Page 81

“I have a few updates from the general,” Vaneshta admitted, watching the flames and holding out her hands to warm them. “We haven’t received any news from Keeper Tomislav about the rumors that a well was drained. But another settlement told us the same thing. They likely heard the same rumor, but we can’t know for sure.”

Iryana nodded. “It’s very strange. I wish we knew more.”

“Also, there’s a new rumor. One of the specialists claims they saw… something strange.”

Iryana narrowed her eyes. “Strange?”

The First watched Vaneshta intently.

“She wasn’t certain it wasn’t a dakya, but it didn’t move the same. Didn’t act the same. She didn’t get a good look at it; it was too dark, but she said it seemed too small.”

Iryana’s mind spun with options. Could it have been one of the small dakii she’d seen? Or perhaps something had happened to the dakya to change it?

“Sounds like she just saw an animal,” the First said dismissively, leaning back.

Vaneshta shook her head. “The specialist is a trained hunter, very familiar with the creatures that live in the Lasharye Highlands. She didn’t recognize it. Of course, it’s possible it’s something natural, far from its normal territory, but what if it’s not?”

“Is the general going to have someone investigate?” Iryana asked.

Vaneshta looked at Iryana, a hint of displeasure showing on her face before she hid it. “Yes, he is going to go himself, and he has asked for you to join him.”

“Me?” she asked at the same time the First scoffed, “He wants my heir to go on a scouting mission for the brigade? Why is he even going? Generals are meant to delegate.”

“The major has been happy to handle things there; General Pyetar isn’t that involved day to day.” Vaneshta didn’t seem happy about that fact though. She shrugged. “And he said that you’re all in this together, and if he does find something new, you’d probably prefer one of your own to be present. Further, Iryana is one of the few people who knows about everything that is going on, and she has extensive experience traveling the woods on her own. It would be safest to travel together.”

Iryana hadn’t expected to see him for a while, for the rest of winter, perhaps. It wasn’t unusual for the heirs of clans to travel, building relationships and going on diplomatic missions, but the timing was not great.

She had her hesitations, in which she didn’t seem to be alone. The First exchanged a look with her, and it was clear she was thinking about Iryana’s magic. How painful it was to use now and how the conclave had told her using it would be dangerous. There were more risks than usual for her to go beyond the wall, and Pyetar knew that.

She almost refused, but then she thought better of it. The strange behavior from the dakii was escalating, and it had been bothering her for weeks. There had to be a reason behind it.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Iryana told the First. “There are so many strange things happening, and if something is going wrong with magic in Istri, with the creatures here, we need to know now. Or no alliance will save us. We weren’t prepared for the dakii when they came and look how that turned out. I don’t want us to be unprepared again.”

It was a worry that kept her up some nights. And while it wasn’t entirely why she wanted to go, she wouldn’t mind a break from the pressure of being Third, to hopefully give her some air and perspective to figure out how to move forward. Plus, she wanted to figure out what was going on with Pyetar, and it would give Misha time to cool off too.

The First watched her for a long while. “You’ll need to be back before this festival you convinced me to allow,” the First grumbled. “And I don’t know when the conclave is going to have news.”

“And I will need a few days to wrap things up here, prepare for my absence.”

The First nodded reluctantly, but she didn’t look happy.

“I will let the general know,” Vaneshta said, a bit of relief on her face.

Iryana let it sink in that she’d be alone with Pyetar again.

“You had to leave the summit early. How, uh...” Iryana looked at the First, not sure how to make her question seem benign. “How did that all go?”

Vaneshta raised a brow, but she played along. “The major had mostly put down the rebelling soldiers, but the general’s presence calmed the brigade. Despite everything, he’s done more than instill fear in the ranks. They trust him.”

The brigade had multiple regiments, and the Myura River Fortress was technically led by a major, just like Midmarket was led by that regiment’s major. Before Karvek took over as general, the 18th brigade was ruled from Midmarket, but Karvek preferred being at Myura River Fortress. Technically, the fort should be perfectly fine without their general being there all the time, but things were tense and difficult right now. His presence was more important than it was for other generals in the past.

“I’m surprised the general wants to leave again so soon.” The First tapped her fingers against the table, lips pursed. “If his presence is so beneficial. Although I’m surprised he has such an effect. He never seemed to be the calming type.”

Iryana winced slightly, but Vaneshta just nodded, the criticism not bothering her, and answered bluntly.

“Pyetar always takes charge on dangerous missions, always responds to issues personally. There was a fire last week in some of the smaller homes by the fields, and Pyetar was there carrying buckets of water himself. He may try to be scary, but everyone can see that he cares.”

Iryana took that in. It sounded like the Pyetar she knew, the version of him that he hadn’t been able to show the other soldiers before. Perhaps he was finding his place with them finally, would grow into his position as general. Her stomach tumbled nervously.