Shadow Bands

XLI. Equinox

 The heavy, gilded Kogeer diplomatic carriage groaned, its wheels crunching over the uneven road leading north. Inside the plush, velvet-lined cabin, the air was thick with the scent of fine cologne, old leather, and mutual distrust.

Senator Jyudo—a stout man whose expensive robes seemed strained by his posture—ran a manicured hand over the seal of the carriage door.

"Truly, Ms. Algernon, I find this arrangement utterly beneath the dignity of the Senate. We should be dispatching a herald to summon those primitive Elerians to our border, not venturing into their squalid woods. And this whole armistice proposal... a needless delay."

Lyra, clutching the Celestial of Balance badge beneath her cloak, said, "The delay is necessary, Senator. We need time to gather the Nighlstone before the Grand Prexy's next move. As for the Elerians, we need their alliance. We can't afford to offend them with arrogance."

Senator Jyudo dismissively waved his hand. "Alliance? They worship trees, child. Their 'technology' is twigs and dried leaves. Your miraculous little glow-box—" He sneered, referencing the Aether Cell Lyra displayed. "—is fascinating, yes, but it won't win a war. Only steel and gold win wars. And speaking of gold, I trust your new mandate from Joanne won't interfere with your primary duty: ensuring my safety."

"Senator Jyudo, your concerns are noted, but let us focus on the task." Senator Fogan interjected smoothly. "Lyra has given us a chance, however risky. The intelligence is clear: we can no longer rely on swords alone." He leaned slightly toward Lyra, his voice dropping. "Do not let his posturing distract you, Lyra. But be warned: Jyudo is the Senate's purse. If he believes you're wasting funds on 'magical trinkets,' he will use that influence to have your unit—and your proposal—disbanded."

"My unit's survival is secondary to Kogeer's," said Lyra, meeting Jyudo's gaze, her voice steady. "My technology will speak for itself, Senator. But perhaps you can explain something to me. If you believe war is inevitable, why did you volunteer for this mission? It seems an awful waste of a Senate purse's time."

"A true politician never lets a crucial negotiation happen without oversight, Ms. Algernon. Judo said, his smile never reaching his eyes." Especially when it involves exotic, unsecured materials that may be. . . repurposed by the enemy."

The carriage lurched violently after passing a stone bridge, throwing Senator Jyudo against the cushioned wall with an undignified grunt.

"Stop this infernal contraption! Are your drivers blind, Fogan? I won't have my spine jarred loose for this farce!"

"We are at the edge of the forest, Jyudo," Fogan said, peering out the window. "The road ends here. This area hasn't been maintained since before the Black Death."

Lyra pushed open the carriage door and stepped out. The air immediately changed. It was cooler, damper, and carried the sharp, sweet smell of unknown vegetation. The difference between the civilized kingdom and the untamed border was stark, with its darkened atmosphere, despite the fact that just a moment ago it was day. Before them, the Forest of Nolguul rose like a dark, impenetrable wall—ancient trees twisted with luminous silver vines that seemed to pulse with faint life.

Lyra, remembering Helen's vague warning, surveyed the forest boundary with sharp eyes. There was no clear path, no gate, just a silent, unnerving barrier.

"The Elerians are not easy to find. This is their territory, and they will only meet us on their terms. We must show respect."

Jyudo stomped his foot on the dirt. "Respect? Nonsense. We are the envoys of Kogeer, the last bastion of humanity! They should be queuing to accept our terms! I suggest we send a company of guards in to clear a path and find their village.

Lyra glared at Jyudo as if she were offended on the Elerians behalf. "That would be an act of war, Senator. The Elerians cherish their isolation. We are here to negotiate, not invade."