The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Seventy-One
Overview
Royo oversees beach fortifications at Gaya as Weian ships loom offshore, while tensions over Sora’s abduction strain him and Aeri. A sudden reappearance of sacred rose-wreathed columns signals divine favor, prompting reverence from Mikail and his men. Mikail sets a midnight supper before departure, and Royo and Aeri openly reconcile, shifting their bond toward romance.
Summary
On Charm Beach, Royo spends the day directing locals to erect wooden spike shelters and archer cover, matching Rune’s soldiers as Gaya braces for the Weian fleet visible in the harbor. The labor offers Royo relief from helplessness over Sora’s capture, yet fuels his fury at Seok and anxiety for Aeri’s safety.
Royo reflects on mounting friction among himself, Aeri, and Mikail since Sora’s abduction. He wrestles with guilt for shielding Aeri during the naval attack, even as he insists protection is his duty. As sunset falls, he returns to Rose Palace intending to bathe and avoid more conflict.
At the palace entrance, Royo notices two great columns newly wreathed in blooming roses. He summons Mikail, Teo, and Aeri. Mikail, Teo, and Fallador kneel, recognizing the manifestation as a sign of the goddess long absent from the palace, while Aeri marvels at the flowers.
Mikail, heartened, announces a midnight supper before their departure, implying imminent engagement with the Weian threat. The omen steadies morale and suggests divine favor for their stand in Gaya.
After the others withdraw, Royo apologizes to Aeri for overprotecting her. Aeri admits she was mostly angry at herself after the night’s losses, acknowledging Royo’s intent to keep her safe. Royo confesses she is “the most valuable thing in the world” to him; Aeri rejects the “strictly-friends” frame, takes his hand, and they walk inside together, reconciled and newly intimate.
Who Appears
- RoyoNarrator leading beach fortifications; struggles with guilt; discovers the rose omen; reconciles with Aeri and confesses deeper feelings.
- AeriOn the overlook aiding preparations; marvels at the roses; accepts Royo’s apology and reciprocates his feelings.
- MikailArrives at the columns, recognizes the goddess’s sign, lifts morale, and announces a midnight supper before departure.
- TeoAccompanies Mikail with a limp; kneels at the rose omen, affirming its divine significance.
- FalladorWitnesses the rose-wreathed columns and kneels, echoing reverence shown by Mikail and Teo.