awhile before the leader raised his hand and they slowed down before they stopped. He turned, purple eyes running across the landscape as if expecting s

ft arm hung loosely from his body, his armor in tatters and he had multiple stab wounds. But even as Zamu looked, the wounds began to hea

saw and he looked at the wounded man who showed no evidence of his fight except for his battered armor which was slowly regrowing itself as well. He loo

tire marketplace was a confusing but fascinating mixture of haggling and argument. Zamu heard it from far and it comforted him a little. Rankers were just

er hands. The Tije ignored her and continued moving as she lay down, frozen with fear. In the distance, he could see the three towers that were called 'okwute'; a name from old tongue. They final

hooting from the ground upwards. They were so tall, they seemed to touch the dark clouds and were lit with Flatlight, a technology that was only understood by high scholars and used by

certain positions around the compound. These seemed different from those at the reservations. They seemed harder, stronger, more dangerous. He shuddered slightly. The men dismounted and he was

e said and Zamu nodded. Resi came to stand beside him a

was lit by Flatlight on each side. The hallway was decorated with finely crafted masks, engravings and breathtaking pottery. They walked to a large, heavy, wooden, black door manned by two female guards. They nodded at the Tije and pushed the door

se eyes had widened to impossible proportions, her hand on her breast. The Tije swept a low bow before the man on the throne and he beamed at them. He had a certain air

usical voice. He turned to Zamu. He had a certain fluidity of movement that made it

rised. He did not know what to make of this differential treatment and from the prince of the empire himself. It was too much for h

him as if she didn't believe her own e

looked into the red eyes and saw, beneath the smoothness and beauty, a darkness

this?" He asked and the man simply laughed

take it?" He asked and

o of my brothers." He said and Zamu saw the prince's eyes h

out, the doors shutting behind him. Zamu suddenly felt wary but at the same time he felt utte

d and came to stand before Zamu. Zamu shrank back from t

ness?" He said and Tuli

" He asked and rested a hand on her shoulder. Zamu felt himself stiffen as h

d his head slightly to the side, closing his eye

My servants will attend to you. Rest, sleep, eat. We will talk tomorrow

Another four stood behind Resi. A woman stepped up to him. She had light brow

He turned to look at Tuli who had a far off look on his face, ignoring them completely. He turned to Resi and she looked at him

d, flashing a beautiful smile at him. She held