Black Steel: A Tale of Fire and Mind

The people of Embersummit gathered at the entrance to their home. Their curiosity over the strangers who came to their doorstep grew every minute the watchmen didn’t allow them a peak. But the guards waited. Only an elder’s word would make them open their doors, something that would happen soon as Vivienne could see, for Maxwell’s display had given the council a reason to meet with the adventurers. They always gave an Elemental shelter.

"Nothing’s happening, Viv." Seraphina said sighing as the fire dancing around her fingers fought desperately against the downpour. "Maybe they need another push."

"Shh! Listen." Reggie interrupted her before Vivienne could tell them of what she’d read.

The sound of boulders rolling on rock overpowered the rainfall. But it wasn’t a case of Elemental influence. Mechanisms were cringing under the weight they had to move. Vivienne couldn’t focus on many minds at once but in her selected scan for the crowd’s reaction, she saw men struggling to turn two wheels connected to the stone doors.

Vivienne returned to herself, stopping the read, and could then stare at the opening in the base of mountain, no need to climb after all. They’d expertly covered the entrance on the outside. She tried to find cracks, suggesting the truth behind the doors, but she couldn’t find any. Until the doors opened, the stones just seemed a natural part of the mountain. They could’ve spent years looking for the entrance, but even though it was right before their eyes, they’d never have found it.

"Easy to convince, huh?" Maxwell said reigning his horse in next to Vivienne’s.

"Hardly. They have archers aiming at us.” She answered. “Your element intrigued them enough to allow us audience."

All four moved forward, with Raine ahead of them, teeth bared. As they got close, they could see the archers Vivienne had read. One word from the Elders and they’d each have a dozen punctures, so they were extra careful to appear non-threatening.

They must’ve done an adequate job, because the order didn’t come. Instead, a man stepped forward. The wrinkles on his face and the black spots on his arms suggested he was older than Vivienne would’ve thought seeing his full hair of black hair. He carried himself well, stern and the people behind him seemed to trust him. "You have one chance to tell me who sent you."

"Thane Elliot of Embersummit." Maxwell replied confidently, his deep voice echoing throughout the crowd.

Maxwell had found in Elliot’s journals that the council of the earth city had awarded him the title of Thane, an honour given to roamers after twenty years of service, when they’d usually retire. It was something that didn’t happen in Bandville, or if it did, the twins had no knowledge of it.

The man didn’t recognise the name right away. He needed to consult others around him, probably book keepers who kept track of such things. When he got confirmation, he turned back to the riders. "Why would master Elliot send you here?"

"We can answer the council’s every question, but not with everyone listening." Seraphina announced calling on the fire from their torches to her. "You can take all our weapons and hold knives to our throats while we meet with you behind closed doors, if you like, but we’re not here to cause trouble."

"Your displays prove otherwise." The man said glancing at the growling wolf and the fire obeying Seraphina’s command. He was sceptical, but an old woman pushed him aside with a cane.

She was a shell of a human, barely able to take a step and had two people creeping up behind her in case she fell. "Enough, Hines." She pointed to some archers. "Escort them to our house. And don’t take their possessions."

Having said all she needed to, she turned and trudged inside, the crowd stepping aside for her to pass through. Maxwell shrugged at the rest of them and dismounted holding his reigns in hand. He led his horse after their appointed guides, with Reggie and Vivienne soon following his example. Only Seraphina stayed on her saddle, Raine by her side.

They all walked slowly, behind the leading authority of the old woman, keeping her pace. They moved through swerving tunnels while Vivienne tried to memorise the way out. But it was a true maze, she couldn’t possibly remember the turns after a while, so she gave up. The old woman seemed to navigate the labyrinth with ease, a result of years living in those halls.

After a long walk, the tight tunnels were finally coming to an end. The claustrophobic crevices gave way to a large dome and in it there was a city, perfectly laid out. There were buildings upon buildings, pavilions, a steady stream in which many children played without a care in the world. Though she couldn’t see it, Maxwell told her there was even a lake ahead of them. He could feel it.

In the centre of the cavern a tower stood proudly, nearly reaching the ceiling. There was a large basin atop it and bridges started out of it leading to other tunnels in higher levels, which created an entirely different network.

At the top of the dome there was a large hole for air supply and so that fumes from the kitchens could flow out through. Vivienne noticed it wasn’t a natural trait of the mountain, but the people had carved into the stone to make it. It was slightly smaller than the tower’s basin so that whenever it rained all the water could concentrate there and then it was distributed to the rest of the encampment through pipelines.

It was nothing like what Vivienne envisioned when Elliot spoke of his home. Where she expected a dirty hole in the ground, she found a fully functional city. Maybe she should’ve expected that a lot could change in the long time Elliot had been away. But still, the dramatic difference was impressive.

The foursome stared in amazement at the city, as the old woman kept leading them through it. Many curious faces appeared in the windows to see the newcomers, shy children hid behind their mothers’ skirts when Raine glanced at them. Men scowled upon seeing the armed backs of Maxwell and Reggie, whereas young women swooned.

The elder finally approached one of the bigger houses they’d come upon, located left of the tunnel they’d emerged from, though Vivienne doubted she could find her way back. While at first she thought it a house, similar to others around it, on a closer inspection she realized it was more than that. There were torches on each side of the entrance and guards under them. The door was larger, double, and engraved though she couldn’t see the markings from the distance. No light came through the windows from inside, yet as they were approaching, the guards opened the double door for younglings with lanterns in hand. Before they reached the steps, light shone bright from within and the younglings came back out to stand next to the guards.

The woman turned at the top of the steps and spoke again. "While we discuss, take care of their horses and dog."

"The wolf goes where she wants to." Seraphina was quick to clarify. Reggie handed his reigns to someone before helping her down. Vivienne held up her crutch for her.

The elder didn’t falter. "As you wish."

With that, she and several others, the man who’d first spoken to them, Hines, included, went inside. Maxwell turned to his companions. "Come on, don’t want to keep them waiting." They followed the others.

There, Vivienne counted twenty-one people taking seats in the semi-circular amphitheatre. It was big enough to host at least one hundred people. The twins’ minds told her it was another difference between the two bases. In Bandville, the conference room had as many chairs as were the council members and no one was allowed in unless on official business.

"Seal them. We’ll come out when we’re done here." An elder commanded the two guards by the doors. The foursome and wolf moved to stand in the middle of the room.

Only when the doors were shut, did the old woman speak again. "I assume you come from Bandville?"

"Yes, ma’am. My name’s Maxwell and these are Vivienne, Reggie and my sister, Seraphina." Maxwell made the introductions.

"You may be of Bandville, but he’s not one of us. He’s an imperial. Worse even, a soldier." The man sitting on the further left remarked. "I personally informed him of the true reason behind the deaths of his brother’s family. He nearly killed me."

Reggie took a deep breath to respond, but Seraphina interjected. "Is it the first time you hear of someone switching sides? You just told us you know what he lost to the empire. I can see there are differences between the way we operate, but in Bandville most, if not all, of the families joined the League under similar situations." There was tension when she finished speaking.

