Book 1: The Weight of Small Betrayals

A novel of power, compromise, and the slow violence of consequence

By: Hile of Eslading
Editor: Famous Person

Each Decision is a crossroads

Archival Keys | Maze & Question (Dilemmas): The Human Choice icon inviting the reader to place him/herself in the situation or question being posed.

At what point does the exercise of our greatest strengths become an act of betrayal against those we lead?

Are we defined by our public oaths or the private compromises we make to survive them?

The Weight of Small Betrayals is A Record of Intimate Ruin

The Raven ship in Neverharbor from the Weight of Small Betrayals

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of intense violence against men, women, and children. Its contents and themes are intended for mature audiences (18+). Reader discretion is advised.


Step inside and see what your choices could cost.



Teaser

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Although Cendomvita has enjoyed peace for more than two centuries since the fall of Mushkinek’s uprising, that peace has never guaranteed safety. This fragile stability shatters when the Ravens strike Neverharbor, pulling the continent back into chaos.

Because the Ravens target his home, Hile, a prosperous transporter of goods, finds his family caught in the shards. What begins as a simple life quickly becomes a descent into betrayal, sacrifice, and impossible choices, all made in the name of the common good.

Ultimately, The Weight of Small Betrayals explores how quiet decisions shape destinies. While one son strays, the other listens; consequently, both will carry the burden of what comes next.


The Architects and The Adversaries

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Because these central figures drive the story forward, they remain deeply involved in the narrative’s major conflicts, themes, and emotional arcs. Furthermore, most chapters follow or reference one or more of these individuals directly, as their choices often shape the world around them. Consequently, understanding their motivations is essential to grasping the weight of the coming crisis.

As the eldest son of Hile, Aylman operates as a driven and resourceful young man whose ambition often outpaces his scruples. Although he is only 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. Because he is hardworking and clever, Aylman remains deeply pragmatic. He’s equally comfortable bending rules and forging discreet alliances to gain an edge. Consequently, his dealings with local bandits and the Thieves Guild reflect a mindset that prizes opportunity over rigid principle.

Yet, for all his moral flexibility, Aylman still possesses a conscience. He rarely views his choices as harmful until the harm becomes undeniable. When that moment arrives, the quiet voice of guilt reminds him that some lines, once crossed, do not vanish simply because they yielded a profit.

As the tavern keeper of Neverharbor, Elaren serves as a quiet pillar of her community. She’s graceful in movement, Elven in appearance, and stronger than most realize. Since she remains unmarried in her mid-thirties, some say she turned down every suitor because the tavern became her true companion. Consequently, she worked tirelessly to nurture a place of warmth, laughter, and fellowship. After she inherited the building from a distant uncle a decade ago, the tavern grew under her care into a sanctuary where quarrels softened and strangers found a warm welcome.

Because of her calm voice and steady judgment, Elaren became a natural reconciler, often mending fraying ties and cooling rising tempers. Although she did not seek leadership, she led her corner of the world by presence alone. As a selfless friend quietly devoted to the soul of Neverharbor, she acted as the heartbeat of the town until the day everything burned. From those ashes, Elaren rose, scarred, grieving, and carrying more than memory. Ultimately, she became the voice that warned the kingdoms: the Ravens are coming.

As the son of a hunter, Elgyon grew up in the wilderness, where he mastered the quiet skills of tracking, observation, and survival. Although he possesses 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, eventually rising through the ranks of the Information Guild. In this environment, the leadership prizes silence, subtlety, and clarity of thought above all else.

Because he is 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. While he is sharp-eyed and disciplined, Elgyon rarely commands a room; nevertheless, he often sees what others miss and moves when it matters most. Consequently, his quiet moral core guides him through the increasingly dangerous world of espionage.

As a respected and influential leader within the Transportation Guild of Eslading, Hile transformed his father’s modest delivery business into one of the most expansive trade networks in Cendomvita. While he handles local shipments across Vidora and Elowen, Hile’s true strength lies in coordinating long-haul transport. Consequently, he excels at navigating treacherous routes and shifting political landscapes with precision and foresight.

