Contents
Chapter 32. Now: Luca
Overview
Luca navigates tensions with Asinia over Théo’s risky mission while Vale, uneasy, finalizes plans to evacuate Citadel citizens and assault at sunset. Luca conceals Maris’s presence, straining trust. A sudden bombardment from outside the walls reveals an approaching green-clad army: Valshad, shifting the war’s stakes immediately.
Summary
Luca approaches the Illyrium library and is blocked by Asinia, who demands Théo’s whereabouts. Luca insists Théo is following orders, and Asinia’s fear for his lover underscores the risk. Vale summons Luca inside, where he inventories arms and worries something feels wrong. They order more archers and restrict falcons to prevent messages leaving the tower.
Walking the camp, Vale confirms the plan: at dawn, citizens in the Citadel District may evacuate; by sunset, the New Legion will take the Citadel. Luca questions Roskia’s reliability and senses zeal fraying the ranks. In Vale’s tent, they reaffirm survival for one more day. Vale confronts Luca for hiding that Maris is in the city; Luca admits the danger of their secret vows, while promising he is with Vale.
A distant war horn interrupts them. Racing to the Illyrium’s rooftop, they witness ballista stones arcing over the western wall, smashing the Lower City. This attack is not from the Loyal Legion inside but from outside the walls. Vale moves to the gates, organizing defenses as archers climb to position.
Luca climbs the wall to scout. Through smoke, he sees hundreds of soldiers in green tunics forming on the hills, their gold-tipped standards unmistakable. The stories of the Old War come alive before him: the force approaching Isara is Valshad.
Who Appears
- LucaNew Legion leader; manages tensions, hides Maris’s presence, scouts the wall, and recognizes Valshad’s approaching army.
- ValeCommander; uneasy yet decisive, finalizes evacuation and assault plans, organizes defenses amid the sudden outside bombardment.
- AsiniaTribune; confronts Luca about Théo, posts archers, and raises the alarm when the gates come under attack.
- ThéoLuca’s tribune on a risky mission; his absence alarms Asinia and heightens personal stakes.
- MarisMagistrate and Luca’s secret wife; her presence in the city complicates Luca’s loyalties and choices.
- RoskiaInfluential legionnaire; a potential liability or asset as zeal rises in the ranks.
- ConsulOpponent in control of the Citadel; party to the citizen evacuation agreement.
- ValshadGreen-clad army from old tales; arrives outside the walls and bombards the city.