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Élisa exclaimed, concern lurking in her lilac eyes. ‘What of the K?'nere, Kírkos, and Kôrm?r?nt Eyries? These are the aristocratic, noble, and merchant houses and clans,’ she added for the Sable Riders’ sake. ‘They’ve always looked down on the K?str?l order, even though we rule Katáne. They’ll make life hell for Killen.’

Killen jerked a chin at his mother. ‘Given I slayed their mainstay, they might not be that easy to win over. However, seeing as many of them now flounder without leaders, as most fell on Devansi, I might be able to convince them with some canny thinking.’

Élisa made noises of concern. ‘You have no idea, son, just how much Katáne is a hotbed of vultures and vipers competing for power. They’ve been waging their snide battles of betrayal, backstabbing, and attrition far longer than you can imagine.’

‘The majority who thought this way have just died in the offensive with the Sable and Pegasi fleet, haven’t they? Many were also the Old Guard, the KubaíKíamaCouncil,’ Kione, the second Katánian rebel leader, stated.

Élisa was unconvinced. ‘Their wives and children remain. Trust me, vengeance will be all that consumes them, and it’ll be directed at Killen for slaying the Kíríga. The Kurogí, the curse witchers, are serpents also waiting to strike. So too are The Kän?dôr, the ridge top clans and their stubborn headmen, the wild desert tribes, and let’s not forget the wandering spirits. How about the K?sts, the noble families of those who died in the skies over Devansi? What of them? Will they fold and accept Killen, a half-Katánian, as their King?’

Kaxim exchanged looks with his K?str?l cronies, then sliced his eyes to Killen, giving him an apologetic twist of his lips.

‘Nada. They will not,’ Killen confirmed with a sigh, conceding his mother’s point. ‘I’ll share my ideals in a way that makes them listen. I’ll also not spare the sword and mykoyaif they take advantage of my unorthodox approach. Then, I’ll need great cunning to persuade them that I am the rightful heir. By doing the opposite of what they’re expecting from a King.’

Kaxim’s brow furrowed as his fellow warriors stirred behind him. ‘What do you mean?’

Kainan shifted in his seat and leaned forward. ‘He means he’ll position himself as a counter-revolutionary to undo what had been done. I approve of your approach, Killen, because I’ve pulled that move myself. It’ll work, but it’ll take balls of steel.’

Killen flashed a smile at the Sable Group’s leader. ‘I think I’ve got ‘em,khosi. I’ll need to make a stir. Maybe even create a righteous storm. It’ll provide the basis for unity, creating a ripple effect throughout society til the conflict within Katáne has been reconciled.’

He crossed his arms across his chest and flicked his eyes back to the starry expanse outside. ‘Don’t get me wrong. If I could hand over this mantle, I would. But I cannot. It is mine to bear. Whether I like it or not, my calling is to become their anti-hero, the counterKírígaand contra crown.’

For a moment, silence dominated the room until Kaxim stood and, with a sharp salute, bowed in acceptance. His fellow K?str?l warriors followed suit.

‘We’re the Kainôs Hunters, the new rebels. Why wouldn’t we back a subversive, arrogant, yet at its essence, a uniting approach?’

Killen twisted his lips as he said the words. ‘True, I may sound aggressive and gutsy in my aspirations, but rest assured, it is not I but the hawkstone driving this purpose. You may find that I’ll be a reluctant King, for this was not my dream, but this is my destiny, and I’m coming to terms with it. That said, I’ll be uncommon in my approach. It’s what the planet needs, I believe.’

He nailed the pair of Krypós warriors and the K?str?l hawks behind them with an exacting gaze designed to cut through their hearts and intentions. ‘Will you embrace my unconventional ways and support me without a doubt if and when I come with you to Katáne?’

Kaxim raised his chin in a show of support. ‘We shall. Be prepared to battle many forces before you are ratified and crowned, but we will remain with you until the end.’

Killen tapped his hawkstone, rising and reaching a hand to seal the deal with Kaxim. ‘There’s nothing more to be said. Katáne has no choice but to tangle with me then.’

The room fell silent for a beat as both men shook hands.

Élisa squeezed Riv’s arm and shot him a look of pride mixed in with trepidation.

Riv stood to his feet. ‘Killen, your parents endorse your ball-busting plan. Not that you needed our approval. Shall we drink to that?’

The room let out a collective affirmation.

The K?str?l warriors rose, followed by Kainan and the rest of the Riders.

Mirage bustled around, handing out tumblers and pouring out tots of whiskey.

Riv turned to his woman. ‘How do you seal a deal on Katáne?’

She sliced her eyes at their new friends. ‘The warriors speak the blessing over theKírígaIn Waiting.’

Riv nodded towards Kaxim. ‘Over to you.’

The imposing warrior lifted his full tumbler into the air with such gusto that some amber liquid splashed out of the vessel.

‘May the libation we share bless us all

May it tie us in blood, iron, and loyalty to our King

May it give reverence, respect, and recognition to our ancestors