“The Emperor protects,” I repeated while wrapping my hands against my chest to form the sign of Aquila. “The Emperor protects.” Even after shifting in my bed, the pain remained. I wanted the Emperor to save me, to end this wretched existence. Every waking moment brought torment, and the brief periods of unconsciousness, nightmares. Every day, I prayed for deliverance, whatever form it might take. And as always, the pain continued. My chest convulsed without warning. I raised