Claythorn Broadland (Investigation for Sovereign Sea)

Here, the earth is like the sky - black. The pitch-coloured soil of the island of Vetch is the cradle of the Empire of Neverfar, overflowing with richness. Here the grain sways in the black windy night, and the rain flows into the rivers, and the rivers flow into the sea. What is the principle that keeps the world growing despite the death of the Sun? We cannot name it, but when it goes, we can feel its absence. Under the Broadland System, introduced by King Alexander the Strong a long old while ago, huge areas of southern Vetch are given over to old landed gentry, whose only tax is paid in agricultural productivity. They supply the grain stipend - and were allowed to indenture whole families, back in the day. One such old family are the highly reputable Claythorns, whose most recent generation of young people were only five years ago dancing at galas with the Empress. Recently, though, they have become reclusive - and have experienced significant trouble with their “tenants”. The…