The bells of Ravenswatch rang before dawn.
Not once.
Not twice.
But seven solemn tolls.
Every noble within the fortress understood what it meant.
The Royal Council had been summoned.
⸻
The Council Chamber was filled long before sunrise.
Lords from every province stood beneath the banners of their houses.
Military commanders lined the walls.
Royal scribes prepared fresh parchment.
The atmosphere was unlike any meeting before.
It felt…
Final.
⸻
King Aldren entered first.
Though age still marked his face, there was strength in his stride that had been absent for years.
The entire chamber rose.
He acknowledged them with a single nod.
Behind him came Sir Roland.
Marshal Gareth Stone.
Lady Beatrice Thornfield.
Lord Elias Ravenscroft.
Then came the two princes.
Alistair wa
