CHAPTER 35: A Pact of Necessity - Part 2

  As she conversed with Cael, Varne surveyed the fortress courtyard. Two people with whipped backs were locked in a pillory. Their body shuddered from the late autumn dew. Soldiers, dressed in bandages, lay under awnings around the courtyard, many missing limbs. And slaves, identifiable by tattoos on their cheeks, were digging graves.

  “And your name?” Cael asked, extending his hand to him.

  “Varne.”

  “They won't let us cross just like that,” Cael said. “But I might be able to help you. You want to get to Orfia, right? I need to go there too. Wait here.”

  Cael left them in the courtyard. The soldiers' gazes undressed Almyria, but she ignored them. Despite the near-equal gender balance in the Decima corps, the regular soldiers were predominantly male.

  After some time, Cael returned. “You'll be allowed to cross if you help a bit. That's the rule. Agreed?”

  “What kind of help, Kel?” Almyria asked.

  “The fortress is planning a surprise raid on a Terzionite communication post. If you're willing to assist, the raid leader will let you cross to the Terzion-occupied territory afterwards.”

  Varne was reluctant. Why should he do their dirty work? But if he saw this as the price for reaching Orfia, the offer was not bad. Besides, it was a chance to kill some of the same bastards who killed Eiran.

  “I can't,” Almyria said. “I can’t assist because of our Order’s vow of neutrality in this war.”

  “That's fine. You can stay with our Healers during the attack. You won't be involved in combat. Just Heal the injured.”

  She nodded. “On one condition. I'm allowed to help anyone in need, regardless of whether they're Isofean or Terzionite.”

  “I'll inform the raid leader. And you, Varn?”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Varne was silent. Silence meant yes.

  Almyria stayed the night with the woman Decimae, while he and Cael were given a place in the regular soldiers' barracks. Entering the barracks, the stench of sweat, cheesy feet, and rotting wounds burned Varne's nose hair. He no longer doubted the usefulness of dulling senses with Prana.

  ***

  Almyria woke before dawn. In the courtyard, the raid group had gathered. The fortress provided essentials, but each had to bring their gear. There were thirteen of them, including herself, Varne and Cael, all Decimae. And there were only three Mana Decimae, including her, all Healers.

  They set off in silence once everyone was packed. The raid leader, a man in his forties with greyish hair and beard, had the stern gaze characteristic of a military commander.

  Their destination was not far to the north, but the journey through the thick, hilly forest required six days instead of the expected two. A member of the group acted as a guide, leading them through areas less prone to monster attacks.

  Thick fog blanketed the hills, obscuring the path and chilling the air. She could not see Varne and Cael, positioned at the front and back of the line. For a non-Prana Decima, such terrain was torturous. The weight of the supply bag and medications chafed her shoulders, and the rough terrain blistered her feet. She whispered Azarion's name in solemn gratitude when the raid leader decided to rest early on the second day.

  She, Varne, and Cael sat together for a meal. The leader forbade anyone from leaving the group for secrecy. They ate only their provisions and not allowed to make a fire. Prana Decimae could use Prana to warm themselves, but she could only tighten her cloak.

  She opened the supply bag. She was not fond of standard rations like smoked meat and crispbread, preferring fresh fruits instead. But foraging was not permitted.

  “Damn, this terrain is really demanding,” Varne said. “Can't we just teleport straight into the post?”

  “Don’t you know how teleportation works?” Cael asked. “First, you must cast an exit gate somewhere. Only then can you open an entrance gate from another place. The farther the distance, the more Mana it requires. That's the principle. You can't teleport to just any place.”

  “Ashtrel could teleport. Do you think he's connected to Margivaz, Al?”

  “His teleportation was just like what Cael described. Uncommon for one person to do, but it has nothing to do with Margivaz's Transference.”

  Cael added, “That's why he couldn't teleport directly into the temple. Important places always have Ward Fields, barriers against teleportation. If he escaped by teleportation, it means he had killed the temple’s Ward Field operator.”

  “Then, what’s Transference?” Varne asked.

  “You don't know?” Almyria said. “Then what made you think Margivaz could do it?”

  “The physician told me.”

  “Transference is a type of teleportation just like you wished,” Cael said. “Teleportation that allows you to go anywhere at will. It doesn't really exist, more a dream of Mana researchers. That’s why if someone could do it, they’d be exceptional and possibly recorded in Orfia.”

  Varne fell silent, seeming just now to realize the difficulty of tracking someone with such ability.