Chapter 35: Sulfuric Sweetness

The state of the capital was dreadful. The rain must have been ongoing for weeks. The storm drains were flooded, the grates gurgling as they struggled to pull in more water. The capital had been a bright, prosperous place, but now it seemed washed out and dull. Some of the stone buildings had taken on a sulfur yellow tinge and it unsettled Marion to see them. This sight became more common the closer they got to the palace grounds and the knight was unsure what to make of it.

Eris’ gaze was stoic, though Marion knew he was breaking beneath the mask. There was no silver to adorn his face, no claws to adorn his hands. He was Eris, the broken son here in the city streets, not the charismatic leader who’s retinue had made the Kingswood possible to traverse for a time. They weren’t sure if it had remained safe, but perhaps it was easier for smaller groups to fend off ashen-kin ambushes now.