Chapter 27

Day 6 of the Lone Moon, Year 1176 (Fódlan Calendar)

Khalid struggled to respire as he neared the end of his third and final lap around the outer grounds of the Dunya Palace. It was a surprisingly hot day, and there was not a cloud in the sky or shade of a tree for reprieve. The running exercise had rendered his brain feeling like blistering mush.

As he wiped sweat out of his eyes, though, he saw James and Abbas not far ahead. He could still catch them with a bit of a push. The three brothers were almost equally matched, as their natural talents at running were inversely related to their age. Nader had not advertised the exercise as a race, but as far as the princes were concerned… it was a race.

Khalid found his second wind and closed ground. James noticed Khalid's advance and alerted Abbas. It became an all-out sprint as they approached the finish. Khalid thought he had a chance to pass them, but he stumbled and nearly fell at the end. Abbas just edged his brothers out as they crossed the Dunya's front gates.

Nader sat just outside the gates reading some kind of report. He set it down as the three princes returned to him. They all breathed laboriously with their hands on their heads.

Nader said calmly, "You need to do better, Prince Abbas. You should be setting an example for your younger brothers, not running as their equals."

It was not the reaction Abbas expected. He defended, "By proving I'm the best jogger? I don't need to earn their respect. They both already know I would easily overwhelm them in combat."

"Are you sure you could right now? They'll be distracted for a moment or two if you vomit all over them, but it won't win you any fights."

"But-."

Nader was less casual as he insisted, "You're being trained like this for a reason. Battle is tiring, and you'll often be fighting on rationed food and a bad night's sleep. You should be thankful I'm letting you off for today instead of this just being your warmup."

"This isn't a lesson!" Abbas accused. "You'd just rather sit here doing nothing instead of actually teaching!"

Nader was too amused to be offended. "It sounds like you've mastered all aspects of training, Prince Abbas. In that case, should you and I have a duel, no holds barred? You can finally prove your superiority over me, and when you win, I will happily recommend you to a high station under your uncle. Prince Shahid will be happy to have a brother join him, and you'll enjoy all the combat experience you want."

Abbas was silent. Nader stood, waved goodbye, and told them, "I look forward to seeing you all again tomorrow."

The eldest brother turned to the youngest once their instructor was gone.

"This is all your fault, Khalid!" Abbas indicted.

Khalid shook his head. "It's my fault that you thought you could stand up to Nader the Undefeated? This logic should be interesting."

"I won the race, and yet he still found a reason to complain about me? He only talks to me like this because he has a soft spot for you! What have you been telling him about me?"

"Nothing more than the truth," Khalid said with a shrug.

"Oh, like how I'm mean to you for no reason? Is that it?" Abbas asked as he stood above Khalid and leered down.

James raised a hand to calm them as all signs pointed to yet another fight. "Wait, let's-."

"Not now, James!" Abbas interposed. He turned back to Khalid. "Well, sorry that I don't treat you like a darling little prince just because your mother is called 'queen.' By the time I was your age, I had already learned the hard way that anything in life can be taken from you. It forces you to grow strong. I'm just teaching you the same lesson."

Khalid said sardonically, "Ah, yes, very strong. So strong that you outran me by half a second despite being almost five years my senior. I'm pretty sure you would have died if you had to do another lap."

"I don't see you lining up for more," Abbas retorted.

"Oh, I'm not. I'd die, too. But I'm not the one claiming be the strongest here."

"I knew you didn't have much left in you," Abbas said derisively. "Alright. Just to shut you up for good, I might do two more laps while you go get coddled by the queen."

"Are you insane? You'll never make it!" Khalid exclaimed.

"So you think," Abbas maintained. "Are you in, James?"

James looked at his elder brother incredulously. "… I'll pass."

"Suit yourself. But I won't be able to defend you when he turns his insults in your direction."

Abbas stretched his muscles for a few seconds and then took off again. He attempted to project a triumphant bearing, but anyone watching would have instead believed he was inching closer to death with each stride.

James faced Khalid and observed, "You made getting rid of him look easy."

"It's the oldest trick in the book. People will do whatever you want if you can convince them it was their idea all along."

"I see." James then squinted when he saw Khalid's grin. "You look rather pleased with yourself, but how will you feel if he passes out from the heat?"

Khalid looked sideways at his brother. A small part of him felt bad, but he said anyways, "He made the choice. All I did was teach the lesson."

