Chapter Five

Storms on the Horizon

'Senator Draxius?'

Draxius looked up from his ledger, mildly nettled to be interrupted. 'Yes, Coris?'

Coris was loitering in the doorway of the study, looking worried. 'Lady Lina is here to see you.'

'Really? I thought she'd been trying to avoid me.'

'She's…'

'Spit it out, Coris.'

'She's angry, Senator. She demands that you speak to her now.'

'She demands?' Draxius put down his quill. 'Fine. Show her in.'

'No need,' Coris flinched when he heard Lina's voice and practically leapt aside. A wise move, Draxius allowed. Lina was angry. Her hair and eyes were smouldering, literally. 'I'm here. And we're going to talk. Now.' Flames flickered around her clenched fists.

'You may go, Coris,' Draxius said. Coris nodded, understanding what Draxius meant. He stepped back and went into the parlour, seemingly closing the door but leaving it unlatched. There was a stiletto hidden up his sleeve, which he now dropped into his palm. If he had to, he would leap from the parlour and bury the stiletto in Lina's back.

'Drax?' Luresia must have heard Lina enter. 'Darling?' She saw Lina and hesitated, resisting the urge to reach for a concealed dagger. 'Lady Lina? Would you care for a drink?'

'No, I wouldn't.' Lina growled. 'I want the truth, Draxius.'

'The truth?' Draxius repeated uncertainly. He knew that even with Coris and Luresia here, and his guards throughout the house, he could die in a heartbeat. No secret steel wielded by his trusted allies would save him in time.

'About Mirana,' Lina glared at him, her eyes flashing. She was tired. He could see it, but she was no less dangerous. In fact, she was probably more dangerous than usual. 'You arranged for the fleet to be ambushed, didn't you?'

'No, I did not.'

'Don't lie to me!' Lina snapped. Fire leapt up her arms. Her hair ignited and billowed. Coris tensed, gripping his stiletto tightly. 'You arranged it! That means that you know where she is. Tell me!'

'Lina, calm yourself, please,' Draxius worked hard to maintain his calm, reasonable tone. He was outraged that Lina had forced her way into his home, and that she was threatening him, demanding answers, and accusing him falsely.

He was also, understandably, scared. Lina could destroy him, Luresia, Coris and all of his guards, not to mention the entire house, in mere seconds.

Lina simply glowered at him, fire still raging around her fists and in her hair.

'Think, Lina.' Draxius continued. 'We agreed that you should meet Mirana. And an attack on the fleet would be madness! I have nowhere near enough influence or power to do so, nor would I wish to cripple the Imperium's military might.'

Lina narrowed her shimmering eyes. 'And you didn't have your hirelings throw Mirana off a cliff and leave her body as food for the sharks?'

'No!' Draxius insisted. 'Lina, I made an agreement with you. I intend to keep it. And as I said, such a brazen attack would not benefit any of us.'

Lina sighed and relaxed her hands. Her hair fell about her shoulders, no longer aflame. Draxius had passed the test. He was ignorant of the attack. Of course, he could be lying, but Lina doubted it. Draxius was a schemer, but he was also a patriot. He didn't want to kill any more Imperium citizens than he had to. Mirana was his target.

'So the Princess is dead?' Draxius asked, trying not to sound too hopeful. If she had died, that made all of this so much easier. Lina was powerful, but there were weapons fire could not overcome.

'No,' Lina shook her head. 'No, she was taken prisoner. I was just testing you.'

'Oh. Do you know where she is? Or who took her?'

'No. We're trying to find her.'

'You don't have to.' Luresia suggested. 'She could remain lost.'

'Kashurra and the rest of the Solar Council would never allow that!' Lina protested.

'You are the Regent,' Draxius reminded her. 'You have but to state your demands.'

Lina considered, her brow furrowed, then shook her head again. 'Kashurra would just go behind my back.'

'You could always have him removed.'

Lina scowled. 'I am not Shabarra.'

'Of course not, nor did I mean to insinuate as much. Forgive me.'

Lina folded her arms. Anger still simmered within her eyes, but she was also uncertain and anxious. Draxius had to admit that he was concerned. Her mental state was fraying, the lack of sleep making her irrational. Although it made sense for her to suspect him, storming into his house and demanding answers was not a smart move.

'Lina,' Draxius risked a step forwards, his tone gentle. 'I've heard about how hard you've been working to rebuild after the madness of Ascension Day, and to establish a strong government. But for all your power, you are still mortal. We need you at your best.' He lay his hand on her shoulder. Lina flinched a little, and he could feel warmth radiating from her skin even through her robes. 'For all our sakes, please, get some rest. Your ambition is admirable, as is your determination. But let others take the strain for you, just for a day or two if you must.'

