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“I have been acclimating you to it gradually, in case you ever needed to wield it.”
Lio kissed his Ritual mother’s hand. “I promise to use it well.”
“Take it now. There is a negotiation that requires your attention before you begin your dealings with the Dexion.”
“What could be more urgent?”
“Konstantina will not wait until Solstice is over to propose the Departure. She will convene a special circle. The announcement will be in every firstblood’s hands half an hour from now.”
“She’s holding the votetonight?”
“My vote will not save you this time. Adwene and Khaldaios have great influence among the Imperial bloodlines. My tributaries are as divided as the rest of Orthros. You must win our people’s hearts with your words alone.”
“I haven’t secured the hostages’ release yet. I have no argument. I don’t know what I’ll say.”
“Just keep speaking truth. That is all any of us can do.”
Lio looked into the strange and powerful light coming from the artifact. With a deep breath, he took up the Torch.
FIRE IN THE CIRCLE
The instant Lio steppedinto the amphitheater, a startle and a shudder went through the Blood Union. Every Hesperine there turned in their seats, looked up to the highest gallery, and stared at him.
Among the auras of the firstbloods, the Akron’s Torch felt like a bell booming the wrong hour. The Torch’s magic emanated down Lio’s arm and heated his chest, bizarre and invigorating. He lifted Prometheus’s legacy for them all to see. Its light blazed brighter.
Many Hesperines threw up their hands to shield their eyes. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, while some of the firstbloods rose to their feet.
Lio’s father gave a triumphant laugh and began to applaud.
Lio’s mother was the first to join in, then Uncle Argyros and Aunt Lyta. Mak and Lyros let out a cheer. The applause spread in a wave among the Ritual tributaries, relatives, and allies of Lio’s family. At the podium, Hypatia turned to the Anatelan section to see Kia leading a rebellious round of applause there. Among the Zephyrans, Kitharos blinked at Nodora, as if dismayed to discover his daughter could make so much noise. A few seats away from the Second Princess, Xandra gave a solitary but symbolic round of royal applause.
“Firstgift Komnenos!” Konstantina’s voice carried across the amphitheater. “How dare you bring the Akron’s Torch into the Firstblood Circle!”
“You recognize it, Second Princess.”
“I have lived long enough to have seen it in Prometheus’s hand. I am shocked to discover it ever crossed the border into Orthros.”
“Thank the Goddess it did. Prometheus has provided us with ample ransom for seven Hesperine hostages.”
The applause and cheers resounded once more.
“Recover your dignity!” Konstantina demanded. “This is the Firstblood Circle, not a fighting match at the gymnasium.”
Queen Soteira lifted a hand. The amphitheater hushed.
Queen Alea beckoned to Lio. “You may bring the Akron’s trinket into the Circle.”
Lio gave them a deep heart bow. “Thank you for your forbearance, Annassa.”
“Take your seat,” Konstantina bade him.
“Second Princess,” Lio addressed her, “I request a place on the speaking schedule.”
“You must wait until all those ahead of you conclude their remarks. You know no time limit is imposed on speakers, and until the current one acknowledges he or she is finished, the next may not take the podium.”
“The matter of our hostages is of the utmost importance. With respect, I would like to discuss their plight with the firstbloods without further delay.”
“Our Queens have already entrusted the hostages to the envoys. Tonight’s vote strictly regards the Departure.”
