Mara adjusted the focus of her spyglass to see the Imperial Embassy clearly. It was a gaudy, gross display of wealth: three stories of white marble, sticking out like a sore thumb against the rainbow of clay and sandstone of the canyon surrounding it. From her vantage point on the canyon rim, she could see a great majority of the small island down below them. The courtyard was a buzz of activity. There were dozens of men patrolling the perimeter with torches in their hands. The golden armor and white sil...