hero, traitor, daughter · 1/6/2019 · hero, traitor, daughter (book #6) ruler, rival, exile...

HERO,TRAITOR,DAUGHTER

(OFCROWNSANDGLORY--BOOK6)

MORGANRICE

MorganRice

MorganRiceisthe#1bestsellingandUSATodaybestsellingauthoroftheepicfantasyseriesTHESORCERER’SRING,comprisingseventeenbooks;ofthe#1bestsellingseriesTHEVAMPIREJOURNALS,comprisingtwelvebooks;ofthe#1bestsellingseriesTHESURVIVALTRILOGY,apost-apocalypticthrillercomprisingthreebooks;oftheepicfantasyseriesKINGSANDSORCERERS,comprisingsixbooks;andofthenewepicfantasyseriesOFCROWNSANDGLORY.Morgan’sbooksareavailableinaudioandprinteditions,andtranslationsareavailableinover25languages.

TURNED(Book#1intheVampireJournals),ARENA1(Book#1oftheSurvivalTrilogy),AQUESTOFHEROES(Book#1intheSorcerer’sRing)andRISEOFTHEDRAGONS(KingsandSorcerers—Book#1)areeachavailableasafreedownloadonAmazon!

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“IfyouthoughtthattherewasnoreasonleftforlivingaftertheendofTHESORCERER’SRINGseries,youwerewrong.InRISEOFTHEDRAGONSMorganRicehascomeupwithwhatpromisestobeanotherbrilliantseries,immersingusinafantasyoftrollsanddragons,ofvalor,honor,courage,magicandfaithinyourdestiny.Morganhasmanagedagaintoproduceastrongsetofcharactersthatmakeuscheerforthemoneverypage.…Recommendedforthepermanentlibraryofallreadersthatloveawell-writtenfantasy.”--BooksandMovieReviewsRobertoMattos“AnactionpackedfantasysuretopleasefansofMorganRice’spreviousnovels,alongwithfansofworkssuchasTHEINHERITANCECYCLEbyChristopherPaolini….FansofYoungAdultFictionwilldevourthislatestworkbyRiceandbegformore.”--TheWanderer,ALiteraryJournal(regardingRiseoftheDragons)“Aspiritedfantasythatweaveselementsofmysteryandintrigueintoitsstoryline.AQuestofHeroesisallaboutthemakingofcourageandaboutrealizingalifepurposethatleadstogrowth,maturity,andexcellence….Forthoseseekingmeatyfantasyadventures,theprotagonists,devices,andactionprovideavigoroussetofencountersthatfocuswellonThor'sevolutionfromadreamychildtoayoungadultfacingimpossibleoddsforsurvival….Onlythebeginningofwhatpromisestobeanepicyoungadultseries.”--MidwestBookReview(D.Donovan,eBookReviewer)“THESORCERER’SRINGhasalltheingredientsforaninstantsuccess:plots,counterplots,mystery,valiantknights,andblossomingrelationshipsrepletewithbrokenhearts,deceptionandbetrayal.Itwillkeepyouentertainedforhours,andwillsatisfyallages.Recommendedforthepermanentlibraryofallfantasyreaders.”--BooksandMovieReviews,RobertoMattos“Inthisaction-packedfirstbookintheepicfantasySorcerer'sRingseries(whichiscurrently14booksstrong),Riceintroducesreadersto14-year-oldThorgrin"Thor"McLeod,whosedreamistojointheSilverLegion,theeliteknightswhoservetheking….Rice'swritingissolidandthepremiseintriguing.”

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BooksbyMorganRice

THEWAYOFSTEELONLYTHEWORTHY(Book#1)

OFCROWNSANDGLORY

SLAVE,WARRIOR,QUEEN(Book#1)ROGUE,PRISONER,PRINCESS(Book#2)

KNIGHT,HEIR,PRINCE(Book#3)REBEL,PAWN,KING(Book#4)

SOLDIER,BROTHER,SORCERER(Book#5)HERO,TRAITOR,DAUGHTER(Book#6)

RULER,RIVAL,EXILE(Book#7)

KINGSANDSORCERERSRISEOFTHEDRAGONS(Book#1)RISEOFTHEVALIANT(Book#2)THEWEIGHTOFHONOR(Book#3)AFORGEOFVALOR(Book#4)

AREALMOFSHADOWS(Book#5)NIGHTOFTHEBOLD(Book#6)

THESORCERER’SRING

AQUESTOFHEROES(Book#1)AMARCHOFKINGS(Book#2)AFATEOFDRAGONS(Book#3)ACRYOFHONOR(Book#4)AVOWOFGLORY(Book#5)

ACHARGEOFVALOR(Book#6)ARITEOFSWORDS(Book#7)AGRANTOFARMS(Book#8)ASKYOFSPELLS(Book#9)ASEAOFSHIELDS(Book#10)AREIGNOFSTEEL(Book#11)ALANDOFFIRE(Book#12)

ARULEOFQUEENS(Book#13)ANOATHOFBROTHERS(Book#14)ADREAMOFMORTALS(Book#15)

AJOUSTOFKNIGHTS(Book#16)THEGIFTOFBATTLE(Book#17)

THESURVIVALTRILOGY

ARENAONE:SLAVERSUNNERS(Book#1)ARENATWO(Book#2)ARENATHREE(Book#3)

VAMPIRE,FALLEN

BEFOREDAWN(Book#1)

THEVAMPIREJOURNALSTURNED(Book#1)LOVED(Book#2)

BETRAYED(Book#3)DESTINED(Book#4)DESIRED(Book#5)

BETROTHED(Book#6)VOWED(Book#7)FOUND(Book#8)

RESURRECTED(Book#9)CRAVED(Book#10)FATED(Book#11)

OBSESSED(Book#12)

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CONTENTS

CHAPTERONECHAPTERTWOCHAPTERTHREECHAPTERFOURCHAPTERFIVECHAPTERSIXCHAPTERSEVENCHAPTEREIGHTCHAPTERNINECHAPTERTENCHAPTERELEVENCHAPTERTWELVECHAPTERTHIRTEENCHAPTERFOURTEENCHAPTERFIFTEENCHAPTERSIXTEENCHAPTERSEVENTEENCHAPTEREIGHTEENCHAPTERNINETEENCHAPTERTWENTYCHAPTERTWENTYONECHAPTERTWENTYTWOCHAPTERTWENTYTHREECHAPTERTWENTYFOURCHAPTERTWENTYFIVECHAPTERTWENTYSIXCHAPTERTWENTYSEVENCHAPTERTWENTYEIGHT

CHAPTERONE

Akilahungintheriggingofhisshipandsawdeathapproaching.Itterrifiedhim.He’dneverbeenonetobelieveinsignsandomens,butthere

weresomehecouldn’tignore.Akilahadbeenafightingmanmostofhislifeinoneformoranother,yetstill,he’dneverseenafleetliketheonethatapproachednow.ItmadethefleettheEmpirehadsenttoHaylonlooklikeaseriesofpaperboatsbeingfloatedacrossapondbychildren.

ItmadewhatAkilahadlooklikelessthanthat.“There’stoomany,”oneofthesailorsnearhimintheriggingsaid.Akiladidn’treply,becauserightthenhedidn’thaveananswer.He’dhaveto

thinkofone,though.Onethatdidn’tinvolvetheleadencertaintythatwascrushinghischest.Hewasalreadyrunningthethingsthatneededtobedonethroughhismindashestartedtoclimbdown.Theywouldneedtoraisetheharborchain.Theywouldneedtogetcrewstocatapultsonthedocks.

Theyneededtospread,becausechargingheadlongintoafleetthatsizewouldbesuicide.Theyneededtobethewolveshuntingthegreatsnowoxen,dartingin,takingabitehereandthere,wearingthemdown.

Akilasmiledatthatthought.Hewasalmostplanningasiftheycouldwinthis.Who’dhavetakenhimforanoptimist?

“There’ssomany,”oneofthesailorssaidashepassed.Akilaheardthesamewordsfromothersasheclamberedbacktothedeck.By

thetimehereachedthecommanddeckagain,therewereadozenrebelsatleast,allwaitingforhimwithworriedexpressions.

“Wecan’tfightthem,”onesaid.“Itwouldbelikeweweren’teventhere,”anotheragreed.“They’llkillusall.Wehavetorun.”Akilacouldhearthem.Hecouldevenunderstandwhattheywantedtodo.

Runningmadesense.Runwhiletheystillcould.Formuptheirshipsintoaconvoylineandgo,runningalongthecoastuntiltheycouldbreakfreeandmakeittoHaylon.

Apartofhimevenwantedtodoit.PerhapstheywouldevenbesafeiftheycouldgettoHaylon.Felldustwouldseetheforcestheyhad,thedefensesoftheirharbor,andwouldbewaryofcomingafterthem.

Atleastforatime.“Friends,”hecalled,loudenoughthateveryoneontheshipwouldbeableto

hearit.“Youcanseethethreatthatwaitsforus,andyes,Icanhearthemenwhowanttorun.”

Hespreadhishandstoquietdownthemurmurthatfollowed.

“Iknow.Ihearyou.I’vesailedwithyouandyou’renotcowards.Nomancouldsaythatyouare.”

Butiftheyrannow,menwouldcallthemcowards.Akilaknewthat.TheywouldblamethewarriorsofHaylon,inspiteofallthey’ddone.Hedidn’twanttosaythat,though.Hedidn’twanttoforcehismentodothis.

“Iwanttorunaswell.We’vedoneourpart.We’vebeatentheEmpire.We’veearnedtherighttogohome,ratherthanstayheredyingforotherpeople’scauses.”

Thatmuchwasobvious.They’donlycomehereafterThanoshadbegged,afterall.

Heshookhishead.“ButIwon’t.Iwon’trunwhenthatmeansabandoningthepeopledependingonme.Iwon’trunwhenwe’vebeentoldwhatwillhappentothepeopleofDelos.Iwon’trun,becausewhoaretheytotellmetorun?”

Hejabbedafingerattheadvancingfleet,thenturneditintotherudestgesturehecouldthinkofonthespurofthemoment.That,atleast,gothismenlaughing.Good,theyneededallthelaughstheycouldgetrightthen.

“Thetruthisthateviliseveryone’scause.Amantellsmetokneelordie,thenIpunchhimintheface!”Thatgotthemlaughingharder.“AndIdon’tdoitbecausehe’sthreatenedme.Idoitbecausethekindofmanwhotellspeopletokneelneedspunching!”

Thatonegotacheer.ItseemedthatAkilahadjudgedthisright.Hegesturedtothespotwhereascoutshipsat,tiedupalongsidehisflagship.

“Downthereisoneofus,”Akilasaid.“Theytookhimandhiscrew.Theywhippedhimuntilthebloodpouredfromhim.Theylashedhimtothewheelandtheyputhiseyesout.”

Akilawaitedamomenttoletthehorrorofthatsinkin.“Theydidthatbecausetheythoughtitwouldscareus,”Akilasaid.“Theydid

thatbecausetheythoughtitwouldmakeusrunfaster.Isaythatifamanharmsoneofmybrotherslikethat,itmakesmewanttocuthimdownforthedogheis!”

Thatgotacheer.“I’llnotorderyou,though,”Akilasaid.“Youwanttogohome…well,noone

cansayyouhaven’tearnedit.Andwhentheycomeforyou,maybetherewillbesomeonelefttohelp.”Hemadehimselfshrug.“I’llbestaying.Ifneedsbe,I’llstayalone.I’llstandonthedocks,andtheirarmycancometomeoneatatimetogetcutdown.”

Helookedaroundthemthen,staringatmenheknew,atbrothersfromHaylonandfreedslaves,conscriptsturnedfreedomfightersandmenwhohadprobablystartedoffaslittlemorethancutthroats.

Heknewthatifheaskedthesementofightwithhim,mostofthemwouldprobablydie.HewasprobablynevergoingtoseethewaterfallsthatplungedthroughthehillsofHaylonagain.He’dprobablydienotevenknowingifwhathedidwasenoughtosaveDelosornot.Apartofhimwishedthenthathe’dnevermetThanos,orbeendraggedintothiswiderrebellion.

Evenso,hedrewhimselfup.“WillIbealone,lads?”heasked.“WillIhavetopunchmywaytothe

stoniest-headedfoolamongthembymyself?”Theroarof“No!”echoedacrossthewater.Hehopedtheenemyfleetheardit.

Hehopedtheyheardit,andhehopedtheywereterrified.Godsknewhewas.“Wellthen,lads,”Akilabellowed,“gettoyouroars.We’veabattletowin!”Hesawthemruntoitthen,andhecouldn’thavebeenmoreproudofthem.

Hestartedtothink,togiveorders.Thereweremessagestobesentbacktothecastle,defensestobeprepared.

Already,Akilacouldhearthesoundofbellsringingoutacrossthecityinwarning.

“Youtwo,getthesignalflagsup!Scirrem,Iwantsmallboatsandtarforfireshipsattheharbormouth!AmItalkingtomyselfuphere?”

“Quitepossibly,”thesailorcalledback.“Theysaymadmendo.ButI’llgetitdone.”

“Yourealizethatinarealarmy,you’dbeflogged?”Akilashotback,buthesmiledashedidit.Thiswasthestrangepartofbeingonthecuspofbattle.Theyweresoclosetopossibledeathnow,anditwasthemomentwhenAkilafeltmostalive.

“Now,Akila,”thesailorsaid.“Youknowthey’dneverletthelikesofusintoarealarmy.”

Akilalaughedthen,andnotjustbecauseitwasprobablytrue.Howmanygeneralscouldsaythattheyhadnotjusttherespectoftheirmen,buttruecamaraderie?Howmanycouldasktheirtroopstothrowthemselvesintodanger,notfromloyalty,orfear,ordiscipline,butbecauseitwasthemdoingtheasking?Akilafeltthathecouldbeproudofthatpartatleast.

Asthesailorrushedoff,hehadmoreorderstogive.“Oncewe’reclear,we’llneedtoputtheharborchainup,”hesaid.Oneoftheyoungsailorsnearhimlookedworriedbythat.Akilacouldseethe

fearthereinspiteofhisspeeches.Thatwasonlynormal.“Ifwehavethechainup,doesn’tthatmeanwecan’tretreatintotheharbor?”

theboyasked.Akilanodded.“Yes,butwhatgoodwoulditdo,retreatingtoacitythat’sopen

tothesea?Ifwefailoutthere,doyouthinkthecitywillbeasafeplacetohide?”Hecouldseetheboythinkingaboutit,tryingtoworkoutwherehewouldbe

safest,mostprobably.Eitherthat,orwishingthathe’dneversignedup.“Youcangobeoneofthosewhohelpsputthechainsupifyouwant,”Akila

offered.“Thenheadforthecatapults.We’llneedgoodpeoplefiringthem.”Theboyshookhishead.“I’llstay.Iwon’trunfromthem.”“Don’tsupposeyoufancytakingoverthefleetsoIcanrun?”Akilaasked.Thatsettheladofflaughingashewentabouthisduties,andlaughterwas

alwaysbetterthanfear.Whatelsewastheretodo?Therewasalwayssomethingelse,always

somethingtomovetonext.Therewerethosewhospokeaboutwarfarebeingwaiting,butAkilahadfoundthatwaitingalwayscontainedathousandsmallerthings.Preparationwasthemotherofsuccess,andAkilawasn’tgoingtoloseforlackofeffort.

“No,”hemutteredashecheckedthelinesofhisflagship.“Thepartwheretheyhavefivetimesasmanyshipswilldothat.”

Theonlyhopewastohitandmove.Drawthemontothefireships.Crushthemagainstthechain.Usethespeedoftheirownshipstopickoffwhattheycould.Eventhen,itmightnotbeenough.

Akilahadneverseenaforcethissize.Hedoubtedanyonehad.ThefleetsenttoHaylonhadbeenonedesignedforpunishmentanddestruction.Therebelarmyhadbeenacomingtogetherofatleastthreegreatforces.

Thiswasbigger.Thiswasn’tsomuchanarmyasanentirecountryonthemove.Thiswasconquest,andmorethanconquest.Felldusthadseenanopportunity,andnowitwasgoingtotakeeverythingthattheEmpirehad.Unlesswestopthem,Akilathought.Maybehisfleetwouldn’tbetheonestostopthem.Maybethebesttheycould

hopeforwouldbetoslowdownandweakentheinvadingarmy,yetmaybethatwouldbeenough.IftheycouldbuyCerestime,shemightbeabletofindawaytowinagainstwhatwasleft.Akilahadseenherdomoreimpressivethingswiththosepowersofhers.

PerhapsshewouldtakeonFelldust’sentirearmyandsavethemthetrouble.Mostlikely,Akilawoulddiehere.IfthatcouldsaveDelos,wouldthatbe

worthit?Thatwasn’tthequestion.Ifitcouldsavethepeoplethere,andthepeopleofHaylon,wouldthat?Yes,thatwaswortheverythingtoAkila.Menlikethisdidn’tstopwithwhattheyhad.TheywoulddescendonHaylonassoonastheyweredonehere.Ifhissacrificewouldkeepthefarmersoftheislandsafe,Akilawouldmakeitathousandtimesover.

Helookedoutoverthewatertowherethefleetadvanced,hisvoicesoftening.

“Youowemeforthis,Thanos,”hesaid,justastheprinceowedhimforcomingtoDelos,andfornotcuttinghimdownonHaylon.Probablyhislifewouldhavebeenalotsimplerifhe’ddonethat.

Lookingatthefleetahead,Akilasuspecteditmighthavebeenlonger,too.“Right!”heyelled.“Gettoyourplaces,boys!We’veabattletowin!”

CHAPTERTWOIrriensatattheprowofhisflagshipinamixtureofsatisfactionand

anticipation.Satisfactionbecausehisfleetwasadvancingexactlyashe’dordered.Anticipationbecauseofeverythingthatwouldcomenext.

Aroundhim,thefleetslidforwardinnearsilence,ashe’dorderedwhenthey’dstartedtohugthecoast.Silentassharkscomingafterprey,silentasthemomentafteraman’sdeath.Rightthen,Irrienwastheglintoflightonthepointofaspear,therestofhisfleetfollowinglikeitsbroadhead.

HischairwasnotthedarkstoneoneinwhichhesatinFelldust.Instead,itwasalighterframedthing,madefromthebonesofthingshe’dkilled,thethighbonesofadark-stalkerformingtheback,thefingerbonesofamansetinthearms.He’dcovereditinthefursofanimalshe’dhunted.Itwasanotherlessonhehadlearned:Inpeace,amanshouldspeakofhiscivility.Inwar,heshouldspeakofhiscruelty.

Tothatend,Irrienjerkedonachainconnectedtohischair.Theotherendheldoneoftheso-calledwarriorsofthisrebellion,whohadkneltratherthandieinbattle.

“Wewillarrivesoon,”hesaid.“Y-yes,mylord,”themanreplied.Irrienjerkedthechainagain.“Besilentunlesscommanded.”Irrienignoredthemanashestartedtobegforgivenessbadly.Instead,he

watchedthepathahead,althoughhe’dsetthemetalsurfaceofhisshieldsohecouldwatchbehindforassassins.

Awisemanalwaysdidboth.TheotherstonesofFelldustprobablythoughtthatIrrienwasmad,leavingforthisdustlesslandwhiletheyremainedbehind.Theyprobablythoughthecouldn’tseetheirplotsandmachinations.

Irrien’ssmilewidenedatthethoughtoftheirfaceswhentheyrealizedwhatwasreallyhappening.Hispleasurecontinuedasheturnedtothecoast,seeingthefiresthatwerespringingupthereashisraidingpartieslanded.Ordinarily,Irrienhatedthewastefulnessofburnedbuildings,butforwar,theywereausefulweapon.

No,therealweaponwasfear.Fireandsilentmenacewerejustwaystosharpenit.Fearwasaweaponaspowerfulasslowpoison,dangerousasablade.Fearcouldmakeastrongmanrunoryieldwithoutafight.Fearcouldmakefoeschoosestupidoptions,charginginrashbravado,orcoweringwhentheyshouldstrike.Fearmademenslaves,holdingtheminplaceevenwhenthereweremoreofthem.

Irrienwasnotsoarrogantastobelievehecouldneverfeelfear,buthisfirst

battlehadnotbroughtitthewaymentalkedabout,norhisfiftieth.Hehadfoughtmenonburningsandsandonthecobblesofbackalleys,andwhiletherehadbeenanger,excitement,evendesperation,hehadneverfoundthefearthatothermenfelt.Itwaspartofwhatmadeitsoeasytotakewhathewanted.

Whathewantednowswungintoviewalmostasifsummonedbythethought,theendlessstrokesoftheoarspullingtheharborofDelosintoIrrien’sview.He’dwaitedforthismoment,butitwasn’ttheonehe’ddreamedof.Thatwouldonlycomeoncethiswasdone,andhe’dtakenallthatwasworthtaking.

Thecitywasalowandstinkingthing,inspiteofitsfame,likeallthecitiesofmen.Itdidn’thavethegrandeuroftheendlessdust,orthestarkbeautyofthingsmadebyAncientOnes.Aswithallcities,whenyoucrammedenoughpeopletogether,itbroughtouttheirtruebaseness,theircrueltyandtheirugliness.Noamountofelegantstoneworkcoulddisguisethat.

Still,theEmpireforwhichitformedalynchpinwasaprizeworthtaking.Irrienwonderedbrieflyifhisfellowstoneshadrealizedtheirmistakeyetinnotcoming.Thattheyoccupiedthestonechairsatallspokeoftheirambitionandtheirpower,theircunningandtheirabilitytonavigatepoliticalgames.

Forallthat,though,they’dstillthoughttoosmall.They’dthoughtintermsofaglorifiedraid,whenthiscouldbesomuchmore.Afleetthissizewasn’therejusttobringbackgoldandslavelines,althoughbothwouldcome.Itwasheretotake,andhold,andsettle.Whatwasgoldnexttofertileland,freefromendlessdust?WhydragslavesbacktoalandblastedbythewarsoftheAncientOnes,whenyoucouldtakethelandonwhichtheystoodaswell?Andwhowouldbetheretoensurehegotthelargestportionofthisnewland?

Whyraidandleavewhenyoucouldwipeawaywhatwasthereandrule?First,though,therewereobstaclestoovercome.Afleetstoodinfrontofthe

city,ifyoucouldcallitthat.Irrienwonderedifthescoutshipsthey’dsetloosehadcomebackhomeyet.Ifthey’dseenthethingsthatawaitedthem.Hemightnotfeelthefearofbattle,butheknewhowtostokeitinweakermen.

Hestoodtogetabetterview,andsothatthosewatchingfromtheshoremightseewhoorderedthis.Onlythosewiththesharpesteyeswouldmakehimout,buthewantedthemtounderstandthatthiswashiswar,hisfleet,andsoon,hiscity.

Hiseyesmadeoutthepreparationsthatthedefenderswerestartingtomake.Thesmallboatsthatwouldnodoubtsoonbeaflame.Thewaythefleetwasformingintogroups,readytoharrythem.Theweaponsonthedocks,readytotargetthemastheycameclose.

“Yourcommanderknowshisbusiness,”Irriensaid,dragginghislatestcaptivetohisfeetbyhischains.“Whoishe?”

“Akilaisthebestgeneralalive,”theformersailorsaid,thencaughtIrrien’s

eye.“Forgiveme,mylord.”Akila.Irrienhadheardthename,andhadheardmorefromLucious.Akila,

whohadhelpedtofreeHaylonfromtheEmpire,andhelditagainsttheirfleet.Who,itwassaid,foughtwithallthecunningofafox,strikingandmoving,hittingwherefoesleastexpected.

“Ihavealwaysvaluedstrongopponents,”Irriensaid.“Aswordneedsirontosharpenit.”

Hetookhisswordfromitsblackleathersheathasiftoillustratethepoint.Thebladewasblue-blackwithoil,theedgearazor’s.Itwasthekindofthingthatmighthavebeenaheadsman’stoolforanotherman,buthe’dlearnedthebalanceofit,andbuiltthestrengthtowielditwell.Hehadotherweapons:knivesandstranglingwires,acurvedmoonbladeandamany-spikedsundagger.Butthiswastheonepeopleknew.Ithadnoname,butonlybecauseIrrienbelievedsuchthingsfoolish.

Hecouldseethefearonhisnewslave’sfaceatthesightofit.“Intheolddays,priestswouldofferupthelifeofaslavebeforebattle,

hopingtoquenchthethirstofdeathbeforeitcouldsettleonageneral.Then,itcamesothattheyofferedtheslavetothegodsofwar,inthehopethattheywouldshowfavortotheirside.Kneel.”

Irriensawthemandoitreflexively,inspiteofhisterror.Perhapsbecauseofit.

“Please,”hebegged.Irrienkickedhim,hardenoughthattheslavefelltohisbelly,hishead

stickingoutoverthebowoftheship.“Itoldyoutobesilent.Remainthere,andbegratefulthatIhavenotruckwithpriestsandtheirfoolishness.Iftherearegodsofdeaththeirthirstcannotbeslaked.Iftherearethoseofwar,theirfavorgoestothemanwiththemosttroops.”

Heturnedbacktotherestofhisship.Heheftedhisswordone-handed,andslaveswhohadbeenwaitingforhisinstructionsrushedtograbhorns.Ashenodded,thehornsblaredonce.Irriensawcatapultsandballistaecrankback,flamesbeingsettotheirloads.

Hestood,darkagainstthesunlight,hisbronzedskinanddarkclothesturninghimintoapatchofshadowbeforethecity.

“ItoldyouthatwewouldcometoDelos,andwehave!”hecalledout.“Itoldyouthatwewouldtaketheircity,andwewill!”

Hewaiteduntilthecheerthatfolloweddieddown.“Igavethescoutswesentbacktothemamessage,anditisoneIintendto

fulfill!”Thistime,Irriendidn’twait.“Everyman,woman,andchildoftheEmpireisnowaslave.Anyyoumeetwithoutamaster’smarkisthereforyouto

catchanddowithwhatyouarestrongenoughto.Anywhoclaimstohavepropertyislyingtoyou,andyoumaytakeit.Anywhodisobeysusistobepunished.Anywhoresistsusisinrebellion,andwillbetreatedwithoutmercy!”

Mercywasanotherofthosejokesthatpeoplelikedtopretendwasreal,Irrienhadfound.Whywouldamanallowanenemytoliveunlessitgainedhimsomething?Thedusttaughtsimplelessons:Ifyouwereweak,youdied.Ifyouwerestrong,youtookwhatyoucouldfromtheworld.

Now,Irrienintendedtotakeeverything.Thebiggestpartofthiswashowalivehefeltrightthen.He’dfoughthisway

uptobecomeFirstStone,onlytorealizetherewasnowherelefttogo.He’dfelthimselfstartingtostagnateinthepoliticsofthecity,playingoutthepettysquabblesoftheotherstonestoamusehimself.This,though…thispromisedtobesomuchmore.

“Readyyourselves!”heshoutedtohismen.“Obeymyorders,andwewillsucceed.Fail,andyouwillbelessthandusttome.”

Hesteppedbackovertothespotwheretheformersailorstilllay,hisheadextendedbeyondtheedgeoftheship.Heprobablythoughtthatwastheextentofit.Irrienhadfoundthattheyhopedthingswouldgetnoworse,insteadofseeingthedangerandacting.

“Youcouldhavediedfighting,”hesaid,hisgreatswordstilllifted.“Youcouldhavediedaman,ratherthanapitifulsacrifice.”

Themanturned,staringupathim.“Yousaid…yousaidthatyoudidn’tbelieveinthat.”

Irrienshrugged.“Priestsarefools,butpeoplebelievetheirfoolishness.Ifitwillinspirethemtofightharder,whoamItoobject?”

Hepinnedtheslaveinplacewithoneboot,makingsurethatallthosetherecouldseeit.Hewantedeveryonetoseethemomentwhenhisconquestbegan.

“Igiveyoutodeath,”hecalledout.“You,andallwhostandagainstus!”Hebroughthissworddown,stabbingintothepitifulscum’schest,spearing

theheart.Irriendidn’twait.Helifteditagain,andforonce,hisheadsman’sbladeperformeditsoriginalduty.Itcleavedthroughtheenslavedsailor’sneckcleanly.Notmercy,butpride,becausetheFirstStonewouldneverkeepaweaponwithlessthanaperfectedge.

Heliftedthebladewiththeedgestillbloody.“Begin!”Hornssounded,theskyfilledwithfireasthecatapultslaunchedandarchers

shotarrowsouttowardtheirfoes.Smallershipssnakedouttowardtheirtargets.Foramoment,Irrienfoundhimselfthinkingofthis“Akila,”themanwhohad

tobestandingtherewaitingforwhatwastocome.Hewonderedifhiswould-be

foewasafraidrightthen.Heshouldbe.

CHAPTERTHREEThanoskneltoverthebodyofhisbrother,andforamomentortwoitfeltas

thoughtheworldhadstopped.Hedidn’tknowwhattothinkorfeelinthatmoment.Hedidn’tknowwhattodonext.

He’dbeenexpectingsomesenseoftriumphwhenhefinallykilledLucious,oratleastsomesenseofreliefthatitwasfinallyallover.He’dbeenexpectingtofinallyfeelthatthepeoplehecaredaboutweresafe.

Instead,Thanosfoundgriefwellingupinsidehim,tearsfallingforabrotherwhohadprobablyneverdeservedthem.Butthatdidn’tmatternow.WhatmatteredwasthatLuciouswashishalf-brother,andhewasgone.

Hewasdead,withThanos’sdaggerinhisheart.ThanoscouldfeelLucious’sbloodonhishands,andthereseemedlikesomuchofittoholdinonebody.Somesmallpartofhimexpectedtheretobesomethingdifferentaboutitall,fortheretobesomesignthereofthemadnessthathadgrippedLucious,orthegraspingevilthathadseemedtofillhim.Instead,Luciouswasjustasilent,emptyshell.

Thanoswantedtodosomethingthenforhisbrother;toseehimburied,orhandhimtoapriestatleast.Evenashethoughtofit,though,heknewthathecouldn’t.Hisbrother’sownwordsmeantthatitwasimpossible.

FelldustwasinvadingtheEmpire,andifThanoswantedtobeabletodoanythingtohelpthepeoplehecaredabout,hehadtogonow.

Hestood,collectinghissword,readytoraceforthedoor.HetookLucious’saswell.Ofallthethingshisbrotherhadheldclose,thetoolsofviolencehadseemedliketheclosest.Thanosstoodtherewiththembothinhishands,surprisedtofindhowwelltheymatched.Hewasalmostassurprisedtofindacollectionoftheinn’spatronsblockinghisway.

“HesaidyouwerePrinceThanos,”abushy-beardedmansaid,fingeringtheedgeofaknife.“Thattrue?”

“Thestoneswillpaygoodmoneyforacaptivelikeyou,”anothersaid.Athirdnodded.“Andiftheydon’t,theslaverswill.”Theystartedforward,andThanosdidn’twait.Instead,hecharged.His

shoulderslammedintothenearest,knockinghimbackintoatable.Thanoswasalreadylashingout,cuttingatthearmoftheknifeman.

Thanosheardhimcryoutasthebladebitintohisforearm,buthewasalreadymoving,kickingthethirdmanbackintoaspotwherefourmenhadn’tstoppedplayingdice,evenforthebattlehe’djusthadwithLucious.Oneofthemsnarledandturnedthen,grabbingatthethug.

Inmoments,theinnmanagedtodowhatithadn’twhenLucioushadbeenthe

onefighting:iteruptedintoafull-scalebrawl.MenwhohadbeencontenttostandbywhileThanosandhisbrothertradedswordblowsnowthrewpunchesanddrewknives.Onegrabbedforachair,swingingitatThanos’shead.Thanossidestepped,hackingalumpfromthewoodasheredirectedtheswingintoyetanotherofthepatrons.

Hecouldhavestayedtofight,butthethoughtofthedangerCeresmightbeinpushedhimintoarun.He’dbeensosurethathecouldstoptheinvasionifheonlygottoLucious,andthentherewouldbeenoughtimetofindthetruthabouthisparentage,discovertheproofheneeded,andmakehiswaybacktoDelos.Now,therewasnotimeforanyofit.

Thanossprintedforthedoor.Hedroppedandskiddedunderthegrabbinghandsofamanwhotriedtostophim,scrapingashallowcutacrosshisthigh.Heranoutintothestreetsthere…

…straightintosomeoftheworstdustThanoshadseensincehe’dcometothecity.Hedidn’tslow.Hejustjammedhistwinbladesintohisbelt,pulleduphisscarfagainstthedust,andpushedforwardasbesthecould.

Behindhim,Thanoscouldhearthesoundsofmentryingtofollow,althoughhowtheyhopedtoseehimwellenoughtocatchupinthisweather,hedidn’tknow.Thanosgropedhiswayalonglikeablindman,passingamerchantwhowaspackingawayhiscart,thenapairofsoldierswhowerecursingastheyhuddledinadoorwayagainstthedust.

“Lookatthatmadman!”ThanosheardoneofthemcallinFelldust’stongue.“Probablyhurryingtojointheinvasion.IhearFourthStoneVexahasstarted

tosendmoreofafleet,whiletheotherthreearestillplotting.TheFirstStonehasstolenamarchonthem.”

“Alwaysdoes,”thefirstreplied.Thanoswasawayintothedustbythenthough,seekinghisroutebythevague

shapesofthebuildings,watchingoutforthesignsthathungabovethestreets,litbyoillamps.Therewerestonecarvingstoo,obviouslyintendedsothatthelocalscouldfindtheirwayfromthestreetofthecarvedbeartothatoftheknottedsnakesbytouchiftheyneeded.

Thanosdidn’tknowenoughaboutthesystemtobeabletouseit,butevenso,hepressedonthroughthedust.

Therewereothersdoingthesame,andseveraltimes,Thanosstopped,tryingtomakeoutwhetherthebootedfeetheheardwerethoseofpursuersornot.Once,hepressedinbehindthecurvedironbulkofawindbreak,hisswordsfindinghiswayintohishands,certainthatthosefollowingfromtheinnhadcaughtup.

Instead,ateamofslavesracedby,faceswrappedagainstthedust,carryinga

palanquinfromwithinwhichThanoscouldhearamerchanturgingthemon.“Faster,youcurs!Faster,orI’llhaveyouimpaled.Weneedtogettothe

harborbeforewemissthespoils.”Thanoswatchedthem,trackingalongbehindthepalanquinonthebasisthat

thosecarryingitprobablyknewthewaybetterthanhedid.Hecouldn’ttrackittooclosely,becauseinacitylikePortLeeward,everyonekeptawatchforwould-berobbersorkillers,butevenso,hemanagedtofollowitalongthelengthofseveralstreetsbeforeitdisappearedintothedust.

Thanosstoodthereforasecondortwo,catchinghisbreath,andasquicklyasithadcome,theduststormlifted,givinghimaviewoutovertheharbor.

WhathesawtheremadeThanosstandandstare.He’dthoughtthattherewereplentyofshipsintheharborbefore.Now,it

seemedthatthewaterwasfulltobrimmingwiththem,untilitappearedthatThanoscouldhavewalkedtothehorizonontheirdecks.

Manyofthemwerewarships,butmanymorenowweremerchantcraftorsmallervessels.WiththemainfleetalreadygonefromFelldust,theharborshouldhavebeenempty,yetitseemedtoThanosthattherewouldn’tbeenoughroomforanotherboatthere.ItseemedthateveryoneinFelldusthadcomethere,readytotaketheirpieceofwhatwastobegainedintheEmpire.

Thanosstartedtoseethescaleofitthen,andwhatitmeant.Thiswasn’tjustanarmyinvading,butawholecountry.They’dseenanopportunitytotakelandsthey’dlongbeendenied,andtheyweregoingtoacquirethembyforcenow.

Regardlessofwhatitmeantforthosealreadythere.“Whoareyou?”asoldierasked,cominguptohim.“Whatfleet,what

captain?”Thanosthoughtquickly.Thetruthwouldmeananotherfight,andnowthere

wasn’tthewelcomingveilofthedustinwhichtohide.Hehadnodoubtthathewasascoatedwithitasanyofthenatives,butifanyoneshouldguesswhohewas,orevenjustthathewasfromtheEmpire,thiswouldnotendwell.

HebrieflywonderedwhattheydidtospiesinFelldust.Whateveritwas,itwouldn’tbepleasant.

“Whosefleetareyouwith?”themandemandedagain,thistimeinaharshvoice.

“FourthStoneVexa’s,”Thanosshotback,makinghisvoiceequallyharsh.Hetriedtoinjectthesensethathehadnotimeforsuchinterruptions.Itwasn’thardtodorightthen,whenhehadsolittletimetogetbacktohelpCeres.“Pleasetellmeit’snottrueaboutherfleetleavingalready.”

Theothermanlaughedinhisface.“Lookslikeyou’reoutofluckthere.What,youthoughtyoucouldsitaround,sayingfarewelltoyourcrew’sfavorite

whore?Youwastetime,youwasteyourchance.”“Damnit!”Thanossaid,tryingtoplayhispart.“Theycan’tallbegone.What

aboutotherships?”Thatgotanotherlaugh.“Youcanaskifyouwant,butifyouthinkthere’snot

acrewthat’sfullrightnow,youhaven’tbeenpayingattention.Pickingslikethis,everyonewantsaplace.Halfofthemcanbarelyfight.Tellyouwhat,though,maybeIcouldfindaplaceforyouononeofOldForkbeard’screws.TheThirdStoneistakinghistime.I’donlyaskhalfofanyshareyouget.”

“MaybeifIcan’tfindtheladsI’msupposedtobewith,”Thanossaid.Everysecondhewastherewasasecondinwhichhewasn’tsailingbacktowardDeloswiththeonecrewtherewhowouldn’ttrytokillhimthemomenttheyfoundoutwhohewas.

Hesawtheothermanshrug.“You’llnotgetabetterofferthislate.”“We’llsee,”Thanossaid,andsetoffamongsttheboats.Fromtheoutside,itmusthavelookedasthoughhewaslookingforoneofthe

rareboatsfromthefleethe’dclaimed,althoughThanoshopedthathedidn’tfindone.ThelastthinghewantedwastofindhimselfpressedintoserviceinFelldust’snavy.

He’ddoit,though,ifhehadto.IfitmeantgettingbacktoCeres,ifitmeantbeingabletohelpher,he’driskit.He’dplaythepartofsomeFelldustwarrior,eagertocatchup.Ifithadbeenmainfleetsittingthere,hemightevenhavemadeithisfirstchoice,tryingtogetasclosetotheFirstStoneaspossibleinordertokillhim.

Now,though,ifhedriftedalongwiththissecondfleet,hewouldn’tgetthereuntilitwasfartoolate.Hecertainlywouldn’tbeabletohelp.Sohewalkedtheplanksbetweenthemanyships,watchingwarriorscarryonbarrelsoffreshwaterandcratesoffood.Thanoscutcracksinatleastthreecasks,butnoamountofpettysabotagewouldstopafleetlikethis.

Hekeptlooking,instead.Hesawmenandwomenhoningweaponsandchainingoarslavesintoplace.Hesawdust-coveredpriestsintoningprayersforgoodluck,sacrificinganimalsinwaysthatmadethedustintoblood-coloredmud.Hesawtwogroupsofsoldiersunderdifferentbannersarguingoverwhichofthemgottogoalongawharffirst.

Thanossawplentythatmadehimangry,andmorethatmadehimscaredforDelos.Therewasonlyonethinghecouldn’tfindamongthechaosofthedocks,anditwastheonethingthathe’dcometheretofind.Therewerehundredsofboatsthere,ofeveryshape,size,anddesign.Therewereboatsfilledtothebrimwithtough-lookingwarriors,andboatsthatlookedlikelittlemorethanglorifiedpleasurebarges,theretotakepeopletoseetheinvasionasmuchasparticipatein

it.Whathecouldn’tseewastheboatthathadbroughthimthere.Heneededto

getbacktoCeres,andrightthen,Thanosdidn’tknowhowhewasgoingtodoit.

CHAPTERFOURStephaniaranthroughthecastle,pushedonbythesoundofthewarhorns,

likeahartaheadofahuntingparty.Ifshedidn’tgetoutnow,therewouldbenoescaping.She’ddoneenoughwhenitcametoCeres.

“LetFelldustfinishheroff,”Stephaniasaid.Sheretracedherstepsthroughthecastle,tothepointwhereitconnectedwith

thetunnelsbeneaththecity.ShehopedthatElethehadkeptherescaperouteopenasStephaniahadordered.Nowwasatimetoflee.Iftheywerecaughtbytherebellion,thatwouldbebadenough,buttobecaughtinthemiddleofabattlebetweenitandFelldust’sFiveStoneswouldbefarworse.

Except…Stephaniapaused,lookingoutofawindowtowardtheharbor.Shecouldsee

theskydarkwithmissiles,shipsonfireasadarkribbonofinvadingvesselsmadeitswaycloser.Stephaniaranovertoaspotwhereshecouldlookoutoverthewalls,andshecouldseefiresbeyond,too.

Whicheverwaysherannow,itseemedthattherewouldbeenemies.Shecouldn’tjustslipoutoverthewater,thewayshe’dcomeintoDelos.Shecouldn’triskslippingoutintoopencountryside,becauseifitwereherrunningtheinvasion,therewouldberaidingpartiesouttodrivepeoplebacktowardthecity.Shecouldn’triskwanderingDelosopenly,becausetherebellion’sforceswouldtrytosnatchher.

Yet,wherewerethosesoldiers?Stephaniahadpassedafewguardsonthewayin,herdisguisemorethanenoughtoletherslipbythem.Therehadn’tbeenmanythough.Thecastlehadthefeelofaghostship,abandonedinthefaceofmorepressingmatters.Lookingout,Stephaniacouldseerebelsmovingthroughthestreetsinbrightarmorandpatchworkstuff.Therewouldbeafewfigurescloseby,buthowmany,andwhere?

TheideacametoStephaniaslowly,moreasapossibilitythanareality.Yet,themoreshethoughtaboutit,themoreitseemedlikeherbestoption.Shewasn’tonetodiveinwithoutthinking.Inthecirclesofnobility,thatwasawaytoputyourselfinsomeoneelse’spower,orfindyourselfcastout,orworse.

Thereweretimes,though,whendecisiveactionwastheanswer.Whenaprizewastheretotake,hangingbackcouldloseitassurelyasovereagerness.

StephaniamadeherwaydowntoElethe,whowaslookingbackandforthbetweenthetunnelsandthecityasthoughsheexpectedahordeofenemiestoarriveatanymoment.

“Isittimetoleave,mylady?”Elethesaid.“IsCeresdead?”Stephaniashookherhead.“Therehasbeenachangeofplan.Comewithme.”

Toherhandmaiden’scredit,Elethedidn’thesitate.ShewalkedalongwithStephaniainspiteoftheworriesshemusthavehad.

“Wherearewegoing?”Eletheasked.Stephaniasmiled.“Tothedungeons.I’vedecidedthatyou’rehandingme

overtotherebellion.”Thatgotashockedlookfromherhandmaiden,althoughitwasnothing

comparedtothesurprisetherewhenStephaniaexplainedmoreofherplan.“Areyouready?”Stephaniaasked,astheygotclosertothedungeons.“Yes,mylady,”Elethesaid.Stephaniaputherhandsbehindherbackasiftied,thenwalkedforwardwith

whatshehopedwasasuitableshowoffearfulcontrition.Elethewasdoingasurprisinglygoodjoboflookinglikeatoughrebelwithafreshlycapturedenemy.

Therewereapairofguardsnearthemaindoor,sittingbehindatablewithcardssetout,showinghowtheywerepassingtheirtime.Somethingsdidn’tchange,regardlessofwhowasincharge.

