The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Two
Overview
Sora and Royo briefly leave a sleeping Aeri to blend into Berm, confronting grief and Aeri’s secrecy. A suspicious innkeeper unsettles Sora. Near a Yusanian garrison, they spot Gambria speaking with king’s guard and rush back, fearing betrayal and Aeri’s vulnerability, escalating distrust within the group.
Summary
At dawn in Berm, Sora abandons a restless attempt at sleep while keeping watch over an exhausted Aeri. Outside her door, she finds Royo pacing, brittle with worry and heartbreak. They decide to step out briefly so Sora can find local clothes and avoid attention.
Downstairs, a deferential desk girl gives directions, but the innkeeper’s fixed stare chills Sora, renewing her sense of being prey in a Yusanian territory. As Sora and Royo walk through the humid, seaside city, they speak frankly: Royo feels betrayed by Aeri’s secrecy, while Sora argues Aeri hid the Sands of Time to protect him and others from torture and exploitation.
Failing to find a dress shop, they inadvertently approach a hilltop Yusanian garrison. They turn away to avoid notice, but Sora recognizes Gambria’s laugh and sees her speaking with king’s guard, triggering immediate alarm. The sight clashes with Mikail’s assurances of Gambria’s loyalty and raises the stakes around Aeri’s two relics.
Fearing Aeri is alone and exposed, Sora signals Royo and they hurry off, then break into a run once out of sight. Their sprint back to the inn underscores mounting distrust and the precariousness of their position in Berm.
Who Appears
- SoraPOV; leaves Aeri sleeping, debates Aeri’s secrecy with Royo, spots Gambria with king’s guard, urges a rushed return.
- RoyoAnxious and heartbroken; accompanies Sora, questions Aeri’s secrecy, then runs back fearing Aeri’s danger.
- GambriaSeen speaking with Yusanian king’s guard near the garrison, prompting suspicion and urgency.
- AeriAsleeps at the inn; holder of the Sands of Time and Golden Ring, vulnerable while unattended.
- InnkeeperStares unsettlingly at Sora in the lobby, heightening her sense of danger.
- Desk girlProvides directions to a dress shop; brief, helpful interaction.
- Yusanian king’s guardGarrisoned in Berm; seen conversing with Gambria, potential threat to the group.