The darkness felt even more terrifying and dense, it crept in from all sides, and even the warm orange flame of the candle barely pushed it back. Kairu flinched when Yuf nudged him. He felt as if he hadn’t slept even a couple of minutes, so exhausted and worn out he was. A strange, bone-chilling sensation remained, a cold shiver ran down his sweat-soaked back. He almost felt as if he hadn’t yet escaped the web of subconsciousness, that if Yuf had been just a few minutes late, the boundary between ordinary sleep and prophetic vision would have blurred completely. He had nearly risen above the world, glimpsed even deeper into the future—and now, reality seemed unreal, while the dream remained so close it still felt within reach.

  "What time is it?" he asked through chattering teeth as he pulled the blanket over himself—the room was cold.

  "Five a.m.," Yuf muttered. "Get up and get dressed. Ashley’s already woken the girls, and I’m about to wake Viggo and Remiz."

  "You didn’t sleep at all, did you?" Kairu yawned desperately and stood up, pulling on his boots in the darkness.

  "Snoozed for a few hours. But I had a lot to think about."

  Soon, Viggo and Remiz, who had been sleeping in the neighboring bunks, woke up as well, and then there was a cautious knock at the door. Yuf opened it and let in Konrad, Ashley, Rita, and Joanna, who sat down on one of the beds. Konrad held a map in his hands. Yuf moved the dressing table to the center of the room, and the entire group leaned over the yellowed sheet covered with black markings.

  "All right," Yuf muttered, bringing the candle closer. "As I understand it, Ashley, down here is the bay and the surrounding mountains. On this side begins Derelz, and what interests us is this vast plain in the center of the map. That’s Regerlim?"

  "That’s right," Ashley nodded. "As you can see, all the more or less charted paths are shown here, along with the only official route that goes straight through the forest to the northern mountains. Over here, there used to be residential settlements, large cities. Then people abandoned them, and now that road is mostly used by smugglers meeting with the clans…"

  "Right here." Konrad pointed at a spot on the map. "This is where they meet. A special clearing where people are brought blindfolded, and then taken to the clan outpost to discuss the terms of the deal. As you can see, getting there isn’t difficult. You’re looking for the Wolf Clan. They used to meet with people in Steiling or Buttlecreek, small towns here... But you’ll reach the clearing much sooner. You can try your luck there first."

  "In any case," said Ashley, "the clearing is likely being watched. And the road itself is closed to us. If, as Yuffilis says, there’s a bounty on our heads, we’ll have to find another way."

  "Goblins…" Viggo grumbled. "I hate those creatures. As if Demetra and Atgard weren’t enough…"

  "So we’re going to sneak through the forest, risking capture by druids, while being pursued by a squad of armed goblins," Joanna concluded, smiling. "Perfect plan!"

  "It’s been worse," Yuf snapped. "By the way, I’ve thought it over, and I think we’re making the right choice. On the plains of Derelz, a gang of hired killers could catch and track us in a matter of days. We wouldn’t even reach Harkon, and they’ll probably assume that’s where we’re headed. We can throw them off the trail, hide in the taiga. And from there… we’ll see. Ashley, where do we go next?"

  The sorceress sighed.

  "Yuf, don’t take this the wrong way… but I honestly don’t know the way. I can only roughly say that somewhere in this part of the forest," she pointed to the map, "is the place where we parted ways with Petros and Saelin."

  "And where did you go after that?" Kairu asked tensely.

  "We had druid guides with us," Ashley shrugged. "They led us out… I think to this settlement. Yes, and from there we traveled to Vairad, and then back to Aktida."

  "Damn…" Yuf scratched his head and sighed heavily. "Konrad, what about you? Where is Octarus hidden?"

  "Here." Konrad confidently pointed to the top of the map. "If you can strike a deal with the Clan, they’ll take you there."

  "Mountain ridge?" Viggo grimaced. "We’re climbing again?"

  "Something like that. But it’s not Olmaer, Viggo. And those places are much more dangerous than Lake Darius at the bottom of the gorge. And the creatures there are scarier than turands."

  "Scarier?" Rita asked, horrified. "Who do you mean?"

  "Snow wolves, for one. And in general… those places are bad. Even back when people lived there, many moved far away from those mountains. Just south of there is the druids’ forest, and to the north, across the pass, is a place people are now afraid to even approach. The Duanmare Plateau. No one knows what’s going on there, but rumor has it that no one ever came back alive."

