The Dawn of Shadows
The grand hall of Valoria thrummed with life, a sanctuary of warmth amid the biting chill that lingered beyond the castle’s ancient stone walls. Long oak tables groaned beneath the weight of roasted boar, freshly baked breads, and goblets brimming with honeyed mead and rich red wine. Flickering torchlight danced across banners embroidered with the silver crest of the Legion of Light, casting golden hues that played upon the faces of the gathered knights.
Laughter erupted in bursts, mingling with the low hum of spirited song. Musicians seated near the dais plucked at lutes and hammered soft drums, weaving melodies that stirred both pride and mirth. The air was thick with the scent of spiced meats and burning pine, an intoxicating blend that seemed to cleanse the blood and steady the soul.
Kael stood near the hearth, his broad frame silhouetted against the roaring flames. His armor lay discarded beside him, replaced by the simple leather jerkin that marked moments of reprieve. Despite the revelry surrounding him, his gaze remained distant, the celebration a fragile veneer over the weight he carried. The cheers and jovial clamor were a balm, yet beneath his calm facade, shadows of…
