One month later, the emissaries arrived.
They came from every corner of Tenmon from the rebuilt cities of the Iron Dominion, from the floating palaces of the Zephyr Kings, from the sunken temples of the Meridian Depths. They came on ships and on dragons, through portals and on foot, and they all wanted one thing.
Lee Zaou.
"The Great Nations are gathering," Ren said, standing on the roof of the Rust Eel Tavern beside Lee. "They want to discuss the Hollow King. They want to form an alliance."
"And they want me to lead it," Lee said.
"They want you to inspire it. There's a difference."
Lee laughed. "You sound like Akio."
"Akio was right." Ren's calm eyes met Lee's. "You're not a general, Lee. You're a symbol. A reminder that hope still exists in a world full of darkness. That's what the Great Nations need right now. Not a commander a beacon."
"And what do you need, Ren?"
Ren was silent for a moment. When he spoke, his voice was softer than usual. "I need you to survive. The world has taken too many people I love. I don't want to add you to that list."
"You're not going to lose me," Lee said. "I promise."
"Don't make promises you can't keep."
"I don't."
They stood in silence, watching the emissaries set up their tents in the Scavenger's Market. Flags of a dozen nations flapped in the breeze colors and symbols that hadn't been seen together since before the Shattering.
"The world is changing," Ren said.
"For better or worse?"
"I don't know yet. That's what scares me."