But for me, I was in my own purgatory, for my heart had been destroyed when my eternal love had died.As I stood there at the doors of the palace watch...ing the happy crowds before me, unburdened by the overweening grief that kept me socially isolated and alone, there was a tugging at my sleeve and the sound of a young throat clearing.“Pardon, Monsieur, but the Comte d’F ... asked if it would be convenient for you to attend him. He would like to speak with you.”The moment of truth had arrived. I. Looking out the window, Jessica sat in her sweat, her revealing outfit of low cut and midriff cut off orange top with white hot pant shorts didn't offer up any support against this kind of heat and as a dark and growing map grew down the front of her top, turning it from once a bright orange tank top to a more burnt orange colour, beads of sweat on her brow began to drip down her face and onto her revealed chest. She often had to wear outfits such as this and as instructed by the halfway house. Permanently. His champion hasbeen given the power to destroy human souls, and has used this abilityon my own champion. I could return her body to life, but without asoul, there is no purpose in doing so." What happens if you don't have a champion?" I asked, though I alreadyhad my suspicions."What happens in an athletic competition, if your opponent fails toappear?" she asked me."They forfeit?"Maelyne nodded faintly. "And in a war, if one country's army fails toappear at the field of. ” I said to Wilhelm, who was scanning our surrounds with a practised eye.He pointed to the church tower. “A marksman could conceal himself up there.”“True, but look how the dais is sited right in the shadow of the tower. A marksman would have to perch on the very edge of the tower to line up on his target, and thus would be spotted from the ground and dealt with.”I pointed to the row of houses and factories less than a furlong away. “However, there could be a company of sharpshooters hidden in.