He'd said the wrong thing.

Lina threw up her arms, a feral groan of frustration issuing between her clenched teeth, and flames burst from her hands and hair again, her eyes flaring. Draxius stepped back, trying to remain calm. Luresia stared. Coris tensed.

'I wish people would stop saying that!' Lina snapped. 'You can tell me to sleep until the sky falls! But I can't bloody sleep! Why? Because of what you want me to do! Because I'm worried that it might be wrong! Because Stonehall is preparing to invade! Because Shabarra is still out there! How by the grace of the Solar Goddess am I supposed to sleep?' She slumped, and the flames went out. 'Believe me, I wish I could rest. But I can't. I've killed people, Draxius. I've been in battle. I wiped out half a clan at the Burning Dunes. But this… I'm no assassin.'

'Lina, it's the best thing for everyone.' Draxius assured her. 'The Imperium has been brought low by people like Mirana—rulers who believe that their tyrannical ways are righteous because of supposed "divine right".'

'Shabarra was like that, yes,' Lina conceded. 'But from what Kashurra and Garrisan told me, Mirana is nothing like him. They say she's a good person. What if you're wrong?'

'We've had this conversation before, Lina. That's how we came to our current agreement.'

Lina closed her eyes and exhaled heavily. Draxius could have sworn that smoke flowed from her nostrils.

'Lina, believe me, I understand your hesitation.' Draxius lied. If Mirana had not been snatched, he would have considered sending assassins after her. But that would only put him, Luresia and his allies at risk. If anybody was going to kill Mirana, it had to be Lina.

It wasn't just the fact that the act, committed by her, could be attributed solely to her and her ambition. It was simply because she would be the most likely to get close, one of the few who could be swayed. Mirana would want to thank her in person. And Lina might be one of the few who could overcome Mirana, Marci and any cohorts the Princess brought with her.

'What we ask of you is horrible, Lina,' Luresia added, now standing in the doorway. 'And if there was another way, or if we could risk letting Mirana take the Solar Throne, we would not have approached you.'

'If it helps…' Draxius paused to consider what he was about to do. It was risky. 'I could… arrange for it to be painless. There are means.'

Lina frowned. 'You mean poison.' She scoffed. 'That's even worse!'

'I did say painless, Lady Lina.' Draxius stated. 'I have some friends in low places. They can procure certain reagents.'

'I won't do it!'

'Lina, you have to! Do you want to witness another Ascension Day like the last one? Mirana may seem to be just and noble, but once power corrupts her—and it will—she will do anything to cling to it!' Draxius shook his head. 'Do you think her and her family entirely innocent? They are not. I was a member of the Senate before you came to us. I witnessed their acts, overt and otherwise. Her father had his enemies censured and persecuted in secret. His rivals were banished. Her mother made life a living hell for those who served her, and her daughter did not stray far from that particular vine.'

Lina shook her head. 'I was told differently.'

'I won't deny that she took a particular shine to her current handmaiden, assuming the poor girl is still alive—she was always overly devoted, and I never understood why. Then again, Mirana has what the rest of her family has: a strong affinity for manipulation. And those she could not manipulate, like her previous servants, were all thrown onto the street. Many of them would never find work again.'

Lina sighed. 'Children do stupid things.'

'Stupid, perhaps.' Luresia shrugged. 'Cruel, though?'

Lina's eyes narrowed. It seemed that Luresia had hit a nerve. Draxius knew that Lina had a twin sister. Had that sister done something to hurt Lina? Or was it the other way around? In the end, he thought it best not to push the matter. Lina was balancing on the edge of a knife. One wrong word, and she would turn against them. She might just kill them all then and there, or rat them out to Kashurra—and he had no doubt that Kashurra would not be lenient with them.

'Lina,' Draxius adopted his kindly tone again. 'Please, for your sake, take some sleeping syrup. A rest will do you good. And when the time comes, we will let you decide, and whatever you choose, we will allow it and support you.' He reached out slowly, took her hand gently, and lifted it, enclosing it with both of his. 'You are a good woman, Lina. We trust you to do what is right.'

Lina sighed and looked away. 'What if I don't know what is right?'

'You will.'

Lina withdrew her hand. 'I… I need to go now.'

'Of course.' Draxius nodded. 'I wish you the best, Lady Lina. Think on what I've said, but at your leisure. Coris will see you out.'

