The Wicked House of Caroline

“Amrei? What are you doing here? You just returned! You should be resting!” Crown Prince Zhanzhin nearly slipped off his saddle when he saw her arriving, helmet on and chest armor appearing to almost double her size.

Beks had hastily dressed and grabbed Lucian’s spare armor before marching out the tent. Deo had nearly balked and tried to send her back to rest, but she refused.

“No, I want to come. I need to know what they want to discuss.” She needed information and while they could simply relay her the gist of the discussion, nothing would beat actually being present.

Beks called for a horse as Laz and Lucian came out, still tying their leather and metal armor in place. Deo had shot them a glare. She thought he was going to ask why they let her come and even let her borrow armor, but instead, her brother had looked them up and down and sneered.

“Why is your hair wet, too?”

Beks had rolled her eyes. “I splashed them when I was assessing the water. Now, where are we meeting Geel?”

Her future cousin-in-law was already waiting for them near the front of the encampment, also wearing armor and a helmet. He did a double take when he saw her and his mouth had dropped.

“You can’t stop her, Geel,” Laz said as he arrived behind Beks.

“It may be useful for her to go and find out what they’re planning,” Lucian added.

The Crown Prince looked past Beks and frowned at the two of them. “Are both of you coming?”

Lucian moved his hands over his eyes and then ran it through his hair. Blue eyes changed to green and thick, black hair that had been braided was turned blond. “It’s fine. They won’t recognize me.”

“Technically, they’ve never seen us,” Laz said with a raised brow. “So, unless we introduce yourselves, I doubt they’ll know.”

“Do you want me to change your appearance, too?”

“Yes.”

The Crown Prince gave them both a dull look as Laz remained blue-eyed, but with light brown hair. Deo looked around. “Are we waiting for anyone else?”

The Left Commander remained in camp, along with Jonas and Gerard. The two men who had come to escort the Crown Prince were Wild Dogs that Laz had assigned. To Beks, it was risky that the twins were coming along with the Crown Prince, as in the chance that they were attacked, they could lose the last three remaining members of the late Empress’ family.

It was a good move to change the appearance of the twins, but then it looked like the Crown Prince was leading a bunch of foreigners, which may not sit right with anyone they were trying to win over.

She was about to suggest Lucian stay and the Left Commander come with them when someone called out to the Crown Prince.

“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Beks didn’t recognize the middle-aged man with the gray temples galloping towards them along with a man who appeared slightly older. However, she did recognize the seals and colors on their horses’ saddle blankets.

They must’ve been highly ranked for their horses’ saddle blankets to be dyed to azure and evergreen.

“Marquis General Sirath, General Chay.” The Crown Prince gave the two older men an acknowledging nod of his head.

“Your Highness, we heard that Emperor Tarkan’s army has requested a meeting with you!” The man with the azure saddle was the Marquis General Sirath. He had a stern look beneath his graying beard and frowned. “You must not go, Your Highness! It is too dangerous!”

“We will accompany His Highness Prince Gan or Prince Jargal instead,” General Chay in the evergreen saddle told him.

Beks narrowed her eyes a bit, but stayed silent. She looked back at the Crown Prince who shook his head. “I will go, but you may join us.”

“Your Highness-”

“The invitation said they will meet us in the field between the two camps. We are only allowed to bring ten people at most. Anymore and they will consider it a breach of the agreement and meet us with their swords,” the Crown Prince said. “With you two, it will only be nine.”

“Then...then, we should bring one more person!” General Chay said. “I will all one of my men-”

“That is not necessary.” The Crown Prince cut him off with a wave of his hand. “I have confidence in those who are with me now.” He paused and his eyes narrowed a bit as he looked at the two older men. “Or do you think I should have reason to worry about my company?”

The two generals immediately shook their heads. “Of course not, Your Highness!”

“I only wanted to suggest bringing as many people as we can in case the meeting soured and they went back on their word!” General Chay said with urgency.

The Crown Prince gave him a nod. “Then, perhaps you are right.”

General Chay lit up and sat up straight on his saddle. “Then, allow me to call-”

“Lt. Commander Maanh.” This time Beks cut him off. The two older men looked towards her, as if finally noticing the lone woman in the group. They narrowed their eyes and looked at her with suspicion.

“And who is this?” General Sirath asked in a low voice.

“Lucian, go and summon Lt. Commander Maanh,” the Crown Prince ordered. Lucian nodded and rode off quickly. The Crown Prince looked at the two men. “This is Princess Rebecca, the wife of Prince Gan and Prince Jargal.”

“Your Highness, I heard the princess has just arrived. Not only is she tired, but it is too dangerous to bring her to meet with the enemy,” General Chay said, not bothering to hide his displeasure.