Shifting Futures - Day 11 of the Guardian Moon, Year 1186 (Fódlan Calendar)

The crew of the alliance's new flagship let out a cheer as their chain shot tore through the foremast of a passing vessel. The structure crumbled towards the stern, tangling up in the rest of the rigging and throwing sailors into a mortal tumble onto the deck. This enemy ship was already in dire condition, and it was unlikely to prove much more of a threat.

Khalid was distracted from this scene when a particularly loud blast rose above the already deafening clamor of battle. Based on the direction of the sound, it was very likely that the Tariq had just made its final sacrifice. From his position, though, Khalid could only hope that it found its target.

The Meteoran battle strategy continued to collapse. What remained of the western blockade was now approaching haphazardly to come to the aid of their comrades, which only further crowded the channel. The eastern blockade had also collapsed- a ship or two had fled, while many of the others had broken formation to rescue mariners that had jumped from the ships ravaged by Nabataea's Wrath.

Khalid shook with exhilaration. Everything was playing out as he hoped… even better than he expected, actually. The Meteorans had enthusiastically acted on the terrible ideas born from the seeds of lies Khalid had implanted in their minds. Even Abbas would have laughed at how impressionable they had behaved. To be fair, the Meteorans had not truly known what kind of person they were dealing with, and it was now too late to adjust to the unexpected threat.

The battle was not over yet, however.

"We've got another one incoming!" Senusret shouted into Khalid's ear to get his attention.

Khalid looked over to see the referenced ship. This one remained seaworthy, but it was in even worse shape than their previous opponent. Its mobility was limited, and its broadside was already mangled beyond recognition. With their cannons disabled, the enemy's only choice besides surrender was to attempt a boarding.

"Hold your fire!" Khalid yelled over the main deck. The message was passed on to the gundeck by the crew below.

James cautioned his brother, "It's dangerous. We can crush them without risking a boarding."

"I know, but we need to capture as many of these ships as we can in working condition. This one might be a lost cause if we put a couple more balls into it."

"Prince Khalid is right," Senusret agreed. He then shouted, "Prepare for boarding!"

Khalid raised Failnaught and took aim at the enemy ship. Its troops were prepared for a boarding until two well-positioned arrows sent the survivors sprawling on the deck. A few brave ones exposed themselves to toss grappling hooks into the flagship's rigging. This was not a major concern to Khalid, as his crew was returning the favor. Both teams worked into unison to pull the ships closer.

The Meteoran two-decker had a height advantage, which meant its crew could jump onto the other deck while Khalid's allies would be forced to climb. Consequently, the Meteorans were first on the offensive. Khalid rebuffed as many as he could with his bow, but plenty of his foes successfully leapt down. Most of the first wave landed on the main deck far away from Khalid. The Meteorans were outmatched, however. They had not expected to be in such a desperate situation, and they had no answer to Dimitri wielding Areadbhar. Caspar had also grown into quite a fighter. Farjad was no incredible warrior, but he stood firm this time.

Abandoning their initial strategy, the next wave of Meteorans focused solely on taking the helm. Dimitri and several others sprang to the defense of the navy's commanders, while Khalid was finally forced to draw a blade.

As Khalid dueled a swordsman, someone from behind yanked on him by his collar. This new assailant's sword was being blocked by Caspar, but he had managed to grab Khalid with one hand. His original opponent had a brief chance to land the killing blow while Khalid staggered, but Ealga stepped in and swung a toothed club at the Meteoran. The man was struck so violently that his jaw was nearly removed. Khalid nodded gratefully before helping Caspar to dispatch the other opponent.

Caspar was primed to say something, but his expression changed when he watched something behind Khalid. He then shouted, "Cannon!"

He was pointing to the adjacent hull. The Meteoran broadside was in terrible condition, but they had managed to clear enough wreckage to form a makeshift gunport. A cannon had been wheeled into position and was in the process of aiming at the flagship's quarterdeck.

Khalid drew his bow to eliminate anyone manning the cannon, but he did not have a clear angle at his opponents. Dimitri chose a brasher plan, however, when he leapt from the railing and latched onto the opposing vessel by grasping a hole blown into its hull. If he made a single error, Dimitri would certainly fall and drown under the weight of his armor.

