Dav was bored though not for lack of things to do. His and Anthin’s return to the Citadel was met with jubilation and dread. Jubilation that Dav had succeeded in his pilgrimage, dread due to Anthin’s tidings regarding what he’d learned in Wayra. It’d been three weeks since their return and he felt as if he’d been put aside.

  He was now Brother Dav, anointed in the light of Sayoshti’s Grace. The ceremony had been held shortly after his return. Performed of course by Brother Anthin. A full day for Dav spent in preparation and learning what he’d need to know for the ceremony. A night spent in solitude full of prayer and introspection followed by the arrival of dawn and his ascension to the ranks of the anointed.

  The ceremony mirrored his blessing pre-pilgrimage with a few changes. Again attended by all of his teachers and all of the Enlightened still remaining at The Citadel. The Witness attended as well as he did all such events. Notably absent were his friends Relf, Willhem and his brother Tanisin. He missed their presence sharply. Deliah attended tucked away near the back. She’d made some attempts to speak with but he wasn’t ready to forgive her.

  Following his ceremony was a full Corps funeral for their fallen comrade Willhem. Both Dav and Deliah spoke at the event, they talked of small things that endeared Willhem to them, his camaraderie and faith, his mentorship for Relf and how much they’d valued his presence on the pilgrimage. It was a sombre affair culminating in the unveiling of his name now carved into the memorial statute centered in the barracks yard.

  After that he’d been given his first assignment. He was to minister to a parish in the north end of Citadel City assisting the senior Brother Ewan already there, much like Brother Mchale did for Anthin. His days were full with new responsibilities and he carried them out dutifully, carefully and with respect for the position. His week’s work now included two masses with one mid week and one on Gathering Day, the last of each week. For the most part as a senior, Brother Ewan conducted things and Dav was there to assist and learn. Occasionally Ewan had him run the mass. On these occasions he found himself so nervous he stumbled over his words. It was also a surprise to him how much preparation went into each sermon and researching passages for the lessons he wanted to impart on his congregation..

  “The people love a newly raised Brother.“ Ewan’s kind face held a smile as he remarked. “Especially one who makes mistakes. It reminds them we are human, that we err and fumble.”.

  It went well. His enthusiasm overshadowed his nerves and Dav soon found a groove to it, a mixture of scripture and definition, explanation and understanding as he read the stories and interjected meaning to them. He also used anecdotes and small stories from his life or others he’d heard to reinforce the lessons. His parishioners liked the young man and were receptive, finding him open and animated. They liked him enough that after his first Ewan had fully given him the mid week mass, usually attended by fewer folks.

  He was happy, elated even. To be doing what he’d trained for and wanted for as long as he could recall. Yet he already missed the days on the road with all the adventure, camaraderie, and the sense of doing something. He certainly missed the excitement despite the times his life had faced true peril.

  He also dwelt on Sayoshti’s words. “Things will not transpire as you had hoped. You have much work to do within my Church.” They nagged at him. Surely it meant more for him than this for the rest of his life. What did she mean by it?

  Since regulating him to these duties the Enlightened still at The Citadel had spent their time in council and meetings. The purpose of which were aimed at figuring out what to do about the situation in Wayra. The meetings had started before their return. Anthin’s two messages from Wayra had made it through as Edwyne had promised they would. Scouts had been sent and reports of an army massing near the capital reported back. Of the Corps and various other clergy stationed in Wayra there had been no word. The silence spoke volumes regarding the cult’s success in Wayra and there was real worry that those forces, though small in number, were no more. Weather eliminated or simply locked away no one knew and answers were impossible to get. Dav wasn’t privy to these meetings. Anthin, having gained further standing on his return, was at every one. He was paramount to the situation having witnessed some of it first hand.

  Some evenings Dav was able to visit Anthin. They talked about these matters and Anthin told Dav what he could.

