The horns of crowns on the outer bridges.
The rival thrones had stopped waiting.
As the inner blades of Helvara formed to fight, the first of the opposing markers fell across the corpse markets on the western side of the arena. Not just one force had attacked. Three forces attacking from different angles. A lighter seat house with ash coloured banners. Ossuary brokers with gold bone banners. And a black line in no living colours. Three thrones marching. The wet sands of Helvara were still drying after the beasts.
"It was planned," Athena said.
"Of course it was! A continuity seed being identified openly is a valuable target. If you don't secure my centre bridges, this whole city will be lost."
The war-bond company had no time to rest. They were thrown straight into the street fighting.
