Everything I do, I do for this family.


"Is this why you requested I return home?" Kasendra Chandrennin asked, holding up a letter with a golden sunburst seal affixed to the bottom. She stood in the map room of the Elstreth Keep, while her brother Gerjonn leaned over a table looking over some documents.

"The reason? No. A reason? Of course," he answered, "How was the vineyard? I trust father is well?"

"I've been home for weeks now and this has been in motion for some time. Why am I only hearing about it now? And father is fine, as you well know."

Gerjonn turned to face his sister, "Because it was not a reality until this moment. Just thoughts and ideas that Aurmont was considering. And now he has made his decision."

"Your discussions, his decision. Did you ever think about what I wanted?" Kasendra said, a flash of anger in her eyes.

"Of course I did. This is the next logical step to everything you have done, Kas. First here and then in Estoria. Then in the North. The work at the Valley of Gold. You helped so many, and through this even more can be done for everyone. Just think of it!"

Kasendra turned away to look out the window, "And if I want something else? Haven't I given enough for the Empire already?"

Gerjonn walked to stand beside her and laid a hand on her shoulder, "This is our time, Kas. Our chance, our moment to do our part for the Empire will only last for so long. And by doing this it will not only make the Empire better, but it will help our family."

Kasendra closed her eyes for a moment, and then looked back out the window towards the north not saying a word.

---

"Good you are here," Malvernus said as he entered his office, placing his staff upon the rack on the wall, "is everything in order and ready?"

"Were the tests successful then?" answered the woman standing before him, clad in blue robes.

"Indeed. If the researchers and Archivers have completed their analysis, then we should proceed with all haste."

"What's the rush? They'dd like more time to be certain. Another month or two, and I am sure they will."

"The rush? It has been nearly four years. Another day is not acceptable at this point, let alone a month. One month will become two, and two will become four and then six. No. I will not see us delay this any longer. She is one of our own, and deserves better than this. We’ve lost too many as of late, and now we have the chance to correct that for a change. We are taking it."

"But Malvernus..."

"Enough. The decision has been made. See to the analysis yourself. I will review it next week and then begin the arrangements to return to Vornavis."

---

A light breeze blew along the dusty road, the roar of the Cairnfang River only faintly audible in the distance. One of the trees along the road swayed in the wind, and a small figure held steady as they crouched atop one of the tree's branches. She reached back to make sure her quarterstaff remained secure to her cloak, while her eyes remained focused on the road below. She used the back of one hand to wipe some dirt off her cheek, while the other rested on her sling pouch on her belt. The tree continued to sway, as Camryth continued to watch and wait for the right moment.

---

Salnim Malwind stood at the prow of the ship, leaning against the railing and watching the waves as the ship sailed south. He stood there quietly, the Vornavian crew being mindful of the young lord, and keeping their distance. As he continued to gaze out at the water, Salnim's thoughts wandered to the many conversations and advice he had heard lately, but most especially his conversation with Athalia before he left.


"Are you sure you want to do this, brother? Charge off to the rescue?"

Salnim shook his head, "No. No rescues and no charges."

"Then what exactly are you doing?"

"I don't know for sure. All I know is that I miss her, and she misses me. And despite what she has said, something is not right. Whatever it is, whether I can help or not, she doesn't need to face it alone. So I'm going."


The ship crashed through a large wave, snapping Salnim back to the present as a spray of water struck him. He shook it off and continued to look south. He still didn't know what he would do or say. But he knew the part that mattered most would only take three words.




Or else what follows?
Bloody constraint.