The Riverlands burned with new life after Arensford’s victory. Banners of the Phoenix hung where once the serpent had coiled. Villages whispered Cael’s name with reverence, and men flocked to his cause—farmers, hunters, even deserters from Varrow’s armies.
But hope is a dangerous thing. It spreads quickly, yet it draws enemies even quicker.
In the heart of Elandor, word reached Varrow’s throne before the blood had dried on Arensford’s cobblestones.
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The Wrath of the Usurper
King Varrow sat upon the Serpent Throne, his jaw clenched as the captain of his guard relayed the news.
“The tax collectors are dead. The Riverlords whisper rebellion. They kneel to the Phoenix.”
Varrow’s fingers drummed against the carved arm of his throne, the serpent motif coiling beneath his hand. His voic
