The sun was merciless that day, not a hint of cloud to soften the heat. The wind from the desert to the south of the fortress blew hot in itself, providing no relief.
Kai shifted, sighing, and leaned on his spear, squinting against the glare. Northern-bred, he did not think he would ever become accustomed to the power of the sun here on the southern-most border of Askara.
He longed for the green hills and lush valleys he had known, but being here was a suitable punishment for his sins.
Here he served his adopted country in blessed anonymity, with none to know his identity or revile him for it. It was the best he could hope for. It left him in blessed isolation, alone behind his ice walls.
An amusing visual, here in the land of heat and sand and ever cruel wind.
He shifted his grip up
