In the fire of a dying father’s plea, Ser Mathos — a battle-hardened knight from the March of Dunmere — is forged into an unlikely mentor. Tasked with escorting a sheltered noble youth into the shadowed caverns of Saint Deveneau, Mathos must temper privilege into steel. As the dark presses close and ancient lore beckons, a reluctant squire searches for his spark. Can honor survive the cold road, or will the flame flicker out?

Honorable Mention, the February 2026 Booby Prize

Duty. Forging. Cynicism. Lineage.