Hal paced nervously in the narrow hallway, trying to stay out of the way of the many soldiers who were rushing past with stone-faced expressions and the latest orders from their commander or updates from the front lines. A few curious expressions followed her, but never for long. Hal was the least of anyone's concerns at the moment.

"Here, I found this," Albriech said, appearing at her elbow with a piece of bread and a blanket.

"Thanks." She reached for the small loaf first, tearing it in half a taking a chunk out of the side, offering the other half to Albriech. She was famished enough to know she needed something on her stomach but was too uneasy to finish a whole thing on her own right now. He graciously accepted, taking it upon himself to throw the blanket over her shoulders when he realized she would eat before addressing the fact that she was standing in just her nightgown in the exposed, winter elements. Certain rooms, he had explained earlier, were kept heated — like Nasuada's privy chamber, which Hal hadn't even realized was part of the keep when she had visited, Merida having taken her through the only way in. Everything else was left open to the whims of the elements.

The keep itself, now that Hal was paying proper attention and had Albriech to explain, was a single, massive square-shaped tower at the back of the castle. One way in and one way out. It had additional fortification and defensive details designed right into the architecture. Archers kept watch from above, peering through narrow slits in the thick stone so that they could fire out, but little could fire in. The stairwells were narrow, with barely enough room for two, intricately designed with trick steps and curves meant to throw off invaders who managed to break in.

"Any word yet from her majesty?" Albriech asked, chewing slowly as Hal scarfed down her last bite.

She shook her head. "The soldier has yet to return. I fear they may be too overwhelmed to deal with me right now." She looked over at him. "Any news that you could gather on your end?"

"It's not looking good, but things have also reached a standstill. The initial attack blindsided us at the southern end, where hordes of Ra'zac attacked. Apparently, their numbers are too great to count."

There was a moment of silence sitting between them at his dire words. This felt like a final attack. Thea was pulling out all the stops. Whatever her endgame was, it would happen in this city. It was only a matter of when.

"The explosion we saw happened near the center of the city," Albriech continued. "It's deep, much of the remaining foundation unsteady."

"Making it difficult for people to get out."

"And for soldiers to get in," he added. "Citizens are trying to escape in such massive numbers and soldiers are trying to push in the opposite direction. Not to mention, there's confirmation that the members of the Black Hand that were captured also escaped during the attack that destroyed the castle. No word yet if they're still in the city or if they fled."

Hal felt dizzy and leaned back against the wall for support. "Anything more?"

With a look of regret, he said, "Aye. Apparently, the soldiers that were already stationed in the city were able to regroup and fortify their own wall near where the attack began. Messengers are saying the number of dead and injured are high because of the initial surprise, but the soldiers have, so far, kept the Ra'zac from advancing any further. Roran and Orrin are out there leading the men now."

Hal felt her throat tighten, guilt-ridden. "How long has it been since the first attack?"

"About three hours, give or take."

Almost no time at all. And yet Hal felt like it had already been days. Albriech gave her a sympathetic smile. "I know this is hard, but Nasuada is a good commander, and she's surrounded herself with capable leaders. We might sustain heavy losses, but they will not let the enemy take this city. Not after how hard we fought for it the first time."

Hal couldn't muster up the courage to speak, and instead nodded to show that she had heard. Right then, the soldier she had approached before about speaking to the queen finally returned and gestured to Hal. "Her majesty will see you now. Just you," he added, glancing at Albriech to make his point.

"Aye, aye," he said with a roll of his eyes. He looked to Hal and said, "I'll be here when you're done, Miss Halen."

She momentarily felt uneasy going in alone, but he gave her an encouraging nod that she tried to return before turning to follow the other young soldier, gripping the blanket tighter around her shoulders. He led her down the narrow hallway where he stopped at a guarded, fortified wooden door. Hal was announced before one the guards opened the door to let her in. Once she stepped inside, the door was firmly shut behind her.

"Hal?"

Her eyes widened in disbelief as Giles stared back at her, equally stunned. Then he rushed forward and pulled her into a tight hug faster than she could process that he was safe and, as far as she could tell, unharmed. "Bless the heavens, you're alive."

"As are you," she commented, finding her voice. "I'm so relieved you're all right." She shook her head. "What are you doing here?"

"Mr. Brighamson has offered his services," Nasuada answered, and Hal flushed having temporarily forgotten they weren't alone. She quickly curtsied as the queen continued unperturbed. "He's been instrumental in the evacuation of surviving castle personnel. He was just sharing a report of the number injured already filling our temporary medical unit."

"Is it bad?"

"It depends on your definition. We are not yet overwhelmed, but it's only a matter of time. Right now, we've been struggling to evacuate the city, which is the only reason for a low count. However, my soldiers have to focus on holding the front, but we are burdened with trying to protect civilians at the same time. And with the number of Ra'zac, it's proving difficult."

"And the Black Hand? Any sign?" Nasuada looked surprised that she had known they were involved. Starting from the beginning, Hal quickly explained the two men who had tried to capture her and what they had said, as well as Thea's warning and speculation that she was here. By the time she was done, the room had fallen gravely quiet.

"So that was their plan all along, eh," commented Jörmundur, his expression grim. "They used Teirm as bait to lure away their biggest threats in an attempt to go after Miss Halen. Perhaps they even intended to be captured in the first place!"

"I fear that may only be part of it," Aharon stated, his eyes cutting a sharp look at Hal before looking away. "They would have overwhelmed the castle if she was the priority. Instead, they've focused most of their efforts on the city. While I'm sure they intend to sow chaos and panic, the rate at which civilians could be dying right now is too high to justify the capture of one woman. There's more at play here, we just don't know what. As long as we are in the dark, our people continue to suffer."

"He's right," Nasuada said. "We must focus our efforts on protecting and evacuating civilians. This city cannot be allowed to fall." She added this last part more to herself, steeling her resolve once more. When she finally looked up again, her eyes blazed with purpose. "Where are we with getting messengers to the nearby major cities? To Murtagh and Arya in Teirm?"

