Never, Ever After

After all, magic is no laughing matter in the Iron Mountains. Just the whisper of it sufficed to draw the late king’s soldiers, who would seize anyone with a hint of association with magic. Each detail is exquisitely sculpted, from the furrowed brows to the pockmarks on his face, his features almost familiar—his hand on the hilt of a sword, half-drawn as though anticipating danger. Next, they turn to the late king’s memorial tablet to pay their respects, and finally, they face each other.