Chapter 8

  Present Time

  In the High Court of King Macedius the sun fell through the grand stained-glass windows showing the history of the world according to the Fae and washing the revelry below in jewelled tones. The pillars holding up the high arches of the ceilings were carved in the image of grand Kings and heroes of legend, and the floor was an intricate pattern of tiles designed to be both visually intimidating but also to clearly outline the ranks within the court, the colour of the tiles dictating how far into the chamber an individual could progress.

  Sylvin sat within the gold tiled section occupied by royalty and the highest ranks of Fae nobles. On one side, the Princess Auralyn and the other, his Liegeman Mage, Cerilius. The table before him held an array of food served on gold and silver plates, and a dozen servants attended them, keeping wine goblets filled and the food placed before them fresh.