Book 2: The Shadow of Silent Losses

Aylman is the eldest son of Hile, a driven and resourceful young man whose ambition often runs ahead of his caution. At around twenty-four years old, he has already earned a reputation in Eslading for his skill, work ethic, and ability to navigate the blurred lines between enterprise and exploitation, where profit and harm are rarely cleanly separated. Hardworking and clever, Aylman is also deeply pragmatic, willing to bend rules and forge discreet alliances in pursuit of his father’s approval, if it means gaining an edge. His dealings with local bandits and the Thieves Guild reflect a mindset shaped more by self-interest disciplined by duty than by principle.

Yet, for all his moral flexibility, Aylman is not without conscience. He rarely sees his choices as harmful until the harm becomes undeniable, until those choices place him in danger he cannot calculate away, until the cost falls on someone who trusted him to lead. And when it does, the quiet voice of guilt does not absolve him. It lingers, reminding him that some lines, once crossed, don’t vanish just because they were profitable, and that one decision, made for advantage, may have cost a companion his life, even if Aylman is never given certainty enough to mourn.

Captain Belle, known to some as Maribel, leads one of the most effective and enigmatic paramilitary bands operating in the Vidoran wilds. Composed of outcasts, survivors, and hardened fighters, her group has earned a reputation for targeting robbers, slavers, and predators—often delivering justice where law and order fail to reach. Under Belle’s command, the gang functions with remarkable discipline and strategic clarity, a reflection of her personal transformation from survivor to tactician.

Belle’s past is marked by hardship and violence, much of it left unspoken. What’s clear is that her strength was not born from privilege, but from pain—and from the rare kindness of those who earned her trust along the way. Her loyalty is hard-won, her leadership unshakable, and her moral compass, though scarred, points fiercely toward protecting the vulnerable and punishing the wicked.

Whispers of her past follow her, and so do the echoes of old names and broken histories. But for those who ride under her banner, Captain Belle is not just a leader—she’s proof that strength can rise from ruin, and that justice doesn’t always wear a uniform.

Elgyon is the son of a hunter, raised in the wilderness and trained in the quiet skills of tracking, observation, and survival. Though he possesses all the instincts and precision of a master woodsman, he lacks the appetite for killing that often defines the hunter’s path. Instead, Elgyon channeled his talents into the shadows of society—rising through the ranks of the Information Guild, where silence, subtlety, and clarity of thought are prized above all else.

Now a high-ranking operative, Elgyon’s deep well of knowledge and personal connections make him an invaluable asset as Cendomvita’s political landscape begins to fracture. Sharp-eyed, disciplined, and guided by a quiet moral core, Elgyon is not the type to command a room—but he’s often the one who sees what others miss, and who moves when it matters most.

At fourteen, Phine was Hile’s youngest son. He was already far more than just a boy running errands. Energetic, curious, and relentlessly observant, he once approached every task with wide eyes and sharp questions, certain that understanding was enough to keep him safe. He studied as hard as he worked, developing a grasp of history, geography, and politics that often rivaled the grown men around him. Experience was beginning to show him how thin that advantage could be.

The journey to Ostengate opened Phine’s eyes. On the road and beyond it, he learned that knowledge could not anticipate betrayal, fear, or loss. Survival often depended less on what he knew than on what he noticed too late, or too soon. Under Elgyon’s steady mentorship, he learned patience, restraint, and the discipline of silence. He tamed his impulsivity, learning how to listen without reacting, how to endure uncertainty when instinct urged him forward.

Phine retained his rare ability to give and earn trust. He has, however, seen that duty can require real sacrifice. To fulfill his duty to his father, he sent Elgyon on a mission he might not survive, and abandoned his own charge in favor of carrying home a warning. In a world darkened by suspicion, Phine’s gift for connection remains, but it has been forged by experience, not innocence, marking his quiet passage from a boy with knowledge into a young man shaped by consequence.

Posted at the western edge of the coastal plains near Ostengate, Grimm serves as the fort’s Sergeant of the Guard and a living relic of the Old Guard, a man carrying deep knowledge of forgotten trails, hidden hamlets, and the buried history of Cendomvita. Long ago, Grimm joined the Vidoran army while searching for his kidnapped sister, Maribel, a pursuit that shaped both his career and his resolve. Over the years, he built a reputation as a capable and weathered soldier, practical in his ethics, occasionally amenable to a well-placed bribe, but equally known for offering help when it truly mattered. Many of his patrols, by chance or choice, passed near his family’s long-abandoned farmstead in the foothills.