The old woman tapped her cane till everyone focused their attention on her. "The girl is right, Bryce. I believe your father embraced our cause under such...duress, did he not?"

There were murmurs around the room. "My father was a farmer, lady Zera. He never served the empire." Bryce replied bitterly.

Zera pointedly ignored him. She waved him off and turned to them. "Can you answer Hines’s question now, young ones? Why has our dear friend Elliot sent you here?"

"Because the Emperor sent his army to destroy Bandville and they did. We are some of the people sent to inform hives and guilds of the dire news." Maxwell replied without hesitation. They’d only requested the privacy because they thought the people of Embersummit were unaware of Bandville, just like they’d been.

His words brought on some commotion in the room, but Vivienne continued. "We crossed paths with master Elliot when we went to inform him and Rockfront of the disaster. He told us it was crucial that we come to you."

Seraphina nodded and took her turn. "He even gave us copies of his journals to find our way. You’re welcome to look at them, if you wish."

“We’ll need to see them, of course.” Zera and several others nodded along. Others sat sceptical. The old woman then looked at Reggie. "What about you? How did you join this faction?"

He didn’t answer right away. His involvement started with Seraphina, so he needed her approval before he said anything. Once she nodded, he looked back to the council. "After my family’s deaths, I quit the army and moved to the cabin my brother had built. I didn’t know how to find you. I figured one of you might know about the cabin and come. I waited there, wishing to pledge myself to your whatever your cause was, as long as it hurt the empire.” He paused and pointed at Seraphina’s crutch. “Until I found Seraphina, who’d just escaped from the army. She was hurt and I wouldn't be a man of honour, if I didn't offer my help. I must admit, another reason came along later while I was throwing search parties off her trail. I overheard them say she was part of the resistance. I saw it as opportunity to join you."

There was a long silence as everyone waited for Zera to talk. It was a peculiar notion since Vivienne had deducted earlier that the old woman was long retired. The council consisted of twenty people and she was out of her place in that moment, but they seemed to hold her wisdom and experience still in high regard.

"You escaped the army with that?" Zera asked Seraphina pointing at her leg.

"I had no other choice." As if sensing Seraphina’s sorrow, despite her defiant tone, Raine nuzzled her free right hand. "It was a matter of survival."

Normally, such a feat should boost Seraphina’s great ego and cocky nature. But the pain, the separation and the worry her mistake had brought exceeded her accomplishment. Its simple reference, not to mention the ever-present anguish, darkened her thoughts and Vivienne was uncomfortable to witness them when she was doing a mass reading.

Zera was very observant and saw through the young Elemental’s mask. She didn’t ask anything further on the matter, but rather changed the subject. "Elliot did well to send you here. This council needed this knowledge." She got up and addressed the seated men and women. "The time has come to unite the north with the south. Send our agents to the south, inform the southerners not all hope is lost. They can find a safe haven in our mountain."

All council members looked around, at each other, no one making any moves to speak up. Zera and the newcomers waited while they considered. It was a tentative atmosphere and even gave Vivienne a headache.

All those thoughts passing through. Maxwell put an arm around her to steady her. "Stop reading them. You’ve gone pale, Viv." Her only response was to nod and cease her action.

In the eerie silence, Raine’s sudden howl startled everyone. Zera laughed loudly. "Even the wolfess is getting tired of your inaction."

A woman spoke up then. "It’s not that easy, lady Zera. The roamers of the south must be all over the land. Tracking them down is impossible."

Zera scoffed. "How many are you willing to lose, whether to death or hiding? Capable individuals, like these, simply because they didn’t know. It’s time. We have kept this secret long enough."

Bryce intervened this time. "How can we house them?"

It was Hines to argue then. "That won’t be a problem. We’re constantly expanding, digging through the mountain. We can find another meadow and create more space. We’re already doing it."

Before a deliberation began, Zera tapped her cane again. "These four and their wolf don’t need to witness your bickering and neither do I. Some of us really need to sit. A hot meal would be nice as well."

Hines, who was the first to pick up on her not so subtle command, got up. "Of course. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like. I do recall some of your feats, Maxwell and Seraphina, we could even use some help, depending on your expertise."

"Thank you for your hospitality." Maxwell said with a short bow.

Seraphina followed her brother’s example, to the best of her ability. "If you want anyone killed, we’re your people."

"Clearly." Bryce uttered.

Raine snapped her head in his direction, growling, ready to pounce. His face went white with fear as she took a step. Neither Reggie nor Seraphina, the only ones whom the wolfess seemed to listen to, tried to stop her. When his lips started trembling, ready to plead for someone to call her off, she straightened up and led the foursome and Zera out.

Stepping out of the conference hall, they found that the assembled crowd was still there, it might have even grown. Raine slowly led the way with Zera and the foursome close behind. Once outside though, the wolfess returned to Seraphina’s side, allowing the old woman to take head.

She addressed the people with ease. "I say that these four people and the esteemed wolfess are welcome here. Is there anyone who objects?" She gave them time to consider and when no one spoke up, she nodded. "Very well. Maxwell, Vivienne, Reggie and Seraphina, you’re officially welcome in Embersummit. Any volunteers to show them to some of our empty quarters?"

Several offered, but Zera chose two in the back, though her reasons were unknown to Seraphina. With a slow pace, due to her, their guides took them into the city. They approached the tower, but instead of going up to another level, the men swerved towards another tunnel. They talked along the way, giving them directions and tips on how to get back to the dome, showing them signs carved on the walls to help with navigation.

During their entire time in the tunnels, as they passed by open doors to the homes of Embersummit’s residents, heads poked out and greeted them, calling them their new neighbours. After a while, the two men stopped before an opening.

"It’s a two-bedroom guest home, so it’s all furnished and you shouldn't need anything else." One of them explained as they walked inside.

The other interrupted him quickly. "If by any chance you want something fixed up though, refer to our blacksmiths and carpenters in the dome. In the meantime, get settled and we’ll bring over your things from your horses."

"We appreciate your help." Vivienne thanked their guides and closed the door behind them when they left.

Raine was already wandering the small apartment, sniffing on everything. Vivienne and Maxwell moved to one couch and Reggie stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, letting Seraphina use the smaller sofa. But she had other ideas.

Seraphina limped her way to him and glared at him. "You tried to kill a Shepherd and you let us bring you in here? What's the matter with you?"

"I only put my sword to his throat when he told me he knew why they were really killed. I asked him why, I admit it might’ve been a little rougher than needed, but I didn’t try to kill him." Reggie tried to explain.

Seraphina caught a glimpse of her brother rolling his eyes and whispering to Vivienne. "He’s probably telling her of how wrong I am to let this fool in our team." She sighed and hit him on the shin with her crutch. "Haven’t I told you enough times already? You don't know how we operate. With imperials, we kill first, ask questions later. That little stunt could’ve cost us!"

"I told you. I didn’t try to kill him." He repeated groaning.

