Contents
Chapter 44. Now: Luca
Overview
At the newly opened gates, Luca and Vale meet Valshad’s General Viria and a notable young legionnaire. Vale declares the Consul and Magistrates dead and asserts control. He bluffs that Isara holds a living Priestess, forcing Viria to allow safe civilian passage, though Valshad vows to take the city next.
Summary
Luca stands at Isara’s gates as they open for the first time in months, his thoughts fixed on Maris and how the siege has changed him. He and Vale step beyond the walls, leaving their legion behind, into the vast emptiness beyond the city.
On a hill, they meet Valshad’s General Viria and a young, battle-worn legionnaire archer. Vale introduces himself as Commander of the New Legion and Luca as Centurion. When Viria demands the Consul or a Magistrate, Vale announces both are dead and that Isara’s leadership now rests with him.
Pressed on Valshad’s prior deal with the Consul, Vale refuses to honor a traitor’s promises. The young legionnaire condemns Isara’s past exploitation, claiming Valshad’s industry armed their revenge. Vale counters by declaring the gates will open for evacuation and threatens to kill the Priestess if Valshad interferes, using a bluff as leverage.
Viria hesitates, weighing the cost of defying the gods, and the tension tightens between the commanders. After a silent exchange with the legionnaire, Viria concedes safe passage for Isara’s citizens. He warns that when the gates open again, Valshad will take the city, setting the stage for the final confrontation.
Who Appears
- Luca (Centurion Matius)Narrator; meets Valshad’s envoy, holds firm under scrutiny, and backs Vale’s bluff to secure safe passage.
- Vale (Saturian)Commander of the New Legion; declares the old regime dead, bluffs about a Priestess, wins evacuation terms.
- General ViriaValshad commander; arrives to enforce a deal with the Consul, ultimately agrees to safe passage while vowing conquest.
- Unnamed Valshad legionnaireYoung archer; denounces Isara’s exploitation, influences Viria, and embodies Valshad’s resolve for revenge.