Chapter 26 – Whispers of Ash and Ice
The day after the assassination attempt, Jean convened a war council beneath the great stone banners of Luthmere Keep. The wind carried the scent of steel, and the silence between lords felt like the space between drawn blades.
Five outer house banners flew behind her: House Elric, House Valemont, House Thorne, House Idran, and House Ceryn. Once neutral in the succession war, they now stood uneasy—testing her strength, her will, her vision.
Cassien leaned beside her and whispered, "Half of them only came because Sylas burned villages near their lands. The other half think you'll win."
Jean stood. She didn't raise her voice, but the weight in her words made the torches flicker.
"Sylas fights for dominance. I fight for survival. You've seen what's coming—the dragons stir, the gods remain silent, and the Magistery gathers at our gates like wolves beneath silk."
A murmur passed through the lords.
"Today it's a war for the throne. Tomorrow it's a war for the world. Stand with me now—or kneel to fire later."
Lord Ceryn, old and scarred, spoke first. "My house has never bent to fear. But you speak not with fear. You speak with purpose. That we can follow."
The other lords gave slow, silent nods.
Jean bowed slightly. "Then let us forge the Luther banner anew—with light."
Outside the council hall, Kael waited. He handed Jean a sealed scroll.
"Intercepted courier from the Magistery," he said. "It was meant for Sylas."
Jean unrolled it.
Her eyes narrowed.
At the bottom, signed in violet wax and ornate sigils, was the seal of High Magus Illivan, patriarch of the Magus Family.
> "The time of swords ends. Soon, the age of magic begins. Stand ready, Sylas Luther. When your sister falls, we move."
Jean's grip tightened.
Whitney growled low beside her. "They plan to strike when you're weakest."
Jean's voice was cold, resolute. "Then I'll show them what weakness looks like."
She turned to Kael and Cassien. "Prepare the defenses. Fortify the ridge. And send word to Silvia—I'll need her counsel."
Because while the war with Sylas burned hot, the winds now whispered of something colder...
The Magistery was moving.
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