The message arrived at the palace one morning, carried by a three-eyed raven. Kael read it in the study, Kira standing beside him, Drakk seated across.
"What is it?" asked Kira.
"A summons."
"From whom?"
"The Ten Kings. Well, the other nine."
"For what purpose?"
"A meeting. A banquet. A council."
Drakk straightened.
"The Council of Kings."
"Yes."
"I thought it no longer convened."
"It convenes when a king demands it. And apparently, several are demanding it."
Kael handed over the message. Kira read it aloud.
"Demon King of the Neverdie Realm. The Council of Kings is convened. The Moon of Ashes. The Sanctuary of Oaths. You are expected. Ancient law applies."
"The Sanctuary of Oaths," Kira repeated. "That's where the kings have always gathered."
"Yes," said Drakk. "A building protected by an ancient spell. No one can shed blood there."
"Why now?" asked Kira.
"Because I defeated Maëldor. Because I subjugated the Vorlath. Because I have become a power again."
"They want to test you."
"Yes. But they also want to talk."
"And you're going?"
Kael stood.
"Yes."
"That's risky."
"It's necessary. If I refuse, I'll be seen as a coward."
"And if it's a trap?"
"The Sanctuary forbids violence. Even the kings respect that rule."
"Why?"
"Because the spell was cast by the Sorcerer King. And no one has ever managed to replicate it."
Kira shook his head.
"I don't like this."
"Neither do I. But I'll go."
"Alone?"
"No. With an escort."
"I'm coming."
"Obviously."
Drakk stood in turn.
"I'll prepare the provisions. The journey will take several days."
"Which route?"
"The Ash Road. It's safer now."
"Good."
"And Serya?"
"She stays here. She's too fragile."
"Thorgar?"
"He'll defend the kingdom."
"So you leave with Kira."
"Yes. And a dozen soldiers."
"That's few."
"It's enough."
Drakk inclined his head.
"Prepare yourselves. The Council of Kings does not forgive imprecision."
"I know."
---
The following days were devoted to preparations. Kael chose his clothes, his weapons, his words. He reread the notebook, especially the pages on ancient rituals. The Sanctuary of Oaths was mentioned there. A place outside time, built by the Sorcerer King, the first and greatest of the demon kings.
"Do you know what they say about that place?" Kira asked one evening.
"Several things."
"They say time flows differently there. That oaths made there are eternal. And that the spell prevents all betrayal."
"That's true. As long as you're inside."
"And outside?"
"Outside, anything becomes possible again."
"So the Sanctuary is a truce. Not a peace."
"Exactly."
"Do you know what you're going to say?"
"I'll know when I see their faces."
"And if Maëldor is there?"
"He will be. He has to be."
"He holds a grudge against you."
"He lost. He knows what that means."
"He might seek revenge."
"Then he'll die."
Kira smiled.
"You're always so reassuring."
"It's my job."
They spent one last night in the palace. Kael slept little. He reread the notebook, lingering on the sketches, the spells, the poems. Then he closed his eyes.
Tomorrow, the Council.
Tomorrow, the kings.
Tomorrow, the future.