"I agree with your alliance proposal, Your Highness." Imperial Lord Governor Adelbert Kasimir Weimmler's voice emerges from his throat. "House Weimmler and our allied Houses will stand by your side in times of both peace and war." He extends his hand across the polished surface of his desk, palm open, and fingers steady despite the trembling that courses through his ancient veins. Second Princess Ivonette Gertraud Vinterkaiser takes his hand without hesitation, her grip firm and warm. The touch lingers for a moment longer than necessary. "Then we have an understanding, Lord Weimmler." Her voice is soft but carries the finality of a judge's gavel. "House Vinterkaiser and House Weimmler, bound by purpose and mutual benefit. May our alliance be as enduring as the mountains themselves." The hour grows late. The clock in Emperor Nicklaus Harmann Vinterkaiser's private solar tower chimes half past nine. The tower rises high above the Vinterkaiser Imperial Castle, as its w

"The Holy Church and House Blackmoor will actively assist me and my men in making sure the healthcare reforms of Prince Cain will go haywire." Emperor Nicklaus Harmann Vinterkaiser's voice echoes through the throne room. "Intelligence reports say Prince Cain is currently busy building something called public baths all over Frostmark Province. And what he calls basic hygiene items are starting to flood the markets all over Frostmark Province. Merchant guilds are fighting tooth and nail just for a precious silver coin of their customers." He leans forward on his throne. "It's not a problem for the Holy Church and House Blackmoor to handle, Your Imperial Majesty." Cardinal Tybalt Freddie Blackmoor's voice carries the smooth confidence of a man who has spent his life navigating the treacherous currents of ecclesiastical politics. "I already have ideas of my own on how to counter Prince Cain's efforts as well. The Holy Church has dealt with heresy for millennia. This is merely a

The horses immediately sense danger. Their ears flatten against their skulls. Their eyes roll white with primal terror, and they whinny nervously as they increase their speed in a vain and futile attempt to escape the skirmisher dragon. Their hooves pound, & their muscles straining against the harnesses that bind them to the merchant carriage. Foam flecks from their mouths, & their breath comes in desperate, ragged gasps. But they are hindered by the frame of the merchant carriage, which is quite tricky to turn. The vehicle's weight, its high center of gravity, its rigid construction, all of it works against them. The carriage lurches and sways. Just as it seems Cardinal Tybalt's carriage is about to escape and make a clean getaway, the skirmisher dragon finds a perfect angle right in time. The dragon's chest glows with the building heat of gathering fire, the scales along its throat pulsing with a deep, molten orange. Its eyes, golden and ancient, lock onto the fleeing

"I refuse to accept your terms, Prince Cain." Emperor Nicklaus Harmann Vinterkaiser's voice cuts through the throne room like a blade. "And I'd like to challenge Sir Benedik Lukas Weimmler to a duel." The words hang in the air like a challenge. Second Princess Ivonette Gertraud Vinterkaiser sheathes her bastard sword with a smooth & practiced motion. She takes a step back. Her arms cross over her chest, and her expression is one of cold amusement as she watches to see what happens next. "Father, I urge you to reconsider." Crown Prince Guntram Erwinn Vinterkaiser steps forward. "You need not waste your life for a fancy gold hat and a golden chair. This is not worth dying for." But before he can take more than a few steps, the Imperial Commander of the Vinterkaiser Imperial Guard moves to intercept him. Sir Augustus Leopold Vinterkaiser unsheathes his sword with a sound like a serpent's hiss. Sir Augustus was once known as 4th Prince Augustus Leopold Vinterkaiser, bu

"I also vote in favor of my third brother's proposal." Second Prince Theron Valeheart Thaloria's voice rings through the throne room. "What about the rest of you, my lords and ladies, and clergy of the Holy Church? Just raise your hands if you are in favor." His gaze sweeps upon the assembled lords and ladies of Thaloria Kingdom like a hawk surveying its domain. He takes in the faces of Pope Valerian, half the Cardinals of the Holy Church, and House Blackmoor and their allies, House Storm and House Hamilton. The entire Heretical Noble Alliance responds as one. House Dragonfyre, House Seafyre, House Caelora, House Solara, House Saltfang, and House Weidenberg all raise their hands with glee evident on their faces. But the noble faction that sides with the Holy Church are reluctant. Raphael's eyes gleam with cold amusement as he observes their hesitation. He leans close to Crown Prince Alaric. "If you don't do something about these oh-so-pure, clean, and holy supporters of