THE RINGING SILENCE MADE MY focus on the forged fire bird suddenly sound loud in my mind. With his eyes on mine, a strong smile spread.

Making an elaborate bow, Alek bent on one knee before me, offering the diamond encrusted sword with both hands.

As he did so, his own golden energy swelled out, a golden smoke within which something moved.

An exclamation like a massive wave moved through the crowd behind me, starting from close and rolling back as the golden ...