I remembered how Morningstar had looked the first time I met him, relaxing with my father in the comfort of our home. Whiskey glass in hand, yet adorned in full armor. I hadn’t imagined he was comfortable; if anything, he’d struck a slightly ridiculous figure, kitted out in full gear.

And yet, here I sat, sheathed from feet to neck in shining armor. But I could feel the warmth of the open fire on my skin through the suit, as though I were naked. I could feel the softness of the cushions, even the texture of the fabric, as I sat in the plush armchair. My fingers detected the cool smoothness of the brandy glass in my hand.

Cornelius Oakcrest, Lord of Castle Oakcrest, master of the surrounding lands, father of Lauren and father-in-law to Katya, sat in an identical chair opposite me. Lauren was stretched out on a chaise longue a little further away, while Katya, ever restless and energetic, wandered around the room, poking at ornaments and inspecting paintings.

I’d been given 24 hours until I would lead my first Griid-train. Chowwick had been right: my leg had healed completely with a single night’s rest in the pod. The invitation to Castle Oakcrest had been waiting for me upon waking.

I hadn’t known what to expect. I’d been sincere when I told Lauren and Katya that I wanted to maintain and pursue our friendship—I had so few true friends. But I had reservations about the invitation. I distrusted my own feelings, my lingering bitterness. I feared my sensitivity and ego. I dreaded the social awkwardness.

What ensued defied every expectation. Cornelius had been overwhelmed with pride that Castle Oakcrest would be the first noble home to entertain the new Sword. It was a banquet more than a dinner, with nobles and important people from adjacent lands in attendance. And I surprised myself by how natural it felt to be the center of this grand event.

In the grand hall, on a shelf high above the lord’s seat at the end of the long table, a relic was displayed. It was a black orb in a strange and ornate golden housing. Lauren explained that this was the great treasure of House Oakcrest, a treasure envied by all the lords of the land, and of lands beyond. Cornelius honored me by having it displayed for the feast. This relic, the Pinnaculum, could apparently extend its own order field. A very small field, but one of infinite duration. I had whistled softly as I observed it. Such a treasure could let tech work anywhere in the world, a tractor bearing it could plow a field, and an old tank could cross the the continent. Of course, the risk of capture for an item such as this meant it was never used. It passed its days in the vault in the belly of the castle. Even here, guards were posted beneath it, fine knights with power weapons who would die before letting it be taken.

Dinner had been easier than I imagined. With my tongue and mannerisms generously lubricated by wine, I found the evening to be a surprising joy. The feast was exquisite, the company unexpectedly enjoyable. I lost track of the introductions and names, but the hours melted away in a heady mix of intoxication, delicious food, and lively conversation.

Once the evening concluded and the last carriage pulled away, Cornelius invited me to what he called the “family room.” This led to the large living room in which I now sat.

Cornelius was talking excitedly about the news that had arrived during dinner: war had indeed broken out between Miami’s sphere and the Free Men of Dallas.

“The latest reports I have are beyond intriguing. Do bear in mind, Lord Bloodsword, that there is an element of error to preliminary reports such as these,” he said, leaning forward, his round face aglow in the firelight. “But, my, what a tale they tell! Her Majesty of Miami sent a force of 20,000 under the cover of darkness, traveling along the coast on shallow-keeled vessels that could act as landing craft. The intention was striking—a night landing on the coast to move inland under cover of darkness. The Free Men would wake to find a substantial army digging in between Dallas and the new Tower. A very bold move on Her Majesty’s part, one bound to act as a declaration of war or to undermine ongoing negotiations between the two powers.”

The firelight danced on his round face as he leaned forward, his waxed mustache gleaming, his bald head shining, his small eyes pinched with excitement.

He said, “How could they have imagined Dallas would send men unmounted to wait for them? It was brilliant. It was unexpected. I’m sure you know, Lord Bloodsword, that the power of the Free Men is their cavalry. But they sent men into the marshes, hours before the arrival of the supposedly secret invasion force. The landing craft were barely emptied before they were filled again with soldiers, but this time, it was the enemy! Marshall Erp himself led the battle that captured the craft. Forty vessels. Forty vessels! By the Oracle, who could have imagined a disaster of that scale? Reports have it that the Miami army was encircled from the moment they landed. The numbers I have now say 5,000 dead, 5,000 wounded, and with their path of escape erased by the brazen maneuver of capturing the ships, another 10,000 taken prisoner. It’s a calamity for Miami—a calamity! The question now is if Her Majesty will double down. There is no more question about war; there is war. It is a done thing. But the nature of what comes next is yet to be decided. The prize of the Tower is tempting, but the challenge for Miami may already be insurmountable. I wonder if Her Majesty’s pride will allow her to pull back from pursuing the new Tower. I wonder if the interests of her court will permit her to. There could yet be bloody days ahead in the South.”

