The city of Kyrshom was the capital of the Kingdom of Aleghor but it was not the only city in the kingdom which was overthrown. Every major city in the kingdom had been taken over in the same manner on the night of the festival of Kelaspin. Little or no resistance was encountered at all. In the months that followed people would continue to speculate about who had betrayed the kingdom to the people who now ruled. Blame fell on the Black Cloaks who had denied any involvement and put the word out that they had played no role in the change of rule in the kingdom.In the city of Galabag, the change that occurred meant little to Samnom who was fifteen circles of age.Samnom was a small boy for his age. As a result he was the object of many a bully’s attention and rage. He faced many beatings but always stood up again. He learned not to cry. His mother had died when he was born. He was brought up by his father who was the blacksmith of Galabag. His father always admonished him for getting bea

Benedict watched the crowd as they departed. There had been no announcement that Benedict was finished speaking. It seemed that Atomas’ head had made the announcement.Benedict turned and retreated into the palace. Raeme fell into step beside him. “Burn Atomas body and head. Immediately.”“My Lord. It is not recommended to do so…”“I care not for recommendations at a time like this. Recommendations based on superstitions are mere stupidity and will bring a kingdom down as surely as corruption will.”“I respect your view my Lord. I do not share the superstition, but the people have the greatest influence and it is their superstition. And to go against their superstitions will possibly make it harder to gain their trust. It will be harder to achieve what it is you aim to achieve.”“The people’s stupid superstitions are part of what made them accept the rule of a corrupt fool. I will have all memory of him erased from this kingdom as soon as possible and these foolish superstitions along

A knock at Benedict’s chamber door startled him from his reverie where he stood looking at the remains of Atomas funeral pyre.“Come in!” he called.The chamber doors opened and guards entered leading the former Queen Hester. “Your highness. The lady Hester as ordered.”“Thank you,” Benedict replied not removing his gaze from the funeral pyre. When he heard the doors close behind the guards, Benedict turned to face Hester. He opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t. He had never seen Hester until now. She curtsied and bowed her head in respect. “Your Highness.”Benedict heard no sarcasm or malice in her voice. She showed respect to the man who had killed her husband and taken the kingdom from her family less than a day ago. She was clearly well schooled in politics and matters of the court.He nodded to Hester and crossed to her coming to a halt before her. He looked down at Hester. He had never seen a woman more beautiful in all his life.He held out his hand and she gave him hers. H

Alysin did not speak but rounded the fire and came to sit next to Samnom. She reached out and took his hands in hers. She sat cross legged before him and he assumed the same posture. She closed her eyes and started mouthing words he could not hear. As he watched, her hands began to glow. The glow spread to his hands and then crept up his arms. Sensing his nervousness, Alysin tightened her grip ever so slightly assuring him everything was fine.The glow was accompanied by pleasant warmth and Samnom watched it creep up his arms. It disappeared inside his tunic and he felt the warmth spread over his whole body. The glow emerged from his tunic at his legs and moved down to his feet. Whatever was happening was having a healing effect on him. He felt the pain from the blows he had received receding until it was gone altogether.

 Benedict brought up the matter of Estor. He had heard of the superstitions regarding the aftermath of a convicted prisoner’s death. He wanted to see it changed.“You refer to Estor my Lord. I am afraid he took his life yesterday. Faced with bankruptcy and ruin he chose to depart this life.”Benedict nodded with disappointment. “What of his family and his assets?”“His wife passed a few years ago. He has two children and they are gone. We do not know where. Perhaps they will present themselves to an orphanage soon. His property has been returned to the Guild’s ownership to dispose of and settle his debts. He was bankrupt accor