16 Chapter 16

Maxi was spellbound. Beyond the wide-open plains lay a sizeable village enclosed by gray stone walls.

"That is my land, Anatol," said Riftan, pointing at the village. "Our people are mostly mercenaries or miners. There are serfs, too, but the land is ill-suited for cultivation, so our peasants mostly raise sheep, chickens, or goats."

As she listened, Maxi surveyed the land that was to become her home. Pastures sprawled before a towering gate, and overlooking the village was a precipitous mountain. On the mountainside, an enormous, golem-shaped fortress leaned forward. A faint shiver ran up her spine as she beheld the proud structure. Calypse Castle, solitary and intimidating in its immensity, reminded her of Riftan.

"It may not seem luxurious on the outside, but the castle is quite nice on the inside. And compared to most castles, it's of a decent size."