Chapter 5
The Captain's Original Sin
Rowan reached the drying yard carrying the exile ledger above his head. He ordered his own guards to read the missing line before choosing whom to obey.
Venn's lieutenant called the book forged. Rowan broke the captain's seal from his chain and fitted it into the wax impression made twelve years earlier. Perfect match.
"I signed it," Rowan said. "I chose exile because the alternative order was execution."
Elara had imagined his apology in a hundred cruel forms. He offered none. He gave the workers the document and surrendered his sword.
The Fifth Guard fired anyway.
Liora shoved Mara aside. The bolt struck the bundle of names, and every stolen memory inside it began to burn.