Lina nodded, numbly. Coris stepped out from the parlour, seemingly calm and unfazed, and bowed to Lina. Lina made no comment and simply followed him back out.

Draxius remained upright, even after he heard the front doors close. After a few moments, Coris returned and nodded. 'She is gone, Senator.'

Draxius exhaled and sat on the edge of his desk. Luresia moved to sit at his side. 'She's becoming difficult.' Draxius remarked. 'More so than usual.'

'We can proceed without her, can't we?' Luresia asked.

'Not easily.' Draxius admitted. 'Our plan will go more smoothly if she takes the fall.'

'He's coming back, Davion. He can sense us and Auroth.'

Davion groaned. He'd been hoping that Slyrak would explain a few more things to him. Bad news was not what he'd wished for.

'Davion?' Caewyn inquired. 'Did you say something?'

'Slyrak did. That dragon's coming back, and he can sense Slyrak, me and Auroth.'

'Wonderful,' Bram muttered dryly. 'Well, a fight might warm us up.'

'It's a shame.' Auroth mused, her long hair full of snow. The blizzard had relented, but the snowfall was as thick as ever. Davion wasn't sure if it ever stopped snowing in Icewrack. 'I had hoped that if we could leave him alone, he might overcome the Madness.' She sighed. 'I suppose we have no choice now.'

'There's a plateau ahead.' Rylai recalled. 'We can make a stand there.'

'Then let's move quickly.' Eserren urged. 'If the dragon catches us on this ledge, it will only go poorly for us.'

Moving quickly was easier said than done. The snow about their legs was high, and the path was a narrow outcropping leaning over a sheer drop. There was no way they could fight here.

Davion heard the dragon roar, and a crash of thunder. He was close. Very close.

'Caewyn,' Eserren stopped and knelt. 'Come on, jump up!'

Caewyn scrambled up onto Eserren's shoulders, one hand holding on to her arm, the other holding her crossbow—loaded with one of her specially crafted bolts.

Rylai was doing her best to clear the snow before them. Auroth stepped out of the line, right to the edge of the ledge, and stretched her arms. 'I'll try to draw him away long enough for you to reach better ground.' Without another word, she leapt from the cliff.

'Auroth!' Bram yelled.

Auroth transformed in mid-air, spreading her wings and soaring up into the dark sky. Davion wasn't sure if she had fully recovered, but she seemed to be flying well enough.

'Oh,' Bram blinked. 'I forgot she could do that.'

'You forgot that Auroth is a wyvern?' Davion remarked.

'Hey, there's a lot going on!'

'Can you two debate lapses in memory later?' Eserren suggested. 'We have to keep moving.'

Davion heard another distant roar, followed by an aggressive screech. Auroth must have found the ionic dragon. There was another flash of lightning.

They pressed on, wading through the snowdrifts. They'd expected to have to avoid ursa, not dragons. Davion would have preferred ursa, if only because they could try to negotiate with them. There was no talking with a dragon suffering from the Madness.

'Around the bend!' Rylai called. 'Hurry!'

Davion followed her through the snow, turning the bend to the left, at last finding a wider, more open space. It was by no means perfect. If he had been hunting this dragon, he would have tried to find a wider space. Ionic dragons were amongst the most powerful of dragons, and were best fought with plenty of space in which to avoid their attacks.

Beggars couldn't be choosers though. He doubted there was anywhere better within reach.

Eserren knelt, letting Caewyn drop from her back. Bram drew his sword, his arms trembling from the cold.

'Spread out!' Davion shouted. 'If we bunch up, we're done for!'

'Caewyn, Rylai, keep your distance.' Eserren added.

There was a sheer rock wall on the right side and behind, but the rest of the plateau was exposed, and beyond the other sides was nothing but a steep drop. That limited their options.

Auroth screeched and swooped overhead. There was a flash of light as a bolt of electricity seared overhead, narrowly missing Auroth.

Caewyn aimed down the length of her crossbow, one eye squeezed shut. The winds up here were strong, so she had to compensate.

As the ionic dragon swept after Auroth, she launched her bolt. It slammed into a gap between the silvery scales and detonated, spraying blood and bits of flesh into the snowfall. The dragon screeched and fixed its baleful eyes upon Caewyn.

Caewyn had no time to load another bolt. She ran for cover as the dragon started to hurl blasts of lightning at her. Rylai waved her staff and sent a shard of ice into the dragon's side, knocking it sideways into the rocky walls.

Bram raised his sword. It had once been Ritterfau's, imbued with the scales of a luminous dragon, and he had spent some of the journey figuring out how to use it. A beam of light shot forth, piercing one of the dragon's wings.

