Novel - Day 33 - 2,215 / 30,417

Kiri found that moving through the town was slow. She knew most of the people would be sleeping but there were many more patrols and quite a few were just milling about, preparing for the march on Capital City. More than once she almost crossed paths with soldiers. She slowly made her way cross town. She moved along the back of a building, keeping close to the side.

“Don’ move.” a voice said.

Kiri froze and started to look around until she felt the point of a sword under her chin. Kiri froze. A soldier walked into view.

“What are you doing?” the soldier said, “Don’t you know you’re out after curfew?”

Kiri didn’t respond.

“Come with me.” the soldier said.

Kiri started to fight, reaching for her sword; the soldier knocked her in the side of the head with the hilt of his sword, sending her to the ground. He quickly bound her hands behind her back. “Damn townspeople.” he muttered.

“Get up!” the soldier said as he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a standing position, “You need to be put in lock up. Maybe that will teach you to stay in when you are supposed to and to not fight with a soldier of the Envahir.”

The soldier pushed Kiri in front of him. Her mind was racing to find a way out of this situation; but, she couldn’t find anything which wouldn’t bring the whole town down upon her. Especially with her having the disadvantage of having her hands tied. The soldier led her to a makeshift jail which was simply the overhang of a roof which had bars attached to it, to keep its occupants from leaving.

“Got another one for ya!” the soldier said to the guard standing watch in front of the jail.

The soldier shoved Kiri up against the bars and pushed his arm against her neck, holding her in that position while he untied the cord that bound her wrists. He shoved her into the jail, kicking her through the doorway. Kiri tumbled sprawling onto the straw covered floor. Kiri tried for the door but the door was shut before she could even turn around.

The soldiers walked over to stand next to the fire which was a little ways away and talked for a short while. It wasn’t long until the soldier who had captured Kiri had left, leaving the guard alone on his watch.

Kiri looked around; it was dark and smelled musty. Straw was thrown on the ground which did little to cover the dirt and even less for warmth; in the far corner was a pile.

“There has to be a way out of here.” Kiri said to herself. “Come on, think, think.”

“I know that voice.” someone said.

“Who’s there?” Kiri asked as she saw the pile in the corner move.

The figure came closer and moved into where there was some light.

“Miller Johnson?” Kiri asked, “Is that you?”

“Yes, yes it is. I thought I recognized your voice Kiri. How did you get here? We thought you were –“

“Yes, I know, you thought I was dead. I’ve heard it before.” Kiri said. “They captured me and now, I’ve got to find a way out. Who knows we are here?”

“Nobody, they put you in here and they forget about you. If you are in here, you are of no concern to them; there is only one way out and that is when they drag your dead body out of here.” Miller Johnson said.

Kiri continued to look around for a way out and was trying to come up with new ideas. “Why did they put you in here?”

“I tried to speak out against them. They tried to use their tactics on me.” Miller Johnson laughed, “Ha, those tactics won’t work on me. I don’t really care what people think of me, I’m too old to care. I’ve plowed the farm long enough to know that people will make up their minds about you and no matter what happens, you can’t change that.

I also don’t have anything or anyone in this world that I care enough about that they can hang over my head. That’s how they do it you know, they find what you care about or fear that others will find out about and they hang it over your head; trying to get you to dance the jig they want you to dance. Well I won’t do it damn it and they know it! They didn’t like that they couldn’t control me but they didn’t think I was a real threat, so they through me in here.”

“What were you saying against them?” Kiri asked.

“I was just trying to tell people to stand up against them and to fight for their town before everything was lost. They let me go for a while; I think they believed that I was just some senile old man. Once I began to tell everyone what I knew about them and the things I would hear; they began to take notice and I was locked up rather quickly. It’s a shame too because I believe that I was beginning to get through to some of them.”

“What did you know about them? What did you hear?” Kiri questioned.

“Ah, it’s old news now. It was just that once they were done with this town, they were going to march on Capital City.” Miller Johnson said, “It wasn’t so much that I knew they were going to do this as it was a hunch. I guess I weren’t that far off the truth.”

“No, I guess you weren’t. But what is so special about Capital City, why the big push to take it over?” Kiri said.

“The Envahir is an army without a home. Actually, rumor has it, that they do have a place where they hide out but, I believe that they are tired of hiding out. There forces are growing larger. They want to take over a country so that they can be recognized as a real army rather than just a band of mercenaries. When The Envahir accomplishes that, they can then develop their country to support themselves and grow their army large enough so that they can take over other countries. Voler wants to be the first of The Envahir to take Capital City.”

“What? I thought Voler was The Envahir.” Kiri said

“Oh no. Voler wasn’t much more than a two bit thug. He was captured by the Envahir and they were prepared to kill him but, he had fought back and the Envahir found his skills to be useful; so he convinced them to let him hand his small band of cohorts join the Envahir. He quickly rose in the ranks and became strong in the Envahir. But Voler wants more, much more. Voler plan is to take Capital City not for the Envahir but instead for himself. Once he has control of Capital City, he will use it to take control of the Envahir. He will then be strong enough that he couldn’t be stopped.”

“What if Voler’s plan fails and he can’t take control of Capital City?” Kiri asked.

