Chapter 41

Mikhail Alash re-read his note. Thirteen more aeronautics engineers are coming to you: These ones are ex-Rancais Nationale Aeroflotte.

In four days, Iliyal had brought him twenty men. Now more?

Mikhail wanted his empty workshop back. He got back to redrawing another design for the rifle. Something was missing.

Ilwin sat in his cell. Olympiada, Lower Prison. It was a small room, with a bed and a desk, two chairs, and grey walls. The place was made to hold Divines, the walls were reinforced with thin webs of silver and steel, the ceiling and door were stupidly high. Even the bed was oversized.

He had seen Olympiada from the plane, an awe-inspiring mountain trying to reach the stars. All gold and marble at its huge peak, which spanned like a small coastal town overlooking the sea of clouds below it. The air was colder here, the sun harsher, and it was silent.