Book 1: The Weight of Small Betrayals

Aylman is the eldest son of Hile, a driven and resourceful young man whose ambition often outpaces his scruples. 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. Hardworking and clever, Aylman is also deeply pragmatic—comfortable bending rules and forging discreet alliances if it means gaining an edge. His dealings with local bandits and the Thieves Guild reflect a mindset shaped more by opportunity 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. And when it does, the quiet voice of guilt reminds him that some lines, once crossed, don’t vanish just because they were profitable.

Tavernkeeper of Neverharbor, Elaren is a quiet pillar of her community—graceful in movement, elven in appearance, and stronger than most realize. In her mid-thirties and long unmarried, some say she turned down every suitor because the tavern became her true companion: a place of warmth, laughter, and the fellowship she worked tirelessly to nurture. Inherited a decade ago from a distant uncle, the tavern grew under her care into a place where quarrels softened, strangers found welcome, and weary souls remembered what peace could feel like.

Elaren’s calm voice and steady judgment made her a natural reconciler, often called upon to cool rising tempers and mend fraying ties. She did not seek leadership, but in her corner of the world, she led by presence alone. Fiercely loyal to her friends, selfless when need called, and quietly devoted to the soul of Neverharbor, she was the heartbeat of the town—until the day everything burned.

From those ashes, Elaren would rise—scarred, grieving, and carrying more than memory. She would become the voice that warned the kingdoms: the Ravens are coming.

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.

Hile is a respected and influential leader within the Transportation Guild of Eslading, known for transforming his father’s modest delivery business into one of the most expansive overland trade networks in Cendomvita. While a portion of his work handles local shipments across Vidora and Elowen, Hile’s true strength lies in coordinating long-haul transport—navigating treacherous routes, complex borders, and shifting political landscapes with precision and foresight.

A lover of maps, scrolls, and the study of civilizations, Hile is as much a scholar as he is a merchant. His deep knowledge of history, geography, and politics has shaped both his business and his worldview, and he has passed that same intellectual curiosity on to his youngest son, Phine. Despite his methodical nature, Hile rarely makes important decisions without the counsel of his wife, Ashira, whose empathy and intuition serve as a critical counterbalance to his rational mind.

With trusted connections in the Information Guild—and a reputation that verges on honorary membership—Hile is a figure whose influence extends beyond commerce, touching realms of knowledge, strategy, and quiet resistance.

At fourteen, Phine is Hile’s youngest son—and already far more than just a boy running errands. Energetic, curious, and relentlessly observant, Phine approaches every task with wide eyes and sharp questions, never content to follow orders without understanding their purpose. Though obedient by nature, he is no passive learner. He studies as hard as he works, developing a grasp of history, geography, and politics that often rivals the grown men around him. On the road, Phine’s knack for picking up regional dialects allows him to blend in effortlessly—sometimes even pass for a native. More than that, he has a rare talent for earning trust. Whether with hardened merchants or wary strangers, Phine has a way of drawing people close—and keeping them there. In a world darkened by suspicion, his gift for friendship shines bright.

A discreet and sharp-minded operative of the Information Guild, Samir is assigned to accompany Aylman—not as a bodyguard, but as a set of silent eyes. With a quiet demeanor and a keen sense of danger, he is well-trained in both observation and survival. Samir understands how to fade into the background, how to read a man’s words by what he doesn’t say, and how to extract truth from misdirection. But even skill has its limits. Tasked with uncovering deeper motives and loyalties, Samir soon finds himself navigating a path far more perilous than expected—one that will test his training, and his fate.

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 with 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 in him something long dormant: purpose beyond duty.

Adiel serves as the village chief of Neverharbor, a coastal settlement known for its resilience and tight-knit community. A man of principle and quiet authority, Adiel balances compassion with pragmatism, guiding his people through uncertainty with a steady hand. Though not a warrior in the traditional sense, his strength lies in leadership, diplomacy, and a deep commitment to the safety and survival of his village. His decisions are rarely made in haste, and he carries the weight of his people’s trust with solemn dignity.

Ashira is the wife of Hile and mother to their four sons, a central figure in both her household and the broader social life of Eslading. Known as much for her shrewd intellect as for her skilled parenting and compassionate involvement in community affairs, Ashira strikes a rare balance between warmth and strategy. A fixture in civic and social circles, she has a quiet talent for steering conversations—and people—toward outcomes that align with her priorities, even when it may not serve their own. Her influence is subtle but unmistakable, grounded in a deep devotion to her family and an instinctive grasp of power’s softer levers. In a world of overt authority, Ashira leads with grace, calculation, and purpose.

