THIRTY ONE: Long Live the Emperor

By sundown, the remainder of Tael had succumbed to Serin control.

Fortunately, thanks to many overheard conversations and a few pointed questions, Kel gathered that the soldiers hadn't come in search of any fugitive. Rather, it seemed that over the last few months, the Dragon Emperor had amplified his plans for domination, sending groups of soldiers to conquer as many small cities and villages as possible.

"It's odd," Kel mused to herself. "Forcefully taking the capital of each kingdom would be a more effective way to gain control."

Perhaps, there was another reason Calix had sent half his army to assimilate seemingly worthless towns. No doubt, the cunning man had some grand scheme planned--something Kel couldn't even begin to piece together.

In spite of what her mind had already accepted as the most logical answer, she couldn't help but imagine that Calix had sought village after village, city after city… looking for her.