“Day ???,

  I lost track of the day already. Last week was pretty rough. They’re attacking the walls in greater number than before. First it was a hundred, a probe. Then hundreds, then a thousand, then tens of thousands. How long has this siege gone on far? 2 years now? Goddess help us. Stories go about saying how the Barren Lands were formed when an entire peoples descended into necromancy. Thought they were tall tales at first. I mean sure, there were undead. But not a whole well, everything. Now? No matter how many bodies we burn, they just keep coming. Those old timers might've been onto something.”

  - Guardsmen Adelbert Alman, Old Kyne Defense Brigade, “Siege Journal”

  “Blessed be the Goddess’s guidance. Honored be thou art who is claimed by the stars. Protected which under thine embrace. Stars guide us.”

  “Stars guide us.”

  The others echoed after Mila’s prayer. All except for Runebound, though Arnold’s reasoning was that whatever the case, on the off chance it disrupts their ability to manipulate the purple death, then prayers would make little difference.

  “Steadfast may our souls be forged under your watchful fires. Shield us with thy divine shield, o’ honored Gratiax, lord of war, burning with flames of passion. See us to victory and success. O' Phaenrea, gentle lord of the winds. Hold us in thy tender embrace of calm and health. May be be blessed by the stars.” Philippe followed up.

  “Blessed by the stars.”

  They echoed.

  This time, Sophie actually found herself agreeing with Arnold. She had seen first hand what a potentially disrupted spell might do after being far too close when Sara had cast her ‘dream’ spell on Mila. The results had been a literal nightmare. A series of events that she was not keen to repeat. Thus, if prayer could help calm their minds without affecting the actual spell in play, then she was all for it.

  “O’ mighty Astralis, hear our prayer and lift our meagre lives high into the heavens. O’ mighty Astralis, grant us thy strength and guidance. Let us rest in your embrace, to sail the stellar seas forever more. May the stars guide us.” Mila continued.

  “Stars guide us.”

  They chanted.

  The world responded to them, a ray of light cut through the thick purple fog. A brief glimpse of moonlight. Then a sudden deafening boom followed by what felt like the air being sucked out of her lungs.

  As quickly as the discomfort arrived, it had faded.

  An onrush of cool night breeze danced gleefully across her face. Her panting now taking in the sweet morsels of air that were untainted by the corrupted magicks behind her.

  “Stars above.” Mila muttered.

  “That it?” Lucinia grumbled.

  “Morea’s tits. We made it.” Arnold happily cheered, “Hah! Err, never doubted it. Well then, welcome to the Principality of Monte Del Trisse.” He enthusiastically declared.

  “As expected.” Sara affirmed.

  Behind Runebound’s wagon, Raylani steadfastly maintained the pace of her own wagon. Elaria giving the dark elf a gentle teasing bop on her head. One that earned her a frown from the assassin, but nothing more. The bard then turned towards her two charges, both of whom were still reeling from the fog wall in different ways.

  Lucinia was but human, left drained and exhausted after the ordeal. The former princess trying her best to maintain a facade of apathy despite tiredly resting her head against the wagon’s walls. Sophie was tired too, but both she and Elaria could already tell that something was strange. Though Elaria was, in theory, new to the ancient sensation of Myndiri magicks. Thanks to their shared master, there was an innate sensitivity in both of them, Sophie even more so. And when they had been enveloped by the fog, she had felt it. An undeniable familiarity that spoke of arcane sorcery far more ancient than the modern spells.

  Like the crystal back in Saclia. She mused.

  Still, it was something they would discuss when alone. It also raised her suspicion about Annalise’s current condition. There was something wrong, Mila and the others had hinted as much. Yet, Sophie couldn’t quite just leave it at that. And after having passed through the barrier that she had purportedly created, it only confirmed her suspicions that mechanisms far darker than they could’ve envisioned were at play.

  “Keep moving!” Mila barked to everyone, “Nice as it is to relax a little, let’s make some distance from the purple fog before we let our guards down.”

  Her voice was the spark that returned Sophie’s focus to the present. Coming to her senses, she moved to check on Lucinia. The girl was paler than usual and sweating, but otherwise not other outward signs of fatigue or exhaustion. All in all, she was demonstrating far more resolve than expect. As if catching merely a whiff of her presence alarmed her, the girl spun around to face her and glared.

