The Cascadia Forest - West of the Borderline Edge.

  "You know," Carl said, hopping off Dimitri, "When you meant there was a storm, you say nothing about us actually going through it."

  The bitter cold seized Carl's legs, freezing them nearly solid. Eight hours of grueling travel later, they finally reached the forest's edge unharmed. A wide, rocky path cut through the landscape, running north to south between the western hills—reminding him of some abandoned state highway back at home.

  A sense of familiarity grew as he got his bearings. He remembered this road, but it did not look like it was in such a disarray.

  Dimitri laughed. "Yes, it does not really bother us, but you gritted your teeth and pulled through. A tough lad you are."

  Kira sent two scout eagles into the forest. "We arrived here faster than expected thanks to the Eastern Wind that followed the storm. Consider ourselves fortunate."

  Fortune wasn't the word Carl would use.

  Dimitri pulled out a pair of fingerless gloves. "Here, I noticed before we left that you do not have a weapon. I 'borrowed' these from Counselor Aerin. I am sure you will want to return them before he comes looking."

  Carl pulled the gloves over his fingers. They felt like they were too big when he slipped them on, but seconds later, they glowed and adjusted to his hands. Smooth pebbles adorned each of the knuckles.

  "Aerin is probably squawking his arse off right now," Dimitri continued. "I think he called them Claws of the Retsam." Dimitri folded Carl's left hand into a fist and squeezed. Rigid metal talons magically appeared and when he released, they vanished. "The old bird thinks the Retsam itself gifted them," Dimitri said with a mischievous grin, "but we won't tell him the truth that they were handcrafted by one of our talon smiths."

  "Are you sure this is ok? It sounds like he would be pissed if he knew that I have them."

  "I am sure he will," Dimitri said with a chuckle after. "Kira will smooth things over."

  Carl looked at the gloves, feeling their power adjust to his hands. "Thank you, I was actually just realizing I didn't bring any weapons with me." He patted his side. "Wait, what about this knife? Can I not use this as well?"

  Dimitri waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah…no. How about we rely on what's in front of your eyes instead."

  "Huh?" Carl frowned, studying the glowing stones on his hands. He felt a subtle vibration as the stones synchronized with his own energy, extending his natural strength.

  "You will understand when you understand, young one," Dimitri replied cryptically.

  The two eagles returned from the forest soon afterwards. Kira talked to them as they were pointing in several directions. She nodded before walking over.

  "We're clear for a few clicks," Kira reported. "There was some activity at a nearby encampment to the south-east." She tilted her head. "The Rowen calls it 'Donne's Farm.' There is also South Tribe Village, hidden in a mist. They say the Empress's Champion is there as well. This might be fortunate for you young Carl. What you seek may be closer to you indeed."

  Paltov slapped him on the back with his wing. "Sounds like fortune to me. I wish we could join you on this epic quest, but our duty is to the Empress, and as you witnessed with the Conscript, we have our own battles."

  Carl shook his hand. "No, you guys got me here safely. Thank you very much. I hope that we will meet again soon."

  "Only the Retsam will answer that my friend," Dimitri replied, as they prepared for departure. "Good luck Carl. Fly with Purpose. Return with honor."

  Carl added. "For the Retsam."

  Dimitri turned and looked as if surprised at what he said. He nodded and grinned along with the others. "Indeed. For the Retsam."

  Carl watched as the Talon Eagles extended their massive wings and took flight, soaring into the sky until they vanished among the clouds. He stood there, still mesmerized even after they'd disappeared from view.

  "Right. Fly with Purpose." Carl said under his breath.

  Donne's Farm - West of Rowen Commons - Cascadia Forest

  Along the forest line stood a farm, but nothing about it matched what Carl expected. It looked...wrong.

  "This is what must pass for agriculture around here," he muttered, processing the bizarre beauty before him.

  Carl discovered a magical transformation instead of normal farmland. The farmhouses appeared alive, its walls braided with vines holding pulsing, luminous stones.

