They left at dawn. Kael rode at the head, dressed in black, his cloak billowing in the cool wind. Kira stayed beside him, silent, eyes fixed on the horizon. Behind them, ten elite soldiers formed a discreet escort, ready for anything.
The Ash Road stretched eastward, bordered by black lands and hills worn by ancient battles. The sky hung low, heavy with red clouds. The air smelled of hot stone and metal.
"Is the Sanctuary still far?" asked Kael.
"Two days, perhaps three," replied Kira.
"Have you ever been there?"
"No. But I've read the old accounts."
"What do they say?"
"That the Sanctuary is built on a hill of black glass. That one reaches it through an avenue of statues. And that each statue represents a dead king."
"Dead?"
"Yes. All those who betrayed or fell."
"Charming."
"It's meant to remind that power forgives nothing."
"Nothing forgives."
They rode for a long time. The road crossed ruins, stone bridges, silent villages. The few inhabitants bowed as they passed, without a word.
On the second day, they reached the foothills of a dark mountain range. A light mist floated at ground level. And atop the highest hill, a structure stood.
The Sanctuary.
Kael stopped.
"It's larger than I thought."
"It's a place outside time," said Kira.
"It looks like a tomb."
"Perhaps it is."
They resumed their route. The avenue of statues began. Ancient kings, carved from black stone, faces turned toward the sky. Some brandished weapons. Others reached out their hands. A few wept.
"They're magnificent," said Kael.
"And terrifying."
"It's the same."
At the end of the avenue, the doors opened.
A vast hall, lit by braziers of blue fire. Stone tables, high seats, ancient drapes. And already, several kings were present.
Kael dismounted. Kira did the same. The soldiers remained outside.
"Stay close to me," said Kael.
"Always."
They entered.
Silence fell.
The kings turned their heads. Some smiled. Others remained impassive. Maëldor was there, at the far end, his face marked. Selyna, near a column, raised her cup. Osskar, old and dry, observed without a word. Varka, massive and immense, crossed his arms.
"The Demon King of the Neverdie Realm," announced a voice.
Kael stepped forward.
"You summoned me. Here I am."
"Welcome," said Selyna softly.
"Sit," said Varka. "There's room."
Kael took a seat at the center of the table. Kira stood behind him.
"Where are the others?" asked Kael.
"They're coming," said Osskar. "Some travel slowly."
"Shadows travel slowly," said a voice.
Kael turned.
Xelphar entered.
He was tall, clad in a pale grey cloak. His face was smooth, almost featureless, like a mask of polished glass. His eyes, if they existed, were invisible.
"King Xelphar," said Kael.
"King Kael."
"You took your time."
"I don't like to hurry."
He sat across from Kael, silently.
"We still await Sylva, Lyssa, Morvan, Brakka, and Tarval," said Selyna.
"Sylva will come," said Varka. "She never misses a council."
"She likes meat," said Xelphar.
"She likes power," Osskar corrected.
Kael listened. Every word carried weight. Every glance counted.
"Why this council?" he finally asked.
"Because you have returned," said Selyna.
"And because you defeated Maëldor," added Varka.
"And because your borders are shifting," said Osskar.
"And because the demon world does not like surprises," Xelphar concluded.
Kael leaned back in his seat.
"Then let's talk."
The meeting had only just begun.
And outside, the statues kept watch.