Black Steel: A Tale of Fire and Mind

Once a short round of greetings took place, they all moved away from the walls of Ironham, Acilia’s lackeys included. No one wanted to linger for fear of the off chance the frantic imperials would lay eyes on them. Acilia’s helpers knew of several nearby caves, places messengers often hid to avoid patrols. At least they used to, because in recent times, in two of those caves, the Shepherds of Ironham had dug deeper into the mountain to provide shelter for longer periods of time. There was furniture, mostly beds, a hearth and several pots for cooking. In their last visit to Ironham, the twins had spent a few days there in order to properly restock.

In the one further away from the city, Nightlight and the rest of the horses were resting for the remaining journey. Griffin and Roderick had stayed behind as well, along with the wolves. Raine and the pups had taken a liking to Griffin from the first moment, so despite his initial protests, he didn’t follow the others so that the animals wouldn’t either.

When they entered the cave, they found him pacing back and forth while everyone else was asleep by the fire. Upon seeing them, he jumped and hurried to meet them halfway. He searched every face until he was sure they’d all returned. Keira’s addition threw him off guard, if one noticed his back-step when he saw her. “Success?” Roderick, with a cloth wrapped around his arm, rushed to Lyn’s side. He’d spent years as her bodyguard. Protecting her had become his second nature.

Seraphina kneeled just as Raine reached her. “What do you think?” She asked, running her fingers through the wolfess’ fur. Griffin grinned and nodded.

With nothing else said, they bid their farewell to the Ironhammers and mounted their horses. They needed to put as much distance between them and the imperials of the city as they could. No one wanted to endanger Kai’s guild in the city, the most prosperous of guilds across the empire thanks to the abundance of gold under the mountain.

Keira had no information she could share at the time. Her memories were still hazed, shrouded in a cloud of uncertainty. Until they reached the cave, she kept saying she knew things, things that could help, but they lied deep within her mind, she had no access in that moment. She mostly talked to Maxwell, for he and Seraphina were the only one she knew, and after last time with Etta, everyone agreed Seraphina should stay away.

It was harder than people thought though. The twins and Keira had grown up together. She was only one spring their senior even though the hardships she’d endured didn’t suggest she was that young. Their homes grouped with the rest of the families with one or more Elementals. She had been one of the first children to welcome the twins in Bandville. Sharing an Elemental background created an immediate bond between them, and it’d only cultivated through the long years of training, blossoming into a strong friendship, even companionship. When she had found out of her capture, Seraphina had mourned for nine days and nine nights Keira’s loss in Oremart seven cycles prior.

Along the edge of the mountain, they rode south towards Hollow Grove. The edge of the forest was a fortnight ride away, but the Shepherds’ camp, the heart of the grove, was another fortnight further. Not through open fields either, but thick boscage and traps. It was in that forest that Seraphina had first twisted her ankle so bad Maxwell had to carry her forth.

They didn’t stop until nightfall, they simply switched pace so horses and wolves could keep going. While the humans were setting up camp, the animals gathered by the pond, quenching their thirst. Seraphina joined them once she lit up the fire. Keira had sat close to get warm and they needed to keep a distance between them.

Griffin and Reggie came to sit with her, trays of food for them three and slabs of meat for the wolves in hand. They ate. They laughed. Griffin told them about the racket the pups had caused when they’d gone to the wall of Ironham. He mentioned how Braun had bitten Roderick, which explained the bandage she’d seen on his arm, and Vivienne had taken the opportunity to show him how to heal. Hearing how he passed out, it was fair to say it didn’t go well.

Time passed and soon sleep became a necessity. Griffin returned to the rest, but Seraphina still needed to stay away from Keira, so Reggie grabbed their packs and made their own little camp while she lit up a fire to keep them warm. He insisted he take first shift, but she wouldn’t have it. His eyes were red, dark circles were making their appearance and he kept yawning.

Neither let on, but soon Reggie lost the battle with his exhaustion and practically keeled over. “You win.”

“Wasn’t a contest.” She whispered as she smiled.

He yawned and put his head in her lap. “Wake me up in a few hours.”

It wasn’t long before Raine’s ears perked up and she bared her teeth. But her reaction didn’t alarm Seraphina for she saw the small whirlwinds all around her. It gave Keira away, just like Seraphina and flickering flames. She hushed Raine. “You know, the last healed Elemental accused me of being in bed with the emperor. Literally and figuratively. I’m rather curious of what you’ll come up with.”

“Since when do you care more about words than actions?” Keira asked as she took a seat next to her. “I heard she also tried to kill you.”

Seraphina shrugged. “Eh, that’s no news, people are always trying to kill me.” For the first time since Reggie and Vivienne returned with Keira, Seraphina looked at her directly.

She was staring at the sleeping man in Seraphina’s lap. “You’ve changed.”

“We both have.” Seraphina whispered. “Blessed be our beloved Emperor, right?” One scoffed, the other laughed, almost waking Reggie up.

Silence.

Cloud, a curious pup, walked to the small whirlwinds and started biting at them. Keira’s makeshift gust ruffled his white fur but didn’t rattle him. He kept biting into the air. Once his growls became louder, the whirlwinds dissipated and she looked at Seraphina. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

“Of course.” Seraphina confirmed. A light caress, invisible and soft against her chin, followed her words.

“Because of him?” Keira breathed.

“Hardly.” Seraphina replied as her fingers crept closer and closer to her concealed dagger. “You said yourself, the girl tried to kill me last time.”

Keira gave a dramatic sigh. “I can see your hand, you know.”

The fire flared. “One can never be too careful.”

Keira nodded. “True, but unnecessary. If I really wanted to kill you, I’d do it from afar. Wouldn’t wanna get caught up in your thorns, my friend.”

