Chapter 157

THE sun had set on the village and the night had grown cold when Zephrain saw a bright light erupt in the sky and shimmer out. He and Vivien were sitting on the edge of a porch, enjoying the quiet moment and watching the stars bloom in the evening. But when the light flashed, Zephrain stood up and watched the explosion. He had seen a light like that enough times to know what it could mean.

The first time he had seen one had been during the inauguration of the Saeri ust Trux. To let everyone in the Kingdom of Demetrius know that there was a Saeri ust Trux appointed, the Krystalline Palace set off a large cannon-like ball that exploded in the sky, making a huge firework that lights up the whole sky. Smaller fireworks were used to celebrate festivals and other events. But there was nothing to celebrate here. Fireworks could also be used as a warning or an alert, a call to arms or a signal.

Someone had sent up a signal.

"What was that?" Vivien asked, standing up beside