TheylookedupasStephaniaapproached,andStephaniawasquiteamusedbythesurpriseshesawthere.

“Isthat…you’vecapturedLadyStephania?”oneasked.“Howdidyoudoit?”theothersaid.“Wheredidyoufindher?”Stephaniacouldhearthedisbelief,butalsothesensethattheydidn’tknow

whattodonext.“ShewascreepingawayfromCeres’srooms,”Eletheansweredsmoothly.

Herhandmaidenwasagoodliar.“Canyou…Ineedtotellsomeone,butI’mnotsurewho.”

Thatwasagoodmove.TheybothlookedoveratElethethen,astheytriedtodecidewhattodonext.ThatwaswhenStephaniabroughtoutaneedlewitheachofherhands,bringingitforwardtostriketheguards’necks.Theyspun,butthepoisonwasafast-actingone,andtheirheartswerealreadypumpingitthroughtheirbodies.Abreathortwolater,andtheycollapsed.

“Fetchthekeys,”Stephaniasaid,gesturingtooneguard’sbelt.Elethedidso,openingupthedungeons.Theywerefullalmosttobursting,as

Stephaniahadsuspectedtheymightbe.Asshehoped,atleast.Thereweren’tanymoreguards,either.Apparently,allthosewiththeabilitytofightwereonthewalls.

Thereweremenandwomenwhowereobviouslysoldiersandguards,torturersandsimplyloyalnobles.Stephaniasawmorethanafewofherownhandmaidensthere,whichstruckherasalittlefoolish.Thesensiblemovewasnottoinsistontheirloyalty,buttopretendtoservethenewregime.The

importantthingwasthattheywerethere.“LadyStephania?”onesaid,asifshecouldn’tquitebelievewhatshewas

seeing.Asifsheweretheirsavior.Stephaniasmiledatthat.Shelikedthethoughtofpeopleseeingherastheir

hero.Theywouldprobablydofarmorethatwaythansimplyfromobedience,andshelikedtheideaofturningCeres’sweaponsagainsthertoo.

“Listentome,”shesaidtothem.“You’vehadalottakenfromyou.Youhadsomuch,andthoserebels,thosepeasants,daredtosnatchit.Isayit’stimetosnatchitback.”

“You’reheretogetusout?”oneformersoldierasked.“I’mheretodomorethanthat,”Stephaniasaid.“We’regoingtotakeback

thecastle.”Shehadn’texpectedcheers.Shewasn’tsomeromanticwhoneededfoolsto

applaudhereverydecision.Still,thenervousmutteringamongstthemwasalittlegrating.

“Areyouafraid?”shedemanded.“Therewillberebelsupthere!”anoblemansaid.Stephaniaknewhim.High

ReeveScarelhadalwaysbeenquickenoughtochallengeotherstofightswhenheknewhecouldwin.

“Notenoughtoholdthiscastle,”Stephaniasaid.“Notnow.Everyrebelwhocanbesparedisoutonthewalls,tryingtoholdbacktheinvasion.”

“Andwhatabouttheinvasion?”anoblewomandemanded.Shewaslittlebetterthanthemanwhohadspoken.Stephaniaknewsecretsaboutwhatshe’ddonebeforeshemarriedintowealththatwouldmakemostoftheothersthereblush.

“Oh,Isee,”Stephaniasaid.“You’dratherwaitinanice,safedungeonforitalltobeover.Well,whatthen?Atbest,youspendtherestofyourlivesinthisstinkinghole,iftherebelsdon’tdecidetokillyouquietlyoncetheyrealizehowinconvenientprisonersare.Iftheotherswin…doyouthinkbeinginacellwillprotectyou?Youwon’tbenoblestotheminhere,justamusements.Briefamusements.”

Shepausedtoletthatsinkin.Sheneededthemtofeellikecowardsforevenconsideringit.

“Orwecouldgooutthere,”Stephaniasaid.“Wetakethecastleandwecloseitagainstourenemies.Wekillthosewhoopposeus.I’vealreadydealtwithCeres,soshewon’tbeabletostopus.Weholdthiscastleuntiltherebellionandtheinvaderskilloneanother,thenwetakeDelosback.”

“Therearestillguards,”onesaid.“Therearestillcombatlordshere.Wecan’tfightthecombatlordsandwin.”

StephaniagesturedtoElethe,whostartedtoopenthelocksonthecells.“Thereareways.We’llgainmoreweaponswitheachguardwekill,andweallknowwherethearmoryis.Oryoucanstayhereandrot.I’llclosethedoorsandsendafewtorturerslater.Idon’tcarewhich.”

Theyfollowed,asStephaniaknewtheywould.Itdidn’tmatterwhethertheydiditfromfear,orpride,orevenloyalty.Whatmatteredwasthattheydidit.Theyfollowedherupthroughthecastle,andStephaniastartedtogiveorders,althoughshewascarefultomakeitsoundbetterthanthat,atleastfornow.

“LordHwel,wouldyoumindtakingsomeofthemoreablemenandsealingtheguardbarracks?”Stephaniasaid.“Wedon’twantrebelsgettingout.”

“AndmenloyaltotheEmpire?”thenoblesaid.“Canproveitbykillingthoseothertraitors,”Stephaniareplied.Thenoblehurriedtomeethercommand.Shesentoneofherhandmaidensto

gathermore,andaskedanoblewomantoinstructthoseservantswhowouldbeobedienttoStephania’sbidding.

Stephanialookedaroundthegroupwithher,judgingwhowouldbeuseful,whohadsecretsshecouldemploy,whoseweaknessesmadethemeasytocontrolandwhosemadethemdangerous.Shesentthenoblewhohadbeensokeentoavoidafighttocontrolthegates,andacantankerousdowagertothekitchenswhereshecoulddonoharm.

Theygatheredpeopleastheywent.Guardsandservantscametothemastheyheard,theirloyaltieschangingwiththewind.Stephania’shandmaidenskneltbeforeher,thenroseatatouchtobesentabouttheirnexttasks.

Occasionally,theyfoundrebelswhowouldn’tsubmit,andthosedied.Somediedinaquickrushofnobles,theirweaponsseized,theirbodiesbrokenastheywerebeatentodeath.Othersdiedwithaknifetakingthemfrombehind,orapoisoneddartslidingintotheirflesh.Stephania’shandmaidenshadlearnedtobegoodattheirtasks.

WhenshesawQueenAthena,Stephaniafoundherselfwonderingwhichitshouldbe.

“Whatisthis?”thequeendemanded.“What’sgoingonhere?”Stephaniaignoredherbleating.“Tia,Ineedyoutofindouthowthingsaregoingatthearmories.Weneed

thoseweapons.IimagineHighReeveScarelwillhavefoundafightbynow.”Shekeptwalkinginthedirectionofthegreathall.“Stephania,”QueenAthenasaid.“Idemandtoknowwhat’shappening.”Stephaniashrugged.“Ihavedonewhatyoushouldhave.Ifreedtheseloyal

people.”Itwassuchasimpleargument,andsuchaneatone,thatitneedednomore.

Stephaniahadbeentheonetodotheworkofsavingthenobles.Shewastheonetheyowedtheirfreedomto,andperhapstheirlives.

“Iwaslockeduptoo,”thequeenshotback.“Ah,ofcourse.HadIknown,Iwouldhaverescuedyoualongwiththeother

nobles.Now,excuseme.Ihaveacastletotake.”Stephaniastrodeoffbriskly,becausethebestwaytowinanargumentwasnot

togiveone’sopponentachancetospeak.Shewasn’tsurprisedwhentheotherstherecontinuedtofollowher.

Nearby,Stephaniaheardthesoundsofafight.Gesturingtothosewithher,sheheadedupaflightofstairs,searchingforabalcony.Shequicklyfoundwhatshewaslookingfor.Stephaniaknewthelayoutofthecastleaswellasanyone.

Below,shesawafightthatwouldprobablyhaveimpressedmostpeople.Adozenmuscledmen,notwoofwhoseweaponsorarmormatched,werefightinginthecourtyardbeforethemaingate.Theydidsoagainstatleasttwiceasmanyguards,maybethreetimesasmanybeforethebattlestarted,allledbyHighReeveScarel.Morethanthat,itseemedthattheywerewinning.Stephaniacouldseethebodiesscatteredacrossthecobblesintheirimperialarmor.Thenoblewholovedtopickfightshadpickedonefortheages,itseemed.

“Foolishman,”Stephaniasaid.Stephaniawatchedforamoment,andifshehadseenmoreofapointinthe

Stade,shewouldprobablyhavefoundsomekindofsavagebeautyinitall.Asshewatched,amanwithagreataxeslammedthehaftintotwomen,thenspun,catchingoneofthemwiththebladehardenoughtonearlysplithimintwo.Acombatlordwhofoughtwithachainleaptoverasoldier,wrappingitaroundhisneck.

Itwasabraveperformance,andanimpressiveone.Perhapsifshe’dthought,shecouldhaveboughtadozencombatlordssometimeearlierandturnedthemintoasuitablyloyalbodyguard.Theonlydifficultywouldhavebeenthelackofsubtlety.Stephaniawincedasaspatterofbloodmanagedtorisealmosttothelipofthebalcony.

“Aren’ttheymagnificent?”oneofthenoblewomensaid.Stephanialookedoveratherwithasmuchscornasshecouldmuster.“Ithink

they’refools.”ShesnappedherfingersinElethe’sdirection.“Elethe,knivesandbows.Now.”

Herhandmaidennodded,andStephaniawatchedwhilesheandsomeoftheotherstheredrewthrowingweaponsanddarts.Afewoftheguardswiththemhadshortbowstakenfromthearmory.Onehadaship’scrossbow,betterfiredbracedonadeckthanabalcony.Theyhesitated.

“Ourpeoplearedownthere,”oneofthenoblemensaid.

Stephaniasnatchedalightbowfromhishands.“Andtheyweregoingtodieanyway,fightingcombatlordssopoorly.Atleastthisway,theygiveusachancetowin.”

Winningwaseverything.Maybeoneday,theseotherswouldunderstandthat.Perhapsitwasbetteriftheydidn’t.Stephaniadidn’twanttohavetokillthem.

Fornow,shedrewthebowasbestshecouldwithherswollenbelly.Firingdownlikethis,italmostdidn’tmatterthatshecouldbarelypullitbackhalfway.Itcertainlydidn’tmatterthatshetooknotimetoaim.Withthemassofthosestrugglingtherebelow,itwasenoughthatshewouldhitsomething.

Morethanthat,itwasenoughtoserveasasignal.Arrowsraineddown.Stephaniasawonepunchthroughthemeatofa

combatlord’sarm,andheroaredlikeawoundedanimalbeforeanotherthreeslammedintohischest.Knivesflasheddowntocutandskim,digandgouge.Dartscarriedpoisonthatprobablyhadnotimetoactbeforethetargetswerepuncturedbyarrows.

Stephaniasawimperialsoldiersfallalongwiththecombatlords.HighReeveScarellookedupatherwithaccusingeyesashepawedatacrossbowboltthathadstruckhimthroughthestomach.Mencontinuedtofallunderthecombatlords’blades,orfoundgapsintheirdefenses,onlytofindtheirmomentofvictorycutshortbyarrowfire.

Stephaniadidn’tcare.Onlywhenthelastcombatlordfelldidsheraiseahandfortheassaulttocease.

“Somany…”oneofthenoblewomenstarted,andStephaniaroundedonher.“Don’tbesofoolish.WehavetakenCeres’ssupport,andwehavetakenthe

castle.Nothingelsematters.”“WhataboutCeres?”oneoftheguardsthereasked.“Isshedead?”Stephania’seyesnarrowedatthatquestion,becauseitwastheonethingabout

thisplanthatirritatedher.“Notyet.”Theyhadtoholdthecastleuntileithertheinvasionwasdoneortherebels

somehowfoundawaytobeatitback.Atthatpoint,theymightneedCeresasabargainingchip,orevenjustagiftsothattheFiveStonesofFelldustcouldshowtheirvictory.HavinghertheremightevendrawinThanos,lettingStephaniahaveallherrevengeatonce.

Fornow,thatmeantthatCerescouldn’tdie,butshecouldstillsuffer.Andshewould.

CHAPTERFIVECereswasfloatingaboveislandsofsmoothstoneandbeautysoexquisiteshe

almostwantedtocry.SherecognizedtheworkoftheAncientOnes,andinstantlyshefoundherselfthinkingofhermother.

Ceressawherthen,somewhereaheadofher,stillrobedinamist.Ceressprintedafterher,andshesawhermotherturn,butshestilldidn’tseemtobegainingonherquicklyenough.

Therewasagapbetweenthemnow,andCeresleapt,holdingoutherhand.Shesawhermotherreachingoutforher,andjustforamoment,CeresthoughtthatLycinewouldcatchher.Theirfingersbrushed,andthenCereswasfalling.

Shefellintothemidstofabattle,figuresflailingabouther.Thedeadwerethere,theirdeathsapparentlynotstoppingthemfromfighting.LordWestfoughtbesideAnka,RexusbesideahundredmenCereshadkilledinasmanydifferentfights.TheywereallaroundCeres,fightingoneanother,fightingtheworld…

TheLastBreathwasthereinfrontofher,theformercombatlordasbleakandterrifyingashehadeverbeen.Ceresfoundherselfjumpingoverthebladedstaffhewielded,reachingouttoturnhimtostoneasshehadbefore.

Nothinghappenedthistime.TheLastBreathknockedhersprawling,standingoverherintriumph,andnowhewasStephania,holdingabottleinplaceofastaff,thefumesstillacridinCeres’snostrils.

Thenshewoke,andrealitywasn’tanybetterthanherdreaming.Cereswoketothefeelofroughstone.Foramoment,shethoughtthatmaybe

Stephaniahadleftheronthefloorofherroom,orworse,thatshemightstillbestandingoverher.Ceresspun,tryingtocometoherfeetandcontinuethefight,onlytorealizethattherewasnoroominwhichtodoit.

Cereshadtoforceherselftobreatheslowly,fightingdownthepanicthatthreatenedtoengulfherasshesawstonewallsoneveryside.Itwasonlywhenshelookedupandsawametalgrilleaboveherthatsherealizedshewasinapit,notburiedalive.

Thepitwasbarelybroadenoughtositin.Therewascertainlynowaythatshecouldliefulllength.Ceresreachedup,testingthebarsofthegrilleaboveher,reachingdownforthestrengthtobendorbreakthem.

Nothinghappened.Now,Ceresfeltthepanicstartingtorise.Shetriedreachingdownforthe

poweragain,beinggentlewithit,rememberinghowhermotherhadcorrectedherafterCereshadburntoutherpowerstryingtotakethecity.

Thisfeltthesameinsomeways,andyetdifferentinsomanymore.Before,ithadbeenasthoughthechannelsalongwhichthepowerflowedhadbeenburned

throughuntiltheyhurttoomuchtouse,leavingCereshollowedout.Now,itfeltasthoughshewassimplynormal,althoughthatfeltlikelessthan

nothingcomparedtowhatshe’dbeenonlyalittlewhileago.Therewasnodoubtingwhathaddonethiseither:Stephaniaandherpoison.Somewhere,somehow,shehadfoundamethodtostripCeresofthepowersherAncientOnebloodgaveher.

Cerescouldfeelthedifferencebetweenthisandwhathadhappenedbefore.Thathadbeenlikeflashblindness:toomuchtoosoon,fadingslowlywiththerightcare.Thiswasmorelikehavinghereyespeckedoutbycrows.

Shereachedupforthebarsagainanyway,hopingthatshewaswrong.Shestrained,puttingallthestrengthshecouldmusterintotryingtomovethem.Theydidn’tgiveintheslightest,evenwhenCerespulledatthemsohardherpalmsbledagainstthemetal.

Shecriedoutinsurpriseassomeonethrewwaterdownintothepit,leavinghersoakedandhuddledagainstthestoneofthewall.WhenStephaniasteppedintoview,standingoverthegrate,Cerestriedtoglareatherindefiance,butrightthenshewastoocoldandwetandweaktodomuchofanything.

“Thepoisonworkedthen,”Stephaniasaidwithoutpreamble.“Well,itshould.Ipaidenoughforit.”

Ceressawhertouchherbellythen,butStephaniawentonbeforeCerescouldaskwhatshemeant.

“Howdoesitfeeltohavetheonlythingthatmadeyouspecialtakenaway?”Stephaniaasked.Likehavingbeenabletofly,butnowbarelybeingabletocrawl.ButCeres

wasn’tgoingtogiveherthatsatisfaction.“Haven’twebeenherebefore,Stephania?”shedemanded.“Youknowhowit

ends.Withmeescapingandgivingyouwhatyoudeserve.”Stephaniadumpedanotherbucketofwateronherthen,andCeresleaptatthe

bars.SheheardStephania’slaughterasshedidit,andthatjustdroveCeres’sanger.Shedidn’tcareifshehadnopowersrightthen.Shestillhadacombatlord’straining,andshestillhadeverythingshe’dlearnedfromtheForestPeople.ShewouldstrangleStephaniawithherbarehandsifneedbe.

“Lookatyou.Liketheanimalyouare,”Stephaniasaid.ThatwasenoughtoslowCeresalittle,ifonlybecauseshewouldn’tlet

herselfbeanythingStephaniawantedhertobe.“Youshouldhavekilledmewhenyouhadthechance,”Ceressaid.“Iwantedto,”Stephaniareplied,“buteventsdon’talwaysgiveuswhatwe

want.JustlookathowthingshavegonewithyouandThanos.OrmeandThanos.Afterall,I’mtheonewho’sactuallymarriedtohim,aren’tI?”

CereshadtoputherhandsagainstthestoneofthewallstokeepherselffromleapingatStephaniaagain.

“IwouldhavecutyourthroatifIhadn’theardthewarhorns,”Stephaniasaid.“Andthenitoccurredtomethatitwouldbeaneasythingtotakethecastleback.SoIdid.”

Ceresshookherhead.Shecouldn’tbelievethat.“Ifreedthecastle.”She’ddonemorethanthat.She’dfilleditwithrebels.She’dtakenthepeople

whowereloyaltotheEmpireandshe’dimprisonedthem.Theothers,she’dgivenchancesto,she’d…

“Ah,you’restartingtoseeitnow,aren’tyou?”Stephaniasaid.“Allthosepeoplewhoweresoquicktothankyoufortheirfreedomturnedbacktomejustasquickly.I’llhavetowatchthem.”

“You’llhavetowatchmorethanthat,”Ceressnappedback.“Youthinktherebellion’sfighterswillletyousithereplayingqueen?Youthinkthecombatlordswill?”

“Ah,”Stephaniasaid,withanexaggeratedshowofembarrassmentthatmadeCeresdreadwhatwascomingnext.“I’mafraidIhavesomebadnewsaboutyourcombatlords.Itturnsoutthatthebestoffightersstilldieswhenyouputanarrowinhisheart.”

Shesaidthatsocasually,sotauntingly,yetifitwasevenhalftrueitwasenoughtobreakCeres’sheart.She’dfoughtalongsidethecombatlords.She’dtrainedalongsidethem.They’dbeenherfriendsandherallies.

“Youjustenjoybeingcruel,”Ceressaid.Tohersurprise,shesawStephaniashakeherhead.“Letmeguess.YouthinkI’mnobetterthanthatidiot,Lucious?Amanwho

couldn’tenjoyhimselfintheslightestunlesssomeoneelsewasscreaming?YouthinkI’mlikethat?”

ItseemedlikeafairlyaccuratedescriptionfromwhereCereswasstanding.Especiallygiveneverythingthatwaslikelytohappennext.

“Aren’tyou?”Ceresdemanded.“Oh,I’msorry,andthereIwasthinkingthatyou’dputmeinastonepit,waitingtodie.”

“Waitingfortorture,actually,”Stephaniasaid.“Butthat’sjustyou.Youdeserveeverythingyougetafterallyoutriedtotakefromme.Thanoswasmine.”

Perhapsshereallybelievedthat.Perhapsshehonestlyfeltthatitwasnormaltotrytomurderyourrivalsinrelationshipsandlife.

“Andtherestofit?”Ceressaid.“Areyougoingtotrytoconvincemethatyou’rebasicallyaniceperson,Stephania?BecauseI’mprettysurethatship

sailedthemomentyoutriedtosendmetotheIsleofPrisoners.”Perhapssheshouldn’thavemadefunofherlikethat,becauseStephania

heftedathirdbucketofwater.Sheappearedtoconsideritforamoment,shrugged,anddumpeditoverCeresinawashoffreezingcold.

“I’msayingthatnicedoesn’tcomeintoit,youstupidpeasant,”shesnappedasCeresshivered.“Weliveinaworldthatwilltrytotakeallyouhavefromyouwithoutasking.Particularlyifyou’reawoman.TherearealwaysthugslikeLucious.Therearealwaysthosewhowanttotakeandtake.”

“Sowefightthem,”Ceressaid.“Wesetpeoplefree!Weprotectthem.”SheheardStephanialaughatthat.“Youactuallybelievethatfoolishnessworks,don’tyou?”Stephaniasaid.

“Youthinkthatpeoplearebasicallygood,andallwillbewellifyoujustgivethemachance.”

Shesaiditasthoughitweresomethingtomock,ratherthanagoodphilosophyforalife.

“Thatisnotlife,”Stephaniacontinued.“Lifeisawar,foughtanywayyoucanfindtofightit.Yougivenoonepoweroveryou,andyoutakeallthepoweryoucan,becausethatwayyouhavethestrengthtocrushthemwhentheytrytobetrayyou.”

“I’mnotfeelingverycrushed,”Ceresretorted.Shewasn’tgoingtoletStephaniaseehowweakshefeltinthatmoment,orhowempty.Shewasgoingtocreatethepretenseofstrength,inthehopethatshemightfindawayforrealitytofollow.

ShesawStephaniashrug.“Youwill.Yourrebellioniscurrentlyfightingabattlewiththearmyof

Felldust.Itmightwin,andthenIwilltradeyouforapathoutofthecitywithallthewealthIcantake.Myguess,though,isthatFelldustwillwashthroughthecitylikeawave.Iwillletthembreakagainstthewallsofthiscastle,untiltheyarereadytotalk.”

“Youthinkmenlikethatwilljusttalktoyou?”Ceresdemanded.“They’llkillyou.”

Cereswasn’tsurewhyshegaveStephaniathatmuchofawarning.Theworldwouldbeabetterplaceifsomeonekilledher,evenifitwasthearmiesofFelldust.

“YouthinkIhaven’tthoughtitthrough?”Stephaniacountered.“Felldustisfractious.Itcannotaffordtohaveitssoldierssitting,layingsiegetoacastleitcannottake.Theywouldfightamongstthemselvesinweeks,ifnotbefore.Theywillhavetotalk.”

“Andyouthinkthey’llplayfairwithyou?”Ceresasked.

Sometimes,shecouldbarelybelievethearroganceStephaniashowed.“Iamnotafool,”Stephaniasaid.“Ihaveoneofmyhandmaidenspreparing

toplaythepartofmeforthefirstmeeting,sothatiftheytrytobetrayus,Ihavetimetofleethecitythroughthetunnels.Afterthat,Iwillpresentyou,kneelingandinchains,toFirstStoneIrrien.Anofferingwithwhichtobeginpeacenegotiations.Andwhoknows?PerhapsFirstStoneIrrienwillfindhimself…amenabletojoiningourtwonationstogether.IfeelIcoulddoalotalongsidesomeonelikethat.”

Ceresshookherheadatthatthought.ShewouldnomorekneelonStephania’scommandthanonthatofanyothernoble.“YouthinkI’mgoingtogiveyouthesatisfaction—”

“IthinkthatIdon’thavetowaitforyoutogiveanything,”Stephaniasnappedback.“IcantakeanythingIwantfromyou,includingyourlife.Rememberthat,inwhatfollows:ifitweren’tforthiswar,Iwouldhaveshownyoumercy,andjustkilledyou.”

ItsoundedasthoughStephaniahadasstrangeanideaaboutmercyasabouteverythingelseintheworld.

“Whathappenedtoyou?”Ceresaskedher.“Whatmadeyouintothis?”Stephaniasmiledatthat.“Isawtheworldasitwas.Andnow,Ithink,the

worldwillseeyouasyouare.Ican’tkillyou,soI’lldestroythesymbolyoumadeyourselfinto.You’regoingtofightforme,Ceres.Againandagain,withoutthestrengththatmadepeoplethinkyouweresospecial.Inbetween,we’llfindwaystomakeitworse.”

Thatdidn’tsoundsodifferentfromanythingLuciousortheroyalshadtriedtodo.

“You’renotgoingtobreakme,”Cerespromisedher.“I’mnotgoingtocollapseandbegjustforyourentertainment,oryourpettyrevenge,orwhateverelseyouwanttocallit.”

“Youwill,”Stephaniapromisedherinreturn.“You’regoingtokneelbeforetheFirstStoneofFelldustandbegtobehisslave.I’llmakesureofit.”

CHAPTERSIXFelenehadstolenplentyofboatsinhertime,andshewaspleasedtofindthis

onewasoneofthebetterones.Itwasn’tmuchmorethanaskiff,butitsailedbeautifully,seemingtorespondasquickasthought,feelinglikeanextensionofherself.

“Itwouldneedmoreholesinitforthat,”Felenesaid,movingtobailoutwaterthathadwashedovertheside.Evendoingthathurt,andasforthetimeswhenshehadtorowbecausethewindhaddropped…

Felenewincedjustthinkingaboutthat.Shetestedthewoundgingerly,movingherarmineverydirectiontostretch

themusclesofherback.Thereweresomemovementswhereitalmostseemedasthoughshecouldignoreitspresence,buttherewereothers—

“Depthstakeyou!”Felenesworeaspainflashedthroughher,whitehot.Theworstpartwasthateveryflashofpainbroughtwithitmemoriesofbeing

stabbed.OflookingintoElethe’seyeswhileStephaniastabbedherfrombehind.Everyphysicalpainbroughtwithittheagonyofbetrayalaswell.She’ddaredtothink…

“What,”Felenedemanded.“Thatyoumightfinallyenduphappy?Thatyou’dfloatoffwithaprincessandsomelovelygirl,andtheworldwouldjustleaveyoualone?”

Itwasstupidthinking.Theworlddidn’tofferthehappyendingsyougotinsingers’tales.Certainlynotforathieflikeher.Nomatterwhathappened,therewouldalwaysbesomethingelsetosteal,whetheritwasajewel,orasliceofthemap,ortheheartofsomegirlwhowouldthenturnoutto…

“Stopit,”Felenetoldherself,butthatwasharderthanitlooked.Somewoundsdidn’tjusthealover.

Notthatherphysicalonehad,yet.She’dstitcheditasbestshecouldonthebeach,butFelenewasstartingtoworryaboutthepunctureStephania’sknifehadleftinherback.Sheliftedhershirthighenoughtodouseitwithseawater,grittingherteethagainstthepainasshewasheditclean.

Felenehadbeenwoundedbefore,andthisfeltlikeabadone.She’dseenwoundslikethisamongothers,andgenerallyithadn’tendedwell.Therehadbeenthatclimbingguidewhohadfoundhimselfmauledbyaniceleopard’sclawswhenFelenehadbeentryingtostealfromoneofthedeadtemples.TherehadbeentheslavegirlFelenehadrescuedonawhimafterhermasterhadwhippedherbloody,onlytowatchherwasteanddie.Therehadbeenthatgamblerwhohadinsistedonstayingatthetable,evenafterhe’dgashedhishandonabrokenshardofglass.

Thesensiblethingtodorightnow,Feleneknew,wastoheadbackthewayshehadcome,seekoutahealer,andrestforaslongasittooktogetbacktoeverythingshehadbeen.Ofcourse,bythatpoint,theinvasionwouldprobablybeover,andeveryoneinvolvedwouldbescatteredtothewind,butFelenewouldbeallrightagain,freetogooffwherevershewanted.

Itshouldn’tmakeanydifferencetoherhowtheinvasionturnedout,afterall.Shewasathief.Therewouldalwaysbethingstosteal,andtherewouldalwaysbethosewhowantedtohuntherdown.Therewouldprobablyevenbemoreintheaftermathofawar,whenthingstendedtogetalittlelesstightlycontrolled,andtherewerealwaysgapsforsomeonecunningenoughtoslipthrough.

ShecouldgobacktoFelldust,restup,andthenfindsomefreshadventuretosetouton.Shecouldgooffinsearchoflong-lostislands,orheadintothelandswhereiceclosedovereverythinglikeafist.Theremightbetreasureandviolence,womenanddrink.Allthethingsthathadtendedtomixtogethersoreadilyinherlifetodate.

Whatmadeherkeepthesmallboat’stillerpointedtowardDeloswassimple:itwaswhereStephaniaandElethewouldbe.StephaniahadtrickedheraboutThanos.She’dusedhertogettoFelldust,andthenshe’dtriedtokillher.Morethanthat,she’dtriedtokillThanos,eveniftherumorsaroundFelldustsuggestedthathehadatleastsurvivedthroughtotherebellion’scaptureofthecity.

Felenefoundthatshecouldn’tletwhatStephaniahaddonego.Felenehadleftplentyofenemiesbehindherwhenshesailedon,butshedidn’tliketoleaveunsettleddebts.She’dfoughtaduelinOakfordonceoveraninsultayearbefore,andoncehunteddownalocksmithwhohadtriedtocutheroutofhershare,followinghimacrosshalftheGrasslands.

Stephaniawasgoingtodieforwhatshe’ddone.AsforElethe…Inalotofways,thatbetrayalwasworse.Stephaniawasasnake,andFelene

hadknownitfromthemomentshesetfootontheboat.Elethehadactuallydaredtomakeherfeelsomething.Foroneofthefirsttimesinherlife,Felenehaddaredtothinkbeyondthenexttheft,andhadstartedtodream.

“Andwhatadream,”Felenesaidtoherself.“Travelingtheworld,rescuingbeautifulprincessesandseducingfairmaidens.Whodoyouthinkyouare?Somekindofhero?”

ItsoundedmorelikethekindofthingThanosmighthavedonethansomethingforthelikesofher.

“MylifewouldbesomucheasierifIhadn’tmetyou,PrinceThanos,”Felenesaid.Shejerkedononeofthelinesforherboat,settingitskimminginanewdirection.

Shedidn’tmeanitthough.Themainthingherlifewouldhavebeenifshehadn’tmetThanoswasshorter.ShewouldhavediedontheIsleofPrisonerswithouthim,andafterthat…

Hewasamanwhoseemedtohaveacause.Whostoodforsomething,evenifithadtakenFelenetoremindhimofwhatthatwas.Hewasamanwhohadbeenpreparedtofightagainsteverythinghe’dbeenbroughtuptobe.He’dfoughttheEmpire,eventhoughitwouldhavebeeneasierforhimnottodoit.He’dbeenpreparedtogivehislifetosavethelikesofStephania,whichwastrulythekindofthingaherodid.

“IsupposeifIhadanysense,I’dbefallinginlovewithyou,”Felenesaidasshethoughtabouttheprince.HewascertainlyabetterpersontofallforthanthelikesofElethe.Butyoudidn’tgetwhatyouwantedinthislife.Youcertainlydidn’tgettochoosewhenitcametolove.

ItwasenoughthatThanoswasamantorespect,evenadmire.ItwasenoughthatjustthinkingaboutthekindofthinghewoulddomadeFeleneintoabetterperson.

“Ifnotnecessarilyamoresensibleone.”Felenesighed.Therewasnopointinallthistryingtoarguewithherself.She

knewwhatshewasgoingtodo.ShewasgoingtoDelos.ShewouldfindThanosifbyanystrokeofluckhe

wasstillalive.ShewouldfindStephania,shewouldfindElethe,andtherewouldbebloodforblood,deathfordeath.Probably,Thanoswouldhavearguedforsomethingkinderormorecivilized,buttherewasonlysofaryoucouldgoinemulatingpeople.Evenprinces.

Now,therewasjustthequestionofgettingtoDelosandgettinginside.Bythetimeshegotthere,Felenehadnodoubtthatitwouldbeacityatwar,ifithadn’tfallenoutright.Felldust’sfleetwouldprobablybeafloatingbarricadebeforethecity,anditwasalongestablishedtacticintimesofwartoblockadeports.

NotthatFelenecaredaboutthatkindofthing.She’doccasionallymadequiteahealthyprofitfromsmugglingherwayaroundblockades.Food,information,peoplewhowantedtogetout,ithadallbeenthesame.

Still,Felenecouldn’timaginethatFelldust’ssoldierswouldbeverywelcomingtoherifshewerestupidenoughtojustchargeforthecity.Already,FelenecouldseefragmentsofFelldust’sfleetaheadofher,vesselsstrungoutacrossthewaterfromFelldusttotheEmpirelikejetbeadsonanecklace.Themainfleethadlongsincesailed,buttheyweregoinginclustersnow,forminggroupsofthreeorfour,settingofftogetherastheytriedtomakethemostoftheinvasiontocome.

Inalotofways,theywereprobablythesensibleones.Felenehadalwayshad

moreofanaffinityforthepeoplewhocameupafterafighttostealthanfortheonesriskingtheirlives.Theyweretheoneswhounderstoodaboutlookingoutforthemselves.TheywereFelene’speople.

Anideacametoherthen,andFelenesteeredherskiffinthedirectionofoneofthegroups.Withherbetterarm,shepulledoutaknife.

“Hoythere!”shecalledinherbestFelldustdialect.Amanappearedovertherailings,holdingabowaimedather.“Thinkwe’ll

takeallyou—”HegurgledasFelenethrewtheblade,cuttinghimoffmid-sentence.He

tumbledfromtheboat,hittingthewaterwithasplash.“Hewasoneofmybestmen,”aman’svoicesaid.Felenelaughed.“Idoubtthat,oryouwouldn’thavemadehimtheonetolean

outandseeifIwasathreat.Youthecaptainhere?”“Iam,”hecalledback.Thatwasgood.Felenedidn’thavetimetowastenegotiatingwiththosewho

weren’tinapositiontodoit.“YouallofftoDelos?”shedemanded.“Whereelsewouldwebegoing?”thecaptaincalledback.“Youthinkwe’re

outcatchingfish?”Felenethoughtofsomeofthesharksthathadhuntedheronthewayintothe

shore.Shethoughtofthebodytumblingamongthemnow.“Mightbe.There’sbaitinthewater,andtherearesomebigprizesintheseparts.”

“AndsomebiggeronesinDelos,”thevoicecalledback.“Youlookingtojoinourconvoy?”

Felenemadeherselfshrugasifshecouldn’tcareeitherway.“Ifigureanextraswordisgoodforyou.”

“Andanextrafiftyisgoodforyou.Butitlooksasthoughyoucanfight.Youdon’tslowusdown,andyoueatyourownsupplies.Fairenough?”

Morethanfair,sinceFelenehadfoundherwayintoDelos.Howevercarefulthecordonaroundthecity,Felldust’sfleetwouldn’tlooktwiceatherwhenshewasapartofit.

“Fairenough,”shecalledback.“Justsolongasyoudon’tslowmedown!”“Eagerforgold.Ilikethat.”Theycouldlikewhattheywanted,solongastheyleftFelenebe.Letthem

thinkthatshewasthereforgold.Theonlythingthatmatteredwas—ThecoughingfitcaughtFelenebysurprise,almostdoublingherupwiththe

forceofit.Itrippedthroughher,herlungsfeelingasthoughtheywereonfire.Sheputahandtohermouth,anditcameawaywetwithblood.

“Areyouallrightdownthere?”thecaptainoftheFelldustshipcalled,ina

voiceofclearsuspicion.“Isthatblood?You’renotcarryingsomeplague,areyou?”

Felenehadnodoubtthathewouldmakehertravelaloneifhethoughtshedid.That,orfirehershipjusttobecertainthatnodiseasegotclose.

“Gotgutpunchedinafightonthedocks,”shelied,wipingherhandontherailing.“It’snobigdeal.”

“Ifyou’recoughingblood,itsoundsbadenough,”thecaptaincalledback.“Youshouldgooffandfindahealer.Can’tspendgoldifyou’redead.”

Itwasprobablygoodadvice,butthen,Felenehadneverbeenonetolistentosuchthings.Especiallynotwhenshehadbetterthingstodo.Ifithadbeenjustgoldontheline,shemighthavedoneexactlywhatthemansuggested.

“Sotheysay,”Felenejoked.“Me,Isaythey’renottryinghardenough.”Shelettheothership’scaptainlaugh.Shehadbetterthingstodo.ItwastimetokillStephaniaandElethe.

CHAPTERSEVENEveryday,theconvoyofformerconscriptsmadeitswayaroundthe

countrysidesurroundingDelos,andeveryday,SartesfoundhimselfstaringatLeyana,tryingtofindawaytotellherhowhefelthavingheraround.

Everyday,Sartesspenttimetryingtoputitintowords,thinkingofthethingssomeonemoreeloquentmighthavecomeupwith.WhatwouldThanoshavesaid,orAkila,or…oranyoneelsewhowashalfinloveanddidn’tknowwhattodonext?

HespenthistimecaughtbetweenthinkingaboutLeyanaandthinkingofthethingsheoughttobedoing.Theywentfromvillagetovillage,passingoutwhatsuppliestheyhad,givingbackconscriptswhohadbeentakenfromtheirhomes,andreassuringpeopleasbesttheycouldthattherebellionwouldnotbeanothersetoftyrants.

Everyday,hetriedtocomposesomethingtosay,andeveryday,hefoundhimselfgettingtothepointofmakingcampwithouthavingdoneit.

“Areyouallright?”Leyanaaskedwithasmile.She’dtakentoridingonthesamewagonasSartes,andSarteshadtoadmitthathelikedthat.Whentheymadecampeverynight,hertentwasneverfarawayfromhis.Sarteslikedthattoo.Hefoundhimselfgratefulthatiftheyweretobeattacked,hewouldbeabletorushoutandsaveher.

Hefoundhimselfhalfhopingthatsomeonewouldattacksothathecould.Wasthiswhatbeinginlovefeltlike?Sartesdidn’tknow.Hedidn’thave

enoughexperiencewithgirlstoknowforsure,anditwasn’tasthoughhecouldjustasksomeone,becausehewassupposedtobetheleader,andhe’dlearnedfromwatchingAnkathatleaderscouldn’taffordtobethatuncertaininpublic.Hehadtobestrong,sothattheycouldkeepdoingwhatCereshadsenthimtodo.

HewishedthatAnkaweretheretotalkto,ratherthandead.HewishedthatCeresweretheretoo.Maybehisbigsisterwouldhavebeenabletogivehimsomeadvice.MaybeshecouldhavetoldhimhowsheknewwhatshefeltaboutThanos.

Theytraveleddownthroughavillage,handingoutfood.Asseemedtohappeninalmosteveryvillagenow,peoplestartedtoappearthemomentitwasclearthattheconscriptsweren’ttheretoattackthem.Fartoomanylookedpainfullythin,starvingafterLucioushadburnedthecountryside.

Thereweremoreofthemnow.Sarteshadseenthelinesofrefugees,somecarryingeverythingtheyowned.Twicenow,hisconscriptshadcomeacrossthievesorbanditstryingtorobthem.Twice,Sartesandtheothershaddriven

themoff.Hehopeditwouldbethatsimplewiththeinvasion.Everygroupofrefugees

theypassedbroughtrumorswiththem,talkingaboutthegreatfleetthatwascoming,thebattlesthatwereragingontheopenwateraroundthecityasAkila’sfleettriedtoslowtheinvasion.

Apartofhimwantedtorushbackrightthenandhelp,butSarteshadtotrustthathissisterknewwhatshewasdoing.IfCereshadaroleforhiminthedefenseofthecity,shewouldsendamessenger.Untilshedid,thebestthingSartescoulddowaskeepgoing,tryingtomakethecountrysidesafer.

Thenexttimetheystopped,though,hetookhisswordfromhisbelt,holdingitupforeveryonetheretosee.

“Thisiscoming,”hecalledouttotherefugees.“You’rerunningfromit,butyouwon’tbeabletorunforever.Theinvasionwillspreadbeyondthecity,soyoumightaswelllearnhowtoprotectyourselves.Grabwhateverweaponsyoucanfind.You’regoingtolearnhowtousethem.”

Hehopedthathesoundedenoughlikealeaderforthemtobelieveit.Plentyofthemgrabbedwhattheycould:knivesandhatchets,hoes,andeventheoccasionalsword.Sartestriedtorememberwhathecouldofthelessonsthey’dforcedintohiminthearmy.

“Youneedtostandtogetherifsoldierscome,”Sartessaid,movingaroundthegroupofthem.“Youcan’tjustlookafteryourself;youlookafterthepeoplenexttoyouaswell.No,holditlightly,oryouwon’tbeabletoputthebladewhereyouwant.Stayinline.Ifyougooffalone,you’llbesurroundedbyanyonewhoattacks.”

Tohissurprise,hefoundLeyanaattheendoftheline,holdingaknifeaslongasherforearm.

“Iwanttolearnhowtofight,”shesaid.“Thenexttimemencome,Imightnotbeabletohide.”

“Iwon’tletanythinghappentoyou,”Sartespromised.Shesmiledatthat.“That’ssweet,butwhatifyouaren’tthere?”Sartescouldn’timaginenotbeingthere,becausethatwouldmeanleaving

Leyana’sside.“I’llbethere,”hepromised.Herealizedwhathewassaying.“Thatis…I

mean…ifyouwantmetobe.”“Iwantyoutobe,”Leyanareplied.“Butifyou’reprotectingme,it’sonly

rightthatIshouldprotectyou,isn’tit?”Thatwasafairpoint,andLeyanaseemedtogetthebasicsofusingthe

weaponquickly.Evenso,Sarteshopedthatshewouldn’thavetofightanytimesoon.Hecouldn’tstandthethoughtofherpotentiallybeinghurt,andanyfight

camewithrisks.ToSartes’ssurprise,whentheyleft,acoupleofmenwalkedalongwiththe

wagons.Sartesfrownedatthat.“Theywanttohelpfighttheinvasion,”Leyanasaidbesidehim.“Yousaidit

yourself:wehavetostandtogether.”“Thatwasn’twhatImeant,”Sartessaid.Sometimes,though,itdidn’tmatterwhatyouweretryingtodo.Itmattered

whatyoudid.Sartesjusthopedthateverythinghedidwouldprovetobeenough.

***Theymovedon,headingforthenextvillage.Therealwaysseemedtobe

anothervillage.Whentheyfinallystoppedforthenight,Sarteswanderedfromtheroadalittleway.Hespunatthesoundoffootstepsbehindhim,paddingacrossthemeadowgrass,hishandalreadygoingtohissword.

HerelaxedwhenhesawitwasLeyana,althoughherpresencebroughtnervesofaverydifferentkind.

“Ijustwantedtoseewhatyouweredoing,wanderingofflikethat,”Leyanasaid.

“Iwasjusttryingtogetsometimeawayfromalltheothers,”Sartesreplied.Leyanalookedsuddenlyembarrassed.“I’msorry,Icouldgo.”Sartesrealizedwhathe’djustsaid,andhowthathadtosound.Hedidn’twant

Leyanathinkingthathewasn’tinterestedinher.“No,don’tgo.Ilikehavingyouhere.Imean…”“Whatdoyoumean?”Leyanaasked.ShegavehimalookthatSartescouldn’t

decipher.“Whatisityouwant,Sartes?Arewe…doImeansomethingtoyou?”“Yes,ofcourseyoudo!”Sartesblurted,andthenrealizedthatheshould

probablybesayingsomethingmorepoetic.Thatwaswhatpeopledid,wasn’tit?“You…you’relike…themostbeautiful…the…”Hetrailedoff.“I’msorry,I’mnotverygoodatthis.”

