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I nodded, choosing my next words with care. “Generations ago, my ancestors took something from your people. Something precious and irreplaceable. I hope that this will be a small step towards making amends... But I know that it’s not enough. “
She blinked, taken aback by the unexpected acknowledgment.
“We stole your wings, and I can never give them back. But I can pledge I will do whatever is in my power to make Cavantha more inhabitable for your people. The elves will work together on creating something that can let you soar across the skies once more. I swear it.”
A glint of respect flashed in her eyes. “Thank you... Lord Marshal.” The gathered rebels watched the exchange intently, shifting as they whispered about what that meant for them.
Yet, amidst the murmurings of approval, I also detected a ripple of discomfort from the new soldiers. Their gazes darted uneasily between us, the rebels, and the formidable city gates. They had once been on the other side, sending Remnants like Teodosija and our comrades to the mines and slave pits. Now, they stood allied with the very people they’d wronged. The awkward distance between the two factions was palpable—a bridge that still needed mending.
“You once told me you never wanted me to step on your sand again,” I said, and she frowned as the rebels closest to us chuckled. “But I hope you know that you and the Kyrie will always be welcome in Athain.”
“Thank you.” Her ebony brow wrinkled before she closed her eyes. “It’s good to have a home to call our own again.”
I nodded, glancing back toward Kael. “Yes. It is.”
Teodosija held out her hand, and I took it without hesitation. “Good luck in Athain, Lord Marshal,” she murmured, and I smiled.
“After battling you for years, this should be a cinch.” A small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she dipped her chin.
“Safe travels.”
The sun’s descent painted the sky with shades of twilight, illuminating the path ahead. I moved to Kael, the setting sun casting her silhouette into a sharp contrast against the golden horizon. Her silver hair shone like a beacon, guiding me towards her. Her gaze was locked onto Teodosija as if she didn’t wish to leave the woman behind without a minder. She said something too quiet for me to hear to her father, but her shoulders were stiff, guarded. Haemir saw me coming and turned to leave, heading off to the rebel contingent journeying with us to Athain.
I stopped beside her, wanting nothing more than to pull her into my arms. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, it’s just weird with Haemir.” She shook her head. “He’s tiptoeing around everything. I’d rather we just have it out again.”
I ran a hand down her back. “I’m sorry,Sihaya.”
She leaned into me, sighing. “It’ll be fine. We have bigger things to worry about right now.”
I took the hint and changed the subject. “Are you ready to leave Adraedor?”
She drew a long breath, the desert wind rustling her hair as she studied the vast expanse of the city one last time. With a curt nod, she murmured, “I’m ready.”
I clicked my tongue, and a vanira approached, its arachnid limbs dancing on the sand. Vaernix, my fallen companion, echoed in my memories. I missed her. She’d been one of my first friends, the first thing that had relied solely on me, that had taught me what it meant to care for someone more than yourself.
I helped Kael mount the vanira, her posture rigid as I jumped up and settled behind her. “After our last venture on a vanira,” I whispered, my lips brushing the shell of her ear, “I’d thought you’d have fonder memories.”
She shot me a mock glare, her eyes flashing. “Not as fond as you’d hope.”
Chuckling, I leaned forward for the reins, my chest pressed against her back, the familiar warmth of her reassuring me. There was a rightness to it, an undeniable pull. The looming war against the empire, the unfavorable odds—it all faded into the background. Happiness, raw and untamed, coursed through me.
Brushing my lips against the soft strands of her hair, I murmured. “I have something you might enjoy riding later.”
She smirked. “Oh? Do you have a deaza set aside for me so I can sleep?”
In response, I nipped at the curve of her neck, feeling her shiver against me. A soft click of my tongue coaxed our vanira into motion, leading the way for our motley army.
The vaniras moved out first, their steps barely disturbing the sands. Then the foot soldiers, and following them, were the rebels on deaza, the creatures’ massive footfalls sending plumes of sand into the air, making them look like moving sandstorms with supplies on their backs as we set off into the desert.
Dawn attempted to break over the mountain range as we reached Sailtown. The vast canyon stretched out before us. Its mighty walls were carved by Atar’s hammer and further sculpted by the deft hands of the Kyrie. Cloth awnings in rich hues of blue and gold spread out like a tapestry, shielding the town’s walkways. It resembled a ship at sea, its sails billowing in the early morning light. Vendor stalls, carved into the canyon walls, displayed an array of goods that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
After a long journey through the night, the allure of sleep was irresistible. Kael shifted against my chest, nuzzling her face into my neck and reminding me of the last time I’d come to this place. But things are different now. There were no more secrets between us. No surprise rebels waiting to take me hostage.
“Wake up, love,” I whispered. “Unless you want me to carry you to bed.”
She groaned, blinking sleepy eyes. “Not going to happen.”
