Book Two: Turmoils of the Heart
No one was happy. When Trace went downstairs, Natani explained what she had heard the night before, and Trace understood. He regretted watching Barret leave and not going with him, but he understood nonetheless. Richard had also accepted it, having spoken to Raine. Everyone else though…
"What was he thinking?! The tundra?!"
"He took Haelith and Raine with him?!"
"Four months at least?!"
"Why didn't you stop them?!"
"I wish Miss Silverlock had spoken to me first…"
"They were our friends!"
"Did you think-"
"ENOUGH!" Natani shouted over the noise, slamming her fist on the table. Everyone was gathered in the dining room, and had been bombarding her with questions since they found out what happened. Zen hadn't been quiet when he found out, and eventually the whole house knew. She put her head down, sighing. "It was not our choice to have them leave. It was theirs. I don't want any of them to leave either. But they're already gone. They left this morning to avoid all of this, to not have to say goodbye to everyone, to not have to pry themselves away from us as we begged them to stay."
Flora translated for Richard, who still hadn't learned Keidran, but could tell what she was saying based on her tone and body language. After her, he stood up, and sighed. "I don't want to let go of them either. Haelith and Raine are our friends. They chose to go with someone Trace trusts with his life, so I trust him with theirs. They are gone. They have their own goal. Right now, we need ours. I'm not just going to sit around and wait for them to come back, not while there is a war on our doorstep! If we can do something about it, then let's do something about it!"
"You sound like you have a plan already." Trace said, leaning back.
"I- uh… I didn't… think that far ahead."
"Never change, Red." Trace smirked.
"What about Edinmire? How are they faring down there?" Kathrine asked. She had been unusually quiet while everyone else was scrambling, like she knew what was going to happen. "Do they still need help?"
"Things have been chaos." Lynn said. "After the battle, most of the civilians don't want to stay there, but many of them don't have anywhere else to go. Although I believe we have a solution for that. I am prepared to send a message to the Basidian Isles, recommending we mobilize our soldiers for immediate support. Since we cannot openly support one side or the other in this conflict, I would recommend we start by trying to convince the people of Edinmire to allow us to occupy the city."
"Occupy the city?!" Everyone said at the same time.
"Oh, yes. With a standing military presence that is not associated with either side of the conflict, we could ensure that Edinmire stays a safe haven for those who wish to flee the conflict. There are fewer and fewer places like that in the world. Not only would we be able to maintain our influence in the war, but we would be able to do so without allowing either side to openly oppose us, as we would not favor anyone. Refugees would be able to flee to Edinmire, and from there, could very easily take to the seas, where they could travel to either the Basidian Isles, or to a number of other protected cities."
There was silence for a moment. "That… actually sounds good." Trace said slowly. "It could be like Lyn'Knoll, but instead of being a trap for those fleeing the war, it would actually be a place of refuge and safety. And… once the Basitin military arrives in full force we could-"
"They will not be arriving in full force." Lynn corrected. "At least, for a time. We would only have a small number of troops to act as a garrison in the city, as well as some 'support' to aid them."
"I'm guessing that those support troops would be working with you and Maddie a lot, wouldn't they?" Sythe asked. "Like we did in Valinos."
"Very perceptive, Master Sythe."
"So you would move in a bunch of spies?" Karen blurted out. "Oops. I wasn't supposed to say that, was I?"
"Spies? I figured Madelyn was a spy, but I can't imagine a whole bunch of her running around here. Then again, we barely ever saw her. That's… the whole point of a spy." Natani said.
"Keith? You're the official ambassador. You've been unusually quiet about all of this." Zen said, leaning against the wall.
"Because I see no issues with it. As far as I'm concerned, it's out of my jurisdiction."
"You are wrong, my friend. You will be the most important person here, outside of the King herself. You must represent our people to the citizens of Edinmire. We cannot do anything if they are unwilling to accept aid. To put our troops in the city without permission would be an invasion, and an act of war against the Empire. We cannot do this without you."
"Well, that's a lot to suddenly throw on me. And all I've done is run away from my responsibilities. Why would you trust me with such a monumental task?"
"Because I trust you can do it." he said simply.
"Besides, you won't have to do this alone." Trace said, smiling. "You have all of us. And Red, he's here too."
"Shut up Trace!" Richard whacked him on the back of the head, chuckling.
"Thanks. I'm sorry Lynn, I shouldn't have turned away from you. You have only been trying to help." Keith said, walking over and sitting down beside the old goat.
"You have nothing to apologize for, young master Keith. The King suspected you would act in such a way. She sent you away from the Basidian Isles as a way to protect you. There were, and still are, those who work against you within the council of the King. Some would see your head on a pole, should you return again."
"How comforting." Keith rolled his eyes.
"You have acted just the way she predicted. You left your escort at the first possible opportunity, and elected to remain with your chosen family. You have shown that your true loyalty lies with your family first, and all others second. King Adelaide will be proud when she hears of your travels."
"This is nice and all, but what are we going to do in the meantime?" Maren piped up. "The Basidian Isles are four weeks away, and that's only if they were to leave right now. It could be months before the Basitin military shows up to support Edinmire! They can't wait that long. We all saw the wreckage of one battle. They can't hold the city for long, and they can't just get more soldiers from somewhere else like the Wolves can- no offense to you three." Sythe had been translating whenever anyone spoke something other than Keidran, which wasn't often, but Natani and Zen would otherwise have been left in the dark about many things. "Regardless, they need people to defend the city. We can only help so much, and we no longer have Haelith to help the wounded, or Barret to act as combat support."
"Things will move much more quickly than you are thinking. I cannot say any more than this: Ever since Keith was sent out, we have been working. The time we sit and watch the world pass by is over. The Basitin Empire shall become part of the world once more. Not with strength of arms on it's own, but by any other means we deem necessary. Fate has pulled us together. And now, it works to pull us again. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some letters to write."