「Hundreds of miles away, at Wind Crow Castle.」
Valerius sat in the main seat of the great hall. A whole roasted lamb was laid out on the long oak table.
He tore off a sizzling, greasy leg with his bare hands and took a savage bite, as if venting some frustration.
A Knight captain strode into the hall. His armor was beaded with water, a clear sign he had galloped through the rain to get here.
"My lord, news from Light City."
Valerius didn't even look up. He just kept tearing at the tough lamb with his teeth, letting out a low grunt from his throat.
"Speak."
"That group from the church... they're gone." The Knight captain's voice was a bit hoarse. "They left on the third day after you and Count Philippe departed. The old priest at the church in Light City said it was just a Priest from a church in Grey Marsh Territory, visiting an old friend on his master's orders."
The only sounds in the hall were of chewing and rain tapping against the stone windows.
