Dusk found Dan and the others gathered in front of the main gate of Hyleran, waiting for Gideon\u2019s signal to move out. Dan hadn\u2019t slept much; the things Bern had told him still circled in his head, excited thought chasing excited thought. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gideon had gotten them up half an hour before sunset for another quick meal, and then rushed them to the gate, where they were currently waiting while he and Francois tracked down the rest of the knights. Kaori\u2019s ninjas, fourteen in total, were already present, lined up and watching silently against one wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The endless streams of people clogging Hyleran\u2019s streets had lessened somewhat, though no street was completely empty. Everywhere Dan looked, there was still at least one column of soldiers moving purposefully between the houses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The houses had changed though. Most were small, built out of simple materials, but in the dusk and shadow settling over Hyleran, they had taken on a completely new look. Warm light spilled from their windows and under their doors, either dancing as the flames of a fire, or constant as the light of a soulborg lamp. Soft yellows, warm oranges, and muted reds combined to bathe Hyleran\u2019s streets in a light which Dan could only describe with one word: home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan sighed. Heleer, Hyleran; the two seemed to go together. Dan knew Heleer would much prefer this side of the city to the busy scene it had been a few short hours ago. No matter. There was something for both of them. And if he was honest with himself, Dan liked the peace and quiet. It was a change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He leaned against the rough wall of Hyleran, smiling in the darkness, watching the warm light from the houses flicker across the thinning lines of soldiers. Heleer would be here, watching this with him, soon enough.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Too soon, Dan was ousted from his reverie by Gideon. The knights had joined them, and they soon were lined up and filing out of Hyleran\u2019s main gate, into the black night beyond. The knights went out first led by Francois, and Kaori and her ninjas brought up the rear. Dan and the others kept between the two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gideon had said they would be traveling on foot, because Ghidan were apparently easily frightened, and could easily give them away if wolves were nearby. Dan was fine with that. He moved to the side of the group, where he could easily see every tree they passed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There had been trees by Llynar, but Dan had been unable to reach them, since he was confined within the walls. Here he could see the trees clearly. He could walk right up to them and feel their rough bark. If he paused long enough, he could see insects roving along their surfaces. Their roots seemed to hide endless holes, doubtless the homes of small forest creatures. The trees even had a smell which was new to Dan, something soft and solid at the same time, oddly sharp, but overwhelmingly earthy. It was the complete opposite of the scents of metal and smoke Dan had grown up smelling. He moved from tree to tree, completely absorbed in how different they were from each other. Just as the faces he had seen, no two trees were the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behind Dan, Hyleran quickly descended into shadow, the warm lights of the homes cut off by dark walls. But Dan did not look back. Not once did he pause and turn, remembering how he had imagined Heleer by his side. She was with him now in his imagination, but she was exploring the trees by his side, touching their bark with her soft hands, and laughing at their feel and smell. As the forest swallowed Dan and the others, Hyleran was blotted from his memory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDan.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan jumped at the sudden voice behind him. It was Gideon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you keeping an eye out?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan had forgotten he was the scout. He hastily put on his helmet, placing the goggles over his eyes. Their edges stuck to his skin, but he supposed they were designed that way. He found the night vision switch on the helmet, and flipped it on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything instantly went green. It was still dark, but now Dan could make out the shapes of trees and bushes, and even the glittering eyes of some small forest creature, which dashed away as they approached. He gave Gideon the thumbs up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gideon nodded and moved off towards Ana, who was talking with Trela as they walked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan looked around. He still couldn\u2019t make out the details of the trees very well, so that would have to wait until morning. But at least now he could see. He glanced over his shoulder and got another shock: Laelia had appeared out of nowhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She had the posture of someone trying to avoid company. Dan was sure she had drifted close to him by accident, for her eyes were fixed on Ana, who was now talking quietly to Gideon. Through the green surrounding him, Dan could see her expression quite clearly. It went beyond dislike. He would have almost called it hatred and disgust rolled into one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Partially because there wasn\u2019t much else to do, and partially because he found Laelia\u2019s murderous gaze behind him disturbing, Dan finally decided to find out what was between the two. He slowed his pace slightly and drew level with Laelia without her noticing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laelia startled as he spoke, and scowled when she saw him. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d she asked harshly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBetween you and Ana,\u201d Dan said, completely unphased by her tone (one benefit from SR). \u201cYou\u2019ve looked like you want to murder her ever since we met.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laelia rolled her eyes in disgust. \u201cIt\u2019s none of your business,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re in this together,\u201d Dan said. \u201cLike Kaori said: we can\u2019t afford to have secrets if we\u2019re going to succeed.