Katrina held her composure on the parade ground, as she marched passed dozens of crimson clad warriors. The assembly today was a ceremonial inspection of the newly graduated recruits from the Egeiro, or Lokkadonian ‘boot-camp’ as Daniel put it once. She marched in her ceremonial garb, an elaborately carved bone breastplate, and a deep crimson cloak, embroidered with golden thread along the hems. She studied the bone-covered faces of the warriors, before approaching the commander of the training regiment, and saluting with a fist across her chest.

  “Hego Katrina.” Greeted, Commander Glause of house Regias. Avria’s older cousin returned her salute, then turned to face the warriors assembled. “It is with great honor, and pleasure! That we are joined today by none other than, Spirit-Sent Katrina, Hego of Vul De Mar and the Northern provinces! As the newest warriors to take on the red, I give you all, my most humble congratulations. And urge you to take even further care in the coming days. We are again, at war! And you, my brothers and sisters, will soon find yourselves in the thick of its violent embrace.”

  He paused for a moment, scanning the ranks with an intense gaze. “It is now, more important than ever, to stand as one, against the coming foes. With our brethren in the South, who have already drawn blood! And spilled it in turn! By the honor of Lokkon! Our King, Telmos!” He paused, seemingly struggling with the final words. “And… our High King, Alektor…”

  The music from the band began to play their military marching music, and the warriors saluted, before being dismissed. Katrina made her way from the sands of the Glade, to the royal box above the bleachers, where the rest of the Lokkadonian nobility, who had attended the ceremony, were now mingling. She immediately spotted Nasha, who had two bowls of wine in her hands. As she met her eyes, the Dae woman smiled at her raising one of them toward her. Katrina chuckled as she made her way straight to her.

  “Hego!” Nasha greeted, passing her the nearly topped off bowl of wine. “You were wonderful, my Lady. As graceful as a Ma’guin! And as beautiful as a spirit.”

  “Please~” Katrina laughed, eyeing the wine-bowl before she drank. “Did you have some of this?”

  Nasha shrugged, “I need to make sure it wasn’t poisoned. Any dutiful ward would have done the same.”

  “Uh huh.” Katrina drank deeply from it, letting the fermented flavor of the lilac fruit fill her senses. “What would I do without you?”

  “I already told you; nothing.” She smiled.

  “Katrina.” Another voice called from behind her, a male voice she recognized. She turned to see a Dae man, with grey skin, and a terrible scar that ran across his otherwise handsome face.

  “Lord Turak.” She nodded, before he reached Nasha. The two embraced and joined in a kiss that lasted just a little bit too long.

  “It has been a little while, hasn’t it?” Turak said, pulling from Nasha’s embrace. “How is my fiancé treating you in the North?”

  “Fiancé’?” Katrina eyed Nasha, who just smiled and shrugged.

  “I had to settle down eventually, Kat. And someone had to tame the ‘beast of Rexun.”

  Turak rolled his eyes before taking a sip from his own wine bowl. “It’s best to do these things before the real fighting starts.” He stated grimly, “you never know which day may be your last.”

  Nasha’s expression changed to one of irritation. “Please, no morbid talk during our parties, my love. There has been far too much talk of doom around here since the demon incursion.”

  “Alektor is sending us into Visoth, Nasha.”

  Nasha’s eyes widened and she focused on him entirely. “What do you mean? I didn’t hear anything of it. I thought he had decided to wait until they were at our borders.”

  “He’s changed his mind.” Turak grunted, shaking his head in dissatisfaction. “I have been selected to lead the expedition to rendezvous with Cato’s brat, Pyxxis, and his band of misfit barbarians.”

  Katrina reeled, shaking her head in disbelief. “I thought… he was at least going to wait for Daniel’s return. He’s almost back from Exous.”

  Turak shook his head. “He doesn’t want Daniel to go.” He eyed her seriously. “Or you, for that matter.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you humans are far too unpredictable. Especially you, Katrina.”