Jörmundur cleared his throat. "My most recent, confirmed reports show that a messenger successfully passed the blockade and managed to get out through a hidden exit in the western corridor. We hope he can catch up to the Dragon Riders by nightfall tomorrow."

"So we have to hold the city for four and twenty hours. Probably longer."

Hal could feel the tension, the doubt. The fear. "How can I help?"

Nasuada shook her head. "If they are after you, then our best bet is to keep you out of their hands. You will remain in the keep where you are safe —"

"I can do more than sit on my hands. I can help with evacuations, I can fight —"

"I'm not doubting your abilities, Hal. You spent a year with Murtagh and two elves, I can only imagine how impressive your skills must be." She sighed, her voice taking on a firm and final tone. "However, I would have no ground to stand on to send you into battle as a civilian. And per the conditions set for Murtagh's pardon, I have sworn to protect you to the best of my abilities. So, for now, you will remain here. Please consider yourself dismissed. The rest of this conversation is proprietary information only. You do not have the clearance to be here. However, Mr. Brighamson will be out soon and you are more than welcome to wait for him."

Hal was too stunned to argue, surprised by how swiftly Nasuada had put her foot down. Hal felt her throat begin to close, and she felt distinctly like she had been rejected. She bowed quickly, hating the sympathetic look in Giles' eyes. She gave him an encouraging nod before she shuffled out the door. She was stone-faced when she reached Albriech, who stood at attention as she approached and walked past him.

"What did they say?"

"That I am to do nothing. I can be of no use as civilian."

She was moving quickly, her breath flying out before her in angry bursts of air as Albriech rushed after her, trying to keep up, looking almost relieved that she had been told no. Hal stormed down the hall and across the balcony — which overlooked the exposed courtyard below — towards one of only two set of stairs. A few soldiers pushed past her as she forced her way up to the roof.

"I'm sure they didn't mean all that," said Albriech, trying to cushion the sting.

"She didn't even consider putting me somewhere else where I could help despite acknowledging that I must have skills. I don't have to fight if my safety is a concern but there are other things I can do to help."

"And the Shade?"

"The civilians are a priority. I'm sure they fear trying to locate and confront the Shade now when they are already so overwhelmed trying to protect the people. That much I can at least understand."

"But you did what you said you would. You told them what you knew. That's not nothing, Miss Halen."

The top level was open, as there was no roof to brace them from the elements. Instead, at this elevation, she could see down into the burning city. It was a horrid sight, but she knew up close would be worse. The winter wind blew a thick trail of smoke towards them, part of Ilirea completely obscured behind the growing flames.

"It's awful," Albriech said softly, standing close by. Their postures were similar, hands bracing the edge of the stone wall as they peered off into the distance. Baldor may have been joking earlier, but Hal knew in that moment that he had been right when he said they would be bonded after this. She was grateful to the two brothers, even if Albriech had witnessed her in a rather compromising emotional state.

"My village, my first home, burned just like this," Hal found herself admitting, her tone both flat and unsteady as she tried to keep herself in check.

"I'm sorry."

"I was too. I blamed myself — sometimes, I still do. I never…I never wanted anyone to suffer as I had."

"This isn't your fault."

"Thea is here because I am. That fact remains indisputable. But now, I'm just sitting here doing nothing. It's unconscionable."

"Well then what do you propose we do then?"

Hal didn't answer, staring with frustration out into the distance. Suddenly, though, his question overturned the obvious answer hidden under the rock.

"We fight," Hal breathed, looking over at Albriech. "Nasuada said she could not send me in because I'm a civilian. But she did not actually order me to stand down either. I'm still free to make my own choices."

"I don't like where this is going."

"I may not be strong enough to stop Thea," Hal continued, pretending not to have heard him, "but I'm also the only person in the entire city strong enough to try. And I have to do something. I have to at least make an attempt to put a stop to this."

In her haste, she moved to rush past Albriech, back towards the stairs. He quickly grabbed her by the crook of her elbow and turned her back around, his expression rather panicked. "Hal, if anything were to happen to you out there…Murtagh…"

Her expression softened. "I intend to fight to survive, Albriech. Murtagh did not fall for a coward. He left making the same choice I'm making right now. He will understand why I did this, even if he will not like it."

"If you do this, then I'm coming with you."

"I can't stop you. I only ask that you not do this because you think I need protecting."

Albriech released her arm, standing straight once more with an amused brow lifted in jest. "Oh, I don't think that at all. I'm just going to cover my own ass."

Her lips twitched in a smile. "Fair enough."

"But, if we are going out there, we will have to find you appropriate attire. A nightgown is hardly battle-ready."

"So long as you don't put me in that ghastly chain mail. I don't know how you all move in that."

"Sheer grit and determination to be honest."

"I can only imagine."

When they stopped by the hastily made infirmary where Baldor had made sure Juliet was left in good hands, they told him exactly what the plan was. He wore an expression that was both impressed and concerned. "Are you sure this is the right call?" he asked them.

"No," Hal said, sharing a look with them both. "But like I told Albriech, I can't sit around and hope for the best. Everyone else is fighting. I should be too."

Baldor looked to his brother, a glance that only Albriech could interpret. Then he gave a quiet sigh and turned to face Hal, his expression serious like it had been when he'd scolded her before. "I do not mean to suggest otherwise, but I must know: are you prepared to face the reality that we are walking into a situation where we cannot save everyone? Are you prepared to accept that there may come a moment when you have to make choices you don't want? And I mean difficult choices that could mean the difference between saving one life or saving twenty. You must be willing to live with the consequences. I need to know that you are willing to do that before we move forward. My brother and I can protect you from many things, but the cost of battle is not one of them."

Hal felt the smallest surge of panic at his warning, but only because she knew to take it seriously. She did not take this situation lightly — the fallout of what she would see would, she knew, add to the emotional trauma she was still dealing with. And she actually felt herself hesitating for just a moment, terrified. She curled her fingers into fists, digging her nails into her palms. She couldn't even hide how badly her hands were shaking, ashamed by her own cowardice. But to do nothing at all? To inflict so much suffering for absolutely nothing at all?