Dimitri used his free hand to violently shove Areadbhar's shaft into the barrel of the cannon. Not even Areadbhar had the strength to cut through the artillery altogether, but it lodged itself deeply inside. Because the carriage was not rigged in place, Dimitri was able to use his lance to push the cannon away from the opening. The sailors that were preparing to use it approached the hole to deal with the external nuisance, which put them within Failnaught's reach. Khalid struck one down, while someone nearby took out the other.

The flagship had been successfully defended, and its crew was roused for a counterattack as they watched Dimitri claw up the side of the two-decker. The helmsman stayed behind, but most of the ship's leadership joined in the fight by crawling over on ropes and ladders.

The few surviving enemies on the Meteoran main deck quickly abandoned their posts and retreated lower for protection. Seeing his friends board the ship, Dimitri approached them and reached out a hand.

"Anything I can borrow until I retrieve my lance?" he asked.

James held out his sword. "Take mine. It hasn't been of much use in my hands."

Just before he could hand it over, however, a Meteoran lying on the deck that was presumed dead suddenly leapt to his feet upon hearing that one of his enemies was unarmed. He prepared to run his sword through Dimitri's back, but James was quick to intercept him. The prince attempted to swipe away the foe's sword with his left forearm while killing the Meteoran with his nearly-clean blade.

Once certain that his opponent was dead, James released his sword, cursed, and staggered away while clutching his left arm. Everyone nearby leapt to his aid.

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" James promised as he motioned for them to back away. He then reluctantly revealed the bloody slice running down his forearm. "It looks bad, but it's not deep."

"Prince James… Thank you…" Dimitri muttered in surprise.

Amin, who was clearly ashamed of his failure to protect his master, pushed everyone aside to reach James. While Amin tended to the wound, Khalid reminded his brother, "I thought you said you were still struggling your fears and indecisiveness."

James chuckled anxiously. "What I did just there… That was pretty stupid, wasn't it?"

"Almost dying for someone else's retainer? Probably," Khalid admitted. "But I'm grateful for it."

Prince James's injury had briefly stalled the assault. As everyone reorganized to press their advantage to the next deck, however, a Meteoran horn sounded in the distance. More horns quickly joined the same strain. White flags soon followed.

The Meteorans were ready to surrender.

This development did not fully register for Khalid's allies until the Meteorans slowly withdrew from their hiding places with their hands raised and free of weapons. It was truly over.

Celebration finally rang out. Sailors from Shomal and Brigid hugged and cried together as the Meteorans awkwardly watched. Caspar was so enthusiastic that a passive observer might have thought he had won the battle singlehandedly.

Dimitri was particularly moved as he placed a heavy hand on Khalid's shoulder. Khalid was worried Dimitri was about to lecture him again about battlefield ethics, but he instead watched as a tear ran down his retainer's cheek.

"How many years has it been since we've won… at anything?" Dimitri asked. "Five years? More?"

Khalid had been too busy pondering their next steps to worry about emotions, but Dimitri's observation finally broke him. He pulled Dimitri into a hug to hide his own watering eyes. "It's a new day, isn't it? Defeat has started to feel like a routine, but the future is what we make of it."

The Meteoran sailors on this ship were compliant, but Senusret still had as many of their weapons sequestered as feasible. In the meantime, Dimitri walked to a lower gundeck and yanked Areadbhar out of the cannon still clutching it. A delighted crowd applauded at the show of strength.

As work continued, a Meteoran messenger arrived by wyvern after having finally identified the true flagship. She disseminated that the Meteoran leadership was willing to discuss terms of surrender but that they requested a delay until all of the survivors were pulled out of the water. The alliance's commanders accepted this condition and even offered to provide assistance. After all, they did not know for certain if their own swimmers from the Tariq had been picked up. The Meteorans also refused to allow any additional ships to be boarded by alliance forces for the time being. Khalid was disappointed by the implications, but he knew what would happen if he disagreed- the Meteorans would immediately scuttle their vessels.

Reports slowly arrived from across the fleet. Casualties among Brigid's navy had been very light. Three of Shomal's ships were sunk, however, and many more received severe damage.

Celebrations were temporarily disbanded as the survivors handled the dead. The bodies of those from Shomal and Brigid were taken to Pyli Kyma for burial, while the dead Meteorans were moved to the mainland. The victory was hard-earned, but its strategic value was indisputable.

Rescue operations continued until late that afternoon, but they thankfully still had time to meet before dark. It was less important that Khalid lead the negotiations on this occasion, but Senusret deferred to him again in recognition of the prince's role in their victory.

