The Reformation Wars: The Trump of Ibis

Chapter 5

With Serena at his side, Dustin proceeded to round up the members of his trusted inner circle. He fetched Jude from a visit at his mother's house on the south side of the capital, and then they headed back to the palace where they readily found Kyle at one of his favorite spots just outside the city.

On a simple but sturdy bridge spanning over a lapping stream, Kyle and Cassie sat with their legs dangling over the water before displaying matching looks of mild irritation at being interrupted. Nonetheless, Dustin filled them in on the happenings out west and what he intended to do about it.

"I won't compel either of you to accompany me." Dustin said to Jude and Kyle, rounding off his little speech, "You deserve to rest for as long as you need, after all. But neither will I refuse your companionship if you wish to offer it. The choice is yours."

Barely a second of silence prevailed before Jude stepped forward to firmly grasp Dustin's shoulder. "I've spent too many years at your side to leave you now. Count me in."

Dustin grinned. "The steadfastness of a Holt will never fail. I appreciate your faithfulness."

Kyle pushed himself to his feet with a grunt. "I won't let you down either. Us Korynns aren't so fickle ourselves."

"Not in the slightest. Thank you for sticking by my side."

"If he's going," Cassie spoke up, "then so am I. You would be foolhardy to set out without healers, after all."

Dustin crossed his arms. "You know I can't allow that. Father said—"

"Don't even pretend you hold Father's word in such high regard. You yourself had such a mighty struggle to make him see you as the man you wanted to be. I'm in the same place now."

"His wrath would be great if he found out I allowed your disobedience. Besides, if any harm befell you out there...I would never forgive myself."

Kyle spoke next before Cassie could formulate a reply. "Do you trust me, Dustin?"

"With my life. Why?"

"Then trust me with hers. I'll make sure nothing happens to Cassie. Just let her come with us."

Dustin's eyes darted momentarily to Serena and Jude, who appeared skeptical but remained silent. "I have my reservations," he said, "but I'll allow it. We must win though."

"Of course. But why do you say that?"

"If we come back with news of victory, my father will have more celebration in his heart than reprimand."

Kyle chuckled at his comment, as did the others. For a little while, the five simply stood and enjoyed the fresh air without words, but then Dustin remembered the matter of Lord Tanuk and the artifact he'd taken. Surely the others deserved to know.

"I must also inform you all of the doings of the sorcerer Tanuk as of late." he said, "By all appearances, he has only gone from strength to strength."

"What has he done?" Serena asked.

"Well, Bella Holt was recently engaged in battle against him, and he prevailed. From her, he stole one of the relics of the old Alcontean gods—the Trump of Ibis."

Jude had been smoothing out his beard as he listened, but his motion accelerated upon hearing that news. "We should find that incredibly concerning."

"Why is that?"

"You know how we've been noticing the morale dropping dangerously low among the Innutukian troops over the last few months? A lot more retreats than ever, even some surrenders here and there. Innutuk used to be a lot more prideful."