December 1, 10 ATC

Javelin, Confirmed River

Austin paced on the deck of the Javelin, watching as the frosty countryside passed by. The Arkosians had diverted enough of their riverships to ferry their soldiers to and from Checkmate, from where they would march to Enabler. Moving their men piecemeal was an arduous process which many, especially Bluewhale and Various, found to be too slow. But everyone knew that if they were detected moving en masse, the Church would realize their plan, so they begrudgingly consented. Nitesco had been on the first ship out, and now Austin followed. Vulpix and Vaniellis were to remain behind and facilitate transportation until the last men were out.

As Austin leaned on the railing, she heard heavy footsteps behind her. She turned and saw Bluewhale striding about the deck. He had donned his captain's hat for the trip, and a large mace hung from his belt. He saw Austin and walked over to her.

"Austin," he said. "I don't believe I've had the chance to properly introduce myself."

"You spent far more time training with your soldiers than mine," she said. "Perhaps that's why."

"Nevertheless," Bluewhale said, "it's good to know your allies. Admiral Regis Bluewhale, at your service. Just Admiral is fine, though."

"Just Austin," Austin replied. "No need for grandeur."

"Of course not," Bluewhale said. "Not now, anyway. But we're sailing to glory, are we not?"

"I certainly hope it's the glory of victory," Austin said. "And I hope we make it there. These rivers are wide and we sail without flags, but I hope we are not sunk before we make it to Checkmate."

"Sink?" Bluewhale said. He laughed. "No, not today. The Church will never be able to sink one of my ships!" he declared.

"You're that confident, huh?" Austin asked.

"Yes, indeed," Bluewhale said. "Most of these ships were made in my family's shipyards. I can personally guarantee their quality."

"Your family's shipyards?" Austin asked. "Is that why you became an Oligarch?"

"No," Bluewhale said, slightly offended. "I was appointed to represent the region of Miloakouo by its people. They recognized my talent for leadership when I kept ANGQ's navy from shelling our coasts during Celtic's Revolt."

"Some would say you aren't a hero for supporting Celtic during that war," Austin said, a subtle irritation in her voice.

Bluewhale scoffed. "If my people decided I was a hero, then I am. Simple as that. And besides, I was democratically elected. Isn't that something you and Nitesco both love so dearly?"

"Democratically elected for a life term?" Austin asked.

"Or until resignation," Bluewhale said. "Your point being?"

"Nothing," Austin said. "Just that, perhaps, Arkos might be in need of reform."

"More reform?" Bluewhale scoffed. "Please. Zealander has taken away enough of our traditions."

"Like what?" Austin asked.

Bluewhale grumbled. "He stripped many of our aristocratic families of their positions and land and appointed new holders from non-military families. And to top that off, he allowed foreigners to hold government positions, hold land, and even enlist!" Bluewhale sighed. "It was a mistake to appoint him to his position."

"And you allowed this to happen?" Austin asked. "He's not even an Oligarch. How did this ever get through?"

"He is a populist," Bluewhale sneered. "And more importantly, he has friends in high positions: important merchants, contractors, administrators and the like. If we want their support, we must support Zealander. Presbyter Ijustread would present whatever legislation he suggested, and invariably at least two of us would join his side. Even if we disagreed, there were too many who didn't. We had no choice." He sighed and straightened up. "But the winds are changing, Austin. Especially for Arkos."

"Perhaps you should look past the immediate effects of Zealander's reforms," Austin said, "and look at what they've done for Arkos."

"Or perhaps," Bluewhale said, an ambitious glint in his eye, "Arkos should be governed by those who know it best."

"Austin!" A voice called. Austin turned and saw Various waving her down from the bow of the ship. Austin turned back to Bluewhale.

"I have to go," she offered weakly. Bluewhale seemed not to notice.

"Of course. It's been quite informative." He nodded and headed back toward the captain's cabin while Austin walked over to Various.

"Various," she said. "You need something?"

"Oh, no," he said, and a clever grin snuck onto his face. "I just figured you didn't want to talk to the most glorious admiral over there."

"You figured right," Austin said, and they laughed. "How are the men?"

"A little nauseous, and perhaps a little weary," Various said, "but we're on the move now instead of sitting around in Crouchback. They know there will be a fight soon, and I think they're ready for one."

