Morning sunlight slipped through the study windows, casting long shadows across the ancient maps spread before me. I traced the trade routes with my finger, following the journey I would soon undertake to the far eastern kingdom. As acting Duke apparent, I'd faced challenges before, but nothing quite like this diplomatic mission.
My father, Duke Lysander, entered with a weathered leather portfolio tucked under his arm. His silver-streaked hair and the fine lines around his eyes spoke of his seventy-five years, but his posture remained unbent by time.
"Alaric, a moment?" he asked, his voice carrying that particular tone that always signaled important matters.
I straightened. "Of course, Father."
He placed the portfolio on the desk between us, unsealing it carefully. Inside lay documents bearing unfamiliar scripts alongside translations, official seals I'd never seen before, and sketches of strange symbols.
