I was wrongstrong-headedI know that now. Please, grant me another chance.” Sentenced to death, or a “fate worse than death,” whatever that might be, Amenstar fell to her knees before her hard-faced parents. Clasping her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks, she beseeched them, “On the grasslands I was captured by Samir Pallaton’s cavalry. I saw Oxonsis block the Agis and cut off our water, and then I knew you were right. I realized how serious this world is, and that Cursrah was indeed endangered, so I returned of my own free will to help” No one listened. The sama nodded past Amenstar’s head and ordered, “Gag her!” Cold, chemical-stained hands pinned Star’s arms. Her assailants were vizars, for no one else in the kingdom could touch a royal person. Seized by her cornrowed hair so her tiara twisted, Star was held against the musty robes of two acolytes. The vizar-in-waitingshaven, with a branded head, in robes the color of dried bloodordered Star’s mouth wedged open with a metal spatula.
