Chapter 192
What defines a person as mad?
Some might broadly label those with mental instability as such. Others reserve the term for those who act beyond reason’s bounds.
By that measure, Kazhan Tennilath was the perfect madman.
Because he was both.
“Your Majesty, it’s not too late to reconsider.”
Temisian’s voice carried unusual insistence.
“If the faction controlling the Dowager Empress to abduct Her Majesty is the same group that ambushed you during the hunt, then we’re walking straight into a den of imperial hunters. Even with me accompanying you, I’m just one man. Political consequences aside, we should bring at least a squadron of wyvern knights—”
“No time. We’re already late. Silence.”
Kazhan cut him off sharply. He disliked this course too—but it was necessary.
Crossing borders without protocol risked political upheaval. And when the offender was Uzephia’s emperor, infamous as a warmonger? The implications multiplied.
Kazhan knew better than most how neighboring realms would interpret wyvern knights—tactical weapons—breaching their skies. He’d done it before with greater numbers, toppling a capital. The continent would erupt.
Yet beyond diplomacy, Uzephia’s enemies posed graver threats. With only a dozen wyverns escorting him, any determined faction could delay or ambush them.
Worse, if the dark mages detected pursuit and relocated Ysaris…
‘If she keeps wearing the ring, I can track her anywhere. But if they discover its magic—’
Legal channels took too long and announced their route. There were no good options.
So Kazhan chose stealth.
Minimal personnel. A covert crossing. His wyvern would mimic wild monsters, carrying only Duke Blake and one imperial mage for emergencies.
Three men. Including himself.
Temisian’s brow furrowed at the recklessness of storming an enemy stronghold so undermanned.
“Then I’ll have to work thrice as hard.”
“I trust no one else, Duke.”
Kazhan’s gaze never wavered from the horizon. The ring’s tracking spell pointed direction—but spotting Ysaris’ location fell to his eyes alone.
“Had I been the ring’s bearer, this would sit easier.”
“Foolishness. This binds only her and me.”
“A regretful observation. Were I able to activate it, I’d spare Your Majesty this risk by going alone.”
“You fret overmuch. We’ll prevail as ever. Focus on retrieving the Empress.”
Kazhan dismissed Temisian’s concerns. He knew the dangers.
But beside his gnawing dread for Ysaris?
His own peril meant nothing.
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