The Grand Marshal's Eternal Oath

The herald's silver horn sounded three long, resonant notes, signaling the final and most emotional act of the coronation rites. From the central aisle of the sanctuary, Grand Protector Rowan Blackwood marched forward toward the dais. His star-iron plate armor was polished until it mirrored the stained-glass light; his charcoal velvet cape flowed behind him; and in his two hands he carried his six-foot executioner's greatsword horizontally across his palms.…