The dragon slid down the wall, bringing chunks of rock and ice with it. Davion and Eserren advanced, moving to hit the flanks.

The dragon sprang to his feet faster than expected, roaring with inchoate rage and lifting his massive wings. Tendrils of electricity whipped across the battlefield. One struck Eserren and she recoiled, her limbs jerking, and dropped her weapon. Another hit Bram, but that only served to boost the power of his ionic dragon scale armour.

Davion ran forwards and swung his flaming sword, cutting deep into the dragon's wing. The dragon screeched and attempted to slash him with his claws.

Auroth roared as she swooped down, landing atop the dragon, digging in her claws and biting down on his neck. The dragon bucked and spun, the tip of his tail lashing Davion and throwing him back. Davion landed heavily and yelled. He was lucky not to have broken anything, or been thrown into the chasm.

The dragon lashed out at Bram next, his claws bearing down on Bram's head.

'Bram! Shield your eyes!' Caewyn yelled, not waiting for him to heed her before launching her next bolt. It struck the dragon on the snout and flared into a blinding flash of light.

The dragon staggered, howling. Eserren stumbled forwards, took up her bardiche, and charged, slamming the blade into the dragon's side. Auroth expelled a cloud of freezing vapour over the dragon's head. He responded by rearing up, smashing her into the rock wall behind them. Auroth screeched and loosened her grip. She slid down the wall as the dragon jumped forwards, bounding towards Caewyn. Eserren was spun away, losing her grip on her weapon and landing face first in the snow. She scrambled towards her fallen bardiche as the dragon roared at Caewyn.

A wall of thick icy spikes leapt up to meet the dragon before it could crush Caewyn. The dragon howled when one of the spikes stabbed into his eye. A barrage of icy missiles rained down on him from above. Many shattered on his scales, but others lodged into his hide.

Davion struggled to his feet. The song was a maddening noise blotting out everything else as he stumbled forwards, his sword dropping from his numb hands. He could feel it everywhere, and his thoughts were slipping away. He couldn't hear Slyrak, and as it overtook him, he felt only the urge to kill.

He roared with pain and rage as the scales tore through his skin and merged with his armour, his body swelling and growing. The scales were not just crimson like before. Sable, platinum, orange and white scales sprang into place too. Not two, but four wings lashed from his back, bearing evil eyes like those of a chaos dragon. A thick tail tipped with barbs sprang forth, whipping wildly. Fire gushed from inhuman, monstrous jaws, electricity flickered around the horned, beaked draconic snout his head had become.

'Run!' Auroth cried. 'He's overcome! Fly if you value your lives!'

The draconic abomination sprang forwards, leaping into the air and beating its wings. The ionic dragon snarled and leapt.

The creature which had been Davion vanished, leaving a cloud of black vapour in his place, then erupted into reality above the ionic dragon. He slammed into the dragon, ripping into him with savage serrated claws and hooked fangs. Blood sprayed from the dragon's neck and scales flew everywhere.

The dragon screamed in pain and fell. Eserren swore, grabbed Bram, and emitted a blast of air from her armour forceful enough to throw them both clear.

Davion and the dragon crashed into the ground. Fire flashed from Davion's jaws, searing the dragon's scales. The rock around them started to tremble.

'Davion!' Auroth yelled. 'You have to stop this! You can't handle the power!'

Davion did not heed her. He could not. All he cared about right then was sinking his fangs into the dragon's neck and ripping away scale, hide and flesh. Warm, tingling blood gushed from the wound. The dragon screeched, his claws scraping Davion's scales and tearing several free. Electricity snapped and flashed around both of them. An errant bolt snapped towards Caewyn, but Bram put himself between her and it, knowing that his armour would protect him. He was flung backwards into the snow, dazed but otherwise unhurt.

Rylai whirled her staff, lifting chunks of ice into the air, then throwing them at Davion, hoping to knock him out.

Davion snarled and vanished in a black haze, reappearing before Rylai with his claws bearing down on her.

Auroth pounced on him, bringing him down. A searing bolt struck her in the chest and she recoiled, crying out in pain. Davion reached up and curled one of his clawed hands around her throat.

'Kill the… dragon!' Auroth gasped. 'Kill him!'

Eserren did not protest. She ran back to the wounded dragon, lifted her bardiche high, and brought it down, striking where Davion had ripped into the dragon's neck, severing the carotid artery in a single blow. Blood spurted everywhere, soaking Eserren's armour.

Knowing what came next, Eserren ran, ignoring the twitching of her limbs, before the dragon could discharge his power. Arcs of electricity spat and hissed around the dragon's twitching corpse.

