It was the Fourteenth of Rose. Enfri rode Spider with Jin on her left and Ban on her right. They crested a hill approaching Leyr Ishan, the large lake at the heart of Nadia.

The Dragon's Roost Mountains to the west and the Nadian Ridge to the east defined the kingdom's natural boundaries. From the hilltop, Enfri could see expansive farmlands in the distance ahead. A herd of megarachs, seemingly the size of garden spiders from this far away, ambled through their pasture. Enfri even caught sight of far-off villages, nestled between hillsides where they'd be sheltered from the strong winds that often swept through the valley. Looming over them all like a watchful god of black stone, the Mountain City of Drok Moran came into sight.

Built into the side of one of the Dragon's Roost Mountains, Drok Moran was far more impressive than Enfri had imagined it to be. It's towers ran up the slope from the base to near the peak. The city's walls were massive. They leaned outward, further out near the top than at the bottom. From this distance, the walls appeared to be hewn from the stone, jagged and uneven. Drok Moran felt ancient, somehow giving the impression that it was older than the mountain itself and the stone had risen around its walls rather than the other way around. A forbidding city, primeval and intimidating.

"It's bigger than it looks," Ban said. He sat astride Arnln, who was covered in heavy steel barding.

"How do you mean?" Enfri asked. "It seems plenty big from here, and it's still a day's ride off."

"The undercity," Jin clarified. "The subterranean districts are twice as large as what is above the surface."

"They say only a handful of people in history managed scaling the walls," Ban said. "During the rebellion, the Nadians resisted Althandor's siege for eighty-two days. They fought off attack after attack right up until the end."

Enfri felt a curiously out-of-place emotion well up inside her. It came as a surprise when she identified it. It was pride. "My father climbed those walls," she said.

"Indeed," Jin said. "Though looking at them now, I wonder how he managed it without Deebee's aid."

"That's where my father comes in," Ban said. "House Karst provided the Merovech's strike team with alchemical gloves made from megarach silk. Adhesion spells got them to the top, but waves, Enfri, your father must have been something else to take the gatehouse with just a couple squads.

"I've been told by a lot of people he was a hero," Enfri said. "I wish I could have known him."

"Waves and tides, me too." Ban shook his head in disbelief. "And he was just barely eighteen during the siege?"

"I've met younger men who've become kings," Enfri reminded him.

"Still, makes me wonder what I've been doing with my life," Ban muttered.

Jin sniffed. "I can recall a few anecdotes of how you occupied yourself at that age."

"Try not to share them," Ban grumbled. "The less the empress knows about my escapades, the better. For some reason, she seems to like me."

Jin gave Enfri a look of vague disapproval. "Yes. At times, one must question her judgement."

Enfri felt her cheeks get warm. When she'd told Jin of her encounter with Maya and what came of it, there'd been a less than positive reaction.

"Go easy on her," Ban said. "Even you have to admit your sister's offering a lot in exchange for very little."

"That 'very little' will mean bearing arms against the Highest King," Jin said.

"It won't come to that, my light," Enfri said hurriedly. "Your uncle is the enemy, not your father. I don't think Maya wants to harm him."

Jin looked away. "I am not so certain. Maya is correct about one thing, at least. My father is no longer fit to rule the Five Kingdoms."

"Then what's the problem?" Ban asked, his tone serious. He seemed as concerned for Jin as Enfri was.

Enfri pulled the reins so that Spider walked a little closer to Scorpion's side. She reached out and placed her hand on Jin's wrist. "Whatever happens, my light, I'll be here for you."

After a moment's hesitation, Jin put a hand on top of Enfri's. "Suffice it to say, my own feelings on all this are... confused. One thing I am not unclear on is that there is nowhere I would rather be than at your side."

Enfri felt a hopeful smile coming on.

"But I must wonder at these terms you've agreed to. Even if Maya promised to hand you the sun in a wineglass, what assurances do you have that she will honor your accord? Once she receives all she desires, what stops her from going back on it?"

"Maya never struck me as two-faced," Ban offered. "Volatile, sure, but honest. She's the sort to say what she means and keep her word."

Jin grimaced. "Because she often promises volatility before anything else. I would have an answer, my heart. What makes you believe she intends a lasting alliance?"

Enfri nearly choked. "Well... err... there was one thing she said."

