A Soldier's Life - 380 - (minor update 4-19-25 +500 words)

Chapter 380:

I was awake well before morning. I was concerned for both Evie and Lexi: Lexi for being taken advantage of, and Evie for possibly being killed for what she might become. Both girls had endured a lot of hardship and violence since coming to Desia, yet they still retained their innocence. I left the terrible inn, having healed a number of flea bites during the night. I had eventually used a light dusting of myconid powder to fumigate my room. I was certain the others had difficulty sleeping as well.

The stables were just a simple shelter. Ginger was excited to see me as I approached in the dimly lit street. She riled the other horses to alertness, and the entire group was jostling for position in hopes of getting an apple. I was starting to run low, even though I had restocked in Gramney. Ginger got a whole apple, while the other horses received halves. I rubbed down Ginger again, more as a distraction than a need, before saddling her.

Blaze found me as I was finishing. “You were not in your room. Breakfast was served, but you may want to pass. Some of these regional offerings are—not so appetizing.”

“The fried testicles?” I asked. The server had excitedly informed me that was what they planned to serve for breakfast- a type of local delicacy given the abundance of sheep nearby.

Blaze nodded, looking a bit queasy. “My mother used to make auroch balls, but they were sliced, marinated, and grilled—these were whole, chewy, and difficult to swallow.” There were just too many easy jokes to make there, so I let them pass. I handed him a meat bun, as that was probably why he had sought me out. He nodded appreciatively and took a bite of the steaming bun. “What is troubling you? I may be a slow reader when it comes to books, but I can read you from a mile away.”

I cracked a smile at Blaze. He had become my Adrian, my sounding board. I admitted to him, “Castile. She wants to take Lexi with her.”

Blaze seemed to consider before responding. “The girl needs training. If not Castile, then who?” Blaze was not directly supporting Castile but asking me the question if I knew anyone better. The only mage I knew that might not have an ulterior motive with the girl was Elaro Morlamin. That still meant we would have to take Lexi to Gramney. And that would be difficult if Karina still did not want to go.

I didn’t voice my thoughts on Elaro as I Castile might offer a counterargument. Elaro and her were friends, and he had helped her deal with the aether burn before I got her the channeling essences. “I will consider your sagely wisdom,” I said with an affable seriousness. “I don’t think Karina is going to consider a change of course until she at least meets Matron Lucette.” I tossed him a farrier’s pick. “Now finish that and help me check and prepare the horses.”

We rode out of the coal mining town shortly thereafter. The road followed the crests of the endless rolling hills as we passed a few farms, transitioning into flocks of sheep and then into empty grassy hills. This Shiunyuet was a dangerous land, but we were skirting its southern reaches on the primary trade road. We were far from the mountains where most troubles arose. We had learned it was 60 miles to the capital of Kwongchun, where Matron Lucette could supposedly be found. The earthers would either stay with her or come with us. 

I had to admit I was convincing myself that Lexi was safer with us, as Castile had insisted. I still couldn’t decide what to do about Evie. She couldn’t remain in my space forever. Well—she could, but that would be cruel. As if my thoughts had summoned Castile, she was suddenly riding next to me. 

“Lexi revealed her affinities,” Castile remarked, a hint of disappointment creeping into his voice. I shrugged in acknowledgment; it was no surprise to me. Since their arrival, Karina and Anika had fiercely shielded the girls. Despite Castile's dissatisfaction, it was Lexi’s right.

Castile didn’t leave, and she had a guilty look. She finally admitted. “I am sorry I kept this from you.” 

I thought that was never a good lead-in. “What did you keep from?” I asked calmly, but I actually felt relief that she was telling me whatever secret I assumed she had been withholding.

“Renna is alive,” she said flatly.

“I know,” I replied immediately with some relief. My hand slipped to the compass, and I confirmed she was alive by the weak pull on the compass.

Castile seemed to be steeling herself to add more. “I learned last night she is the Empress of the Telhian Empire,” Castile said more pointedly.

“I don’t understand. I thought Octavian took the mantle?” I replied, already realizing what Castile had kept from me. “She married the pixie prick,” I spat. “You didn’t tell me because you thought I would rush off to save her.” There was iron in my voice, as that was exactly what I was considering doing at this moment.

Castile signed, probably because I had not become angrier than I was. “She doesn’t need saving. She is the Empress. Emperor Octavius was killed by her hand three, maybe four days ago. Viridia just learned last night and informed me.” As Castile spoke, my mind was swimming. I was angry and relieved at once. I had planned to never return to the Empire—but now? No, I couldn’t. I was to meet Raelia’s family in Bartiradia. Why was I so torn? Did I feel guilty about not seeking Renna after I burned the Archives? No, I had needed to help Maveith search for his sister, and I admitted I didn’t want to risk anyone knowing I was alive.

“Why are you not happier?” I asked. Duke Octavian had been her enemy since she learned she had magic.

“Because I kept Renna’s fate from you since you returned from Stone Mountain Island,” she answered honestly. At least I thought she was being honest.

I was still a bit terse, “You, Viridia, and Selene got your revenge then. Emperor Octavius is dead. You didn’t even need to do the task yourselves.”