  Katrina reeled, not knowing whether to feel honored or offended. “Oh, come on, I’ve calmed down a lot since… I tried to… well, kill Alektor.”

  “Too many variables, I’m afraid.” Turak finished his bowl of wine, signaling one of the serving girls to bring him another.

  Katrina tilted her head at him, a serious expression forming on her face. This was ridiculous. If Alektor thought she was going to sit this one out, he was out of his mind.

  “No.” Turak sighed, irritation entering his tone. “Stop it.”

  Katrina intensified her gaze.

  “By the spirits, Katrina!” Turak cursed, “you’re a Hego now. Your responsibilities to your people come before any—”

  “I’m going, Turak. End of story.” Katrina crossed her arms. “My duty is to my people, yes. But I also have a duty to my OTHER people too. Humans need all the help they can get. And if you think I’m just going to sit around and drink wine all day, waiting for the enemy to come here, you and your boss have another thing coming. I fought demons, Turak. Hordes of the damn things, and saved Alektor’s life too. There isn’t anything they can throw at me that I can’t take.”

  Nasha’s eyes widened, and a sly smirk etched its way across her face. “I think she makes a fine point, love.”

  Turak didn’t answer her, only grimaced. “I knew talking to you was a bad idea. Well, we leave tomorrow morning. We were supposed to be going at the break of dawn, before any of you meddlers could interfere. But, since you’re insisting on it; be at the South gate, before first light. And don’t be late, or I’ll leave without you.”

  Katrina smiled, content with her victory. Then, saw Turak and Nasha share a knowing glance with each other, before he left them and disappeared among the crowd.

  “You… planned this, didn’t you.”

  “What? ME!?” Nasha grinned, “how dare you make such an accusation.”

  “Damnit, I should have known you’d be behind it.” Katrina huffed, but she smiled in amusement. Nasha was one of a kind.

  “You really think that Alektor’s ‘request’ was worth more to my dear Turak, than a favor from his beloved fiancé?” Her grin spread into a toothy smile. “He agreed with me anyway, so it was easy to convince him. He thinks your power will make the trip far easier. He actually wanted Reku to go as well, but… he blatantly refused.”

  That makes sense, she thought. There’s no way he’s leaving his kids alone in the city ever again. “And we can’t wait for Daniel, huh?”

  Nasha shook her head in disappointment. “Unfortunately, he’s still four or five days away from Vul De Rah. Despite his best efforts, the refugees he’s escorting are slowing him down quite a bit. And Alektor wants him to stay anyway. He’s far too recognizable, with his power and all. At least your Dae-Voh Dunamis, blends in normally. Imagine if Daniel started throwing fireballs of golden-light around.”

  Katrina nodded, feeling a bit guilty for leaving him behind. “Who else is supposedly on this little mission?”

  “Besides some very powerful elite warriors.” Nasha smiled, then gestured over to the far side of the room. Katrina followed her gaze, and found a blond-haired Lauren, sitting in the corner, speaking with a Dae noble she didn’t recognize because his back was facing her.

  “Lauren’s going too, huh?” Katrina shrugged, “I guess it would be nice to get to know her a bit more. She pretty much keeps to herself now. I take it Alektor doesn’t know about her participation either.”

  “Spirits, no.” Nasha waved a dismissive hand. “He explicitly requested that all you humans stay out of harms way. Hence the secret deployment under the cover of darkness. I guess our High King felt it would be easier to ask for forgiveness than to deny you openly.”

  Katrina held her gaze on Lauren, feeling a sense of responsibility come over her. I guess I should speak with her first, she thought. “Hold that thought.” She held a finger up to Nasha and made her way across the room until she approached Lauren’s table.

  The young woman’s blue eyes met Katrina’s as she waved in greeting, and she smiled happily at her. “Hego, Katrina~” she stood, then bowed at the waist. The man she was speaking with turned to face her, and Katrina recognized Eslan of house Bodilla, one of the first Dae she met when she arrived here.

  “Hego, Katrina!” Eslan followed Lauren’s example, standing and bowing at the waist.

