The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Ten
Overview
News bells announce the king’s death, unsettling the group and triggering debate over a likely usurper. Mikail commits to reaching Rahway quickly by sea and river using the Water Scepter to secure soldiers and clarity. Sora’s hatred of Seok hardens, while Mikail privately fixates on Joon’s monsoon deadline as a hidden clue.
Summary
Royo hears bells in Cetil and panics when he realizes Sora and Aeri have left the orchard. He finds them returning with news: the town crier proclaimed, “The king is dead! Long live the king.” Relieved yet angry, Royo brings them back to the others.
When Aeri repeats the announcement, the group reacts with dread rather than triumph. Mikail suspects a usurpation and doubts King Joon truly died, noting that the crown complicates the claim. The group weighs candidates, with Sora naming Seok and others adding Rune; Sora’s hatred of Seok is palpable.
Mikail decides they must go to Rahway to secure soldiers and assess who holds the throne. He argues for speed and safety through power, proposing to travel by sea around Yusan and up the Tan River into Lake Garda using the Water Scepter, despite the others’ reluctance.
At the market, tension lingers. Royo drifts toward weapons while recalling Rune’s past advice to surrender in the arena. Mikail confides to Fallador that Joon’s deadline—returning the ring before monsoon’s end—was likely a clue, though he cannot place it. He asks Fallador not to alert the others, especially Aeri.
As the group prepares to move, Royo notes Sora’s distance from Mikail and Aeri’s hollow smile. He closes the scene by buying a battle-axe, steeling himself for the dangerous push to Rahway.
Who Appears
- RoyoNarrator; panics over Sora and Aeri’s absence, relays news, recalls Rune’s arena advice, and buys a battle-axe.
- MikailStrategist with the Water Scepter; suspects a usurper, commits to Rahway via water, and puzzles over Joon’s monsoon deadline.
- SoraBrings news of the king’s death; avoids Mikail, openly hates Seok, and readies to move with the group.
- AeriReturns with Sora; questions trusting Rune, appears hollow, and factors into Mikail’s guarded concerns.
- FalladorConfidant to Mikail; discusses the monsoon deadline clue and nearly reaches for Mikail’s hand.
- GambriaSeeks direction, wary of using the scepter, and prepares to depart with the group.
- Wrinkled weapons merchantMarket seller who confronts Royo, prompting Royo to purchase a battle-axe.