Nikolai's head pounded but he did his best to ignore the pain as they continued swimming towards the surface. He didn't even bother to ponder what he'd just discovered.

    The Silent Knight's secret could be further contemplated after they reached safety. He didn't doubt that once the Eyes had a few minutes to recuperate, they'd begin their pursuit anew. He pitied the Knights who would get in their way.

    The Silent Knight glanced down and offered him a hand. Nikolai took it with a grateful smile and allowed the Knight to assist him. I'm going to sleep for a few days after this, he thought to himself.

    Or rather, he wished he'd be able to. As soon as the challenge was complete, they'd be moving on to Seena. And that marks the halfway point for the tournament, Nikolai realized. After Seena, there's only Andrian left and then we'll be back in Nyctoli!

    He'd see Nastasia, Alexei, and his mother again in just a few more weeks! A thorn of guilt pricked his conscience. I'll tell Nasi the truth when I next see her. She deserves to know what I've really been doing. He just hoped she'd forgive him for not telling the truth in the first place.

    I hope she'll understand why I had to do this too, even though I haven't made as much progress there as I would like. Nikolai's gaze darkened. Volya and Vadik are still in the tournament. I have to make sure they're either eliminated before we reach Nyctoli, or someone else wins the tournament. He just didn't know who.

    Before a few minutes ago, I would've considered the Silent Knight, but now I'm not so certain. What is a woman doing in a competition for the Princess's hand? Is she hoping to win Nasi for herself? The King wouldn't allow it, and even if he did, the Queen would put a quick end to that.

    Nikolai eyed the Knight, brows furrowed thoughtfully. Maybe I'll speak to Danitza about her. It's obvious she knows something the rest of us don't.

    Pain stabbed through his temples once more. Nikolai winced and silenced his thoughts. He and the Silent Knight kept swimming upwards, not slowing their pace and not looking down.

    Gradually, light began to filter through the water. Nikolai still couldn't determine how far up the surface was, but they were drawing close, and not a moment too soon. His limbs were leaden with exhaustion. He wasn't sure how he was going to make it back to Hywel on foot.

    The light grew brighter and Nikolai could make out the foam left by the crest of rippling waves on the surface of the lake. The Silent Knight began to swim faster, pulling him along with her. The two of them sped towards the surface and breached it with a spray of water.

    Nikolai shook droplets from his hair and blinked rapidly, his head spinning with the sudden change in pressure. His vision was again blurred by the lack of water, and his chest was beginning to ache.

    "Let's get to the shore," he said. "Danitza warned me about the after effects of the Voda Halitus and I don't think we want to be swimming when they kick in."

    The Silent Knight needed no further encouragement. She struck out towards the shore and Nikolai followed, keeping his eyes peeled for the other Knights. As he swam, his vision began to clarify while the ache in his chest swelled. Something bubbled at the back of his throat, warning him of what was to come.

    Nikolai swam harder, ignoring the slimy plants that slid against his skin as he reached the bank of the lake. He hauled himself onto the grassy slope and collapsed, letting his eyes close briefly.

    Water sloshed as the Silent Knight followed suit. Nikolai rubbed at his chest with a slight grunt. The ache hadn't eased at all, and the pressure at the back of his throat was rapidly increasing.

    Nikolai had a few minutes to relax before water gushed from his mouth. He twisted onto his hands and knees and wrapped one arm around his middle as he convulsed again. Water sprayed from his lips, accompanied by the remnants of the Voda Halitus.

    The ache in his chest eased with each mouthful of water he choked up. Nikolai sucked down a few deep breaths as he waited for the next wave to come. He glanced at the Silent Knight from the corner of his eye.

    She had crawled a few feet away and now sat with her back facing him. Her scarf hung over one of her shoulders. Nikolai looked away when she doubled over again, watery retching filling the air. The thick lump at the back of his own throat had dissipated, leaving him to guess that he'd already vomited up the water that had entered his body.

    Nikolai closed his eyes and drew shuddering breaths. Minutes passed before he managed to steady himself. When he opened his eyes, the Silent Knight had replaced her scarf and sat with her knees drawn to her chest. Nikolai swiped a hand across his mouth and straightened. "You all right?"

    The Knight's shoulders began to shake. When she faced him, the corners of her eyes were crinkled, as though she were laughing. The Knight nodded, then shuddered. Nikolai grinned. "I'm disgusted too. Let's get going. The sooner we get to Hywel, the sooner we can clean ourselves up and get some rest."

    He pushed himself to his feet and offered her a hand. The Silent Knight took it and Nikolai started, noticing how pale her skin was in comparison to his own. Or rather, to Sir Arlov's. He brushed the thought aside as the Silent Knight let go of him and began to walk. Nikolai watched her, but again, didn't let himself question who she might be.

•༻᯽༺•

    Twilight stretched across the land by the time the buildings of Hywel came into view. Nastasia's entire body ached, but not like it had when she left the Rodt Woods. Pride rushed through her at the thought.

    She was growing stronger thanks to these challenges, and in more ways than one. Perhaps by the time they returned to Nyctoli, she'd be ready to face whatever the Two-Faced Goddess had in store for her.

