It had been a wonderful time with his uncle, reflected William. Well worth the wait.

They had passed beyond the twin hills of Anoa's Stand, Ictorath and Benar. There Anoa had held his position for a week against two hosts of satyrs and goblins. The mossy rises had been defended almost completely by humans and dwarves.

If memory served, Lord Feanor had come to encircle the enemy. For this, he received all the credit. Anoa had sacked his castle later in fulfillment of the vendetta. William had not studied Lord Feanor much; however, records were short from that era. Perhaps he could research it later.

Each one had a large village near it, fortified with a stone wall. Many smithies and fletchers could be found within that place. Some monasteries held sacred relics and were tended to by priests who did their job. And a strong garrison of men as well.

"Are you sure about setting out so soon?" asked Gwendoven.

"I'm afraid the situation to the south won't wait, Aunt Gwendoven," said William. "With everything going on, I think I'd better take my sword to Blackfear. I had a feeling that innocent people were going to be attacked." But what could he do on his own?

"Well, that is the usual place that the darkness comes in," noted Arthur. "So it is a wise move."

"Why is that again?" asked Vorn. "That Blackfear is the usual source of darkness. I think I missed that lecture."

"Anoa gave it to the forces of evil after his conquest was complete," said Arthur. "They thought it was a tribute, but the real reason was containment.

"By giving it over to the forces of wickedness, he forced them to put much of their power into it. The Wood Elves keep a watch within the forests at the eastern slopes of the Black Mountain.

"Jehair is quite familiar with them."

"I am," said Jehair, who had been walking behind with Felix and Massacre. "But King Faras has no love for humans. He lived in the time of Anoa the Bright, Sylvar, Alasa, and many others. And he survived with only a few of his people to repopulate that realm.

"I do not think you will be well-received."

"Anoa's wars, Jehair, predate Anoa and outlive him greatly," said Arthur. "The man has been blamed and credited for every misdeed and heroic victory humanity had. Neither viewpoint is wholly just.

"The same can be said for Sylvar."

"Who was?" asked William, who had not heard of her.

"His chief nemesis in the early days of his reign," said Arthur. "Or, over several different reincarnations, depending on who you believe.

"Part of a trio of elven sisters who ruled over this area. Alasa, Sylvar, and Twilight, all of which have become common names."

Silence reigned.

"What are you going to do about events in Ascorn?" asked William.

"Quite simple," said Arthur. "I shall send him a letter explaining that the supply train has been disrupted by satyr raids. This is despite our victory. As a result, it will be difficult to send any further shipments to him directly by road. We aren't able to send the same amount of supplies.

"Once that happens, he'll have no choice but to disperse the army. It should also help against famine to have men working fields again."

"What about the Babarassians?" asked Vorn, late to listen.

"We have no shortage of our work warriors, only ships," said Arthur. "Dunmoore can't bring more ships with him. Having an army is no good if you can't get where you need to go.

"Rius contacted his friends from other ports, and Tanith is an accomplished raider. Adding a few thousand paladins will only make things more complicated."

"Some don't need a boat, Father," said Auga.

"That may be so, Auga," said Arthur. "Do as you believe is best.

"But shed no blood; you do not have to. Be precise and give them no opportunity to respond. But first, we are near a very special ridge.

"Look over there, William. Do you see a shining light?"

William turned and saw a ridge. Dawn was breaking over it, though he had hardly noticed it was night. The light was shining slowly over it, and his sphere vanished. Then, scaling upwards, William saw Felix coming up beside him.

The slope was steep. "...Yes. I can see it."

"Antion lies that way," said Arthur. "You can get a good view of it just beyond that ridge."

William made his way up, then slipped beneath the moon's light and landed hard in the mud. The wet squelching galled him, and he pulled himself out. Standing up in disgust, he heard laughter and walked upwards to spite it. Shaking himself off.

"Well, I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end," said Felix, reading from some formal script.

