Annyte had never liked going to the ancestor hall. She was born a Fayne, far south just beyond the Summer Vale border. Her house’s ancestor hall was one filled with beautiful tapestries, paintings, and stained painted glass filled their hall with bright colors. Her ancestors were filled with diplomats, stewards, knights of legends and adventurers. The ancestors hall of her husband kept was different, built by the conquerors and warriors of the first era. The classic Asdorian influences were dark and monochromatic.

     The hall was filled with statues of the first kings with the largest towards the center, of their hero king Yxmir, the stormgod. This place was of unearthly silence. This chamber remained unchanged for almost a thousand years when house Foxhall reigned as kings. But she knew this is whee she would find her husband. After he became sick, when his council meetings were over he would come here to speak to his ancestors for guidance.

      Annyte was bathed by the black sands and warmed by the golden sun that filled the Summer Vale. She multiple ancestor gods, Alios the Sun, goddess Acta the earth, Kyosi the dawn. Their worship was done beneath Alios’ guiding light, they sang songs and danced. Roland built her a small ancestor hall in the northern tower, but the Asdorian blood flowed strong through him he still prayed the stormgod Yxmir. The eye of twilight they called it, the great gift he bestowed upon the great kings. The glowing blue eyes, it was said that during the ancient age those born with it could call upon the storms.

       Annyte found her husband kneeling at the altar of Yxmir. His great sword was laid flattened across it. A thousand year old statue of the stormgod stood tall in defiance with its eyes still glowing. “Roland.” she called softly, he turned his head to see her “Annyet.” he called his voice was weak and distant. She went over and sat beside him silently while he finished praying.

      “How are you?” She asked as he turned around to face her. His smile was gentle “I am well milady.” he replied as he struggled to his feet. He reached out his hand to help her up “Where are the children?” he asked “In the great hall breaking their fast. Willem found a giant hound that twins tried to ride like a pony, and now Brielle wants a pet. She’s asking for a dragon.” Roland chuckled. “If she catches one herself she can keep it” he jested as he made his way towards the altar.

    His great sword Grimsbane laid flat on the altar. It was a thousand year old sword crafted from the heart of dragon. Grimsbane was wielding by one of the great kings during unification but she could not remember which one. Roland placed his hands on it “This will be Willem’s” he stated. Grimsbane came from Asdoria before it sank into the sea, forged by magic and once said it had the ability to cut down whole armies with a single blow.

   “How was the meeting?” she asked as she wrapped her arms around him, “I… had a vision.” his voice was grim. “What was it?” “I do not know, it was dark and confusing it happened” but before he could finish she pulled him close. “It is alright my love. The gods chose you for something great.” she said trying to reassure him. “The council must think I am half-mad.” “You are their king.” He rested his head on her shoulder “But for how long?” he asked, she stroked her husband’s head “House Tyndale is the storm.” she whispered softly into his ear. “Willem’s name day is coming soon. I bring new that all the Lords of the holdings and a host of lesser lords and knights are on their way to celebrate.”

    “All the lords of the lords of the realm? How come I was not informed?” he asked, “Word just came in, their heralds arrived as soon I left my chamber to find you.” she answered. “We need to begin preparations at once.” “Already taken care of, I will handle this. I need you to relax and be King. Not worried.” Roland smiled and they kissed “I love you more than the gods now.” he said sweetly and he embraced her again. She smiled and took out a small folded note and handed it to him. “There is one thing you have to worry about.”

   “What is it?” he said as he studied the small folded parchment. It was sealed by emerald wax with sigil of house Hywin; a jaguar roaring in defiance. He opened it and he read it and smiled. Soren was a childhood friend to her husband, like a second brother. Roland’s father fostered him and they were raised together. “Damn him.” he chuckled “What is it my love?” she asked playfully. “Marriage proposal. His daughter for Willem.”

    She smiled it was something that was bound to happen soon, he would be fourteen the proper age for this. “It is said she is the most beautiful girl in the Summer Vale, she takes after her mother.” Lady Elsene was a beautiful maiden, she remembered her from years ago from their weeding. Her bright hazel brown eyes and short black hair, light copper skin and slender build.

   “I want you to consider others as well, I know Lord Hywin is like a brother to you but if there are more please we must take them seriously.” She added, it was the first time in a long time since she had seen him smile so much. “I will consider them.” he said. “Let us get to those preparations my love.” she said as she began to lead him out of the ancestor hall.