The palace corridors stretched before Jack Kaiser, weighed down by centuries. Marble floors reflected torchlight in pools of orange.
The architecture intimidated through scale.
Ceilings that soared three stories high, walls carved from bedrock, archways that framed the space.
His boots echoed against the stone with each stride. The sound carried upward through the vaulted ceilings, announcing his presence whether he wished it or not.
The torches created alternating light and shadow. Jack moved through both without hesitation, his eyes adjusting seamlessly.
He was moving toward the throne room when he noticed the scrying screen positioned in an alcove.
The device was mounted on a stone pedestal, its surface active and glowing. The image displayed the Finals arena in real time. Millions of viewers watched simultaneously across seven kingdoms. The stadium was packed. Energy cascaded through the connection.
Jack slowed his pace.
