A voice bombed from house Suran's leader,
General Rugo suran
"We have evolved, Vashin! Lava runs through us now. You cling to the past."
The Hinojiin's swordmaster, Lady kaesa Hinojiin, shouted,"your flame is ancient—but weak. We were born to lead."
Fists clenched. Sparks lit the room. A ripple of flame danced between them.
" The flame belongs to all of us," whispered Mai Hashi kuru, a girl only fifteen, but her aura was like a burning sun.
"You are mistaken," said kaesa. "We are no longer one. We are houses. and we no longer
Kneel to the Hashi kuru name."