Chapter Forty-Five

Traveling through a tunnel from Gaya’s sacred woods to the Perimeter Road, Mikail recalls Ailor’s encouragement that Gaya is his home. After resting in Bramble and securing horses, Mikail rides toward Jeul, wavering only over whether the people will support him when he moves against Governor Yong.

As doubts rise, Aeri, Sora, and Royo reaffirm their loyalty, reminding Mikail that his home is with them. Entering Jeul, the group passes wanted posters of themselves but also sees Rose Palace dominating the city. Mikail resolves to force a public confrontation, aiming to expose that a Miat survives and to kill the governor.

They approach Keen Hill via the groundskeeper’s area to avoid heavy patrols. An older Gayan man recognizes Mikail yet offers tacit approval, signaling local support. The group climbs terraced gardens, repeatedly hiding from patrols as Mikail refuses to kill Gayans needlessly and decides to make a spectacle rather than a quiet assassination.

Reaching the Fountain of Life, Mikail laments the loss of the Flaming Sword but commits to using the Water Scepter to send a message. With his allies in position and the palace visible to the city, Mikail draws the scepter, its power answering him, and prepares to summon water to draw out Governor Yong for a decisive, public reckoning.