“Friends are merely the enemies of tomorrow.” - Richard d'Orlio, confidant to Principe Filippo.

  The sun was high in the sky when Leo arrived at the temple. He was fully packed with rations, as well as his gear. It would be as hot as the underworld this time of year, and he dressed loosely. He knew some places in Raveno from prior missions where they could lodge if needed.

  The temple was a structure of peerless beauty. It dwarfed most of the other buildings, its stones of purest white. The crown of the temple was a great dome, flowing down into a circular symmetrical array of arches and pillars. One of these arches formed the edge of a heavy wooden door. Standing guard were two robed acolytes; their long hoods obscured their faces. Over the robes were plated armor, silver breastplates, gauntlets, and kneepads. They shimmered unnaturally, imbued with star-iron. They held spears, their points glowing with white magical fires.

  They gestured as one to the back of the temple, where Leo saw Avella waiting expectantly. Salvatore was there too. The two were talking to each other. Leo couldn’t make out what they were saying. They turned to him as he approached.

  “Greetings, Tenente,” said Salvatore with a cheeky smile.

  Leo grinned. “Hello, Padre.”

  He looked Leo over, shaking his head. “You don’t need your horse, Leo.”

  “What? It’s a four-day ride to Raveno. How are we supposed to get there?”

  Salvatore pointed to the building by the temple. A stable. “You will need to get there quicker than that.”

  The stable doors opened to a majestic sight. Two big horses with pure white coats trotted out with primal grace. Their manes were full and well-groomed, and they were unnaturally serene. Guided by a group of acolytes, Martin was among them. He looked out of his element. His robes didn’t quite fit, and he tripped as he guided a horse to Leo.

  Leo stood amazed, for he knew these weren’t ordinary horses. These were maxime—enchanted beasts of greater strength, intelligence, and size. Never mind a four-day ride; they would be there by tomorrow afternoon. Without another word, Leo dismounted and quickly reapplied his gear to this greater mount. He brushed his hand gently on the horse’s neck.

  Leo had a hard time getting astride the horse at first. The first attempt rewarded him with pain in his pelvis. He suppressed a groan. After a quick breath, he tried again, launching himself upward. At last, he was mounted. Leo hoped the rest of the journey would be smoother.

  Meanwhile, Avella levitated her gear onto the horse. All save for the sack, which would not move. She tried with increasing frustration to lift it, but to no avail. She sighed to herself, then grabbed the bag and threw it over. She turned to see Leo staring at her.

  “Are you alright?” he asked.

  She grumbled. “The sack has the leg in it. It seems to be immune to my powers.” She quickly saddled her steed. Leo was jealous of how easy she made it look. Then again, she was tall, so that helped. Avella gently caressed the muzzle of her horse and mumbled quietly to it. “They have names, and it would be wise to respect them. Mine is called Rubert; yours is called Magnus.”

  Leo chuckled. “Very well. Are you ready, Magnus?” The horse moved his head in a way that almost appeared to be a nod.

  “Knock ’em dead out there!” said Martin.

  “This won’t be too bad; it’s just an escort,” answered Leo.

  “Uh-huh. I can’t wait for your stories when you get back.”

  Avella pressed Rubert forward. “Let’s get going. Magnus, Rubert, show us what a maxime horse can do.” In response, the horses charged ahead in a gallop. Leo’s hat nearly fell off, and he tightly gripped the handles. This journey was going to be different; he could feel it.

  ………………………………….

  Never had Leo seen the world go by so fast or so gracefully. The horses lived up to their lineage, and their speed was incredible. Towns, villages, and hills all flew by in mere hours, their presence like dreams and faint memories.

  People were going about their lives, children frolicking in the streets, farmers in their fields, Godshards, and acolytes at their temples. They were heading east toward the inner ocean. Their path was simple; the main trading road would suffice, taking them straight to Raveno.

  Leo had been there a few times before. The city was on the coast, on the cusp of drier, more sparse lands, miles before the city limits, thank Omnitus. It was the easiest way to get there during the summer months. The river was dried up at present, and it would be sweltering. Most of the city was underground, so their time in the heat would be miserable but brief.

  Leo found his mind wandering to the task at hand. Godshards don’t scare easily. Avella tried to hide it, but she was. The fact that she was scared made Leo scared. Next to the Gods themselves, Godshards were among humanity’s greatest heroes.

  They were leaders; they gave people hope and held great power. They never hid away like the Gods or squandered it like the Benelim. The stories of Godshards could be heard worldwide, echoing from shore to shore. Names of legend. Adam the First, Joan the Healer, Ruth the Uniter, David The Founder, Solomon The Wise, Paul Twice-Lived, Lazarus the Reviver, their current Sommo Sacerdote. If a Godshard is scared, it can only mean trouble.

  Leo thought back on the brand found on the dread-wasp leg. He couldn’t understand it. Why would the daemons work together with the Nameless One? They were at odds. Daemons wanted to rule the world again. Leo shuddered as the visions from the party flashed before his eyes. The daemons, the hellish wastes, the screaming and cracking of whips. He closed his eyes, attempting to suppress the images.

