Once More to Part Middanhal

The battle against the outlanders had left its mark on the commanders assembled for council. Theobald and Richard had perished; Athelstan remained with the army, leading it in the king's absence. Alois, the duke of Belvoir, and William, lord marshal, remained as the only revenants. Two new faces met the king instead as he arrived. Ewind, newly made marshal of Hæthiod, who had been guarding the walls at the last meeting. The other man was Fionn.

Disbelief coloured Brand's face, and he advanced quickly to clasp the knight's arm. "I was told of your demise."

"An exaggeration," the highlander knight laughed. "Those red-robed bastards took me prisoner after the fight at Lake Myr. My chains were unfastened last night in the confusion after the battle, and I slipped away."

"Fortunate. I have need of a new captain for the city guard."

Fionn bowed his head. "I serve at my king's pleasure."

"For now, be seated." Brand took his place, and the other men followed suit. "Although the imminent danger has passed, we remain at war. On two fronts." The assembled captains watched him with anticipation. Taking a deep breath, gathering one hand within the other, the king continued. "While the outlanders are in flight, they are not defeated. I intend to lead our armies in person and ensure they are broken, never to rise against us again."

"My men fought to defend Middanhal in order to see Ealond liberated," the duke of Belvoir spoke slowly. "If all your troops march east, our lands will lie undefended."

Brand raised one hand in a disarming gesture. "Not all. I will not forget the danger on our left hand. A missive will be sent to Fontaine today, giving the marshal of Ealond my full authority to raise all levies of the realm. Furthermore, they shall be placed under your command, my lord duke, and you may lead the defence of Ealond as you see fit."

Alois sat with an indeterminable expression. "There are fewer troops in Ealond than I should like, given our recent strife, but I will not discard this gift."

"We also have forces in Korndale no longer separated from us," Brand added. "While the Order troops shall join us for our campaign, their levies will be sent to you. That should keep Alcázar at bay if nothing else until our return."

"That may take years," William cautioned. "To defeat the Reach, of which we know so little, could take many lengthy sieges."

"It might," Brand admitted, "but I will not leave this enemy to regain his strength and strike back. Adalmearc has never faced such danger as it did only yesterday. Relief at our victory should not overshadow this fact."

"I am only envious," Fionn said, "for if I am captain of the Citadel, I suspect I will be left behind."

"I should leave immediately," Ewind interjected. "There are troops to gather in Hæthiod, and the outlanders still hold Lakon. That must be our first target."

"Do so. Sir William, send missives to the marshals of Ealond and Korndale," the king bade him. He looked at each of the commanders. "We gather our full strength, and we finish this. In victory."

"Victory!"

~~~~

Returning to his chambers, he found Godfrey waiting under the watchful gaze of a kingthane. With a nod, Brand dismissed the guard and turned to his visitor. "You have your wish. I will lead the Order myself to defeat this Sikandar."

Godfrey exhaled, and a smile spread across his face as he stood up. "Most excellent. I will let the dvalinn know that your promise is kept, and you may rely on his aid. As for the key I promised you."

"Yes?"

"We should leave tomorrow morning before dawn. If we make haste, we will return in the eve the following day."

Brand shot him a look. "You understand how strange this sounds?"

Godfrey laughed. "Believe me, the truth is wilder than your current speculations. But have I ever led you astray?"

"Constantly, I feel," the king grumbled, "but I have not forgotten your help either. As I have already decided to pursue this, I will trust you for another mile."

"See you tomorrow, before dawn."

~~~~

The king's decision quickly spread through the castle. Even with most of the army already outside the city, countless preparations were needed. Shadowing the outlanders until the Langstan required little planning; with summer approaching, provisions would be available throughout the Mearcian lands for their armies. Invading the Reach, however, required supply lines to be set up that could stretch into enemy territory. Beyond that, the knowledge that the king would lead the invasion in person provided ample material for conversation among the courtiers; his absence in the coming months, if not years, gave grounds for rampant speculation that many were eager to feed.

~~~~

"I have heard you intend a return to the Reach," Arndis said. "Most assumed you would turn your attention to Alcázar with the outlanders in flight."

Seated in his study, Brand looked up from the lists of soldiers in front of him. "I will not allow them to remain a threat. Does it matter? The war will no longer touch Adalrik either way."

"I only come bearing a proposal, dear brother."

"Which is?"

"While you lead your armies east, let me negotiate with Alcázar and their Prince Saif. With the outlanders broken, our position is stronger. A truce may be reached, sparing us further bloodshed."

Brand leaned back in his seat, scratching his face. "They will know our armies are divided if their spies have any worth. I doubt they will be keen to discuss peace."

"Even so, just the mere act of negotiation could win us days. If I have learned anything from this recent siege, it is the importance of time."

"You may have a point. Certainly, nothing can be lost," Brand conceded. "But why you? I would not have thought you wishing to travel for weeks towards war-torn lands."

"I am your sister. Short of the king himself, you may send no higher envoy. Anyone of lower standing might be dismissed or denied audience," Arndis argued.

"Very well. I assume they will respect you as my emissary, but I will send twenty kingthanes for your protection. When would you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," she declared. "All our intelligence from Ealond is delayed by weeks of travel. The sooner I arrive to get the lay of the land, the sooner I can begin to stall and buy time."

Brand sent her a scrutinising look. "I appreciate this thought, Sister. I am not ungrateful that you would undertake this journey for my sake."

She inclined her head with a wry smile. "We all serve how we can."

"While I cannot abide any peace treaty that gives Alcázar one inch of land, I am not opposed to ending the war through payments of coin. And if they insist on fighting, any day you might gain will be useful." Brand took an empty piece of parchment and his quill. "You shall have a letter bearing my seal and authority to aid you in this endeavour. I will send it to your chambers once it is ready."

"Good. If I do not see you before my departure tomorrow, I pray that all the gods bless you with fortune in your war."

He gave her a weary smile. "Thank you. Safe travels, Sister. These negotiations are not worth the loss of you."

"Do not worry about me." She mirrored his expression and left.

