The Darkness of Dawn

by Braden Michael

  “Welcome to the Eikiport! My name is Donal, and I serve Magister Riku, the governor of this city,” the finely dressed man announced.

  “Pleased to meet you, Donal, I am Empress Vaishalla Robinson.”

  “E—Empress? How are you—” Donal stammered, but shortly regained the flow of his words. “I am embarrassed! Had I known you were set to arrive, I would’ve given you a worthier welcome!”

  “There’s no need for grand welcomes, friend. I would, however, appreciate information and news that can aid me,” Vai said with the slightest hint of impatience.

  “Of course! But erm—I’m afraid that I do a poor job of keeping up with current events…”

  “Then I’ll speak to Magister Riku,” Vai said stiffly.

  “The Magister is a little busy at the moment…”

  “Do you think the Magister will be pleased with you once he learns you refused to obey the command of the Empress of the Rocklands?” Vai crossed her arms.

  Donal looked at Vai nervously, then darted his gaze up at Archard and Adrian, who glared at him. He gulped and nodded at her.

  “He’s in his office at Eiki Hall. I will gladly guide you—”

  “I know where it is,” said Vai.

  “Of—of course, m—my Lady! I mean, uh, y—your Majesty.”

  Donal and the dockworkers stepped back and allowed ample room for Vai and the rest of the Rockmen to disembark.

  “Lord Archard, coordinate the disembarking of the men,” said Vai. Archard nodded, then she looked to Adrian. “Come with me to Eiki Hall.”

  “Just me? We should have more men. Only the Stars know how many enemies there might be down there,” Adrian contended.

  “Magister Riku would die before seeing me harmed.”

  Vai began walking down the dock and towards the city with Adrian keeping pace by her side. He rested his hand comfortably on the handle of his sword, sheathed on his belt. Dozens of dockworkers offered glances as they walked past. A slightly slanted stone ramp began where the dock ended, and Vai scaled it, reaching the beginning of the city. There was no shortage of civilians, ranging from merchants to blacksmiths, and prostitutes offering their services to those who passed by, including Vai.

  As Vai and Adrian walked deeper into the city, the quality of street and building design increased, and fewer people, these dressed lavishly, were visible in the streets. The more inland parts of the Eikiport were the nicer neighborhoods, just as Vai remembered.

  During the entire several-minute walk, Vai beelined straight for Eiki Hall. The unmistakable marble building sat atop the city’s central hill. The building rose from a large foundation made of smoothly sanded stone, with marble stairs leading up to the massive front doors made of glossy wood. Various men and women wearing clothing nicer than that of the Rockland nobles convened in scattered groups around the building.

  Vai was surprised by how easy it was to push the front doors open, given how massive they were. The main hall was modest in size but decorated with beautiful statues of historical figures and paintings of notable locations within the Headland Empire. She was momentarily lost in the aestheticism of the artwork until she laid eyes on the painting of Arrowstone.

  Just as Vai remembered, the first door just after the top of the central staircase led into the Magister’s office. She knocked on the door and waited, but no response came.

  “Magister Riku!” Vai called out.

  Just as Vai was about to knock a second time, the door opened, revealing a Headlander man in his later middle-ages wearing a white tunic. He looked at Vai and Adrian curiously. When he noticed Adrian’s Rockland armor, he looked at Vai with recognition in his eyes.

  “Vai?”

  “You are speaking to Vaishalla Robinson, the Governor of the Robinsfort, and Empress of the Rocklands,” Adrian said emphatically.

  Vai placed her hand on Adrian’s shoulder. “No need, Captain.” She turned back to the Magister. “It’s good to see you again, Riku.”

  “Vai, I haven’t seen you in, I don’t even know how long.” The Magister’s voice held almost childlike joy.

  “I was here when my father visited the port nine years ago.”

  “Ah yes! That’s right!”

  Vai smiled sweetly. “Any news from Arrowstone?”

  The Magister’s joyful expression turned into a straight-to-business look as he ushered Vai and Adrian into the room, shutting the door behind them all.

