Chapter 9

What Dawn Brought

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Later that morning...

Darius.

Selene.

Give us a moment, would you?

Papa...

Aye. I’m here, my boy.

Darius told me...

About last night.

I remember the soldier coming through the door.

I remember Mother shouting.

I remember looking at her, and then...

Nothing.

I don’t remember what happened after that.

I don’t remember where she was.

What if she was afraid?

What if she called for me?

What if she needed me?

And I wasn't there?

She stood for you because she loved you, Kaze.

Not because you failed her.

Your mother loved you more fiercely than this world ever deserved.

Whatever happened in that room, my boy... she did not face it wishing you had done more.

She would have placed that burden on herself.

Never on you.

I’m sorry, Papa.

I’m so sorry.

No.

No, my boy.

You have nothing to be sorry for.

Nothing.

I wish I could stay.

Captain Nocturne has asked me to get the forge running again.

Armor needs mending.

Blades need straightening.

If the Empire returns...

or if anyone decides Sylvarra is easy prey while we’re wounded...

Then we’d best be ready.

You rest now, my boy.

I’ll come back as soon as I can.

By late morning, the fires had dwindled to smoke.

Sylvarra still smelled of ash.

Are you sure you’re up for this?

No. But I can’t stay in that room.

The Zephyr.

Woah...

Flagship of the Aelorian Armada.

It arrived just after the Empire withdrew.

Healers. Soldiers. Supplies.

They’ve been working since before dawn.

General Asher came with it.

Asher?

He’s meeting with my father at the garrison now.

If anyone knows what Aeloria plans to do next, it’s him.

Take me there.

You should barely be standing.

Please.

All right.

Easy. You’re still weak.

Damn...

Guard garrison — Eastern Entrance

How many did you lose?

Twelve guards confirmed dead.

Captain Nocturne's Office

Another six are in the infirmary.

Two may not last the day.

And the villagers?

Too many.

We’re still pulling people from their homes.

I’ll leave a detachment of soldiers under your command until Sylvarra is secure.

They’ll assist with recovery, patrols, and protection of the wounded.

You have my thanks.

Though I fear it came too late.

It did.

You said the Imperials were searching for something.

Yes.

They pushed through the village with purpose.

Homes.

Workshops.

Storehouses.

Anyone who resisted was cut down.

But slaughter wasn’t their only aim.

Did they name what they were after?

No.

Only that we stay out of their way.

Whatever it was, they believed it was here.

Then this was no ordinary raid.

The Chancellor is meeting with the mayor now.

Once he has the council’s full account, we return to Caelion.

His Majesty will hear everything.

The crown will determine Aeloria’s response.

It seems.

We have company.

What exactly do you think you’re doing?

Listening.

I gathered that.

General.

is that all?

You report to Caelion, and Sylvarra waits?

Darius.

The Empire attacked Sylvarra.

They killed our people.

They burned our homes.

What exactly are we waiting for?

We are waiting to understand what they came for.

And whether Sylvarra was the beginning... or the warning.

For a kingdom not to stumble into war while the smoke is still rising.

They struck first.

Yes.

They did.

Then what more is there to understand?

The difference between answering an atrocity... and becoming part of one.

They killed my mother.

They came into our home.

Took her from me like it meant nothing.

And now she’s gone.

If that does not demand justice...

what does?

It does demand justice.

Do not mistake me on that.

But justice and vengeance are not the same road.

When nations forget that, ordinary people pay the cost.

So we do nothing?

No.

We do what must be done.

We tend the wounded.

We protect the village.

We gather the truth.

And when the king is fully informed, Aeloria will choose its path with clear eyes...

The Chancellor and I leave for Caelion tonight.

His Majesty will hear everything.

Sylvarra will not be forgotten.

That is enough.

Both of you.

You should not even be out of bed.

Go rest.

And allow yourself to grieve.

I'll send a guard to escort you two home.

Father, we can walk ourselves.

Then consider the escort for Kaze.