  A massive tree dominated the center, emanating vibrations like humming energy. Under it bore a large covered wagon, much like what the settlers had used way back in the early American days. Several of the farmers moved with reverence around it, occasionally picking up the fallen branches.

  A young girl tending to a flock of sheep turned in his direction as he walked by. She instantly turned away and touched her ears, like she was temporarily missing them or something.

  Another farmer walked by, but when he saw Carl, he turned a different direction guarding his own pointed ears. Realizing that his ears are not the same, Carl pulled his cloak over his head.

  Another farmer walked near, pulling oxen through the field. She stopped and scowled. "You are not welcome here."

  "What do you mean, I am not welcome here?" Carl asked. "I am just a visitor."

  The farmer scowled. "I know enough to see with my own eyes that you are not welcomed, zealot."

  Carl wanted to figure out exactly what this referred to when a woman about the same age strolled by. She carried Asian features, possibly from Japan, in which he knew could not be as accurate, but her ears pointed sticking out through her long black hair.

  "Jenna, take the oxen back to the pen," the woman said.

  "But I just got them to feed," Jenna protested, her voice rising with annoyance.

  "Now," she insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

  "Fine," Jenna huffed, yanking the oxen's lead. "I'm letting Cayce know about the visitor. He should not be here." She pulled the animals away, her suspicious glare never leaving Carl's face.

  "Spirited girl," Carl said, turning to the woman. "I have come in peace. I am searching for a man named Kevin."

  The woman moved her hand to her back, reaching.

  Carl instinctively knew she was readying an object. "Woah, hang on now. I am unarmed."

  "You are not welcome here zealot, and I do not know what you nuts call unarmed, but that sheath on your belt suggests otherwise."

  He had forgotten about the knife. And maybe the claws. "Ok, besides the sheath. My name is Carl, and like I said. I am looking for someone named Kevin. Have you seen him?"

  "Turn around and walk away. Tell your zealots that we have no beast-kin here."

  At that moment, he wished he was dealing with the Temple Palace. Their mentality tends to be a bit looser when they meet strangers. He won't get anywhere with this woman on full guard.

  By now, other farmers approached the commotion, asking random questions amongst themselves. The commotion increased in size until a large heavy bearded man with bright orange overalls pushed through.

  "Kiyo, what is going on here?" the man said. He looked like he was in charge.

  "Nothing, Cayce," Kiyo replied. "This errant zealot is lost. Said that he was looking for Captain Kevin."

  "Is that so," Cayce replied. He put his hand to his beard and rubbed his chin. "Young man, remove your cloak for us. You can say no, but it would be in your best interest that you complied."

  He wasn't going to get anywhere without any trust, so he removed his hood, and the farmers gasped and took a few steps back.

  "Oh my, now I see the problem. Kiyo, go get the Captain. He may want to see this."

  "Where is he?"

  "Should still be near his Caravan."

  "Cayce, I ain't leaving you alone with this zealot," she insisted, her hand still hovering near whatever weapon she had concealed.

  "It's fine," he replied with calm authority. "Plenty of farmers here to handle one man. Now go."

  Kiyo shot Carl with a warning glare before reluctantly running off.

  "Stranger," Cayce planted his feet wide, crossing his massive arms. "What business do you have here?"

  "Like I have been telling you, I'm looking for someone," Carl replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

  The whispers rippled through the gathered farmers like wind through the wheat.

  "Is this how you treat all your visitors?" Carl demanded, frustration finally breaking through.

  Eventually, two more men walked over. Carl couldn't see their faces, but the dark red uniforms stuck out.

  "Mr. Donne, do you need assistance?" One man asked.

  I recognize that voice.

  "Stranger here says he is looking for you there Captain," Cayce said. "If it wasn't for the fact that he looks like an Anbar Zealot, I would be obliged to help him out."

  One of the men parted with the farmers and stood next to the overall leader.

