The next day flew by. Within twenty minutes of the sun coming up, the group was cooking a rabbit for breakfast, laughing about almost nothing. Soon after, they were marching down the road toward Bale.
Dart was indeed exhilarated to be out of the cave, but despite Shana's cheerful exterior, he kept a close eye on her. The events of the night before could not be ignored forever, as much as she seemed to want them to be. He found himself staring at her forehead more often than he really wanted to, remembering what it looked like when it began to shine brightly in the black night of the cave. He couldn't help but wonder if the Sandoras had done something to her. But what seemed far more likely in his mind was that this mysterious power must be why they took her in the first place. Harnessing it somehow would definitely be useful in a time of war. What he couldn't understand was how they could possibly have known about it, given that Shana herself seemed to be shaken by her own display of power, as if she had never encountered it before. These thoughts ran nonstop through his mind for several hours, whenever they were not having random discussions about trees or rocks or squirrels.
Around midday, they stopped for a break and a drink of water for only half an hour before moving on. As excited as they were to be in the sunlight, they were even more eager to be in a soft bed, bellies filled with proper homemade food.
As the afternoon wore on, Lavitz began telling stories of the Serdian capital city, Bale. He revealed that he was actually quite close to the current king, Albert, and that they had spent many days of their youth chasing dragons and rescuing damsels in the dangerous wilds of the city streets.
"We're still really good friends, but we don't see each other much anymore." Lavitz walked down the center of the road, with Dart and Shana listening eagerly to his stories. "He became king at just ten years old, and it's been a bit of a struggle since then. Occasionally he has me come by the castle and have a formal meeting with him, and I've been debriefing him a lot about various war updates, which is of course why we're headed there now. We haven't really 'hung out' in about fifteen years actually…" Lavitz's voice trailed off for a second.
"But, you guys will love Bale," he continued animatedly. "It's just so beautiful. There's this balcony just off the throne room where you can see for miles in any direction. In the fall, all the trees turn beautiful shades of red and orange and yellow, just magnificent! I remember one time when I was about eight or nine…"
Lavitz's stories continued for the next couple hours. Dart admired his love for his city and his king. When he was young, Dart had often dreamed of becoming a valiant knight when he grew up, but listening to these stories, he felt that he could only ever hope to be half the man Lavitz was.
Eventually they came to a crossroads, where the small road ended abruptly, giving way to a much wider one running north to south. A sign was posted nearby, indicating that a city named Hoax lay to the south, Bale to the north, and to the east, the Limestone Cave. Excitedly, the group turned right and continued forward.
Surprisingly, there was very little traffic on the road. They only saw one person the entire way, and the man passed by on a horse without so much as nodding at them. Lavitz just assured them that everyone as on edge because of the impending war.
An hour or two later, they crested a hill and saw a very welcome sight: the capital city. Dart stopped dead in his tracks, amazed by the sheer size of it. It has to be ten times the size of Seles, probably more, he thought. He tried to remember a time when he had been in any other big city, but his memories came back fuzzy and incomplete. The city was vast, perhaps six miles across in either direction. The buildings all reflected the same tan-colored hue, radiating a sense of warmth and unity. A large stone wall surrounded the city, the only entrance a massive gate, standing open near the bottom of the hill. Far in the back, one building stood much taller than the rest, no doubt the castle. On the other side of the city, Dart thought he could make out the glint of the ocean.
Shana grabbed his arm, her mouth wide with awe and her eyes with excitement.
"This is amazing!" she said, bouncing up and down. "I've always wanted to visit a city!"
Happy to see her so ecstatic, Dart couldn't resist a big grin that swept across his face. "Then let's go visit it!" he said.
The three walked quickly up to the city gate. At least three guards paced back and forth on the wall above them, keeping an eye on the strange people approaching. Two more guards stood in the middle of the open archway, blocking their entrance. As they approached, they gruffly asked them to state their business in the city. Lavitz stepped forward.
"My name is Lavitz Slambert" - at this the guards started - "head of the First Knighthood, and I have come bearing important information on the impending war for King Albert."
"Sir Lavitz!" They both saluted. "Please, sir, go in, sir! His majesty will be quite pleased to see you!"
