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left standing in his capital.”
    “We burnt everything to the ground. It will still burn for days, and only ashes and rubble will still be there to be remembered.”
    “And the royal family?”
    “Put to the sword.”
    “All of them?”
    “All, without exception. As you commanded, my Lady.”
    “Ah! How much the news you bring pleases me. And tell me, you who are a master strategist and know the art of war better than anyone else, how is it that two kings of the mid-east, regents of prosperous and sovereign nations, didn’t unite to fight my armies?”
    “Because pride is stronger than reason, my Lady. The pride of kings, their ego, doesn’t allow intelligent men, even brilliant ones, to see what is so obvious that a mere beggar would understand it. Dasleo and Caron, their royal families, had hated each other for generations. Peace, an understanding in the face of a common enemy, was something inconceivable to their proud, foolish minds. And pride always leads to man’s ruin.”
    “You’re a wise man. Have you managed to save your precious Library, with all that knowledge accumulated in it? Will you be able to enjoy it?”
    “Yes, my Lady. The high part of the city is still burning, the cathedral was destroyed by uncontrolled fire, but the Great Library of Bintantium, in the lower part of the city, has been spared from the burning and I’ve ordered its protection.”
    The Dark Lady signaled to her guards, who took away the remains of both monarchs.
    “I am pleased, Isuzeni. Now prepare my army, is time to conquer Tremia”.

A Midnight Meeting
     
     
     
     
    Deeply worried, Aliana stared at the patient lying in the bed. This man was on the brink of death. His wounds were too serious… He would not recover; even all her power and that of her Sister Healers could not keep him from the implacable death which was already hovering above the body. An almost funereal silence pervaded the lordly chamber, a silence which was far from bearing any hint of good news. The healers of the Order of Tirsar had spent days caring for the feverish patient, struggling tirelessly to maintain the fragile thread of life. It was a task which required a great deal of healing power and extreme care. The most experienced Sisters were taking turns; otherwise the white bearded old man with would die.
    Gerart had left her in the company of her Sisters several hours before, and she was noting the care with which they tended the patient. Seeing the Prince again had unleashed a whirlwind of feelings within her. Her pulse was galloping, her cheeks were hot, and as she had looked into the blue eyes beneath his blond hair all she had been able to do was take her leave of him with a nervous smile.
    One of her Sisters went by carrying a wash basin and ointments. She said with a smile: “I’m so happy to see you, Aliana, happy you’re safe and sound. You had us so worried!”
    Aliana smiled and stroked her arm. Another of the Healers, one Aliana knew very well as she had tutored her, came to her and hugged her impulsively. “How wonderful! I still can’t believe it!”
    Aliana smiled at Gena, her dear pupil. “I feel the Gift is strong in you, Gena. More so than I remembered. You’ve been working on it in my absence, haven’t you?”
    “Just like you taught me to, teacher,” Gena replied with a wide smile. “I’m so happy to see you! It’s a miracle!”
    “How happy we all are,” Mother Healer Sorundi added, walking into the room and kissing Aliana on both cheeks like a mother. “By Helaun, Founding Mother of our Order, how worried you had us all, and how pleased we are to have you among us once again. Worry was gnawing away at us and sadness was weighing down our spirits. How wonderful to have you back safe and sound!”
    “Thank you, Mother Healer. I’m very happy too to be among my Sisters after so long.” Aliana looked at her dear Sisters, so out of place in that sumptuous room of the Royal Palace, so devoted and generous,