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  “Hey now.” Katrina chuckled, “don’t do that, guys. I’m still not used to all the attention. I don’t see your brother around, Eslan. Where’s Viecco?”

  “He’s… um… preparing for a mission, Hego.” He responded, sharing a nervous look with Lauren.

  “I know about the mission, guys.” Katrina crossed her arms, looking at them both smugly. “Don’t worry, I’ve already heard everything.”

  “Everything?” Eslan and Lauren asked simultaneously.

  “Why…? Did I miss something?”

  They all looked at each other awkwardly for several seconds, before Eslan finally relented. “If you’re talking about the… mission into~”

  “Visoth.” Katrina finished for him, turning to Lauren, who was stifling a laugh.

  “To find my brother.” She finished for them, “and bring their group of humans out here? Yes, that mission. Haha!” She finally broke, laughing, then she put her hand over her mouth quickly, apparently realizing that she had spoken too loud about their ‘secret’ mission.

  “You guys are so bad at this.” Katrina laughed, sitting down at the table. “Eslan, since we’re all on the same page. I take it you’re going on the mission as well. Would you mind giving Lauren and I a chance to talk?”

  Eslan blinked, then nodded enthusiastically. “Of course, Hego. And yes, I’m going as well. Viecco too!” He looked at Lauren again, “I’ll… uh… see you around, Spirit-Sent…” With that, he turned and moved back into the crowd.

  “Someone has a crush, I think.” Katrina chuckled, giving Lauren a playful look.

  The blonde girl laughed, shaking her head. “No, he’s just a friend. I only met him yesterday, after Turak approached me.”

  “Oh, I see.” Katrina tapped her fingers on the table, feeling the awkwardness of the conversation starting to build. “So! I hear that your brother is apparently going to be one of the humans we’re meeting, is that right?”

  “Yes!” Lauren exclaimed. “I’m so happy about it too… I miss him a lot. He never could do much without me back home. He’s my little brother… I did my best to take care of him, you know? And I thought that trip to San Diego would be a great chance for us to bond and have some fun… but…” She gestured her hands around them. “Change of plans, I guess… Heh…”

  “Yeah… we all have a similar story.” Katrina leaned back, her memory surging. “Robert and I used to go to San Diego every couple a’ months or so. I loved the seafood places there, damn… I miss it. They had the best clam chowder I’ve ever tasted at this one place… man it was good. Boston, eat your heart out. Anyway, we used to go there for the concerts, you see. Saw more than a few bands down there… then one day he bursts in the door from work and is raving on about this convention or something. I figured, what the hell. I don’t need much of an excuse to take a little in-state vacation. Why the hell not?” She mirrored Lauren’s gesture, shrugging with a tense smile. “Surprise~ I’m now a warrior in a magical land, fighting demons and chasing after guys who won’t give me the time of day.”

  Lauren laughed. “Wait, who are you talking about?” She looked puzzled for a moment, then her eyes widened, “oh~ Daniel! That’s right, I heard about that… he doesn’t know what he’s missing. You’re gorgeous, girl.”

  Katrina waved her off. “Oh please, I’m over that… for the most part. It’s a conversation for another time.”

  “I know how you feel though.” Lauren’s expression went a bit distant as she looked at the table. “At first, I thought the Dae here were… well, kinda’ gross. But… there are a few who really… uh changed my perspective.”

  “Well, we’ll have plenty of time to talk about boys and how stupid they are, on the mission.” Katrina laughed, “speaking of which, I want to get a feel for what your capabilities are. That’s the main reason I came over here. That, and we haven’t had a chance to chat in a while.”

  “Oh.” Lauren nodded, her expression turning serious. “Right! Um, I’m a Dae-Rah? I can use fire abilities. I’ve been practicing a lot too, thanks to High King Alektor… he’s been a really great help.”

  Katrina cocked an eyebrow at the mention of Alektor’s name. “You’ve been training with him?”

  “Oh yes!” Lauren nodded. “At least a few times a week. Since he’s been back here. He’s probably the most powerful Dae-Rah there is, right? So, it seemed like a really good idea.”