  “What?” Lucinia hissed.

  “Just making sure you’re alright.” Sophie admitted.

  “Mm.” The girl grunted, “Good enough. Now keep watch.” The former princess dismissed her.

  “Okay, okay.” Sophie clambered back away.

  But when she snuck a small glance backwards, she noticed the faintest hint of a smile. Heh.

  The convoy rolled onwards, buoyed by the fact that they were all alive, easily giving everyone a second wind from the chaotic events earlier in the night. Sophie then grew flushed when she remembered the embarrassment that she had put herself through. The act of a drunkard and fool as opposed to a warrior seeking justice or fighting for righteousness.

  She supposed it was all for the best though. Especially since when she looked around, none of the others seemed to have scuffled with any soldiers beyond herself. A necessary sacrifice for the safety of the group. Or so she consoled herself.

  They all slowly feel back to a comfortable if somewhat uncertain silence. The Kingdom of Gratia was now separated by a near impenetrable wall to mortal men. Yet ahead of them lay Princess Annalise’s domain. A land of great unknowns and danger in equal parts awaited. A land where the soldiers of the princess marched hand in hand with those of the dead and undead, or so the rumors say. Mila had certainly said as much and Arnold did little to deny any allegations.

  Worse still was what the capitaine had raged at her about. His warnings about the ‘plumed’ undead and their very existence which seemed to have angered him and many of the other chevaliers. It was a fuzzy and somewhat vague memory given her inebriation at the same, but it stuck with her. If the dead are the same ones in Saclia… what then? Do I simply accept it? Fight them? Why does Anna have them? Who are they?

  All questions that she had found no satisfying answers to based on her own inferences so far. Ones that she had only found herself deeper in doubt about everything that was happening. Arnold had been surprisingly evasive when it came to sharing details about Annalise. Whereas Mila’s experiences definitely put the ranger in a worse light given her atrocities and betrayal of the inquisitor.

  Sophie stretched her arms and yawned. Whatever the case, there was nothing to be done at this moment. On that point, Lucinia was correct. She might as well keep watch until something happens. Letting out a second yawn, she lazily assumed her post at the edge of the wagon. Just another step forward.

  The convoy came to a halt after a few more hours of travel. It had long been past midnight and they had made considerable distance from the purple wall. The deadly fog’s eerie glow now nothing more than a faint flicker behind them.

  Coming to the conclusion that the group was relatively safe, Arnold called the convoy to a halt and form a small wagon circle. Operating like a well oiled clockwork cog, both adventuring groups quickly began setting up camp. Philippe and the orc pitching their own tents besides them.

  Sophie watched with a level of mild amusement when she saw Lucinia fumbling with the tent poles. The former princess’s lack of outright wilderness experience now on full display as she tried her best to help the others. Elaria even shared a cheeky little grin with Sophie upon also catching a glimpse of the fumbling traxian. After a few moments, Lucinia seemed to catch on that she was being made fun of and began fuming.

  “Heheh, sorry.” Sophie chuckled, “Come here, let me give you a hand.”

  “Tch, I can do it just fine. You just- gak!” Lucinia squeaked as Elaria gently bopped the back of her head.

  “Learning, experience.” Elaria teased.

  “The nerve! I deserve more respect than this!” Lucinia hissed.

  “We earn it out here in the field. But we trust you, so trust us. Think that can work?” Elaria recited some vaguely sage-like advice.

  “I can do it, tsk.” The traxian growled.

  Yet, despite her defiance, she scooted ever so slightly closer to Sophie. Her silent pouting being matched by her desire to excel and prove herself. Entertained, Sophie took to the task and proceeded quietly with her task. Though with an almost exaggerated slowness in tying up the tent poles so that Lucinia could follow. At some point, Lucinia clocked onto what was happening but this time, she didn’t pout, growl, or snarl at Sophie. Just a quiet acceptance.

  “Oi, Sophie. Over here.” Arnold called out, his sharp call startling her.

  “Geh?! Coming.” Sophie scrambled to her feet.

  She shot Lucinia a soft nod before gesturing towards Elaria. The princess rolled her eyes but reluctantly stood up to plod her away over to her sister, much to Elaria’s delight.

  Making her way over towards Arnold, she found a few of the others crowded around a map. They cast an acknowledging glance at Sophie’s approach and returned to whatever they had been discussing beforehand.

