Hope Sundered

Losigalender hadn’t seen Wyndham in decades, but the sight of Aveliria’s capital brought comfort to his weary eyes. The city wall, fashioned from blocks of Diorian granite, encircled the city with its protective embrace. The spires of the tallest buildings were visible above its fifty-foot height, straining for the heavens.

Wyndham sat on the expansive eastern shore of the Dragonspine River, currently deeper than its width at this point in its long journey to the Eastern Sea. A stout, stone bridge spanned the watery vein, leading to a pair of massive iron doors behind a portcullis.

Endari led the solemn procession through the city, heading straight to M’klarin Keep where Lord Bel’ami waited on its wide granite steps. The stoic captain and his men were extolled as heroes, and the displaced Chastinites were welcomed as cherished neighbors. Men and women lined the streets as the tragic news spread, weeping and praying for their battered countrymen.

Bittersweet memories of meeting Ginica here when they were young came flooding back to Losigalender. He remembered her exotic beauty, inner strength, infinite compassion, and clever wit. Keila had been the mirror image of her.

He hung his head as his mind shifted to his daughter, torn to pieces by the vicious Azrahterans. “I’m so sorry I failed you, princess,” he whispered between choking sobs. “I thought you’d be safer on the water. I should’ve kept you with me.”

Upon reaching the steps of the patriarch’s palace, Losigalender was introduced to Lord Bel’ami and his wife, Lady Hessa. He didn’t look much older than Lark, with short wavy chestnut hair and hazel eyes. Hessa stood a few inches taller, with long curls of sable hair contrasting her pale blue eyes.

Genuine tears of sorrow streamed down her elegant face. The patriarch said nothing. He simply reached out and hugged the man before him. Surprised at first but overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness, Losigalender returned the embrace and held the young man fast. After a respectful moment, Bel’ami held the shattered governor at arm’s length and looked him square in the eyes.

“You and your people will suffer no expense as honored guests of this city. I’ve arranged for all of you to stay at the Wall’s Shadow for the time being, and I’ll personally cover the cost for anything you feel is necessary to make your people as comfortable as possible.”

“You’re more than generous, Sire. You honor your father’s legacy.”

“I wish I could do more. Now you must please excuse me, I have much to do. Come see me as soon as you’re settled. I’ll need you as one of my advisors since you have first-hand experience with these Azrahterans.”

Losigalender bowed low. “As you wish, Sire.” He left M’klarin Keep to rejoin the other Chastinites as they were being led to their new accommodations, leaving Endari alone with the patriarch and his wife.

⸞ ⸎ ⸟

“What would you like to do, Sire?” the captain asked.

“We ask for help,” Bel’ami answered. “We send couriers to every corner of Aveliria with a call to arms. As they arrive, the various towns and villages can can organize under Dioria’s and Seagate’s banners.”

“Do you really think Malphus will send anyone?”

Bel’ami put his hands on his hips. He looked down and drew in a long, deep breath. “I hope he’s not that petty.”

Endari’s brow furrowed. “He complains about the debt every year, even though you never miss a payment.”

“So did the baron lord before him, and the one before him. It’s their favorite pastime. But this is about stopping an invasion, not paying for our wall. Surely even Malphus can see that!”

Endari shrugged. “Either way, it’ll take some time for those who answer the call to mobilize.”

“I realize this, but late help is better than no help. In the meantime, ride out and gather every outlying farmer and rancher into the city. You have until the Azrahterans crest the horizon. Then we bar the gates.”

“Yes, Sire.” A hard knot of anxiety formed in the captain’s gut. Reading about sieges in history books didn’t compare to experiencing one.

Endari looked up at the wall that ringed his home, unchanged by the passage of time. It had been built over two hundred years ago in response to an unprovoked Nokri attack. While there hadn’t been any conflict with the fierce nomads of the Southern Wilds since, it had been built to last.

It would soon be put to the test.