"God knows they've been sitting around long enough," Austin said. "It's only right that they get a chance to do what they signed up to do."

"If they survive, they can be heroes when they get back," Various said.

Austin rolled her eyes. "Now you sound like Bluewhale."

Various chuckled. "Goodness, I'm not serious. They'll have a few stories to tell, but if they've got half a mind, they'll keep the parts with glory and leave out the atrocities."

"Is that what you do?" Austin asked.

Various shrugged. "Who's to say?" They fell into a moment of silence.

After some time, Various decided to speak again. "What will you do after the war?" he asked.

"Once this is over?" Austin said. She pursed her lips. "I've been looking to get into politics. Someone's going to have to pick up the pieces when we're done. It should be us. It's our responsibility."

"Oh, damn," Various said. "I could never imagine getting into politics. I plan to grab my trophies from the Church vault, put them on my mantle, and then go back to enjoying my mansion."

"If you liked your mansion so much," Austin said, "why did you leave?"

"I felt obligated," Various said. "I've seen enough tyrants for a lifetime. Several lifetimes, in fact. Lived under one. I'd rather not live under another."

"Very noble," Austin said. "Maybe you do have a heart after all, in spite of what the soldiers tell me."

"Oh, I'm not that bad to the men," Various said. He laughed, but his expression remained dour. "As for whether I have a heart, I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

"I guess," Austin echoed. They became quiet once again as they watched the snowy landscape drift by.

December 3, 10 ATC

Osiria Cathedral, Laevig Province, Kingdom of White Rose

When Jannis wrote the letter to Strike recalling him from Renora, he knew that would upset Strike. He thought that he would have to deal with yet another proud Arkosian filling his ears with noise. But when Strike returned to the Cathedral not only calm but in good spirits, Jannis was slightly unnerved.

He was in the courtyard when Strike arrived, flanked by the guardsmen Jannis sent to meet him. Despite the dismal weather and the bitter cold, Strike was not only smiling but whistling when he approached Jannis.

"Jannis," he said, swaggering up to the Scion. "Good to see you again."

"Good to see you too," Jannis said. "You're awfully cheerful."

"Ah, yes," Strike said. "I suppose I am. Come, we can discuss why indoors." Jannis waved the guardsmen back to their posts and followed Strike inside.

Jannis took the lead and led Strike upstairs, to the indoor balconies around the main area of the cathedral. Jannis looked down on the pews and the altar, decorated with the red and white of the Church's rose emblem, and found it did not spark as much joy as before. He shook the thought away and continued.

They found Anti and Sphinx talking quietly on the balcony. As Jannis approached, they turned and Sphinx gave a small bow.

"Jannis," he said. "And Colonel Strike. I am Sphinx, and I don't believe we've met."

"It's General," Strike said, but he shook Sphinx's hand anyway. "A pleasure to meet you."

"Sphinx is the newest addition to my council," Jannis explained, "and his connections have been invaluable in identifying dissidents and rebels."

"Recently," Anti said, "Sphinx has informed us that there are rumblings of rebellion in the north, and not this primitive hit-and-run strategy they've used since Fort Bombus. A real campaign."

"Where would they get the men?" Strike asked. "Or a ruler that would collaborate with them?"

"My suspicions were Enabler, at first," Sphinx said. "But Enabler is landlocked, and all the nations surrounding it are our allies. It's a miracle they haven't succumbed to us already, and I don't believe they'd be foolish enough to try from there."

"It has to be the far north," Anti said. "Iceberg, perhaps, or Freezerburn."

"Didn't we negotiate with King Dat for an alliance?" Strike asked.

"Well," Jannis said. "King Dat also invited Gwydion and Contramundi to that meeting. Gwydion blasted his face off, and he died shortly after. Freezerburn is now in the hands of King Dinas, Dat's son, who is more opportunistic yet less competent than his father."

"And his heir and brother, Prince Blaze, is also a frothing drunk," Anti added. "They both have a weakness of character that Nitesco and Austin may exploit."

"Which is why I suggested you return, Strike," Sphinx said. "You know our enemies best, out of all our commanders. You can stamp them out."

"I know they're heading north," Strike said. "Far north. Somewhere along the river."

