THE DEVIL'S JEWEL
the king ordered, pointing to a young servant girl who immediately curtsied and nodded before walking away to fetch her.
"I hope our trip to Valethorne just goes smoothly," Lord Thalen Ironhart said, adjusting his ceremonial sword at his side. "Like we all know, it's Malakar we're talking about. Once we get there, avoid anything that would make him upset." His weathered face was grim, etched with lines that seemed deeper today than usual.
The other council members nodded solemnly. They had all heard the stories - entire armies disappearing in the night, kingdoms that had opposed Malakar reduced to ash and memory. They were walking into the lion's den, and they all knew it.