Across the vast and sprawling territories of once mighty empires, a pervasive sense of unease has taken grip. The foundations that for centuries sustained their dominion are showing undeniable signs of fracture. Rebellions flare in distant provinces, resentment festers among the populace, and once-loyal vassals begin to question the emperor's right

The year the year of our Lord eight hundred and forty-five AD. A chill wind swept across the Seine River, carrying with it the scent emanating from salt and fear. The Norsemen were amongst us, a ravenous swarm of warriors seeking riches. Their longships, like prowling predators, sliced through the waters, their flags fluttering in the wind. A city