The Archon

Глава 1The path, strewn with translucent violet stones, shimmered faintly—it gave no light of its own, yet it was beautiful, especially amidst the dark, thick foliage, the vines streaked with black veins, and the carnivorous blossoms the color of clotted blood.On a distant world, such stones had once adorned only the hidden courtyards of temples, scattered across altar floors—but one day, Lord Laetris had mused that his garden might benefit from such barbaric opulence. Especially since that world had long since fallen like overripe fruit into his grasp, surrendering beneath the blades of House Laetris’ warhost—and so his highest whim had been indulged without delay.Now, a noble lady admired this extravagant whim of décor—strolling leisurely, accompanied only by her bodyguard, though not, it seemed, out of boredom. At least, that was the impression one might glean from observing her from…