Slipping easily between alleys and council halls, Chamaliak is a man whose shadow stretches far longer than his name. Publicly, he’s known in certain circles as a resourceful agent of the Thieves’ Guild—one of Aylman’s more unsavory contacts. But those who dig deeper find that Chamaliak’s influence runs much deeper, and much darker. A skilled thief, assassin, and manipulator, he moves with quiet precision through the underbelly of politics, trusted by the powerful when they need something done quietly… or cleanly. What few suspect is just how much of the game he’s actually playing—and how far his reach extends beyond what even Aylman imagines.

Ethan is a lifelong resident of Neverharbor, known throughout the village as a skilled fisherman and a dependable—if occasionally blunt—member of the community. Though not always warm, Ethan is committed to the well-being of his neighbors and will lend a hand in times of need, whether out of duty, pride, or sheer determination.

In moments of calm, Ethan keeps to his work. But in times of crisis, his voice rises quickly—often the first to demand action, even when the path forward isn’t clear. His instincts lean toward swift decisions and visible leadership, making him a compelling, if sometimes divisive, figure when tensions run high. Whether admired or questioned, Ethan’s presence in Neverharbor is one few can ignore.

Charismatic, intelligent, ambitious, and utterly ruthless, Gahiddiin began as just another member of the Raven bandit gang—but he did not remain that way for long. Through relentless effort, flawlessly executed operations, strategic manipulation, and a string of quiet assassinations, he climbed through the ranks until there were none above him. Now the dominant force in the Raven Triumvirate, Gahiddiin commands not only fear, but loyalty—earned not through trust, but through results and reputation.

He is a master of spectacle and strategy. Every move he makes is designed not only to achieve an objective but to ensure the story of that success spreads. He leaves witnesses for a reason. Gahiddiin knows that fear grows faster when it has a voice.

Nothing embodies his vision more than the black ship he personally designed: an imposing vessel carved in the likeness of a raven, its dark sails towering like wings of shadow. It is both symbol and vanity project—a reminder that the Ravens do not hide in darkness. They fly above it.

Gahiddiin does not simply carry out the will of the Ravens. He believe that he is their will—sharpened, polished, and mercilessly set loose upon the world.

General Hamirazhin is a commanding and enigmatic officer in the Vidoran army, entrusted with oversight of an entire division spread across three key forts. His primary stronghold lies two days’ ride north of Eslading at Runhollow, from which he exercises tight, uncompromising control. Coldly efficient, Hamirazhin is known for his battlefield cunning and unflinching brutality—qualities that have earned him both fear and respect from those under his command.

Whispers surround his rise and his methods, suggesting that his authority is bolstered by more than just military discipline. Though outwardly loyal to crown and command, Hamirazhin operates with a calculated independence, and signs soon emerge that his allegiances may lie elsewhere. He is a man whose moves are never without purpose—and whose full reach remains hidden until it’s far too late.

The second son of Hile, Mellue entered adulthood with charm to spare and ambition to loan—if only someone had asked. At 22, he preferred the company of friends and flirtation over ledgers and logistics, and saw no reason to chase responsibility when he could coast comfortably behind Aylman’s rising star. He adored his older brother, admired his confidence, and followed his lead without hesitation… even when doubts began to creep in about the murkier parts of Aylman’s dealings. On the road, Mellue leaned on his good looks and easy manner to secure welcome in nearly every town—so often, in fact, that a running joke suggests it’s the local children who are most excited to see him return. Though his delivery routes rarely turned a profit, Mellue never seemed concerned. After all, success was Aylman’s job. Mellue was just along for the ride.

At nineteen, Saffron is as disarming as she is dangerous. The younger sister of Selek, she often plays the role expected of her—charming, witty, beautiful, and effortlessly poised. But beneath the surface lies a startling discipline: Saffron has been trained to kill with her bare hands and knows twenty-one ways to do so without touching a weapon. Selek uses her charm to manipulate those in his orbit, especially Aylman, dangling her as both a reward and a trap. Yet Saffron is no mere pawn. She knows how others see her, and she knows how to use that to her advantage. Whether she follows Selek’s game or plays one of her own is a question with consequences.