"How?" Jannis asked.

Strike smiled and leaned against the balcony railing. "Well, on my journey back here, I passed a convoy of ships moving north. Large riverships, enough to hold a large amount of men. They had no flags or markings, but I saw Arkosian soldiers on the decks of those ships."

Sphinx swallowed. "Are you certain? Where was this?"

Strike shrugged. "Yesterday afternoon. I was close to docking in Bumblebee."

"This proves they're on the move," Jannis said. "We cannot allow that."

"But we don't know where they're going," Anti said. "There are plenty of nations they could shelter in. We must take time to find out which ones."

"Leave that to me," Sphinx said. "In the meantime, Strike, I would begin preparing to attack the northern nations. Draw up strategy, consult with our commanders here. I can provide logistics."

"Excellent," Strike said. "Sphinx, if what you say is true, then I'll finally have the chance to avenge myself on those arrogant fools. Let's discuss this elsewhere. Jannis, Anti, I bid you a good day."

"Good day," Jannis and Anti murmured as Strike and Sphinx left.

Anti furrowed her brow as they left. "Strike seems happier than I expected," she said.

Jannis sighed. "He thinks that battle with our enemies is imminent. He thinks if he kills Austin or Nitesco, he has a shot at glory. And I'm sure it doesn't hurt that Zealander is with them."

"He's grown arrogant," Anti said. "Well, more than he already was."

"At least he's predictable," Jannis said. "Arrogant, hotheaded? Yes. But it's not as if we don't know what he'll do."

"Have you thought this way about all your lieutenants?" Anti asked.

Jannis leaned on the railing, looking down on the main floor of the cathedral. Rows and rows of pews all faced toward the altar, decorated with the finest red silk, and yet it sat empty. He sighed.

"Anti," he said. "Do you remember what you told Zissman when you first agreed to join us?"

"Yes," she said. "Zissman asked me if I was willing to die for our goals. And I told him—" She paused. "I told him that if I died without pursuing my goals, I would never have lived to begin with."

"You were with us since the beginning," Jannis said. "Our first ally. Before Faker, and Inferno. Before this war. You and I, we are the last to be there at the beginning." He turned toward her, a somber look in his eyes. "You are the only one I can trust."

"Not Link?" Anti asked. "Not Rowing?"

"Link has the brashness of youth," Jannis said. "He is a true believer, to his core. That I know. But his zeal is such that it is not impossible he would defy or disobey me if he thought I went against the Goddess's will.

"And Rowing… I needed someone to replace Zissman, someone who knew theology and the people where my knowledge was lacking. His heart is in the right place, but he still reminds me of Zissman. To be sure, they are different: Rowing is quiet where Zissman was loud, and he is relaxed where Zissman was zealous. But I see this cunning in his eyes, this guile that reminds me so much of Zissman, and I know I cannot ever truly trust him."

"And why do you trust me, then?" Anti said. "Am I not cunning? Am I not sometimes proud or deceitful?"

"Perhaps," Jannis said. "But you were there when Faker died. You were there when Austin betrayed us. You were there when Fort Bombus was sacked. We are the only ones who know, Anti, what that was like. If I cannot trust you, who can I trust?"

"An interesting question," Anti said softly. "Do you know the answer?"

"No," Jannis said. He returned his gaze to the empty cathedral. "I'm afraid I don't."

December 6, 10 ATC

Port Anderssen, Viceroyalty of Checkmate, Principality of Monochrome

The unmarked ships had come to port in Anderssen's docks. Hozack watched from the hill as the soldiers trickled out of them, unloading their gear and supplies as quick as they were able. The people of Anderssen would have looked at them with suspicion or fear if they had come two weeks ago. But the constant flow of troops in and out of Anderssen had become normal. His grandfather had also managed to convince Jannis not to send scouts or diplomats to Checkmate, under the pretense that it would look too suspicious to Onyzyon, and he quietly eliminated the spies Anti thought she sent unnoticed. No information would get back to Jannis.

"Austin and Various are supposed to be on this one," the Mask said. The Mask and Coronam allowed Hozack to return to Checkmate only with an escort. Coronam remained in Enabler with Contramundi while the Mask and his mercenary guards accompanied Hozack. There was no need, but Hozack knew they had to take precautions, so he gracefully accepted. He knew that as soon as Austin and Various arrived safely, the Mask would take him back to Enabler.

