The amber glow of twilight spilled over Caelmont's white-stone walls, softening the jagged edges of its towers.
From the balcony of his guest chamber, Valerian Stormborne leaned against the carved rail, feeling the salt-and-steel tang of the evening breeze.
The trial had been long, draining, and prickly with unspoken tensions ....the kind of day where even the wind felt heavy.
For the first time all day, there was silence. No posturing lords, no ringing proclamations, no echo of voices bouncing off the marble dome of the Hall of Balance. Just the steady hush of wind and the rhythmic toll of the quarter-hour bells.
A knock broke the quiet.....three quick raps, polite but firm broke his thoughts.
"Enter," Valerian said without turning.
The door swung open to reveal not one, but four figures. At the front was a boy with hair like gold with a little bit of red, and eyes bright with mischief .... Vaelric.
