The sun was just fading into the horizon when Lord DuPraye and his entourage arrived at the wooden fortress. The chestnut stallion breathed heavily from the grueling journey and hung his head low as he carried the hawk-faced man through the gates into the unkempt interior of the structure. A soldier ran over to hold the horse’s reins as Lord DuPraye dismounted.

“Sire, this is an unexpected pleasure,” the commander left in charge, greeted.

“I am here to check on your progress,” the new king responded carelessly, but a glint in his eye betrayed his pretended indifference.

“Of course.” The commander waited respectfully for Lord DuPraye to lead the way and the men walked into the depths of the fortress. Bones and carcasses lay about in large heaps and the rottin...

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