Time flew quickly, and Duke Noxton, together with his knights, arrived in the countryside of Gloaza earlier than expected. It had been so long since he last set foot on this land where much of his childhood had been spent. Though he was quite sober, a dull ache throbbed in his head and body, weariness clinging to him like a shadow. He lifted his gaze toward the heavens. Dark gray and black clouds loomed above, rolling and churning like the waves of a restless sea. The sky was heavy, gloomy, and foreboding. Fallen leaves scattered in the wind, carried off in fierce, unrelenting gusts.
“Duke Noxton?”
The sound of a familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts. He turned, his eyes falling upon the lady he had not seen for days. Klarine waved to him as she approached, moving briskly despite t
