The fields beyond Peduviel stretched wide and bright beneath the late morning sun.
Unlike the forests of the North or the harsher terrain of the South, the lands surrounding the Eastern capital rolled gently toward distant hills, golden grasses bending in the wind like waves upon water. The hunting grounds had been prepared long before the arrival of their guests. Colorful banners marked the outer boundaries of the course, and clusters of attendants moved among the horses and riders, making final preparations.
The atmosphere was lively.
Eastern hunts were not solemn affairs. Music drifted from the pavilion where the ladies of the court had gathered, accompanied by the light laughter of nobles who treated the event as much as a celebration as a sport.
Aya adjusted the reins of her horse as she surveyed the open field.
Beside her, Elex sat tall in his saddle, his posture relaxed but alert in the way of a man who had spent most of his life on horseback.
