The rider had arrived late in the afternoon. It was clear he'd had a rough journey. His horse was lame, the rider's clothes were sticky with sweat and mud, and blood dripped down his face and arm. Most of all, he was exhausted, but he still had forced himself to relay his message before passing out.

Balor had struck down hard. The fortification North of Boncini had been attacked. The last line of defense was fighting hard to keep back the enemy, but soon they would be overrun. If that happened, Balor would have access to some of the main roads of Zeir. They were in desperate need of aid.

Several riders had been sent out. Three of them had made for Boncini, but he was the only one that had survived. His comrades had fallen prey to the pursuers. He was not sure if Vertalis in the North had been reached, nor Genvi.

Vara and Iason had immediately given instructions to take care of the rider and his horse. A fresh rider from the garrison of Boncini had been sent to Auros. Iason had gathered some of the soldiers and prepared to ride out.

It was already deep into the night before arrangements had been made.

The situation was dire indeed. The fortification was a full day's ride. There was no telling what they would find.

Iason stooped down from the back of his horse and kissed Vara. "Pray we make it on time."

"I pray for your safe return," she answered instead. She could understand his fear. His brother was stationed in that regiment. She stepped back and watched the riders rush towards the battlefield. A feeling of unease came over her.

Another attack. She wanted to ease her worries, but these attacks were so close lately, despite all the precautions king Marcos had taken. She missed Eudemas more than ever, but her friend had married the tailor's assistant and now lived in the village near Boncini, though she visited frequently.

It was strange not to have her maid around every day after so many years. Eudemas had been a trusted friend. She still was. And if she ever needed a friend, it was now.

She flinched when hands landed on her shoulders. "Forgiveness, my lady," Chloe said, "I did not mean to startle you." She pulled her night robe closer around her to shield her from the chilly night breeze. "You should go inside, my lady," she said quietly, "there is not much else you can do at this point."

Vara sighed and rubbed her eyes. She was so tired. It had been a long day. "I know," she said, "I just... have this feeling... something bad is going to happen."

"Lord Iason is a good soldier," Chloe tried to comfort her, "and a good rider. The men that ride with him are also well trained. They will keep him safe." She gently took Vara's arms and steered her towards the house. "Please come inside. You'll catch a cold." She nodded at a sleepy looking Lykander who stood in the doorway. Lykander nodded back and locked the door behind them.

Vara shivered. "How is our guest?" she asked.

"We treated his wounds," Chloe informed her, "gave him warm food and spiced wine. He is asleep now."

"The boys took care of his horse," Lykander added, "it was mostly exhausted. With proper rest, the leg will heal just fine."

"Good," Vara nodded in relief, "what about..."

"In the morning, my lady," Chloe spoke, "you should rest now."

"Yes, but..."

"Everything is taken care of, my lady," Chloe said, "please take some rest. Lord Iason would not approve if you neglect yourself. "

Vara took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, thank you, Chloe. You are right." She force out a smile and headed for her room only to please the girl. She already knew she would not be able to sleep.

...

It was the noise that woke up Joseph. Sleepily he sat up and rubbed his eyes. Had lord Iason returned already? It was highly unlikely. The fortification was a full day's ride and they had left only hours ago. Still, as steward, it was his task to check on the sounds. Perhaps there was someone in need.

Putting on a robe, he made his way to the gate.

Yes, there were clearly voices. Quietly he opened the small window in the gatedoor and peered out, but there was no one to see. With a frown he closed the window and opened the door instead. Cautiously he looked around. Morning was nearing and there was still fog in the air that made it difficult to see anything. He squinted his eyes. There. He could make out two shapes, trying to scale the wall.

"Hey!" he called out.

The two ignored him, so he called out again, taking a step further away from the gate.

What he saw then made his breath stock. It wasn't just the two men. He started counting. Ten, twelve, fifteen. All coming from the mist, carrying weapons, riding horses.

Balor had found them.

Joseph gasped and turned back to the gate when he heard a whizzing sound. Right after followed a blinding pain in his left shoulder. When he reached for it, his fingers came back red.

Joseph flinched and clawed his way back inside, forcing the door shut again. With his last strength he called out a warning before passing out.

...

She must have dozed off, because the next thing she was aware of were footstep outside her door and knocking.

"My lady!" Lykander called through the thick wood, "wake up! We are being attacked!"

Vara rushed to her feet and opened the door. "Attacked?" she questioned startled, "who?"

