Summary
Emperor Carlos Afforny is tormented by a terrible curse that makes everything and everyone around him reek of a foul stench. Desperate for relief, he calls upon Ersala, an apprentice of the Grand Witch, to break the spell. Though her efforts provide partial relief—eliminating the odor only when she is near—the curse remains. Compounding matters, Ersala can perform magic just once per year, binding her to the emperor’s side until she can try again to fully free him.