92 South

Riding ichneumons led by Ninuru and Jeda, Esbar and Tunuva race toward Nzene as wyverns darken the western sky and Jotenya burns. They pass Kediko’s hastily built mountain fortifications and enter a city bracing for siege, where citizens arm themselves and survivors crowd the gates.

Gashan Janudin greets them, proposing unity with the Priory to defend Lasia. She reports Jotenya’s fall and Nzene’s peril, with only four and a half thousand soldiers for some two hundred thousand trapped civilians. Privately, Gashan reveals an ancient tablet she believes came with Suttu the Dreamer, describing a comet due imminently. Tunuva connects this to sterren, the power that once weakened her fire, suggesting the comet could diminish wyrm might.

Esbar demands Kediko’s stance. In a tense audience, the High Ruler offers hollow courtesy, belittles the Priory’s achievements, and goads them to prove themselves by slaying Dedalugun, while declining to lead. Gashan pulls Esbar away before the exchange turns violent.

On the terrace above Nzene, Esbar and Tunuva accept the stakes: if the comet comes, it may help; if not, they will fight regardless. They resolve to bring down Dedalugun or die together under the Lasian sun, readying the Priory and allies for the city’s defense.