The Frost Chamber's door closed with a soft finality as the Elder Sages of the Ethereal Confluence departed. Roman remained motionless for several moments, his weathered face betraying nothing of the turmoil beneath. Their partial success with Klaus's fragmented consciousness offered a sliver of hope, but not enough—never enough for a Lionhart.
"Father." Raphael's voice broke the silence. "The messenger has returned from the northern border. All seven signals have been lit."
Roman closed his eyes briefly. The signal towers along the borders of the Rikxia Empire rarely activated simultaneously. The last time had been during the Crimson Rebellion, nearly forty years earlier. Their illumination now could mean only one thing.
"How long?" he asked, voice steady despite the implications.
"Three days. Maybe four." Raphael glanced toward Klaus's motionless form. "Will you tell them what really happened at Northwatch?"
