Unbound-Chapter Eight Hundred And Eighty Seven: 887

"I am coming with you," Vess stated firmly and without question.

Felix sighed. They stood by the Shadowgate to Gharion, preparing the final touches before their departure. It had only been an hour since the Chorus had resolved, and things were moving fast.

Legionnaires ran around him, carrying barrels and crates that were lashed down onto platforms fitted with wide, leather-wrapped wooden beams across the top. They were designed to be carried by Chimera, an idea proposed by Beef of all people. Felix was glad that Thalgrym had agreed to have his people cooperate. It would make transport far easier.

The crates contained basic supplies: food, water, weaponry, the things that an army ran on. But they were also packed full of specialized equipment. Dozens were marked with the colors of the Lucent Towers, while others were sloppily scrawled with the golden peak of Khalheim, indicating that they were intended for the giant's particular kind of magic.

Chanters were frantically sorting their own satchels and bags, which clattered with the sound of stone and metal as they piled them atop yet more platforms. Not everyone was assembling down at the roots of the Tree. There simply wasn't space. The rest were atop the cliff just outside the Bastion's gardens, gathering the rest of what they required for their march through Gharion.

"I told you already, Vess. I need you with the other team. You have to lead—"

"I will lead them when we reach Amaranth. Until then, I am by your side."

"Vess." Felix put his hands on his hips. "I'm not heading into Amaranth alone because I want to. I need to. With what we're facing, I can't have you there."

"You can. Someone needs to watch your back, and you are leaving Pit behind."

"Pit's agreed to this, too. You know the plan."

"I do, and it is foolhardy. Taking on Amaranth alone, even for a moment, is risking more than death. It's risking capture."

"I know," he said, forcing his voice low. A few people had slowed down as they passed, their ears perked and eyes looking anywhere but at them. "I'll be clearing the way, and I can do that far better if I'm alone."

Vess snorted. "You are strong, Felix, but no plan survives first contact. You will need someone to help you."

"I said no.”

“It is lucky that you do not command me, your highness. Otherwise, I might have to listen to that nonsense." She spun on her heel. "I am coming with you."

Vessilia Dayne, Dragoon of Pax’Vrell, stalked away. If she were a cat, her tail would have been bristling. As it was, Felix had a feeling she was moments away from summoning her Spears.

Felix let out a long and worried breath. She cared about him as much as he cared about her, which is why he was so terrified to have her with him. Vess wasn't wrong. He was risking a lot for this plan. But he was used to risking himself. He couldn't ask that of her.

Which is why, he supposed, she didn't give him a choice.

Why do I find that attractive?

I don't know. But if she's going, I'm going too.

Felix groaned. Not you too, Pit. You're my point of contact. I need you with the army.

Hundreds of feet above him, through rock and root, Felix could feel the big Chimera stomp his feet in frustration. Fine. But make sure you save some monsters from me.

How about a god or two?

Now we're talking.

Their bond dimmed as Pit turned his attention elsewhere, and Felix squeezed the bridge of his nose. So much for being an emperor. He could barely get his dog to listen to him.

In a small house in the Scale District, beneath the painted eaves and flourishing blossoms planted across the roof, Harn stood studying the dark streets through his front window.

"Are you okay?" Palin asked, stepping from the kitchen behind him.

"Yeah," he said. "Just thinkin’."

"About what?" she prompted, as she always had to. Harn was prone to quiet contemplation. He'd never spoken much, not with anyone, but Palin always had a way of drawing the words out of him.

He grunted. "About war. We just had a battle here and yet the streets are so peaceful. Can you hear it?"

She stepped closer to the window, drawing up to his side and entwining her hand in his. Her fingers were calloused, but her palms were soft. The marks of her trade, as was the surprising strength with which she gripped him.

"I don't hear anything," she said.

Harn did. There was the silence, but it was a layered thing. The quiet of the night, the soft insects chirping between the cracks of houses, the faint swoop of bats, eager for dinner. Beneath that was a stir of wind, and a rustle of the sea that still lingered too close to the city. In the distance though, was a song.

Palin's face changed as she caught it too.

"They're celebratin’ in the market," Harn said. "Celebratin’ bein’ alive. It's a good sound. I'm glad I got to hear it."

"Now, don't you be getting any ideas, Mr. Kastos. You're sounding too maudlin for my tastes. Here,” she held out a pendant hanging from a fine steel chain. It was shaped like a small golden ball held in a pewter cage. Harn leaned forward and Palin quickly fastened it around his neck.

"This belonged to my mother. If you're ever in trouble, crush it, and it will heal you up a bit. She called it her second chance."

Harn held it up. The ball rang slightly against the pewter cage, like a tiny bell.

"I'll see it back in your jewelry box when I return," he promised, brushing hair out of Palin's face.

"Yes, you will." She gave him a kiss. "I'll not have more parts of you lopped off. There isn't so much to go around as all that."

"The important parts will come back," Harn assured her with a grin. "I know how you love this ugly mug of mine."

