An Ash Tear rippled into existence, stretching the fabric of reality until it ripped before stabilizing into an oval Gate, far larger than normal.

  That alone told Vir the identity of the one about to appear, well before the giant crouched and stepped through, standing to his full height once he emerged.

  It was thanks to Thaman that they’d had some difficulty selecting a suitable location. Not only did the room have to be private, hidden from prying eyes and ears, easy to guard and defend, but it also had to have a roof tall enough to accommodate a full size Bairan. Not an especially easy set of requirements.

  “Akh Nara, it is good to see you,” Raja Thaman said, bringing a fist to his chest. “As well as you, fair Rajni. Asuman.”

  Vir, Maiya, and Asuman all rose from their chairs and responded with the same Bairan greeting. Ashani, instead, replied with a nod and a smile.

  “You too, my friend,” Vir said. “I trust all is well in Baira?”

  “Quite well,” Thaman replied. “And about to be better, if I am not mistaken.”

  While Vir could tell that Thaman’s words were both heartfelt and genuine, in the past he would have made some jab about how Vir had worried him until his hair fell out, or some such.

  Now, however, his words were spoken with a distance that hadn’t been there before. Like so many others, Thaman no longer regarded him as a promising young Raja. He saw him as his superior.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Vir responded, trying not to show his disappointment.

  Thaman took his seat at the sole oversized chair in the room, setting his massive arms upon the round table.

  Vir had specifically commissioned the table for this very meeting, having been unable to locate any of the proper size and shape. Round tables of any shape were a rarity anywhere in the realm.

  The shape was crucial in his eyes, however. Vir did not wish to be regarded as a king of kings. Had the table been any other shape, Vir would have sat at the position of honor, thus establishing a power dynamic. One he did not want.

  Instead, he thought of the Rajas and Rajnis as equals and wished only to work hand in hand with the clans to build a better realm the likes of which none had imagined.

  Vir knew, however, that while one dream was possible, another was not. They would build that realm, but as Ashani’s existence and Thaman’s reaction had just proven, Vir doubted he would ever truly get the Rajas to treat him as one of them.

  Even still, he would do everything in his power to ensure that those around him could speak freely and bring him their troubles without fearing divine wrath or the displeasure of a god.

  The next to arrive was Lady Kira of the Panav. She wasn’t alone, however. Vir instantly recognized the black headed demon who followed her.

  Tara? Vir thought with surprise.

  This was a meeting of Rajas and Rajnis. Tara had not been invited.

  “Lady Kira,” Vir said, “I am pleased you were able to make it.”

  Kira returned his words with a smile full of amusement. “Allow me to express my relief and happiness at your miraculous return, Akh Nara. I would have gladly undertaken any journey to arrive here. You and the Goddess Ashani spoil us with these miraculous Gates of yours. To think crossing the realm could be as simple as stepping into my own bedchambers… I am honored to be in your presence, and I offer a thousand apologies for the harm and pain my actions have caused you.”

  “Please, do not feel that way,” Vir said. “You did what you did to protect your people under threat of blackmail by Matiman. I might very well have done the same, were I in your position. Let bygones be bygones, and let us begin this new era with a fresh start.”

  “You are most gracious, Akh Nara. The Panav will never forget this kindness,” Kira said, taking a seat while Tara stood awkwardly behind her. Vir gave her a questioning look, but Tara only scratched her neck and averted her eyes, looking very embarrassed.

  “I take it my granddaughter’s presence will not be an issue?” Kira asked.

  “Not at all,” Vir replied. “Tara has helped me and my people more than almost anyone else. We owe her an eternal debt of gratitude.”

  Tara flushed, looking even more flustered now. Anyone who hadn’t witnessed her ferocity on the battlefield, or her decisiveness when administering battlefield medical care, might have mistaken her for a meek girl out of place among these rulers.

  Vir knew better. Why she behaved this way now, he couldn’t fathom, but he was glad she was here.

  “Ashani, if you please?”

  “Of course,” the goddess replied. Closing the Gate to Vraj Parah, she summoned another. Opening into darkness, the location was almost pitch-black to the eye.

