And I, Llun of Vasyllia, will bring down the retribution of the Heights on fallen Vasyllia. The stars shall weep blood, the immortal one shall hold the lifeblood of the worlds in the palm of his hand, and the Realms themselves will hold their breath for utter terror. But in that day, the truth will become known at last. And the fire-born will brave the seventh baptism to demand vengeance from the Throne of the Most High himself.
—From “The Prophecy of Llun” (The Sayings, Book XXIII, 10:3-6)
CHAPTER SEVEN
The ChoiceWhen Llun came to himself, he was no longer in the cage, but in a simple prison cell. He lay on a straw pallet on a wooden ledge. A pitcher of water was at his feet. He attacked the pitcher, spilling much of the contents on the ground in his haste. His hands shook, and he was
