The winter of the first year of the Free Council was the coldest in a decade.
Snow piled high against the walls of Haven, burying the fields, blocking the roads. The wind howled through the mountains, carrying ice and sleet. But the village was prepared. The houses were warm. The bellies were full. The community was strong.
William stood at the window of his house, watching the snow fall. Elara came to stand beside him.
"You're thinking," she said.
"I'm always thinking."
"What are you thinking about now?"
"About the future. About what comes next."
She took his hand. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
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The Free Council met in the great hall at the heart of the mountains.
Representatives from all the free communities gathered around the long table—farmers, healers, builde