Seraphina noticed the wordplay. “So, you do want to kill me.”

“Not exactly. I don’t want to, but something makes me think I want to.” Keira closed her eyes and rubbed her temple. “At least it’s really trying. I’ve known you too long for it to work on me. It just gives me a headache.”

“Maybe you should stay away from me then.” Seraphina suggested. She kept her fingers on the dagger still.

She shook her head. “It’s just a headache. I’ve had worse.” Keira said eyeing Seraphina’s fingers. “You and Max are the only thing tying me to reality, while a storm’s wreaking havoc all around my thoughts.” She paused for an exaggerate sigh. “I may understand your worry, but it’s honestly unnecessary. I mean no harm to you. Plus, you could always best me.”

“It’s not just me anymore, Keira.” Seraphina insisted. “And maybe I can best you, but there’s more at stake for me now.”

Keira scrunched her eyebrows and crossed her arms. “Him?” She asked nodding at Reggie. She paused, but her eyebrows shot up. “Ohh… you’re worried I’ll say something.”

Seraphina rolled her eyes. “Actually, I’m more worried you’ll snap and hurt him. Or anyone else I care about.” She glanced down at Reggie, before she started shaking her head. “Besides, I have a feeling my husband might be slightly interested in how I fared before.”

Keira’s head snapped to her. “Interested? Not threatened? You used to be a wild one.” She tried to prevent it, but she erupted into laughter almost awaking Reggie.

“I have a past. A life before him.” Seraphina explained. “No threat there.”

“I’m not sure about that, Sera. He’s seemed off since the moment he saw me.” Keira insisted.

“It’s because he was against Vivienne healing the tyrant’s touch. He’s sure you’ll try to kill me…” She put her free hand on her neatly covered stomach. “…and our child.”

Keira’s eyes seemed glued to her rubbing motion. “I did think you looked…fuller, but I blamed my distorted memory.”

It was Seraphina’s turn to laugh. “Nope. No distortion there.”

Keira stood up and sighed. “You’ve changed more than I thought.”

“Blame Vivienne.” Seraphina replied whistling Cloud back. He’d scampered off when the miniature whirlwinds dissolved.

“Maxwell’s latest plaything?” Keira asked lifting an eyebrow. “Not him?”

“You must remember what a roamer’s life is like, don’t you? Especially how I led it.” Seraphina asked and she nodded. “Reggie’s not the first good man in my life. Not even the first to play his cards right with me.”

Keira nodded again. “I know. I’ve seen it. Time and time again you brushed off people when they got even a touch closer than you wanted.” She interrupted her. “It’s why I find this…” she gestured between Reggie and her. “…strange. It’s confusing and only adds to the headache.”

Cloud came and curled up next to Braun by Griffin’s feet. “Circumstances didn’t let me brush him off. I needed him to get back to my brother and Viv. He’s an observer of people and took him little time to figure a few things about me.” Seraphina looked up at Keira’s crooked smile, full of sarcasm. “Exactly, there were people in my life that knew everything about me and I kept them at arm’s length.

“Vivienne changed my views. In my time with her, little by little, vengeance has been sliding further and further to the back of my mind. The idea of a life without struggle of resistance replaced it. Mainly for her and Max, but when Reggie came into our lives and she saw the mutual attraction, she wouldn’t stop badgering me. And let me tell you, hiding things from a mind reader is an impossible task.”

Keira was silent for a short while, staring at Seraphina, then started laughing. “In all our time together, I don’t remember us talking about feelings. What has the world come to?”

“The end of his reign.”

Her laughter was contagious and soon Seraphina joined in. Griffin waking up interrupted them and they apologized as he turned grumbling. Keira brought her hands closer to the fire. She stifled a yawn and glanced at Seraphina. “Sera, there’s one thing your husband’s right about.”

“What’s that?” She asked.

“You should stay away from every single one of the Emperor’s victims Vivienne heals. Unless I knew you, there is no doubt I’d be trying to kill you.” Keira said crossing her arms. “He’s wedged that need somewhere deep in me, but I squash it. It gets easier as the hours go by, after our talk too, but it’s there, still burning.”

She had known the woman for years. The strain on her face and sincerity in her voice made Seraphina release the dagger by her side. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

◊◊◊

It had been a long time since the twins had approached the north side of Hollow Grove. Even more for Keira. Neither remembered the eerie silence they found. The Shepherds of the forest had always been the most savage of the lot and ascertained everyone was aware. Large poles with heads, sometimes human, sometimes animal, decorated the forests entrances. The decaying flesh brought crows and their frightening snarls could break anyone’s composure. In the north, travelers often disappeared where the road between the mountain and the forest became most narrow. It was the Mountmenders’ job to provide safe passage and quench the ominous feeling growing in the hearts of any passer-by and the tolls were rising the more attacks occurred.

But ever since the autumn last, when an envoy from Embersummit with Brenton and Barkley in their ranks set up base in the middle of the forest, all obvious operations ceased. The belief was that the army marching to diffuse the situation in Boatwright scared the bandits into the forest. The rebel spies had instigated the rumors and reinforced them where they could. The people of Hollow Grove resented the restrained approach and only the promise of war kept them at bay.

The precarious and unfamiliar silence didn’t hinder the group’s progress, but they knew well that where audible warnings were absent, traps lied in wait for the unsuspecting. While the seasoned roamers cautioned the rest, Griffin and Roderick still fell victims to the traps. A pile of gravel struck Griffin in the head and Roderick’s foot got stuck in a bear trap. Vivienne had to treat both injuries before they could move on.

