Eithan sighed and replaced the pitcher on the table. “That does bring us around to the reason I’m here. I have a request.”

That was about as surprising as the sun rising in the east: no one ever came to see the Emperor without a request. “The Skysworn already have him in custody. I can’t let a Blackflame go, Eithan. He’ll cause a riot.”

“Let him go? No, no, not at all.” His smile returned. “I want you to make sure he still has to fight.”

THE END