Dav’s reunion with Anthin was just what he needed. After so long on the road he missed his adoptive father more than ever. It did him good to reconnect, did them both good. He, Anthin, Deliah and Lieutenant Mathers had gathered in Mathers’ quarters for a meal and to finalise plans.

  Dav started by recounting again his pilgrimage. He told all. Lingering on events as the husks at the Thrain farmstead, the encounter in the night after leaving the fort. His capture in the ruins beyond the Grant, the cultists and their purported ‘Master.’ Anthin was saddened to hear of Willhem. “He was a good man and a great friend to have in times like these.” Anthin declared. He was also concerned with the activities of the cult within the Dreadlands.

  “They’ve always been there.” He informed them. “They just haven’t ever been organised like this before. I’m afraid they have become a bigger problem than we know.”

  Anthin then relayed what he could to the group regarding his own mission in Wayra. He told them of the strange goings on, his incarceration and that of all foreigners within the country. The coup by General Falmar. He glossed over the corruption of Enlightened Prestache, simply telling them he’d fallen under Falmar’s sway. He told them what he’d found out in regards to the cult and its activities there and what he feared for the rest of Etrusia.

  “There’s more, though not for the telling tonight. Lieutenant.” He addressed Mathers. “I’m afraid you’ll have to tell the outposts to be on full alert.”

  “Yes.” Mathers mused. “Dav and I already discussed something to that effect though we didn’t know things were so dire.”

  “Dire indeed. We are unfortunately living in unprecedented times. I believe events will soon prove unfathomable to those of us in the know. Still all is not lost. We have a chance to get ahead of these things.”

  Edwyne entered the room then, having seen his wagons and men taken care of. Anthin introduced everyone and continued. “Edwyne. I was just filling them in on the situation in Wayra.” He paused for a drink. “Edwyne will be returning to Wayra to stir up a resistance to General Falmar’s rule.”

  The others were happy to hear that. Knowing there would be some sort of resistance within Warya meant that the whole thing wouldn’t be on just the Corps. They continued their meal and caught up as they ate. Everyone felt worried about the situations they faced but content they weren’t doing so alone. Soon though the night drew to a close and they all went to get some sleep.

  Dav had a thought then and asked Mathers before he retired. “Did your men check on Mrs. Thrain?”

  Mathers hesitated before answering. “They did. I’m afraid you won't like what they found.” He paused. “Mrs Thrain has joined her husband in the Barrier.”

  Shocked and angered, Dav blurted. “What, How?”

  “Someone was there before us Dav. When my men arrived they found the house burned and no sign of her. They searched. Found her in the barn, she’d been turned. The men finished the job and buried her beside Norrin.” He put a hand on Dav’s shoulder. There was nothing else to say on the matter.

  At the break of dawn Dav, Anthin and Deliah were a-horse and on their way before the sunrise. Anthin set a hard pace as if he meant to make the three day trip in just one. Urgency was key. The pace meant no opportunity to talk further but it allowed Dav to think on events. Both what had happened to himself and what others had relayed. He was worried. Worried they were out of time and for the people of Etrusia. Worried Despair’s influence was too strong for those that would resist to be able to do so. He dwelled on his vision of Sayoshti. What trials and chances would his path cross, why did she tell him things would not transpire as he’d thought. He did find peace in the fact that he’d managed to commune with Her. It was well known in The Citadel that not all who made the pilgrimage were so gifted.

  Anthin’s story nagged at Dav’s mind though. He knew there were things not said and guessed it was due to the presence of Lieutenant Mathers at the time. Mid day brought a cold meal in the saddle, again with little time to talk but Dav resolved to bring it up when they stopped for the evening. Lost in thought he didn’t realise where they were until he looked up and saw they were somewhere near the Thrain farmhouse.

  He caught Anthin’s attention and the trio slowed to a walk. Anthin brought his horse over to Dav’s. “What’s the problem?” He inquired.

  “No problem just… Deliah, would you say we’re near the Thrain farmstead?”

  “It should be just over that hill there.” She pointed to her right.

  “I need to pay my respects. Don’t wait, I’ll catch up.”

  Sensing his mood and knowing the why of it Anthin and Deliah continued on as Dav turned off the road and headed to the farm. He crested the hill and looked back, seeing his companions carrying on as he’d asked. He then turned to survey his destination. He could see the burned farmhouse at the bottom as he continued.

  He passed the house noting the charred timbers and destruction. Most of the house was intact as if the fire hadn't burned too long. The place had a desolate and lonely feel about it. He continued around back towards the barn. No fire had touched it. The main doors were wide open and the weather had blown dirt and debris inside.

  Behind the barn he found the graves. The oldest was that of the Thrain’s lost child. Beside that Norrin and his wife lay side by side. Norrin’s had a small marker his wife had placed there after Dav and his group had departed that day, it seemed an age ago though it was only just shy of a fortnight. Mrs. Thrain’s grave, though unmarked, was notably fresher than the others.

