The entire capital city of Eadenfros was abuzz with news of the dragon’s defeat. Meanwhile, rumors continued to swirl about Sir Perry Mannigold and his Starspawn guild. When this day had first began, and the citizens of Eadenfros had taken to the streets to begin their daily toil, they were met with an astonishing sight. A battalion of royal soldiers were marching through the city streets, accompanied by Archduke Finch; and strapped atop their uncovered cart was the severed head of a great dragon. The people soon swarmed the envoy, trying to get close and see the dragon head for themselves. As they wound through the streets, the soldiers held their formation and did all they could to keep the citizens away. This triumphant prize was to be brought to the palace as proof and bestowed before the highest governing members of Omnirius.
The throngs of frenzied citizens had followed the envoy through the streets of Eadenfros, into the old city of Holun Caras, and right up to the gates of the High King’s palace. Much to their dismay, after the envoy had crossed through to the palace, the gates were promptly sealed. Crowds of burghers and city-folk now stood in eager groups just beyond the gates, waiting and discussing what the outcome of this meeting might be. Some were worried, others doubtful, but all were excited nonetheless. The ultimate fate of the Starspawn guild of Omnirius, and of the dragon slayers of Viemen, was soon to be decided.
The palace was more busy then it had been since before the death of High King Rhoden IV, and the number of guards that stood watch over the meeting hall had been nearly tripled in anticipation for the day’s activity. Within the palace meeting hall, nearly all attendees were presently accounted for. The usual personages filled their respective chairs, save for one, and the guest of honor had already settled himself in.
“Is Lord Munzhaler typically so untimely?”
Regalus coughed under his breath at the question. Then he turned to the speaker and responded.
“Archduke Mannigold, please forgive us. Allan was made aware of today’s meeting well ahead of time, yet—”
Just then the meeting hall doors burst open and Allan sauntered in.
“Apologies! Apologies!”
Catherine frowned at this behavior, but she held her tongue as she was more eager than anything to begin the meeting.
“You are making a habit of this,” Regalus chided him.
Allan gave Regalus a dismissive look and instead addressed Archduke Mannigold.
“You have my sincerest apologies, Ainsworth,” Allan said with a polite nod of his head. “But you will all be happy to hear what I have to say.”
Archduke Ainsworth Mannigold showed the slightest bit of intrigue.
“Please elaborate.”
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“Within the last month, we have had dignitaries, nobleman and merchants from all over the kingdom and beyond inquire about buying property within Gate City. It seems your son’s endeavors have attracted the curiosity of many.”
This was no doubt an innocuous and even laudatory comment from Allan’s perspective; yet still he was met with the stone cold indifference that defined Ainsworth’s character. He was much like Zorren in that way— difficult to read. And so Allan could never have guessed at the frustration that Ainsworth felt at the mention of his own son. Least of all with the suggestion that one who had abandoned both his duties and his family should be praised so highly.
“It seems we were right to trust you, Zorren,” Regalus said with an air of surprise. “Gate City is proving to be very useful, after all.”
“Whilst I am happy to see our economy improving,” Catherine added, “We are nonetheless convened for the purpose of discussing another matter.” Catherine paused a moment and looked at each member of the council. “We have all seen it, then?”
Everyone nodded.
“Quite terrifying indeed,” Allan added with a sideways glance at Zorren. “I am so very glad such a beast never found it’s way to Eadenfros…Alive, that is.”
“It is truly a marvel,” Zorren added in a dry tone.
“Well, as chairwoman of Social Relations, I believe I speak for everyone in the city — and indeed the entire kingdom— when I say that celebrations are in order.”
“I could not agree more,” Regalus added.
“And to whom do you suggest we extend our gratitude?” Ainsworth asked to the table.
“Such a monumental effort could not have been undertaken alone,” Zorren answered quickly. “I believe that it was by the wisdom of the Marquess Frederick Viemen, as well as the forces of Sir Perry’s Starspawn guild, that such a victory was made possible.”
Regalus held his tongue. For he had spoken with Perry and witnessed the scene for himself. He knew such a statement was nothing short of an exaggeration. Though, of course, Regalus had no idea the depth of Zorren’s plotting. And so this comment simply seemed to him a politically advantageous framing of truth, as opposed to something more sinister.
“I have heard a rather different story.”
Zorren, who only a moment ago had begun to relish his victorious deceit, could not prevent a look of anger from scrawling across his face at this comment. A betrayal of emotion that was very much noticed by the woman who had caused it.
“Please explain, Catherine,” Ainsworth said as he leaned back in his chair.
“I have heard that the circumstances of this dragon’s defeat are as unbelievable as the outcome itself. The word among the southerners is that Sir Perry and a small band of no more than seven managed to defeat the creature. And that chief among them was an elfkin outsider.”
The table was silent.
Allan shot a glance at Zorren, who did not move his eyes from Catherine. Regalus too was quiet, uncertain of how Catherine had found out about Telhari, and fearful of what it might mean for Perry.
“An alfkin?” Ainsworth spat. “Surely this is false? No such thing has crossed our border in generations.”
“The same could be said regarding dragons,” Regalus said, “And yet here we are.”
To this Ainsworth responded in a critical tone.
“The petty rumors of frightened southern peasants can hardly be taking taken as truth.”
“And yet I believe it is more than that,” Catherine said as she leaned forward, lacing her fingers together and looking directly at Zorren. “I am confident that the Magistrate can confirm this ‘rumor’.”