“Tell him and the people of Westland that there’s still hope,” Natalia said, suddenly sounding triumphant. “The Lumbapi ships are sailing straight to Brookside’s port, with the elf and dwarf armies in tow.”
“What about the Rollo fleet?” Maija asked.
“I’ll send them to rally the others and meet us there. I hear Anders planted a seed of doubt in their new chief’s leadership. With those who sailed to the Ramhorn returning, they’ll see there is hope for us yet.”
Her sister’s words fueled a new-found hope in Maija. She prepared to summon Raffa for their return flight.
“Maija,” her sister’s voice interrupted her thoughts about departing. “There’s one more thing I must show you before you go,” and Natalia grabbed the wooden box.
***
“We need those ships ready to sail as soon as possible,” Anders called out to the Rollo Island Captain.
“Six gunners are stocked with cannonballs and gunpowder, ready to sail at your word. Max and Karth are anchoring the last of them on the port’s edge for protection,” Britt reported as she strode toward Anders on the busy pier.
“And the others?” Anders asked looking out at the many merchant ships docked in the Brookside port.
“You mean the carriers?” Britt asked, referring to the other ships.
Anders nodded.
“At first glance, they appear seaworthy,” Britt said slowly. “I didn’t know we’d be using all of them. I haven’t done any inventory beyond sorting the gunners from the carriers. I can have my crew start in on readying those that are good to sail with supplies.”
“Good. See that they’re stocked with food and water for a long voyage; we’re going to get these people out of harm’s way,” he said. Britt nodded as Anders motioned to the stout woman standing next to him. “This is Helga,” he said, introducing the Revolution’s only female leader. “Give her the list of food and supplies you’ll need for each ship. I want to make sure that anyone who wishes to flee can do so.”
“I’ll do my best,” she said.
Anders headed down the street but stopped when he saw Britt jogging up alongside him.
“I know you’re planning something, dangerous,” she paused; he could tell she was searching for the right words. “And I, I just wanted to let you know that Max and I will go with you. We’ll be there, right through to the end.”
Anders looked Britt in the eye and said, “You two have an opportunity to leave with the others and make a new life together. You can return later and take command of the Rollo Islands, become Chief and put Red out on his own. You’re a natural leader, Britt. People listen to you; just look at your crew,” he added, motioning to the ships. “They’ve risked everything for you. Give them what they want, a chief who will lead them well.”
“You’re a leader too, Anders,” Britt said, narrowing her eyes. “Like it or not, that dragon bond and your magic make you a leader. You can choose to lead or not, but like me, people will follow no matter what you decide.”
“Why do people keep telling me that,” Anders sighed.
“I can’t just go back to the islands, Anders. I’ll do as you ask in getting those who can’t fight out of here, but my crew and I are staying to fight whatever comes next.”
Anders nodded, acknowledging that there was no changing Britt’s mind. “Go on then, get the ships ready and make sure others are helping. It’s a big job.” Before he left to find Rune, he saw Britt look over her shoulder at him two times before falling in with Helga.
Letting his senses guide him, Anders found Rune near the edge of town along the trail leading north toward Solomon’s home. He was talking to a rider on horseback. Anders approached but before reaching them, Rune smacked the horse on the rear sending it and the rider galloping off the cobble stone and onto the dirt.
“Anders,” he said, seeing the dragonrider approaching.
“Where’s he off to?” Anders asked with a nod.
“He’s the last of the dozen men I sent out to warn those living in the surrounding area of what’s happening here. Those who can fight will come, those who can make the ships will follow, and those who can’t will go to Grandwood to meet the others. Anyone who hasn’t joined us already and managed to steer clear of Merglan’s occupying forces will know the struggle we face. They will come to fight or flee with the helpless,” Rune explained.
“I just hope it’ll be enough,” Anders sighed.
“You’re really planning on going after him alone?” Rune asked.
Anders nodded.
“And if you do succeed?”
“Whatever he’s planning will likely last after his death. If he has supporters in Nagano, Southland and the Eastland Territories things will not just go back to normal, whatever ‘normal’ is. Westland will need to stake a claim in the new world. I’ll continue to fight for my people.”
“And if you die in the attempt?”
“If I go, he’ll go too,” Anders stated. Rune raised an eyebrow at him as he continued, “My father knew the consequences if Merglan won. Ivan fought him his entire life and now, it’s time for me to fulfill the Prophecy.”
“I think you should get some rest,” Rune said, placing a hand on Anders’ shoulder. “You sound like you could use it.”
“I need to be ready when he comes.”
“If he comes and he hasn’t come yet. Us regular humans have managed to put together an army and evade Merglan’s reach this far. I think we can continue for a few hours without you,” Rune said.
Anders eyed him.
“Go on. Take some time to think about your plan. My guys have got this,” he said waving him off.
“Are you sure?” Anders asked, suddenly feeling the need for some downtime, if not sleep.
“Maybe you’ll realize that you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders all by yourself,” Rune said, walking away.
Anders stood in the middle of the street and for the first time since he’d left the elven capital to act as an ambassador in Hardstone, Anders felt that he could stand to take a day to recuperate. When he’d been frustrated with Red and the Rollo Islanders’ reluctance to help them in this war, he’d gone for a flight with Zahara. In that moment, he felt that what he wanted most in the world was to fly freely with Zahara. He wished to fly for once without rushing off to fight or save someone. Searching for her with his thoughts, he sensed her presence and touched on her mind.
