The Free City of Valerius was exactly what one would expect from a place that proudly rejected the laws of kings and emperors.
It was loud, chaotic, and smelled faintly of cheap ale, sea salt, and burning coal. The narrow, winding streets were packed with merchants shouting over each other, mercenaries looking for coin, and thieves waiting for an easy target. Buildings of stone and wood leaned precariously over the cobblestone paths, their roofs adorned with glowing, colorful magical lanterns that lit up the dim alleyways.
Through the muddy streets, three hooded figures walked with quiet, unassuming steps.
Stephanie kept her head lowered, her face hidden beneath the deep hood of a simple, dark green traveler's cloak. Gone were the silk gowns and the heavy crown of Aethelgard. Right now, she looked like nothing more than a traveling merchant's daughter.
