The lush land of Welkia was left behind. What lay before Eira was unlike the land of any she had seen. Stony, barren ridges that were on a perpetual incline. The roads were rough as the ground, unyielding as her and her charges trudged onward.

  The atmosphere had been tense since their departure from Liofeld. The twins had said nary a word to each other, though they still hung onto every sentence from Idwyn.

  After days of harsh travel, they came into Anheran proper. The view, while breathtaking, was ominous. Rigid mountains of rock capped by snow stretched out before them. Not a single speck of green to show that they were indeed in spring. They were like the jagged teeth of the underworld. How could any Drajin survive?

  “Our trek will become even harsher now,” Idwyn said. “But do not lose faith. Trust in God and in your path.”

  Brodwyn sighed. “I guess he will welcome us in death.”

  Idwyn raised an eyebrow, and Brodwyn blushed slightly. “I know you jest, but due diligence is just as much your duty as anything else.” She set her gaze upon the mountains. “Anheran never changes.”

  “Impart your wisdom, Teacher,” Brymoor said.

  “This is one of the oldest areas in the world, home to a Sacred Place.”

  “Is that why we have come?” Eira asked.

  “Partly, for it will do the Lord Prince some good. Otherwise, we seek the affirmation of alliance and further planning. No matter the age or life, diligence and earnestness in pursuit of your goals are paramount. Here, let us pray that our burdens will not be too difficult. Not in this life or another.”

  Brodwyn chuckled. “Lady Idwyn, there you go again with the old teachings.”

  Idwyn smiled sadly. “Yes, I suppose I was. There is value in every history. Whether it be the Uxsons with Muraaul, or the Territories of Saint Eddgaar and their multitude of gods. An old belief that a path in the afterlife leading to rebirth is just as important to consider. Besides, no one knows the truth. Anything that leads us down the correct path should be discussed.”

  Eira sighed playfully. There it was, one of Idwyn’s iconic lectures to her students. As the Truthsayer continued, Eira tuned her out as she prodded the land with her eyes. Her friend would lead them through the mountains without issue, but the terrain brought many thoughts to her mind.

  How would I launch a campaign here, if the need arose? The defensible positions are impenetrable. Steep cliffs and hidden hiding spots. No wonder the Uxsons rarely attack this Kingdom.

  Residents of Anheran never raided other Dradris Kingdoms, nor vice versa. The barrenness was a reason, but a bloody battle fought on the gray cliffs was another one.

  She shook her head. Eira was defending Idwyn and Brodwyn now, but that was no reason to continue to think like a soldier. Like the captain of a war band. Even now, had anything changed?

  A broken warrior pretending to be alright. Twins who, despite traveling together, did not acknowledge each other’s existence. A political and religious leader who spoke cryptically as if none of what occurred affected her.

  This was perhaps a breather, for the next leg of their journey would be a difficult one indeed.

  Eira heaved Brodwyn upward. Slipping slightly, a rock was sent scattering over the edge to plunge into the mist below. A clacking resounded far too long after it fell, a sheer drop.

  Perhaps she could leave this world, now, with this.

  Two hands thrust themselves before her. Brymoor and Brodwyn, outstretched. Those two, refusing to talk to each other, but still offering assistance. She took those two hands and was lifted.

  “Thank you for the help, Eira,” Brodwyn said, huffing from the exertion of the climb.

  “No, thank you, Your Grace,” She responded.

  Before words of thanks could be exchanged with Brymoor, he turned and continued to follow the path laid by Idwyn. She did not know if she would ever forgive him for what had occurred. Had he even forgiven her? There had been no apologies exchanged, no heartfelt words. Still, for now, they would work together.

  Low clouds rolled over the peaks of the mountains. Mist circulated around the area, obscuring the Drajin who called this place home. A hut of stone lay before them, and a Shepard tended to their flock. Jumping from one cliff to another, a few goats were visible.

  A small village found its home in the nook of this hill. A few were visible. The ground was frosty, with smatterings of snow still around. It felt as though spring had still not arrived at this remote village.

  They had passed many such places on their way to the Anheran capital. Eira had called it such, but apparently, the Drajin of this Kingdom did not like such a name. Queen’s Home was its title, but Idwyn had assured her it was simply a large village.

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  That humans had populated such a place strengthened Eira’s heart with courage. An unwelcoming environment, a frigid climate, and still, they had carved out a place for themselves.

  It was a reinforcement to her fragile heart. She took in the air and glanced at the view that also filled her with hope.

  “We shall be upon Queen’s Home soon,” Idwyn said.

  Every village they had stumbled upon had rushed them, not in anger or fear, but in curiosity and hospitality. Wondering if they brought trade or gifts. Many recognized Idwyn, singing her praises. Others sought to know Eira and the twins, asking for information from the outside or stories of adventure.

  Underneath, they were an enclosed people. The natural defenses afforded to them and the hidden fangs of the Anheran soldiers were known to her. Still, she enjoyed their joyful faces.

  For once, Eira had something to look forward to. Meeting the leader of these people, would she be the same? As welcoming and as fierce underneath the kindness?

  Perhaps Idwyn was correct. Stepping back into her old role might lead her to happiness and peace. Not like she’s ever wrong.

  Eira laughed to herself as they continued onward.

  Brodwyn walked the clear path downwards. It was the largest village that they had seen since arriving in Anheran, but it was still minuscule when compared to the cities of the other Kingdoms.