For most of his life, Grimm was married to the uniform. That changed when he crossed paths with Elgyon and Phine, two figures who stirred something long dormant in him, purpose beyond duty.

Daughter of the infamous assassin known only as the Shadow, Ylena was raised in silence and steel. Trained from childhood in the arts of concealment, observation, and the swift dispatching of life, she grew into a figure of poise, precision, and unflinching control. But where her father reveled in lethality, Ylena recoiled from it. She had no qualms killing to protect herself or the innocent—but the cold logic of assassination never suited her soul.

Instead, she turned her inherited skills toward a different calling: the Information Guild. There, her talent for moving unseen, reading people, and slipping past barriers—physical and otherwise—propelled her quickly through the ranks. By her mid-twenties, she briefly held the title of Guildmaster in Ostengate, though she quickly recognized that leadership from behind a desk dulled her edge. Ylena was meant to be in the field, not behind ledgers.

Slender, wiry, and athletic, Ylena’s short-cropped hair and unassuming travel gear conceal a presence that can, when necessary, captivate an entire ballroom. Intelligent and compassionate, she commands loyalty—but she keeps her own feelings buried deep, hidden behind layers of practiced restraint. Those who know her well are few.

Agis manages the Traveler’s Fare Inn as a well-traveled stop nestled along a key trade route in Vidora, north of Eslading. He presents himself to the public as a shrewd but hospitable innkeeper who is known for his discretion and sharp memory. Because he possesses the ability to read a room with unsettling accuracy, he maintains a peaceful atmosphere for his guests while gathering valuable intelligence. His establishment serves as a crossroads for merchants and travelers, providing him with a constant stream of information from across the Seven Kingdoms.

Beneath the surface of his professional persona, Agis operates as a key figure within the Ravens. He leads one of their underground cells with a calm and deeply strategic approach. Furthermore, he serves as a vital link between the organization’s surface-level operations and its more elusive, long-term aims. He remains unfailingly courteous to both friend and foe, yet his subordinates know better than to underestimate his resolve. Ultimately, his position at the inn allows him to hide a dangerous agenda in plain sight. Consequently, Agis remains one of the most effective and invisible assets in the Raven network.

Brynn serves as a core member of Maribel’s band and operates as her most trusted field leader. He presents a study in controlled contrast, appearing roguish yet disciplined and disarming yet sharp. Because he maintains an unwavering devotion to Maribel, his presence provides a stabilizing force for the entire group. He keeps his deeper affection for her hidden behind a wall of fear and respect, choosing to channel his care into service rather than crossing the unspoken boundaries of her past.

Within the gang, Brynn’s squad remains the most sought-after unit for new recruits. He attracts both fighters and thinkers who are drawn to the demanding excellence he requires of those around him. Furthermore, he often masks his high intelligence beneath an affected, uneducated dialect to test and control his surroundings. This old habit allows him to disarm potential threats before he reveals his true capabilities. Since he acts as the steady steel beneath Maribel’s banner, he ensures the group’s success through meticulous preparation and quiet loyalty. Ultimately, while outsiders may dismiss him as a lucky brawler, those who serve beside him recognize his strategic mind and deep commitment. Consequently, Brynn remains the vital foundation upon which Maribel’s leadership rests.

Chamaliak slips easily between narrow alleys and grand council halls, moving as a man whose shadow stretches far longer than his name. He is known publicly in certain circles as a resourceful agent of the Thieves’ Guild and serves as one of Aylman’s more unsavory contacts. Because he possesses a rare blend of charm and lethality, he has secured a unique position within the underbelly of regional politics. He functions as a skilled thief, assassin, and manipulator who specializes in the quiet precision required for sensitive operations.

Although the powerful often trust him to handle matters they wish to keep hidden, Chamaliak hides the true extent of his influence from his employers. He plays a much deeper game than even his closest associates suspect. Furthermore, his reach extends far beyond the limited scope of the guild or the interests of his merchant contacts. Since he understands the secrets of both the elite and the desperate, he holds leverage that few others in Cendomvita can claim. Ultimately, Chamaliak operates as a ghost in the machine of the Seven Kingdoms. Consequently, he remains a dangerous variable whose true allegiance is known only to himself.