Jin raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

Looking over at the two of them, Ban got a wide-eyed look of understanding. Blustering hydromancer. He'd best not spoil things. Fortunate for Ban's ambitions to remain unswatted, he held his tongue.

"We can go over it soon enough," Enfri said. She let go of Jin and put a safe distance between them. "Unless everyone's forgotten, there's the small matter of that." She nodded towards the wide field ahead.

Several thousand soldiers stood at the ready in battle formations. Regimented, organized, and silent. Most were dark-skinned and tall, armored in steel plate and chainmail. They held spears perfectly straight, each one of them a professional warrior. The Melcians had brought artillery engines, steam-powered ballistae and mangonels. There were hundreds of armored horsemen, lines of archers fifteen men deep, and arcanists in high-crested helms placing wards.

Ban gave a low whistle. "I remember once joining my father and Rodrik on an inspection tour of Melcia's legions. They look a lot different from this side of the battlefield, don't they?"

"They certainly do," Jin agreed.

Pacifica's attempt to speak with King Fen had been turned away before she passed the gate. Outriders reported Melcians and Nadians keeping close watch over every known pass through the mountains and likely several more they never knew of. The truth was undeniable. There was no way through to the north. None, but through the Crescent Legion.

"Look up there," Ban said, nodding skyward.

Enfri shielded her eyes with a hand. High overhead she saw a dark shape within the sparse clouds. It moved too slowly to be a dragon, though it was every bit as large. "Is it an airship?"

Ban grunted. "That's how they always kept one step ahead each time we tried to get around them. Fen's got the Sky Corps keeping an eye on us. My holdings against a walnut, they've got a witch onboard giving sendings about everything up to what we ate for breakfast. Scrying wards don't do much good against a sharp eye with a spyglass."

"We know just as much about their forces," Jin said. "The Wanderer's aerial reconnaissance has been peerless, and few are prepared to defend against spies that can become mice and sparrows."

"Seven thousand soldiers," Enfri said. "One and a half thousand cavalry."

Ban glanced at her sidelong. "Aye, we're outnumbered five to one. Levies have been coming down from Melcia for the last two weeks, and Fen's sent his own troops to join them. Lucky for us, we have the better arcanists. That makes all the difference."

"True," Jin agreed, "but we cannot count out theirs. Adeyemi is a hierarch and the most powerful witch alive. What's more, Uwe confirms his children have joined him."

"Which means either Omolade or Nkeoma could drop an army of fey on our heads. Floundering spirit callers don't make this simpler."

"It is unlikely either will shoulder the burden that would require," Jin said. "The cost of spirit calling is too great."

"What is the cost?" Enfri asked.

"Waves, no one ever told you?" Ban asked, surprised. "Creating a new race of fey requires a sacrifice. Nothing short of offering up a powerful bloodsong will do it, and I seriously doubt Adeyemi's about to surrender his."

"There is another way," Jin said quietly.

"Well, yes," Ban agreed, "but that's even less likely. Isn't it?"

Jin frowned. "If there is no other option."

"Their life," Enfri ventured. "That's what you mean? They could give up their own life to use the elder magic?"

Ban nodded. "Try as I might, I don't see Nkeoma killing herself for this little war of theirs."

"And Omolade?" Enfri asked nervously.

Ban chewed his lip as he scanned the ranks of Melcian soldiers.

"Crown Princess Omolade does what is needed," Jin said. "However, she is also her father's heir. For a woman to inherit the title of her house over her brother, Adeyemi must value her greatly. I doubt he would allow Omolade to ransom her life for the elder magic, even to destroy the Dragon Empress."

Enfri held a hand over her heart and felt how it raced. She'd known since her last encounter with Adeyemi that this could happen, but that had always been "one day". Now today was that one day, and the Dragon Empress would have to make good on the promises she'd made.

"Best to get it over with," Ban growled. He raised a hand to signal the armsmen coming up behind them, an honor guard of twenty-five of House Yora's sturdiest soldiers. "You have to love these little formalities of war. Nothing quite like getting sneered at before pulling steel."

"What's the point?" Enfri asked. She tapped her heels against Spider's flank to start him down the hill. "If Adeyemi is as set on a fight as you two say he is, why bother meeting with us beforehand?"

"He will try to convince you to surrender," Jin explained, keeping pace with Enfri. "As great as his advantage is, he knows he cannot defeat us without taking losses. Adeyemi will likely offer terms."

