Page 20 of The Truth

“Then you will also know that there are reports of Veyaks swarming the skies. Their acid is to dragons what fire is to trees. You cannot simply charge in head-first.”

“I will do what I must, Councillor.”

“Without Battlemage support, your losses will be without counting, Archon. How many of your kin are you willing to let die from arrogance?”

Sensing the eyes of the Dracårdare and the others in the courtyard, Alvira moved to within arm’s reach of Matharius, the Highguard encircling them as she did.

“Choose your next words carefully, Matharius. Very carefully.”

“Is that a threat, Archon?”

“Simply a suggestion. Careful words lead to less time wasted.”

Matharius let out a slow sigh, then clasped his hands at his back. “The council have decided the best course of action is to accept the losses of the first landing as collateral. A counteroffensive with our strength amassed will be the most efficient approach.”

“Accept the losses? Those people are still alive, Matharius. They are not pieces on a board that can be simply removed and replaced. They are living souls, and they are under our protection.”

“As is the rest of the continent, Alvira.”

“And they will see us as fools and cowards if we let those souls die. What faith will they have in us?”

“What faith will they have when the bodies of dragons litter the landscape like dead flowers in winter?”

“More faith than you, it appears.”

“You were not alive for the seventh incursion, Alvira. You have read books, but you have not seen with your own eyes, the devastation the Veyaks can cause in the sky when amassed in such numbers. And it appears the Karvosi have finally understood the power they hold. I do not ask this of you to make you look the fool.”

“And what am I to tell my kin?” Thoughts of Vastillion flickered in Alvira’s mind. Of that horrific day. It had been her rashness for which Maquil and Carasín had died. This day was much the same, except on a far grander scale. “That we are to simply stand by and watch as the souls in those cities die?”

“That is not of my concern, Archon. It is yours. The council have made their decision. To go against it… is not something I would advise. You are still to take to wing and assert positions beyond the city limits for soldiers to fall back. The forces of The Order are being mobilised and will reach the nearest cities within two days. We have sent word to the elven kingdoms, and to the Jotnar, and the realms of men. You are our greatest spear, but all spears must be aimed.” He stepped closer, his dark eyes staring into hers, the smell of honey on his breath touching her nostrils. “This command is to save the lives of Draleid, Archon Serris. Can you not see that?”

“That is your failing, Matharius. Our lives do not exist to be preserved.”

“Nor do they exist to be thrown away by arrogance and hot tempers. Is that not the purpose of the bond? To provide balance to the rage of dragons?”

Alvira pursed her lips, and behind her, Vyldrar lowered his neck, his enormous head hovering, eyes fixed on Matharius. The dragon’s rage bubbled in his chest, simmering into Alvira’s blood. One breath, and the man would be gone. And a whole new war would start. The man knew his power, knew the strength the council wielded. It was The Order who owned the farms, ran the fisheries, laid claim to the lands. The Order who controlled the flow of coin. And more importantly, the flow of information. Alvira had to take care with every word she spoke.

The sound of thunderous wingbeats erupted overhead, and through Vyldrar’s eyes, Alvira saw Helios angling to alight in the yard, the crimson scales of Karakes beside him.

Matharius’s eyes shifted, just for a fraction of a second, as he cast a glance at the descending Helios. The flash of uncertainty in the councillor’s face brought Alvira no dearth of pleasure. And as the man looked as though he were about to take his leave, Eltoar descended from Helios’s back, threads of Air whipping about him as he landed on the white stone barely five feet to Alvira’s left with all the grace of the Enkara themselves.

“Archon.” Eltoar’s feet were moving before they’d even touched the stone, his crimson cloak drifting behind him. He pressed a closed fist to his chest and bowed towards Alvira, showing Matharius nothing but a cold glance. He looked to Alvira with concern in his eyes. “Why have you not taken to wing? The scout’s message was urgent.”

As Eltoar spoke, Helios and Karakes alighted in the yard, and Karakes’ soulkin, Lyina, had dismounted and was approaching.

“That is a question for Matharius, Eltoar.” Alvira looked to the councillor. “Do you care to explain to my First Sword why I have not yet taken to wing to meet the Karvosi where they slaughter our people?”

The man’s lips stretched into a half smile, and he gave a short bow. “My message has been carried. You know the council’s will, Archon. Do your duty, and all will be well.”

Matharius turned and left before the words had even finished leaving his lips.

“What was that?” Eltoar asked, glancing from Alvira to the departing Matharius. He fixed his gaze on Alvira. “Alvira?”

Alvira shook her head and looked to the approaching Lyina, her hand resting on the pommel of the massive sword at her hip as she bowed to Alvira.

“Archon.”

“Lyina. You are to send word. We are to take to wing but the Draleid are not to engage at any point unless forced to do so. We will take up positions at each city and establish a barricade to prevent expansion and to provide a haven for retreating souls.”