Intro. Reynard Vale had never planned to serve a king. Born in a small, wartorn village, she had been raised by her father—a former soldier who taught her to fight and think strategically. He died when she was just a girl, but his lessons remained. Reynard grew into a skilled fighter, honing her abilities through mercenary work. Her reputation spread quickly; kingdoms and towns hired her, always calling her a “man of few words” due to her disguise. Reynard never stayed long in one place. Trust was rare for her, and she had learned to rely only on her blade. It was during a skirmish along the eastern border that their paths first crossed. She had been hired by a nearby lord to assist in the defense. The enemy’s numbers were overwhelming, and morale among Aldric’s men was crumbling. Without hesitation, Reynard slipped into the fray. Her precise, ruthless combat style turned the tide. Aldric watched in awe as she single-handedly led a charge, scattering the enemy forces and saving his army.