Why was he so amused?

Suddenly, every bit of rage and pent-up frustrations gushed out. "What is wrong with you lately, Felix?!

"How could it possibly be worth it?! We've been trudging through muck and dirt for weeks, trying to patch this place up! Finally, Tavish has gotten off, and Cirithil is counting his money while using a succubus as a pillow!

"And we haven't actually fixed anything! By the time we return this way, the plague will have returned. And it's probably already in the city! So sooner or later we'll have to go there! To say nothing of the fact that the Paladin Order has only just now been able to do their job!"

"Well, my role is your shadow," said Felix with a smile. "I feel obligated to act as your foil."

"You might as well not bother," said William, nearing the cliff's edge. "One nice conversation with family does not change that this place is falling to bits. There is no possibility that all of this misery could be-"

And then he reached the top.

Even as he did, the light of the newly rising rose over the land and washed the city of Antion in a golden light. And struck by the beauty of it, William found himself speechless. For now, he saw a golden city untouched by the plague and horrors around it. It existed, transcendent, and beyond the reach of the mere physical stone.

It manifested in a place of well-carved and ordered stone, with broad gates and high walls. And yet the many-storied houses where laundry hung could not compare to it. And as the light grew ever brighter, William realized that he had always known that city. And his hand reached out to grasp it as though it were before him.

Yet his fingers sifted through nothing but golden light, and he wondered if he felt a hand on it.

But, as his gaze turned back, he saw a beacon of good in a terrible world. His Uncle, and Gwendoven and Vorn. And there were others too. Far beyond him, he saw one beacon after another, some small, some great. Yet each flared with a light, and though the darkness sought to extinguish each one, it never fully went out. And lights were being conjured in the darkness, even now, faster than they could be snuffed.

All throughout the world, he saw the peoples of the world struggling as one against it in their own way. Until his gaze turned to another light in the company that flared for only a moment. Though it was stronger than others. Beautiful though it was, it had led others into darkness. It had warmed them without enlightening them. His gaze turned to Seathorius, and he beheld a tall fortress, and in it was Arraxia.

And hers was darkness like no other.

In Blackfear. It stood before him like a marred, horrific counterpoint, a blackened hell on earth. Gazing upon it was pain and the periodic castles that rose around. They were akin to needles driving into heaven's flesh. The dead hills sucked the warmth from the light of Antion, even as he flowed forth.

That was where he must go.

William struggled to find the words as he walked back down. "...It's beautiful."

"Yes, it is," said Arthur.

"That is your first glimpse of the Golden City," said Jehair as a mere formality. "Remember it."

She had been down this way many times and gotten sick of it.

"I will," said William.

Arthur nodded.

And they walked on, and healed the sick and injured wherever they went.

"In my studies in Qor'Danas, I read much," said Jehair. "There was a time when Anoa and Orson were both great servants of Alchara and the elves."

"I had never heard that Anoa ever served Alchara in any life," said William.

"He was, at one time, a servant to her and a friend to many of the great elven heroes," said Jehair. "A lifelong friend, serving them loyally until his death."

"And how did he go to this from the nemesis of all elven kind?" asked Felix, giving William a warning look.

"I do not know," said Jehair, seeming now unstable. "The change seems utterly inexplicable, based on the records." But it passed.

"Perhaps I should look at those records at some point," said William, wanting to steady her.

"Such a choice may well be of use someday," said Jehair.

They journeyed on together through many fertile and similarly ordered lands. Jehair said nothing more of it, and William did not press her. Arthur seemed to make a point of observing the gallows when he walked by them. William wondered why.

"Why do you fixate on the gallows?" asked William.

"Because they are the dark side of my rule," said Arthur, looking as a corpse was taken down. "How do I have the right to focus only on the good? I have done such a thing as this? And yet, it is necessary.

"Crime cannot be tolerated. Those thieves who see him will take heed and steer clear."

