Five Valikans, three of them children, crouched hidden behind a crop of dense foliage, watching in horror as Xyren's king and queen were beheaded.
"Dear gods..." One of the adults said, moving to escape.
"We need to get them out of here, Sergei," the other said. "Inuskai knows how long it'll take for Narida to appear."
A screeching roar rose above the crackling of the flames, and all five of them looked up in horror, realizing its source.
"Speak of the devil, Yuri," Sergei responded. "Here she comes now."
"She may as well be the devil, considering her Dominion," Yuri said, periodically glancing up at the now-frozen castle roof and its draconic occupant.
"That begs the question, where are Ryumi and Kaltora? Aren't Monoliths sworn to protect their Bonded?"
"Hell if I know, Sergei. We were raised on the legends of Arysinian Monoliths, not Ikaran ones. This continent's the only one with Monoliths that burden themselves with Bonded. The rest just sit up on their mountains and make sure another War of Perdition doesn't happen."
"True. So where exactly are we taking these three?"
"It'd have to be somewhere in Novaltis. I don't trust that someone here won't rat them out, and I'm sure as hell not taking them straight to Karina or Gabriel's doorstep."
"You think the Whiterivers'd take them in?"
"I doubt it," Yuri said, ushering Taeko ahead of him. "Luke and Isabelle are remarkable rulers and parents, but their capital is barely across the border from one of the largest military encampments in Corimar."
To their surprise, a company of soldiers was gathered at the stables, each bearing Novaltis' royal crest.
"The Winterguard?" Sergei said, taken aback.
"How did you know Valiko was under siege?" Yuri asked, approaching their captain.
"We didn't at the time, but Corimar isn't exactly subtle." Michael responded.
"What do you mean?"
"Gabriel's preparing for war, Yuri. Kalstead's harbor is filled with battleships, and we're only a few hours ahead of the army that's marching here."
"Karina intends to retain her hold on Xyren, then." Sergei realized.
"Karina?"
"She's emerged from exile and apparently married Gabriel. They just executed the king and queen not minutes ago and subjugated Xyren under some new kingdom's rule."
Many of the soldiers were shocked by the news, but Michael was unfazed.
"They're all that remains of the Silvermire line, then?" He said, gesturing to the prince and princesses.
"Indeed, and that puts them in very grave danger. Ride back to Novaltis and find them sanctuary if you can."
"There's a village in the Wyvenfeld that no one would ever think to find them in. My aunt and uncle are there, and they've been wanting children for years now."
"To the Wyvenfeld it is, then."