The Council of Nations was held in the Rust Eel Tavern.
Not because it was grand it wasn't. The tavern was still a rusted hulk, still smelled of grilled rat and rotgut, still had a crossbow behind the bar. But it was neutral ground, and in a world full of old grudges and fresh wounds, neutrality was precious.
Lee sat at the head of a makeshift table a door laid across two barrels with his friends beside him. Across from him sat the emissaries.
Lady Ashara of the Iron Dominion. A woman of steel and clockwork, with gears visible through her translucent skin.
Lord Zephyros of the Sky Palaces. A bird like creature with feathers of living light and eyes that saw in twelve directions.
Prince Nerites of the Sunken Court. A mer person with skin like abalone and a voice that resonated through water even though there was none.
And a dozen others, each representing a fragment of humanity's shattered glory.
"We have received your reports," Lady Ashara said, her voice cold and precise. "The Hollow King. The Whisperer. The threat from beyond the stars." She paused. "We have also received reports of the Shadow Weaver's... redemption."
All eyes turned to Inyocha, who sat at the far end of the table, trying to make himself small.
"He's not the Shadow Weaver anymore," Lee said. "He's my brother. And he's fighting on our side now."
"Can we trust him?" Lord Zephyros asked. His voice was music literally, notes and chords woven into speech. "He has done terrible things. Killed thousands. Built a machine that almost ended the world."
"He's also the only one among us who has seen the Hollow King," Ren said. "The only one who knows what we're facing. His knowledge is invaluable."
"His knowledge?" Prince Nerites's water voice rippled with skepticism. "Or his power?"
"Both," Inyocha said quietly.
Everyone looked at him.
He stood up slowly, deliberately and faced the emissaries.
"I know you don't trust me," he said. "I know you have every reason to hate me. I hate myself for what I've done. But the Hollow King is coming. The Whisperer is already here. And if we don't work together all of us, including me there won't be anything left to fight over."
He spread his arms.
"So use me. Use my knowledge. Use my power. Use whatever you need to stop the Hollow King. And when it's over... when the world is safe... I'll stand trial for my crimes. I'll accept whatever punishment you deem fit. I'll spend the rest of my life trying to atone."
The room was silent.
Then Lady Ashara spoke. "That is... unexpectedly honorable."
"I learned from my brother," Inyocha said, glancing at Lee.
Lee smiled.
The emissaries exchanged glances. Nodded.
"Very well," Lady Ashara said. "The Shadow Weaver Inyocha Han will be provisionally accepted as an ally. His knowledge and power will be used against the Hollow King. And when the threat is neutralized... we will discuss his fate."
Inyocha bowed. "Thank you."
The council continued late into the night discussing strategy, logistics, alliances, and betrayals. By the time it ended, Lee's head was spinning.
But one thing was clear.
The War of Shadows was about to begin in earnest.