Two kingdoms were positioned alongside each other: Azuria on the north and Athentia on the south. Presiding over each was one of two splendid rock castles jutting out of the western face of Stone Cavern Mountain, and the kingdom borders ran between them, down the craggy heights, and straight through the middle of Peregrine Field.

Centuries ago, much blood had been spilled on that field, but today the kingdoms lived in peace.

I lived at the edge of Adytum Forest in a treehouse overlooking the southern plain. The sun always shone in that place, and my gargoyle Charlie and I never wanted for anything.

I was sipping Keemun on the porch in the early dawn when Charlie approached. “Anwell,” he said, “have you spoken with the squarefinder lately?”

Charlie never came on the porch. Something was wrong.

“Not since last spring,” I answered. “What’s troubling you?”

“The veil over Azuria is fading. And the trees are whispering provocation.”

I set down my tea. “Then it seems we have a journey ahead of us, friend.”