The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Overview
Mikail searches Rose Palace and finds blood, then bullies the staff for answers until Aeri stops him. A stable boy’s red plume reveals Seok’s agents took Sora and Tiyung toward Qali. Forced to bargain, Mikail accepts Rune’s terms and keeps Fallador as collateral, suspecting an insider leak and bracing for Yusan’s move.
Summary
Mikail returns to his chambers at Rose Palace and, fearing betrayal, searches for signs of Sora and Tiyung. At the watchtower he finds blood and signs of a swift, disciplined abduction. He weighs suspects—Rune, bounty hunters, or Seok—while fighting anger and the dangerous pull of the Flaming Sword and Water Scepter.
He summons the household and, with Aeri and Royo present, threatens the staff when none speak. As he menaces a chambermaid to force confessions, Aeri confronts him, insisting fear will not yield truth and urging focus on likely destinations: Rune’s camp or Qali Palace.
A stable boy steps forward with a red plume found at the steps. Mikail and Aeri recognize it as Qali’s sign, concluding Seok’s men took Sora and Tiyung. Mikail dismisses the staff and, chastened by his own cruelty, resolves to reward the maid and boy but doubts his fitness to rule.
Seeking leverage, Mikail orders Fallador to accept Rune’s terms while remaining as collateral. After Teo and Duval withdraw, Mikail, Aeri, and Royo assess the stakes: with Joon dead and Seok’s heir unsecured, Yusan will strike. The timing suggests Calier’s message or another traitor enabled the snatch. Mikail vows to survive and recover Sora and Tiyung.
Who Appears
- Mikail (Adoros Miat)POV; searches for Sora and Tiyung, threatens staff, deduces Seok took them, accepts Rune’s terms, keeps Fallador as collateral.
- AeriChecks Mikail’s rage, redirects the inquiry, identifies Qali as destination, urges loyalty over fear.
- FalladorReports the scream, counsels Mikail to reward staff, tasked to send acceptance to Rune; remains as collateral.
- RoyoSupports Mikail and Aeri; presses for next steps and recovery plan.
- Stable boyProduces the red plume that reveals Seok/Qali involvement in the abduction.
- CookPleads for his daughter, confirms he heard nothing, highlighting the abductors’ precision.
- Chambermaid (Yulia)Used as leverage by Mikail; released after Aeri intervenes.
- TeoGrieving ally; withdraws after orders, remains a trusted supporter.
- DuvalYoung guard proven in the mission; now among Mikail’s most trusted.
- SoraAbsent; abducted, central to Mikail’s decisions and urgency.
- TiyungAbsent; abducted with Sora, potential link to Seok and suspected betrayal.