"I understand the risks," she admitted, trying to hide how unsteady her voice was. "I accept them. And I accept whatever consequences may result in this decision. But I cannot remain idle in this conflict. Not when I believe that I can at least help, even in the smallest of ways."

Baldor studied her face carefully, searching for a crack in her resolve. Finding none, he grinned and nodded his head. "All right then. It is decided. Also, I'm obviously going with you. You two would hopeless without me."

"I believe that's my line," Albriech said, his lips stretching into a grin. "But first thing's first: we need access to the armory. Hal can't go out like this."

"No, she can't," Baldor agreed. "Follow me. I know a back way in where we won't be spotted. Although I doubt anyone is there now. Come on."

They all glanced around, making sure no one was watching them too carefully before they quickly disappeared into the night.

…

"Albriech, what do you see?"

He didn't answer at first, and Hal fidgeted impatiently and nervously, glancing over her own shoulder frequently to make sure nothing caught them unaware. They had successfully managed to sneak out the keep — although that wasn't saying much, seeing as how the soldiers were otherwise occupied with more important matters. But Hal was still wary of being discovered and made to turn back.

After passing through what remained of the main gate surrounding the castle, they had stumbled blindly through the small forest that separated them from the city, too wary of lighting the way and giving their location away to archers assuming they were the enemy. Or giving away their position to the enemy itself. Hal had to take special care to keep her identity hidden for as long as possible, a difficult task seeing as how her complexion alone stood out. They had dressed her in spare leathers from the women's uniforms, which had included enough material to cover her from head to toe, including a jacket that fell past her hips, and pants. Albriech and Baldor had fastened bracers on her forearms and a metal breastplate across her chest. Hal attempted to hide her face under the jacket's hood, another cloth wrapped around her nose and mouth so that only her eyes showed, but she knew it wasn't foolproof. And judging by the way Albriech was obsessively scanning the somewhat quiet area, she could tell he knew it wasn't foolproof either.

They currently hid behind a crumbled house that had been damaged by debris from the blast of the initial attack. Baldor watched their backs as his brother made sure the way front was clear. While they could just make out the signs of the fighting much further in, the area around them was frightfully still. Every so often, a smattering of people ran past that had managed to escape, fleeing for the woods. There was no sign of the Ra'zac or the Black Hand. Hal had a feeling they were all mixed up in the chaos further in.

Hal lowered the material around her mouth. "Albriech?"

"Shhh," he responded, distracted, as he kept his voice low. Hal thought, perhaps, he had seen something. But he soon turned around and shook his head. "All right, the coast is clear. For now. Stay sharp, stay low, and follow me. The smoke is thick, so cover your faces as best you can."

Hal and Baldor nodded, lifting the scarves back up. Albriech did the same before gesturing for them to follow, taking off towards the sounds of fighting. Hal ran with the bow she had taken from the armory in hand, a fully-stocked quiver on her back, the hand-and-a-half sword on her hips, and a dagger in her boot. She still felt woefully exposed, but she could not risk weighing herself down on the capital's heavy equipment.

Much like in the castle, Hal struggled to keep her eyes focused on the back of Albriech's head. Her eyes could not help but wander towards the caved in homes, or follow the occasional citizen fleeing for their lives, the whites of their eyes stark against the darkness. Perhaps the hardest thing, though, was suppressing the swell of emotion and horror she felt passing the exposed bodies, people who had been caught by raining debris while they were still in their homes or trying to run. The stench of blood permeated the air, and she knew she did not have to even be part Shade to smell it. But it certainly made it that much worse and harder to ignore.

As they moved further in, the damage caused by the explosion became apparent, until they had to halt to stop, taking in the horror in stunned silence. A massive, gaping hole tore through the city center, having destroyed every single building within at least fifty meters. Judging by the size of the hole itself, the blast had come from deep underground, unsettling the foundation and causing even further destruction.

"No wonder they've struggled to evacuate the city," Baldor muttered, shaking his head. His face was pinched with fury. "They managed to sow confusion in a blind attack while limiting escape routes. This plan was well thought out."

"Too well thought out," Albriech added, his voice sounding almost distant. "Too well thought out for you to be the cause of it, Miss Halen."

At first Hal simply thought he was trying to ease her conscious again. But as she thought through what he was implying, she realized that he had an unsettling point. Hal had only been here a few weeks. There was no way Thea had joined with the Black Hand, snuck them into the castle, planned the infiltration of the Ra'zac, and the explosion in that time. But then it would have meant she was targeting the city for another reason, and Hal could not fathom what it was.

"Let's keep moving," Albriech continued. "We'll have to find a way around. Be careful not to fall in."

They walked carefully along the edge, keeping the buildings that had managed to remain standing at their backs, using the awnings as the occasional coverings from potential arrows. Hal kept her mind carefully guarded, searching with her consciousness for a sign of the Black Hand. She was both relieved and on edge to find nothing so far.

Once they made it around the massive hole, they ran at full speed between the buildings, using them as cover. As they drew deeper into the city, Hal felt like she had crossed over into the pits of the underworld itself. Everything felt louder and more intense as they drew closer to the fighting. She could barely hear herself think over the panicked screams of people begging for help, calling for loved ones, or pleading for their lives. Hal felt her heart seize, fighting off the evasive memories that threatened to overwhelm her.

"Daniel, I can't find Thea. Where's Thea?!"

"Zara, take Halen and run. My boat is still on the beach. I'll meet you there with Thea! Go, now!"

"Mama, don't let them take me!"

Hal's breathing grew rapid as panic surged through her limbs. She squeezed her eyes closed as if that alone would somehow block the voices in her hand.

It's not real, she reminded herself. It was nothing more than a memory.

"Do not let the dead dictate what we should do as the living. It is not their place."

That's right. That's what Albriech had told her back in the castle. She could not allow herself to continue to be beholden by such memories. As much as it broke her heart to know, there was nothing she could do for her village now. But while this city and its people still breathed, she should, and would, do everything in her power to aid them.

