The following day, Uncle Leopold finished the requested armor. He delivered it to his office in Lostonia, which only took him an hour riding his horse in and out. He even took that moment to introduce me to his horse, Betty. She was tall with black and white spots, like a cow. I petted her nape, and she responded by licking my hand, coating it with slimy saliva.

“Yuck.” I flicked the saliva off my hand.

Uncle Leopold chuckled, which was nice to hear. “Don’t worry, Maximilian, she likes you. Glad you two have met.”

“She’s such a friendly horse.” I admired her giant brown eyes.

“We have a few minutes still. Why don’t you hop on and take her for a little ride around the fence?”

“Uh, sure.” I hopped on her back and rode around the circumference of the enclosed space. My body trembled as we started to move, but she galloped at a gentle pace. After a couple minutes, I was relaxed. “She moves kinda slow,” I called out to my uncle.

He laughed. “Trust me, she can go a lot faster than that. There’s no need to right now, though. Just wanted you to be acquainted. Also, before I leave, here’s a key to the stable. Keep it in your bedroom or something.”

I slid off Betty and took the key from his hand. He hopped on the horse.

“I won’t be gone long, so just stay in the house and don’t answer the door for anyone. And watch me take off; you’ll see some of Betty’s speed here.” Uncle Leopold winked, and then the horse bulleted from the yard to the road. He wasn’t kidding. She sped off like a bolt of lightning.

When Uncle Leopold came back, he spent the rest of the day in the forgery while I continued to read the necromancy book. We cooked dinner again like the night before. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying tea in front of the fire. Uncle Leopold’s lips were curved up the whole time.

“I think I’m going to head off to bed; I’m getting tired.” I yawned.

“Why don’t you wait right here a quick moment? There’s something I’d like to give you.” He went upstairs and came back down within a few seconds. He handed me a burlap sack that fit in my hand.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“In case anything happens, like an emergency. No, no, please don’t open it in front of me. I only want you to open it if there’s trouble of any kind.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“You’ll know.” His eyes narrowed. “No need to thank me or mention it again; just take the bag, as well as this.” He handed me a knife that was sheathed in a leather case. The handle was designed with shiny ivory. The guard felt resilient, like a durable bone, and the pommel at the bottom had the shape and design of an ivory snake eye.

“What’s this?”

“It’s my necromancy knife. I have another one I made for myself, but it’s my finest one I’ve made. I want you to keep it in your room. Like I said, if anything happens, it’s yours.”

“Thank you, a lot. I feel bad taking this. Are you sure?”

“Don’t feel bad, and yes, I want you to have it. You can head off to bed now.” He took a deep breath.

“Okay. Goodnight, Uncle Leopold,” I said.

“Goodnight, Maximilian,” he said, and just as I turned the corner to head up the stairs, he added, “I love you, nephew.”

“I love you, too.”

***

Admiral Holtmeyer marched to the docked boat at the Silver Navy base. It was going to be another long night of exploration on the Bolt Sea. Holtmeyer felt he didn’t need to be there. His crew, who was waiting for him on the ship, had shown they could follow the instructions. Holtmeyer would have let them go alone, but he wasn’t sure how anyone would react if they found something of significance. A lot of them got drunk off booze and could get boisterous on occasion. As much as he wanted to stay at the outpost and fall asleep, he knew he had to be there. He had given commands of the outpost to his assistant, Royce, who was sprinting after him on the docks in the dark.

Holtmeyer spun around. “What is it, Royce?”

“Admiral Holtmeyer, I believe we have a serious situation that requires your immediate attention.”

“What have you heard?”

“Well, a member of the Silver Army that’s stationed in Lostonia received word two days ago that someone rather important is a necromancer.” Royce shuddered.

“Who might that be?”

“Leopold Smith.”

Holtmeyer blinked. “You’re kidding.”

“No, sir. A traveler who was at Smith’s ranch two days ago said Smith was out there summoning up something bad with his son.”

Holtmeyer turned around and continued towards the ship. “He doesn’t have a son. Sounds like a rumor to me.”

