Page 124 of Veinblood
“And when she arrived?” I nod toward Ellie.
“Her arrival settled the debate,” Kalliss says. “I'd been arguing for direct action for years. Her presence gave us the catalyst we needed.”
“I still believed hiding was safer. But her presence proved the prophecies were real, and eventually her words convinced even me to act.” Meren’s tone makes it clear his mind was not easy to change.
“When she stood before us and said we should take back what belongs to us, take back Ashenvale. That changed everything for all of us,” Vorith adds.
Kalliss hesitates.
“Speak freely.”
“My Lord, if I may ... Sereven escaped yesterday. He won't accept this defeat quietly.”
I lean back in my chair, studying their faces. These people fought yesterday not just for victory, but for the right to exist openly. They've earned honest answers instead of evasion from me.
“No, he won't. We'll need to be ready. I need to address the city. The people of Ashenvale deserve to understand what's changed and what it means for them.” I pause. “Then we have work to do. Not today, though. Today, we will celebrate what has been accomplished and prepare for what comes next.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
ELLIE
“Some victories can only be won by those willing to lose everything.”
Fragments of the Lost Veinwardens
The study doorcloses behind the departing masters. In the sudden quiet, Varam steps forward.
“We should send riders to Greenvale, and bring back Nyassa and the Stonehaven leaders. Having Telren and the others here could help make the transition from Authority control easier.”
“Nyassa made it back from Earth?” Relief rushes through me at the thought she survived too, followed by guilt. I should have asked about her before now.
“She did. She found me the day after I returned, while I was still searching for you around Thornspire. She stayed in Greenvale, while we came here.” Sacha turns to Varam, his voice taking on the crisp tone he uses when he’s about to issue instructions. “Pick whoever you trust to go and bring those who want to return to Ashenvale back safely.”
“What about the other settlements?”
“We need to know what’s happening out there first.” Sacha moves around the desk and stops in front of the map hanging along one wall. “Send scouts out to assess the situation. Some of these places might be willing to rise up if they believe we can protect them, but we need to understand what we’re dealing with before we make contact.”
“And the Veinwarden Knots?”
“See what resources we have available here. The Ashenvale Knot might have ways to contact them.” His expression turns focused. “Some of them might be ready to take on the garrisons in their towns and villages, if they know there is support waiting for them.”
Varam nods. “How do we prove to the settlements that we’re not just a doomed rebellion?”
“By showing them what we’ve already accomplished. Send missives announcing that Ashenvale is under Shadowvein rule again. Share word that Authority forces have either fled or surrendered." His fingers trace a path along the villages and farms nearest to Ashenvale. “These places are closest to us. We need to know if anyone was harmed in retaliation when Sereven fled with his commanders.”
Varam glances at me before facing Sacha again. “We should also plan for you to address the city. The people need to hear from you directly.”
Sacha’s fingers still on the map. “This afternoon,” he says after a moment’s thought. “The main balcony from the throne room overlooks the plaza. We can gather people there, and if wehave enough Windveins, they can amplify my voice so anyone who can’t reach the plaza can still hear.”
“What will you tell them?”
Sacha’s fingers drum once against the table before he catches himself. “They need to understand that the Authority is gone from Ashenvale, that they are free.” He turns his attention back to the map. “Send those riders out today. We need as many fighters willing to fight as possible. We don’t want to be unprepared when Sereven reappears.”
“I’ll organize that immediately.” Varam’s tone suggests he noticed Sacha’s deflection from speaking publicly. “And I’ll send word out about this afternoon’s address.”
After Varam leaves, silence returns to the room. Sacha moves to the tall window that overlooks the plaza. His shoulders are stiff, head held high, and I’m not entirely sure he’s actuallyseeinganything in front of him. I look closer at him. His jaw is clenched, a muscle ticking faintly beneath the skin. The fingers of his left hand are curled into a loose fist. He’s lost in thought, and I don’t think they’re pleasant ones.
I step forward, and curl my fingers around his arm. “Come with me.” I pull him around to face me. “Let’s go for a walk.”
