The Forsaken Hero

”Oh, I should have realized,” Raylam said, putting a hand on his chest. ”The fault is mine. Starlight is from the Divine Throne.”

The older guard nodded. ”Ah, is that right?”

I nodded timidly.

”I’m Bene, one of the officers here. Not that rank means much anymore.” He smiled wryly. ”We deserted from the main company once the king began suppressing the riots with the Heart Crest. We couldn’t stand throwing away the liberty we’d fought so hard for, even if the gods sanctioned it.”

The other guard spit on the ground. ”No god of mine would force his faithful to become slaves.” He hesitated, glancing at Rylam. ”No offense, of course.”

Rylam shrugged. ”I’ve already resolved myself to my fate, George. Enusia has never been fair, nor will it be in the future. I’m just grateful I can live free for a moment.”

”You really left Roann? They let you?” I asked.

Bene sighed. ”The city was a mess. Troops from all over were pouring in, and the rivalries between kingdoms didn’t go away just because the demons were invading. When the captain came to us, the second battalion, and gave us the option, I was among the first to raise my hand. We left before the demons even hit Amberhold.”

”And you’ve been here ever since?”

He nodded. ”Something like that. It was only a few weeks ago that our mages finally had enough mana to finish off the walls. Pretty impressive now, but given there’s a skyship outside, I doubt it would mean much if they ever figured out a way to get past the mists.”

I wanted to ask more, but Rylam took me by the arm, gentle but firm. ”Come, let’s get you inside. The sooner you meet the captain, the sooner we can get you situated. You’ll have all the time in the world for questions.”

”Nothing else to do around here but talk and farm,” Bene said with a grin. ”Go on, and don’t get too carried away in there.”

The fort boasted a small, cramped inner courtyard. The building walls were rough and crude, raised from the earth with the same magic as the walls. The ground was hard-packed dirt, with a few spells to keep the dust down and the weeds from sprouting. Looking around, I missed the elegant courtyards of the elves, with their sprawling gardens and burbling fountains. This was purely functional.

The only open space was a stretch of ground between a barracks and a few storage facilities, roped off with a thin line of hemp. A few soldiers were sparring within, all third- or fourth-level. They noticed us as we walked by, and a few exchanged greetings with Rylam. I kept my eyes lowered as he introduced me, praying none of them recognized me. None did.

The primary structure was a double-story building with narrow, shuttered slits for windows. Another guard was posted outside the double doors. Rylam explained the situation, and he gave me an appraising look. He was young and fresh-faced, and for some reason, when our eyes met, he looked away quickly. A light red stained his cheeks as he opened one of the doors, stepping aside.

”Good man, but I saw her first,” Rylam said with a chuckle, clapping him on the shoulder as we passed by.

The soldier coughed and ducked his head, muttering an apology under his breath.

The interior was just as drab as the outside, with a foyer and a set of stone stairs to the second level. An open arched entrance saw us into the main hall, if you could call it that. It was only a single story, with a few desks and tables scattered around the perimeter. A map was spread across one wall showing High Valley and the surrounding mountains. The ring of mists had been painted gold around the villages, and the church forces marked with pins. Red lines were scrawled across it in regular patterns. From my experience with Bethiv and his officers, I guessed they were enemy patrol routes.

Most of the soldiers here were at least fourth level, with some having reached fifth or sixth level. They looked up at my entrance, murmuring to one another. All of them were human and wore the colors of the Crimson Guard.

”Ah, Rylam,” said a middle-aged man with gleaming armor and a crimson cape. ”What have you brought us this time?”

He sat at a table with a few other men, more aged than the rest of the soldiers I’d seen. They were poring over some written reports, a few cups scattered around. I wrinkled my nose at the hint of pungent ale in the air.

”Captain.” Rylam nodded respectfully.

”Oh, come now, you’re worse than the rest of my men. You’re not even one of them! Call me Andres.”

The name sent a chill running down my spine, and I shifted, hiding behind the foxkin. That was a name I knew.

”Andres, Andres. I’ll remember this time for sure, Captain. Now, so long as we’re introducing each other, this here is Starlight,” Rylam said, smoothly stepping aside, presenting me with a flourish.

I squeaked, gripping my skirt with both hands. The swish of my tail betrayed everything my reaction hadn’t.