Shekissedhimthen.Sarteshadn’tevendaredtoimaginewhatitmightbeliketokissLeyana,becausehe’dbeensureitwouldn’tbepossible.Yetwhensheputherarmsaroundhisneckandtheirlipsmet,itwasbetterthananythinghecouldhaveimagined.Itfeltasthoughhisbodywasfilledwithfireandice,bothatthesametime.

Hekissedherback,notknowingifhewasdoingitrightornot.Allthethingshe’dbeenthroughsincetherebellionstarted,butnoneofithadpreparedhimforthis.He’dpreparedforbattlesandsneakingaroundpastenemies,notforkissingthemostbeautifulgirlhe’devermet.

“Ithink,”Leyanasaidwhentheypulledbackfromoneanother,“thatyou’rebetteratthisthanyouthink.”

“Ijust…”Sartestriedtogetagriponhisstraythoughts.“It’sjustthatthereareallthesethingsIwanttosayanddo,andIwanttotellyouhowIfeel,butItryandIjustgetintoabigjumble.”

“Pretendthatyou’regivingaspeechtosomeofyourmen,”Leyanasaid.“Youdothatwellenough.”

Sarteslaughedatthat.“I’mnotsureI’mevergoingtogivethemaspeechtellingthemhowmuchI

lovethem.”Again,itfeltasthoughhismouthhadrunaheadoftherestofhim.“I’msorry,”hesaid.“Iknowit’sfartooearlytosaythingslikethat,andI—”“It’sallright,”Leyanasaid.Foramoment,Sartesthoughtthattheymightkissagain.Onlythesoundof

someoneelseapproachingmadehimturnfromLeyana,andthenitwasreluctantly.

ThemanwhowasapproachingwasoneSartesdidn’tknowwell,buthewaswearingthecolorsofoneoftherebellion,andSartesthoughtherecognizedhimfromtheforges.Hewastallandlean,obviouslyoutofbreath,asifhe’djustruntotrytocatchup.Sartesknewamessengerwhenhesawone.

Hewasn’talone.Itseemedthathalfthecamphadcomewithhim,eagertohearthenews.Sartesdidhisbesttohidehisembarrassment.Whateverthiswas,ithadtobeimportant.

“Whatisit?”Sartesasked.“DidCeressendyou?”Therewassomethingabouthisexpressionthatsaidwhateveritwashe’d

comefor,itwasserious.Maybethatwaswhysomanyoftheothershadfollowedhim.

“Yourfather,”themessengersaid,stillalmostdoubledupwiththeeffortofitall.Ifhe’dpushedhimselfthathard,ithadtobeimportant.

“Takeyourtime,”Sartessaid.Heofferedthemanawaterskin.“Thereisn’ttime,”themessengerreplied.“I’vebeenlookingforyoufor

days,butIcouldn’tfindwhereyou’dbenext.There’strouble.Theinvasionhascome.”

Sartesnodded.He’dheardthatmuch.“WhatdoesCeresneed?”Hesawthemessengershakehishead.“Ceres…hasbeentaken.Wewenttothewallstofighttheinvasion,andthe

EmpiretookthecastlebackwithCeresinit.Stephanialeadsthem,wethink.”Stephania?Thatdidn’tmakealotofsense,butSartesknewhowbadthat

madethings.Stephaniahadbeentheonetosendhimtothetarpits,afterall.Stephaniahadbeentheonebehindsomuchofthis.Ifshewasthere,Cereswasinalotofdanger.

SartesturnedbacktoLeyana.“Ihaveto—”“Youhavetogohelpyoursister,”shesaid,reachingouttotouchhisarm.“I

know.”Theothersstoodaroundhimthen,asifwaitingfororders.“Telluswhatyouwantustodo,”ayoungmannamedHedrinsaid.“Dowe

leaveforthecitynow?”Sarteslookedaroundattheyoungmenthere.Theywereallconscripts,and

fartoomanyofhimwerehisage,orevenyounger.“Ican’taskyoualltodothis,”hesaid.HesawLeyanasmileatthat.“Ithinkyoudon’thavetoask,”shesaid.“This

isforCeres.Morethanthat,thisisforyou.”“Istillcan’task,”Sartessaidtotheothers.“Ican’tmakeyoudothis.I’m

sorry,Ineedtogetreadytogo.”Hedidn’twanttobetheoneresponsibleforbringingthembackintoawar.

Evenso,whenhewenttocollecthisthingsfromaroundthecampfirethey’dbeensettingup,theothersweretheredoingthesame.Itseemedthathewasn’tgoingtostopthem.

HesawLeyanagatheringherthingstoo,andranover.“Youshouldn’tcome,atleast,”hesaid.“Itwillbedangerous.”“Idon’tminddangerous,”Leyanareplied.“Idomindnotbeingtherenextto

you.”“Leyana—”Sartesbegan,butLeyanacuthimoff.“We’redoingthistogether,”shesaid.“I’mgoingtohelpyou,andtogether

we’regoingtosaveyoursister.”Shemadeitsoundsosimple,yettherewassomuchtheycouldalllose.Sartes

sworethenthathewouldkeephersafe.Whateverittook,hewasn’tgoingtoloseher.

CHAPTEREIGHTThanoshadn’tthoughtthatPortLeewardcouldgetanydarkerormore

dangerous,butsomehowthecaveportsmanagedit.Hesteppedintothem,unabletoshakethefeelingthatsomeonemighttrytocuthisthroatatanymoment.

HekepthishandonthetwinhiltsofhisandLucious’sswords,lookingaroundfordangers.Thetroublewasthatthereweresomanytofinditwashardtopickoneoutfromanother.

ThecaveportswerecutintothecliffthatovershadowedPortLeeward.Perhapstheyhadstartedlifebeingerodedbythewashofthesea,butteamsofslavesandengineershadobviouslyworkedtoenlargethem,creatingaseriesofcavernslikethefrothontheedgeofthetide.Shackshuddledupagainsttheside,somestackedatoponeanotheratimprobableangles.Therewerejettiesthere,andmerchants.Orsmugglers.Itwashardtotellthedifferenceinaplacelikethis.

“What’stooevilevenforPortLeeward?”Thanosaskedhimselfashemadehiswaydownthere.

Thedifferencewashardtospotatfirst,ifonlybecausePortLeewardalreadyhadspacesforitsdrugmerchantsanditsslavers,itskillersanditsfences.Therewasanedgetothisplace,though,thatsaiditwasashadeortwodarkereventhanthat.Thanosspottedateamofmentransportingasquirmingsackontoaboat.Hesawacrowdofhollow-eyedmen,emaciatedfromyearsofchewingtragaleaf.

Hesawaman’scorpsechainedtoapost,withasignaroundhisneck,thewords“taxtaker”scrawledinseverallanguages.ThatsaidmoreaboutthisplacetoThanosthantherestofitputtogether.IfPortLeewardwasaplacewhereFelldusttookfromtheworld,thiswasonewhereitsinhabitantstookwhatwasleftfromoneanother.

Whenamansteppedtowardhimwithahungrylook,Thanoshalfdrewhissword.Thefigureslunkbacktowardthecavewalls,leavinghimbe.

Thiswasobviouslyaplaceforsmugglers,buttherewereotherboatstheretoo.ThanoscouldseeshipsthatwereobviouslyoutofDelos,theSouthlands,andadozenotherplaces.Hesawoneloadinggrain,whichdidn’tseemtofitwithaplacelikethis,andguessedthatthishadbecometheplaceforallthosewhoweren’tplanningtojointheinvasion.EvenwithafleetthesizeoftheoneheadingtoDelos,therehadtobesomeshipsstillgoingtotradewithotherpartsoftheworld.

Thatdidn’tmakethecaveportsanysafer.Ifanything,Thanosguessed,it

madethemworse,puttingthetemptationofeasypickingsinthewayofsomeoftheharshestpeopleinFelldust.

Hestillcouldn’tfindtheshiphe’dcometolookfor,butahead,hecouldseethebeginningsofafight.Awomanstoodattheheartofacrowdofthugs,spinningabladedchaintokeepthematbay.Hersoft,darkskinhadbeensmearedwithsomethinglikeash,lendingitagrayishtint,whileherheadwasshavedbald,revealingmarkingsetchedincobaltblue.Theymatchedthesilkdressshewore,althoughthatwasstainedwiththedustofthecity.

“Boneeater!”oneofthethugssnarled.“Cannibalwhore!”anotheradded.“We’regoingtomakeyoubegtobekilled.

Youandyourcowardpeople!”Ifherappearancehadn’tbeenenough,theinsultssealedit.Thiswasoneof

theBoneFolkofFelldust’sfarthercoast.Thestoriesaboutthemwerethekindofthingthatsoundedasthoughchildrenhadmadethemuptoscareoneanother.Yettheywereundeniablyraiders,killers,andworse.

Evenso,Thanosdidn’tlikeseeinghalfadozenthugsthreateningonewoman.Theyseemedtobewaitingfortheirmoment.Noneseemedtowanttobethefirsttomove,buteachseemedtounderstandthatthemomentthatsharpenedchainbithome,theotherswouldbefreetoattack.

Thanossteppedintotheringofmen,drawingbothhisswords.“Timetostepback,boys,”hebegan,butthensomethingblurredpasthis

shoulder,andamanscreamedasthechaincutintohim.Thanossawthewomanchargepasthim,andsuddenlyhewasinthemiddleofafight.

ThanossawtheBoneFolkwomancatchaknifeman’sarminthechain,wrenchingandcutting,thenkickoutatanother.Hebarelyhadtimetoregisterthat,though,becausetwomenwerealreadychargingathim.

Thanosduckedlow,dodgingthefirstattack,cuttingwithhisright-handswordtohamstringoneoftheattackers.Hestrucktheotherwiththehiltofhisothersword,catchinghimatthebaseoftheskullandhearingthecrunchasthemanfellintounconsciousness.

Hespunandsawthewomanwithherchainwrappedaroundanotherman’sthroat,whilethelastofthethugsran.

“That’senough,”Thanossaid.“There’snoneedfor—”Shedraggedthechaintight,andthesharpedgesallbutdecapitatedher

opponent.“Idecidewhatthereisaneedfor,”shesaid.Shekickedthebodyintothe

water.“Fools.Itisnotworthcarryingtheirspirits.Whoareyou?”“I’mThanos,”hesaid.Hecouldhavegivenafalsename,buthedidn’tplan

tobeheremuchlonger.“Andyou?”

“Jeva,”shesaidafteralongmoment.“Youhavemythanks.Itwouldhavebeenhardtokillsix.”

Therewasagrudgingnotetothat,asthoughevenadmittingitcosther.“Whyweretheyattackingyou?”Thanosasked.Hesawherspreadherhands.“Whydooutsidersdoanything?Theyattack

whattheyaretoostupidtounderstand.Mypeoplewillnotbendthekneetojointheirwar,andsotheythinktheycankillme.”Sheshookherhead.“NowImustfindaboattotakemehome.”Shelookedhopefulforamoment.“Doyouhaveone?”

Thanosshookhishead.“Ican’tfindtheboatIcamein,andifIdo,itwillbegoingtoDelos.”

Sheshookherheadagain.“Fools.Theworldisfullofthem.”Shewalkedaway.Thanoslether,becauseinthatmomenthespottedavery

familiar-lookingship.Herantoit,asifworriedthatitmightdisappearifhedidn’tgettheresoon.

Yetitwasassolidwhenhereacheditasithadbeenwhenhe’dbeentravelingthere.Theyseemedtobeloadingitforavoyage.

Onthedeck,Thanossawthecaptainarguingwithafiguredressedmorelikeapiratethanamerchant,apparentlyindisagreementoverthepriceofbalesofaweedthatgaveoffabitterscent.AssoonasthecaptainsawThanos,hewavedtheothermanaway.

“Offwithyou.I’venotimetowastewithmenwhowanttochargemesomuch.No,Imeanit.Offmyship.Itwillbealessontothenextmanwhowantstoallbutrobme.”

Themerchantlookedshockedbythat,buthestillhurriedofftheboat.Almostassoonashewasgone,thecaptainrushedforwardtoenfoldThanosinacrushinghug.HesteppedbackandlookedatThanoswithaseriousexpression.

“Iseeyou’rewearingtwoswordsnow,notone.It’sdonethen?”Thanosnodded.“It’sdone.”ItseemedtoobriefawaytotelleverythingthathadgoneintokillingLucious,

butmaybethatwasforthebest.“Andhowdoyoufeelnow?”thecaptainasked.“Therearesomethingsthat

leavetheirmark,andthisisone,Ithink.”Thanosnodded.Whathefeltrightthenwasmorecomplicatedthanhecould

havebelieved.Satisfactionandjustice,maybe,butalsogrief,andasensethathe’dfailedeventhen.Theinvasionhadstillbegun,andkillingLucioushaddonenothingtostopit.

“Itneededtobedone,”hesaid,halfhopingthathecouldconvincehimselfofthat.

Thecaptainreachedouttotouchhisarm.“Itwillgeteasier.”Thanoswasn’tsurethathewanteditto,butheappreciatedthesentiment.“Wheretonow?”thecaptainasked.Thatpart,atleast,waseasy.“Delos.”“Delos?Areyoumad?”Thecaptainshookhishead.“No.Iwillnotdoit.IfI

hadknownyouwouldasksuchathing,IwouldhaveleftwhileIcould.”Thanosfrownedslightlyatthat.“Itwasalwaystheplan,”hesaid.“I’dcome,

I’d…stopLucious,andthenwe’dgohome.”“Thatwasbeforehometurnedintoaplaceatwar,”thecaptainshotback.“We

failed,Thanos.Weweresupposedtostopawar,butwecouldn’t.Now,togobackissuicide.”

Thanoscouldunderstandthatsentiment,butthatdidn’tmeanhecouldgoalongwithit.EveryonehecaredaboutwasinDelos.CereswasinDelos.Hewouldfindanotherwaybackifheneededto,butrightthen,hewasn’tsuretherewasone.Therewasnowayhecouldhidewhohewaslongenoughtosneakbackwithanyothership.

ThecaptaincouldobviouslyseethedeterminationinThanos’sexpression,becausehecutThanosoffbeforehecouldsayanythingmore.

“No,Thanos.Imeanthis.You’retryingtoprotectthepeopleyoucareabout,butI’mtryingtoprotectmycrew.ItwouldtakeanarmytobeabletogotoDelos,andIdon’tseeanyonearoundherewillingtostanduptoFelldust’sstonesrightnow.”

Thanosfoundhisgazedriftingbackoverthedock,thinkingaboutthethingsJevahadsaid.Aboutherpeoplenotwantingtobendtheirkneestothestones.Hethoughtaboutthewayshe’dfought.

“WhatifIcouldfindusanarmy?”Thanosasked.“Andwherewouldyoufindoneofthose?”thecaptainasked.Jevawaseasytopickoutofthecrowd.Thanoswavedtoher,andsheonly

hesitatedforamomentbeforerunninginthedirectionoftheship.Shesprintedthroughthecrowdwithease,dodgingherwayaroundthepeopleinherway,neverslowing.

ThecaptainlookedinthedirectionThanoshadgestured.Thanossawthemomentwhenhespottedthefigurerunningtowardthem,becausethatwasthemomenthisexpressionhardened.

“YouwanttobringaBoneEaterontomyship?”hedemanded.“Iwanttodomorethanthat,”Thanossaid.“Yousaidityourself,weneedan

army,andtheBoneFolkhavenoloveforFelldust.”Thatjustaddedanoteofexasperationtothecaptain’sexpression.Thanosfelt

theotherman’shandsclampontohisshoulders.

“Theyhavenoloveforanyone.Theyhuntshipsandtheysteal.Doyouknowthethingstheydotocaptives?They’llkillandeatyousofastyou’llwishyou’djustpickedaforeignshoreformetotakeyouto.”

Thanosappreciatedthesentiment.Therewasevenapartofhimthatwantedtogoalongwithit.He’dbeentoldbyhisfatherthattherewereanswersabouthisparentageinFelldust.Hecouldgooffinsearchofthetruth.

ThatwouldmeanabandoningCeres,though,andThanoscouldn’tdothat.Evenifitmeanttakingthemostdesperateofrisks.

“TheBoneFolkwillhavetheirprice,”Thanossaid.“IfIcanpayit,they’llbeperfectmercenaries.”

Bynow,Jevawasrunningupthegangplank.“IguessIcandropyouinarowboat,”thecaptainsaid.“ButI’mnotgetting

closerthanthat.”Itwouldbeenough.Thanoshadtobelievethatitwouldbeenough.ThecaptaingaveJevaaharshlook.“Justdon’tblamemeifyougetyourselfeaten.”

CHAPTERNINEWhenthetorturerscame,Cerestriedtofight.Sheflungherselfatthem,

pullingtogetherallthestrengthandfuryshehad.Itmadenodifference.Theygrabbedherbetweenthem,andallCerescouldthinkwaswhatitwouldbethistime,andwhethershewouldbeabletokeepfromshowingthemhowmuchithurther.

Shehadnowayofknowinghowlongshe’dbeenintheholeintheground.Everysooftentheydraggedherouttobeather,orchainherinpositionsthatwereagonytohold.Theystarvedhertoo,feedingheronlythetiniestbowlsoffoul-smellingfoodthatmadeCereswanttovomitatthethoughtofit.

Now,sheguessed,theywereplanningsomethingworse.TheydraggedhertoavaultedspacethatCeresrecognized.Ithadbeenthere

forthetrainingofthecombatlords.She’dwatchedThanostrainthere.She’dtrainedthereherself.Now,though,theweaponsweregone,andthedirtfloorstoodalmostempty.

Almost,butnotquite.Polesstoodinacircle,andoneachone…“No,”Ceressaid,horrorfloodingthroughher.Theskullsoftheformercombatlordssatatopthepoles,inabloodyringthat

seemedlikeagruesomeaudienceforwhatevertookplacewithinit.Howcouldanyonedothistomenwhohadbeenherfriends?Tomenwhohaddonenothingbuttrytoprotecther?

“Doyoulikeit?”CeresspunandsawStephaniaenteringtheroomwithanentourage.There

wasaraisedareaabovethedirtfloor,fromwhichownersmighthavewatchedtheircombatlordstrain.Shetookachairtherenow,withservantsandguardsallstandingaroundher.

“Howcouldyoudothis?”Ceresdemanded.Stephaniamadeasmallgesture,andCeresguessedwhatwascoming,butshe

wasn’tfastenough.Ceresstumbledforwardasoneofthetorturersstruckheracrossthebackofthehead.

“Youwillspeaktomewiththedeferenceapeasantowesherbetters,”Stephaniasaid.“Youwillrememberthatyouarenothing,oryouwillbetaughtit.Asforthesemen…youhelpedthemtoforgettheirplace.Ihadnohatredforthemuntilyougotinvolved.Now,howdoesitfeeltoknowyoucan’tprotectthepeopleclosetoyou?”

ItfelttoCeresasthoughherheartwerebeingtornfromherchest,butshedidn’tsaythat.Shewasn’tgoingtogiveStephaniathesatisfactionofseeingher

brokenlikethat.“Stilltryingtobestrong?”Stephaniasaid.“Thetorturerstellmethatittakes

alottogetascreamfromyou.ButI’mnotinterestedinyourscreams,solongasyoubreak.”

“You’llbewaitingalongtime,”Ceressnappedback,andthistimeshedidmanagetoducktheblow,halftrippingthetorturerwhostruckather.

“Lookather,”Stephaniasaid,andthistime,itdidn’tevensoundasthoughshewastalkingtoCeres.Ceresguessedthatshewasn’tsupposedtobeimportantenoughtospeaktodirectly.“Sheputssomuchofherprideinherabilitytofight.Fightingisausefultool,butitgetsyounowherealone.Howmuchwillittakeoutofhertobeshownthetruth,doyouthink?”

CeresheardStephaniaclapherhands,andsawthreemeninthecolorsoftheEmpire’sguardsstepforward.Theyhadnoweapons,butthatdidn’tmakeitbetter.ItjusttoldCereswhatmightbecoming.Onebyone,theguardsdroppeddownintothetrainingpit.

“Doyourecognizeanyofthesemen?”Stephaniaasked.“Eachofthemhatesyouenoughtovolunteerforthis.Theyfoughtyoubefore,andyouknockedthemaside.Youbeatthemliketheywerenothing.Apparently,it’sthemosthumiliatingthingthatcouldhappen.Iplantoseeifthat’strue.”

“You’llneedmorethanthree,”Ceressaid,asthetorturerssteppedbackfromher.

“Idoubtthat,”Stephaniashotback.“AsItoldthemen,you’renotquitewhatyouwere,areyou?Youthree,beatherbutdonotkillher.”

ShenoddedandCeresknewthemomentfortalkingwasdone.Ceresslidintoafightingstance,tryingtoignorethepainthatcamewitheverymovement.Shefocusedonthelessonsshe’dlearnedontheislandoftheForestPeople.Itdidn’tmatterhowdifficultthingshadbeenthere;thelessonshadkeptcoming.

AndCereshadlearnedthem.Sheleaptforward,strikingatoneman,thenkickingoutatthenext.Theblowsslammedhome,makingthemstumble.Ceresstillunderstoodtheflowofcombat.

Theblowsdidn’tknockthemflying,though,andnoflashofpowercamebacktoanswerwhenthethirdmancaughtherwithastingingslap.Itwassomuchofasurprisethatforamoment,Ceresalmostfroze.Sheforcedherselftokeepmoving,though.Shespunawayasoneofthementriedtograbher,pushinghimoffbalance,thenturnedtothenext.

Anotheropen-handedblowclippedher,andCeresfoughtback,coveringupanddrivingforward.Atthelastminute,sheswervedaroundhimandbroughtherkneeuptocatchhiminthestomach.

Ceresspunaway,steppingintoagapbetweenthetwoothers.Shestruckone

underneaththeear,madeasoundofpainashisfootfoundherthigh,andmissedwithanelbowthatwouldhavestruckhiminthetempleotherwise.

Thethreemenspreadout,morecautiousnow.Thatwasgood.Shewaspersuadingthemthatshewasstilldangerous.Shefeintedtowardoneandthenturnedtoanotherandgrabbedhisarm,twistingforalock.Shegaveitupasthethirdcameforher,catchinghimwiththepunchshe’dreallybeenaimingfor.

Ceressmiledinsatisfactionasshebackedawayagain.Shewastiring,though,andevenherbeststrikesweren’ttrulyhurtingthese

men.Sheneededtoattack.Sheneededtobedecisive,becauseshewasn’tgoingtoletherselflosesimplybecauseherpowersweren’ttheretohelpher.Shecircled,tryingtokeepmoving,determinednottostayinonespotlongenoughforthemtograb.

OneofthemenstumbledandCeressawheropening.Sheknewshehadtomakeitcount.Shelungedforwardtokickthemaninthethroat,lookingtoendthis,missedhighandcaughthimonthejawinstead.Herockedback,buthishandswentoutautomaticallytowraparoundherleg.

Anotheroftheguardscameinfromtherighttopunchherinthestomach,hardenoughtodoubleherup.AslapcaughtCeresfromtheside,makingherreel.Shetriedtoturntofightback,butthatjustletthethirdmanshoveheroffbalanceagain.

Cereslashedoutblindly,feelingherfoothithome,butsomeone’sfootslammedintothebackofherkneeandshewentdown.Shetriedtoscramblebacktoherfeet,buttherewerehandsthereholdingherdown,hittingandgrabbingastheybeather.

Asfastasthat,whathadbeenafightturnedintoabeating.Cerestriedtobreakfreefromtheirgrips,buttherewerethreeofthemandtheyknewhowtofight.Shesimplydidn’thavethestrengthlefttobreakaway.

Theylaughedastheydidit.“She’snotsostrongnow,isshe?”onelaughed,slappingCeresacrossthe

face.“Weaklittlething,really,”anotheragreed,pinningCeres’sarms.“Wecould

doanythingwewantedwithher.”RealterrorroseinCeresthenasoneofthemtoreathertunic.Anotherstarted

totieherhands,stringingthemouttotiethemtooneofthepolesthatheldthecombatlords’heads.

“No,”shecriedout.“Please,no.”Shekickedoutblindly,triedtoscratchandbiteandroll,buttheyheldher,

andtheycontinuedtobeather.Whenshemanagedtobiteintooneoftheguards’earsastheycameclosetoher,hestood,aimingakickthatwouldhavedoubled

herupiftheyhadn’theldher.Theywrappedmoreoftheropesaroundherlegs,tyingthemtomoreofthepostssothatshecouldbarelystruggleatall.Please,shebeggedherpowerssilently.Please,ifyou’rethere,help.Noansweringflashofstrengthcame,buttoCeres’ssurprise,salvationcame

fromanunexpecteddirection.“That’senoughfornow,”Stephaniacalled.Cereshadtocraneherneckback

justtobeabletoseeher.“Leaveherassheis.”Stephaniawastherethen,aboveCeres,withthesereneexpressionof

someonewhoknewtheywereperfectlysafe.Cereswonderedhowshemustlooktotheothergirl,whostoodsopristinewhileCereswascoveredinthedirtofthetrainingspace,herclothestornalmosttonothing,bloodsmearedatthecornerofhermouth.Cerescouldevenfeeltears,althoughshefoughttoblinkthemaway.

Stephaniacrouchedbesideher,brushingawaysomeofthosetearswithherthumbinagestureashumiliatingasitwasgentle.

“Whenyoutormentsomeone,”shesaidsoftly,inwhatmusthaveseemedlikeacomfortingtonetothosebeyond,“goingtoofarcanbeasbadasnotgoingfarenough.Pushthemtoofar,toosoon,andthere’snowaytomakeitworse.Iwantyoutothinkonthat,Ceres.Itwillgetworse.”

“I…I’llkillyou,”Ceressaid.Stephanialaughed,thenslappedher.Itwasdelicateincomparisontothe

slapsthemenhadalreadydelivered,butthatwasn’tthepoint.ThepointwasthatStephaniawasthereaboveher,strikingher,andtherewasnothingCerescoulddoaboutit.

“No,youwon’t.”Sheheldoutahand,andoneofthehandmaidensnearherpassedheraknife.

CerescouldfeelthesharpnessofitasStephaniapressedittoherthroat.Justalittlemorepressure,anditwouldopentheveinsthere.

“ShallIdoit?”Stephaniaasked.“Shallweallseewhat’ssospecialaboutyourblood?”

Ceresforcedherselfnottoshrinkback,althoughrightthentherewasnothingshecoulddo,regardlessofwhatStephaniachose.

ShesawStephaniasmile.“AsIsaid,youaremoreusefulasabargainingchip.Still,wecan…improvethings,can’twe?Therearealwayswaystomakethings…moredifficult.”

CerescriedoutasStephaniagrabbedherhair,hardenoughthatCeresthoughtshemightripitfromherscalp.Stephaniatracedtheknifeslowlyupherfeatures,hoveringoverhereyesoclosethatCeresdidn’tevendaretobreathe.

ThenshehackeddownatCeres’shairlikeabutcher,againandagain.There

wasnoartordelicacytoit.Stephaniaprobablyhadwell-trainedmaidswhodidthemostdelicateofthingswithscissorstoherownhair.Thishadnothingtodowiththat.Itwassimplyawayofshowingthatshecoulddoit.

ShecutawayCeres’shairthen,bitbybit,shearingherthewaysomefarmhandmighthaveshearedasheep.Cerescriedatthat,eventhoughsheforcedherselftostaystill.Itwasn’tjustatthelossofherhair.ItwasatthehelplessnessthatletStephaniadoit.Sheheldbackthesobsonlywithdifficulty.ShehadnodoubtthatStephaniacouldseethetears.

“Today,Iwantedtoshowyouhowweakyouare,”Stephaniasaid.“Tomorrow…maybetomorrowI’lljustwanttohurtyou.Eitherway,itwon’tbeyourchoice,Ceres.Idon’tcareifit’stherebellionorthestonesofFelldustIgiveyouto.I’llhandyoutothembroken.”

Shestalkedawaythen,andherentouragewentwithher.TheyleftCeres.Theyjustlefther.Shehauledattheropesholdingheranditmadenodifference.Shestruggledinthedirtandthatjustcoveredherinmoreofit.

Finally,shecriedagain.Thatdidn’tmakeanydifferenceeither.Herpowersweregone,Stephaniawasgoingtokeepplayinghertwistedgame,andCereswastooweaktostopher.

CHAPTERTENStephaniapracticallyfloatedbackfromthepitonatideofherowntriumph.

She’denjoyedwatchingCeresbeatenthewayshe’denjoyedfewotherthings.Itwasn’tjustwatchingherhurt;itwashavingthepowertodoit.Before,CereshadbeensomethinguntouchablethankstothebloodoftheAncientOnes.

Now,Stephaniacouldprovetoeveryonewhowatchedthatshewasmorepowerful.Anditmeantthatshehadawaytokeepherfollowersdistracted.Thatwasimportanttoo.

HermindflowedthroughallthepossibilitiestherewereforbreakingCeres,judgingthemonebyoneasshetriedtobalancewhatwouldproveentertainingwithwhatwouldleavetoomanymarkswhenthetimecametogiveheraway.

“I’llthinkofsomething,”Stephaniasaid,butCerescouldn’toccupyherthoughtscompletely.ShesnappedherfingersatElethe,summoningherhandmaidenforward.“Iseverythinginthecastleasitshouldbe?”

Herhandmaidenbowedherhead.“Theguardswhoweresuspecthavebeenquietlypurged,mylady.Thelastrebelshavebeendrivenoutorcaptured.Therewasanattemptbyafewtobreakinthroughthetunnelsearlier,butitwasrepulsed.”

Stephanianodded.She’dexpectedthemtotrysomethinglikethat.Sheturnedtooneoftheguards.“Keepwatchersthere,andsetdoorswithinthetunnels,stronglybarred.Anescaperouteisallverywell,andwemayneeditifthenegotiationsdonotgoasplanned,butacastleshouldkeeppeopleout.”

“Yes,mylady.”Stephaniaturnedtothenextofthosearoundher,andthenext,takingin

information,piecingthingstogetherfromfragmentsthewayaseamstressmighthavestitchedscrapsintoablanket.

“Isthegirlprepared?”Stephaniaaskedanotherofherhandmaidens.Inanswer,thewomanbroughtforwardagirlwithgoldenhair,wearinga

dressthathadobviouslybeenborrowedfromoneofStephania’sclotheschests.TosomeonewhohadneverseenStephania,shemighthavepassedforher.

“No,”Stephaniasaid.“She’sstandingallwrong.Ifshestandsastimidlyasamouse,FirstStoneIrrienwillknowwhosheisinaheartbeat.Shemustbeconvincingforthefirstmeeting,untilwecangaugetheirmood.”

“I’lldobetter,mylady,”thegirlsaidinatremblingvoice.“Andteachhertospeakbetter,”Stephaniaaddedtothehandmaidenbehind

her.“Ifyoucan’timproveonthissoon,wemayhavetofindsomeoneelse.”Thehandmaidennodded,leadingthegirlaway.Oneoftheguardcaptainsgaveherareportontheconditionofthecastle’s

walls,notingacoupleofsmallgaps.Itwouldn’thavemadeanysensewithoutahandmaiden’sreportonthenoblewhowastryingtosmugglesuppliesoutofthebuilding.Aspytoldheraboutmessagesfortherebellionthey’dtakenalongwiththecastle,andthefiguresintherebellionthatthey’dmanagedtoidentifyfromthem.Stephaniafiledthatinformationawayforlater.

Therewerereportsontheprogressoftheinvasion,ofcourse.“Thefullfleethasn’tarrived?”Stephaniaasked.“Someofitappearstohave,”oneofherscoutssaid.“Therebellion’sfleet

seemstobeharryingitasitadvances,slowingsomeofit.”Itwasprobablytheonlytactictherebelsknew,althoughgiventhesizeof

Felldust’sfleet,itwasprobablyalsotheonlythingthatmightwork.“Someofit?”Stephaniaasked.Anotherofherhandmaidensansweredthatone.“Partsofthefleethave

landedbeyondthecity,spreadingouttoburnvillagesandbesiegeDelos.Afewhavemadeitin,andtheyseemtobefightingwiththerebelsinthestreets.”

Itsoundedlikechaos,yetitcouldalsobeexactlythekindofplantherebelsmightfavor.Stephaniaknewbetterthantothinkthattheywerestupid.Theyknewaboutfightingagainststrongeropponents.Theyknewabouttraps,andambushes,andpickingoffenemiespiecemealbeforemeltingaway.

“WhataretheFelldustgeneralsdoingtodealwithit?”Stephaniaasked.Whennoanswerwasforthcoming,shetriedchangingtack.“Whataretheydoingwiththeareasthey’vemovedinto?Thevillages,theoutskirts,allofit?”

There,atleast,itseemedthatsomeofherpeoplehadanswers.“Theyappeartobeburningthevillages,”oneofthesoldierstheresaid.“Or

theywere.Therearefewerfiresnow.”Thatwasn’tnecessarilyagoodthing.They’dobviouslybeenusingthefires

todrivepeasantstowardthecity.Now,itdidn’tmeanthey’dstoppedattacking.Itmightjustmeanthattheywantedthevillagesintactafterward.

“Wewereabletospotsomeslavelinesfromoneofthedistrictswherethey’velanded,”oneofherpeoplesaid.“Wetriedtosendawatchertoinvestigate.”

“Butyouhaveheardnothingsince,”Stephaniaguessed.Itwasafoolishrisktotake,butshedidn’tsaythatnow.Instead,shefoundherselfplanningahead,tryingtoworkoutthebestwaythroughwhatwastofollow.

“Weholdwhereweare,”shesaid.“Ifimperialsoldiersseeksanctuaryhere,containthemuntilsomeonecanvouchforthem.Ifanyoneelsetriestoenter,anyoneelse,cutthemdown.Weholdhere,nomatterwhathappens.”

Iftheycoulddothat,theywouldbeabletoforceterms.Theyhadenoughsupplieswithinthecastleforasiege,andthepotentialforescapethroughthe

tunnelssolongastheycontrolledthem.TheirwallswouldholdwhileFelldusttookwhatitwantedfromthecity.Theycouldn’thopetorunyet,ortheywouldbehuntedthroughthecountryside.Thebettercoursewastowait.Lettheinvasionrunoutofmomentumagainsttheirwalls.

ThenStephaniacouldstarttoputherproposalstoFirstStoneIrrien.ShewouldofferhimCeresasagifttodemonstratehisvictory.Shewouldoffergoldfromthetreasury.Perhaps,ifhewashandsomeenough,shewouldofferherself.Afterall,itwasonethingtoruleacastle,andstillhaveanEmpiretoreclaim,butifshecouldseducehim,shecouldhavetwokingdomsatherfingertips.

Butshewoulddecidethatlater.Inthemeantime,theonlyrealdangerwasdiscontent.

“Livinia?Arrangeamasque,andseethatallpleasuresareprovided.”“Yes,mylady.”Stephanialedthewaydowntothethroneroom.Theguardsthereraisedtheir

weaponsinsalute,yetwhatshesawwithinwasn’tquitesowelcome.QueenAthenasatonthethronethere,surroundedbyasmallcoterieof

nobles,guards,andservantsstandinginformalattendance.ShelookedupasStephaniaentered.

“Stephania,didyounotreceivemycommandtoattendme?”Therewasahintofrebukeinthequeen’stone.“Ihavebeenwaitinghere,andnoonewilltellmewhatishappening.”

“WhereasIhavebeenoutinthecastle,”Stephaniasaid.“Lookingformyself.”

Thatearnedherahardlookfromthequeen.“Careful,Stephania.Yourroleintakingbackthecastlehasbeennoted,andI

amgrateful,butrememberyourplace.”Stephaniasteppedforward.“Iammorethanawareofmyplace.Currently,

youaresittinginit.”Sheenjoyedthelookofsurprisethere.Stephaniawasn’tnormallydirect

aboutthesethings,buttherewassomethingwonderfulaboutthemomentswhenshecouldbe.Theywerethemomentswhensomethingshe’dplannedhadcometofruition.Whenshehadpower,andallthatremainedwastodemonstrateitsexistencetoothers.

“Stephania,”Athenasnappedback.“Youforgetyourself!Kneeltherebeforeme,andImayforgiveyouwhenIamdonespeakingwiththeothershere.”

TherewasprobablyapointinherlifewhenStephaniawouldhavedoneit.Whenshewouldhavesoughtthequeen’sfavoraboveallotherthings.Well,thingsmovedon,andQueenAthenahadonlyeverbeenusefulforthepowershecouldprovidetothosewhopleasedher.Stephaniahadnotimeforthosewho

clungontosuchthingslongerthantheyneededthroughweakness,orsomemisplacedsenseofloyalty.

“Theothers,”Stephaniasaid,lookingateachoftheminturn,silentlyassessingthenoblesthereandguessingwhichwaytheywouldjump.Shelookedbeyondthem,totheguardsandtheservants.“Iwonderifyoucanevenrememberalltheirnames,yourmajesty.Ican.Theirnames,theirsecrets,thethingsthatmattertothem.Irememberedenoughtogivethemthetitlestheyhavesoughtforyears,thegoldyouwouldnevergivethemtohelpwiththeirgamblingdebts.”Shelookedtothenoblesagain.“Youneedtoaskyourselveswhatismorelikelytobenefityou,servingawomanwhoknowsnothingofyou,orservingonewhounderstandseverythingyoudesireandispreparedtogiveit.”

“Youdare?”Athenacountered.Shepointedtothespotinfrontofthethrone.“IamtheQueenoftheEmpireandyouwillkneel,orIwillhaveyouslainasatraitor!”

Stephaniasmiledatthat.“You’veneverreallyunderstoodpower,haveyou,Athena?Youthinkit’senoughtoyellthatyouarethequeen,asifthatgivesyousomething.Asifitisatool,notaprize.Youthinkpeopleobeyjustbecauseofthebloodinyourveins?”

“Ithinktheywillobeythis,”Athenasnappedback,withawaveinStephania’sdirection.“Takeher!Hangherfromthetallestpointofthecastle,foralltosee!”

Stephaniapusheddowntheknotoffearthatcamewiththosewords.Howcouldshenotfeelfearinamomentbalancedlikethat?She’dmadeherpreparationsforthismoment,havingquietconversations,makingpromises,occasionallyremindingpeopleofthingsthatmightcomeoutifshedied.Ifshe’dmisjudgeditevenalittle,shewouldquicklyfindherselfexecutedasatraitor.Onlyafoolwouldfeelnothinginthatmoment.

Yetonlyafoolwouldshowtheslightesthintofit.Instead,Stephaniastoodatthecenteroftheroom,lookingaroundattheguardsthereandthenobles.Notbeggingfortheirallegiance,butexpectingit.Onelookedasthoughhemightmovetowardher,butStephaniastilledhimwithatwitchofherhand.Shefiledhisfeaturesawayinhermemory,incaseshehadtohavehimkilledlater.

Fornow,though,shereturnedherattentiontoAthena,smilingasgentlyasshecouldmanage.

“Itseemsthatyourcommandsaren’tworthmuchhere,”shesaid.“Shallweseehowminedo?Kneel,Athena.Kneel,andIwon’tkillyououtright.”

Athenasatthereforamomentortwo,lookingaroundasifhopingthatthiswasallsomedream.SheroseasifshemighttrytodefyStephaniaeventhen.Thenshecrumpledlikeastorm-blownleaf,fallingtoherknees.

“There,”shesaid.“Areyouhappy?”“Yes,”Stephaniareplied.“Very.”ShesteppedovertoAthena,reachingdowntotouchhershoulderthewayshe

mighthavereacheddowntoachild.“Poweriswhereveryoufindit,”Stephaniasaid.“Itiswhereveryoucan

convincepeopleitlies.Rightnow,itisinmyhands.”“Comparedtothearmyinvadingus,youhavenothing,”Athenasaid.

“Felldustwillwashthroughthiscitylikeaflood.”Stephaniamovedpasther,standinginfrontofthethrone,readytosit.She

tookaheartbeattosavortheexperience.“Ourformerqueenisright,”shesaid.“Thearmyinvadinguswillgothrough

thecity.Butwearenotinthecity.Itisnotaflood,butarisingtide.Itwillbreakagainstourwallsandfallagain,andthentheywilltalk,becausethefivestoneswillwantaclearvictoryratherthanamuddydriftingawayoftheirforces.Wearesafehere.Youknowme,andyouknowhowclearlyIplanthesethings.DoyouthinkforonemomentthatIhaven’taccountedforwhatmightcomenext?”

Shecouldseesomeofthoseintheroomstartingtorelax.Thiswaspartofthepowershehadnow.Theytrustedthatshewastheonewhomighthaveaplantosavethem.Ittiedthemtoherwiththreadsofobligationassolidassteel.Still,theywouldneedtobedistractedfromtheirquestions.Stephaniawasgladoftheentertainmentsshe’dordered.Therewaspowertobefoundinbeingtheonlyonethinkingbeyondtheirnextwineglass.

Athenalookedbackatherwithavenomousexpression.Stephania’ssmilewidened.

“You’veneverbeengoodatdisguisingwhatyoufeelhaveyou?”sheasked.“You’veneverhadto.Tellme,whyshouldIkeepanenemynearme?”

“Youpromisedme,”Athenashotback.“Youpromisedyouwouldn’tkillmeifIknelt.Look,allofyou.Thisisthekindofoathbreakeryouserve!”

Stephanialookedaroundtothem.Athenahadapoint.Killherdirectly,andtheotherswouldceasetotrusther.Failtokillher,though,andshewouldbeleavinganenemyalive.

“You’reright,”Stephaniasaid.“Igavemyword.Youwillnotbeexecuted.”Shegesturedtotwooftheguards,whosteppedforwardwithouthesitation.“TakeAthenafromhere.Takehertothefrontgateofthecastleandlether

go.”Athenaturnedtoherinobvioushorror.“You’regoingtothrowmeoutinto

thecity?Iftherebelliondoesn’tkillme,theinvaderswill.No,Iwon’tleave!”StephanianoddedtoElethe.“Findabow.Whentheguardstossthisidiot

throughthegate,counttoahundred.Ifsheisstillinrangethen,shoother

down.”“Yes,my…yourmajesty.”Stephaniasmiledatthecorrection.Sheloweredherselfintothethrone,

enjoyingthefitofit.Shecouldgetusedtobeingaqueen.

CHAPTERELEVENIfSarteshadknownhowbadthingswereinDelos,hewouldhavehurried

backsooner.Hedrovehiswagonupontoariseinfrontofthecity,andfromthere,hecouldseeFelldust’swarriorsapproachingitlikesomegreatswarmofinsectsreadytoengulfit.

Thenavalbattlebeyondthecitywasraginginfireandburstsofviolence,shipssweepingforwardandthenpullingback.Sartesdidn’tknowhowlongithadbeengoing,butfornowatleast,itseemedtobeslowingthemainbulkoftheinvasion.

Itcouldn’tstopallofit,though.Sartescouldseefiresinthedistancewherevillageshadbeenburned,andlinesoftentsarrangedinaroughcrescentinfrontofthecity.Thereweresignsofviolenceinsidethecitytoo,withsmallfiguresrunningtogetherinthestreets,thedistancerenderingitsilentinspiteofthemayhemofit.

Hecouldseeotherfiguresleavingthecity,someofthemfleeinginbunches,otherssprintingalone.Sartescouldseeonegroupoffiguresinthedust-smearedarmorofFelldust,bearingdownonagroupofthosefleeing,theirintentobvious.

“There,”Sartessaid,pointing.“Withme!”Hecrackedthereins,forcingthewagonforward.HeturnedtoLeyana.“Bereadytojump.”Thewagonbuiltspeedasitthundereddowntheslope.Sartessteeredit

towardthefleeingfiguresandthenpastthem,aimingforthearmoredwarriorsbeyond.Hesawtheirfacesasthewagonboredown,andheforcedhimselftokeepthewagonstraight.

