“I could have forced every mage in your country to become a Shadow, Ashalia. That’s what I would have done, had I been aiming merely to supplement my own strength.” She shook her head. “But I did not, because there are bigger things at stake. I left most of the Gifted—the strongest—to fight. It was only those who were too weak, those not disciplined or intelligent enough, whom I ensured would be put to a better use. And believe me when I tell you this: there is no better use than keeping what is behind the ilshara from getting to this city.”