\u201d Unbidden, the memory of the secret he was carrying surfaced, but Dan forced it to the back of his mind. That was different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laelia was silent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan waited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really hate people like you,\u201d she said finally, although some of the venom had gone from her voice. \u201cThe priers. The curious. You always have to know everything. And you don\u2019t let up, either. Fine, I\u2019ll tell you, just to shut you up.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan waited calmly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI met Ana a few times when I was younger, and thought of her as a friend. Recently though, I found out something about her. She isn\u2019t what she pretends to be. She\u2019s a Mordril<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan looked at her blankly. \u201cWhat\u2019s a Mordril<\/em>?\u201d he asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA traitor,\u201d Laelia said, her face darkening for a moment. \u201cOn Toril, they are an elf or human who forsakes their own kind for the darkness of the drow. They are hated on Toril, and rightly so. They\u2019re the worst kind of traitors, betraying not just one person or one country, but an entire race, and everything they stand for. And Ana Karithon was born as one.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan watched Ana. She was talking with Trela again, laughing at something, and looking very much at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe doesn\u2019t look like a traitor,\u201d Dan observed. \u201cAnd she is helping us fight the drow, after all.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe can pretend,\u201d Laelia said. \u201cShe might even lie to herself about who she is, but that changes nothing. Once a Mordril<\/em>, always a Mordril<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan watched Ana a moment longer. In the green light of his night vision, her long red hair looked pale, fanned out down her back, and her skin looked pure white. \u201cI can\u2019t see her betraying a whole race,\u201d he said to Laelia. \u201cShe\u2019s too\u2026\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSmall?\u201d supplied Laelia. \u201cShe doesn\u2019t look like she has it in her. But then neither did Caius. He\u2019s not from Toril, but he\u2019s a Mordril<\/em> all the same. He betrayed Einar for the drow, and Ana\u2019s the same way. I hate them both equally.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan looked back at Ana. Just looking at her made him doubt Laelia\u2019s words. She was small, with pale skin and a smiling face. Since he had met her, he couldn\u2019t recall her speaking more than twice. How could she be a drow sympathizer? Then again, he knew virtually nothing about her. Maybe it was a deception, as Laelia suggested. Maybe Ana was even deceiving herself. Dan couldn\u2019t pass judgement on her though, not yet. He resolved to get to know her better, and then form his own opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow did you find out she was Mordril<\/em>?\u201d he asked Laelia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Laelia scowled. \u201cThat really isn\u2019t<\/em> your business,\u201d she said. \u201cEnough questions.\u201d She moved away from Dan, cutting through the column of knights to the other side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMaking friends?\u201d someone asked, a hint of sarcasm in their voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan turned. Gideon was back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMore likely enemies,\u201d Dan replied drily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGive her time,\u201d Gideon said. \u201cLaelia\u2019s\u2026 an acquired taste.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHas she told you what she thinks of Ana?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gideon nodded unconcernedly. \u201cShe has. But I\u2019m not worried. She\u2019s very loyal to Einar, and Einar trusts Ana. Laelia can be harsh in her judgements, but she knows what\u2019s at stake here. She\u2019s not about to do anything rash, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re concerned about.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018The thought had crossed my mind,\u2019 Dan thought to himself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They continued on in silence for a time. The trees only grew thicker as they went. Soon the crickets went silent, leaving only the faint rustling of small animals and the occasional hooting of an owl. Soon, Gideon said that they had crossed the border. They were now in Valkrill\u2019s lands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nothing much changed, except that the dirt path they had been on all but disappeared. Now they were forced to pick their way across giant roots, leap over small brooks, and try to find their footing on uneven ground hidden by leaves and small bushes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gideon said there was very little chance of scouts or wolves being in the woods, so they still spoke, albeit in quieter voices. As the night wore on, Dan decided to learn more about the Valkyrie who had forced him onto this mission. He asked Gideon what he thought of Vydar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow do I see him?\u201d Gideon echoed, thinking. \u201cI guess \u2018misunderstood\u2019 might be a good word. Most of the alliance sees him as cold and hard-hearted, but he\u2019s really the complete opposite. He\u2019s said many times that he owes the people of Anund a debt he can never repay, and he protects them accordingly. Not that anyone has the slightest idea what that debt might be, mind you. It\u2019s one of the many mysteries surrounding him.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t it bother you?\u201d Dan asked. \u201cServing someone whose past you know nothing about? How can you know who he really is?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHis actions are enough for me,\u201d Gideon said simply. \u201cHe holds to his promises and shows every indication of putting his subjects before all else. He\u2019s never changed once during the war, so his past matters little to me. I mean, sure, I\u2019d like to know, but\u2026 I\u2019m fine with not knowing. I trust him. It\u2019s as simple as that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot all of his subjects trust him,\u201d Dan noted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou mean those Kelad fools?\u201d Gideon said. \u201cThat\u2019s to be expected. Every leader has his enemies, no matter who he is or what he does.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI met one,\u201d Dan said. \u201cShe told me some things Vydar did.