"You should’ve told us." Seraphina stated and pointed at Vivienne and Maxwell. "And if not them, at the very least me. I vouched for you and made them tell you their secrets. You could show some courtesy and inform us of something that could endanger us all."

Maxwell interrupted her then. "Sera… careful with that fire."

She scoffed and glared at Reggie. "I’m in full control of it. No one’s burning up."

"We can see that, but… confined space. You’re draining out our air…" Vivienne added.

The lantern fire returned to its normal size and stopped trying to reach for Seraphina while she breathed deeply, calming herself down. "Is there anything else we should know about?"

His answer came instantly. "I didn’t have any other interaction with the resistance, so no."

His word wasn’t good enough for Seraphina in that moment. "Vivienne?" The youngest in the group nodded. "Fine. Let’s leave it to that." She hopped her way to the second couch and stared at the couple. "We’ve come here. Now what?"

Maxwell shrugged wrapping an arm around Vivienne. "We settle in, you take time to heal, we join them? If that old woman, Zera, gets what she wants, our people will come at some point."

"There’s no if. They're doubtful, but they’ll be trying to figure out a way to bring the two sides together. The few who had objections will be outvoted." Vivienne announced rubbing her temples. "Unless of course something happened after we left the room."

"Right. Anything we need to worry about?" Seraphina questioned.

"Doubtful. They all know of you two, not just Hines. Seen reports of your assignments. None of them were hostile, just wary. I’ll keep looking though." Vivienne replied leaning back against Maxwell.

"Not today. You’ve done too much for us already." Maxwell stated and looked to Seraphina, expecting her to challenge him.

But what he didn’t understand was that her priorities had changed. Her capture served as a wakeup call. She wasn’t invincible. She wasn't faultless. She made mistakes and one of them could’ve killed her and them, if they’d really tried to rescue her.

If Vivienne would've convinced him against it, it’d also mean that the empire had taken everything from Maxwell. Their parents, his sister, a chance at a normal life. Grief and guilt would haunt him for the rest of his days.

It was the first time Seraphina put her brother before her need for revenge. Maybe it was the shattered knee, maybe the captivity, or even the realisation of the impact her possible death would have on him.

Whichever the reason, Seraphina didn’t intend to push either Maxwell or Vivienne. "Max is right. You need to cut that down. We’ve gone a long time without you, Viv, we can figure out whether we’re safe or not without getting you frazzled." The young woman tried to protest, but Maxwell silenced her and smiled at his sister. Just like that, the tension between the two siblings died out. "So, we’re staying. Sleeping arrangements?"

"Vivienne and I take one room, you take the other and dimwit can sleep here." Maxwell said shrugging as Vivienne elbowed him.

Seraphina nodded, pursing her lips. "Agreed?" Reggie raised an eyebrow, but otherwise concurred.

"Perfect." Maxwell said chuckling. Reggie didn’t react to their teasing. He simply sat on the sofa arm and stroked Raine’s fur.

Vivienne slapped her forehead. "You two are impossible. How did I get through the first few days around you?" She asked no one in particular, but still received an answer.

"Well, it helped that you’re mysterious and cute." Maxwell quipped smiling down on her.

Yes, the decision Seraphina had made regarding their future was correct. "Plus, we had to protect you. Shouldn’t mess with the trustee, huh, kid?"

"Nope.” Maxwell agreed. “But the imperial’s fair game." Maxwell added still chuckling.

Seraphina could hear Reggie’s rugged breathing behind her, the only sign of his fury since he kept a straight face. When a knock came on the door, he sprung up to open it.

Three boys, barely older than fifteen, walked in with their possessions asking where to place them. "Just leave everything here." Reggie told them and they did very carefully. "Oh, do you know if there's another room I can stay in?"

The boys looked at one another awkwardly till one stepped forward. "This hall is full of empty rooms. But you should check in with someone first."

Grabbing his backpack and shouldering his bow, Reggie moved to the door. "Thanks. I’ll speak with whoever I need to."

"Wait!" Another boy called up and Reggie stopped. "Soon it’s dinner time. Lady Zera asked us to escort you to our dining area."

"Good, I’m starving!" Maxwell bellowed getting up along with Vivienne. They helped Seraphina stand on her feet as well. "Put your stuff down. You can move after dinner, dimwit."

Where the others overlooked it, Seraphina noticed the imperceptible scrunch on Reggie’s face after another insult, but she did nothing. She ignored it. "Lead on, boys."

◊◊◊

Despite their differences thus far, the dining hall of Embersummit was similar to Bandville’s, had there been a lake at her home. They’d laid out long tables, fifteen, twenty people they could serve, in a seemingly random way, but Seraphina could easily spot the patterns. People with similar characteristics, family, sat together, while groups shooting glares at each other were on opposite sides of the hall. The friendly faces living next to Seraphina’s and the others’ room kept together in a single long table, even inviting them to sit beside them. Neighbours sat together.

But before anyone declined politely, their guides did so, saying Zera wished for them to join her at her table, so the foursome kept following the three boys. Raine, who unsurprisingly had decided to accompany them, rushed forward at some point and Seraphina soon saw why.

Zera was sitting at the head of her table, two seats on either side of her presumably awaiting them, and held a piece of pork thigh out to Raine. "Take a seat, young ones. Are your sleeping arrangements to your liking?"

Maxwell and Vivienne picked the right side, leaving the left to Seraphina and Reggie. He lowered himself on the inner chair, further away from Zera and spoke. "Actually, lady Zera, I would like to request another room, if that’s possible. I’ve intruded enough in their family."

The others didn’t comment and Zera nodded, wiping her hands from the grease. "Of course. Any empty room in that hall is available. I’m afraid these are the only ones furnished though."

"Thank you, ma’am. Any will do." He replied and started on his meal.

"Very well." Zera droned. "And you, dears?"

"It’s more than we had any hope for. Master Elliot painted a very different picture." Maxwell admitted easily.

"Expected. He hasn’t been here in too long and back then… Well, things weren’t as easy." Zera affirmed their thoughts. "But please, follow Reggie’s example and dig in as we discuss. It must be a couple of days since your last proper meal."

"There have been, indeed. Thank you." Maxwell expressed appreciation for all of them and they filled their plates.

"If I may, what’s the reason behind the change?" Vivienne asked curiously. Seraphina paid close attention to her, in order to make sure she wasn’t reading the old woman. Seraphina had fully meant what she’d said about Vivienne being through helping that day.

"A simple thing really. We let the people know about Elementals. We’re deep inside a mountain, many things we could only accomplish with elemental help." Zera announced winking at Vivienne. "The yearly contacts with Bandville used to happen in the summer in my time, but from your question I assume they still keep you a secret?"

Her question was directed at the twins who nodded. "No need to tell the people when our home is a forest, with rich soil and steady flowing rivers." Maxwell muttered.

Zera shook her head and fed Raine some more. "I disagree. It is thanks to your kind that most of us can live safely. They should know of your efforts."

"They would expect too much of us if they knew." Seraphina stated sighing.