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His face was electric with excitement as he discussed the carnage. It was hard to reconcile this expression with the solemn man who had expressed condolences at my father’s passing when we’d first met or with the composed manner he’d shown among the guests. This emerging conflict was clearly an event that enthused him greatly. I found it hard to join his excitement when I imagined the bodies probably floating in a distant marsh even now.

A servant appeared at the door, and Cornelius immediately stood up. This particular servant had been whispering in the lord’s ear all night, relaying updates on the unfolding war.

Cornelius said, “Ah, won’t you excuse me a moment, Lord Bloodsword. I shall return with greater news, I’m sure.”

I watched the pudgy man scurry away. I couldn’t say I didn’t like him. Despite his macabre fascination, he was easy to converse with, and he had welcomed me grandly. A brief pang hit me—how, in another life, he might have been my father-in-law.

I turned with a start to find Katya’s face inches from mine.

“For Oracle’s sake, Katya! Don’t do that!” I yelped, squirming slightly.

She kept her face uncomfortably close to mine. She’d learned nothing of the ways of her new husband’s people. Social convention was meaningless to her, and she proved it further with her next question.

“Have you bedded anyone since you won the suit?”

Lauren snapped, “Katya!”

I squirmed further. “That’s between me and…”

Katya cocked an eyebrow and then snapped upright, pure disgust washing over her face. “That’s a no, then.”

“It’s hardly appropriate for you to be asking me something like that, considering…”

Katya finished for me, “Considering you were hoping to bed one of us? Or both of us?”

Lauren was more firm now. “Katya!”

I felt my cheeks flush. I had known they’d discussed my proposal, but I was mortified at the depth of her understanding of my intentions.

Katya held her hands behind her back, mimicking Cornelius’s posture. She said, “It’s our duty, Lauren. He knows nothing of the ways of women. He’ll be a victim. He’s been a Griidlord for what? Ten days? More? If he wanted to, he could have bedded a wench every hour. Or a lady. They’d throw themselves at a Griidlord, especially a handsome, eligible one.”

Lauren seemed to be listening, but still, she said, “But we can’t talk like this…”

“Why not?” Katya replied. “Your father will be back in a few minutes; it’s our only chance to help him.”

“I don’t need help,” I said.

They both shot me scornful looks.

It was Katya who spoke next. “You fell in love with us, both of us, simply because we shared words with you.”

I stammered, “No... I didn’t…”

Lauren gave me a pitying look.

I stared at her, my voice rising higher than I intended, “I didn’t…”

Katya’s voice softened unexpectedly. “There’s nothing wrong with it, Ti…”

Her tone was kind now, and despite my glowing cheeks, I found myself listening.

“You’re sweet. You’re genuine. You just haven’t had much experience talking to girls. I can’t fault you for falling in love with Lauren.” She shot her new wife a meaningful look. “I certainly can’t fault you for falling in love with me. But you’re a Griidlord now. You need to be careful. You were already rich, and now you have lands, title, and will become richer. Some clever lady with a pretty face, big tits, and a kind word could snare you. You’ll be besotted with the first girl who takes you to bed. I don’t want to see you trapped like that.”

I noticed Lauren reluctantly nodding along.

Katya continued, “Bed some girls, sure, but you go out and pick them—don’t let them come to you. That’s the only thing that will save you.”

Lauren, though chagrined, seemed to agree.

Then Katya added, “I heard you were trying to save Leona from the noose or the axe. Do you have a thing for her?”

I shook my head vigorously, “No! No, it’s nothing like that!”

Lauren’s voice was softer, more compassionate. “Then why are you trying to save her? She tried to end your bid for the suit.”

The words tumbled out of me in uncertain bursts. “No, I barely know her. She’s… I just don’t think it’s fair. She didn’t do that because she wanted to. Someone made her. Don’t get me wrong, I know she had no love for the commoner who was competing for the suit, but she knew that doing that was committing suicide, and she did it anyway. I just don’t think it’s right for her to be put to death when we don’t know what kind of forces…”

I trailed off as I noticed both of them staring beyond me. Turning, I saw Cornelius standing in the doorway. His slightly drunken excitement had faded, replaced by a dark sadness. I didn’t know how long he had been standing there, but I found myself urgently hoping he hadn’t overheard them advising me to sleep with random women.

Cornelius’s voice was solemn, his words slow. “Ladies, would you give us the room?”