“Now!”heyelledtoLeyana.“Jump!”Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandleaptwithher,makingsurethathetook

thebruntoftheimpactastheyrolled.SartescameupjustintimetoseethewagonbarrelintotheranksofFelldust’ssoldiers,crushingandscatteringthem.

Herolledtohisfeet,drawinghisswordoninstinctassomeofthewarriorsofFelldustcontinuedtorushforward.Someofthemworebrightchainmail,buttherewasn’ttheuniformityamongthemthattherehadbeenintheEmpire’sarmy.

Thatdidn’tmatter,though,whentheywerechargingtowardhim.Sartesbracedhimselffortheattack,lookingaroundatthepeasantsandtownsfolkwho’dbeenfleeing.

“Stand!”heyelled.“Standandfight!”Theyran,though,andSarteshadtostandtherewhilethemightofFelldust’s

soldiersboredownonhim.Thefirstsoldierswerealmostonhimwhenanother

wagonrushedpasttoslamintothem,thenanother.Herealizedinaflashofshockthattheotherconscriptshadstartedtocopyhisexample.He’dhopedtheymightfollow,buthe’dneverbelievedthattheymightdothis.

Sarteswatchedthewagonsstrikehome,andsuddenly,itwasFelldust’swarriorswhowererunning,fleeingbackdowntheslopetowardtheirlines.Itshouldhaveseemedlikeablessing,butinstead,Sartescouldonlyseethedangeritrepresented;thechancesofthemreturninginforce.

“Areyouallright?”heaskedLeyana.“I’mfine,”sheassuredhimwithasmile.“Weshouldkeepmoving,shouldn’t

we?”Theyhadto,butSartescouldn’thelpstaringafterthecrowdofpeoplefleeing

thecity.“Theywouldn’thelp,”hesaid.“We’vedonesomuchtohelpthem,andthey

wouldn’thelp.”“They’rejustafraid,”Leyanasaid.Itdidn’tseemtobeenoughofananswertoSartes,buttheykeptgoingdown

towardthecityanyway.Therewasaspottherethattherebellionhadusedasasmuggler’swaythroughthewalls.Itwasopennow,andSartescouldseesoldiersbeyondit,fightingoneanotherinaskirmishthatrangwiththesoundsofsteelandpain.WhenSarteslookedthroughthegaptoseewhowasfighting,hehurriedforward.

“Quick,”hecalled.“Weneedtohelpthem.Myfather’sthere!”Hisfatherwasswinginghissmith’shammerwiththestrengthofamuch

youngermanwhilearoundhim,rebelstriedtopushthewarriorsofFelldustback.Hisfatherhadothersmithswithhimthere,theirhammersrisingandfallingasrhythmicallyastheymighthavewhenforgingsteel.They’dobviouslybeenoutworkingonthewallswhenthefighthadcome.

Sartessawonefalltoathickbodiedknife,cutdownwhiletryingtoholdtheinvadersback.Heplungedintothesmallbattle,throwinghimselfatawarriorfrombehindandfeelinghisbladesinkhome.AnotherranathimandSartesbarelyduckedoutofthewayintime.

Theothersweretherethen,pouringinwithhimtoattacktheforcestryingtogetintothecityfrombehind.Atthesametime,hisfathergaveashout,urginghismenforwardinafreshattack.

Thereseemedtobebladeseverywhereinthenextfewseconds.Sartesduckedunderthesweepofasword,tryingtostabbackasitcameathimandnotknowingifheconnected.HedodgedpastanattackertomakeittoanotherwhowasgrapplingwithLeyana.Hepulledthemanfromher,trippinghim,andtherestofthebattleflowedoverhim.

Itwasn’tasbriefasthefighttosavetherefugeeshadbeen.There,they’dhadthecrushingpoweroftherunawaywagons.Now,itwasdowntoviolenceandspeed,buttheystillhadtheadvantageofsurprise.Theinvaderswereexpectingtobetheonesdescendingwithdeathandchaos.Theydidn’texpecttobetheonesbeingattacked.

Sartessawhisfathersweepamanfromhisfeetwithhishammer,sawapairofrebelsdivingononeoftheiropponentstogether,sawoneofLordWest’smenthrustrightthroughanattacker.

Justasquicklyasithadbegun,itwasdone,andtheystoodpantingastheadrenalineleftthem.Sarteslookedaround,andrelieffloodedhimashesawthatLeyanawasallright,andsowashisfather.

Herushedforwardtodrawhisfatherintoahug.“I’msogladyou’resafe,”hesaid.“Igotyourmessage.”

“Thingsarebad,”hisfathersaid.“I’mtryingtopatchtheholesinthewalls,buttheykeeppunchingnewones,orfindingthem.”

SartestookLeyana’shand.“Father,thisisLeyana.Wemetoutsidethecity,andshe’sbeentravelingwithus.”

Hewantedtosaytherestofit:thathelovedher.Fromhisfather’sexpression,though,itseemedthathedidn’tneedtosayit.

“IwishIcouldtellyoutobothrunnowandbehappy,”hisfathersaid.“But…weneedallthehelpwecangettofightthisinvasionandfreeyoursister.”

Sartesnodded.Heunderstoodthat,andthetruthwasthattherewasnowayhewouldhaveagreedtogowhenCereswasindanger.Itseemedthatnoteveryonefeltthatwaythough,becausehesawacoupleofLordWest’sformermenstandandheadtowardtheholeinthewall.

“Whereareyougoing?”Sartesdemanded.“BacktotheNorthCoast.There’snowinningthis.”Angerflaredinhim.“You’regoingtodesert?Afteryousworeanoathto

Ceres?”Oneofthewarriorsclimbedthroughthegap.Theothershookhishead

ruefully.“Ceresisgone,”hesaid.“YouthinkStephaniawillkeepheralive?Ceresis

gone.Thecastleisgone.Thecitywillfollowsoon.It’snotasthoughmostofthepeopleherearestandinguptofight.”

“They’recowardslikeyou,”Sartessaid.Hefelthisfather’shandfallonhisshoulderinasilentwarning.

“I’mnocoward,”thewarriorsaid.“I’llstandandfight,butI’lldoitontheNorthCoast.I’lldoittoprotectmylandandmypeople.Thiscityislost.”

Heduckedthroughtheholetoo,andSarteswantedtorushforwardtodraghimback,buthisfather’shandpreventedit.

“Letthemgo,”hesaid.“Wecan’tforcepeopletofight,butwehaveto,andthereisn’tmuchtime.”

Thatpart,atleast,Sartescouldunderstand.Hissisterwasinthecastlesomewhere,inspiteofwhatthemenhadsaid.

“Weneedtogetintothecastleifwe’regoingtorescueCeres,”Leyanasaid.Sartessawhisfathersmile.“Itseemsyou’vefoundyourselfagirlasbraveasyouare,”hesaid.“Yes.Use

thetunnels.Idon’tknowifanyonewillhaveclosedthem,buttryingtofindawayinthroughthemisouronlyrealchance.Thewallsaretoostrongtojustscale.AtleastwithoutCeresandthecombatlords.”

Hedidn’tsoundthathopeful,butSartesknewtheyhadtotry.Thecastlehadalwaysbeensecure,butthetunnelsunderthecityranalmosteverywhere.Therehadtobeawayin,didn’tthere?

“Ifit’spossible,I’lldoit,”Sartespromised.“We’lldoit,”Leyanacorrectedhim.“Andinthemeantime,I’llholdontothecity,”hisfathersaid.“I’llkeep

patchingthewalls,andwe’llkeepfightingtheoneswhodogetin.”They’ddecidedthen.Theonlydifficultynowwasdoingit.

***

Sartescreptthroughtheneardarkofthetunnelsbeneaththecity,holdingupa

smuggler’slamptolightthewaywhiletheothersfollowedhim.Hekepttheshuttersonitlow,illuminatingonlyashortstretchofthepathahead.Theothersfollowedbehind,forcedtogosinglefilebecauseofthenarrownessofthetunnelsaroundthem.

“Isthistherightway?”Leyanaasked,fromclosebehindhim.“Idon’tknow,”Sartesadmitted.“Weusedtothinkthatthereweren’tany

waysstraightintothecastle,orwe’dhaveattackeditthatway.Now…Iknowthereweresecretpassagesinthecastle.I’mjusthopingtheyconnect,Iguess.”

Leyanareachedouttosqueezehishand.“It’simportanttohavehope.”Thehardestpartwasthatitwasdifficulttokeeptrackofthedirectionthey

weremovingin.Sarteswasdoinghisbesttomaptheturnsandopeningsastheymadetheirwayalong,butitwasdifficulttobecertain.Theycouldbeheadinginthewrongdirectionentirely,eventhoughhe’dspentplentyoftimeintherebellion’ssectionsoftheoldtunnels.

Theonetheywerewalkingdownstartedtoopenout,andSartessawthe

stoneworkaroundthemchangeslightly,tomoreregularstone,dressedanddecoratedinawaythatseemedfamiliar.

“Ithinkthismightbeit,”hesaid,althoughhekepthisvoicedownsoitwouldn’tcarrytoofar.“Thisway.”

Heledthewayasthetunnelbecameacorridor,whichgavewaytodead,emptyroomsthathadobviouslybelongedtofarolderstructures.Therewasevenfurnitureinsomeofthem,sooldandrottedthatwhenSartestouchedanancient-lookingchair,itcollapsed.

Thenextroomwascircular,withsunlightvisiblefarabove.Fragmentsofmirrorssetalongthewallsreflectedthatlight,suggestingthatithadoncebeensomekindofwelloflight.Foramoment,Sartesfoundhimselfdazzledjustlookingatit…

…andthatwaswhenthesoldierscame.Theyrushedfromopeningsinthewallsinamassthatcaughttheirlineof

formerconscriptsunprepared.Sartessawoneslashhisbladeacrossthethroatofaboybeforehecouldevenstarttoclearhisweapon.

Sartesbarelymanagedtobringhisowntobearintime.Heparriedastrokethatwouldotherwisehavegonestraightthroughhisheart,jumpingbackwithnochancetocounterattack.Heparriedagain,swingingbackblindly.

Heknewhewasn’tagreatfighter.NotthewayCereswas,orAkila,orThanos.Whenhe’dsucceededbefore,itwasalwaysbecausehe’dfoundwaystooutthinkhisopponents,tosurprisethemorstrikeattheminunexpectedways.

Here,though,therewasnoroomformovement,notimeforplanning.SartessawtheEmpire’smenslamintotheconscripts,andalthoughtheyfoughtback,theslaughterinthosefirstfewsecondswashorribletowatch.Hesawswordsslidingintofleshandoutagain,bloodcoveringthem.Hesawconscriptsstrugglingdesperately,tryingtoovercomethesurpriseandfightback.

Sartestriedtofight.Hethrustatoneman,feelinghisbladestrikehome,thenbarelymanagedtostepbackasareturnthrustcameathim.Inanenclosedspacelikethis,therewasbarelyanyroomtododge.Aroundhim,hesawtheformerconscriptsfightingbravely,theirbladesflashinginthelightastheystruggledwiththeirattackers.

Sartesshouldhaveknown.HeshouldhaveguessedthatStephaniawouldhavethetunnelswatched,andthatthewatcherswouldseethemcoming.Heshouldhavebeenmorecareful.Heshouldhave—

“Sartes!”HespunatthesoundofLeyana’svoice.Shewaspressedupagainstawall,a

soldierholdingherpinionedwristswithonehandwhilehisotherstruggledwithalengthofrope.Asifshewerenothingmorethananotherslavetobetaken.

FuryflashedthroughSartesthen,andheranattheotherman.Inthepressoftheviolence,though,therewasnoroomtodoit.Hefoundasoldierbargingintohimfromoneside.Hepushedpastandtrippedasaleghookedhisankle.

Hebrieflysawtheworldstretchedoutabovehim,withthefiguresofthosefightingalittleabove,thenthemirroredwallsofthelightwell,thentheopenskybeyond.Sartesstruggledtostand—andthensomethingstruckhimonthesideofthehead.

Heslippedintoblackness,andeventhesoundsofbattlefadedtonothingness.

CHAPTERTWELVEBythetimeDeloscameintoview,Felenefeltasthoughshemightkeelover

atanymoment.Herbackburnedinawaythatitshouldn’thave,alongwayfromthedullachethatdenotedhealing.

“YoushouldhavestayedwiththehealersinFelldust,”shetoldherself,butshedidn’tbelieveit.Shehadatask,andshewasgoingtodoit,whateverittook.

Thesmallconvoyshewastravelingwithwasnohelp.TheircaptainhadbeenseriousaboutFeleneonlyeatingherownsupplies,andeveniftherehadbeeninvitationstojointheothersonthedeckoftheadjoiningships,Felenewouldn’thavetrustedthem.Attheveryleast,sheneededtomaintaintheillusionthatshewasoneofthem,andherFelldustaccentwasn’tgoodenoughforalongconversation.

Seeingthebattlethatragedahead,Felenefoundherselfgratefulthatshedidfitin.Felldust’sfleetwaslikeastainonthewater,heldbackonlybytheshoredefensesandtheharborchains.Felenecouldseeshipsflyingthecolorsoftherebelliontryingtoharrytheedgesofthefleet,fightingbravely,butshecouldseethattheirnumberswerefartoofewtoeverhold.

Thenshecaughtsightofmore.Therewerehalfadozenshipsofvaryingsizes,includingonegreatgalleythat

lookedfartoomuchasthoughithadbeenstolenfromtheEmpire.Theydescendedontheconvoyshewasapartofthewayraidersonlandmighthaveharassedanarmy’ssupplylines.Itwasagoodtactic.Ifthefleetturnedtohelpthosejoiningit,thenitwouldbedistractedfromitsworkwhiletheattackersmeltedaway.Ifitdidn’t,thenitlostpotentialalliesandsupplies.

WhichwouldbefineifFeleneweren’tononeoftheshipstheyweretargeting.

Shebrokeawayfromtheotherswhilethesquadronofshipsboredownonthem.Shedidn’ttrytobreakawaycompletelythough.Thebiggershipsoftherebellionhadmoresailsandfullbanksofoars.AllFelenehadwasawoundthatcontinuedtopainherandaneedtogetintothecity.

Sheheardthemomentwhenthegreatgalleyslammedintooneoftheshipsshe’dbeentracking.Itsoundedlikeatreefallingastheramontheprowtorethroughthesideofthevessel.Therowersputitintoreverse,whileatthesametimewarriorsnearthefrontfoughtagainstthosewhotriedtosavethemselvesbyjumpingaboardtheattackingship.

TherewerebattlesgoingonallaroundFeleneastheothershipsclosedandboardedtherestofthefleet.BattlesonlandwerebadenoughthatFelenealwaystriedtoavoidthem.Battlesonthewaterwerealwaysmorebrutal,becausethere

wasnoplacetokeepprisoners,andthemonstersofthedeepwaterwerealwayscircling,waitingforthosewhohitthewater.Feleneheardonemanscreamingasthesharkstookhim,thenrealizedthatsheshouldbeworryingaboutherself,becausethegreatgalleywasturninginherdirection.

Quickly,Felenestartedtounwindthemaskthathidherface.Notthatitwouldhelp.Itwasn’tasthoughanyonebutThanosknewwhoshewas.Thatwasheronlyhope.Shepointedhersmallboatatthehugeshipasifshemightramit,hopingthattheywouldn’tjustpickheroffwitharrows.

“Thanos!”sheyelledabovethenoiseofthebattle.“Thanossentme!”Shekeptyellingasshegotcloser,pullingjusttothesideofthegalleywhere

theoarsrosetolethergetclose.Archersappearedatthesidethen.Felenedidn’ttrytokillthese;shejustkeptyelling.

“PrinceThanossentme!”Someonemusthavesaidsomethingupondeck,becausethearrowslowered

andaboardingnetdroppeddownthesideofthegalley.Feleneunderstoodwhattheywanted,butshewasn’tgoingtoletthemdictatethingssoeasily,soshetookagrapplinghookandlobbeditupthere,ignoringthepainofthemovement.Shefixedittohersmallboatsoitwouldn’tfloataway,thenstartedtoclimb.

Shesoonwishedshehadn’t.Rightthen,everymovementwasagony.Halfwayup,itfeltasthoughshemightcollapsebackintothewaterwiththesharks.Bythetop,itwasallshecoulddotopullherselfovertherailingsandfalltoherfrontonthedeck.Shelookeduptoseeawiry,tough-lookingmanwatchingher,recognizedAkila,andforcedherselfatleasttooneknee.

“Consideryourselfboarded,”shemanagedbetweenpantingbreaths.“I’ddemandthatyouallsurrenderatonce,butyoumighthavetogivemeaminute.”

Thatgotatightsmilefromthemanthere.“Irememberyou,”Akilasaid.“You’retheonewhobroughtThanosto

Haylon.”“Andyou’retheonewhosaidyouweren’tgettinginvolved,”Felenesaid.“I

guessthingschange.”Akilalookedatherforalongmoment.“Doyouneedhelp?Wehavehealers

aboard.”Hegestured,andawomanranforward,examiningFelene’sbackwhilethey

kepttalking.Felenehissedinpaineverytimethewomantouchedher.“HaveyoujoinedFelldust’sarmythen?”Akilaasked.“ShouldIbethrowing

youbackovertheside?”“Youmightaswellnotbother,withthelookofthiswound,”thehealersaid,

proddingattheholeinFelene’sback.ItwasallFelenecoulddotokeepfromspinningaroundandknockingherdown.

“Pleasedon’tdothat,”Felenesaid.“It’sbadenoughI’vebeencoughingbloodhalfthewayfromFelldust,withoutyoudoingthat.”

“SoyoudidcomefromFelldust?”Akilaaskedher.They’dmetbefore,butFelenehadfoundthatdidn’talwaysstoppeoplefrom

tryingtokillyou.Particularlyiftheythoughtyou’dpickedthewrongside.Shedecideditwasprobablyagoodmomentforanexplanation.

“Stephaniafooledme,”shesaid.“Thanostoldmethathewasgoingtotrytosaveher,andwhenshecametomyboatforanescapefromDelos,Iboughtherliethathewasgone.ItookhertoFelldust,andshestabbedmeintheback.NowIhearthatshe’sreturnedtoDelos.”

“Shehasthecastle,”Akilasaid.“I’vehadmessengerbirds,butIcansparenomen.”

“GoodthingI’mnotoneofyourmen,then,”Felenepointedout.Sheforcedherselftoherfeetinspiteofthepain.“I’mgoingtofindher,andI’mgoingtoendthis.”

Shedidn’thavetoforcethatdeterminationintohervoice.Itwasthereattheheartofherlikethehardkeelofaship,holdingittrueandbalanced.ShewasgoingtofindStephania.Shewasgoingtostopher,whateverittook.

“Anadmirableambition,”Akilasaid.“Whatmakesyouthinkyoucandoit?”Felenegavehimahardlook.“I’mnotaskingyourpermission.”Sheforcedherselftostandstraightthen.Shedrewablade,lettingitshinein

thesun.“I’vebeenacrosscontinents.I’vestolenheartsandjewelsandtreasuresyou

couldn’tbegintoimagine.I’vefoughtmywaypastcreaturesandmen.YoureallythinkonecastlewallisgoingtostopmewhenIwantrevenge?”

ShesawAkilasmileatthat.“Probablynot.Tellme,areyoustartingtowishthatyou’dnevermet

Thanos?”“Areyou?”Felenecountered.Shesawhimshrugthen.“Sometimes,whenwelosemymeninoneoftheattacks.I’mthrowing

myselfattheirfleet,andImightaswellbeablood-flyscrapingatahorse’shide.Ibite,andthetailswishes,andIhavetoflyagainincaseI’msquashed.”

Feleneunderstoodthatfeeling.Shewasthrowingherselfatacastlesinglehanded,afterall.

“ThereareplacesI’veseenwheremenrunfromtheinsectswarms,”Felenepointedout.“Wheretheydrainhorsesdry,ortheydiediseasedafterwards.”

“Notthemostcomfortingofimages,”Akilareplied.Felenedidn’tcare.Shewasn’ttheretobecomforting.ShesawAkila’shealer

movetohim,whisperingsomethinginhisear.Felenecouldtellfromthegeneral’sexpressionthatitwasn’tgoodnews.

“Yourhealer’stellingyouthatI’mdying,isn’tshe?”Feleneasked.Akilahesitatedforamoment,andthennodded.“Yes.I’msorry.”Felenedidn’thavemuchtimeforsympathythen.Bythesoundofit,she

didn’thavemuchtimeforanything.“TellmesomethingIdon’tknow,”Felenereplied.Thehealerdidn’tseemwillingtostop,though.“Yourwoundhasfestered,”shesaid,“andworse,Ithinkthereisaflakeof

metalleftinthere.IfI’dbeenabletogettoitearlier,Imighthavebeenabletohelp,butasitis…I’msorry.”

Shesaidthatinthetonesofsomeonewhohadalreadylookedattoomanydyingsoldierstoday.Felenecouldn’tblameherforit.Shehadtosaveherblameforthepeoplewhodeservedit.

“AndyoutoldAkilaratherthanmebecauseyouwantedhimtodecideifIoughttoknow.Becauseitmightbebettertosendmeoffnotknowing.”

Thatgotaslightlyfrightenedlookfromthehealer.Felenewaveditaway.“I’veknownhowthisendssinceIleft,”Felenesaid.“Itdoesn’tmatter,does

it,Akila?”ShewatchedashelookedouttowardthebulkoftheFelldustfleet.“No,Iguessitdoesn’t.”HeheldouthishandtoherandFelenetookit.Shecouldfeelthestrength

thereandthecertainty.Shehopedthatshefeltthesamerightthen.“Wishyou’dstayedonHaylonwhenIgaveyouthechance?”heasked.“Wishyou’dstayed?”Felenecountered.Hewasgoingtodie,assurelyasshewas.Shemightbleedtodeath,ordie

fever-riddenandraving.Hewasgoingtobecrushedbythefleet.Eitherway,itwasbetterthandyingoldandtoothlessyearsfromnow,theirglorydayslongforgottenbyallaroundthem.Althoughsomewhereinbetweenthosetwopointsmighthavebeennice.

“Belucky,”Akilasaid.“I’dratherbedeadly,”Felenesaid.“Luckcomesintwokinds,afterall.”Akilanoddedatthat.“We’lldowhatwecantohelpyou,”hepromised,“butthat’slittleenough.”“You’veabattletowin,afterall,”Felenesaid.Shemadeajokeofit,though

itdidn’tseemlikeafunnyonerightthen.“MaybeI’llclimbontotheirshipssinglehandedanddemandthatthey

surrender.”Feleneguessedshedeservedthat.Evenso,lookingatthefleetahead,itdid

lookprettyimpenetrable.“Canyoudoonethingforme?”sheasked.“Canyougivemeawayin?

Thereareplentyofspotswhereasmugglermightland,butIdon’twanttofindmyselfchasedbyhalfofthebattlewhileIdoit.”

“ThenI’lltrytomovethebattleforyou,”Akilasaid.Thenhenodded.“I’lldrawthemoff,giveyouanopening.Butyou’llneedtobefast.”

Felenewasalwaysthat.Fast,anddeadly,andcertain.Soonenough,shedecidedasshestartedtoclimbbacktoherboat,Stephaniawouldfindoutexactlyhowmuchofallthreeshecouldbe.

CHAPTERTHIRTEENThanosstaredatthespacewhereFelldust’scoastgavewaytothevillagesof

theBoneFolk,tryingtohidethetrepidationthathefeltaboutgoingtoaplacelikethat.He’dheardasmanyofthestoriesaboutwhattheydidtooutsidersasanyone.

Morethanthat,hestilldidn’tknowifthiswastherightmove.HisheartachedtobebackinDelos,helpingCerestodefendthecity.Yethewasjustoneman.Alone,hecouldn’thopetostoptheinvasion.Heneededallies.

“Areyousureaboutthis?”thecaptainasked,asthecrewstartedtolowerthesmallboatthatheldThanosandJeva,theBoneFolkwomanhe’dsavedonthedocks.

“I’msureitneedstobedone,”Thanossaid.HesawJevanodgravely.“Peoplemustalwaysdowhatisneedful,”shesaid.“Andwhattheancestors

wouldapproveof,ofcourse.”“Whichjusthappenstoincludebutcheringstrangers,”thecaptaincalled

down.Jevagavehimacontemptuouslook,butThanosthoughthecouldseeaflash

ofhumortherebeneaththepaleashthatcoveredherface.“Someofourancestorswereveryviolent,”shesaidwithashrug.“Whoare

thelivingtodisputewiththeweightofthedead?”Thanosfelttheboathitthewater,andhestartedtorowbeforehecould

changehismind.Overhisshoulder,hecouldseethevillageadvancing.Manyofthebuildingswerewooden,butthey’dobviouslybeendriedoutbythesunandwornbythewind,bleacheduntilitlookedasthoughJeva’speoplelivedinbuildingsmadefrombone.Itdidn’thelpthattherewasanarchdownbythespotwherethewatermettheshore,builtfromthebonesofsomeseacreaturesovastThanoswasgladhewasn’tmeetingitwhileitlived.

“Iknowthatlook,”Jevasaid.“Itisthelookallyourkindget.Itsaysthatwearebarbariansbecausewehonorthedeadproperlyandcarrythemwithus.Itisthelookthatcomesbeforetheinsults,whichcomebeforetheviolence.”

“MaybeIdon’tunderstandyou,”Thanossaid,“butthat’snotthesamethingashatingyou.”

“Ihavefoundittobethesame,manytimes,”Jevasaid.Sheshruggedagain.“Yoursailorwasright.Mypeoplearenotoftenfriendlytostrangers.Thisisaplaceforpirates,notfarmers.Afteryourassistance,Iwillhelpyoutospeakwiththem,butIcanpromisenothing.”

ThatwasalreadyfarmorethanThanoscouldhavehopedfor.

Theybeachedtherowingboattogether,draggingituptowherethetidewouldn’tclaimitbeforetheyheadedintothevillage.Jevaseemedtobeleadinghiminthedirectionofoneofthefewstonebuiltstructuresthere:amany-sidedhallwithchimneysthatbelchedoutacridsmoke.

Therewereguardsonthedoor,bare-chestedandwearingkiltsoftoughleather,carryingstaffswithbulbousends,obviouslymeantforcrushing.TheyfrownedasJevaapproached,butshesaidsomethinginalanguageThanosdidn’tunderstandandtheysteppedback.

“WhatwouldhavehappenedifI’dtriedtalkingtotheminFelldust’slanguage?”Thanosasked.

“Theywouldprobablyhaveignoredyou,”Jevareplied.“Barbariansarerarelyworthspeakingwith.Removeyourboots.Thehouseofthedeadmustnotbedisturbedbythedirtoftheliving.”

Thanosdidit.Henotedthatshedidn’taskhimtoleavehisweapons.Inside,itwasobviousthatthiswasn’tjustahall,butsomethingclosetoa

temple.Peoplethrongedabout,talkingandarguing,whileabove,onaraisedplatform,menandwomeninsilkrobesverysimilartoJeva’sstoodinfrontofgreatfiresthatburnedinpits.

OrdinarymembersoftheBoneFolkcameuptothem,receivingsomethingthattheyputontheirtonguesbeforereturningtothecrowd.SomepausedtospeaktothosethereinthelanguageJevahadused,andjudgingbythetoneofthecrowdthosearoundthemeithercalledouttheirsupportorcondemnedtheirwords.

“Isthissomekindofreligiousceremony?”Thanosasked.“Somekindofpublicforum?Somethingelse?”

“Allthree,”Jevaanswered.“Thosewhogotothepriestsreceivetheashofthedeadtobindthemtoourancestors.Someclaimtospeakwiththeirvoice,butthatwasararetalenteveninolderdays.Eventhepriestsmustcastrunesandreadsigns.Mostofthosewhospeaksaythingsthataretheirown.”

Thanossawonemanstepuptothestage,onlyfortheprieststostepback,shakingtheirheads.Themanstoodtherefirmly,holdingoutahand.

Aprieststeppedforwardandstruckwithalongdagger,slashingitacrosstheman’sthroat.Ashecollapsed,thepriestshovedhisbodyintooneofthefires,lettingtheflamesconsumehim.ItwassosuddenandbrutalthatThanoscouldonlystandthereinshock.

“Notallarejudgedworthy,”Jevasaid.“Thatonewasathiefandaliar,whodaredtoselloneofourkindtoslavers.Hewastoldhecouldnotbeonewiththedeadanymore.Theytreatedhimastheywouldanoutsiderwhodemandedtospeakwhenheshouldnot.”

“You’resayingthey’llkillme?”Thanosasked.Jevashrugged.“Maybe,maybenot.Butyoumusttaketheashifyouwish

themtolisten.Iwilltranslate.”SheledthewayforwardasifitwereobviousthatThanosshouldfollow.

Maybeitwas,becausethefactshadn’tchanged.Heneededthehelpofthepeopleinthisroom.Hesteppedafterher,followingherthroughthecrowd.ItoccurredtohimashefollowedthatJevalookedremarkablysimilartothepriestsupthere.

“Areyouoneofthem?”heasked.Shelookedbackathim.“Ihavebeenthroughtherites,yes.TheythoughtI

mightspeakwiththevoiceofthedead.”Thanosfrownedatthat.“Doyou?”Shedidn’tanswer,headinguptotheplatform.AsThanosfollowed,hesaw

peoplestaringathim.Althoughtheyallseemedsostrangehere,heknewthathewastheonewhostoodoutasnotbelonging.WhenJevaledhimtotheraisedplatform,Thanosevenheardafewgasps.

Hecertainlyheardthesharpnessofthepriest’stonewhenoneofthemsteppedforwardtospeakwithJeva.Shesaidsomethingback,andThanoshadtheimpressionofafast,determinedargument.Finally,Jevasteppedtoaspotwhereanurnstood,takingapinchofash.Thanosthoughtshewasabouttoconsumeit,butthenherealizedthatshewasholdingitouttohim.

“Ifyouhesitatenow,”shesaidinaharshwhisper,“theywillneverlistentoyou.”

Thanosopenedhismouth,lettingherplacetheashonhistongue.Ittastedbitteranddryinthemomentsbeforehemadehimselfswallow.

“SpeaktotheminFelldust’stongue,”Jevasaid.“Theywillunderstand,andIwilltranslateforthosewhodon’t.”

Thanosnodded,lookingoutoverthecrowdoftheBoneFolk.He’daddressedpeoplebefore,butrarelywithsomuchridingontheoutcome,andrarelywithsuchaterrifyingaudience.

“I’mheretoaskforyourhelp,”Thanossaid.“YouknowofthefleetthatFelldusthassentagainstwhat’sleftoftheEmpire.TheyareattackingDelosaswespeak.Withoutassistance,itwillfall,andpeopleIcareaboutwilldie.”Hehesitated,justforamoment.“ThepersonIcareaboutmostwilldie.”

“Allpeopledie,”amancalledfromthecrowd.“AndawarbetweentheFirstStoneandsomefar-offcityisnobadthing.Itmeansthatwedonothavehisshipsharassingus.Whyshouldwehelpyou,outsider?”

Thanoshadknownthatquestionwouldcomeeversincehe’dcomeupwiththisplan.He’dbeenthinkingaboutwhattooffer,andwhattodemand,ever

sinceheinvitedJevaontotheship.“I’mnotaskingyoutodothisfromthegoodnessofyourhearts,”Thanos

said.“TheEmpirehasgold,andwouldbegratefultoanyonewhosavedit.”He’dexpectedthattogetaresponse.Thiswasacommunityofpiratesand

robbers,afterall.Itwasjustashortstepfromthattobeingmercenaries.“Irrienofferedusyourgold,”oneofthoseinthecrowdcalledout.“Hesaid

wecouldkeepwhatwetook,butwedidn’ttrusthim.Hehasspenttoomuchtimeattackingus.”

Thanoslookedoutattheman.Hehadhairthathadbeenspikedintoelaborateshapes,andscarsfromplentyofconflicts.

“Thenthisisyourchancetodefeathim.Ifwedothattogether,hecannotbeathreattoyourpeopleanymore.”

“Orhedestroysuscompletelyfordaring,”themanshotback.“Anyway,theEmpirehasbeennofriendtous.”

Probablybecauseitdidn’tlikehavingitsshipsattacked.Thanoscouldonlythinkofonemorethingtooffer.

“Whataboutland?”heasked.“Youdon’thavemuchhere.Iamthesonofaking,hisrightfulheir.Icouldgiveyounewplacestolive.”

“Awayfromthelandsofourancestors?”onedemanded.“Youwouldtakeusfromourownlands?”

“That’snotwhatI—”Thanosbeganbuttheywerealreadyshoutingoverhim.Worse,oneofthepriestswasadvancing,thethreatinhisdrawnweaponobvious.

ThanosfeltJeva’shandonhisarm.“Timetogo,unlessyouwanttoenduponthepyre,”shesaid.Thanosdidn’targue,althoughrightthen,itfeltasthoughitdidn’tmakemuch

differencewhereheendedup.He’dbeensocertainhecouldgethelpforDelos,andhe’dfailed.HefollowedJevabackoutofthehall,buthekeptlookingbacktowardtheplatformashedidit.

“WhoisthispersonwhoisgoingtodieinDelos?”Jevaaskedastheycameoutintotheopenair.

Thanosthoughtaboutnotsayinganything.Ithurttoomuchtothinkaboutitrightthen.YethefeltasthoughheowedJevasomethingforgettinghimthisfar.

“HernameisCeres,”hesaid.“She…she’sinchargeofthingsthere,Iguess.SheandI…”

HowcouldhehopetoexplaineverythingbetweenhimselfandCerestosomeoneelse?Therehadbeentoomanythingsstackedoneatoptheother,betweentherebellion,andStephania,andthinkingshewasdead.

“Ceres?”Jevaasked.“ThegirlwhohastheAncientOnes’bloodrunning

throughher?Thisisforher?”Thanosnodded.Thatseemedtobeonedetailthathadspreadrapidly.HeexpectedJevatotakehimbackdowntothesmallboatandsendhimon

hisway.Instead,shestoodthere,herhandsballedintofists.“Whatisit?”Thanosasked.“TheAncientOnes…theyarecalledthatforareason.Theyaresomeofthe

oldestoftheancestors.Thosewhoclaimtospeaktothedeadsaytheirvoicesareloudevenafterallthistime.Waithere.Donotmoveifyouvalueyourlife.”

SheleftThanosstandingthere,headingbackintothehall.Hewantedtofollowherthen,morethananything,butherwarninghadbeensoclear,andsodetermined,thathedidn’tdare.Notforhisownsafety,butbecausethismomentfeltlikeagossamerthread,andhedidn’twanttosnapthepossibilitiesembeddedinit.

Sohehadtowait,instead,standinginthemiddleofthevillage,listeningtotheargumentscomingfrominsidethehallandbarely,barelybeginningtohope.

WhenJevacameoutagain,therewasbloodonthechainshecarried.Therewasalsoacrowdofherpeoplefollowingher.TheyspreadoutaroundThanos,lookingathimnowasthoughseeinghimforthefirsttime.

“What’sgoingon?”Thanosbarelydaredtoaskthequestion.Jevasmiledgrimly.“Itoldthemthatyouspokewiththevoiceofthemost

ancientancestors.Theywillnotfightforyou,buttheywillfightforoneofthatblood.Youhaveyourfleet.”

CHAPTERFOURTEENAkilaranacrossthedeckofhisship,shoutingordersashewentandhoping

thathismencouldkeepupwiththem.“Beartostarboard!Fullstroke!Signaltheotherstoregroup.They’regetting

toospreadout!”Hefelttheshiplurchasitchangedcourse,itstimberscreakingwiththeeffort

ofcomingaboutsorapidly.Speedwaswhatittook,though,inthemiddleofthebattlethathadbeenraginginfrontofDelos.SpeedwastheonlythingkeepinghimandhiscrewalivewhiletheyharriedthelargerfleetfromFelldust.

Whenhadhelastsleptproperly?Akilahadbecomegoodatsnatchingsleepwhenhe’dbeenarebelfightinginthemountainsofHaylon.Now,thereseemedtobeafreshattackloomingeverytimeheclosedhiseyes,dragginghimuptoassessanddirect,commandandhope.

Withanenemythispowerful,sometimeshopewasalltherewas.Now,Akilaranhissquadronoffightingshipsattheedgeoftheenemyfleet’s

line,rushingpastitwithallthespeedhisrowerscouldpullfromtheirbanksofoars.

“Archersready!”hebellowed,andthefighterswaitingonthedeckdrewtheirbows.Thegreatballistaeonthedeckcrankedbacktheirstrings,flamingboltsfittingintoplace.“Fire!”

Theystrafedthenearestshipastheypassed,andAkilafeltaflashoftriumphastheirflamingboltscaughttheothership’ssails.Buttheydidn’tslow,keepinggoingwhileenemyshipsneartheonesthey’drunbyturnedtofollow.Akilaletthem.Hecouldhaveorderedtherowerstofindyetmorespeed,couldhaveputupfullsail.Hecouldhavesprintedfortheopenocean.Instead,heletthegalleyjogthere,itsfoesalmostkeepingup.

“Ready,”Akilacalledout.“Waitforit…now!”Theoarsmenhauled,hispilothauledonthetiller,andthegalleyturned.At

thesametime,moreoftherebellion’sshipscameinfromtheside,catchingthechasingfoesbetweenthemrightatthemomentwhentheystartedtorealizehowfartheyweregettingfromthemainfleet.Therebellion’sshipsclosed,throwinggrapplinghooks,firingarrows,andchargingacrossattheirenemies.

Thecombatwasquickandbrutal.ThebattleforHaylonagainsttheEmpirehadtaughtAkilathevalueofhittingfast,hittinghard,andnotshowingmercytoenemieswhomightbetheretokillyoutomorrowifyoudid.Thiswasthesamething,carriedoutonthewater,withstrikeafterstrikeagainsttheirfoes,designedlesstowinthansimplytohurtthemuntiltheygottiredofbeinghurt.

Itwasn’tworking,though,andAkilaknewhehadtothinkofsomethingelse.

Theonlyquestionwaswhat.EachstrikehurttheFelldustfleet,buteventheburningshipsAkilaleftbehindbarelyslowedthem.

Hestaredoutoverthewater,wonderingifFelenehadmadeittoshoreyet.He’dgivenherthedistractionhe’dpromised,buttherestwouldbeuptoher.HehadtoadmirethekindofdeterminationthatwouldsendherhuntingacrosstheseaforStephania,inspiteofwoundsthatwouldkillher.Shewaslikeanarrowsentafteritstarget,nomattertheconsequences.

Inthatmoment,Akilaknewwhathehadtodo.“Formuptheships,”hecalledout.“Signaltheothers.We’regoingtoend

this.”Hesetouthisplanstohismen.Hecouldseethegrimsetoftheirfeaturesas

hetoldthemwhatheintended,butnoneargued.Noneevenquestioned.Thiswasthebestway.Theonlyway.

Hesignaled,andtheysprangintoaction.Atitsstart,itwasavariationontheplanthey’dusedwiththesmallergroups

ofships.Akilasat,watchingwhiletheshipsunderhiscommandscatteredandhunted,harriedandran.Theydrewtheirtargetsawayfromthemainbodyofthefleet,onlythistime,theydidn’tswarmtogethertoattackthevesselsthey’dluredaway.Thistime,theykeptrunning,drawingmoreshipsandpullingthemfurtherout.

Allthewhile,Akilaheldthegalleyinposition,itsoarsmenpoised,forcinghimselftowaiteventhoughtherewereshipsthatcouldhaveusedhishelp.Eventhoughtherewasarebelshipburningnowinthedistance.Therewouldonlybeonechancetogetthisright.

Hesawitthen.TheflagshipofFelldust’sfleetcameintoview,appearingfrombehindwallsofothervesselsastheybrokeawaytoattackhisfleet.Theyscatteredlikehoundschasingafterrabbits,andindoingso,theylefttheirleaderexposed.

“Row!”Akilaordered,andhismenweremorethanequaltothetask.Thegalleypoweredforward,cuttingthroughwhathadoncebeenanimpenetrablewallofshipstostrikeatwhatlaybeyond.

Akilawasn’tnaïveenoughtobelievethatkillingtheFirstStoneofFelldustwouldendtheinvasionlikemagic.Thiswasn’tacasewherecuttingoffthesnake’sheadwouldkillthebody,butitmightslowthings.Itmightcausetheinvasiontofragmentasthedifferentfactionstherefoundthemselvesfightingforcontrolofthefleet.Withoutaleader,itmightnotscattertothefourwinds,butitwouldsplitintosmallerthingstheycoulddealwith.

“MaybeIcanevendeclaremyselfFirstStone,”Akilasaidwithalaugh.Thatwashowthingsworkedthere,wasn’tit?Thestrongesttooktheruler’sseat.

“MaybeIcouldjustorderthemalltogohome.”Somehow,Akiladoubtedthatitwouldworklikethat.Hewasn’tevensure

thathewasgoingtosurvivethis.HecouldkillIrrienthough.Thefirstimpactfromthegalley’sramwouldtearthroughthehullofhisflagship,andtheycouldpullbacktogivehimtothewater,pickinghimandhismenoffatwillastheytriedtofleethesinkingship.

Akilastoodasclosetotheprowashedaredrightthen.Thegalleywasagiantspear,andhewasitspoint,readytoslamhomeinIrrien’sheart.Hedrewhisshortswords,readytofight…

AndthatwaswhenhesawIrrien’sflagshipstarttoshiftinthewater.Itturned,andifAkilahadthoughtitwouldbeponderouslyslow,hewas

wrong.Itturnedwithallthespeedofhisownship,andAkilahesitatedatthethoughtthatitwasheadingstraightforhimnow,nottryingtogetaway,butcharging.

Akila’sheadsnappedaroundtogivetheordertobreakoff.Agoodcommanderthoughtonhisfeet.They’dmissedthismoment,buttherewouldbeanother,andanother,untilfinallyhefoundthechancetomakethistacticwork.Theyneededtobreakforopenwater,maybehelponeofthedistractingships.

Butashelookedaround,Akilasawtheshipsthatwereclosinginfromotherdirections.Theonesthathadbeenchasinghisshipshadbrokenoff,andwereskimmingtheirwaybackintowardtheflagshipwhiletherebellion’sshipscontinuedtorun.

AkilahadthoughtthathewasthrustingattheheartofFelldust’sfleet.Now,itwasmorelikehewasrunningintothepalmofitshand,anditsfingerswerecomingintocrushhim.TheFirstStonehadoutthoughthim.He’dleftanopening,andAkilahadchargedinlikeanoviceonhisfirstdayofswordpractice,toberappedontheheadwhilehewentfortooeasyathrust.

Inarealfight,though,thatkindofthingcouldstillwork.Justsolongasyoumadesureyourattackstruckhometoo,andyouwerepreparedtopaytheprice.

“Keepgoing,”Akilaordered.“We’regoingtotakethemwithus,ifnothingelse!Getreadytoboard!”

Thegalleyandtheflagshipcontinuedontheircollisioncourse.Rammingwasout.Theonlyquestionnowwaswhichwaytogo.WhichwaywouldtheFirstStonechoosewhenthetimecametoturn?Wouldheturnatall?No,Akiladecided.Hewouldplowon,thedeterminedwarriorrelyingonthestrengthofhisship.

ThatmeantAkilacouldpickhisside.“Portrowers,bereadytoshipoars.Tillermen,bereadytogohardstarboard.

Soldiersreadyontheportside.”

Foramomentortwo,therewasascrambleashismenhurriedtotheirpositions.Thesailorswhoweren’tgoingtobeinthefirstrushofbattlefoundrailstobracethemselvesagainst,guessingwhathewasplanning.