"Do you see any conflict or any expectations here?" Zera motioned around with her arms and waited for the foursome to survey the hall. "Everyone is working towards the good of our community. That’s all that matters. Not our gender nor our kind."

"Is this part of your views or a joint decision?" Reggie asked all of a sudden. Seraphina’s eyes went wide as she glanced at him.

Zera chuckled, though it sounded more like a cough. "Please, relax. I don’t bite." She reassured the twins and Vivienne, placing her hands on the women’s and rubbed. "It is true we were forced into the revelation and that I personally agree with it, but it was a unanimous decision and it has worked out, don’t you think, Reggie?"

He gazed at the crowd, lost in his thoughts. At last, he spoke. "For the people here, in the confines of the mountain? Maybe. What about the ones out in the world? The innocents who die fighting the empire?"

"That’s enough, dimwit." Maxwell growled at him, jaw muscles clenched tight. Vivienne’s hand went immediately to his arm, as if she could hold him back. But that was expected. What wasn’t expected was Seraphina’s similar reaction, her hand on Reggie’s arm.

Zera couldn’t seem any more unaffected. "Hmm, I can see why Deina and Frederick didn’t tell you." She stroked her chin thoughtfully. Seraphina both saw and felt Reggie go limp beside her. "It’s not just that you can't keep your mouth shut when met with what you presume wrongdoing, you're hot-headed and don’t think of the consequences."

His flaring anger dissipated. "You knew my brother?" The words barely made it out of his trembling lips.

Zera tilted her head. "Not personally. But I knew Deina, her parents are friends of mine, though I haven’t seen them since they left Embersummit to grieve. They were so heartbroken to hear of her family’s death...” She said before joining thumb and forefinger over her lips and then over her heart. “You must know what she thought of your brother, since she mostly gave up on us to be with him."

"Not true. They kept moving around so she could do your bidding. Which got them killed." Reggie shot back.

Zera smiled. "A few moves over the course of ten winters is nothing to a roamer. I’m sure your companions can attest to that." Both Maxwell and Seraphina nodded along. "As a douser, she knew how important our work was, how many innocents she could save if she was at the right place. So she kept on, with Frederick’s blessing as far as I know."

"He had no love for the empire…" Reggie trailed off and got up. "Excuse me. I need some air."

They watched him go in silence, the grey wolf on his tow. Then Seraphina turned to the old woman. "We brought him here, so we apologise on his behalf."

"No need, Seraphina. I may be a long retired councilwoman, a frail human, but I stand by my beliefs against the empire and I know who shares them. No matter how tragic, deaths of our roamers happen. He’ll need to accept that if he wishes to join you." It was evident in her short speech that it wasn’t the first time she’d given it.

"There’s nothing to join at the moment. My sister needs time to heal before you send us anywhere." Maxwell announced in a serious tone.

"I won’t be sending you anywhere, my dear boy. I’m only making you feel more comfortable on your first day here. What you do from now on depends solely on you." Zera stated with a smile. "And I believe a good idea would be to get that one back to your rooms."

Such was the tension earlier that no one had noticed Vivienne leaning against Maxwell and falling asleep. Maxwell touched his lips lightly on her head. "That’d be wise." He stood and carefully picked her up, while she clanged to him. "Good night, milady. Sera, are you coming?"

"I’ll be right behind you." Seraphina replied and he nodded before leaving. The old woman stared at her and waited for her to organise her thoughts. She tried to put it bluntly. "I understand Deina spoke of Reggie?"

"Yes, she did." Zera answered tersely.

Seraphina took another awkward breath and let everything out. "Because of my leg, I’ve had to depend on him a lot since he found me. Circumstances forced me to... trust him, I guess, but normally I’m not like that. I can’t overlook his mistakes. Am I wrong to put my trust in him? An imperial?"

Zera didn’t answer right away, which made Seraphina nervous while she waited. "Deina had such doubts as well, so she never said anything to him. She once told me that it was a great shame he was in the Emperor’s army. That he was too honourable a man to follow a tyrant, but it was the only way he knew how to protect the people."

With those words, floating around Seraphina’s mind, Zera dismissed her. She walked slowly back to the guest houses, getting lost once and having to ask for directions since her thoughts were elsewhere.

Eventually she found her way and reached the crevice that would be her home for the days to come, but before she walked inside, she noticed paw prints leading deeper into the tunnel, towards the rest of the unoccupied rooms.

"So Reggie followed through…" She thought with a sigh.

It bothered her.

◊◊◊

The days passed with Maxwell, Seraphina and Vivienne receiving a warm welcome from the entire community of Embersummit. The council gathered everyone and revealed the existence of two other Shepherd bases.

They spoke of Bandville and its fate. The people took the news well. In fact, there were a couple of families who, much like Elliot but on the opposite track, relocated from Bandville to the city within the mountain when their service ran its course. Those were the ones to grieve the loss of their first home, old acquaintances, friends, family. Even those northerners who knew nothing about the south and received no more information about it, they sympathised with the innocent lives lost in the massacre.

They spoke of Briohall and how it was no longer one of the Shepherd bases. Hadn’t been in a long while, because the empire had attacked it many cycles prior. The stronghold still held but to reach it, one would have to pass a vast wasteland and so the League abandoned it. There were questions about it, but the attack had happened so long prior that only a handful were alive at the time Briohall had still been a base for the Shepherds. Only two of them had been in the council at the time and they didn’t disclose anything. One of them was Zera, the other a senile man Seraphina had first seen people spoon-feed a couple of days after they arrived in Embersummit.

They soon fell in step with the everyday life in their new home. Seraphina hardly paid any attention to their activities, other than their training which she oversaw, but she knew Maxwell and Vivienne joined the everyday chores of the community. Most of her professional life she'd spent it being the cook’s apprentice in Ashbourne, so she helped in the kitchens, while he provided his assistance both in heavy lifting and aquatic needs of the city. Further details Seraphina didn’t ask about nor did she listen to when they discussed them.

Unlike the Water Elementals, who were many and adequately skilled, scorchers were lacking both numbers and experience, the latter due to their youth. There was no scorcher over the age of fifteen. So when Seraphina wasn’t with the healer, doing specific exercises he provided to restore some functionality, she was teaching the younglings how to control themselves and use their abilities. Raine would sometimes come near whenever Seraphina was with the healers, but never when they were playing fire, opting to watch from afar instead.

Reggie kept his distance from the trio, though Seraphina still learned of him since the doctor always talked about what he’d heard the newcomers do. It was his way of distracting her. He talked about things he thought would interest her, to keep her attention off the pain as he made her take steps without her crutch. Thanks to the healer, she knew Reggie spent his days across the Meadow, which she had yet to see, to another dome where all craftsmen worked.

During dinner, he’d sit away from the trio, with his daytime companions. Smithies and builders. Seraphina often caught him gazing their way when he thought she wasn't looking. But one didn’t become as good, not perfect, a lurking assassin as Seraphina, if they couldn’t detect such things.