  “They're certainly alarmed. There are those that would avoid war if they could. So they argue and disagree on what to do. It is no small thing Dav, sending men to die. Even when all can see the need clearly. The majority are in favour so we’ll vote on it soon and the call has gone out to all stations to be ready. They’ve recalled all officials in Wayra as the scouts encounter them. So far none have returned nor has any word of them been sent. It’s perplexing but General Falmar won’t catch us unprepared”

  That had been the first night that Dav had a chance to spend time with Anthin. Since then the gathered Enlightened had voted, and war was on the horizon. Corps troops were trickling into the area, called to mobilise from all over Etrusia. Everywhere about him preparations were happening. Armourers and weapons-smiths were busy. Fletchers made arrows and teamsters gathered horses, men and wagons to move supplies. An encampment slowly built up on the prairie south of the city as a storm gathers on the horizon. Messages flew from and into The Citadel as fast as couriers mounted on quick steeds could carry them. It was exciting and alarming but did little to change Dav’s thoughts on his situation.

  One night with Anthin he finally learned what had become of his brother and Relf. A message had come from Brother Mchale to Anthin. “I've got some good news.” Anthin casually mentioned. “Tan and Relf are safe in Dimabri City at the time of Mchale’s message.

  Dav perked up at the mention of his brother and friend. He’d worried about them daily since waking up at Fort Last Stop. “Dimabri City, what are they doing there?”

  “From what Mchale tells me much the same as you, they'd just awoken there after going through the Barrier. Nearby anyway.”

  Dav was happy they were okay but he did wish he were with them.

  “There’s more.” Anthin warned him. “It appears Despair had designs for Dimabri. Mchale didn’t get overly specific but something to do with Stabber Rollins. He was working with the cult. It appears Tan and Relf, with support from Enlightened Serivus, have a plan to put a stop to it. I only hope they succeed.”

  “We have to help them, Anthin! If it’s anything like Wayra they’ll need us.” Dav leapt up, ready to leave that instant.

  “We cannot, though I too wish we could. It would all be settled one way or another before we got there. We must trust in Sayoshti and your brother’s abilities. Cheer up! They’re alive and Mchale promised to send further news when he’s able.”

  It had to be enough, so Dav continued to serve his parish and spend his days sharing Sayoshti’s scripture.

  In the following days it was decided. The army would continue to gather. Two thousand troops ordered to muster and make ready to depart. Anthin was raised to Knight Commander after the plans had been finalised. His efforts in Wayra at finding the truth were reason enough for the reward, despite the long years since his original training. He accepted despite some misgivings. He wasn’t convinced that The Church had changed enough since his disgrace so many years before. He was given a field command within the army. It had been a long time since he’d led men in battle and never on such a scale but his ranks were full of able knights and Corps commanders and he had a sharp mind for tactics. Of note was that overall command was to go to Knight Commander Anders, a better choice could not have been made had Sayoshti herself materialised to lead them. Dav was dismayed to learn he wouldn’t be going. He’d pleaded with Anthin upon learning it.

  “You cannot, it is out of my hands. Even if it were up to me I’d still refuse. You have your duties.”

  “But surely I can be of use, I’ve dealt with cultists before. I’m capable in a fight and every man will be needed.” Dav pleaded more.

  “Enough. It’s been decided already.”

  Chagrined, Dav accepted it though he still grumbled inside. His days remained filled with duties, classes and interspersed here and there with weapons practice. In all he had not much leisure time. He continued meeting with Anthin, if only for the company and continued to ply him with questions on the preparations. He also hoped to hear more of Relf and Tanisin but no news was incoming.

  A month into his tenure as a Brother he lost even his treasured talks with Anthin as his father had moved out of the city and into a large pavilion in the growing encampment. As Field Commander it was Anthin’s duty to see to his responsibilities, the day to day and the millions of details that kept the army running. Feeding and supplying such a growing beast was no small task, one that would be even more difficult on the march. There were as many details to worry about as there were men gathered.

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  It was not known yet where the Wayrans would strike nor even if those troops held sympathies with the cult. It stood to reason that the majority had been misled or lied to, deceived in some way or convinced of the validity of their cause. That they were to a man all loyal to General Falmar was given. Anthin had hopes that his friend Edwyne and his insurrection would provide more information. He’d only received one message thus far. A quick note to let Anthin know that Edwyne was back in Wayra and setting up connections to help him. The message promised intelligence as well though none had yet arrived.

  It was agreed among the Enlightened on the most likely path the enemy would take. There were only three real options. First would be a northeast march to Bayamak. There were good roads from Wayra into Bayamak. The Baymaki weren't all fully invested in The Church, having a traditionally tribal society. The south of the country tended to favour The Church and be believers. Missionaries had spread the word there and gained The Church a foothold in the early days.