"Which you can't trust," Ban added. "I'd never have called the Melcians a bunch of liars two months ago, but they set a poor precedent in Ecclesia. Right now, I wouldn't believe Adeyemi if he said the sky was blue."

"Regrettable, but accurate," Jin said. "I fear this battle is inevitable, no matter how you might wish otherwise, my heart."

Enfri hung her head as she rode on. She couldn't bring herself to raise her eyes to look at the army they approached, or to the four riders and twenty-five soldiers that were coming to meet them halfway.

"It is imperative you not allow Adeyemi to learn of your fealty to Maya," Jin continued. "As it stands, Maya has enough to answer for with the altercation at House Siobhan's estate. If my father learns she is treating with you without his knowledge, her goals will become all but impossible."

"I'll keep my mouth shut about it," Enfri promised. "I take it this means we won't get any help from your sister if a fight breaks out."

Jin shook her head. "She now has a vested interest in your victory, but she cannot risk exposing her plans. Strange as it is to say, Maya has put her faith in you."

Enfri made a wry face.

As the two groups came closer to one another, Ban cursed softly. "Looks like the family's all here."

They slowed to a halt. King Adeyemi wore a simple chain shirt over a silk tunic. A skirt of hardened leather guarded his waist and thighs. He reigned in his horse, a roan stallion, ten paces from them. Adeyemi was flanked by Princess Omolade and Prince Zoputan, both armed and in full plate armor, their dreadlocked hair woven with sapphires and emeralds. Nkeoma rode next to Omolade, and she wore a pale green dress with a skirt divided for riding.

Adeyemi still had the insincere smile that Enfri remembered from the feast. He stroked the tuft of graying hairs on his chin as he regarded her. "A fine day, imé. Mayhaps you've come to enjoy warmer climes after your visit to the south?"

He mocks you, Shoen whispered. This word he calls you is for little girls who play with dolls. Be strong. Show this fool you are no child to be patronized.

Quiet, you. I already decided how I'm going to do this.

Shoen sighed in resignation.

"Are you saying you've come to show me the sights, Your Eminence?" Enfri asked. "I would love to accept your hospitality, but the escort you've brought seems rather large for a picnic."

"Yours as well," Adeyemi laughed. "Though nay a quarter of what stands behind me."

"The empress' escorts have big appetites," Ban said. He gestured towards the Melcian army. "Luckily, it looks like you've brought along just enough to satisfy them."

Adeyemi's smile faltered. His eyes darted to Spider, then to the other two horses in their party, probably wondering if any of them were polymorphed dragons. "I have nay forgotten your... pets, imé."

"Majesty," Jin said, narrowing her eyes.

Adeyemi turned wordlessly to look at her.

Jin didn't back down from his stare in the slightest. "You will address her as 'Your Majesty'. She has afforded you the respect you are due. Has your house truly become so dishonorable that you cannot do the same?"

Adeyemi sighed. "It pains me to see that you have nay come to your senses, little viper. I remember still the times I bounced you on mine knee and hold them dear."

"I as well, Eminence," Jin replied. "I regret that the man I once held in such high esteem has made himself my enemy."

"How dare you?" Omolade hissed. Her white horse danced anxiously beneath her as the point of her lance dropped several inches. "You nay hold the moral high ground, Jin. You betray your house and your father king, yet you have the audacity to say it is we who are without honor."

Jin met Omolade's ire with a passionless stare. "It is not in my nature to ascribe honor to liars."

Omolade clenched her jaw.

"You must nay think less of mine heir for what transpired in Ecclesia," Adeyemi said. "Omolade acted as directed by her father and her king."

"I do not blame Omolade," Jin said flatly.

"Enough," Zoputan broke in. He gave his father and sister hard looks. "We are nay here to trade barbs and make fools of ourselves."

Enfri watched the prince closely. She couldn't tell if he was putting a stop to the griping out of a desire to avoid or to hasten a battle. Perhaps she could hope for the best out of him; Ban once told her that Zoputan was a fine man.

She cleared her throat. "No. We came here to reach an understanding and avoid this foolishness."

Zoputan looked her way and gave a nod. "It is so. We nay wish to spill blood in the honored King Fen's domain, nor are we eager to swing the hammer of our legions upon a young house."

