"King Elon thought it best I came to deliver the news in person rather than send it by bird," Byron's expression was grim as he walked the hall next to Darius.

Darius nodded, equally serious. "He thought right. We are currently waiting for a reply from king Marcos from Zeir, but I fear it will only confirm our suspicions."

Byron frowned and momentarily paused his pace. "You knew about this?"

They entered the council room and Darius closed the doors behind them. Here, they wouldn't be overheard and they could talk in private. Darius heaved a sigh. He had wanted to wait with informing king Elon until he had a reply from Zeir, but it seemed Balor was forcing his hand. "We have received information that incriminates some of the lords in Tirèze and Zeir concerning treason. We are in the process of collecting evidence. Torcan has ridden out to Auros in Zeir to exchange information. I was waiting for confirmation before sending word to Lavos. I do not want to involve king Elon unless I am certain of these allegations."

Byron nodded in thought. It was understandable. "King Elon sent me here because we became aware of a large number of Balor warriors marching South from Fis. They have been stationed there for quite some time as your own men can attest to. Recently, the number of warriors has increased there and now they are moving in great numbers towards the mountain range. It had us concerned, so we only thought it right to warn you."

Darius nodded and frowned. It was reason for concern. He hadn't expected Izem to act so soon. Or was Balor moving on their own accord?

It seemed it was just one problem after the other. "Thank you," he said, "we will look into it." He knew he didn't have to rely on Salvire for assistance. For all he knew, Izem had orchestrated this. It seemed Torcan had been right to worry. "How long before they reach the border?"

Byron frowned. "It's hard to say. They have troops to organize and they're on foot. Also, we still have troops stationed there as well. They won't break our defenses so easily. Two weeks perhaps."

"So there is still time," Darius ran a hand through his hair. He couldn't sit around and wait for Torcan to come back. "I'll send men to the border patrols to alert them and send a message to Auros for king Marcos' soldiers to join them."

"King Elon has also sent reinforcements," Byron informed Darius.

Darius nodded in thought. Blocking off the border was most important now. They could sort out the rest later. Still, he needed to be cautious. If he blocked the border where Byron had indicated the enemy was marching towards, he'd have Salvire behind him. It would leave him vulnerable and open for an attack in the back. He didn't like the idea of being caught between two fires.

But perhaps that was the exact strategy to use to corner his enemies. Attack from all sides. If king Elon would send his men in from the East and king Marcos attacked from the West, they could block Balor's march. All Darius would need to do was hold the border. He could send his men while he himself would keep Izem at bay. It would require complete coordination between the three nations however, which was no easy feat.

Darius moved to the large map on the table and studied it carefully. They needed a meeting point. One where they could strategize and prioritize together. Something central and accessible for all parties involved.

"There," he pointed. A little North from Salvire was one of Tirèze's strongholds. Both Zeir and Lavos would be able to reach it when they crossed into Tirèze. That could be their meeting point. There they could make their camp. "We'll meet there." He turned to Byron. "Bring back word to king Elon to gather some of his men there. I'll ask king Marcos to do the same. If we can close in on Balor from all sides, we can put a stop to this." He would deal with the traitors after.

...

Cyrus felt as frustrated as his father had when reading the messages. He swore under his breath and ran a hand through his hair. "We should have stayed in Vertalis. We knew they were hiding something. They sent out a message right under our noses."

King Marcos shook his head. "Things had already been set in motion. If you had stayed there longer, lord Vertus would have gotten suspicious. We might not have known what we know now. Let him think we are still unaware of their actions. In the meantime, we will make our own plans."

Torcan looked at Cyrus with sympathy. "You shouldn't blame yourself, prince Cyrus. They would have found another way to contact their allies. It is shameful enough to know our own kin is involved in this. All we can do now is try and stop them so we can bring them to justice."

Cyrus gave a stiff nod and looked at his father. "So," he said, "what's the plan?"

...

