*Book One of The Accursed Chronicles*
August was a man from a normal world, living a mundane life until one night everything changed, and he was sent spiraling into a world stuck forever in winter, full of magic, creatures, and a curse that has grip...
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Altair stood atop the breezy wall-walk of Margos, being pushed around by the wind. Margos was a desolate territory that was more barren fields than abundant forests. The city had been gifted to Magnus's son Galen and there his son had remained, far, far away from Darrose.
Altair hadn't come to visit Galen, however. He had come to meet Cassian Miltos, the brother of Silvana. Margos was closet to Eddin by way of sea and was the easiest of cities for those from Misonte to reach. Cassian—as Altair was well aware of—had business with Lord Eirith, the two of them conspiring to run an illegal slave trading route from Krak to Misonte and up into Ustgard. Altair hadn't touched the issue nor pressed Magnus on it as it was a bargaining chip for him. He allowed Cassian to continue his trade, on behalf of Silvana and her research of the Vale, only if they assisted Altair whenever he called upon them.
And this was one of those times.
"Terrance said you were up here."
At the all too familiar voice, Altair pressed a smile onto his lips and turned to greet his stepson, Galen. Galen resembled his father in every way, all down to the height and hair color. Altair couldn't help but want to shudder every time he saw the uncanny resemblance. It was like looking into the face of Magnus.
"Was there something you needed?" Altair asked as he walked towards Galen who waited in the North Tower's doorway.
He stepped aside when Altair entered the tower. "I was wondering if you knew why father decided to host Miltos at the Red Ball this year."
Altair knew better than most why Magnus had chosen to do so. Magnus had thought it had been his choice and his desire to renew relations with Miltos, but Altair knew that it had been his influence. Galen didn't need to know that.
"Magnus believes it is time to let bygones be bygones. I have stood by his decision and have been here to help mediate the discussions between us and Miltos," Altair replied as he glanced around the tower room, gaze landing on Galen. "That is why I am here to speak with Cassian, but you'd know that if you were in Darrose's court."
Galen's lips set into a tight line. Altair had struck a nerve and the thought had him holding back a smirk. Poor Galen and Gaiane had been excluded from Darrose since their appointments, Gaiane with her marriage to Prince Heron of Eyrin, and Galen with his placement in Margos. Magnus had been smart in keeping them away from corruption in the court, yet they couldn't stay out of Altair's reach forever.
"Father hasn't invited me or Gaiane home in years. It is not from a lack of trying that I have been isolated from my own home. Father has his reasons for keeping us distant from Darrose," Galen stated, disappointment heavy in his tone. "He didn't ask me nor Gaiane to come to the Red Ball either. Perhaps he expects the worst."
"Magnus is ready for anything yet hopeful for this reunion. He only wishes to keep you and Gaiane safe from harm. You are heirs to the Damari legacy," Altair said with silk tongue, keeping Galen blind to his treachery.