"Especially when this anvil will bite back," Ban growled.

Enfri put her hand on Ban's arm to calm him. She kept her eyes on Adeyemi. "I'm not interested in rattling sabers at each other. We both know a war could start here, and we both know it'll be a costly one to both sides. There's no point in denying it. The mighty are powerful, but they aren't invulnerable. Your army is one of the best in the world, but it isn't invincible."

Adeyemi scoffed. "The girl thinks she has a chance."

Enfri drew in a breath before letting it go. "I do, and no amount of posturing will convince me that you don't think so, too."

"And now you speak with authority on mine state of mind," Adeyemi snapped. "My son speaks true. We nay came to bandy words with the blood of slavers and fiends. We bring you the terms of mine brother king and your liege."

"I will hear them," Enfri said, "but first you will hear mine."

"So be it," Adeyemi said, amused. "Tell us of your demands."

Enfri struggled to keep a twist out of her lip as she spoke. "You will not bar my passage to the north. My army will be granted safe conduct through Nadia and Althandor on our road to Melcia."

"Melcia?" Nkeoma gasped. She guided her mount closer to her father's side. "It is a deception. A weak one, at that. She expects us to allow dragons inside our borders so she may pillage our holdings."

"Dragons are already inside your borders," Enfri said. "That's why we're here. I raised this army to pursue and apprehend the renegade calling herself Elise Alinwe, whom you know as Elise of Eastrun."

Omolade leaned to speak to her father. "The Aleesh mage slayer and seditionist."

"I know this name well," Adeyemi said. "The name of a dead woman."

"She lives," Enfri said.

"You have evidence of this?"

"She's my father's elder sister," Enfri said. "She claims to be the Dragon Empress and has already stolen one dragon from me. We've since learned she has deceived and coerced many others into her service. It was Elise who attacked the Spired City and destroyed the Sanguine Tower."

Adeyemi shook his head. "You create a ghost to blame your crimes upon. I know of but one Aleesh with the mighty at her command, and she stands before me."

Enfri expected that response, but it didn't stop her from getting frustrated by it. "We first encountered her three weeks ago when she tried to take Jin's life on the orders of Prince Vintus Algara."

"Absurd," Zoputan said. "An assassin employing an Aleesh?"

"Do you remember what we talked about in Ecclesia, Prince?" Ban asked him. "The rumors you spoke of, they've been getting worse. Haven't they?"

Zoputan's hands twitched on his reins, his bearing anxious. He gave a curt nod.

"The real enemy is starting to move openly," Ban said. "It's because we're coming closer to the point where there'll be nothing we can do to stop them. The doom is coming, Zoputan, and Elise is a part of the old masters' plan. Look around you. This is what they want. Altier Nashal has already fallen, and that leaves Melcia and Shan Alee as two of the greatest threats to their goals. They want us to fight each other when we should be fighting them."

Zoputan looked to Adeyemi, his expression uncertain.

"More ghosts," Adeyemi declared. "They know of your fears, son, and they prey upon them. This is the first and greatest tool of would-be tyrants."

"Not at all hypocritical," Ban mumbled under his breath.

Enfri spoke over Ban in the hopes that no one would hear his comment. "If you wish to accompany us on our hunt for Elise, we will of course have no objection. I'm more than willing to hear out any reasonable concessions you ask of us. Please, Eminence, I've told you the truth from the very start. I have never lied to you. I do not wish to be your enemy."

"I have heard your terms," Adeyemi said. The Warrior King's smile was gone. He looked at Enfri as if she were a puzzle he was near to solving. When he spoke, his voice had lowered an octave to a dangerous tone. "Now, you will hear mine. This force will disband and return to Altier Nashal. Your dragons will leave the Five Kingdoms, never to return. Princess Jin Algara will surrender herself into our custody where she will be conducted to her father king. Lord Bannlyth the Karst will remain in Drok Moran until a tribunal may be arranged to determine his part in the death of mine friend, Crown Prince Dashar, and the treason of House Karst. You yourself, Your Majesty, will agree to undergo a rite with my preserver, Brother Ebiundu, surrendering your ether and becoming a daanman. Your bloodsong will be taken as recompense for the destruction of the Sanguine Tower, then you will be delivered to the Highest Court to face your trial and judgement."