“If Voler can’t take control of Capital City, his plan falls apart. He doesn’t have the power then to take over The Envahir and they will see what his plan was and he will be exposed. The Envahir would not let him live. If for some reason, he was able to take Capital City but couldn’t take over The Envahir, then it would not be a complete loss. The Envahir would still have Control of Capital City and Voler would just wait for his time and build followers loyal to him and in time he would rule The Envahir.”

Kiri was about to ask other questions when Miller Johnson pulled her into the shadows.

“Shhh.” Miller Johnson whispered, “You don’t want to be noticed.”

Kiri noticed that another soldier had arrived and was talking to the guard who was watching their jail. The guard was standing at attention while the soldier was talking.

“I said that you were relieved. Is that understood? Or should I give you a punishment for disobeying orders?” the soldier asked.

“No Sir!” the guard said as he saluted, turned and ran off.

The soldier paced near the watch fire for a while. He then slowly walked towards the jail. He stopped and looked through the bars.

“Kiri?” the soldier called.

Kiri stepped forward, out of the shadows, Miller Johnson pulled on her arm urging her not to go. Kiri saw the soldiers face in the dim light from the watch fire.

“Epier?” Kiri asked.

Epier didn’t say anything or make any motion, he fumbled for a key and quickly unlocked the door.

“But I thought you said…”Kiri began.

“Never mind what I said. You’ve got to get out of here.” Epier explained.

Kiri strated out of the cell stopped and reached back in, grabbing Miller Johnson and pulling him out. Epier looked at the old man but didn’t say anything. Epier then put his weight on the door frame and tried to bend the door.

“Thank you.” Kiri said as she began to leave.

“Wait!” Epier said.

Miller Johnson was struck with fear that they had been double crossed.

“Hit me” Epier said.

“What?” Kiri asked

“Hit me! It has to look real. I’ve got to look like I lost a fight. Otherwise, he’ll know.” Epier explaied.

“Epier I can’t do that” Kiri said as she saw a pole come swinging towards her; smacking Epier in the side of the head, sending him into the jail bars, splitting open his head. Epier’s body collapsed on the ground.

“Friend or no friend, I’m not passing up a chance to hit one of them” Miller Johnson said, dropping a pole to the ground. “Come on, someone will find him and when they do, we’ve got to be away from here.”

Miller Johnson and Kiri ran behind buildings and hid in shadows to move through the town.

“You go on, find a safe place and keep out of trouble. I’ve got other work I need to do before I move on.” Kiri said.

Miller Johnson nodded and left without a word. Kiri turned and continued through town. Kiri found the house she was looking for.

“If they’ve been moved, my freedom could be short lived.” Kiri thought.

Kiri found a window where the shutter wasn’t pulled tightly shut. She peaked through, seeing some light, she waited until she saw what she was looking for. Quietly, she tapped on the window. No response. Again she tapped on the window, she saw the people inside looking at one another. She tapped again. The light was dimmed and the window shutter was opened. Without a word, she climbed in through the window, the people inside helping her. They closed the shutter and opened the cover on the light.

Kiri looked up and saw the shocked expression on Sam and Ted’s faces.

“Howdy boys.” she said.

“Kiri, what…”

“How did you…”

“What are you…” they said.

“Guys, I don’t have much time but, I do need some help.” Kiri said, “I didn’t know who else to turn to. I remembered how you were saying that there was a conspiracy and I figured that you two may be the best ones to help.”

Kiri explained to Sam and Ted the plans that Voler had to march on Capital City and his plans for the town.

“What I need from you guys is some way for you to tear down the defenses here after they have left to march on Capital City. They will be taking as many of their forces with them as they can. They will fortify the town with barricades and they will only leave behind what soldiers can be spared to hold this town and run it as a prison, or destroy it if need be.

I need you guys to organize the townspeople. Do not let anyone else in the town, we don’t want them walking into a prison. Besides, if you can organize those on the outside as well, you can put added pressure on the guards which will help them to crumble. Once you have everyone organized, make life hard on the guards; divide them and then start a revolt. Turn the tables on them and take back control of our town.”

“What if the soldiers come back or they send reinforcements back?” Sam asked.

“If Voler sends reinforcements back from Capital City then, we have most likely lost the battle and lie dead or imprisoned somewhere. I would suggest that you do what is in your best interest; but act quickly because Voler would not show any mercy.” Kiri said.

“But where will you be?” Ted asked.

“I will most likely be in Capital City, defending it against the Envahir. I must go now. Can I count on the two of you to do what I ask?” Kiri asked.

“Yes, most definitely” both Sam and Ted said.

“When we pull this off, the beer’s on me.” Kiri said.

Kiri closed the cover on the lantern, peeked out the window, opened the shutter and climbed out the window.

Novel - Day 32 - 1,472 / 28,203

The mayor shifted in his bed and sat more upright. Kiri could see the worry and concern on his face. She knew that he wouldn’t get any more sleep this evening, once she left, he would toss and turn, fighting to get back to sleep. But, with too many concerns on his mind, he will finally give up.

“I don’t know much. He doesn’t tell me anything. He just comes to me to convince people to do what he wants. He says, because they’ll listen to me.”

“Come on Mayor, I know better than that. They may not share the info with you but I know that you hear things and you know more of what’s happening than you let on.” Kiri said, “Or have you become one of them and join the ranks of The Envahir?”

“NEVER!” the Mayor said with force trying to not raise his voice. “This is MY town. I was one of the people who started this town and built it up from nothing. Long before you can even remember. Even before you and your father came to this town. Yes, I remember when you and your father came to town.” the mayor said, seeing the look on Kiri’s face.