'Auroth!' Caewyn yelled. 'Close your eyes!' She loosed her last flare. It struck Davion in the side of the head and exploded. He automatically loosened his grip as the light stabbed into his eyes, howling with pain, rage and confusion.

A memory flowed into his head with that flash of light: a woman, her eyes a golden glow, harsh, honeyed light bleeding from her skin. She should have been terrifying, yet he thought only that she was beautiful.

Auroth scrambled away, but did not take her eyes off Davion. She reached out, trying to find purchase on his reeling mind, seizing that memory and holding it in place. He was not yet lost, but if she failed now, the Madness would claim him, and if that happened, if he kept trying to use the power of the fallen Eldwurms, he would destroy himself. 'You made a promise, Davion!' Auroth cried. 'Come back! This is not what you are! This is not who you are!'

Rylai waved her staff, turning the snow at Davion's feet into ice. Snarling, his eyes clearing, he caught sight of it, and himself.

'Fight back, little mouse! Fight! Fight with me or we will both die here!'

Slyrak?

Awareness rushed back with the force of a battering ram. Davion staggered, clawing at his head, groaning and wincing. Blood seeped from between his scales as they receded, some falling away completely. Gradually, his body started to shrink back to its usual size, the wings and tail folding away.

Davion stumbled and fell forwards, limp and unmoving.

Caewyn cursed and hurried over, dropping her crossbow at his side. 'Davion!' She hurriedly unbuckled his chin-strap and pulled off his helm.

'He's alive.' Auroth stated as she staggered forwards, taking on her human form again. 'But that was close. Too close! We were lucky.'

'He's lost a lot of blood,' Caewyn uttered shakily. 'Can you help him?'

'Yes,' Auroth nodded, dropping to her knees beside Davion. She placed her hands on his torso, soothing blue light emanating from her palms. 'But we need to hurry.'

'Could that happen again?' Eserren asked fearfully.

'Yes,' Auroth nodded. 'And next time, we might not be able to bring him back. The Thunder is discordant right now, and he can't hold the powers of four Eldwurms in his soul for long. He was fortunate to keep control with the power of one, though we have Slyrak to thank for that.'

'And now he's dying.' Rylai added, looking unusually grim. 'Auroth, we might have to risk passing through ursa territory.'

'Could you carry him ahead of us?' Eserren wondered.

Auroth shook her head. 'Not after that fight, not yet. I'm still healing.' She sighed. 'Aiushtha would probably be annoyed with me if she knew.'

'Let's hope he wakes up quickly.' Bram murmured. 'I don't really want to carry him. I mean, I would, but he's pretty big.'

Caewyn smiled warmly at him. 'Thank you.'

'For what?'

'Stepping in front of that lightning bolt for me. That was really brave of you.'

Bram blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. 'Well… erm… not really. My armour,' he gestured vaguely at the silvery scales. 'I knew it would protect me.'

'Don't sell yourself short, Bram.' Davion groaned, finally opening his eyes. Auroth and Rylai helped him to sit up. Loose scales clattered inside his armour.

Eserren leaned closer. 'Davion? How are you feeling?'

Davion pressed a hand to his forehead. 'Like someone embedded an axe in my head.' He frowned. 'I… Slyrak's not doing so well.'

'We know.' Auroth tapped the side of her head.

'I can barely hear him now. And the noise in my head… it's getting worse!'

Auroth pressed a hand to his forehead and closed her eyes. That same cool glow emanated from her palm. 'I'll try to help as much as I can.'

Eserren paced around the plateau as Auroth saw to Davion, wary of what else their fight might draw out. Dragons were not the only dangers in Icewrack.

Auroth removed her hand from Davion's forehead. 'Let me know if it starts bothering you again. Can you stand?'

'Yeah,' Davion slowly stood up. 'How much further?'

'Just over a week.' Auroth answered. 'We could take a shortcut.'

'But?'

'It'll mean crossing through ursa territory.' Auroth explained. 'Rylai and I are on good terms with some of the tribes. Others… not so much.'

'And some of them hate humans,' Bram murmured, holding out Davion's sword. 'Don't worry, I'm not about to shock you.'

Davion nodded and took the sword. Caewyn handed him his helm. Slyrak had suffered badly during the fight. It was taking even more on his part to keep Davion alive. Davion had struggled to rein in Slyrak whenever he had changed before, but it seemed that even Slyrak had little or no control over him when he changed now.

'Travelling through ursa territory will likely get us there faster,' Slyrak sounded like he was in pain, more so than usual. 'But we should avoid conflict wherever possible. Stress will only make the power harder to control.'