  “Sophie. Glad to see you’re well.” Arnold cheekily remarked.

  It was Sophie’s turn to roll her eyes. Still, she joined the circle and looked down at the map. It was a more detailed map of the region of Monte Del Trisse. One that was already filled with little markers and scribbles from whatever Runebound had done to it before hand.

  On the far north end, just a small ways from the northeastern coast of the Gratian landmass. All around it, little cylindrical triangles served to mark a few dozen small castles and estates, then tiny little squares to highlight just how many villages were scattered across the territory. Near the borders of the map, Arnold had mostly blacked out the edges with only a few uncolored sections. Holy shit, the fog wall is massive. They weren’t kidding, huh. And only four entry points. Insane.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “So what’s the matter?” Sophie asked.

  “An update, to keep you briefed on the plan so far. We’re here.” Arnold pointed at the southern end of the region map, “Roughly anyways. Didn’t exactly get time to double check making entry. And as you can see,” He motioned to the night around them, "It's a little too dark to try and find landmarks."

  It was a vast expanse of fields, trees, and rock. Little in the way of settlements. They would be on their own for the better part of the coming day.

  “You can already guess our goal is Monte Del Trisse iself.” He pointed to the castle.

  “Right.”

  “Our problem is this.” He circled a small stretch of road, “This is the great north road of Gratia. One of the ones that cross the whole land. As you can see here, and here.” He pointed at the edges of the road, “Lot’s of patrols. The princess’s patrols.”

  “So what’s the problem?” Sophie inquired.

  “Apparently not everyone knows about Runebound’s mission to escort us.” Philippe scoffed.

  Arnold frowned, displeased by the hostile tone. He did however, not make any protests to the inquisitor’s words.

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means the reason he mentioned the patrols is that some of them might view us as hostiles. Anna's army, that is.” Mila explained instead.

  “How?”

  “That was my question too. Wouldn’t they have an identifiable sigil or sign for friendlies or something?” The inquisitor groaned and turned to the rogue.

  “Hah. Very funny. I already said we do.” Arnold shot back.

  “Yeah, and? What’s the next thing you mentioned to us?”

  He sighed, “But that was also almost a year ago. I would expect that many security protocols have changed since then. Especially to accommodate the integration of local forces.”

  “Which means that some of them might not even know of Runebound or the sigils they use for communication.”

  “Hah. Yeah.” Arnold sheepishly affirmed, “The biggest problem is with the uhh, less fleshy members of the princess’s court. Most will, of course, undoubtably recognise the requisite motions and movements to identify each other.”

  “So what’s wrong?” Sophie prodded.

  “My worry is that they will attack us. At least with the locals we can probably talk them down.” Arnold admitted, “The dead… well, let’s just say there’s only a precious few can command them with ease and I, am not one of them. Regrettably so.”

  “Hmm. I see.” Sophie mumbled, “Troublesome. Huh.”

  “Quite so.”

  “That’s why we’re now trying to map out a route that helps us avoid the majority of patrols.” Mila clarified.

  “If we want to reach Anna in time to make sure she doesn’t do anything drastic, we’ll have to take the north road.” Arnold explained, “Of course, that’s also one of the more patrolled highways given that the edges are where the territory opens up for trade with both the Republic and the Kingdom.”

  “Of course, it all depends on who we meet along the way. If we get lucky we could outright avoid most of them or stumble onto a friendly group. Friendlier anyways for undead and humans.”

  “How optimistic. Our they could immediately attack considering we did breach the wall without warning.” Philippe tutted.

  “Right.” Sophie bobbed her head, “So what’s the plan so far?”

  “Ah! To the topic at hand.” Arnold clapped his hands, appearing happier now that the discussion was moving away from his momentary deficiencies, “So remember, we are here.” He pointed back to the south, “We’ll want to try and cut through these two villages, here, and here.”

  Chateau-Arbre and Remeillon. Funny names.

  “Once we’re pass them, that’s when we’ll have issues with patrols since we’ll be crossing a Baron Allaire’s territory. However, with any luck, we get through and bam, straight up the road until Monte Del Trisse. We’ll be skirting a few other baronies and lands but should be fine. At least closer to the capital, the chevaliers and guards under Anna’s direct command should know of the mission. So we’ll likely have less trouble there.” He grinned, “Any questions?”

