The Storyteller's back straightens, and his voice becomes militant, direct and precise. "I'm guarding the roya

The Storyteller's back straightens, and his voice becomes militant, direct and precise. "I'm guarding the royal chambers. I can hear the queen weeping, inconsolable. I clench the hilt of my useless sword so hard it makes my fingers ache. There's no way for me to help my lady. King Lethoriel the Wise is ill, and we all pray for his swift recovery... that's what they told the populace."