Beks didn’t show any expression on her face. She stared at them with cold, dull eyes. Laz raised a brow and rode his horse in front of Beks, blocking her from their scrutinizing eyes. “If you are concerned about the safety of our princess, you need not be. You should already be familiar with our Right Commander.” He motioned towards Deo, who seemed to take it as his cue to create a ball of fire in his hands and give the two generals a menacing smile. “He is the esteemed brother of our princess and a master fire biha user.”

The two generals still appeared hesitant, but they didn’t have time to protest further. Lucian returned with Lt. Commander Maanh, and the Crown Prince ordered them to set off at once, as they had to return before dark.

Beks rode near the back with her brother. Lt. Commander Maanh was the Red Iron Cavalry Lt. Commander who had accompanied her, Efran, and the Thirnir across the valley when they built the elevated road. She had spoken his name for two reasons: first, because to a certain extent, she was familiar with and trusted him. Second, they needed more people from Langshe so as to downplay the appearance of involvement of foreign powers.

Even if she, her brother, the twins, and the two Wild Dogs did not represent another country at the moment, their foreign appearances would set such a tone.

The ride into the arid steppes didn’t last as long as she thought. She was told the message asked them for a meeting to happen under a tent in the area between where the two armies were situated. The opposing army was so far in the distance, Beks could barely see the tents in the horizon from the ground.

However, if the tent they had arrived at was the halfway point between the two, they were closer than she felt comfortable with.

Waiting for them were ten members of the opposing army. A handful of guards and several mature men in full armor and helmets stood with a table set up between them. There was tea and some snacks that shouldn’t have been present on the battlefield. Beks didn’t know why they’d set up such a farce.

It wasn’t as if anyone was going to eat or drink, for fear of poisoning.

The most elaborately dressed of the men was standing ahead of the others. Though he didn’t wear any telling badges, Beks was certain he was the man leading the arm.

“High General Leung, the Duke of Murong. I expected you to be the one we’d meet today.” The Crown Prince kept a pleasant look on his face as he greeted the man who appeared to be in charge.

Their horses were left just outside the tent and the two Wild Dogs stood to watch them at Laz’s silent order. The rest of them walked into the shade of the large, open walled tent wafting in the cool breeze.

To show their respect, High General Leung bowed his head, prompting those behind him to do the same.

“Thank you for coming, Your Highness,” he replied as he stood up. “It is good to see that you are well.”

The Crown Prince let out a cold chuckle as he stood in place. Laz and Lucian stood on either side of him while Beks and Deo stood to one side. The Lt. Commander stood almost behind the Crown Prince while the other two generals stood opposite Beks and Deo, as if statues just there to listen.

“I am doing well,” Crown Prince Zhanzhin replied. “My dear uncle must be so pleased.” His pleasant expression hardened into a cold look. “But enough of these insincere pleasantries, High General Leung. Out of respect for you, I accepted your meeting.”

The older man lifted his chin, his chest almost puffed out as he looked at the Crown Prince like a stern elder addressing a stubborn junior. Beks already knew she wasn’t going to like what he’d say next.

“Your Highness, none of us want any more of our brave warriors to die,” the High General began. “For the sake of not only your people on your side, but also for your people on mine, I advise you to surrender peacefully.”

For a moment, Beks almost lost her stoic expression to look at the old man with dismay and little bit of disgust. He doesn’t really think that Geel will agree does he? Her eyes began to flicker around. Is this a trap?

“I don’t expect you to decide at once, Your Highness,” the High General continued on, appearing full of misplaced confidence. “We will give you five days to surrender.”

Despite his audacious words, the Crown Prince didn’t falter in the slightest. “Did you really come this far to give such ridiculous ‘advice’?”

The High General took a deep breath and tried to soften his voice. “You must consider your actions carefully, Your Highness. The stability of the imperial family is important in maintaining the stability and strength of the empire.”

The Crown Prince raised a brow. “Where was such consideration from our dear uncle when he usurped my throne and sent assassins after me?”

High General Leung sucked in a sharp breath. “Your Highness, he did no such thing! I was with him when he was waiting for you to arrive at the Summer Palace when the late Empress was passing. We heard of the assassination attempt at the same time! They were foreigners!” After spitting out the word, his eyes moved along the foreign faces around the Crown Prince and a look of undisguised disgust appeared on his face. “How can you side with foreigners after what they did to you?”

The scoff coming from the Crown Prince was almost expected. “High General Leung, you know, I used to admire you greatly for supporting the empire and keeping our military strong and our borders protected,” the Crown Prince replied. The corner of his lip curled up. “But it seems, in your old age, that you’ve become too nostalgic and blinded yourself-

“Your Highness!”

“Speaking of family unification as if my own uncle didn’t try to have me killed.” The Crown Prince didn’t stop talking when the High General exclaimed. Beks and Deo kept their eyes on the soldiers behind and around the old general as the Crown Prince continued to speak. “I don’t know what the High General knows, or rather, what he has decided to turn a blind eye to, but I will not let someone steal my throne and turn my people against me.”