  He thought back to that day, the first time he’d taken a life. It stung however noble the reason. He again reflected on the unfairness of the world. These people were just trying to live their lives when a malicious force had caused their demise. His resolve to counter Despair’s influence in Etrusia intensified. He longed for a world where these things didn’t happen. He stood there another few minutes lost in reflection then said a short prayer to Sayoshti over the graves and remounted his horse to catch up with Anthin and Deliah.

  The rest of that day's ride was silent. Anthin still set a quick pace and pushed into nightfall before conceding they needed to stop for the night. They set up a small camp and left the horses saddled and hobbled nearby. As they rested around the campfire after eating, Dav wondered again about Anthin’s time in Wayra. He didn’t doubt the story he’d been told but he had at the time noted areas that had been glossed over.

  “What happened to Enlightened Prestache?” His question was direct.

  “You’ve a sharp mind Dav. Simply put he fell under the sway of Despair.” Anthin had skirted this part of his tale intentionally. At the time he hadn't wanted to add to the fear and doubt especially in regards to Lieutenant Mathers and the troops at the fort. Moreover he wasn’t entirely sure of Dav’s mindset at the time and was reluctant to add more trauma to the already burdened young man.

  “Simply put…” Dav mused.

  “Yet there's more to it.” Deliah interjected. Pressing Anthin further.

  “A great deal more, yes. Starting with the cult. What's troubling is that while they’ve been a part of things since the earliest days they’ve never been much more than a small group of lunatics rambling. Never been organised in any sense. That seems to have changed now though I can’t speak as to how or who is behind it.” Anthin paused, allowing the thought to sit. “They have become more dangerous because of it.” He continued. “We then have General Falmar. I saw nothing of him during my time in Wayra so I cannot be certain. He is either a cultist himself or someone with influence over him is. Given his family’s history I can’t imagine the former but until we know for sure we have to assume he is at least working to their end.”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Dav nodded. “It’d be a mistake to assume he’s any less dangerous no matter the truth.”

  “It would.” Anthin conceded. “He has the full support of Wayra’s army and used that support to effectively take over. What's more he did it with no bloodshed, gaining support among the citizens. There are always those against the status quo, clamouring for change and holding idealistic views on how things should be run. Anyway the bloodshed started after, while he worked to strengthen his position. First he secured The Enlightened’s support or he already had it. I’m not sure what deals were struck between the two and I have to clarify that Prestache wasn’t acting fully of his own accord from what I gathered. Yet once word spread that Falmar’s coup was Church sanctioned he had free reign to do as he wanted.”

  “How can people believe the Church was supportive of Falmar? I mean Prestache was only one man with no official statement from the Citadel…” Dav was dubious that one official could proclaim to speak for the whole of the Church.

  “Hmmm. Well. Let me put it this way. Recall your childhood and your time in Dimabri City. Just living your life, a young man only worried about you and yours. Now consider that time. Would you say that you were worldly, that you cared about events outside of Dimabri?”

  “Of course I did. We always listen for news from outside when teamsters came in, from peddlers and travellers.”

  “Certainly. Though you and your brother have curious minds. I daresay more so than the average folk. Yet you would always look at that news from the perspective of someone living in Dimabri.” Anthin was right. News from outside–while interesting–had little effect on his day to day life back then.

  “Now furthermore…” Anthin continued. “You know the Enlightened Serivus personally through me but even had you not, consider this. If the Enlightened had made a proclamation or issued an edict you would have accepted it at face value would you not?”

  Realisation dawned on Dav. “I would, without question.”

  “Correct. And therein lies the trouble with our current state and the influence the Church has on everyday folk. Our doctrine preaches and teaches and in so doing it stifles certain independent thought. Some people question and search for answers but the majority are taught from a young age that the Church is all and don’t dare think of its messengers as flawed or capable of error. It is an unfortunate situation. The majority accept what they are told even in regards to things not spiritual. Our Church’s meddling in politics over time is one thing I’d hoped to reign in had I been elevated to Witness. I digress though, what's important is your realisation that the average person wants to be told what to believe and to be guided on what to do. So when an entity of power in both faith and politics tells them something they believe it.”

  Dav had never thought of his Faith or the Church as corruptible. It was a jarring thought. He realised it was due to the flaws of human nature. That even the holiest most devout were capable of having self serving intentions.

  “So we have the cult under firm leadership for the first time. We have a respected and powerful General with his own intentions whether influenced by or directly involved with Despair’s influence. Now consider Enlightened Prestache. He was just a man despite his title. A man in a position of power. For some wielding power is a reflection of their soul. They embrace it either reluctantly or with grace and use it for good. For others it corrupts. They want more and they use it for personal gain. Others in power surround themselves with those who would use them while some surround themselves with boot lickers and yes men. I don’t know the truth of the matter but certain clues point to Prestache having made some sort of deal and in so doing he opened his soul to corruption. I can only surmise his goal was further power for himself.”

  “So Falmar gains support from the Church, at least in Wayra. The common folk accept it for what it seems to be and those that question it are silenced quietly.” Delilah volunteered. She and Dav were putting the pieces together.

  “Yes. Now when I finally managed to get into the cathedral I found Prestache to be… well not entirely Prestache.”

