“God bless and keep me,” she prayed, the power of her faith swelling within her breast. She felt it keenly, light and fire and a killing edge to punish the nonbelievers. Her hands rose, palms to the heavens. A divine sword shimmered into existence before her, wielded by her own mind. A single thought, and it swung sideways, opening the bound girl’s throat and ending her scream. That matter finished, she dismissed the blade and turned to the tantrum-throwing regent. She failed to drain the venom from her voice when she spoke.

“A regent should show far better restraint when dealing with the difficulties of rule.”

“The difficulties of rule?” Gordian picked up his discarded bow and tossed it to a servant patiently waiting nearby. “I am used to the difficulties of rule. I know the people call me usurper and burn effigies, and I’m sure half of Vallessau fantasizes about cutting off my head. What I am not prepared for, and what I refuse to ever accept, is being hunted and attacked in my own damn castle.”

Sinshei let the outburst hang a moment in the air before addressing the others nearby.

“All of you, leave. I would have words with Thanet’s regent.”

Servants and soldiers alike hurried to obey. Leaving the regent unguarded after an assassination attempt might seem unwise, but Sinshei had her magic, and despite the outlandish stories of what this Vagrant could do, she trusted in her abilities to keep them safe.

“Why are you here, Sinshei?” Gordian asked once they were alone in the archery range. “It’s not to apologize for Magus’s errors; of that, I’m certain. You’d rather burn yourself alive than accept any blame meant for his direction. So what is it?”

Sinshei slowly breathed in and out, disguising the act with a soft smile. Though Thanet was her first appointment as an Anointed One, it was not her first invasion. Prior to crossing the Crystal Sea, she had helped in the religious conversion of Onleda, and their transition from worshiping their trinity of gods to the God-Incarnate. Twice their regent, a charming man named Arlo, had ventured out into the crowds during full-blown riots to address their concerns. He had worked tirelessly to convince the people of the benefits of imperial rule. Along with faith in the God-Incarnate came an abundance of trade, as well as funds to rebuild Onleda and repair the damages suffered during its conquering.