Chapter 13

What Lies Ahead

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The guard garrison had not slept.

Reinforce the outer post.

If another force comes through, I want warning before they reach the market.

Start with the west road.

Yes, Captain.

And send those spearheads to Torren.

Anything salvageable needs to be ready by nightfall.

You’re late.

We need hands at the west road.

I’m not here for orders.

Darius.

I came to tell you before I left.

Left for where?

The Wind Temple.

After that, we follow the Empire’s trail.

Sylvarra was attacked less than a day ago, and you want now to leave it?

I’m leaving because of what happened here.

Explain.

Before the attack, Kaze and I found something.

Something old.

Important enough that the Empire came looking for it.

They took it from Kaze’s house.

They knew it was here.

They knew exactly where to look.

If the Empire came this far for it, then it mattered.

And if it mattered, we need to know why.

And the Wind Temple?

Master Quinn may have answers.

The temples have access to knowledge we could never find here.

Kaze is wounded.

Angry.

Barely holding himself together.

I know.

Then stop him.

I can’t.

But I can make sure he doesn’t go alone.

You call this loyalty? Following a grieving boy into danger?

No.

Loyalty is staying close enough to pull him back when he can’t see the edge.

Kaze is leaving whether anyone allows it or not.

If I stay, he leaves without me.

I won’t let that happen.

You are not responsible for every wound your friend carries.

No.

But I am responsible for what I choose while he carries them.

I taught you to stand your ground.

Then don’t ask me to step aside.

Father…

This marks a sworn guard of Sylvarra.

I’m not sworn.

No.

I am not giving you rank.

I am giving you passage.

If you meet village watchmen, loyal patrols, or Aelorian soldiers...

Show them this.

It may earn you shelter.

Information.

Or just enough time to speak before steel is drawn.

Do not abuse it.

I won’t.

Let it remind you where you come from.

And who you carry with you.

I understand.

Listen carefully.

Do not chase anger.

Do not mistake pain for purpose.

And do not follow Kaze into death because loyalty made you blind.

Watch him.

Listen to him.

And if the road tells you to stop, you stop.

If this turns worse than either of you imagined, choose each other before pride.

I will.

Everyone comes back home.

Sylvarra Village Square

For a moment, Kaze did not recognize her.

Woah...

That is your entire observation?

Yes. It is the safest one.

Those are... new robes.

They look good.

Oh.

You’re wearing…

Robes.

Healer robes.

Right.

Healing robes.

Good.

Very... practical.

Are you ready?

No.

But I’m here.

Then we go.

Forest Road — Wind Temple Route

Rovan.

Look at me.

Stay with my voice.

You know me.

You should not have followed me.

Kaze!

Wait! Don’t!

Rovan Hale.

You promised me you would come back.

I’m trying.

Stay away from me.

Don’t.

He attacked us.

Because you startled him.

He had a blade drawn.

Because he’s afraid of what happens when he doesn’t.

Who is he?

His name is Rovan Hale.

What happened to him?

The first signs are easy to mistake for grief.

Anger.

Sleeplessness.

Fear.

First signs of what?

Corruption.

Who are you?

A friend.

Meanwhile, deeper in the forest...

They want to hurt you...

No...

Not yet.