Because he loves maps, scrolls, and the study of civilizations, Hile operates as much as a scholar as he does a merchant. This deep knowledge of history and politics has shaped both his business and his worldview; furthermore, 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. Her empathy and intuition serve as a critical counterbalance to his rational mind.

Ultimately, with his trusted connections in the Information Guild, Hile’s influence extends far beyond commerce. By touching realms of knowledge and quiet resistance, he has earned a reputation that verges on honorary guild membership.

Although he is only fourteen, Phine operates as Hile’s youngest son and far more than a boy running errands. Because he is energetic and relentlessly observant, Phine approaches every task with wide eyes and sharp questions, rarely following orders without understanding their purpose. While he remains obedient by nature, he never acts as a passive learner. He studies as hard as he works; consequently, he develops 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. By mastering these local tongues, he can even pass for a native in distant lands. Furthermore, he possesses a rare talent for earning trust. Whether he encounters hardened merchants or wary strangers, Phine draws people close and keeps them there. In a world darkened by suspicion, his gift for friendship shines bright.

As a discreet and sharp-minded operative of the Information Guild, Samir accompanies Aylman, not as a bodyguard, but as a set of silent eyes. Because he maintains a quiet demeanor and a keen sense of danger, he excels in both observation and survival. Ultimately, 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.

However, even elite skill has its limits. While he works to uncover deeper motives and loyalties, Samir soon finds himself navigating a path far more perilous than expected. Consequently, this journey will test his training, his instincts, and his very fate.

Stationed 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. Because he possesses deep knowledge of forgotten trails and hidden hamlets, he understands the buried history of Cendomvita better than most. Long ago, Grimm joined the Vidoran army while searching for his kidnapped sister, Maribel; consequently, this pursuit shaped both his career and his resolve.

Over the years, he built a reputation as a capable and weathered soldier. Although practical in his ethics, Grimm occasionally accepts a well-placed bribe, yet he remains equally known for offering help when it truly matters. Many of his patrols, by chance or choice, pass near his family’s long-abandoned farmstead in the foothills. While he remained “married to the uniform” for most of his life, his path changed after he met Elgyon and Phine. Ultimately, these two figures stirred something long dormant within him: a purpose that extends far beyond duty.


Supporting Figures

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These characters play important supporting roles. They may serve as allies, foils, mentors, or obstacles to the primary characters. While they do not dominate the story, their presence is frequent, and they often experience meaningful development or contribute significantly to subplots.

As the village chief of Neverharbor, Adiel leads a coastal settlement defined by its resilience and tight-knit community. Because he is a man of principle and quiet authority, Adiel balances compassion with pragmatism while guiding his people through uncertainty. Although he does not act as a warrior in the traditional sense, his true strength lies in diplomacy and a deep commitment to the safety of his village.

Ultimately, Adiel rarely makes decisions in haste, as he carries the weight of his people’s trust with solemn dignity. By prioritizing stability over speed, he ensures the survival of Neverharbor even when the political tides of Cendomvita begin to turn.

As the wife of Hile and mother to their four sons, Ashira operates as a central figure in both her household and the broader social life of Eslading. Because she possesses a shrewd intellect and a compassionate heart, she strikes a rare balance between warmth and strategy. Furthermore, as a fixture in civic circles, she uses a quiet talent for steering conversations toward outcomes that align with her priorities.

Ultimately, Ashira’s influence remains subtle but unmistakable, since it grows from a deep devotion to her family and an instinctive grasp of power’s softer levers. While others rely on overt authority, Ashira leads with grace, calculation, and purpose. Consequently, she often shapes the world around her without ever raising her voice.

While he slips easily between alleys and council halls, Chamaliak operates as a man whose shadow stretches far longer than his name. Publicly, certain circles recognize him as a resourceful agent of the Thieves’ Guild and one of Aylman’s more unsavory contacts. However, those who dig deeper find that Chamaliak’s influence runs much deeper and much darker than his public reputation suggests.

