Legend of Ransera

"It is not classified," he clarified, "and yes, while I am in the northern marches, I intend to visit the so-called Dauntless and a few other sites. Now that we have some space to breathe, I have ensured that I travel every season so as not to lose sight of our troops and our citizens who do not abide in the city proper. I spent some of Glade with the eastern garrisons, Searing in the riverland forts, Ash among our allies in Karnor to reestablish Zaichaer as a leader in western Karnor. I suppose I was not planning well as I am now in the north for Frost..." He chuckled. "But if our guardians spend the whole of the season here, I can spend a couple of weeks."

Angevin was a strange sort of leader. He was not shy when it came to praising what was due praise, and anything critical he said was constructive. He didn't blame. He showed every sign of being grateful for the service of the soldiers, from Eylemir down to the chief petty officer in the mess hall who handed him a hot mug of coffee.

Devil had joined him by the time they were headed for the Lysanrin camp. There, he moved among the people, speaking to them as if they were people, and Eylemir was able to hear Devil tell some Lysanrin about how the High Sentinel had swanned into the home of a slaver, outwitted him, and freed them, and how he had taken care of them ever since. It was the sort of thing these people wanted, needed, the idea that someone, anyone, might find it in their hearts to help.

Eylemir could see that curious, tremulous hope in several sets of hue-shifting eyes as they regarded the Admiral and High Sentinel speaking to others.

Eventually, he gathered all of their attention, and spoke.

"From what I gather having spoken to some of you, the call has been heard and you are here to answer it. You have questions. Of course you have questions. Let me try to explain...

"Zaichaer is a human state, but humanity is not without—humanity. My father was human, and my mother was a Dratori he took advantage of. He named me the Kathalan word for shame, and I took that to mean that I was shameful, but I was only a reminder of his own shame. He had a surgeon crop my ears like I was a dog. Though he was wealthy, an admiral, I was ever the butt of unkind jokes. But I persevered. I worked. I proved my loyalty to the state, and now having proven myself through the trials of the rift and then the eclipse... There is no longer shame here.

"Zaichaer has been called a people who hates magic. New Atheists they call us. But we use magic—judiciously—and curate it such that magic serves man and not vice versa. We are not ignorant of the existence of Gods, but we do not worship them. We do for ourselves. And if these recent trials have taught us anything, it is to be adaptable.

"Zaichaer remains a human city, but it has been decided—decisively—that we, at least, will not turn the Lysanrin diaspora away. If you wish to live among us, to serve the state for the betterment of all, then you will be welcome. But we are a pragmatic people, too. As the leader of the new Order of Reconciliation, I have ordered reconciliation. Rather than police the covens, we are working with them to ensure those with magic do not take advantage of those without, that Zaichaeri excellence with magic does not cause catastrophes such as the rift Kalzasi tore in our sky.

"And Zaichaer would reconcile with you. In other places, those of you with the ability to consume aether were treated worse than any. You are feared for what you might do. We would celebrate you for what you might do: you might protect your families, friends, and neighbors from magical assaults. And we might help ensure that what people fear might happen will not happen.

"But it is cold and I will not make you listen to me. When Searing Victory departs tomorrow, you may be aboard. We will bring you home where houses stand empty and waiting for you to make them your home."

All in all, the visit with Commander Eylemir was a success. On the following day, they departed with one Lysanrin elder. Unbothered by the low turnout, Angevin assumed he was a sacrifice; if he returned to them corroborating what the High Sentinel said, perhaps more of them would join him. In any case, he promised they would return ere they began the flight back to the High City.

While Searing Victory made with all due speed for the other northerly fort, Angevin and Devil put the elder through his paces to see what he was capable of. Devil even learned a few new nuances from another's training, such as it was. But it gave them something to do while en route.

The airship was swift, however, and they found themselves descending into Dauntless' airspace ere long.

"Rest," he bade both Lysanrin. "I will send for you when the time comes to speak to the other refugees."

That said, he left them to idle aboard the ship, warm and well-fed, while he braved the winter cold to survey the other fort and make its commander's acquaintance.

"Same general plan," he said to a lieutenant who stood on deck with him while the executive officer retained control of the bridge and the airship while the admiral was on land.

"Yes, sir," said the lieutenant, saluting. Angevin responded in kind and then debarked.