Lavitz, returning the salute, thanked the men and walked into the city with Dart and Shana following behind. Glancing behind him, Dart saw one of the guards on the wall turn and dart away, probably taking news of their arrival to the king.
A cobblestone road led into the city and almost immediately they found themselves within what appeared to be a town square. A large fountain bubbled continuously in the middle, and the road split into several smaller roads, weaving between the houses. Dart was surprised at how uncrowded the city felt. Despite its massive size, there was plenty of breathing room, and Dart did not feel the confinement he expected. People were milling about, but the houses and other buildings were spread out, almost more than Seles in some cases. Up close Dart was able to see that the houses were covered with stone, but all had wooden frames. Following Lavitz, they turned left down a street, and passing close to a house, Dart extended his hand to feel the exterior rock. It felt rough, like sandpaper, and had streaks of varying shades of orange throughout. He was amazed at the craftsmanship.
As they continued winding their way through the city, Lavitz told them facts about the different parts of the city as they passed through different districts. Dart and Shana listened avidly. Where Dart had expected clutter and industrialization, he instead learned that the king made an effort to maintain a sense of nature within the city, filling it with trees and letting the grass grow strong and tall. Each house had its own yard, and many children were outside playing. Dart almost envied the people living here.
More interesting, though, was the sheer number of people that seemed to know Lavitz. After six different people expressed joy in seeing him back in the city, Shana asked, "How do all these people know who you are?"
Lavitz seemed surprised by the question. "Oh!" he said, turning thoughtful. "Well, I'm the head of the First Knighthood, even though it's technically gone now. I guess you could say that makes me the highest-ranked officer in the military. I try to serve the people, and over the years many citizens have gotten to know me."
"So you're famous?" asked Dart incredulously. "I rescued a Serdian celebrity?"
"Now that's not true," dismissed Lavitz. "The only people who really know me are people I've interacted with in this town. I'm sure that everyone in Seles knows you two well enough."
A large burly man carrying a hefty amount of firewood walked past them, nodding to Lavitz and saying, "It's good to have you back, sir!"
Dart and Shana exchanged a look and burst out in laughter. Lavitz rolled his eyes but then couldn't keep a smile from creeping across his face. Several more people acknowledged Lavitz as they continued on, but Lavitz didn't linger to speak with any of them. It became clear that he was mission-bound for the castle, despite his calm and friendly exterior. In the distance, Dart saw the large building grow ever closer, until finally it stood before him.
He was surprised to see that the castle was actually built above the water of a moderately sized lake. Perhaps two miles past the castle, he could almost make out the far seashore, a small line of sand between the lake and the ocean beyond. Dart could see a tributary river flowing down from the nearby mountains in the west, spilling into the lake, and he figured that the overflow from the lake must spill into the ocean. The castle was situated about a hundred feet off the banks, suspended above the water with strong stone pillars, seemingly of the same type that covered rest of the city. The actual castle, however, was gleaming with large polished crystals of black and white.
Lavitz stepped forward, gesturing toward the grand structure. "This is Indels Castle. Home of King Albert, and the center of government in Serdio."
In awe of the magnificence, Dart and Shana followed Lavitz as he walked forward across a long drawbridge. They arrived at a large round gateway where two guards waited.
Instantly, they saluted and said, "Sir Lavitz! Welcome back to Bale. Please go in and see King Albert. He is eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Returning the salute, Lavitz thanked them and proceeded forward, Dart and Shana following nervously.
They walked into a well-manicured courtyard and then into the castle proper through great heavy oak doors. Before them was a grand hallway with an ornate rug that led to a large set of stairs. Several doors sat on either side of the hall. Without a second glance, Lavitz continued forward and began marching up the stairs, nodding to each guard along the way.
Feeling very out of place, Dart followed him up the next set of stairs that ended at a large doorway whose doors were swung wide open. Yet another guard stood there, wearing the signature blue armor of Serdio. After saluting Lavitz, he stepped to the side and announced their presence.