Because he is a skilled thief, assassin, and manipulator, he moves with quiet precision through the underbelly of politics. Consequently, the powerful trust him when they need something done quietly or cleanly. Ultimately, few suspect just how much of the game he actually plays, nor do they realize how far his reach extends beyond what even Aylman imagines.

As a lifelong resident of Neverharbor, Ethan has earned a reputation throughout the village as a skilled fisherman and a dependable, if occasionally blunt, member of the community. Although he is not always warm, Ethan remains committed to the well-being of his neighbors. Consequently, he often lends a hand in times of need, whether out of duty, pride, or sheer determination.

While he keeps to his work during moments of calm, Ethan finds his voice quickly in times of crisis. Because he is often the first to demand action, he frequently leads even when the path forward isn’t clear. Ultimately, his instincts lean toward swift decisions and visible leadership, which makes him a compelling figure when tensions run high. Whether others admire or question him, Ethan’s presence in Neverharbor remains one few can ignore.

Although he began as just another member of the Raven bandit gang, the charismatic and ruthless Gahiddiin did not remain in the shadows for long. Through relentless effort, strategic manipulation, and a string of quiet assassinations, he climbed the ranks until he reached the very top. Now, as the dominant force in the Raven Triumvirate, Gahiddiin commands both fear and loyalty because he earns his status through results rather than trust.

Furthermore, he operates as a master of spectacle and strategy. Because he designs every move to ensure the story of his success spreads, he intentionally leaves witnesses behind. Gahiddiin understands that fear grows faster when it has a voice. Consequently, nothing embodies his vision more than his personally designed black ship: an imposing vessel carved in the likeness of a raven. While the ship serves as a vanity project, it also acts as a reminder that the Ravens do not hide in darkness; instead, they fly above it. Ultimately, Gahiddiin does not simply carry out the will of the Ravens; he believes that he is their will, sharpened, polished, and set loose upon the world.

As a commanding and enigmatic officer in the Vidoran army, General Hamirazhin oversees an entire division spread across three key forts. Because his primary stronghold lies at Runhollow, he exercises tight, uncompromising control over the region north of Eslading. Furthermore, Hamirazhin utilizes his battlefield cunning and unflinching brutality to maintain order, both qualities that have earned him both fear and respect from his soldiers.

While whispers surround his rise and his methods, many suggest that his authority grows from more than just military discipline. Although he appears outwardly loyal to crown and command, Hamirazhin operates with a calculated independence. Consequently, as signs emerge that his allegiances lie elsewhere, he becomes an increasingly dangerous figure. Ultimately, he ensures his moves always serve a purpose, keeping his full reach hidden until it is far too late for his enemies to react.

As the second son of Hile, Mellue entered adulthood with charm to spare and ambition to loan if only someone had asked. Because he is 22, he often prefers the company of friends and flirtation over ledgers and logistics. Consequently, he sees no reason to chase responsibility when he can coast comfortably behind Aylman’s rising star. While he adores his older brother and admires his confidence, Mellue follows his lead without hesitation. This remains true even when doubts begin to creep in about the murkier parts of Aylman’s dealings.

On the road, Mellue leans on his good looks and easy manner to secure a welcome in nearly every town. In fact, he does this so effectively that a running joke suggests the local children feel the most excitement for his return. Although his delivery routes rarely turn a profit, Mellue never seems concerned. Ultimately, he views success as Aylman’s responsibility, preferring to remain just along for the ride.

Although she is only nineteen, Saffron operates as a figure as disarming as she is dangerous. As the younger sister of Chamaliak, she often plays the role expected of her by appearing charming, witty, and effortlessly poised. However, beneath this surface lies a startling discipline. Because she has trained to kill with her bare hands, she knows twenty-one ways to do so without ever touching a weapon.

