Hope Sundered

Captain Endari sat in awkward silence throughout his entire meal. He was eager to comfort his tormented guest but had nothing to offer. What does one say to a man who’s lost everything? He watched as Losigalender picked at his food, fighting hard to find a reason to eat, let alone continue living.

The Chastin survivors, including Lark Prentice, were huddled around several small fires, silent and not eating. The Wyndham cavaliers ate together in their own circles, also quiet as they reflected on what they’d witnessed and the colleagues they’d lost.

“Rest assured, Governor: Chastin will be avenged,” Endari blurted, his honor demanding he utter something positive, though he wasn’t even sure he believed it.

Losigalender looked up from his food to fix the captain with a vacant stare from across the flames. He forced a weak smile. “Losi is fine. And thank you. For saving us. I’m grateful the patriarch heeded my warning.”

“He did indeed,” Endari replied with a smile. “And your messengers are safe. They’re guests of Lord Bel’ami. Brothers, I presume?”

Losigalender nodded. “Fraternal twins. Their father was my closest friend. He died when they were still boys. I’ve looked after them since. I’m relieved they didn’t return with you.”

“Lord Bel’ami wouldn’t allow it, just in case. My men and I were sent to investigate and report but if I’m being honest, I didn’t expect to find, well…”

“A slaughter?”

Endari cleared his throat. “From what I could tell, you all fought admirably, given what you were up against.”

“It wasn’t enough.”

Endari cast his gaze to the heavens and sighed. You fool! Did you really think mere words would bolster the man?

Both sat in pensive silence until a rider cantered into camp. He dismounted and came to stand at attention before his captain.

“What’s the news, Rohdetter?” Endari asked, dismissing the formality with his tone.

“The Azrahterans are not pursuing us, Captain.”

Endari stroked his chin. “That’s surprising. Fortunate, but I expected at least some of them to give chase. Continue your patrol. Report back every night.”

“Yes, Captain.” Rohdetter replied with a crisp salute before jumping back in his saddle and disappearing into the darkness.

Another stretch of unbearable silence threatened to take the camp hostage. “I understand you crossed blades with their leader,” Endari said. “That was very brave of you. He looked to be quite the specimen. What can you tell me about him?”

“Bravery had nothing to do with it. He and his men killed my daughter.” Venom dripped from every word.

“I heard she led an escape on the lake for the women and children.”

Losigalender nodded. His blue eyes glassed over once again.

“Then you don’t know for certain she’s dead,” Endari offered.

“I’d prefer to think she is.”

Endari looked as if he’d been slapped. “Why in the maker’s name would you say that?”

Losigalender’s voice cracked as he spoke. “She was very beautiful. Her capture would’ve been far worse.”

Endari sighed. “I think if she’s half as brave and resourceful as you, there’s a good chance she survived. I understand a river runs south from the lake. Perhaps she managed to reach it. Either way, you must maintain hope she escaped.”

The governor of what used to be Chastin smiled, thanked his host for the meal, and retired to his private tent, where he wept quietly into the late hours of the night.

Hope was too tall a peak to climb, for the long steep fall of disappointment was surely fatal.