Ella thought for a moment. She owed Ilathor a debt, for it was his essence that had allowed her to save the refugees and Miro's army at the Bridge of Sutanesta.

"There might be another way," Ella said, frowning.

"Anything, Ella. Anything you can do to help us take the tiered city."

Ella thought about Shani, anxious to free her people, and Miro, desperate to secure his southern border. By helping the prince she would be helping to hasten the end of the war. "I have an idea," she said. "I'll give it some thought. Give me time."

The prince smiled. "That is all I ask. Come," he gestured, "let us drink wine together, and you can tell me who Ella is, so I may separate her from the woman, Evora, you said you were."

He led her to the table, seating Ella before seating himself. He poured the wine slowly, the thick, red liquid dark and fragrant, igniting Ella's senses before she'd even tasted it.

"Salute, I greet you." The prince held up his glass.

"Salute," Ella said, echoing him, not sure if this was the correct response.

The wine tasted spicy, both warm and tart, like sweet prunes soaked in lemon and mellowed over a hundred years. Ella felt it slip down her throat, thinking that it suited this man.

"You sealed the Wondhip Pass?" the prince asked.

Ella nodded.

"How did you move the stones?" He shook his head. "What does Altura's lore have to do with moving large objects?"

"It wasn't enchantment," Ella said. "I learned a few things from an old Halrana animator."

"And this bridge that saved your people… an incredible feat."

Ella stayed silent, remembering the soldiers and refugees: those who had not been saved at the Bridge of Sutanesta that day. She remembered Amber.

"Your father is High Lord of Raj Hazara?" Ella asked, changing the subject.

"Kalif, but yes, that is what you would call it. He is an old man, Ella, and I fear he may not have much longer for this world. He tells me I am strong enough to lead the tribes when he is gone, but I have doubts."

"You?" Ella smiled. "Look at where you are. How many men do you command? Your army must be as powerful as the imperial legion, to have taken Petrya so quickly."

"Such numbers are hard to control," the prince said. "As long as I keep them busy fighting, yes, they will do as I command; but what about when there is peace? What then?"

"I think that's the question everyone is asking," Ella said. "The Tingaran Empire is dead. Even if we can defeat the Primate, what comes next? Who will lead?"

Prince Ilathor smiled. "Such intelligence. It is good to have you with me again."

Ella sipped at her wine to disguise her blush.