The state of the capital was dreadful. The rain must have been ongoing for weeks. The storm drains were flooded, the grates gurgling as they struggled to pull in more water. The capital had been a bright, prosperous place, but now it seemed washed out and dull. Some of the stone buildings had taken on a sulfur yellow tinge and it unsettled Marion to see them. This sight became more common the closer they got to the palace grounds and the knight was unsure what to make of it.

Eris’ ...