"Judgement for what charges?" Ban demanded. "Enfri's followed the Highest King's laws to the letter since claiming her title. What crime do you charge her with?

"Existing," Omolade said.

Ban and Jin both reached for their swords. House Yora and House Akazewi armsmen prepared themselves for violence to break out.

"Calm down," Enfri called out to her party. She waited for every one of them to take their hands off their weapons before she turned back to Adeyemi. It took a lot of effort while her heart pounded like a drum, but she managed to keep her voice calm. "You have no intention of carrying out those terms, do you, Eminence?"

Adeyemi narrowed his eyes.

"Chain Jin like a criminal? Accuse Ban of crimes you know he didnt do? No, you won't do these things. You have more honor than you think we give you credit for."

Omolade frowned. "You are wrong."

Ban and Enfri exchanged a look, and she silently warned him not to make some blustering crack about how the princess' statement could be taken. "Your Eminence, you don't want to be my enemy anymore than I want to be yours."

"Twice now," Adeyemi said while leveling a finger at her, "you have claimed to know mine thoughts. A foolish mistake."

"I think you'll find I know you better than you believe," Enfri said. "I know who you are, Adeyemi the Akazewi. You aren't the Warrior King."

The Melcians stirred. Their brows furrowed and each seemed unable to decide if they were confused or insulted by Enfri's statement.

"What's your game?" Ban whispered to her. "You saying he's been replaced by a skindancer? A doppler imposter?"

"Nothing like that." Enfri tapped her heels against Spider to walk forward. She came alongside Adeyemi's horse and looked him in the eye. Omolade tensed, but a slight gesture from her father held her in check.

Shoen growled in warning. Child, you play a dangerous gambit.

I'm right, Enfri thought. You know I am.

It was difficult, among the hardest things she'd ever done. Enfri reached out and placed her hand on Adeyemi's wrist. For a moment, she thought he'd snatch his hand away from her, but something made him stay where he was. Her eyes burned with the need to blink, but she didn't dare. Enfri met his stare without flinching.

"The crown makes one faceless," she said quietly. "You play the part you've been given. You let the other kingdoms resent you for the things you've done in your brother king's name. Your goodfolk, your peers, and history itself will forever know you as the ruthless enforcer of the Highest King's laws. That is the ransom you've paid for the good of Melcia. But who you are, who you love, the ideas you cherish, and the quiet places you go on troubling nights, no one will ever know. The world will never know of Adeyemi, the Stargazing King."

He swallowed. His eyes darted around before resting on her again. "I applaud that you speak boldly, but what is in my heart nay matters so much as my duty."

"I don't expect to change your mind," Enfri said. "I'm hoping you'll believe in me enough to hear us out and decide for yourself."

Adeyemi leaned closer, his eyes boring into her. "And should I decide you are false?"

"Then we can beat each other bloody as if that can prove who's right." She sat straight in her saddle. "Take us to Melcia. Help us find Elise and rescue everyone she has under her boot. Along the way, we'll tell you everything we know about this demon business. If it could convince me, it'll convince you."

Adeyemi looked to each of his children in turn. "Let us say I choose to believe you. What will become of Elise?"

Enfri's lips drew into a line. Despite everything, she couldn't bring herself to hate her aunt. Elise was still the last remaining family Enfri had. Even so, the terrible things she did needed to be answered for. "I have mage slayers of my own. They will unlock the bonds Elise has forged. After that... I am open to allowing you to decide her fate."

"Her life in exchange for yours," Adeyemi said, putting it bluntly. "It would only be a brief reprieve for your house. You must know by now that King Cathis will nay abide Shan Alee to exist in any form."

"Cathis sees me as an enemy," Enfri agreed. "But, he sees you as his friend. After I convince you of my intentions, maybe a friend and an enemy both telling him the same thing will persuade him to calm down." Enfri smiled. "Failing that, I could always dose him with nettle broth. That tends to take the cranky out of my patients."

The amused quirk on Adeyemi's lips was unmistakable. "Zoputan."

The prince came forward. "Yes, Your Eminence."

Adeyemi leaned back in his saddle as he looked Enfri up and down. "Inform your soldiers that there will nay be a battle today." He raised a finger before Enfri could sag with relief. "Tomorrow, mayhaps. Her Majesty has given me things to consider, and I would confer with my brother kings by sending. She may rest easy knowing that I am... inclined... to argue that her claims be investigated further."