Castile was silent for a moment. “We played some part in it. Emperor Octavius probably felt the walls closing in. His allies inside and outside the Empire were becoming impatient. We think the discoveries in Atlantium triggered a shift in the political landscape, but Duchess Veronica does not know what was uncovered.”

“Is Renna well, then?” I asked steelily, not doing a good job of hiding my anger at Castile for keeping this from me.

“We don’t know. She has not made a public appearance yet.” Castile was watching me. When I didn’t say anything, she added, “The Empire has never had an Empress, and her son was only born a month ago.” I clenched my jaw hard enough that my tooth cracked. I could heal it, but I liked the stinging pain for now. Of course, she had carried Octavian’s child.

“Why are you informing me now?” I inquired, somewhat frustrated; however, I managed to regain my composure. “Because you are aware that I will learn of it shortly,” I replied to my own inquiry.

“Blame me. I decided not to tell you when you returned from Stone Mountain Island. I asked Blaze and Benito not to tell you, but they didn’t know how close you were to Renna.” Castile said.

“And you did,” I retorted tersely.

“I talked with Zyna many times before the Emperor’s final battle. Renna was at her side when she fell to the Emperor.” She paused at my shock. “I knew you two were close,” Castile said softly. No, she didn’t know. We were not in love—just lovers. But still, that intimacy meant something to me—to us.

“I think it is best if we don’t talk for a time and I cool off, Castile.” I kicked Ginger forward. We were approaching more sheep and shepherds, so I assumed we were nearing another town or the city on the river that was our destination. Was I being a hypocrite? I had kept many things from Castile and my companions since I joined them to protect myself.

Was I going to go off and play the white knight and rescue Renna from what? Being Empress? Raelia was waiting for me. I was wrestling with my emotions and weighing my options. Raelia was a better match—we had much more time together to look forward to. Yet Renna was trapped in the Empire. She may be the head of the snake, but that was a tempting target for those who would look to take her place. I wish I knew more about her circumstances. I heard Adrian’s voice in my head, “You can’t save everyone, Eryk.” I wanted to yell at the veteran, “Why not?” but I hadn’t saved him or most of the company.

The sheep herds transformed into farms, and a sprawling city appeared in the distance. I was happy we had reached it before sunset. Everyone could sense my anger, and no one had made an effort to talk with me on the ride after I argued with Castile. I was fine with being left to my own thoughts.

As we passed the buildings outside the walls, they were made of stacked sod. The walls were not impressive either; they were constructed in the same manner, giving them a wavy, layered appearance, though their height was still remarkable at over thirty feet. There were no guards to question us as we entered the city. Very few structures inside the city’s walls were made of stone or wood. 

I had very little reading material about the Shiunyuet Tribes. They had very few cities, and most of the people were nomadic and wandered the hills, spending only their short winters in the cities. It was not winter at the moment, so the city felt hollow. It was fortunate that the larger Tribes were not here. It was noted that their warriors were fierce and liked to challenge outsiders in unusual games of strength and skill.

The locals gave us curious looks. This was Heungshan City on the river, although calling it a city was awfully generous. We would spend the night here, and in the morning, all we needed to do was follow the river north. In about 40 miles, we would reach the capital of the Shiunyuet lands, Kwongchun. The Matron Karina was seeking was just a day away.

As we checked into the only stone inn in the city, hailed as the best by those Anika talked to, I didn’t perceive these individuals as barbaric, as the readings described. Their clothes were plain, and their manners seemed deficient, yet they appeared much like any other civilized people. Everyone in our group still kept their distance as I brooded at the table in the common room. Only Lexi had the courage to ask if it was time for Evie to join us when we settled into the comfortable inn. I patiently explained that when we reached the capital, she would join us.

I was surprised that Anika and Karina hadn't urged me to evaluate their attributes. Perhaps Lexi had not explained the reader clearly enough to them when describing her own potential. My room had an excellent view of the plaza near the center of town. The inn lacked the expected sanitation rooms, so I was not going to bathe in this city—no, that I felt the necessity with my mind racing.

I was on the bed, tossing one of the minor nature essences in the air and catching it. Just thinking about a course of action. It was hard to be angry with Castile when I looked at it from her perspective. I still felt the need to show my displeasure with her withholding the information. I would give it at least another day before mending our relationship.

A raucous noise broke my contemplation as a unit of horsemen thundered into the plaza. It was extremely late, and whoever was causing the disturbance was going to upset a number of people. I rolled to my feet and walked to the balcony, just in case they were here for trouble. Some twenty horsemen in fine-trimmed leathers had arrived. Each man had a crest of an eagle with a snake in its claws on his doublet. This must be one of the Tribes of Shiunyuet. Horses without riders had bundles of wheat and stacks of hides.

I was not the only one disturbed as Castile knocked and entered with Selene and Blaze. I tried to calm them, “I don't think they are here for us.” They relaxed but came to my balcony to watch anyway. The leader of the group seemed slightly belligerent as he called to the city folk to take their hides and bundles.

He briefly locked eyes with me. His gray eyes showed impatience in the low light of the glow-stone street lamps. He stormed into the inn where we were staying. Blaze noted, “This will not be good, we rented all the available rooms.” Blaze was right as an argument started in the common room below.

“I will take care of this,” I said as I belted on magebane and left the room.

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