“Your Highness, you must think this through.” The High General’s words sounded high handed. “If you keep fighting the Emperor’s rule, we will have a civil war on our hands!”

For a moment, everyone on their side looked at the old general as if he’d really lost his mind with age. The Crown Prince held out his arms on either side of him.

“High General Leung,” he said in a low voice, as if speaking to a fool. “Do you think this is a parade?” They were already in a civil war, whether Tarkan and his side acknowledged it or not. The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes. “If Tarkan really wants peace, if he wants the stability and strength of the empire, then tell him to withdraw immediately, relinquish the crown, and step down.”

“Have you gone mad?” One of the officers behind the High General took a looming step forward and at once, Laz drew his sword and held out it, pointing it at that man’s neck. The action was swift and if the man hadn’t reacted in time, he could’ve easily leaned into the sword.

The tension in the tent grew thicker with that one action, and the soldiers on the other side had reached down to grasp the swords at their sides. Beside her, Beks could feel the heat coming from her brother as he readied to defend if they moved any closer.

The Crown Prince hadn’t flinched when the officer came forward. He stood in place, as if expecting that someone would defend him without being ordered.

He kept his cold eyes on the High General. “I don’t expect you to decide at once, High General Leung,” Prince Zhanzhin repeated the words that were said almost mockingly to him moments earlier. “We will give you five days to surrender.”

The High General’s face reddened. His dark eyes narrowed as a hardened glare bore into the Crown Prince’s face. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths, as if trying to calm himself.

He grit his teeth. “...And if we do not?”

The Crown Prince’s eyes narrowed and an icy smile lingered on his thin lips. “Then you don’t have to worry, as I will end this ‘civil war’ myself...in the way my mother and uncle knew how.”

╔═════════════════ ∘◦ ♔ ◦∘ ═════════════════╗

Their pace back to camp was faster. Beks wasn’t sure if it were because they all had a sudden sense of urgency after what could at best be called failed negotiations, or if the others were trying to keep up with her and Deo, whose speed back made no secret of their rush to return.

“How long will it take to reach the summer palace from this side?” Beks asked as she and Deo led the eight others.

“From what I heard, from the base camp, a day and a half.”

She raised a brow. “That short?”

“From the desert, the elevation has risen steadily. We’re higher than you think. However, the way up is steeper and there are gate houses and sentry points along the route.”

“I see....” Beks narrowed her eyes as she saw their encampment up ahead. “What about from the other side?”

“The Summer Palace is on the side of the highest mountain of the range, but from the other side, you would need to go over shorter mountains, or rather hills, along a path with a lower grade incline, so it will be longer.” Deo glanced at his sister from the horse beside hers. “You still want to enter from that side?”

“I just want to know what our options are. No matter what, we’ll need to go over the mountains somehow to isolate the Summer Palace.”

“Then, decide how you want to get there soon. I doubt they’re going to wait those five days,” Deo replied. She glanced at her brother. The meeting had been spoken in Langsher and she and her brother were speaking in Sagittater. Then again, Laz had lifted his good hand and said ‘five days’ in Langsher and Jasper to emphasize the point before they turned and left the meeting tent.

Beks looked ahead of her. “Brother, what do you think of those blue and green flag armies?”

“I don’t trust them.” His answer was immediate.

“Oh?”

“If they’re loyal, I will be happily surprised. If they betray us, I won’t feel hurt or have any issue defending against them.”

She grinned. “Do you have anyone watching them?”

Deo let out a small snort and almost rolled his eyes. “They claim that as a matter of precaution, no outsiders, including anyone from the Red Iron Cavalry and us foreigners, are allowed to enter. They have guards all over their camps.”

“Well, you don’t need to wander around the camps to see inside. All we need is a good vantage point.”

“I was thinking the same. And our good friend, the High General Leung, gave us an excellent reason to make them.” The two siblings began to chuckle. Their rapid chattering had already attracted the attention of the others in the group.

The Crown Prince looked at his cousins riding beside him. “Why are they laughing?”

“I don’t know,” Laz said.

“We don’t understand Sagittater, Geel,” Lucian replied with some embarrassment.

Their cousin’s face reddened and he scowled. “She is your wife! How can you not learn your wife’s mother tongue? How will you instruct your children? Look at her!” He began to scold them, his voice rising with each word. “She learned Langsher for you! The least you can do is learn her mother tongue!”

Lucian seemed to try to keep from sinking into his saddle. “Technically, Geel, she learned Langsher for Adah’s sake.”

“What does it matter?” The Crown Prince ranted. “The point is that you must show support to your wife. In marriages like ours, where we hold a lot of power and influence, a trustworthy partner is priceless. If you lead, they will need to support your rear. If they lead, then you must support theirs. If you find such a person, I promise you, your lives will be smoother.”

Laz let out a heavy sigh. “We already know that. Did she not find the Red Iron Cavalry for us? And lead them out to come here?”