Akilawaitedaslongashedared.Finally,hecouldn’tleaveitanylonger.“Now!”heyelled.“Shipoars.Hardstarboard!”Itwasariskymove,butpotentiallyadecisiveonewhenfightingwithgalleys.

Ifyoucouldn’tram,youscrapeddownthesideoftheenemy’sshipandtoreawaytheiroarswithyourhulltoleavethemlimping.Thatmadeiteasytoattackfromanangletheycouldn’tdefend.

Exceptthatevenashecalledtheattack,hesawthehookedspikesonthesidesoftheFelldustflagship.Hesawitpullinginitsownoars.Itwasreadyforthis,andiftheydidn’tpullaway—

Thethoughtcutoffinthecrashofwoodagainstwood.Itwasacollisioninslowmotion,butevenso,theimpactmadeAkilafalltoonekneeasthehookstoreintohisship,rippingatitastheywentpastoneanother.Theygougedintotheoarbanksofhisship,andAkilaheardmenscreaming.

Theshipseemedtoscreamtoo,inthegroanandcrackofwoodpushedbeyonditsbreakingpoint;inlinesthatsnappedandironplatesthatbuckled.Thewhistleofarrowsjoinedthosesoundsasthetwoships’crewsshotatoneanother,andAkiladuckedoutofthewayasonestruckthedeckbesidehim.

Asquicklyasthey’dcometogether,theshipswerepastoneanother,butthatbroughtnoreliefwithit.Akilacouldfeelthegalleybeneathhimlistinginthewater,thewholethingtiltingandrollingasitstruggledtorecoverfromtheimpact.

“Bringustobear!”heyelled,hopingthatsomeonewaslistening.“Bringusaroundorwe’redead!”

Itmadenodifference.Akilacouldgivealltheordershewanted,buttheshipanditscrewjustweren’tcapableofmakingithappen.Hedidn’tknowhowmanyoarsthey’dlost,orhowmanymen.Howevermanyitwas,itwastoomany.Theyweretryingtoturn,butnowthefightwaslikeamanweigheddownwithheavysackstryingtokeepupwithaduelist.ItwasthekindoffightAkilahadalwaystriedtohave,butnowhewasonthewrongsideofit.

HewatchedIrrien’sflagshipturn,asgracefullyasablade-coveredswan.Itspuntowardhisship,andnowitwaslineduptostrikeamidships.Akila’sgalleywasturning,butitcouldneverdoitfastenough.

Hesawtheramoftheflagshipbearingdownonthem,andallAkilacoulddowasbracefortheinevitable,crushingimpact.Allhecoulddonowwastrytodiewell.

That,andtakeIrrienwithhim.

CHAPTERFIFTEENTheothersonhisflagshipbracedagainstwhatevertheycouldgrabwhilethey

rammedtheenemy’sgalley,butIrrienremainedimpassiveinhisthrone.Hewouldnotletothersseehimclingingtothemastlikesomeweakling.Hewasstrong,andinmoments,hewouldbevictorious.

Hehadamomenttosavorthewayhe’ddrawninhisenemy.Thisfoehadbeenacunningone,worryingattheedgesofhisfleetthewaywolveshoundedtheedgesofaherd.He’dforgotten,though,thatIrrienwasnotsomedeerorcattletobebroughtdown.Hewasafightingman,wellusedtosuchtactics.Thefolkofthedusthadfoughtthatwayforyears.

Irrienhadbeenpatient.He’dlethisenemy’sconfidencegrow.Thenhe’dlefthisopening.Nowhesmiled.Heenjoyedthemomentwhenheoutthoughtanenemy.Whenitcametothepoliticsofthecity,helovedwatchingtheirfaceswhentheyrealizedthatsomeplothadfailed.Helovedwatchingtheirhopefade.

Therewasaplaceforallofthat,buttherewasaplaceforviolencetoo.Forprovingyourselfthestronger,thedeadlier,themoreable.Irriendrewhisswordandwaited.

Theimpactofthecollisionwasliketheshakingofamountain,makingtheboardsbeneathIrrien’sfeetrumbleandknockingsomeofhisslavessprawling.Hisflagshipplungedintothegalleylikeaswordthroughthesideofafoe,thenheldtoit,astightlyasalover.Itwouldneedtopullbacksoonsothattheweightoftheruinedvesseldidn’tdragthemalldown,butfornow,therewaskillingtobedone.

“Attack!”Irrienordered,andtheviolencebegan.Hewatchedarrowsraindown,fromhismenandthoseoftheenemywho

hadn’tbeenknockeddown.Hesawaspearflungbetweentheships,thrownbyoneofhiscrewwhofanciedhimselfanexpertwithit.Irriensnorted.Anexpertdidnotthrowawayhisweapon.

Hestayedseatedasthefirstwarriorsleaptbetweenthetwoships.Therewerethosewholeaptfromtheenemygalley:ratsleavingtheirsinkingshiporbravemeneagertotakethefighttoanenemy.Hesawasailorleapwithalongknifeclutchedinonehand,grabbingontotheriggingofIrrien’sshipashesoughttoleavehisstrickenvessel.Hesawawarriorwearingmailleapacrossthegapbetweenthetwoonlytobepushedback,tumblingdownintothewaterbelow.

“Fool,”Irriensaidsoftly.Thewordwasquicklylostinthesoundsofthebattle.

Hisownmenleaptontotheenemyship,usinglinesandhookstopullitcloseenoughtomaketheleap.TherewerealwaysthosewhosoughttoimpressIrrien

withtheirbraveryandtheireagerness.Irrienevenencouragedthem,offeringcoinandbetterspoilsharestothosewhowerethefirsttoscalewallsorboardships.Hediditbecausetheywereinvariablythefirsttodie,andlessermenhadtobegiventheillusionthatitwasworthit.Agoodleaderknewwhentobuyloyaltyandwhentocommandit.Oh,andwhentousefear.Anymanseentobeholdingbackwouldsufferforit.

Irrienwasnotholdingback.Hewaslettingthebattlebloomlikeaflowerbeforeplucking,orwineleftbeforedrinking.Somepleasureswerebetterwhentakenattheirpeak.Sohesatandwatchedasoneofhiswarriorsclovethroughthecollarboneofafoewithanaxe;asanenemycuthimdowninturnwithrapidthrustsofaknife.

Thechaosspread,andIrriensethisswordacrosshisknees,waitingfortheperfectmoment.Hewatchedafoeimpaledonaspikedshield,scrabblingattheedgesandtryingtothrustoveritwithashortsword.Hesawaslavewomangetinthewayoftheviolence,cutdownbyabackhandsweepofasword.Irriencursedthewastethere,andthestupidityofthewomanforgettinginthewayinthefirstplace.

Hesawamanleapacrosswithabladeineitherhand.Hewasscarredandwhiplean,movinglikewaterthroughtheviolencearoundhim,hisbladessingingwitheveryclashofsteel.

IrrienwatchedhimandknewwithoutbeingtoldthatthiswasAkila.He’dlearnedtoreadmenbywatchingthemfight,learningaboutthemintheonlyarenawhereamancouldn’thidewhathewas.HewatchedAkila,andIrrienlikedwhathesaw.Thiswasamanwhowasdirect,butnotfoolish,quickthinking,butnotflighty.WhenAkilaparriedblowsmeantforothers,Irriensawthathecaredabouthismen.Whenhecommandedthemevenashefought,Irriensawtheabilitytokeepaclearheadinthechaos.

Afoeworthkilling,then.Irrienstood,takinghislongbladeinbothhands.Hisslavessteppedback

fromhimashelethiscloakfall.Hestilledhimself,checkingtheangleofthesunsothathewouldn’tbeblindedbyitashefought.

Thenhestrodeforwardandstartedkilling.Therewereprobablymenforwhomfightingwashard.Forwhomitwasa

rushofemotionsandneedsclutteringthesimplebeautyoftheviolence.Irriendidn’tfeelthat.Therewasaseaofcoldragefloodingthroughhislimbs,yethefloatedaboveit,directingandreactingwiththespeedthathadalwaysbeenhisgiftdespitehissize.

Heswepthisswordaroundinanarcthatsmashedthroughaman’sshield,takinghalfthearmbeneath.Hedeflectedaswordblowwiththecrossguardof

hissword,thenstruckoutwiththepommel,feelingbonebreak.Hespun,cuttingupwardtohackthroughaman’sleg,duckedanattack,then

threwonefoeintoanother.Hepausedforamoment,listeningtotheclashofbladesasiftryingtohearthesongwithin,thenplungedbackintothefray.

He’dalwaysbeenaskilledwarrior.Inhistribe,theyhadreckonedhisfatherstronger,untilthedayIrrienhadkilledhim.He’dhonedhisskillsthen,throughyearsofwarandthechallengesofthecity.He’dhadcombatlordsbroughtfromthepitsoftheEmpiretoteachhimmore,andblademastersfromadozendifferentlands.Always,he’dhadthempoisonedwhenhewasdone,tomakesurethattheycouldtellnooneofanyweaknessestheysaw.

Nomancouldhopetostandagainsthimnow.Theytried,though,asIrriencuthiswayacrossthedeckofhisship,aiming

forthespotwheretherebels’leaderfought.Akiladancedhiswayfromenemytoenemy,slicingandmoving,neverstill.Already,Irrienfoundhimselfplanningforthefightahead,andthatwasdangerous.Hefeltaswordglancefromthearmorhewore,trappeditwithhisbladeandthrustthroughaman.

Spacestartedtoopenuparoundhimasmenkeptbackfromtheswingsofhissword.ThatwastoIrrien’sadvantage.Itmeantthathecouldseeattackscoming,andcouldpickhistargetsonebyone.Hislongarmsandstrongframemeantthathecouldclosethedistancequickly,pickingoutasailorandstrikinghimdownbeforehecouldevenraisehissword.

Twicemore,Irrienstruck,eachtimepickingtheweakestlookingofthefoesaroundhim,eachtimecuttingthemdownwithsavageblowsthatcarvedrightthroughtheirflesh.Hekepthisbladesharp.

“Enjoyingtakingoutmenwhocan’tgiveyouagoodfight?”Akilaasked,steppingintothespacethatIrrienhadopenedupwithhisblade.

Irrienshrugged.Ashe’dthought,Akila’sattachmenttohismenwasaweapontoturnagainsthim.Everyweaknesscouldbeexploited.Amanwhodidnotunderstandthisdeservedtodie.

Irrienstruckoutfirst,althoughhedidn’tcommit,thewaymanylargemenmighthave.HewasalreadyanticipatingAkila’sevasion,althoughtherebelleadersurprisedhimbyspringingforward,notdodgingsideways.Irrienhadtospringback,barelyavoidingtheblow.

“You’refast,”hesaid,withagrimsmile.“That’sgood.Amanshouldhavefoesworthkilling.”

“Well,Idon’tknowaboutthat,”Akilashotback.“Butuntiloneshowsup,I’llsettleforkillingyou.”

Irrienignoredthat.Weakmenallowedthemselvestobegoaded.HeparriedasAkilasprangforward,therebel’stwinbladesseemingly

everywhereatonce.Irrienblockedthreestrikes,dodgedafourth,andkickedouttoforceAkilaback.Hetriedalateralsweepofhissword,whichAkiladucked,thencutlowsothatthemanhadtojump.

“Youdancewell,”Irriensaid,andcuthalfwaythroughsayingit,aimingtotakehisfoebysurprise.Therewerenorulesinwar.Intruth,Irrienonlyobeyedthoseintherestoflifebecausetheyhelpedtogethimwhathewanted.

Akilaparriedthestrikewithhisbladescrossed,andIrrienfelttheimpactofit.Theothermancircledthen,keepinghisdistanceanddartinginforstrikes.Hefeintedhighandcutlow.Irrienwenttoparry,andAkilacamebackhighagain.Irrienjerkedhisheadback,butfeltthetipofthebladenickhisjaw.

Heattackedthen.Speedandcunningcounted,butsodidstrength,andIrrienhadthatinabundance.Hecutandcut,forcingAkilatomove,toblock,tododge.Irrienworehisfoedown,whilearoundhimthebattleraged.Hesawanopeningtoattack,andinthatmomenttwowarriorsstumbledintotheirway,strugglingoverahatchet.

Irriencutthembothdown,notcaringthatoneofthemwashisfollower.Noonekepthimfromadeathhehadclaimed.

HewentbacktochasingAkila.TherebelleaderprobablythoughtthathewaswearingIrriendown,butIrriencouldfightforhoursifhehadto.Evenso…

Helethisbladedragalittle,asiftheweightofthegreatswordweretoomuch.Heevenletashallowcutthrough,allowingittoscrapealonghisarm,onlypartlyparried.Hefeignedastumble.

“Really?”Akilademanded,loweringhisweapons.“Youcaughtmewiththattrickoncewithyourfleet,remember?I’mnot—”

Irrienlungedthen,snakefastanddeadly.He’dguessedthathisopponentwouldn’ttakethebait.He’dguessedthathewouldlowerhisguard.Alwaysbeingthatextrastepaheadwaswhatwonfights.

Itwonthisone.Irrienfeltthemomentwhenhisswordstruckhome,plungingdeepintoAkila.

Irrienhadamomenttosavorthatvictory—untilherealizedthatAkilawaspullinghimselfforward,alongtheblade,movingcloser.Whatkindofstrengthdidittaketodothat?Whatkindofinsanitydidittaketodoitjustforthesakeofsomecause?

Akilasuddenlylashedout,andIrrienshriekeddespitehimself,feelingpainblossominhisshoulderasAkila’sswordbithome.Thewoundwasdeep.

Irrienwasstunned.“Youwon’twin,”Akilasaid.“Ofcoursewewill,”Irrienreplied.IrrienralliedandkickedtheswordfromAkila’shands.

HeheardAkilagaspwithpainasheshovedhisownsworddeeper.“Ceres…willstopyou,”Akilagasped.Irrienshookhishead.“Ithankyou,”hesaid.“Youwereaworthyfoe.”HesteppedforwardandkickedAkilafromtheship,hislongbladestill

embeddedinhim,andwatchedhimplungeoverboard,intothemurky,bloodywaters.

“Butnotworthyenough.”

CHAPTERSIXTEENStephaniawassereneasshemadeherwaytotheHallofKnowledge,gliding

astheelegantheartofacoterieofguardsandhandmaidens,noblesandspies.She’dalwaysseenthevalueofinformation,andthiswastheplacewhereshecouldfindoutalmostanythingshewanted.

Shejusthopedthatitheldanswersthatcouldsaveherchild.Someofthenobleslookedasthoughtheyhadn’twalkedsomuchinyears,

andStephaniasmiledalittleatforcingthemtomaketheeffort.Itwasgoodforarulertokeepthosearoundheralittleuncomfortable.

Aruler.Stephaniadidn’tgettiredofthinkingthat.Whenshe’dbeenjustanoble,Stephaniahadassumedthatroyaltywasatinystep,anditwas,butitwasmorethanthat.Itwasashiftinstate,takingherfrombeingoneoftheforemostofagroupofpeerstosomethingdifferent.Somethingspecial.Shecouldorderanyoneofthemexecutedonawhim,andtheyknewit.

“Howarethedefensesprogressing?”Stephaniaasked.Theguardcaptain,herguardcaptain,steppedforward.“Thereisnothingto

worryabout,yourmajesty.Everythingisinhand.Theinvaderswillnotgettousinhere.”

HesaiditthewayStephaniamighthavereassuredsomeyoungnoblegirlworriedaboutherfirstfeast.Sheheldherangerincheck,becauseshecouldn’taffordtoalienatetheman.Inthatsense,beingarulerwasn’tsodifferent.Evenaqueenstillrequiredthesupportofothers,thecontrolofopinionandthepowerboughtthroughloyalty.QueenAthenahadforgottenthat.Stephaniawouldn’t.

“Iamnotlookingforreassurances,”Stephaniasaid.“Irequiredetails.Iknowoureffortsinthetunnelshavebeensuccessful,butwhatoftherest?”

Theguardcaptainlookedalittlesurprised,butnodded.“Wehavereinforcedthegateswithironbars,”hesaid,“andsetboilingsandabovethem.Anenemywithoutakeywoulddielongbeforehebrokethrough.Thewallshavebeencheckedfordefects,andwehavesetnetstocatchfirearrows.”

Itdidsoundasthoughtheycouldkeepenemiesoutforweeksifnecessary.Stephaniaknewthattheyhadstores.She’dcheckedonthemherself.

“Elethe,whataboutouragents?”“Wehaverecruitedsomewithinthecityusingthepromiseoffoodandshelter

iftheygiveusvaluableinformation,”herhandmaidensaid.“LydiaandNerinearequestioningQueenAthena’sformerservantstoseeifanymightbesuitabletojoinus.”

Questioningwasprobablyapolitewordforsomeofit.Stephaniahadtaughtherhandmaidenstoberuthless.

“WhataboutbeyondtheEmpire?”sheasked.“Thewarwillpass,butthenwemustbewellplacedtocontinueourrelationswithothers.Wemusthaveinformation.”

“Birdshavebeensent,”Elethereplied.“Withtheinvasion,itishardtodomore.”

Yettherewasalwaysmorethatcouldbedone.Stephaniaturnedtothenoblesinthecontingentwithher.

“IfyouhaverelativesbeyondthebordersoftheEmpire,”shesaid,“makeuseofthem.Writetothem.Usewhateverbirdsyouneed.Frameitasaskingfornews,andI’msuretheywilltellusallweneedtoknow.TellthemthatIwilloffercoinforinformerstheyfind.”

Shesnappedherfingersatanotherofherhandmaidens.“Wewillneedmessengerstosendtotheinvaders,startingtonegotiatethepeace.Tellthemthattheymaytakewhattheywishfromthecity,butthatwhentheytireofbatteringinvainagainstthecastlewalls,wewillbereadytotalk.”

Ofcourse,consideringwhattheFirstStonewouldprobablydotothemessengers,itprobablywasn’tworthwastinggoodpeopleonit.

“SendthoseofQueenAthena’speoplewhowishtoprovethemselves,”Stephaniasaid.“Althoughmakesurethattheydon’tknowanythingtooimportantfirst.”

Whatevertheydidknow,theywouldundoubtedlytelltheinvaders.Felldust’storturerswererumoredtobeveryinventive.Stephaniathoughtofthegirlshewaspreparingtoplaythepartofher.IfIrriensawthroughthedisguise,orifhehadnointerestintalking,thatgirlwoulddie.Stephaniafeltahintofguiltatthat,butnotmuch.Youlookedafteryourselffirst,yourfamilysecond,andthosebeyondonlyafterthat.

ThethoughtofthatbroughtherattentiontotheHallofKnowledge.Thedoorswereshutforonce,andStephaniawasimpressedbythewaytheymuffledsomeofthecriesfromwithin.

“Elethe,withme,”shecommanded.“Therestofyou,waithere.”Whenshesteppedinside,Stephaniahadtoadmitthatshewasalittle

disappointed.Shelikedthingstobeneat,andthingsinherewereanythingbutthat.Therewerepapersstrewneverywhere,severalwithbloodonthem.OldCosmassattiedtoachair,withbloodonhisface,andonhishandswherethetwohandmaidensbesidehimhadtornouthisfingernails.Onesideofhisfacewasbruiseduntilhebarelyresembledthescholarhehadbeen.

Stephaniamadeasmallsoundofdisappointmentasshelookedatherhandmaidens.Theystaredatherinsurprise,thenquicklyknelt.

“Isentyoutogaininformation,”Stephaniasaid,“nottocausechaos.”

“Forgiveus,yourmajesty,”theolderofthetwosaid.“Buthewouldnottalktous.Hecalledyouafalsequeen,andhedidn’trespondtothreatsorpromises.WhenUstraofferedherselftohim,helaughed.”

“Andsoyoubeathimbloodyasasideofbeef,”Stephaniasaid,lettingthedisappointmentcreepintohervoice.“Go,bothofyou.We’llfindyoutasksmoresuitedtoyourtalents.”

Theyleft,ataspeedthatsuggestedtheyknewexactlyhowluckytheyweretobeallowedtodoso.

Stephaniafoundachairforherself,sittingbesideCosmasandputtingahandoverhis.Ofcourse,givenhisinjuries,thatjustmadetheoldmanwhimperinpain.

“Pleaseforgivemyhandmaidens,Cosmas,”shesaid.“Theyhavesuchalimitedideaofhowtodothings.Theydon’tunderstandthatthegoalistogetinformation,notjusttogratifytheirneedforpain.Ifithelps,Iwillbehavingbothofthemwhippedfortheirmistakelater.”

“You…areworsethanbothofthem,”Cosmasreplied.“ThephilosopherCaxintellsusthatwecannotblameasnakeforbiting—”

“Butwecanblametheonewhoputsitinyourbed,”Stephaniafinishedforhim.“Yes,Ihavereadhiswork.Ididn’tfindhimveryconvincing.Oh,isthatasurprise,Cosmas?YoualwaysdidgivemesuchcondescendinglookswhenIcameinhere.DidyouthinkIwasjustlookingatancientdressdesigns,orreadingthepartsofthetenthousandpleasuresIshouldn’thavebeen?”

She’ddoneboth,ofcourse.Forayoungnoblewoman,bothwereweaponstouseagainstenemies,andofcourse,she’ddoneagoodjobofpretendingtobeharmless.

“I’mmoresurprisedyouweren’treadingthetomesonpoisons,”Cosmassaid.“Ah,soyoudidknowwhatIwaslike,”Stephaniareplied,eventhoughshe

didn’treallybelieveit.Itwasbettertoflattersometimes.Bettertoletpeoplegoonthinkingthattheywerethecleverones,untilitwastoolate.“WiseoldCosmas,whoseesallandknowsall,thentellspeoplewhateverhethinkstheyneedtoknow.Tellme,oldman,whosesideareyouon?”

Eventiedandbeaten,hemanagedtogiveStephaniaalookthatsaidshewouldneverunderstand.

“OnthesideoftheEmpire,”Cosmassaid.“Onthesideofdoingwhatwasbestforallofit,notjustafewnobles,orafewrebels.Sinceyouknowsomuchofthephilosophers,youwillhaveheardXinLu’scontentionthatamanmustmakehisownmoralityandsticktoit.”

Stephaniahadreadit.Ithadseemedtohertobemorewastedair.Youdidwhatyoucouldinthisworldforyourownbenefit,becauseyouknewthat

everyoneelsewouldbedoingthesame.“Well,”Stephaniasaid,“asamanwhohearseverything,youwillhaveheard

thatIruletheEmpirenow.Asitsqueen,Icommandyourobedience.”“Queenofacastleabouttobetaken,”Cosmascountered.“Queen,notby

right,butbyviolence.”ElethesteppedforwardtostrikeCosmas.Stephaniastoppedherwitha

gesture.Itwasn’tmercy.Itwassimplythatshecouldn’taffordfortheoldmantodiebeforehe’dtoldherallheknew.

“Allrulersrulethroughviolence,”Stephaniasaid.“Thekindestkingwillhangthosewhoriseagainsthim,orseehisthronetaken.Asforright…IthoughtIwasmarriedtotheEmpire’srightfulheir?”

SheenjoyedtheshockonCosmas’sface.“Oh,IknowaboutThanos.Idon’tsupposeyouhaveproofforme,doyou?It

mightcomeinuseful.”Cosmassatinsilence.“Thisisunwise,Cosmas,”Stephaniasaid.“You’regoingtotorturemesomemore?”heshotback.Stephaniashookherhead.Instead,shestood,lookingarounduntilshefound

aslimvolume,crackedwithage.“Oneofthephilosophersyoulovesomuch,”shesaid.“Presumablyvery

rare?”“Irreplaceable,”Cosmasreplied.Stephaniasmiledatthat,thenstartedtoripoutpages.“No,”Cosmassaid.“Whatareyoudoing?”StephanialookedoveratElethewhileshecontinuedtotearoutpages.“The

keytogettingwhatyouwantfromsomeoneistounderstandwhattheyholddear.Itmightbetheirwell-being,inwhichcasepainandthreatswillwork.Itmightbetheirchildren,ortheirposition…orthebooksthey’vespentalifetimeaccumulating.Fetchabrazier,wouldyou?Ithinkitwillbeeasiertoburnthings.”

“No!”Cosmassaid,tearingathisbondsasifhemightescapethechairthatheldhim.“Youcan’t!”

Stephaniatoreoutanotherpage.“Ican,andIwill.Youwillwatchmedestroyeverybookhere,unlessyoustarttotellmewhatIwanttoknow.”

ShegotthroughthreemorepagesbeforeCosmasbroke.Stephaniaraisedaneyebrow.She’dexpectedittobemore.

“Thanosismentionedinagenealogy,”Cosmassaid.“He’sthereastheking’sson.”

Thatwasastart,althoughStephaniadefinitelywouldn’tleaveitthere.

“Iwillneedmorethanthat,”Stephaniasaid.Sheheldupthebookbywayofemphasis.

“Therewas…therewastalkthatThanos’smotherhadmovedon,”Cosmasreplied.“TherumorssaidtoFelldust,butI…therewereletters.Somewhereinhere,thereareletters.”

“Where?”Stephaniademanded.Cosmasshookhishead.“Idon’tknowthelocationofeverythinghere,only

thattheyarehere.Ortheywere.Iputtheminaboxsomewhere.”ThatsoundedlikeCosmas.Alltheinformationintheworld,andhecouldn’t

findhalfofit.Stephaniadecidedtomoveontotheonethingshewantedtoknowaboutevenmore.

“Whatdoyouknowaboutsorcerers?”Stephaniaasked.ShesawCosmasswallow.“Therearemanythingswrittenaboutthem.Ihave

accounts—”Stephaniawavedthataway.“TherewasasorcererinFelldust.Daskalos.I

needtoknowabouthisweaknesses.Imadeadealwithhim,andIneedtoknowhowtoundoit.”

ShesawCosmaspaleslightly,andknewhe’dheardthename.“Icannothelpyou,”Cosmassaid.“Elethe,fetchthatbrazier,”Stephaniacommanded.Thistime,her

handmaidenrushedtoobey.StephaniaclampedherhanddownoverCosmas’s,ignoringhiscryofpain.“YouthinkIwon’tcarryoutmythreats?YouthinkIwon’tburnyourpreciousscrolls?Youwilltellmewhatyouknow.Iwillsavemychild!”

“Youpromisedhimyourchild?”Cosmassaid.Heshookhishead.“Youareafool.AmanlikeDaskaloscannotbecheated.”

“ThenI’llkillhim,”Stephaniasaid,althoughevenasshesaidit,shefoundherselfthinkingofthewayhe’dcomebackfromherknifethrustinthecave.“Iwillfindaway.”

“Thereisnoway,”Cosmassaid.“I’vereadabouthim,inbookssooldthatwithanyothermanIwouldhavethoughtitwasasuccessororastudentnow.Theysaythathehasthesecretofhidinghislifeinanobject,andunlessyoudestroythat,hecannotbekilled.Thathecanusethewindtolistenandtherefectiononapooltosee.Howdoyoufightsuchaman?”

“ThatiswhatIwantyoutotellme,”Stephaniasaid.Shecouldfeeltheangerrisinginhernow.Shetriedtobereasonable,butpeopleneverdidwhattheyweresupposedto.

Cosmaslaughedthen.Helaughedlongandloud,evenasStephaniathrewhispreciousbookagainstthenearestwall,scatteringitspages.

“Lookatyou,”hesaid.“You’reright,everyonehassomethingtheycareabout.Forme,yes,it’smybooks.Foryou,though…you’vegivenawaytheonethingthatmatterstoyou,youstupidgirl.YouhadalifewithThanos,youhadachildontheway,andyougaveitallup.Youcan’tstopDaskalos,andI’lllaughwhenhetakestheonethingthatmattersfromyou.”

“Noyouwon’t,”Stephaniaassuredhim.Shetookaknifefromherbelt.“I’msickofyourinterference,Cosmas.I’msickofyouhoardingotherpeople’ssecretstohandoutlikesweetmeats.I’msickofyoupretendingtoknoweverything,anddoyouknowthethingaboutbeingaqueen?”

Cosmasmighthavestartedtoanswer,butStephaniasteppedforward,thrustingherbladeupunderhisribs.

“Thethingaboutbeingaqueenisthatyoudon’thavetolistentopeoplewhoangeryou,”shesaid.“Youcanjustdealwiththem.”

ShewatchedCosmasdie.Therewasprobablyatimewhenshewouldhavefeltsomethingatseeingthelightgooutoftheoldscholar’seyes.Now,shewasjusthappythathewouldn’tbeinterferinginherbusinessanylonger.

WhenElethecamewiththebrazier,Stephaniasawherhesitatebeforesettingitdownanddroppingtooneknee.

“Myqueen?”Stephaniaimaginedhowshemustlookthen,withbloodonherhands.Idly,

shewipedherhandsontheremainsofoneofCosmas’sscrolls.“Igottiredofwaiting.Removehisbody,thenhavetheothersgothroughthis

placefromtoptobottom.TherearelettershereIwanttofind.”“Yes,yourmajesty.”Elethesoundedfrightenedthen.ThatcaughtStephaniaa

littlebysurprise.“Youdon’tneedtobeafraidofme,”Stephaniasaid.“You’reservingmewell.

Comefindmewhenyou’redonehere.”“Yes,yourmajesty.WhereshouldIfindyou?”Therewasonlyoneanswertothat.“WithCeres.AsIsaid,everythinghasabreakingpoint.Iintendtofindhers.”

CHAPTERSEVENTEENThanosdreamed,andinhisdreams,thedeadstaredathim.Hesawpeople

he’dknown,peoplehe’dfought,peoplehe’dbeenforcedtokill.Hesawhisbrotherandhisfather,fightinginfrontofthestatuesofhisancestorsthatlinedtheroyalchambers.Asecondlater,thestatueswerereplacedbyfigureswhostoodthere,ancestorslookingathiminaccusation,inrecognition,andveryoccasionallyinrespect.

“Areyoureallyhere?”Thanosasked.“Whatisthis?”Hisfatherdidn’tanswer.NordidLucious.Theykeptfightinginfrontofthose

whohadgonebefore,rollingonthefloorasnewfiguresstartedtoemergefromspacesinthewalls.

TheBoneFolksteppedupnexttoThanos’sancestors,andonebyone,hesawthemstarttodevourthem.Theydrankdowntheghostslikesmoke,takingtheminhugegulpsthatleftnothingbehind.WhentheyturnedtohisfatherandLucious,Thanoswantedtodosomething,buthecouldn’tmove…

HewoketotherockingoftheshipthatwascarryinghimtoDelos.ThanossatupandsawJevacrouchedalittlewayaway,hereyesfixedonhim.Afterthedreamhe’djusthad,thatwasalittleunnerving.

“Youlookasthoughyou’retryingtodecidewhethertoeatme,”Thanossaid.Shegavehimagrimlook,andwhenshespoke,itwasintonesofobvious

insult.“Youknowitdoesnotworklikethatforus.”“I’msorry.”“Besides,”shecontinuedwithalaugh,“you’dbefartoostringy.”Thanoslaughedwithher.Hewasn’tsurehecouldevenbegintounderstand

theBoneFolkwoman.They’dbeentravelingtogetherfordays,andThanosstillwasn’tsurehewasanyclosertobeingabletoreadJeva.

Itseemedshecouldreadhimthough.“Thedeadcanbedifficultsometimes,”shesaid.“Didyouseesomething?”Thanosasked.Shespreadherhands.Itwasn’tananswer,butitseemedasthoughJeva

wasn’tonetogiveoutanswers.Itwasenoughthatherpeoplehadagreedtohelp.“DoIlooklikeaseer,toseeintoyourdreams?”sheasked.“Ijustknowthat

look.Whatdidyoudreamof?”“OfsomeoneIcaredabout.Ofthedeadbeingeaten.”Thanoscouldn’tthinkofabetterwaytoputit.“Thatisagoodthing,”Jevasaid.“Itremindsusofourconnectiontothem.

Wearethetipofaspearthatgoesbacklifetimes.”Thanoswishedthathecouldseethingsthatway.Maybehewouldn’tfeel

quitesoalonethen.ThatthoughtmadehimthinkofCeres.Hewouldgetbacktoher.Rightthen,hewantedtogetbacktohermorethananythingelseintheworld,butitfeltasthougheverystephetookwasafrustration,leadinghimintomoreproblems,andpullinghimfurtherfromher.

Itdidn’thelpthattheBoneFolk’sfleetwasastrangethingthatlookedasthoughitshouldbarelyhavefloated.Eachoftheirshipsincorporatedasmanyofthebonesofgreatbeastsastherestoftheirarchitecture,sothatribstakenfromwhaleswrappedaroundtheirhulls,andsharkteethformedarrowtipsastheypreparedforwar.Itwasaterrifying-lookingfleet,andapartofThanosstillwasn’tsureifheshouldbebringingthesepeopletotheshoresofDelos.Whatifhewasjustmakingthingsworse?

EventhesmugglerswhohadtakenhimtoPortLeewardkepttheirdistancefromthemainbodyofthefleet,asthoughunwillingtoriskhavingtheBoneFolktooclose.WhenThanoshaddeclaredthathewouldbetravelingononeoftheirships,thecaptainhadlookedathimasthoughhewasmad.YetThanoshaddoneit.Heknewheneededtoshowhisnewalliesthathetrustedthem.Strangely,hedidtrustthem.

Andtheywerewillingtohelp.Thatcountedforalot.Inthedistance,Thanosthoughthesawships.Hehurriedtotherailing,trying

toignorethebonefeelofitunderhishands.“TheyarethestragglersofFelldust’sfleet,”Jevasaid,comingupbesidehim

soquietlythatThanoswasgladshewasn’thisenemy.“Theyheadtothecitylikegullsuponacarcass.Wouldyoulikeustodestroythem?”

Thanoslookedaround.Theyhadtheshipstodoit.TheBoneFolkhadanimpressivefleetofshipsthankstotheiryearsofpiracy.Evenso,iftheywentintocombatwithaconvoylikethat,theoddswerethattheywouldsufferlosses.

Thanosshookhishead.“It’sbetternotto,”hesaid.“Idon’twanttogetintoanyfightswedon’tneed

beforewegetthere.”“Thatiswhatwethought,”Jevasaid.“WearegoingtoyourCeres’said.

Betternottowasteoureffortsonlesserthings.”HisCeres.Thanoswisheditwereassimpleasthat.Thatthingsbetweenthem

hadn’tbeensodifficultwhenheleft.Witheverythingthathe’ddone,andeverythingthatStephaniahadmanagedtoinsinuate,Thanoswasn’tsurethatthey’deverbeenfurtherapart.Heonlyhopedthathecouldchangethatbyshowingherhowmuchhewaspreparedtodotokeephersafe.

HewaspreparedtobringafleetofthemostfearedpiratesofFelldusttoattackitsfleet,foronething.

Yet,themorehelookedatthefleettheBoneFolkhadassembled,themore

worriedhegot.TheywouldhavesufferedlossestakingonafragmentofthefleetthatFelldustcouldbringtobear.Howwouldtheyfareagainstthewholething?Thanoshadseensomeoftheshipsforthat.He’dseenthevesselsstretchingacrossPortLeeward’sharbor,andthosewerejusttheonestryingtocatchup.Howhugewouldthemainforcebe?

Moretothepoint,howcouldtheyeverhopetostandagainstit?Whatiftheyreachedthefleet,attackedit,andfoundthatitwaslikeaddingasingledropofwinetoabarrelofwater?Theymightbeoverwhelmedanddestroyedsoquicklythatitwasasthoughtheyweren’tthereatall.

“You’reworrying,”Jevasaid.Thanosnodded.“Iam.I’veseenyoufight.I’veheardyourreputationsas

pirates,andthefactthattheFirstStonewantedyoutojointheinvasionsaysalotabouthowdangerousyouareaswarriors…”

“But?”Jevaprompted.Shesoundedasthoughshe’dbeenwaitingforthismoment.Perhapsshehad.

Thanoswasquicklylearningnottounderestimatethepeoplehetraveledwith.“Wemightnotwin,”Thanossaid.“I’vebroughtyouallthisway,andImight

besendingyoutoyourdeaths.Felldust’sfleetisgoingtobehuge.Sobigthatwemightnotbeabletobeatitevenifwetakeitbysurprise.”

HewatchedasJevacockedherheadtooneside.“Andyou’retellingmethisbecause…”“BecauseIwanttobefair,”Thanossaid.“Iwanttogiveyouthechanceto

pulloutofthisifyouwantto.Youandallyourpeople.”Jevanoddedgravely.Sheturnedbacktotherestoftheshipandstartedto

speakinthestrangedialectherpeoplehad.ItseemedtobearnoconnectiontothemaintongueofFelldust,withclicksandsharpedgestothewordsthatmadeitsoundalmostlikebonescrapingagainstbone.

“Iamtellingthemthatwemightnotwin,”shesaid.“Thatyouwantedthemtoknowthis.Thatitwasveryimportanttoyoutosaythis.”

Thensheburstoutlaughing.So,toThanos’ssurprise,didmostoftheothersontheship.Theytreatedthewholethingasifitwerethebestjokethey’dheardinalongtime.Oneofthesailorsactuallyleanedagainstthebleachedmastoftheshipasthoughhehadtroublekeepinghisfooting,hewaslaughingthatmuch.

“Weknowwewon’twin,”Jevasaid.“Isawthefleetmyself.YouthinkIcan’tcount?”

“No,”Thanossaid.“Ijust—”“Youjustthoughtthatyoucouldfindawaythroughallthiswithoutanyone

dying.We’renotafraidofdying.Goingtojoinourancestors?Forus,itmeansfinallygettingasayinhowthingsgo.”

Thanoswasn’tsurethathecouldwraphismindaroundthat.Alltheotherpeoplehe’dmetcaredwhethertheylivedordied,evenifoccasionallytheyfeltthatacause,oranotherperson,wasworththerisk.

“Wecamehereknowingwhatwouldhappen,”Jevawenton.“Theoneswhospeaktothedeadsaythatitisathingworthdoing.Morethanthat,weknowitisworthdoing.WehavestoriesabouttheAncientOnes.Weknowhowimportanttheyweretotheworld,andhowimportanttheymightstillbe.”

ThanosfounditstrangethatCeres’snamecouldinspiresomuch,eventhoughheknewthatshewasmorethanworthanyriskinperson.Thesepeoplehadnevermether,buttheywerewillingtodieforher.

“Wewillstrikeattheirfleet,”Jevasaid.“Wewillpunchaholethroughthem,andperhapsinthathole,youwillbeabletogettheAncientOnetosafety.Wewilldowhatisnecessary.”

Thanosdidn’tknowwhattosaytothat.Shouldhethankthemforwhattheyweredoing,orwouldtheyseethatasanotherjoke?Worse,wouldtheyseeitasaninsult?Thanoswasstartingtorealizethathedidn’tknowthematall,butthatdidn’tmatter.Notwhentheywerepreparedtodothis.

Lookingout,hesawlandappearingonthehorizon.TheEmpirelayahead,withalltheconflictthatwouldfollow.Inthedistance,Thanosthoughthesawfires,andfeargrippedhimthen.Whatiftheyweretoolate?Whatiftheconflictwasalreadyover?

“Youshouldgobacktotheotherboat,”Jevasaid.“Youdonotwanttobeonthisonewhenthebattlestarts,andwewouldn’twanttogetyourbonesmixedupwiththoseofourpeoplewhenitisdone.”

“Thankyou,”Thanossaid.Jevashookherhead.“Donotthankus.Dowhatmustbedone.Andwhenthe

timecomes,remembertodiewell!”

CHAPTEREIGHTEENIrriensmiledingrimsatisfactionashisflagshipscrapedupagainstDelos’s

docks.Withtheenemyfleetintatters,ithadbeenaneasythingtobreaktheharborchainandpourintothespacebehindlikeastainonthewater.Hefeltthedeeprightnessofthingsgoingashehadplannedthem.

Flamingmissilesflewoverhishead,butIrriendidn’tduck.Aleadercouldn’taffordtoshowweakness.EspeciallynotaFirstStone.Irrienhadtakenhispositionbydefeatingthelastholderoftheseat,seizinghisinterestsandfinallyslayinghim.Hismenlikedtoprofesstheirloyalty,butheknewtherewasalwayssomeone,somewhere,whowouldtrytotakeitfromhimiftheyfeltthattheycould.

Sohestoodtall,ignoringthepaininhisarmwhereAkilahadwoundedhim,ignoringtheflightofthefirearrowsandtheclaypotsthathissedwithoilwhentheystruckthewater.Ignoringeventhethoughtthatvictorywasinhisgrasp.Astrongmandidnotletwhatwastobegaineddistracthimfromtheprocessofseizingit.

“Forward!”Irriencalled.“Takethedocks!”Hefollowedthefirstwaveofmendownontothem,drawingaknifesolong

thatforanothermanitwouldhavebeenashortsword.Hewasgratefulinthatmomentthathe’dthoughttoleavehisgreatswordinAkilawhenhe’dkickedhimdownforthesharkstotake.Abladecouldbereplacedeasilyenough;areputationwasamoredifficultthing.

Irriensawarebelcomingathimthroughthethrongofthebattle,holdinganaxe.Hesidesteppedtheman’sattack,strikingoutwithhisknifeatthroatlevel.Helettheattackerdrop,sheathedhisknife,andtookuptheaxewithhisgoodhand.

“ThefirstvictoryonEmpiresoil!”Irriencalled,heftingitoverhead.Hedidn’traisehisleftarm.Hewasn’tsurethathecould.Nodoubthishealerswouldbeabletohelp,butfornow,hewantedthatauraofinvincibility.

Aroundhim,hismenhackedandkilled,spurredonbyIrrien’sdisplay.Theytoreintothedefendersaroundthedocks,fightingtheirwaytothespotswheretwocatapultscontinuedtoflingflamingpotstowardIrrien’sfleet.

Mentryingtobebrave.Irriendidn’tknowwhethertobeimpressedortolaugh.

Hedidneither,insteadsettlingforsmashinghisaxethroughtheskullofanotherfoe,thenusingittosweepasidetheheadofaspearsothathecouldcutintoitswielder.

“Killthemenonthosecatapults,”Irriencalled,“butdonotdestroythem.

Insidetheharbor,theycanprotectus.”Hiswarriorshastenedtoobey.Irriensawawomaninthewrapsofoneofthe

dusttribesplungeashortspearintoarebel.Hewatchedasoneofthespike-hairedgangmembersofPortLeewardjumpedinwithaknifeineitherhand.Warbroughtpeopletogetherthewayalmostnothingelsecould.

Awaytohisleft,Irriensawacollectionofpeoplewiththeirbelongingsontheirbacks,scuttlingthroughthestreetsliketheratstheywereastheytriedtoflee.Menandwomen,evenafewchildren.Irrienlookedaroundandsawthatthebattleforthedockswasgoingwell.

Wellenoughforhimtotakeadetour.“Allofyouhere,withme,”Irriensaid,andraninthedirectionofthefleeing

people.Hesprintedalongthefrontofthedocks,leadingasmallgroupofhiswarriorswhobayedforbloodlikesandlizards.

Hesawthetripwirejustintime.“Halt!”heyelled,skiddingtoastop,butsomeofthosewithhimweretoo

slowtoreact,orhadn’theardhim,orweretoocaughtupintheirneedforbloodtolisten.Whateverthereason,severalsprintedpasthim,hittingthelineoftripwiresasagroup.

Boltsflewoutfromcrossbowsconnectedtothem,thuddingastheyslammedintoflesh.IrriensawamuscledmanwiththebearskincloakofoneoftheDeadForesttribesgodown,lookingsurprisedatthethoughtthatdeathmighthavecomeforhim.Awarriorinlightchainfoundthatitwasnomatchfortheforceoftheweaponcomingtowardher.