  The office was modestly decorated, with brown velvet carpeting, and the Rockland Mountain symbol painted on the light tan wall. A large mahogany desk sat in the middle of the room, and the Magister went to sit down at his desk, offering Vai and Adrian to sit at the two chairs opposite his own. Vai accepted the offer, but Adrian remained on his feet, pacing around and taking in the details of the room.

  “So, about Arrowstone—” the Magister hesitated for a moment.

  “Tell me,” said Vai.

  “The castle is withstanding the siege, but—” the Magister gulped solemnly. “Things are not looking good for Lord Kashin.”

  Vai sat upright in her seat. “What do you mean?”

  “After most of his fighting men joined the men on the Midland front, he was left with only a 500-man garrison, and King Hiroshi sent just under 10,000 men to the castle.”

  “But that castle is incredibly difficult to lay siege to! It’s surrounded by several rivers, a moat…” Vai’s voice was fearful.

  “I won’t argue against that. I’m sure Lord Kashin is putting up a formidable fight.”

  Vai nodded with momentary relief, leaning back in her chair. “If I can get there in time, he won’t have to.”

  The Magister nodded. “There’s other news, from the Furakuhold.”

  “Furakuhold? What news?” Vai asked.

  “My sources have informed me that the impregnable fortress was taken by the Firelord.”

  “T—taken?” Vai stammered.

  “Apparently, his Imperial Majesty had men drop dozens of barrels of firedust onto the courtyard, blew the front gate open with a cannon, and stormed the castle, killing anyone who dared resist.”

  “Bullshit.” Adrian quickly walked over to the desk, placing both his hands on it, while looking down at the Magister. “How could the Firelord have gotten his army up to the Furakuhold so quickly? The Emberland fleet brought Harvey Miller, not him.”

  “No one seems to know, but he did it, nonetheless,” said Magister Riku.

  “How could he have gotten such a large army to the Furakuhold so quickly?” Adrian asked.

  “He didn’t. He took the castle with just under 700 men.”

  “Now you’re definitely jerking us around,” said Adrian.

  Vai gave Adrian a stern look and he backed down. She then looked at the Magister. “He took the castle with 700 men? That’s most impressive, but why didn’t he use more men? The Emberlands have the second-largest army on the planet.”

  “I don’t know what is going on in the Firelord’s mind, but perhaps he lost his army too? No one has been able to locate the greater Emberland army,” said Magister Riku.

  “No one?” Vai asked.

  “There have been reports of raids on farms and towns all over the Midlands and Headlands, but none were attacked by the army itself.”

  “Makes sense, I suppose,” said Adrian. “He’s diverted his forces into both territories, covering as much ground as he can, and then the main army can go where it needs to.”

  I never would’ve guessed that. Adrian does have a good mind for war, Vai noted.

  Magister Riku listened carefully to Adrian’s words while nodding, then looked at Vai. “Last I heard, the Robinsport was under siege by a large force of Headlanders, and the Rockland Empress led a much smaller host to relieve the city. Since you are here, you triumphed, I take it?”

  “My men triumphed,” said Vai. And many of my men died for me.

  “Regardless of who was solely responsible for the victory, it is most impressive. But there�
��s no guarantee that you’ll succeed against Chairman Howell too.” The Magister leaned forward and clasped his hands. “Given that I’m one of your subjects, I feel compelled to offer you advice. This Firelord would make a great ally in the fight against the Midlands, and you’ll need allies to win this war. Howell isn’t as foolish as Yamamoto. The fight against him will be much tougher, and you cannot do it by yourself.”

  “I’ll worry about that after I can secure my family’s safety,” said Vai.

  Vai stood up and Magister Riku did as well. He walked around his desk and towards the door. She began walking in the same direction, stopping just before the exit.

  “Thank you, Riku.” Vai hugged him.

  “Say hi to your father for me, please.”

  A tear ran down Vai’s cheek. “I will. Farewell, Riku.” Her voice was slightly choked by sadness.

  “Be careful out there. Don’t underestimate anyone.”

  Vai pulled back from the hug, offered the Magister a smile, then walked out the office with Adrian right behind her.