Davion sighed. Of course it would. The problem was just as Auroth said: some of the ursa tribes hated humans, and not without reason. Various factions had attacked them and tried to take prisoners and slaves. Garrisan had mentioned that the Imperium had been attempting to take some of their territory too. Being a Dragon Knight probably wouldn't help that much with negotiations either. Some ursa respected them as skilled warriors, others saw them as rival glory hunters, and a few more, those tribes who venerated dragons, hated them outright.

Plus, the ursa themselves fought over territory. It was difficult to keep track of which tribe controlled which area, it could change almost daily.

'We have to keep moving,' Eserren declared. 'We should find shelter before another blizzard closes in.'

She was right. They couldn't stand here debating. Auroth still wasn't up to flying long distances, and certainly not ready to carry a bunch of people—some of them heavily armoured.

Davion sighed. He found himself wishing that Marci was here once again. But she was not, and he had to keep going, for her sake as much as his own.

Davion walked after Eserren and Rylai, past the corpse of the dead dragon, trying to ignore the stinging cuts on his arms, and doing whatever he could to shut out the song in his head.

He recalled the sweet sound of Marci whistling. That would do for now.

The sparrows were singing in the trees as she ambled down the lane, the shadows of the branches dappled and cool. The earth felt soothing against her exposed toes, her steps light and springy.

Despite the tranquillity of the forest, she kept her bow in her hand, strung and ready, and her eyes were peeled for any signs of danger. The Imperium's patrols had been more lax about monsters and wild beasts with Shabarra in charge, more concerned about dissenters and fugitives. Perhaps that would change with the new Regent in charge.

She wasn't native to the Imperium. She was a nomad, she had been for a long time. She hadn't been looking for her father, not really, but she had wondered if she might stumble across him one day in her wanderings.

She had wondered. But she had heard rumours which suggested that he too was gone. Some said murdered, others said killed in self-defence. Gone before she could even know him.

She reached the village gate and vaulted lightly over it. Now safe, she slung her bow across her back next to her quiver, and padded down the dirt path.

Though she was at home in forests, she often found herself in villages like this. They often reminded her a little of Zaru'Kina, the little village in the Western Forests where she had been born, long gone now.

The locals of this one had been wary of her at first, when she had turned up without warning. But they had realised that she wasn't a threat. They just thought of her as an eccentric wanderer, maybe an adventurer without a clear purpose. It didn't matter. She was just here to help out a little, then she would move on.

It had been easy so far, she'd just had to discourage some thunderhides from roaming too close to the village. Thunderhides could be dangerous, and quicker than they looked, but few things could move as fast as she could at need.

'Back again?' One of the village militia was leaning on his spear, watching her keenly. 'No trouble?'

'None at all!' she answered brightly, a little amused by how he glanced at the subtle nose piercing. Most men became fixated with her long rich red hair, full lips, smooth skin or her clear green eyes. 'Did anything happen whilst I was away?'

'Another wanderer turned up. At least I think he was one.' The militiaman shrugged. 'Came by with a message for you, then left without a word. I thought he might have come from one of the cities, but I could be wrong.'

'I'm not sure what city-folk would want with me.' That was somewhat true. Perhaps someone had heard of or seen her abilities in use. Maybe it was time to move on again.

'Here,' the militiaman held out a scroll with a wax seal. 'He insisted that I give you this as soon as you returned.'

She took it and examined the seal. It was a symbol she'd come to know well since crossing the border: a sunburst. The sigil of the Helio Imperium. There was a marking inside the sunburst she did not know. It looked like a circle. Maybe a ring?

She turned the scroll in her hands, noticing only one word, her name, written upon it in a small, flowing script: Lyralei.

Lyralei frowned. Not many people actually knew her name. Often when people spoke of her—usually in tavern tales—they called her "Windranger".

She broke the seal and unfurled the scroll, reading with a frown which continued to deepen.

"To Lyralei the Windranger,

Word of your accomplishments and skills have travelled far, even so far as Rasolir. I believe that your talents may be vital in the days to come.

I had planned to contact you later, when the situation here was more stable. But the Helio Imperium has need of you now. Our future Empress has been abducted by an unknown but dangerous party. Though we have our own forces seeking the Princess Mirana, your talents enable you to reach and aid her much sooner.

I will understand if you decide to refuse this request, but this will not be a thankless trade. You will be rewarded for your efforts, in whatever way you wish, within reason.