  "Vaimos really outdid himself," Kairu smirked. "Hid his Star so well that no one’s getting to it anytime soon."

  "I think we’ll figure it out on the spot," Yuf said. "First, we get out of the temple—if we’ve really decided, once and for all, to head to Regerlim. I think by noon we’ll have crossed over… Oh, by the way. What about the deal Natall Ganstair offered us? Are we going to look for the smuggler clan?"

  "We need to find a clan of allies first," Ashley said, thoughtfully running her finger along the map. "Without Petros, we’re like headless chickens. He remembered all these trails, and he was so close to the Octarus, he just didn’t make it… or something stopped him."

  "Still, we’ll need a ship."

  "Yeah… Well, I think if we find the right druids, they can connect us to the smugglers. All the clans know where each other’s outposts and settlements are. Yuffilis, let’s put that task on the back burner."

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  "It’s getting light," Kairu glanced at the window. "Yuf, we need to move quickly and get going."

  "Here’s the plan," Ashley jumped up. "The monks are probably waking up already. I’ll go find Zaruok and ask him for supplies. Konrad, come with me. The rest of you, pack your things and be ready for a long journey. We’ll be spending the next two months in the forest, sleeping under the open sky."

  Ashley and Konrad left. Joanna shivered and stood up; Rita rose heavily after her. Yuf glanced at the men and said reluctantly:

  "To be honest, Kairu—you were right about something."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Konrad could have been useful. If not for the goblins… If this were happening just ten years ago, that old man would’ve run to Regerlim ahead of everyone. I’m sure the monks taught him a thing or two about fighting. But damn it, with how weak he is now… he wouldn’t even make it past Derelzfjord."

  ***

  They ate quickly. Not so much because they were in a hurry, since dawn was still a long way off, but because tension had stolen their appetite. In the dining hall on the men’s side of the monastery, where the brothers usually had breakfast, it was empty. Only half the candles were lit, and the monk-cooks were yawning as they served the guests coffee and bread.

  Soon, Ashley and Zaruok arrived, the latter gloomier than a thundercloud. Konrad followed them, tired and hunched over in his orange robe.

  "You won’t forget?" he asked Ashley quietly, touching her shoulder.

  The sorceress shook her head.

  "The success of this mission depends on it, Konrad. I won’t forget. And I’ll do my best to get them out."

  "Then I’m at peace." The monk sat down next to Kairu, staring blankly at one spot, his face growing darker and darker.

  "I’ve ordered the food supplies loaded onto your sleigh," said Zaruok. "They’re already in the courtyard, waiting. You know the path that leads to the shore of the bay. Konrad will escort you only to the gates… that was his wish."

  "I’ll do it," the monk quietly promised.

  "Be careful, and try not to bring trouble upon us. I think the monks could handle a dozen goblins. We won’t give you away, of course—such is the law of hospitality." Zaruok sighed. Kairu resolutely pushed aside his half-empty plate of scrambled eggs.

  "Yuf, let’s go. I’ll only feel safe on the far side of the bay."

  "Everyone eaten?" Lainter glanced around at the group. "No one left anything behind in the rooms—I mean, weapons? All right, Aktos, be with us. Let’s move."

  Kairu instinctively adjusted the scabbard with Alaskrit hanging from his belt and fastened his fur cloak tighter. The weather was getting worse, and they were heading north fully outfitted with warm gear. They moved out of the dining hall into the main corridor. The sky outside had brightened noticeably, taking on a dull gray tint, and the sharp mountain peaks were now outlined by the pale halo of the rising sun.

  "We’ve come to see you off," said Geonar and Dalid, stepping toward them from the stairs.

  "Ah, right," nodded Yuf. "Are the men from the Mountain Fortress arriving soon?"

  "They’ll ensure your departure and the monks’ safety. We will try to distract those bastards from your group as long as we can. Yuf," Dalid touched his shoulder, "listen, about what I said last night…"

  "I remember." Lainter gave a curt nod, glancing at his friends. "If all goes well, and if we survive, then we’ll likely reach Harkon by mid-February or early March. Send your people from the Fortress there. I left you instructions. Hold fast and don’t start the war before spring. And most importantly, don’t let the Imperial army past Olmaer… and guard that boy and his mother with your life. Also, try to hold out until I make contact again, or until you hear of my death, or, as a last resort, wait until the beginning of May and then act. Got that?"

