Shi
an excerpt

There was silence for several long moments before Magmari spoke. “It is a strange land where the people’s justice can call a death sentence without the interference of authority.” She reached for her belt, untying a small pouch drawn from her saddlebags and tossing it upon the table. “I wish to request the kingdom-wide boon of hospitality for myself and Lilith this night within your hall. She bears a marque that places her within my circle of protection, and I’m sure after such cruel events have befallen her that you will not deny me.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“That of your city which is not built from sand and mortar is nothing more than dry, scavenged wood, milord.” Casually, she raised a hand to one side, sliding a circle of flames between her fingers. “This day has proved one most difficult in which to control my protective nature. The coin within that bag should be more than enough to compensate for our stay and new garments for Lilith, as well as the repairs needed at your city gates.”

“The gates? I’ve no word of difficulties at the gates.”

“I imagine difficulties are few. The gates were heavy wood. They’d withstand quite the siege I’m sure. Your difficulty lies in the fact that they no longer exist.”