hours passed as they remained confined. Eventually, they were called into a room, questioned, and sent back. This continued until they were called in one at a time for questioning. Eventually, it no longer felt like they were being questioned; rather, it seemed as if they were being forced to give a specific answer—an answer that would declare them guilty.
Suddenly, a man entered and said, "We need Astrea."
Astrea was taken to a room where a stranger awaited him.
The man spoke, "I am Hedin Drengr."
Astrea responded, "Hedin?"
Hedin snapped, "Shut up, hare-brained dumbass! How can someone be as stupid as you?"
Astrea frowned. "What do you want?"
"I came here to hear your side of the story. That's it," Hedin replied.
Astrea's eyes widened. "Now I remember where I've heard of you—you're Hildrsleve, the man who holds both the title of Chief Justice and Warden of Purgatory Prison."
Hedin cut him off. "Enough with the questions. Just answer me already. What happened on the battlefield? And don't even attempt to lie to me—if you do, it will be your last mistake."
Astrea hesitated. "Well, umm…"
"Speak up, idiot! I don't have all day!" Hedin snapped.
Astrea swallowed hard. "Sir, when we were under attack... well..."
Hedin's expression softened slightly. "It's okay. I can understand your pain. You there, get this boy some water."
Astrea took the glass and drank.
"Now speak, and don't waste my time," Hedin ordered.
Astrea took a deep breath. "Well, when the fight started, everything was going fine. But then… there was this huge surge in magical power—"
"A magical power surge?" Hedin interrupted. "Was it a Dáinsleif?"
"I don't know," Astrea admitted. "But when it happened, the commander couldn't react properly. Sir Faiz had to take command and issue independent orders. It was only because of him that we survived… and that's why everyone else—our entire fleet—was reduced to ash."