What do you say to that? Enfri asked the spooks.

There were a number of discontented murmurings, and Shoen answered for the others. You can only avoid a confrontation so long, girl. Soon enough, there will be a man who will not be swayed by your fluttering eyelashes. Not that it is of any consequence.

Enfri would have gasped at the dismissive insult if not for all the people watching her. She settled for pushing Shoen and the others away from her thoughts. If she could, she'd have tossed them out of her head on their backsides.

"We will reconvene," Adeyemi said. "Tomorrow, at midday. I have little doubt Cathis will press for your destruction, and I must obey my sovereign. However, a king is afforded his prerogative."

Enfri nodded and guided Spider to her own group. She spoke over her shoulder. "You won't regret this, Eminence."

Adeyemi's smile returned, and if Enfri wasn't mistaken, it reached his eyes this time. "I hope you are correct and this is the beginning of something grand. One day, mayhaps Shan Alee and Melcia will reach the stars together."

As she came back to Ban and Jin, Enfri was smiling. Her pleased grin widened even further as she saw their shocked faces staring back at her.

"Waves and tides, Enfri," Ban breathed.

Jin was all but beaming with pride. "Pacifica's diplomacy lessons are paying off?"

"Winds, I hope so," Enfri said, expelling her anxiety in a single, heavy sigh. "I don't think I've ever been so nervous, not even when Sasha and I were fighting the First Legion outside the cathedral."

"Waves and tides, Enfri."

Jin raised an amused eyebrow. "Yes, you've said that once already."

"I know, it just needed restating." He looked around Enfri towards the Melcians.

Adeyemi was speaking closely with his children while their honor guard prepared to return to their battle lines. The younger Akazewis did appear to be relieved. Enfri watched as they turned their horses and prepared to move out. As she did, Shoen began to laugh, and a sensation like a plucked harp string rang inside her mind.

Witness true power, girl.

Far past Adeyemi and his children, within the Melcian formation, an explosion of spellfire ripped through the Crescent Legion.

Enfri flinched at the sudden brightness and staggered beneath the pressure of apotheosis. A powerful blast of heat and wind washed over her, stealing her breath away. Instinctively, she knew worse was coming. From out of one of the concealed pockets within her sleeve, a potion vial dropped into her hand. She uncorked and drank it quickly just as a second and larger blast of heat fell over her. The fire ward kept her safe.

She cried out Jin's name, desperately searching her out as she fought to stay on top of Spider. Her horse was fortunate; she could feel the magic of her fire ward pass through their shared imprint to shield him as well. Ban and Jin were unharmed, and Jin's expertise with wards proved enough to guard their armsmen as well.

Others weren't so lucky. The heat wasn't quite intense enough to kill, but it must have been painful. Several among the Akazewi honor guard were on the ground and writhing. Their agonized screams tore at Enfri's ears.

"What is happening?" Jin panted. A trickle of blood ran from her nose. She was unsteady from the exertion of guarding so many with her ward.

Enfri didn't know. One moment, everything was calm and then a moment later it was chaos. She looked towards the Melcian lines and saw a massive black pillar of smoke rising above the hills. Bodies lay scattered and burning all around the blast site. In the air above the Crescent Legion, a dark shape appeared through the smoke.

"Winds save us," Enfri whispered. "No. Please, no."

Kimpo broke through the black clouds of soot and ash. She roared, spewing dragon fire upon the Melcian soldiers. She was followed by more of the mighty.

So many more.

"Treacherous snake!"

The enraged shout stole Enfri's attention from Kimpo's assault. With wide and terrified eyes, she watched as Adeyemi leveled an accusing finger at her.

"You are a better liar than I gave you credit for," Adeyemi bellowed across the short distance that separated them. "You spin pretty words and fill them with venom, led me to lower mine guard as you slide the knife into mine back."

Enfri shook her head in denial. She tried to form the words on her tongue. "It wasn't us," she said weakly. "It's Elise."

"I will nay abide your lies, creature!" Adeyemi roared. His eyes were all but bulging, his nostrils flared, and his sword was in hand. "Zoputan, sound the assault! Ten thousand gold marks to the man who brings me that Aleesh's head!"

"Jin, go!" Ban shouted. He rode between Enfri and the Melcians. "Protect the empress!"

