The early morning's chill had awaken Carvahall from his restless sleep. The sun's shine reached over the horizon to give light to the traveler's waking duties. Rolling and packing his blanket, strapping his nightly belongings to his steed, and dousing the smoking ashes from the fire he lit during the night to keep him warm.

After making sure he had everything, double checking his sack for the letter General Draco gave him to give to Antonis, Carvahall mounted his horse and galloped speedily down the trail.

He was only hours away from the town Antonis was. Carvahall would have traveled the entire way instead of resting, but the night's freezing air had exhausted him along with his horse.

---

After a four hour ride, Carvahall had finally reached the town's border. Smaller farm houses were seen at first, but the traveler soon passed larger town houses and stores. A few people walked about the streets, but the morning hours kept most of the town in their beds.

Moments later, the inn's courtyard was seen from a ways down the road. An exhausted sigh erupted as Carvahall saw his long travels soon come to an end, but he knew it wasn't over completely. Now he had to get the letter to Antonis and help him with whatever travels he must take. ...if Antonis chooses to leave at all. But that wasn't Carvahall's decision to make, it was Antonis'.

Antonis rubbed his face tiredly after splashing it with water, droplets falling back into the basin from his dampened strands of hair. Fingers pressed against his brow as the general opened his eyes, staring into the rippled reflection of himself in the water.

Debalora was still asleep, at least she was when he left her. Antonis moved a hand to grab a towel, wiping his face. It was somewhat early in the morning, waking up to the feeling of restlessness. He never really felt like that...not for a while, keeping himself in a calm and collected attitude most of the time. It made him feel worried...as though something were wrong.

Perhaps...it was because of last night. He couldn't know.

Carvahall pressed his horse to a faster trot to approached the inn's front gate at a quicker pace. He wasn't excited about getting to the inn, he was more enthusiastic about finally finishing his travels. After reaching the inn's front gate, Carvahall dismounted his horse and led it by its reigns toward the stables.

The horse's hooves clamped loudly against the stone pathway, but quieted once the path turned to gravel closer to the stables. Carvahall had a slight worry, though. He didn't mind others being awakened by his pressence, the others should be awakened anyways. But when he and the others left before, Voltrick was staying in the stables with the horses. Carvahall never spoke to Voltrick or knew much about him. But from what he did know, intimidated him... like any other person around a man who can transform into a monster unnaturally.

After entering the stables and seeing no trace of Voltrick, Carvahall relaxed a bit but remained wary. After situating his horse, Carvahall casually left the stables toward the inn's door. When Carvahall walked around the inn, a man dressed in Faholgan uniform waited for him there.

"You travel alone?" Johnson asked while approaching Carvahall. "Draco said he would return with news, but why isn't he here?"

"General Draco sent me alone with urgent news. I need to speak with Antonis right away." The feline soldier stated while passing Johnson toward the front door.

"What did he say?" Johnson pressed while grabbing Carvahall's arm. "Is it about his meeting with O'luca?"

Carvahall continued and twisted his arm out of Johnson's hold. "Silence yourself. These are matters to be spoken inside and away from unfriendly ears." He said frustratedly before approaching the inn's door and opening it.

Johnson followed him inside and stepped beside him. "You can tell me something. I've been here for days without word, I have a right to know."

An angered, stern gaze snapped over to Johnson. "You will restrain yourself from any further questions, Soldier. Stand down before you cause more trouble."

Johnson stepped back and lowered his gaze to the floor, an angered expression on his face. "Yes, Sir."

"Now, where's Antonis? I need to meet him immediately."

"Down the right hall and in his room." Johnson stated with his head remaining lowered.

The feline soldier gave a quick nod before turning down the hall.

Antonis stepped outside of his room, using one hand holding the towel, slowly rubbing the side of his neck with it. His eyes were hung low as he thought to himself in silence until he heard hastened steps. He looked up suddenly and noticed Carvahall coming towards him with purpose. Antonis stopped immediately, lifting his head in attention.

