They came to a stop toward the harbor’s end, and Duncan turned and studied his friend’s earnest expression. Seavig’s face, filled with lines, bore the rough, hardened look of the seasons, of this city by the sea and the rough waves and winds that shaped it.

“And now,” Duncan replied, “we have but one choice. What I began, I must finish. Retreat, safety—these are things of the past. Most of Escalon remains occupied. I will not be safe in Volis—nor you in Esephus—any longer. Soon, word shall spread, the vast Pandesian army will assemble. I cannot wait; I must bring the battle to them, before they can prepare. Every city in Escalon must be freed.”

Seavig slowly raised his hands to his hips and studied the water, as the early morning sun lit it a glowing aqua. They stood there and watched the dawn, two hardened warriors enjoying a comfortable silence of victory, two warriors thinking the same way.

“I know I will die one day,” Seavig said. “That does not bother me. I only care to die well.”

Seavig paused, examining the ebb and flow of the tide, lapping against the stone wall.

“I never knew if I would have the strength to die in trying to win back my freedom. You’ve done me a great service, my friend. You have allowed me to remember what matters most in life.”

Seavig reached up and clasped Duncan’s shoulder with his calloused hand.

“I am with you,” he said, his voice solemn. “I and my men are with you. We shall ride by your side, wherever you shall go. Across all of Escalon. Stronghold to stronghold. Until every last one of us is free—even to the gates of death.”

Duncan’s heart warmed at his words, and he slowly smiled back, thrilled to have his old friend by his side.

“Where to next, my friend?” Seavig asked.

Duncan reflected.

“We must chop off the head first,” he replied, “and the body shall follow.”

Seavig looked back questioningly.

“You mean to take the capital,” he then said knowingly.

Duncan nodded.

“And to take Andros,” Duncan replied, “we will need the high ground. And the men who own the heights.”

Seavig’s eyes lit with recognition and excitement.

“Kos?” he asked.

Duncan nodded, knowing his friend understood.

Seavig looked off into the water and shook his head.

“Reaching Kos is no easy thing,” Seavig replied. “The way is spotted with Pandesian garrisons. You will find yourself enmeshed in battle before you even reach the cliffs.”

Duncan studied him, appreciating his insight.

“I am a man of Volis,” Duncan replied. “This is your region, old friend. You know your terrain far better than I. What would you suggest?”

Seavig rubbed his beard as he stared off into the sea, clearly deep in thought.