“And did she not risk her life to clear possible obstacles on our campaign?” Lucian added.

“Is that not more reason to please your wife?” The Crown Prince sneered at his two younger cousins. “You didn’t even prepare proper clothes for her when she arrived. As soon as she returned, she rushed off to that farce of a negotiation! Where does she have time to rest?”

Lucian’s face flushed with irritation. “Well, we would’ve been basking in the afterglow by now if-”

“My brother may not be able to understand Langsher, but I do.” Beks cut off Lucian with a firm voice. “And we’re riding right in front of you!”

The twins were quiet for a moment and Beks heard the Crown Prince chastise them under his breath.

Deo let out a small cough. “I understand Langsher.” The group of ten was silent at the statement spoken in accented Langsher. Beks looked at her brother with surprise that matched the faces of the two generals and the twins. Deo took a deep breath. “I had a brief introduction before I left, but I’ve been practicing since we reached the army. Being immersed in it makes it easier to learn.”

“Right Commander,” General Sirath said, still surprised. “Who taught you?”

“My father,” Deo replied. “He speaks every major language on the continent, Tahier, and two major languages in both Aehamake and Ferysha.”

Robert of Caroline traveled a lot in his youth, more than their mother who spent years on a pirate ship. Both of their parents were polyglots because of this.

“You started learning before you left?” Laz asked.

“My interest was piqued when Beks told me about you two.” From the way his voice made it out to be, this was in reference to Beks wanting to marry them. “And when our father learned of the...situation between the three of you, he insisted I learn.”

Beks squinted at him. “The situation? Can you just call it an engagement?”

“The point is, I’m relatively fluent in informal, everyday speech, and I’ve studied technical military terminology to supplement my knowledge,” Deo replied. “So, I did understand everything that was said back there.”

The Crown Prince looked impressed for a moment before a serious expression shadowed his face. “Then, you also have concerns about High General Leung’s plans?”

Deo smirked a bit. “I’m sure all of us do.”

They reached the encampment and rode their horses all the way to the meeting tent. Jonas was waiting for them and instructed the horses to be taken to get food and water. Beks told him to bring her all the information about the topography of the region, including maps with the placements of all the fortifications along the route to the Summer Palace.

As she sat at one end of the table, burning the maps into her mind, she half-listened to her brother speaking to the other men around the table.

“We should create sentry points around the encampment. Ours and the supporting armies to watch for any movement from all directions.”

General Chay seemed confused. “Why from all directions?”

Laz’s good hand tapped on a large map spread across the table. “They greatly outnumber us, and we’re not exactly sure by how much. All we can guess is ‘more than double’, from what the High General said. It is possible that part of their army will split and attack from a different side when we expect to attack from the front.”

“There is a chance they may even attack from behind,” Deo said.

Lucian nodded. “Five days is more than enough to get into a suitable position.”

The Crown Prince nodded. “I’ll have sentry towers built at once.”

“But, Your Highness, where are we going to get the resources to build them?” General Chay appeared at a loss. “We are on the steppes. There are no forests nearby to source the wood to make the towers!”

“Then take apart the tents!”

“Geel, have you heard of the saying ‘poverty limits the imagination’?” Beks spoke up as the room grew tenser.

Everyone turned to her and the Crown Prince furrowed his brows. “Amrei, I am a prince. I was raised in excess wealth.”

Beks looked up from the last of the maps. “I never said you had a shortage of wealth. What you have is a shortage of biha.”

Deo chuckled across from her, where he had crossed his arms. “Our people will create the sentries along our perimeters immediately.”

General Chay looked at him with dismay. “With what materials?”

Laz spoke up. “Jonas.” His Lt. Commander looked up from where he had been standing beside Beks, as if awaiting her next instruction on what document to get. He raised his hand and beside him, a narrow pillar rose from the earth.

At that, the Crown Prince began to laugh. “Amrei has seen more of the world than I! I understand now!” He elbowed the twins on either side of him and grinned. Beks didn’t need to hear him to know that his knowing look told the twins that they had married well.

Beks looked back at the map. “How else do you want to proceed, Geel?”

“How else?” he said as he released a heavy breath, disappointed that it really had come to this. “Prepare for battle. Whether we like it or not, they will come for us sooner rather than later.”

Beks nodded and stood up to excuse herself so she could prepare the sentries. They could deal with the strategy; she had other things to deal with.

Gerard was waiting outside and escorted to a tent not far away. Two Wild Dogs were guarding the tent, but they walked in with ease.

Inside, the children were sitting around a now cramped tent. It was just large enough to house two people spaciously, but now with so many children and adults, they were a bit cramped. Any tables and chairs were moved to the side and bed rolls were lined against the walls, leaving a path down the center.

Sister Levina was with them, feeding the children along with Sandra, and, to Beks’ surprise, the three Thirnir who’d come with her to the Temple.

“What are you three doing here? I gave you the approval to rest and recover,” she said in Sagitatter.