The more they stayed at Embersummit, the more comfortable became the people and with that came the questions. There were times people, especially children, huddled together at their table and asked them to tell stories. Of Bandville, the south, their assignments, the fight against the empire, anything really. They even longed to hear about Vivienne’s life in Ashbourne.

That night, while Seraphina was idly seated massaging her knee the way the healer had ordered, Maxwell and Vivienne relished in the attention of the children. The little ones climbed his back when he splashed them with their drinks, painfully reminding Seraphina of the last day the twins had spent with their mother. Between shrieks and laughter, Maxwell scooped up as many as he could carry and ran to the underground lake by the dining hall the people had made with the dousers’ help.

The rest of the children followed him and when they all attacked him, their numbers overwhelming him, Vivienne laughed, but Seraphina couldn’t watch anymore. Flashes of childhood memories she’d long pushed aside swarmed her mind.

"You’re staring…" Vivienne whispered nudging her.

Seraphina’s eyes came to focus and found they were trained on Reggie. "I'm not. I was thinking."

"I know that…” Vivienne said tapping her temples. “…but all everyone else in this hall sees is you staring at him." she pointed out. Seraphina nodded and turned back to her brother again. "Are they really that painful? You seem so happy in them..."

"Viv, don’t go there." Seraphina pleaded sighing. Immediately, she felt her pull back from her mind. She needed a distraction and found it in the same thing that pained her in that moment. "He’s good with kids, huh?"

"You know your brother." Vivienne replied watching Maxwell goof around in the lake and smiling. Many people had joined the fun.

"Yeah, but it recently occurred to me how great a father he’ll make." Seraphina admitted aloud. "And life here seems to suit you two. We could really settle here. You know, now that you’re here to stay and all."

Vivienne momentarily chocked on her cider. "What did they do to you?” She gawked at the scorcher, mouth agape. “You’re not one to give up on your cause."

"Well, this…" she pointed at her knee, "…doesn’t help. I can’t protect that idiot of yours from rush plans and I can’t really enforce an alternative."

"You trained me. You said I’m doing okay. I can act out your plans." Vivienne pointed out.

Seraphina stared into the young woman’s defying, brown eyes. "What happened to you? Do you want to live the rest of your life constantly on the move?"

"No, but I don’t want to live under the Emperor’s rule either..." Vivienne responded with a sigh.

"Well, unless they’re hiding a master plan from us, that’s not changing anytime soon." Seraphina admitted once again.

Every time Vivienne had asked about the cause of the resistance, the twins always made it clear that after some failed attempts early on in his reign, the people stopped trying. All they did nowadays was survive, resist.

For just a single moment, there was a mischievous glint in Vivienne’s far off gaze. Seraphina barely caught it before the young woman playfully nudged and winked at her. "And, just to be clear, you’re not becoming an aunt anytime soon." She stood then. "Do you mind?"

Seraphina shook her head. "Not at all. Go ahead." She watched as Vivienne ran to the lake splashing around with the rest of them. With no one to keep her there, she decided to call it an early night. Getting up, she waved good night to the people she associated with, most notably Zera and the healer, before she made her way towards the tunnels under the light of the lanterns around the dining hall.

Even though she wanted to use the crutch, the healer insisted she needed to reawaken her muscles. For all the exercises she underwent in his care and the massages he gave her, she also had to walk. It wasn’t the same as before, but it was getting slightly easier. So, with the crutch in hand in case she couldn’t take it, she limped along the hall.

Just as she was about to make the turn to her room, she heard a familiar whistle before Raine and Reggie came up to her. "Shouldn’t you be using your crutch?"

"The healer says I need to toughen up and walk." She was unusually irritated and kept on walking.

"Seraphina, wait." Reggie said grabbing at her hand. Before she could pivot, he went to stand in front of her. Eyeing their intertwined hands with a raised brow, she waited for him to continue. "I need to apologise."

Seraphina’s instantaneous flames made him pull back his fingers. "Here’s something we agree on. Now, if you’ll excuse me." But the wolf wouldn’t let her move. Raine growled when she tried to take a step. "Whose side are you on?” She grumbled to the wolf. She tried rubbing her head, but Raine stepped back and howled. Seraphina turn Reggie. “You were saying?"

He nodded. “I’m sorry. I was a fool.” He said and looked down.

“Agreed. Can I go now?” She asked and looked back at Raine. She didn’t growl, so Seraphina tried to walk back to her room.

Reggie grabbed her hand. “Maxwell’s got an issue with me.” She looked at their hands again, but didn’t burn him. She waited. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

She laughed. “Trouble? If you really believe you caused me trouble with Max, you underestimate my relationship with my brother.”

He stepped back and scratch the back of his neck. “You’ve been fighting him over my stay since you reunited.”

She scoffed. “If it wasn’t you, it’d be something else. We either fight or ride in silence.”

“Perhaps, but I did cause you trouble.” He said and traced circles on the ground with his foot. “On our way here, with Bryce. Maxwell keeps pointing out how useless I’ve been. Dangerous even.”

"In here or the Narrows you are." She confirmed. "But where the empire’s concerned, you’re ahead of us. We need to think, we’re trained to follow the ways of the empire, but for you it comes naturally. If you want to be a Shepherd, you’ll need to learn our ways.”

"You have an answer to everything, don’t you?" He uttered and scratched the back of his head again. Only, then he looked at her.

"For anything practical, probably. For anything academic, you have the wrong twin. He’s the sponge." She answered shrugging. Glancing at Raine she asked again. "Can I move now?"

The wolfess looked between the two of them and lowering her ears, licked on Seraphina’s palm. She took it as a sign of acceptance and stepped around Reggie, but he stopped her once more. "Can I show you something? A… peace offering, if you will."

There was a certain eagerness to his voice. It made her curious. "If it can’t wait…I guess."

"Come on. My room’s just a little further." He whistled and Raine walked on ahead, while he kept up to step with Seraphina. Raine stopped in front of a closed door, at the end of the hall her own room was, and put her paw on it. Reggie pushed it open and stepped aside for Seraphina and Raine to walk in.

The place was smaller than hers and had no additional bedrooms, only a single bed, a small wardrobe, a table with chairs and a wooden bench. "Cute." Seraphina commented taking a seat by the table. Raine had already sprawled out under the bench.

"It’s not ideal, but I like it." Reggie said while searching the wardrobe. He turned and presented Seraphina with a package, wrapped in white cloth. "It took me a couple of tries, but I’m happy with the result.” He said and took a seat. “Take a look. It’s yours."

"Mine?" She wondered aloud, unwrapping the cloth. Before her lied a bow. Recently crafted. Never used.

"I figured you needed a new one to replace the one you lost when you got caught.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I made it out of oak wood and the string is some good quality bear sinew. I got some advice on the materials from the ‘Summiters." He explained as Seraphina lightly ran her fingers over it.

The woodwork was all black. He’d decorated the limbs with carvings of embers and he’d ornamented the points with short blades. The handle was wrapped in crimson, light leather and held another carving. Not of any kind of fire, but crossed daggers covered its centre.

