An excerpt from Isker Bey and the Timekeeper’s Revenge

As he ate, Isker looked around at all those assembled. They looked tired, and hungry, and impatient to escape their exile in the tiny wood. None, including Isker, had bathed in many days, as became more obvious every day. Sahar looked tired, frustrated, aggravated -all emotions he never saw play across her face before they left the Citadel. Vaisia’s eyes remained shut, despite the occasional cough. Doctor Bytia -who sewed up Isker’s cuts after the tower exploded- appeared drawn and tired.

None spoke, only ate or drank as the post-dawn light grew brighter beyond the trees. A noticeable heaviness hung over the assembled Xu, and each displayed the heightened awareness of the anxiety-ridden as they satisfied their morning hunger. Just as Isker finished the last of his meal, a deep voice boomed from somewhere in the trees:

“BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR-REGENT OF ZENHAI, AND IN THE NAME OF THE MURDERED TIMEKEEPER, YOU ARE ALL UNDER ARREST!”

Silnar leapt to his feet and swiftly pulled up his sword from behind him. The other Xu warriors immediately dropped their plates and retrieved their daggers and short swords. They quickly spread out to surround Sahar, Isker, Silnar, Vaisia and Doctor Bytia. Sahar wrapped her arm around Isker and pulled him close. “Caution,” she urged the others in a low tone. “Do not overreact.”