Rid Callan and Rid Norddottir had the same reasoning as why she had come to check on the children. It was a new environment for them and they had come to reassure them. Rid Haal had stammered that he also wanted to reassure the children, though his eyes kept darting back to Sister Levina.

“My lady, why are you dressed like that?” Yaya asked as she sat next to Sister Levina, holding her little brother in her lap.

Beks smiled a bit. “I had to run an errand. Are you all comfortable?” Several voices sounded in confirmation and Beks’ face saddened a bit. “I’m relieved, but I’m afraid you will only stay here tonight. In the morning, I will send you to the Principality of Varkana with guards.”

It was the original plan, and the children knew it, but disappointment was still on their faces. “Are you...are you coming with us, my lady?” Ihsan asked in a hesitant voice.

“I’m afraid not. I am needed here. However, in Varkana, you will have contact with my mother, who will take you to Aceria. There, you will be guests of the Grand Duke, who will make sure you have shelter, food, and access to books and games while you wait for us to come for you,” Beks told them.

The children were impressed and excited, but only briefly. Yaya’s solemn voice spoke up once more. “How long will it take?”

“It’s a long journey, but you will be safe-”

“No, my lady. How long will it take until you come for us?” Yaya asked, almost twisting the fabric of her brother’s worn clothes in distress. Beks’ heart began to ache.

“A few months.” She didn’t hide it and the room instantly became gloomy.

Sandra began to chatter to try to distract them, telling them what she heard of Aceria and reassuring them that they would be safe. She had already begun allocating supplies and Gerard had selected the Wild Dogs to escort them. Everything would be ready by morning.

Beks looked at her Thirnir. “I want biha-users to go with them. At least two, if possible. Do you have any recommendations on any with us who excel in defense?”

“While it is your decision to assign us, my lady, as His Grace has given you authority to move at your will, I would like to volunteer to go,” Rid Norddottir said.

Beks nodded. Not only could Rid Norddottir defend, but she could use her biha to gather water for the children to drink. Rid Callan rubbed the back of his neck.

“Though I also wish to go, I believe that for the time being, I am most suited to stay and assist in the campaign.”

“Same, my lady,” Rid Haal said.

“Then, I will find another one to assign. For the time being, Rid Callan, I require your assistance.” She didn’t tell him the reason, but he stood up and bowed his head.

“Yes, my lady.”

As they left the tent to find Efran, Beks told Rid Callan what had happened in the meeting. The old Thirnir narrowed his eyes. “Do you believe they will wait five days to reply?” he asked, with a small, bitter laugh. He seemed to already know the answer.

“I believe they will reply soon, and their replies will demand blood.”

They found Efran reviewing Langsher in the small block of tents where the Thirnir were located. As the apprentice of Rid Callan, Efran was left in the hands of the other Thirnir so he could practice his earth biha. When he wasn’t, he helped run messages for Sandra or studied languages earnestly.

Having seen the advantage language could bring in his time traveling with her, he understood its importance. Beks was right in that he was earnest to learn and would benefit well.

When he saw her, he rushed to greet her, then immediately went to get their horses.

The three of them, along with two fire biha-using Thirnir and Lt. Commander Maanh set off to the front of their camp, and started creating three story tall, round sentry towers from the earth. A set of stairs coiled around each massive, solid pillar to get to the roof surrounded by ramparts. Each sentry tower could comfortably hold three people at the top.

As Beks oversaw the tower, the Lt. Commander informed the soldiers nearby about the purpose of the towers and arranged a guard with the vice-captain of the nearest fahn. The soldiers were enthusiastic, some even greeting Beks and praising her for her foresight. The fact that she’d been away for a few weeks was information only privy to specific officers and the Thirnir.

It seemed that most of the cavalry just thought she was busy.

The small team circled the perimeter of their encampment, creating a dozen sentry towers around the Red Iron Cavalry. Beks instructed that each tower receive a drum from the pre-existing warning system. Each fahn had a set of drums used for signaling if they were being attacked.

When they reached the supporting armies, Beks expected resistance, but to her surprise, they allowed sentry towers to be built. However, they were followed the entire time by soldiers and two officers, watching.

She was fine with them watching.

Raising the sentry towers around their camps wasn’t just a security measure. It was a show of power. Rid Callan and Efran using their strength and precision of their biha was a reminder to the supporting armies that people like them existed within the Red Iron Cavalry. Biha-users were rarer in Langshe than they were in the rest of the mainland.

The last of the sentry towers was taller than the others; a good five stories and taking up nearly all of the wide-open area in front of the meeting tent. The top of the tower could hold several people at once and Beks brought up the twins and the Crown Prince to take a look before they assigned a guard.

She brought up her spyglass and took a look towards the mountain range in the distance. The air around her went cold.

Beside her, the Crown Prince took a low, deep breath. “Is their army as large as I fear?”

