Chapter 34

The next morning, as the first light rose on the horizon, we set out towards the city of Ulm. From there, we would sail South to the great fortress of Zarion, the last line of defence and where the alliance had retreated after the fall of Tarnis, before continuing towards Doria.

Aki decided to ride with me, and I wrapped my cloak closer around her as the chilly morning air crept in. She had barely said a word since we woke up. I sighed. I knew that her homeland lay on the other side of Zarion. We had tried our best to protect her and even taken the longer route to Ulm to avoid passing through the places she’d visited with her father on the way to the temple. But I knew we couldn’t protect her indefinitely, and now she would return home without her father and… I shook my head. It wasn’t fair.

I glanced at Karim and Selene, chatting quietly. Lanard rode in front, out of earshot from us. He would only escort us to Ulm, the last city before we left the Kingdom of Marbug. Karim hoped the Imperium believed we were going far south, beyond Zarion, to rally the alliance. At least that gave us a chance to slip unnoticed towards Doria, and we’d even decided not to travel with an escort there, to not bring unwanted attention. I didn’t dare to think about what would happen if the Imperium found out what we planned to do.

We rode throughout the day, and in the afternoon, I could see Ulm on the horizon. I watched it curiously as we approached it. The signs of the war were everywhere, and they were building a second wall around the city in preparation. So far, we had been safe crossing the countryside, but here in a major port, things were different. The others suspected that there might be Imperial agents around, and I had learned that it was an ambush by Imperial soldiers that had claimed the life of Aki’s father. Karim had decided we would try to sneak in, without announcing our arrival, and leave for Zarion at first light tomorrow.

We covered ourselves in our cloaks as we came closer, and Lanard dismounted and quietly spoke with the guards. After a few words, they led us to the guardhouse next to the gate, where they gestured for us to enter. I kept glancing around nervously as we passed through the street, but no one seemed to take any notice of us. They took us to a room at the far end of the guardhouse, and Lanard left without a word as soon as we were given our quarters and went to speak to his men. I sighed.

“You made the right choice by giving him a chance”, Karim said as he watched him leave outside the window.

“He will support Nashka without hesitation. He doesn’t have any other choice”, Uruk added.

Silence fell over the room, and Selene walked over to the window and looked outside.

“We will need a ship.”

“I’ll go”, Karim offered. “There are enough Eldorian traders here that I can blend in”

He thought for a moment and then turned to me.

“Do you want to come, Rina? You could pass as an Islander if you keep quiet, and it may be good for you to see more of this world.”

I sighed. I didn’t feel like going anywhere, but he had a point, so I nodded. Selene got up and tied a scarf around my head to cover my ears. When she was done, she stepped back and smiled.

“It will do”

Karim gestured for me, and we headed out. The city was bursting with life, and it almost felt festive as we walked through the busy streets and I watched the tall, narrow stone houses decorated with flags with curiosity.

“The news about Nashka’s coronation must have reached them already”, Karim commented as he led us towards the harbour.

I nodded, relaxing as we walked. No one seemed to pay attention to us as we melted into the crowd. It was a relief that, for the first time, I didn't need to pretend to be someone I was not and watch every word I said. Maybe when this was over, I could find some quiet place and go on with my life without those constant stares that had accompanied me ever since I came here.

We entered the harbour and I looked around at the many ships docked on wooden platforms. Cargo was being moved back and forth from the shore to the boats, and soldiers patrolled the harbour and the two stone towers that loomed above it. Here, despite the festive atmosphere, war was in the air.

Karim smiled and pointed towards a ship docked by the river.

“It’s a Lumerian ship. They must be going to Zarion”

I followed him as he headed towards it, trying to avoid the busy porters, but we were definitely in their way and got enough mean looks to be sure about it. Karim halted in front of the older man who commanded the porters and bowed.

“Captain, we seek passage to Zarion. Your ship is sailing in that direction, we can pay.”

The man waved us away without even giving us a look.

“No”

“Captain, we will pay well for your time”

The man frowned and peered at him.

“We carry supplies to Zarion so you in the South can sleep well at night. I don’t take passengers. Try another ship.”

Karim sighed, and I was ready to leave when he reached under his tunic and pulled out a heavy, golden medallion hanging on a chain. The captain’s eyes went wide.

“Bashar...”

He tried to bow, but Karim stopped him.

“We need to leave in secret”, he said quietly.

The man nodded, glancing at me curiously before turning to Karim.

“My ship is on your command, my lord”.

He turned and shouted a few orders to his crew before concluding,

“We will be ready to sail at dawn”

He fell silent, glancing upriver with a sadness in his eyes.

“My son fought at Tarnis…”

Karim put his hand on the old man's shoulder.

“Lumerians kept their oath and held the Northern Gate to the end…”

Silence filled the air as they gazed towards the fortress that lied far beyond the horizon and had claimed so many lives. Karim whispered,

When the shadow covers the word

and stars fade from the night sky..

The old man's eyes filled with tears as he finished,

I will stand fast against the tide

With sword in my hand

fearing no darkness