a great many of the human and dwarven nations towards the north of the continent are ruled in practice as republics, but are in truth monarchies with empty thrones. the lady-protector is known by a number of titles and names, though “lady-protector” or “her resolution” are most common terms to refer to her.

the lady-protector burned with the same radiant fire of the beastes, but held it in the palm of her hand. her resolution saw to it that the old kingdoms burned to ash, and that the tyrants of the past remained in the grave.