The Enclave sprawled across a plateau set against the curving side of the mountain. Low buildings stood in neat rows, their trapezoidal shapes formed from slanted walls that tapered up to flat rooftop balconies. Everything was constructed of smooth stone, etched with intricate patterns eerily reminiscent of the designs Kar had seen in the Trial Vault.

  “This is the closest to home I’ve felt in a long time,” Kar overheard Tharn rumble softly to Erio.

  “Follow us this way, if you would,” one of their escorts said, turning on his heel and leading them through the gate.

  They were still only partway up the mountain’s side, and Kar suspected the plateau—rather than being natural—had been engineered at some point in the distant past.

  The wide stone path appeared to have been built from massive rock slabs fitted together with precision. The stones were worn smooth by time and heavy passage. The buildings closest to the mountain looked like living quarters. Terraces lined the mountainside, more living quarters and structures built atop them in rising platforms.

  This wasn’t just a ceremonial complex as Kar had expected—it was a real city in its own right.

  “Very little has changed here in all these years…” Erio said.

  “Other than the people,” Tharn muttered.

  Their escorts led them away from the mountain, deeper into the compound. Kar soon realized everything was laid out symmetrically in a rectangular pattern stretching across the plateau. Beyond the Enclave proper, open grasslands spread, dotted with distant herds of white creatures Kar didn’t recognize.

  They passed secluded districts within the Enclave, each surrounded by low walls. Within them, larger structures rose above the surrounding buildings. Kar couldn’t help staring, wondering what their purpose was. Each compound bore banners of different colors and unique sigils.

  Through open gates, Kar saw expansive training yards that reminded him of the one where Melisdra had trained him at the fortress on Dagenar.

  “Those are the training courts and Halls for each of the Guardian Orders,” Erio said. “This is the one I belonged to.”

  He pointed toward the entrance of a compound on their left, marked by cobalt banners bearing a yellow lance of lightning.

  It—and all the others—were empty at the moment.

  The paths and roadways, however, were not. Everywhere Kar looked, he saw people in Guardian attire and simpler garments moving in the same direction their escorts were leading them.

  Toward an open, semicircular amphitheater set into a shallow basin. Low stone benches surrounded a raised crescent platform at the center.

  A low hum filled the air, and the benches were packed with people.

  “What is this place?” Kar whispered to Erio.

  “The Forum,” the Valorcryst answered.

  Nine Guardians in resplendent robes sat in a curving row of chairs upon the central platform.

  “Oh look, there’s Granna!” Isa said, bouncing slightly as she pointed excitedly toward the figure on the far right.

  Sure enough, there the old woman sat, her hair whiter than her robes.

  “Those are High Elders from each Order,” Tharn said.

  Erio stepped forward then, placing a crystal hand on the shoulder of their lead escort.

  “We will take them the rest of the way.”

  The Enclave Guardian and his partner paused, exchanged a glance, then shrugged and stepped aside as Erio and Tharn led Isa and Kar down into the basin.

  People stopped and stared as the small group descended. Once they passed, whispers rippled through the crowd.

  Kar edged closer to Isa, feeling protective of her.

  Granna stood from her seat at the far right of the platform when they reached the bottom of the amphitheater floor. She beckoned them over.

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  Erio led them that way, but another of the robed Guardians on the stage rose and moved to intercept them.

  He was young, compared to the other Elders present—only a little grey at the temples coloring his sandy blond hair.

  “Thank you, Ancient Ones, for bringing our guests to today’s event!” the man called.

  Erio and Tharn slowed reluctantly, each bowing slightly to the approaching High Elder. By the way they tensed, Kar suspected they didn’t appreciate being called ancient.

  “I am Tobithal—Tobithal Grysinth,” the man said, descending the platform steps with easy grace and striding up to Kar with open arms. “Although I’d prefer you just call me Tobi. Karalinde, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

  Kar looked from Erio to Tharn, confused, then found himself pulled into an embrace by the Elder. He awkwardly returned it, noting Granna’s disapproving glare.

  Tobithal—Tobi—stepped back and turned to Isa.

  “And young Isabella?” He bowed low. “It is an honor that you both could join us.”

  He leaned closer, lowering his voice.

  “To be honest, this whole thing is a bit of a disgrace in my opinion. I just want you both to know I’ve done what I can for your aunt Natalie. Given the circumstances, the choices she made seem completely justified to me.”

  A relieved breath escaped Kar.

  That boded well for the coming announcement, surely?

  “Not all of my… peers share my views.” Tobias waved toward the platform—toward Granna in particular. “But we all have the good of the Enclave, and Iridess, at heart.”

  Kar cleared his throat.

  “So what exactly is happening here today?”

  Tobias smiled faintly.

  “Well, the trial has already taken place—last night. This gathering is simply the announcement of judgement for the Enclave as a whole.”

