Meanwhile, on the far side of the palace—out on the wind-swept terrace of Balai Hamili—Shaya tied the last knot, her fingers deft despite the blood still slick on her gloves. She exhaled in relief as the deep gash on the soldier's back finally closed beneath her sutures. Rising stiffly, she brushed her hands against her tunic and scanned the terrace
Bener should have been there. Earlier, he had taken her place at the watch so she could tend to the wounded knight.
She noticed that the clash of steel had grown fainter, echoing from distant courtyards. He must have drawn the Zuran soldiers away.
General Odin and his sons had departed quickly once King Heimdal and Prince Dakota were secured. Shaya remembered Asael's words, firm and unyielding: "Someone must stay behind to keep watch here, Father."
"I will do it." Bener said decisively.
Odin had agreed with visible reluctance before leaving in haste.
