Previously: Defenders of the Empire. Dawn of the Empire, Part Eight of Ten “Why are you telling me these stories?” Kaimetsu-uo demanded. “I wish to hear about the Day of Thunder. What purpose do these other tales serve?” Fires of the Phoenix by Shawn Carman “Lord Isawa.” “Forgive me,” the servant said meekly, staring directly at the ground in front of Isawa’s feet. “We have received word from the southern villages that lord Shiba approaches.” “Lord Shiba?” Isawa asked, his voice low. “At what point did members of my tribe begin referring to Shiba as ‘lord’?” “Father!” she exclaimed.