Contents
Chapter 16. Now: Luca
Overview
Before dawn, Luca learns Roskia will arrive at camp and hurries to pray in the Illyrium. A detained “thief” from the Lower City is revealed to be Maris, injured after attempting escape. Realizing the danger if she’s recognized, Luca orders his tribune to hide and care for her as Roskia enters the city.
Summary
Woken before dawn by his tribune, Luca learns Roskia is due at sunrise. Recognizing he may miss his routine, Luca goes to the Illyrium to pray, reflecting on his talisman and his belief that only one person truly needs protection.
There, a messenger reports a thief caught in the Lower City has been brought to the Illyrium. Luca investigates, wary of Roskia’s harsh discipline and the bridge “trophies.” In a makeshift cell, he finds the prisoner: Maris, bruised and bloodied from an attempted escape toward the river. Her presence shocks him, and he masks his reaction from his men.
After dismissing the guards, Luca and Maris silently register each other. The tribune interrupts to announce Roskia’s arrival, heightening the risk that someone from the Citadel District will recognize Maris. Calculating the danger, Luca orders the tribune to take Maris to his tent, clean her up, feed her, and keep her hidden from everyone.
Luca leaves the Illyrium to face the day as the sun rises over the besieged city, physically parting from Maris but keeping her safety foremost as Roskia arrives, tightening the noose around both the camp and their secret.
Who Appears
- LucaCenturion; prays at dawn, discovers Maris imprisoned, and secretly orders her hidden before Roskia’s arrival.
- Maris CasperiaCaptured in the Lower City; injured while fleeing toward the river; recognized by Luca and concealed.
- The TribuneLuca’s attentive aide; wakes him, notes his prayers, and is tasked to hide and care for Maris.
- NeatusLegionnaire who reports the captured thief; unsure of her identity and defers to Luca’s judgment.
- RoskiaFeared commander whose arrival compels Luca to conceal Maris to prevent recognition and retribution.