  “I thought we were going to get to say something,” Isa interjected.

  “Yes, well…” Tobias shrugged. “There were those who wished to hear your testimony before we decided. But we were overruled.”

  The Elder seated at the center of the platform rose to his feet. Tobias noticed and paused.

  “Listen,” he said quickly. “I’m eager to speak with both of you more. If I don’t find you afterward, come by the Hall and see me.”

  He tugged lightly on a patch sewn into his robe—a hammer striking crystal emblazoned on silver.

  “I’m one of the Crucible Elders.” With a last smile, he jogged back to his seat.

  Erio pressed them onward toward their Granna, but that lead Elder spoke, his voice booming unnaturally throughout the basin of the amphitheater.

  “It is time for this council to adjourn. We ask for all to take their seats now and witness the judgement that has been passed.”

  Granna huffed, shooing them away while re-taking her seat. Kar and Isa milled in place, before being escorted off to the side wall of the basin by Erio and Tharn. It appeared seats had been reserved there for them.

  “Where is Aunt Nat?” Isa whispered, even as a hush fell over those attending.

  Kar scanned the amphitheater floor anxiously. He hadn’t seen her among the crowd when they arrived. A knot tightened in his chest.

  “She’s on her way out,” Ember whispered in Kar’s head. “She says not to be worried about what has been decided.”

  That only made Kar worry all the more.

  At the center of the platform, the Elder who had spoken stepped forward. His robes were pale indigo, trimmed in silver thread, and a wreath of crystal adorned his head.

  “Let the record show,” he said, his voice carrying effortlessly to every corner of the Forum, “that the Council of Orders has convened and concluded deliberations regarding the actions of Natalie Asenia.”

  A murmur rippled through the assembled Guardians and citizens.

  Kar felt Isa tense beside him.

  Two Guardians emerged from a passage behind the platform then, escorting a lone figure between them.

  Natalie.

  Her wrists were bound loosely with bands of dull grey metal. She walked with her head high, her expression calm despite the thousands of eyes fixed upon her.

  Isa inhaled sharply.

  Kar reached over and squeezed her hand.

  Natalie was guided to the center of the platform beside the speaker and turned to face the crowd.

  The lead Elder continued. “Natalie Asenia stands accused of the unlawful removal of two children of the Enclave. She fled this city without sanction, concealed their existence for years, and willfully interfered with the authority of the Council.”

  Another murmur spread through the Forum.

  Kar felt every word like a sledge blow.

  “However,” the Elder went on, raising a hand for silence, “the Council has also considered the circumstances surrounding her departure and what has followed since. It was Natalie Asenia who returned to the Enclave seeking aid when the threat beneath the Archives was discovered. It was she who guided the rescue of the Marked and his companions.”

  His gaze drifted briefly toward Kar.

  “Her actions saved lives. And the closing of the Causeway stands as proof that the danger she warned us of was real.”

  The Elder paused, letting the weight of that statement settle across the crowd.

  “Nevertheless,” he said, his voice hardening, “no citizen of the Enclave—no matter their name or lineage—stands above the law.”

  Silence fell.

  “The Council therefore finds Natalie Asenia… guilty.”

  Isa’s fingers tightened painfully around Kar’s.

  Kar forced himself to breathe.

  “But,” the Elder continued, “in recognition of the service rendered, and the unique responsibilities borne by the Asenia line, the Council has chosen not to impose imprisonment.”

  He turned slightly, gesturing toward the mountain towering over the Enclave. “Instead, Natalie Asenia is hereby charged with lifelong service as Watcher of the Seal.”

  A wave of startled whispers swept through the amphitheater.

  Natalie showed no outward reaction.

  “The Watcher shall reside within the inner sanctum and maintain vigilance over the Seal upon the Source. She will serve as its guardian and steward for the remainder of her days.”

  Kar felt a rush of dark anger wash through him. His right arm trembled.

  From everything Kar knew of the Source Chamber and the Seal… they had just handed Nat a death sentence. She would eventually be driven mad, just as Kar’s father—Rathael—had been.

  And for what?

  For trying to protect Kar and Isa from that very fate?

  This judgement was unacceptable. He wouldn’t stand for it.

  Across the Forum, Natalie finally lifted her gaze. Her eyes found Kar and Isa, and she gave them the smallest, reassuring nod.

  She was supposed to have her whole life ahead of her.

  They had made it to Iridess. They had finally found safety after the chaos of the Vault. Nat was going to marry Aldwin—and finally get the chance to be happy.

  The Elder raised his staff and prepared to strike the butt of it down upon the stone at his feet.

  The staff began to fall…

  And Kar moved.

  Before he knew what he was doing, Kar had bounded up the steps and joined the Elders and Natalie upon the platform.