Lavitz strode confidently into the opulent throne room. Every footstep echoed as they crossed. Smaller than Dart had expected, the room felt very warm and home-like, rather than forcefully regal. The floor was mostly covered by a maroon carpet, and various tapestries hung from the walls. Sunlight shone in from windows behind them and illuminated the far wall. A platform just shorter than Dart's eye level rested across the room, with two short staircases leading up to it on either side. In the center of the platform was a large throne, wooden and covered in polished leather, beset with various jewels above the head. To either side of this throne stood two men, one with a kind face and minister's raiment, the other wearing a dark robe with a hood that obscured his face. And in front of the throne stood a man that Dart could describe no better than to say he was kingly.
He was tall, probably a little taller than Dart, and wore magnificent clothing befitting a king. His tunic appeared to be embroidered with an ornate gold design, and draped over his shoulders was a bright green cape with a decorative fringe. In his right hand was a tall scepter inset with a large colorful opal at the top. Long blonde hair, clearly well-kept, was pulled back loosely with a green ribbon. His angular face was handsome and lit with a bright smile, revealing white teeth all perfectly in their place.
After approaching the resplendent king, Lavitz knelt before him. Dart hurriedly did the same, and noticed Shana doing so as well out of the corner of his eye.
"Your majesty," said Lavitz. "I am Lavitz, back from the field of service, bringing reports of the enemy's movements."
"Oh Lavitz, it is so very good to see you whole and well!" the king said warmly, his voice powerful, resonating around the room. It became immediately apparent that he had a talent for speech; each word was articulate and carefully placed. "We had received reports of the attack on the First Knighthood, and upon investigation, no survivors were discovered. I had assumed the worst. But I am glad to see you before me now. Please, my friend, stand and introduce me to your friends." Although he carried an air of royalty, something about King Albert put Dart at ease as he stood. The kindness in his face helped him feel comfortable.
"Of course, your majesty," replied Lavitz. He revealed a different side of himself in this room; instead of the talkative and friendly man Dart had come to know, this Lavitz was overtly formal and of few words. It became apparent to Dart that Lavitz's first responsibility was his duty as a knight, even beyond his own personal friendships.
Lavitz began, "After the attack on the First Knighthood, everyone was killed but myself. Sandora recognized my rank and kept me alive, taking me to Hellena Prison." At this King Albert's face grew visibly disturbed. "It was there that I met these two people, my friends." Lavitz turned and gestured to each of them. "Dart, and Shana." Turning back to the king, he added, "Shana was also being held captive in the prison, and Dart rescued her, and they helped me escape as well. I owe them my life."
"I cannot believe you both endured the horrors of that terrible place," said King Albert, looking to Lavitz and Shana. "Shana, Dart, you both have my sincerest thanks for helping Lavitz escape unharmed. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. In gratitude of this mighty deed, I offer you my services, such that they are. Should you require anything, please do not hesitate to ask."
At this, Dart looked over at Shana, who was paying fixed attention to the stately man in front of her. Seeing the exhaustion on her face, he realized that their journey had left her dirty and weary. Thinking back to the bleak cave and the attack that nearly killed her, he knew that she would never be truly safe with him. He knew that he would not be in this town long, and that he would be pulled back into his journey seeking the Black Monster. Above all else, he did not want her to be pulled into that. He thought back to her capture, how the enemy soldiers had destroyed an entire village just to get to her, and he knew that she would never be safe without an armed guard defending her. He could think of only one solution.
Just then, the man to the left of the throne, wearing minister's robes, stepped forward and interjected, "It's true, we all greatly appreciate this act of heroism. King Albert was simply inconsolable over the past week." A playful smile crept across his face, and King Albert chuckled.
"Ah, Noish, you tease me," said the king. "While it is true that I was grieved, I simply could not help myself. Lavitz is a dear friend as well as the head of my military. His loss would have been truly tragic for this country."
Smiling, Lavitz said, "Thank you, your majesty."
"Dart, Shana," said King Albert, turning his attention back to them. "It is my great pleasure to make your acquaintance."
To Dart's surprise, Shana bowed her head slightly and replied, "And you, your majesty. We thank you for your hospitality." After a moment of silence, Shana glanced at Dart expectantly.
"Uh, yes, thank you, sir," said Dart hurriedly. "You are very kind."