"Do you see them?" Hozack asked.

The Mask shook his head. "You'll know when you see them. Austin's hair is paler than a vampire, and she wears an eyepatch. Various, for all his faults, keeps his armor as shiny as his scalp."

"He's bald?" Hozack asked. "At forty?"

"Forty-three, but you didn't hear that from me," the Mask said. "And it's because he shaves it. It's better not to mention it."

"Clearly," Hozack muttered. He turned his attention back to the unloading ships. Now, he saw a young woman with light hair waving the men off the ships, with a tall, bald man at her side. Austin and Various.

"Look there," Hozack said. "I'm certain that's them."

The Mask leaned slightly and squinted. "I can't see anything in this damn thing," he muttered. "But I'll take your word for it. Let's go."

The pair walked down toward the docks, wading through the crowds of people and soldiers. As they got closer, Hozack heard the Mask muttering to himself over the growing noise of the crowds.

"Oh, fuck," the Mask said. Hozack looked at him quizzically.

"What's the problem?" he asked. The Mask pointed at a man in an Arkosian uniform next to Austin and Various, with short brown hair and almost comically large epaulettes.

"You see that guy in the Arkosian uniform?" the Mask asked.

"Yes, I see him," Hozack said. "What of him?"

"You'll see," the Mask said. As they got closer, Austin, Various and the Arkosian officer noticed their approach.

"Mask," Austin said loudly, so she could be heard over the din. "And you must be Hozack."

"Yes, I am!" Hozack yelled, trying to match Austin's volume. "You are Various, I presume?" Various merely nodded in response.

"And I," the Arkosian interjected, with seemingly no effort in matching their volume, "am Admiral Bluewhale. We've arrived to transport our soldiers through your lands."

"We know why you're here," the Mask said. "Come away. Let's discuss this somewhere quieter."

Hozack and the Mask led them away from the bustling docks, out into the town. "Forgive me if I am not very hospitable," Hozack said. "I was sent here to ensure you two arrived safely, but I cannot stay for long."

"Whatever for?" Various asked.

"The leaders already in Enabler told me to bring you here as soon as you arrived," the Mask said. "Hozack is to guide us through Checkmate, and I am to ensure he doesn't try to do anything bad."

"I won't," Hozack said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "But I understand. We cannot take any risks right now."

"I have two spare horses," the Mask said. "Various, Austin, I must ask that you set out with us immediately."

"Immediately?" Austin asked. "What's all the rush about?"

"We intercepted a Church messenger," Hozack said. "Apparently Jannis is arming for a conflict. My grandfather has done his best to misdirect Jannis towards the northern kingdoms, but it seems that it worked too well. Jannis may be focusing on the wrong people now, but if we are discovered, he will have a standing army. He will have an advantage."

"Nice going," Various said.

"There's no need to be rude," the Mask said.

"You're one to talk," Various retorted.

The Mask shrugged. "Fair point," he said. "But our orders still stand. Austin, Various, will an hour be enough to inform your men and gather your things?"

"It should be," Austin said. "I'll set out right away."

As Austin and Various left, "Wait," Bluewhale said, clearly irritated. "What about me? Was I not requested?"

"No," the Mask said. "You weren't."

"But someone needs to lead these men to Enabler," Hozack said quickly. "I'll assign some guides to aid you. While Austin and Various come with us, you'll take the rest of the men."

"I suppose someone has to do it," Bluewhale said, clearly disappointed. He followed Austin and Various down to the docks.

Hozack and the Mask watched them as they called for the men's attention and began addressing them. Austin and Bluewhale stood to deliver the news while Various watched stoically from the sidelines.

"Quite a motley crew, aren't they?" the Mask said.

"Perhaps," Hozack said. "But they're good at what they do, from what I've heard. Various is crafty, Bluewhale can strategize. Austin is an inspiring speaker."

"A good speaker," the Mask said, "but her strategic sense needs honing. Still, she has potential."

"Is it true her father was the Austin?" Hozack asked.

The Mask nodded. "You must be the last person in this Subreddit to know," he said.

Hozack chuckled. "Just confirming my suspicions. Do you think she'll live up to her father?"

