"Such as the fact that the Seven Sins want to use me as a vessel for their daemon lord," Jaenor said bluntly.
"Operating independently gives me flexibility to respond to that threat in ways that official command structures wouldn’t allow. And, such as the political complications of an Arkwright working directly with the Covens, some factions’d see that as a betrayal of my bloodline’s independence."
Morgana nodded slowly, seeing where he was going.
"We’ll help," she said, stepping forward to stand beside Jaenor.
"We were already planning to engage the northern demon legions. We recognize the threat they represent. But we act as independent allies, not subordinates."
She looked at Wendelina directly.
"Jaenor and the chosen ones will fight alongside Coven forces and will coordinate our actions with yours, but we maintain our own authority and decision-making. No command hierarchy, no obligation to follow orders that conflict with our judgment.
A partnership between equals."
Wendelina’s expression tightened; this wasn’t the clean subordination she’d probably hoped for. But she was pragmatic enough to recognize when she lacked leverage to demand more.
"Acceptable," she said after a moment’s consideration.
"Independent allies who coordinate with us. I can work with that. As long as you’re actually fighting rather than positioning for political advantage."
"We’ll fight," Jaenor confirmed.
"But on our terms, with our methods. And if the situation changes, if the Seven Sins make direct moves against me, or if other priorities emerge, we reserve the right to shift our focus accordingly."
"Understood," Wendelina said. Though clearly it pained her to give up that much control.
"When can you mobilize? How quickly can you reach the northern breach?"
Jaenor looked at his companions, seeing determination reflected in their faces.
"We can leave within hours. Ba’narussa can carry us north faster than any conventional transport. Give us the exact location, current intelligence on demon positions, and any magical recognition signals your forces use to avoid friendly fire incidents."
Relief flooded Wendelina’s features.
"I’ll provide everything immediately. Maps, intelligence reports, communication protocols—all of it."
She hesitated, then added, "Thank you. I know this doesn’t erase what happened at Ki’thara village. Doesn’t fully repair the damage between us. But it’s a start."
"It is," Jaenor agreed.
"And maybe when this is over, when the immediate crisis passes, we can discuss longer-term arrangements. How the Arkwright bloodline fits into the realm’s power structures, how we navigate the complications of my merged energy, all of it. But that’s for later."
"Agreed," Wendelina said. She began pulling out documents and maps, spreading them across the table for Jaenor and Morgana to review.
The conversation shifted to practical details—troop positions, supply routes, demon capabilities, and coordination protocols. Synnove and Inga contributed their own observations, painting a clearer picture of what they’d be facing.
After perhaps an hour of planning, Wendelina and her companions prepared to depart. She paused at the door, looking back at Jaenor.
"I meant what I said earlier. You’ll be treated as a war hero if, when, we prevail. The Arkwright name will be restored. That’s not conditional on you following my orders or submitting to Coven authority. You’ve earned that through capability and willingness to act when needed."
Jaenor just nodded.
"Though I’m not doing this for recognition. I’m doing it because it’s necessary."
Wendelina smiled slightly, the first genuine smile he’d seen from her.
"Which is exactly why you deserve the recognition. True heroes rarely seek glory; they simply do what must be done."
With that, she departed, her companions following.
Guards escorted them back to the gate, and within minutes, they’d vanished—probably through origin energy portals that would return them to the Silver Spire.
The hall was quiet after they left.
Jaenor’s companions slowly relaxed from the heightened alertness they’d maintained throughout the meeting.
Finally, Rena spoke.
"Well. That was unexpected."
"Understatement," Taeryn muttered.
Morgana moved to stand beside Jaenor, looking at the maps and documents Wendelina had left.
"Are you certain about this? Fighting alongside the Covens after everything that’s happened?"
"Not entirely," Jaenor admitted.
"But she’s right about one thing: the demons are the immediate threat. Personal conflicts can wait until civilian populations aren’t being slaughtered."
He looked at the map, at the markings showing demon positions and devastated territories.
"And there’s another factor. The Seven Sins want me as a vessel for their lord. Sitting here in Drakenten, I’m a target they’ll eventually come for. But fighting in the north, moving constantly, engaging their forces—that makes me harder to pin down. Harder to capture."
"Aggressive defense," Darian said, understanding the strategy.
"Stay mobile, strike where they’re weak, and never give them the chance to coordinate an assault on a fixed position."
"Exactly," Jaenor confirmed.
"We were already planning to move north. This just gives us better intelligence and the assurance that the Covens won’t stab us in the back while we’re fighting their battles."
Morgana studied him carefully.
"You’ve grown. The boy who left the village wouldn’t have navigated that conversation so well. Wouldn’t have seen the angles, the political implications, or the strategic value of independence."
"I’ve had good teachers," Jaenor said, looking at her and then at the others.
"And good reasons to learn quickly."
Emmanuelle cleared her throat, drawing attention.
"If you’re leaving within hours, we need to make preparations. Supplies, equipment, and proper clothing for northern climates. I’ll have the staff begin assembling what you need."
"And I’ll coordinate with the vassal houses," she added.
Right after Emma left, Rena said, "Wait, Mother Supreme mentioned the western regions, so what about our village?"
All of them have completely forgotten about the village that lies in the northwestern regions of the realm. Though it was far beyond the mountains, it did lie in the space between the realm and the demons.
Jaenor looked at her. "Well, now that you mention it, I wonder how the village is doing."
Baren cleared his throat. "Don’t assume anything, and why don’t we first go to the village and leave for the north after checking on our families?"
There was a genuine happiness in Baren’s face. Maybe he could see his wife.
"All right, we will do just that."