"It’s beautiful." Seraphina breathed in wonder. Where to impress other women required wealth, jewellery and fancy dresses, with her a well-made weapon worked just fine. A bow custom made, especially for her, was something she greatly appreciated.

"I don’t know what yours looked like, but I figured this suits you. Do you approve?" He asked kneeling in front of her.

Seraphina lifted it up checking its weight. Light, well balanced, its string taut nicely. She aimed and pulled the string as if an arrow was already knocked in place and released. Great conformity. She nodded. " How far does it shoot?"

He chuckled slightly. "You’ll have to see for yourself. Wouldn’t dare try it before you."

She was still mesmerised by the weapon in her hands. With it, she regained some sense of control, normalcy in her life. "Hmm, seems like you're already learning." He’d just returned to her a small piece of herself.

"That’s the plan." Reggie said getting up and offering her his hand. "Let’s go try it."

Seraphina looked up at him unsure, though she really wished to try that bow. "It’s late. The training grounds are closed."

"I’m sure we can find lots of targets in the Meadow." Reggie replied and Raine’s ears perked up. She crawled out from under the bench and stood by him, tongue out and tail waggling. "Raine could use a walk too…"

He kept his hand out for her, waiting. "I guess I could." Seraphina shouldered the bow and accepted his hand. "Arrows?"

"Already taken care of." Reggie pulled up a quiver full of bolts.

With a simultaneous whistle from both of them, Raine took point and led the way out of the room to wherever the Meadow was. Seraphina focused on putting one foot in front of the other, but soon the pain was too much and she started using the crutch.

Raine and Reggie followed her pace, not pushing her. The people they passed by during their walk smiled at them and bid them good night politely. Reggie reciprocated, even calling them by their respective names, while Seraphina nodded along attentively. "I can barely remember the healer’s. When did he learn all these names?"

A while later, much later because of their pace, the fragrant scent of leaves carried through the air, reaching Seraphina’s nostrils. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she took more of it in. Without really meaning to, she picked up the pace, eager to find herself outside. Raine set off running.

In her haste, Seraphina missed a step, falling to her knees. Reggie wasn’t quick enough to catch her. Both held their breaths. His arms went around her waist, but he didn’t move while she trembled. "I’ll lift you up now…"

He did and she let out her breath before she touched her knee. It wasn’t as bad as she feared. "I think I’m okay."

"Are you sure? We can go to Calvin right now." Reggie suggested, worry evident in his voice.

Of course he knew the healer’s name as well. She shook her head. "I’ll go in the morning. I’m visiting him every day anyway.” Carefully, she put some weight on her left foot. It hurt, but not any more than before. “Really, I’m fine. I didn’t get hurt." He didn't seem convinced since his hands, holding her crutch, stayed on her waist. "Let’s go. I want to test your work." She took her much needed crutch from his hands and moved away from him resuming her walk.

Several painful strides later, they reached the end of the tunnel. Seraphina stepped out into the night. She hadn’t realised how much she missed the fresh air until that moment. She’d spent thirty days inside the mountain city, away from the moon and the sun, surrounded by rock and dirt. Too long for a scorcher.

"It doesn’t look like much at night, but in the day this place is incredible. So full of life." Reggie commented interrupting her thoughts.

“Fresh air.” She breathed in. “Nothing compares to that. The safety of night and her shadows only make it better.” She added, still in her reverie.

"Do you honestly find it that enjoyable?" He asked stepping closer.

"A scorcher isn’t built to live in confined spaces. I need open space." She admitted smiling as she felt a soft gust brush her cheeks. "Pick a target."

He did and she made it. Every target he pointed out she made with ease. He picked off some ripe apples from the cultivated fields and threw them in the air. She struck each of them down, pinning them against the trees. Seraphina made use of every arrow Reggie had packed and she never missed. Not once.

"Impressive." Reggie said when they found all bolts and returned them to the quiver. "It’s a shame it took so long to witness your skill."

"It was a safe trip. I don’t mind." She replied. They were leisurely walking back to their rooms. Raine didn’t follow, which happened often according to him. Like her, the wolf needed the fresh air. "I did graze that immature basher’s neck though. In the Narrows."

He stopped walking and turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "You actually meant to do that?”

“Wouldn’t kill a basher.” She said and shrugged. “Besides, they’d kill us if I had, I’m not stupid.”

“Right, of course.” He chuckled. “Phew, and I thought I was good."

"According to Calvin, you’re not half bad yourself." Seraphina quoted the healer. "Then again, he keeps complimenting everyone."

The rest of the way they discussed how they’d spent their days since they’d come to Embersummit. Reggie did most of the talking as he had a lot more to mention. While Seraphina went between the healer, keeping company to Zera and watching Maxwell and Vivienne train, he was lending a hand to the blacksmiths, a trade he’d learnt from his father. When he wasn’t needed, he worked on her bow. He had to make three before he was satisfied with the result. He socialized with the ‘Summiters. He learned about the Shepherds. He gave his insight on the empire.

In his spare time, he assisted in farming in the Meadow. He described it as best as he could for her and offered to escort her in the day. He kept saying she needed some sun.

Their stroll took them first to Seraphina’s room. "Your stop. Better go inside quickly. Before your baby brother comes out to get me."

"You’ll have time to run.” She puffed. “You’ll hear him, he growls or roars when he attacks. He can’t help it when he’s mad."

"That’s…comforting, I guess." He said awkwardly scratching his cheek. "So, I’ll see you tomorrow?"

"Unless you decide to avoid us again." She teased.

"Wouldn’t dream of it.” He said and smiled. “Are you sure they won’t have any issues?" He asked once again.

"Max might, but he’ll have to deal with it. Viv’s fond of you, so you’re okay on that front." Seraphina answered shrugging.

Reggie stared into her eyes. "And you?"

She smirked. "I tolerate you." She stepped closer and the lanterns flickered as she grabbed his chin and pulled his mouth down to hers. "Don’t think this changes anything. I’m still smacking you if you’re being a fool."

"Got it." He said. His arms sneaked around her waist, tentatively, gauging her reaction. She didn’t move away. “I need to get used to smacks.”

Seraphina rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You could try saving me the trouble of finding a way around your mistakes, you know."

He pulled back and looked at her confused. He cocked his head to the side. "How else will I fuel your ego?"

Seraphina looked up at him very seriously. "Your room or mine?"

His answer was instant. "Away from your brother’s axe."

They went to his.

Vivienne woke up and found a frantic Maxwell pacing across the room. Nonstop. He didn’t notice her sit up. There was no sun to gauge the time, but knowing her body she figured it was late morning. Breakfast had probably already been served. Not much would be left. She muffled a groan.

"Good morning." She bid him rubbing the sleep off her eyes, but didn’t hear his grumbled response. "What’s wrong?"

"Sera." He replied and she stared at him, expecting some explanation. "She didn’t come home last night after all."

Vivienne rolled her eyes. "She can take of herself. She can find her way back if she wants to."

"She’s hurt…" Maxwell breathed, worried. He stopped pacing and nodded to himself. "I’ll go look for her."

