“How is the empire going to cross into our lands with the eastern wall in place? I know small forces here and there have climbed the wall and fought along the border. But no large force can enter without the wall coming down.”

Damien tapped a finger on the table next to the map. “I’m not sure. But if I were Lord Ivulf and working with the empire, then I would find a breach in the wall and use my power to crack it open. It took both of our houses to create the wall, but all he needs is a small opening that he can widen by himself with his own power.”

“And let Commander Orion and his forces in.” Admiral Gerault let out a whistle. “What made House Friere and House Ravenwood turn from the rest of us?”

Damien lowered his head and flexed his fingers across the table. “Hatred and greed. Two of the most dividing forces amongst humankind.”

“I see. And there is no persuading them otherwise?”

“That was the purpose of the assembly. Unfortunately, I failed.”

“You did not fail, my lord.” Taegis came to stand beside him. “Every man and woman must make their own decisions and live with the consequences. House Friere and Ravenwood made theirs. You did not make it for them.”

Damien nodded. “You’re right. All we can do now is work with what we have and pray to the Light.”

The men fell silent, with the only sounds coming from the adjoining hall where the naval soldiers of House Maris were gathering.

Damien stared down at the map, his heart heavy. What made Lord Ivulf and Lady Ragna think the Dominia Empire could be trusted? Did they really think Commander Orion would let two of the Great Houses remain? Even one Great House would mean a potential future uprising. Commander Orion would be a fool to let anyone survive who could undermine his rule. Why couldn’t they see that?

The door opened on the other side of the meeting hall. A man dressed in a uniform similar to Admiral Gerault’s looked in. “Admiral, the men are ready.”

Admiral Gerault looked over his shoulder. “Thank you, Captain Mercer.”

Captain Mercer bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Admiral Gerault straightened. “Thank you for the information you provided, Lord Damien. I will be sure to set up a patrol of our shores and have our men ready. In the meantime, the men would like to see their grand lord, and then afterward we can continue our conversation and discuss strategies about the upcoming war.”

“Very good, Admiral.”

Admiral Gerault bowed, then headed for the door, where muffled conversation flowed from the room beyond. Damien’s throat tightened as he followed the admiral. Why did it have to come to this? Why did there have to be a war? If only the Great Houses had united . . .

He stepped out of the meeting hall to thousands of eyes set upon him. Voices lowered, then vanished. Damien looked upon the men present: each one was a brother, a son, a father. His heart twisted, tightening his throat even further. If only there was a way he could go in their place.