Forcing herself to breathe, she fought to slow her breathing until she felt a semblance of control come back into her body. Hal shook her head, ignoring the few tears on her cheeks that had fallen, and rushed forward, unnoticing of how Albriech and Baldor had been watching her carefully. Putting her emotions aside, she focused instead on throwing herself into the bloody fray. She, Baldor, and Albriech did everything from helping to move and lift fallen debris off people trapped underneath to providing quick, patchwork assistance of injuries ranging from sprained ankles, broken bones, and wounds that had to be bandaged to stop the bleeding. If people could move on their own, they directed them back towards the castle.

Hal had just finished applying a makeshift splint to a child's leg, trying to ignore the bone that protruded from his skin, when a series of terrified screams went up from nearby. She turned her head as a few people appeared running for their lives. She soon realized why when two Ra'zac jumped down from the roof of a building. One latched its beak onto a man's neck, tearing through the flesh like it was made of nothing, quickly silencing his frightened cries.

Although there hadn't been many people, the sight of the Ra'zac suddenly heightened the danger. The enemy was slowly breaking through, and it was only a matter of time before more appeared in an attempt to overrun the city. The few people who had been anxiously waiting for instruction from Hal or the Horstsson brothers flew into a frenzied stampede in an effort to escape, clamoring to get to their feet as the cries mounted in volume.

"Hey, you there!"

A man nearby saw her dilemma and rushed towards Hal as she lifted the boy in her arms. He whimpered in pain, gritting his teeth tightly in an effort not to keep crying. "You've been so brave," Hal told him gently, somehow managing to give him a genuine smile to keep him from being so afraid. "Just be brave a little while longer. Okay?"

He nodded mutely but his eyes became set with determination that made her heart swell.

"I'll provide you cover," Hal instructed the man. "Exit through the northern gate of the city and run up to the keep by the castle. It is safest for you there, and there is an infirmary for the child."

The man nodded resolutely and took off. Hal was relieved that there were some people who had kept their heads on straight long enough to listen or help. She was grateful to how many had offered their services to aid their neighbors and friends. It was inspiring and heartening to know that such people existed, even in times of suffering.

As the crowd fled the attack site, the mayhem moved with them, chasing it down with a ferocity that must've made escape feel impossible. And Hal stumbled for just a moment, the scene so reminiscent of her own village's demise, that it nearly left her paralyzed. But before that could happen, she heard the sound of a blade cutting through the air, as Albriech shouted in warning. She yanked herself back out of her memories and twisted her body out of the way at the last possible moment. Because it was close combat, she anchored her bow across her chest and yanked out her sword, bracing herself for the fight that was to come.

Much like the one who had attacked them in the castle, this Ra'zac was as demonically fast. But she was able to withstand its terrifying blows, parrying each thrust and striking back just as viciously. She sensed movement and knew the other Ra'zac was behind her, which Albriech quickly engaged. She felt her heart rate pick up, fearful for the disadvantage Albriech was at, despite the ferocity with which he fought and defended himself. She had to end this quickly or the Ra'zac could gain the advantage against him.

It was dizzying to keep track of both fights. In the back of her mind, she knew that she should use magic. But she could not string together a single sentence while also trying to make sure her sword was up and ready to parry each blow. Whenever she thought of using her magic without the language, she saw the man's face, choking on the air that she had accidentally taken from his lungs, and was too afraid of what her magic might do that she couldn't bring herself to use it. She had to focus on the fight as it was, nearly cutting her cheek on the Ra'zac blade. The only thing sparing her was Murtagh's wards, which caused the blade to bounce off her inches from her skin.

But she found her opening when the Ra'zac both attempted to suddenly ambush her from the side, the other disregarding Albriech suddenly and completely. Clearly, she was still very much the priority then. Hal, in more of a panicked rather than calculated move, dropped to her knees as they lunged for her. She thrust the sword up and speared one Ra'zac through the neck, then yanked the sword back down before spinning out the way of the other Ra'zac. Hal swung her sword down and cut off one of the creature's hands, feeling a small bit of vindication for Eli, who had lost his. The Ra'zac screamed in agony, but Hal cut its cries short by lopping off its head, which rolled before coming to a stop.

Hal was panting, more from shock and exhilaration than the fight itself. She turned just in time to see a group of people staring, first at the head, then up at her. She swallowed, unable to tell if their expressions were fear of the Ra'zac or fear of her. Unsure of what else to do, she shouted, "Get to the castle. Hurry. Tell anyone you can to get to the castle!"

And to her stunned surprise, they didn't just follow her orders. They turned to each other and repeated her words. "You heard her, get to the castle! Grab your neighbor, get the castle!"

The mood of the crowd shifted, ever so slightly, and Hal felt something stir within her as well. Relief, mainly, but also her own resolve. If these people could calm themselves long enough to hear her out — especially assuming they knew exactly who she was and had been privy to hating her just a day a go — and band together, than Hal could continue to fight as well. She turned and looked back at Albriech and Baldor, who caught her gaze and offered her a grin and a shrug. She made a bewildered but grateful face of her own before rotating her sword in her hand to reposition it, steeling herself for the battle ahead.

As they moved deeper into the city, they had a harder time maneuvering through the crowds as the once efficient streams of guidance became pure chaos and panic. Albriech even managed to find a few soldiers who had been separated from their unit and gave them orders to assist with the evacuation, which helped with crowd control significantly. But the number of injured became insurmountable, and the dead unbearable.

It wasn't long before they reached the back of the front line of soldiers, the familiar insignia of Nasuada a rather comforting sight. Soldiers were still alive and fighting. The odds were certainly better than she had dared to hope. But it was obvious from the shouting and looks on their faces that the battle was certainly against them, and she could not make heads or tails of the actual fighting from where she was. But the Ra'zac had clearly struck with an overwhelming force. While many engaged the soldiers, many more attempted to break free of their defenses to attack the citizens, which only sowed further panic.

"HAL?!"

She turned at the familiar voice and breathed in relief at the sight of an infuriated Roran, Albriech and Baldor immediately looking guilty. She moved towards him. "How bad is it?"

"You shouldn't be here! You're a civilian and I know for a fact that Nasuada would never have put you in this fight."