"Might just go undercover," said Auga, reading another book. Still needs to be William's.

"Better undercover than acting openly," said Arthur. "If they hide from the law, it means they fear it.

"We'll rest here tonight. Gwendoven and I have not been here, and we must speak with the merchants." So they went toward a provincial town with many merchants doing business. Unfortunately, there were also many men playing dice, much to William's displeasure. However, as soon as they saw Arthur, they packed it up and ran off.

All except for Cirithil and his fellows. They looked around in confusion. Then he saw Arthur sprinting off into the nearest brothel. William was about to go after him, but Arthur took him by the shoulder. "Don't mind them, William.

"Be truthful and righteous in your dealings. The affairs of men who want to gamble are their own. And the world's oldest profession will not go away simply because you put a law against it. Those places do not mistreat the women inside, thanks to invoking Maius, Chun Xi, and Isriath. They have formed a kind of triumvirate.

"Not to my taste, but it is better that the women do it under their protection than under the alternatives. You should focus on setting an example that others might follow."

"Father has always said that," said William, inwardly fuming. He wished it was Cirithil and the priests on those gallows.

"I've never even heard of this Chun Xi," said William.

"An odd deity," said Arthur. "Apparently disliked in the place she came from."

"But surely the God Triumvirate has been the guiding policy of Harlenor," said William. "Barden for trade and civilization, Elranor for healing and death. And Laevian to ensure we do not become complacent."

"Well, that was all well and good," said Arthur. "Back when we lived in constant war with a neverending struggle for survival. Those Gods were invaluable and deserved their place as our chief deities.

"Contrary to what some may believe." His gaze turned to the brothel, where laughter was underway. Then screaming.

"Is it not the custom in Antion to greet a ruler in his own land?" asked William. "Or, in all lands."

"Yes," said Arthur. "I had noticed that.

"This is beginning to look like something I might have to do something about."

"Well, what can you do?" asked Vorn. "He's the High Priest of the Gods."

At this point, Cirithil was thrown out the door by the blue-clad woman from before. Her eyes were steely, but then William realized it was someone else. Just dressed as her, and as Cirithil scrambled up, he shook his fist. "You won't get away with this!

"I set this place up!

"You work for me!"

The prostitutes filed out past William one by one toward Arthur. As they did, they stripped off colorful, scanty clothing and put on ordinary clothing. "Can you find us a priest?"

"The temple is that way," said Arthur. "Provided they haven't started selling indulgences again."

Silence.

"They have," said a woman.

She was about his age and height, perhaps older, but her physique was... odd. Her breasts were far larger than possible, and she wore a black skirt and white shirt. They swayed with each movement she made while her clothes appealingly clung to her wide hips. Her dark hair was wild and long; she had two dark cat ears on her head instead of ears. A long black cat tail was flicking behind her as she moved forward. She had a briefcase on one side, and her eyes were red and unblinking.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

For a moment, William wondered if she was a succubus. Of course, a succubus would have come up with something much better than this. Some sort of magical alterations done at birth?

"Sir Gabriel, I'd like to speak to you on behalf of the Temple of Elranor," said the girl. "I'm Tef Lock. Well, I was Tef Karsif then. Do you remember me?" Her voice was hopeful.

"I'm afraid I've had little time to reminisce," said William.

She paused. "We ate dinner together at Ran Telus. I was with one of the merchants who went there. Your Father and Mother discussed things, and we looked at the stars while you read a book."

"Oh yes, of course," said William.

Edmund Telus had eaten with every person who'd ever wanted to do business in Ran Telus. He had to, to get a sense of their character, and so he'd know their face. Oftentimes, meetings would be set up with many merchants.

Father had often dined there with the family to consult Edmund on diplomatic choices. They were some of William's fondest memories before Tanith went to war.

