A whiff of steam. A surge forward. A new beginning.

Princess Cordelia, the lone voice of reason trapped in the body of a twelve year old, only seeks to push her empire into a glorious future of gears and steam power. The entire palace is arrayed against her. The chambermaids disdain her. The emperor ignores her. And the mages, led by Lord Oriolanus, lead a brisk campaign of lies and coercion which ensure the empire remains mired in the past and in their greasy clutches.

When all seems lost, a lone warrior from the barbarian north arrives at the palace. Does this stranger offer salvation for the beleaguered princess or just another menace?

"The Scion's Delight"

by Jeffrey Bardwell