Belford's Heart

Chapter 26: Third Light

The clearing of the junction was held behind another barrier. It was a dome somehow formed and leading to the branching paths. The true light beaming through the cloud was present again. It was dark underneath the black clouds, and before the workers lit the large fire at the center it was difficult to see any part of the ground. Through the barrier, the current state of the light within the gates could be seen. It was red as they entered, and Belford knew that in just three cycles he would need to begin down the path to Vathas' resting. Philip had spoken of faith guiding them forward, and while it was not the choice he would like to make he was not giving his full faith in Vathan's marking.

The duke, for the first time since departing from Ghaulton, joined the people around the large fire. Belford helped raise the tents once again. The clearing of the junction was the largest of the camps by far. Grimbo and Thunderfoot even had their own personal area as they were fed and watered. Belford had guilt building within him each day as he made them wander further into Thelos. They were too good to be lost to that place. It would be another ask of Grant to be sure that if all else fails, his griffon and his horses needed to return to Avalonia alive.

As they gathered around the fire with the duke, the color shifted to blue outside the barrier. Everyone had eaten the rations given to them, and Belford tolerated another portion of tack and dried meat along with Philip and Evelyn. Duke Haradin looked far out of place as he stood before the camp to speak. His clothing was perfectly clean, including his person. The cart he had closed himself into until then held him apart from the world he had the rest of the caravan carry him through. Evelyn watched him with resentment as he cleared his throat to speak. His second chin bounced as he did so.

"Once again, my dear friends, we stand at the precipice of the everlasting flame!" His voice was louder than they expected, echoing within the barrier as if it were the high ceilings of his main hall. "And yet another journey without the grace of my beautiful duchess. May her spirit guide us as it always did." The camp cheered in unison, raising empty hands and those holding the remaining rations they were eating. "And now, as you all may have encountered already, this year's bride to be!" He waved toward Evelyn, repeating the gesture to urge her to join him. "Come to me!"

Evelyn remained in place, turning to face Belford whose look of worry did not help calm her in that moment. Colonel Grant stepped forward, urging her to obey as his eyes fell. "Come, Evelyn. He must present you now."

Evelyn stepped forward, slowly approaching Duke Haradin and doing all she could to avoid his gaze. The way he looked upon her made her wish she could fall through the barrier and fed herself to the Westworm. He took hold of her arm as she took her place beside him, raising it high above them. "And what a beautiful bride to join us!" The camp cheered again, all but Colonel Grant and her companions, as the duke was displaying her as an object of which he was gifting to the everlasting flame. "Just one further week of expedition shall carry us before the Eternal Peak! The great lady Kressida will see this year's offering as the greatest since the final one of my wonderful duchess." Evelyn held her tongue, simply smiling and nodding toward the thankful faces staring back at her. "May she receive the rest she deserves for the gift she is giving us. I bid all a good night as we await the final path."

Evelyn nodded along with the others, turning to return to Belford's side but being held in place by Duke Haradin's grip. "Was there more you needed from me?"

"I only wish to speak to you," Haradin said. "Seeing as you have ignored me for the entire expedition, I would say I am owed a few words with you."

Evelyn sighed. "Am I not giving enough with my life?"

"Well, of course you are," Haradin said. "I understand we have not had much time to speak, but your willingness for this task is something that has brought great comfort to my heart."