Despite the traps and obstacles, they managed to move swiftly further into the forest. Armed sentinels greeted them a day’s walk away from the encampment and one offered to escort them. They welcomed the woman’s idea as it would save them the time and energy they’d spend on the look-out for more traps. Upon reaching the valley, she bid them farewell and returned to her post in the woods.

Wide farm fields stood between them and the fortifications, but still smaller than Maxwell, Seraphina and Keira remembered. To make Hollow Grove the new base of the south, they needed to expand. The once small village surrounded by fields with ample crops had turned into a more significant redoubt.

Even from afar, they could spot watchers on the top of the walls. Farmers, spread throughout the fields, stared at the riders. Most eyes lingered on Vivienne, so tales of the redhaired woman who could defy the emperor’s touch must have spread in their community. Children ran jubilant alongside them, causing Braun and Cloud to howl until Raine snapped at their heels.

The howling ceased, but not before bringing more attention to the companions. It was no surprise that people appeared at the gates, waiting to welcome them. The closer they went, the surer Seraphina was that Brenton, Barkley and Mirabelle were in the front line. They were exhaling loudly, with their hands on their chests and smiles on their faces. All built up anxiety kept their gazes locked on Seraphina and Maxwell.

Cheers filled the air when the horses came to a stop. Brenton was already by Nightlight’s side, offering a hand to Seraphina. “Took you long enough! I was close to sending a search party!”

“Your guys got held up, not us.” Seraphina replied as he hugged her. A little too tight for her liking. He pulled back, his eyes hanging low on her engorged midriff. His eyebrows shot up and his lips pursed. “Careful, dad.”

He brought her close again for a moment, more carefully that time, then turned to Reggie. “Still think you can handle anything we throw at you, boy?”

He only smiled as he shook Barkley’s hand. “If I can handle her, anything’s possible.” Seraphina rolled her eyes as an overjoyed Mirabelle embraced her and whispered words of congratulations and assurance.

Reggie and Seraphina did everything they could to keep the others’ attention on themselves and not the rest, to give them time to dismount and gather themselves. With a glance over her shoulders, she noticed Vivienne nod while she and Maxwell took the few steps forward to provide a new distraction.

Seraphina walked back to Lyn and Griffin. The boy tried hard to act normal, but his hands trembled and sweat rolled down his temples. Their mother didn’t even attempt to hide her emotions. Tears flowed freely from her eyes as she watched Brenton, who was still oblivious. Only Barkley stared open mouthed at her and Keira, who was surrounded by old friends.

Seraphina grabbed her mother’s hand. Only then did she break her stare. “Ready?” She asked looking at both Lyn and Griffin. With her free hand, she pushed his hair back and titled his head up.

Griffin nodded, but stood behind Lyn, who wiped her tears and exhaled. “Been dreaming of this moment for so long it doesn’t seem real, scarlet. Come on.” She exhaled again and walked forward confidently, dragging a sheepish Griffin with her.

Seraphina went into Reggie’s open arms. “Think he’ll cry?” She nodded, sneaking her arms around his waist.

Seraphina watched Lyn wave at Barkley before she reached Maxwell, whose body was between her and Brenton. She tapped on his shoulder and he stood aside. It seemed like the world stood still in that moment. The ones who knew held their breath. The ones who didn’t looked around confused. Brenton managed to glance at Lyn for a single moment. The next found him sobbing, kneeling at her feet and holding her hands.

At Barkley’s call, people started to retreat into the redoubt, giving them as much privacy as they could in open field. Lyn broke and kneeled as well. She leaned down and touched her lips to Brenton’s head, before pulling back and titling his head up. The fire on the nearby torches danced around them in response to his erratic emotions. “Trouble with fire, sweetheart? Aren’t you supposed to be a good example to your daughter?” It was a line she’d say after Seraphina showed signs of being a scorcher whenever Brenton’s temper would get out of hand. Back then, it’d bring Brenton back to his senses, make him laugh.

It had the same result. Still.

Chuckles spread all around and the flames returned to the torches, flailing in their usual manner. Just as Seraphina remembered, Lyn knew exactly how to quell Brenton. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” He mumbled between sobs. His head fell again, and she wrapped her arms around him, his face hidden in the crook of her neck. “I gave up on you…”

“Shh, none of it is your fault. None, you hear me?” She cooed rubbing his back. She whispered to him words none could hear. He kept nodding and tightening his grip on her.

Seraphina felt Reggie plant a kiss on her head before he breathed into her ear. “Don’t ever make me go through that, okay?” Before she could say anything, he continued. “Or at least try?”

Turning her head, she reached up to touch his cheek. “I’m spending the rest of my life with you, you can be sure of that.” She pulled him in for a tender kiss, careful to ommit either of their lives could end at any moment. Not by natural causes, but by enemy fire.

Griffin cleared his throat a bit too loud, interrupting everyone’s short moments. Seraphina turned back to her family, noticing Maxwell and Vivienne were in a similar state to hers and Reggie’s. “Right, sorry.” Lyn wiped her eyes and stood pulling Brenton up as well. “Honey, come here…” She extended a hand to Griffin, he grabbed it and she made the men stand facing each other.

Brenton stared at Griffin with as much awe as the boy was looking at him. He peeked at Lyn. “You… you had him?” She nodded, and more tears flowed. “Griffin, right?” It was the boy’s turn to nod, before they came into a crushing embrace. “Sera… She always believed, but I… I thought I’d lost you…” He reached for Lyn. “Both of you.”

“You should listen to your daughter!” Seraphina yelled in a distorted voice from the safety of Reggie’s arms. Everyone laughed. “She knows things.”

