The trip back to the North had been long. I was battered, exhausted, and barely able to stay awake. My uncle had arranged for me to see a healer before we left, but a fever had taken hold, leaving me barely conscious for most of the journey.
Slumped over my horse’s back, I was escorted north by a group of men. Unfortunately, my uncle couldn’t accompany us. He had more work to finish in the South before joining me in the North. It was impressive to see my uncle’s cunning in action—my father would never have been so devious, pretending to befriend people before betraying them. It was evident now just how different they were.
When I finally heard someone announce our arrival, I managed to lift myself slightly on the horse to view the grand mansion before us.
“Where are we?” I asked weakly
