Fridays with Freddie: Let's Talk Setting!

Today I'm going to talk a little about settings. I'm going to feature the setting in my story Feint of Heart in Won't Back Down, a kingdom called Trysien. You don't get to learn too much about Trysien's history in Feint of Heart, but I'm planning to revisit the world and expand on it some. Here's what we do know:

Trysien is a kingdom currently ruled by a queen named Selvia. Selvia is a wise and benevolent, an open-minded queen, who followed in the footsteps of her father who was also somewhat progressive. It's Queen Selvia who lifted the rules that stated that only nobles could enter her service to become knights, resulting in a commoner who rose through the ranks and became the first commoner knight of the realm. You can read Cal Caison's story in Feint of Heart, part of the Won't Back Down anthology in print or ebook.

But that's not enough is it? I mean, I didn't talk about Trysien's history, surrounding lands, or other tidbits. And some of that will have to stay under wraps for now, since as I said, I will be revisiting and expanding the world. I don't want to give away too much. But three things I will say that you'll come to know more about:

• Trysien is named for the king who united some of the lands that make up the kingdom. Not all of the lands came peacefully and the kingdom has changed size and scope in between the reigns of Trysien and Selvia.
• Trysien has an intricate and unexpected spy network. It dates back to well before the kingdom became the stronghold it is today.
• The lands of and around Trysien were once home to a wild magic. And magic never truly goes away, especially if there's someone left to believe in it.

And now I'm zipping my lips before I spoil upcoming stuff.

So what about you? What secrets are your settings hiding that haven't come out to play yet?