The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Forty-Two
Overview
Confronted with wanted posters naming them Tiyung’s murderers, the group denies the charge as Braya asserts control of the Temple. Braya expels Ronlo for breaking vows yet protects the seekers’ access to knowledge. She urges Mikail to reclaim Jeul, revealing its guards have left for Yusan, opening a path forward.
Summary
In the Temple of Knowledge, a priest confronts Aeri, Sora, Mikail, and Royo with wanted posters accusing them of murdering Tiyung. Royo insists Tiyung was their friend and imprisoned by King Joon, while Mikail argues the bounty serves Seok’s interests against Sora, the relic holders, and Mikail’s claim to Yusan’s throne.
Braya intervenes, summoning the Yoksa and publicly stripping Ronlo of his robes and access for breaking his vow of silence. When Ronlo claims neutrality to knowledge, Braya counters that their vows compel protection when knowledge is threatened. Ronlo is expelled and expected to report them.
Outside the repository, the group fears they’ve lost sanctuary. Braya reaffirms that sincere seekers of knowledge remain welcome and that the temple will not bow to political agendas. She warns Ronlo will inform the king’s guard but forbids Mikail from pursuing bloodshed.
Braya counsels Mikail—calling him Adoros—to inspire the island by reclaiming Jeul, reminding him the gods spared him for purpose. When Mikail objects about four thousand guards, Braya reveals they were summoned to Yusan weeks earlier, signaling a clear path to Jeul.
Who Appears
- BrayaTemple keeper who expels Ronlo, protects the group’s access to knowledge, and urges Mikail to reclaim Jeul.
- Mikail (Adoros)Relic bearer and claimant to Yusan’s throne; resists violence and learns Jeul’s guards are gone.
- AeriNarrator confronted by a bounty poster accusing her of murdering Tiyung; continues seeking knowledge.
- SoraShaken by the murder accusation but asserts they seek knowledge in the temple.
- RoyoDefends Tiyung’s memory and notes he was imprisoned; notably absent from the wanted poster.
- RonloPriest who broke his vow of silence; expelled after challenging Braya’s stance on neutrality.