Cole Faulkner, the Mayor of Mackledar, stood on the balcony of his manor and looked out over the sprawling town he called home. The town his family had lorded over for generations.
Below him, the streets were bustling with activity. Merchants smiled and called out to passing customers, craftsmen went about their work, and children laughed and ran through the narrow lanes.
The fields beyond the town were green and fertile, and the markets were well-stocked. Mackledar was a prosperous place, a town where people could live comfortably and raise their families without much worry.
The Faulkners had been good rulers. They kept the taxes low, settled disputes fairly, and ensured that the townsfolk were well cared for. In return, they had earned the people's respect and loyalty. It was a legacy Cole took great pride in.
