Across the Vale, in a secluded corner of the ancient fortress, preparations were underway for an entirely different ceremony.
By Nyrielle's order, several corridors had been sealed and stood under heavy guard. Commander Bassinger personally supervised the arrangements of dozens of soldiers with each one swearing on pain of death that nothing would pass their defensive line. Behind them, heavy oak doors, bound with iron and barred with heavy timbers stood firmly shut against any intruders.
News of what would be happening beyond those sealed doors had been shared with only a select few, and of everyone assembled before the doors, only Commander Bassinger knew the truth. That knowledge was both an honor and an incredible weight as he considered who should be standing in his place at the head of the guard.