"Carvahall, was it?" he said, his eyes glancing just behind the feline. "...Where is General Draco?"

"He remained behind at the capital." Carvahall said as he reached into his coat pocket. "May we speak in private?" he asked as he pulled out Draco's letter and handed it to Antonis.

Antonis took the letter with a quirked brow. A silent nod was given before turning around and re-entering his room. Carvahall followed behind him and closed the door to anyone who may try to listen on. Carvahall's main concern was Johnson being so concerned with knowing what happened. A soldier should know better than to pry into matters that do not involve himself.

"You must forgive General Valcian for his absence. Our situation has become far more serious and he is needed elsewhere." Carvahall said before standing up straight, moving his hands behind his back. "Draco's letter explains everything in full. He asked I make sure you read it immediately."

Antonis gave a questioning, concerned gaze, but opened the letter and began reading it.

General Antonis,

You must forgive my absence after I told you I would return. Please, accept Carvahall in my stead. He will serve you until his duty calls him elsewhere. He is a strong soldier with the makings of a great leader and he will not stray away from his service.

I bring you ill news, Antonis. Our meeting with O'luca turned for the worst. Though, it did not turn violent, it did reveal O'luca's deceit and the true nature of her meeting. She originally had me to believe she wished for Faholgal's aid in bringing order to the Sel'kanites in the west. She told me their use of magic will bring chaos and the people needed to be given order. I am unaware of your knowledge of the Sel'kanites, but they are a peaceful people with no quarrel or contention with our land or the mistress. It has been this way for centuries, there is no reason the Sel'kanites would change now.

As she told me her reasoning, O'luca's true motive was clearly seen. Clearly stated without any doubt, O'luca told me if Faholgal chose not to aid her, she would focus her efforts on another land she had been wanting for quite some time. This threat was clear to me then as it is to me now. She means to attack Faholgal and claim its lands as her own. This threat alone has forced the king to call for war.

King Aromar has ordered me to prepare his soldiers, but not to declare war until O'luca makes the first strike. I go now to Allred, to fortify its border defenses. But I will not remain there. I will travel along the border cities to rally and prepare my soldiers for war.

But O'luca's threat was not all that she revealed to me during our meeting. I know you recall Fyren Valente. O'luca introduced him before I was rudely ushered from her fortress. Fyren revealed to me he was in charge of foreign affairs, specifically that of rebellion.

Antonis, Fyren knows where you are. He did not state it outright, but his body language made it clear to me he did. And I fear he may know my alliance with you. Whether or not he may have shared that knowledge with O'luca, I do not know. Regardless, he is now your biggest threat.

King Aromar has requested you leave your residency as soon as possible. You and your company are to relocate before any attack is to be made. It is your choice to leave. The king does not have rule over you or your company, but he fears for your safety and asks that you do this immediately. If I should give any advice, stray away from the border cities of Faholgal and its capital. If you need aid in your travels, Carvahall will assist you in any way he can. If you need more help, I will send aid. But you must leave as soon as possible, Antonis. Fyren knows where you are and he will attack. And he will not attack alone, he's been clearly given authority and will use that authority over the mistress' soldiers.

O'luca may know as well. And that may lead to greater dangers. Not just for you and your company, but for Faholgal as well.


After you read this letter, you must destroy it. I cannot risk this knowledge falling into the wrong hands.



Good luck, My friend. And please, heed the warnings given. I, along with my king, fear for your safety.
Highest regards,
General Draco Valcian of the Faholgan Royal Armies

As Antonis finished the letter, he lowered it slightly from himself as his somber eyes were kept hung in deep thought. With Carvahall still standing in attention before him, Antonis kept him waiting as he turned, walking towards the fireplace that was to the far end of the room. Suddenly, he tossed the letter into the kindling flames, the paper crinkling within itself as it was destroyed.

Antonis watched it's completion until he spoke with infliction, "Do you know the situation Draco spoke of in the letter, Carvahall?"

"I do, Sir." the feline replied, hinting gravity in the matter.