"She didn't, I chose to come on my own. And do not be mad at Albriech and Baldor. My mind was set, and they made the choice to accompany me rather than leave me to my own devices."

"Yes, I'm sure you forced their hand." Albriech seemed to shrink a bit, more with embarrassment at being found out rather than fear of being in trouble, and Baldor pretended to whistle, looking everywhere but at Roran. But Hal would absorb any reprimands they received. She was their charge, after all, and they had been tasked with guarding her and following her orders. They could not punish a soldier for actually doing as he was told. And she personally did not care if she herself got into trouble.

"Nasuada will be furious when she finds out what you've done," Roran continued, glancing back in the direction of the castle. Hal followed his gaze and felt something pass through her. She couldn't quite put into words the sight of the castle looming over them in complete darkness. What had once been a tall, statuesque symbol of the new reign could barely be seen through the smoke in the city. What she could make out was a distant outline, as there were no lights, and it was misshapen and smaller from where it had been severely damaged.

"I will deal with Nasuada. Believe it or not, the Ra'zac and the Shade are my biggest concerns at the moment."

"Not just Ra'zac," Roran said, his expression darkening. Hal perked up, knowing he was about to share more information. "Our magicians have managed to subdue the few magic users that were part of the assault, which is something I supposed. But seeing as how they were not nearly trained enough to be a huge concern, it's hardly a victory. My fear is that those are just the people who had been recruited. Original members of the Black Hand are a true threat, and I've not yet seen them."

"It's better than nothing," offered Albriech with a hint of barely-there optimism.

Hal could not help but agree, even though she also understood Roran's lack of enthusiasm.

"Opposition is strongest in the south," continued Roran, after shooting Albriech an appreciate thanks-for-trying smile. "So that's where we've focused our forces. But our chances of victory grow slim."

"What's the biggest issue?" Hal asked. "What do you need?"

"The biggest issue is a surprise attack in perhaps the most heavily populated city in the country. We already spread ourselves thin moving on the attack in Teirm, and we lost our best fighters in both Murtagh and Arya. We are simply overwhelmed. We can barely keep soldiers in line because those with families are abandoning their posts to aid them. And I can't say I blame them, even if it makes me want to throttle someone."

Hal bit her lip, the news troubling. And she was about to make it worse. "The Shade, Thea, she delivered a message to me while I was still in the castle. I already told Nasuada too. She claims that Teirm was simply a ruse to divide and weaken us. Although I couldn't tell if that meant it was actually under attack or not. But seeing the damage up close, I'm almost certain of it now where I wasn't before: I don't think Teirm was under attack at all."

"Pardon?"

"Think about it: the messenger said Ra'zac and the Shade were spotted in Teirm. Thea bred the Ra'zac to overwhelming numbers, but I can't imagine it was enough to cause as much damage in two heavily populated cities. Not to mention even she herself is here. Which means our information was false. More than likely, she sent the messenger herself and fooled us all."

Roran looked ready to swear. Or hit something. An expression that was startlingly similar to Murtagh when he was faced with rather bad news. "While it only makes matters worse if the reports were false, it doesn't change the fact that, had they been real, we still would have responded the same. Teirm is too important to lose, and Nasuada made the right call." He laughed with derision. "Dammit, we need more dragon riders."

"Any word yet on reinforcements from nearby cities?" Baldor asked.

"No. The enemy is now holding down the escape routes at every major exit. At this rate, I fear that even if help did arrive, they would struggle to get in."

"It matters not." Hal sheathed her sword, quickly gathering her hair in her hands that had begun to fall loose and in her face. She spoke as she quickly braided it back up. "If the reports in Teirm were false, Murtagh and Arya would have already figured that out. I would bet my soul that Murtagh and Thorn are already on their way back. The issue is time. It's likely that it took them the two days to reach Teirm, which is why Thea attacked now and not right after they had left when we still could have easily doubled-back and returned. The attack itself was probably false because she is using all of her expendable resources here. That means Ilirea, for whatever reason, is her priority." Hal lowered her hands, her mind feeling more focused as she spoke her thoughts aloud, pulling the pieces of the puzzle together. "And it's not just to do with my being here either."

"What do you mean?"

Hal quickly explained the rest of her conversation with Thea, the cryptic message about magic, and Albriech's theory about a potential timeline. Roran looked as lost as Hal did, but he was nodding by the time she finished speaking. "I can't say I understand much about magic, nor do I think I ever want to. But this is more information than we had before, and it would explain how she managed to convince or trick the magic users into joining her. If they felt that magic itself was the source of their trouble, they would probably assume they'd be better off without it. Although I'm not sure if the same can be said of the Black Hand. But I'm sure she told them something different to earn the cooperation. Perhaps even convinced them that she would help them unseat Nasuada — which would explain why they attacked Ilirea."

As he finished, Roran seemed to realize that the mood had shifted. He looked between Hal and the others, frowning. Baldor looked at her with wide, terrified eyes. "She can't do that, can she? You can't get rid of magic, can you?"

Roran stared, then his face went slack when he realized what he had said and the implications. Hal fumbled, trying to recall if she had learned anything in her teachings. But it wasn't enough time. Her lessons, having seemed so fruitful and consuming at the time, suddenly seemed to fall short of her current needs. "I don't know. Maybe. Even if it's not, it's possible she thinks it is."

"So then why Ilirea?" asked Roran. "What does she need?"

Hal glanced back at the castle. "Maybe Galbatorix had something here that she could use. Murtagh said he had dozens of books and scrolls filled with dark magic and spells. Perhaps she needs something in that was left behind." But even as she said it, the guess felt wrong.

Roran nodded, growing pale, his jaw tight. "Her majesty and Eragon went through quite a bit of those items when they claimed the castle. The only one who can get into that vault where they are kept is Nasuada herself."

Hal's expression went slack. "How many people know this?"

"I don't know. Probably only a select few —"

"She can't be after the queen," Albriech interjected. "Otherwise, wouldn't she have started the attack with the castle?"

"Not if she's trying to weaken our resources," explained Roran. "How many soldiers had been left to guard the queen when you two snuck away?"