Corporal Enos serves as a quiet and constant presence at Fort Runhollow, embodying the kind of soldier that few notice but none would ever question. He carries out his daily duties with a level of precision that many find almost unnervingly observant. Because he maintains such an efficient and disciplined record, he has earned a unique position within the military hierarchy. Despite his modest rank, he reports directly to General Thalbout and frequently handles sensitive tasks that suggest a deep level of institutional trust.

Beyond his reserved exterior, Enos possesses a sharp mind that is perfectly attuned to the undercurrents of command. He says very little and reveals even less, choosing instead to listen to the quiet tensions that ripple through the Vidoran ranks. Furthermore, he carefully weighs every piece of information he gathers before deciding how to act upon it. Those who dismiss him as a simple non-commissioned officer rarely realize the extent of his strategic awareness. Since he operates primarily in the margins of military life, he remains a calm and calculating observer of the shifting political tides. Ultimately, his ability to watch everything without being seen makes him a formidable asset. Consequently, Corporal Enos is a man who holds far more influence than his uniform would suggest.

General Hamirazhin serves as a commanding and enigmatic officer in the Vidoran army, overseeing an entire division spread across three strategic forts. He exercises tight and uncompromising control from his primary stronghold at Runhollow, located two days’ ride north of Eslading. Because he is known for his cold efficiency and unflinching brutality, he has cultivated an environment of both fear and respect among his soldiers. His reputation for battlefield cunning makes him a formidable leader whose orders are rarely questioned.

Beyond his public military record, whispers frequently surround his rapid rise to power and his unorthodox methods. Many suggest that his authority is bolstered by influences outside of traditional military discipline. Furthermore, he operates with a calculated independence that often puts him at odds with the typical chain of command. Since signs have begun to emerge that his true allegiances lie elsewhere, his outwardly loyal behavior may simply be a strategic mask. Ultimately, he remains a man whose every move serves a specific purpose, even if that purpose remains hidden from his superiors. Consequently, the full reach of his influence is likely to remain a secret until his plans are already in motion.

Kishman operated as an undercover operative of the Information Guild, despite his public reputation as a notorious bandit leader. His primary mission involved infiltrating and destabilizing the criminal underworld from within. Because he applied a disciplined and highly structured approach to his work, he built a band of raiders that functioned more like a paramilitary unit than a typical gang. He ensured that his followers targeted only other bandits and traffickers, strictly forbidding any violence against civilians.

Unlike many other outlaws in the region, Kishman led with calm authority and favored order over the use of fear. He fostered loyalty through a combination of fairness and long-term vision. He quickly recognized the strength and intelligence of Maribel, choosing to take her under his wing as a leader in the making rather than a simple subordinate. Furthermore, he believed that something positive could be built even in the darkest corners of society. Since he saw the rare possibility of lasting change in Maribel, he dedicated himself to preparing her for a future where she could lead for the common good. Ultimately, his legacy is defined by his belief in redemption and structured reform. Consequently, his influence continues to shape the leadership style of those he mentored.

Mushinek bears a name that many consider a burden, as it once belonged to the infamous instigator of the great uprising two centuries ago. Despite this heavy legacy, he carved out a significant leadership role within Captain Belle’s band. He became known as a measured and composed figure who was often difficult to read even by his closest associates. Because he played a vital part in the early stages of resistance planning, his tactical insights were initially seen as indispensable to the cause.

However, his commitment faltered when the movement shifted from abstract strategy to the reality of sacrifice. Mushinek chose to withdraw from the group just as the stakes of the rebellion became clear to everyone involved. This decision to walk away left many of his former comrades unsettled and searching for answers. Furthermore, quiet speculation continues regarding whether fear, principle, or a hidden motive led to his sudden departure. Since the original bearer of his name was a destroyer of nations, his peers watch his current path with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. Ultimately, the legacy this particular Mushinek leaves behind remains entirely uncertain. Consequently, he stands as a reminder that even the most trusted planners can falter when the cost of victory becomes personal.

Aresa Grimm was born in the foothills of Vidora, where tight-knit kinship defined every aspect of daily life. Unlike many children who were fostered due to economic hardship, she chose to leave her small settlement at the age of twelve. She sought to gain new skills and broaden her horizons in the larger world. Because she possessed a naturally cautious and discerning mind, she spent her early years in Grimmsport observing the local population while assisting an older couple.

