

If you have any idea how to gain the confidence with a girl of eleven years, please my love, tell me.

Poor man. Nabooru did not know much of the princess beyond her outburst the day the treaty had been signed. A stubborn and willful child, with a reputation for being clever beyond her years. She would think on how to help him, though in truth when a spiteful young vai wished to hate there was very little that could change that. Nabooru would know, she still hated the two that tormented her childhood.

The second piece of news I have is more grim I fear. It is about your mother. I do not wish to alarm you, she is not sick as far as I can tell. But I also can't say she is healthy. I worry for her. She walks unsteadily as if she has not slept at night. Her mind wanders when I try to speak with her. Once, when we were speaking and I noticed she had drifted from the conversation I touched her on the arm to see if she was alright and she screamed. It is like she is living in fear of something happening at all times of day. It worries me, not just because she is your mother, but she has always been kind and helpful. Seeing the honored matron act so erratically has me worried for her. And with my new duties with the princess I find I do not have the time to check up with her as often as I wish. Has this ever happened before? Is there anything I can do? Should I speak to the castle's apothecary on her behalf?

I am sorry to end my message with such a dour note. I do not wish to trouble you, war is trouble enough. But I felt you must know.

I miss you and I love you. Give my best regards to your king, and all your sisters.

Sir Jora Penrest, your devoted Knight of Foxes

Nabooru read the last paragraphs three times. Her hand trembled, she clutched the paper tight, near crumpling it in her grasp. She ran. Across the camp until she found Honeyhoof and together they raced alone across the fields of Hyrule from her position at the vanguard to the main body of the army.

"Out of my way," she snapped at the guards that tried to stop her from entering the camp. "You know who I am."

"Yes, Commander," they said as they opened the wooden gate. She did not stop until she reached Gan's tent, where she leaped off her horse and burst inside.

"Gan!" she shouted as she entered, but he was not there. She questioned the nearest servants where she could find him only to hear that he had decided to take up watch on the gate opposite the one she had entered in. Now he was out doing his duties as king? Now?

She found him stretched out by a fire, laughing with a few of his soldiers. She would be happy with him, if she hadn't been so furious.

"Nabs?" He stood up once he noticed her and smiled. "You don't need to check up on me, I'm fine."

She shoved the letter into his hands. "Read this."

Gan held the letter to the light. His eyebrows went high, and he glanced back to her. "It seems a bit personal."

"The end. Read to the end."

He went back to the letter. "Oh," he said when he finished.

"It's them."

"You can't know that."

"It's them."

Gan looked back to the letter and nodded. "I apologize my sisters," he looked to those others who were at watch this night. "I am needed elsewhere." Together they returned to his tent. He ordered all the servants to leave and step away, then went to his chest and opened it. Pulling out a jar of sand and the two talismans tucked within.

He poured the sand over the ground, spreading it into the strange pattern, and placed the two emblems in the center. "Mothers, I offer you the sand from your door and look upon your emblems. I request your presence."

Nabooru held her breath. Her hand gripping at the pommel of her sword. Her entire body felt tense. Waiting to hear their horrid voices. What were they doing with her mother?

But the voices did not come. The wind did not howl. The witches did not appear.

"Mothers," Gan tried again. "I offer you the sand from your door. I look upon your emblems. I beg an audience with you."

Nothing.

"Where are they?" Nabooru demanded.

"They don't wish to be summoned," Gan set his jaw before he tried to scoop as much of the sand as he could get back into the bottle.

"What are they doing to my mother?"

"I don't know."

"We need to find out."

"Obviously."

"I'm going."

"Nabs," he looked up from his work. "I need- No, I'm sorry. I'm being selfish. Bulira needs you more. In the morning-"

"I am leaving tonight."

This time he was the one that went to embrace her. "Tonight then. I'll take care of things here. Get some supplies and go. I will check in on you. If there's anything those two are doing to Bulira-"

"I'll kill them."