  He couldn't believe his eyes. The resemblance was uncanny.

  Kevin. It's Kevin!

  Carl could not contain his excitement. "Kevin! Holy crap, I can't believe I found you."

  The man looked and ignored him by turning to Cayce. "Mr. Donne. Thank you for alerting the Advent Guard of this. May have a word alone with this stranger."

  Cayce shrugged. "Hey, I don't care. We have things to do anyway with your monthly evac exercise. It's in your hands."

  "Corporal," the man said, whom Carl recognized as his friend, "check on our driver. Ensure that she does not fall asleep."

  "You got it boss," the other uniformed soldier said, walking off.

  Carl's breath caught in his throat. It was Kevin, he was sure of it. His friend stood before him, dressed in a distinctive uniform.

  The Captain, as the farmers called him, stood rigid, like his posture was a perfect example of how to stand tall. This was a far cry from what he remembered of him. Carl always reminded Kevin when they were in school to stand up straight. However, here, standing in front of him, he seemed to get it now.

  But what stood out from him were the ears. Kevin always grew out his hair that seemed to curl and cover his ears, but here, this was a military cut, and instead of round ears like any human on earth, these were pointed. This had to have been an elven version of Kevin, and he thought back to his memories. Was it like this back then?

  "I will ask a series of questions and you will answer without hesitation. Do you understand?" Kevin said, his voice unnatural. It was almost word for word, with no slur or contractions. "What is your purpose on this farm?"

  "What?"

  "Why did you arrive on this farm? What is your designation and destination? You do not carry a scent not from around here."

  Carl still didn't hear him at first. He was way too excited about this being way easier than expected. "Thank the heavens you are all right. Listen, we have to find a way home."

  Kevin scanned Carl's attire. "What you are getting at. By coming here, you are breaking the Armagosian Accords. I am going to ask you again, stranger. Who are you and why are you here?"

  "Hey," Carl said slowly, his breath catching mid pause. "Hey, quit playing man. Kevin. It's me. Carl. We went to school together, remember? You know my brothers, right? Kenny? Patrick? Surely you remember Terry. Come' on man, I am literally like your best friend!"

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  "Why do you speak as if we are friends," he replied coldly. His eyes showed no sign of emotion. "You say my name like I am supposed to react. Everyone around these parts knows who I am. Captain Kevin of the Advent Guard, Rowen Commons. You are clearly mistaken, and you are wasting time that is neither mine nor yours."

  His sudden surge of hope crashed into the pit of his stomach. Sweat started to form on his brow. This wasn't happening. A nightmare unfolding right in front of him. "Kevin, what happened? Why are you acting like this? It's me. You remember me, right?"

  "Since you fully do not want to answer the questions I have asked, then a new set of questions that may jog your memory. Why has the northern beast-kin dropped you off at the forest line east of here?"

  Carl reached for Kevin's shoulder, and as he did, the luminous stones embedded in the nearby wall pulsed anxiously, as if sensing the tension between them.

  The Captain pulled away, looking at him with disinterest.

  He couldn't believe it. This was and wasn't his friend. Carl hesitated and returned his hand. It was visibly shaking now.

  This couldn't be happening.

  This is what the eagles meant. The realization now clouding his mind. His body shivered as he remembered all the times he kept tabs on him. Then the adventures here in Rowen years ago, where they bonded as brothers. He was the one who taught him how to care for people.

  And yet.

  Yet… when Carl looked into his eyes, all he saw was the emptiness. The clear, glowing water in the channels nearby seemed to dim momentarily, reflecting the hollowness in the soldier's eyes.

  Reflecting the single tear brewing in his own eye.

  "Who you are looking for is not me. I still do not have the answer to the question I presented you. If you refuse to answer, then I have no option but to present you to the Commander and you can explain it to him instead. Cloak yourself. You draw negative attention."

  Kevin reached over and pulled the hood forcefully over Carl's head. "Follow and for the safety of the farmers, keep your mouth silent."

