She would almost have sworn that the sky was about to fall on the Heroes’ Square outside the Royal Palace as heavy water-soaked clouds rolled across Andala. Darkness was her only companion as she walked, knowing that she was heading for events that, no matter what she wanted or did, would have far-reaching consequences. The warmth of Skald's hand on her cheek had long since faded, and she was utterly alone. Without her awareness, the shadows around her darkened, reaching for her cloak and drawing her into the seductive embrace of lonely despair. To the depths without any light to offer vain hope. Because there was no hope for her, and everything she ever did in good faith always turned against her in the end. When she entered the notarial building at the Royal Palace, she felt long