“You were young, quite young and your father was a good man who just wanted to make a life for you and him. He struggled to make ends meet but was happy to be here and was more happy, or should I say proud of you. I was not a close friend of his but I could say that I knew him well enough to know that he would be very proud of the young lady you have become.

You weren’t the only ones who came; I saw everyone who came to this town and watched the town grow over the years. I celebrated every triumph and witnessed the disaster when the tornados ripped through the town destroying everything in its path. But I also saw the townspeople resilience when they crawled out from beneath the rubble and began to rebuild. It showed me how much these townspeople cared for one another, how they put aside their differences and worked together to help each other. You may be too young to remember but, that is how your bar became an inn. The roof was ripped right off of the place. When we began to talk about rebuilding, everyone agreed that we needed rooms to rent out for travelers and it could house those who needed it, until their homes were rebuilt. So we added the second floor onto your place.” the Mayor said.

“And now it’s nothing but a pile of ashes.” Kiri said with sadness.

“You watch, once this disturbance with the Envahir blows over, the people of this town will rebuild; and that includes your place, if that’s what you want.

But like I said, this is my town; I care about this town and everything that happens to it and the people who live here. I am proud of this town and to be the mayor and have a hand in shaping its direction. So I do not take the invasion of the Envahir lightly, and for you to even suggest that I have joined their ranks offends me.

I may not have taken an active stance against them and it would have been suicide for me to do so. So I felt it more prudent to stay in their good graces and learn what I may and wait for my opportunity.

Besides, I had no choice, they …” Mayor Smithson fell silent.

Kiri could see that he had become quite nervous.

“What? What is it?” Kiri asked.

She thought he wasn’t going to answer when he began to speak in a barely audible whisper.

“They know things about me, not good things. They’ve threatened to use them against me if I ever went against them. I know it sounds silly but, these things would destroy my life and my family. So I had no choice but to do what they asked of me. They also said I should never tell anyone about it or they would expose me. You, you are the only one I have told, I haven’t even told my wife. Please, please, you can’t say anything; promise me you won’t say anything.” Mayor Smithson begged, curled up and crying in fear and relief.

“I promise.” Kiri whispered.

Kiri waited for the mayor to calm down.

“If they have this type of control over you, who else might they have control over? Mayor this is all the more reason that we need to take a stand now. So that you and all of our townspeople can be free of Voler and the Envahir’s control.” Kiri said.

“What do you want me to do?” Mayor Smithson asked.

“First I want to know what the plans Voler has for taking Capital City are and also what he plans for this town and the people. Then I have a job for you.” Kiri said.

The mayor looked at Kiri and she noticed that he seemed more relaxed and at ease; she realized that a heavy burden had been lifted from him. She was right, the mayor didn’t care at this point what became of himself, he only wanted to make things right; because he knew that if they didn’t take care of him, Voler would never leave.

“Like I said, I don’t know much because he doesn’t tell me things but, I do overhear some things and I pick up bits of information. I overheard Voler and his right hand man, Epier talking the other day.”

Kiri was surprised when she heard Epier’s name but was thankful her emotion was hidden in the darkness.

The mayor continued, “They were saying that they were going to seal off the roads to Capital City and send in people to take over and manipulate the town leaders much in the same way they people of this town had been.” The mayor hung his head in shame.

“What else?” Kiri asked.

“They said that they were beginning, well, it will be two days from now. They also said that our town was to become a prison; and if something went wrong, the remaining soldiers were to destroy it and all the townspeople.”

“Here is what I need from you. I want you to convince Voler to allow you to be one of the people who go into Capital City to gather information on the town leaders and convince them to work with the Envahir. You will then feed false information to Voler.” Kiri said.

“I, I can’t do that, he would kill me immediately!” the mayor said. “Why would he let me do that? Besides he wouldn’t let me go alone, he’d think I’d escape.”

“No he won’t, he won’t kill you. He has too many things beginning all at once; he won’t have the time to check the validity of your information so, he has to take you for your word. He’ll like the idea of you getting the information because you will look less suspicious and, you said it yourself, ‘You can convince people to do what you want, because they’ll listen to you.’ As you gain the ‘information’, quietly inform the City leaders of the planned attack and to instruct them to prepare quietly.

As for Voler not letting you go alone I agree, he won’t want you out of his sights; so make sure that he sends Epier as your escort.” Kiri instructed.

“What! Are you crazy? His right hand man.” the mayor exclaimed.

“Don’t ask questions; just accept that it may be your best bet to pull off that which you have been asked to do.” Kiri explained.

“What if these plans don’t work? What happens then, what will happen to the town?” the Mayor asked.

Kiri was silent for a little while, thinking.

“Over the years as mayor, have you not made a few unpopular decisions?” the mayor shook his head at her question, “I’m sure that of all the decisions you made, not all of them completed flawlessly. But, those decisions made but a ripple in the pond because there was a bigger picture which you could see. You were able to work towards that bigger picture and see it to completion and the small disturbances were nothing more than an inconvenience. That is the way these plans are; don’t fret if these plans don’t work out, there is a bigger picture which we will see to completion. But I have faith in you.” Kiri said as she began to back out of the door. Stopping at the door, she said, “and Mayor, I’m sure you can begin to see that bigger picture for your town again.” and she was gone.