Furthermore, Chamaliak uses her charm to manipulate those in his orbit. He often dangles her before others, especially Aylman, as both a reward and a trap. Yet, Saffron remains far more than a mere pawn. Because she understands how others perceive her, she knows exactly how to use that perception to her advantage. Ultimately, whether she follows Chamaliak’s game or plays one of her own remains a question with lethal consequences.

Although he is only eighteen, Sealum already operates as a pillar of the family enterprise. As the third son of Hile, he approaches the family trade with a quiet and serious dedication. He masters the logistics of ground transport with a level of care that remains well beyond his years. Because he is obedient by instinct and meticulous by choice, Sealum never takes an assignment lightly. He studies every instruction and clarifies every detail so that he may preserve the trust placed in him.

While his brothers each carve their own unique paths, Sealum maintains a simple and steadfast ambition. He intends to work beside his father and brothers to build a legacy through diligence and devotion. Ultimately, his peers recognize him for this reliable nature, as he treats every delivery as a matter of honor rather than just a task.


Notable Mentions

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These are characters who appear briefly or are referenced in dialogue, letters, memories, or historical accounts. They help to populate the world, provide context, or influence the story indirectly. While they may not take part in major scenes, their named existence provides richness to the scenes in which they are mentioned.

Belac oversees the Information Guild in Eslading and maintains a long-standing friendship with Hile. Because he possesses a sharp intellect and a keen strategic mind, he serves as a vital pillar on the city’s ruling council alongside Hile and Balna. In a city rife with intrigue and power plays, Belac’s unique insight into patterns and politics makes him one of the council’s most valuable assets.

However, his greatest strength involves his ability to see potential in others, and this trait occasionally becomes his weakness. Since he extends his trust easily and offers it generously, he remains an ideal ally but an easy target for the unscrupulous. While he remains forward-thinking and loyal, his openness leaves him vulnerable in a world where others use information as currency or a weapon.

Ultimately, Belac’s voice carries significant weight whether he is guiding civic policy or interpreting emerging threats. Nevertheless, he must learn that not every game can be played fairly. He must also recognize that even the oldest friendships are not always safe from the shadows.

Although Dathan operates as a wealthy and well-connected figure from the western coast of Cendomvita, much of his past remains cloaked in mystery. He arrives in the narrative as the bearer of a high-stakes commission. Because he possesses documentation of an official nature, few people dare to challenge his presence. Furthermore, his ability to produce royal seals and bypass military restrictions suggests he wields influence far beyond the reach of a typical merchant.

On the surface, Dathan carries himself with cool authority and chooses every word with precise care. However, his quiet confidence often creates an unnerving atmosphere for those around him. Since not all of his power seems to come from legitimate sources, his subtle threats carry an unmistakable weight. Ultimately, Dathan hides his true motives beneath layers of charm and danger. This leaves others to wonder if he acts as a diplomat, an agent, or something far more sinister.

Jeryl manages the Crescent’s Edge in Bilan, a well-frequented establishment that balances comfort with discretion. Because he possesses an easy manner and a sharp memory, he remains a reliable face in the local landscape. Furthermore, he provides a steady sanctuary for those who know how to mind their business and pay their fees on time.

Even though he maintains a strong business rapport with Aylman, Jeryl rarely lets principle get in the way of his profit. He often presents himself as a good-natured host, yet he willingly looks the other way or passes along messages for the right price. Consequently, he ensures that his most exclusive rooms remain well out of sight for those who require privacy. In Bilan, trust does not always align with morals; nevertheless, Jeryl offers a level of consistency that his clients value. Ultimately, his reputation for reliability makes him an essential contact in the city’s shifting trade.

King Alaric held the throne of Hireotha for four steady decades during the rise of Mushkinek. Because he acted as a statesman first and a sovereign second, his reign fostered stability and justice throughout the land. He utilized a quiet strength to earn the trust of his people and the reluctant respect of his rivals. Furthermore, this approach ensured that his authority remained unquestioned without the need for constant force.