Family was important, but the retrieval of Keira didn’t allow much leeway. The councilmembers in Hollow Grove needed information, answers. They let Brenton off, which allowed him, Lyn and Griffin to escape the scrutiny and have a few moments to themselves. A luxury the rest didn’t share.

Roderick was brought before the entire encampment, questioned about Madfalls Refuge. He answered every question as thoroughly as he could, wanting to relieve his Keeper of that duty. They took the news of more rebels with open arms and Barkley personally promised they’d send out teams to the refuge, with an open invitation to join, relocate to one of their safe havens or even establish a new base. Roderick could only thank them.

Keira was next to take a stand before them all. With a heavy heart and a menacing gaze, she recounted everything she could remember about the dungeons of Dawnfield. Elementals of all ages, spread out in special cells by their elements.

Bashers were surrounded by black tar, with soldiers sitting around holding torches. One wrong move and the entire section would be brought alight. Keira had heard of times a soldier fell asleep and charred both himself and the prisoners, but it hadn’t happened in her time there.

Blowers had walls of fire, burning bright, all around them at any wrong move. Oil rolled down into pools continuously and their guards would light them up whenever anyone misbehaved, sucking out the available air. No deaths had occurred there since whenever the atmosphere became too thin for the guards to handle, they would open up hatches to replenish air.

Dousers were kept in steel cages, in a cool environment devoid of any humidity. Their cages were only small enough that they could not move much. The Emperor was meticulous. He didn't even allow them to sweat. Only old age or execution saved those. Maxwell and a few others, possibly fellow Water Elementals, cringed at their brethren's ill fate.

She never saw any of the scorchers. She heard tales of oversized water tanks filled with glass cages holding Elementals deep in the bottom. Those had the highest death rate. Some prisoners liked to say there were failed escape attempts and the scorchers drowned. Others blamed the guards, saying the guards had not pulled them up when they should have, and they died of asphyxiation. Whatever the truth was, the mortality rate for scorchers was higher than all other Elementals. Except Aetherals.

Keira could not remember meeting or hearing about anyone like Vivienne and Roderick other than the Emperor. Everyone speculated that he allowed no one else of his kind to live. The hunt for Seraphina, the supposed Aetheral he missed, was proof he feared her.

In their journey from Ironham to the encampment, portions of Keira’s memory became clearer. The parts after Damien lined everyone up in the dungeons. She explained how screams would die out the moment he touched the Elementals and they would stare up at him with glazed eyes. Keira had become one of them once her turn had come. It was her first and only meeting with the emperor.

In the days that had followed Damien’s reprehensive violation, she had been in a constant trance. She’d searched every female face she and her escorts would come across, but at the same time she gave an internal battle with the dazed part of her mind because the face was familiar. Whenever a girl would resemble Seraphina even a little, the frenzied side of her would always lose the fight and the true Keira would resurface.

Then she’d lashed out. After the same thing had happened a few times, her escorts had started keeping her sedated. Shackles had proven useless when she managed to kill a dozen of imperials before someone managed to restrain her.

Barkley was the first to rise once Keira finished her recount. His fingers tangled in his greying beard. “The Drudges are only after Seraphina then? They guard you continuously and set you loose when they want to find her?”

“Mostly.” Keira said, and grins spread. Such a detail was strategist’s dream. They could exploit it, just like Reggie had with Etta. “Our main concern is to find and bring her to him. But there’s always one man among our escorts whose order the Emperor told us to obey. Kill him and only Seraphina can trigger them.”

“Is there a way to distinguish those men?” A woman asked. There was a notebook on her lap and she recorded everything said in the meeting.

“I’d like to say there is some way to point them out, but I don’t know it. All I saw till the Emperor put his spell on me was common officers come next to the bewitched Elementals and him saying “you will obey his orders as if they were mine” before both walked out of the dungeons.” People shook their heads. “My guy was among the dozen I killed, so they started sedating me.”

As more attendants asked Keira questions, Vivienne huddled the twins and Reggie together and whispered. “We already know everything they’ll ask. We could go get something to eat?”

Keira was the center of everyone’s attention. She gave a new kind of insight into the proceedings of the empire, one not even Reggie could, since he’d been a foot soldier. Only one person cared far less about the rebel plans and more about the twins. It didn’t come as a surprise when they found Mirabelle waiting by the door for them.

“Did you listen to anything said tonight?” Seraphina chuckled shaking her head.

“Bits and pieces. I leave these things to you.” She sneaked her arms through Maxwell’s. “Maxie, could you be a dear and help me get something from our hut? I made it for your parents, but I believe your mother will appreciate it far more.” He simply nodded and then she turned to the others. “The dining hall is still where you last left it, Sera, though it’s more of a pavilion now. How about you take our friends here and start your dinner in the meantime?”

None could possibly miss the eye roll. “Sure, auntie. Follow me, friends.”

Vivienne and Reggie complied and they separated. Maxwell and Mirabelle went one way and the rest the other. After the first few strides, she started humming a tune of her own, waiting for Maxwell to speak rather than raise the issue herself. “You could be a little subtler, you know…”

“Ohh?” She smiled. He noticed her mischievous glance. “Care to tell me what happened?”

Avoiding eye contact, he spoke. “Simply put, I screwed up.”

“You’re not a simple man, my boy. Elaborate?” Despite the questioning tone, he had no doubt it was any less an order. He told her everything. In detail. His reasons, Seraphina’s reactions. Everything. As he concluded, they were stepping into her and Barkley’s temporary home. “I thought I raised you better than that.”