  Then there’s Morgash; curse her name. It is said she wants to devour everything. Everything. Not just Terras Mortales, but the Heavens and even the Underworld. So why, in the name of the Gods, would they work together? Leo didn’t understand it. And Avella didn’t either. He hoped this Mago they were traveling to see would have the answers.

  Leo looked up at the sky; the sun was slowly setting. The blues of the day became the yellows of dusk. They’d need to either set up camp or find lodging soon. The vegetation was slowly getting more and more arid. This was good news; this meant they’d covered a lot of ground. He looked over at Avella. She was staring straight ahead, intently focused on her destination. He gently shifted Magnus closer.

  “Maga Avalon!” the galloping was loud, so Leo had to ensure she would hear him. “Shall we find lodging soon?” She said nothing. He was confident she could hear him. “Maga Avalon?” She was still silent, not even turning to face him. It was like he wasn’t there. Leo looked up ahead. Ah, he recognized where they were, at least. “We’re approaching Ravensend; how about we stop there?”

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  At last, she responded with a curt nod. It was so subtle that Leo almost missed it. Was she going to be like this the entire journey?

  ………………….

  The sun was about to set when they arrived. The streets were sparse as they rode through the town with quiet grace. Leo followed Avella’s lead. Sure enough, she led them to another temple. It was smaller and not as well kept as the one in Tressviae. They dismounted, and Leo instantly regretted it. He was stiff and sore. He cringed and shambled awkwardly, trying to stretch his legs out.

  On the other hand, Avella seemed unfazed and walked up to the temple door. A man in a white robe and headdress opened it for her. It must have been the local sacerdote, and he was expecting her. Without a word, she went inside. A couple of acolytes snuck around the temple and guided the horses away, startling Leo. He was tempted to say something but presumed it was all part of the plan.

  Leo scowled. It’s a shame he was not privy to it. He knocked at the temple door. No response. He tilted his head before striking again. Once again, nothing. Leo sighed and pinched his nose. “Guess I’ll have to find my own lodging then.”

  Leo walked down the streets. They looked even worse upon closer inspection. The buildings looked . . . empty. Occasionally he saw dim candlelight or a nervous cittadino closing a window, but for every one window closing, three were open, and only blackness endured. A stillness was in the air, like the calm before the storm. It was quiet. Too quiet.

  Something wasn’t right.

  A wet slithering noise caught Leo’s attention. It came from a nearby alley. Leo placed his hands on his sword. There was a figure in the dark approaching him slowly. A stranger clad in a black hood, and he couldn’t make out a face. He spun around; every shadow in the empty streets had a figure. Or was it the light playing tricks on him? He looked around frantically, and that’s when he realized how far he was from the temple.

  It was a good half mile away. How did Leo get so far from it? He realized with increasing dread that he was on his own. If he tried to run toward the temple, they would be on him before he could get close. Evidently, Avella was in her own world, so he wasn’t counting on her knowing he needed her help. Leo cursed himself. How could he be so stupid? So foolish? He was going to die, and he had barely done anything yet!

  The mysterious figures were getting closer, nearly surrounding him. In their hands, Leo saw silver daggers, their blade flicking to life in the dark. Leo drew his sword. If nothing else, he wasn’t going down without a fight.

  A new light turned on, drawing his eye. It came from a nearby building; it looked like an inn. The brick walls were sun bleached and weathered, and dusty tables and chairs were laid about.

  A deep, gruff voice reached him, barely picking up on the wind. “Come here.”

  Leo had no choice. He bolted to the open door, leaping inside. His eyes adjusted to the light. Indeed, it was a homely little inn. However, the ceiling was way taller than he’d expected. Some stairs crept upward, leading to several rooms above. The common area had more empty tables and chairs, worn walls, and cracked wood. It wasn’t pretty, but it would suffice.

  The strangest thing in the place was a mahogany desk in the far back. It looked huge, like it was several times too big compared to everything else in the room. It looked newer and more polished. That’s when Leo saw the glowing eyes, and it all made sense. A person was sitting at the desk. He was the perfect size for it because he was tall. Very tall. Leo gasped. It was a Nephilim, a true Nephilim, not one of the Benelim or Maelim. Leo had never met one until now.

  The giant grumbled, “It took you long enough.” He had a thick accent that Leo couldn’t place. “My name is Benjamin, but you can call me Ben. Welcome to Ravensend and my humble abode.” He stood up and bowed gracefully. Leo looked him over. He had to crane his neck to see his face. Ben nearly hit the ceiling in his own inn. His face was wrinkled and aged with a long, silver beard with faint hints of black remaining.

  “I am Leo. It is a pleasure to meet one of the true Nephilim.”