~~~~

Godfrey crossed the north-western district of Middanhal, moving past the workshops supplying both Citadel and city. Closer to the centre, both Men and Dwarves worked the anvils, tanneries, and other crafts; going further west, only the latter could be found. Godfrey continued until he stood before the home of the dvalinn and knocked on the door.

"Yes?" The servant gave Godfrey a glance. "Oh, it's you." He stepped aside to let the traveller enter.

"Much obliged."

"I'll tell the dvalinn you wish to see him."

As the servant disappeared, Godfrey sat down in a chair. His eyes wandered idly over the runed carvings that ornamented the parlour, suggesting either familiarity or indifference to the craftsmanship and the stories they told.

"He will see you."

Godfrey gave a quick nod, rose, and made his way to the dvalinn's chambers. He found the Dwarf eating a meal of bread and vegetables. "I wondered when you might appear on my doorstep. My people have buried their dead. Now they wonder at the promises made to them."

"They can cease wondering. The king will march his armies to the Reach."

Ivaldi stopped eating and folded his hands in front of him. Finally, he looked at Godfrey. "Truly?"

"Yes. Dvarheim of old awaits."

The Dwarf-lord exhaled. "I did not believe it in earnest."

"Time is scarce. The king marches soon, and this campaign will not be long."

"The others will not have time to join us, you mean. House Starkstone must carry the burden."

Godfrey conceded this by bowing his head. "The choice is yours."

"No," Ivaldi muttered, "it is no choice at all. Not to my people, and though I may be their dvalinn, even I must bow to their will. The halls of Dvarheim await."

~~~~

The last rays of the sun struggled to illuminate the orchard in the Citadel. As the evening cold crept in, it drove most courtiers inside. A pair of noblewomen proved an exception, braving the chill. As they strolled around the garden, they attracted the attention of the few others present, but none interrupted their conversation, given they enjoyed the king's favour and high standing at court.

"Thank you for attending me," Arndis said. "I know the cold does not suit you."

"I have grown accustomed," Jana replied. "I am surprised that Eleanor has not joined us."

"I had something to discuss with you alone," the other woman admitted. "I require your advice."

"How may I help?"

"Tomorrow morning, I travel to Ealond to discuss peace terms with Prince Saif. He is your brother, I take it?"

"Half-brother, yes."

"I would appreciate any insight you might offer. While I have done my share of negotiations with drakonian merchants, a prince of Alcázar is another matter."

"I knew him best when we were children," Jana related. "He is much different now. You must understand, he has spent his life in competition with his brothers to prove himself the worthiest heir. He will not be inclined to peace unless it grants some manner of victory. If he returns with anything less, our father will disown him."

"That is exactly what is useful to know," Arndis smiled, taking the other woman's arm as they walked around the orchard. "I will be sure to tell everyone how you have helped me. That should allay some of the rumours working their way around the Citadel."

The silence lasted a few moments before Jana finally asked. "Rumours?"

"I suppose that is not the best word for it. You see, my brother received word that Alcázar has invaded to avenge the scorn done to them when their king's daughter was stolen and brought here."

"The Kabir," Jana said in correction. "But I went willingly."

"Of course you did. It is a mere pretext for war. I have told as much to everyone who would listen. Your father's armies plunder our lands seeking conquest, not some wayward daughter." Arndis allowed a brief laughter to surface. "Alas, the theft of a princess is the more alluring tale. And since I will leave tomorrow, I shall not be present to dispel this notion any further."

"Do people blame Brand?" Jana asked with concern.

"Not directly. His stay in Alcázar is not common knowledge. To most courtiers, he was simply in exile until his return. I think they assume you have been given refuge by a gracious king, though eventually, the truth may be revealed," Arndis considered. "Several of his followers know that he fled the city with you. Too many that it can be kept a secret."

"How will they react, do you think?"

"Some will use it to blame my brother, if they have not already done so. Accuse him of causing war with Alcázar by shielding you here, even if they do not know the truth of his involvement. They will not say so openly, of course, not while his victory is fresh in memory. There will be whispers in corners and quiet talks around tables," Arndis explained. "A king will always have enemies, and they will exploit every possible vulnerability to weaken him. But he is strong. I do not fear those who will accuse him." She gave Jana's arm a light squeeze.

"But they will blame me for this war."

"I have done my best to combat this notion, but I fear so. With Brand on campaign and me in Ealond, you may find the halls of this court colder than the orchard."

"So be it," Jana spoke softly. "I do not fear solitude."

"You are brave, as befits your high birth," Arndis told her. "Though I have just had a thought! Something may be done."

"What would that be?"

Arndis stopped walking to look at the lady of Alcázar. "Come with me! Eleanor is coming as well, and Gwen. You can advise me as you have done today. If nothing else, your presence is sure to rattle Prince Saif and his men, proving that you are here of your own volition."

"I am unsure." Jana's voice expressed the doubt written on her face. "I have never participated in such negotiations before."

"The burden is on me, do not worry. Besides, if you are gone from court, there will be little attention upon you. Once we are back, I can tell everyone of the aid you lent me and thereby the king, working towards peace. None can fault you for anything once I tell that story upon our return."

"I do see the merit of your proposal," Jana admitted. "I suppose with Brand gone, I have little reason to stay at court."

"Indeed." Arndis smiled, took the other woman's arm once more, and resumed walking.

"I will have to tell him. I am his guest, after all, I cannot simply leave. And if this journey is intended to be on his behalf, he should sanction it."

"I suppose. I leave that part to you. I doubt he could refuse you anything."