  Mila and Philippe turned to her. She just shook her head.

  “No.” She replied curtly.

  It all made sense so far. To her, it sounded like it relied heavily on luck and chance. In theory, Arnold knew what they would need to do the best. If the map told the truth of the landscape, then there wasn’t anything they could do anyways.

  “Good. Then I suggest we all spend a few hours recuperating here. Once daylight comes around, we’ll figure the finer details, agreed?”

  “Mm.”

  “Mhmm.”

  The others grunted in agreement.

  “Good. Let your people know, get prepped, rest up. If we do get to Monte Del Trisse… then let’s just say there’ll be a whole lot more problems to deal with.”

  “We’ll handle it.” Sophie declared in response, “We will.”

  “Hah,” Arnold chuckled, “Love the confidence. Catch you later.” He dismissed them with a wave.

  That left the three of them and Philippe soon bobbed his head and excused himself Mila grunted to catch Sophie’s attention.

  “Yeah?”

  “I’ll do some conferring with Marduk and Roche. You girls get some rest and don’t mind me.” She sighed deeply, “Still part of the church, you know? We’ll have to come up with a common message for ourselves to deal with Anna. Don’t worry, won’t be anything troubling. Promise.”

  “Heh. I won’t.” Sophie smiled, “Just let us know if there’s anything you need help with, alright?”

  “I’ll consider it.” Mila grinned, “Now, go and rest. You most of all.”

  Morning came sooner than she had expected, wearily awakening to a gentle shaking from her sister. When her eyes fully opened, she let out a pained groan and felt her getting absolutely pummelled by a massive headache. She winced when the harsh sunlight came bearing down on her.

  Where last night she had been suffering in intermitenedy. Today marked a new day that was already scarred by the foolishness of the past. The hangover had arrived en force and did not seem likely to leave.

  Sophie forced herself to move and crawled weakly out of her sleeping mat. Taking stock of how everyone else already seemed mostly gathered outside with their belongings repacked. She set about doing so and began stuffing her own things away in anticipation of tearing down the tent.

  By the time she got outside, the others were already preparing for the rest of their day. Seeing a small bowl of what looked to be oats and porridge left for her, she scrambled to scoff it down before washing her face and the bowl in a nearby bucket. Finishing her little routine saw camp mostly packed up, Lucinia surprisingly before the one who came to collect the bowl and bucket to pack them away.

  The girl shot her a bemused look, one that she returned in kind. Then they both shared a small snicker and continued on their way. Sophie made sure that she didn’t smell and that she was relatively clean from yesterday’s incidents before putting her adventuring gear back on. A simple leather vest and padded pants to help absorb some light blows. A now, slightly worn sword that hadn’t seen repairs ever since she had met Sigrid, and a backup dagger that she bought back in Arteria under suggestion from Elaria and Raylani.

  She had considered dressed in her blackened warded armor with the Lion’s Roar in her hand. Yet even now, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Ever since Saclia, a part of her never felt it appropriate to wield such precious things. Given her failure in truly helping the people in the Braveskull mines and subsequent disaster that followed, it only furhter etched upon her the idea that she just wasn’t worthy.

  It was a sobering thought and she quickly banished it. Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her armor straps and ensured that her sheath was properly secured to her belt. There was no mirror to look at, so all she could do was make sure her hair was tied up and that she didn’t look too awful from the night before.

  Reassuring herself that everything would be fine, she finally moved to meet with the others by the wagons.

  The camp had been disassembled by the time she had finished getting dressed. Mila and Philippe looked haggard, the two inquisitors and Arnold likely having continued to plot things without informing her. It made sense, they both represented the two sides that would likely be the most volitile and problematic should tensions flare up. Still, it irked her a little that she wasn’t consulted or informed for the most part.

  Elaria remained as carefree as ever though. The cheerfully humming away a tune and greeting Sophie with a wave. She slept well it seems. Sophie smiled and waved back.

  Raylani was harder for her to unravel. Unless being actively teased by Elaria or thrown into concerning situations. The dark elf was about as stoic as a rock, almost entirely expressionless except for the odd hints of a smile or narrowing of the eyes.

  “Morning.” The dark elf casually greeted.

