Chapter 1
A bitter, metallic taste stung my tongue and fixed a look of distaste on my face. Galveston’s guard manacled my wrists, but allowed me the dignity of walking through the cobbled streets from the gates to the central fort. The castle rose above me on the highest peak, the grey of its stone facade matching the discordant sky. The Wasp Lord’s new army made a rag tag bunch of misfits. Kuiti’s former guard still wore their dark, bird-like armour and avoided my glares in their direction. My presence pricked their conscience, though I saw their loyalty to the former monarchy tamped down by fear. Galveston’s home guard displayed their garish black and yellow jackets over chests puffed with pride and arrogance. The harsh yellow clashed against the sombre Forlornn colours. Something about
