Atty glanced around at the people watching them. Everyone was festively dressed. This was a celebration, and she knew without a doubt that it had nothing to do with the Battle Lords descending upon Alta Novis.
Standing a full head taller than the crowd was Zane Batuset, the Battle Lord of the neighboring compound of Foster City, and a stout ally. He wore a silly grin on his bearded face. In front of him was Cavender, the knifesmith, with his family in attendance. She caught sight of Tory and Fortune nearby, and a bubble of laughter rose in her throat. Everywhere she looked, she saw people whom she considered to be friends. Without question, she knew they were gathered here because of something Yulen had planned.
Planned without her knowledge.
“Atrilan.”
She turned back around to face h
