The Dreamer's Fall

Chapter 55 - Harran

Arthur placed his quill down and looked over the Aetherin-filled page before him. It would be the first of many within the new research journal dedicated to the spells created by house Bennet. And he hoped that in time, its completion would pry open the doors to his understanding of the language.

"What are you doing? We've barely even started!" Rennar shouted from behind Arthur's shoulder.

"I told you it'd be slow. Besides, the trebuchets should be built by now, and I'd like to witness the opening volley." Arthur replied honestly.

Rennar's eyes widened. "It's been nearly two weeks since we started, and you've barely filled in a page! Nevermind years, at this rate, it'll take decades to finish!"

"Take it easy." Arthur blew on the page, ensuring the ink was dry before closing the new journal and stowing it in his locked desk drawer. "I've always wanted to see real trebuchets in action. Unfortunately, the people in my original world stopped using them hundreds of years before I was born, so I've never had the pleasure."

"It's a long stick that throws rocks. What's so fascinating about it?" Rennar mocked.

Kyren floated over to Arthur's side. "I'm with the old man, kid. Sieges are boring, especially when you're on defensive duties protecting the damn things. Might as well watch paint dry."

"What may seem boring to you is exciting for me. I won't stay long either way." Arthur rose to his feet and stretched before glancing at Kyren. "Have you finished searching Harran yet?"

"I've checked every Bernish soldier that looked to be in charge. Ain't one of 'em above third circle. The streets are deserted too, even though we passed by all them empty villages along the way." Kyren replied.

"I guess Arianna was telling the truth after all. They really did evacuate part of their population to Agelia. Hmm... Still, leaving so few mages behind to defend their cities seems foolish."

Kyren shrugged. "Ya don't need mages to defend a walled city."

"No, but they certainly help." Arthur said, throwing on his drake-leather coat. "At this rate, the war will be over within half a year. So what's the point of it all?"

"Good! Once the war's over, you can focus on writing down my spells and granting us new bodies." Rennar announced, looking pleased with himself.

"I'm not complaining. I just don't understand Bern's strategy in all this."

"You need not concern yourself with it." Rennar scoffed. "Ollerin's nobles were only levied to deal with Bern. Whatever they're planning in Agelia is the emperor's problem."

"I imagine if the imperial army is destroyed, it'll quickly become my problem." Arthur shot back.

Rennar laughed. "You think too little of the imperial army. What was lost in Bern was nothing but new recruits. The emperor was wary of Sparnia's intervention, so he drafted a fresh invasion force for Bern while holding the true might of the imperial army in reserve."

Arthur didn't deny it, but that didn't mean he was as confident as Rennar. Bern and Agelia were moving to Minaan's tune. No matter how he looked at it, an enemy aided by a god wasn't something to be taken lightly.

However, Rennar was correct. It wasn't his problem since there was little he could do, even if he knew Minaan's plan. With that in mind, Arthur walked outside to find Saria waiting by the entranceway, holding a stack of parchment. "Excuse me, lord. I was just on my way to see you."

"Is that the inventory report from the Bernish camp?" Arthur asked, pointing to what she held in her hands.

"Yes, I took extra time to make sure nothing was missed. Forgive me," Saria replied, handing him the stack.