The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Overview
In Rune’s study, Mikail and Aeri probe rumors about Oosant and reveal Seok’s laoli stores to bait Rune’s help. Rune refuses to let them travel independently, exposing his intent to control the relics and eliminate Royo. As tensions erupt outside, Sora leverages Misha’s arrival to whisk the group away toward the port.
Summary
In the count’s study, Rune notices Mikail’s bleeding sleeve, but Mikail downplays it. The group questions Rune about Oosant; Mikail hints Seok is storing vast laoli there, testing Rune’s knowledge and interest in the relics. Rune offers escort only on his terms, insisting Aeri and Mikail ride in his personal coach under guard.
Royo’s bluntness provokes Rune, who dismisses him; Sora also withdraws. Rune’s fixation on the relics becomes clear, and he forbids independent travel, planning immediate departure and effectively making Aeri and Mikail captives. Aeri feigns agreement to buy time.
Rune reveals his cruelty by dismissing Aeri’s feelings and indicating he will “dispose” of Royo after the wedding. Shouting from outside draws attention; Fallador prompts Mikail to leave so he can confer privately with Rune. Rune orders Mikail to see a healer as he exits.
Outside, Royo and Aeri argue loudly while Sora tries to calm them. Misha, Rune’s new courtesan, appears with her carriage and scolds the scene. Sora signals the others; they silently coordinate with Misha.
The group—Aeri, Royo, Sora, and Mikail—climb into Misha’s carriage on the far side, exchange a subtle nod with Misha, and flee toward the Port of Rahway as Mikail watches for pursuing guards.
Who Appears
- MikailNarrator; tests Rune about Oosant, hides injury, recognizes Rune’s control, joins the escape.
- RuneCount of Rahway; covets the relics, denies free travel, plans to eliminate Royo, schedules departure.
- AeriRelic queen; plays along with Rune’s demands, argues with Royo, joins Sora’s coordinated escape.
- SoraStrategist; calms tensions and orchestrates the group’s covert flight using Misha’s carriage.
- RoyoStrongman; disrespected by Rune, argues with Aeri, threatens to quit, escapes with the group.
- FalladorAdvisor; engineers a private moment with Rune by nudging Mikail to step out.
- MishaRune’s courtesan; arrives with a carriage and discreetly facilitates the group’s escape.