Page 70 of Feathers and Thorns

“So, we have one month?” Baz asked, trying to wrap his head around all the new information.

“Yes,” Rook said, “we have one month to save Entheas.”

* * *

They picked their way back to the tavern after Baz had explained what had all happened with Jai and the king’s guard providing his proof of lineage. Jai had sent Baz to meet with them at the monastery while he dealt with the townspeople.

The tavern owner welcomed them with open arms, and they joined the rest of their crew for a meager meal of vegetable soup with day-old bread.

Mrs. Ferndale was running around, clearing tables and assisting the tavern owner as best she could, not being able to sit idle. Jai gave the woman a kiss on the cheek when she brought him a wooden stein of water, and she patted his head before scolding some kids who were getting a little too rambunctious.

The few king’s guards left stood against the wall, eyes shifting back and forth, searching for any potential attackers to their new king-to-be. Jai had told them the worst was over and that they should take a break, but the one who knew him since birth had simply said, “Your enemies are not resting, and neither will we.”

Jai did not want to push, but he did see Mrs. Ferndale force him to eat a piece of dried meat, so he called that a win.

“Glad to see you all made it out with your skins intact,” Jai said. Then his eyes heated when he saw Rook. “And I see the deserter has returned.”

Soren held up a hand in protest. “Don’t. We have been through this twice now. Yes, he left his post. He did it to save a mother and her kids. He came back and helped save my life. Can we move on? I have news.”

Jai gave her a big smile that showed a little too much affection for Rook’s liking. “All right, let me have it.”

Soren took the lead, reiterating everything that Luscinia had told them about the attacks and Adriel’s timeline to finish off the rest of Entheas.

Once Soren had concluded, Jai scratched his beard in thought. It had grown a little unruly over the last few weeks and seemed to age him. He was silent for a moment then startled them all by calling out, “Who here is the fastest rider?” He scanned the crowd. The tavern was full of people who had no homes to go back to.

A young boy with wild brown hair stepped forward.

“What is your name?” Jai asked.

“It’s William. I won the dune races this past summer.” The dune races were held once a year. The competitors started on the eastern tip, riding the whole way around Patrivah, and finishing in Edras Mora. The winner was gifted a large bottle of healing waters and a place in the king’s court. The race was grueling on both rider and animal, and Jai couldn’t have asked for a better young man.

“I need you to take a message to Braexmirth. Timing is of great importance.”

“Of course,” the boy said, bowing. “Anything you need, Your Majesty.”

Jai chuckled softly. “You don’t need to bow, young one, nor call me that just yet. I was not so different from yourself once.” Jai reached forward and squeezed the boy’s shoulder. He couldn’t have been more than sixteen. “Ride hard and return to us as soon as you are able. Mrs. Ferndale will ready a pack for you, and Everett here will ready one of Patrivah’s finest steeds.”

The boy nodded, seemingly grateful for the opportunity, and allowed himself to be dragged off with Mrs. Ferndale.

“Malcolm,” Jai called out to the barkeep. “I am in need of a quill and parchment.”

“Not a problem,” he replied. “I have some in my back quarters.” The townsman shuffled away, quickly returning with the items.

“Thank you,” Jai said, and then he began to write to the King of Braexmirth.

King Elias,

I am Jaideep Ashwood. You do not know me, nor do you have reason to trust me, but I am hoping these words find you well. I am sending this correspondence to inform you of the most recent attack on the capital of Patrivah. The king’s brother perished in the onslaught, leaving me to lead in his stead. I cannot say I am sad for his passing, as it was discovered he had been slowly poisoning my father. Please know that I have been proven innocent and only want what is best for my people. Edras Mora has faced great evil this past day, and the worst is yet to come.

We have been given information on good authority that the being in charge of these smaller attacks plans on coming for Braexmirth and Stelonbriar next. The Duke of Stelonbriar left this afternoon to warn his people and gather his troops. I suggest you amass your forces, as well.

My companions have relayed to me that your people have been working on weapons and armor for the cause. For this, I thank you. I have heard of the master forges of Olecastor and humbly request that you meet us on the fields of Stelonbriar in one week’s time with as many weapons and plated armor sets as you can.

I know our people have not always seen eye-to-eye, but for the good of all of Entheas, we must put our differences aside to face an even greater threat. Please be aware that Bao-Ren has joined with the enemy.

I will be sending riders to rally other fighters from across Thorncrest, Estelar, Draestel, the Esinian Isles, and Dhamtra, but I have doubts there will be many left to fight. Our source shared the details of the other provinces’ devastation, and I fear we may be all that is left.

I ask that we, along with the people of Stelonbriar, join forces to save our people and this world that we all hold most dear. Every able-bodied son and daughter in Entheas will be requested to fight, apart from those who are with child or are responsible for a child. Duke Erick will have his people set up camps all over the fields of Irefeld, where we will begin training our forces.

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