First came a high, shrill whistle through the air, followed by a muffled explosion.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Red, yellow, and green fireworks burst overhead, trailing white flames across the sky. Rings of light spread beneath the bright moon. The most important festival in the Golden City was the selection of the Supreme Sun Priest. On this day, everyone who was not a slave gathered in the Temple District to witness the birth of a new Supreme Sun Priest.
Through the crystal glass, Xia Lun quietly surveyed Temple Square beneath the flashing fireworks. The clamor of voices and festive music drowned out the explosions, while the stifling smell of sweat carried far on the night breeze.
On the roof of the Golden Sand Midnight Temple at the far end, High Sun Priest Derino waved his hands as he spoke animatedly with his colleagues. Beside him, the guards gripped their spear shafts and scanned their surroundings.
The scene was lively, jubilant, and so frenzied with joy it bordered on hysteria. That was Xia Lun's first impression. He had never much liked such exuberant crowds, in either his previous life or this one. Still, he had to admit the feverish atmosphere was perfect for assassinating the Shrine Priest.
He slowly drew back his gaze and took a breath. "Let's go over the plan one last time."
White Line paused while wiping down the long barrel of her rifle. "Okay." She settled the rifle firmly on the railing.
"We're here to kill the Shrine Priest. I'll observe, guide you, and keep in contact with our informant. You'll carry out the assassination. The plan is to wait for the Vigil for the Dead, the ceremony's third event. As the person handling the previous Supreme Sun Priest's remains, the Shrine Priest will appear here. When he