"A few platoons," answered Albriech. "Perhaps a hundred or so able-bodied men still able to fight."

He nodded, looking somewhat satisfied, although not completely comforted. "I'll send a dozen or so more. They can help with evacuations on their way. And you all will accompany them."

"I can't," said Hal. "Thea is, on some level, still after me or, at least, aware that I am here. I can't drive her back to the castle if there's where we're sending our civilians. And I know it means little coming from me, but I am here to fight and help. This is why I'm here in Ilirea at all. Because I couldn't sit on my hands and do nothing while the world burns around me. I have just as much reason to try and stop her as anyone else."

"As a civilian you are under my protection —"

"Unless you plan to physically restrain me, you cannot stop me. And do try to remember who taught me how to fight and really assess if I am worth wasting the energy to subdue."

Roran tightened his jaw, eyes blazing at her defiance. He stared at her, studying her, measuring the hard determination in her face. Hal did not dare look away from him. "You two will stay with her?"

"Yes, sir!" Baldor and Albriech said in unison.

Roran nodded. To Hal he said, "And you will escape this fight alive. I've already written to my wife about you and your engagement to my cousin and she's eager to meet you both. And I'll have you know that I never disappoint my wife if I can help it."

Hal smiled with surprise and flattery. "I look forward to the visit."

He nodded. "It's only a few more hours until sunrise and we need to hold the enemy back until then. For now, here are your orders…"

...

"Was it ever frightening?" Hal asked.

"Was what frightening?"

"War. Battle. I've heard stories about it. But that sort of chaos up close…were you ever scared?"

Murtagh finished wiping the sweat off his face, his breathing still heavy from their sparing. Hal herself had rolled her trousers up and waded into the water to cool off, her eyes following him intently, watching for a reaction.

"At the start of each battle, yes," he said, slinging his towel over his shoulder and walking slowly to join her. He stopped when they were side-by-side, his gaze distant. Far off, in another time entirely. "But like clockwork, after a while, your fear fades away. Your body is moving on nothing more than instinct, and you almost can't think. The brain can't keep up with how fast you're going. There are, of course, moments that change that — an enemy catching you by surprise will often and quickly do the trick." He finally turned to look at her, his expression light and curious. "Why do you ask?"

Hal shrugged. Now it was her turn for her gaze to fall distant. But instead of looking back, she was looking ahead. "Do you think the Ra'zac want to go to battle? Or this 'master' that they serve? Do you think it will come to that?"

She could hear how softly he sighed, and she nervously crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't know," he admitted. "I wish I did. But the Ra'zac are enigmatic on their own, even to me. There's no idea what this bastard pulling their strings is after."

Hal nodded, trying to ignore the ache in her fingers as she stared at her scarred hands. Some days, she almost forgot she had them. And when they caught her eye, her entire mood would plummet in remembrance. Murtagh's hand appeared, covering hers with a steady, reassuring grip. Hal glanced up, surprised by how close he was. His smile was kind, if not a bit sad.

"I don't know what may come," he said softly. "I know that you are strong. And you are a fighter. I hope things do not escalade any further. But if they do, then know that you will have me and Thorn on your side."

"You won't be around forever. Aren't you veering oddly close to promises you can't keep?"

He flinched, clearly apologetic, and Hal found herself smiling in jest. "Well so long as I can get to you, I will never leave you alone. How's that?"

She chuckled, grateful he couldn't see her pleased blush at his words. "You have yourself a deal, rider."

He grinned, a sight that was becoming more and more common the last few weeks. He finally released her hand, turning to step out of the water. "All right. Back in position. This time, I want you to pay careful attention to your reach when you are attacking."

Hal took a deep breath and nodded, following him back onto land. She didn't even notice that her fingers no longer ached, still warmed by the memory of his touch alone.

…

"Baldor, I need cover!"

"Aye, Miss Halen!"

Grateful for the quick response, Hal trusted the skill of her guard as she turned back to the soldier who had been bit in the shoulder by the Ra'zac, the limb practically dangling off his body. His face was void of color and he was mumbling for his mother, sweat beading on his forehead. At first it had been uncomfortable, barging into nearby homes and businesses that had been abandoned or damaged. Now, Hal was desperate for any supplies she could get her hands on. She tore open dressers for clothes that were clean enough for bandages, splitting her time between moving the wounded civilians and soldiers away from the fighting, and fending off the Ra'zac when their numbers swelled.

She still did not have a full scope of the battle, keeping to the south where the Ra'zac numbers had been greatest. She knew they had scattered throughout the city, messengers flying back and forth to Roran to deliver updates or orders. The enemy advancement had finally been slowed, but it had not halted completely. The Lethrblaka alone were the biggest challenge, keeping high to stay out of the range of the archers, diving down at random intervals. They would pick soldiers up and fly into the air, dropping them to their deaths. The screams were haunting. Hal couldn't think of a way to properly take them down that didn't involve Thorn or Fírnen returning as soon as possible.

Focusing on the task before her, she called forth her magic. She was trying to use it sparingly, knowing she would need to save her energy should the Black Hand or Thea finally appear. What little she dared give, she tried to give to soldiers who were needed to fight. But as their losses grew heavy, Hal could not help but try to spare the occasional civilian, especially a child.

"Will he live?" asked Baldor, his eyes scanning for Ra'zac as he backed up towards Hal.

"I managed to repair some of the damage, but I cannot do all of it." She began to wrap the still bleeding wound as firmly as she can. She looked over at the soldier who had called for Hal's assistance and said, "Get him to the infirmary. The bleeding is severe enough that he could still die from loss. I've done all I can."

The man nodded, gesturing to another who rushed forward to help carry the man away from the fighting. Hal watched them go, mainly to catch her breath. She was feeling nauseous, unsettled by the violence she was witnessing first-hand, exhausted by the fighting and the running. She didn't often allow a moment to think about how tired she was, how heavy her arms felt, how the muscles in her body ached. But her body felt locked in place, and she struggled to rise from her knees.

"You're exhausted." Baldor kneeled down in front of her, his brows pinched in concern.

"Everyone's exhausted."