Initially, Aresa found Brayden Grimm to be charming yet immature, as his lighthearted nature suggested a lack of serious ambition. Her perspective shifted significantly over the next four years as she witnessed his steady presence and deep loyalty. She eventually chose to marry him because he provided a sense of joy and a promise of unwavering commitment to his family. Furthermore, they built a life together that included raising their children, Barnaby and Maribel, while joyfully expecting a third child after years of hope. Since she was emotionally grounded and quietly perceptive, she became the foundational heart of the Grimm household. Ultimately, she was a woman who saw people for their true character and loved them fiercely when they proved worthy. Consequently, her strength and intuition guided the family through their most peaceful and prosperous years.

Balna is Hile’s oldest cousin on his mother’s side and member of the Eslading Council. He is also a long-standing source of friction within the family. Wealthy, unmarried, and childless, Balna commands significant influence as the head of the Security Guild, overseeing law enforcement, customs, and border patrols across a broad region. But despite his status, he remains a deeply embittered man, driven less by ambition than by a sense of grievance—personal, familial, and generational.

Old wounds run deep. Balna’s resentment toward Hile is rooted not only in decades of opposition but in the tangled legacies of both bloodlines. Whispers still link Balna’s paternal ancestry to the long-ago Mushkinek uprising, and the past between their mothers—sisters whose lives were shaped by a broken engagement and an unwanted marriage—has never fully healed. To Balna, Hile’s success is not earned but inherited, a theft that began in the previous generation and has only grown with time.

Though Hile’s family has treated him with respect, Balna’s bitterness simmers just beneath the surface. Every achievement by Hile, every step forward taken by his children, feels like another blow to Balna’s pride. His authority may be wide-reaching, but in his eyes, it will never measure up to what was taken from him.

Brayden Grimm lived his life as a humble and respected fisherman in the village of Grimmsport, a settlement established by his own ancestors on the Gulf of Vidora. He was born into a family of quiet wealth, yet he consciously chose a life defined by modesty and manual labor. Because he believes that money earned through hard work is spent more wisely, he maintains a lifestyle centered on dignity and simple values. He possesses an approachable charm that allows him to lead others through silent example or connect with his neighbors over a shared laugh.

During his early teenage years, Brayden met Aresa and began a relationship that eventually transformed into a deep and enduring love. While their initial impressions of each other were mixed, they built a partnership rooted in mutual trust and emotional resilience. Together, they raised a close-knit family consisting of Barnaby, Maribel, and a third child they were joyfully expecting. Furthermore, Brayden remains a devoted father who engages in every aspect of his children’s lives, including early-morning fishing trips and practical lessons in survival. Since he is principled without being rigid, he earns the loyalty of his village through his character rather than through any formal demands. Ultimately, he stands as a quiet symbol of generational strength and legacy. Consequently, his life serves as a testament to the power of leading by example.

Bretislaus Katea occupies the position of chief minister to King Steinar with a sharp instinct for both power and self-preservation. He is charismatic and highly intelligent, demonstrating an ambitious nature that he feels no need to hide. Because he views the landscape of politics as a complex game of leverage rather than a simple civic duty, he approaches every interaction with calculated foresight. He understands the immense weight of influence and knows exactly how to wield it to advance his personal standing within the court.

He publicly claims loyalty to the crown and the kingdom, but his true allegiance remains tethered to his own professional trajectory. He frequently engages in negotiations with questionable allies, fueled by a supreme confidence in his ability to outmaneuver any forces he might unleash. Furthermore, he believes that he can manage the consequences of these dangerous deals through sheer strategic brilliance. Since some observers view him as a master strategist while others see a reckless opportunist, his reputation remains a subject of intense debate. Ultimately, he is a man who prioritizes his own ascent above the stability of the realm. Consequently, Bretislaus Katea remains a figure that no one in the Seven Kingdoms can afford to underestimate.

Gothah operates as a seasoned privateer within the Gulf of Vidora and maintains a respected position as a member of the Pirate’s Guild. He remains one of the rare individuals in the maritime world who enjoys the personal trust of King Steinar. Because he possesses exceptional naval skill and a reputation for discretion, he successfully navigates the delicate space between guild interests and royal service. He walks a careful line, ensuring that his actions satisfy his criminal peers while simultaneously advancing the crown’s agenda.