"Balor, my lady. Jospeh... Joseph is dead." He choked on the last words.

Vara shook her head and tried to process what he had told her. Boncini was under attack. Right when most of the soldiers were sent to aid the fortification. A day's ride from here.

"My lady," Lykander pressed.

"The gates," Vara said, "have they entered the gates?"

"Not yet, my lady. We are fending them off. All available soldiers are positioned, but without aid it is only a matter of time before our defenses are breached."

Vara ran a hand through her hair. "The village. What about the village?"

Lykander shook his head. "There is no way of knowing. We cannot get out at the moment to warn them."

She could feel the blood drain from her face. He was right. They were locked in. Boncini was only a small estate. It was by no means a fortress. "How? How did they know to attack us just when the soldiers have left?" But the answer was quite clear. Vara flinched. "The rider," she said, "where is he?"

"In one of the guestrooms, my lady," Lykander provided, "you don't think...?"

"Bring him to me," Vara said determined, "we will question him. The timing was too precise to be a coincidence. Gather the women and children and bring them into the main house. It will be safer for them here. "

Lykander bowed. "It will be done." He hurried away.

Vara closed her door and quickly got dressed. Time was of the essence now.

She had barely finished when Lykander and another soldier returned with the rider. He kneeled down at her feet and hung his head. "Forgive me, my lady. They took my son and my wife. They promised I would get them back if I lured the soldiers away from here."

"Was there even an attack on the fortification?" Vara asked coldly, "or are they walking into a trap?"

"There was, my lady," the man said, "they killed all." He looked at her pleadingly. "I had no choice."

"Why here?" Vara demanded, "why Boncini?"

The man looked down in shame. "They heard the king's daughter holds this estate." He swallowed difficultly, "they spoke of it to each other, what a nice prize she would make."

The soldier next to Lykander gritted his teeth. "Why you..."

Vara held up her hand to him and narrowed her eyes at the kneeling man. "You are a fool to believe Balor will return your family unharmed. They'll maim your son and rape your wife. And they'll laugh in your face as they'll make you watch."

The man gave a nod. "That may be so, my lady, but at least I'll have them back."

Vara looked at the soldier. "Contain him somewhere and have him guarded. We will deal with him later." She turned to Lykander. "Bring my bow and arrows."

The men looked at her startled. "My lady..." the soldier said, "you should not put yourself in danger. Let us handle it. Please remain with the women and children where you will be safe."

Vara narrowed her eyes. "This is my home and I will defend it. We cannot waste time arguing. Do as I say, I assure you I can handle myself quite well."

The soldier bowed. "As you wish, my lady." He pulled the rider to his feet and dragged him to a holding room.

Lykander looked at Vara hesitantly. "My lady, please reconsider. If something were to happen to you..."

Vara placed a hand on his arm. "Right now, we should worry about protecting our home. Bring my bow and arrows. Are there riders available?"

Lykander hesitated. "Not many, my lady. But still, we are surrounded. They cannot get out."

"We will clear a path for them,"Vara said, "if there is even the slightest chance, we need to risk it. Please ask for volunteers. I wouldn't want anyone risking their lives only for my command."

"I will ride out myself, my lady," Lykander stated determined, "just say the word."

Vara shook her head. "Chloe needs you at her side. You have only just started a family."

"This is my home too," he reminded her.

Vara sighed. "If no one else will go, then go. Send out riders to Valais in the South, to Auros, and to Salvire in Tirèze. Tell them to make haste."

Lykander nodded. "It will be done."

...

Cyrus sighed as he made another round across the hospital wing. So many wounded! He wasn't sure how his presence here contributed to anything, but the men seemed to appreciate it. He was flanked by the heir of Verène, young lord Domitius.

"As you see, my prince," Domitius said, "we are in need of medication and physicians."

Cyrus nodded. "I will report it to my father. We will do what we can." In reality, it was going to be difficult. Verène wasn't the only province with wounded soldiers.

"We thank you, prince Cyrus," Domitius spoke, "and we thank you for your visit. Please join me as we inspect the garrison at our coastline. The men will be encouraged hearing from you."

Cyrus nodded. "Lead the way." The garrison would be the last stop of this visit. He looked forward to returning home. It had been a long trip.

Iolaus flanked him silently. He too had been shocked at the number of injured men. And these were only the soldiers. They had not even stopped to see the villagers. Perhaps they should on their way home. The people needed to feel their prince cared.