  “Yeah…” Katrina said, wondering when the last time she spoke to him was.

  “Other then that, I’m not that great with a sword…” The blonde girl continued, “but Lord Turak said he would show me some things during the mission. I heard you’re really good at it too, Katrina. Maybe you can teach me a few things too?”

  “Huh?” Katrina’s mind came back to the present at the mention of her name. “Oh, yeah! No problem at all. I’ll teach you a few tricks. You’d probably be able to kick Turak’s ass too.”

  “No way.” Lauren shook her head, her face going a bit pale. “I’ve fought him before… for real. He’s terrifyingly strong with a blade. He could have killed me ten times over during our fight.”

  Katrina nodded in acknowledgment. Recalling that Turak was the one who actually took her down in the fight when she was captured. The sudden urge to challenge Turak came over her, more forcefully than she expected. I wonder if he’d be up for a bout, she thought.

  “I’m sure you’re more than capable though, Katrina.” Lauren smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

  “I appreciate that.” Katrina responded after several seconds of holding the girl’s gaze. “Well, I’m sure you’ll do fine~ you were capable enough to kill a full-fledged demon after all, so I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” Katrina stood from her seat, and gave her a matronly smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, bright and early, Lauren. I’m looking forward to getting to really know you during the mission.”

  “You’re leaving so soon?” Lauren shot up after her, her face plastered with concern. “Was it something I said? I tend to lack self-awareness, Katrina. If I said—”

  “It’s nothing~” Katrina held a hand up, her smile widening, along with her eyes. Damn, this girl’s insecure, She thought. “I’ve only just joined the mission, and haven’t made any preparations; that’s it, no problems. You’re fine.”

  “O-oh, I see.” Lauren bowed, her blond hair falling across her face. “I’ll see you in the morning then. Please, let me know if there’s anything you need from me.”

  ~

  Katrina practically had to sprint out of the royal box, past her royal guards, and straight for her chambers. Since she had arrived, she had been placed in her old room. The same room she had essentially lived in for months. She packed light, choosing mobility above anything else. She held up one of her lighter breastplates, admiring it. “That’s more like it.” She chuckled to herself, then stood and promptly tried it on. She smirked at the result. She started digging through some assembled gear, but none of it was travel-worthy. She frowned at that, looking around the room for some way to get what she needed without raising any suspicion. A light knock on her door pulled her attention.

  “Yes?” She called out, quickly grabbing her royal cloak and draping it over her shoulders to hide her more common looking attire.

  The door slid open, and Nasha sauntered in, carrying a large pack.

  “Nasha!” Katrina’s face brightened at the sight. “You know me so well.”

  “I live to serve my Hego.” Nasha laughed, hefting the heavy bag onto a couch in the sitting room.

  Katrina rushed over to open it, and as she hoped, it was filled to the brim, with everything she could need. Warming layers, a shelter, common looking clothing that still managed to be good quality, and several weeks’ worth of rations among a dozen other little things she might need. “You are incredible.” Katrina fawned, continuing to pull things in and out.

  Nasha turned from her, crossing her arms as she looked out the balcony. “There will be a great deal of danger, Kat. You need to promise me you’ll be careful.”

  “I’ve fought way worse, Nasha. Don’t worry about me.”

  Nasha’s expression turned earnest, and she gave Katrina the most serious look she had ever seen from the woman. “There is always something worse, Kat. Please promise me. I’ve already been over this with Turak, I made him swear to protect you.”

  “I don’t—”

  “Kat!” Nasha put her hands on her hips, then leaned toward her angrily. “That goes for you too. Don’t let anything happen to my fiancé. As much as he gets on my nerves, I happen to be very fond of him.”

  Katrina nodded, holding her right hand over her heart. “I promise, I won’t let him die. And I won’t die either, alright? Now, get over here and help me find some toothpaste.”