“No, no, no, it’s serious. The traveler said that he saw Smith with a kid, and then Smith offered to give him free armor if he kept his mouth shut. Then it gets worse. I wouldn’t waste your time if it was just the one off-handed account. A Silver Spy watched his house all day and night yesterday. The spy said that it sounded like many people were working inside the forgery, even though no one ever came in or out except Smith. Smith didn’t bring in any food or water either. I gotta say, as much as I hate to admit it, I always wondered about how Smith did things so fast, and it makes sense if he’s using skeletons to do this work.”

“Huh.” Holtmeyer sighed. “This is troubling. I rather liked Leopold. He’s a good man.”

“I know, and to find out he’s a traitor is just baffling. Smith is a true Lavarund hero. Or, at least he was.” Royce hung his head.

“Yeah, I don’t know, sounds like a rumor to me, but if the Silver Army Spy confirms what he heard and saw, then, damn. Sounds like we have to do something about it.”

“Which is why I told you. You’re the highest-ranking official in this region. From what I understand, it’s up to you to—”

“Yes, yes, I’m aware of the procedures and protocols.” Holtmeyer heaved a deep breath. He was somewhat relieved he wouldn’t have to get on the ship tonight, but he didn’t like what had to be done.

“What do you want to do with tonight’s reconnaissance?” Royce asked.

“Why don’t you take over? And I’ll give some other bloke command of the outpost tonight.”

“Are you sure about that? I don’t even know what we’re supposed to be looking for or what to do if we find anything.”

Holtmeyer pulled out his expanded map of the Bolt Sea and pointed to a circled section. “Send down some nets and the treasure claw in this region. Once the sun comes up and trade boats start returning, come back to the docks.”

“What am I looking for? Gold? Gems?”

“You’re looking for bones. Giant remains of something. Allegedly, there is a weapon deep in the waters of Lavarund that the necromancers are after. So, watch out also for any necromancer ships, not that I ever see any, but they might be out there.”

“Got it.”

“I’ll see you later, thank you.” Holtmeyer patted Royce’s back and went to the stables of the outpost. He received a few concerned glances from the night guards, but they didn’t say anything. “I’ll be back later this morning,” Holtmeyer told them. As he got in a double horse carriage and left the outpost, whisperings broke out among the guards.

Traveling through the night wasn’t Holtmeyer’s favorite. Still, he had stayed up enough during the sea explorations that he didn’t feel tired, though he would have welcomed rest. The two horses didn’t gallop fast. It was dark, even under the stars and bright moon. All he had was a dangling lantern on the cab to give them a modest radius of light.

After several hours of travel, he came up to the Lavarund Royal Castle front gate, guarded by an operator in a turret and two Silver Army guards at the top.

“Please state your business,” the operator in front of the moat said.

“I’m Admiral James Holtmeyer from Lostonia,” he stated.

“May I see some identification?”

“Sure thing.” Holtmeyer pulled out a silver amulet containing an aquamarine gem from inside his breastplate.

The operator observed it with a magnifying glass. He handed it back to Holtmeyer. “Very good, come on through.”

The giant wooden drawbridge clanked down until it connected with the land. The three-story castle with a purple roof, four corner turrets, and a center spire of stone towered over Holtmeyer. He secured his identification amulet in his armor and took a moment to appreciate what he was wearing. Vlark it all. Why’d it have to be him? he thought.

His horses galloped ahead to the castle until he made it inside the stables, which was also overseen by another guard that Holtmeyer had to show his identification to. If he were a lower rank, he’d have to be escorted by someone from the Silver Army.

Inside the castle walls, he strolled through the flagstone corridors all the way to Lara’s room and knocked on her arched iron door on the third floor. On his trek through, he barely saw any servants or guards. They must all be on watch in the turrets, he thought.

“Mozer, is that you?” Lara asked through the door.

“No, it’s Admiral Holtmeyer from Lostonia.”

The door swung open. Her brow raised as she stared at him. “What time is it? What happened?” Lara ushered him inside and closed the door behind her. She turned on a lantern by her bed. Holtmeyer observed how empty the room was and thought about commenting on it, but decided it wasn’t the time or place. “This must be pretty serious,” Lara said.

“Yeah, uh.” Holtmeyer lost his train of thought. He’d never seen Lara in a nightgown. Conversations always had the utmost formality. “I received some horrible news. A high-profile Lavarund citizen is a necromancer.”

Lara’s jaw dropped. “Who is it?”

“Leopold Smith. The very same man that creates the armor for high-ranking Silver Military members.”

