The summons had reached every corner of Thazir before dawn, dragging chiefs from their estates and elders from their beds with a single command from the War General.
Attend immediately.
By the time the council chamber filled, an uneasy tension had already settled over the room. Conversations were short and whispered. No one seemed willing to speak too loudly, as if doing so might invite bad news into existence. The empty seat of the Supreme Chief loomed over the chamber, a constant reminder that Sagiri was absent.
Several council members kept glancing toward it unconsciously. When the great doors finally opened, silence swept through the room instantly. Zifara entered wearing full war armor rather than his ceremonial attire, every step echoing against the stone floor.
The sight alone tightened stomachs.
A Kai only calls for urgent meetings when there is a threat of war.