He couldn’t look her in the eye. “I know, but I…”

She bumped his head, cutting him off. “I meant both of you.” Shaking her head, she started looking through a chest. “When your father entrusted you and your sister to me, do you know what he told me?” Maxwell shook his head. “He tried to be strong, but the loss broke him, you saw today how much. He took me to the side and in tears he told me ‘my wife always made sure they stick together. Even her last act was to bring them together, calm their tantrum. I can’t be that for them, Mirabelle. I have too much rage in me. Please, I beg you, keep them united. Teach them that whatever happens they must be one. One force. One family.’ I did that. I taught you that. You and Emery. I’ve lost count of the times I told you all we are one. No matter what.”

The seething anger Maxwell was always keeping at bay resurfaced in an instant. “And because of these teachings I’m trapped in a life I can’t stand. Danger, deception and death all around me.” He said in a hushed tone, but the resentment was there.

Pity shone in Mirabelle’s stare. “You are an Elemental, my sweet boy. Those things would always accompany you, whether a roamer or not. The difference is that now you’re skilled enough to face them.” He had no argument against that. “Through this harsh life, you also got your mother back. A brother you knew nothing about. Not to mention, a companion in life.”

He took a deep breath to calm himself. “Yet I might lose any of them.”

She still sifted through the chest. “Stay united and you might not. Aha!” She rose and pointed into the large trunk. “Could you get that?”

Maxwell walked to the trunk and found a bundle of notebooks, roped together. “What’s this?” He asked picking it up. “And how did it survive the fire?”

She smiled. “I never kept my diaries in a place three very curious kids could find them. These were in the cave we sheltered ourselves, among the important documents of the council. Helps I am your uncle’s wife.”

Maxwell saw the pile in a new light. “You kept a journal of our lives…”

“I did. For your father mostly, but I also had secret hope.” She confirmed. “You won’t find any of your successful missions in there. You hold your lives as their son and daughter, not as agents of the League. Through my eyes of course.”

It was the first time he smiled since they entered the hut. “It’s exactly what she’ll want to know, I think.”

“I believe so too.” She nodded and sneaked her arms through his again. “But back to the point. Seraphina is a grown woman. She makes her choices and you have to respect them even if you don’t like some of them.”

“I know, I know…” He nodded, but she bumped his head again.

“Shush, I’m talking now.” She started walking them out. “You must respect her choices, but you should also look out for her and the same applies to her.” He nodded in silence. “You might have had good intentions, but you got out of hand and she has every right to get mad at you. But this? Not even looking at you? Completely disregarding you?”

“You taught us better than that?” He quoted her.

She nodded. “I did. Even when you were fuming, her and Emmery shooting flames your way and you drenching them, I sat you all down and we talked, dealing with the matter. This is unacceptable.” He needed no reminder, but let her say her piece.

With his free hand, he touched hers. “Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure she’s purposely prolonging this so that I get the message.”

“And have you?” She asked raising an eyebrow.

“Loud and clear.” He replied taking a deep breath. “I need to apologize to her.”

Mirabelle stopped them and turned to look at him. “It’s not her you need to apologize to.” With a wink, she walked ahead, leaving him behind.

“I was afraid you were going to say that…” He thought sighing.

Everyone wanted to attend the open meeting. When Reggie, Seraphina and Vivienne walked into the dining pavilion they found only the very few who didn’t fit in the halls or the ones too hungry to wait. Stacks of trays stood outside the stockroom and that was where they headed.

Seraphina informed them that when she’d been in Crookwood last, there used to be plenty of round tables all around a small clearing, not the series of long tables in the expanded pavilion they saw before them. Everything seemed improved and ready to house the greater number of rebels. Seraphina was quick to say she didn’t expect such effort from the most savage community on their side, but she was pleasantly surprised.

With their trays in hand, they asked the attendants which table Brenton, Barkley and Mirabelle used before taking their seats. They knew not how long it would take the others to join them, so they dug into their stew.

Reggie peeked around. The only sound heard was of the cutlery striking the dishes. “We made it, huh?” He noticed how Seraphina kept squirming in her seat and his hand found way to her lower back. “Think we’ll get any peace and quiet for a little while?”

Seraphina was the one to answer. “Doubtful. I won’t be surprised if we set out before the next rainfall.” She tried to stretch, but from the scrunch in her face, it did no good. “Viv, could you…?”

Vivienne nodded and took her extended hand. “Sorry Sera, but you’re not going anywhere till that baby decides to come out.” Within moments, Reggie felt Seraphina relax against his palm, the back cramps alleviated.

“Try telling the council that.” She said with a puff and rubbed her forehead.

“Unless they’ve trained another Aetheral under our noses, Viv’s running the show.” He glanced pleadingly at Vivienne.

She nodded, catching on. “And unless they tell us they have a solid plan once we get inside the capital, we’re not going anywhere.” She held up her hand before Seraphina cut her off. “We need me to counter Damien, but we also need the rebels to hold them off.”

“All we need is stealth. They know it.” Seraphina countered and gave them a disheartened smile. “To them, the job comes first. Our lives second.” They shared a long, intense stare Reggie didn’t miss.

Vivienne slammed her hand on the table so fast and furious she startled both them and the few people around them. “That… No. Just no. I’m not gonna let that happen.” She got up and rushed out of the pavilion before they could stop her.

Seraphina pushed on his shoulder urging me to get up. “Run after her.” He knew she’d already be on her feet if she could, but she’d never catch up to her then. He nodded and went after Vivienne.

Reggie didn’t need to look for signs of her long. Men and women heading to dinner pointed the way forward. He whirled by wooden huts and stone homes, stumbled on a stand or two, but he kept going. He was unfamiliar with the grounds, so he could only follow the directions given and look for Vivienne’s characteristic red hair in the crowd.