Novel - Day 31 - 3,119 / 26,731

Snapping out of his daze, Creance said, “Because of that night, your father and I both understood the Network’s stand on protecting the country in a passive way. They felt that killing was a senseless thing to do. Your father felt shamed and disgusted because of his actions that night. While we learned to resist killing as a way of solving issues, Voler discovered the opposite. He began to invite it; he began to thirst for blood and the power he had over others when he could control them or knew he could defeat them in a fight.”

“Did you have other run-ins with Voler? Why didn’t you stop him if you knew who he was? How do you know you can trust Epier if he’s tied to Voler?” Kiri asked, her eyes lighting up.

“Your father knew the only reason he had lived that night was because of Voler’s inexperience with a sword and because I pushed him overboard.”

“So you had saved his life and he knew it?”

“Yes. From that point on, our friendship grew stronger. We looked out for each other and learned from each other and of course, from our mistakes.

We did have other encounters with Voler. Mostly we tried to avoid him, we felt that he had changed and became a person we didn’t like anymore; not that we liked him a whole lot to begin with. We never really had any big problems with him. He would come back to our town and try to gather others our age to join him. Some saw him for what he was; thinking he was a few pickles shy of a barrel. Others did join him, some never to be seen again.

We didn’t stop him because we didn’t think he was that dangerous. You have to remember, he was only a teen like us. We didn’t even see any of the destruction or problems he was causing until much later when he had grown in power. By that point, we wouldn’t have been able to stop him if we had wanted to, he had become too powerful. It then became an issue for the Network. When your father took over the Network, we silently made an agreement; that we would use the Network to take down Voler. Before he died, he made me swear to several things, one of which was to uphold that agreement and see to it that Voler was defeated.

As for Epier; he was always a good person at heart but, made some wrong decisions. Voler knew how to manipulate him to do what he wanted. Epier would fall for it every time, mostly because he had a strong desire to feel needed and excepted. Epier would often come to us asking for advice on how he could get away from Voler. He would take our advice and it would appear as though he may succeed when Voler would turn the tables and manipulate him in some way so that he felt he was trapped and he would have to stay.

There were several times when Voler tried to kill us, Epier put his own life in the way to save us. We would see him a week later and you could still see the scars where Voler had punished him; whipping him to within an inch of his life. You see, Voler would never kill Epier, he could manipulate and use him too easily, but he wouldn’t stand for insubordination, so he would punish him severely.

By the time Epier had become an adult and had developed the common sense many do at that age, he realized that he wouldn’t be able to leave Voler; at least not alive. More importantly, he realized that he could do more good than harm in his position. He came to us one dark moonless night; he called to us from the shadows. We built a small fire and we could tell in the small light that his face was white as a ghost; he was afraid of Voler but, more afraid that we would turn him down. He asked us, no more like begged us to let him work for the Network as a spy within the newly formed Envahir.

We were reluctant at first, we felt that he may be setup by Voler but, he gave us information which would prove to be true. As time went on, he continued to provide us with information and our trust in him grew. His information was always correct. We questioned him about this one time and he said, ‘If I ever gave you wrong information, you would cease to trust me, and my cover with the Envahir would be blown. For that Voler would surely kill me.’ He has never been wrong about information and never misled us.”

“But what does all of this have to do with you being my protector and where do I come into the story anyway; does Voler know who I am and what else happened with my father?” Kiri asked, eager to hear as much as possible.

“After the first adventure, your father’s education of the leadership of the Network continued. He came to realize that his reluctance to lead the Network was due to fear of the unknown and inexperience; much like that of your own reluctance. Eventually he did accept it and grew stronger as a leader. He was a good leader.

I was always by his side and because of that, I also grew stronger within the Network. Many years later, you were just a baby; we had a run-in with Voler. We were traveling; we came across Voler and some of his men. We discovered later that they had planned the ambush. Voler wanted to kill your father but, he realized that by taking you, he would hurt your father even more and collapse the Network. Voler’s plan was to kidnap you and mold you into his image. If, for some reason, he was not able to kidnap you, he was willing to simply kill you. We weren’t prepared for a fight; we chose to flee instead of fighting. Your father distracted Voler by fighting with him while I ran with you. It was then that I heard the agonizing scream; your father had been wounded. I quickly hid you, so you wouldn’t be found and went back to help your father. Your father was lying on the ground, wounded and unable to walk, protecting himself with his sword. Blood was pouring from Voler’s face.”

“Voler’s scar!” Kiri said.

“Yes, exactly.” Creance said, “It was only a matter of time before your father no longer had the strength to defend himself. I came running up, grabbed his sword and was able to deflect Voler’s attack. When I did, I was able to hit the wound on his face with the side of the sword; this caused him to scream in pain, I took advantage of the moment and kicked him in the chest sending him hurtling down the hill. I picked your father up and carried him to where you were, wanting to get each of you as far away as possible. As we reached where I had hidden you, one of Voler’s men had discovered you and was trying to run off with you. Immediately, I dropped your father, this sent him screaming in pain but I was focused on saving you. I ran and flung myself at the man, the three of us rolled down the hill and over the cliff. I had a hold of a tree root with one hand and your basket with the other. The only problem was Voler’s man was hanging on for his life to your basket. I fought to keep you upright so you didn’t fall out while the man fought for his life. He eventually lost the fight and his grip slipped.

