The smoke of the burned supply depot still lingered in the air the following morning.
Although the fire had been extinguished, its shadow remained over the expedition. Soldiers spoke in hushed voices while blacksmiths repaired damaged wagons. Every officer now viewed strangers with suspicion.
The Second Trial had begun as an inspection of the frontier.
Now it had become an investigation.
General Corvin spread another map across the command table.
“The smugglers disappeared into these mountains.”
His finger traced a winding route climbing higher into the eastern range.
“There are dozens of abandoned mines.”
“Hunting lodges.”
“Old shrines.”
Lord Elias quietly shook his head.
“One place has not been marked.”
Everyone looked toward him.
“The Monastery of Saint Corvus.”
Captain Ro