This meeting took place on the same beach as the original parley, and many of the same people attended. The differences, though, were striking. The haughtiness of the Meteorans had been replaced with humility. Justinian declined to show up. And where Lord Philemon once stood, another familiar man had taken his place.

"Master Xanthippe of the Sentinels of the Empyrean," Xanthippe announced out of habit. Unlike her companions, she still stood tall, but she could not hide her cuts, bruises, and disheveled appearance. She explained, "Lord Philemon has fallen in battle. Representing the Meteoran Navy is its highest-ranking surviving officer, Captain Helladius."

Helladius had fallen on hard times since his days walking the streets of Derdriu as Sebastian Wayne. He now featured unkempt hair and a patchy beard. His left eye was covered by a bloodied bandage.

Khalid had a plethora of jokes at his disposal. Months prior, Helladius had made light of Dimitri's appearance and had been so eager to once again captain a Meteoran vessel. He now probably wished he had never left Derdriu.

"I'm already aware of the irony, Prince Khalid, so I would prefer if we stay on topic," the disgraced captain said as if reading Khalid's mind.

It was a fair request. Khalid agreed, "Naturally, Helladius. I think James, Senusret, and I need no introduction at this point, but there are some faces that even Master Xanthippe won't recognize. Standing here with me are Ealga Mackenna, admiral of the naval forces of Brigid, and Caspar von Bergliez, the betrothed to the princess of Brigid."

"Greetings," Ealga said courteously. Caspar, who had been advised against saying anything offensive, only nodded.

"Quite the coincidence that Brigid's flag looks identical to that of the Mirgissan Free Company," Xanthippe said dryly.

Khalid glanced over to the channel. Given their superior mobility, Brigid's ships were still being used to ferry people and materials across the fleet.

"Huh. I guess I hadn't noticed," Khalid said offhandedly. "Don't forget that Helladius wants us to stay on topic, though. Just so there's no misunderstanding, I'm expecting to hear that you are prepared for an unconditional surrender."

Khalid assumed that Helladius was only present out of formality, which was confirmed when Xanthippe answered for him. She responded, "Your plotting won't win you this type of fight, Prince Khalid. There will be no unconditional surrender."

"Oh? What detail am I missing?"

"Did you come here to just inflict casualties, or did you have something else in mind? Since you don't actually have any grand army, it must have been to initiate a blockade." Xanthippe pointed to the channel. "You've won, but your fleet has sustained damages, too. You can blockade Metanoiapolis and maybe one or two other cities, but you don't have enough ships to do much more than that. If you want a more complete blockade, you'll need to augment your fleet with our own. Does that sound right?"

Khalid shrugged. "Taking possession of your ships certainly fell under the purview of an unconditional surrender."

"Yes, and it's why your demand is untenable. If you don't allow our crews to freely return home, we'll scuttle our ships. You've boarded a few, but most of them are still firmly under our authority. We have people at the ready to light fires, open holes, detonate magazines… whatever it takes. You won't be able to do a thing about it."

Khalid had to play his bluff, even if he knew it was unlikely to work. He said darkly, "And what if we aren't fond of that decision? Remember that you'll be our prisoners, and you won't have any leverage. I kindly recommend that you not do anything to put us in a worse mood."

"Or what?" Xanthippe sneered. "You'll kill us? Torture us? That would be against the rules of honor. At worst you'll pout and gives us worse portions of food."

"If your sailors jump in the water after scuttling the ships, we're not exactly breaking any rules if we don't bother to fish them out of the channel in the first place," Khalid said cheekily.

Xanthippe stared at him in contemptuous silence. She did not believe a word he uttered.

Khalid, James, and Senusret glanced between each other to make sure no one else had any other ideas. Just before they could accept Xanthippe's terms, however, Helladius abruptly said, "I can tell you won't leave here without prisoners. If you are willing, I offer myself as prisoner in exchange for the freedom of my subordinates."

Xanthippe's eyes widened. "Hellad-."

"- Accepted," James swiftly interrupted. "Your sacrifice is a credit to you, captain."

Helladius dropped his weapons into the sand and moved beside Dimitri.

Khalid said with a grin, "It looks like we have a deal, then. We take Captain Helladius and the ships. The rest of you are free to go. Convey your soldiers back to the Almyran coast using your skiffs. You may even borrow ours, if you'd like. Is that acceptable?"

Xanthippe was too proud to vocalize it, but she nodded in assent.

