Whispers Beyond the Horizon
The second city had found its rhythm. The first delegation had arrived from the inland city, sparks mingling for the first time. Children from the shore practiced palm-light with children from the highlands. Builders swapped tools with Guard. Two hearths now pulsed to a single rhythm.
But far out on the ocean, under a sky of black clouds, another fleet was gathering. Ships with hulls of bone and sails of shadow drifted together, drawn to the glow of Hei Long's fires. Sigils older than the Eternals flickered on their masts. This was not an emissary. This was not a scout. This was a host.
Its masters whispered over maps of shifting light. He has built a second hearth, they murmured. He is teaching fire to spread. If he is not stopped now, he will light the world.
Signs on the Shore