They mounted their horses and made for the coastline. The fortification of Verène was one of the largest coast defenses of Zeir. It had a large fleet and riders that rode back and forth between the other nearest forts. It was clear what they were in need of. Horses. And wood to strengthen the barricades. Another thing to discuss with his father.

Cyrus shook hands with several soldiers and patiently let Domitius discuss matters with the commander of the regiment. They were both capable men that tried hard to defend their borders.

The commander bowed at Cyrus. "My prince, be welcome at the fortification. We appreciate you coming to visit us in person and hope you and your father the king are pleased with our efforts."

Cyrus gave a nod. "We are. The reports we receive are satisfying. I understand you are in need of fresh horses to accommodate your messengers. I will discuss it with my father. Perhaps king Darius of Tirèze is willing to sell some from his stables. The horses they breed are small but swift and they have great endurance."

The man bowed again. "It would please us, Your Highness."

Cyrus nodded again. "For wood, can you not turn to Verène or Stegare? The fortification is in their district and they are responsible for its maintenance."

"Yes, my prince," the commander bowed. He glanced at Domitius. "We have requested for wood at Verène, but there is not enough. We have suffered great damage from the latest attack and had to deconstruct one of our warships to make repairs."

Iolaus cleared his throat. "Permission to speak?"

Cyrus glanced at him and nodded.

"Santos borders both Stregare and Verène. They are surrounded by forests. I am sure my wife's family would be willing to lend aid."

"My lord," the commander bowed, "it would be most welcome, but it is not my place to make that decision."

Domitius inclined his head at Iolaus. "I will discuss the matter with my father."

"There should be no problem," Cyrus spoke, "Santos may be protected because of its position, far from the borders of Zeir, but this war affects us all. They will aid you."

Domitius bowed his head. "My prince."

"Very well," Cyrus spoke, "I will look forward to your report. And I will inform you of Tirèze's answer to your request for horses."

The commander bowed. "Please my prince, my lords, may we offer you food and water before you return home? It is a long ride."

The thought of food and rest was most welcome. Cyrus nodded. "Thank you, soldier, you will join us for the meal?"

"I am honored, Your Highness," the man spoke and he accompanied them to a large tent where servants were already busy to accommodate their visitors.

...

Elora sighed as she looked out of the window and over the vast desert. The continuing drought was beginning to take a toll on her. All her plants and flowers wilted away and the heat was almost unbearable. After all this time she still wasn't used to it.

She knew there were underground water reservoirs to prepare for times such as these, but even those were dwindling.

Elora bit her lip and looked over her shoulder. "Mehr," she addressed her bodyguard, "can we not send a missive to the lord of Valais in the Southeast of Zeir? Perhaps they are willing to share their water supply with us, or at least reroute one of the mountain streams, like my father has done for Salvire."

Mehr stepped out of the shadows of the room and bowed. "Such matters are for the king to decide, lady," he answered her calmly and respectfully.

"I know," Elora said, "but he is away. And even if he were here, he is too stubborn to ask anyone for help. His pride won't let him." No matter how much she loved Darius, she wasn't blind to his flaws.

"My lady," Mehr spoke politely, "the king would not put his pride before his people. You must have faith in him."

Elora nodded her head. "Of course." She knew he was right, but it felt frustrating not being able to do anything. As a woman, she had no power in Tirèze. All she could do was try to persuade Darius when he returned home. She hoped it would be soon. She missed him.

She turned away from the window and walked over to the crib where her daughter was sleeping. Only a few weeks old, Roshan didn't yet understand the troubles of the world around her. Sometimes Elora wished she was still so innocent.

Gently she stroke a finger across the child's cheek. "Sleep, little one," she whispered, "and dream of your father coming home."

Her boys were currently away. Young as they were, their education had already begun. In Tirèze, boys learned to ride before they could walk. And as princes, their progress was closely monitored. Ardashir, or Ardi as she called him, had a calm nature, but was eager to learn. Young as he was, he seemed to understand the seriousness of his birth and he tried hard to excel in anything he was confronted with.

His brother Shahzad was very different. Though barely two, he did his best to compete with his older brother in a good-natured way. And he was very protective of his little sister. Whenever he was in the same room as her, his eyes watched her like a hawk, ready to defend her against anyone that came near.

Elora smiled at the thought. The girl was lucky to have such brothers. She sat down next to the crib, content with watching her daughter for a while. She wanted to remember this peaceful moment for as long as it lasted, because in these times of war, those moments were gone all too soon.