Without answering, Beks handed him her spyglass. The Crown Prince lifted it to his eye and let out a hiss.

“You’ve already committed, Geel,” Laz reminded him from the side. “We cannot retreat now.”

“Nor will I,” the Crown Prince replied as he turned, following the line of sight across the opposing army that stretched far further back than they imagined. “I will not hand my throne to a traitor. Mother spared him and as soon as she was weak, he betrayed us.”

Beks pursed her lips. “Laz, can you go and bring up my brother. I want him to take a look at this. Lucian, the same for Master Bilguun. It’s a long set of stairs, so let him take his time.”

The twins nodded and headed down the side of the sentry tower. Beks lowered her voice.

“It’s more than just the double amount that the High General told us.” The Crown Prince hadn’t lowered the spyglass, but there was foreboding in his tone. “It may even be triple.”

“Your Majesty.”

“I am not the Emperor yet, Amrei. Why do you address me as such? I am your Geel.”

“I have a serious question.”

“You may ask,” he said, though still using the spyglass.

“Your uncle betrayed you and your mother. Why are you so confident that Laz and Lucian will not?” One betrayed, it was hard not to be suspicious.

The Crown Prince lowered the spyglass and let out a low, steady breath. “My mother was always weary of others. She never let her guard down around Tarkan even as she aged. The only person she never doubted was Uncle Timur.” He turned to look at Beks. “Amrei, like Uncle Timur, if Gan and Jargal wanted the throne, they would have already taken it.”

Beks cocked her head a bit. “That’s quite an assessment.”

The Crown Prince let out a small laugh. “They have the ability to take it without an elaborate ruse. I would already be dead, and you would be Queen of Kadmus with one husband and Empress of Langshe with the other. When I came to Aceria to wait for them, I knew what risk I took.

“Don’t think I don’t know the capabilities of my cousins. They can, and will, lead armies, but it is not their preference. They will overtake by themselves; swift and efficient. Gan prefers sending small teams and Jargal works best by himself or with his brother. All of this is for my sake; so, that I will have evidence of fighting for my throne and rightfully claiming it. If they wanted the throne, they would only need to kill me and any blood relations left, then they would force Langshe into submission one way or another. But not only am I alive, but they are my front and my rear.”

Beks looked back across the landscape, towards the mountains. “They are risking themselves, and their people, myself included, for you. If you betray them when you return to the throne....”

The Crown Prince let out a small, bittersweet laugh. “Amrei, if they do not kill me first, I have no doubt that you will.”

“It’s good you understand.”

The Crown Prince let out a slightly louder laugh and beamed. He looked back through the spy glass. “You’re an intimidating woman, you know that? I can see why His Majesty King Laurence entrusted his brothers to you.” Beks glanced at him and he glanced back. He gave her a small nod. “I know he’s alive, Amrei.”

“This doesn’t upset you?”

The Crown Prince shook his head. “It’s comforting, actually. The twins had chances to become rulers, but instead, they are risking their lives to put others on the throne. Some would say that this is their loyalty. Others would simply call them foolish, but I see them for what they are: smart.

“Why be confined to a castle, dealing with secretly insubordinate courtiers, always on your guard against even your own family, when you can have access to significant power, influence, and wealth without the responsibility and dangers attached to it? Do you know they talk of retiring to an island with you? Frankly, I’m a bit jealous.”

Beks shrugged. “It’s a nice island.”

The Crown Prince let out a small click of his tongue. “They’re more like Uncle Timur than I thought.”

“How so?”

“No patience for court life. Desire to relax unbothered, away from responsibility their positions usually entail.” The Crown Prince shook his head, but smiled with fondness. “In short, Amrei, your husbands are surprisingly lazy.”

╔═════════════════ ∘◦ ♔ ◦∘ ═════════════════╗

Three days. Logic told her that the opposing army would take at least three days to discuss and confirm a course of action with Tarkan if the High General were not in complete authority of the army. It would also take some time to move their soldiers into position if they had not already done so. Chances are, they’d have to move at night to avoid being seen.

However, in the back of her mind, a voice told her that three days was far too generous. It was why as soon as they were told the limit of five days, she wanted to prepare at once and send the children away, despite only just arriving.

Every bone in Beks’ body screamed ‘prepare for an attack at once’.

No wonder Inheritors were said to have divine guidance and were put in power because of it. ‘At once’ came sooner than she thought.

The vibration from the alarm drums coursed through her bones. She swore the bed mats they slept on moved as her eyes flashed open. For a moment, she thought she was dreaming the whole thing. It hadn’t been more than several hours since they parted in that meeting tent.

The sun hadn’t risen yet and except for the faint glow of a light pearl, everything in the tent was cast in darkness.

“Those are the sentry drums!” Laz was on his feet, reaching for his pants that were hanging on a folding bench across from the bed. The chill night air pierced Beks’ bare skin as soon as the blankets and fur were lifted off to one side.

