[Empire of Qashmar — Imperial Palace — Council Chamber]
The Council Chamber of Vaelthor was unlike anything found in Zahryssar, no gold, no jewels and no elaborate decorations.
Only stone, steel, and power. Massive wolf banners hung between towering pillars. Ancient mountain maps covered the walls and at the center of the chamber a table carved from a single black cedar tree stretched across the room.
Emperor Tharzek sat comfortably at its head. Lord Lior stood beside him, and several advisors remained nearby, silent, observing, and directly opposite them sat Zeramet.
The atmosphere inside the chamber felt dangerous because everyone present understood something. If this meeting failed two empires might eventually go to war. Servants poured wine into silver cups.
Tharzek immediately lifted his, then took a drink. Zeramet did not touch his, and the Wolf Emperor blinked.
"You think it's poisoned?"