Palin kissed him again. "Yes, I do." She sniffed, stepping back from him.

"And Evie," she called. The girl stepped out of the kitchen where she had been amassing a pile of food into a rickety tower on a lone platter.

"Yeah," she said through a mouthful.

"I want you to have this." From her waist, Palin pulled a knife in a plain leather sheath. It was a heavy blade, curved and wicked. But Harn could tell at a glance how well balanced it was, how sharp.

"This is my favorite blade. I cut a lot of carcasses up with it, so it's got an edge and durability to boot. It'll serve you well."

Evie swallowed and set her platter down, pieces of it falling onto the table. She wiped her hands frantically on her jerkin.

"I, of course, thank you," she said, her voice small. "I'll make use of it." With a few quick movements, she cleared space on the bandolier across her chest and tucked it there, close to her heart.

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"Thank you," she said again. This time, Harn didn't need Affinity to tell that she was moved. The girl grabbed her platter and hustled out of the room, retreating back to the kitchen.

"That meant a lot to her," he said.

"She's so much like you. Holds everything close to her chest." Palin sniffed. "You make sure that girl comes back too, old man."

"Why? You need that knife back?"

Palin smacked him. Harn caught the blow against his chest and held her hand there.

"We'll be back."

Outside the garden of the Bastion, the Legion mustered. Arclight, Bone, Blade, and Fist arrayed themselves into wide columns. Their commanders organized the forces and the order in which they were to march. Beside them stood the Fiend’s Claw, all five Talons in their purple cowls, standing separate from the Legion. These were elite forces, capable of handling greater tasks. The least of them were Journeymen Tier, and the strongest had reached Adept.

Felix watched them all assemble from his perch at the edge of the Bastion. He made note of his own Shadows as they prowled around the base of the structure, trying their best to ensure his safety. Soon they too would join the fighting force to act as scouts for the Legion. They were quite capable at that.

The Henaari Dawnwalkers gathered nearby, those that were not a part of the Legion itself, as well as the Frost Giants. Those two groups helped fill the empty field beside the river, freezing sections of it just by their very presence as they mingled among themselves, talking loudly and laughing.

What caught his eye most, however, were the Chimera and the Guardian Beasts captained by Thalgrym and Scylla, and led by the Stormlord of Sunara. As Felix stepped onto the field, Pit wiggled a wing in his direction, beckoning him closer. Felix stepped through his people and they gave way, bowing deeply as he passed. He kept his expression as pleasant as he could, waving to folks and calling them by their names. A wake of positive emotions rippled behind him, each name remembered earning a spike in their Spirit that earned another and another. He couldn't ensure that these men and women would survive the fight to come, but he would have them know they were appreciated.

"Felix,” Pit said, raising his head up to his full twenty foot height. “I wanted to officially introduce you to Thalgrym, the leader of Euphonia."

Felix stopped before the large wyvern. The guy was smaller than Pit, but he was still massive. His scales and mane of feathers were darkly colored, and his Spirit hung about him like a granite cliff. “We met briefly at the Hall of Songs. It is good to meet you, Thalgrym.”

"Felix Nevarre. I've heard much about you. Some from your people, most from the Stormlord.” Pit preened at Thalgrym’s words. “They've all spoken of your power, but I must admit to being impressed that you fought off two Vessels at once."

Felix inclined his head. “Thank you. I’m happy your people arrived when they did. You provided me the moment I needed to turn the fight around."

“We only wish we had arrived sooner. We had only just seen off your man Mervin atop our Manaships. Another favor we greatly appreciate.”

"I was happy to. Did he successfully access the Dark Passages with your ships?”

Scylla spoke up, her feathers bright in the small hours of the night. "Yes. Exemplar Mervin opened the Dark Passage within Sunara with ease.”

“And they all fit?"

"Indeed. The Exemplar was required to empower a few of our Guardian Beasts with his might, but once done every Manaship fit into them. They are headed to Pax’Vrell now, as you ordered.”

A small weight lifted off of Felix’s heart. His upgraded Skill and Titles had expanded the scope of his abilities to traverse his Territories, but he wasn’t entirely sure how it would manifest. The fact that Mervin had managed to fit several massive ships into a Dark Passage was a win.

Thalgrym rumbled. "Pax’Vrell. Why not take the shortest route to the edge of Amaranth Territory?”

“They wouldn’t do us any good there,” Felix said. “If they can reach Pax’Vrell within the day, then we have options.”

“I have heard of your Dark Passages and their marvels. The ships that the Stormlord uncovered in our Territory are remarkably fast. This will be done."

"Good." Felix jerked his chin at the assembled wyverns in tenku. "I noticed that you have far more Chimera than Korvaa or Sylphaen soldiers."

"That is true. While many wish to fight, our people are unused to large-scale battles. The Chimera are born for it, and we have protected the sky for long Ages. I brought with me our very best."

"As have I," Felix said. "What would you say to combining them?"

"How do you mean?"