  "Beginning of May…" Dalid muttered. "Yuf, we won’t be able to keep the secret much longer. Our agents are already active in Asternia and Mainor, and they could fall into Imperial hands at any moment. Do you understand?"

  "And you think it’s better to go in with an unprepared army, weak equipment, and an unfinished base? No, Dalid. We’re betting too much on this. We wait for the right moment, and only then strike. For Aktos’s sake, be patient. Don’t expose yourselves, and gather strength. That’s it, Dalid, I really have to go…"

  "What the hell are you doing leaving us now, just as the worst is about to begin?!" Dalid blurted out in frustration, unable to hold back.

  Yuf looked back. He met Kairu’s eyes, sighed heavily, and said barely audibly:

  "Dalid. Everything in its time. I’m just a pawn in this game, too."

  "Petros chose you to lead! You were supposed to command the army!"

  "Petros is dead. His orders no longer hold. That’s one. Second—Dalid, I promised I would return. And I will. In spring, I’ll be with you. Good luck."

  "And good luck to you," said Geonar. "Don’t you dare die out there, you hear?"

  Dalid remained silent. Then Yuf turned and strode quickly toward the monastery’s heavy front doors.

  "We’re moving out."

  Kairu flinched and pulled his cloak tighter as a blast of fierce wind hit his face, burning his cheeks with cold and tiny crystals of ice dust. Over the vast expanse of Derelzfjord Bay, the sun was rising. But its light barely pierced the layer of snow clouds that had brought a blizzard, casting an unshakable twilight shadow over the endless plain.

  The Hellsteeds neighed, stamping in place as they waited for their riders. Next to them stood the monks, barefoot and in thin robes. Beside the steeds stood a team of three horses harnessed to a supply-laden sleigh.

  "May Aktos’s blessing be with you, my children," said Zaruok with a nod, remaining in the doorway. Beside him stood the grim Geonar and Dalid Eyring. Konrad followed the travelers, squinting in the morning light, but the cold seemed to give him confidence.

  They approached the Hellsteeds. Kairu gently patted his horse’s neck and lifted his leg to mount when suddenly the sound of a gong rang out from the direction of the gates. The monks on the walls leaped to their feet, raising crossbows that had until then been hidden under their cloaks. From beyond the massive doors came hoarse shouting.

  "Oh, hell…" Yuf muttered.

  "It’s them," Ashley said sharply.

  "You sure?"

  "I’d recognize that voice among a thousand. It’s their commander."

  The travelers exchanged glances. Yuf looked weary and resigned. Kairu, Viggo, and Ashley seemed uncertain. Remiz—calm. Joanna—cool, with a faintly ironic smile.

  "All right," said Konrad. "The gate is no longer an option. Follow me, I’ll try to get you out through a side route. What are you standing around for? Grab your horses!"

  Without a word, they obeyed and hurried after him. The sleigh creaked forward slowly and reluctantly, groaning over the loose snow.

  At the now wide-open monastery doors, Dalid and Geonar had appeared, both with drawn swords. They rushed toward the gates, with Zaruok hurrying behind them, stunned and clearly frightened.

  "We’ll try to distract them!" shouted Dalid. "Just move, quickly!"

  "Good luck!" Yuf shouted back. "Hold them off!"

  "Break a leg!"

  The first shots rang out from the gates. Kairu flinched. The wheezing crack of muskets. The dry whizz of crossbows and repeating bolts. Despite their peaceful calling, the monks were far more skilled with weapons than many royal legion soldiers—of that, Kairu was absolutely certain.

  The boots creaked on the snow that covered the courtyard. Stumbling, Konrad led them further on, past the monastery garden enclosed by a stone wall, the greenhouses and beds buried deep under snow. The wall surrounding the inner courtyard curved; the path sloped downward to a small gate in the wall, around which stood ancient statues of forgotten gods. Cursing under his breath, Konrad began fumbling with the keys hanging from his belt. The Hellsteeds snorted impatiently, drawing in air through their massive nostrils—they were clearly eager for a fight.

  But this time, Kairu would have been glad to avoid one.