Vara was surprised when a visitor was announced. She wasn't expecting anyone. The king's soldiers had already arrived at Boncini two days ago and were now on their way to the border with Iason. She hadn't received word that indicated someone else was to be expected, but recent experience had taught her that messages could be delayed or go astray.

Curiously she made her way to the gate.

To say she was surprised when she recognized the lone rider was an understatement. "Lord Cicero."

Cicero dismounted and smirked at her. "Come now, my lady, aren't we past formalities? We were almost engaged after all."

"Hmmm," Vara mused, "as I remember correctly, your request to court me was denied by the king." She tilted her head. "And I don't think we are acquainted enough to call each other by first name."

Cicero's smirk grew wider. "I see you haven't lost your edge. Very well, I will comply by your wises. My lady." He made a formal bow.

Vara pursed her lips. "If we hadn't met before, my lord," she curtsied, "I'd believe you were mocking me right now."

"I wouldn't dare, my lady," Cicero answered, "I'd be too afraid of retaliations."

"What brings you here today and unannounced?" Vara decided to steer the topic away from his banter. In all the time she had been residing in Boncini, he hadn't visited once. There hadn't been a reason to, and she couldn't imagine there was one now. They weren't really friends.

Cicero had a smile still plastered in his face. "I thought a visit was long overdue, but it's been a hectic time." He looked around. "I love what you've done with the place."

Vara scowled. She was already done with him. "I'm sorry for the mess. We are redecorating. There's not much I can offer at the moment in terms of refreshments."

Cicero dropped his smile. "Ah come now, my lady, not so hostile. I come in peace. Prince Cyrus graced us with a visit."

Vara nodded. "Yes," she said casually, "he is visiting all the border estates."

A wry smile appeared on Cicero's face. "Let us not dance around it," he said, "I'm well aware he is hunting traitors. He even questioned me. Thought we exchanged nothing but pleasantries. I may be many things, but not a traitor." He looked at her. "I did come across an interesting piece of information. I'd wanted to share it with prince Cyrus, but he had already left. Perhaps it would interest you too, however."

Vara eyed him suspiciously. "And what do you want in return for this information?" He had the audacity to look offended, but Vara knew Cicero was a gambler. "If this information is so valuable," she continued, "you could have sent it to the king directly. Why come to me?"

Another wry smile tugged at his lips and he rubbed his neck sheepishly. "As you know, I am not exactly in favor with the king. But you are, my lady. I would merely ask a favor."

"Of course," Vara said wryly. She gestured for him to follow her inside. "And what would this favor entail?" Though she could guess.

"I am indebted to a few people," Cicero said, "I was hoping the king would remit my debt. Perhaps you could persuade him to do so. He'd be more inclined to listen to you."

Vara tilted her head. "And why would I do that? It is my understanding it is your own gambling that got you into your predicament and that you've already drained your inheritance. Wasn't this one of the reasons the king declined your request to court me?" She pursed her lips. "Wouldn't it be better to show the king your unconditional loyalty and just share this piece of knowledge you say you acquired?"

Cicero scowled. "Still sharp as ever I see. You can't blame me for trying." He let out a dramatic sigh. "Very well. I will not ask for favors, but I still believe this information is worth looking into. Perhaps you have heard the rumor that lady Giulia Atoli is engaged?"

Vara snorted. "I don't keep up with court gossip, lord Cicero. And Giulia Atoli and I are not friends. Why should it matter to me if she were to be wed?" She rather pitied the man who would become Giulia's husband.

Cicero's smile widened. "It should matter once you hear the name of the intended target. I did not know this at the time prince Cyrus visited our family estate, but after our conversation, the matter piked my curiosity. So I pulled a few strings and came across the name of her betrothed." He smirked victoriously. "It is said she is engaged to lord Mikos di Salve, heir of Salvire."