At eighteen, Sealum was already well on his way to becoming a pillar of the family enterprise. The third son of Hile, he approached the family trade with a quiet, serious dedication—learning the ins and outs of ground transport and logistics with care well beyond his years. Obedient by instinct and meticulous by choice, Sealum never took an assignment lightly. He studied every instruction, clarified every detail, and carried out his duties with the intent not just to succeed, but to preserve the trust placed in him. While his brothers each carved their own paths, Sealum’s ambition was simple and steadfast: to work beside his father and brothers, building a legacy through diligence and devotion.

“Belac is the master of the Information Guild in Eslading and a long-time friend and confidant of Hile. Known for his sharp intellect and keen strategic mind, Belac plays a vital role on the city’s ruling council, where he serves alongside Hile and Balna. In a city rife with intrigue and power plays, Belac’s insight into patterns, people, and politics makes him one of the council’s most valuable assets.

But Belac’s greatest strength—his ability to see potential and promise in others—is also his weakness. His trust, easily extended and generously offered, makes him an ideal ally and an easy target. While he remains forward-thinking and loyal, his openness leaves him vulnerable in a world where information can be currency, leverage, or a weapon.

Whether guiding civic policy or interpreting emerging threats, Belac’s voice carries weight. But even he must learn that not every game can be played fairly—and not every friendship is safe from shadows.”

Dathan is a wealthy and well-connected figure from Cendomvita’s western coast, though much of his past—and his affiliations—remain cloaked in mystery. He arrives in the narrative as the bearer of a high-stakes commission, backed by documentation so official that few dare challenge it. His ability to produce royal seals, navigate legal entanglements, and bypass military restrictions speaks to influence far beyond what most can wield.

Dathan carries himself with cool authority, his words chosen with care, his presence unnerving in its quiet confidence. There’s something about him that suggests not all of his power comes from legitimate sources—his threats are subtle, but their weight is unmistakable. Whether diplomat, agent, or something else entirely, Dathan’s true motives remain hidden beneath layers of charm, danger, and implication.

“Jeryl is the innkeeper of the Crescent’s Edge in Bilan, a well-frequented establishment that balances comfort with discretion. Known for his easy manner and sharp memory, Jeryl is a reliable face in the local landscape—especially to those who know how to mind their business and pay on time.

He shares a strong business rapport with Aylman, and while he presents as a good-natured host, Jeryl is not one to let principle get in the way of profit. For the right price, he’s willing to look the other way, pass along a message, or provide a room that’s particularly well out of sight. In Bilan, trust doesn’t always come with morals—but in Jeryl’s case, it does come with consistency.”

Ruler of Hireotha during the rise of Mushinek, King Alaric held the throne for four steady decades. A statesman first and sovereign second, his reign was marked by stability, justice, and a quiet strength that earned the trust of his people and the reluctant respect of his rivals. Father to both Ta’arah and Noam, Alaric believed deeply in duty—both to crown and to kin. Though he governed with a steady hand, he was not blind to ambition’s dangers.

Sovereign of Vidora during the turbulent years of the Mushinek Uprising, Gryffid earned his title not through conquest or cunning, but through prudence, foresight, and an unwavering sense of justice. Known for saving during times of plenty and giving freely when his people were in need, Gryffid’s reign exemplified balance. When chaos swept the continent, he did not rush to arms, but to alliances—working closely with the Information Guild to expose the deeper threat behind the unrest. It was through his diplomacy, not domination, that the fractured kingdoms found common cause. Under Gryffid’s guidance, the allied forces turned their full might against Mushinek’s rebellion and scattered his followers to the winds—at least for a time.

A generational wagoneer who devoted his life first to Hile’s father, then to Hile. He trained Hile’s three oldest boys, but died before having the opportunity to train Phine.

Author and choreographer of an uprising that shook the foundations of politics and society across the Seven Kingdoms more than two centuries earlier.

Remembered in the historical records of Hireotha as the eldest child of King Alaric and brother to Princess Ta’arah, Prince Noam lived more than two centuries before the events of the Vidoran Crisis. Though his life was cut short under mysterious circumstances, contemporary accounts describe a promising heir—diplomatic in bearing, skilled in combat, and respected for his fairness. His untimely death reshaped the Hireothan line of succession and remains a subject of scholarly debate, whispered intrigue, and unresolved questions. To some, Noam is a symbol of lost potential; to others, a figure whose absence altered the course of history.