\u201d He mainly wanted to see what Gideon\u2019s reaction would be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat things?\u201d Gideon laughed. \u201cHe\u2019s done plenty; almost all of it can be taken the wrong way.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe did mention that he planned on killing hundreds of prisoners at one point,\u201d Dan said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey\u2019re still talking about that one?\u201d Gideon said, shaking his head. \u201cWell, that was one of Vydar\u2019s darker moments, I\u2019ll give them that. Vydar\u2019s a strange case. He\u2019ll do anything to protect his people, but at the same time, it\u2019s like he doesn\u2019t care how many lives it takes to do it. If there\u2019s one thing about him I disagree with, it\u2019s that. But, at the same time, every costly choice he\u2019s ever made has been when he has literally no other option. If it\u2019s a simple choice between his people and someone else\u2019s, he\u2019ll choose us. Some see it as harsh. Others see it as necessary.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo that\u2019s what happened with the prisoners?\u201d Dan guessed. \u201cIt was either them or Vydar\u2019s people?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEssentially,\u201d Gideon said. \u201cIt was way back when Vydar was still on Utgar\u2019s side. Tensions had always been high between Vydar and Ullar \u2013 still are, come to think of it \u2013 and they were reaching a peak. The alliance \u2013 which at that time was just Ullar and Jandar \u2013 were moving on Vydar fast, conquering his territories one by one. His army was still small, and Utgar\u2019s marro horde refused to help \u2013 probably because Utgar wanted Vydar weakened so that he could get the wellspring for himself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnyway, Vydar was in dire straits. He was losing ground and men, food and supplies were going down fast, and morale was dropping. He needed to do something<\/em> to stop Ullar\u2019s advance, so that he could regroup, rebuild, and strike back. Every attack he made was defeated though, so he turned to the only avenue he had left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe had captured a whole regiment of Ullar\u2019s soldiers at a previous battle. There were a good number of important leaders among them; their loss would have been a big blow to Ullar\u2019s army. Vydar knew outright executing them would just make his situation worse, so he decided to use them as a bargaining chip. He decided to send word to Ullar that he would execute every last one of the prisoners if he didn\u2019t withdraw immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe almost did it,\u201d Gideon said. \u201cHe had given the message to a courier and everything. Certainly a lot of his subjects thought he would go through with the threat. He never did, though, and good thing too, because otherwise we\u2019d likely still be at war with the alliance, instead of on their side.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat changed his mind?\u201d Dan asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHave you heard of the one they call Aer Ilisyna?\u201d Gideon asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan nodded. He remembered the recruits talking about her back in Llynar, the strange kyrie woman who had been seen with Vydar, but never identified. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was her,\u201d Gideon said. \u201cOr so the rumor goes. It\u2019s said that she stopped him from sending the message to Ullar, and changed his mind. Talked him out of it completely. Next thing we knew, he had let the prisoners go, and escorted them straight to the border. Every last one of them.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe just\u2026 let them go?\u201d Dan repeated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gideon nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s the part Vydar\u2019s enemies like to forget,\u201d he added. \u201cWe\u2019ll never really know what happened, but Ullar stopped his advance. Just sat across from Vydar\u2019s border, his whole army spread out in pitched tents. Vydar got Anund stabilized, food and supplies distributed, and a few months later, he turned on Utgar and joined the alliance. People still say that if it wasn\u2019t for Aer Ilisyna, that never would have happened. Ullar would have marched right into Anund, crushed our armies, taken the wellspring, and divided Anund up with Jandar.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan thought a moment. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t he just surrender?\u201d he asked. \u201cVydar, I mean. When he was cornered, why didn\u2019t he just try to work out some sort of deal with Ullar?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gideon shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s one thing he won\u2019t do,\u201d he said. \u201cIn fact, it was Ullar who tried to strike a deal. He even said Vydar could stay in charge of Anund if he surrendered the wellspring. But he wanted Anund to become part of Ekstrom. He wanted its people to become his subjects, and Vydar one of his governors. That\u2019s what Vydar can\u2019t stand. He can\u2019t answer to anyone, or let anyone control who he is. I\u2019ve learned that much about him. Some say it\u2019s because he\u2019s proud, and maybe he is, but I always felt like there was something else at work. Some reason why he has to be free.\u201d Gideon paused, thinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan wasn\u2019t sure what he thought of Gideon\u2019s words. Gideon obviously trusted Vydar, as did many others, but to Dan, Vydar still seemed extreme. Dan couldn\u2019t decide if he was a good leader who was misunderstood, or an extremist who had somehow tricked his subjects into trusting him. Could he be both at once? <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnyway,\u201d Gideon said, coming out of his thoughts, \u201cI\u2019m glad he didn\u2019t take the offer, otherwise we\u2019d all be serving with elves.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan glanced at him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt would be downright horrible,\u201d Gideon whispered in a tone of confidentiality, although a grin was on his face. \u201cTrust me.\u201d Dusk found Dan and the others gathered in front of the main gate of Hyleran, waiting for Gideon\u2019s signal to move out. Dan hadn\u2019t slept much; the things Bern had told him still circled in his head, excited thought chasing excited thought. Gideon had gotten them up half an hour before sunset for another quick … Continue reading Chapter Thirty-Nine – Departure<\/span>
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