Irrienhadtoadmirethemindthathadputthesetrapsinplace.Amancouldnotlivewithsuchthingsaround,butthiswasnotaboutlivingwiththem;itwasaboutdenyingthecitytothosewhoattacked,whateverthecost.

“Careful,”Irriensaid.“Therewillbemore.”Therewere.Astheyadvanced,hespottedwireslinkedtobarricadesholding

rubble.Hefounddeadfallsandpits,spikesandmorecrossbows.Everystepseemedtobefraughtwithdanger,butIrrienpickedhiswaythroughit.

Thosetryingtofleewerestillahead,andIrrienwasn’tgoingtolettheweakescapesoeasily.

Hesawthemaheadandchargedafterthem.Hisfollowerschargedwithhim.Irrienslammedintothebackofthem,cuttingdownoneofthemen.Anotherturned,tryingtodrawaknife,andIrrienhackedathimwithhisaxe.Heignoredthesprayofblood,lookingforanotherfoetokill.

Therewerenone,though,becausethesefolkwouldnotfightfortheirlives.Theyjustcoweredthereliketheslavestheywouldsoonbe.Halfofthemwerealreadyontheirknees,andIrrienfoundhimselfsortingtheminhismind.The

youngwomenandthefewstrongmenwhowouldfetchthebestprice.Theolderwomenandtheboys.Therest.Sometheywouldkeepfornow.Sometheywouldputonoars.Onewomanwithdarkhair,Irriendecidedthathewouldkeepforhimself,untilsheboredhimenoughtosellorgivetothepriestsforoneoftheirsacrifices.

Hestrodetoher,standingoverher,seeingthefearinhereyes.“Tellme,whosetthetrapsinthestreet?”Irriendemanded.Shelookedupathimwithobviousterror,andIrrienthoughthemighthaveto

strikehertogethertalking.Butthewordscameblurtingout,astheyalwaysdidfromthosewithoutthestrengthtofight.

“ThereisamannamedBerin,”thewomansaid.“Ceres’sfather.Heandhissmithscamethroughthestreets,buildingdefenses.”

“Anddidanyherehelphim?”Irriendemanded.Sheshookherheadfrantically.“No.Wedidn’twanttobeinvolvedintheir

war.Wewanted…wewantedtobesafe.”Thebleatingofthelambinthefield,asitalwayswas.Pleasedon’thurtus.

Asifwordscoulddoanythingtostoponewithstrength.Perhapsthisonethoughtthatshe’ddonesomethingrightbyadmittingthatshehadn’teventriedtodefendwhatwashers.

“AndCeresisinthecastle,waitingforus?”Irrienasked.Thewomanshookherhead.“No,Imean…maybe.TheysaythatLady

Stephaniatookthecastlebackfromtherebellion.ThatshecapturedCeres.”Irrienconsideredthat.Itwasaninterestingdevelopment.Hehadheardof

LadyStephania,foronething.Itwassaidthatherbeautyoutshonethestars,whilehercunningleftmendeadinitswake.Awomantoadmire,inotherwords.

Still,itmadenodifferencewhosatwithinthecastle.Irrienintendedtotakeit,ashewouldtherestofthecity.Hisnewslave’swordsmerelychangedthenatureoftheprize,notwhathadtobedone.

“YouwilltellmeeverythingyouknowofthisLadyStephania,”hesaid.“Imightbeabletohelpyouwiththat,”awoman’svoicereplied.Shestepped

fromtheshadowsofoneofthehouses,movingquietlyenoughthatevenIrrienhadn’tspottedhercoming.Thatwasthekindofsilencethattooktraining.

Shewascomelyenough,andnoblydressedbeneathadarkcloakthatwasnodoubtdesignedtodisguisewhoshewaswhileshemadeherwaythroughthecity.

“LadyStephaniasentme,mylord,”shesaid,withacurtseythatwasprobablyfitforakinginthisuncivilizedlandwheretheweakdidnotkneelbeforetheirbetters.“MynameisWanale.”

“Wereyousentasamessenger,agift,oranassassin?”Irriendemanded.

“Asamessenger,mylord,”Wanalesaid.“LadyStephaniawishestoofferyouterms.”

Irrienlaughedatthat,evenashismindconsideredthepossibilities.He’dheardthestoriesofthetimesLadyStephaniahadmanipulatedpeopleintodoingwhatshewanted.Shehaddoneagoodjobofseemingharmlessandthenstriking.

“WhattermscouldshehavethatIwouldwant?”Irriensaid.“Iwilltakethecity.IwilltakeallthatIwant.Shehasnothingtogive.”

“Shetoldmetosaythatshehasthepotentialtotakefromyou,”Wanalesaid.“Thatthecastlewillremainstrong,andthatfailingagainstitwillmakeyoulookweak.Thatitisbettertoagreetermsthantowatchyourforcesfightamongthemselveswhentheycannottakethecastle.”

Irrienlookedatthemessengeruntilshequailedandfelltoherknees.Thatwasgood.Amanshouldhaveenoughstrengthtocowlesserfolk.

“AllofthisassumesthatIcannottakewhatisinfrontofme,”Irriensaid.Hetookasteptowardthewoman.“Youwillfindoutthatisnotthecasewithmyslavechainsonyou.Thenyouwilltellmeeveryweaknessthecastle.Iwillseizeit,alongwiththerestofthecity.”

Ahandtouchedhisarm.Hiswoundedarm.Painshotthroughhim,andIrrienspun.

Thewomanfrombeforewasthere,reachingoutasthoughto…what?Convincehim?Prevailuponhim?Irriendidn’tcarerightthen.Thepainthatroaredthroughhimathertouchwaswhitehot,overwhelmingallelse.

“Please,mylord,whatabout—”Irrientookherheadfromhershoulderswithonesweepofhisaxe.He

breathedhardashewaitedforthepaintosubside,butheknewhecouldnotleaveitatthat.Tellhismenthatthiscaptivehadprovokedhimbytouchinghiswound,andtheywouldwonderhowbaditwas.Theywouldstarttowonderiftherewasaweaknesstheretoexploit.

“Killthem,”heorderedhismeninstead.“Therewillbeplentymorecaptivestotake,andwehavenotimeforthese.”

Theydidn’tquestion.Instead,theyfellontheprisonerslikewolves,stabbingandslashinginspiteoftheirscreams.Irrienfeltnogriefatit,onlyafaintdisappointmentatthewasteofpotentialslaves.Aleaderdidwhatwasnecessarytokeephimselfappearingstrong.

Whentheystoodpantinginthewakeofthekilling,Irrienstartedtogivecommands.

“Gothroughthecity,”hecommandedthem.“Bereadyfortrapsandforthosewhowillfightback.Bethorough.Iwantyoutosweepeverystreet,findevery

straggler.Killthosewhoresist,takethosewhosurrender.Iwanttheslavelinestobelongenoughtostretchacrosstheocean.”

Helookedovertowherethecastlestood,examiningitthewayhemighthaveexaminedtheguardofarivalswordsman.Hisorderswouldslowthetakingofthecity,butthatwouldgivehimtime.Timeinwhichtofindwaysintothere.

HelookedatthemessengerLadyStephaniahadsenttoo,standingthereinobviousshockattheviolence.Hegrabbedherbythenapeoftheneck,forcinghertoherknees.Therewouldbetimeinwhichtoforceanswersfromthosewhohadthem,too.Hewouldenjoythatpartofit.Theweaknessofotherswasonlyconfirmationofhisstrength.

LadyStephaniawasrightinoneway:hecouldn’taffordtofailagainstthecastle’swalls.Hecouldn’tseemthatweak.Buthewouldn’t.Hismenwouldforcehiswayinside,andthen…well,ifthemessengershe’dsentwasanythingtogoby,thepickingswouldberichindeed.

CHAPTERNINETEENCereswokeasshealwaysseemedtowakenow,withwaterthrownonher,

coldanddirtyenoughthatshegaspedatit.Automatically,hertonguedartedout,tryingtocollectsomeofthemoisturethere,becauseinthedungeonsofthecastletheygaveheralmostnothing.

“Lookather,”someonecalledfromaboveher.“She’slikeananimal!”“Filthylittlething,”anotherjeered.“Dressedinscrapslikethat!”Itdidn’tseemtomattertothemthatithadbeenStephaniawhohadhacked

herhairaway;StephaniawhohadlethermentearCeres’sclothesuntiltheywerelittlemorethanafewbarestripsofcloth.Theslavesthereworemore.

Cereslookedaroundher,andwhenshesawwhereshewas,sheshuddered.Shewasbackinthetrainingpitbeneaththecastle,thesandbeneathherscratchingassherolledtoherknees.Thatwasn’teasy,becauseherhandswereboundbehindheratherwristsandelbows,tightenoughthathershouldersachedwithit.

Inspiteofallthattheyinflictedonherinthedungeons,thiswastheplacethatCereshadcometodread.They’dtakenaspacethatshe’doncethoughtofasherdomain,andthey’dturneditintoaspaceofhumiliation.CereshatedStephaniaforthat,andforsomuchelsebesides.

Shesatabove,ofcourse,lookingdownfromherthronetherewithanairoffaintamusement.Ceressawothernoblesbesideher,withservantsandhandmaidens.Theysmiledandlaughedasthoughtheywereenjoyingapleasantdayinthecountry.

Cereshatedallofthemthen.Stephaniasignaled,andCeresfeltthenickofabladeastwoguardscuther

ropes.Shewatchedthemhurrybackwhilesherubbedherwrists,andonethrewsomethingintothedirtinfrontofher.Asword.

Notarealonethough.Notsomethingshecouldhopetofightherwayoutoftherewith.Thiswasashort,ugly,dull-lookingthingwithroundededgesthatprobablyhadn’teverbeensharpened.Itwasthekindoftrainingbladecombatlordsusedwhentheythoughtwooddidn’tgivethemtherightfeel.

Inspiteofitnotbeingarealblade,Ceressnatcheditup,testingtheweightofit.Despitethepainandthehumiliation,theworldfeltbetterwhenshehadherhandwrappedarounditsgrip.Thiswassomethingsheunderstood,andStephaniacouldn’ttrytotakethatawayfromher.

Shewouldtry,though,andasaburlyEmpiresoldiercameinwithhisownpracticeblade,Ceresrealizedthatshedidn’twanttodothis.Shedidn’twanttobeStephania’splaything,dancingtohertune.Shethrewherweaponintothe

sand.“Iwon’tfightjustforyourentertainment,”Ceressaid.“Oh,youwill,”Stephaniasaid.Shegestured,andaheraldblewalongnote

onhistrumpet.“Youwillfight,ortherewillbeconsequences.”Whatconsequencescouldtherebe?Dying?Rightthen,Cereswouldrather

diethanbestucksufferingeverydayatStephania’swhim.Shestoodthereastheguardapproached,keepingherarmsdownashethrustatherchest.

Theswordslammedintoherwithbruisingforce,butCeresmadeherselfstandtherewithoutreacting.Shewouldn’tgiveStephaniathesatisfactionofseeingthepainasitbruisedher,orwatchingherstaggerwiththeforceofit.

“There,”Ceressaid.“I’velost.Iwon’tfightback,Stephania!”“Really?”Stephaniacountered.“Notevenonceyouknowtheprice?”Ceressawhergesture,andayoungmanwasbroughtforward,hishandstied.

AtanothersignalfromStephania,aguardliftedasword,anditwasobviousthatthisonewasn’tatrainingweapon.

“No,”theyoungmanbegged.“No,no,please.”Theguardthrust,strikingtheyoungmaninalmostexactlythespotCeres’s

opponenthadstruckher.Thebladeslidintohimandoutagain,leavinghimtocollapsewhileCereswatched.Shewincedatthat;atalifesnuffedoutfornobetterreasonthanbecauseofStephania’sgames.

Stephaniasignaledagain,andmorepeoplewerebroughtforward.Ceresthoughtsherecognizedsomeoftheyoungmenthere,thatshe’dseenthembefore,fightingalongsidetherebellion.ThenshesawSartesandshefroze.

“Wecapturedthemtryingtofighttheirwayintosaveyou,”Stephaniasaid.“Now,youhaveachancetosavethem,orcondemnthem.Iamnotgoingtokillyou,buteverytimeoneofmyguardslandsablowonyou,oneofthemwillsuffer.You’llwatchthemdie,andyou’llrealizehowweakyouare.”

“I’llkillyou,”Cerespromised.Stephanialaughed.“It’snotmeyouneedtokill.”Shegesturedtotheguard,andthemanlungedatCeresagain.Ceresbarelythrewherselftothesideintime,comingupwiththepractice

swordandcircling.Thesituationwasn’tfair,ofcourse,becauseStephaniawouldneverkeepthingseven.Thiswasafresh,well-restedman,whilehertorturershardlyevergaveCerestimetosleep.Thentherewasthethreathangingoverher.Allthismanhadtofearwasbeinghitwithapracticeblade,whileanywoundonCereswouldcountfortheprisonersabove;forherbrother.

Shewhirledawayfromanattack,parriedanother,andthenstruckdownacrosstheguard’shand.Shehadtofocus.Shedidn’thavethestrengthofherAncientOneblood,butshestillhadtheskillsshe’dlearnedintheStade,andshe

couldstillrememberthelessonstheForestPeoplehadsoughttoteachher.ShecouldstillrememberEoin,underawaterfall,movingwithsuchgracethatitseemedlikemagic.

Itwasn’tmagic,though;itwasmovingasyouneededtomove,inharmonywiththeworld.Ceresforcedherselftorelax,parryingandshifting,feelingtheweightofherweapon.Itdidn’thaveanedge,butitwasstilliron.Itstillhadweightandstrength.Itcouldstillkill,intherighthands.

Ceressweptastrikeoutoftheway,thenchoppeddown,hearingthecrackasshestruckthesoldier’sknee.Hestartedtocollapse,andCereshithimacrossthejawashefell,sendinghimdownintounconsciousness.

WhileCerestriedtogetairintoherlungs,twomoresteppedintothetrainingcircletotakehisplace.Theyspreadout,tryingtoencircleher,butCeresdartedbetweenthem.

“Areyoujustgoingtokeepsendingthemuntilyourunoutofmen?”CerescalleduptoStephania.

“Justuntilyoulearnyourplace,”Stephaniaassuredher.Oneofthemencutlow.Ceressteppedoverthestroke,hittinghiminthe

throatwithherbluntedsword.Evenwithoutanedge,itwasenoughtocollapsehim,gaspingforair.Shespunintimetoparryanotherattack,barelyleanedbackfromathird,andmanagedtopushherattackeraway.

TwomorejoinedhimasCeressnatchedupasecondpracticeswordfromoneofthefallenguards.

Shecharged.Rightthen,attackwastheonlydefenseshehad.Sheduckedassheranin,feelingaswordwhistleoverherhead.Shestrucktheattackerinthestomach,butthatwasn’tenoughtobringhimdown.

Sheparriedandstruckback,alwaysmovingontheedgeofdistance,tryingtokeeponeoftheswordsmeninbetweenherandtheotherssothattheycouldn’tstrikeatheralltogether.Inspiteofherefforts,shetookablowacrossherforearm,andheardsomeonescreamupabove.Ceresdidn’tdaretolookuptoseewhatwashappening.

Shelashedoutatthehandofoneofherattackers,hearingbonesbreakashedroppedhissword.Shespunpastanotherstrike,lashingoutwithherelbowtothebaseofanattacker’sskullevenassheparriedanotherblow.

Somewhereinit,Ceresfeltherselffallingintotherhythmofthefight,feelingitthewayshefelttheriseandfallofherownbreathing.Shedidn’thavethespeedorpowerthatshe’dpossessedjustafewdaysago,butshecouldstillchoosetherightmomenttoswaybackfromablow,sendingonemanstumblingintoanotherwhileshestruckouttothespinewithherheavyironblade.

Ifthishadbeenafightwithliveblades,therewouldhavebeenblood.Above,

Cerescouldhearsomeofthosewatchinggrowingrestlessatthelackofit,butafightdidn’tneedbloodtobedeadly.Therewasstillthecrackofbreakingbone,theemptygaspingofmentryingtodraginairthroughcrushedthroats.

Perhapsonce,Cereswouldhavetriedtoholdback,butnowshecouldn’taffordto.Itwasn’tjustherownlifeonthelinehere,andinanycase,shewasn’tsurethatshehadthestrengthtodoit.Allshecoulddowasflowfrommomenttomoment,strikingoutwithouthesitationorregretwheneverthemomentpresenteditself.

Shestruckatjoints,atbones,atthethroatortheskull.Shewieldedherpracticeswordsasapairofironclubs,theretocrushandsmashratherthansliceorpierce.Sheswayedasidefromathrust,bringingaweapondownontoherenemy’selbow,thenlungedintothrustherother“sword”deepintothesoftfleshofaguard’sstomach.Ashedoubledup,shehithimbehindtheear,sendinghimdownintounconsciousness.

Ceresstoodthere,lookingaroundforfreshopponents,butitseemedthatthoseguardswhoweren’tonthesandgroaninginpainwerelyingthereindeathlystillness.Cerestookherpracticeswordsandplungedthemintothesand,hopingthatshewouldlookstrongerthanshefeltrightthen.

Thetruthwasthatshefeltexhausted,asifastrongbreezemightblowherover.Shecouldn’taffordtoletthatshow,though.Sheknewshehadtolookasthoughshecouldkeepfightingallday,becauseotherwiseStephaniawouldkeepsendingmenagainsther.

Ceresforcedherselftostareupindefiance,instead.“Isthatit?”shedemanded.“Arewedone?I’msickofplayingyourgames,

Stephania.Ifyouwanttopunishmeforsomecrimeonlyyoucansee,thendoit,butleavetheothersoutofthis.”

“Youbroughtthemintoit,”Stephaniacountered.“Wouldtheybehereifitweren’tforyou?Allthesepeople,andyoucan’tsavethem.You’llneverbeenoughtosavethem.”

Thathurtmorethananythingtheothershaddonetoher.StephaniahadaknackforfindingthethingsthatpokedatCeres’sheartmorethananythingelse.Sheseemedtounderstandwhatwouldhurtmost,andneverhesitatetopushfurther.

“Andyoustillhaven’tlearnedyourlesson,”Stephaniasaid.“Youarenotsomeleader.Youarenothing.Allowmetodemonstrate.”

Sheclappedherhandsagain,andguardspushedthreemorefiguresintothering.Threemen,allwiththemusclesbuiltthroughlongtraining,allarmedwithweaponsthattheyhadlongpracticewith.Oneheldaswordandshield,oneatrident,oneashortspear.Ceresrecognizedthecombatlords.She’dtrained

alongsidethem.“IknowItoldyouthatwekilledthecombatlords,”Stephaniasaid.“Butwe

managedtosavetheseonesjustforyou.Itwillbejustlikeoldtimes,watchingyoufightthemtothedeath.”

Hornsblew,andthethreecombatlordsspreadoutaroundCeres.

CHAPTERTWENTYSartesstoodbythesideofthetrainingpit,strugglingagainstthebondsthat

heldhiminplaceeventhoughitmadenodifference.Hecouldn’tjuststandthere.Hecouldn’tdonothingwhiletheyweretryingtobreakhissisterlikethis.

Yettherewasnothinghecoulddo.They’dtiedhimtoapostthere,ropesaroundhiswrists,hisankles,histhroat,sothathecouldn’tmoveasmuchasahand’swidthwithouttheropestighteningtohalfchokehim.They’dputhimwhereCereswouldbeabletoseehimandknowthatshecouldn’tsavehim,butthey’dbeencruelerthanthat.

They’dputhimwherehehadtowatchhisfellowconscriptsastheysuffered.Alreadyhe’dseenJustinostabbedthroughtheheart,hadwatchedthemhackahandfromUllo,leavinghimscreamingandbleedingslowlytodeath.He’dheardthebrayingofthenoblesandtheguardsthereastheydidit,laughingasifitwereallsomegame.

WhattheyweredoingtoLeyanawasworse.Sarteswatchedherastheymadehercrawlthroughthecrowd,apitcherofwineinherhands.Astheonlywomanwiththemwhenthey’dbeencaptured,theyhadn’ttiedherwiththeothers.Instead,theyweretreatingherlikethelowestofslaves.Noblesandsoldiersbarkedcommandsather.Menreachedouttograbather,makingSarteswanttothrowhimselffromthepolethatheldhimtocutthemdown.

Evenashewatched,anoblemanseizedherbythewaist,liftingLeyanauptosetheronhislap.Onearmheldhertightlyinplaceasshepouredwineintohisgoblet,andwhenshesquirmedtogetaway,heslappedher,hardenoughthatSartesheardthecrackofit.Shetumbledtothefloorandresumedherroundsoftheothers.

Sarteshadnodoubtsaboutwhatwouldhappentoherwhentheyweredoneinthepits.Somenoblemanwouldclaimherashisown,dragginghertohisbedthewaythey’dalwaysdonewithpeasantsandslaves,probablybeatingherifsheresisted.AllSartescoulddowaswatch,andashewatched,heknewStephaniahadarrangedthis.Onlyshecouldmanagetobesocruel.

Leyana’sroutewastakingherclosetohimnow.Sartestriedtocatchhereyetoofferwhateversilentsupporthecould.Ratherthanpainorhumiliationonherface,though,hewassurprisedtoseealookofdetermination,eventriumph.

Shepressedclosetohim,andinaninstant,Sartesfeltsomethingpressedintohishand.Aknife.

“Thenobleshouldhavebeenmoreconcernedwithwheremyhandswerewanderingthanhis,”shewhispered.

Sartesstartedtosawattheropes.

Fearfilledhimasheworkedatthem.Leyanawasstillserving,stillbeinggrabbedandgropedandpushed.Whatifsomethinghappenedtoherbeforehecouldfinish?Whatifsomeonespottedwhatshe’ddone?

Sartesfelthishandscomefree,andthatdidn’tmatteranymore.Asquickasthinkingit,hereacheduptocuttheropeathisneck,thenbenttogettheonethatheldhisankles.Hedidn’thesitate,butinsteadrushedforwardtowhereLeyanastoodandgrabbedherarm.

“Run!”heyelled.Thenoblewhowascurrentlygrabbingathertriedtoholdon.Sartesstabbed

him,feelingthedaggersinkhome,thenran.HepulledLeyanawithhim,sheerspeedcarryinghimpasttheguardsatthedoor.Criesbehindhimtoldhimthattherewouldquicklybepursuit.

Hewishedthattherewastimetocuttheothersfree.TohelpCeres.Instead,therewasonlyenoughtimetorunblindlywithLeyana,pickingdirectionsalmostatrandomthroughthenearlyemptycastle.

Theysprinted,andwhenSartesheardfootstepsbehindthem,hesprintedfaster.

“Inhere,”Leyanasaid,pointingtoasideroom.Sarteswentwithher,butheknewassoonashediditthatitwasamistake.

Theroomseemedtobeastoreroom,butitwasalmostempty,withnowheretohide.EvenasSartesthoughtit,twoguardsfollowedthemintotheroom,withswordsdrawn.

IfLeyanahadn’tbeenthere,hemighthavehesitated.Instead,Sartesflunghimselfforward,strikingatthefirstwiththeknifeagainandagain.Heshovedhisopponentatthesecond,butthatjustmeanttheywentdowntogether,eachwithahandlockedonthewristoftheother’sweaponarm.Theguardrolledontop,hisgreaterstrengthforcinghisbladetowardsSartes’sthroat.

ThetipofaswordappearedfromhischestasLeyanastabbedhimwiththefirstguard’ssword.Heseemedtofreezeinplace,staringdownatit,thentoppledsideways,awayfromSartes.

Sartesstood,takinghissword.“Aretheremore?”Leyanaasked.Sarteslookedoutofthedoorway,andsawthatthecorridorwasempty.“It

seemsclearfornow,butweneedtokeepgoing.”“We’regoingtorun?”Leyanaasked.Shesoundeddisappointed.“We’re

goingtoleavetheothersbehind?”Sartesshookhishead.Hecouldneverjustabandonhissisterlikethat,orthe

otherconscripts.“We’llhelp,butweneedassistancetodoit.Ineedtofindmyfather.”

***

Theywalkedthewalls,duckingdowneverytimetheythoughttheysawa

guard.Below,Sartescouldseethecity,spreadoutinitsdistrictsanditswarrensofstreets.Hecouldseethesoldiersswarmingthroughittoo,theflamesthereandthelongchainsofslavesthattheyweretakingwiththemastheywentfromhousetohouse.Thesheerrapaciousnessofitwasenoughtomakehimfeelasthoughhewantedtorunawayandneverlookback.

Hedidn’t,though.Hekeptlooking.Hisfatherandtheotherswithhimhadbeennearthecastle,tryingtoholdthecity.Hejusthadtohopethatwasstillthecase.Whilehescannedthestreetsbelow,Sartesranalongtoaspotwhereacoilofropesatbyacatapult,obviouslyintendedtobeareplacementpart.Iftherehadbeenanyonetomanthedevice,itmighthavebeendifficulttotake,butitseemedthatthosewithinweretrustinginthestrengthoftheirwallsfornow.

“There!”Leyanasaid,pointing.“That’shim,isn’tit?”Sarteslookeddowntoaspotwheresmallfigureswerefighting.Hesawa

burlyformstrikingleftandrightwithahammer,andknewthatLeyanawasright.ItwascloseenoughtothewallsthatSartesdecidedtoriskcallingout.

“Father!”heyelled.Hestartedtowave.“Father!”“Careful,”Leyanasaid.“You’llattracttheguards.”Thatwasthedanger.Eventhoughtherewerefarfewerpeoplethantherehad

beeninthecastle,therewerestillsomeguardsoutthere.Sartescouldkeepwaving,though,andsoon,thesmallfigureofhisfatherturnedtolookathim.Sartessawhimandacoupleofotherfiguresbreakawayfromtheskirmish,runningforthecastlewalls.

Whilehisfatherrancloser,Sarteslookedforaplacetoanchortheropeheheld.Heendeduptyingitaroundtheunusedcatapult’sframe,hopingthatthegreatweightofitwouldbeenough.

Hedroppedtheropeoverthewallandwaited.Therewassomuchthatcouldgowrongnow.Whatifsomeonesawthem?Whatifhisfatherfell?

“Itwillbeallright,”Leyanaassuredhim,butrightthen,allSartescouldfeelwasthetensionrunningthroughthemoment.

Hesawhisfatherpullinghimselfoverthewallandreacheddowntopullhimup.Twosmithsfollowed,strongmen,butobviouslyoneswhohadbeeninalotoffightstoday.Onehadbruisesalloverhisface.Theotherhadabloodybandagewrappedaroundhisshoulder.

Hisfatherpulledhimintoatightembrace.“Sartes,you’realive!Whenyoudidn’tcomeback,Iwassoworried.Whathappened?”

Sartesdidn’tknowhowtoputit.“Wewereambushed.Ceres…they’remakingherfightinapit.Icouldn’tgetheroutalone.”

“Ihavenodoubtyoudideverythingyoucould,”hisfathersaid.Sarteswishedthathecouldbesosure.Maybehecouldhavestayedand

fought.Maybehecouldhavebeenmorecarefulinthetunnels.“Andyou’refree,”hisfathersaid.Sartessawhimswallow.“That’sgood.

Thereisn’tmuchtime.They’reinthecitynow.”Sartesnodded.Hecouldseetheinvadersfromthewall.Theyformedaring

hecouldn’tseeawaythrough;anoosetighteningonthecastle.“Wecan’trunyet,”Sartessaid.“WestillneedtogetCeresout.”Hisfatherlookedathim.“Youhaveanidea,don’tyou?”Sartesnodded.He’dbeenthinkingaboutthissincetheycapturedhim.They’d

blockedoffsomanyofthewaysout,butwhatwasblockedcouldbeunblocked,couldn’tit?

“Wefindoneoftheentrancestheythinkaresecure,andweopenit,”Sartessaid.“Theywon’thavepeopleonit,becausetheydon’thaveenoughtowatchthemall.Wecouldn’tforceourwayinfromoutside,butnowthatwe’reinside…wecanlettherebellionin.”

Itwasasimpleplan,butitfeltlikeagoodone.Stephaniahadonlytakenthecastlebecauseshe’dbeenabletoshuttherebelsout.Iftheycouldprovideawaybackin…

Sartessawhisfathershakehishead.“It’stoolateforthat,”hesaid.“Anhourago,twohours,anditmighthave

beenpossible.Now…thereisn’tenoughoftherebellionlefthere,Sartes.Wetriedtoholdbacktheinvaders,andtheyjustwashedoverus.”

Foramoment,Sartesstoodthere,feelingbroken.Ithadseemedsosimple.Now,therewasnothing.HelookedoutatthedarklineofFelldust’sarmy.Heknewhisfatherwasright.Thatwouldbeheresoon.Eveniftheycouldsomehowtakethecastle,howlongcouldtheyhold?Iftheytriedtosneakout,theywouldbecaught,becauseitwasobvioustheywerebeingthoroughinsackingthecity.Iftheytriedtofight,theywouldjustbeoverwhelmed.

Whatdidthatleave?TheanswercametoSartesslowly,anditseemedinsaneashethoughtofit,

butwhatotheroptionswerethere?Whatwastherethatmightwork?“Thenwelettheinvadersintothecastle,”hesaid.Theotherslookedathimasthoughhe’djustproposedthattheyshouldjump

fromthewalls.“What?”Leyanaasked.“Sartes,thatwouldmeanchaos.”Sartesnodded.“Andchaosiswhatweneedrightnow.Ifwestayherewith

thingsastheyare,eventuallyStephaniakillsus.Ifwegooutthere,Felldust’sarmykillsus.Ifweletthemin,maybethey’reallsobusykillingoneanotherthatwecanescape.”

Itwasadesperateplan,Sartesknewthat.Thereweresomanywaysitcouldgowrong.Hemightbebringingtheirdeathsdownonthem,butwasn’teventhatbetterthansomeofthethingsStephaniamightdo?

“Wehavetodothis,”hesaid.“Father,willyoudoit?Willyoufindagatetoopen?”

Hisfatherhesitated,andSartescouldn’tblamehim.Whathewasaskingwouldbringviolencetothecastlethatotherwisewouldn’ttouchit.Itwouldcostpeopletheirlives.

“Allright,”hisfathersaidatlast.“WhatwillyoudowhileIopenthegate?”Sartesnoddedinthedirectionofthemainbodyofthecastle.Therewasonly

onethinghecoulddo.“I’mgoingtogogetCeres.”

***Berincreptdownthroughthecastlecourtyard,weighinghishammerinhis

hand.Itwasalmostasheavyashisthoughtsrightthen.Whathewasabouttodowouldbringdeathtoalotofpeople.

“Arewereallygoingtodothis?”Casparasked.He’dbeenoneofBerin’ssmithsonlyacoupleofweeks,buthewasagoodmaninafight.J’ket,besidehim,wasaformerslavewho’dbeenasmithbackintheSouthlands.

“Firstweneedtofindagatewecanopen,”Berinsaid.Itwasn’tananswer,butrightthen,hedidn’thaveananswer.HecouldimaginetheslaughterwhenFelldust’sarmybrokeintothecastle,therapes,thelooting.

Hedidn’thavetoimagineit,becausehe’dalreadyseenitintherestofthecity.

“There,”J’ketsaid.“They’veweldeditshut,buttheseimperialscan’tweldworthmyhammerscale.”

Itturnedoutthathehadagoodeyeforit,becauseonelookatthesmallgatehewaspointingtotoldBerinthatitwastheonethattheywanted.Theguardshadindeedtriedtoweldmetalbarsinplaceoverit,butBerincouldseethebadweldsthere.Onlytheoriginalboltswouldbestrong,andtheywouldbeeasyenoughtopullback.Eventhecoupleofwoodenbarsnailedinplacewouldbeeasytoripclear.

“Thisistheone,”Berinagreed.Hestartedtohammeratthebadwelds,thesoundofmetalonmetalringing

outaroundthecourtyard.Theywerestrongerthantheylooked,andforamoment,hethoughtmaybehe’dpickedthewronggate.Thefirstonegave.

Justasitdid,agroupofguardsapproached.Therewerehalfadozenofthem.Toomanytowinagainst,butrightthen,thatwasn’tthepoint.

“Holdthemoff,”Berinsaid,pointingwithhishammer.“Ineedtogetthisdooropen.”

Theydidn’thesitate,andBerinwasproudofthemforthat.Theytookupapositioninfrontofhim,swingingtheirhammerstokeepthesoldiersback.Berinswunghisown,butatthedoorwelds,notattheirattackers.Hehitwithalltheforcehe’dbuiltinyearsofblade-smithing,strikingrightatthepointoftheweakestwelds.

Hedaredaglancebackatthebattle.Casparwasgrapplingwithoneoftheguardswhileanotherwasdown.J’ketwasgivingground,afreshwoundopenonhisside.Berinsawhimcharge,butcouldn’twatchtherest.Hehadtofocusonthedoors.

Hestruck,shatteringweldsevenwhilethesoundsofbattlecontinuedbehindhim.Hebrokeapartmetal,rippedfreechains,andtoreatwood.

Whenhelookedbackagain,CasparandJ’ketwereontheground,whiletwoofthesoldiersremainedstanding.J’ketwasstillmoving,tryingtokeephishammerbetweenhimandtheenemy,whileCasparhadallthestillnessofthegrave.

Berin’shandclosedoverthelastbolt.Ifhepulledthis,thegatewouldbeopen.Theinvaderswouldhaveawayin.Hewouldberesponsibleforwhateverfollowed.Hefoundhimselfthinkingofthenoblesinthecastle,theservants,thesoldiers.

Thesamepeoplewhoweretormentinghisdaughtereventhen.“Ifyou’veanysense,you’llrun,lads,”hesaid.Hepulledbacktheboltandthrewthedooropen.

CHAPTERTWENTYONECeresstoodtherewatchingasherbrothermadehisbreakforfreedom.She

feltreliefinthatmoment,andsomethingmore.Shefelttriumph.ItwasasmallvictoryoverStephania,andtherewasatleastonemorethatshecouldgain.

Shethrewdownherbluntedexcusesforswords,turningherbackonthecombatlordsStephaniahadsentintothetrainingpit.“I’mnotgoingtoplayyourgamesanymore,Stephania.Iwon’tfightforyouramusement.”

Sheheardthecrowdofnoblesboothen,asifthiswerereallytheStade.Asifshewerebeingacowardbynottakingpart.

“Thenyourrebelswilldiewitheverystrikethecombatlordsland,”Stephaniasaid.Shegesturedtothewaitingcombatlords,andCeresbracedherselfforthestrikestheywouldland.

Theydidn’tmove.“Fighther!”Stephaniaordered.“Fighther,ordie.”“We’dratherdie,”oneofthemsaid,foldinghisarms.“I’msickofplaying

nobles’games.”CerescouldseethefuryonStephania’sfacethen.She’dneverlikedthings

beingoutofhercontrol.Thishadtobeimpossibleforher.“Thendie,”Stephaniasnapped.“Guards!Killthecombatlords!”Theypoureddownintothesmalltrainingspace,andCeressnatchedupher

weaponsagain.Shestoodwithherbacktothecombatlords,waiting.Thesoldierscharged.Theirweaponsweresharpthistime,butCeresdidn’tcare.Ifanything,it

madeiteasier,becausenowshecouldaffordtotakeascratchfromonewithoutaprisonerlosinganarm.

Shedoveintothefight,strikingoutwithherbluntedweapons.Assoonassheknockeddownasoldier,shesnatcheduphissword,tradingitforoneofthepracticeweaponsthey’dfoistedonher.Shethrustitthroughanotherguard,snatchedhisswordtoo,andspuntostrikeatthenext.

Thecombatlordsseemedtohavethesameidea,castingasidethetrainingweaponsStephaniahadallowedtheminfavorofsnatchingbladesfromtheirattackers.Theyspunandcutnow,workinginformationwithCeres,andeventhoughshedidn’thavethestrengthshe’doncehad,theyhadmorethanenoughtomakeupforit.Shesawonepickupasoldierandthrowhimintoanother,whileasecondbargedasoldierstraightintothewallofthetrainingpit,stabbingasheclosedin.

Sheparriedanattack,droppedtocutatthelegofoneofthesoldiers,thenbouncedup,hersecondbladesweepingacrosshisthroat.Before,she’dbeena

thingofcrushingviolence,usingtheweightoftheheavypracticebladestoattack.Now,shemovedthemlikerazor-edgedclouds,usingtheirspeedandsharpnesstomakeupfortheleadenexhaustionseepingintoherlimbs.

Thatwasfartoorealaftersomuchfighting,butCeresdidn’tcare.Sheparriedandthrust,duckedandcut,forcingherselftokeepmovingontheshiftingsand.Shestumbledslightly,recovered,andcutasoldier’sheadfromhisshoulders.

Quickly,thesoldierspulledback,obviouslyunwillingtokeepriskingtheirlivesagainstsuchtrainedkillers.

“Enough,”Stephaniasaidfromabove.“We’lltrythisanotherway.Bows!”Someoftheguardsabovesteppedforward,drawnbowsintheirhands.“Youhaveachoice,”Stephaniasaid.“YoucanfightCeres,oryoucandie.

Andyou,Ceres,ifyouwon’tfight,I’llhavethemputarrowsinyourlegs.YoucanstillcrawltotheFirstStonethatwaywhenIgiveyoutohim.”

Theguardswiththebowsdidn’twaverintheiraim.Cereswonderedifshecoulddodgethearrowssomehow,ormaybeputherselfbetweenthemandthecombatlords.Shewasthereasontheywereinthissituation,afterall.Shesteppedintheirway,buttheguardswereallaroundthepit.Therewasnowayforthemtododge.

Thatwaswhenthehornsstartedtosound.Theyblaredloudenoughthattheyseemedtofilltheworld,andshoutscamewiththem,aswellasscreams.

Aguardcamerunningin.“Invaders!Invadersareinthebuilding!Thegateshavefallen!”

Heshouteditasawarning,buthedidn’tdoitquicklyenough.Afigureindarkstripsofclothcameupbehindhim,thrustingabladethroughhim.Guardsturnedtofight,cuttingdownthefirstoftheinvaders,butthereweremore,andmoreafterthat.

TheguardswhohadbeenpointingbowswerefightingtheFelldustsoldiersnow.Ceresstoodthereasabove,noblesstartedtoscream,servantsran,andStephaniastood,tryingtoshoutorders.

Inspiteofthechaos,shesmiledtoseeStephanialikethat.“Somuchforbeingincontrol,”shesaid.

***Stephaniastoodonherthrone,tryingtoshoutorderstohermen,tryingto

pushdownthepanicthatthreatenedtooverwhelmher.“Fightback!”sheordered.“You,whyareyourunning?Wehavetohold

them!”ShewatchedasFelldustsoldiersforcedtheirwayintotheroom.Shesawa

servantgetintheway,onlytobecutdownbythestrokeofacurvedknife.Asoldierstruggledwithoneoftheinvaders,tryingtopushhimbackevenasanotherstabbedhimfromtheside.

Stephaniacouldfeelthepanicintheroom.Noblesscrambledoveroneanothertotrytofindanexit.Menwho’dboastedabouttheirfightingprowesspushedandshovedtorunaway.Womenscreamedastheattackersgrabbedforthem.

Stephaniafeltascreamrisinginherownthroatandpusheditdown.Shewouldstaycalm.Shewouldstayincontrol.

“Whatarewegoingtodo?”agirldemanded,grabbingatStephania’shands.“Helpus,yourmajesty!”

Stephaniarecognizedherasthegirlwhowassupposedtobeherdouble,butrightthen,thetwodidn’tlookmuchalike,despitewearingthesamedress.Thiswasjustapanickinglittlegirl,whileStephaniawasincontrol.Shewas—

Awarriorindust-ingrainedarmorcameather,awavybladedaxeraisedtostrike.Oninstinct,Stephaniashovedthegirlintohispathastheaxesweptdown.Hershriekwascutshortastheaxeplungedintoher,cuttingthroughherfromcollarbonetoabdomen.Stephaniasteppedback,lettingothersdotheworkoffighting.

Someofthemweretrying.Theguardswerestrugglingtobringtheirswordsintoplay,stabbingandslashingdespitetheconfinesofthecrowd.Ifthey’dbeenfightingonthewalls,theymighthavehadachance,butwiththeinvadersinsidethecastle,thiswasalaststandratherthananorganizeddefense.

Someofthenoblemenseemedtorealizethattherewasnowayoutexceptthroughtheattackers.Theydrewtheirshort,mostlyceremonial,weapons,andstartedtofightback.Stephaniasawonefallwithhisthroatcutopen,sawanoblewomanpusheddownintothefightingpit.

AhandclosedoverherarmandStephaniaspun,goingforoneofherhiddenblades.ShebreathedasighofreliefwhenshesawElethethere,abloodyknifeinonehandandadeterminedexpressiononherface.

“Thisway,yourmajesty,”shesaid,pullingStephaniadowntowardthetrainingpit’sentrance.OneofFelldust’smensteppedintheirwayandElethestabbedhimwiththespeedofastrikingsnake.“Weneedtogetyououtofhere.”

“Thisismycastle,”Stephaniaarguedautomatically.“Andit’sfullofinvaders,”Elethesnappedback.Sheseemedtoremember

herself.“I’msorry,mylady,but…wehavetokeepyousafe.”Stephanianodded.“You’reright.Weneedtogo.Therestdoesn’tmatter.”She’dbeenpreparedtoabandonallofitjustashortwhileago,afterall.She’d

traveledtoFelldustwithalmostnothing.Shestillhadherpoisonsandher

emergencyjewels.Evenasaqueen,shecarriedthosewithher.Eletheledthewaythroughtheviolence,guidingherwaythroughitthewaya

fishmighthaveslippedthroughashoal.Awarriormovedintoherwayandshestabbedagain.Stephaniashovedbackanoblewomanwhograbbedholdofher,beggingforhelp.

Theymadeittotheentrancetheslavesusedwhentheytrained,slippingthroughit,downintothesweatstinkofthespacebeyond.Itwasdarkthere,butStephaniawasusedtosneakingthroughthedark.Eletheledtheway,snatchingatorchfromthewallandlightingit,butStephaniafollowedclosebehind.Shedrewashortblade,readyfortrouble.

“Doyouknowwhichtunnelsareblocked?”Stephaniaasked.“It’shardtotellforsure,”Elethereplied.“Theremightbeinvadersdown

here.We’llfindtheway.”Stephaniahadnodoubtthattheywould.Theysetoffthroughtheneardark,

andateverystep,Stephaniahadthefeelingthatsomeonewaswatching.Thatsomeonewasfollowingthemthroughthedark,stalkingthewayahuntermighttrackananimal.Stephaniadismissedthatasjustherfeartalking.

Shespottedaturningshethoughtsherecognized,andsetoffagain.“Thisway.”Sheledthewaydownthroughthetunnelsnow,onlypausingwhenshesaw

figuresahead.SheheardthemtalkingandrecognizedthewordsinthetongueofFelldust.

“…toldustowaithereandcutoffescape.Wait,isthatalight?”Eletheedgedforward.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo,mylady?”Stephaniapushedherwithoutthinking,sendingherstumblingintothepathof

thesoldierswhileshestoodbackandwatched.Yes,Elethehadsavedherlife,butStephaniahadtobepracticalaboutthesethings.EitherElethewoulddowell,orshewouldbethedistractionStephanianeededtoescape.

Shewatchedtheguardsdrawtheirweapons,thensmiledasEletheleaptforwardtotheattack.Herkniferoseandfellasshestruckatthefirstofthem.Thesecondmovedinbehindher,andthatwaswhenStephaniasteppedinwithherownblade.Shecutthewarrior’sthroatandlethimfallwhileElethestaredupather.

