by
It has happened at last. Queen Nefasti’s friends are deserting her on all sides, treachery threatens from inside her own castle, and an invasion led by an old and angry acquaintance is knocking at the very gates to the Kingdom of Vadio. Dark Magic has stirred up things best left alone. Nefasti has been given a final choice, marry The Lord High Protector’s son, or suffer dire consequences. All of this threatens to ruin her 16th birthday celebrations, and probably end her life.
We live in dangerous times. Our young queen, almost sixteen, still learning her powers, attempts to survive and hold the land together. To the east, our neighbor is consumed by a bloody purge. South and west, the empires alternatively threaten and cajole. All seek her hand in marriage, and the end at last of ancient Vadio. North of the Valley of the Dragon’s Eye lies a barren land torn by rumors. There the barbarians unite in blood and fire. We cannot see where the horde will strike first, yet we well know how their blades are aimed. Their hatred of Queen Nefasti and the wealth of the southern lands is shouted across the sky. My vision is clouded, like some blind beggar. I cannot see through the haze. Strange that, given my parentage.
