---
Tavon
---
As I’m carried off into the deep blue, I can’t feel my own weight. Two female Heracla carry me through the skies in front of hundreds of people. As I’m flown from the zekomata into what was once a sprawling orchestra of winged musicians, it feels like every member of the Heracla race has their eye on me. Before I reach the Queen, a soldier approaches with four golden manacles, latches them around my wrists and ankles, and puts me in chains as the guards holding me up by my arms proceed to bring me before a massive throne. And, for the first time, I’m able to see Queen Zemfira as clear as day.
The Sun sets behind a colossal, winged body decked out in long, white robes that are decorated with black and gold embroidery around the collar that runs down each sleeve. I see the
