"I am Issari Seran, Queen of Eteer," she told them, raising her chin. "Years ago, your queen visited our city upon the northern coast. Now, in this time of war that sweeps across all of Terra, I've come to speak with her again."

The guards stared down at the ruins that sprawled below: toppled buildings, crumbled walls, and thousands of dead, both beasts of the Abyss and people of the city. Numb horror filled their eyes, ghosts Issari knew would never leave them, as they would never leave her. The men stepped aside. She entered the hall of Tur Kal.

A mosaic of birds among reeds covered the floor, and bright murals of stars and suns lit the ceiling. Soldiers raced across the hall, servants bustled about, and messengers rushed in and out of rooms. Two wounded soldiers lay by a column, and priests prayed above them.

In the center of the hubbub, an elderly woman stood in a white robe. Golden links hung around her neck, and she held a gnarled wooden staff capped with silver. Though her face was deeply lined, and her hair was snowy white, her eyes were sharp and shrewd. She listened as soldiers spoke, as messengers raced forth, and as priests prayed. Her concentration never faltered as she turned from one man to another.

As Issari approached, the old woman's eyes flicked toward her. No hesitation filled them, no flicker of uncertainty.

"Issari Seran," the Queen of Tur Kal said. "New Queen of Eteer and savior of Goshar." She stepped closer and examined Issari, those shrewd eyes narrowing. "By the gods, child. Last time I saw you, you were an innocent youth. You have the eyes of an old monarch now. Hard as bronze and cold as a killer's. Your father has those eyes."

Issari shuddered. "Queen Rasha, my father has fallen to evil. The creatures who swarmed here were his creations. I've seen the evils rising from Eteer, and—"

"Wait." Queen Rasha took Issari by the hand. "Not in this hall. Come with me to the balcony. Eat and drink and speak to me there." The queen's eyes flicked toward Tanin. "And bring your companion, for I see strength in him too, and loyalty to you."

They stepped out from the hall and into a wide balcony. Porphyry tiles covered the floor, and flowers bloomed upon a stone railing. Stone tables stood here, set with dishes of fresh figs, dates, apricots, and grapes. The view faced west, and Issari could see marks of streets and houses leading to high walls. Beyond flowed a river, and in the hazy distance rolled the golden dunes of the desert.