The two of them watched as Austin spoke to the crowd, and the Mask sighed. "I certainly hope so," he said.

December 8, 10 ATC

Osiria Cathedral, Laevig Province, Kingdom of White Rose

Link paced along the parapets of Osiria Cathedral, looking out over the snow-swept landscape. Winter had come hard to White Rose, and Link found himself wishing he was back in Snowflake Protection, his small fiefdom on the Sunken River, rather than the cold inlands of Rubia. He pulled his scarf closer to his face and shivered.

Down below, on the outer defensive wall, Link watched the soldiers pace back and forth. Some were Church soldiers, some were White Rosians. A few were even from Ladybug. Link leaned over the edge slightly to see which ones the soldiers were.

"Don't fall over," someone behind him said. Link yelped in surprise and turned around. It was Rowing. Link sighed in relief.

"Rowing," he said. "You scared me."

"My apologies," Rowing said. Despite the cold, he did not seem to be bothered at all. "I came up here to think. What are you doing?"

"Observing the soldiers," Link said. He glanced around the outer wall. "Rowing, I have a question, and I'd like you to answer honestly."

Rowing shrugged. "Go ahead."

"If we were attacked, right now, do you think we could survive?"

At that, Rowing's expression darkened, and he looked down. "No," he said. "No, I know that we couldn't survive. Our only hope would be to escape."

"Well," Link said, "hopefully it won't come to that."

"It may," Rowing said. "And if it does, what do you plan to do?"

Link paused and looked down. "I suppose I would stay and fight," he said.

"Fight?" Rowing asked. "Why would you do that? Of all of Jannis's inner council, you're probably the only one who could survive."

"You really think so?" Link asked. He did not like the game Rowing was playing.

"Yes," Rowing said. "You are yet young; you are only twenty, are you not? And you are not well-known. I am a high-ranking Vicar, Strike is an Arkosian traitor, Anti, oh Goddess, she carved out Austin's fucking eye. But you could survive if you publicly recanted. The old king of White Rose is dead now, the one who gave you that." He tugged Link's scarf down, revealing the scar that the old White Rose king had awarded him for converting to the Church. "You have an opportunity. If the worst comes to pass, all you have to do is say sorry and Austin and Nitesco will sit you right back down in your riverside estate."

"And you?" Link asked, pulling his scarf back over the brand on his cheek. "What would you do?"

Rowing paused and bit his lip. "I would seek shelter. Find allies or communities that would hide me." He stopped and sighed. "If I am forced to flee, could I count on you to shelter me?"

Link narrowed his eyes at Rowing. "You would so readily abandon the Church? You would not stand with it?"

"The Goddess is capable of a great many things, Link," Rowing said, his voice growing deep with offense. "She can bring communities together, she can inspire goodness and charity in men, and she can unite people like us toward a common goal. But when the armies of our enemies march up to our doors, do you think that she will stop their swords or arrows from killing us?"

Link took a step back. "When, huh?" he said. "Not if?"

Rowing turned back toward the outer wall, and the snowy hills beyond it. "Look that way, Link," Rowing said. "Do you know what's in that direction?" Link shook his head.

"I thought not. The Enablerish border is twenty miles that way, and I know that a sizable garrison lies a mere three miles beyond that. Our soldiers are on that border constantly, trying to break their lines, but there is nothing between them and us. If the enemy should ever break through, they have a clear shot to the Cathedral." He paused. "I'm not saying this to threaten you, Link. But we must prepare contingencies, especially in a time like this. And my best chance of survival if things go south is you."

"Why me?" Link asked. "Why not Anti or Sphinx? Strike or Jannis?"

"I don't fully trust Anti," Rowing said. "She's been with us for a long time, yes, but if push comes to shove, she will save herself first. I trust Sphinx about as far as I can throw him, and with the stunt Strike pulled against the League, I know he has no future except prison or the gallows if the Church falls. And Jannis…" He trailed off, and he pursed his lips. "Jannis won't be taken alive. Nitesco will see to that. You are the only one who can survive, and you are the only one of our native allies that really, truly believes in the Goddess."

"So, let's say I set you up in my estate," Link said. "What do you do for me?"