“Youpushedmestraightatthem,”shecomplained.Stephaniagaveheranevenlook.“IdidwhatIthoughtwasbesttotakethem

bysurprise.Therewasnotimetogiveyouawarning.”ShereachedouttotouchElethe’sshoulder.“Youdidwell.Iwon’tforget.”

Stephaniawasn’tsureifshewouldbelieveit,butitdidn’treallymatter.Herhandmaidenhadalreadyshownthatshewasloyal.ShewoulddowhatStephania

required.“Thisway,”Stephaniasaid,leadingthewaythroughthetunnels.Sheknew

them.She’dmadeitherbusinesstoknowthem.Shetookasmallkeyfromacollectionatherbelt,unlockingagate.Shekeptgoing.

Asshewalked,shetriednottothinkabouteverythingshe’djustlost.She’dgambledonholdingoutinthecastle,forcingtheFirstStonetotalk,andbuildingherpowerbaseashewithdrew.She’devenconsideredseducinghim,andbecomingthequeenofacombinedempirethatwouldstretchacrossthesea.

Thatwasdonenow.Herbargainingchipsweregone.Evennow,Felldust’stroopswerecuttingdownhernobles,takinghervaluables.

“Someonebetrayedus,Elethe,”Stephaniasaid.“Someoneopenedagate.Whowouldbetrayme?”

“Idon’tknow,mylady,”Elethesaid,althoughshedidn’tsoundcertainaboutit.Stephaniaignoredthat.

“Wewillrebuild,though.Wewillusethetunnelstogetbeyondthecitywalls,andthengetclear.Ihavesomevaluableswithme,andIknowwheretherearecaches.Evenifwecan’tretakeDelos,Iwillsetupsomewhereelse.”

Therewouldalwaysberoomforanobleandaspinnerofsecrets.StephaniamightevengotoFelldust,andstarttotakethecityoveronepieceofinformationatatime.Shestillhadhernetworks.Shestillhadhermind.

Ahead,Stephaniathoughtshesawaglimmeroflight.Ifsherememberedthistunnelcorrectly,itwouldbringheroutinasmallgrovebeyondthewalls.Hopefully,itwouldbebeyondthelinesofFelldust’sarmytoo.Fromthere,shecouldslipaway,stealahorse,findaship.ShewouldsellElethetoslaversifshehadto,althoughitwouldbebettertohaveherprotection.Perhapsitwouldbebettertokeepherloyalwithmorehalf-promisesandsuggestions.Whateverittooktostaysafe.

Shewasalmostoutintothelightwhenafigureshuffledoutinfrontofthem.Foramoment,StephaniathoughtthatithadtobeanotherstragglerfromFelldust’sarmy,silhouettedagainstthelight.Awomanthistime,notthatitmadeanydifference.Thenshesawthewoman’sface,andfroze.

“Well,princess,”Felenesaidasshesteppedoutwithagrimsmile.“Fancymeetingyouhere.”

CHAPTERTWENTYTWOFeleneleanedagainstthewallasnonchalantlyasshecould.Shedefinitely

didn’twanttoletStephaniaknowthatitwastheonlythingholdingheruprightthen.

“Surprisedtoseeme?”Feleneasked,forcingherselftosmile.“Youshouldn’tbe.Whatdidyouthinkwasgoingtohappenwhenyoutriedtokillme?”

“Mostly,”Stephaniasaid,“Ithoughtthatyouwouldhavethedecencytodie.”Felene’ssmilewidenedatthat.“Ah,that’swhereyouwentwrong,thinking

thatIhaveanydecency.Ifyou’dwaitedawhilelongerbeforebetrayingme,maybewe’dhavehadachancetofindout.”

Stephaniamadeafaceatthat.“Inyourdreams,thief.”Ordinarily,FelenewouldhavemadeaquipaboutallthethingsStephania

mighthavebeendoinginherdreams,butthetruthwasthattheonlydreamsshe’dhadwhenitcametoStephaniahadherdying.Dyingahundreddifferentwaysforwhatshe’ddone,andnoneofthemseemedlikeenough.

FelenesawElethetherebehindhermistress.Thedreamsinvolvingherhadbeenmorecomplicated,butFelenepushedthemoutofhermind.Itwasn’tasthoughtherewassomebrightfuturewaitingforherafterthis.

Ithadbeenhardenoughtogettothispoint.She’dslippedinthroughtheattackingfleet.She’dfoundapointnearthecastlefromwhichtowatch.She’devenresumedherdisguiseasoneoftheFelldusttroopsforawhileasshemadeherwayfrombuildingtobuilding.Allthewhile,she’dtriedtoignorethepainofherwound,andthecoughingthatseemedtobringmoredropsofbloodeachtime.

Whenshe’dseenthegateopen,thetemptationhadbeentopourinwiththerestofthem,butFelenehadheldback.She’dknownshewouldn’tgetwhatshewantedbygoingalongwiththeothers.She’dknownthatStephaniawouldbequicktorunfromthecastlethemomentitfell.

She’dgonedownintothetunnelsbeneaththecity,findingherwaybyfeelandthedimlightofathief’slamp.Therehadbeenguardsdownthere,andmoreofthesoldiersofFelldust,butFelenehadlearnedtohideontheIsleofPrisoners,wherethehuntershadbeenfarmoredangerousthananysoldiers.

She’dwalkeduntilshe’dspottedStephania,thenshe’dstalkedherthroughthedark,waitingforhermoment.Nowitwashere.Felenedrewalongknife.

“Felene?”Elethesaid,hurryingforward.“You’realive?”ShethrewherarmsaroundFelene,andforamoment,Felenecouldalmost

believethatshemeantit.ThatshewassorryforherpartintryingtokillFelene.Thatsheactuallycared.Shecertainlysoundedasthoughshewashappytosee

heragain.Butthen,she’dseemedhappyontheboat,too.ElethemovedbackwithherhandsonFelene’sshoulders,standingthereasif

waitingforFelenetokissher.Asifwaitingforthecouragetodoitherself.FeleneheardElethegaspasthebladesheheldslidhome.Upundertheribs,

straightintotheheart.FelenesawhermouthformitselfintoasmallOofsurprise,asifshe’dexpectedthistogodifferently.

“DidyouthinkI’dfallforthesamethingagain?”Felenedemanded,herangerwellingoverasshestruck.“Didyouthinkyoucouldfoolme?”

“ButIwasn’ttryingto—”Elethebegan.Shedidn’tmanagetofinishit.Felenefelthershudderasthelifewentoutofher,helduponlybecauseFelenestillhadhandsonher.

SheheldElethethereamomentortwolonger.Itwastheclosestthetwoofthemhadbeen,butnothalfascloseasFelenehadbrieflyhopedtheycouldbe.

GriefthreatenedtowellupinFelenethen.Shepusheditdownwhileshepulledtheknifeoutandlethercollapse.Itwasdone.Therewasnogoingback.DwellingonwhatElethemightormightnothavebeenabouttosaywouldcausehernothingbutpain,andFelenealreadyhadmorethanenoughofthat.

Stephaniadidn’tseemtoagree,ofcourse.“ItseemsIoweyoumythanks,”shesaid.“Ishouldhavespottedthatmy

handmaiden’sloyaltieswerestill…divided.”“Isthatallyouhavetosay?”Feleneasked.“Sheservedyou.Shechoseyou,

andyoufeelnothingaboutherdying?”ShewatchedStephaniashrug.“ShouldIgetemotionalaboutthedeathofaservant?Besides,you’retheone

whokilledher.”Thatwastrue,andFelenesuspectedthatshewouldregretitforthebrief

remainderofherlife.Regretseemedtobesomethingshespecializedinthesedays.

“Ithurts,doesn’tit?”Stephaniasaid.“Haveyouconsideredsimplydyingthewayyoushould?”

Sheflungsomethingthen,andFelenebarelyleanedbackoutofthewayintime.Needlesskitteredoffthewallofthetunnel.

“You’llhavetodoalotbetterthanthat,”Felenesaid.“AndI’mprettysureyoucan’t,princess.Youcan’tactuallyfight,canyou?Justattackwhensomeoneisn’tlookingandhopeforthebest.”

Sureenough,Stephaniaflungherselfforward,aknifeinherhand.Felenesteppedoutoftheway,sentherstumbling,andkickedthebladefromherfingersasshefell.

“Ihavealotofregretsinmylife,”Felenesaid,heftingherownweapon.“Butyouknowwhat?Killingyouisn’tgoingtobeoneofthem.”

***

AthenacreptthroughtheslumsofDelos,astolenblanketwrappedaroundher

likeacloak.Thefearofahuntedanimalwormedthroughherwitheverystep,andeverysoundsentherskitteringintothecoverbeneathwalls.

Shewashungry.InthetimesinceStephaniahadejectedherfromthecastle,shehadn’tfoundanythingtoeat.She’dbeenforcedtodrinkrainwatertakenfromawaterbutt,andshe’donlyfoundsheltertosleepinbecausesomanypeoplehadabandonedthecity.

Hercity.Howhaditcometothis?Notlongago,shehadbeenpowerfulbeyond

dreams.ShehadbeenthequeenoftheEmpire,herhusbandlongreigningandstrong.NowClaudiuswasdead.Hersonwasgone.TheEmpirehadfallenbothtotherebellionandtheinvaders.

Athenapressedherselfbackintothespacebetweentwowallswhileagroupofwarriorsinthedust-coloredclothesofFelldustwentpast,chasingafterasmallgroupofcommoners.Athenawatchedastheycutdownalmostallthemen,takingthewomenandsomeoftheyoungerboysinchains.Theystoodoveroneoftheolderwomenasifassessingher,thencutherthroatasifitwasnothing.

Shefoundherselfwonderingwhatwouldhappeniftheycaughther.Wouldtheykillheroutofhand?Wouldtheytakeherasaslave?Whatwouldhappenifsheannouncedwhoshewas?Wouldthatmakethemmoreorlesslikelytokillher?Woulditmakethemkillherquickerorslower?

“Betternottobecaught,”Athenawhisperedtoherself.Sheneededtogetoutofthecity,butthetruthwasthatshedidn’tknowhow.

She’dpridedherselfonbeingtheonewhocoulddealwiththeintriguesofthecourttogetthingsdone,butshewasn’tinthecastleanymore.Shedidn’thavesoldierstohelpher,orwealth,oranythingbeyondtheclothesshestoodupin.

Apartofherwantedtogooutandannounceherselftothesoldiersthen,justtogetitoverwith.Itwasbetterthanstumblingaroundthestreets,notknowingwhattodo.Maybetheywouldn’tdecideshewastoooldtoenslave.Maybetheywouldtakeherifsheannouncedthatshewastheformerqueen.

Formerqueen.Athenahadneverimaginedherselfasthat.Shehadassumedthatshewouldbethequeeninsomeformfortherestofherlife,eitherrulingalongsideherhusband,orcontrollingtheEmpirethroughherson.Now,shehad

neither.Shewasn’tusedtochangingherwaysofthinking.Theworldranthewayit

didbecauseofchannelsofpowerthathadbeencarvedandre-carvedthroughtheworld.Status,propriety,allofitbuiltupintosomethingthatmadetheworldsomethingshecouldworkwith.Now,shewashavingtothinkofwaystogetoutofacityshenolongerhadanycontrolover,ableonlytohide,withnoonetoturntoforhelp.

Shecertainlywasn’tgoingtotrustanyofthecity’speople.Afterallthathadhappened,theywouldprobablykillherasquicklyashelpher.She’dthoughtthatenoughcrueltycouldkeepthemintheirplace.Instead,ithadjustpoisonedthemagainsther.IfonlyClaudiuscouldrideupandtakemeawayfromthis,Athenathought,

creepingoutofherhidingplaceandcontinuingonherroutethroughthecity.He’dbeenthekindofmantodothatonce.He’dbeentheerrantknight,and

shethefairyoungmaiden.Itwasstrangehowtimeandpoliticschangedthings.She’dneverreallywantedtomarryClaudius.He’djustbeenaroutetopower.He’dbeenadutytofulfill,alongwithsomanyothers.Maybethatwasapartofwhathadgonewrong.Maybeifshe’dthoughtalittlelessaboutduty…

“Neverlookback,”shetoldherself.“Alwayslookforward.”Thatwashardtodo,though,whentherewassomuchmoreofherlifebehind

herthanahead.Still,sheneededtofocusonthethingsthatwouldkeepheralive.Sheknewtherewouldbenochanceofgettingpastthewallswiththeinvadersencirclingthem.Heronlyhopenowwasthedocks.

Shestartedtowalkdowninthedirectionofthem.Againandagain,shehadtoduckbackintotheshadows,hidingfromthe

soldierswhoworkedtheirwaythroughthecity.Athenahadassumedthatthefallofacitywouldlookmorechaoticthanthis.She’dassumedthatthestreetswouldbefullofmaraudingenemies,withnoordertotheviolence.Instead,theyseemedtobemovingsystematicallyfromhousetohouse,pullingpeopleoutintothestreet,killingsome,chainingothers.Anyonewhofoughtbackdied.

Avoidingthatwashard.Athenafoundherselfsqueezingbetweenhouses,duckingunderoverhangsandhidinginshrubbery.Onlythefactthatshewasheadingforthedockshelpedher.Theinvadersseemedtoassumethatthosefleeingwouldheaddeeperintothecity,ormakeforthewalls.

Eventually,Athenacaughtsightofthedocks.Thatwasenoughthatshealmostcollapsedwithit,becausetheinvadingfleetfilledtheharbor,takingupalmostalltheavailablespace.

Therewasnowheretogo.Therewasnowaytoescape.Athenasatthere,andforthefirsttimesinceStephaniahadejectedher,shesobbed.Shesatthere,

waitingforthemomentwhensomeinvaderwouldcomeandlockchainsaboutherwrists,notcaringanymore.

Thatwaswhenshesawthesecondfleetapproachingfrombeyondtheharbor.Atfirst,itseemedlikejustonemoreadditiontotheFelldustfleet.Onemoresetofsharkstheretopickatthecarcassofthecity.OnlyonethingkeptAthenawatching.

Therewasanimperialgalleyattheheartofit.Thatwasenoughtomakeherstand,continuingonherroutedowntothe

docks.Perhapsallhopewasn’tgoneafterall.

CHAPTERTWENTYTHREECeresfought,andnowitfeltasthoughshe’dbeenfightingforever.Fromthe

firstmomentsshe’dfallenintotheStade,fromthemomentshe’dstartedservingThanosashisweaponsbearer,she’dbeenfighting,andthisfeltliketheculminationofit.

Guardscameather,andwarriorsfromFelldust.Theycharged,theysnarled,theycutandtheythrust.Itdidn’tmakeanydifference.Cereswhirledoutoftheway,parriedandcut,keepingherselfinthespacewhereshecouldflowinthemoment.Shefeltaswordsliceacrossherforearm,aspeartippuncturetheskinaboveherhip.Noneofitmadeanydifference.

Inthatmoment,shewasthebattle.Shewasonepieceofitandthewholeofit,thewayadropletofwatercouldn’tbeseparatedfromtherestoftheocean.Shefollowedthetideofthebattle,duckingunderthestrokeofawide-bladedsword,thrustingupinitswake.

Thecombatlordsstayedwithher,andinabattlethiscloselypressed,Ceresfoundherselfgratefulforthat.Italmostdidn’tmatterhowgoodshewaswithaswordwhenanattackcouldcomefromanywhere.Ifshecouldn’tseeit,couldn’tanticipateit,theneventheskillsEoin’speoplehadtaughthercouldn’thelp.Withthecombatlordsatherback,shecouldtrustthattheywouldstoptheblowsthatwouldkillherotherwise.

Ceresfought,andwhileshedid,sheheardthescreamsofthenobles,thecriesoftheservants.Ceresshookherhead.Shecouldn’tdoanythingtohelpthem.Evenifshecouldhave,they’dstoodbyandwatchedhertorment.Manyofthemhadyelledtheirapprovalwhileshe’dbeenbeaten.Whiletheconscriptshadbeenmurdered.

Theywouldhavetosavethemselves,iftheycould.Evenasshethoughtit,CeressawthatStephaniawasmakingherownefforts.

Sheandoneofherhandmaidensleaptdownintothefightingpit,andfromthereranforthegatethatallowedslavesintoit.

Ceresstartedafterher,butthereweresoldiersintheway.Shewantedtoscreamatthemthen,toyellatthemtogetoutofherway.FollowingStephaniawasasinstinctiveasbreathingrightthen,butthewaythebattleranwaswrongforit,andCerescouldn’tbreakfreefromthewashofitwithoutopeningherselfuptomoreattacks.

Shepressedforward,tryingtocutherwaythroughtheproblem,butthereweretoomanyenemiesforthat.Wheretheguardsandtheinvadershadalliesandclearenemies,forCeres,itseemedthateveryonewasafoe.

Thatcouldbeanadvantage,though,andCeresthrewherselfintothemiddle

ofit,cuttingleftandright.Shetooktheblowofahammeronhercrossedblades,hackedatthearmofitsholder,andturnedintimetosweepasideafightingpick.

Sheturned,lookingforhernextopponent,andinthatmomentshesawherfatherandherbrotherjoiningthebattle.Theywereupabove,wheretheconscriptswerestilltiedtotheirposts.ShesawSartescutthroughtheropesofoneboy,whileherfatherandagirlCeresdidn’tknowtriedtoprotectagainstthosepressingin.

Theykeptgoing,eventhoughitwastoolateformanyoftheconscripts.CeressawoneofFelldust’swarriorsthrustabladeintooneofthetiedboys,whileanoblecutthethroatofanother.Cereswishedthenthatshecouldleapuptheretohelp,butallshecoulddowasplungebackintothefightinthepitandhopeitwouldbeenough.

Shestartedtocutapathtoherbrotherandfather.Besideher,thecombatlordspushedmenback,smashedthemfromtheirfeet,cutthemdown.Thereseemedtobefewersoldiersattackingthemnow,asifrealizingthattheireffortsneededtobeonthefoeswhohadcomeintothecastle.

“Downhere!”shecalledup,andsawherbrotherlookdown.Shewatchedhimnod,thenlowerthegirlwithhimintothefightingpit.Shehadasword,andshelookeddeterminedtoCeres.

“ThisisLeyana,”Sartessaid.“Lookafterher.”OnelookatSartes’sexpressionwhenhepassedherdowntoldCeres

everythingsheneededtoknowaboutthetwoofthem.Theconscriptfollowed,thenherfather.Sarteswaslast,hoppingdownlightly

ontothesand.OneoftheFelldustwarriorsranathimasherolledtohisfeet,butCeresranintocuttheman’sspearinhalf.Sheopenedhisthroatwiththebackswing,turningtoherbrotherandpointing.

“Thatway!”sheyelledoverthenoiseofthebattle.“Throughtheslaveentrance,tothetunnels.”

Therewereenoughofthemnowtopushtheirwaythroughthebattleasawedge.Ceresformeditstip,cuttingdownanyonewhowasfoolishenoughtotrytoslowthem.Twoofthethreecombatlordsflankedher,providingstrengthandpushingpowertobreakthroughthewallsofmeninfrontofthem.Sartes,Leyana,herfather,andtheconscriptcamenext.Thefinalcombatlordbroughtuptherear,sothatnoonecouldambushthemfrombehind.

Theypushedforward,headingforthespotwherethepitgavewaytothetunnels.ChasingafterStephania,becauseCereswasn’tgoingtolethergetawayaftereverythingshe’ddone.

Theypushedthroughthelastfew,andthenplungeddownintothetunnels.Sarteshadalight,andsohehadtogofirst,butCeresfollowedascloseasshe

could.Shethoughtshecouldseetheflickerofanotherlightfarahead,andfollowedbehindit.

Twistsandturnsfollowed,downbeneaththeearth,andCeresletSartesguideher,althoughshekepthereyeontheflickeroflightaswell.

Perhapsthatwaswhythewarriorswhosmashedintothemtookherbysurprise.Onebarreledintoher,takingCeresfromherfeet.Theothersmashedpasther,andsheheardherfathergruntasabladegrazedhim.

Sherolledwiththemanwho’dslammedintoher,comingupontopandgrabbingforhiswristintheneardark.Sheforceditawayfromherevenashegrabbedherwristinreturn.Thatwasbad,becauseitturnedthisintoacontestofstrength,andalthoughshewasontop,shecouldfeelthatthemanbeneathherwasstronger.

Shesnappedherheadforward,smashingherforeheadintoherattacker’snoseonceandthenagain.Itgavehertheopeningsheneededtowrenchherswordarmfree,thrustingdownandfeelingherbladeslideintohisthroat.Themanshewasgrapplingwithmadeasmall,swiftsoundofpain,andthenitwasdone.

Ceresspun,readytohelpwiththesecondman,buttheothershadalreadyrushedintofighthim,andhewasdown.Herfatherwasrubbinghisshoulder,butCeresfeltasurgeofreliefthathewasallright.She’dbeensoworriedthatshemightturnaroundtofindhimgone.

“They’reinthetunnels,”Sartessaid.Cerescouldhearthefearthere.“We’llfindawaythrough.Theywon’tcatch

us.”ButtheywouldcatchStephania.Cereswasgoingtofindher,andshewas

goingtokillher.Shewasgoingtoendthis.Ifshecouldfindher.“Whichway?”Ceresasked.“WhichwaywouldStephaniahavegone?”Shewatchedwhileherbrotherthoughtforamoment.“She’dhavekeystosomeofthetunnelssheclosedoff,”Sartessaid,“sothe

quickestwayforhertogetoutwouldbe…thatway.”Ceresdidn’thesitate.Shesetoffthroughthedimnessofthetunnels,moving

asfastasshedared.Herfeetcaughtrocksassheran,butshemanagedtorecoverherfootingeachtime,forcingherselftokeepgoing.ShehadtobelievethatStephaniacouldn’tmovethisfast,evenifshehadaheadstart.

Ateachcrossroads,shepaused,lookingaroundforsigns,waitingforSartestocatchupwiththeothers.Sarteshadspentmoretimethanshehadinthetunnelsunderthecity,workingtherewithAnkaandlearningtheroutes.Cereshadnoideawheretheywerebynow,butSartesseemedcertaineachtime.

“We’resomewhereunderthecattlemarket,”hesaid.“Can’tyousmellit?”

Cerescould,butshehadn’tthoughttouseitasadirectionalmarker.Moreimportantly,shehadotherthingstofocusonrightthen.

“Whichway?”sheasked.Sartespointed.“She’llbetryingtogettothedocks.Thatway.”Ceresranon.Shecouldhearothersoundsdowninthetunnelsnow.She

couldhearbootedfeetandcallsinalanguageshedidn’tunderstand.SheguessedthatitwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethetunnelsfilledwithFelldustsoldiers,huntingforthelastpeoplehidingfromthem.

Ceresdidn’twanttohavetofightawholearmy.Shedoubtedthatshecouldcomeclosetoitnow,withonlyhumanstrengthandnopowerstoturnherenemiestostone.Ceresfoundherselfmissingthatforamoment.Iftherewasonepersonwhodeservedtobeturnedintoastatue,itwasStephania.Shecouldstandthere,beautifulbutharmless,fortherestoftime.

Thatwasn’tanoption,though,soshewasgoingtohavetodothingstheotherway.

“Ceres,”herfathersaid.“Wait.”Cerespaused,butshecouldn’tstaypatient.Sheshiftedinplace,looking

aheadinthehopethatshemightcatchaglimpseofherquarry.“There’snotimetowait,”shesaid.“EverysecondIhesitateisasecondin

whichStephaniamightgetaway.”“Solethergetaway,”hisfathersaid.“It’sdone.Stephaniadoesn’thavethe

Empire’sarmytocommand.Shedoesn’thaveanypower.She’sjustrunningnow.Sheisn’tathreat.”

Ceresshookherhead.Herfatherdidn’tunderstandwhatStephaniawaslike.Notthewayshedid.

“Stephaniawillalwaysbeathreat.Youcouldabandonheronanislandsomewhere,surroundedbynothingbutbirdsandtrees,andshewouldfindawaytomakethemintoherspies.”

“Iknowshehurtyou,”herfathersaid,puttingahandonherarm.“Shedid,”Ceressaid.“AndshehurtSartes,andwhoknowshowmanyother

people?Shewon’tstopunlesssomeonestopsher.Permanently.”“Isitworthyourlife?”herfathercountered.“Youcanhearthem,inthe

tunnels.Idon’twanttolosemydaughter.”Ceresshookherhead.“Itwon’tcometothat.Whichway,Sartes?”Shesawherbrotherhesitate,thenpoint.Heobviouslyunderstood.“Stephania

willbegoingthatway,”hesaid.Hepointedinadifferentdirection.“ButCeres,Ithinkweshouldgothatway.Itwilltakeustooneoftherebellion’salternateexits.Wecangettoaboat.Father’sright.TheEmpireisdone.Stephaniaisdone.Therewon’tbemuchtimebeforethisplaceisfullofFelldustsoldiers.”

CeressawhimlookovertoLeyana.Itwasonlynaturalthathewantedtoprotecther.Ceresknewwhatshehadtodo.

“Yougo,”shesaid.“Getdowntothewaterandseeifyoucanfindusaboat.I’llcatchup.”

“Ceres—”herfatherbegan.“I’llcatchup,”Cerespromisedagain,andshestartedtorun.Stephaniawasn’tgoingtogetawaythistime.

CHAPTERTWENTYFOURFromthedeckofthesmugglingship,ThanoswatchedtheBoneFolkslam

intothebackofFelldust’sfleet.Itwasamomentthatwassimultaneouslyimpressiveandterrifying,thewoodandboneshipsrippingintotheirtargets,thewarriorsstartingtoswarmoverthedecksoftheirfoes.

Itlookedincredible,unstoppable,destructivebeyondwords.Thanossawwarriorscuttingdowntheirfoeswithbrutalstrength,sawJevaleapandcutaman’sheadfromhisshoulders,sawadozenmoremomentsthatprovedjustwhatdeadlywarriorstheBoneFolkwere.

Thanosknewitwouldn’tbeenough.Itcouldneverbeenough.Theirfleethadlookedsoimpressivewhenithadbeentraveling,and

individually,thewarriorsofJeva’speoplewerefarmoredangerousthanthemassesofFelldust’shorde,butagainstthemightoftheinvasionfleet,theyweretoofew.Atbest,theycouldbeadistraction.ThefactthattheywerewillingtodietobethatlittlemadeThanos’sheartclench.

TheywerewillingtodoitforCeres.Thanoscouldunderstandthatpart.“Thisisascloseaswecanget,”thecaptainofthesmugglingshipsaidas

Thanosclamberedintoasmallskiff.“Fromthispoint,you’reonyourown.I’llprobablymakemywayfurtherupthecoast,butIcan’twaitthistime.Youunderstand?”

Thanosunderstood.Itwouldbesuicideforthemantowaitwithhiscrewbytheharbor.Morethanthat,itsoundedasthoughhedidn’texpectThanostocomebackatall.Thanosdidn’tmindthat.ThecaptainhadalreadydonemorethanThanoscouldhavehopedfor.

Hesatwhiletheyloweredtheskiffintothewater,thenhurrieditforwardusingoars.Thesurroundingshipswouldhaveblockedthewindifhe’dtriedthesmallsail,sohepulledhiswaythroughtheviolenceandthechaosofit.

Itwasterrifying,rowinghiswaythroughabattle.Screamsandvoicesyellingordersfilledtheair.Arrowsstruckthewaterlikeflyingfishreturningtotheirhomes.ThanoswatchedasaBoneFolkshipwithagreatramstruckoneoftheFelldustbargesinwhatseemedlikeslowmotion,timbersbroaderthanThanoswastallsnappingasthoughtheywerenothing.

Ifthishadn’tbeenforCeres,Thanoswouldn’thaveriskedsomethingasmadasthis.

Ajarofflamingoilstruckthewaterahead,burninginafilmontopofthelowwaves.Thanosrowedbackashardashecould,tryingtoavoidit.Hissmallboatcouldneversurvivesomethinglikethat,andintheheartofabattle,hehadnodoubtthatpredatorswaitedintheharborwatersifhefellin.

Herowedashardashecouldforshore,notaimingforthemainjettiesoftheharbor,butinsteadforapatchofshinglenearbywheresmallfishingboatsstooduntouched,obviouslyabandonedbytheirownerswhentheyrealizedthattheoncomingfleetwouldblocktheirescape.

ThatmadeThanoswonderhowlonghisownescaperoutewouldlast.HowlongwouldtheBoneFolkbeabletofight?HowlongwouldtheybeabletokeeparoutethroughFelldust’sfleetopen?Howmanyofthemwoulddiedoingit?

Thanosdidn’tknow,butrightthen,itdidn’tmatter.HehadtofindCeres.Hepulledtheboatupontotheshale,drawinghislongswordashestepped

down.Hehadnodoubtthatitwouldbeafightifanyonesawhim,andtherewasalongroutebetweenhimandthecastle.HewouldfindCeresthereandhewouldgetheroutofthecity,whateverittook.

Heranupthroughthecity.Hesawmenfightingthere,sackinghousesonebyone.Thanosgrippedhisbladetighter.Apartofhimwantedtoruntothosehouses,fighttheattackersoff,andsavethosewithin.

“You’redeadifyoudoit,Thanos,”afamiliarvoicesaid.Awoman’svoice.“Oh,Iknowyouwanttohelp,buttherearetoomany,andafterall,they’reonlypeasants.”

Awomansteppedfrombetweentwobuildings,holdingoutahand.Thanoshalfraisedhisweapon,expectinganattack,butitwasobviousthatshewasalone.Shewasdirtyandstarvedlooking,withringsaroundhereyesthatsuggestedshehadn’tslept,andablanketwrappedroughlyabouthershoulders.

Thanoswasn’tsurethathewouldhaverecognizedQueenAthenaifshehadn’tspoken.

“Quick,thisway,”shesaid,gesturingforhimtofollowherbackintothehouse.“They’vebeenpastthisspot,sotheywon’tbebackforawhile.Oneoftheadvantagesofsystematicplunderisthatyouknowwhereyou’resafe.”

“Iwouldhaveexpectedyoutobeperfectlysafeinthecastle,”Thanossaid,buthefollowedher.Thequeenwasright:heneededtogetoutofsight.

Theyduckedbackintoahousetogether.Thedoorwasn’tlocked.Ifanything,itlookedasthoughithadbeenbrokenopenwithanaxe.Thanosdidn’twanttothinkaboutwhathadhappenedtotheinhabitants.

ItgaveThanosamomenttodecidewhathefeltaboutthismeeting,buthewasn’tsurethatitwasenough.Thelasttimehe’dseenAthena,she’dbeenfalselycondemninghimforthemurderofherhusband,inordertosaveherson.Shewasaviper,yetnowsheseemedlesslikeanenemyandmorelikejustanolderwomancaughtupintheviolence.

“Whatareyoudoingouthere?”Thanosasked.“IthoughtCereshadyouimprisoned.”

HewatchedwhileAthenasatdownonaroughwoodenchairthatwaspracticallyallthatremainedofthefurniturethere.

“WhenStephaniatookthecastlefromher,shedecidedIwasn’tworthkeepingaround.Itseemsboththewomeninyourlifehateme,Thanos.”

Theyprobablyhadeveryreasonto,butThanosdidn’tsaythat.“AndCeres?”heasked.“WasStephania’stotorment,thelastIsaw,”Athenaanswered.Sheseemed

neitherpleasednordispleasedbythat,whereonceshemighthavereveledinit.“Alive,though,ifthat’swhatyou’reasking.”

Wasthatwhatthiswas?Wastheformerqueentheretohurthim?Perhapssheplannedtodemandhishelp.Ifso,shewouldbewaitingalongtimeafterallshehaddone.

“You’rewonderingwhatI’mdoinghere,”sheguessed.“WhatIwantfromyou.”

Thanosnodded.“Frankly,I’mwaitingforassassinstojumpoutofthewoodwork.Youwere

tryingtokillmethelasttimewesawoneanother.”Hetriedtosummonmoresympathyforher,andhedidhavesome,thesame

wayhewouldhavesympathyforanyonecaughtupinthissituation.Thiswasawomanwhocouldhavebeenlikeamothertohim.

Thetruthwasthatsheneverhadbeen,though.She’dbeendistantatbest,hostileatworst.Thanoshadalwayshaditmadecleartohimthathewasaspareanduselessprincearoundthecourt,andalotofthathadbeenAthena’sdoing.

“Iwastryingtoprotectmyson,”shesaid.“Youwentafterhim,didn’tyou?DidyoufindhiminFelldust?”

“Idid,”Thanosadmitted,andinthatonebriefmoment,hedidfeelsorryforher.Ithadtobeahardthinghearingthatyoursonwasdead.

Shesatthere,anddidn’teventrytoholdbackthetearsthatfellthen.“Myson,”shemurmured.“Mybeautifulson.”Herbeautifulsonwhohadbeenamonster.Whohadlookedlikeeveryone’s

dreamofaprinceandturnedlivesintonightmares.Thanosreachedouttotouchhershoulderthen,andAthenapulledback.Hewatchedherpiecinghercomposurebacktogether,andwhenshelookedupathimagain,therewasnotraceofhergrief,she’dburieditthatdeep.

“Ishouldhateyou,”shesaid.“ButthetruthisthatIsetthisinmotion.Luciouswas…hewasmad.Stephaniaisjustevil.Shehastreatedmelikethis.Shehastrickedandabusedyou.Iwantyoutokillher.Iwantyoutodothat,asyourpenanceforkillingmyson.”

“Asmypenance?”Thanosechoed.Hecouldn’tbelievethatshewasthinking

likethat.“I’mheretosaveCeres.”“AndStephaniahasher,”Athenasaid.“Doyouknowallthewaysintothe

castle?Doyouknowthetunnels?”“Iknowsome,”Thanossaid.“Imadeitinsidewithouttheguardsspotting

me.”Hehadthesensethattheywerebargainingnow,buthedidn’thaveenough

timetobargain.Outside,hecouldstillhearthesoundsofthebattleraging,thescreamsofmenandwomenastheyweredraggedoutintothestreets.

“Andyouthinkthat’swhatyouneedtodonow?”Athenacountered.“Lookaroundyou.Look.Thecityhasfallen.Thecastlewillfall.Andwhenitdoes…IcanguesswhichofthetunnelsStephaniawilltake,whereitwillcomeout.She’llrun,andyoucanbetherewhenshedoes.”

“I’mnothereforStephania,”Thanossaid,althoughhecouldn’thelpthinkingaboutherthen.He’dgonetherebeforetotrytogetherout,andshestillmattered.Itwasjust…thiswasaboutCeres.Wasn’tit?

“Doyouthinktheywon’tbetogether?”Athenasaid.“Doyouthinkshewon’tkeepCereswithher?Shewasplanningtousehertobargain.Besides,thosetwoareboundtogetheraslongastheybothloveyou.They’llkeepcomingbacktogether.It’sinevitable.”

Thanoshopedthatwasn’ttrue.HereallyhopedthatheandCeresandStephaniawouldn’tbecaughtuplikethatfortherestoftheirlives.HecouldbelieveAthena’sreasoningthough.Stephaniawouldsitsafeuntilshethoughttherewasnothingtodobutrun,andthenshewouldabandoneverything.

Andyes,shemighttakeCereswithher.“HowaboutifIsweetenthis?”Athenasaid.“Iknowwhereyoucanfindout

moreaboutyourmother.”“InFelldust,”Thanossaid.“Iknow.”“IsthatwhatClaudiustoldyou?”Athenacountered.Shesmiled.“My

husbandhadmanyfinequalities,buthewasn’tgoodatkeepingtrackofthings.Ikeptmyeyesonyourmother,becauseIdon’tlikehavingrivalstoocloseathand.MypeoplealmosttookherinFelldust.Itwasprobablywhyshemovedon.”

Thanosstaredather.OnlyAthenawouldadmitthatshewasplanningtokillsomeone’smother,righttotheirface.Butthen,hehadjustadmittedwhathe’ddonetoLucious,hadn’the?

“Where?”Thanosasked.“Promisethatyou’llkillStephania,givemeawayoutofhere,andI’lltell

you.”Thanosswallowed.Hewantedtoknow,buttherewasonlysomuchhecould

promise.“I’mgoingafterCeres,”hesaid.“IfIrunintoStephaniaI’ll…I’lldo

whateverIthinkisright.Asforgettingyououtofhere,therearesmallboatsontheshore,andpeopleIbroughtarecreatingadistractionevennow.Ican’tgiveyoumorethanthat.”

Athenasatthere,seemingtoconsiderit.Sheactuallysatthereasthoughthisweresomenegotiationshecouldjustwalkawayfrom.Finally,shestood.

“Verywell,”shesaid.“Thereisaspotnearby,amongthreecedartrees,behindastatueofthemaskedrevelers.ThatistheescaperouteIwoulduseifIwereStephania.Asforyourmother,shefledtothelandsofthecloudpalaces.”

ThatwasfarenoughthatThanoswincedatthethoughtofhavingtotravelthere.Thelandswerenotoriouslydifficulttotravelthrough,withtheirwarringclansandtheirmountainousislands.

“I’vedonemypart,”Athenasaid.Shestood.“Forwhatit’sworth,Iwishthatthingscouldhavebeendifferentbetweenus.”

“SodoI,”Thanossaid,butAthenawasalreadygone,slippingofftowardthewater.

CHAPTERTWENTYFIVECeressprintedafterStephania,followingthetunnelseventhoughshecould

barelyseenowwithoutherbrother’storch.TheneedtoseeStephaniapunishedforeverythingshe’ddonedroveheron.Shewasn’tgoingtogetawayfromthiswithoutcost,thewaysheseemedtohavegottenawaywithsomuchelseinherlife.

Cerescouldfeeltheweightoftheswordsinherhands.Stephaniahadkilledsomanypeople.She’dmurderedthemtokeepsecretsandtohurtCeres,tograbpowerandtotrytohangontoit.Byanystandard,shedeserveddeath.

Ceressawsunlightaheadandrantowardit.IfStephaniagotoutintotheopenair,therewouldbetoomanydirectionsshecouldgoin.Ceresmightbeabletomovefasterthanher,butshewouldn’tbeabletofindher.

ShebrokeoutintotheopenairandfoundherselfinaspotthatseemedincongruousinthemiddleofDelos.Statuessurroundedtheentrance,representinggodsandgoddessessooldCerescouldn’tbegintonamethem,halfofthemwornsmoothwithtime.Afewtreesenclosedagreenspace,withafountainatthecenter.Itwasthekindofplacethatmighthavebeenplannedandthenforgottenabout,leftasawaytodisguisethetunnelentrance,orthatmighthavegrownupbyaccident.

Stephaniawasthere,butnotinthewayCeresexpected.Shewascurrentlyfacedowninthefountain,kickingandstrugglingasanotherfigureheldherthere.ThewomanworestripsofclothwoundroundherinthefashionofFelldust,andifithadbeenanyonebutStephania,Cereswouldhaverushedforwardtohelp.Thentherewaswhatshewassaying.

“AndthisisforeverythingyoudidtoThanos.Hesavedme,andyoutreatedhimlikehewas…”Shelookedup,obviouslyhearingCeresapproach.ShehauledStephaniaup,wrenchingherarmbehindherbackinawaythatmadeherwince.

Good.AsfarasCereswasconcerned,shedeservedthat,andmorethanthat.Evenso,Cereskeptherhandsonherswords.

“Whoareyou?”Ceresasked.“Whatareyoudoinghere?HowdoyouknowThanos?”

Ceressawtheotherwomanlookherupanddown.“Stephania?Whoisthis?”CeresheardStephanialaughatthat,thesoundcomingoutasaseriesof

splutteringcoughs.“Doyouhearthat,Ceres?You’reunrecognizablenow.Thanksto—”Theotherwomancutheroffbydunkingherheadbackunderthewater.“Ceres?You’reCeres?”Again,Ceressawtheotherwomanlookingherover.

Sheflashedasmile,suddenandbright.“Yes,Icanseewhatheseesinyou.IfIweren’tdying…”

ShepulledStephaniaup,gasping.“Whoareyou?”Ceresaskedagain.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”“MynameisFelene,”shereplied.“Mystoryisalongandcomplexone,and

thebardshadbetterlearntosingitrightwhenI’mgone.Felene,thepiratewhotrackedaprincessacrosscontinentsforrevenge.There’sasonginthat,don’tyouthink?”

Frankly,Ceressuspectedthatshemightbedrunk.Evenso,rightthen,anyonewhohadStephania’sarmtwistedpainfullybehindherbackprobablycountedasafriend.

“ForgivemeifIramble,”Felenesaid.“ButsomeonestabbedmeinthebackoverinFelldust,andthedeliriumisgettingabit”—shebrokeintoafitofcoughing—“much.NowwherewasI?ThisisformakingmekillawomanwhohadthemostgorgeouseyesI’veeverseen.”

ShedunkedStephaniabackunderthewaterofthefountain.Toherownsurprise,Ceresfoundherselfsteppingforward,reachingoutanarmtopullFeleneback.ThelookshegaveCeresasStephaniacameupgaspinghadhardedges,butalsoahintofconfusiontoit.

“TherewasatimeI’dhavepunchedyouforputtingyourhandsonmelikethat,”Felenesaid.Shewinced.“Whichprobablysayssomethingunfortunateaboutmylife.What?Doyouwanttotakeaturndrowningher?”

Ceresshookherhead.“Thisiscruel,Felene.Idon’tknowyou,butIknowThanos,andhewouldn’ttravelwithsomeonewhowouldtorturesomeonetodeath.”

ShesawFelene’sexpressionsoftenalittle.SheflungStephaniadownatCeres’sfeetsosuddenlythatCereshadtotakeastepback.

“Thanosisthesoft-heartedone,”Felenesaid.“I’mfranklyastonishedhe’slivedthislong.Still,you’reright.Ifyouwantsomeonedead,youkillthem.Noamountofpainisgoingtoundowhatshe’sdone.”

CerescouldunderstandthedesiretohurtStephania.Itwasthereinsidehertoo.ApartofherwantedtobeatStephania.TocutherinretaliationforeverythingthatStephaniahaddonetoher.Cereswasn’tgoingtodothat,though.Notbecauseshedidn’tthinkStephaniadeservedit,butbecauseshedidn’tdeservetohavetodoit.

“Youaregoingtokillherthough?”Feleneasked.“Ifyoudon’twanttodoit,Iwill,but…Ifigureshe’shurtyoumorethananyone.Moreeventhanme,andshe’skilledme.”

Ceresnodded.Sheputawayoneofherblades,grabbingStephania’shairso

thatshecouldbareherthroat.StephaniastaredupatCeres,andCerescouldseethefearthere,butshecouldalsoseethedefiance.

“Soyou’rejustgoingtocutmythroatincoldblood?”Stephaniademanded.“I’mgoingtoexecuteyouforallthecrimesyou’vecommitted,”Ceres

countered.Stephaniatwistedinhergrip,managingtogettoherfeet.Thiswouldhave

beensomucheasierifCereshadstillhadthepowersofherAncientOneblood.Stephaniawouldalreadyhavebeenstone.

“Mycrimes?”Stephaniasaid.“Whataboutyourcrimes?YouoverthrewtheEmpirethatbroughtstabilitytothisregion.Youbutchereditstroopsandplottedtobringdownitsking.Why?”

“Sothatpeoplecouldbefree,”Ceresreplied.Shewasn’tgoingtoletStephaniapretendthattheyweresomehowthesame.

“Andarethey?”Stephaniaasked.Shegestured,asiftotakeinthecity.“Youtookawaytheonlythingholdingbackinvadersfromoutside.Thepeopleofthiscitywillbeslaves,orslaughtered.Alltheirdeathsareonyourconscience.”