"Very good. In that case, we wish you all a safe journey home. Send Justinian our regards."

Xanthippe ignored him as she and her attendants departed. The alliance's representatives left shortly thereafter. Two skiffs were necessary to fit everyone, so Khalid boarded one with Dimitri, Caspar, and Ealga.

"It's a shame we couldn't take that woman prisoner, too. I really didn't like her attitude," Caspar lamented as they rowed back.

Khalid replied, "It would have been nice, but it was obvious that we'd never get both the prisoners and the ships."

Caspar questioned, "Wait, it was? You sounded upset about the outcome."

"They were always going to use the ships as leverage, but we still had to play like we expected an unconditional surrender. If we started with a more generous offer, she would have tried netting even more concessions."

"Yeah, that makes sense," Caspar admitted. "But you better promise me that you'll teach her a lesson later on."

"I'll do my best," Khalid agreed. He then waved to Ealga's club. "That toothed bludgeon of death would sure help. Are you willing to trade something for it, admiral?"

"If you would give me your glowing bow, then yes, we can be having a deal," Ealga offered.

Khalid laughed. "Everyone really wants to get their hands on the relics, don't they? You drive too hard of a bargain, but I'll see if I can't find something else to your liking next time I visit Brigid."

The other skiff reached the flagship first, so the news from the parley had already been conveyed prior to Khalid's arrival. There was some disappointment that the Meteorans would leave free, but that did not stop the merriment. The party was so loud that there was no opportunity for an official speech.

After dispatching messengers to the rest of the fleet, the people who had just returned from the parley moved to the wardroom.

"Do you need someone to look at your wound?" Dimitri asked Helladius as they took seats.

The vanquished captain nodded gratefully. "I welcome the offer. I'm not sure how severe it is yet. I was in command of the eastern blockade. We were trying to rescue the crew of one of our burning ships when there was an explosion on the other hull. I took a splinter to the eye."

As Dimitri went to fetch a doctor, Khalid noted, "Sorry about that, though it looks like you are taking it in stride. You were awfully eager to offer yourself up, actually."

Helladius rationalized, "I would have been responsible for reporting the defeat to King Justinian. I'd rather take my chances with you than face his anger."

"Is he that bad?" James asked.

"I've never had personal experience with him, but I've heard enough stories. Lord Philemon was the only one who could reign him in. Others will try in his place, but I don't expect them to have as much success. Even with Aurelian still alive, I'm not optimistic about Meteora's future."

Khalid crossed his arms as he pondered the implications. If Justinian was that much of a loose cannon, Philemon's death could jeopardize the alliance between Meteora and the Tabarzin. That would be a good thing, but it could also result in more unpredictable behavior from everyone involved.

He told their prisoner, "Hopefully your decision to throw your lot in with us was the right one. We'll treat you fairly, but all bets are off once Nader sees you. I don't think he appreciated that assassination attempt of yours back in Derdriu."

"For what it's worth, we weren't enthusiastic about that order," Helladius replied, making no attempt to deny the accusation. "Half my crew was convinced Nader could defeat us all on his own. We were all grateful it didn't come to that. Most of us still remember Nader the Undefeated as a hero."

"Keep up the praises, and I'm sure he'll show mercy. That kind of talk always goes straight to his head," Khalid advised with a smirk. "In the meantime, though, we're obviously going to be asking you as many questions as you'll answer about Meteora's ambitions, strategies, and current situation. You won't know the answers to some, and we can't force you to answer the rest truthfully. Cooperation will be appreciated, though… and rewarded."

"I understand," Helladius allowed.

As Dimitri returned with a doctor and Helladius underwent inspection, Khalid glanced between his companions. "We don't all need to be here for this… Caspar and Ealga, you especially."

James put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Amin and I can take care of this, Khalid. We'll record everything he has to say. And if I miss something, you can always probe him later."

"Are you sure?" Khalid asked. "This is more important than the partying going on outside."

"True, but Helladius will still be here. The party won't. You've all earned the opportunity to celebrate for once."

"That includes you, too," Caspar pointed out.

James raised his torn arm with a pained expression. "With this, I'd rather not be jostled around in the crowd. It's already happened enough today."

"Well… alright. Thanks, James," Khalid said as he stood.

"No… thank you." James bobbed his head in the direction of the cheering sailors. "… For making this possible. You won't be properly honored back home, but everyone here will remember."

