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“There’s been much discussion of what would be the best move for the 18th,” Pyetar called out, voice strong and deep. “Some wish to retreat to the Dovaki Post, some wish to stay and hold our ground here. Some soldiers have abandoned the 18th, choosing the gods’ beasts over whatever is decided here. But you all need to understand that this fortress is not safe. The metal god’s monsters are drawn here and the earthquakes threaten to topple our walls. Things are only going to get worse.”

Iryana looked out at the soldiers, trying to gauge their reactions. Many seemed to pale at the reality Pyetar presented them with, while others scrunched up their faces with disgust. She could hear mumblings of not trusting the guardians, not trusting the settlement. She had thought the worst of the dissenters would have left, but there seemed to be plenty left.

Vaneshta stepped forward from the crowd, exchanging a look with Pyetar. They’d had a chance to talk before this gathering and seemed to be on the same page again, thankfully.

When he nodded, she turned to the rest of the soldiers. “We’ve spent the last fifteen years fighting the dakii. We are not cowards. But there’s a difference between bravery and stupidity. Staying here would be stupid. We must join our allies at the Dovaki Post.”

Her speech wasn’t eloquent, but so many soldiers respected her that many seemed to be swayed by her words, regardless.

“It’s the best choice for us all,” Major Tenar added from his spot slightly off to the side. She wasn’t sure why it surprised her, but it did. He was a bit of an enigma. So willing to take on everything for Pyetar when needed, but also perfectly content to hand authority back over when Pyetar actually wanted it.

Pyetar turned to Iryana, beckoning her forward.

“You all know the Kleesold Clan has opened our gate to any who wish to come. The 18th included,” she boomed. “As far as my people are concerned, you are our most important allies. There may be a complicated history between us, but we must set it aside so that we can all survive this war between the gods.”

She reached over and pushed her shirt and armor to the side to reveal the top half of her golden god’s mark. “I was marked by Thelbiz so that we could warn everyone what was coming. My sister and I fought alongside your general and other soldiers of the 18th to take down a monster on orders from the gods. And for doing so, we have been given a reward to help see us through this war.”

The crowd roared with disbelief and wonder as Iryana moved the staff from behind her, slamming the end into the ground as she pulled on its magic to activate it.

The ground steadied. The wooden building stopped creaking. The chandeliers slowed their rocking, falling still again.

She knew she had made the right call waiting until that moment to activate the magic when she saw the pure relief and shock in the crowd. Even those who had been grumbling about going to the Dovaki Post were silent.

“With Limhiz’s magic, the earthquakes will not reach us.” Iryana raised the staff triumphantly.

The range of Limhiz’s magic within the staff was incredible, likely covering the entire fortress based on their experiments on the way there, though just barely.

There was still some apprehension in the crowd, but they all appeared to have been sufficiently convinced.

“We will prepare to retreat,” Pyetar roared. “And we will help any settlements in our territory that wish to fall back as well. Together, we will survive this war.”

Vaneshta cheered, shoving her fist into the air. The crowd followed her lead.

Iryana let out a deep sigh of relief.

When Hadima and Iryana returned to their post, bringing Limhiz’s steadying magic with them, her clan had cheered, the First declaring a feast to celebrate. It seemed to breathe new life into them. Gave them the hope they desperately needed. She had crushed Misha to her chest the moment she found her, muffling her sounds of protest until Misha managed to push herself back.

Her grandmother was worried that her magic was still a problem, but for now, Iryana was walking lighter. It was easy to pretend it wasn’t an issue, to focus on other things.

After the meager feast and reunion, it was back to work. The staff didn’t need to be actively maintained—once she triggered it by pulling on the magic, it seemed to stay activated. So, they stashed it in the First’s locked study. Those from the nearby territories would be falling back, and her clan had to be ready.

That evening, the closest of the water settlements arrived, their seer a welcome addition to the watch. More followed the next day.

Things were going well. As well as they reasonably could, at least. But part of her kept wondering when that was going to change. Like it was all too good to be true and soon it would come crashing down. And when she slowed down, she remembered her magic would start ripping her apart again. It all loomed over her.

The second evening after she’d returned, Iryana trudged up the stairs, weariness deep in her bones. She’d woken early for a watch, let Hadima guide her through meditation in order to work on inner peace, then set up shelters all day. Every muscle in her body was sore. She paused on the last step to catch her breath and wondered if that was what her grandmother felt like. The First had been moving around more slowly than usual, though her fire hadn’t dimmed in the slightest. Iryana couldn’t allow hers to, either.

She worried that if she stopped, they’d see right through her. Those worries plagued her just like the dakii plagued their valley. They’ll see your fear and they’ll fall apart. They’ll see how unworthy you really are. You’re going to fail.

Iryana turned down the hall with the smaller bedrooms and came to an abrupt stop, noticing how crowded the narrow hall was. Iryana blinked. How tired was she that she hadn’t even heard them as she climbed the stairs?

“We’re just trying to consolidate rooms,” Hadima explained with a tense smile. “The First told me how many to clear.”

That seemed to release the seal on everyone’s mouths.

“You know I’m a light sleeper; I can’t be next to the room with a baby. I’ll never sleep,” Edvar complained.

“You fall asleep drunk most nights anyway!” Kladara snapped. “You sleep like a log.”