Vara stared at him. "That can't be right," she said, "Giulia is ten years older at least. She would never consent to marrying someone she'd consider a child." Mikos was by no means a child, but Giulia would see him as such. Vara knew the woman well enough. She hadn't forgotten the arrogant girl that claimed she would be queen one day.

Cicero chuckled at Vara's statement. "Giulia can scream and stomp her feet all she wants. Fact remains she has not been able to string herself a husband, yet she is considered past marriageable age. Her father is fed up with her. He does not want to provide for her for the rest of her life. But he is ambitious, not unlike his daughter. And Giulia has an influential uncle who happens to reside close to the border." Cicero glanced at Vara. "An uncle that sends out secret messages towards the border."

Concern filled Vara's expression. What Cicero told her started to make more sense with the second. Giulia's family lived in the Vertalis district, close to the border with Genvi. Lord Vertus was her uncle. It was in line with the message Ricciardo Prias had intercepted and the news she had received from the king. She knew Giulia was ambitious. Were they hoping lord Izem would claim the throne of Tirèze and make Giulia queen?

"Do you still think it mere court gossip, my lady?"

"No," Vara muttered in thought. She needed to think. Cyrus was back in Auros. Iason was at the border. And she didn't really trust Cicero enough to send him out with a message. She rubbed her eyes. She didn't want this responsibility. In moments like these, she missed Cyrus' grandfather, who always had great insight in the heart of things. He would have put all the pieces together. She was sure of it. Now it came down to her.

She turned to Cicero. "I hate to send you on your way, my lord. I know the journey from Horas is long, but my husband is not here at the moment, so it would be improper to invite you to stay. I can arrange for lodgings in the village inn if you like."

Cicero smiled amused. "Now this brings back memories. You truly have a gift of getting rid of unwelcome company."

Vara sighed. "Not unwelcome, my lord, just... untimely. You are more than welcome to visit us again... at a more convenient moment. I ask your understanding in this matter as I know you are an honorable man."

Cicero bowed at her politely and when he rose again, an amused smile was on his face. He shook his head in wonder. Such a diplomat this one. "The king should have allowed you to marry his son," he mused, "he'd have won the war long ago."

...

The king's men had been dispatched left and right along the border and were added into the ranks of lord Prias. They had also met up with the man Cyrus had left behind after his visit to Vertalis. The hadn't been another message sent to the border, but a rider had come from further South of the district, wearing the livery of house Atoli, kin to lord Vertus. The rider hadn't stayed long, bur Cyrus' soldiers had been reluctant to leave his post to further investigate.

Iason let out a heavy sigh. Somehow it all connected. They just couldn't yet see how.

A commotion just outside the fort's gate drew his attention. Two of the soldiers were dragging another man in between them. Their captive was struggling and shouting.

A Balor scout.

What was he doing on Zeir territory?

Iason made his way down the wall and towards the man. They dropped their captive at his feet and held a sword pointed at his neck to stop him from running.

The man spat at Iason, earning him a kick in the ribs and a foot against his back holding him down.

"Show respect to lord Iason," one of the soldiers said.

The scout scowled. "Not my lord," he growled in a broken dialect.

The soldier was about to hit the man again, but Iason held up his hand to stop him. He looked at the prisoner curiously. "Then who is your lord?" he asked.

When the Balor scout smirked at him, Iason narrowed his eyes. "What did lord Vertus promise Balor? Or did Balor promise something to him? What do you plan on smuggling across the mountains? That is why you attacked this place before."

The smirk of the Balor scout dropped and he now scowled instead. "You won't stop us," he spat, "we are too many."

"We'll see about that," Iason said coldly. These people were responsible for attacking his family, his home. He would show no mercy. Not this time. He turned to his men. "Make him talk. Then take him to Auros. The king will deal with him.'

The men nodded and dragged their prisoner away, but Iason paid it no attention. Instead he waved another soldier over. "Gather a few men and search the area. Tell the troops to be on high alert. Expect an attack any moment." He hadn't forgotten what had happened last time. For all he knew the scout had let himself be captured. Perhaps he was only the distraction. But whatever the case, they would be ready.

