The Bastard Prince of Hollowvale

l, jagged obsidian veined with red iron, scorched black

ng faintly of fresh oil. Beside him, a hired courier thin, sun pocked, and well paid to speak only when spoken to held the reins of a mule

estioned

ide the walls felt h

ad like ribs. The streets were crowded but silent. Vendors hawked nothing. Children played with no la

pt his ga

ing now paired awkwardly with the Thorn Rose Queen Isolde's new sigil. Th

cracked and dry. Noble mansions boarded at the upper floors. A line of wome

uttered. Caelen gave him a loo

hed slate and the stink of boiled roots gave way to incense and rose oil. H

reading Vaelric House in crisp, new lettering. The estate was too small to be grand, too ornate to be forgotten. Preci

making eye contact. His boots struck the stone path. The ivy brushed his sh

led. The furnishings were fine velvet chairs, carved paneling, a harp th

bow, "we are honored to receive you. Her Majesty's court has been informed of

ve my seal delivered to

my l

at's necessary.

ted, but bowed aga

warped, and through it he could see the city stretch outward broken towers, torchlight,

dow frame, fingers trailing t

no sounds

er from t

h of a city that had seen t