Jarn and Cass were members of an elite fighting force loyal to the Shire Reeve Martin Shalyn. This force is named Sword and Shield. They have been exiled from their home, from the Reeve’s service, and sent to the Wilderwaste to die because they dare to break the Reeve’s law forbidding members of this force from marrying each other.  It seemed their lives would be claimed by the waste, until an unexpected forest offered them repose.  When they entered it, though, they were chased by a nightmare horror.   Once again death threatened them, but at the last minute they found solace at the gates of the House of Genn. Will they find salvation within or something worse than a terrible death?  If you wish to venture in then follow them into the house of Crispen Genn. [Submission for the Royal Road Jan 2025 Community Magazine Challenge]