The contrast couldn't have been sharper.
Where the North Trenches represented pure darkness and barely controlled chaos, the domain of Lady Maude Peanna was all light and careful order. Her territory occupied a strategic region in the eastern provinces—prosperous farmland protected by well-maintained fortifications, trade routes that brought wealth from the coast, and a population that had known peace for most of their lives.
The keep itself was beautiful in an understated way.
No ostentatious towers or excessive decoration, but solid stone construction that spoke of permanence and strength. Gardens surrounded the main structure, carefully tended even in late autumn. The banners that flew from its walls bore Lady Maude's sigil—a white rose wrapped in thorns against a field of deep blue.
In a private chamber on the keep's third floor, three women sat around a table laden with documents and maps.
Lady Maude Peanna herself occupied the head of the table.
