Ella rode just behind Jehral, her arms around his waist, and he was covered in blood from head to toe. A shallow wound on his neck seeped red, and he held his left arm awkwardly. Ella felt terrible asking him for help, but she had no one else to turn to.

"You need to hear what she has to say," Jehral said.

Prince Ilathor scowled. "There's a battle going on, Jehral, and I have to find…"

"Ilathor," Jehral said, and the prince's eyes widened at the use of his first name. "I know there's a battle going on. I've been at the front of it. Listen to her."

"Prince Ilathor," Ella said. "There's a statue on an island, just outside the harbour. It's called the Sentinel."

"I know what it is. What of it?" the prince demanded.

"I believe there's a great magic there, something very powerful, and our enemy is prepared to use it. I need your help. Please."

"Explain to me. I don't understand."

"I don't have time to explain. I need you to help me."

The prince tilted his head for a moment. "No," he finally said. "Jehral, you may help her, but there is too much here to do."

Ella's heart sunk.

"My prince…" Jehral began.

"Ilathor, if the Primate reaches his goal, none of what you are doing here will matter!" Ella cried.

"The Primate?" the prince asked. "You know where he is?"

"Yes," Ella cried. "That's what I'm trying to explain! He's on his way to the Sentinel. He may be there by now."

Prince Ilathor issued swift orders.

Ella breathed a sigh of relief. She just hoped they would be in time.

65

65

"THE CRUISER ahead, heading for the Sentinel, it is flying the Primate's flag." Sailmaster Scherlic pointed.

"Can you get closer?" Miro asked.

As if in answer, a boom sounded as one of the imperial warships fired a warning shot across the bow of the Infinity, a gout of water erupting from the sea as the orb exploded. Miro could see a catapult mounted on a swivel on the warship's deck.

"This is as close as I will take you," said Sailmaster Scherlic.

Miro fumed as he saw how close he was. The wide mouth of Seranthia's harbour lay in front of him, and here the Primate was, most likely fleeing the city, about to pass the Sentinel and make his escape under the protection of the imperial fleet.

Miro could see smoke rising from the city in several places. He didn't know if the Hazarans had taken the city, or if Rogan had led his men to victory, but he knew that momentous events were occurring there. Yet Miro also knew it wouldn't end until the Primate himself was taken. He couldn't miss this chance.

Miro turned to the stocky loremaster of Raj Buchalantas.