The scene outside had grown even more unruly by the time Khalid and the others returned. A barrel of wine was being shared by the euphoric crew. Based on how drunk they already were, they had probably gotten their hands on the wine while Khalid was away during the parley.

"Umm… where did this come from?" Khalid asked rhetorically.

Farjad, who happened to be standing nearby, bumped Khalid's shoulder and explained, "One of Brigid's little boats confiscated it from the Meteorans. We all pitched in to barter for it."

"I thought the Votaries abstained from alcohol," Dimitri said.

Farjad exclaimed, "Ah! They're supposed to. But I guess they share my views on transgression and forgiveness, eh?" He then cleared his throat and tried to straighten his posture. "You know… I don't drink often. Could you tell?"

"The revelation does not come as a surprise," Dimitri admitted.

Someone soon stuffed a cup in Khalid's hand. He tasted it cautiously, but he was not keen on getting too intoxicated. His mind was too important to him.

Dimitri seemed to be thinking something similar as he stared blankly at a cup someone gave him.

"Not a fan?" Khalid asked.

Dimitri lowered his head. "I know what it's like to lose myself. I don't want it to happen again."

Khalid tried to peek inside his retainer's thoughts. He guessed, "You find it difficult to celebrate this, don't you?"

Dimitri nodded. "I am relieved, of course. But to enjoy the deaths of others…. I don't know." He raised his head again so he could look Khalid in the eye. "I spoke with Philemon at length back at the citadel. He was our enemy, but I don't believe he was an entirely evil person. I just can't."

"We didn't damn him to the eternal flames, nor did we even kill him as any kind of judgment at all. We're just doing what is necessary to end this war." Khalid put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You don't have to celebrate, Dimitri. If you want to grieve today, then do so. You'll never be at your best by living in contradiction with yourself."

Dimitri thanked him and walked to the railing to watch the other ships in silence. The drunken revelry continued on without noticing.

The madness of the party eventually collapsed on itself and reassembled into an unforeseen form of order as the crew belted out well-known songs in unison. Several instruments seemingly materialized out of nowhere to set the melody. No one from Brigid knew any of the tunes, but islanders on a nearby ship began singing refrains of their own. This soon led to an escalating duel of songs. The exchange was amiable, and the listeners always clapped enthusiastically at the end of each performance.

Khalid participated some, but he was unwilling to get drunk enough to abandon all inhibitions. He eventually slipped away and took a seat on the quarterdeck to admire the spectacle from a safe perch. Senusret was already there sipping on his wine conservatively.

"Do you have any Dagdan songs to share with us?" Khalid asked. "You can teach me one real quick if we want to make a run against the others. We can't match their volume, but I'm willing to embarrass myself with you."

Senusret smiled as he swirled his cup. "I'm old enough now to recognize my lack of talent. I enjoy watching the others, though. It brings me back to younger times."

"Did your company put on revelries equal to this after a great victory?"

"Indeed. Though even then, I found more enjoyment in battle."

"Enjoyment?" Khalid repeated in surprise.

"What? Did you think I followed the life of a mercenary because it was the only path available to me?"

"I probably would have guessed something like that if I had to, yeah," Khalid admitted.

Senusret shook his head. "My parents were respected stonemasons, and they made decent money. I had many options available to me, but I still became a mercenary. Why? Because I wanted to. I wanted that thrill of adventure."

"Why did you accept your current position, then?"

"Sardar Soraya offered a salary that no one could turn down. I thought I'd fill my pockets for a few years and then move on. But it turned out there were things I enjoyed even more than the emotional high of imperiling my life. I found an appreciation for independence because, other than the sardar herself, I had to take orders from no one. I was free from foolish commanders, and I could ensure that my subordinates were well-treated, just as I wish I had been while I was a mercenary. Peace was boring at times, but I would happily relive it if it meant our people down there wouldn't be burdened with this war. I hope you feel the same way."

"Hm? Me?"

Senusret smiled again. "Is it alright if I speak my mind? I won't say anything too offensive, but it's best to be ask."

"I'm surprised you're suddenly worried about offending a prince. Just yesterday you slapped me on the back like I was your oldest and dearest friend."

"Oh! Sorry for that. Even after all these years, I still struggle with the rules of high society."

Khalid grinned upon seeing Senusret's worried expression. "Heh! You should be careful whom you are so casual with, but I would have said something sooner if it bothered me. But… back to the point. What heavy accusation do you levy against me?"

