the one true God and to the Prophet. You will come forth from your dark walls, and submit yourselves for judgement. If your words are pure, and if your conversion is sincere, then by God’s grace you will be spared.”

A deathly silence followed, specked with the quiet crackle of the forcefield. Then Ta’al’s voice boomed out across the lake. T’shan’s voice followed, her high-pitched speech complimenting Ta’al’s bass.

“This is a sacred place. You are not welcome here. If you intend to march upon us, do it quickly—our patience is at an end.”

Then there was silence. Pascal’s expression was unreadable from this distance, but Nathaniel could clearly imagine the scowl on the new Guard Captain’s face.

“For too long,” Pascal call...

Please subscribe to keep reading.