Should you decide to help the Princess, and I pray that you do, head to the Golden Coast. The Princess' attackers will have likely left a trail. Be aware that another may be following it: a young woman named Marci—the Princess' handmaid. She is a dedicated servant to the Princess, and should you meet her, it would be wise to aid her in whatever way you can. Upon meeting her, make this sign…

There was a description below, along with a carefully drawn pair of hands making what looked like a symbol.

"She will recognise this sign, and know that you are an ally. I trust you to do the right thing. I am certain that the ones who took our future Empress wish only ill for Mirana, and perhaps for the entire Imperium and the nations around it. If only for the sake of a good woman and her captured friends, please, head to the coast and pick up the trail. Find Marci, and help her however you can. Whether you decide to accompany the Princess and her friends back to Rasolir afterwards is your decision too, but as I said, I believe that you will be needed soon, and Princess Mirana will appreciate your friendship and your abilities.

Yours in good faith,

Viceroy Kashurra, servant of the Helio Imperium"

Lyralei read it once more, still disbelieving, then rolled up the scroll. The Imperium needed her? Her? She knew that she was capable, she had abilities nobody else seemed to have—and she had looked for others like herself during her travels. But this?

She wasn't a mercenary, no matter what some stories said about the Windranger. She did not actually seek out trouble, even if she ended up in trouble on occasion.

This Kashurra was right though. Lyralei had not been in the Imperium for very long. She had chosen to risk crossing the border after news of Shabarra's fall from power had reached her. In the short time she had been here, she'd heard people rejoicing at the prospect of their Princess returning to take the Solar Throne. Even if she was not all they said she was, Lyralei did not like the idea of leaving her in some villain's clutches—a slaver, most likely, and she had no love for their kind.

It couldn't hurt to check, at least. It wasn't that far to the Golden Coast, especially not for her. The Windranger had earned her reputation.

'It looks like it's time for me to move on.' Lyralei murmured almost to herself.

The militiaman looked crestfallen. 'So soon?'

'So soon.' Lyralei nodded, stowing the scroll. 'But maybe I'll come back.' It was very possible, she'd met worse people.

The militiaman perked up a little at that. 'Soon, I hope.'

Lyralei smiled enigmatically.

'Will you need a horse?'

'No, but thank you.' Lyralei rolled her shoulders. 'It's a nice day for a run.'

The militiaman raised his eyebrows, clearly not understanding. The cawing of a wildwing drew his attention for a moment and he looked away.

His loosely fitting gambeson twitched about his lanky frame as a swift gust of wind rushed forth. The branches of the cypress lifted, and the weathervane atop the barn spun.

It ended as swiftly as it came. The militiaman shrugged and turned back to Lyralei.

He frowned, then started to peer around, turning on the spot, confused.

Lyralei had left, just as quickly as that gust of wind.

The Nesrius estate was a walled compound sat on the edge of the cliff. It was entirely made of pale sandy stone from the western quarries. The main house and the temple loomed over the walls. There was an expansive garden with a wide stretch of lawn facing south, with only a low, decorative wall at the end, though it was protected from infiltration by the sheer cliff and jagged rocks below. The sigil of House Nesrius fluttered all over the place. Mirana had almost forgotten it: a harp sitting in the middle of a laurel crown, on a pale blue background.

There were men patrolling the walls, mercenaries from the looks of them, though some also wore the colours of House Nesrius—Aridin's own soldiery, many of the Houses had their own guards. She could also see the colours of provincial militia and legionnaires amongst them. Perhaps they had been assigned as guards during Aridin's exile and swayed into serving him, or they had been bought.

Gondar had left her and Luna chained to the bars of the cage for the rest of the journey. For good measure, he had done the same to Aiushtha.

One of the guards blew a horn. The gates swung open, admitting them into the estate. A paved lane, bordered by neatly cut lawns, and flowerbeds, led to the doors of the main house. Mirana could also see stables, a barracks and servants' quarters. The two pegagriffs were being led into the stables by their riders. The horses whinnied nervously at them—fine horses, Mirana noted. They looked like Nivanese destriers.

She wondered what had happened to Sagan and Nova. To Donté and Patrodis.

And Marci…

Oh, Marci… I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Mirana screwed her eyes shut, trying to keep the tears at bay. She had to keep calm. She had to find a way out of this, to escape, so that she could find Marci. No matter what had become of Marci, Mirana would not return to Rasolir until she found her.

I won't abandon you, Marci. I will never abandon you.

Mirana opened her eyes again as the wagon was brought to a halt. A pair of guards opened the front doors and stood at attention. A middle-aged man walked out, dressed in rich finery which did not conceal a growing paunch, and his shoulder-length fair hair was starting to thin.

