***Cadiz***
The declaration was written three days after the battle.
I wasn't present for its drafting, that was a matter for dukes and their advisors, for people who understood political language and the weight of words that could reshape nations. But I was there when Duke Magnus and Duke Devon signed it, their signatures bold and final on the parchment that would change everything.
"Once this goes out," Duke Devon said, his usually booming voice subdued, "there's no going back, we'll be traitors in the eyes of the crown and become enemies of the empire."
"We already are," Duke Magnus replied calmly. "We've fought two battles against imperial forces, this just makes it official."
I stood by the window of the council chamber, watching scribes make copies of the declaration. Dozens of them, each one identical, each one a potential death sentence for everyone in this fortress.
Raizel moved to stand beside me, his presence a quiet comfort. "How do you feel about all this?"
