Diffraction

Chapter Thirty-Four: Gaurephalin Tower

"The strength of Aelwyn and Aulivar are shattered. The other two Cities focus on internal struggles. And the elementals are more withdrawn than ever."

A full day passed on the road with little to distract Jahrin from dark thoughts of what lay ahead. Twice, they came upon small outposts or habitations where the Bloodsworn had stacked the slain in pyramids. Though neither compared to the population of Stappendurn, the gruesome scenes further dampened the companions' spirits. Lyllithe and Kristophe buried the dead in the same fashion as at Stappendurn, while the other three paid respectful attention.

Once, they crossed paths with a group of four Bloodsworn near an abandoned mine shaft. This small fray ended remarkably easier than their previous battles. To Jahrin's eyes, Ellers seemed to hold back compared to his previous displays of prowess, either out of lack of desperation or a desire to avoid further scrutiny. Lyllithe utilized her Gracemark to heal the Bloodsworn of their minor wounds, stealing away some of their physical strength and a much greater portion of their emotional or religious fervor.

After midday on the journey, they crossed paths with a supply caravan from Khordûn. The caravan leader, a portly Dun merchant named Banbrokhil, offered them space on the wagons. The horses' reins looked like string in his thick slate-grey fingers. But the merchant's rumbling laugh and easy smile brought much-needed warmth to Jahrin's heart, and he accepted the offer with pleasure.

"Happy to oblige," Banbrokhil said. "Gots to take good care of them what's gonna fight on our behalf, I figures. We all do what we can, we'll get through this. The 'Marches been through worse than these savages, an' we're still standing firm."

The others took open seats on the trailing wagons, and Jahrin sat beside Banbrokhil at the forefront. The Dun proved to be well-informed about the buildup of defenses at the Pass, and Jahrin raised every question that came to mind.

"A couple thousand came north," Banbrokhil said, "up from the Militia's positions at the edge of the Wastes, I'm told. A'course I wouldn't know who's a Militia veteran and who's a raw recruit. But last trip I made, the ranks at the Tower had doubled and then some."

Jahrin smiled at the heartening news. "How many from Aelwyn? I heard rumor of a large contingent sent south along the Aronel."

"You mean the expedition under Stonebrace?" Banbrokhil shook his head. "That's a subject best avoided when you reach the Pass. Turns out the High Lord sent Stonebrace and his soldiers beyond the Wall. No one's heard from them since. But the Bloodsworn are building up at the other end of the Pass. You look a shrewd fellow, you can do the math as well as me."

"That's unfortunate," Jahrin said.

"True words. But when Aulivar's regiments arrive, no one will even notice Stonebrace's absence." Banbrokhil laughed again, but Jahrin felt none of the mirth.

"What of Calmen," Jahrin asked, eager to change subjects. "Or Khordûn? Are the lords of the Elementals sending forth any of their power?"

"Not for me to speak for the Ghostskins," Banbrokhil said with a dismissive snort. "Flighty folk on their best day. I can say I've seen none on the roads, and precious few at the Pass, save the General and her protégé. Wish a few more of them would follow General Astriana's example and take up arms."

Jahrin nodded agreement, but tried to cover his disappointment. Then he looked over the contents of the wagons. "I see weapons from Khordûn's smithies," he asked, "but where are the Dunestanni soldiers to wield them?"