Kingdom of Ash

Manon and Asterin whirled, others
following suit as the witch sprinted for
Glennis’s tent. The crone emerged as the
witch skidded to a halt. A scout, no doubt,
breathless and hair wind-tossed.
“Terrasen calls for aid,” the scout panted,
bracing her hands on her knees as she bent
over to gulp down breaths. “Morath routed
them at the border, then at Perranth, and
advances on Orynth as we speak. They will
sack the city within a week.”
Worse news than Manon had anticipated.
Even if she’d needed it, waited for it.
The Thirteen closed in, Bronwen a step
behind, and Manon didn’t dare breathe as
Glennis stared toward the immortal flame
burning in the fire pit mere feet away. The
Flame of War.
Then she turned toward Manon. “What say
you, Queen of Witches?”