  But Vir saw differently. He saw the intricate prana carvings on the walls, the illumination provided not by light but by the essence of magic itself.

  A figure stepped through the gate, gangly and gray, awkward as ever. He scanned the room in silence, not quite meeting Vir’s gaze.

  “I am honored to have you here, Raja Sagun’Ra.”

  “The Iksana are pleased to attend,” he said, simply, showing none of the amazement Lady Kira Panav had.

  “The Iksana are as much a part of this realm as any other clan,” Vir replied. “Though the Iksana maintain their secretive ways, they are no less than any other clan in my eyes, or in the eyes of those assembled here today. Furthermore, we thank you for your contributions during the war to reclaim our rightful place. We could not have been successful without Ekat’Ma and her spies.”

  “This, I doubt,” Sagun’Ra croaked. “For a being who can return from the dead? What need have you of any of us?” He glanced at Asuman, who pursed his lips.

  “More than you think,” Vir said. “It is one thing to control one’s own actions. Another entirely to predict those of the enemy. A lesson I learned all too well. Your eyes and ears proved invaluable, and even now, Ekat’Ma provides an indispensable service for our clan, along with her group of elites.”

  “Against my wishes,” Sagun’Ra grumbled, but Vir knew well the Iksana Raja could have forced her to return had he wished. This was just Ra being Ra, and the Iksana being the Iksana. Saving face, even amongst friends.

  Having decided the conversation finished, the Iksana Raja crept into a seat beside Thaman, content to stare blankly at a wall.

  Ashani closed the Iksana Gate to open one last one, to the northernmost reaches of the realm. Cold air wafted through the moment it stabilized, and on the other side, within a dimly lit castle, a heartfire burned, playing long shadows across the walls.

  Jagath—the Raja Vir and Cirayus had once dueled—entered with his arms clasped behind his back, composed, confident, and in full fur armor, unlike the others, who’d opted for formal clothing.

  For a moment, he said nothing, simply surveying the room.

  “It would seem I am the last to arrive,” he said.

  “Well?” Thaman asked when he offered no more. “You going to exchange greetings? Or do you prefer to stand there like a statue?”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Jagath ignored the jab, his eyes moving from one Raja to the next. “I admit, I had not expected all of you to attend. Attempts have been made in the past, but never with every clan represented. Usually, such gatherings were nothing more than cabals formed in mutual defense against hostile clans,” the Raja’s eyes landed on Vir, “or to launch a raid against one in particular.”

  “Let me address the elephant in the room,” Vir said, “I have not forgiven you for aiding the Chitran in the downfall of my clan. I have not forgiven your role in the murder of my parents or the slaughter of my people. They say that forgiveness is the height of enlightenment, but some things can never be forgiven. I refuse to forget. Personally, I would like nothing more than to kill you now and replace you with someone who shares my vision of a better realm.”

  “Why don’t you?” Jagath said, raising his palms when Asuman, Thaman, and Kira bristled. “I do not mean those words in aggression. My question is genuine. You, who cheat death, who are joined by a living goddess, need only say a word, and my own people will rise up against me. My head would be on a pike not an hour after this meeting ends.”

  “Perhaps,” Vir said darkly. “Yet were I to do that, your kin would swear vengeance upon me. They would seek to end me for the rest of their days, consumed with hatred just as I was. And so, the cycle of bloodshed and regret will continue, plaguing and rotting our clans, as it did the Chitran.

  “As Sarvaak, son of Maion and Shari Garga, I wish you dead. However, as the Akh Nara—as the restorer of the realm—I am willing to let bygones be bygones, provided you do the same. For revenge between two people to cripple the future of an entire realm… is any feud worth that price?”

  Silence followed. Then, to everyone’s shock, Jagath bowed. Not a shallow nod, but a deep, respectful bow. While he did not kneel, the gesture carried a weight greater than anyone present could have expected. Even Vir felt the air shift.

  “The Aindri and the Chitran have supported each other for centuries,” Jagath continued. “Though it is no excuse for my actions, feeling an obligation to honor my debts to Matiman, I took up arms in his crusade against your people. Please understand—the Aindri bear no ill will toward the good folk of Clan Garga.” Then, in a lower voice, he added, “At times, honor compels us into wars we would rather have avoided. For this, you have my apologies, though I know full well that words ring hollow. Words, after all, do not bring back the dead.”

