The journey back to the first seat-city wasn't a quiet one.
Ash Seat banners fluttered on the black city walls. The outer bridge had guards lined up ready and waiting. There wasn't any outright carnage but neither were they allowed to pass freely. Ravna led the company through the gate with the captain's sigil and muttered, "No touching your weapons unless someone gets hurt. Helvara enjoys her drama, not her dead."
Inside the city there were crown-stones and ash gardens. Bridges over dark waters and throne-rings in square formations. There were many eyes on the nine and Threshold women.
They were taken to the court of the Ash Seat.
On an elevated throne made of fused regalia Helvara sat tall with pale hair. Clad in regalia that was far more elegant than battle and twice as practical. Her eyes landed on Zeus immediately.
"You return with rim-strays after causing havoc in my cavalry." Helvara said.
