From the introduction: Our tale unfolds in Severan, the City by the Sea, bordered on the east by the Nedrasi Forest and on the west by the Great Sea. Severan and the surrounding lands are ruled locally by Lord Nellis, known as a fair and just leader by some and as hard, inflexible, and lacking imagination by others. The King's Road, as well as the River Naga, both of which wind through the land, either begin or end here (depending on your perspective).