~~~~

Three blackboots sat inside a cave underneath Valmark. Some miles south, the Mihtea flowed west towards the sea. The outlanders kept to the opening, where sunlight waned; behind them, darkness stretched into the depths of the mountain.

As Godfrey appeared from within the cave itself, he cleared his throat to make his presence known. Arman, who had kept watch by the entrance, turned and quickly roused the others. "Javed is back."

Blinking and rubbing their eyes, Kamran and Dariush rose with yawns. "What news?"

"The drylanders will help," Godfrey told them, eliciting sighs of relief. "An army shall march all the way to the sacred mountain."

"Good," Kamran exclaimed. "What do you require of us?"

"Dariush will travel with me and the drylanders," the wanderer declared. "You are still a deserter in the eyes of your own." He turned his eyes towards the other two blackboots. "If you return to the army now, will your excuses be accepted?"

"I believe so," Kamran replied while Arman nodded. "We simply say we were scouting on the day of the battle, and enemy patrols slowed our return. Given the defeat, that is believable."

"Good. Sikandar still has a sizeable force at his disposal, and more troops might await him at home. The drylanders will need all help," Godfrey considered.

"We leave at once," Kamran decided, looking at his compatriot. "Best we move through the night anyway until we reach our own." They clasped hands with Godfrey and Dariush. "Till the morrow comes," he spoke, "for all our people."

~~~~

"A moment of your time?"

Brand looked out the window of his study. The sun had already set. "Of course, though I will sleep soon. I must wake early tomorrow."

"I shall be swift." Despite her stated intention, Jana hesitated before she spoke again. "I know your sister travels to negotiate peace with Alcázar."

"Buying time, at least." One hand supporting his chin, he gave her a pensive look. "What of it?"

"I wish to join her."

He blinked, sitting up straight. "Why? Nothing but war awaits you in Ealond."

"I know Saif, my father, and what they want. How they think. I believe my advice will help Arndis."

Suspicion crept over his face. "Is this her idea? The two of you must have spoken since you know of her errand." When she gave no immediate reply, he sighed. "I cannot say why she would suggest this, but my sister keeps her own counsel. She does not desire your advice."

"I suspect she fears I may become a liability at court. That blame for the war against Alcázar will fall upon me and thereby you, undermining your support. Removing me from sight would make people less inclined to talk of me."

"That explains her motive, but not yours. Why would you care? You are under my protection."

"Which has its limits," Jana argued, looking pained. "What transpired in the city while you fought on the field is clear proof of that. I may very well become the burden that Arndis fears. But if I can help negotiate peace, perhaps your people will not think so ill of me."

He rose to stand, glancing out the window. "I do not like this. Finally, we are safe, and you would leave me." He turned his head back to look at her. "It seems an ill omen."

She gave half a smile. "You are also leaving, not to forget. I will return long before you." Her expression grew serious. "I must do this, Brand. I cannot sit for months while you are gone, wondering if every discreet glance or whisper sent my way is hostile. If nothing else, it may tie a bond between your sister and me, giving me another ally in your absence."

He approached her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You leave tomorrow morning, and I will be gone even earlier. There shall be no time to bid each other farewell. It seems so sudden."

She inclined her head to look up at him. "We shall still meet again once you return. That has not changed." She stepped forward to enter his embrace, placing her own arms around him. "We will meet again before you know it."

He placed his cheek against her hair. "I shall hold you to that."