Little time passed before Raine joined him, surely sent by Seraphina. She started sniffing the air, then the ground and then she was off. Without her help, he’d never have found her as she’d hidden in the stables. She wasn’t one to find solace in grooming her horse so it never crossed his mind, but she was doing it anyway when he walked in.

Vivienne and Reggie often saw eye to eye whenever a decision was needed and then they’d side with the twin they most agreed with. Yet, they weren’t friends. He wasn’t fond of her snooping. Anything she wanted, she could simply dig into his mind to get it. She didn’t do it, but her ease to do so if she wanted to unnerved him.

On the other hand, she wasn’t fond of his imperial views. He agreed with the rebels that Damien was a fiend the world would be better off without, but he praised the stability of the empire. He knew it needed correctional touches, but he blamed most wrongdoings to the emperor. He truly believed people free of oppression could thrive in the existing system. Views none embraced.

So, their only connection was their partners. Their end goal. He didn’t know how to approach her, so he did what Seraphina told him she always did. Sat on the side and waited for her to break the silence.

Raine wasn’t patient though and soon howled to get her attention. Vivienne stopped with the brushing and took a deep breath. “Do you know how their minds work? Hers, Maxwell’s. Hell, probably everyone’s here.”

“No. There are times I wish I did.” He answered honestly.

She turned around to look at him. “They’re infuriating. Especially your wife.”

He chuckled. “I’m well aware.”

She puffed and threw the brush to the back of her stallion’s stall. “By your laugh, you obviously aren’t. I thought being with you had changed her, but no, no. Not the great scorcher Seraphina.” She mocked. She took another breath and grabbed for a rag to clean her hands. “You heard her. The council, their…elders make them care little about their lives. Their first lesson.”

He didn’t want to voice his agreement. “They’re our elders now too, aren’t they? We joined them.”

She glared at him. “We joined. We are members of the League. We’re in war. We might die. But we are not pigs for slaughter.” Raine howled again, alarmed by Vivienne’s posture. She took another break and tried to calm down. “Before you tell me about duty to our cause, I understand it. In fact, as the only one able-bodied and trained to handle Damien, I feel it deep in my bones. But I wholeheartedly disagree that I only need to kill him and that’s that.”

“Once we do, they’ll find good men and women to reform the empire. There will be better times.” He was careful with his words.

She snorted. “True, true, but what are our plans? Have you talked to her about it?” He struggled to keep a straight face. “Exactly. Wanna know why not? Because none of them think they’ll be alive and they’re okay with it.”

“Too many dangers ahead…” He trailed off, trying not to choke.

She sighed and gave him a pitiful look. “I left the table because of what she thought to me. ‘So, please watch over my boys when I burn’. She’s disregarding your future not because she’s afraid of the dangers ahead. She plans to ensure he’s dead by incinerating both him and herself. She’s certain that as a scorcher, she’ll last longer. She doesn't want me to get close in case I can't counter his touch. She showed it to me.” She tore her eyes from him and missed the shaking her words caused. “Now don’t speak a word because Max is almost here.”

He wasn’t paying much attention. He was trying to compose himself. In the midst of war as they were, he was always worried something would happen to either of them. But hearing the woman he’d let himself love, his wife, the mother of his child, wasn’t planning to walk out of their horrifying endeavours alive, undid him. He then understood why the calm, rational Vivienne exploded. He knew she was listening but didn’t care in the least bit. “How do I look at her now?” He thought defeated.

Vivienne cut their kiss short and from Maxwell’s arms, she replied to his inner dilemma. “Show her why she needs to change her mind.”

The lack of information confused him, but Maxwell watched the exchange without a word. Only when Vivienne went to pull him out of the stables, did he speak. “Actually, can you give us a minute, Viv?” She looked up at him, her stare prying, yet soft. Whatever she found in his thoughts she approved, because she nodded and walked out without them.

Vivienne’s revelation shattered a piece of Reggie and his confidence. He didn’t think he’d fight back if Maxwell lunged at him again. But no attack came. Instead, the brute seemed as uncomfortable as he felt. “What?”

“I…” Maxwell chocked on his words. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I want to say I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“You punched me, but it was you who were close to passing out.” Reggie reminded him bitterly.

“Sorry, okay?” He repeated. For a self-taught scholar, he wasn’t very eloquent in that moment. “When it comes down to it, I don’t trust you. I’m certain you’ll betray us…”

Reggie cut him off. “If that’s your idea of apology, you have issues.”

“I’m being clear.” He explained and continued. “I don’t like you, Reggie. I never have. But I thought you were like the others.” He paused to turn his body away from him. “A plaything that perhaps lasted longer than usual. Even the marriage, I thought it a hoax, tried to figure out why she’d go for it. Then you told me…” He couldn’t bring himself to mention his sister’s pregnancy. It angered him. “It clicked. How you trapped her. Why she said yes.”

Reggie snorted. “If you thought that, you really don’t know anything about her.”

Maxwell glanced at him over his shoulder with a smile. “Or I know her too well. The point is… I should respect her choices. Even if I don’t agree with them.”

Reggie was still bitter. Seraphina’s intentions still fresh in his mind. “Did you just figure that out now?”

“No. Resentment and prejudice clouded my judgement for a moment.” He replied and turned back to him. “The wrong moment.”

“You got that right.” Reggie agreed. “I’m not helping you patch things up with her, you know.”

“No need. I clean up my own messes.” He fidgeted from one foot to the other. Reggie waited. “I only ask that you take care of them.”

“I thought you didn’t trust me.” Reggie said whistling to Raine.

He nodded. “I don’t, but Vivienne does and I trust her.” He extended his arm. “I just hope you prove me wrong.”

“You don’t need to hope.” Reggie took his arm. “I’ll take care of my family.”