"We stopped it," Enfri murmured to herself. "There wasn't going to be... This wasn't supposed to happen!"

Jin took Spider's reins from Enfri and spurred Scorpion into a gallop. Enfri pitched forward and clung to Spider's mane as he bolted to follow. She was vaguely aware of her armsmen running behind her and the sound of Adeyemi's incantations as he hurled spells after them. His witchery struck against Jin's wards, each blow causing her to stagger as her ether drained away.

"He's so strong," Jin gasped.

Battle cries filled the air. Enfri looked up to see her army pouring over the hillside, marching in formation. Dragons rose into the sky with their crews and Arcane Knights.

"No," Enfri cried. "My light, we have to stop them!"

"It is too late. It's begun."

Jin led her by the reins towards the nearest battalion of friendly soldiers. They were a long way off, and it would take precious minutes to reach them.

"Where's Ban?" Enfri asked in a panic. She couldn't see him anywhere.

"Buying us time."

One broken sword against all of House Akazewi? It was hopeless. She had to go back for him. Her efforts to get Spider to turn around were thwarted by Jin. Before she could voice a more convincing protest, Jin pulled up short. Scorpion and Spider both reared up, and it was all Enfri could do to stay in the saddle. The ground beneath her shook as Kimpo slammed into the ground in front of them.

"Makin' alliances, my sweet Enfri? Well, I can't be lettin' you do that without my permission, can I?"

Once Spider settled, Enfri looked up to face her aunt. Elise stood at the base of Kimpo's neck, holding herself steady with one hand. An arrogant, mocking grin was on her lips. Her golden hair blew in the wind, and she was adorned with fine chains of silver. Elise's raiment of gold silk left nearly all of her body bare.

"One chance, my niece," Elise shouted down to her. "Submit to me, and I will destroy your enemies. You can still be my apprentice and my heir. Together, we can rule the Continent!"

Behold the splendor of a true Dragon Empress, Shoen crowed in triumph. This is who you will bow to. This is who will teach you when we could not. Submit to Elise Alinwe First Summit and perhaps you may yet be of use to the true Shan Alee.

Enfri shook her head in denial. How long had Elise been close enough to strike? Had she watched from nearby as Enfri scurried about, desperate to find a way through? And now, when at last Enfri had the barest glimmer of hope, Elise took it away as if casually kicking the crutch out from underneath a crippled old woman.

"Why?" Enfri demanded. "Why are you doing this? I was about to save our people!"

Elise scoffed. "As if you could. The truth is, little one, you have somethin' I want very much. My Huntress confirmed you brought it with you when you left Ecclesia."

"Deebee," Enfri said in horror. "You want Deebee!"

Elise smiled. "An empress deserves a dragon worthy of her. Enough talk, girl. Give me yourself and every dragon you command, and I'll be merciful to this Althandi harlot you enjoy."

What are you waiting for? Shoen roared. He and the others attacked her mind as they did before, a hundred voices assaulting her all at once.

You will find no better offer. Elise is the true empress. You are only a pretender. Usurper. Be honored to receive this chance. She is the instrument of our vengeance. You can be as well. Lead our people from obscurity. Save them. Stay strong, Enfri. Destroy all who oppose us. The daan and the demons will flee before you. Is that not a worthy goal? Shan Alee will rise again. Shan Alee reborn. In time, you may learn to be as great as she is.

Jin turned to Enfri. She looked frightened, something Enfri almost never saw from her. "My heart..."

Elise clucked her tongue. "Listen to our honored grandfather, girl. He and the others tell me you are capable and could be a worthy successor given time. Don't disappoint us."

"Never," Enfri said through bared teeth. She weathered the voices, endured their hateful words. "I will never bow to you!"

The fear left Jin's eyes.

"How sad," Elise sighed. "Huntress, burn her lover to ash. My niece has an appointment with my First Knight."

Kimpo reared back on her hind legs. Flames began to lick out from between her fangs.

Jin took Enfri's hand. "I am close to ethershock. You must unlock your fire ward, but keep it held in place."

Enfri didn't understand, but she obeyed. As soon as she unraveled the ties locking the spell in place, Enfri willed her own ether to maintain the ward. Once she did, she felt the threads of her spell shift. It was as if something else, something new, wove around them and became as one. She recognized the touch of Jin's ether on her own.

"We will unison link, my heart. Together, we are invincible."