  Anthin delved into both the cultist he found attending the Enlightened and the strange presence in the room, manifested as pure darkness and connected to Prestache. How the cultist claimed Wayra was fully under Despair's control and how Prestache despite all that had happened had begged for release, fully encompassed in this power and transformed because of it. He filled them in on his battle and the gruesome demise of the Enlightened upon severing the bond between him and Despair’s minion. He held up his mangled hand, now little more than a lump of flesh still wrapped and useless.

  The tale filled Dav with fear, revulsion and sadness. He was shaken by it in a way he’d never been before. The realisation that the very foundations of civilisation were so fragile, could be so easily upended.

  Anthin noted his expression, looking to Deliah as well who had listened in growing dismay herself. “It’s frightfully true but have some reassurance. We are a step behind but taking measures ourselves now. I’ve sent news ahead to The Citadel and we will further elaborate and plan when we arrive. We now have the foundation for a resistance in Wayra through Edwyne. I don’t believe I was even meant to be able to leave there. Most of all we have the knowledge that Sayoshti herself has taken note and shown us. We are her chosen! We are committed and we will resist Despair across the land. All is not lost.”

  Anthin’s reassurance was welcome and he was right. All of them had been shown things by Sayoshti, all of them had been deemed worthy and capable by Her, however cryptically. They had allies and friends they could count on. It was time to turn in and they did so with thoughts flirting from frightened to hopeful and back again it was a restless night for the three.

  Anthin continued the past day's breakneck pace through the morning. When they stopped for a midday rest the animals steamed with sweat from their efforts. Night brought them to Sarsville a full half day quicker than they would have made it had urgency not dogged their heels. They spent that night in the local inn with the promise of reaching The Citadel before nightfall the next day. Anthin had retired after eating in the common room while Dav and Deliah lingered over a cup of ale each.

  Dav noted shortly after Anthin had departed for his bed that Deliah was withdrawn, almost aloof. He ventured to pick her brain. “Hey what’s going on? You’ve been quiet.”

  She looked up from her mug clearly uncomfortable with the question. “Oh, I don’t know. I guess things have hit close to home now. I mean with everything, Willhem’s death. Now that we are almost back, I worry.”

  “About what?” Dav could understand. When they returned to The Citadel there’d be so much going on and so much to do.

  “Mostly… I think I’ll miss this. Funny as it sounds. I’ve gotten used to having you and the others around.”

  “We’ll still see each other.” Dav reassured her. “I mean we will both have duties and we can’t be sure Tanisin and Relf have returned yet, but it’s not like we’ll have no chance to get together.”

  She looked Dav straight in the eyes this time. Her face was a mixture of worry and what could be shame. “I… I have to tell you something. I’ve been working on how for a while. I messed up.” Dav opened his mouth to ask what only to be forestalled by Deliah as she continued.

  “Let me say what I have to please.” She was insistent and he nodded.

  “No sense waiting for the cock to crow. My mother used to say that, so here goes. About a week before we left The Citadel I was in the Covered Maid having drinks with a few others. The night had worn down and I found myself there later sitting alone over one more. I was almost done when a man approached my table. I hadn't seen him there earlier but the place was almost empty then. Anyway he asked to sit and buy me a drink. I was almost done and wanted to get back so I told him no. He then offered me gold, so I agreed.”

  “Okay. “ Dav said. “Nothing to worry about so far.”

  “Let me finish. He started asking questions. First about training at The Citadel and the Corps, harmless stuff. Things anyone could find out if they wanted. After a while his questions turned to specific people. Anthin, Tanisin and you.”

  “What did he want with us?” Dav was a bit alarmed now. To learn that some stranger had been asking after him and his family.

  “I don’t know for sure. He just asked questions. How long you’d been there, how your studies were going, how well I knew Anthin. Stuff like that. I didn't think much of it at the time. Eventually he came about to your pilgrimage though and when we’d be leaving. Even then I didn’t think much of it other than it was strange someone would take such an interest in you. Now though, after my own encounter with Sayoshti… Dav, I’m certain now he was a Follower, a Cultist!”

  Dav’s face remained calm. He felt angry that she’d so callously gave out details about him and his brother to a stranger. “I see.” He tried to keep his emotions in check but something of his ire slipped through in his voice.

  “I didn’t know Dav. I didn’t even know the cult was anything other than an idea at the time and I wasn’t as close to you all as I am now. I’m not making excuses. I shouldn’t have said anything or at least told you and Tan about this guy but I didn’t. I only really put it together after that day in the ruins and our fight with the cultists and husks after, and then it was confirmed in the Barrier. Now I’m worried it’s my fault, that you were captured then and my fault… about the ambush and Willhem.”

  “You didn't know? You should have!” His voice raised, the anger flowed out of him. “A soldier in the Corps should know better.” Dav did hold it against her but he struggled to control it. “I have to think about this. It’s caused harm for sure. You’ll also have to tell Tan and Relf when we see them next.”

  “I know. I’m sorry Dav, so sorry. If I could I’d take it back, but I can’t. I can only make it right.”

  “Well you can’t bring Willhem back now can you.” He practically screamed it at her. Before she could say any more he stood leaving his unfinished ale sitting on the table. “I’m going to get some sleep.” With that he stalked off.