  They walked toward the aged tree, its crooked roots spreading like grasping fingers across the ground. Nestled in its shade sat the large wagon, its weathered canvas stretched over wooden ribs. A soft, rhythmic humming emanated from within—the distinctive sound of Resonance Stones cycling energy through its framework.

  As they approached, the Corporal that was initially with Kevin gave a half hearted salute. "Figure it out there, boss?" He looked like he saw plenty of battles, and carried maybe a British, no Australian accent he thought. The short brown hair is unmistakable as a soldier, and he carried a lavender baton, which stood out from the rest of the dark red uniform.

  Kevin walked past him without looking in his direction. "Prepare the Caravan for departure. Once the exercise commences, we will go on ahead and will be taking this stranger to the Commons for further questioning."

  "Got it," the Corporal replied. "Well, boss-man, Kiyo-lovely, it was nice seeing you again."

  "You as well, Pizer," Kiyo replied.

  "Captain, should we expect more?" Cayce asked.

  "Mr. Donne," Kevin said. "You do not have to worry about this individual. He is not Anbar. However, Commander Johnson explicitly gave these farms instructions to set up fortifications for this exact type of situation. Are you prepared for this month's evacuation exercise?"

  Cayce frowned. "Yes, Mr. Captain, we did. Why do you think we are loading our livestock onto the Caravans? We will evacuate to the Commons on schedule. I swear you are a blank slate sometimes."

  "Who is he, if you do not mind me asking," Kiyo asked.

  "It is not of your concern," Kevin said coldly, walking ahead of Pizer.

  Pizer adjusted the two large knives around his waist before rapping sharply against the wooden panel near the front.

  "Oi, Mia! Rise and shine, love. We're heading back ahead of schedule," he called, his Australian accent rolling through the morning air.

  A series of disgruntled thumps followed from inside, then a raspy female voice laced with sleep and irritation responded. "Damnit Pizer, we just got here! Tell that Captain of yours that the stones haven't even finished their first charging cycle!"

  There was a crash of something falling inside, followed by colorful cursing by the woman. "Some of us actually need to sleep off last night's… business arrangements."

  Kevin walked around next to Pizer, "What is the situation?"

  A disheveled woman poked her head out. "Like I told you before we left, Captain. The stones do not have enough energy for a return trip. You are going to have to wait."

  "Can you not use oxen to pull it?" Carl asked. "You have several oxen right there?"

  Mia shot a glare at him like he was asking a stupid question. She sniffed the air. "Hey there Advent Guard. Why do you smell like rotten eggs?"

  Kevin ignored the question, his eyes scanning the sky like he was searching for something. Without a word, he strolled around to the front of the Caravan.

  Pizer sniffed as well. He frowned and whispered to Mia. "Where is that ex-husband of yours? Did he not come back after following that beast-kin?"

  She scoffed before taking another drink from her mysterious bottle that she somehow had with her that Carl may not have noticed before. "No, and even if I did, why would he ever report to me. Stupid Mama's boy always going off doing other crap. I swear he is up to no good sometimes."

  Pizer straightened up. "Mia… stop drinking right now. This is serious."

  "I swear, you both are gonna stop ordering me around," she replied. "And I am not that drunk. We cannot leave…like I said…"

  Pizer "Mia, damn it..."

  "In the forest," she said painstakingly. "Your Captain sent that idiot into the forest to keep an eye on that beast-kin that keeps following us around."

  "Damnit, I already know that, why are you repeating it?"

  Mia looked over at Carl. "What the hell did you drag us into?"

  "What do you mean?" Carl asked. He caught the scent everyone else was questioning about. Sulfur. It reminded him of the ghost village in the Water Dimension. Back then, it was only possible to view the apparitions when sulfur was in the air.

  But that wasn't here. And yet that smell is powerful now as the wind brought to their direction.

