Chapter twenty
The Empress Thyllis of HamalFar-reaching changes had taken place in Ruathytu during my absence, for I had been away some time as the invading armies approached the capital. For one thing, Pundhri the Serene was in the city and preaching, for the exposition of his philosophy approached the preacher’s art and fire. For another, only the great Arena remained in use; slaves had become too valuable to slaughter by the carload as in the old days. The number of fighting men had increased significantly, both mercenaries and swods of the iron legions. Also, aerial strength was marked by its absence. Here were clear signs of the high command’s plan in operation. Seg would have to face the final onslaught and face many more adversaries than we had calculated.
The odd and annoying out
