Synopsis
Lute works at his father's tavern in a castle town, harboring an odd condition—whenever he cries, his tears crystallize into magic gems that shift color based on what he's feeling. These stones are scarce and worth kingdoms. The secret gets out to Advald, the king's knights' second-in-command and a fixture at the tavern, known throughout the realm as The Cheapskate Knight. "You're coming with me, Lute. That's final." He touches Lute's face with tenderness, strokes him with care, his actions betraying every hard edge in his voice. Lute feels something stir in him from Advald's attention, and he warns himself…