  Kevin returned to the Caravan. He opened the driver's side hatch, almost spilling Mia out. He caught her mid fall, setting her onto the ground. Kevin reached into a small compartment near the door and pulled out a green marble. "Resonance: Conch Shell," he said to it in a robotic voice.

  The small stone glowed green as it emitted connection squeals, which was oddly similar to a dial up modem..

  Carl's brow furrowed. "Hey, what is this Resonance thing anyway?"

  Mia stared at him, her eyes widening in disbelief. "You're joking, right?"

  The blank confusion on Carl's face told her everything. She yanked out a flask from her pocket and took a swig, laughing with a bitter edge.

  Pizer stepped in, his voice taking on a reverent tone. "Looks like he is serious there lass. Resonance is the lifeblood of this world, mate."

  The marble in Kevin's palm pulsed with emerald light before a voice crackled from it. "Captain. You seem to have perfect timing, as usual."

  Kevin's face remained impassive. "Lieutenant Bryson, report," he commanded, all business.

  "Sir, a hidden beast-kin village materialized and is on fire. Seems like they are fleeing something, but I would have to get a closer look to find out what."

  Kevin paused, as if he was choosing his words. "Negative, return to the farm. It is none of our concern."

  "I got that Captain. I am heading to the farm, however, that beast-kin you had me follow is leading the villagers to Casey's. It is pretty chaotic. I am going to see if I can stall the attackers to assist. They are moving faster than I am, but they are dead set on heading your direction."

  "Follow orders Lieutenant. Do not engage," Kevin replied. "They are not the mission parameters. Return to the farm to help with evacuation."

  Carl removed his hood. "Wait, don't you think we should give them a hand?"

  Mia backed up.

  Pizer noticed her surprise when she saw Carl's ears. "Oh right, Mia, meet the stranger. Hey, I haven't caught your name."

  "It's Carl," he replied.

  Kevin talked into the small green rock again. "Lieutenant, did you copy?"

  No response came back, and the green marble's glow faded.

  Pizer turned to Kevin. "Captain, this sounds more and more like not an exercise."

  "Corporal. I am in agreeance. You and Mia take the wagon over to the houses. Insist that Cayce evacuate the farm at once. When the Lieutenant returns, we leave."

  "He won't like that much," Pizer replied. "What exactly should I tell him when he asks?"

  "Let him know that the Conscripts found what they were looking for."

  "You got it boss," Pizer said, hopping in the Caravan with Mia and driving off.

  Kevin turned to Carl. "You are to stay at the tree until I return. Do not act. Do not talk. Do not run."

  "I do not understand," Carl replied. "What is going on?"

  A large explosion in the forest broke the conversation. Sounds of yelling soon made their way to their ears.

  "You are the second one this week to spout nonsense. There is a working scheme here that I do not care about."

  Second one? There is someone else out there who knows.

  The forest erupted again, this time various Spore-beasts ran out of the woods and headed toward them. Older men and women, along with children, sprinted ahead while several others turned back toward the forest, unleashing wind spells. There were about twenty or so running, mostly small and a lot of them slower than the rest.

  A human burst from the forest, wearing the same distinctive uniform as Kevin and Pizer. He darted among the fleeing group, scooping up the youngest children and passing them to the spellcasters, then pointed urgently toward the farm.

  Carl stared at the horror that came next. The beast-kin ants, much like the ones that he saw when he first arrived, came pouring out of the trees. The ants chittered as they approached the farm boundary, their mandibles clicking menacingly.

  The ant attackers unleashed fireballs that cut through the air, directly targeting the wind-casters who were desperately trying to hold the defensive line.

  Kevin ignored the fleeing villagers as they ran past. One of them ran up to him and he casually pushed the Spore-beast aside as if it was in his way. He showed no emotion. Kevin did not care.

  "Kevin, we have to help them," Carl said.

  "Do not move. Do not talk."

  Carl had enough. "I don't care what you say. I am going to help them."

