The Black Gods War

soldiers and warpriests away. He glanced up at the canopy of trees. “Such a pleasant oasis.”
    Vieri removed a sealed parchment from his belt and handed it to Caio. “It’s from your sister. The messenger told me she wrote it yesterday, first thing in the morning. She asked him to ride as fast as he could. It’s addressed strictly to you.”
    “Thank you.” Caio broke the red wax seal, unfolded Lucia’s letter, and scanned it. “It’s a bit long. I’ll read it soon.” He folded the paper and tucked it into his belt.
    “There’s something I need to tell you both, something I am going to need your help with,” the king said. “When I was in Remeas, Tiberio told me something disturbing.” His eyes turned glassy as he diverted his gaze. “He sensed some sort of darkness around Lucia. He told me I should search out the cause of her suffering.”
    Ilario felt his blood surging with anger. He clutched the black anvil hanging off his necklace, and asked his family’s god Sansone to protect her.
    “Tiberio’s words were cryptic, but he suggested that I am partly to blame for her affliction.” Vieri’s unfocused eyes rolled around, gazing at the landscape. “It seems absurd. But I will need you to look out for her, Son. And you, Ilario.”
    “Certainly, my King,” Ilario said with his jaw tight.
    Caio’s wide eyes looked devastated. “Of course I will. I’ll also pray to Mya to give Lucia comfort, and ask Lord Oderigo for insight.”
    “Very good,” his father answered quickly. “You’ll let me know whatever you discover.”
    “Do you know anything else about her condition, my King?” Ilario asked.
    “The Exalted told me three days ago that he believed Lucia had not been harmed in battle. He described the dark force as something of a mystery, even to his profound sight. I have put my trust in the goddess Ysa to protect my daughter, and I have faith that she will. Let’s speak of this no more. Worrying will do us no good.”
    Neither will ignoring this , Ilario thought.
    King Vieri put his hands behind his back and stepped around the clearing, looking up at the greenery. “Now tell me something, Dux Spiritus, how does it feel to finally have a hundred thousand warriors at your disposal?”
    Ilario heard a hint of jealousy in the king’s voice. Only two days before, Vieri had relinquished his position as Dux Spiritus to his son, after being Rezzia’s military leader for nearly thirty years.
    “It’s different, Father … It’s entirely new.”
    “I should hope it’s more thrilling than that.”
    “I mean no disrespect,” Caio said. “You know I am honored that you’ve put so much faith in me.”
    Vieri looked down at his son with his sad, brown eyes. “My decision required no faith at all.” He walked to Caio and held up his son’s red and black hands. “These are the hands of a Haizzem. The gods promise us you will succeed where I have not.”
    “Pawelon is a worthy foe.”
    Vieri dropped Caio’s hands and intensified his stare. “They shouldn’t be. Pawelon is where your legacy begins.”
    “And where yours will continue,” Caio said.
    The king kept his eyes on his son. “Ilario, you know Caio so much better than I. Do you truly feel he is ready for this glory?”
    “Our Haizzem will not disappoint you, my King. He amazes me more every day. He will surely make you proud.”
    “I am sure of it, too.” Vieri turned his eyes to Ilario. “Thank you again for being like a brother to him while I was at war. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
    “Of course. It has always been the highest honor and a joy.”
    The king stepped to Ilario and they grabbed each other’s forearms. “I chose well. You were the right man. Never hesitate to ask me for anything you need.”
    “You honor me again. I will never be able to thank you enough for all you’ve given me.”
    “Do this for me, then. Make sure my son is ready for this war. My legacy depends on it.”

Chapter Five: The Furies

    The day after the Dux Spiritus ceremony.

    EXHAUSTED FROM THE DAY’S CARNAGE, Lucia wrapped herself in white sheets and prayed to the goddess Ysa before resigning herself to another unbearable night. After a long, somber quiet she was not yet aware the cloth had become soaked in red; she would need time to understand why.

    ~~~~~

    As Lucia lay in sheer darkness, the voice of the god Danato rumbled all around her: “Don’t you hear me, my daughter?”
    Why do you even ask?
    “Why