  “Indeed.” Ben scoffed. “Let’s get down to business. I know your purpose here. Your steeds have drawn unwanted attention. The temple will keep Maga Avalon safe. You, on the other hand, must spend the night here.”

  Leo squinted. “You expect me to trust you? How do I know you’re not in league with those shadowy figures?”

  Ben chuckled, a rich, deep sound. “If I wanted you dead, why would I have helped you? I could have killed you by now or not turned on my light.” Ben stood up, lumbering over to Leo. He gently laid his giant paw of a hand on Leo’s shoulder. Leo cringed from the contact. “Besides, you do not have a choice.” He guided Leo to the front door and beckoned him to look outside.

  The cloaked figures were there, dozens of them. Waiting. Leo paled. “Why don’t they come inside?’

  Ben pointed at an axe by the side of his desk. One that was bigger and taller than Leo. “We will talk more tomorrow. Head upstairs. I will stand guard.”

  ………………………………

  The first cracks of daylight seeped through Leo’s room. They came way too soon for his taste. He did not sleep well. All he had was the word of a complete stranger that he was safe, and it did not comfort him at all. Nevertheless, he was still in one piece, and nothing happened.

  He groaned and rolled to the other side of the bed. It was comfortable enough; the sheets were washed and clean. He slowly rose up and sat on the edge of the bed. The room was eerily empty, and the only belongings were his own, puddled in the middle of the room. He got to his feet, dreading what the day would bring.

  He was tense and groggy as he lumbered down the stairs. He rubbed his eyes; they still felt so heavy. Ben was at his desk, unmoving, almost statuesque. He’d prepared one of the tables with some food. Some bread and sausages, as well as some tea. At least he knew how to entertain guests.

  Ben broke the silence. “Do not worry; they are gone now.”

  “How do you know?” asked Leo.

  “They lost their chance; their domain is the night.”

  Leo nodded. “Thanks for the rescue.”

  Ben shrugged. “It was nothing.”

  “Do you know who they were? It would be wise to alert Maga Avalon.”

  Ben was momentarily silent before he said, “Servants of the Silver Order, puppets of Mendax, the God of Lies. But not even His agents should be able to be so stealthy, at least not without help.”

  Leo frowned. “Do you think there’s someone else involved, then?”

  “There are more parties involved than daemons and the Nameless One.”

  Leo tilted his head. “How do you know about—”

  “I have my ways. There are rumblings in the underworld of Raveno. Tendrils of corruption have been infecting the city for years now. I cannot say if they have cast their lot with those wretches, but you should leave nothing to chance. Be wary as you enter the city and be mindful of anyone with a silver medallion depicting a serpent.”

  Leo scratched his head. “Why are you doing all this? You’ve only just met me.”

  “I’m an innkeeper; it’s my profession.”

  Leo paused, his eyebrow raised. “Really now?”

  Ben smirked. “I’m old in years. I witnessed the Fall of Primus. I remember when Stephanos was a little boy. I served in the court of Domina Terra for five decades.”

  Leo sighed. “Again, I ask, why are you doing this?”

  “There is a darkness gnawing at the world. Not every town has money like Raveno or good soldiers like Tressviae. No one cares about Ravensend; you saw for yourself how it looks. I remember in the Imperial Times when this town was a bustling hub, not unlike Tressviae. After Primus fell, it all slipped away. Maelim came and sacked this town a century ago. No one cared, and it hasn’t recovered.”

  “Why didn’t they ask for help? There are always compagnie looking for work.”

  “Compagnie fight for money, Ravensend has none. Even your guardia still fights for coin. There is selfishness plaguing the Cradlelands. The cities have closed off from one another. In the Imperial Times, we all saw each other as one nation. We didn’t need a reason to help. We just did, cause it was the right thing to do. That is why I helped you. I wish to revive that spirit. I have . . . friends, Benelim and human. We hope to start something great.”

  Ben’s words moved Leo. He didn’t agree with everything he said, but Leo knew an earnest soul when he saw one. “You saved my life. We may still fight for coin, but we have honor as well. I will not forget this; if you ever need assistance, let me know. ”

  Ben nodded. “We’ll keep that in mind, and if you need our help, we will gladly do what we can.”

  The two of them shook on it. Leo packed up his things. He had a busy day ahead of him.

  “May the Gods be with you,” said Leo as he made his way to the door.

  “And with you.”

  Leo walked back to the temple. He eyed the streets warily and spotted the occasional soul hidden away inside, but people were sparse. It was like Ben moved a cloth from his eyes. It was unacceptable for this town, so close to Raveno, to be in such a state. Ben’s words rankled him. He wished him the best.

  Leo arrived at the temple to see Avella already outside with the horses. She was ready to go, and she looked at Leo expectedly. He tried to keep a stone face. She’d left him to die, even if she didn’t mean to. He wanted to scold her, but now was not the time or place. Perhaps he wasn’t supposed to question her either, but if Generale Augustino were serious about him having such a high rank, asserting himself would do him well. Not now, though; now it was time to ride.