Feeling the stares, I hurriedly dropped a small curtsey, keeping my eyes low.

”Pleasure to meet you,” I mumbled, fighting the urge to shrink behind Rylam again.

Captain Andres rose slowly, resting his hands on the table. ”That hair...those eyes...”

I flinched, self-consciously brushing my hair back, but before I could say anything, he strode around the table. The soldiers looked at each other as he stopped before me, towering above me. My lip quivered as he leaned over, his big hand coming to rest on my shoulder. His eyes captured mine, a flicker of light and warmth dancing in the grey. Slowly, the wrinkles on his brow eased, and he broke into a weathered smile.

”Well, I’ll be damned. Starlight, is it? Not the name I remember, but it suits a fair, young maiden like yourself.”

”Y-You must be mistaken,” I mumbled, tearing my gaze away again.

His chuckle rumbled in his throat, and he rose, letting me go. ”Not likely, My Lady. Xiviyah, wasn’t it? Or do you prefer Oracle now? I’ve nothing but rumors to go on, so please forgive my ignorance.”

My chest tightened, and I swallowed, shaking my head. ”J-Just, um...Xiviyah.”

”Xiviyah...?” Rylam gasped, his eyes widening. ”You mean like...that Xiviyah?”

Andres stood back with a chuckle. ”I must say, my Lady, you haven’t changed at all. You’re still the same timid, frightened girl, eh? Though I’ll admit you’ve grown a bit taller, and fairer than a flower. I hope none of the lads have given you trouble yet, eh? Rylam?”

The foxkin saluted, a nervous laugh escaping him as he scratched behind an ear. ”No, sir!” he licked his lips, glancing at me. ”Not that I haven’t had a thought or two. But we’re well behaved here. Yes, sir.”

”Indeed,” Andres said, his gaze resting back on me. ”I can’t imagine how you would find yourself here, but please, know that you’re among friends.”

”But...you were in Radia. Why would you...?” I trailed off as he sighed, crossing his arms.

”Two years ago, we braved the first demon gate together. I was impressed by your bravery and courage, even though you were belittled and enslaved. I’m afraid seeing you with the Sun Hero had quite the opposite effect as intended, because I found it very difficult to believe someone so mild and kind could be the bloodthirsty, murderous demon they made you out to be. I am loyal to Radia, but the Radia that is now is not the one I know. When it came time to choose between slavery to the Divine and betraying my land, I made the only choice I could. Thousands more did as well, but only a few hundred have managed to find their way here. The rest wander the land, hiding from church and demon alike, or were caught and pressed back into service with a Heart Crest.”

”What about the others?” I asked, looking at Rylam. He was still staring at me, his ears sticking straight up, his lips slightly parted.

”The rest are slaves or refugees, drawn here by the light and liberty promised by the goddess,” Andres explained.

”You mean Fate?” I asked.

”The very same. That’s what our priest tells us, and I’m inclined to believe him. I expect you’ll want to see him, too?”

I hesitated, a knot in my stomach. I was wary of anyone who claimed that office, but if they were here, and teaching of my Fate, not the false god, then...

I nodded stiffly. ”Yes.”

”Very well. I’ll send word, and you can make your way to the shrine at your leisure. Rylam, if you’re done gawking, would you please see her to the southern chambers? It’s not much,” he added, giving me a helpless smile. ”We’ve no maids or servants to tend to you, but it’s got a bed and a few amenities.”

”That’s all I need,” I said, giving another curtsey. ”And, um, I’m really glad it’s you. When I saw people here, I was...thank you.”

He shrugged, giving me a casual salute. ”Think nothing of it, My Lady. This land is a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the Divine. Be they common man, slave, or goddess. And from what the priest has told me, you’re the reason it’s here at all. We are in your debt.”

Rylam cleared his throat, tearing his eyes away, and offered his hand again. ”My Lady, if you’ll please follow me.”

”Not you too. Just Xiviyah, or Starlight. I don’t mind,” I mumbled, shyly accepting it.

”Xiviyah it is, then. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” When I glanced at him, tilting my head, he gave me a warm smile. ”Starlight seemed like a nice enough girl, but I’m glad I got to meet you. The real you. It’s such an honor.”