"You're overexerting yourself. I don't know much about magic, but I know that using it in battle takes a toll on your energy. You should rest —"

"I'm fine. I can still help."

Before he could push, she forced herself to stand. But the ground seemed to shift under her feet and she had to close her eyes as the world spun dangerously around her. If she collapsed right now, she was certain she could sleep for a good hundred years or so. She could not recall every feeling so tired.

"The sun! The sun is rising! Dawn is here!"

The words jolted something in Hal. A stirring of relief that always seemed to come after a hard night. Hal turned her head towards the east, time seeming to slow. It was several minutes, soldiers holding their breath as they waited. It took a moment because of the thick smoke that still clung to the air around them, but eventually Hal could see the first morning rays rise over the rooftops. A most welcome sight.

The Ra'zac shrieked and hissed, sprinting for cover back towards the southern wall that they had breached. "Do not engage!" shouted Roran, seeing a few of his men prepare to follow. "Fall back! Get as many of the wounded and remaining civilians out this area immediately! I repeat…"

Hal felt stupid. Roran had told her they needed to make it to morning and had not remembered until now that Ra'zac feared sunlight. "A small mercy," Baldor said, moving to stand beside her. As the morning light grew brighter, Hal could see that he was streaked with dirt and blood. She glanced down at herself and saw that she fared no better. The blood on her hands was quite alarming, and she looked away, not wanting to remember all the people she had not been able to save.

"We should help with the evacuations," she said, her voice hollow and rough. "I'm not sure if we should expect something during the day, but I have no doubt that whatever she's planning will pick up when night falls again. She's not done yet, I know it."

Baldor didn't respond, but she could see in his face that he was thinking the same thing. And judging by the lack of celebrations or cheering, so did every other soldier in the vicinity. The morning laid bare the tragedy that had fallen in a matter of hours. The buildings were still smoking from the fires that had burned themselves out, leaving blackened structures and dead earth. The cries of the injured and dying seemed magnified now that the sounds of fighting had lessened. And the bodies of the dead — soldiers, civilians, and Ra'zac — was like something out of a nightmare.

Roran jogged over to her and Baldor, Albriech behind him. He gave her a once-over and said, "You've done enough. You need to rest —"

"I can still do more."

"Halen, you are too important to lose to exhaustion. We don't know how long this break in the fighting will last. Take advantage of it while you can."

There was logic in his suggestion, but Hal still stubbornly shook her head. "I'd rather keep moving."

He clearly wanted to argue but did not push the matter. Instead, he sighed and said, "All right. Come with me."

The remaining evacuations took a large chunk of the morning, mainly because there were so many injured. Soldiers had to remain on alert when a few were ambushed by Ra'zac that had quartered in houses to keep out of the sun, meaning there were fewer to help with medical needs since they were needed to guard.

A small secondary camp was set up in the northern part of the city after they had moved everyone they could to the keep and the infirmary. Soldiers who were still able to fight remained in the city as a precaution, but they dropped to the ground or against still-stable walls with numb, exhausted faces. No one really spoke, and the silence was chilling.

Hal stumbled away from the group, eyes scanning her surroundings with no idea what she was even looking for until she saw it. She found an old well and went to it, lowering the bucket to fill it with water before pulling it back up.

Staring at the surface, she took a slow breath before muttering the words of the ancient language. The water rippled, then shifted to black. She closed her eyes against the onslaught of tears. She did not fear that anything had happened to Murtagh or Thorn. But she longed for their comfort now more than ever. Just seeing them, even by scrying, would give her a burst of strength to push forward.

Not wanting to dwell on what she could not control, Hal continued to focus on what she could. She brought the water back to the soldiers, shamelessly stealing a ladle from a nearby house so that they could quench their dry throats. They shot her appreciative nods but did not say much. No one had much energy to speak.

"The soldiers from Dras-Leona were spotted," Roran said, coming up to her later.

"How many?" asked Albriech.

"About 200 or so, according to the messenger. A larger battalion is due from Gil'ead, but they will likely not arrive until nightfall since it is a longer journey."

"Will they be in any condition to fight after such a march?" asked Hal, recalling a similar concern being raised for the troops dispatched to Teirm.

"Aye, more or less," Baldor assured her. "We soldiers are often trained to withstand long marches in all sorts of weather for instances like this. Despite the journey, they will likely be in better conditions than us."

Hal chose to take their word for it. Roran departed to greet the arriving troops, and Albriech and Baldor forced Hal into a private corner against a bit of wall where she made no attempts to fall asleep. She was too frightened of what she might see to do so. Not to mention that if she dared fall asleep now, she might sleep forever from sheer exhaustion. However, even just sitting for a bit was desperately needed, and she feared each moment her eyes would droop, the temptation palpable.

"You really should get some rest, Miss Halen," Albriech insisted, noticing the ay she leaned against the wall. "If we are to assume the assault will resume once it grows dark again, then you will need your energy."

She looked up at the sky to try and find her resolve. "Is it always like this?" she asked, her voice tainted with exhaustion so palpable that it barely rose above a whisper.

"Pardon?"

"Fighting. Battles. Murtagh spoke to me of his time in the war. Maybe it was my own lack of experience or ignorance, but I never imagined something like this. I feel like we have been at it for days."

In truth, she didn't know how much longer she could last. The combination of fighting and using her magic was taking a heavy toll on her, regardless of the fact that she was a shade, it seemed. And because it was the Ra'zac, she had to exert more of her strength to bring them down.

"Honestly, I think I almost prefer this to the war," Albriech admitted, gazing off into the distance at the soldiers who had nestled into their own spaces for rest. "At least our enemies aren't other humans."

Hal looked at him and then at Baldor, both of their eyes downcast. Then she thought of the spellcaster in the castle and felt her stomach roll. Suddenly, it was like her mind had caught up to her, no longer running on adrenaline and instinct to keep her from acknowledging the past several hours. The stench of blood that permeated the air, clinging to her skin and clothes. Shaking, she realized her hands were stained with the blood of soldiers and civilians. Exposed muscles and tissues, bones that had ripped through skin and, worst of all, the sound of the Ra'zac crunching on those they trampled over.