A moment later, her other side was left open to the cold as Lucian raced to dress. Beks pushed her tired body up. She’d been traveling for weeks and was exhausted from her mission, exhausted from preparing for the impending attack, and exhausted because of the two naked men dressing on either side of her.

Lucian waved his hand and the room lit up. Beks blinked and shook herself out of her stupor. She knew considering the situation with the other army, she wouldn’t get much rest.

But this soon? Beks kicked the remaining blankets off and got up, walking across the room to her robe and securing it and the outer cloak Sandra got her around her body before shoving her feet into her boots.

“Beks!” Lucian called behind her as she headed for the entrance of their tent. “Where are you going?”

“I have to check on the children!” She brought them here; she was in charge of their safety. It wasn’t the sudden attack that terrified her. It was a very real and very high chance that the children were in danger. She flew out of her tent, ignoring the guards on either side, one of which chased after her as she ran to the tent where Sister Levina and the children were.

Two Wild Dogs were guarding the tent and remained in place, ready to defend.

Beks pushed aside the flap and rushed in. Sister Levina and the children were huddled together, their faces pale and shaken.

“My lady!” Half the children cried out for her as she arrived and Beks knelt down to sooth them.

“It’s all right, it’s all right,” she told them in a steady voice as she stroked their heads.

“Those are war drums, aren’t they? The guards said to stay inside,” Ihsan told her with worry on his face. “Are we being attacked?”

Beks’ chest tightened. She bit her lips for a moment, but nodded. “Yes.” She heard a few of the smaller children begin to cry and her arms wrapped around them tightened to me. “Listen to me, this afternoon, Rid Callan and his apprentice created sentries all along our perimeters, so we have been able to identify an attack early. Our cavalry is already mobilizing; the enemy won’t get far. For the time being, I want you to stay here. I will have Rid Callan-”

“Children!” The flap to the tent burst open once more and this time, Rid Callan had rushed in, still in his nightclothes, pale and terrified. He looked around the room at the terrified children. Upon the sight of him, the children began crying, as if they couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Rid Callan, prepare an underground safe room for the children and Sister Levina-” Beks began to stand up, but Sister Levina grabbed her forearm. She pulled Beks back and then handed the toddler in her other arm to Yaya before Sister Levina pointed at her chest, then pointed outside. Beks shook her head. “No. I know you are a biha master in your own right, but you are the final line of defense for these children. I need you here not only to soothe them, but to defend them.”

Sister Levina’s eyes reddened. She took a deep breath and nodded her head. She lifted her hand and patted her chest, to show her reassurance.

“Children, listen to me,” Rid Callan said, softening his voice as he knelt in front of the children. “Stay in the center, where you are. I’m going to lower the entire tent into the ground and then put a layer of earth of it to keep you safe. There will be air holes, so you may hear things outside. Don’t worry. We will come to you when it’s safe.”

The children nodded and Beks looked at Sister Levina and leaned forward. She whispered in the older woman’s ears. “If we do not return, wait until there is silence. At least one day of silence. Then break through the earthen shell with high focused light.”

Sister Levina lowered her eyes and nodded.

Beks walked out of the tent with Rid Callan. They had the Wild Dogs move to the side as the ground shook and the tent slowly lowered into the ground.

“Beks!” A voice called behind her and turned around to see her brother rushing forward, dressed as if he’d never taken off his armor and with a sword at his side. “We were right about the support camps!”

Beks sneered. “How is our emergency procedure?”

Her brother grinned back. “Even if they have a decent earth biha user, it will take a long time for them to get out-”

“Beks! Lord Deo!” Lucian shouted as he rushed towards them. “I just received word about the two additional armies! Gerard just said that their entire camps have fallen into a of pit! It wasn’t there before. They can’t get out!”

“Yes.” Deo gave him a nod.

“We know,” Beks replied. Lucian looked surprised. “We did that.”

“You...why?” Lucian gasped. His eyes widened before narrowing with anger. “They were traitors!”

“I think they were waiting to see who was more likely to win,” Beks said. “When they came with us to the meeting, they seemed to understand how much larger the opposing army was.”

“It seemed they made their decisions,” Deo replied. “They began to move before the alarm sounded and riders were sent out, likely to inform the opposing army of their decision, so the Thirnir we had watching them made sure to prevent them from acting.”

“If we made a mistake, it was just a precaution we took. If not, then we’ve protected ourselves,” Beks said.

Deo put his hand on Lucian’s shoulder as Lucian looked frustrated and angry. “We allowed them to follow us. Even provided supplies because they claimed Tarkan was withholding his support....”

“Well, now we will hold ours,” Deo told him. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we Carolines are just a tad bit adverse to traitors.”

“Enough of that,” Beks said as she looked up at the sky. “If they’re rushing towards us, we have to be prepared to meet them.”

“Laz is heading to the front. Geel said he’s going up the main sentry tower to watch,” Lucian told them.

