Page 52 of Blade of the Nightking

Aedric lifted a brow.

“Tharuun have been spotted.”

The air shifted. Aedric stilled, his entire body going rigid. “Where?”

“Along the Stonelands border,” Sairus said, steepling his fingers. “The Court has delayed the selection of a new High Lady while they reinforce their wards.”

“The wards won’t hold without a High Lady to anchor them.”

“True. But securing the borders is… urgent.” Sairus’s lips curved faintly. “Two have already taken a village.”

“Any survivors?”

“An odd goat here and there.”

Silence fell.

“What are Tharuun?” I asked, low.

Aedric’s expression darkened. “Giants.”

“Giants?”

“Surely you’ve heard the stories,” Sairus interjected, folding his hands in front of him. “Velmyrra—the great tree in Thistra. The one the palace was built in. It grew from⁠—”

“—the heart of a giant,” I whispered, remembering.

“The Tharuun were one of the Seven Firstborn,” Sairus said, something pointed entering his voice.

The words landed like a blow. More of the Firstborn had returned.

More had killed.

Blood again.

“How bad is it?” Aedric laced his fingers, though his grip was tight. “Storms? Flooding?”

“Wind,” Sairus replied.

“Wind?” I echoed weakly.

“The Tharuun command the elements. That is the foundation of their power.” He looked back to Sairus. “They must still be reacclimating.”

“Indeed,” Sairus agreed. “After centuries in confinement, this world is… different from what they remember.”

“Hopefully their power won’t return in full. Not with Elantis as it is now.”

“We can only hope.”

Calantha leaned forward, her teeth barred. “All the more reason for you not to go unguarded.”

“I’ve made my decision.” Aedric’s voice sharpened. “And you will oversee Court affairs in my absence.”

She exhaled through her nose, her displeasure plain, but straightened. “Of course.”

“Sairus,” Aedric said.

Sairus inclined his head.