Suddenly dizzy, she dropped to her knees. Baldor and Albriech reacted as if on instinct, rushing to her side. "I'm all right," she tried to assure them. "Just lightheaded, is all."

"I know you don't want to hear it, Miss Halen," Albriech said, "but I'm putting my foot down now. If you insist that you want to continue to remain helpful, then you cannot disregard your wellbeing. Especially not now, when we have so much else going on. To worry about you means someone else will not get the attention they may need when the time comes."

She felt thoroughly scolded when he finished speaking, even though his tone had not been harsh or rude. It was simply fact.

"You're right," she conceded. "I'm sorry for being stubborn."

The looks of relief on their faces were apparent, and she realized then just how much they had been worrying about her. She thought back to what Baldor had said earlier, about how they were properly bonded now. Their genuine concern and compassion had gotten her further than she had realized during these difficult hours. She hadn't wanted to appear weak and effected by what she had seen, but her body was desperate for relief. And Invidia and Murtagh had both constantly stressed how important it was for her to take care of her body.

"Excuse me."

The trio turned around as a wary soldier, battered and bruised, approached with a slow gait. In his hands he held a canteen and something wrapped in a large handkerchief. Hal could smell the stale bread, fruit, and cheese from where she sat and felt her stomach clench with painful hunger.

The soldier squatted down and held out the items for Hal to take. "It's not much, but some of us thought you might be hungry."

"Thank you." Hal took the items out of his hand, and he turned and went back the way he had come without a glance back. Hal looked down at the food in her lap, her throat tight. She felt conflicted, relieved to have earned some semblance of kindness from the soldiers, but wishing it hadn't come at such a cost.

She and the brothers ate in slowly and in silence, passing the water around to quench their dry throats. It felt almost cruel, how grateful she felt for the warm sun on her face, easing her into a false sense of relaxation.

"What do you think will happen next?" Baldor suddenly asked, gazing from his brother to Hal.

"No idea," Albriech admitted. "To my knowledge, no demands have been made."

"Could it be a slaughter for the sake of slaughter?"

"No," Hal responded quietly. "No, I don't think so. Thea is up to something. If I'm not the priority, then she had another reason for coming into the city."

"But her entire focus has been on the civilians. She hasn't even made a move towards her majesty like we feared she might. So does that mean what she seeks is not in the castle either?"

"I don't know."

Hal chewed on her lip, frustrated. No matter which way she thought about it, she couldn't figure out Thea's endgame. She fought the urge to go to sleep, wary of letting down her shields with Thea and the Black Hand still at large. So instead, Hal closed her eyes and meditated, clearing her mind and allowing herself to sit in silence. Baldor and Albriech left her alone.

About an hour later, Roran came back, looking grim. "We have new orders from her majesty. Nasuada wants us to pull back to fortify our defenses around the castle. If they launch another attack, it'll get ugly quickly. She doesn't want any civilians in the crossfire. And Hal, she's demanding you return to the keep at once. She's not happy you snuck out."

"She said she herself could not send me into the fight. She said nothing about me coming to the decision on my own. So long as you and her men continue to fight, so will I. If she insists, she can come collect me herself."

Roran let out a huff of frustration, but then said, "Truthfully, you were a huge help so I'm not exactly pushing for you to go back. And regardless, I don't have time to force your hand. We need to move now while we still have sunlight left."

"What do you mean? We still have several hours of daylight left."

He gestured with his chin and Hal, Baldor, and Albriech rose to their feet, stepping back a bit so that they could see over the few rooftops that remained standing. "A storm is rolling in," Roran continued. "We're speculating that once it covers the sun, the Ra'zac will take advantage and continue their assault."

Hal stared at the dark clouds, not having noticed them until now. They were massive, slowly encroaching on the bright day with a sense of foreboding. "You've got to be kidding me," she muttered, her heartrate picking back up. They had hoped to have until sundown at least. At this rate, they would barely make it past midday.

With this new, disheartening information, Hal could understand Nasuada's tactic, even if she herself was not a strategist. In hunting, she and the men would often tighten up to make sure they had no holes in their defenses. It was a risk, having everyone in one place — it made them, quite literally, a bigger target. But it often gave the reassurance of safety in numbers. And the less scattered they were, the easier it was to relay signals and other important information.

However, that also meant that the soldiers were the absolute last line of defense. To fight so close to the castle walls meant that if the Ra'zac broke through, it would be easier for them to reach the keep and the civilians. She dug her nails into her palm, trying to think.

"The soldiers from Gil'ead won't arrive until nightfall," Hal reiterated, more to herself than to anyone.

"Aye," said Roran, glancing at her out of the corner of his eyes, as if knowing she was up to something.

"We won't hold the city that long if Thea attacks or if she brings reinforcements. Our best hope to hold them back until Murtagh and Thorn return —"

"If they make it in time."

"They will come," Hal stated quite plainly. She didn't know many things right now, but she knew this without a hint of doubt. "I know they will. And if they themselves cannot, Murtagh will make sure Arya does. My wards should've signaled him the moment we fell. He knows something is wrong. I'm sure of it."

…so long as I can get to you, I will never leave you alone.

Hal stared at the rain clouds, feeling the wind shift ever-so slightly as the storm drew closer. "I think I have an idea."

"Hal, no —" Albriech began.

"Oh, quit it," Baldor interrupted with a knowing grin. "We both know she won't listen to us and we're already in trouble. Might as well see it through." Albriech opened his mouth, then immediately closed it with a dramatic roll of his eyes. "So, what's your plan, Miss Halen. Something nefarious, no doubt."

She wasn't sure why the comment pulled a bit of her old self out, even if just for that brief moment. She chuckled. "You think I'm capable of such a thing?"

"You've done nothing to prove us wrong so far."

Unsure, she looked to Roran who gave her an encouraging nod. "I'm in no position to turn down any ideas. I'm willing to hear you out and see if it's worth executing."

Hal felt unsettled by this. This astounding pressure that presented itself in such a simple phrase. She nodded her head, quietly grateful for their continued faith in her. She only hoped it was not misplaced.