28 West

In late summer at Glowan Castle, Princess Glorian reflects on her uneasy dreams, the oppressive heat, and her reluctance toward marriage while talking with Julain. Court figures pass by with signs of worry about drought, and Glorian is summoned to Queen Sabran.

In a private audience, Queen Sabran announces the annulment of Glorian’s betrothal to Magnaust Vatten, redirecting the alliance by marrying him to Princess Idrega of Yscalin at High Winter. Sabran explains the political urgency following the Dreadmount eruption and denies Glorian’s wish to travel to Hróth, insisting the heir remain in Inys. Glorian asks to observe petitions instead of attending music lessons.

During the session at Glowan’s throne room, routine grievances give way to a troubling report from Lord Ordan Beck and Lady Annes Haster: livestock vanish near the haithwood, and Sir Landon Croft discovered a den containing hot, reeking boulders with black, honeycomb-like interiors; after planning to return, he disappeared. Sabran grants Ordan leave to search deep into the forest under Justice’s authority.

Moments later, an unknown petitioner rushes forward with a knife, targeting Glorian. Queen Sabran knocks Glorian from her seat and physically shields her. The assailant fatally stabs a young guard and advances, accusing the crown of lies, before Sir Bramel Stathworth kills him with a crossbow bolt.

The attack underscores rising peril and unrest as drought and ominous signs spread across Virtudom. Sabran’s decisive protection of Glorian and the swift neutralization of the assassin harden the court’s resolve while the mystery of the haithwood stones and missing hunters deepens the larger threat linked to the Dreadmount’s upheaval.