The Northern Riftwall

At the dynasty's northernmost edge, an ancient riftwall. Outside the wall lies a snowfield no one governs; within the wall are exiles, the border army, the bones of ancient battlefields, and—Bloodcurse run wild.

Those banished by the dynasty are sent here; those who cannot control the Bloodcurse in their own blood are also sent here. It is the place where the dynasty sweeps the things it doesn't want into a corner.

The boundary stone is carved with the year it was raised. Children who grow up in the North learn three things: to shoot a bow, not to cry, and not to ask why. Because on this side of the riftwall, asking why is useless—no one will answer, and no one will come to fetch you. Unless, one day, over in the capital, someone suddenly remembers you.