The general turned to face the soldier again, an eye squinted to himself, "...Stay here...I will return shortly."

Antonis walked past Carvahall, parting the door for himself and disappeared down the hall. Carvahall lowered his head, holding his hands behind his back patiently as his eyes trailed to the fire. He had not read Draco's letter, but even so, the information Antonis received must have been grave news for the General to remain so...quiet.

A few minutes passed before Antonis returned through the door. Carvahall turned to see him, however his eyes quickly settled on the other who entered, a wolf Noble from earlier. He knew it was Murdoc...but after knowing the conflict between the General and the wolf, Carvahall couldn't help but rise a curious brow.

Murdoc walked towards the fireplace, setting himself to lay near it, his head pressing against large paws as though in disinterest. Antonis walked after him, stepping around the wolf before stopping near the middle of the room.

After a long silence, Antonis proceeded to speak, "Fyren Valente does not surprise me." he began, "However, it's Draco's meeting with O'luca that does."

"The treaty bound between Faholgal and The Eye of Michael requested our presence." Carvahall explained.

"It seems it isn't difficult to track the whereabouts of a Faholgalian General." Antonis mentioned, "I'm certain Draco told everything to the King. The two powers have always been held by a fine line...giving King Alamor a defining reason to prepare for war."

"O'luca is a reckless woman." A voice sounded, causing Carvahall to straighten in surprise. His eyes quickly darted to the wolf on the floor, whose features have not changed.

Antonis didn't seem affected by it, "Draco said she mentioned the Sel'Kanites. Magic users...an excuse of course, but even so, if war breaks out between Faholgal and the Ministry..."

"It will become a political war." Murdoc finished, a feral brow twitching upwards. "People will learn, especially those sheltered by Faholgal that the Mistress intentioned to attack the Sel'Kanites, however was stopped by Faholgal. With already the fear of magic, people will become resentful of the decision."

"You're saying villagers will act out on their own and attack anyone seen to use magic?" Carvahall asked, lowering a brow to this suggestion.

Murdoc's head turned, lifting slightly as his gaze settled on Carvahall. Antonis interrupted, "If that's true, then the real war is with 'magic' users. This must be O'luca's intention. Why have the Ministry go about controlling one region at a time when frightened people will do it for her?"

Carvahall's brow lowered as he thought everything through. He remained standing where he was with his hands clamped behind his back, but his head lowered frustratedly. Carvahall has never been involved with politics. His father was, but that wouldn't make must difference now. Carvahall was a soldier, he only followed orders. But now he had to place his part in it. Its either now or later. He originally hoped for later.

"If this war will be about magic users, how would we control the people's fear? Hundreds of people within our borders use magic. And from my understanding, so does Lady Debalora. Do we protect the magic users? Or do we find them and take them away to please the people?"

" "Taking them away" or sheltering them would also be dangerous. Not every one of the magic users will cooperate." Antonis reasoned, squinting an eye as he thought of the cons.

"Sadly, there is no direct way we could help 'magic users'. When concerning civilians, they always find a way around a set plan. Much like what you've done, Antonis." Murdoc's voice grimly stated, the wolf glancing up to the General before setting his head back down on his paws.

Antonis looked at Murdoc after his comment for a while. "...There is no way to control people...but many are willing to abide by set rules that seem fair and make their own decision to follow them if to keep themselves safe. Chaos is coming with the war...the best thing is to maintain order."

"A few rules? How would that help keep slaughters at bay?"

"Rules as in keeping the people...vaguely unfamiliar with the war situation. They only need to understand that the treaty has been broken for some reason and now there is a war between two disgruntled rulers. It would be lying, yes, but there are those within society who cannot be trusted with the truth."

Carvahall would look to each respectfully when they spoke, but generally remained quiet with a frustrated gaze. "It will be hard to keep the truth from the people. But if it is best for them, it must be done." Carvahall added when it went silent again. "Although, I don't like the idea of lying to my people."

