The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Seventy-Three
Overview
Mikail leads a pared group from Rose Palace to Charm Beach, where Rune’s luxuriant war tent anchors Gaya’s assembled rebellion. Through the night they await Seok’s fleet. Fallador privately reveals Sora and allies are aboard Seok’s flagship, complicating Mikail’s plan to sink it. At dawn’s edge, war drums announce the attack.
Summary
After a quiet final supper, Mikail, Aeri, Teo, Royo, and Duval leave Rose Palace for Charm Beach, accepting that the coming battle will change everything. Riding through Jeul’s gate, Mikail notes Governor Yong’s headless body and reflects on the heads of Yong and Joon cast to sea—proof victories don’t end tyranny. With Fremo dead, Duval leads the rebellion, and thousands converge to fight for Gaya.
On the road, Mikail orders Teo to watch Rune and Fallador. Teo, grieving his dead brother and ashamed of another brother’s betrayal, seeks punishment, but Mikail refuses, stressing that betrayal is personal, not inherited. The column reaches Rune’s field headquarters before dawn.
Inside Rune’s lavish tent, generals deliver lengthy reports while servants circulate and musicians play. Suspicious of poison without Sora, they refuse refreshments. As strategizing stretches past three bells, Mikail yields the tabletop planning to Aeri and steps outside to gauge the quiet predawn.
Fallador follows and, after sending Teo back in, confides that trusted sources confirm Mikail’s friends are aboard Seok’s ship. Mikail realizes the tip likely comes via Gambria and recognizes the dilemma: sinking the flagship could kill Sora, yet sparing it risks Seok. He weighs Quilimar’s possible motives as the sky lightens.
Before further deliberation, scouts beat the war drums. The delayed Yusan fleet approaches with dawn, a timing error Mikail hopes to exploit. He heads back into the tent as the long-anticipated battle for Gaya begins.
Who Appears
- MikailKing and relic host; leads forces to Charm Beach, coordinates with Rune, learns Sora is on Seok’s ship.
- FalladorShares critical intelligence that Sora and allies are aboard Seok’s flagship, complicating Mikail’s strategy.
- AeriAdvises on battlefield contingencies, taking an active role in strategy discussions.
- TeoBodyguard grieving his brother’s death, ashamed of another brother’s betrayal; assigned to watch Rune and Fallador.
- RuneHosts command tent, relays reports on Seok’s movement, leads strategic planning with his generals.
- DuvalLeads the rebellion after Fremo’s death; helps secure the command tent and Mikail’s safety.
- RoyoAccompanies Mikail’s party to the war council and remains alert during preparations.
- SeokApproaches Gaya with a fleet; allegedly holds Sora and allies aboard his flagship.
- SoraMissing ally reportedly held on Seok’s ship, forcing Mikail to reconsider sinking the flagship.
- GambriaImplied source of intelligence from Qali; her motives and loyalties remain uncertain.