Even though the Crystals of Balance had been installed in the four temples of the Lardon Empire’s islands, significantly improving the climate overall, the cold still reigned here, unlike the warm lands of Elgertania. On many patches of land, glaciers had melted, making these areas habitable and gradually populated by people. Emperor Olrig was hailed as a hero, almost a god, for saving the world from war and his own empire from deadly frost and ice.
Frozen in place on the deck, Cecil stared motionless at the shores of Viratu. In the milky morning mist, the outlines of dark cliffs emerged, and countless tiny beacon lights flickered. The sight struck her as both mysterious and eerie. This was it—her new home, shrouded in fog and uncertainty.
The ship slowly approached the shores of a small harbor plain. In the distance, rows of blazing torches already glimmered, illuminating the port of Viratu, the only place where docking was possible. Beyond it lay steep cliffs and jagged rocks. The island resembled an impregnable fortress, and for a moment, Cecil felt it mirrored the very nature of her beloved Milgardan… Could that really be true? These cliffs could either be a shield or a death trap if one wasn’t careful around them…
Letting out a heavy sigh, the young woman gathered her thoughts. What was the point of being afraid and trembling now? Instead, she needed to bear the weight of responsibility with dignity, to learn the traditions and customs of this foreign people she was about to become a part of.
Emperor Olrig’s messengers had already informed the inhabitants of Viratu about the return of their rightful lord, Milgardan, the Lord of the Island, the sole ruler… Naturally, supporters of the old regime under the late Oltor were far from pleased with this news. A purge at court was inevitable, and it might even be accompanied by bloody reprisals…
As the ship docked at the shore, Russell and Cecil descended the gangway onto dry land, accompanied by the Elgertanian men sent by Empress Julla. The Milgardan couple was greeted by local warriors, who lined up in two rows on either side of the path, forming a tight corridor for their safety.
“By the will of the gods, the people of Viratu welcome the arriving Lords!” a deep, resolute voice boomed. A tall man with a lantern in hand strode toward the newly arrived travelers with measured steps. His shoulders were draped in a blue cloak embroidered with silver patterns. “I will escort you to the carriage that will take you to the fortress! Welcome back, Lord Milgardan!”
“Garvalon?! Is that really you?! It’s been ages!” A joyful smile broke across Russell’s stern face as he recognized the man, an old acquaintance and loyal servant at court. Garvalon was quite tall and strongly built, with silver-white hair neatly combed back. His sharp, pale gray eyes immediately fixed on Cecil, and the flustered young woman tried to maintain her composure, bundling herself against the cold in a long, warm cloak. It felt as though the man was scrutinizing every detail of her. Elgertanian women were like exotic flowers, hard to take root in the harsh lands of Lardon. The beauty of local women was different—they were reserved, submissive, and silent.
A carriage, upholstered in blue velvet and drawn by horses, awaited the arriving Lords. The Milgardan couple settled into the back seat, while Garvalon sat across from them, stealing glances at the lovely Cecil. Thankfully, a heating artifact was installed inside, and the young woman immediately relaxed, melting into the warmth. She slipped off her heavy cloak, baring her delicate shoulders and arms. Seeing this, Garvalon froze. Of course, Cecil had no idea that, according to Lardon customs, women were only permitted to show their faces and wrists in public. At that moment, Garvalon realized he had never seen such beauty before—and he was no stranger to it. At court, he kept several concubines, acquired during military campaigns or purchased from the Trading Islands. Unfortunately, slavery still existed in the lands of the Lardon Empire, though Empress Julla had abolished it in Elgertania.
Naturally, Milgardan noticed how intently Garvalon was staring at Cecil. With a sharp motion, Russell grabbed the cloak lying on the seat and draped it over his wife’s shoulders.
“But it’s pretty warm in here,” the young woman mumbled awkwardly, only now realizing she hadn’t been introduced to the stranger. “My name is Cecil,” she said with a polite smile to the Lardon man sitting across from her, who hadn’t taken his piercing gray eyes off her.
“I will personally introduce you to everyone at court, Cecil,” Russell’s commanding voice cut through like ice. “According to our customs, you are not to speak with men until I permit it. That’s our tradition. So, I will present you to the notable figures of Viratu at tonight’s banquet.”
“Goodness…” The young woman froze, her eyes widening in surprise. “And why is that?”
“The rules are the same for everyone, my Cecil,” Milgardan said, pressing his lips together and giving her a sharp look.
Garvalon merely shook his head in silent pity. It would be tough for this beauty in the harsh, unfamiliar environment of the Lardon people, with their vastly different mindset and way of thinking compared to the Elgertanians. But alongside that thought, he suddenly realized he wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully tonight, caught in the sweet trap of forbidden dreams about the new Lady of Viratu…
The carriage moved slowly along the winding road, climbing toward the top of the cliff where the castle of the ancient Milgardan lineage loomed. Through the carriage window, a visibly tense Cecil gazed with intense curiosity and a racing heart at the local scenery, which seemed far gloomier than the landscapes of Elgertania. There were no familiar fertile fields here—mostly just rocks and sparse vegetation.
“There are gardens within the fortress grounds. You’ll like them, my darling,” Russell said reassuringly, watching his unsettled wife.
In the copper cascade of the rising sun’s rays piercing through gray clouds, the fortress of dark granite towered above. The sight struck Cecil as both impressive and intimidating, with its frozen Lardon grimness… Countless dark, pointed towers seemed to meld into one another. The stone city of the island was surrounded by an enormous wall, completely isolated from the world.
As the carriage approached the central gates, the driver deactivated the protective barrier, and the laser grid vanished. The metal gates slid open along grooves in the stone walls, allowing the arrivals to pass through.
Of course, the fortress grounds were a stark contrast to the bleak landscapes of Viratu. Here, broad-leaved trees and colorful flowers flourished. The sight calmed Cecil somewhat, though she couldn’t help wishing the entire island could be like this…
In the fortress courtyard, a fountain of pink marble stood as a centerpiece. A large crowd of islanders had already gathered there, welcoming their Lord.
“We’re home, my Cecil,” Russell’s husky voice rang out, but the young woman seemed rooted to the carriage seat, feeling no desire to step outside. Yet she had no choice when Milgardan exited first and extended his hand to her.
Overwhelmed, Cecil froze in shock. Everyone in the square dropped to their knees and bowed their heads in submission, greeting their new Lords. The attire of the local women did little to ease her mind—they looked like dark, wrapped-up dolls… Would she have to dress like that too?
“We welcome our Lord Russell Milgardan and his lady, Lady Cecil Milgardan!” Garvalon proclaimed, raising his right hand grandly.
“Long life to you! Blessings of the gods!” the people shouted in greeting to the Milgardans. The men eventually stood upright, while the women remained on their knees, heads bowed.
As Russell and Cecil entered the central tower, the castle servants lined up in the spacious hall, awaiting their orders.
“Welcome back to your ancestral castle, my Lord!” an elderly woman stepped forward, wrapped in a gown of burgundy velvet, showing only her face. “I am Ligida, the castle steward, appointed to this position by the late Emperor Oltor…” She offered a polite smile and bowed her head.
“Greetings, Ligida,” Russell replied with a barely perceptible nod. Cecil flinched as her eyes met the steward’s. In the older woman’s narrowed gaze, she sensed a flash of negativity and hostility…