As Kaira and the others were making their way through the Siliad Mountains, fear was covering the Moribundian landscape like a dark storm. In the days following King Theodore’s death, large numbers of strangers began arriving in the kingdom and the land’s residents watched with growing trepidation. They were not unaware of Lord DuPraye’s desire to attack Luthania. For some time, rumors had been circulating that he was building an enormous army and those stories were now proving to be true. Still, something about these newcomers made them feel uneasy. They began to seek shelter in shadows and hurried out of sight when a group of strangers was spotted.

The funeral for the deceased king was a pompous affair. Still acting out his part, Lord DuPraye arranged a lavish procession for the king to the...

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