A longer, more solemn walk Michael had never taken. The narrow hallway, with its clay walls and ceilings and its worn stone floor, was illuminated only by the skylight at the end, just in front of the archway that opened up to the manor’s great room.

Michael could make out a large hearth on the wall opposite the archway as he walked tentatively toward the opening. But despite it being the dead of winter, no fire was blazing. He couldn’t really see much of his destination beyond that.

Minutes before, one of the servants had knocked on Michael’s door and announced to him that he’d been summoned to the great room by the manor’s baron. Michael had no idea what might have been behind the summons, but from what he’d heard, nothing good ever came from being called to appear before the baron.

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