#c:silver

Anahera coiled her fingers around the hilt of her sword. “Yes,” she said, not sure if she meant it. “Is Silver prepared?”

“As always.” She heard Helios shuffle behind her, no doubt impatient to get going. He was always quick to work, at odds with Anahera’s steady rhythm.

“Come, then.” Anahera turned sharply, going back the way she’d come. She stepped in her old footprints and, obedient, Helios was quick to come to heel. “Let’s not waste any more time.”

A lifetime away, a sea across, a man with thistle hair and deep blue eyes watched a ship come to rest at the docks. The seaport city was alive with movement, each person ambling along more intriguing than the last. Barnabas’ true interest, however, was the sea. The salty blue waters sang to his blood and he could not hope to resist.

The sun was high overhead, ever-watchful, and Barnabas hoped to use its heat to guide him home. He waited, like a cat on the prowl, for the men to retire for an early lunch. The docks sported many well-loved taverns and bars, a reprieve from the burning sun overhead. Barnabas was not interested in such things, but he knew of its draw to the sailors.

When the crew made scarce and the ship was silent without watch, Barnabas strolled forward. He knew the weight of confidence, of pretending with such surety that he belonged on that ship. No one questioned him when he walked up the gangplank and onto the main deck of the Ranger, a cargo ship stocked full of rocks and jewels.

Barnabas’ destination was the belly, where he could hide amongst the crates and wait for them to set sail. Being caught as a stowaway was a hefty fine, but Barnabas had done this many times before. It was an excellent way to travel, hidden away and cost free.

Now, all he had to do was wait.

“It’s just a peaceful mission,” Anahera reminded Silver and Helios. “We don’t need to rush this. This tribe is known more for their lackadaisical attitude than anything else. If we seem too pushy then they’ll be quick to give us the shoulder.” She played with the straps of her elk, the leather soft against her gloved thumb. Behind her, Silver and Helios kept pace. Their squires, silent and attentive, brought up the rear.

“Do you think they’ll be convinced to rest?” Silver’s voice was quiet, even in the silence of the snow. She rode to Anahera’s left, head tilted curiously. Where Anahera and Helios had light eyes, Silver’s was vivid green, hidden only by the mask she wore on her face.

“Hard to say,” Anahera replied. “This dispute of theirs is one of blood. I imagine there aren’t many dragons alive in their clan who even remember why they’re fighting to begin with.”

“It seems foolish.” Helios’ frown was obvious in his voice. “Who would fight over something they don’t even remember? It seems a waste of time.”

“They’re a small tribe,” Anahera countered. “They are all kin to one another. A slight against one of their own isn’t something they can easily forget, even after a great deal of time. It’s an important part of their history.”

“Until us,” Silver added.

“Until us.”

The sea had a way of calming Barnabas’ heart. Even stowed away in the cargo of an unfriendly ship, with a days journey ahead of him, he felt tranquil. No matter what, he was surrounded by home. And soon… Soon he would be with the one he’d been looking for for years. His blood, his kin.

At the very thought, his heart seemed to skip a beat. It wasn’t that he was afraid of meeting his sister for the first time, but the idea that finally he would know his own family… It was a heavy thought on his mind. A mixture of excitement and worry. The fear that she might not welcome him, or that she might not even care about his existence at all. But how could she not? They were blood. As far as he knew, there was no other.

Sighing, Barnabas leaned his head back against the crate he rested against. He stared out the window to his left, inhaling the salty smell of the ocean, and tried to imagine a scenario where he would at last know what it was like to have a family.

“Welcome, knights of the Frozen-Sea!” They were met by a trio of the tribesmen, all wearing thick coats that hid their faces from the cold. Their village was amongst the fir trees, just on the treeline. Just past them Anahera’s group could see the wooden homes and cloth coverings that shielded the tribe from the weather. A secluded village, hidden in the snow.

“Was your journey well?” The one who spoke had eyes of palest blue, a woman with pure white hair that held beads and coloured string amongst the strands. She spoke with a voice that was warm even in the cold of the snow, her icy eyes alighting on Anahera.

