“Magic once outlawed is now sought to be brought under control in order to win the King’s war against the Zarubian empire. King Athos Almerion overruled ancient degree lasting hundreds of years as he realised that countries outside Levanthria were not foolish enough to turn away from the powers that can be wielded.”
Gleya Frederich, Levanthria, A History, 251KR
This is for Orjan.
The words ring through my mind as I plummet over the side of the Zakron’s Keep. My decisions to this point are blank; these are memories which I have not yet made, only seeing what the gods allow me to see.
As I am just about to hit the ground, I startle awake, sweat beading on my head. What is it the gods want me to do with this vision? What am I meant to do with Orjan?
I pour myself a drink before walking over to the balcony. The breeze comforts me as it brushes over my skin, my thoughts running through my recurring dream. I have seen the battle at Zakron’s Keep time and time again. There are faces within my vision that I recognise, and faces that I do not yet know. No sooner does my vision expand so that I hear Orjan’s name, do our paths cross. Where is Laith hiding now? What are he and Jordell planning?
I am far too close to my goals to be deterred now.
Soon, I will provide crucial aid to King Athos Almerion in his victory over Levanthria’s Zarubian enemy. It will be enough for him to take me as his queen – if I can survive the battle at Zakron’s Keep. But first, I need access to Eltera’s forges. I cannot proceed until the Wyverns are disposed of.
I head back to my bed and climb back under the silk, allowing myself into a meditative state before I drift back to sleep.
I am surrounded by flames. A scream cries out around me, and after a moment, I realise it is my own.
“Help me.” My voice is that of a young girl’s. The nightmare I find myself in is not a vision this time, but a long-suppressed memory.
Flames lick up the walls mercilessly, destroying everything within our home. The raging heat lashes against my face and my heart beats wildly as my fear consumes me.
“Papa!” I call out, but no one calls back. The sound of our home burning is so loud that I need to cover my ears to block it out.
“Papa!”
The table I am under tips over and a soldier whose armour is draped in a yellow tunic with black edges scoops me up.
“I’ve got you,” he tells me.
I bury my head into his chest and wrap my arms around him. “Where’s Papa?”
He doesn’t answer as he evacuates me from my burning home. Outside, I lift my head to see soldiers running around helping the other villagers. Flames have engulfed the homes of many others, and I hear cries for help as people are pulled from burning houses.
Horses rush past us in formation and a messenger skids to a halt in front of my rescuer. “Sire! Our scouts have found an army of Barbaraqs nearby!”
The man holding me hands me over to another soldier, frowning. “Barbaraqs? This far north? Get the villagers to safety. They might come back to finish what they started here.” He grabs the reins of a horse and pulls himself up.
The small group of soldiers sets off at once. I close my eyes tightly, wishing for the moment to end.
When I open my eyes, it is morning. My bed is sodden with sweat and my bedding lies strewn all over the floor.
There is a knock at the door and a maid enters bearing fresh fruit, water, and a letter. I open the letter at once, eager for news from my spies.
Morgana,
Orjan works quickly and has been tasked with helping Breyton’s enforcers. He has even fought in the pits. I heard he is already gaining favour with the Wyverns.
I will keep you posted.
Sparrow
I can’t help but smile. It would appear that my plan to infiltrate the Wyverns is already bearing fruit. I have two people on the inside and the Wyverns are none the wiser. It is only a matter of time before my plan comes together and we have access to the forge once more. If my research is correct, with that forge I will be able to harness the properties within ironite like never before. In the meantime, only time will tell what the gods have planned for Orjan and myself. For now, I must wait and see what he does next.