  Almost three millennia later there were still a large number of tribes holding on to the old ways. Those northerners still clung to ancient beliefs and superstitions, ruled by chieftains, medicine men, mages and shamans. It was prime ground for The Followers to gain more territory and willing troops to grow their army. Fact was that a disproportionate number of known cultists were Bayamaki. The cult had roots there from before it was even called Bayamak. There was also the historic border disputes between Wayra and Bamak to consider that it was a tempting target.

  Next scenario was Feden but it wasn’t unanimous. There were many disadvantages to attacking Feden. First it would require a full assault over land on the capitol and failure there would end the cult’s plans, whatever they were. The capital was coastal and even if Wayra had the men and ships needed they had no hope of blocking trade and supplies into Phai. That also meant a forced march around the Basin and East Lake giving the Church enough time to position their counter. Feden was a nation that fully supported the Church. There were more Fendenians within the clergy and Corps than any other nation excepting Dimabri.

  Least likely was a direct assault on the Citadel. It was deemed a fool's errand by all despite being the closest. Not only was it a fortress that would require a siege, it was also the centre of Church operations and the four realms would rally in its defence. Regardless, plans were made for defense. The Enlightened all felt it best to account for any possibility.

  Once Anthin was in camp there was little for Dav to worry about beyond what came next. One night he gave in and sought Delaih out, asking her by a note to her barracks if she’d meet him at The Covered Maid. He felt lost. His mentor and all his friends were gone and he was ready to admit that her actions were not in malice, perhaps borne of ignorance. Yet who was he to judge? Did not Sayoshti teach forgiveness and understanding?

  He was waiting seated when she arrived and stood anxiously as she approached. She seemed hesitant herself, he couldn’t blame her due to the cold shoulder she’d received previously.

  “I’m glad you came.” He stated, gesturing to a chair.

  “I wasn't sure I would.” She admitted sitting. His coldness had affected her and like Dav she hadn't anyone left that was close. In the end that lack of contact was what had decided her on the matter.

  “Well I am glad you did.” He was nervous. Fidgeting at his cuffs as he sat down. “I just want to say I’m sorry. I…”

  “Didn’t want to hear what I did, you blame me for your capture and for Willhem?”

  “Yah, kind of. I’ve had time to think about it now and I… well I understand. You didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I’m ashamed I treated you so.”

  “No, I didn’t.” She was feeling better about the situation. The hurt of lapse in judgement and Willhem’s death. The fallout with Dav. All of it. “I am ashamed too, about what I did. What can we do about it?” She was ready to put it behind her.

  “I’m not sure. You will still have to tell Relf and Tan when you see them. As for you and me, I’d like to forgive you. I only hope they can do the same.”

  Relief flooded into Deliah. “I’d like to be forgiven.”

  They settled the matter there and then. Tentatively to start, then with growing comfort the two talked. Small things first, how things had been since returning. Word on the impending war and what could happen. Anger at the cult and its brash actions. She informed him she'd be part of the larger army soon as her unit had been ordered out. He told her of the plot in Dimabri with Relf and Tanisin being caught up in it and with no further word he had to leave it at the fact he knew they were alive last he’d heard and they had a plan with Brother Mchale and Enlightened Serivus to counter the cult there.

  “Anthin believes the Followers had planned to have Dimabri and Wayra written off before they moved on but with things as they are they won’t move until they know they succeeded in Dimabri.”

  She agreed. “Having all of Wayra’s army under Falmar ensures they can misdirect the troops on why they are fighting the Corps. Better if they can disrupt things in Dimabri, it prevents the Council from sending troops. If they can manage complete control there they can take the time to field their own troops from Dimabri.”

  “We can only hope Relf and Tan managed to stop things. Anthin expects news any time now.”

  “If you can send me a word when you know. I’d feel better knowing they were okay.”

  “I will,” He told her. “As soon as we know.”

