Alpha Instinct - Chapter 44: "The Sapphire Promise"

... a ribbon of dust and despair. Roland rode hard, a grim knot of determination tightening in his throat with every league that passed.

Three months. Three months he had spent immersed in the viper's nest of Gothian politics, trying to soothe ruffled feathers and broker peace between the Duke and the throne of Lumeria. He had parried accusations, dodged veiled threats, and offered concessions.

All for nothing.

He and the king had been fools. Pawns in a game far more intricat ...