light, and many will assist you in restoring Melukhha to her old glory.”

Hariaksa dropped his hand, and Takshak came back to life, released by the bizarre force. The king gathered his wits and looked around in embarrassment—an old man effortlessly repelling a warrior half his age and twice his size? He stared at Hariaksa with grudging admiration…so the old chap did have a few tricks up his sleeve. He swung around on Daruka. “Nice way of bargaining, eh?” he shot a crooked grin at the burly guardsman. “My redemption for his life, mixed in with some minor sorcery. What say, Daruka, should I consider his offer?” Without waiting for an answer, Takshak gestured to a group of guardsmen. “Enough talk,” he barked. “Drown this traitor and be quick about it!&rd...

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