How did they survive?Yes, Winteror's snows were cruel. But…They had a grandmother — though she lived on the far side of Winteror, in the village of Frostmourn, while our heroes stayed near the border, in a place called Evercold. Reaching her without help was impossible.She sent money when she could, but she could barely make ends meet herself. Once, she had been a great witch, but even her magic couldn't fill empty plates.So they had to steal.The brothers often went hungry, giving all their food to their sisters. But they stuck together.Until one day, the elder brother — Kael — reached conscription age.
Winteror — or, as people often called it, Dreadwater — was a fully militarized kingdom. A homeland of many wars. It often lost, but history remembered only the victories.By law, every boy and man had to join the army by the age of sixteen.
The family gathered to discuss it.
— In a week, I'm leaving for the coastal villages of Veldora, — Kael said bluntly.— What?! And what about us?! — Lilith flared.— Well… Lilith's right, actually, — Sirelia said quietly.— But he's right too. Refusing conscription means death. We're old enough to handle this, — Zenerius added calmly.— But Kael brings us food! He even has a side job! — Lilith shouted.— Then I'll take over his duties. You two take mine, — said Zenerius.— Okay, — Sirelia agreed softly.— Fine. Do what you want, — muttered Lilith, walking out of the house.— So, it's decided, — Kael concluded.— But what about you? What about all of us?— It's simple. War will break out in Veldora this year. I'm sure of it.— And what, you'll just stroll into some capital academy with all your know-it-all attitude? — Kael scoffed.— And before I leave, I'll send the girls to Brungilda. They'll figure things out on their own from there.— But conscription is mandatory during wartime, — Zenerius reminded.— With your talent, the Academy Council or the Mage Tower — wherever you end up — will give you a deferment. Study. Get smarter… We'll see what happens after. I haven't planned that far.— And what about you? — Sirelia suddenly asked, louder than usual.— No point worrying about him, — Zenerius said dryly. — He always finds a way out.— Alright, let's go. I'll show you where I work, — Kael stood up.— Sirelia, go fetch some water with Lilith, — Zenerius said.— And where are we supposed to get it?
While Zenerius explained where the well was, Kael stepped outside — and saw Lilith sitting on a stump, crying.
— Lilith?! What happened? — he rushed to her.— Did someone hurt you?!— No one… — she sobbed.— Then why are you crying?— Because you're going to war! — she shouted. — And all of you talk like you're just going to buy bread in the next town!
Kael chuckled and sat down next to her.— Didn't think you'd be the one to worry. That's more Sirelia's style.— What's that supposed to mean? — she stopped crying.— Just that you don't notice the mess Zenerius and I get ourselves into.— It'll be alright, — he said quietly.— Really? — she asked, unsure.— Really. Promise.
Zenerius and Sirelia came out of the house.
— Got it?— Yes, for the hundredth time! — Sirelia snapped.— Just don't get lost!— We won't! Let's go, sis.— Where are you two going? — Lilith asked in surprise.— You didn't explain? — Zenerius turned to Kael.— Nope.— And what were you doing here then?! Ugh.— Lilith, just go with Sirelia — she'll tell you everything.— And don't forget the buckets! — Kael shouted after them.— Fine… whatever, — Lilith muttered.
The girls left.
— Now let's go! — Kael said cheerfully, hopping off the stump.
They walked to the village outskirts — first to the fisherman's house, then the hunters' lodge.
— So, Zenerius. I've arranged everything. Every morning before school, you'll go fishing. Once a week, the hunters go into the forest — they'll tell you in advance. That's how you'll feed the girls.— Got it, — Zenerius nodded, clearly exhausted.— Great. I'm off — medical check-up, then assembly. You're in charge now. Don't forget to explain the chores to the girls.— Yeah… sure, — he mumbled.
But Zenerius's thoughts were elsewhere. He was still thinking about what Kael had said:"So that's it? He's really leaving? And dumping all this on me? The girls… the house… What if I can't handle it? Well… It's too late now."
Kael ran off for his check-up.Zenerius returned home.Sirelia and Lilith had already brought the water.
And somewhere far away — in the palaces of Winteror — a grand ball had just begun.A ball from which the war would start.For that night, the heir to Veldora's throne was murdered.And across the land, emergency conscription was declared.