From the introduction: Hallowhall was the property of Bryma Grenat, a devout servant of both Lada and the Crown. The land was gifted to her after she was knighted by King Stefanos—young and still a bachelor—for valor in battle against raiding Rothenian tribesmen. She built Hallowhall soon after. Bryma never married, becoming more reclusive and eccentric with each passing year. One day she simply stopped leaving the castle, and her local duties were no longer carried out. When the taxes failed to arrive, the King sent messengers, then officials from court, and finally a band of knights to investigate. None ever returned. The Mharoti attack on Illyria turned attention elsewhere, and the death of Stefanos ensured Hallowhall did not catch Queen Dorytta’s attention until recently.