Even the fruits of his own farming labor had been taken away, and any sign of resistance had resulted in beatings and abuse. He had longed for freedom, but any attempt to escape had meant certain death.
But now, everything had changed.
With a trembling voice, Sergei shouted,
"As a citizen of Xerx, I pledge my loyalty!"
All around him, others echoed the cry.
His wife, Alexa, nodded tearfully beside him. Their son Dmitri, recently admitted to knight school after his talent was recognized, stood tall with pride.
Beside them was Pierre, an old friend whom Michael had brought back to life.
Once a brilliant thinker and statesman, Pierre had been betrayed and killed by a corrupt steward. Now, resurrected as a revenant through Alfred's magic, he had returned with purpose and power. His special ability as a revenant allowed him to inspire and rally others—he had not forgotten his mission, even in death.
