The grand meeting hall of the United of Regia was thick with tension. Twelve rulers, each the master of their own domain, had gathered around the elongated table, its broad sides left empty save for the emblem of their fragile alliance—twelve stars encircling a central crest, a silent testament to the equality they had sworn to uphold.
At the head of the assembly stood General Hedorven, his weathered face grim as he delivered the dire news.
“The Neiter have come. My city, Byre Town, has been razed.” His voice was low, steady—but the weight of his words was enough to crush the air from the room.
Silence followed. Then came the whispers, murmurs laced with doubt and disbelief.
Queen Helena of Nordenlac—a woman of grace yet iron resolve—was the first to speak. “Hedorven, are you certain?