"Lavitz has much to discuss with my advisors and me, and you both look weary. Rather than listening to our banter, why don't you go relax in the castle? The doors behind you lead to a balcony with a wonderful view of the city and a lovely seating area, should you wish to see it." He gestured behind them, and Shana turned and looked hopefully.
"Um," Dart interrupted. Shana and King Albert both turned to him, waiting. "Your majesty," he said, "I have a request."
"Whatever it is, I will see that we do our best to fulfill it," said King Albert.
Glancing at Shana, Dart continued, "Could you take care of Shana in this castle?"
"What?" Shana turned and looked at Dart incredulously, and King Albert's face showed surprise at both the request and the reaction.
"Well…" Dart stumbled over his words. "Shana was in Hellena Prison because Imperial Sandora attacked Seles just to get her. I just don't think she could be safe anywhere else right now."
Shana's face grew angry and she said, "Is that why you brought me here? To drop me off and leave again?"
Dart opened his mouth to say something, trying to look apologetic, but Shana turned toward the king and said forcefully, "I'm going with Dart. That's what I've been wanting for a long time now." Turning back to Dart, she added, "Dart, you were gone a long time, and there isn't anything we can do about that now… But I'm staying with you from now on."
After a moment of Dart struggling to come up with something to say, King Albert stepped in. "Unfortunately, Dart, I am not so sure that she will be any safer here than with you. We have heard rumors that Imperial Sandora has obtained a dragon, and that they can use it in combat. If this is the case, not even this castle will be safe for much longer. The safest place she can be is with you." He paused and glanced between Shana and Dart. "Besides, you know how she feels about you. Don't you?"
Not quite understanding what he meant by this inquiry, Dart turned to Shana and said, "It won't get any easier from here on out. The cave… That could be the least of our worries."
"I don't care," said Shana, shaking her head in defiance. "The only place I want to be is with you."
Her eyes stared intently into his, pleading with him. For just a moment, he forgot where he was. After several days of travel, her skin was covered with patches of dirt, her hair was disheveled, and dark circles lay under her eyes. But after all that time, he saw the same eyes. The same as five years ago when he left and the same as the day he had found her in Hellena. That deep brown shade brought him a strange peace in that moment, giving him a sense of consistency despite the chaos raging around him.
Then remembering where he was, he looked down and turned back to the king, realizing that Lavitz had been watching them keenly throughout the discussion.
"I guess I take back the request," he said modestly.
Smiling, King Albert replied, "Very well."
At the resolution of this, Lavitz spoke up again.
"Your majesty, if you would allow it, I have one other thing to ask before they leave." King Albert nodded in approval. Stepping back to be in line with Dart and Shana, Lavitz place his hand on Dart's shoulder. "Dart here told me an interesting story. He has direct ties to the Black Monster, and" - Lavitz looked to the minister to the king's right - "I was wondering if Minister Noish had any information regarding the beast."
Dart looked up eagerly. He had never imagined that he could learn more about the Black Monster in a place like this.
"Fascinating!" exclaimed the minister. Turning to Dart, he asked, "You were actually affected by this creature? Did you see it? How long ago did this happen?"
Slightly overwhelmed, Dart replied, "Eighteen years ago, my hometown of Neet was attacked by the Black Monster and completely destroyed. I was the only survivor. And no, I never saw the monster."
Noish's face became saddened as he said, "You were truly a victim of the devil."
"Anything you could tell me about it would be very helpful. I know next to nothing."
The minister became thoughtful and paused for a moment before he spoke. "Unfortunately, there isn't much information on the Black Monster out there. All we really know is that it came from an old legend, dating back eleven thousand years. Since then, there have been rumors of some evil beast that rejected the gods and tried to destroy them. Upon failing, it wanders the world to this day, veiled in shadow, leaving destruction in its wake, never revealing itself and never leaving any witnesses."
King Albert turned and said, "Eleven thousand years? This devilry has been around since the Dragon Campaign?"
"Indeed," said Noish.
"Wait, I'm sorry," said Dart, interrupting. "What was the Dragon Campaign? I've never heard of that before."
"Neither have I," said Shana.
