Most men in Rayan’s military chose the Order of the Blood Blade—a fierce and mighty warrior clan within the caste of Raji’Draq consisting of skilled dragon riders and blood knights. Radu was not one of them. He joined the Order of the Raven Blade, the ancient House of the Raji’Rav. Its members were well-versed in the art of assassination tactics. Like rogues, they acted from within the shadows and pursued their targets just as persistently. Coal-black hair was considered thei

Heavy- sweet smelling clouds of perfume clung to every shrub and tree they’d passed on their way to the provincial border. They did not come here often. For the tavern in which they usually received their suitors was a generous distance away from Nathum’s settlements—secluded, near a weather-beaten hiking path, which was only used by those who knew what they were looking for. A few hours of fun, conviviality, secret information, sometimes just an open ear. It was a place to g