The Blades

Chapter Twenty-Three

January 20th

It took four months to rally for that final attack, during which Kodi and Thälor had become close friends or maybe even more but they kept it a secret if they were. I was just glad that he was happier than he had been in a long time. After the one-year mark since the attack, his mood had changed and he became the bright and cheerful Kodi he had been before.

Flax, however, was not doing so well. He had taken up drinking. More drinking, than normal for him. His troops had begun to worry and they brought their concern to Airys, who had decided that enough was enough.

Together, we approached him one evening in the tavern in Imyan. His head was resting on his arm at the bar with his free hand firmly grasping a mug of ale.

"Hey, Flax," Airys said cautiously as he approached. I hung back to let Airys work his magic. He was better at convincing people.

Flax looked up and his face broke into a grin, "Heyyyyyyy, it's ma buddyyy," he said drunkenly.

"You okay?" Airys asked, sitting beside him at the bar.

Flax sniffed and looked at the half-drunk mug in his hand, "No," he spoke through his nose, "She died, Airys. She died and I couldn't save her." he sniffed loudly.

"I know buddy. None of us could have done anything. We all lost Bayah. We were all betrayed, but there's a better way to grieve than with a mug of ale. There's a better time to grieve. After we kill Alekai and make him pay for all we lost. Okay? Can you sober up for me until then?" he asked.

Flax thought about it and then nodded. I stepped forward and together, Airys and I, hoisted him up off the stool, prying the mug from his hand as we did so. We walked him back to the large house near the Palace we were staying in for the time being. With a little difficulty, we set him down in his bed with a glass of water on the bedside table. I tucked him in under his sheets and blew out the oil lamp, throwing the room into complete darkness.

I closed his door quietly and turned, giving Airys a smile before turning to go to my room down the hall. Airys caught my arm before I got too far, "Thank you," he said.

I nodded and smiled slightly, feeling no need to speak.

There was a slight pause, his hand still gently grasping my arm. He seemed to be struggling with what he wanted to say, "Atla, with the battle tomorrow, I just wanted to ask you. Since Gossamer died, I technically am the next Master of the Blades. I would like it if you came back. As my Apprentice." He was nervous as he spoke.

I smiled, "I would love to."

He smiled back. It was an awkward moment, just standing there on the quiet, darkened landing, him staring at me while I stared back.

Then, his smile fell and he was gone, leaving me alone except for the voice of Bayah, echoing rule number one in my head.

January 22nd

It was just before dawn in Imyan, a small town near Dolonde. Beside it was a large, open field with a single path that cut through the mountains. Thousands of tents now stood row upon row in that field. The Dragons guarded the entrance of the mountain path and stood stationed around the camp, waiting for any sign of trouble. The commanders and generals of the army were holed up in Imyan's Inn, going over the plan for the thousandth time.

"So, the dwarves, led by Prince Brasan," Airys looked at the young dwarf prince across the table, "will attack Dolonde's harbor, destroying their armada. Your troops will then take over the Slums of the city. According to Thälor, the Nyx will likely cease fighting when Alekai is dead. When that happens, Thälor and Kodi will report to the Nyx High Commander and tell him that Alekai is dead and he will withdraw forces. Cease attack immediately but deal with any insurgents. I'd prefer if we didn't wipe out the Nyx population." Airys gave a small, forced laugh. Tensions were too high to do anything but.