Chapter 13: Military Might
Aulrin regaled his guests of the castle’s rich heritage while he escorted them through its lavish halls. The curvaceous architecture and grand scale of the magnificent citadel overwhelmed its gawking guests. The floors had been cleaned to an unnatural sheen. Aromas of fresh food carried from the kitchen, sending Dain’s stomach into another rebellion of grouchy rumbling. Elaborate murals and statues depicted the history of the city. Aulrin led them to a grand staircase of white marble lined in carpet as blue as the oceans of Mar. They ascended the pearl walkway as Aulrin spoke. “The castle of Mar is one of the greatest structures in all of Zannondale and still makes me gasp every time I enter its halls.” He reached the precipice and proceeded toward two doors. Th
