The merchants knew that the bandit problem would end. But they also knew that the western roads would be painted with blood before that happened. And some of that blood might belong to innocent people caught in the crossfire.
"Sera," King Eric said from his throne, his voice carrying warmth and absolute authority in equal measure, "we welcome your assistance. Your power will be invaluable."
Aurelius's expression remained neutral, but there was something in his eyes. He was calculating probabilities and outcomes with cold precision.
Sera bowed, a gesture that made people uncomfortable.
"It will be my pleasure, Your Majesty," she said, and something in her tone made it seem like she meant that in ways that extended far beyond simple duty.
The bodies she left behind weren't just dead; they were destroyed, desecrated, transformed into warning messages written in gore and viscera.
And most importantly, she liked to bathe in the blood of her enemies for some reason.
-------
