Talia came into Kurt's house. He was busy trying to figure out some potion enhancements. He hadn't had the time lately to focus on it. And was hoping that he'll finally get some time.

"So, umm," said Talia, "what are you doing?"

"Well I was hoping to make the translation spell more potent, but I'm not even sure how to test it."

"Well whatever, the shadow clan made a huge move."

"A huge move?"

They had made their way to Kurt's normal meeting room. A map was still on display. Talia had moved some of the markers in a fire way.

"So how did they make this advance?"

"Shadow creatures."

"What?"

"That's what the report says."

Kurt looked at the map, "it doesn't look like there would be many."

"At least two if not three or four."

"So the split between our worlds."

"Basically gone. We need the fires, we don't have enough eyes. And your cover is completely blown, they know you are in Helmsbrig now."

"That was bound to happen," said Kurt.

Kurt looked at the map, "the probably are prepared for a counter attack,"

"Yeah, their locations are meant to account for Helmsbrig, but they have abandoned the port. Instead focusing on this one."

"Once they knew they probably saw the resources would continually be strained. Have you heard from our battalion, it's a little early for a check in but still."

"If the shadow has given up on the port, they are probably positioning wrong. They would be too close to it."

They continued to talk about battle tactics and how the map was working. The war had completely broken out.

Later that day he had gotten a message from the kingdom of Midas.

It was not good news at all though: they had revoked their access to the entire Kingdom. Their relationship was already strained. But apparently they were also great friends with Helmbrig, and others the shadow clan had taken over.

And with the death of their soldier (who was a proven spy) and their other complication with their trip. Midas had decided to side against them.

Midas had specifically mentioned the quick take over of Helmbrig. And how fast and unexpected the attack was and that it represented an unfounded risk for them to allow their travel.

Kurt was surprised they found out so fast. There must have been one of the soldiers here talking to a goblin that was there. He would have to check on that.

Betsy was furious. And vowed to find a way around it. They needed some of their smiths. And where that left the glassblowers already here was anyone's guess.

Kurt had an idea of the map, and it was likely Midas was supplying the shadow clan based on the ports each controlled.

The war was only supposed to be on one continent, not have them drag in the other. And the gods wanted to visit a lot more often, perhaps permanently.

Betsy had explained how the wars were very profitable to Midas. Their iron would fuel it. And Kurt realized he was under thinking about the political implications of what he did.

He was having a meeting with Layla about the whole ordeal.

"Nothing is simple is it."

"I guess not," said Kurt.

"What if they recruit for us?" said Layla.

"What do you mean?"

"The Valentine clan needs more people that can create fires to expose the shadow clan. And those that do should be employed by us."

"That might work," said Kurt. "But Jessica she isn't…"

"Jessica is much better Kurt and Ishtar wants us to succeed"

"I guess it's a compromise, I'm sure there are refugees."

"Exactly. Ishtar is kind to those that recently lost their home, or so I've heard."

Taking in some refugees wouldn't be easy. But it wouldn't be impossible. The question is how many would want to come, and if any would stay. They had plenty of work for people to do. Work that would profit everyone. Their main problem was getting the resources more than finding them still.

"And it's likely once a few of the men see their family is safe they will have the will to fight," said Layla.

"That means staying here with the gate longer than we expected, we still have to sell everything."

"There is sort of an option."

"And what's that?"

"Well I have heard about these wyverns, a larger one should be big enough for you."

"You're saying we just fly over Hamlet place to place. I don't think they are going to like that and Midas is already mad at us."

"But it will be much faster," said Layla. "We can always land somewhat away."

"People will see."

"Yes they will, and they will eventually see them anyway."

"We might have to hand a few over to them," said Kurt.

"That's doable isn't it," said Layla, "they can even come with us. It's better than coming to the table with nothing."

"Paul's well at least will be known about," said Kurt.

"I suppose that's true as well."

"So we have to get as many as we can."

"I'm sure the goblins never had any other thought."

"We should send someone to Hamlet too."

"Yes, but who? I'd assume you'd be going to get the wyverns, and Sara would be helping us with getting ready for refugees."

"Maybe we have Arthur do that and send Sara and if Mary goes she can come back immediately."

"That might work," said Layla. "We will have to talk to their guards here."

"That will be a fun conversation, sounds like something you should do."

"Okay," said Layla.

"We couldn't even do one trip around without everything screwing up. I thought we were clear sailing."

"The worst thing is we are more involved with the other continent. And that would basically cut their entire supply, so they will have to figure something out. We are going to get dragged into the war eventually."

Things were going to start getting interesting.

"So I think we should prioritize the wyvern den, having them should make all our other problems easier."

"I agree, if we can gain their advantage we have a lot of options on both continents, and perhaps here on Terra as well."

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