It had been the longest two weeks in Ruth’s life.

  Clodius was indeed able to get the senate to authorize the expedition, and he’d have command of three entire legions, as well as auxiliary forces as he saw fit. The problem was even for the legendary speed of which it took the legions of Primus to ready themselves for war, many things had to happen first.

  The state had to supply the gear and munitions. The towns had to find enough landholding citizens who could serve. To speed things along and to give more manpower, the senate finally ratified a reform penned by Clodius that allowed any able bodied man or woman to serve. Even with such actions taken, it might as well have been an eternity for Ruth.

  Every day that passed made her more and more anxious. Yet she had to make plans of her own. Most of the Godshards were coming along, and she had to make sure the affairs were in order in her absence. Megan would come out of retirement to watch over the kids. Lea also volunteered to help her. Construction paused on the settlement, yet there were plenty of other considerations and logistics she had to manage.

  Ruth was grateful for Sheba. Ruth didn’t know if she would write her own book yet, but if she did, she would dedicate a lot of the story to her. Sheba proved time and time again to be a rock for Ruth. A beloved guardian, a dark-skinned angyl. Ruth didn’t know how much she could have done without her. Sheba took the reins from the discussion upon seeing Ruth’s exhaustion.

  Godshards of Ruth’s caliber didn’t need to sleep too much, but the weight of the past few weeks of planning and struggle proved that even she was still human. With little reluctance, Ruth lumbered into her chambers and plopped down on the bed. Sleep graced her like a long lost friend.

  Yet it did not bring peace.

  Ruth was back in Submersio. The sky was a hellish red, and the buildings were on fire. They were tall and cramped, looming over Ruth like twisting tree trunks. A sickening mix of mud and blood ran like rivers down the streets. The stench of death was thick in the air.

  All was burning, all was melting. The Maelim raiders were back, and they tore through the city, slaughtering all in their path. Their monstrous mounts ran down the innocent, devouring children with a wet crunch. Some dismounted and chased the women into their homes. Others leapt onto helpless plebeians like feral beasts, chomping at their throats with sharp, rotting teeth.

  The world shifted, and Ruth was back in the forum. Bodies lay across the ancient stone like grass in a field. The Prince stood before her, astride his monstrous leonine beast. The creature had the upper body of Leopard-Ember in his mouth, her spinal cord and muscular tissue dragging on the cobblestone. The beast was covered in the flayed hides of human and Benelim stock. One of them was dark in color that reminded Ruth of… no!

  The Prince turned his mount to the side so Ruth could see his insidious trophy rack. There must have been a dozen heads, and Ruth’s eyes watered. She saw Clodius, Sheba, Aunt Kathy, Elias, Mikel, Lea, Megan and… Ruth gasped. Adorning the centerpiece of the macabre display was Mother’s. They were still alive, and their mouths were open in an unending voiceless scream. Ruth snarled, she’d make this monster pay! Yet she couldn’t sign. Ruth looked down to see that her arms were gone! She couldn’t cast a spell!

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  A cold and coiling sensation wrapped around her throat. Ruth turned to see The Butcher, still burning with a missing arm. The ground opened up, tendrils of fire leaked into the air like coiling serpents. The Butcher pulled her close. His breath stank, and with an evil grin, dragged both of them into the hole.

  A vicious shaking jolted Ruth awake. Ruth sat up violently, her breath heavy, and she clutched her chest to calm her racing heart. She turned to see Sheba, her face frantic and eyes wide with concern.

  Ruth looked around. There was no burning town, no death. The Butcher and The Prince were dead. Aside from Mother, everyone she loved was safe.

  “You were screaming, love,” signed Sheba. “Are you alright?”

  Ruth shook her head. She struggled to make the right signs due to her trembling arms. “Nightmare. I was back in Submersio. Everyone was dead. Mother, Aunt Kathy, Clodius.” A tear ran down Ruth’s cheek. “You.” Sheba sat down with her, and hugged her close. “I’m scared. I’m worried about Mother. How I wish to get going already!”

  “We will soon,” signed Sheba. Her gestures were confident and bold. “Your mother will be okay, we’ll be okay. All will be well.” Ruth tried to sign, but the night terror lingered in her mindseye. Sheba pulled Ruth in for a kiss, stilling her anxious signing. Sheba’s glowing eyes brightened. Relax, my love, let me comfort you.

  Several more days passed before word reached Ruth that Clodius was ready. The legions would meet the Godshards outside Septentrio at the end of the week. Ruth was surprised that Aunt Kathy was coming. Ruth wanted her to rest, but she would not be having it.

  What no doubt perked her spirits was the new metallic arm.

  Kai put their years of metallurgy spellcraft to good use. With assistance from Jolene’s medicinal magic, the star ironed limb was surgically attached to Aunt Kathy’s shoulder. Through their spellcraft, the arm was forever bound to her will as if it was her own arm. Each joint moved as she wished, and Ruth was pleased when Aunt Kathy was able to sign properly again. Aunt Kathy was eager to put the arm through some field tests.

  Ruth knew better than to argue with her aunt, and so it was when the day of the meeting came, Aunt Kathy joined her, along with most of the Godshards. Ember, Jolene, Sheba, Shawn and Kai would form the vanguard. Jana was ordered to stay with Megan, and Lea to keep an eye on things.

  Ruth squirmed in her armor. She didn’t like it, but Aunt Kathy insisted she have the extra protection. Kai had finished the suit just in time. It was an ornate golden Benelim styled plate, complete with a helmet that evoked the antlers of Mother. Her grey cloak had been replaced with a deep crimson one, and the others were in awe of her nearly regal aura. The others wore similar gear, although due to time constraints, theirs wasn’t as ornate or complete as Ruths. But given how often they were shuffling too, something told Ruth they were fine with that.

  By midday, they arrived at Septentrio, and they didn’t have to wait long.

  The ground shook as Clodius arrived on horseback flanked by his commanders Alfredus and Iacobius. The legions marched behind them, an unending array of white, red and golden tower shields, tall pilums and iron plumed helms. Their armor shimmered in the sun, and they marched in perfect discipline. Each cohort held standard bearers, whose staff were crowned with the symbol of the sun. Ruth could faintly hear their synchronized footfalls as they trailed behind Clodius.

  Despite her misgivings with the realms of humanity sometimes, seeing such an army coming to her aid was more than a little awe inspiring. There was an aura of strength and determination that radiated off the host that reminded Ruth of the stories she heard about the Benelim armies at their peak.

  Aunt Kathy could only look at the sight in disbelief, her jaw dropped. Confidence and vigor graced her face as Clodius approached the group. Ruth fought to hide a smirk, no words were needed here.

  Clodius nodded approvingly at Ruth’s gear, but the micro expressions showed shock. Perhaps he didn’t think much of Benelim craftwork till now. Or perhaps he didn’t expect her to be armored so, “Greetings, Ruth,” signed Clodius. “I’m pleased to see you’re ready.”

  Ruth bowed before signing. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Clodius pointed his sword. “Lead the way, then.”