Lord Dubal's office contrasted sharply with the spartan functionality of the rest of the fortress. Though far from luxurious, comfortable furnishings and a few personal touches—maps of distant lands, a shelf of leather-bound books, a worn chess set—hinted at the commander's cultured background. The room's most welcome feature, however, was the heating stone embedded in the ceiling—a rare magical amenity that radiated gentle warmth throughout the chamber.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Dubal offered, removing his heavy military coat and hanging it on a wooden peg by the door.
Amilia and Svara followed suit, shedding their outer layers with evident relief. The Masaai warrior rolled his muscular shoulders, his tribal tattoos shifting across his skin as he stretched, grateful for the blessed heat after days of travel through snow-covered terrain.