Thehardpartofthatwasthatitwastrue.IfCeresandtherebellionhadn’trisenup,theEmpirewouldstillbeexactlywhatithadalwaysbeen.Itwouldbefilledwithcrushinginequalities,runbyrapaciousnobles,andtakeeverythingfromthepoorest,butitwouldn’tbethis.

“Thiscameoutofthewarforit,”Ceressaid.“Notoutofwhatweweretryingtodo.”

“Anddidyouthinktherewouldn’tbeawar?”Stephaniademanded.“AreyouthatnaïvethatyouthoughttheEmpirewouldjusthandoveritspower?”

Cerescouldn’tbelievethis.WasStephaniatryingtotellherthatallthiswasherfaultfortryingtochangethingsandmakethembetter?

Stephaniawasn’tdoneeither,itseemed.“Letmetellyouhowthingscouldhavebeen,”shesaid.“Ifyouhadn’tshown

up,IwouldhavemarriedThanoswithoutanyofthethingsthathappenedlater.IwouldhavemaneuveredforpowerintheEmpireforbothofus,andwewouldhavegottenit.”

“Youinpower?”Felenesaidfromtheside.“Arewesupposedtopretendthat’sagoodthing?”

Cerescouldseethatshewasgettingrestless.Shehadaknifeinherhandnow,andwasshiftinghergriponitasshewaited.

“MeandThanosinpower,”Stephaniareplied.“Doyouthinkwewouldn’tmakegoodrulers?Hissenseoffairness.Myunderstandingofwhatittakestorule.Iamnotcruelforthesakeofit.Icouldhavebeenagreatqueen,besideThanos.”

Thehardestpartwasthatitwasprobablytrue.CeresknewenoughaboutStephaniatoknowthatshecouldbekindtothosearoundheraswellascruel.Shethoughtofherselffirst,butshewasn’tLucious.

Cerescouldseehowitmighthavehappened.Luciouswouldhavehadsomekindofaccident.NewsaboutThanos’sbirthwouldhavebeenspreadasrumors.Eventually,Claudiuswouldhaveadoptedhimformallyashisheir.PerhapsStephaniawasright.PerhapssheandThanoswouldhavebeentheperfectrulingcouple.PerhapsitwouldhavebeensomegreattimefortheEmpire,achievingmoreforitspeoplethaninvasionanddeath.

Noneofthatmatteredthough.“Idon’tcare,”Ceressaid.“Youhadmetortured.Youweregoingtokillme.

Youhavekilledpeoplewhofollowedme,whoweremyfriends.”“Andyou’vekilledhowmanyimperialguards?”Stephaniademanded.“How

manyofmyhandmaidensaredeadorinthehandsofFelldust’swarriorsthankstoyou?”

Ceresdidn’tknow.Shewasn’tevensurethatshecouldexplainthedifference,exceptbysayingthatthey’dchosenthatfight,andthatshe’dtriedtosaveliveswhereshecould.

“Isitjustthatthey’renotonyourside?”Stephaniaasked.“You’vedecidedyou’regood,soanythingyoudomustbegood?Invadingacity?Killingthenoblesthere?Howmanypeoplehaveyouturnedtostone?Howmanyareworseoffnow,becauseof—”

“Enoughtalking,”Felenesnapped.“Wearen’thereforaphilosophylesson.Ifyouwantareasontodoit,mymurderismorethanenough.Killher.”

CeresknewthatFelenewasright.Thiswasthemomentwhenithadtohappen.Shecouldn’tleaveStephaniaalivebehindher;notwhenitmeantthatshewouldjustkeepcomingafterher.Leaveheralive,andCereswouldneverbesafe.

Sheliftedherblade,readytothrustitintoStephania’sheart.Unlikeher,Cereswasn’tgoingtodragthisout.Thatwasonedifferencebetweenthem.Ceresdidn’twantStephaniatosuffer.Shejustwantedthistoend.

Stephaniaseemedtosensewhatwasgoingtohappen,becauseshebackedawayuntilshewaspressedagainstoneofthestatuesthere.Shelookedaroundasifseekingsomewheretorun,buttherewasnowhereforhertogo.

Ceresreadiedherself,determinedtostriketrue.

CHAPTERTWENTYSIXThanosranforthespotAthenahadtoldhimabout,tryingtorecallher

directionsashehurriedthroughthestreets.“Thespotwiththestatuesandtrees,”Thanossaidtohimself.InDelos,there

wereplentyofspotslikethat,wheregreeneryintrudedonthemarbleandstoneofthecity’sbuildings.Therewerefeweroftheminthepoorerdistricts,though.Noblesdidn’tseethepointinprovidingthemforordinarypeople.

Hetriedtomakesenseofthestreetsaroundhim,recallingallhecouldaboutthecity’slayout.He’dbeenoutintothecitymorethanmostnobles,butevenso,findinghiswaywasfarfromeasy.Especiallynotwhentherewereinvadersthere.

Thanospressedhimselfbackintoadoorway,tryingtostayquiet,asagroupmovedpast.

Whichwayfromhere?Hewishedhe’dthoughttomakethequeencomewithhimandshowhim,buttherewouldhavebeendangersindoingthattoo.Shemightnothavebeenabletokeeptotheshadowsaseasily.Shecertainlywouldn’thavebeenabletodowhatThanosdidnext,whichwasclimbontooneofthenearbyroofs,lookingforaspotthatmatchedherdescription.

Hesawaspacenotfarawaythathadtreesarounditandafountaininthemiddle.Whenhesawwhatwashappeningthere,Thanosskiddeddownfromtheroof,landinghardandredoublinghisefforts.Hehopedthathewouldbeintime.

“Ceres!Wait!”Hedidn’tdarecallouttooloud,incasehebroughtdowntroubleonallof

them.Yethehadtorisksomething,becauseifhedidn’t…Hereachedthecircleatafullrun,sprintinginbetweentwoofthestatues.

CeresstoodwithStephaniapinnedbackagainstastatue,hersworddrawnbackreadytostrikeherthroughtheheart.ButtoThanos,itlookedasthoughshewasabouttothrustthebladethroughStephania’sstomach,slayingherandherchildtogether.

“Stop!”Thanosyelled,runningintothecircleofgrassandtrees.Cereswasthere,andStephania,and,incredibly,Felene.Thanoshadnever

thoughtthathewouldseethethreeoftheminthesameplacetogether.“What’sgoingonhere?”hedemanded.Tohissurprise,Felenesteppedinfrontofhim,asiftoholdhimback.“An

execution.Onethat’slongoverdue.”Thanosshookhishead.“Ican’tletthathappen.Ceres,thisiswrong.”Hestartedtomovepasther,butshemovedbackintotheway.Cereslooked

around,andhecouldseethehurtthere.

“Youwanttostopmekillingher?”Ceresdemanded.“Iwanttostopyoufromkillingherchild,”hecorrected.Sheseemedtosoftenabitatthat.Thenherlookhardened.“Nottomentionyourwife,”Stephaniaspatfromherspotbythestatue.ThanossawCerestense,andhepushedpastFelene,grabbingforherarm.His

fingersclosedaroundit,andapartofhimstillexpectedtobeflungbackbythepowerswithinhereventhoughhe’dheardaboutStephaniapoisoningher.HeexpectedCerestoripfree,butforonce,Thanoswasstronger.

Shelookedbackathim,andshejustlookedhurtthen.“She’skilledsomanypeople,Thanos,”Ceressaid.“Andyoujustwantto

forgiveher?”Felenechippedinatthatpoint.“Shedoesn’tgettowalkawayfromthisfree,

Thanos.Shetrickedme,andthenstabbedmeintheback.I…I’mdyingbecauseofher.”

Thanosstaredather.He’donlyknownFeleneforabrieftime,butthatnewswaslikeapunchtothestomach.HecouldseewhyFelenewouldwantStephaniadead.Hecouldseewhyanyonewould.Afterall,he’dkilledLuciousforonlyalittlemore.Thanosshookhishead.Heknewthatthereweresomethingsthatcouldn’tbeforgiven.Thatwasn’tthepoint.

“I’mnotlookingtoforgiveanything,”hesaid.“ButStephaniaispregnantwithmychild.ItbrokesomethinginmewhenIthoughtI’dlostthatbecauseofLucious.Itwouldbeworselosingitbecauseofyou.Luciouswasamonster,andyou’reanythingbutthat.”

Still,Cereshesitated.“Whenyouleft,Iwasworriedthatyoukeptgoingbacktoher,”shesaid.“I

wasworriedbecauseyouchosetomarryher,settledownwithher,haveachildwithher.Youkeepsayingthatitisn’tStephaniayouwant—butyoudon’tactlikeit.”

Thanoscouldunderstandthat.ItseemedsometimesthattheworldwasconspiringtopushhimandStephaniatogether.Yetthetruthwasthatitwasn’therheloved.

“Please,”hesaid.“Thisisn’tabouther.It’saboutus.Ifyoudothis,theneverytimeIlookatyou,I’llfindmyselfwonderingaboutwhatmychildmighthavegrownuptobe.I’dfindmyselfhatingyou,andIcan’timaginemyselfhatingyou,Ceres.”

Shepausedforamoment,andThanoscouldseeherarguingwithherself.Shestillheldtheswordtightly,andThanosdidn’tknowwhathewoulddoifshethrustthebladeatStephania.

Wouldhebeabletoactintimeifshedid?WouldhebeabletogetbetweenherandStephania?WouldhefightCerestosaveStephania?Fightthewomanhelovedtosavethemotherofhischild?Couldhebringhimselftodothat?

Hedidn’tneedtoanswerthatquestionthough,becausefinally,mercifully,Ceressteppedback.

“Areyousurethatthisisn’taboutwhatyoufeel,Thanos?”Ceresdemanded.Stephaniachosethatmomenttospeak,steppingawayfromthestatueand

movingaroundtowhereCerescouldn’tjustthrustabladeintoher.Thanosreallywishedthatshehadn’t.

“Wecouldstillbegoodtogether,Thanos.Iknowyoustillfeelsomething,evenifyouwanttopretendthatyoudon’t.”

Thanosstoodthere,unabletospeak.DidStephaniareallythinkthatthingscouldstillworkoutbetweenthetwoofthem?

“Youcamebacktosaveme,”Stephaniasaid.“YousentFelenetocarrymeacrosstheseatosafety.Amanwhofeelsnothingwouldn’tdothat.”

“Iwishyouhadn’t,”Felenesaidwithawince.Sheleanedagainsttheneareststatue,coughing.Thebackofherhandwaswetwithbloodwhenshewasfinished.“I’mreallystartingtowishIhadn’tstoppeddrowningher.”

Thanoscouldunderstandthat,andguiltflashedthroughhimathavingbroughtthethieftothis.

“There’sstillawayoutofthis,”Stephaniasaid.“Yes,”Ceressaid.“Werun.”ThanossawStephaniashakeherheadindisagreement.“Thisisn’taboutyou.

It’saboutus.Thanos,andme.”Thanosheldupahandtostopher.“Thisisn’taboutus,Stephania.”Allthistime,andshestillwasn’tpreparedtoacceptit.“We’restillmarried,”Stephaniasaid.“We’restillhavingthischild.Andwe

canhavesomuchmore.Wecanstillcomeoutofthissituationahead.”ThanosheardFelenesnort.“Honestly,whatdidyoueverseeinher?”shedemanded.“Daysatseawith

her,andallshedidwaswhine.Andnowthisnonsense.Justclapahandoverhermouthsothatwecangowithoutattractingtheattentionofeverywarriorinthecity.”

Thatwasarealconcern.Thanoshadseenwhatwashappeninginthecity.Hissmallboatwouldstillbethere,andifhewaslucky,theymightbeabletocatchupwiththesmugglingboattogofurther,buttheyneededtomovenow.Hesitatemuchlonger,andtheywouldlosetheirrouteoutofthere,rightatthemomentwhensoldierswouldbecomingforthem.

“Feleneisright,”Ceressaid.“Weneedtogo.Idon’tknowhowmany

soldierswillhavefollowedusdownthetunnelsbeneaththecity.”“Andthereareplentyaroundonthestreets,”Felenesaid.ToThanos’ssurprise,Stephaniadidn’tseemputoffbythat.“Thenwebringthemtous,”shesaid.Thanosfrownedatthat.“What?”Hewasmoreconvincedthaneverthatshewasn’tthinkingclearly,although

thetruthwasthatStephaniahadalwaysbeengoodathidingwhatshethoughtfromhim.She’dplottedbehindhisbackforalmostaslongashe’dknownher,andThanoshadonlyknownaboutwhatshewasdoingforashorttime.

“Ihadtorunwhentheybrokeintothecastle,”Stephaniasaid.SheglaredatCeres.“Youruinedthatplan,buttherearestillwaysback.”

“Stephania—”Thanosbegan.“ThewarriorsofFelldustvaluestrengthandcunning,”Stephaniainsisted.“A

leaderisonlyaleaderforaslongashecanholdontohispower.Betweenus,youandIhaveallthecunningandstrengthwecouldneed.”

Thanoscouldn’tquitebelievewhathewashearing.Evenso,hefeltasthoughheoughttocheck.

“YouwanttochallengetheFirstStone?”heasked.“Iwantyoutochallengehim,”Stephaniasaid.“Icangetustohim.Ican

convincehimtofight.Youcankillhim,andIwillbeabletoturnthatintomore,bypersuadingthemthatitmeansyouhavesucceededhim.Wecouldn’tstoptheinvasion,butwecouldcontrolitsoithurtfarfewerpeople.”

ThanosheardCeresscoffatthat.“Soitdidn’thurtyou,youmean?”shesaid.“Ifitwerethatsimple,why

couldn’tIjustwalkupandkillhim?”“Becausethisisn’tjustaboutcuttingtheheadfromthesnake,”Stephania

snappedback.“You’rethinkinglikesomekindofbard’ssong,wheretheherowalksupandkillstheirfoeandthat’sit.”

Thanosfoundhimselfcockinghisheadtooneside.“Isn’tthatwhatyou’reproposingIdo?”

Stephaniashookherhead.“It’smorethanthat.It’spolitics.It’snotenoughtokillhim.Youhavetolookasthoughyoucansucceedhim.Shecouldn’tdothat,butwecould.ThecurrentqueenoftheEmpireandherhusband,joiningwithFelldustnotbybeingconquered,butbytakingapositionwithinit.It’sastorytheycouldbelieve.Astorytheycouldgetbehind.”

Thanoscouldn’tbelievethatshewasactuallysuggestingthis.Shemadeitsoundsoeasy,asiftheycouldjustwalkupandstealsomeoneelse’sinvasionfromthem.Thenagain,itwaswhatshe’ddonewiththethroneoftheEmpire,wasn’tit?

“You’remad,”Felenesaid.“Acountryisn’tjustsomebaublethatyoucanliftfromarichman’scorpse.”

“Howelsedoyouthinkpeoplegetthem?”Stephaniademanded.ShelookedbacktoThanos.“Wecandothis,Thanos,anditwouldbegoodfortheEmpire.Felldustisgoingtofinishitsinvasion,buttogether,wecouldcontrolhowithappens.Wecouldlimitthedamage.AndourchildwouldbeheirtothewholeofFelldust,aswellastheEmpire.Wecoulddothis.”

Thanoscouldhearthedeterminationthere,andforamomenthecouldfeelhimselfbeingcarriedalongbyit.Perhapsitwouldbepossibletodoit.PerhapshecouldjusttakeoverIrrien’sseat,andstoptheworstexcessesoftheinvasion.Ifhecouldsavepeoplelikethat,didn’thehaveadutytodoit?

ThenhelookedacrossatCeres,andknewthathecouldneverreallydoit.Stephania’sanswermeantstayingwithher.Itmeanttrustingherandworkingalongsideher.Thanoscouldn’tdoanyofthosethings.EspeciallynotwhenStephaniawouldprobablyuseanypowershegotasawaytostrikeoutatCeres.

“No,”Thanossaid.“No,I’mnotgoingtodoit.Iknowyou,Stephania.Evenifbysomemiracleallthisworked,you’dbeplottingthemomentwegotintoanykindofpower.Tellmethatyouwouldn’ttrytokillCeresthemomentyouhadtheopportunity.”

“Wecouldletherliveifthat’swhatyouwanted,”Stephaniasaid.Thanoslookedoverather,thenatCeres,thenbackagain.Thetruthwasthat

itwasn’tevenachoice,notanymore.Whateverhe’doncehadwithStephania,itwasn’tthesameasthethingshefeltforCeres.Stephaniahadtriedtopaintapictureofthetwoofthemlivingtogetherinharmony,butthetruthwasthattheonlyoneofthemThanoscouldpicturehimselfwithwasCeres.

“No,”hesaid.“Thisiswhatisgoingtohappen.We’regoingtogetoutofhere,allofus.You’regoingtolive,becauseyou’recarryingmychild,butwhenthatchildisborn,you’llgo,andwe’llneverseeyouagain.Iwon’tbecaughtupinyourplots,Stephania.Itisn’tyouIwant.ItisCeres.”

Stephaniascowled.“Youthinkyougettodecidewhathappenstome?”Stephaniademanded.

“Youthinkyougettochooseforme?”Shetookabreath,andThanosguessedwhatshewasgoingtodoamoment

beforeshedidit.Buthewasn’tfastenoughtomoveinandstopher.Sheshouted,loudenoughthatnooneinthedockscouldhavehelpedbuthear

it.“WarriorsofFelldust!We’reoverhere!”ShelookedbackatThanosinsomethingliketriumph.“Itlooksasthoughwe’llhavetogowithmyplanafterall,doesn’tit?”

CHAPTERTWENTYSEVENStephaniasmiledintriumphastheotherslookedatherinshock.Didthey

reallythinkthattheygottodecidewhathappenedtoher?Didtheythinkthattheycouldjustcondemnhertoalifewhereherchildwouldbetakenfromher?Whenshewouldbecastasidetobelessthannothing?

Shewouldfightofftheworldratherthanletthathappen.Noonewouldtakewhatwashers.NotFelldust’ssorcerers,notthenoblesofDelos,andcertainlynotThanos.Shewoulddiebeforesheletthathappen.

Shewouldkillbeforesheletthathappen.“Whathaveyoudone,youarrogantidiot?”Felenedemanded.Stephania’ssmiletightened,temperedonlybytheknowledgethatthethief

wasdying.AssheshouldhavebackonFelldust.Ifshe’dhadthegracetodothat,Stephaniawouldalreadyhavebeenawayfromthere.

“She’sdonewhatshealwaysdoes,”Ceressaid.“Actedwithasmuchbileasshecanbecausesheisn’tgettingherownway.”

ShemadeitsoundasthoughStephaniawasachild,ratherthananewlycrownedqueen.

EvenThanosseemedshockedbythemove.ThatwasCeres’sfault,nodoubt.Ifhe’dbeentherealone,Stephaniawouldhavebeenabletopersuadehim.They’dhavebeenkillingtheFirstStoneeventhen.

“Stephania,howcouldyoudothis?”Thanosasked.Stephaniahaddoneitforthesamereasonshedideverythingelse:becauseit

wasnecessary.Nowtherewasnowayoutbutthroughthis.“They’llbecoming,”Stephaniasaidtohim.“Stayhere.Fightthem.Helpme

tokilltheirleader.Wecandothis,Thanos.WecansaveDelos.Wecanruleit.”Shecouldruleit.Stephaniahadfeltwhatitmeanttobearuler.Shewasn’t

goingtogivethatup,andifitmeantthatshegotThanostoo—Felenecutheroffwithaslapthatrockedher.“Weneedtogetoutofhere,”

shesaidtotheothers,asifStephaniawerejustadistraction.WhensheturnedtoStephania,Stephaniacouldseethehatredthere.“Runifyouwanttolive.Justdon’tpickthesamedirectionasus,orI’llcutyourthroat,childornochild.”

“No,”Thanossaid.“Wetakeherwithus.I’llbindanddragherifIhaveto.Justuntilthechildisborn.Please.”

StephaniasawCeresnod,althoughshecouldseethatthepeasantwasn’thappyaboutit.

“Allright,”Ceressaid.“Yougetherarms,I’ll—”Stephaniareactedoninstinct,herhanddivingintothefoldsofherdressfor

oneofthedaggersshekeptthere.Shedidn’thavemanyweaponsleft,butshe

woulduseeveryoneshehadtokeepthemfromtakingherchild.ShewouldnotbetreatedasnomorethanthevesseltobearThanos’sbaby.Thesorcererhadtriedtodothat,andnowherhusbandwas…no,shewouldn’tallowit!

Sheleaptforward,springingpastFelene,abladeinherhandasshesprangforThanosandCeres.

Shehadn’treckonedhowfastFelenewas,eveninjured.Felenespranginthewayasquickasasnake,andStephaniafeltherblade,

meantforThanos,sinkdeepintotheotherwoman’schest.Ofcourse,thistimeitwouldbethateasy.Ifshe’dmanageditsocleanlybackontheboat,maybetheywouldn’tbestandingtherenow.

Felene’sfacewassetwithdeterminationasshepunchedStephaniaback,knockinghersprawling.

Cereswentonebetter,kickingtheknifeoutofStephania’shand.Stephaniaranfortheedgeofthecircleofstatues,butCereswasfaster.So

wasThanos.Stephaniafelttheirhandscloseonherarms,pullingherbackeventhoughshefought.

“Ifyoudon’tkillhernow—”Ceresbegan.“What?”Stephaniademanded.“Whatwillyoudo?Leavehim?Youcareso

littleforhim,don’tyou?”Shediditbecauseshecould.Becauseevendrivingthatsmallwedgebetween

CeresandThanoswassomething.StephaniasawthelookthatpassedbetweenCeresandThanos.ShesawthelookofconfusionandhurtonThanos’sfaceashefoughttoworkoutwhattodonext.Sheenjoyedthat.Shecouldn’thavehim,butatleastshecouldmakesurethatCeresdidn’tgethim.

“I…Istillcan’tkillher,”Thanossaid.“Ican,”Ceresreplied.StephaniasawThanospullatherarm.Shesmiledatthat.“Oh,howsweet,”Stephaniasaid.“Thenobleprince,protectinghiswife.His

wife,Ceres.”Shedidn’tcarehowangryshemadeCeresthen.Angrywasgood.Angry

meantthatshewouldn’tbethinking.Stephaniamightgetanotherchancetostrike.

“Whatdoyouwant,Thanos?”Ceresasked.“Wecan’ttakeherwithus.She’dkillusatthefirstopportunityshegot.”

“Yes,Thanos,”Stephaniaasked,assweetlyasshecould,“whatdoyouwant?Whatdoyoureallywant?”

Sometimes,theonlyweaponsshehadwerewords,butStephaniawasanexpertwhenitcametousingthem.

“Ican’tkillher,”Thanossaid.“AndIcan’tletyoukillher,Ceres,becauseI

wouldn’tbeabletolookatyouthesamewayagain.”“Thanos—”Ceresbegan,andStephaniasmiledinvictory.“ButIcanleaveherbehind,”Thanossuddenlysaid.Hishandstightenedon

Stephania’sarms,catchingherassherealizedwhathe’djustsaid.“IcanleavehertothefateofFelldust’sarmy.”

Stephaniafeltawaveofterrorovercomeher.“No,”Stephaniabegged.“They’llkillme.They’lldoworsethankillme.

Please,Thanos.”Hedidn’tanswer,though,butinsteaddraggedherinthedirectionofoneof

theneareststatues.“Youcan’tleavemeheretodie!”sheshrieked.“Toberaped!Tobetortured!

Tobemadeamockeryof!”YetshesawThanos’sexpressionandherterrorincreasedassheknewher

pleaswerefallingondeafears.“I’llkillyou,”Stephaniashrieked,filledwithrage,desperate.“I’llkillyou

both!”Thanoswrenchedherarmsbehindherback,whileCerescutaway

Stephania’sbeltandthentiedherarmsinplace.Stephaniawrenchedatthebonds,tryingtopullherarmsfree,butnothinghappened.

Worse,shesawFelenestrugglingtoherfeet,drawingaswordandlongknife.“Go…”thesailormanaged.“I’llholdthemoff.”“Felene,”Ceresbegan.“Go!”StephaniacouldnotbelieveitasshewatchedThanosandCeresrunoff,

leavingherlikethis.Shevowedherhatredwitheverysteptheytook.“Lookslikeit’sjustyouandme,princess,”Felenesaid.“Don’tworry…I’m

not…goingtokillyou.Youdeserve…farworsethanthat.”Stephaniaignoredherandkeptworkingatherbonds,tryingtobreakfree,

tryingtogetawaybefore…Theycameinarush,thefirstmenofFelldustburstingintothecircleofgrass

whileFelenemovedforwardtofacethem.Stephaniasawherthrustabladethroughonewarrior’schest,parryablowfromasecond,andcutacrossthethroatofathird.

Shewasn’tmovingwell,though.Stephaniahadseenhowfastshecouldbewhenshe’dfoughtElethe,butnowshestaggeredfromblowtoblow.

Good.Stephaniawatchedasawarriorthrustaspearintothethief.Felenecutback,

bringingthewarriordown,butanothercutacrossherleg.Shecollapsed,andthewarriorssteppedbackthewaytheymighthavefromawoundedomnicat.

StephaniarecognizedFirstStoneIrrienashesteppedintothecircleformedbythetrees.Hewaseverythingherspieshadsaid:tall,imposing,cruellyhandsomeanddeadlylooking.Felenefelltohersideasheapproached,heftinganaxewithonehand.

“You’retheFirstStone?”shedemanded.Henoddedtoher.“Iam.”Sheforcedasmile.“Good,I’ve…beenwaitingforsomeone…worthyof

killingme.”“ThenI’msorryIdidn’tgethereearlier,”hesaid.“Restnow.Yourpartinthis

isdone.”Felenelaythere,coughingupblood,ashewalkedpastherasifsheweren’t

there.Andthen,toStephania’shorror,shespokeherfinalwords:“AndthatisStephania,”Felenesaid.“Don’tlether…tellyouotherwise.”Felenethencollapsed,dead.StephaniafeltarushoffearastherulerofFelldustgrinnedinsurpriseand

delight.Felenehadruinedheronechancetopretendshewassomeoneelse.Inherdyingbreath,Felenehadsomehowmanagedtokillher.

Hestalkedtowardherandliftedhisaxe.Foramoment,Stephaniathoughtthathemightcutherdown,andsheflinchedbackagainstthestatue,unabletostopherfear.

Heburiedtheaxeintheground,thenreachedoutahandtotouchherface.Stephaniawantedtopullaway,butshewouldn’tshowthatweakness.Shewouldn’t.

“LadyStephania,”hesaid.“Talesofyourbeautydonotdoyoujustice.”Therewasstillachance.TheFirstStonewasstillaman,stillaruler,stilla

warrior.AllthreeofthosewerethingsStephaniacouldworkwith.Shecouldcomeoutofthismorepowerfulthanshe’dgoneintoit.

“FirstStoneIrrien,”shesaid.“WelcometoDelos.Ihopeyou’reenjoyingyourtimehere.”

Shetriedtomakeitsoundasiftheyweremeetinginthemiddleofsomenoblemasque,nottheaftermathofaninvasion.Pretendathingenough,she’dalwaysfound,andtherealitywouldfollow.

“Someonecertainlyseemstohaveleftmethemostinterestingthings.”Hereachedouttotouchherthroatthistime.Stephaniatriednottothinkabout

howeasilyhecouldcrushthatthroat.“IhopeIwillprovemoreinterestingthanyouthink,”Stephaniasaid.“Ifyou

knowwhoIam,youknowwhatIcandoforyou.”“Yousoundasifyouareproposinganalliance,”Irriensaid.Hesounded

amusedbyit,butalsointerested.Stephaniaknewthatshehadhimthen.Shemightbetheonetiedinplace,but

soonenough,Irrienwouldbetheonewithherstringsaroundhim.Shewouldhavetobecarefulatfirst,havetosuggestandpersuaderatherthandemand,butshecoulddothis.

“IamcurrentlythemostimportantnobleoftheEmpire,”Stephaniasaid.“Itookitsthronebyforceandcunning.”ThetwothingsthattheyadmiredmostinFelldust.“Whileyouareamanwithoutawife.”

“You’reproposingmarriage?”Irrienasked,movingbehindStephania,slicingthroughherbondswithaknife.“You’reboldindeed.”

Sheresistedtheurgetorubherwrists.Thatwouldhavelookedweak.Instead,shestoodbeforehimthewayarulershould.

“Thestrongarebold,”Stephaniasaid.“Andwecoulddogreatthingstogether.IknowtheEmpire,allitssecrets,allitswebsofconnections.Morethanthat,Ibringasenseoflegitimacy.Wecouldjoinourlandstogetherformally,rulingboth,abovemynoblesandyourfellowstones.”

“Itisatemptingoffer,”Irrienadmitted.Shecouldtempthimmorethanthat.Shemovedclose,pressingagainsthim.“Andifyourwallshadheld,”Irrienwenton,“Imighthaveconsideredit.

Now,though,youhavenothingtogiveIcannottake.”“What?”Stephaniamovedtostepback,butIrriencaughtherbythethroat,suddenand

tight.Shegrabbedforhishand,butcouldn’tmoveit.Hisotherhandmovedtoherdress,andStephaniacriedoutasherippedtheouterlayersfromher.

Hethrewhertotheground,andStephanialaythere,staringupathiminterror.Whenhereachedtohisbeltanddrewoutawhip,sheshrankback.

“Donotworrythough.Iwon’tbekillingyou.Youwillmakefartoofineaslaveforthat.”

Stephaniawantedtostand,toargue,tofight,buttherewasnotimetodoanyofit.Thefirstblowstruckher,andallshecoulddowasscream.

CHAPTERTWENTYEIGHTCeresleanedonThanosasmuchasheleanedonherastheymadetheirway

downtowardthedocks.Thankstoeverythingshe’dsuffered,shefeltasthoughshebarelyhadthestrengthtostand,whileheseemedtobeunwillingtorisklettinggoofher,evenforamoment.

“Thatway,”Thanosmanaged,pointing.“Therearesmallboats.”Ceresnodded,tryingtosteerthetwooftheminthedirectionhe’dpointed.

Shetriedtokeeptotheshadowstokeepthemfrombeingspotted,butthetruthwasthattheyneededtomovequicklymorethantheyneededtokeepoutofsight.

Somewherebehindthem,CeresheardStephaniascream,andshefeltThanostense.Foramoment,shefoundherselfwonderingifhewouldrunbackforher.He’ddoneitbefore,hadn’the?He’dreturnedtoDelostosaveher.

Hepressedforward,though,andCeresdaredtobreatheasighofrelief.Maybetheycoulddothis.Maybetheycouldgetthroughit.

CeressawagroupofFelldustwarriorsahead,lootingtheirwayalongoneofthestreets.Therecouldn’tbemuchinthewayofpickingsforthembynow,buttheyseemedtobegoingthroughthehousesanyway,determinedtocollecteveryscraptheycould.

CerespulledThanosdownasidestreet,lookingtododgepastthem.Shehurriedwithhim,makingherwaypastawaterbutt,thenoveralowfence.Theypausedforamoment,waitingformoresoldierstopass.Inthatmoment,ThanossaidthewordsthatCeresbothwantedtohearanddreaded.

“Iloveyou,”hesaid.“Iloveyoutoo,Thanos,”Ceressaid.“Butcan’tthiswaituntilwe’reclear?”Shewantedtoputthisoffifshecould.Thanoshadgonewithher.He’d

rejectedStephania,butevenso,thereweresomanythingstheyneededtotalkabout.

“No,”Thanossaid.“Imeanit.Imean…Iloveyou,notStephania.Ichoseyou.Ichooseyou.”

Thatwasgoodtohear,butitwassomethingThanoshadsaidbefore.He’dstillgonebackforStephania,hadn’the?He’dstillkeptCeresfromkillingher.CeresunderstoodthatwasaboutStephaniabeingthemotherofhischild,butthatdidn’tmakeitbetter.ItmeantthattherewouldalwaysbesomethingconnectingThanosandStephaniatogether.

Ontheotherhand,hehadlefther.He’dtiedherthereforFelldust’swarriors.MaybethatwasasclearachoiceasCereswasgoingtoget.

Thatwasaquestionforlater,though.Fornow,theonlythingtheycoulddo

wastrytogetoutofthecityalive.Cereskeptpickingtwistsandturnsthroughthecity,tryingtododgethe

soldiersthere.Sheknewthestreets,thankstoallthetimesshe’ddeliveredweaponsforherfatherorpickedupfoodfromthemarkets.Shewoveherwaythroughthesmallstreetsandalleyways,tryingtofindaroutethatFelldust’ssoldierswouldn’tblock.

Shedidn’tsucceed.Threesoldierscameoutofahousejustastheypassed,andCeres’sbreath

caught.Theystoodthereforamoment,staringatthetwoofthemasthoughnotabletounderstandwhotheywere.

Cereswastired,butshestillhadenoughenergylefttoreactfirst.Shedrewaswordwithheroffhand,thrustingitupunderthebreastplateofoneoftheinvadersasshedrewhersecond.

Thanossteppedpasther,parryingastrikeaimedatherhead.TheattackerpushedhimbackintoCeres,butCeressawhimthrustaroundtheattacker’sguard,deepunderhiscollarbone.Ceresrodethemotion,strikingforthelastenemy.Offbalanceasshewas,though,theblowfellshort.

ThemanyelledsomethinginthelanguageofFelldust,andCeresguessedthathewascallingouttheirpresencetoanyonewhowaslistening.Shethrustherbladeintohimatthesecondattempt,andThanosthrustwithher,butbythen,thedamagewasdone.

“Canyougofaster?”Ceresasked.Thanosnodded.“Asfastasyouneedtogo.”Ceresdidn’treply,butinsteadtriedtorushintomotion.Shewasbonetired,

almoststaggering,butshestillforcedherselfacrossaflatroof,thendownacrossthecobblesbeyond.

Ceresheardsomeonecalloutbehindthemandriskedaglanceback.Shesawfiguresinthemish-mashofdifferentuniformstheinvadersfavored,rushingafterthemwhilesomepointed.

“Run!”sheyelledtoThanos.Heranwithher,keepinggoinginherwake,followingherlead.They

skimmedoverthecobbles,headingdowninthedirectionofthedocks,movingasquicklyastheycould.Cereswasn’tsurethattheyweremovingquickenough.Sheheardfootstepsbehindher,spun,andsawaspearheadingforherface.Shesweptitasideandsenttheattackersprawling,kickinghimasshewentpast.ShesawThanosshoveasideasecondattacker,throwinghimintothenearestwallwithsheermomentum.

Cereskeptmoving,notdaringtostopandfight.Everymomenttheyspentfightingwasamomentwhenmoreenemiesmightarrive.Soon,theywouldfind

themselvesoverwhelmed.Itwasbettertorun.Butrunningmightnotbeenough.Eveniftherewereboatsdownonthe

waterfront,itwouldstilltaketimetogetoneofthemintothewater,tocastoff,tobreakfree.Howcouldtheydoallthatifthereweresoldierscomingafterthem?

Theyweregoingtodie,butCereswasn’tgoingtogiveup.SheandThanoskeptgoing,continuingtohope.

Shesawthebeachaheadandpressedonasfastasshecould.Whatshesawtherelentherstrength,andquicklyshefelttheshingleofitunderherfeet.Therewasaboatoutthereintheshallowsandonit,Cerescouldseeherbrother,herfather,Leyana,andthecombatlordsCereshadhelped.Theypointedastheysawher,thenwavedasiftomakecertainthatsheknewwhichwaytogo.

“Notfarnow,”Ceressaid.“That—”Sandcaughtunderherfeet,andshestumbled.Sherolledbacktoherfeet,butThanoswasalreadythere,standingreadyto

meettheirfoes.Thefirsttoreachthemdied,Thanos’sbladefindingahomeinhischestandthenspringingfreeagain.

Ceresjumpedpast,parryingablowfromalongsword,thenduckedunderthesweepofacurvedknife.Shedidn’tgiveground,couldn’tgiveground,becausetodosowouldhavebeentoleaveThanosalonetotheirblades.Theycouldsurvivethisonlyaslongastheystoodtogether.

Shestoodthereandfought,choppingandparrying,feelingaswordslicealineacrossherabdomenbecauseshecouldn’tspringaside.SheheardThanosgruntasabladecuthim,thensawhimtakeanenemy’sheadfromhisshoulders.

Figuresburstpasther.Thethreecombatlordsslammedintothechasingtroops,cuttingdownthoseclosestandpushingbacktheothers.CeresglancedroundtoseeherfatherstandingsidebysidewithThanos.

“Totheboat!”heyelled,andCeresnodded.Sheranwiththeothersintotheshallows,feelingthewaterlaparoundher

ankles.Shethoughtshesawabodythere,washedupfromthebattle,aswordstillstuckthroughit.Shewasabouttorunpastwhenhiseyesopened,andCeresrecognizedhimalmostinthesameinstant.

“Akila?”Sheheardhimgroan.Hisinjurylookedterriblerightthen.Howlonghadhe

beenthere?Ceresrantohim,ignoringthecallsoftheothersandthethreatofthesoldiersapproachingbehindthem.ShekneltbyAkilaatthepointwherethetidemettheshore,butsheknewtherewasnotimetobegentleaboutthis.

“I’msorry,”shesaid,asshewrappedbothhandsaroundthehiltoftheswordandpulled.

Therewasagoodchancethatthiswouldkillhim.Cereshadseenenoughwoundstoknowthatsometimesabladeoranarrowcouldbetheonlythingpluggingagap,staunchingthebloodthatwouldotherwiseflowout.Butshecouldn’thopetocarryAkilabacktotheboatwiththebladestillinhim,anditwoulddefinitelyshiftandcutdeeperifshetriedtodraghim.

AkilascreamedasCerespulledthebladeout,andhisscreamswereworseasthesaltwaterwashedoverhim.Thatwasprobablyagoodthing,though,becauseshe’dheardofsailorswashingwoundsoutwithseasalt,anditbeingalmostasgoodascauterizingforkeepingoutinfections.

Shesawthecombatlordsfightingtheirwaybacktoher,thesoldiersofFelldustfollowing.Ceressteppedforwardastheyapproach,heftingthebladeshe’dpulledfromAkilawithtwohands.

Tohershock,theinvadersstopped,staringather.No,notather,atthesword.Didtheyrecognizeit?Theywerecertainlystaringatitasifitweresomethingspecial.Cerescouldn’tunderstandmuchofwhattheyweresaying,butshethoughtsherecognizedtheword“Irrien”andthewordforsword.

“Irrien’ssword?”shecalledouttothem,holdingitup.“Well,tellhimthatI’llgiveitbacktohimsometime.Tellhimthatthisisn’tover.”

Cereshelditbetweenherandthem,readytostrikeatthefirsttoapproach.Itwassoheavythatittookallherstrengthtowieldit,butitwouldbemorethanenoughtosmashthroughtheguardofthefirsttoattack.

Onedid,charging.Ceresduckedunderhisblow,thenspunandcut.Thesword’sweighttookitthroughhisneckasifitwasn’tthere,slicinghisheadfromhisbodyascleanlyasanexecutioner’saxemighthave.AnotherraninandCerescutacrosshisabdomen.

Thanoswastherethen,liftingAkilaaseasilyasachild.HekeptbehindCeres,trustinginherskillstokeepthemallsafe.Thatsaidmorethananythingaboutwhathefeltforher.

Cerescouldseethecombatlordsmovingwithhim,draggingAkilaontotheboat,andshestartedtobacktowardit.Onceagain,shefeltthewateraroundherankles.Therestofthesoldiersseemedtobehangingback,nonewillingtobethenexttodie.

Shefeltthewoodoftheboatbumpagainstherback,andpassedupthesword.Shewasn’tgoingtoletitgo,ifonlybecauseofthesymbolicvaluethatcamefromhavingit.Herfathertookthebladefromher,andCeresclamberedupintotheboat.Shebarelyhadthestrengthtodoit.Infact,withoutSartes’sandLeyana’shelpinghands,Ceresdoubtedthatshe’dhavemadeitinatall.Itwascrowdedinthesmallboat,buttherewasjustaboutenoughroomforallofthem.Itwouldgetthemawayfromthecity,atleast.

“We’rein!”herfathercalled.“Let’sgo!”Someoneputupthesail,andsomeoneelsegrabbedoars.Cereswastoo

exhaustedtodoeither.Forthefirsttimeindays,shewasn’tbeingtortured,ormadetofight,orhavingtotrytoenduretheworstconditionsthecityhad.Shedidn’thavethestrengthtostandrightthen,anditseemedthatThanosdidn’thavemuchstrengthlefteither.Helayinthebowoftheboat,breathingheavily,soshecrawledovertowhereThanoslay,restingherheadonhisshoulder,lookingbackatthecityastheysailedfromit.

Behindthem,Delosfell.Partsofitburned,butonlyparts,andinalotofwaysthatwasworsethanthe

alternative.Itsaidthattheinvadersweren’ttheretoraidandleave,thattheyweren’trushingintheirdepredations.Theyweren’tsweepingthroughlikeastorm,butclosingonthecitylikeavise,crushingthepeopletheresystematically.Ceresfelttearsinhereyesatthethoughtofthosepeoplewho’dtrustedherenoughtostay;peoplewhowere,eventhen,dyingorbeingmadeintoslaves.

Butshecouldn’tdoanythingtohelp.Allshecoulddowassailclearofthecity,lookingafterthefewpeopleshecaredabout.Shedidn’tknowwheretheywouldgo,orwhattheywoulddonext,butCereshopedthatwherevertheywent,shewouldbeabletokeepthemsafe.

Somehow,Ceressuspectedthatwouldn’tbeeasy.

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THEWAYOFSTEELONLYTHEWORTHY(Book#1)

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OBSESSED(Book#12)

AboutMorganRice

MorganRiceisthe#1bestsellingandUSATodaybestsellingauthoroftheepicfantasyseriesTHESORCERER’SRING,comprisingseventeenbooks;ofthe#1bestsellingseriesTHEVAMPIREJOURNALS,comprisingtwelvebooks;ofthe#1bestsellingseriesTHESURVIVALTRILOGY,apost-apocalypticthrillercomprisingthreebooks;oftheepicfantasyseriesKINGSANDSORCERERS,comprisingsixbooks;andofthenewepicfantasyseriesOFCROWNSANDGLORY.Morgan’sbooksareavailableinaudioandprinteditions,andtranslationsareavailableinover25languages.

TURNED(Book#1intheVampireJournals),ARENA1(Book#1oftheSurvivalTrilogy),AQUESTOFHEROES(Book#1intheSorcerer’sRing)andRISEOFTHEDRAGONS(KingsandSorcerers—Book#1)areeachavailableasafreedownloadonAmazon!

Morganlovestohearfromyou,sopleasefeelfreetovisitwww.morganricebooks.comtojointheemaillist,receiveafreebook,receivefreegiveaways,downloadthefreeapp,getthelatestexclusivenews,connectonFacebookandTwitter,andstayintouch!

http://www.amazon.com/Turned-Book-1-Vampire-Journals-ebook/dp/B004KSQDEA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1387200376&sr=1-1&keywords=turned+morgan

https://www.amazon.com/Arena-Book-Survival-Trilogy-Morgan-ebook/dp/B01BW4490E?ie=UTF8&keywords=arena%201&qid=1463069089&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Heroes-Book-Sorcerers-ebook/dp/B00AFROVQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354568742&sr=1-1&keywords=a+quest+of+heroes

http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Dragons-Kings-Sorcerers-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00PQRJJY0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1SVEY7Y4CQC8CFMNNNP8


hero, traitor, daughter · 1/6/2019 · hero, traitor, daughter (book #6) ruler, rival, exile...

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