I climbed back up with your basket in my teeth. I don’t think I ever saw your father so relieved. I tended to your father’s wounds and traveled as fast as I could carrying the two of you. We found shelter in a small cave until your father was able to travel on his own. It was during this time that he appointed me your protector. He said that I had always been his unwilling protector and that if I was able to do that and was willing to give my life for you, that there could be no better or more trusted protector.”

Creance sat quietly, looking at the stream. Kiri didn’t speak, understanding that he needed the time to reminisce.

“As for the other question you asked earlier”, Creance said, “if Voler knew who you were when he had come into your inn, he would have killed you immediately. For he knew what you mean to the Network and what that would do to the Envahir. However, I don’t believe that he would have reason to suspect who you were. You see, after this incident, we felt that there would only be more attempts upon your life. We decided to leave your basket behind and hide you the best we could among our belongings. We then spread the rumor that you had fallen over the cliff and died. Your true existence was only known to a few within the Network. It was not long afterwards that you and our father moved to this town to begin a new life. He ruled the Network from your inn; using those he could trust to convey his wishes to the Network. He was grooming you to become the next leader of the Network when he died.”

“How did my father die?” Kiri asked.

“That is not a story I am able or willing to share for it is not mine to share but another’s.” Creance said.

“Who’s story is it to tell? Who will tell me the story?” Kiri asked.

Creance shook his head, “That I cannot say. However, what I will tell you is that when your father was dying, he asked me to renew my oath to be your protector. Which I did. Immediately following his death, I came here and watched over you from a distance. Now you understand why I was there to pull you from the fire. I was coming that evening to see you and talk to you alone. To try and tell you your story because I felt that it may now be the time especially since Voler was getting so close to you; it may only have been a matter of time before he discovered who you were. When the soldiers came into your bar that evening, I knew I wouldn’t be able to talk to you. Had Voler seen me, he would have definitely recognized me immediately and he would have figured out who you were before he even left your bar. So I stuck to the shadows and waited.”

“Thank you.” was all Kiri could think of saying.

They stared at the water flowing in the streambed. Creance picked up the sword and unwrapped it. He ran his hands over it.

“As leader of the Network, this was your father’s sword. By your birthright, it becomes your sword when you accept your duty to become the leader of the Network. Your father was hesitant just as you are. Many great leaders do not feel they are great, only doing their duty, what is right and treating others with respect. However it is those exact qualities which make a leader great.

I saw those qualities in your father just as I see them in you. While you may be hesitant to take on the duties you have been called for, I believe that you won’t be able to ignore them. I also feel that you have a need which desires to be filled; a need for justice and making things right. But the choice is yours, you may choose not to lead the Network or you may choose to fulfill your birthright by leading them. While you decide, realize that your decision effects more than yourself.

Why don’t you sit here and think about things for a while and make your decision. When you have reached a decision, I will be at home.”

Creance laid the sword on the log and walked back to the hut.

A while later, the door to the hut opened and Kiri stood in the doorway holding the sword. “I don’t know what else my life would hold for me if I didn’t accept being leader of the Network. I have nothing left and no future otherwise and I want my life to have meaning and purpose. Also, I feel that this is what my father would have wanted me to do. So yes, I accept the position as leader of the Network.”

“Yes it is what your father would have wanted for you. That is good news that you have chosen to be the leader. Otherwise I would have had some difficult explaining to do, for you see, when I sent Leste off with our news; I also had her relay the news to the council that you had accepted the position of leader.” Creance said.

“How could you be so sure I would’ve accepted?”

“Like I said, I would’ve had some difficult explaining to do. Although I knew you were your father’s daughter and like him, you would rise to the calling.”

“Where do we go from here? What comes next?” Kiri asked.

“The first order of business is to have Sallan teach you how to use the sword you are carrying.”

With this Sallan stood up and led Kiri outside to train with the sword. Kiri learned quickly because much of what she had learned from small arms fighting could be related to the sword; along with practice, it wasn’t long before she could handle the sword quite well.

That evening, Kiri told Creance that she was going back into the town to gather what information she could before they marched on the Capital. Creance objected but listened.

“We need to gain more information before the Network can finalize their defense and we need to know where the Envahir stand and what their plans are. If what Blesser has told us is true, Epier will not be able to get to us to give us the information we need. Who better to go retrieve the information other than someone who knows the town and has made it in and out before without any issues?” Kiri explained.

“You are too valuable, if you were to be caught and it was discovered who you were, it would mean the end of the Network.” Creance objected.

“I am no different than I was the last time I entered the town.” Kiri said.

Creance continued to object but knew that it was futile.

“As damn stubborn as your father was.” Creance complained.

Kiri left that evening with only one difference, by her side she carried the sword. She found the town crawling with many more soldiers which made her entrance into and through the town so much more difficult than it had been previously. The roads into town were blocked off and fortified with more patrols. Even the perimeter of the town was being patrolled by the guards. Kiri had to time the guards’ movements to be able to sneak past them to get within the town. She stayed in the shadows and hid more frequently. Soldiers were now moving in and out of several of the larger homes of the townspeople.

Kiri made her way through the town and found the house she was looking for. She found that gaining entrance wasn’t as easy as she had hoped. Once she had made her way in, she moved slowly and quietly. When she was sure that the house wasn’t occupied by soldiers, she grabbed a lantern, lit it and closed the shutter. She quietly made her way to the bedroom and slipped inside, closing the door behind her. She glanced around to make sure the window shutters were closed tight. She nudged the bed with her foot. The lone figure grumbled and rolled over. She kicked the bed.

