It was a more perfect match than even he had anticipated.
At the end of the year, not three days into the next, a ship arrived in the harbor of Iankoros bearing messengers from the King of Sityan Veras, Riacinera’s father. War had broken out on the mainland. The King bade his ally, the Prince, to bring his armies to him at once. Together they would fight the renegade Count of Baracenese, who had sold himself to the Witch King from beyond the Thousand Hills. The elaboration of the messengers’ tale was one of invasions, massacres, and the burning of towns.
Theremderis stood beside Evnos as the news was related.
“So far your reign has been easy,” he said. “There have been no challenges. Now you are to be truly tested. Therefore I have one final lesson for you, and a gift.”
“Give them, the
