Chapter 31: Forging and Fractures
Kingdom of Algoria - Royal Palace East Courtyard, Early Morning
Four o'clock in the morning was a cruelty Conrad hadn't anticipated when he'd agreed to Godfrey's terms. The palace at that hour existed in state between night and dawn—still dark enough that torches were necessary for illumination, cold enough that breath steamed in autumn air, quiet enough that every sound felt intrusive against the sleeping silence.
Conrad arrived fifteen minutes early his first day—determined to show punctuality, to demonstrate commitment. Found Godfrey already present, standing in the center of the east courtyard with posture that suggested he'd been waiting for some time. The old butler wore simple training clothes rather than his usual impeccable uniform—dark pants, loose shirt, boots designed for movement rather than formality.
"Good," Godfrey said, assessing Conrad's early arrival with single nod. "Punctuality suggests seriousness. We begin."