  “Oh! Morning.” Sophie exclaimed with a hint of surprise.

  The dark elf then reverted to a usual grunt of acknowledgement before resuming her role at the reins.

  At the back, Lucinia had finished shoving the last of their packs onto the wagon, the imperial letting out a satisfied huff to celebrate.

  Satisfied by the sight, Sophie climbed back onto the wagon and groaned as she sat back in her spot on the left side of the wagon. Easing into her seat, the familiar creak of the wood brought her a small sense of safety. It had only been a little under two days that they had spent glued to the wagon. But it was now a part of the party, their main mode of transport.

  Perhaps the most surprising part of the journey for her was that Marduk was the one who tended to all their mounts and their wellbeing. The hulking orc warrior proved to be extremely adapt at caring for animals. Then again, despite his brusque demeanor, he had been fairly amiable towards Sophie and her antics yesterday if with a little hint of added curtness.

  The biggest mysteries within their little gathering of souls were the members of Runebound, or rather Arnold. The others being some strange half alive half magical undead beings was weird enough. But it was Arnold that provoked the greatest sense of caution from her.

  He was serving under Anna’s command, that much was clear. What Sophie wanted to know was what exactly was the deal between the two of them and how exactly the members of Runebound could be almost eerily free from their undead origins that neither city wards or holy defenses have found issue with them.

  More worryingly, she wondered how that power could be obtained and used. It wasn’t a stretch to say that with her mind no logger fogged over, that her own fear for Ary’s reckless mission to rid herself of spirt traces could’ve ended badly. Her partner had reassured her that it would be fine, but had also left her with the notion that no matter what happened, Ary’s lifespan would suffering in someway.

  Maybe that was why she couldn’t bring herself to live up to the bardic image that Elaria had painted her in. Why she found it increasingly more difficult to live up to the image of Gunmar And Aurelia. To be the one who fought for the people. For she knew that if Anna could assure her of Ary’s chances to live, she’d likely take the deal in a heartbeat.

  Really? That’s the first thing that comes to mind? Ugh, one accursed way to start a morning that’s for sure. She muttered grimly to herself.

  A light thud and jerk of the seat brought her gaze back to the wagon. They were moving again and getting ready to cut through the Gratian countryside. Only now, under the brightness of the daylight did she truly get to see the land for what it was.

  Strangely idyllic rolling hills, bizarre rock formations, and a genial sense of serenity that seemed to pervade the landscape. Assuming one tries to ignore that this entire nation has been wracked by civil war every which way one looked. Only the dull unmissable hint of purple tinting the edges of the sky gave the impression that something was very wrong, but even then, it was far fainter under the guidance of the morning sun.

  Sophie watched the scenery slowly roll on by. Her focus gradually shifting towards the people she’d met so far. The Gratians proved to be a rugged if hardy folk. Yet there was something strange about it. For a moment, Sophie began searching her mind, overlooking the remnants of her drunken ramblings that almost immediately made her flush with embarrassment once more.

  Then it hit her. Out of all the people that she’s seen while in Gratia, she hadn’t ever gotten a chance to speak with just a person. A peasant or a commoner. Most had kept their head down, casting one or two curious glances when things were happening but otherwise deftly avoiding getting themselves caught up in something unfortunate.

  Even back in Mare’s Berth, the hustle and bustle of the port town came from the merchants and soldiers. Men and women who made deals with each other or traded war stories. The populace itself remaining almost like invisible onlookers. Witnesses but never speaking out.

  It was a phenomenon she found even more pronounced in Etoile. The only life and activity had been because of the military, nothing else. Granted, they had arrived later in the day when most normal folks would’ve retired for the evening. Still, it was an unnerving insight and she understood a little of how easily she had provoked a fight with the capitaine. Those in the Kingdom likely had a more difficult time in pacifying the polace, whereas the Republic was built out of revolution, a fight for all peoples of Gratia. A far more appealing message. Though one with its own fair share of caveats.

  She snickered to herself, nothing but idle thoughts though. Not like we can really change anything around here. It’s not even our people. I suppose if anything, they are Anna’s subjects. She then despondent gazed back out over the passing countryside. ‘Suppose the only hope is that Anna is fair kinder to her subjects than the others.

  She sighed, guess we’ll see soon. Just wait Anna and don’t do anything rash. We’ll be there soon.