She jumped straight out of bed, faster than he managed to take a step, and grabbed him by the waist. "Max, don’t. Maybe she needed some fresh air. We expected it would happen."

He turned in her arms. "But all night? Her leg..."

She silenced him with her lips. "It’s time we both accept Sera won’t be the same. Last night she even suggested we stay here."

“You must’ve misheard.” Maxwell shook his head. "She’ll never stop."

Despite his denial, she slowly felt him relax under her touch. "I changed.” She kissed his cheek. “You changed.” Then the other and held on his jaw. “Why can’t she?"

Her words and touches released some of his tension. He wrapped his arms around her and bent down. Enough to lay his head on her shoulder. “It’s Sera. She doesn’t...”

He didn’t finish the sentence. Before he could voice whatever objection, she kissed him before touching her forehead to his. "If we don’t see her at breakfast, I’ll help you look." He nodded reluctantly and they got ready.

Vivienne knew where Seraphina was. She’d been awake when Reggie and Seraphina had been standing outside the trio’s home earlier. The crutch had woken her up and their voices had kept her up until they’d walked to his room. If she told Maxwell, he’d bring his axe to the hall. She didn’t. She couldn’t.

All the way to breakfast, Maxwell pleaded with Vivienne to scan for his sister’s mind. She didn’t want to lie to him, so she started reading. Not all the people. She kept her focus on him and a few others they passed. She began her search when they got out of the tunnels and into the hall. Where her eyes proved lacking, her ability was often much more reliable. Especially when she knew the mind she was looking for.

But her target knew of the hunt as well. "No need to look around, Viv. Our table."

Vivienne pulled him by their entwined fingers towards Seraphina. "Found her. She’s at our usual table."

Maxwell hastened their walk, barely greeting anyone in their wake, and very soon they reached their lonely table and its single occupant. "Well, good morning, lovebirds." She was smiling.

Most of the other tables were empty. The Embersummiters were already working, preparing themselves for the arrival of many newcomers. Once the unification of the north and south was complete, the city within rock and rubble would be the only safe place for the rescued, for the hunted. Preparations of all kinds had already begun.

Since he knew everything about Bandville, Maxwell was providing his assistance in the architectural and engineering designs of the new quarters so that the existing roamers could be as comfortable as they possibly could. Maxwell wagered a familiar environment would help with getting the roamers accustomed to their new reality and base.

The plans to turn the recently excavated caverns into storage rooms were scrapped and exchanged for accommodating purposes. Thankfully, no serious constructions had begun by the time Vivienne and her group had arrived, so Maxwell needed not to make any alterations. He overlooked, but also worked alongside the men, his large frame and well-built physique proving helpful. His knowledge and eagerness to help were essential.

The twins were busy with their constructive or therapeutic purposes, but Vivienne herself spent her days between the kitchens and reading. She’d asked Zera first and Hines afterwards for access to the kept journals of the roamers. Though she didn’t tell them, in the journals, she was looking for anything concerning her gift, as Rollie called it, that would help overthrow the tyrant. Indications he feared of it she’d seen before. She considered as proof the annihilation of both Talonpass and Bandville by the vast army. But she knew not how she could use her reading to stop the empire.

Maxwell didn’t care much for Seraphina’s light tone. "Where were you last night?"

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Here I thought you’d appreciate the moment of privacy." She shook her head.

Vivienne sat down opposite of her, but Maxwell still stood. "You should have come back and rested. You’re still hurt."

"Baby brother, I’m going to be hurt the rest of my life. A little rest won’t change that. Get used to it, even I have." She said with a shrug and then turned serious. "Most importantly, you don’t tell me what to do." She held up a finger, sparks flying at its point.

They stared each other down until Maxwell gave in and grabbed her hand. "I’m just worried."

"I know." Seraphina replied and both squeezed each other’s hands till their knuckles were white. They only lightened up when his stomach growled. "How about you get you and your girl something to eat. I’ve taken care of my needs."

He nodded and glanced at Vivienne. "The usual, Viv?"

"Yap. Thanks, goof." She confirmed and he went off. She immediately turned to Seraphina. "It’s a wonder he didn’t wake up when you came by our door. The crutch made too much noise. Where’s Reggie?"

"Getting us something to eat." Seraphina replied and gazing beyond Vivienne whistled loudly. Raine appeared by their tables within a minute and Seraphina patted her head. "You know, unless you wanna see us in a new light, I'd suggest you stay out of our heads. I can easily see his thoughts dancing before his eyes even without your little gift."

"Will do.” Vivienne said and shivered. “So you and Reggie...?" She trailed off, unsure of what to ask.

Seraphina smirked at her. "What, Viv?" She always took pleasure teasing the innocent side of her. The rosy touch on her cheeks was something the scorcher loved.

"Do I really need to say it?" Vivienne asked, but it proved rhetorical as Seraphina made no move to answer. She was just smiling and waiting. "You’re together now?"

"Hmm, too stuffy way to ask for my taste.” Seraphina scrunched her face momentarily. “I don’t know, we’ll see."

"You went to his room…" Vivienne uttered.

"Yeah. It might shock you, but I also slept with him." Seraphina said with feign outrage, but soon started laughing at Vivienne expression. "Lighten up, Viv. We’re all grown-ups here. You really don’t need to be embarrassed whenever you and Max get naughty. Relish in it."

"Relish in what?" Reggie asked approaching the table and placing two trays in front of Seraphina. "Good morning, Vivienne."

"Some attention. Don’t be fooled by the easy smile, she’s a little too innocent in some ways." Seraphina explained as he sat down next to her, on her right.

"I had a certain something…" Vivienne tapped her temples, "…that kept me from connecting to anyone for years. Cut me some slack."

"Even I know that’s impossible." Reggie remarked.

“True.” Seraphina said and reached across the table to grab Vivienne’s hand. “I’m serious though. Relish in your time together. If you need to send me off sometimes, do it. Don’t hesitate.” She smiled and Vivienne returned it.

“You’re in a good mood.” Vivienne commented. “I’ve missed that.”

Seraphina nodded. “I had a good time last night.” She said and Vivienne noticed Reggie smile. “This one...” Seraphina said pointing at him. “...knows how to make a good bow. Reg, you should make one for Vivienne when you have the time. The one she got in Neverfall has seen better days.”

“Sera... he doesn’t need to do that.”

“Nah, it’s okay, I like making things.” Reggie said and looked around. "Maxwell?"

"You’re not the only one she sends on errands." Vivienne told him seriously.

"Well, I am the leader of this pack, aren’t I?" Seraphina cooed while stroking Raine’s furry body. Even she recognised her authority.

"Yes, Seraphina, of course." Vivienne and Reggie said simultaneously. They all laughed and Raine howled along making many heads turns their way.

Vivienne saw Maxwell return, in much the same manner as Reggie had come earlier, two trays in hand, and place them in front of her. "Dimwit’s back, I see. Decided to crawl out of your hole?"

While Reggie and Seraphina were sitting side by side, they still had some distance between them. There was nothing to suggest their new dynamic and make him stop the name-calling.

