The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Overview
Fallador arrives at the Rose Palace as Rune’s envoy, offering soldiers to back Mikail’s rule and Gaya’s independence in exchange for Mikail’s support of Rune’s Yusan claim and seasonal tribute. He warns that Wei’s steel fleet will target the Water Scepter, urging an alliance.
Mikail rejects dependence on Yusan, entertains the risk of sinking fleets, and rebuffs a quick answer. He declares Fallador a political prisoner to delay, signaling defiance and isolation as war pressures mount.
Summary
In the Rose Palace throne room, Royo observes Mikail seated like a king beside Aeri, with Sora, Tiyung, Teo, and Calier present. Fallador enters as envoy, admits past deception in coordinating with Rune, and presents himself contrite yet purposeful. He reports Rune’s army—claimed 15,000, likely nearer 10,000—waiting outside Tamneki.
Fallador offers an alliance: Rune will recognize Mikail as Gaya’s rightful ruler and deploy troops to secure the island or aid after the siege of Qali Palace. In return, Mikail must back Rune’s bid for Yusan’s throne and pay seasonal laoli tribute with free trade.
Aeri probes Rune’s intentions; Fallador insists Rune remains unaffiliated but pragmatic, planning to strike after others are weakened. Mikail asks Fallador’s counsel; Fallador argues Qali’s outcome is irrelevant to Gaya compared to the looming Weian threat. With Priest King Uol dead and Uolson discredited by losses—including the Dragon Lord relic—Wei’s steel fleet will likely come for the Water Scepter, so Gaya needs a powerful ally.
Mikail counters that he could sink the Weian fleet; Fallador, terrified, warns such etherum use would kill Mikail, citing Quu Harbor’s water bearers. Mikail rejects living beholden to Yusan and laoli, refusing a future as a client ruler. He claims he will consider the offer, though his companions sense he will not.
When Fallador presses for a sunset answer, Mikail declares him a hostage, forbidding his departure to buy time and leverage. Fallador accepts his role as a “political prisoner,” and Mikail orders him housed and fed, cementing a stand that favors independence over entangling alliances.
Who Appears
- Mikail (Adoros Miat)De facto ruler in Gaya’s throne room; rejects dependence on Yusan, considers extreme use of Water Scepter, detains Fallador.
- FalladorRune’s envoy; confesses past deception; offers alliance and warns of Weian threat; becomes Mikail’s political prisoner.
- RoyoPOV narrator; skeptical of Fallador and Rune; provides observations on the throne room meeting.
- AeriSits as queen figure with relics; questions Rune’s allegiances; alarmed by Mikail’s lethal etherum talk.
- SoraObserves the parley; shocked by Mikail’s willingness to die using the Water Scepter.
- Tiyung (Ty)Present adviser; his prior counsel frames the group’s view of Rune’s pragmatism.
- TeoAlly standing guard; stunned by court tensions during Fallador’s proposal.
- CalierAlly at the doors; shares Teo’s unease as the political confrontation escalates.