Although his profession places him outside the boundaries of traditional authority, Gothah has demonstrated that true allegiance does not require a formal uniform. He frequently accepts dangerous or delicate missions for the king, choosing to deliver results based on personal honor rather than legal obligation. Furthermore, he utilizes his vast network of connections to remain resourceful in the face of shifting political tides. Since he is far more honorable than his rugged reputation might suggest, he has become the type of ally who appears exactly when the situation is most dire. Ultimately, he possesses the rare ability to vanish cleanly once a task is completed. Consequently, Gothah remains a vital, if unofficial, pillar of Vidoran maritime security.

Dathan is a wealthy and well-connected figure from the western coast of Cendomvita. He keeps much of his past and his true affiliations cloaked in mystery, which allows him to move through elite circles without being fully understood. Because he carries a high-stakes commission backed by official documentation, few people ever dare to challenge his arrival. He possesses a remarkable ability to produce royal seals and bypass military restrictions at will. This level of access suggests that his influence reaches far beyond the standard power of the merchant class.

Beneath his refined exterior, Dathan carries himself with a cool authority that many find deeply unnerving. He chooses his words with extreme care and projects a quiet confidence that demands respect in any setting. Furthermore, the subtle weight of his threats suggests that some of his power may come from less legitimate sources. Since he navigates legal entanglements with such ease, he remains a step ahead of those who try to investigate his background. Ultimately, his true motives stay hidden under layers of charm and dangerous implication. Consequently, Dathan serves as a reminder that the most significant threats often arrive with a smile and a royal decree.

Farmer Gillian is a well-known figure from the village near the Spring of Eastern Origin. He is an honest, early-rising man whose daily routines rarely changed and whose patience was tested frequently by the prankster soldiers stationed nearby. Because he became a favorite target of young Barnaby Grimm’s harmless nighttime mischief, he often woke to find his livestock hilariously rearranged. He discovered goats in the hen house, hens in the cow stall, and cows in the pigpen on more than one occasion.

Despite these constant tricks, Gillian remained more bewildered than bitter about the chaos in his barnyard. He was a man of modest temper and dry humor who was known to mutter about military boys having too much time on their hands. Furthermore, he never reported the pranks to the commanding officers at the nearby post. Since he likely recognized the pranks as an expression of youthful energy rather than true malice, he allowed the mischief to continue without retaliation. Ultimately, he stood as a symbol of normalcy and the unassuming resilience of civilian life during uncertain times. Consequently, Farmer Gillian became an endearing figure in the local lore of the Seven Kingdoms.

Hile stands as a respected and influential leader within the Transportation Guild of Eslading. He successfully transformed his father’s modest delivery business into one of the most expansive overland trade networks in Cendomvita. Because he possesses a deep mastery of logistics, a large portion of his work involves coordinating complex long-haul transport across treacherous routes and shifting borders. He navigates these political landscapes with the same precision and foresight he applies to his private study of maps and ancient scrolls.

Beyond his commercial success, Hile identifies as much as a scholar as he does a merchant. His profound knowledge of history and geography has shaped his worldview and influenced the intellectual curiosity he passed on to his youngest son, Phine. Furthermore, he rarely makes significant business or personal decisions without consulting his wife, Ashira. Since her empathy and intuition serve as a vital counterbalance to his rational mind, their partnership remains the foundation of his success. Ultimately, Hile maintains trusted connections within the Information Guild that extend his influence far beyond simple commerce. Consequently, he stands as a key figure in the realms of strategy and quiet resistance within the Seven Kingdoms.

Jeryl is the innkeeper of the Crescent’s Edge in Bilan, where he manages a well-frequented establishment that balances comfort with discretion. He is a reliable face in the local landscape and has earned a reputation for his easy manner and sharp memory. Because he knows exactly how to cater to those who mind their own business and pay on time, his inn remains a popular hub for travelers and local merchants alike. He maintains a welcoming atmosphere that masks the more transactional nature of his professional relationships.

