While an elite circle in Calma busied themselves with preparations for the grand coronation of the first emperor of Azurverda, which was to take place in a month's time, a darker plot brewed in the shadows of the secret chamber in Zura.
Turik and the other Zuran generals met in secrecy, whispering of a bold and dangerous plan—to kidnap Lara, the betrothed of Alaric.
When Turik first proposed the scheme, their spies had already infiltrated Calma. From the shadows, these spies had mapped out every detail of Lara's life—her schedule, the people in her company, and the rare moments when she was unguarded.
They had learned that each Sunday afternoon, Lara would escort the children back to her master's manor.
