"A messenger came last night," the prince said. "Ella, Halaran has been liberated. Ralanast is once again a free city, and the allied army of Alturans and Halrana have occupied the Ring Forts."

"That's wonderful news," Ella said. "Did you hear about my brother?"

"There's a new commander. That's all I know."

Ella put her hand to her mouth.

"Ella," Jehral said. "There could be many reasons for someone else to lead them."

"There is more," the prince said. "This news is not good, I am afraid." He sighed. "The army of green and brown has suffered a great defeat. I wish we had received this message just one day earlier, for our own great disaster could have been averted. On the Azure Plains, the Alturans and Halrana, like us, faced those who carry the grey banner. They are called the Akari — perhaps that name has meaning for you. The allied army was pushed back after suffering heavy losses."

Ella felt Shani squeeze her shoulder. Anger and frustration coursed through her in equal parts. Overriding it all was worry for her people, and for her brother.

"Ella," the prince said, "this is magic I cannot comprehend. What can you tell us?"

Ella forced herself to concentrate; to use her mind and ability to reason. Nothing was impossible. Everyone had a weakness.

"Supposedly the Akari were banished to the north by the first Tingaran Emperor. It's cold there, so the dead would decompose more slowly. Bringing them to life must use a very large amount of essence, I can guarantee that," Ella said. "Shani's flame worked well on them, and I would guess they don't like heat much."

"Good, good," the prince said. "Go on."

"The men in silver robes could be similar to Halrana animators. Try taking them out." Ella paused. "The fact is, I need to learn more about them."

"What do you need?" the prince asked. "Essence? You shall have it. Anything else?"

Ella suddenly knew what it was she needed to do. Her people needed her just as much as the Hazarans. Even if she found a weakness, and told it to the prince, the Alturans would still be in the same position they were now. Ella needed to help Miro, and Altura, in any way she could.

"I need to leave," Ella said, "to travel ahead of this army, into Tingara, where I can learn about them. I can promise you that I will find a way to defeat them. I know it will be risky, and so I will go alone."

"Ella, no," Shani said.

"No," Prince Ilathor said, "I forbid it."

"Your brother asked me to keep you alive," Bartolo said.

Ella knew she it was what she had to do, but it wouldn't be right to risk her friend's lives as well as her own.

She reached back and pulled the hood of her green silk dress over her head.

"I command that you stay!" Prince Ilathor said.