The soldier bowed. "Yes, my lord."

Iason called over a second soldier. "Take some men and guard the mountain trail. Nothing goes in or out. Report every movement back to me, even if it seems unimportant."

The soldier bowed and went to execute his orders.

Iason let out a heavy sigh. Everything pointed towards Vertalis, but without proof there wasn't much they could do. Lord Vertus would simply deny the charges, and plans that had already been set in motion would still unfold. And they would have to start all over again searching for proof. No, all they could do at the moment was try and stop the upcoming attacks and hope their enemies would slip up so he could go home. But until then he had the responsibility to hold the fort and support his men.

A throat was being cleared behind him and he turned around to find a soldier bowing at him. It was one of the men that was stationed in a nearby village. That he was here now could only mean there was news. Whether it was good or bad news remained to be seen.

"What is it?" Iason asked.

The man's face was serious. "A rider came from the South Road, wearing commoner's clothes, but the horse wore the sigil of Vertalis. As we were ordered to stop every traveler, we halted this rider too, but he refused to stop. We chased him, my lord, and managed to capture him. We believe this is one of the messengers the prince spoke of. He refuses to speak, but we found this on him." He handed Iason a saddlebag that contained gold coins and a letter. It only read two words. 'Be ready'

Iason narrowed his eyes and crumpled the note. "Where is he?"

"We brought him to the commander's tent, my lord. He is being heavily guarded."

Iason gave a grim nod and headed in the indicated direction with the soldier on his heels. It was time to get some answers and see if perhaps the two captives knew each other. First one to talk would not face the king's interrogation room, but prison instead.

At least, that was what he would tell them. True or not, he did not really care.

...

Cyrus ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply. He had been in a meeting with his father and Torcan all day. Now he was tired. He hadn't had much rest since visiting the border estates. Lately it seemed his days only consisted of war counsel and border reports. He felt exhausted. He wanted to sleep.

Before he could reach his chambers however, he was stopped by another figure.

His grandmother smiled at him warmly and gently took his shoulders as she kissed his cheek. "Welcome home, my grandson," she said lovingly.

"Grandmother," Cyrus said warmly and he returned her embrace, "how have you been?" He hadn't visited her in a while.

Eurydice smiled and cupped his cheek. "I should be asking you that. You look tired, Cyrus."

"I am," Cyrus nodded, "that is why I'm going to sleep now."

"Have you seen your wife yet?" Eurydice inquire.

Cyrus rubbed his eyes. "I will see her tomorrow. It is late and the day has been long."

Eurydice smiled kindly. "I understand you are tired, Cyrus, but I think you should still see her now. She has been waiting for you to return."

Cyrus let out a sigh again. He didn't really see how it would matter. Night had already fallen. Ariane was probably asleep already. He didn't want to wake her. She needed her rest. She had always been a little frail. Surely seeing his wife could wait until tomorrow. Besides, he didn't exactly smell good either. He hadn't had time to bathe yet.

"Go to her, Cyrus," his grandmother urged gently.

"Alright," Cyrus relented, "since it means so much to you, I will see her."

She cupped his cheek and smiled tenderly before disappearing down the hall.

Cyrus took a deep breath and made his way to Ariane's quarters. He knocked discretely and waited.

Much to his surprise, she was not asleep yet and opened the door herself instead of having one of the servants do it. Her face lit up when she recognized him. "Silas," she breathed, "you came."

"There seemed to be something urgent," Cyrus said. He looked her over. She didn't appear injured or sick. What could be so important that it could not wait until morning?

Ariane looked down shyly. "I did not mean to inconvenience you," she said softly, "I was only looking forward to your return. I... I had some news to share with you, my lord. News, that I had hoped would please you."

Cyrus frowned. "What news?"

She looked up at him now, tears in her eyes, but she was smiling. "A child, my lord, I'm carrying another child."