"It is a rather distasteful choice, but I do not only speak of the Faholgalian people, but of the surrounding settlements. They're views are not afflicted by Faholgal or the Ministry rule, so they may take matters into their own hands." Antonis explained, as though to himself for clarification.

"'They' are your true enemy, soldier. The ones outside the gates. They will take advantage of the warfareand put matters into their own hands."

Antonis stood silently, breathing out a heavy sigh. "It can't be helped though...I do not control an army or conduct law-making. Our concern now is leaving this place as the King had suggested. Draco warned not to go near Faholgal, to the west where many magic users are isn't wise either for they will be attacked first. Where do you think is best, Carvahall?"

Carvahall's back straightened at the mention of his general. He wasn't there, but it was habbit to show respect to him even if his name was only mentioned.

An eyebrow arched after Antonis' question, but he gave little time before he responded. "Leaving Faholgal may not be the best answer. True, it is dangerous within its borders, but if we were to need aid or even Draco requested aid you would be hard pressed if you were under an attack." Carvahal cleared his throat slightly before continuing; looking mainly to Antonis, but gave Murdoc a brief glance respectfully. "Staying away from the border cities and towns is necessary. And the capital is also dangerous, you'll be easily found if there were spies. Perhaps westward within a smaller town. Small enough to avoid the ministry's eyes, but close enough to General Draco if you needed aid."

---

Debalora had been awake for quite some time. Ever since she heard Antonis leave his room with someone talking to him. After fully dressing herself, she had left her room to walk towards Antonis' room. It was more curiousity leading her, but she felt she needed to know what was going on. Especially after hearing Murdoc.

As she left her room, the sound of her door opening caused Johnson's ears to perk up from outside Antonis' door. Alerted, he stood up straight and quickly exited the hall toward the lobby.

This caused Debalora to arch a brow, but her interest in finding out what was happening took more of her attention. She'll talk with Johnson later. Something was happening involving Antonis and Murdoc, and she needed t know.

"West. Yes, away from the Ministry. Right now we're somewhere south between the two lands. If we travel directly that way, we will touch Sel'Kanite territory..."

Antonis heard footsteps outside the door before hearing it open. The dog turned his head to see who it was that entered, finding Debalora looking in curiously. He offered her a wry smile, fading quickly as his thoughts were kept by pressing matters.

"I do not see why you had to have me listen in on these things." Murdoc said abruptly, letting out a snort, "Am I not still an 'untrustworthy' enemy to you? I might decide to return to the Ministry...reveal where you are. Or I could just as easily attack you."

"Don't speak such foolishness, Murdoc." Antonis waved off, closing his eyes as he stepped towards the wolf, "The Ministry was never for you, anyway. However it had taught you many useful things we could use later on."

The wolf emitted a low growl, rising it's form into a sitting position with narrowed eyes turned to Antonis, "You shouldn't expect anything."

"What we should expect, Murdoc, is a bit more clarity on what you want." Debalora stated as she entered the room; making sure to close the door behind herself. "You stay here, speak to us as if we're some form of ally, and you willingly join Antonis in a meeting that appears to decide our next move. Not to mention helping to save Aidan and Voltrick's lives." An eyebrow arched as she briefly glanced to Carvahall, who watched her with a serious gaze. "I mean no disrespect, but it needs to be said."

Murdoc glowered towards Debalora, shrugging up his shoulders, tucking his head below them. "Saving their lives shouldn't have been in question. Why else do you imagine I let the tiger live?"

Antonis glanced down to Murdoc thinking that over. It was true. He certainly had the option of killing Voltrick at any time. Murdoc most likely knew where Voltrick was most vulnerable after 'transforming' him. He had also never seen Voltrick and Murdoc argue over anything...just the very fact that Voltrick offered to carry Murdoc to safety was surprising. What relationship did those two share?

"Enough of that." Antonis said, tilting his head towards Debalora, then looking back to Murdoc. "Settle these unpleasant feelings a later time. For now, we'll have to ready ourselves for departure."