Farek decided to wait a few days after Valakono’s public announcement on the 10th, before he met with her to discuss his own future service. She had told the city all about it now—their alliance with the Atmos Septi, their decision to join the war, and even Her Highness Haladia’s death. A royal funeral was to be prepared for the 1st of the 3rd Moon. The lone Matriarch even told her citizens that she would be selecting new peers in the near future, after a proper period of mourning had been observed.
After the slough of concerned visitors subsided, Farek made an appearance in Valakono’s court to arrange a private meeting. They eventually sat down in the same chamber where the Matriarch had spoken with Farek and Lord Sha about Polanar’s fate and the mission to find fierce defenders for the leaders of the Empire.
Servants tested the flatbread, jam, and wine that was served, but Farek planned to have very little. They passed what pleasantries they could, though Valakono seemed exhausted.
“Your Highness, I’ve been thinking about what to do next,” Farek began, cutting to his reason for the meeting. “I’ve spent the last year hunting killers and trying to protect my family. I’m prepared to do what I must as this war approaches, but I would like to ask for some time to rest and recuperate at home. Between Polanar and Squora, I’m drained.”
Valakono blinked. “You have certainly earned respite, but the enemies of the Empire will not wait for us to have enough energy.” She grimaced and spread her hands. “In the coming year, I had hoped to put your skills toward a better use than hunting murderers. I’m afraid I cannot permit you a lapse in duty quite yet.”
“I see,” Farek said, raising his eyebrows. “What did you have in mind?”
“We need all the allies we can get,” she said. “I would like you to take a team abroad and find us more friends. You are good at finding common ground with people—Lord Sha tells me you managed to forge an alliance between the Lords of Soros despite numerous schemes. I only wish I had such unity among my own court, here in Noress.”
“You want me to travel and find more aid for the coming war,” Farek repeated. He actually quite liked the idea. He took a sip of his wine, despite his earlier resolution.
Matriarch Valakono nodded. “I’m prepared to offer you a royal boon if you return from this duty with anything to show for it. You may ask of me anything and I will grant it, if it does no harm to our Empire and is within my power.”
Farek would have said yes before she offered such a reward. Now he smiled and bowed his head. “I’m honoured, Your Highness. Would I select my own people? Or have some of your loyalists in Noress join me? Perhaps Erril could accompany me—his insight would be invaluable.”
“I’m afraid Erril cannot leave his own responsibilities for such a period of time. He has basically brokered this alliance between the Grey Brethren and our Empire on his own,” Valakono explained. “But, I would certainly send some advisors with you: a spy from Sha’s network, an ambassador versed in diplomacy and language, and a cartographer. Not to mention some guards and servants to ensure the whole group is secure.”
Farek supressed the urge to whistle. This was quite the committed endeavor. “Could I take Lord Sha himself?” he asked.
Valakono chuckled lightly. Farek had asked for both of her spy masters now. She leaned back in her chair and considered his request earnestly. “I suppose so. I will need to speak with him and make certain.”
“Would I be in charge—or Sha?”
The Matriarch smiled. “I’m giving you this mission; he will serve at your discretion or he will not go.”
Farek bowed his head yet again. “My thanks, Your Highness.”
She waved her hand, then took a sip of wine. “I suggest you return to Soros with haste and ready your own affairs. Sha will be along—or a spy in his stead—and I expect results within the year.”
Farek stood up and bowed more formally. “As you command,” he said. We will prepare an army to crush the lawless armies of the Great Isle, he thought. And I will play my part to stop Tarro.
Later, Farek discussed his new orders with his men. Matek rolled his eyes and said he hoped he wouldn’t die of some illness in the uncultured lands, like he nearly had on their voyage to New Mallam a few years back. Ayvim skeptically questioned if he would be a part of this adventure as a stand-in for the allegedly returned Diaren and Sievus. Farek responded by saying, “All hands on deck!” Even Ralla was welcome to join, once she returned to Soros from her stay in Squora.
Devender asked if he could speak to Farek aside. They walked out of the guest suite where Farek had been staying in Noress; they found a private place to chat in the courtyard, near a shingled well. “What’s on your mind?” Farek asked.
“I have been glad to help out so far, but my goals are to continue my studies,” Devender said. Even his choice to accompany Farek on the quest to Lo Mallago had been a surprise. “There are many places I would like to visit—places where you may be going. I am tempted, but… I have to attend to some personal matters more immediately.”
Farek’s spirits fell. “Devender…”
The mage shrugged. “I will return to Soros after my business is resolved, and then maybe I will follow to wherever your men have gone. If it catches my eye,” he said, with a wink.
“Is there any way I can help you, as a friend?” Farek asked.
Devender grinned. “I consider you a friend as well,” he said. “But I must visit some distant colleagues and see how they are faring with the war raging around.”
Farek nodded. Then, for a moment, they looked into the well wordlessly. Devender broke the silence: “I’ll need to get my things—and my servant—from Soros before I go. If you choose a destination before I depart, maybe we can travel part of the way together. You know, depending on locale.”
“Of course,” Farek said. He was still discouraged. Even if Devender would find him again in the future, he would miss having the mage at his side. Both for his skills and his earnest personality. His insightful words about Farek’s decision to bring Polanar to state justice had meant a lot. “And if there’s ever something you need, do not hesitate to ask.”
Devender nodded. “Thank you, Farek. I am certain we will cross paths again soon.” They walked back inside together and enjoyed a glass of wine as they chatted with Matek about all the maladies that might befall him on this new adventure.