  CH 37 – Alexey IX

  Several weeks had passed since Alexey fled the Rhoska Farm. Consistent cold and crushing loneliness was the only way to describe the time. The only companion Alexey had was his horse. On the fourth day after Rhoska, he took to calling him Anton Jr. He believed that Anton Jr. resembled the real Anton, insofar as a stallion could represent a human: they did have the same contented resting face.

  Anton Jr. could cover an impressive distance each day, even for a horse. Alexey figured they covered over fifty miles each day, but he could never be sure without a map. Despite having no map, navigation was easy enough so long as he stuck to the northward road.

  Alexey occasionally clutched the Artifact, which filled him with rage. You took Viktor from me, he thought resentfully.

  Eventually, he happened upon a small wooden building on the road that could either be an inn, an alehouse, or a trading shop, but it was completely devoid of foot traffic, which left Alexey deeply unsettled.

  “Hello?” Alexey called out.

  No response.

  Alexey lightly kicked Anton Jr., making him trot forward at a careful pace, his hooves squishing into the mud with each step. Alexey leaned forward and squinted, scanning the building and its surroundings carefully. The stables were empty, and there was still no sign of life besides them.

  “Hello?” Alexey looked at his outfit, remembering he was still unmistakably dressed as a Winterguard recruit. “I’m only here to trade! I’m not here to start trouble.”

  One of the building’s window panels creaked as it opened slowly, revealing a face that studied Alexey with great curiosity. He waved, but the face retreated into the building, and the panel slammed closed. He firmly grabbed the handle of his dagger and slowly unsheathed it, and Anton Jr. continued to trot towards the building.

  “Don’t be afraid, I’m not with the Winterguard!” Alexey called out. You idiot! If they’re with the Winterguard then they’ll kill you.

  The building’s front door swung open and a little girl carefully stepped outside.

  “Alana! Come back here!” A frail middle-aged man came running after the girl, quickly standing between her and Alexey. “What do you want, stranger?”

  “My name is Alexey, and I could use a new outfit.”

  “What’s wrong with the one you got now?”

  Alexey looked at the symbol on his coat, the Winterland Snowflake, then looked back at the man. “I don’t like what it stands for.”

  The man seemed to slightly lower his guard, relaxing his face and body. “I’m Ivan, and this is my daughter Alana.” Ivan squinted at Alexey. “You’re wearing Winterguard garb, but you’re not one of them?”

  Anton Jr. continued to trot forward as Alexey spoke. “I haven’t had the chance to change since I, uh, left.”

  “They just let you leave?” Ivan questioned.

  “Not exactly. It’s a long story,” said Alexey.

  “One you can tell me inside, over a bowl of stew?”

  Alexey smiled. “Sure.” He stopped Anton Jr. just a few feet from Ivan.

  “Go ahead and get the horse set up in the stables, then meet us inside.” Ivan grabbed Alana’s hand and guided her back inside.

  Alexey’s feet splashed in the mud as he dismounted. He grabbed Anton Jr.’s reins and led the horse to the stable, securing him to one of the wooden posts.

  “Be sure to get some rest, buddy,” Alexey said comfortingly, petting Anton Jr.’s neck.

  The horse neighed softly, lay down, then closed his eyes.

  A cold breeze massaged Alexey’s face as he walked away from the stables and towards the front door to the main building. The room had a wooden floor, with a wooden dining table in the center that Alana sat at. Ivan stood near a large pot with a modest fire beneath it, stirring its contents.

  Ivan looked at Alexey. “Please, sit down. Make yourself comfortable.”

  Alexey shambled to the wooden dining table and grunted with relief as he sat down in one of the chairs. Alana continued to stare at him, studying him very closely.

  “You’re Alana?” Alexey asked with a friendly but tired tone.

  The girl nodded but said nothing. Upon getting a closer look at her, Alexey could see her dirt-smeared face more clearly. Her eyes were a pale blue, and her blonde hair was stained brown by dirt and grease.

  Alexey looked back and forth between Alana and Ivan before settling on Alana. “Do you have any siblings?”

