Magnus shrugged. “Weeks at least,” he said, holding up his bandaged hand in explanation.
“Papercut?”
Magnus snorted into his mug of ale. “No, you royal prick. I was feeding the fire, then the bastard thing decided to bite my hand.”
Like the bubbles of my ale, unexpected laughter rose through my body. This mortal was clearly a few sardines short of a school.
“Let me guess, these hungry flames just attacked you after one too-many of those,” Tarben said, jerking his chin towardsMagnus’s mug.
“It’s as if you were there, Tar.”
Tarben shook his head again, this time with a smile. “What news from the south?” he asked, all traces of good humor leaving his face.
Magnus polished off the remainder of his ale and signaled a passing barmaid for another. “Same old bullshit. Nothing more than overzealous pricks trying to force our hand. As if we’re the ones responsible for the shit happening across the continent.”
My ears perked up. “What’s happening across the continent?”
“War, sweetheart.”
I tried, and failed, not to roll my eyes at his dismissive tone. “I know there’s a war, but I’m unclear as to why.”
“Have you been living under a rock?”
Shit. “My old home was very isolated. We were so deep in the countryside that it was difficult to keep abreast of current news.”
Magnus looked as though he was about to make an impudent comment, but Tarben interjected. “It comes down to the same fundamental concept that’s the driving force behind all war: power. Pursuing it, asserting it, holding on to it.”
I kept my mouth firmly shut and listened as he continued. “Many years ago, a high-ranking general from Niab emerged—Nicanor. He made a name for himself through winning victories in a string of local conflicts and, as his notoriety grew, he garnered support from some influential figures. Eventually, backed by these powerful allies, he orchestrated a coup, violently overthrowing the monarchy of Niab. After that, he swiftly slaughtered all those who posed a threat to his new regime.”
I schooled my features into a neutral expression, as if hearing about this mortal dictator wasn’t completely shocking to me.
“He proclaimed himself the new king and, for years, heruled with an iron fist. However, his thirst for power was insatiable, and his ambition grew. He decided Niab wasn’t enough.
“He was determined to expand both his kingdom and his military power through conquest. He began targeting neighboring kingdoms, invading them one-by-one. With his ever-expanding army, he moved on to the west coast of Anerdor, leaving nothing but death, destruction and defeat in his wake.”
Tarben leaned in and lowered his voice. “He’s declared himself emperor and intends to rule over the unified continent. His forces are in Ellym, but, according to our information, it’s only a matter of time before he marches north to Vicaster.”
I conjured up a map of Anerdor in my mind. “Vicaster? But that’s—”
“On the southern border of Solvardunn? Oh, we know.” Tarben offered me a grim smile.
I couldn’t believe the situation was so volatile. I knew these mortal affairs didn’t affect me, and I should not concern myself with them, but I couldn’t help but ask, “What are the unconquered kingdoms doing about it?”
“The majority of the unconquered kingdoms have joined forces and are fighting against Nicanor,” said Tarben as he absentmindedly traced circles on his mug.
I thought of Barvik and its colorful buildings, thriving markets, and friendly locals, and felt an uncomfortable twinge of an unfamiliar emotion. Did I feelsorryfor the mortals? “Has Solvardunn joined this alliance?”
Tarben and Magnus exchanged uncomfortable glances. That was answer enough.
Magnus said, “Solvardunn aligns with no one. It abstains from involvement in this matter.”
I gaped at him, at them both. I was no expert in warfare by any stretch, but if this Nicanor attacked Vicaster, surely Solvardunn would follow.
“The king does not want us to get involved unless there is a known threat to Solvardunn,” explained Tarben, a bitter edge to his voice.
My brow wrinkled in confusion. “But if thisemperorhas his sights set on the entire continent, surely it’s only a matter of time before he comes for Solvardunn?”
Magnus grunted a noise of agreement. Ignoring him, Tarben continued. “He remains confident it won’t come to that.”
