The Wolf, the Butterfly, and the Kraken

Chapter 61

Joann

I cried for a few minutes as Centris disappeared into the distance. We were headed East. No roads or rivers were being followed. We were taking the fastest, most direct route to Sommers Bay. I had heard tidbits about both Sommers Bay, and Red Stone. The fighting there was fierce, and some families that lived in Centris were expecting family from those towns to come stay with them, where it was safer. Red Stone was along the coast of Greensward somewhere. Vam would be going there now.

Sommers Bay was along the coast of Rushland, surrounded by mountains. Once I calmed down a bit I opened the satchel. It held two letters. One was written in Veneran, and the other was sealed with a Lycant crest. I opened the one in Veneran.

Dear Joann,

I am quite aware of how trying this past winter has been for you, and your family. Know that I would not summon you for less than an absolute need. I need a translator. Battlemaster Rajit called a halt to his troops. They do not attack, but they do not retreat either. He, himself, stood at the front line with two scrolls. No one could understand anything he said, except 'Joann' and 'Vam'. Eventually we worked out that he wants you to return here, and Vam to go to Red Stone with the other. With his troops not moving we think Vam will be taking a message to end hostilities, at least for now. Please translate the document, and hurry here."

Lord Eureces

I read it 3 times. A ceasefire was very exciting. Could the war be almost over? I opened the letter that needed to be transcribed.

Dear Joann,

I have not seen you since we left the Southern shores of Venera for more Northern reaches. The fighting has been most fierce. Venerans never cease to amaze me with their bravery and resourcefulness. Occasionally I have wondered how those who went to Finton have fared. I wondered how they were going to get home when our battlepack was no longer in the area.

Then the krakens left the seas between Venera and Lyngara alone. We got two loads of fresh troops. I was expecting a third, but the boat only brought tidings from the High Council and Ambassador Dura. Some of the things from Ambassador Dura are written in Veneran.

There are rumors that Veneran warriors battled alongside Lycant warriors at Finton. I am most anxious to speak to you. I have been ordered to cease battle for discussions, perhaps negotiations. Your mate is to take the same orders to our warriors on the other side of Venera. Waiting anxiously for your arrival,

Battlemaster Rajit

No wonder there was such a hurry. I couldn't wait to see Battlemaster Rajit either.

I was desperately regretting having two cups of tea and fresh fruit as the sun got lower in the summer sky. I had not gotten to pee when I left. The carriage started to lower by degrees. I saw a herd of horses. This was rare for me. I had never seen more than 10 horses in one place. But here there were easily 50, probably more. This was a horse ranch. Amazing.

We landed at a large plantation. There were fresh knights aeris waiting to strap onto the lifter. I raced to a privy, and back again. The lifter raced through the night. I fell asleep not sure how much rest I would get once I arrived in Sommers Bay. The flight lasted 3 days. Every 12 hours we would stop somewhere, I would get a pee break, small sip of water, and a bit to eat, and fresh knights aeris would attach to the lifter.

The morning sun was rising when we came upon Sommers Bay. Even in the dark there would have been no mistaking it. Cook fires were burning in both camps. Candles were lit here and there for thousands of Venerans and Lyngarans in tents. The town was large. I hoped the civilians were alright. Sommers Bay looked damaged, scarred from the battles fought here.