Beyond his public role as a good-natured host, Jeryl shares a strong and profitable business rapport with Aylman. He is a pragmatic man who rarely lets strict principles interfere with the growth of his enterprise. Furthermore, he is willing to look the other way or provide a secluded room for the right price. Since trust in Bilan does not always align with traditional morals, his consistency serves as his most valuable currency among his regular clientele. Ultimately, he understands that a well-placed message or a moment of intentional silence can be just as lucrative as a rented bed. Consequently, Jeryl remains a vital fixture in the city for anyone who requires a host who values profit over prying.

Joe is a permanent fixture of the Empty Goblet tavern, having grown up scrubbing its floors and hauling water for the patrons. He was born in the Ostengate slums to a sailor father he barely remembers and a mother who worked the streets. Because he found a sense of stability in the tavern’s daily rhythms, he has dedicated his life to maintaining the establishment. While he might not be the quickest thinker in the room, he has proven himself to be steady, loyal, and unshakably dependable.

Beyond his humble beginnings, Joe has learned to pour drinks, spot potential trouble, and keep quiet when circumstances require discretion. The barkeeper occasionally entrusts him with running the bar during absences, a responsibility he carries out with intense quiet pride. Furthermore, he remains deeply grateful for the position he has earned within the community. Since the world outside the tavern walls still looks down on his origins, he finds his greatest sense of purpose behind the wooden counter. Ultimately, his commitment to his work outweighs any judgment he faces from the social elite. Consequently, Joe serves as the reliable heart of the Empty Goblet, ensuring the tavern runs smoothly for every guest.

King Steinar serves as the sole heir to the throne of his forebears and initially ruled more through his commanding presence than through direct intervention. He wed a princess of Maghrabi in a calculated union of state, yet he surprised his closest advisors by developing a genuine and deep love for her. Because the couple raised a son and two daughters in an atmosphere of relative peace, the kingdom enjoyed a long period of quiet stability. As a passive monarch by nature, Steinar chose to entrust most governance to his council and rarely challenged their administrative decisions.

However, the fragility of this peace became apparent when internal banditry began to threaten his capital. Steinar reacted by shedding his passivity and choosing to rule with an iron fist. He implemented harsh decrees and unchecked punishments while maintaining a paranoid grip on his remaining power. Furthermore, these aggressive tactics backfired by driving even his most loyal subjects to seek refuge with the very outlaws he intended to crush. Since he transitioned from a king of compromise into a symbol of tyranny, his authority has become increasingly brittle. Ultimately, his shift in leadership style has fractured the foundation of the monarchy. Consequently, the kingdom now stands on the brink of a crisis brought about by its own ruler’s desperation.

Kruld lived a quiet life on the shores of the Maghrabi Sound before a harsh fate tore him away from his home. The path that followed was neither chosen nor gentle, yet he adapted to his new reality with quiet resolve. Because he demonstrated consistent thoughtfulness and steadiness, he eventually emerged as one of Captain Belle’s most trusted companions. He is respected among the crew not for any capacity for brutality, but for his unshakable loyalty to the cause.

Beyond his rough exterior, Kruld remains a deeply principled man who leads with patience and fairness. He possesses a calm authority that naturally inspires trust among his peers. Furthermore, he values unity over dominance and places a much greater weight on shared purpose than on personal glory. Since he was asked to take a younger recruit under his wing, he has dedicated himself to passing on the hard-won lessons from his own trials. Ultimately, he has carved out a life of true meaning built on earned respect rather than fear. Consequently, Kruld stands as a pillar of quiet strength within Captain Belle’s inner circle.

Saffron stands as a figure who is as disarming as she is dangerous at nineteen years of age. As the younger sister of Chamaliak, she expertly plays the social roles expected of her by appearing charming, witty, and effortlessly poised. Because she possesses startling discipline, she hides a lethal set of skills beneath her beautiful exterior. She has been trained to kill with her bare hands and reportedly knows twenty-one distinct ways to end a life without ever touching a conventional weapon.

While Chamaliak often uses her charm to manipulate those in his orbit, Saffron functions as much more than a mere pawn in his schemes. He frequently dangles her as both a reward and a trap for men like Aylman. Furthermore, Saffron maintains a keen awareness of how others perceive her and uses that perception to her distinct advantage. Since she understands the mechanics of the games her brother plays, she is perfectly capable of initiating her own maneuvers. Ultimately, her true intentions remain a mystery even to those closest to her. Consequently, whether she follows Chamaliak’s lead or pursues her own agenda is a question that carries heavy consequences for the underworld of Cendomvita.