Book 17: Take the Plunge

Aris

“We should have spent more time here growing up,” Roman quips, sprawled on the smooth wooden deck of the sailboat, the sun relentlessly beating down on him, but he smiles under the shade of his hand.

“Neither of us had access to our wealth until recently. Even just visiting Gem Lake is expensive.” I gently bank the boat to the left, gliding just close enough to shore to see the houses peeking out over the treeline. We’re one of a few boats on the water this morning navigating the wider areas of the interconnected lake systems and narrow passageways. Small towns and villages rest along the shore every couple of miles, but private homes and pack communities are abundant.

Veiled Valley has thrived when other kingdoms have not. That’s clear as I scan the shore, watching ancient architecture blur against a wash of modern homes and businesses. Mag