The doors to the governor’s mansion blew open, carrying with it the pair of guards barring him entry. Markus strode threw the dust cloud at ease, appearing on the other side in front of Kalim’s court.
“It’ll take more than just myself to win against another summoner.”
Rouya entered the council chambers where her father would hold daily meetings with his ministers to find it bustling with activity.
Ardeshir tossed upright in his bed, panting and quickly gazing around the room. He wondered whether the scream was real or part of the dream he had.
The funeral rites for Justinian and the rest of Rouya’s family were held in public in the atrium of the palace with the gates open. Anyone was free to attend but Rouya knew they all had their own losses to cope with and mourn.
Ardeshir came one step closer to collecting all seven of the Battle Maidens.
“You’ve got talent and the will to become a great empress one day.” Rouya heard her father’s words echoing in her mind.
Ardeshir’s body tensed as he stood outside the chamber along with Ervin and Yazdan. Yazdan had managed to secure a meeting with the Council of Grand Magi and the Arch Mage. He’d only ever been in contact with local level magi and the managers of the regional guilds, the High Mage.
“They’re coming,” Markus shouted as he stormed out of the room and nearly collided with Rouya. “More of Kalim’s soldiers are marching on the castle. We have to escape from here at once.”
