Every time the annual ritual was held in the Temple of the North, prayers were offered to the Goddess Mirath, revered as the divine force capable of driving Khaeren's beasts back into obscurity and suppressing the curse that haunted the northern lands.
The ritual was not merely ceremonial but was believed to be the sole reason the beasts had not yet overrun the region entirely.
By ancient law, the presence of a member of the Imperial family was mandatory but their rank or title held no significance so long as the noble blood of Elarion are flowing through their veins.
That year, however, the Imperial Crown Prince remained in the Capital, entangled in matters of great political consequence where many of which were directly tied to the execution and outcome of the ritual itself.
Unable to attend in person, he appointed Cael to take his place and represent the Imperial family at the northern temple since Cael was already in the north himself.
Cael did not make the journey alone.
