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“The Remnants will return to their homelands,” I replied, my tone brooking no arguments. “We’ll release them from their bonds and send them back to their families. They won’t be our responsibility any longer.”
I looked at the faces of my men, my brothers in arms, each one carrying the weight of years of war.
“I am returning to the old ways,” I declared. “To a time when we created rather than destroyed. When we built instead of razed.”
“We will build a new world for ourselves. One where all are treated equally, where all can prosper,” I continued. “Together, we will rebuild our homeland,” I continued, my voice growing stronger with each word. “We will create a future where our children can thrive, where they don’t have to fight in wars they never wanted. Where they can live without fear.” A cheer rose from the crowd, a fierce elation that echoed across the encampment.
I reached out and took Kael’s hand in mine, savoring the warmth of her skin against mine.
“Are you ready to leave this desert behind?” I shouted, my voice rising above the howling winds. “To leave the sand and blood behind us and start anew?”
A chorus of voices erupted from the crowd, shouts of agreement filling the air, the words carried on the wind, a promise of a new beginning.
Chapter 9
Kael
Exhaustionpressedonmyshoulders as we entered the city, the sun setting behind us. It was like a tangible cloak, every footstep growing heavier than the last. I’d lost all sense of when I should sleep and wasn’t even sure what day it was anymore. Theron walked beside me, his hand resting on my waist while Teodosija, ever the silent shadow, trailed a few steps in our wake. She hadn’t spoken throughout the day, instead silently trailing behind us, her birdlike eyes missing nothing as Theron and I met with his officers.
We’d gone to the other two encampments as well, presenting the same offer to the soldiers there. It was a sight to behold—watching grown men, battle-hardened and scarred, reduced to tears at his words. Some had knelt, others had shouted, calling him ‘Emperor’. It had unnerved me and left me with an odd knot in my stomach that had yet to leave. I’d wanted to free my people; I didn’t realize Theron would do the same.
Teodosija might not approve of the new soldiers we’d taken on, but the strategy was sound. Theron had taken what would have been a brutal, drawn-out siege and turned it into a bloodless victory. Even so, the weight of those moments and these newfound loyalties made me uncomfortable. I’d seen the world in one light for so long it was strange to see how much I’d missed.
The cobbled streets of the city, usually bustling with activity, were quiet, the soldiers still lined up on the walls. Raenisa, Roza, Herrath, and Haemir hurried toward us. If I was tired, then Herrath looked like he was sleepwalking. His eyes were so red that I wondered if someone had thrown sand in his face. I searched for Gavril, not seeing him amongst the group. Haemir must have put him in charge of the inner keep when he heard we were returning.
Raenisa’s voice sliced through the still air. “What happened? Why was everyone shouting? What were you doing all day?”
I took a deep breath, casting a glance at Theron, before responding, “Trevyr is dead. Theron made the Niothe an offer. Told them he was overthrowing the empress and that they could fight if they wanted to or not, but that they’d be free.”
Theron pulled me closer to his side, a pleased grin pulling at his weary expression. “Most have chosen to fight with us.”
Herrath let out a whoop, so loud and out of character that I stared at him, wide-eyed. He looked as if he had been awake for days, his hair in wild disarray as I realized he was delirious with exhaustion.
“You look dead on your feet,” I said, trying to sound flippant even though concern tinged my voice. “Go see Miri. Tell her the good news, and for Atar’s sake, get some sleep.”
He grinned, his fatigue clear, but spirits higher than I’ve ever seen. “Aye, Commander,” he saluted, a little clumsily, then made his way towards the castle.
“Idiot.” Raenisa snorted before shaking her head. From the corner of my eye, I caught Theron watching me, his eyes warm. It was one of those looks that said more than words ever could—approval, pride, gratitude. As if the act of me taking care of his soldiers was more important than he could say.
The wind tossed Roza’s magenta hair around her face, her aquamarine gaze stark against her bronze features, sharp and questioning. “Where’s Zerek?” She demanded, the weight of her gaze shifting between Theron and me.
Theron barely reacted, his brow quirking upward the smallest amount. “Out with the army. Why?”
She glared at him. “No reason.”
Raenisa snapped her fingers. “No more interruptions. What happened?”
His attention then swerved to his second. “Hold your vaniras, Rae. I’m getting there. I’ll need you in the camp tonight too. You’re going to be leading them, and they need to remember why you’re my second.”
Her eyes flared with pride and excitement. “Yes, Lord Commander.”
“Good. Now, I—“
“What about the other brother?” Haemir asked. “You said there were two, and one is dead. What about the other one?”
Theron sighed, running a hand down his face. “Tykas has requested to join our cause.”
“Seriously?” Raenisa made a face.
