7/4/3028

We marched up a flight of stairs to the ground level. I found the hallway here not nearly as dull as downstairs. The walls were constructed with stone of varying shades of gray and, unlike downstairs, there were barred windows to look out of. I wasn’t sure if the bars were to keep something in or out.

Keiran led us to a meeting room where a long sword, shields, and one very large battle axe hung against the stone wall.

Could I wield these weapons in battle? Doubt it.

On the opposite wall was a window the size of a small furnace. Sunlight peeked in from the slat edges of the closed blinds.

In the middle of the room, Jarek and Ilta stood around a well-polished, silver table. They both greeted us politely, Jarek’s warm smile in stark contrast to Ilta’s expressionless face.

“Please be seated,” Elossai said, leading us to sit around the table. I sat between Elossai and Martin. Jarek and Ilta were seated across from us, while Keiran and Stanjah were at opposing ends at the head of the table.

“Ilta, can you display the regional map for us?” asked Stanjah.

“Certainly.” Ilta pressed one of many buttons situated on her side of the table. Immediately, the tabletop lit up and a holographic map appeared on the surface.

Martin’s eyes glinted with excitement as he nudged me.

The regional map was of an island. Possen Fort, our location, appeared to be located on a mountain range to the south. Much further north on the same island was Ien City, situated near the sea. My immediate instinct was to look for Keiran’s hometown, Incus City, but it wasn’t on the map.

Stanjah’s thin lips were pursed as she assessed the map. “I advise that we begin our journey to Ien as soon as possible.”

“I agree,” Ilta said. “Possen Fort does not possess a defensive force strong enough to bear a large attack.”

“Hey, if it’s not safe here I’m all for leaving,” Martin said. “How long is this journey from here to wherever we’re going?”

“The journey should take us about four days by horseback at a canter,” Ilta replied.

“Horseback, eh?” Martin whispered to me.

I guess they didn’t have cars in Eloria, though I was curious why they hadn’t come up with the technology when they already had such advanced equipment.

“The town of Ien is a safe zone. It’s fully fortified with military defenses.” Ilta recited in a monotonous tone. I wondered if she ever got excited about anything. “Do you have any experience with horses?”

“I went horseback riding dozens of times as a kid,” said Martin.

“I guess I’ll just ride behind someone,” I muttered.

“You never forget how to ride a horse,” said Jarek, rubbing his bald head with a grin. “Don’t worry, you’ll remember easy.”

“But I’ve never ridden a horse before.”

“You’re an excellent equestrian,” said Keiran.

Jarek jumped in. “I may just have to carry you then,” said Jarek, laughing boisterously.

“And I’m sure you could pull it off, too. Thanks for offering.” I smiled.

“Is there a faster way to get there?” Stanjah asked Ilta, refocusing us back on the subject at hand.

“If we travel through the valley, we could make the trip in two days.” Ilta pointed to Possen Fort on the map and ran her finger north and through an unmarked valley. “The terrain is difficult to navigate, and the creatures that inhabit the valley means it’s not the safest route.”

“We’re not putting ourselves in harm’s way.” Keiran placed his finger on the map and traced around the mountain range. “We’ll go around.”

“Then that would put our arrival at roughly four days,” replied Ilta. “As I said.”

Martin let out a frustrated sigh. “Guys, we can’t waste time. If Ien has the resources to finding Katie, then the sooner we get there, the better.”

“We’re going to Ien to keep you two safe,” said Stanjah. “I didn’t say anything about using Ien City’s resources to find Katie. Ien may be fortified, but it still does not have the equipment to trace Orae use.” Stanjah spread her hands on the table and leaned forward. “Going through Possen Valley would be putting ourselves through unnecessary danger. Finding Katie isn’t our only goal.”

“Katie isn’t safe! What about the unnecessary danger she might be going through right now? Did any of you ever think of that?”

“Better we arrive in four days than not at all.”

“And what about Katie?”

“Ilta will make her way to Incus from Ien. Incus has the adequate resources and technology for that.”

“Fine,” Martin said tersely.

“Then are matters settled?” Ilta looked to Keiran, then to Stanjah.

“Yes. We leave at dawn,” Keiran decided. He turned to me. “That should leave you the rest of today to get reacquainted with riding.”

“What danger is Stanjah talking about?” I asked. “Are we in a war zone?”

Keiran nodded.

“Who are the Ankins at war with?”

Frantic knocking came from the door, interrupting us. I jumped slightly in my seat and immediately, Elossai’s comforting hand was on mine.

A soldier burst into the room cradling a helmet under one arm. He took long strides in Keiran’s direction then bowed.

“I apologize for the untimely interruption, Anmus.” The soldier was breathless.

Everyone stood up at once.

Something’s wrong.

“What’s the matter?” Keiran asked.

“Ras, sir. A lot of ‘em. They’re circling near our outpost, not more than a few hours from here.” The soldier wiped sweat off his brow.

“Are you certain?” Stanjah’s eyes grew wider.

“Yes, Sorceress. We’ve already sent thirty men to defend the outpost.”

“Will that be enough?”

“We have a shortage of able-bodied men. We’re still recovering from the last wave of attack—”

“How many men are available here in the fort?” Ilta’s interruption was curt.

“Just under fifty, Sorceress.”

“Contact Ien city for reinforcements immediately—”

“Our contact signal at the outpost has been attacked and destroyed.”

“How soon can you prepare horses and supplies for departure?” Keiran asked.

“Wait a second—hold up you guys.” Martin waved his hands in the air before bringing his hands into a t-shape, as if to call for a timeout. “Is the fort under attack?”

A deep line formed on the soldier’s brow. “It will be, shortly.”

“Assemble the soldiers and our horses,” Keiran ordered.

The soldier acknowledged the command with a bow, then marched out the door.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “What’s going on here? Who’s after us?” I demanded.

“The same man that made Eloria a dangerous place.” Elossai said, her shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “Hidelvus.”