While he served as the father to both Ta’arah and Noam, Alaric believed deeply in his duty to both crown and kin. He governed with a steady hand, yet he remained acutely aware of the dangers of ambition. Ultimately, he ensured that his legacy stood on a foundation of fairness. Consequently, even his enemies recognized his reign as a golden era of stability for Hireotha.

Gryffid ruled Vidora during the turbulent years of the Mushkinek Uprising. He earned his title through prudence and foresight rather than through conquest or cunning. Because he saved resources during times of plenty and gave freely when his people were in need, his reign exemplified a rare sense of balance. Furthermore, he utilized an unwavering sense of justice to anchor his kingdom during the continental chaos.

Instead of rushing to arms when unrest swept the land, he focused on building strategic alliances. He worked closely with the Information Guild to expose the deeper threats behind the rebellion. Consequently, his diplomacy provided the foundation for the fractured kingdoms to find a common cause. Under his guidance, the allied forces finally turned their full might against Mushkinek’s rebellion. Ultimately, they scattered the followers to the winds and secured a period of hard-won peace.

Manzor stands out as a generational member of the Transportation Guild who devoted his entire life to the service of Hile’s family. He initially committed his skills to Hile ’s father and later extended that same fierce loyalty to Hile himself. Because he possessed a deep mastery of the trade, he took on the responsibility of training the three oldest boys. He shaped their understanding of logistics and ground transport through years of rigorous mentorship.

However, Manzor passed away before he had the opportunity to provide that same training to Phine. Consequently, a gap exists between the education of the older brothers and the youngest son. Ultimately, his influence remains visible in the way the eldest boys handle their duties, yet his absence leaves a distinct mark on Phine’s development. His legacy continues to serve as a standard of excellence for everyone within the guild.

Mushkinek acted as both the author and choreographer of a massive uprising that shook the foundations of society across the Seven Kingdoms. More than two centuries ago, he ignited a fire that challenged every established political and social order. Because he possessed a rare talent for manipulation and strategy, he coordinated a rebellion that nearly toppled the ruling dynasties. Furthermore, his influence reached into every corner of the continent, turning common citizens against their sovereigns.

Even though two hundred years have passed since his defeat, his name still carries a heavy weight in historical records. Many historians study his methods to understand how a single man could fracture such a deeply rooted system. Consequently, the lessons learned from his war continue to shape modern diplomacy and military defense. Ultimately, Mushkinek remains a ghost in the halls of power, serving as a permanent reminder of how easily peace can turn to chaos.

Prince Noam exists in the historical records of Hireotha as the eldest child of King Alaric and the brother to Princess Ta’arah. He lived more than two centuries before the events of the Vidoran Crisis, yet his impact remains significant. Because contemporary accounts describe a promising heir, many historians highlight his diplomatic bearing and skill in combat. Furthermore, his reputation for fairness earned him deep respect across the kingdom during his short life.

Unfortunately, his life ended abruptly under mysterious circumstances. This untimely death immediately reshaped the Hireothan line of succession and sparked centuries of scholarly debate. Since his passing left so many unresolved questions, whispered intrigue continues to surround his name in the modern era. Ultimately, Noam serves as a symbol of lost potential to some, while others view him as the pivotal figure whose absence altered the entire course of history.

Princess Aldona belonged to the royalty of Elowen more than two hundred years before the Vidoran Crisis. She entered into a betrothal with Prince Noam of Hireotha to create a union of peace and prestige between their nations. Because surviving records describe her as graceful and radiant, many people viewed her as the ideal counterpart to her future husband. Furthermore, her widespread popularity made her a beloved figure across both kingdoms.

Unfortunately, the voyage to Maadigan for the royal wedding became her final journey. Neither the Princess nor her betrothed ever appeared again after they departed. Since the world presumed her lost in an attack en route, Aldona became a lasting symbol of shattered hope and diplomatic tragedy. Ultimately, she remains a mythologized figure known as the “lost princess” of Elowen. Her life and promise vanished into history, leaving behind only a legacy of unresolved questions.