Knowing what caused Vivienne’s outburst, Seraphina was certain Reggie would have a hard time finding her. Within moments, she sent Raine after them to provide him some help. She didn’t stay alone long though. Soon, the pavilion was filling up, evidence the meeting was over.

Barkley was first join her, tray in hand. “Where’s everyone?”

She downed her spoonful before answering. “Aunt Mirabelle and Maxwell went to your hut, Viv’s throwing a tantrum and I asked Reggie to follow her.” He didn’t say anything, just nodded taking a seat. She noticed he avoided looking at her. “Ask away, uncle.” She said with a chuckle.

He cleared his throat and met her eye. “You want this, right? He didn’t…”

“Force me?” She asked amused. “Really?” She chuckled louder and threw two slabs of meat to Braun and Cloud who eagerly munched on.

His cheeks reddened, showing his discomfort. “I’m sorry, Sera, but you know…no matter how many years pass, to me you’re still that little munchkin that used to bounce on my knee and show me how she can control fire.”

“Unless you need to send me off to do the council’s bidding.” She added with a sad smile. Seeing his reaction, she touched his hand. “I kid, don’t worry.”

He squeezed it. “So, you and him…? It’s not circumstantial? We’ll have to get used to him?” She nodded. “Phew, I honestly didn’t think I’d see this day. Before someone vanquishes the evil plaguing this land nonetheless.”

“Nor I.” She replied and winked. “Though, it was only through dire circumstances that it happened. If I never hurt my knee, it’d never come.” She replied and thought she felt a searing pain in her leg. Or the memory of it, as since Lucian healed her, it was all in her mind. “I hope you won’t do anything to him. Max already did a number on him.”

“I can only promise to try.” Barkley could only chuckle. “I think I’ll need a certain time to adjust. Fortunately, we’ll have the time.”

That surprised her. “Time? I thought you’d send us off right away. Isn’t urgency our goal?”

“Urgency, not rash actions.” he said just as Brenton, Lyn and Griffin made their appearance. Barkley waited till they joined them. “This time, I didn’t even need to fight the others. Vivienne’s our spearhead against him, but this isn’t a fight against one man and they understand it.

Brenton nodded. "We have a real chance here, so nobody wants to waste it. Besides..." he stretched out his hand and flames in the shape of an animal hovered over it. "...I'll be damned if I let my children into the lion's den without reinforcements."

"Easy there, dad." Seraphina rolled her eyes and drew the hissing flames to her own palm. "As long as no one sees us..." she paused to extinguish the fire. "...or rather me, we'll be fine and let's not forget, cloak and dagger's my specialty." She smiled.

Leaning against Brenton's shoulder, her hand in his, Lyn interrupted them. "Since when does your ego rival your father's?" Barkley and Brenton couldn't contain their laughter. Barkley almost choked on his spoonful.

"Since she managed to flip Max over her shoulder." Mirabelle came up behind Seraphina and touched her lips to her head giggling. "They were nine."

Lyn took on that dismal expression she'd shown in their journey to Hollow Grove whenever they'd gather around the fire at night and talk about all they'd missed from each other’s lives. Eyes to the ground, shoulders hunched and a nervous scratching at her arm. There were times she let tears escape, but that wasn’t one of them.

Maxwell stepped forward and placed a stack of books, or journals, Seraphina couldn't tell, next to Lyn. They were roped together so they were easy to carry. Hard to read though. "And by aunt Mirabelle's courtesy, you can read all about it in these things. If they’re any accurate, I fear there'll be many such embarrassing moments of mine recorded in there."

"This'll be a fun read." Griffin whispered beside Seraphina rubbing his hands together mischievously.

She leaned in and spoke in his ear. "Let me pop this baby out and I can help write your own." He gulped but nodded anyhow. She straightened up, shaking her head, and noticed Maxwell scanning the pavilion, probably searching for Vivienne. She decided to save him some time. "Try the armory or the stables. It's the last place she'd go."

He looked at her directly, a rare occasion since their quarrel. "Right, thanks." He hurried off without a second glance.

Her family gave Seraphina looks of question and curiosity. Eyebrows raised, fingers touched chins skeptically, mouths scrunched. “Vivienne’s trying to become less predictable.” She explained, but the perplexed stares remained. “She’s doing the things people least expect her to do.”

“Isn’t that also predictable?” Griffin asked.

“Only if you know, squirt.” She replied and ruffled his hair. He might be a grown man, but Seraphina could only see a boy in him. Her little brother.

He’d grown up secluded in Madfalls Refuge, cared for and protected from all action. Lyn had admitted she’d deliberately kept him by her side, an advisor, away from manual labour, battle training and weapons. She couldn’t bear lose another child. He’d never even hunted until Reggie brought him along during their journey to Ironham. It showed in his skinny physique. Upon seeing him, few would expect that body had seen twenty-two summers.

Vivienne strutted back and sat next to Seraphina, their partners nowhere in sight. She tried to approach her, but Vivienne became stiff. “I’m still furious with you, so shush.” There was a time Vivienne couldn’t even look Seraphina in the eye, much less talk to her that way. A long while ago.

Seraphina nodded and withheld her apology. Instead, they all turned to the center of the pavilion, where children started dancing without music around the blazing pyre. It reminded her of the only home etched in her memory. Bandville.

She’d spent her nights of childhood and adolescence running and dancing around a such pyre with Emmery and Maxwell. After Ashbourne, she and Maxwell couldn’t bring themselves to continue the tradition, opting to drown their sorrow in ale and the laughter of children. She’d always make sure to bring back different types of fireworks to entertain and satisfy the demands of the young, while also aweing the old. As a scorcher, it was easy to do so.