  Alana looked downwards solemnly. Ivan returned to the table with three steaming bowls of stew, placing one in front of each person. He sat down next to Alana and looked at Alexey with the same solemn look as his daughter. “My son, Milo, died a year ago.” Ivan’s voice had a tone of acceptance.

  Alana continued to look down, her face wrought with sadness.

  “I’m sorry. I, uh—” The words were caught in Alexey’s throat. When Ivan and Alana looked at him quizzically, he looked at Alana. “I lost my brothers, so I know how it feels.”

  “Brothers? How’d they die, if you don’t mind my asking?” Ivan asked.

  Alexey pointed to the Winterguard symbol on his breast, then Ivan nodded humbly.

  “Is that also how your son died?” Alexey asked.

  Ivan nodded stiffly. “He didn’t want to give up our harvest.”

  Alexey clenched his fists, then tore at the laces and seams of his coat, aggressively ripping the fabric until only his cotton undershirt covered his torso. He tossed the freshly ripped fabric off to the side, then enthusiastically began slurping down the stew. The liquid burned his mouth, but he did not care. When he finished, he slammed the empty bowl on the table and exhaled rapidly and heavily with relief. Both Ivan and Alana looked at him wide-eyed.

  “I’ll grab you another,” said Ivan. He grabbed Alexey’s empty bowl and went back to the stew pot. He quickly dunked the bowl inside and filled it close to the brim, presented it before Alexey, then sat back down. Ivan and Alana proceeded to take their time sipping from their bowls.

  “So, why’d you leave the Guard?” Ivan asked.

  Alexey began to sip from his bowl. Should I tell him the full truth or lie? Should I even mention the Artifact? He swallowed the stew then set the bowl down. “I grew a conscience.”

  “And yet you lived?” Ivan questioned.

  “And yet I lived…”

  “The Winterguard wouldn’t have just let you leave…” Ivan furrowed his brow, staring directly at Alexey.

  “They didn’t.”

  Ivan looked unsatisfied by the answers, but he decided not to pry. He took a healthy gulp from his bowl and wiped his face with his sleeve. “So now that you, erm, left the Winterguard, what’s your plan now?”

  Alexey leaned back in his chair and looked off to the side, contemplatively. What is my plan? He twiddled his thumbs for a few moments before looking back to Ivan. “I could go north, maybe? The Winterguard won’t look for me anywhere in the Midlands.”
/>   “The north is more dangerous than ever,” said Ivan.

  “The Rocklands and Midlands are at war, I know that,” Alexey said defensively.

  “It’s the entire North now.”

  Alexey quizzically gaped at Ivan. “What?”

  Ivan seemed surprised by Alexey’s alleged ignorance but nodded and smiled. “Probably don’t get a lot of news by the Frozen Forest, eh? I’ll catch you up. There was to be an armistice in the Headlands, but something happened to the Emberland Emperor, and now the Emberlands have joined the fighting.”

  “The North is even crazier than I thought,” Alexey said, chuckling slightly.

  “It’s a different kind of crazy, I suppose.”

  “Perhaps it is the type of crazy I’d like.”

  Ivan sat up. “You’ll need some new clothes if you intend on going north. Come with me.” He finished the last of his bowl and walked to the nearby staircase.

  The second floor was just as wooden as the first. Ivan led Alexey to the door at the far end, which led into a small and unoccupied bedroom. The bed sheets were dark brown, and a tiny cabinet occupied the corner. Ivan began ruffling through the cabinet, taking out various articles of clothing and placing them on the bed.

  “This was Milo’s room,” Ivan said sadly.

  “How old was he, when—” Alexey stopped himself from finishing.

  “Thirteen.” Ivan finished placing the clothing on the bed. “His clothes should fit you. You’re also welcome to stay the night.”

  “I don’t know how to repay you,” said Alexey.

  “You don’t have to.” Ivan patted Alexey on the shoulder then walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

  The clothes on the bed included linen pants, cotton undergarments, wool socks, and a wool overcoat, all various shades of brown. The clothes were not good quality, but they were perfectly acceptable. He slipped on the clothes, walked out of the room, and went downstairs and into the main dining room, where Ivan was cleaning the table. When Alexey came into sight, he looked up and smiled.