Vel'Haran, Hall of Broken Seasons...
Depths of Sylvandor, two days after the closing of Gal'Shanai
The hall was immersed in golden shadows, lit only by the living sap lamps, which seemed to hesitate to shine fully - as if they felt the weight of the words spoken inside. The ceiling of intertwined branches formed a kind of natural dome, and the enchanted stained glass windows showed ancient scenes of the pact between the Queen and the Forest - scenes that, to the nobles gathered there, seemed more like myth than living memory.
Lord Faeron Vel'Aeth paced back and forth in front of the assembly of dissident leaders. His clear, almost silver eyes were filled with unease.
"The Palace of Gal'Shanai is closed. No one goes in. No one is going out. The messengers have been arrested. The portals have been sealed," he said, his voice firm but restrained. "The only thing we know for sure is that Evelyn has entered - and by right, is taking over as Queen Regent."