Maxwell would chase them, always allowing their escape until they’d tire. Then he’d lift as many as he could on his shoulders or turn it all into a game of hide and seek. He’d feign horror whenever they jumped out of their hiding spots to scare him. He’d often ended up on the ground with them tackling him and tickling him.

Both Seraphina and Maxwell needed those moments of serenity and innocence. Otherwise their heinous acts in their missions and the nightmares plaguing them would consume them. Since Vivienne and then Reggie entered their lives, they found those moments of peace in their company, giving them the strength to keep going.

The children’s laughter was contagious. So much so, that adults joined them. People brought out lutes, dulcimers and shawms and music then accompanied the carefree dancing. At their table, Mirabelle started pulling on Barkley’s sleeve. He granted her wish with a smile and they entered the circle. Seraphina couldn’t remember the last time it’d happened but rejoiced nonetheless.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Brenton turn to Lyn. “Well, I’m still no good, but would you like to dance?” Lyn didn’t speak. She grabbed his hand and led him after Barkley and Mirabelle.

Seraphina felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Vivienne. “Will you behave while I take your brother up for a dance or do I need to sit here?”

“Go, I’ll stay put, promise.” She said and Vivienne stared at her long, before she was satisfied and dragged Griffin towards the pyre.

Seraphina watched her family sway to the music in laughter. Her parents, alive, well and together. A brother she hadn’t even dreamed of having, innocent and pure of the horrors of war, followed Vivienne’s steps, trying to dance. Her aunt and uncle bereft of the weight of the council, relished in the company of the people they’d served for most of their lives. The only thorn in their side in that moment was the absence of Emmery and Reggie's family. And what a thorn it was.

“Here I thought a sight like this would have you smiling.” Reggie said and took his seat next to her. “What’s got you frowning, little monkey?” He sneaked his arms around her, resting his hands on her midriff.

“The ones we’ve lost.” He stiffened at her words. Either Vivienne told him of her plans or he thought of his own losses. “Max?”

“Right here.” Maxwell replied sitting on the opposite side of the table. For the second time that day, he looked at her directly. “Sorry we came late. I needed to apologize to Reggie.”

“Took you long enough.” She said leaning against Reggie.

“He means he tried to apologize.” He corrected.

“He neither likes, nor trusts you. It’s the best he could do.” Seraphina said surprising both men. “Viv? A little help?” She knew Vivienne was reading in, so she thought to her. She nodded immediately and started coming their way. “Could you excuse us for a moment?”

Reggie noticed Vivienne walking their way and realized it was no request. “Sure.”

When they were alone, Seraphina looked at Maxwell. “It’s good you apologized, but I’d prefer you do it on your own. Not have aunt Mirabelle suggest it.”

“I know…” he said quietly. “I’m a bit of an idiot when it comes to you.”

“Only because you’ve sanctified me in your head.” She replied shaking her head. “Which I honestly don’t get. You know damn well that I was no virgin even before him.”

“Maybe because this is the first time it’s right in my face?” Maxwell said sheepishly. She stared at him. “I know. It’s stupid, but I don’t have a better explanation.” Seraphina stayed silent on purpose. She’d been deliberately cold to him since the moment she saw them scuffle. Maxwell needed to understand the impact of his actions.

She sighed and extended her arms. “Come here, kid.” He nearly jumped from his seat and went to her crushing her in one of his bear hugs. She pushed him back and stuck a finger to his face. “No more stunts, okay?”

“None.” He said and brought her close again. “I promise.”

He could lie well. Too well. But not to her. Something was very wrong.

Loud howls woke him up from his deep slumber. Reggie shot up and reached for his sword. But he found no danger in sight. Seraphina’s thrashing prompted the wolves to howl in warning. He shushed them before returning to bed and wrapping his arms around her. He grabbed her hands so she wouldn’t hurt him like she’d done the first time he’d tried to wake her. He hummed in her ear and waited.

Like with all her nightmares, Seraphina neither spoke nor screamed, only stiffened and thrashed. He knew the moment she woke up, because she let out a long breath and her whole body relaxed. “Past phantoms or fears?”

Seraphina sighed and turned in his arms. “Fears, worries. I don’t even know anymore.” She brought her body as close to his as her stomach allowed. “They didn’t howl this time, huh?”

“They did. Might’ve been howling for a long while.” He murmured against her hair. She pulled away from him and sat up. Her reaction alarmed him. “What happened?”

All candles in the room came alight and she looked back at him. “If they howled, where’s everyone?”

He was fully awake.

They grabbed their weapons and went through every room, the wolves in tow. They were sharing the house with their family. Seven people, but they found none around. They hurried outside and were surprised that everything was quiet. No danger in sight. Perplexed, they wandered the town heading to the armory and stables.

When they were close, Braun and Cloud ran off ahead. They followed the pups and found first Griffin, then the rest as the nightguards finished locking the gates. Seraphina went to her parents, furious. “Where are they?”

“They’re long gone, you can’t catch up to them.” Brenton stepped closer to her. “It was their decision.”

“It’s the right move. Strategically.” Barkley stood beside him. “You know it. Your face is a red flag amongst our enemies.”

“So you sent them off alone? Without reinforcements...” She looked at Brenton. “…into the lions’ den. Just like you said you wouldn’t.”

“We gave them information and we’ll back them up. Their journey will give us enough time to prepare the distractions we need and we’ll meet them at the capital.” Barkley insisted.

“They’ll be in Dawnfield before the summer is out. How is that enough time?” Reggie asked incredulous.

“They’re not going to Dawnfield.” Brenton said and Reggie had to pull her back before she did anything stupid. “They’re off to Neverfall.”