“Explain yourself!” Dammen said, glaring at his longtime friend and chief military commander who was standing at attention before his massive desk.

“My apologies, Ziros,” Jeiel Vernier countered, standing his ground in defense of his aides. “I can make no excuses for our laxity in strengthening our boundaries. I take full blame for the breach.”

Dammen glared at the man, his fury evident. “Damn it!” He gave a loud sigh, as he tried to control his emotions. “Why did this have to happen now, with so many problems with our weaponry?”

The cambra stood his ground and waited, his expression revealing his silent thoughts. What’s done was done, and Kaanig...