  He charged the villagers, not caring how Kevin might react to his defiance. Nothing else mattered right now. He'd deal with the consequences later.

  The villagers stared at him when he came close. At first, they stayed away, but when they looked down at the glowing dagger, they instead drew toward him. An elderly spore-beast, who had appearances of an old shrew stopped in front of him. "You are from the Temple Palace. You must aid the Champion!"

  "The Champion?" Carl asked. The Empress mentioned a champion here. "Where!"

  The Elderly pointed back. Next to the man was a spore-beast in a green cloak, however, unlike the Temple Guard, this one looked normal size about his height. She pointed her staff that rained wind shards to stall the invading ants.

  "Go," Carl said. "Head for the houses, they will give you shelter." He did not know how true that statement was, but at this point it didn't matter. The spore-beast nodded and left.

  Carl continued his way when one ant caught his presence. He pushed his hands forward, forgetting that he had no abilities and instead squeezed to produce the talons. He slashed at the ant but it somehow predicted his move and sidestepped him.

  A score of wind blades pelted the attacker. The green-cloaked Spore-Beast rushed to Carl's side, helping him to his feet. "You must be the Companion. Empress Rydia predicted of your arrival."

  "Great, what's a round ear doing here? Are you the one who caused this mess?" The armored soldier raised his baton threateningly, but she caught it mid-swing with her staff.

  "Now is not the time Rowen," she said firmly. "We must flee this area before more arrive."

  With a fluid motion, she raised her staff, launching another volley of wind shards.

  All three turned and ran when Carl paused. He didn't hear it at first, but with all the distraction, he turned around anyway. Coming out of the trees was an elderly spore-beast bear with long, gray hair. The Conscripts were surrounding her, trying to pick her off, but they couldn't get past a shielding aura.

  Carl ran back toward the forest.

  The Champion turned and yelled. "Companion - where are you going?"

  "Go!" he replied, not looking back. "I got this!"

  The shield wavered… and Carl knew he didn't have much time. Using all his energy, he rushed forward. When the ant was about to strike as the shield fell, he grabbed the bear, and the ant clipped him on the shoulder. They both fell back, and now the ants were on top of him.

  The pain seared Carl's shoulder, but he couldn't afford to focus on it. Two of the ants chittered, their massive pincers clicking together menacingly. Their antennae fluttered in an unnatural pattern as sounds appeared that somehow formed words.

  "The Hunger… must be fed…" they rasped in unison.

  A massive blade came slicing through the air, cleaving the talking ant in half. Kevin stood behind it, his sword glowing with a crazy light. He glanced down briefly, then pivoted, smashing the pommel of his weapon into the second ant's carapace with a sickening crack. In one fluid motion, he swept the creature's legs out from under it.

  The ant crashed to the ground, Kevin shoved his blade downward, driving it through the creature's body and pinning it to the earth with a twist. Rising to his feet, he yanked the sword free and spun in an arc, his blade whistling through the air before separating the ant's head from its body in one clean stroke.

  His moves were precise. Like he perfected every stroke. He did not move like Kevin, in fact. Kevin knows he would not even use a sword if he didn’t have to.

  "You are either lucky or a fool. A brave one, but a fool." Kevin's blade disappeared, and he walked off. "Now return to the farm."

  Carl shook his head and helped the elderly. "Are you ok?"

  "Yes," the Elder said, looking into his eyes. "The Companion of the Sword Master. He has returned to us. The Keeper will be most delighted."

  He didn't know what all that meant. By the time they exited the forest, the farmers were repelling the rest of the ants as they scattered away.

  At the farmhouses, Carl approached Kevin. "Yo, what is wrong with you? First, you don't want to help, now you do. Make up your damn mind."

  "I owe you no answer. What I do, does not concern you."

  Carl scoffed, but Kevin ignored him again. "Lieutenant."