"Very well," said Minister Noish. "If I cannot tell you any more about the Black Monster, I will tell you about the Dragon Campaign." He stepped forward and gave a dramatic pause. For the first time, Dart thought he saw the other man veiled in the hood move slightly as Minister Noish began.
"Eleven thousand years ago, the world was ruled by a magical species. This people, called the Winglies, could fly the skies and summon magic at will. They used this great power to enslave all the other races. Injustice reigned across the world, until all the rage and fury of the oppressed came together in a united revolution. The revolution was fueled by one man: Emperor Diaz. In his service, seven human incarnations of dragons, known as dragoons, became the powerful front line of the revolution, and so began the long and bloody Dragon Campaign. For many years, it raged on, dragoons fighting Winglies to bloody deaths. But finally, the Winglies were struck down, and mankind was liberated from their oppressors. The peace bought by Diaz and the dragoons is the same peace we enjoy today."
"So…" said Dart thoughtfully when it became clear he was finished. "The Black Monster appeared right after the end of the war? Does that mean they're connected somehow?"
"There is no way to know for sure," said the minister somberly. "I am afraid that information may have been swept away over time."
"Thank you, Minister," said King Albert. "That was very enlightening. I always enjoy hearing of the Dragon Campaign. Dart, I hope this was helpful to you."
Nodding, Dart replied, "Most helpful, your majesty. Thank you, Minister."
After a slight pause, Shana said, "Your majesty, thank you for giving us so much of your time. Dart and I will leave you with Lavitz to discuss everything." After bowing, she turned and headed toward one of the doors leading to the balcony.
Laughing awkwardly, Dart said, "She is so hasty. Please excuse us, your majesty." He bowed quickly and followed her.
Closing the small door behind him, Dart walked up to the edge of the balcony, where Shana was leaning against the railing looking down at the city sprawled beneath them. Pressing his weight against the rail, he lifted his eyes to the horizon. The sun was bright overhead, the sky devoid of clouds. Impossibly far off, he could see the outline of mountains, the same mountains they had traveled through in the cave. To the left lay the ocean, and to the right another chain of mountains, perhaps only a couple miles away. He felt as though all of Basil was spread out before him.
"You can see really far from all the way up here," he said, breaking the silence. "I almost feel like I should be able to see Seles."
Shana smiled and said, "I'm afraid not. It's far over those mountains." She pointed to the horizon. Her eyes fell to her hands and she quietly added, "I hope everyone is okay."
Seeing the distress on her face, Dart placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "I'm sure everyone is fine."
She glanced over at him before returning her gaze to the city. "So what happens now?"
Removing his hand, Dart looked at her inquisitively. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"We can't go back to Seles," Shana began, gesturing toward the horizon. "Where do we go? What do we do? We don't even have any money."
"That's… a good point," he replied. "I do have a little, maybe enough to get us a room somewhere for a couple nights. We can figure it out from there, I guess. Maybe I can get a job working for the castle guard." He chuckled and looked at Shana, whose face remained clouded with worry.
"Dart, I…" She paused, avoiding his gaze. "I need to tell you something. What you said in there about them attacking Seles just to get me… And then after whatever happened in the cave, it just makes even more sense." She sighed heavily, resting her forehead on her hands. Concerned, Dart waited for her to continue.
"When they broke in, I thought they were going to kill me. Instead, they knocked me out and took me away. I woke up the next day, I think, surrounded by at least fifty soldiers, all giving me these… these looks." Disgust crossed her face. "And yet, not one of them touched me. I mean, I was captured and put in prison by a bunch of filthy, disgusting men, with only a knot on my head where they knocked me unconscious and a bruise on my arm from throwing me in my cell. They…" She swallowed. "It could have been a lot worse. I just think that, if that many guards restrained themselves that long, I must be important to them."
Dart remained silent, thinking over this new information. The Sandoras, much less the Hellena guards, were not known for their upstanding moral conduct. As much as it relieved him that they hadn't harmed her, it did seem to forebode something terrible: Shana was important enough that they would likely come for her again. His mind flitted over the forest and back into the mountain, watching the fiend shatter into pieces again, and he wondered at the immense power that was somehow hidden within Shana. Could this be what they were after? What else could it be? he thought to himself. He knew that Imperial Sandora was seeking out every source of strength they could find, including a dragon, and this strange power of Shana's would only further tip the scales in their favor. The only way to keep her safe would be to hide until the war was over.