  Vir kept his silence, only nodding in response.

  “If you are willing to forgive this transgression, then Clan Aindri is more than willing to partake in this dream of yours. We would be fools not to, what with the benefits we have already seen your clan enjoy.”

  Though Jagath did not say it outright, everyone understood what he meant. There wasn’t a Raja in the room who didn’t want Saunak’s miracle invention for their own clans.

  “Then I call this meeting to order,” Vir said, voice heavy with authority. “I do not exaggerate when I say that this may very well be the most important congregation this realm has ever seen. There is much to discuss, so let us begin.”

  “Before that, if I may interrupt?” Kira asked, looking at Vir, who nodded.

  “I believe my granddaughter has a few words.”

  To everyone’s surprise, Kira rose from her seat, offering it to Tara.

  Tara stepped forward awkwardly. “Um, hello everyone. I’m, uh, kinda the Panav Rajni now. Actually, I have been for some time,” she said, glancing at Vir with guilt before looking away. “So, uh, nice to meet all of you? Not really a fan of etiquette, if you can’t tell. It’s why I’ve had Ajji handle this kind of thing.”

  Kira groaned, shutting her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose, as though barely fighting to retain her composure.

  The other Rajas weren’t so kind. The less courteous threw Kira looks of embarrassment, while Thaman averted his eyes, and Jagath coughed into his hand.

  Vir wondered just how long she’d been their Rajni. Surely not longer than this past year? Had she truly hidden her identity from him all this time? If so, he had to hand it to her—she’d hidden it masterfully. No wonder she had so much sway over her clan.

  But if that’s the case, what was she doing risking her life in our rebellion? Vir thought, before realizing that was exactly the sort of thing Tara Panav would do.

  “Again! Properly this time!” Kira hissed.

  Tara sighed but cleared her throat and spoke again, regardless. “Greetings, fellow Rajas,” Tara said flatly, as if reading from a script. “It is my honor to serve as Rajni of Panav. I hope we can work together for a brighter future.”

  Vir almost laughed. Not just at Tara’s blatant disregard for decorum, but at the sight of the other rajas struggling not to. Kira scolded her granddaughter again, but Vir stepped in before the situation could devolve any further.

  “I consider Tara not only a close ally, but a true friend. She has aided us more than anyone in this room, and both I and Clan Garga owe her a great debt,” he said firmly. “I am more than pleased to see her take this role. Though she may not act the part, I assure you, she has the mind and strength to become a true Rajni.”

  Vir’s words seemed to embolden her as she met the gazes of every Raja in the room. Everyone except Vir’s. Her eyes seemed to avoid him like the Ash itself.

  Unconventional though she was—a battle-monger in a clan of healers—Vir trusted her explicitly. She had the heart, the spark, and, though she hid it well, the wisdom to lead.

  Vir sat, and the other Rajas followed. Ashani remained standing behind his throne. A reminder to all present that Vir had her full support.

  “Firstly, let me assuage your concerns. I do not intend to turn Clan Garga into the most powerful clan in the realm. Far from it. I wish for us all to prosper together. The Garga will not expand their borders, nor will we hoard our innovations. Now that I have returned, there is no reason Ashani and Saunak cannot create as many Prana Fountains as needed to boost the prana levels in each of your clans.”

  Looks of hope and excitement crossed everyone’s face—even the normally implacable Sagun’Ra shuffled in his seat.

  “And in return?” Jagath asked. “What is it you seek?”

  “Your cooperation, for one. Your Ultimate Bloodline Arts, for the other.”

  Vir raised a hand to silence the open mouths that looked ready to spew rebuttals. “Once I have delivered on my promise of a realm more prosperous than ever before. Only then will I ask for your arts. Fair recompense, I believe?”

  “The Panav are ready to hand over Yuma’s Embrace immediately,” Tara said. “It’s yours, by right of your mother, and we should have given it long ago.”

  “As are the Chitran,” Asuman said. “It is the least we can do to make up for the pain Matiman caused your people.”