  That was not a statement against them, only that the Kingdom had a foreign feel when compared to its siblings.

  The architecture was different from both the old stone and wood techniques in other parts of Dradris. Sloped buildings fortified against the weather were the norm.

  She could not contain her smile, her excitement, and thankfulness that she had stepped out on this journey. Her body was worn, on the verge of exhaustion. Sweat slicked her aching muscles. But she still smiled. Brighter than she had ever been in recent years.

  It was a fact that she had slowed them down, but no one had complained. That had helped her focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

  So jubilant, Brodwyn thought that maybe now she could acknowledge his presence.

  Before she could, they had already arrived at their destination. A one-story building, far larger than any other in the village, but still quite modest for royalty.

  A soldier pulled the tarp that covered the entrance and ushered them in. A dark space spread out before them. At the center was a flickering fire pit. Smoke escaped through a slit, the roof blackened from the constant flame.

  Taking in the heat, a figure faced the entrance, her shape cut by the illuminating light in front of her. Regal garbs, though not as extravagant as what Brodwyn was used to seeing on royalty. She appeared older than Lady Idwyn, but was still youthful.

  Packing her pipe, she took a long drag. “I commend you, royalty of the lower lands. To make your way to our merry abode is not something you rulers usually accomplish. Messengers, or invaders perhaps. But never the actual leaders. So tell me, was the journey exhausting?”

  Brodwyn was stunned into silence. Her joy of being free had been stifled by the pressure the woman before them was exerting. With that, however, the thrill of excitement blossomed within. Danger, adventure, freedom.

  “Do not be that way, Anna. You should welcome our guests properly.” A soldier at her side spoke. He carried himself with assured confidence. “Just because they are not traders bringing your favorite treats and trinkets does not mean you should be rude. Besides, you will only scare the young ones.”

  The Ruler Queen sighed deeply, then stared fiercely at Lady Idwyn. “I had wished to meet the Promised One, but I suppose this will do, Truthsayer. Do you bring news outside the scope of your brief letters?”

  “Only what you already know,” Lady Idwyn held the iron gaze of the Queen as she moved closer to the fire and took a seat.

  “I do not know what our soldiers will do for you. It is not mountain combat, and it is an offensive campaign when we specialize in defense.”

  “I know you are not a warrior, Anna, but you should know how a battle ebbs and flows. We will need every man we can get.” Lady Idwyn glanced into the fire. “You worry, and demand details, but the unquestioned support of a ruler is what we truly need.”

  The man who had spoken earlier came to her teacher’s side and clasped her on the shoulder. “And you will get that, along with the majority of our soldiers. Do not mind Anna, you know how she can be.”

  Brodwyn chuckled at the sight of Lady Idwyn’s face. It appeared her teacher appreciated the sentiment, but did not enjoy the physical contact.

  “You speak too friendly with my teacher,” Brymoor said.

  The man’s face hardened. “We revere her. She is our savior. This is also our culture, boy. As you will soon learn.”

  Eira stepped forward. “What happened?”

  His face lightened again. “A strange disease swept through some years ago. If not for the Truthsayer, many of our young would have perished, along with the heir to Anna’s throne.”

  “Enough of that.” The Ruler Queen commanded. “Will the Queen of Zernau be staying here with her brother?”

  “No, her joining us was not planned.” Lady Idwyn responded. “We will not be staying here for long either, as we are already behind schedule.”

  Brodwyn tried not to show herself deflated. Her pace had been the reason they had taken as long as they had in scaling the mountains. It would be the same for the rest of the journey as well, she knew.

  But Eira had wanted her there, and Lady Idwyn had eventually agreed. She would take this opportunity, though short, to see everything she could.

  Their stay had indeed not lasted long. After only one night, Brodwyn’s teacher had already made preparations for them to depart after a morning meal.

  They had slept in a building similar to all the others, long and wide homes that had no separate rooms, only sections separated by cloth. In what it lacked for privacy, Brodwyn felt would be made up for with intimacy with those closest to them.

  In many ways, she was envious of that. Though what surprised her was how lowly the Ruler Queen Anna lived; it was not her place to criticize.

  Here, she would once again separate from her brother. They had not shared even a single word since his defeat at the hands of Artowen. Not through the weathered travels from Zernau to Welkia, not in Liofeld, and not during the physically difficult climbing to this village. Even here, they refused to acknowledge each other.

  What was the reason? She had lost what started it, in the myriad of issues she had taken with who he had become. All trust shattered. And even now, he did not try to repair it.

  On the outskirts of Queen’s Home, Anna and her knight Pryce saw them off. Brymoor was nowhere around. Apparently, he had already said his goodbyes to their teacher. Too good to wish his sister and their old friend Eira on their way.

  While it put her in a foul mood, soon she would discard it and once again enjoy her newfound freedom.

  Pryce had been trying to convince Lady Idwyn to stay for longer, but she would not have it. Even as they left, other villagers wished her heartfelt farewells and asked her to visit again or stay.

  That was who Lady Idwyn was, an aloof wanderer who tugged on the hearts of all she met, despite being so standoffish.

  Brodwyn would never be a Truthsayer, but still, she admired that strength of character. Could I ever be like that, I wonder? Perhaps I’ll continue to strive to be as strong and kind as her.

  With a sad smile at leaving so soon, the trio set off.