“Well enough,” Anahera replied with a dip of her head in greeting. “Has your tribe faired well since we last spoke? It’s been some time since I received your letter.” She stepped forward, sliding her winter gloves off her hands to meet the tribe leader in a handshake.

“Things have been good for us this season. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Anahera. And your allies, of course.” She looked beyond Anahera’s shoulder to the four dragons waiting patiently just beyond.

“Chief Kashi, this is Knight Helios and Knight Silver. These are their squires, Kynigos and Soleil.” She pointed at each one in turn, the others greeting the chief politely when their name was spoken.

“Impressive,” Kashi replied with an amused smile. “Even your squires look hardy enough to take on my entire tribe. I imagine they are well trained.”

Anahera matched Kashi’s smile. “We are only as good as those before.”

Waving a hand towards the collection of homes and tents, Kashi said, “Shall we?”

The ship docking was a raucous affair. There was a great deal of noise, so no worry of Barnabas missing his queue to get off. Unlike when they departed, the crew was eager to dump their stock and be done with the job. As such, Barnabas was forced to sneak up towards the top deck and slip over the side. He was thankful to not have been caught, but having to cling to the side of the ship like one of the many barnacles wasn’t very appealing.

No one questioned him when he climbed up the dock from seemingly nowhere, dusting off his clothes and setting off without a look back. In many ways, Barnabas stuck out like a sore thumb. For starters, the region here was one of snow and Barnabas was still wearing clothes suitable to the balmy seas. He hadn’t yet gotten too cold, but he considered making an investment in something heavier to keep him warm on his way inland.

With a general understanding of where they’d docked, Barnabas knew he needed a ride if he wanted to reach his goal by days end. It was too cold and too snowed in for a man like himself to try taking on his own, wearing clothes that did nothing to stop the winter chill. Keeping his head down, he quickly made his way along the docks and into the port town.

With eyes narrowed against the wind, he kept an eye out for a shop selling coats. He hadn’t a penny on him, but quick fingers made it easy to get what he needed. So long as he didn’t let anyone get too good a look at him, they wouldn’t ever find him. He had no plans to return to this place.

Overhead, the snow fell heavily. Barnabas paused for a moment and tilted his head back. The cottony clumps fell on his hair and lashes. He wondered if perhaps his sister was experiencing the same snowfall, so far from him.

The tents were warmer than Anahera had thought they would be. Once the flap closed behind them, the wind chill vanished. Happily, the five visiting dragons settled around the fire that heated the main tent.

“Now, assuming your reasons for being here haven’t changed, I believe we’re going to be speaking about the Atori.” Kashi was seated across from the knights. They all kneeled before the fire, blankets draped over their legs and tea in their hands. It was much more of an intimate setting than would have happened back home.

“Correct.” Anahera let her cup rest between her hands, nestled comfortably on her legs. She looked at Kashi over the flames, their forms distorted by the heat waving in the air. “The Atori were the ones to contact us. They seeked aid in ending the feud between your two tribes.” She saw the flat look Kashi gave her and smiled. “Yes, at first they wanted physical aid to win the many battles your two tribes meet in, but we convinced them to try a simpler approach.”

“I find that hard to believe. The Atori have never done things simply.”

“Your tribes are very different, but you both want the same thing. Prosperity. Peace. A reprieve from worrying about the other attacking without a moments notice. How many resources have you put into this dispute?” Kashi didn’t answer, but Anahera hadn’t expected her to. “Your tribes have gone many years with this fight. It is perhaps as familiar to you as your own family. Perhaps it is time to put it to rest, though.”

“And the Atori want this? They will accept peace so simply?” Although Kashi had a kind face, her gaze was hard. “They have made many demands over the generations. None have been worth even acknowledging.”

Anahera nodded in understanding. “They are willing to set aside their own pride and prejudices if you do the same. They ask for nothing but neutrality. A promise to desist from both sides.” She paused, then waved a hand out. “It is a treaty.”

Kashi leaned back, looking contemplative. Around her, her council was stoic and silent. Anahera had been warned that they wouldn't speak in front of outsiders.

