One month later, winter released its hold on the Supreme Capital.

Snow still crowned the mountain peaks, but new grass appeared along the lower slopes. Meltwater flowed through the ravines surrounding the Obsidian Citadel, and the pine forest smelled of

The coronation celebration continued long after sunset.

Music filled the Obsidian Citadel’s great hall, and tables overflowed with roasted venison, bread, mountain fruit, and expensive champagne supplied by the northern delegations.

For several hours, I performed th

The lower archives of the Obsidian Citadel occupied the oldest part of the mountain.

Some corridors predated the Blackwood dynasty. Their walls contained veins of iron that interfered with projection magic, making the archives one of the few locations where co