The Hidden Tower (The Portal Wars Saga #1)

by James E. Wisher

“Shall we move this along?” The disagreeable voice of Stephan the Elder came from deeper in the suite. “I mean to go hunting this afternoon.” Ever the caring husband. Stephan and his bride of five years, Griswalda, had fallen in hate at first sight. Not that either of their fathers cared in the least. Griswalda’s father ruled a small but wealthy county on Shenk Barony’s eastern border. The old count had no sons, so when he died his county would be absorbed into the barony, increasing its size by a quarter. For such a prize Father would have wedded Stephan to a goat. “Coming, brother.” Otto led his mother back to the bedroom. Lying on the bed under a mound of blankets was the blushing bride herself. Only the woman’s piggish face, surrounded by a mound of greasy, dark curls, peeked out from under the covers. Otto had on occasion wondered how his brother worked himself up sufficiently to bed the woman, but ultimately the less he thought about that the more his stomach approved. “I understand congratulations are in order.” Otto sat on the edge of the bed. “Just get on with it.” Stephan glowered from his chair in the corner. Otto glanced at his oldest brother. Stephan was big and broad like their father. Receding dirty-blond hair hung down the front of his brown tunic. Angry blue eyes stared at the world from under heavy brows. They’d never gotten along; too different Otto had always assumed. Over the years he’d come to realize Stephan hated everyone. That made him feel oddly b...