Chapter One: The Ashen Invitation

Lain held the invitation near the brazier. The dragon seal resembled an opening eye. “Attend a banquet.” Half an hour later, Serena returned with a copied ledger. Twelve casks of bluecrystal wine had entered the capital. Eleven went to the royal cellar. The Office of Ceremony claimed the last as an offering. The signature belonged to Herbert, Mordred’s nephew. More interestingly, the merchant’s guarantor was Count Tarren, a supporter of the Frost Dragon faction. One rope, tied to both camps. Lain placed three copper coins on the document: Herbert, Tarren, and himself. “They intend to make a dead man accuse the Frost faction,” Serena said. “How will you make the living tell the truth?”