The Rule
In the eastern reaches of Tziyonia, where the hills rose like silent watchmen and the olive groves glistened in the warm breath of spring, lay the estate of Lord William. Unlike the palace cloaked in mourning, his estate breathed ease. The scent of roasted meats, ripened dates, and golden wine floated from the kitchens like indulgent incense. Birds sang in the arbors. Children ran across the stone terraces. And in the study chamber, cloaked in fragrant cedarwood and lit by soft oil lamps, William reclined in his carved chair, draped in silks, a cup of honeyed wine poised between his fingers.