Kashran’s main fleet waits at Ironbreak Strait, guarding the trade corridor and the deepwater pass. To recall them from there will take three days with favorable winds.
“My fleet will sail within the hour.” Kahedin’s voice slices cleanly through the chaos. “Kashran remembers the old ways of fighting dragons.”
Rhydan hasn’t moved. “There’s more you need to know before you face them, starlight.”
His ancient eyes find mine across the chamber. “Vampire, you have walked between worlds. You understand the nature of sealed things.”
I incline my head. “All seals fail eventually. No matter how strong the spell, time eats at it.”
“Yes. Astefar’s seal has been weakening for centuries.” He looks back at Rhianelle. “Every year, the forest grows a little larger. Every decade, something else slips through the cracks.”
Rhianelle knows this better than any of us. But there’s something she’s not telling.
“The forest is always hungry,” she murmurs.
Rhydan nods slowly. “Some among the fae are aware of that hunger. They are counting on it.”
A chill passes through the chamber.
“Eirik Bloodhound knows?” Rainer asks sharply.
“Eirik is many things,” Rhydan replies. “Cruel. Ambitious. Ruthless. But he is not a fool. He understands that if Aelfheim fractures, the strain on the old magic will worsen.”
A pause.
“Perhaps that fracture is precisely what he seeks.”
Blaire goes pale. “He intends to unleash the things sealed in Astefar? Use them as weapons?”
“Perhaps that is even his goal.”
“Or attempt to bind them,” Kahedin says calmly. “Strike bargains. Trade blood for power.”
“That’s madness,” Aefric mutters.
“Your mother understood this, Rhianelle. It is why she ruled with iron. Why she crushed dissent before it could spread.” Rhydan’s voice gentles. “She knew Aelfheim had to remain stable and feared, even at the cost of mercy.”
Rhianelle’s face is a mask. But I can see the turmoil beneath.
“I know this is much to absorb, child. The weight of it would break lesser beings. But you needed to know. When you face Eirik’s forces, remember this. It is about more than territory or sovereignty. In the wrong hands, those gods and monsters could destroy the world.”
“We need to return to Völundr.” Rainer is already on his feet. “The defenses need coordination. We need to start evacuating the remaining civilians.”
“Yes.” Rhianelle straightens, eyes hardening. “Grandfather, will you stand with us?”
“I am too old for the battlefield, little starlight.” His massive hand lifts, brushing gently over her hair. “But Kahedin will bring Kashran’s full strength.”
The ancient elf pauses for a moment.
“Your mother knew all of this and still chose to fight for Aelfheim. She believed it was worth saving despite its lies and corruption. Perhaps you can finish what she started.”
“I’m not a conqueror,” Rhianelle says quietly.
“No.” His lips curve faintly. “And perhaps that is why you will succeed where she did not. She tried to hold the world together with force. You may yet hold it with wisdom.”
Rhianelle bows her head before taking her leave. Rhydan’s massive hand hovers above her one last time. A silent blessing.
I fall into step beside her. We cross the chamber and pass through the great doors with the others close behind. Kahedin’s voice follows us into the corridor. “Hold the harbor until we arrive.”