“Wake up”, she whispered.

“Huh? Hmmpppf. Who’s there?” the voice asked.

“Shut up. Scream and you’ll be dead before the sound escapes your mouth.” Kiri said.

“I … I know that voice, who’s there?”

Kiri opened the shutter of the lantern just enough so a beam of light fell on her face.

“Kiri, is that you?” he asked, “We thought you were dead, thought you died in the fire.”

“Yes it is me, mayor and no, I didn’t die in the fire. Not that anybody around here would’ve come to my aid.” Kiri said.

“I … we, I mean to say…”, he stumbled for words.

“That is not of any concern now. It is not why I am here. I need to know what the Envahir is planning and when.”

“I … I can’t tell you that, he would have me killed.” the mayor said.

“If no one else is here, how will he know?”

“But what if he finds out?”

“Mayor, you can either live as a coward or you can try to fight for your survival and maintain your dignity; and yes, you run the risk of dying but if you did, you would go knowing that you did everything in your powers. What has he promised you? Do you really believe that he will come through with his promise?” Kiri asked.

“But, but I’m trapped, even if he doesn’t give me what he’s promised; he knows things, things which nobody else does and CAN’T know! If I don’t do what he wants then my life and my family will be destroyed.” Mayor Smithson explained.

“Is it better to die with dignity or live and face some small amount of shame and humiliation and ask for forgiveness?” Kiri asked, “Doesn’t he hold this power over many of the people here? If everyone faced their shame, isn’t it much easier to ask for forgiveness. Also, if everyone faces that shame, isn’t he then less powerful? What is your decision Mayor, are you going to live as a coward or fight for your life?”

Mayor Smithson was silent for a while, Kiri wondered if he had fallen back asleep.

“What do you want from me?” the Mayor asked.

“I need to know everything the Envahir is doing and what actions they are taking. When they are planning on marching on the Capital and how are they going to do it. Then I have a special job for you.” Kiri said.

Novel - Day 30 - 1,286 / 23,612

“Lieutenant, come in here.” Voler yelled.

A man ran in from the other room, “Yes sir?”

“Lieutenant Epier, we need to finalize our plans for the capture of the Capital City. When we march on Capital City, I will enter the city with a few select officers who will help me to put needed pressure on the right people. I am also going to be sending in several ‘expendable’ soldiers to help scout the city. If needed, I will use them to fight but, if all goes well, we will not need to resort to those actions. Those soldiers’s duty is to enter the city unaware and to become, as easily as possible, a part of the townspeople. Much like we have done with the other town’s we have taken over. However, this will be to a much larger scale and therefore, much more difficult to pull off.

I have selected you to organize not only our men but also the reinforcements which will be arriving shortly. It is your job to seal off the roads from the Capital City, at the proper time; not letting anyone through and capturing anyone who will try to escape. Before you leave for Capital City, this town will need to be fortified; this will become our prison if enough people attempt to leave Capital City.”

Epier nodded in understanding.

Voler stopped and thought for a second and then laughed. “Seal off all the roads from Capital City except, do not seal off the road that leads to here. The people trying to escape Capital City will only find one exit which will lead to here. The people trying to flee Capital City will believe they are safe and they will walk right into our prison.”

“How will we know when to seal off the roads?” asked Epier.

“I have not decided that as of yet, although we will find a way to notify you. Once the roads have been sealed and people stop trying to escape or they realize that it is futile; you will come with our reinforcements and flood the city with solders. At this point we will have complete control of Capital City and the country. The only thing to do at that point is to strengthen our hold.” Voler explained.

“When do we march on Capital City?” Epier asked.

“By the beginning of the week Reinforcements should arrive in a couple of days and we should be prepared by the beginning of the week. It would have been sooner except for the chaos that overcame this town. If I discover what or who caused that … I will KILL them!” Voler screamed slamming his fist on the table.

“Until then Captain?” Epier asked.

“I want you and your men to prepare barracks for the reinforcements. Commandeer houses and property if you need to. Also, begin securing the town to be converted into a prison; but try to keep it so the townspeople don’t begin asking too many questions. I don’t want a revolt on our hands before we pull off our attack on Capital City. I would hate to have to kill all of the people of this town.” Voler said with a smile.

“Very well Captain.” Epier said as he turned to leave.

“Lieutenant” Voler called as Epier was leaving, “Also select the men who I can use to send into the city to spy for me.”

“As you wish Captain” Epier said as he left.

Creance stared into the water flowing through the streambed, remembering. “We were kids. At the time we didn’t think so but now, looking back, we weren’t nothing more than a couple of kids. By this point, your dad knew what he was chosen to do, and like you, he was reluctant. He didn’t want to take on the role of the leader of the Network. He couldn’t see the good that the Network did and felt that they needed to take a more proactive role in protecting the country, ‘Show some force’ was what your dad would say. Your dad was in his rebellious stage. Me, I was just looking for adventure.

As part of his rebellion, your dad decided to start his own army.”

“His own army?” Kiri said.

“Yes, his own army. He felt that it was his right as the chosen leader of the Network. He planned to model it after the Network but to use force if it was needed. He was able to quickly convince me to join him; I felt that this was my opportunity for adventure. So he took his sword, which he felt was still his birthright; this very sword that lays here wrapped up.” Creance said pointing to the sword.

