SumonThe days continued to pass, as the funeral rites were performed and more and more strangers arrived in Sierra.Haefest was divided into thirty distinct regions, at the head of each there was a noble family. Some were descendants of the first inner circle of the founding king of Sierra, others had received the office later, swearing their allegiance to the reigning king or proving their valor in battle.Of thirty lords, in addition to the six present at the council, only a dozen had appeared.The others had not shown up and had not sent a response to the summons of the new king, completely ignoring the orders given. If they had not supported Nathan's coronation, they might have been able to start a rebellion by proclaiming a fake king for them, declaring open war against the crown. And, with civil war looming in the north, such a rift in their kingdom was the last thing they needed.If word had come to the other four kingdoms, they would have been a target, defenseless to the poi

Athelstan Queen Reanna was standing, her back straight and her hands crossed in front of her. Her red hair was styled in a long braid that ran sideways down her shoulder. On her head she wore a simple crown, the thin silver circle had only a diadem in the center, just above the forehead. The purple eyes, like those of her son, were focused on the master, inquisitors, despite having a glacially quiet expression and a sweet tone of voice. "Mother," said Athelstan, solemnly. The other men at the same time pronounced Majesty by making a bow. The queen gave a sweet smile and approached them. "Master, how did you say?" She blinked a couple of times. A lion in cat disguise, Athelstan thought, trying to hold back a laugh. "I think it is safer that the prince will stay in Locrand," the old man said confidently. He was not afraid of Reanna's role or the soldiers who would cut off the heads of anyone who dared to speak in that tone to the queen. "I believe that the prince is free to decid

"He's certainly not here to make you look at him," he replied wryly."The first thing you learn in training is to use the bow," he said, earning himself seriously."Will you be a target? It might encourage me to aim well." Taryn bent her head to the side and looked into his eyes with a smile."And take away the pleasure from my enemies?" he arched his eyebrows in amusement."I might suggest drawing my face on target, but I doubt anyone can capture such beauty," he continued, sporting a mischievous smile.Taryn shook her head and followed him as they moved some distance from the target.When they were far enough, Elhias stopped and grabbed her by the shoulders, causing her to position herself in front of the target."Do you know how to use it?" he said, handing her his bow and quiver."I'm not stupid. I saw my soldiers," he replied immediately, grabbing the objects."Then give it a try," he declared, raising his hands and

"Do you think I don't know the movements of every legion in the army, Pix?" Doreon narrowed his eyes. "Whether you like it or not, your troops are part of Haefest's army and coincidentally I am its commander, so you and your men answer to me," Doreon continued in an authoritarian tone.He had not moved an inch, he had maintained a relaxed position all the time, intimidating the lord in front of him."At least they were right to trust you," Pix said. Doreon looked at him, for a moment, confused. "My father and other lords had high expectations of you, mostly due to your ancestry, of course." Doreon continued to stare at him without uttering a word. "Did you think that the king had chosen you, a little boy, moreover the son of a man convicted of treason, as commander of the army because you know how to do some trick with the sword? Every choice is supported by the council and the lords and we, or rather some, have made your name, alluding to the fact that a young and fresh face like you

"Rotten? How is this possible? They died yesterday or am I wrong?" Sumon turned her head towards him, looking at his profile, while Nathan stared at an undefined point in front of him and drank. The apple that came down, while he swallowed the wine."It's the same thing I asked for when I got there. But then one of the farmers opened one of the beasts, showing me what really frightened him. As soon as he opened the meat, a dark, thick liquid poured out of it, releasing a disgusting smell. Half of my stash started vomiting just with the smell." He inhaled deeply as if his nostrils were still filled with that smell, as if he could feel it even in the room. "The exterior was normal, but the interior was disgusting. The flesh was beginning to take on a black color and the organs were completely rancid, as if it had been dead for weeks. Not even the crows approached to feast." He shrugged his shoulders as if he had been struck with a shiver of disgust."That's not a good omen, Nathan," Sum