The temperature was frigid, maybe thirty-two degrees, and a light frost had accumulated along the branches of the native trees, surrounding the large circular clearing in the Red Canyons. The tall evergreens and pines hovered ominously, like soldiers in their own right, come to pay tribute to the uncommon meeting of bitter enemies. The delegates from both houses materialized in the clearing at the same time: the Dark Ones coming from the west, the house of Jadon from the east. Each group appeared about ten yards away from the other, facing off like warriors of old in two loose semicircles. Ramsey Olaru and Nathaniel Silivasi flanked the sons of Jadon’s delegation on the far right and left, respectively, with Napolean Mondragon, Saber Alexiares, and Nachari Silivasi in the center of the circle. Saber drew in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the cold mountain air and slowing his heartbeat to make his senses more alert for the upcoming encounter.