Princess Ta’arah remains a royal of Hireotha whose name lingers in both admiration and controversy. She was born into privilege and grew up in the long shadow of her older brother, Crown Prince Noam. While she earned a reputation for vanity and self-interest in her youth, her life took a sudden and sobering turn. This change followed the disappearance of her brother and his bride, which led to the subsequent collapse of their father, King Alaric.

Because she was thrust into leadership at the age of twenty, Ta’arah had to mature quickly to navigate a kingdom in crisis. She eventually entered an engagement to a duke of Ognenstrof to provide a diplomatic gesture following the Mushkinek uprising. Furthermore, this union served as a vital symbol of regional stability during a period of intense recovery. Ultimately, history remembers her as a ruler transformed by circumstance. She proved herself to be flawed but formidable in the face of national tragedy.

Corporal Enos operates as a vital link in the military chain, serving as a quiet fixture of the garrison at Fort Runhollow. He remains efficient and discreet while reporting directly to General Hamirazhin. Because the General trusts him with responsibilities well beyond his rank, Enos manages sensitive information that rarely reaches other non-commissioned officers. He maintains a calm that borders on unreadable, ensuring his presence never draws unnecessary attention during daily military routines.

Although he performs his duties with practiced precision, Enos listens much more carefully than his peers realize. He possesses a deep understanding of the environment and monitors the shifting loyalties within the Vidoran command. Furthermore, his observant nature allows him to identify patterns that others overlook. Consequently, he serves as a silent guardian of the General’s interests. Ultimately, beneath his disciplined surface lies a man who recognizes the true weight of the secrets he keeps.

Queen Alina manages a difficult balancing act within Rusmaria during the height of the Vidoran Crisis. She navigates a political landscape where her nation’s safety relies heavily on the volatile events in Vidora. Because the Ravens take advantage of this dependency, they boldly infest Rusmaria and Vidora simultaneously. One could argue that if Rusmaria held more political weight within the Seven Kingdoms, history might have labeled this era as the Rusmarian Crisis instead.

The current instability puts immense pressure on every regional sovereign, but Alina maintains a focus on the long-term security of her people. She evaluates every diplomatic overture and military shift with a calculated gaze. Furthermore, her leadership style often contrasts with the more aggressive maneuvers of her neighbors. Her role in the Vidoran Crisis remains muted by history, but her influence is a matter of fact. Ultimately, she continually fights to ensure that Rusmaria remains relevant in a world where the Ravens assert more power every day.

Queen Sophia rules Elowen as a sovereign cloaked in both mystery and indulgence. While she holds her title by right, she remains a subject of intense fascination due to her unique temperament. Her affinity for lavish jewels serves as a constant topic of conversation within her court. Furthermore, her unapologetic pursuit of pleasure defines her public image more than any political decree. Because critics often label her a hedonist while admirers call her free-spirited, her true character remains difficult to pin down.

Beneath the surface of opulence and scandal, a deeper question lingers regarding her true motives. Few can determine if her decadence serves as a distraction, a form of defiance, or a calculated design. Since Elowen is a kingdom renowned for beauty and art, Sophia reigns as its most dazzling and unpredictable emblem. Ultimately, she maintains a court that reflects her own complexity, even as unseen influences like the Ravens begin to pull at the edges of her realm. Consequently, her unpredictable nature may be her greatest defense against those who wish to control her.

Sheba grew up as the youngest daughter of Lahimes and spent her childhood alongside Phine. In a household where curiosity and scholarship defined the daily rhythm, she naturally gravitated toward intellectual pursuits. At fourteen, she appeared neither striking nor overlooked. She possessed an average appearance, yet a distinct spark behind her eyes hinted at her deeper gifts. Because she was both spirited and respectful, she shared a deep fascination with history, geography, and the structures of the world with her father and Phine.