“Will there be a physical sign of this treaty?” Kashi asked. “I don’t want any chance of words being taken back. I will chance no betrayal.”

Anahera nodded. “If you agree to peace, there will be a formal meeting between you and the Atori leader, Hannal. There, you will sign the treaty.” She tapped her fingers against her cup. “The Atori think it would be wise to include my clan in the pact. That whoever betrays the other loses our favour as well.”

Kashi looked amused. “A frightening thought, to be sure.”

Anahera laughed. “Perhaps. But we are not here to make enemies. Only forge alliances.”

“Then I will approve of this meeting. I make no promises of peace yet, but I will hear what Hannal has to say.”

Anahera’s smile was warm. “That is enough for now.”

It was a tricky business stealing a coat. It required a great deal of pretending he’d owned it in the first place, while also not being noticed by the man who ran the store. In the end, though, it was worth the effort. The coat was a pale blue, stylish and with white fur on the inside that kept him warm. If he had paid for it, it would have been a worthwhile investment.

He had even secured a ride, having overheard a portly man discussing his route east. Barnabas, in a rare moment of charisma, had somehow managed to entertain the man and was welcomed to share the journey.

“And what do you plan on doing all the way on the eastern cliffs?” the man asked. He had introduced himself earlier as Julian, a seller of furs and leather who traveled around the world to promote his trade. If he recognized the coat Barnabas was wearing, he didn’t mention it.

“I’m visiting family,” Barnabas said honestly. He was seated across from the other in the carriage, cushioned and warmed by a thick blanket. “My sister lives in a small kingdom by the cliffs. She’s been there for some time, but this will be my first time seeing it.”

“And where are you from?” Julian asked curiously. “Besides the sea, of course.” He smiled toothily, as if he had said something clever.

Barnabas laughed lightly. “Only ever the sea, I’m afraid. I’m not really one for wandering the land. Although I’ve heard my sisters kingdom has paths down to the bay below the cliffs, so hopefully I won’t be entirely cut off from my true love.”

Julian chuckled. “Hopefully.” He nudged Barnabas, winkling. “And maybe your sisters kingdom is in need of some fine cloths and materials as well.” He waved his hand at the blanket Barnabas was using, the fabric soft and warm beneath his fingers.

Amused, Barnabas laughed. “Maybe.” A kingdom of warriors and knights would probably make more use out of metal and swords, but he wouldn’t ruin Julian’s hopes just yet. At least not until he was close enough to walk on his own.

“That went faster than expected,” Helios said plainly as they walked out of the village. “I didn’t think she would be so agreeable.”

“It’s clear that both sides want peace.” Silver fiddled with a necklace she wore, looking thoughtful. “Hopefully they can look past their distrust and bring a permanent end to all of this.”

Anahera was silent before them, trudging through the snow. There was still the treaty meeting to set up, getting both sides to stay peaceful and open for conversation throughout the entire event. It was easy enough to agree to a treaty when one wasn’t looking into the eye of their enemy. Kashi didn’t seem the impulsive type, but such things were hard to judge on first meetings.

“The treaty signing will likely take place a week or so from now. Enough time for both sides to truly figure out what they want.” Anahera considered the time. “There won’t be much for us to do for them during all of this. We can set up the meeting place in a neutral area, but otherwise it is on them to meet in the middle.” Literally and figuratively.

“What are the chances this ends in a fight?” Helios asked as they reached their elk, tied to a small cluster of trees further from the woods. He patted his own on the snout, not rushing to mount and ride off.

Anahera untangled the reigns of hers. “I think they will be unlikely to fight there in front of us. If anything, I imagine the worst we can expect is them calling off the treaty and returning home. At that point...we will have failed.”

Silver clicked her tongue. “Then let’s hope that isn’t the case.”

Slowly the five mounted up, urging their elk into a trot. The elegant creatures made easy work of the snow, graceful even with such clumsy creatures on them.

As they rode off, Anahera turned to look at the tribes village. She thought she saw Kashi standing at the edge, watching them go.