"Then we stay low," he said suddenly. "We don't have to stay here. We could go back to the forest and live out in the woods, miles off the road, where nobody would even think to look for us. I've been living in the wild for the past five years. I'll take care of you." He looked intently into her eyes.
Her expression changed to a strange mixture of gratitude and incredulity. Shaking her head slightly, she said, "We can't do that. That's too selfish. You have a strength that could help this country, Dart." She placed her hand on his forearm. "I can't keep you from that. You have to help. For the people of Seles, for the people of this beautiful town… for everyone."
Dart hated it that she was right. He knew that he could not live that way for long, not with Sandora wiping out cities and villages across Serdio. He would have to step in eventually, and it might as well be now. But he could not avoid that such actions would lead to imminent danger wherever he went, and he knew that he could not take Shana there. Knowing full well that if he told her this, she would become indignant, he simply delayed the inevitable.
"I guess, let's wait to see what Lavitz says and then decide what to do after that," he said stiffly, turning back to the city. He felt her eyes linger on him a moment more before turning to do the same.
For several minutes, they stayed silent. Dart could hear the distant chirping of birds, and from far off came the muted sound of waves crashing on the shore. He hoped that one day he could take Shana to see it. The closest she had ever gotten to the ocean was Hellena, and he wanted her to be able to take time to find peace in its beauty. For the first time, he tried to understand what it must have been like for her in that horrid place. Memories filled his mind of the dark stones, the horrid smell, the decaying body… He placed himself in one of those cells, imagining what it must be like to be afraid of every single guard who walked by, or stood outside, or breathed in his direction. He imagined having to listen to the suffering going on around him for days. And yet he knew that none of this held a candle to the real experience.
"Shana," he began slowly. She turned her gaze to him, waiting expectantly. After a pause that may have been a little too long, he continued. "I'm sorry that you had to stay in that terrible place. In Hellena," he quickly added, clarifying. Immediately after, he felt stupid for even feeling like he had to clarify. Of course she knew exactly what he meant. "I'm surprised at how well you're dealing with it." Again, he felt instant regret. He silently scolded himself for his lack of forethought. Before she could interrupt, he continued, "I think that even though the past five years have… passed… that in my mind you stayed that little girl that I left. Frail, and… young. I almost expected that girl to be in that cell when I found you, and yet here you are. Grown, a lot taller… older…" He hated himself for his lack of eloquence and steadfastly avoided meeting her gaze. "I guess, I just mean that you are clearly a strong person for having survived with so few scars. And I'm proud of you."
Staring fixedly at his hands, he was surprised and slightly offended when she chuckled. A moment later, her arm wrapped around his and she lay her head on his shoulder. "Thank you," she said softly.
The spring air surrounding him was crisp, but he felt warm inside. She had little knowledge of the calming effect she had on him even from a distance, but when they were this close, when she was safe, he felt more peace than at any other time. He closed his eyes and involuntarily leaned his head on top of hers, feeling her warmth. For the next several minutes, there was no war. There was no dragon, no dark caves, no man-eating snakes, and no danger at all. Dart didn't quite know what to make of it. In fact, he wasn't sure how to define how he felt. He simply felt peace. It was as if he needn't work or fight anymore, because there was nothing in the world that he desired more than this moment.
He breathed slowly, wishing for the moment to never end. But then he started when he heard someone at the door behind him. He stood straight as Shana pulled away from him, and turning he saw Lavitz swinging the door wide and walking toward them. He had a sour look on his face.
"How'd it go?" asked Dart.
"Good, I guess," replied Lavitz, glancing repeatedly between the two of them. Dart narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "They had already received rumors of the dragon, but I was able to bring confirmation and an actual location, thanks to you, Dart." He gestured toward him. Lavitz walked up to the balcony and leaned one elbow on it, facing them. "Unfortunately, over the past couple weeks, Sandora has become much more aggressive, no doubt because of this dragon. It is now official: there is a full-on war in Serdio. Our strategists believe that the next major target will be a town called Hoax, just on the southern border of Basil. It's tiny, but its strategic value cannot be avoided. Our intel says that the dragon is being moved in for a major attack, and we believe Hoax is the target. As such, I have been ordered to the front lines. I leave for Hoax in the morning." He eyed them, waiting for some kind of a reaction.
