For only the second time since her return, Leah Anavion sat on the throne of Nolia. Soldiers of the combined forces of Cervice filled the room. Any Darvellians contemplating another assassination attempt would think twice about it now. But she did not think that would happen. Not this time.
Through the throne room entryway stepped the gaunt, jagged old frame of the former prime minister of Nolia, Illander Asher.
A pair of Darvellian guards shoved Asher forward. His hands were bound. He was still dressed in the vestments of power. Over his shoulders was draped an elegant, purple cape, and various emblems and golden tokens hung upon his chest.
He was marched to the front of the room. There, men of the High Guard held him at spear-point. His red-rimmed, old eyes locked on Leah, filled with baleful malevolence.
Despite her advantage over him, Leah's mouth was dry. She was less than a stone's throw away from the man responsible for the death of her entire family.