The journey was long, but frankly there was not a moment of boredom in the company of Julian. Even for an older man, he was energetic and hilarious, telling stories and jokes that left Barnabas weeping tears of laughter. Barnabas had a few stories of his own, which Julian encouraged him to share. They weren’t comedic in any way, just enchanting tales of the sea and his time there. Although Barnabas’ world had mainly been one of water and sand, it was still a beautiful place full of exciting things to discover.

“Wait,” Julian said in a voice that was uncharacteristically serious. “You expect me to believe that there is a mighty beast living in the sea? Spoken of and known only by sailors and natives?”

Barnabas, with a face just as serious, nodded. “It is a massive creature. Most tremble to even speak of it, so they do not.”

Then, breaking into laughter, Julian clapped Barnabas on the back. “But you are not the trembling type!”

“No, certainly not.” Barnabas joined him in laughter, leaning loosely against the side of the carriage. “I’ve seen too much nonsense to be worried about some sea creature that won’t show its face.”

“There’s a great deal amount of terrible in the world,” Julian said, nodding his head. “Most of it comes from men like you and me. More of a worry to my life than any sea creature.”

Humming in agreement, Barnabas peered out the window. “If I know my geography, I think we’re making good headway. Those icy spires could only come from the eastern region.”

Julian clicked his tongue. “Yes, they’re dreadful things. Hiding the sunlight, keeping pleasant folk like you and me in the dark. No wonder they call this place a fortress.” He peered out the window. “I imagine we’ll reach your kingdom quite soon.” He straightened and looked at Barnabas. “Are you looking forward to your journey being over?”

Barnabas grinned, the smile bright and boyish. “More than you could possibly know, my friend.”

Their journey through the snow was quick. Once they were past the trees that marked the edge of the tribes territory, they set out at a fierce pace. Anahera loathed adventures that lasted too long, always wanting to return home. A funny habit for someone who had been so averse to joining the knights in the first place.

Reaching the fjord brought with it the familiar sense of comfort, knowing they could rest up. There wouldn’t be any serious work to do for the week, beyond setting up the meeting, and Anahera could muffle her stresses about the two tribes until then.

Riding through the main city, the group approached the gates of the castle. Anahera caught sight of something then, a carriage that she did not recognize at rest by the stables. Had they had guests while she was away? Aelius had many visitors to the city, always stringing together new alliances and trades, but she kept herself familiar with their schedule. This was something that hadn’t been planned, and not many made impromptu visits to the heart of the city.

Exchanging glances with Silver and Helios, they made their way indoors. Kynigos and Soleil had separated, tending to the elk, but the trio continued towards the main hall where Aelius so often met incoming diplomats and traders.

“Ah, Anahera. There you are.” The familiar and welcoming voice of her clan leader met her, echoing in the wide chamber. “Someone is here to meet you.”

Aelius’ form was easy to spot, hair a brilliant orange and with brilliant golden clothes. Beside him was his wife, the Archmage Mira. They stood at the head of the oak table that so often held dinners that currently laid bare, and with them were two new figures. One was a thick-set man with a mane of brown hair and eyes to match. The other...looked like her. Looked entirely like her.

When the Imperator called out Anahera’s name, Barnabas couldn’t help but grow tense. So this was it. The moment he’d meet his only surviving blood. Would she know him? Would she recognize him? Would she even believe that what he said was the truth? All the questions he’d been ignoring buzzed around in his head until he actually turned around, meeting the gaze of his sister.

She looked just like him.

Tentatively, Barnabas stepped forward. “Anahera…” he said, eyes wide. He’d entirely forgotten what he’d planned to say. A strange mix of facial expressions seemed to flicker over her face, but still she walked forward to stand in front of him.

“Who are you?” The words were not hostile, but there was little warmth too. Uncertainty, mostly, but that Barnabas could understand.

“I- You-” He stopped. Took a breath. “Anahera, I am your brother.” He took her hand in his, and she let him. “And I have spent years looking for you. For my family.”

He waited to hear her response, dark blue eyes meeting pale yellow. She studied him, face analytical, but didn’t yet speak. Then, after a wait so long Barnabas felt he would get dizzy, she spoke.

“You...have a lot of explaining to do.”