"I get the feeling you're not so different from myself. I think part of you enjoys war, too. Maybe not the fighting itself, but I saw the gleam in your eyes every time the Meteorans fell into one of your traps… traps that ended in lost lives."

Senusret was probably right, but Khalid was growing weary of hearing it. He observed grimily, "Looks like I'll have to add the Protector of Shomal to the list of people that thinks I'm teetering on the brink of moral ruin. You're at least the fourth entry."

Senusret shook his head. "There's nothing inherently wrong with a fascination for this most dangerous contest. It's not your choice, and I think most great commanders carry that instinct inside them, whether they want to admit it or not. But it's important to value the lives in your hands more, in whatever way speaks to you best. Not just your own subordinates, but also the enemy."

"I understand. That drive is like a fire… it provides energy, but it can also rage out of control if unrestrained," Khalid said in other terms.

"Exactly. Bloodshed sometimes isn't the answer, even when you know you can win. You haven't done anything wrong. This is just one generation passing on advice to the next. I wanted to make sure you knew what your heart was capable of. That way, you'll know how to act once you truly are pushed to the brink."

Khalid nodded. "I appreciate it. Truly. Experience is a greater teacher than any book. You're always welcome to share what you've learned."

The two raised their cups together in unison and drank.

The rest of the crew was finally fatiguing from the celebration. As people began to spread out, Caspar stumbled up the stairs after noticing where Khalid was. A sober Dimitri aided him on the way up.

"What a night!" Caspar exclaimed. "But it's back to business tomorrow, right?"

Khalid nodded. "There's a lot that has to get done. First, we need to do patch-ups on the ships here before hauling them to Morfis for complete repairs. We also need to rendezvous with the scout ships. And… it's about time that some of us get home."

Caspar's expression softened. "… So this is where we say goodbye again?"

"We're stuck together until we regroup with the scouts. They'll have enough wyverns available to get us back. But after that, yes. At least it's under much better circumstances than our last parting."

"Who will be in charge of Shomal's fleet once you are gone?"

Senusret answered, "I'm promoting Captain Tiziri to acting admiral. I have full confidence in her abilities. You and Ealga will meet her soon enough if you have not already. It will be up to all of you to initiate the blockade. Once passage around Sreng opens again, we'll start rotating sailors out from Shomal. You and Ealga can manage Brigid's resources as you see fit. We now have control of the shipping lanes, so you can purchase and convey supplies freely. You're also welcome to confiscate anything from ships that try to run the blockade."

"Sounds good to me." Caspar cautioned, "Safe travels to you all, then. These Meteorans are going to be looking for enemies flying over their territory."

Khalid acknowledged, "For certain. That's why we'll be skirting around over Saba and flying at night for good measure. They'd be threatening Saba's neutrality to attack us there, and even if they wanted to, it's a big enough territory that it'd be difficult to find us."

Caspar stood again and said, "You're always one step ahead of me, Claude. But it looks like I'll be the first to bed tonight. I gotta get out of this armor." He only took one step down before turning around and adding, "Claude, Dimitri… I thought I'd never see either of you again. After so many of our other friends dying… this brought some light back into the world, you know?"

"It has," Khalid agreed. "I don't know how long it will take, but we'll meet again when this war is over."

"I'll hold you to that!" Caspar said with grin as he continued on. "And thanks for giving me something to brag about back in Brigid!"

When Senusret soon left to write up a report, Khalid and Dimitri were left alone. Dusk was rapidly revealing the stars that had been hiding in the firmament.

"Why do you think they did it?" Dimitri asked.

"Do what?"

"The Meteorans. They willing gave up their ships instead of scuttling them. Was it really just self-preservation?"

Khalid bobbed his head as he thought. "Maybe. Not everyone is willing to make sacrifices for the bigger picture. There are other possible answers, though. Their decision makes sense if they plan on ending this war before the consequences of a blockade will really start to bite. If they're looking for a final confrontation soon, they're better off not surrendering able bodies."

Dimitri frowned. "Even if that wasn't their true intention, it will surely be their justification in Metanoiapolis. If they plan to launch an invasion of Elam soon, we have no time to waste getting back." He then said softly, "I really hope the rest of our friends are alright."

"Me, too. The good news is that Marianne and Ariella are smart people." Khalid sighed as looked up at the sky to glimpse the new moon. The moon's phases had completed over two cycles since he last saw the Dunya. He concurred, "But yes. It's time to go home."