She stared at the ground and exhaled a deep sigh. “Are you sure?” Her head twitched from side to side. “Of course you’re sure. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here right now.”

Holtmeyer nodded.

“Uh, why don’t you go see the king and deliver the news to him?” Lara asked.

“I don’t even know where his room is.”

“It’s just further down the hall. You’ll go through another set of doors and continue straight down. Can’t miss it. Knock on his door when you get there.”

“What if he doesn’t answer? Shouldn’t he be sleeping?”

“Come back to my room, and I’ll get him.”

Holtmeyer nodded and followed the corridor until he reached the end, to a set of arched double black doors. He knocked on the metal, but there was no reply. He banged his fist, unsure of what else to do, and then the door cracked open.

“Yes?” a woman’s voice whispered. Holtmeyer could barely see her face.

“Hello. I’m sorry to disturb you so late in the evening, but I’m Admiral Holtmeyer from Lostonia. I’ve come to deliver a message to King Mozer, and I’ve already received permission from his assistant.”

“He’s not in the room currently,” she said and slammed the door.

Holtmeyer had no idea who that was. There was no official queen of Lavarund. Perhaps that woman would become queen? Holtmeyer thought, but he knew better than to ask. He went back to Lara’s room, and just before he went in, he could hear sniffling on the other side of the door.

Lara answered, fully dressed in clothes more suitable for combat practice. Tight clothing with no armored plates. “Was he not in his room?”

Holtmeyer observed her tired eyes. Her face glistened with tears. “No, I’m afraid he wasn’t. A woman answered and told me he wasn’t in.”

“Vlark. Okay, follow me then.” Lara hurried ahead, and Holtmeyer followed behind. They traveled through the castle, coming to a hall that stretched on for many yards in the basement. There was only one door all the way at the end, and echoed yells grew louder the closer Holtmeyer and Lara approached.

Holtmeyer’s blood ran cold as he heard a drawn-out, anguished bellow coming from a man. “Lara, what’s happening down here?”

Lara sighed. “I wish I knew.”

Another tormented moan made the hairs on Holtmeyer’s neck stand up.

“Or maybe it’s better I don’t know,” Lara said hopelessly.

They came up to an arched iron entrance, and Lara punched it several times with the side of her fist. Her knock overpowered the periodic screaming.

After a few seconds, the door split open, and Mozer jumped out, slamming it shut behind him. Holtmeyer and Lara didn’t see a thing. Mozer glared at the two of them, only wearing pants with some dried blood on his chest and face. “You interrupted me?” He stepped up to Holtmeyer, inches away from his face. His voice was close to a whisper. “What’s your name?”

“Admiral Holtmeyer from the outpost in Lostonia. We’ve met before.”

Mozer’s eye twitched, and his lips curved up. “Shouldn’t you be out on an expedition this evening on the Bolt Sea?”

“More pressing matters came up,” Holtmeyer said, holding himself with perfect posture. “Leopold Smith is a necromancer.”

“Please! Help me,” a man cried through the wall. “I don’t know anything about spies. If you can hear me, please!”

Mozer didn’t react to the outburst, but he grinned at Holtmeyer. “Sounds like we have some work to do.”

“According to procedures, I am to lead the imprisonment operation against him, correct?” Holtmeyer asked.

“Nah. That’s not going to happen. Things are different around here now. You won’t have to worry about a single thing. Just let me take care of it. After all, to be a good king, I must take care of my people.” Mozer put his arm around Holtmeyer’s shoulder, dragging his hand around Holtmeyer’s nape and up to his face. He caressed Holtmeyer’s cheek. “Thank you for delivering this information to me.”

Holtmeyer wanted to back away, but his spine froze up. Lara stared at the scene, trying to disguise her frown.

“What are you going to do about Smith?” Holtmeyer asked.

Mozer stared into his soul. “Don’t worry about it. You’ve got some nerve to ask, though. But I like that; you’re gutsy.”

Holtmeyer’s skin crawled.

“Lara, prepare some men for tomorrow evening. Looks like we’re making a trip to our friend, Leopold.” Mozer smirked. “Now, get the vlark away from me.”

Lara and Holtmeyer paced out of the hall, but the entire time, Holtmeyer could feel Mozer’s eyes piercing his back as he walked away. He thought about turning around, but he knew the wide-eyed glare from Mozer would give him nightmares.