“Twenty-Third Legion, why have you stopped moving?” the fifth and final Forger demanded as she appeared from the yellowed grass. Like the others, she, too, was encased in armor and wore her weapons as easily as jewelry. Judging by the feathered black plume rising out of her helmet like smoke, Claire guessed she was the legion’s leader.

“It’s the Malchains, General Scorcha!” one of the Forgers said. “Anvil and Aquila!”

The Forger removed her helmet to reveal a woman about Anvil’s age, with platinum-white hair cropped to just below her chin. Her face was pointed and small, like a cat’s, but her arms were as muscled as Anvil’s.

“Apologies,” the general said. “It’s been a long time since Fyrton has had the pleasure of your axes—” She broke off, and her eyes narrowed. “Where are your axes?”

Worry flickered through Claire. She knew that Anvil was famous for wielding a double-headed ax with the blades shaped like bat wings, and she’d never seen Aquila without her two smaller axes crossed over her back. Claire had thought they would be able to buy some replacements in Fyrton before anyone noticed. She swallowed hard, hoping to keep the fear out of Aquila’s voice. “Our axes were … What I’m trying to say is—”

“We were attacked,” Thorn cut in with Anvil’s deep baritone. “Ambushed by Queen Estelle.”

His simple words set off an explosion. One of the Forgers slammed his metal-clad fist against a stationary chimera, while angry shouts rose from the others. Only General Scorcha seemed to remain calm, but even she let out a long, low hiss.

“We need to see Grandmaster Bolt,” Thorn said. “He needs to send a warning to the other towns and grandmasters.”

“You’ll find all the Forger grandmasters taking their midday meal at Alkaline’s Kettle,” Scorcha said. “It’s easiest to declare the War Council’s decisions at that gossip house.”

Thorn frowned. “A War Council’s been called?”

“Yes.” The general nodded. “As of last night, the Forger guild is officially at war against the fake Gemmer queen and all those who support her.” Her eyes flicked to Claire. “We’ve already sent troops to Constellation Range. While everyone is at Hilltop Palace for Starfell, we will lay siege to Starscrape Citadel and cut off the Gemmers before they can rule again.”

Claire bit her lip. The Citadel had its own protections, but there were so few Gemmers left! Only two hundred or so, and they would be up against thousands of Forgers. A metallic taste filled Claire’s mouth. What would happen to Zuli and Lapis? To Carnelian? And friendly Scholar Pumus?

“All the more reason to talk to the grandmasters,” Claire choked out.