“I’ll go with Laz,” Deo said. He stepped back and put his hand on Beks’ head. “You missed the first few battles. You’ve never seen anything like this. I trust you’re prepared.”

“I’m not desensitized yet, but I won’t let that affect me,” Beks replied. “Lucian, come with me to the sentry tower.”

They split from her brother and Beks rushed up to the main sentry tower. The Crown Prince was standing with the spyglass Beks had left with the guards there, and he was looking east. “It’s dark, but all I see are a wave of torches coming towards us.”

“They’re more foolish than I thought if they’re treating this as a nighttime raid,” Beks said with a snort.

“The first three fahns are mobilized and ready,” Lucian said as he looked towards their camp. “The rear is secured. The eighth and ninth fahns are securing the left and right respectively.”

“What about Sirath and Chay’s armies?” The Crown Prince said.

“Your Highness! A rider from the Sirath army was caught delivering a message to High General Leung!” Lt. Commander Maanh was out of breath as he reached the top of the tower.

“Traitors,” Lucian replied. The Crown Prince took a sharp breath.

“I knew I shouldn’t have expected much from them! Send a fahn six and seven to keep them at bay!”

“We’ve already taken care of it, Geel,” Beks told him. “My people have sunk their entire camp into a pit. They can’t get out immediately.”

“Beks, your brother is riding out,” Lucian said.

“How can you tell at night?”

“Light biha.”

“How many variants does it have....” Beks muttered as she looked out. There were torches on their side as well, but she knew it was her brother from the massive wall of fire that was sent rushing ahead of them.

In the distance, she could hear the rumbling of horses as there was yelling.

“Arrows,” Lucian said, narrowing his eyes. “Gerard seems to have perfected a way to deflect them.”

“He has to be careful,” Beks said with a frown. “There are too many people down there; ours included. If he deflects recklessly, the arrows could hit another.”

Lucian leaned forward. He squinted and seemed at a loss. “His control has improved...the last time we faced a rain of arrows, at best he could use wind biha to push against them, causing them to slow and drop.”

“What is he doing now?” The Crown Prince asked.

Lucian blinked and appeared uncertain. “The arrows are turning back towards their archers.”

The Crown Prince looked at Beks. “Perhaps it is your additional Thirnir?”

Beks shook her head. “No, Brother assigned them to watch the interior of our encampment, including myself, and to make sure the other two armies can’t get out and attack us-”

She stiffened at once. She craned her head, trying to filter out the sounds of battle as a high-pitched shriek seemed to come from above. Beside her, Lucian was also tense.

“Did you hear that?” he asked, his voice shaking.

Beks shook her head. “I thought they can’t fly long distances,” she said, turning to look at him with wide eyes.

“They might have rested periodically-”

A light seemed to come from the pitch darkness of the sky, drawing their attention. At first, it was just a swirling ball of fire, but it grew larger, churning within itself as it grew downward, like a whirlwind of glowing fire reaching from the heavens.

“What is that?” The Crown Prince’s jaw dropped. “Is that Lord Deo?”

“No,” Beks said as she strained her eyes. “Deo can’t start fires from a distance. He can control pre-existing flames, but he can’t do distanced ignition. That’s not his fire.”

The fire spiral touched down on the ground, somewhere in the distance where the opposing armies advancing and almost at once, the sounds of screaming and terror filled the air. The mass of torches that marked the Red Iron Cavalry seemed to slow down as the whirlwind of fire mowed through Tarkan’s army, sending soldiers scattering as dirt flew and wind seemed to throw people and animals to the side.

Beks heard the shriek again. She looked towards the fire and could see the faint shape of a massive bird flying above. Dawn was breaking in the east, and Beks squinted.

“Is that a dragon?” The Crown Prince choked out.

“No,” Lucian replied. He looked at Beks, stunned. “Your siblings....”

“Neither Deo nor I were informed....”

“Not that I’m upset with this turn of events,” the Crown Prince said as he watched the torch light in the distance scatter, causing the entire opposing formation to be lost to chaos as they desperately tried to avoid the pillar of fire. “But what is going on?”

Lucian let out a heavy breath. “It seems like we’re getting a visit from my in-laws.”

Beks ran a hand down her face as the two massive birds turned and began flying towards them. Each had a basket secured to their legs. In one basket, a boy. In the other, a girl and what appeared to be a cat-sized lizard on her shoulder.

“Who are they?” the Crown Prince asked. He gasped. “Are those rokhs? I thought they were extinct!”

“Sister!” As they approached, Beks could hear their cheerful, excited cries filling the air. “Sister, did you see?”

Beks closed her eyes and tried to take a deep breath to calm herself. They circled above her and Beks frowned.

“Thaddeus Renauld of Caroline! Dorothy Philomena of Caroline! Sunny of Caroline!” she yelled into the air with all the fury of a frustrated oldest daughter. “Come down here now!”