  They spent the remainder of the afternoon simply enjoying each other's company. They’d missed each other and the absence of their friends was easier to bear now that they’d rekindled their trust. She filled him in more on the situation as it had happened. He came to understand there was no malice involved, no plot on her part. She was happy at the time to talk to someone and she told him that the man was Bayamaki, someone from home. She didn’t think that the information she’d imparted could even be used for harm. Knowing Dav and Tanisin were the talk of The Citadel she’d assumed it was more of that.

  As the afternoon drew into evening and their talk continued they were interrupted by a runner who’d come to find Deliah. “Trooper, orders for you.”

  She took a slip of parchment as it was proffered to her and the soldier delivering it left. She quickly read. “I’m to return to barracks and prepare to join the force in the field.” The prospect excited her, after months of training action was imminent.

  “Don’t let me hold you up Deliah.” He was happy for her too and a bit worried, truth be told. Every soldier trained for such things and itched to prove their worth when the time came. It appeared things were progressing and the commanders were putting the last pieces into place. “Deliah, good luck, and stay safe.” He meant it with all his heart.

  They said their goodbyes and she left. He thought of leaving himself but decided to stay. He had an off day tomorrow and nothing pressing to occupy him. He sat and thought more about the situation. He knew as a low level clergy he wouldn’t be privy to much in the way of information. Indeed he only knew more than most due to his talks with Anthin, but was still ignorant of the complete picture.

  He worried for his friends. Relf and Tanisin, immersed in cult activity in Dimabri. Deliah was heading for the impending war and all the dangers associated with open fighting. He thought of the Wayran troops. Many of whom were certainly ignorant on who they’d aligned themselves with and the why of it. He hoped Edwyne managed to make some headway there, perhaps even managing to convince some of those troops that they had chosen the wrong side. Finally he acknowledged to himself that these thoughts weren’t accomplishing anything and decided to return to the parish to pray for all involved on both sides but mostly for the safety of his friends.

  He found Anthin awaiting him in his quarters when he arrived. His adopted father had the worries of a commander written on his face when Dav entered but that soon turned to a smile. The change wiped years off of Anthin’s countenance.

  “There you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere. When I couldn’t find you in The Citadel I came here to wait.”

  “Anthin!.” Dav was surprised, he thought Anthin was in the field. “What’s up? Why aren’t you with the army?”

  “I was but I have news and I thought I’d share”

  Dav’s heart raced. He wouldn't be going but knowing some of those most dear to him would be in harm's way. Well he couldn’t help but be worried for them. He cleared his throat from the lump that formed. “Do share.”

  “First I’ve heard from Edwyne, finally. I’d begun to worry he'd been found out or killed.” Dav perked up at this piece of news. Edwyne’s information could be a deciding factor on where the threat was headed.

  “Edwyne tells us,” Antin continued, “that the Wayran force numbers about four thousand. Some thirty thousand foot soldiers with another five hundred cavalry and the rest archers. Word is they are assembled and ready to march.”

  “But where to?” Dav asked the unspoken question.

  “He believes it will be Bayamak, for much the same reasons we do. They will be sure to recruit and the terrain and spread out nature of the tribes will prevent an effective defensive campaign for us. He’s also seen some companies of troops have already departed heading that way, likely a preliminary force sent to establish some footing there.”

  “That’s it then.” Dav declared. “Our army marches to meet them there.”

  “That’s it then.” Anthin agreed. “We are to set out soon. War is coming.” The thought chilled Dav further.

  “On another more positive matter. I have news from Dimabri City.” Anthin flourished a letter from his sleeve. He made it look like a thing of magic. His left hand was useless, likely for the rest of Anthin’s days. The right one was still not healed fully from his encounter either and while it hadn’t sustained any real damage the jolts of energy he'd endured had left his nerves damaged.

  “I will leave this with you Dav, from Tanisin. I will tell you he and Relf were victorious. As to what happened, it's all there.” Anthin stood and handed the letter to Dav. “I have to go now, my Son. You do an old man proud, as does your brother. I've got an army to finish preparing so this is goodbye-for now, I’ll make sure to see you before we march.”

  Dav stood with a tear in his eye and worry in his heart. Impulsively he grasped Anthin in a great hug, pouring all of his love for the old man into it. Anthin returned the embrace and held on for a long time before turning to leave. Dav settled in for the night and read over his brother’s letter. Jubilant with Tanisin’s success yet worried what the future held, for all of them.