Since she possessed a particular gift for numbers and patterns, Sheba often identified connections that others missed. She grew into herself with a quiet grace as the years passed. Furthermore, her charm and intellect eventually softened the edges of her plainness. This transformation ensured that few could remember how unremarkable she had once seemed to the casual observer. Ultimately, her bond with Phine remained rooted in shared ideas and mutual respect. This connection would one day shape the futures of both individuals in ways they had yet to imagine.

Captain Sutipan serves as the commander of the garrison that received Elaren’s desperate plea for reinforcements. When Elaren rode from Neverharbor to the fort seeking help, he met a leader who valued protocol and formal verification above all else. Because Sutipan operates as a strictly by-the-book military officer, he refused to abandon his post without following every established procedure. He possesses a deep sense of honor, yet his rigid adherence to the chain of command often slows his ability to react to unconventional threats.

Eventually, he dispatched a detail to Neverharbor to investigate Elaren‘s report of attack. The soldiers arrived only to find the absolute destruction and massacre that Elaren had tried to prevent. Since Sutipan follows regulations with such precision, the weight of the tragedy now tests his commitment to those very same rules. Although he knows no response would have been swift enough to save Neverharbor, he must now reconcile his personal principles with the massacre Ultimately, while he remains a man of integrity, his story serves as a grim example of how bureaucracy can fail in the face of sudden violence.

The Scourge represents a recurring shadow over the history of Cendomvita rather than a single individual. This dark rhythm weaves through the centuries as a persistent pattern of upheaval and destruction. Every two to three hundred years, a new figure or movement emerges to gather fervent followers and unleash an uprising that threatens the continent’s very foundation. Because this force appears with such predictable frequency, many scholars view Mushkinek and the Ravens as merely the latest expressions of this ancient cycle.

While the Scourge brings undeniable devastation, some historians argue that it serves a grim, unintended purpose. They claim it exists to chastise complacency among the ruling classes and to forge new alliances between fractured kingdoms. Furthermore, this perspective suggests that the peace following such a conflict feels more meaningful because it is so hard-earned. However, the cost of this renewal remains staggeringly high for the people of Thalevir. Ultimately, the world loses many of its best and brightest minds to the fire of rebellion before any healing can begin. Consequently, the Scourge remains a permanent scar on the collective memory of the Seven Kingdoms.

Theo serves as a merchant of Bilan and remains a beloved figure within the local trade circles. He has built a quiet reputation through his cheerful demeanor and unshakable honesty, making him one of the friendliest faces in the market. Because he thrives on the bustle of trade and the constant flow of conversation, he has become a fixture of the community. He manages a complex family life as a father of two boys and several daughters, though he often keeps the exact details of his domestic life vague.

While he has spent years doing business with Aylman, Theo enjoys their relationship despite the competitive nature of their dealings. He recognizes that Aylman’s negotiating edge has long outpaced his own, yet he still delights in the dance of the haggle. Furthermore, he views each deal as both a strategic challenge and a playful game rather than a simple transaction. Since many traders in Cendomvita operate with shadowed motives, Theo’s open nature provides a welcome relief to his peers. Ultimately, he remains a man who values the human connection of commerce as much as the profit. Consequently, his presence ensures that the markets of Bilan retain a sense of warmth and integrity.

Zelda stands as a central figure of the community in Neverharbor, serving as the faithful wife of Adiel and a close confidante to Elaren. She played a vital role in the social fabric of the village, providing a sense of stability and warmth to those around her. She managed her household with the same care she extended to her friends, ensuring that her home remained a sanctuary.

While her life was primarily defined by her relationships and her devotion to her family, Zelda’s influence reached many in the small coastal settlement. She acted as a bridge between the various families of Neverharbor, often helping to settle minor disputes with her calm and steady presence. Ultimately, she remains a symbol of the innocent lives caught in the path of the Scourge. Consequently, her memory serves as a poignant reminder of the personal cost associated with the fall of Neverharbor.


Continue your journey through The Vidoran Crisis with Book 2: The Shadow of Silent Losses.

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