"Kid, watch this." With that, she turned to Reggie, grabbed him by the back of his neck and kissed him. Not just a peck. Short with minimal contact. They didn’t pull apart until they had to breathe. When she pulled back, she looked expectantly at Maxwell.

While Vivienne expected an outburst, even an attack, he calmly took his seat by her side and turned to a wary Reggie. "Good morning, Reggie."

Both Vivienne and Reggie sat shocked and confused. She couldn’t help her thoughts. "What just happened?"

Seeing Maxwell start his meal without another word, the rest did so as well, though Vivienne was still stupefied. She glanced at Seraphina, who tapped on her temple the moment their eyes met. Vivienne didn’t waste a moment and read her. "Close your mouth, I’ll explain later. Now really, for your sake, stay out of my head."

Vivienne took a bite, chewing for a long time before she swallowed it all down, and nodded at Seraphina, who started eating and feeding the wolf. Reggie smiled at the sight, but every so often glanced at Maxwell in worry

As time went by and people finished with their breakfasts, some approached. The builders wishing to discuss their schedule with Maxwell, the cooks to ask if Vivienne had any other recipe of the south to teach them, the workers in the second dome to ask if Reggie would join them and the healer to order Seraphina to knead on her knee as he had instructed.

They were hardly left alone or feeling unwelcome, even though they hadn’t been long in Embersummit. To that community, it didn’t matter who one was or where they were from. As long as the empire was against them, anyone was allowed in and got taken care of.

It wasn’t necessarily something Vivienne appreciated. Like Seraphina often pointed out, Vivienne still wasn’t comfortable with a lot of attention and struggled with how perky and excited the cooks were to be around her. It unnerved her and she wasn't that eager to be back in the kitchen. Reading the journals was something she much preferred, but she couldn’t hide in the main hall all the time.

After breakfast, the group moved to the training grounds, with everyone but Seraphina getting into training gear while she sat on a bench with Raine. She pointed at the men. "Let’s see what the empire teaches. Max, careful, nothing too deep."

The men followed her instructions with no back talk. They got onto the sparring grounds, swords in hand and faced each other off. With a signal from her, they began. Maxwell waited Reggie out. He didn’t dash at him, knowing full well his advantage lied in strength and not speed.

Reggie on the other hand wouldn’t stop moving. Vivienne used the same technique when she sparred with Maxwell. Always on the move, tire the man out, never let him come near. But Seraphina wasn’t thrilled with his tactics. "Reggie, what happens if you need to go for the kill? Attack him already!"

Maxwell smiled, still waiting Reggie out. Reggie advanced on Maxwell hesitantly, one slow step at a time, but abruptly changed his pace trying to fool Maxwell, but that wasn't so easy. Vivienne knew that from experience. Maxwell parried his strike and countered with a punch. It got Reggie right in the nose.

Reggie pulled back, wiped at his nostrils coming up with some blood, but rather than get discouraged, he seemed more determined. He lunged at Maxwell and they got into a series of strikes. Vivienne turned to Seraphina. "Care to explain now?"

"Explain what exactly?" Seraphina asked never taking her eyes off the trainees. "Faster, Reggie. Max, you’re being too passive."

"Max. His reaction. What was that about?" Vivienne questioned just as Maxwell went on the offensive. Reggie could hardly defend against the powerful blows, staggering after each hit.

"It’s natural." Seraphina replied and yelled another order at them. "Is there a reason behind it? Yeah, there is. The same reason I accepted you."

"Which is?" Vivienne insisted, still not understanding.

"Simple. You’re not Max’s first. Reggie isn’t mine either.” She winked at Vivienne. “But we have a pact. Since he acted on his feelings about you when I was around, I had to suck it up and move on. Now he has to do the same with Reggie, even though he most likely wants to kill him.”

“I see...”

Seraphina turned to Vivienne. “See why I know you’ve become an important part of my life?”

Vivienne couldn’t help but argue. “Circumstances brought us together though. We were around you, couldn’t hide.”

“If he didn’t see something in you, he wouldn’t let it evolve. Not with me around.” She said shaking her head. “Trust me, I… speak from experience.” She turned back to the training grounds.

Vivienne tried to digest the things Seraphina suggested. Rather than focusing on her own relationship with Maxwell and getting overwhelmed with its future, she diverted her attention to Seraphina and Reggie. "So you see potential in Reggie?"

"Hmm, somewhat. He’s the only one not to question my character or wished me to be different, more feminine." Seraphina replied with a straight face. "He actually made a bow for me. Especially for me. Embers and daggers carved on it. I’m impressed."

Vivienne chuckled. "So the way into your heart is paved with custom-made weapons?"

“Don’t rush.” Seraphina raised a hand to stop her. "The way to my bed, probably. My heart’s tough to win over, my body’s easier."

Vivienne blushed and didn’t ask anything further, worried of what else Seraphina would say on the matter. Seeing she had nothing to add to their discussion, Seraphina went back to directing the sparring.

Maxwell got a superficial cut on his right shoulder, while Reggie kept getting hit and marred. Vivienne noticed the slight wince in Seraphina’s face every time that happened. She was practising on her marksmanship to avoid witnessing such things on Maxwell’s side.

When Seraphina decided they had enough for the day, she called them all to her and Raine and gave them some harsh, yet constructive, criticism. She judged Maxwell’s bad footwork, Reggie’s little confidence and Vivienne’s lack of focus during her training. But before she got into much more detailed a critique, turmoil broke out.

The training grounds and barracks were located close to the well concealed gates and lookouts. When the lookouts blew into the signalling horn, they had to cover their ears. The sound carried throughout the first dome and several people began approaching.

One of the watchers tried to pass by the quartet in a hurry, but Maxwell stopped her by grabbing the top of her shirt. "What’s going on, lass?"

"People, sir…Too many people approach the gates." She uttered and sped off towards the centre of the dome.

"Weird…" Seraphina trailed off, with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Shall we go see ourselves?"

Reggie, who stood next to her, smiled and handed her his sword. "Too bad you didn’t bring your bow."

Seraphina glared at him. "A certain someone didn’t let me." She put her crutch under her armpit and started towards the watchtower with Raine.

"He convinced her not to bear arms? Huh, would you look at that..." Maxwell said to Vivienne surprised. Wrapping his arm around her, he gazed down at her. "Shall we?"

Vivienne nodded and together with Reggie they followed in Seraphina’s footsteps. They caught up with her easily and soon reached their destination. The lookouts’ loopholes were small openings left near the top of the gates on either side so the people had eyes outside the gates without opening them. Only the quartet was curious or brave enough to go up there and see first-hand what was happening outside, instead of waiting for the elders.

Maxwell was the first to lean in and see through the hole. Vivienne’s reading had yet to catch whatever Maxwell was looking at, but in his mind she saw people and recognition. "It cannot be. It’s impossible…"

Seraphina pushed him aside and checked herself. A smile spread on her face. "Told you so." In the twins’ minds a common phrase played over.

"Bandvillers have come!"