An hour passed with neither side making a move. The warriors remained on the walls with weapons drawn while Zaira stood before the garrison like a mountain of darkness. Then a lone hawk appeared in the distance and flew directly toward the beast.
Hundreds of eyes followed it until it landed upon one of Zaira's head and on sagiri's hand. Sagiri calmly untied the small message tube and unfolded the letter. His crimson eyes moved across the contents before a cold laugh escaped him.
The message was from Tsaka.
An honor to receive the Supreme Chief of the South. You once said you would keep your visit silent should you ever come to Tagayia. It seems we have both broken our words. I will return your parents to you as promised, but save an old man a little face and come to me in the Inner City first so we may share a cup of tea.
No wonder the white-haired beast, Art Mandra, kept him close. The man is as cunning as he is smart.
