Sunset on the Orchards

A short story set in the fictional "Free Isles", a collection of squabbling trade nations built on a group of islands in the southern sea, just off the coast of the continent of Khavaril. This story follows the last weeks of a waning ruler -- turned mean and broken by age, responsibility, and wealth -- as his servants and supposed allies plot to kill him. The conspiracy was planned in order to replace the Earl with his younger brother, a far more lively and capable man.