A royal of Elowen, Princess Aldona lived more than two hundred years before the Vidoran Crisis and was betrothed to Prince Noam of Hireotha in what many hoped would be a union of peace and prestige. Described in surviving records as graceful, radiant, and widely adored, she was viewed—perhaps too perfectly—as the ideal counterpart to her future husband. Their voyage to Maadigan for the wedding was their last; neither was seen again. Presumed lost in an attack enroute, Aldona became a symbol of shattered hope and diplomatic tragedy. To some, she remains a mythologized figure—Elowen’s “lost princess,” whose life and promise vanished into history.

A royal of Hireotha whose name lingers in both admiration and controversy, Ta’arah was born into privilege and raised in the long shadow of her older brother, Crown Prince Noam. Known in her youth for vanity and self-interest, her life took a sudden and sobering turn following the disappearance of her brother and his bride-to-be, and the subsequent collapse of their father, King Alaric. Thrust into leadership at the age of twenty, Ta’arah was forced to mature quickly and navigate a kingdom in crisis. Her eventual engagement to a duke of Ognenstrof, arranged in the aftermath of the Mushinek uprising, served both as a diplomatic gesture and a symbol of regional stability. History remembers her as a ruler transformed by circumstance—flawed, but formidable.

The non-commissioned officer on duty at Fort Runhollow, Enos is a quiet fixture of the garrison—efficient, discreet, and observant. Reporting directly to General Thalbout, he is trusted with responsibilities well beyond his rank. Few realize just how much he knows, or how carefully he’s been listening. With a calm that borders on unreadable, Enos moves through military routines with practiced precision—but beneath that surface lies a man who understands more than he lets on, especially when it comes to the shifting loyalties within the Vidoran command.

Queen of Rusmaria during the Vidoran Crisis

Ruler of Elowen by title, and a subject of fascination by temperament, Queen Sophia is a sovereign cloaked in mystery and indulgence. Her affinity for lavish jewels is the talk of her court, but it is her unapologetic pursuit of pleasure that most defines her public image. Critics call her a hedonist; admirers call her free-spirited. Yet beneath the opulence and scandal, there lingers a question few can answer—whether her decadence is distraction, defiance, or design. In a kingdom known for its beauty and art, Queen Sophia reigns as its most dazzling and unpredictable emblem.

The youngest daughter of Lahimes, Sheba grew up alongside Phine in a household where curiosity and scholarship were part of the daily rhythm. At fourteen, she was neither striking nor overlooked—average in appearance, but with a spark behind her eyes that hinted at deeper gifts. Spirited yet respectful, she shared her father’s and Phine’s fascination with history, geography, and the structures that governed their world. Sheba had a particular gift for numbers and patterns, often seeing connections others missed. As the years passed, she grew into herself with a quiet grace, her charm and intellect softening the edges of her plainness until few could remember how unremarkable she’d once seemed. Her bond with Phine, forged in shared ideas and mutual respect, would one day shape both their futures.

Commander of the garrison that responded to Elaren’s cry for assistance.

A name not given to a person, but to a pattern—a dark rhythm woven through the history of Cendomvita. Every two to three centuries, a figure or movement rises, gathers fervent followers, and unleashes an uprising that threatens the continent’s very foundation. Mushinek and, more recently, the Ravens are the latest expressions of this recurring force. Though the Scourge brings devastation, some claim it serves a grim purpose: to chastise complacency, to forge new alliances, and to make the peace that follows feel hard-earned and meaningful. But the cost is high. With each cycle, Cendomvita loses many of its best and brightest—sacrificed to the fire before the healing can begin.

A merchant of Bilan known for his cheerful demeanor and unshakable honesty, Theo has built a quiet reputation as one of the friendliest faces in local trade. A father of two boys—and more than a few girls, by his own vague admission—Theo thrives on the bustle of market life and the conversations that come with it. He’s spent years doing business with Aylman, a relationship marked by mutual benefit and frequent haggling. Though Aylman’s negotiating edge has long outpaced his own, Theo still delights in the dance, seeing each deal as both a challenge and a game. In a world of shadowed dealings and sharp corners, Theo’s open nature is a welcome break in the clouds.

Faithful wife of Adiel and friend to Elaren in Neverharbor.