  “Thank you, Tara, Asuman,” Vir said, giving them a nod.

  Thaman shrugged. “I’d offer the same, but you already earned it.”

  “The Iksana would rather wait…” Sagun’Ra said, earning himself stares from everyone present. “However, we do not renege on promises made. Clarity was promised, and so it will be delivered.”

  “I am pleased to hear this,” Vir replied.

  All eyes turned to the lone remaining Raja.

  “You’ll have to forgive me for waiting until I see this new reality of yours.”

  “No forgiveness required,” Vir said. “Nor will we withhold anything from your clan in light of your decision. The plans for cutting crystals and Ashani’s services will be provided freely. However, as obtaining these crystals from the Ash involves both danger and cost, Clan Garga will charge a modest fee for each supplied.”

  “And so the coffers of Clan Garga swell,” Sagun’Ra muttered, echoing what everyone was undoubtedly thinking.

  “Yes,” Vir replied without hesitation. “But not Clan Garga’s coffers. Mine. Personally.”

  Tara arched a brow. “How is that any different? You are the Raja of Clan Garga, are you not?”

  “No, in fact,” Vir said. The room fell so silent, the sound of foot traffic outside could be heard. “I will be Raja in name only, by virtue of my upcoming marriage with the beautiful Rajni beside me. She will be the one to wield all the power associated with the position.”

  All eyes turned toward Maiya. If she felt the weight of their stares, she gave no sign, instead smiling with the confidence of a veteran leader.

  “My beloved seeks to unite and uplift this realm,” she said firmly. “He has neither the time nor inclination to manage the day-to-day affairs of Clan Garga.”

  Vir chuckled. “Ever the modest one, my Rajni. You’ll have to forgive her. The truth is that Maiya has done an extraordinary job of governing, as you have all witnessed firsthand. In my absence, she has not only stabilized a fragile nation, she forged peace with our greatest enemies, and fostered more prosperity than all the clan’s prior Rajas combined. I think all of you can attest to her success.”

  A ripple of nods and grunts passed through the assembled leaders.

  “Not just the Garga,” Asuman said. “The Chitran have never been so prosperous. We flourish as never before, and it is all thanks to Maiya’s efforts. We are delighted to see her efforts rewarded.”

  That admission seemed to shake Jagath more than anything else. His hardened gaze softened, even if only slightly.

  “Then it is settled. Now, as my first act,” Vir continued, “I will see to it that each of you receive Saunak’s invention, and the training to use it safely.”

  “I still cannot believe I’ll be entrusting the prosperity of my clan to that lunatic,” Kira muttered.

  “You’re not the only one,” Thaman grumbled.

  Kira gave a half-smile. “And yet, stranger things have happened, have they not? We sit here in the presence of not one, but two living deities. If ever there were an era of change—this is it.”

  To the surprise of all, it was Jagath who offered a counterpoint. “Saunak has sinned in the past. What better way to earn redemption than by serving the realm? Far better than casting aside such a brilliant mind.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Vir said. “With the wealth generated from his work, I intend to build roads, airships, and a network of Ash Gates. Capitals will connect by the Gates, while major towns will be serviced via airships. Smaller villages will benefit from the miles of roads we will lay, and ships will cover the rest. Trade will flow to the farthest corners of the realm. Each clan’s strength will lift each other on a level that none have ever imagined.

  “From Iksana mines to Bairan blacksmiths. Gargan scholars and Panav healers. Chitran architects to Aindri scouts—all accessible from anywhere, anytime. All but a step away. And make no mistake. This is but the beginning. I will build schools, feed the hungry, create work for the poor. There will be no lack of opportunity in this world we are about to shape.”

  With each declaration, the room grew stiller and more awed. Not even Jagath dared speak against him.

  “If this were anyone else,” Tara said at last, “I would’ve called it impossible. But it’s you, so…” Her lips curled into a grin. “I’m almost giddy at the thought of what the future holds.”

  Vir gave her a warm smile. “Then let us usher in an age the likes of which this realm has never dreamed. Let us show this realm and the next that we are united. Let us show them the strength of demonkind!”