  Bryson saluted. "It was as you expected. A tracking bomb exploded in the air and the village appeared in the clearing. Within minutes, the Conscript raided. They lost quite a bit, but from what I saw they were more intended to keep them alive. If it wasn't for the beast-kin that followed us, it could have been far worse."

  Kevin looked away from the crowd to spot the green-cloaked Spore-Beast. "Indeed."

  "Also, one of the villagers mentioned that the Anbar was in the forest earlier this week. How much you want to bet that they are on their way to the Commons."

  "We do not speculate Lieutenant. That is the Commander's prerogative to weigh decisions at this level."

  "I know," he said. "But don't you think that it is all too coincidental? The Anbar has been poking and prodding our borders for months now."

  He turned to Pizer and Cayce. "Well, you heard the boss. We leave on their caravans. No arguments with Mia when we hitch her caravan up to one of yours. If she want's to complain, she can tell the boss that, but I am sure he will just stare at her."

  Pizer laughed. "Yeah, the boss is good at that."

  "Oh, Kevin, what about the beast-kin?" Bryson asked, his brow furrowing looking at Carl's ears.

  "What about them." Kevin's tone was flat, brooking no discussion. It wasn’t even a question.

  Bryson stood there, his expression shifting as understanding clicked into place. "Yeah I got ya. I'll report when we're ready to move out."

  Kevin nodded and walked away.

  "Hey, hold up," Carl called after him.

  Kevin paused without turning fully. "What is it?" His words carried the barest hint of impatience.

  "What's your problem? You think those beast-kin will stand a chance when those ants come back?" Carl's voice rose with each word.

  Kevin's face remained impassive. "They are not the Advent Guard's concern."

  "Like hell they aren't!" Carl stepped closer, nearly chest-to-chest with him. "What happened to you?"

  Cayce approached Carl from behind. "Captain, hey, I know this isn't your mission, but we will carry the refugees to Rowen Commons. It will be a tight fit, rather I do agree that it isn't the Advent Guard's mission, we still want to do the right thing."

  Kevin looked stoic. "Then they are your responsibility. I will allow Mia's caravan to spread out the load."

  "Thank you, Captain," Cayce replied. He turned his eye to Carl. "Hey, come give me a hand with something. Let's leave him to his thoughts."

  He knew that Cayce was trying to diffuse the situation, and he reluctantly agreed.

  "You speak to him like you know him personally, as dry as that sounds," Cayce said as they walked the oxen pens.

  "Yes," Carl replied. He knew it would be too much to tell him why.

  "I saw what you did for those beast-kin, and if you were anything else, then I know you are not the zealots, as we initially thought. For that, I am sorry to misjudge you."

  "It is ok," Carl said, looking back at his friend then back onto the path.

  "Well, I can tell you have your reasons, so I won’t pry. But it is weird that now he somehow has two people who say that they know him in the past week. First that beast-kin over there in the green cloak that visited us some time ago. She started with the same speech. Calling him a swords master or something like that. Protesting that he was a hero to all beast-kin. Really interesting stuff, but he wasn't having none of it. Still, she followed him around for a bit, much to his digress. And now well, you show up."

  "What do you mean?" Carl's eyes narrowed, catching something in Cayce's tone.

  "Well, they call him the Hollow Soldier." Cayce lowered his voice, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Kevin wasn't within earshot. "Everyone in the Commons talks about how something is off with him. He helps out for sure, like he cares, but when you try to get to know him, he shuns you off like there is Resonance marbles in that noggin of his that makes him detract from people."

  "Like a person with no soul," Carl whispered.

  "Couldn't have said it better myself," Cayce replied. "I believe this is fate. Maybe he is running from something. He comes here often, more than the other Advent Guard, like he is searching."

  Now he knew what he had to do.

  Kevin is an empty shell, void of all his soul, with pieces of the power swords scattered somewhere in this world. Why couldn't the Retsam find another Sword Master? Why Kevin? No matter. I will help him find the Power Swords. If that's what it takes.

  I have found you, Kevin. I am not stopping until we find your soul.