  The night dragged on at a crawl. Katrina could barely sleep; she was so excited. Her little timepiece began to click, just as the sky started to brighten, and she darted up, grabbing her pack, and practically leapt out of her balcony into the darkness of the pre-morning.

  She eagerly made her way to the South gate, at a record speed, sliding across the ground like she was wearing the world’s fastest rollerblades. She dodged several of the night’s watch, leaping from structure to structure as silent as a church mouse. Finally, as she arrived at her destination, she saw a small group of warriors standing around.

  There were only three of them, and they all jumped in surprise as Katrina landed right beside them.

  “Hello, boyos~” She laughed, barely seeing their startled expressions in the darkness.

  “Who in all the!?” One shouted, while another laughed, and a third one grabbed the hilt of his blade.

  “By the spirits! It’s Hego Katrina!” The second one called, before his other two companions covered his mouth with their hands.

  “Quiet, you fool. People are still sleeping around here.” The third one whispered.

  Katrina laughed, practically giddy with excitement. “I didn’t mean to startle you guys, sorry. I take it we’re early?”

  “Oh- yes, my lady.” One bowed, before getting elbowed by two.

  “Hego~”

  “Ah! My apologies, Hego.” He quickly corrected, saluting, while the third just shook his head in disappointment.

  Katrina cocked her head, looking at the three warriors, noticing they wore no clan colors. “You have me at a disadvantage, boys. You know who I am, but I have no idea who you three are.” She lifted her chin expectantly.

  “Of course, Hego!” The first one blurted out. “I’m Rek, Sergeant of the first war-group. These here are, corporal Morti.” He pointed to the second man, who bowed eagerly. “And this is our fearless leader, lieutenant Jayce.”

  “At your service, Hego.” Jayce greeted, his voice gruff as he bowed his head.

  Katrina conversed with the three men as they waited, and learned that Jayce was the only one who had been hand selected by Turak; and the other two, in turn, were picked by Jayce. It worked out though. Jayce had the confidence of Turak, and his two junior officers had his.

  It wasn’t long before warriors began to trickle in, two or three at a time. Lauren arrived about mid-way through. Flanked on either side by Viecco and Eslan, who had apparently taken it upon themselves to escort the blonde human here. After nearly twenty of them were standing in the darkness, conversing and getting to know one another, Turak’s form finally ebbed into existence from a darkened alley.

  “Settle down!” He barked, turning a knowing gaze at Katrina, who smirked at him in return. “Are we all here?”

  The warriors of the group turned to inspect one another, and almost simultaneously voiced in the affirmative.

  “Good.” He continued, pulling a scroll out of a satchel at his side. “This isn’t a normal assignment, as you all know. You’ve been chosen for your personal skill and reliability, rather than your ability to operate as a cohesive unit. That is intentional, so keep your mouths shut about it. As most of you have already seen, Hego Katrina is joining us for this mission, however, don’t misunderstand, I am in command of this mission; end of story.” He squinted at some part of the scroll, seeming to have trouble reading in the dim light. “Eh… and lastly, you are all aware of your oaths of secrecy. This mission, and those who are on it, are to be held at the highest level of discretion. Any who violates their oaths will be subject to the appropriate punishments, which DOES include me lopping your head off. I’m good at it… so, don’t give me a reason to give you a demonstration.”

  He scoffed as he rolled up the rest of it, placing it back in his satchel. Before resuming addressing the warriors. “The chain of command is as follows. Myself, Hego Katrina, Lieutenant Jayce… and for lack of a better option, and because you will probably listen to her anyway, spirit-sent Lauren.” He turned to face Katrina, and gestured toward her. “Anything to add, Hego?”

  Katrina perked up, her eyes darting around the group. She wasn’t expecting to say anything and had been caught flat-footed. “Eh… yeah. Let’s uh… go get ‘em!”

  Turak stared at her for several seconds, blinking at her with clear disappointment on his face. “Anyway, gear up. We march out of the South Gate, and head East as far as we can go until we reach a predetermined place to bed down. I hope you all like riding, because you will absolutely love it, by the time we’re through.”