While on the surface the Bluehorn Earth Dragon unleashed its fury against Cedric, beneath the great stump the air was thick and heavy, charged like the sky before a storm.
Shadow remained perfectly still, concealed within the deepest shadow it could find. Through its eyes, Evan observed everything, taking in every detail with cold, measured focus.
Duke Veylan Greymark had risen from his throne.
The smile that had appeared on his face was not that of a governor. It was that of a man who had waited far too long for something, and was finally watching it arrive.
"Begin," he said aloud.
His voice resonated throughout the underground chamber, heavy with joy and the impatient anticipation of someone who could barely wait for what was about to happen.