    Nastasia managed to lift her head and walk straight when they reached the streets of Hywel. Despite the late hours, people still crowded the stone pathways. They erupted into cheers at the sight of her and Sir Arlov. Nastasia gave a timid wave and stuck close to her companion as they made their way towards the grounds of the palace.

    "I don't see any other Knights," Sir Arlov murmured.

    Nastasia opened her mouth to reply, then caught herself and closed it once more. She heaved a sigh. Remaining silent was proving more difficult day by day. At least she'd be able to speak again when she was with Josephine and Elise. Nastasia smiled to herself. She was looking forward to seeing the girls again.

    "The jewels! Show us the jewels!" Someone shouted.

    "You did get them, didn't you?" Another person hollered.

    Nastasia didn't bother withdrawing her jewel and Sir Arlov followed her lead. Odds were someone would attempt to steal them. Nastasia knit her brows, an idea taking form.

    I wonder what King Wymond and Queen Lilibet are planning to do with all of these jewels. Perhaps gift them to us Knights? Surely they won't keep them for themselves. If I'm allowed to keep mine, I could break it up into pieces and have it spread amongst the poor in Nyctoli.

    Goddess knew there were too many souls unable to find work, and there would be even more when winter set in. The poverty would last until the next growing season, then repeat all over again.

    Or perhaps... Nastasia's lips curled sideways in a smile. Perhaps I could use it to fund the construction or restoration of old businesses. Construction means job opportunities, and new businesses mean even more.

    Her smile grew and she rested a hand on the pouch attached to her belt, feeling the heavy jewel within it. If she was allowed to keep it, she'd demand to speak with her father and the Council about the matter as soon as possible. She could even demand to oversee her plan carried out.

    A sobering thought followed, dimming her excitement. I'll be betrothed at the end of the tournament, Nastasia recalled. If it's to a Nyctolian, then perhaps I could still help, but... She shook her head brusquely. I won't think about that now. I'll figure it out later. Maybe Nikolai and Alexei will be able to help me. Again, her heart twisted. If Nikolai ever returns, that is.

    Up ahead, a large crowd had gathered around the gates of the palace. Nastasia picked out two Lords of Blod, General Nikita, and Emperor Kazimir among them. The Emperor did not look pleased, while General Nikita seemed proud about something.

    "Two more Nyctolians safely return to us," the General said when Nastasia and Sir Arlov reached the group. He turned to Emperor Kazimir. "And still no sign of the Knight you've been boasting of."

    Before the Emperor could respond, General Nikita stepped forward, resting a hand on each of their shoulders, and ushered them through the crowd. "What were you meaning just now, General?" Sir Arlov asked quietly.

    "The Emperor has been bragging about the abilities of Vadik Kamenev, and insinuated that he will ensure fewer Nyctolians leave Eldon than the ones who arrived."

    "Who isn't back yet?"

    Nastasia listened intently, almost afraid of what the General would say. "The two of you were the only Nyctolians left besides Volya Yensev."

    "Volya Yensev?" Sir Arlov echoed, a hint of concern in his voice. "Sir, I feel it my duty to point out the friendship forming between Captain Yensev and Vadik Kamenev."

    General Nikita nodded, his sharp features taking on a grave expression. "We've noticed. But sadly, that friendship doesn't mean immunity. We can only hope for the best."

    "And if something happens to Volya?"

    "Without proof of Vadik's involvement in his fate, we'll be unable to do anything."

    Sir Arlov said nothing more as General Nikita brought them before a dais, where several tables and chairs sat. The remaining Lords of Blod, King Wymond and Queen Lilibet, Queen Nesrine, and Nastasia's own parents were present, as well as all of their servants. Nastasia and Sir Arlov bowed when Gavriil, Serafima, and the King and Queen of Eldon rose.

    "Two more Nyctolian victors," King Wymond remarked. "Impressive, but did you manage to fulfill your challenge?" They each produced the jewels from their belt pouches and passed them to the King. King Wymond weighed one in each hand, then let Gavriil take them. "Very impressive indeed. I see the Nyctolians are eager to keep their Princess to themselves."

    Nastasia glanced at her father as he replied, "Indeed. Princess Nastasia is beloved by her people. These Knights mirror that devotion."

    King Wymond sniffed, then faced her and Sir Arlov. "Congratulations. You've passed the challenge and will move on to Seena. Your King will take your jewels, and they'll be returned to you at the end of the tournament. Now, go rest. There will be a banquet in the morning before we leave for Seena."

    "We're leaving tomorrow?" Sir Arlov blurted out. Nastasia shot him a warning look, but he ignored her. "Surely we must wait a little longer, to make sure every Knight has been accounted for in some way or other."

    "I have people who will alert us if other Knights show up after we've left, but the tournament must continue," King Wymond insisted. "Personally, I'd like all of this to be done with by the first snowfall."

    "The first snowfall is still a few months away," Sir Arlov pressed.

    "And by the time we finish the tournament and marry the Moon Blessed Princess to her groom, those months will have passed. I know Eldon does not look it, Sir Arlov, but autumn will soon be setting in. Our weather changes in the blink of an eye. In a single week, all of our leaves will turn colors and fall. Is your own kingdom not already preparing to gather the autumn harvest?"

    Sir Arlov opened his mouth again, but King Gavriil fixed a cool brown gaze on him, and the Knight remained silent. Nastasia and Sir Arlov bowed once more before setting off to their tents.