Rowing frowned. "I suppose I can get you into contact with other former Church members. Network with other believers. Keep the faith alive, if need be, which suits both of our interests." He extended a hand. "So," he said, "what do you say?"

Link looked at Rowing's hand and hesitated. "Only when our defeat is inevitable," Link said. "Not a moment sooner."

"I would accept nothing more," Rowing said, and Link shook his hand.

December 13, 10 ATC

Sans City, Duchy of Filiasolis, Triumvirate of Enabler

The fast ride through Checkmate had left Austin exhausted. For a week straight, their party drove their horses through the Checkmate countryside, though they were stymied by the heavy snows. It had been a week since she had bathed or changed her clothes, and she felt the grime on her clothes and in her hair. Nevertheless, when she and her party rode through the streets of Sans City, admired by the passersby that caught wind of their arrival, she felt as regal as could be.

When her party arrived at the steps of Contramundi's manor, she was elated to see Nitesco there to meet them. She, Hozack, Various, and the Mask dismounted while their escort unloaded their luggage, took their horses and trotted away.

"Nitesco!" Austin exclaimed. "You're a sight for sore eyes!"

"Rough trip, huh?" he asked. She drew him into a hug, and he sniffed the air. "Not to ruin the moment, Austin, but you smell like you've been wading through horse shit."

"We basically have been," Hozack said. "I'd love to do a meet-and-greet now, but I'm in dire need of a bath. Do you know where the bathhouses are?"

"In the north wing," Nitesco said. "Ask a servant."

"Will do," Hozack said. He started up the steps to the manor.

"My mask smells like mildew," the Mask complained. He and Various followed Hozack up the steps.

"Then get a new one," Various said.

"Oh, there's no need for that," the Mask said. "I brought spares. They're all dry, last I checked."

"You have spares?" Various asked. Austin laughed as they walked away and turned back to Nitesco.

"Are Coronam and Contramundi here?" she asked.

"They'll be having lunch soon," Nitesco said. "Go on and get clean. It's best not to spoil their appetite."

"Oh, shut up," Austin said. They snickered, and Austin took her luggage up to the manor. She left her belongings at the door and asked a servant to direct her to the bathhouse.

Once Austin had cleaned and changed clothes, she went to the dining room to meet with the others. Nitesco, Coronam, and Contramundi were all there, eating lunch.

"Austin!" Contramundi said, finally noticing Austin's entrance. "It's good to see you again." Austin smiled and shook his hand.

"Likewise," she said. She turned to Coronam. "And I see you're still alive," she said to him. "I trust you had good travels?"

"Very productive meetings, too," Coronam said. "As Hozack's presence can attest."

"Speaking of," Austin said, "where are the rest of them?"

"Resting, presumably," Nitesco said. "We can brief them later. We'll just be going over what we plan to do now. We'll hone the details as time goes on."

"Very well," Austin said, and she sat down. "Where do we begin?"

"Like us, Lancaster is bringing its forces into Enabler piecemeal," Coronam said. "And Springthyme's leader, Horsea, pledged us mercenaries. They'll be arriving steadily over the next few months. Their leaders will also accompany us soon. We'll be ready for an attack by March."

"March?" Austin said. "A lot can go wrong between then and now."

"We have no other way," Contramundi said. "My borders are constantly assailed by Church soldiers. When the day comes, most of our soldiers will go to fending off the border battalions while a small force strikes at Osiria Cathedral. We will need a lot of men for that to work."

"But we can do it," Nitesco said. "All we need is patience and a little bit of luck."

"I never thought you the type to rely on luck," Coronam said.

"Times have changed," Nitesco said. "We use what is available. Austin, what do you think?"

Austin sighed and shrugged. "I suppose we don't have another choice."

"My, what an uplifting sentiment," Contramundi said.

"Well, it's not like we can't pull it off," Austin said, crossing her arms. "If we can muster enough soldiers, we can definitely topple Jannis."

"That's the spirit!" Coronam said.

Contramundi rubbed his hands together maliciously. "I can't wait to see Jannis's head on a pike," he said. "If only we gutted him and Zissman earlier."

"We cannot change the past," Nitesco said, "but we can change the future." He looked out the window, toward the border with White Rose, and raised his arms dramatically.

"Stay strong, my friends," he said. "This will all be over soon."