“We were soon able to gather others who were like us and convince them to join our cause. Most of them were looking for adventure as I was but many just felt that it was fun and games and didn’t realize the extent to which your dad wanted to grow this army. Without much of a plan, and the opportunities for adventure being few, most of the people we had convinced to join us lost interest and left. Although a few stayed, two of them in particular, who were also involved in the one real adventure that our small army did have. The others were Voler and Epier.”

“What!” Kiri exclaimed, “Voler and Epier?”

“Yes, they were two of the original members of our little army it is also how I am able to put my trust into Epier. For I have known him for a long time and I understand the control Voler can have over him.

We lived near a small fishing village at this time. Most of the boats that would come into our harbor were either fishermen or boats that stopped to re-supply. We began to have mid-size boats that had a small crew which would stop and they would ravage the town and steal anything they could and leave before they were caught. We decided that we should do something about them, so we waited. One of the boats pulled into port and as some of the men left to ransack the town, we went on board and killed the ones who had stayed with the boat. As the others came back on board, we cast off and as we headed out to sea, we took care of the others.

Your father ordered Voler to go back to town so we could return the things which had been taken. Voler didn’t want to hear about it, he worried that we would be blamed for the thefts and even for killing the thieves. But Voler even wanted more, he wanted to find others to ravage and kill. He wanted to keep the boat and sail to other towns and pull off the same scheme these thieves were doing. Your dad wouldn’t hear of it. A big fight broke out between them. Which is how Voler got the scar on his face, your dad gave it to him with this sword. Epier and myself were trying to stop the fight. Voler was ready to kill your father, so I pushed your dad over the side of the boat. Voler turned on me, with hate in his eyes. I grabbed your dad’s sword and jumped overboard after him.

We learned later that our adventure was in haste and the killing was useless. The Network had planned to take control of the boat and its people and discover who was in control of it, something we had overlooked; without any bloodshed. Yet we had acted in haste.

We learned many lessons from that night’s adventure.”

Creance fell silent.

Novel - Day 29 - 2,058 / 22,326

Creance and Kiri snapped around and looked towards the cot.

“What?” they both said together.

“I said, that won’t help.” the wounded man on the cot said, “Not that it won’t help but rather, that you won’t have enough time.”

“What do you mean?” Creance questioned.

The wounded man tried his best to sit up, Kiri helped and he had to sit for a second and catch his breath.

“Well first off, I really doubt that Voler would come after me, or even send any of his men. I’m a nobody to him. The only reason he would come after me is out of anger and pride. But he is too preoccupied to worry about trivial things like that.

Could I get something to drink and eat? It’s been a while.”

Kiri ran off to get him a cup of tea and some soup and bread.

“Thank you…for everything. The name’s Jon Blesser, by the way.” he said as Kiri brought him the food and drink. He paused to eat and drink for a bit, enjoying every bite but trying to get it in as fast as he could as if his body was craving it. Once he had finished the first bit of food, he continued.

“As I was saying, Voler won’t come after me, so you’re safe. Besides, he has too many other things to worry about, especially now that this young lady here has caused such problems within the town and also within Voler’s own ranks. But that’s only the half of it; if you were to get your people together and create a new plan of attack, I assume it would take longer than a week to organize it. By that time, it would be too late and your plan wouldn’t be set in place and the Envahir would definitely have the upper hand.”

“How do you know so much about the Envahir and what they are going to do? And how do you know anything about my people?” Creance asked.

“Well first,” Blesser continued, “a lot of what I know about your people are just assumptions which I am making from what I happened to overhear; and also from who I believe you may be.”

“And who do you believe we are?” Creance asked.

“I believe, or at least it is my hope that you are a part of The Network. I have always hoped that the stories of The Network were true but I didn’t really put much faith into them until more recently. Are you The Network?”

Creance remained silent for a little while, trying to figure out the best way to answer the question and whether he should or not; also deciding if Blesser could be trusted. His silence gave Blesser his answer. Creance realized this and answered, “Yes, we are a small part of the Network.”

Blesser knew better than to ask more questions about the Network, he understood that they wouldn’t get answered and it would also make him look too inquisitive.

Blesser continued, “The reason I’ve started to believe the stories of the Network more recently and how I know so much about the Envahir is sort of one in the same. When soldiers are on watch together, they like to talk and complain; they share a lot of information about things they shouldn’t. So, what’s a guy to do when he’s just hanging around but listen?”

Kiri brought Blesser more food and drink, which he enjoyed but ate at a slower pace this time.

“The Envair is fortifying Voler’s ranks, our town is going to become a gathering place for soldiers before they march on Capital City. In a few days, our town is going to have about three times as many soldiers. Once all of them have gathered here and have rested and been properly equipped, the plan is to march on Capital City. They are going to leave the majority of the soldiers in the outskirts of the city while Voler and a select few will go in and try to take the town peacefully, much like they did with our town.”

“What is going to become of our town?” Kiri asked.

“They will use it to hold prisoners, if needed and to slow or block any assistance which may try to come through there to help Capital City. There has also been some talk that …” Blesser paused, “that they are going to destroy the entire town and its people; cutting off any access to Capital City.”