Felix gestured to the Dragoons that were mustering nearby. A number of captains with plumed helmets led columns of armored spearmen in elaborate scaled armor. At their head was Chancellor Dayne, his own pauldrons engraved with gilded dragons so that they coiled up against the House crest on his breastplate—a swirling design that resembled an upthrust spear.

Felix caught his eye and the Chancellor stepped forward, entering their conversation. He inclined his head to Thalgrym. "Well met, Chimera."

"Well enough, Human.”

“Chancellor Dayne leads the Dragoons," Felix said. "They're elite soldiers that have trained in aerial combat extensively. Once they rode dragons. Today, I'd hoped that you would allow them to expand your numbers."

Thalgrym stilled, his large eyes studying the tall Chancellor. "I see. And what if we find this suggestion repugnant? Will you strike me down, Emperor?"

"No, I wouldn’t. But is this because of Vess’ Dragon Bond?" Felix asked.

“That is his daughter, is it not?”

“She is my daughter, yes,” Dayne interjected, lifting his chin. “What of it?”

“Hrm. We mean no disrespect, Dragoon.” Thalgrym clacked his teeth. “Our people do not forget what damage Companions wrought upon our numbers. To stray toward that is an easy path to power and a sure way to extinction."

"Worry not, friend Chimera. The Dragoons do not seek a Companion bond. We have our own complicated history with those." Dayne grimaced, but it was a light thing. A politician's affectation, perhaps. Though Felix had no doubt the man was thinking of his daughter. "We do not seek to bind our people to yours. This is a temporary arrangement. And a tactical one."

Thalgrym studied the older man for a time, the feathers on his neck rising and falling with each great breath he took. "Is this an order from the Emperor?"

Felix raised an eyebrow. "Does it have to be."

"No, but I wish to see if you'd push your Will upon us.”

“I can't make you fight together. I can only suggest what I see as a better path."

The tenku grumbled—a thunderous sound in his great barrel chest. "A fair request. Yes, Dragoon, we can make this happen."

Dayne bowed, bending at the waist entirely, lowering his head. For the first time since the man had taken a knee in front of Felix. "You honor us."

Thalgrym chirruped, curious and surprised.

"I'll leave you to it," Felix said, smiling at them both before stepping back.

"Your Highness, how wonderful it is to see you on this fine evening."

The unctuous tone made Felix's lip curl involuntarily well before he recognized its owner. "Ah, Grandmaster Aquamarine. Carmine. Where are the other Tower Masters?"

"Verdant, Onyx, Cadmium, Rime, and Amethyst are busily organizing our vast and mighty forces," she said, gesturing back toward the wide plain next to the river. "It took some time to muster ourselves and traverse your Shadowgate. A shame we could not reach you during the Battle of the Wave."

"Is that what they're calling it?"

"So we hear. Our mages ache for not being able to show off their might against the baleful gods."

"Mm-hmm," Felix said, noncommittally. "How many have come with you?"

"Master and Adept mages have joined us from all the towers in Levantier," Carmine said, stroking his goatee. "Not all towers wish to participate, but we have been persuasive."

"How persuasive?" Felix asked.

"We have 200 of the former and 500 of the latter. Scratch that. We have 200 masters and 500 adepts."

"Impressive. Not to mention full companies of our mage guards from every lucent tower, equipped with all the enchanted armor and weaponry we could find. They number 10,000."

"What?" Felix had already heard these numbers from Tern, but they were still impressive. "I truly do appreciate it," he said, sincerely.

"But of course. Levantier stands behind the Fiend," Aquamarine smiled at him. Her slender features were almost Elf-like. "Anything for the Empire."

She was almost good enough to hide her Spirit from him. Almost. Frustration simmered beneath her veneer of agreeableness, along with a rumbling current of greed.

"I'm happy that Vilas has been able to convince you all. Your help will be needed."

"We had a lively debate, but the matter has been settled," Carmine agreed. "Our strength is yours, your Highness."

The two Grandmasters spoke of a few more details, mostly bragging about how many they brought from their Towers and how strong they were. Then they begged off, returning to their mages and soldiers with their heads held high. Soon to be swarmed by the other Tower Masters, as they played their little games of politics.

Felix didn't trust the Grandmasters to be anything but power-hungry. That's why he'd authorized Tern to hand out Quests to the Lucent Towers, ones that encouraged them to destroy as much of the enemy as possible, as well as other objectives. In turn, they would receive experience, enchanted items, and even Titles. It was a feature new to his status as emperor.

Perks of Empire I

You can now grant more powerful Quests to your people, offering experience, stats, and even Titles as rewards through the System itself. The reward must be commensurate with the task, however, and the quality of them depends on performance.

It was a powerful tool, and Felix had gone about offering it where it would do the most good. In his army. A carrot to soften the stick that he represented. And it was working.

A Shadow stepped from behind a tree. "Your Highness, the gate is ready for you."

Felix cracked his knuckles. "Send the order."

"Aye, sir."

He would be the first through, and then war would follow.

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