It had been twelve years since she had last seen him. She remembered it well now. Marci had been by her side as Mirana's father had announced the Senate's judgement. Now was not the time to dwell on a memory though.

'Lord Aridin,' Gondar bowed. 'The Princess Mirana, as you requested, and the Scourge.'

Luna grimaced. 'Git.'

'Excellent!' Aridin waved a hand. 'Well then? Let them out!'

'Release the prisoners!' Gondar ordered. 'I'd keep them manacled, my lord, until they're secured. They've already tried to escape once.'

Nico graciously helped Mirana down from the wagon, staying to do the same for Luna and Aiushtha.

'Princess Mirana,' Aridin bowed low. 'Welcome to my estate. I am Aridin of House Nesrius.'

Mirana scowled. 'I know who you are.'

'Ah, Princess, I am sure that we can put that unpleasantness behind us. I made a mistake all those years ago, and I have paid for it.'

Mirana looked up at the house. It was hardly a hovel. She'd heard about life in the slums of Rasolir from Marci and Kashurra, and she thought that Aridin had hardly suffered living here, in this richly appointed house, with servants and guards, and obviously he had the means to import horses and pegagriffs from abroad.

If this was the "price" for trying to undermine House Caelum, for plotting against her family, then he hadn't really suffered at all.

And as for what he had let his thugs do to the fleet, to all those brave men and women, to Marci…

She clenched her fists, and her next words emerged as a growl through gritted teeth. 'You… you bastard. You traitor!'

Aridin stared at her. 'Princess, my men saved you from the levianths.'

'Your men destroyed the fleet! They killed hundreds of loyal soldiers! And Marci…' she felt her eyes start to brim again, but she did not care. 'Your thugs left her! She might be dead because of you!'

Aridin frowned. 'Princess, I think you're confused. Those skyships were to be a gift to you. When they saw your ships being attacked, they intervened. I am sorry for your losses, but you are safe now. Especially now that the infamous Scourge has been captured.' He waved to one of his soldiers. 'Have a bath drawn for the Princess, and fresh clothes prepared. Take the Scourge and the… whatever that is, down to the cells. Gondar, we shall discuss the payment for your good work in the solar, and perhaps an ongoing arrangement.'

Gondar grunted and nodded. 'Very well.' He handed a key to one of Aridin's attendants.

The attendant beckoned for Mirana to follow him. Mirana stayed where she was. 'I will not accept your hospitality, Lord Aridin. You are a traitor to the Imperium, and I will remember this when I am coronated.' She glared at him. 'As heir to the Solar Throne and Princess of the Sun, I command you to release us and your other captives at once. Give us horses,' she looked pointedly at the destriers, 'and supplies, and we will leave this place without troubling you. You will be sentenced, but we will not kill you or your men.'

Gondar laughed. Aridin just looked even more confused. 'Were you injured, Princess? Perhaps you struck your head during the rescue?'

'I'm really confused,' Aiushtha murmured. 'He must know, right?'

'It talks?' Aridin stared at Aiushtha. 'Gondar, what is this thing?'

'A cervitaur.' Gondar stated. 'They're not from around here. A strange bunch, flighty, not often bold.'

'Aridin,' Mirana grated. 'Let us go. Now.'

'Princess, forgive me, but you are being very ungrateful.' Aridin sounded hurt, but surely he could not be so deluded as to believe his own lies? 'Please, a bath, fresh clothes, food and rest will surely help to mend whatever hurts you suffered during your rescue.'

'Enough of this godsdamned sham!' Luna snapped. 'Do you think we're stupid, kochi? You kidnapped us! So do us all a favour, and don't treat us like fools. Don't lie to us. Tell us the truth.'

Aridin shrugged. 'I am not lying when I say that I wish to see the Princess safe, sound and content. You would not understand, Scourge.' He jerked his head at his soldiers. 'Take the Scourge and the cervitaur to the cells. You, have one of the maids see to the Princess' needs.'

Mirana wanted to rush him and smash his lying face apart with her bare hands. But she had no illusions. Her hands were bound. Luna and Aiushtha were hostages too. For now, she had no choice but to comply.

Marci… I'm sorry. Please, just hold on. Hold on a little longer. She sighed and let the attendant lead her into the house. Please forgive me. Please.

There was still smoke rising in the distance, marking the remains of the gyrocopter. Someone else who had died for her.

Please forgive me.

Yet another DOTA 2 character becomes a part of the story. My thanks to Annbe11 for giving me some advice on introducing her, as well as lots of feedback and encouragement.