Blesser turned to Creance, “I understand that I didn’t come to you in the best of circumstances and I know that I can’t go back to the town; otherwise I would be questioned and they would kill me once they found out all the information they could about who helped me and where I was. I also understand your hesitation to trust me and I respect that but, I ask that you allow me the opportunity to repay the two of you for rescuing me and your hospitality. I do not expect you to trust me with sensitive information I only ask that you use me and my skills as you see fit and allow me to build my trust with you. If, in time, that trust grows and you allow me to be a part of the Network, then so be it.”

Creance pondered what he said for a few seconds “Very well, you may stay and we will make use of your services. We can always use someone in a fight. However, be aware that if we suspect that you are not working for our interests and we find you to be a traitor, none of us will hesitate to kill you on the spot.”

Blesser shook his head in agreement and understanding.

“I overheard one of the guards mention something which I wondered if there was any truth to.” Blesser said. “The guard said that the Network has no real leader. Is this true?”

“There is a hint of truth to that. But do not be fooled, the Network is strong and well guided.” Creance said.

Blesser smiled, “Good.” As he lay back down on the cot and drifted off to sleep. Creance walked to the fireplace wrapped something in towel and walked towards the door. He stopped at the door and motioned for Kiri to follow.

Kiri stepped outside with Creance.

“What do you think about the things he was saying?” she asked.

“He had some very helpful information and the news that he shared has caused our timetables to be moved up. If we had not come across this information, we may very well have been caught off guard. This information must be passed along immediately.”

Creance called Leste over and spoke with her, giving her the information. A few minutes later, Leste grabbed her belongings and ran off.

“She will pass the information to the appropriate people so we can be prepared.” Creance said.

“Is it true that the Network doesn’t have a leader?” Kiri asked.

Creance explained, “It is true that at the moment, the Network does not have a single person leading them. The Network is currently controlled or led by a committee; their job is to keep the Network organized and running, making needed decisions and overseeing its operations until the true leader can be trained to take their rightful place. While the committee maintains the control needed to keep the Network running, there are many problems. Most notably, there is much indecision within the committee. Because of these problems, there has been much call for the rightful leader to take their place.”

“So there is only one rightful leader of the Network?” Kiri asked.

“Yes”

“And how is the leader chosen?”

“It is not so much as being chosen as it is a birthright.” Creance explained.

“What birthright? So you’re trying to tell me that the Network is run by some king? What if that king wanted to make it a dictatorship and take over their own countries? What makes him and the Network any better than the Envahir?” Kiri asked.

“While that is essentially possible, it is highly unlikely. The committee looks out for that type of action and would not allow it. Once the leader has decided to take command of the Network, the committee’s role changes; it is no longer one that makes decisions but rather advisory and approval of the leader’s actions. They are able to overrule the leader if they feel their decision is not in the best interest of the Network. You must realize that the Network acts as a protector for the country.

It is unlikely that the leader would do something such as what you are imagining because they are groomed for the position from a very early age. This is usually done through stories which teach the values of the Network and its leader. As the future leader grows older, they are often taken under the wing of the current leader and shown what the job entails; giving them the experience they need to do the job. Although this is not the case with the one who’s duty it is to become the leader.

The future leader is also usually given a protector, if you will someone who watches over them and guides them as needed.”

“But what is the birthright? What shows that this person is the leader of the Network?” Kiri asked.

Creance stopped walking. It was a second or two before Kiri realized this and she had to turn and walk back to him. Creance was standing there with his head bowed looking at the package in his hands. Creance slowly unwrapped the package. Kiri gasped as she saw the gleam of silver in the daylight, she recognized it at once.

“That … that’s the sword from the fireplace!” Kiri exclaimed.

“Yes, yes it is.” Creance said.

“If that sword signifies the birthright to the leader, then what are you doing with it? Are you the leader?” she asked.

Creance laughed, “No, no my dear child, I am not the leader of the Network. I am merely the protector.”

“You? You’re the protector? Then, who …” Kiri’s voice trailed off.

“It is your birthright to become the leader of the Network.” Creance said kneeling in front of Kiri, extending the sword.

“What!? No, I’m not a leader, I am only a barmaid.” Kiri said.

Kiri turned and started to walk away, overwhelmed with all of this new information.

“Kiri stop. You are so much more than that. Look at how far you have come in such a short period of time.” Creance said.

“I can’t even lift a sword and you’ll probably want me to fight with it.”

“You will not have that problem with this sword and we will have Sallan teach you how to use your sword.” Creance said.

Kiri paced back and forth, her mind teetering between wanting to scream and run away and staying to hear more.

Kiri turned to Creance, “Why me?”

“It is your birthright. Your father was the leader of the Network. He was grooming you to become the next leader of the Network which is why he taught you the stories he did. I suspect, if it were not for his untimely death, you would’ve been trained by now and had already become the leader.” Creance said.

“Then what would’ve happened to him?” she asked.

“He would’ve taken his place on the committee to act as council as is the custom.

“So there is a vacancy on the committee then?”

“No, there is another.” Creance said.

“Are you on the committee?”

“No I am not. Some on the committee are by appointment, other are by election.” he said.

“How did you become my protector then?” she asked.

“That is a long and involved story which includes your father.” Creance said.

“If it is a story about you and my father, I would like to hear of it.” she said.

Creance sat on a log near the stream; he wrapped the sword in the towel and laid it at his feet. He paused for a bit, remembering, “It is actually two stories but they are somewhat interconnected. I met your father many years ago, long before he ever came to this town, before you were even born.”