Thinking back to the forest near Seles, Dart remembered the crashing sound of the dragon's giant feet through the trees. He remembered the terror that gripped him. He knew that this could never be a fair fight. "I can't believe they're going to use that thing in battle," he said, shaking his head. "Those men will be slaughtered. Lavitz, you'll be slaughtered." Dart stared at Lavitz, brow furrowed in worry, or anger. He could not tell which.
Holding up his hands, Lavitz said, "Unfortunately, that's a risk I have to take. I've been given orders, and I must follow them."
"Even if they get you killed?" Dart said loudly.
"Dart," Lavitz said slowly, standing upright. "It was my decision. My entire Knighthood has been wiped out. I offered to go help those in Hoax. They need my expertise. King Albert-"
"King Albert has never seen that thing! He has no idea what he's putting you in the middle of!" Dart screamed the words, hearing distant echoes from the ground beneath the castle. He knew that he was getting heated, and he felt Shana shrinking back from him. But he knew that he couldn't just let Lavitz go off and die for no reason.
With Dart's attack on King Albert, Lavitz became indignant, puffing out his chest. "He has a good enough idea! He knows I could die out there, but that's a risk we all took when we signed up for this! Sometimes, Dart, we actually have to think about what other people need and look beyond what's safe and happy for us. We leave when we have to, not when we want to. I love this country enough to sacrifice myself, if need be, so that the children of this city, and theirs, can live happy and safe lives. If that's not good enough for you, just go back to Seles and hide until the war is over!" Lavitz gestured dramatically toward the distant mountains.
Guilt washed over Dart, and he turned to the railing, bringing his fist down on it. Breathing heavily, he stared at the stone beneath his hands. He thought about that day five years ago when he left Shana in Seles to pursue his own vain ambitions. He remembered the tears streaming down her face as she begged to know why he would leave her on her own. He remembered the pain and death that had come to his hometown because he had not been there to protect it. He thought of the events that had led him here, of his friendship with Lavitz, of the moment when fear gripped him as Lavitz's head had vanished beneath the water in that dark cave. And then he made a choice.
Reluctantly letting go of the railing, he turned to Lavitz, who waited patiently for a response. "You're right," he said. "I have lived only for myself. I left Shana alone all those years ago… and then because I was gone, I almost lost her and my hometown again." He looked at Shana, feeling guilt at the pain he had caused her. He knew she didn't blame him for any of it, but deep down he knew that it was his own selfish decisions that caused them. Returning to Lavitz, he said, "So that's why I'm coming with you."
Lavitz's face showed distinct surprise at this statement. Stammering, he said, "What? But… I mean, what about the Black Monster? You haven't-"
"That doesn't matter anymore," interrupted Dart. "At least, not as much as this war does now. I'll do what I can to protect this country with you, Lavitz, in Hoax. Even if it is against a dragon."
A smile ran across Lavitz's face as he said, "That means the world to me, Dart." He clapped Dart on the shoulder. Looking to Shana, he added, "And Shana? What will you do?"
"Well, of course, I'm going, too," she replied. "I'm not helpless. I can fight!" Lavitz's smile broadened.
"Then it's decided," he said. "Listen, guys, I'm staying with my mom tonight. You're more than welcome to join us. We have plenty of room, and I know she would love having the extra company."
Shana answered, "That would be lovely, Lavitz. Thank you for offering." She smiled broadly, glancing at Dart.
"Great!" said Lavitz happily. "I already sent word that I'd be coming soon, so we can head over now if you want! I'm sure you will both be wanting some real rest and relaxation, not to mention a bath. I mean, look at you, Dart! You're filthy!"
Laughing, Dart tried to remember what it felt like to sleep in a bed but found himself at a loss. "That sounds amazing," he conceded.
The three turned and walked back into the throne room, which was now empty except for a couple guards near the stairs. These they descended, while Dart tried to wrap his head around what he had agreed to do.