The Raging Storm

Chapter Twenty-Five: Fort Givo

"Halt," commanded the first Crimson Guard, standing at the bridge entrance to Fort Givo alongside three others. His lips curled into a menacing grin, revealing yellowed teeth at the roots—a clear sign of rosethorn overuse. "State your business, woman."

Savere retrieved the forged warrant from Kazmere's cloak. She handed it over smoothly, keeping the blood daggers out of sight. "I have orders from Councilor Jormac to bring The Orange Blade and his comrades to justice."

At the mention of the moniker, the guards all tensed and fingered their weapons. All four pairs of eyes locked onto Kazmere. He did his best not to smile at their reactions.

"How did you manage to restrain him?" the lead guard whispered to Savere, just loud enough so Kazmere could hear.

Savere ignored his question. "Should I report to Councilor Jormac that we're late because of some curious guards? He's expecting me now."

The guard swallowed while studying her. His eyes moved to the warrant. Kazmere was surprised the man could read. After a short moment, he handed her back the warrant and moved aside so they could pass. He didn't even bother to check Savere for any weapons. Odd.

"Good man," Savere said. She turned back to them and tugged on the chain linked to all their shackles.

With every step closer to Fort Givo, Kazmere's tension grew. There was no room for error. One mistake, and they'd all be prisoners—or worse, sent to the Skyprison. The uncertainty surrounding Jormac's Viberium abilities only deepened his unease. Was he selfish for allowing Sera and Zavan to come? Their presence reassured him, but as they crossed the bridge, he wondered if his decisions were wise. Leadership always felt like that for him—acting confident, pushing forward, and hoping for the best—all while second-guessing every decision.

Kazmere glanced to his right, admiring the vast city of Dawnsguard. This side of the Fifth Division was a stark contrast to the Lord's Highway he had visited days earlier. The city rose in tiers to the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Divisions, connected by switchback roads and massive gates. No matter how often he looked at Dawnsguard, its beauty never ceased to amaze him.

To his left stretched the Forever Ocean and, beyond it, the New Lands. Was Ansel there? Thoughts of Ansel always stirred confusion. Kazmere's gut told him the young man didn't kill the queen. He wanted to believe Ansel's innocence, if only for Sera's sake—she loved Ansel like a brother. For her, Kazmere would uncover the truth.

The front doors of Fort Givo opened as they drew closer.

Two bald men in grey robes with staffs made of twisted metal walked out and stood on each side of the doors. At first, Kazmere assumed they were old men but upon closer inspection, realized they were quite young—around Ansel's age. Their faces showed no emotion. They stared at Kazmere and the others while they walked past, never breaking eye contact.

Kazmere watched the Acolytes as they passed. He'd encountered Acolytes of the Viberium Council before, but never this close. Typically, they remained within the Tower of Dawn, the Viberium Council's fortress in the Seventh Division. It was said they were lethal fighters, trained specifically to kill Viberium users. Ever since the first Harrowing, nearly a millennium ago, the Council had rounded up every suspected Viberium user each year. Those who were deemed useful but lacked the ability to manifest powers were trained to become Acolytes. Kazmere shuddered at the memory of his younger years, gripped by the fear of becoming one of them.

Savere was greeted by an older man with short black hair cut in military fashion. Greyish hair dusted his temples. A golden sun held his cloak to crimson armor. A Captain.

The man turned his attention to Kazmere and gave a knowing smile. "I'm surprised you were so easily captured. Your reputation must be exaggerated."

Kazmere narrowed his eyes. Something felt off about the man's demeanor, as if he were watching events unfold exactly as he'd expected them to.