Fear's Union

Chapter Forty-One

—Xen—

It was nostalgic time, but strangely melancholy too. Xen would rather this than the thick of battle. But she did miss Keles. Where could he be?

She needed to stop wandering like that. She needed to be strong for her friend. Anejo's mood was dark.

They had been back in Altunia ten nights, and they were now utterly alone. The rest of the Citadel was readying itself for war. The palace was a crypt, but outside the walls of the Citadel the city was still bumbling along in blissful ignorance. Strangely, it was like a return to her childhood. It was time wiled away with her best friend, little to occupy them but mindless chatter and a sense of mischief. It was nice, or it would have been had Anejo not simmered so toxically. She was almost unrecognisable.

But tonight she seemed buoyed. That was a relief.

It was dark outside, the Old Town across the river stretching in pale patches against the deep shadow of night. The New Town on the north bank burned bright, a stark contrast to the sombre mood of the political elite. In some ways it would have been nice to be part of the ignorant masses; just her and Keles enjoying a fine night. Large fires burned on Friendly's Gate, and she could just about see guards upon that gatehouse. Why bother with guards this far into Ahan?

"Why do they keep a garrison in Altunia when the borders are in such crisis?"

"To keep me locked inside." There was the usual bitterness in the words. When would she get over this?

"Oh come now, it is for the best. I've seen Dusk close up, and I'm glad I'm not there."

It was a partial lie; she wished she was with Keles. He might be there. Damn it, she ached for him. If only he would reciprocate. They were perfect for each other!

"If we're defeated at the borders, then these walls will offer no protection. I'd rather help shape the fate of my country." Anejo's had always been stubborn.

Then again, their days may have been filled with humdrum, but the danger that the country faced was daunting. Information was leaking slowly into Altunia, and Anejo was grasping it hungrily. Every report brought only worse news. It blackened Anejo, and brought a blanket down over her. Did she think she was missing out?

"You would really be there?"

Tonight, Anejo seemed brighter, and she may have even accepted her impending nuptials. She looked up from the wedding dress that she had laid across her lap. She even smiled.

"It can't be worse than sitting here waiting for news. This is torture."

If this was torture, she would take it ahead of the horror of Nazalia. She was no soldier, and in all honesty, it was nice to be sitting out this battle. But always, her mind went to Keles.

They had no news of him, and she had to assume he was still travelling with his adopted tutor. Either that or he was dead. She shuddered. She would know if that were the case. There was a connection between them. There was. Her heart quickened and she wiped her brow. It was moist.

The question persisted, though; where was he? She didn't like to think of him involved in this terrible fight, but he was probably there. Would she even consider searching him out? She wanted to search him out. She had convinced herself that it was her immaturity that had driven him away, but she could overcome that. She needed to raise the idea with him, but she couldn't do that while he was away. But equally, she didn't want to go where he was.

"Done."

What was that? Her best friend was standing at the far end of the palatial bedroom. The doors were fast, and candles flickered in their cradles. Anejo moved to a grand wardrobe and started to change out of her dining gown. She replaced the dress with drab clothes. Not night-wear.