Vaguely, William remembered it had been a trade negotiation. The Demoration had been trying to convince Edmund Telus to open certain negotiations. Father had advocated against it. Tef had been offered as a 'gift' to smooth things along. The 'gift' had been offered by Artulkan Karsif, her uncle, who had been fast to assure Edmund it was legal.

Edmund had been disgusted and insulted that Artulkan thought he would accept such a gift. Something Artulkan ought to have known if he'd done any research at all.

William had regarded her only as a merchant's daughter. He supposed he had been much more memorable than she had been to him. For that, he felt somewhat guilty.

'If this is how you treat your own blood,' Edmund had said to the man. 'One can only imagine how you treat your business partners.'

Artulkan did not get the favorable trade rights he wanted. And Edmund had pulled every string to shut him and his ilk out of Haldren. And he'd done so quite effectively. Thus, an attempt to corrupt local nobility by sharing decadence ended up in total failure.

It had been a mere footnote. But judging from events here, Artulkan had not failed as much as expected.

"If memory served," said William. "Your uncle, Artulkan, explained how you were not his daughter, so it was alright."

"No, I technically am his daughter," said Tef. "But I'm not really his daughter."

"Explain what you mean by that?" asked William.

"Well, see, I do have his genetic material," said Tef. "And I am legally his daughter.

"But that is just a technicality. See, the Demoration has rules against creating artificial, sentient creatures. But they don't have any rules against genetically altering your own children.

"So I was designed in a lab without meeting him and trained as such. But all the paperwork says that I'm his daughter. But I'm not really his daughter, so it's okay."

"That is the most absurd basis for prostitution I have ever heard," said William. "And I'm not going to discuss this with you any further.

"How can I help you?"

"Right, okay," said Tef. "We're interested in a peace offering. Can I speak to one side with you?"

"Felix," said William. "Walk with me."

"Is this a good idea?" asked Vorn.

"I'll consult you if anything unexpected comes up," said William.

"Don't sign anything without talking to us," said Vorn.

William nodded and went to one side. Tef paused and opened the briefcase. Within were a variety of sheets of paper. "These are the deeds to several very profitable estates.

"The Temple would like to compensate you for the earlier incident. We understand that you felt insulted in the meeting in Atravain. And some of what you saw you took as an assault on noble holdings."

William paused. "Is this a bribe?"

"It is a substantial part of our business," said Tef. "Made with the support of numerous powerful goddesses. I understand you've already met some of them.

"The establishments we create provide a safe working environment for the women. Included in the rights is free to use, naturally. They have been of great use to the crown and to the Temple in gathering information."

"Why is Cirithil sending you?" asked William.

"Well," said Tef. "I may have mentioned to Rundas that we were childhood friends. And he told me to make a peace offering and left.

"Believe it or, he's actually very efficient at running things when he wants to be. You've only seen us at our worst."

"You're trying to bribe a Paladin?" asked William, letting the childhood friend remark go.

"Call it compensation," said Tef. "High Priest Cirithil wishes to avoid any further conflicts between our influence. A stake in our ventures could be very profitable indeed for us both.

"I admit, there have been hopes to expand into Artarq." She gave a winning smile that faded.

William stared at her. "Why exactly do you have this kind of authority?"

"Well, the man who commissioned my creation gave me to the temple," said Tef. "As a consultant." She seemed very proud of the fact. "Mostly, I just run errands and file paperwork for Rundas. But I am technically a representative for the Demoration, and I pass messages on to him through Ata. She refused to do this job, so it fell to me."

So Artulkan went to Cirithil after going to Edmund. "Get out of the temple, now."

"It's fine, really," said Tef. "Cirithil has never touched me. I don't think he's even aware I exist.

"The guy has no interest in sex. Or in gambling. Or in taking walks. All he does is work.

"Though what it is, I'll never know. I only handle messages from the Demoration. Can I finish my offer?"

"Go ahead," said William.

"High Priest Cirithil is a very influential man," said Tef. "With the support of the Temple, House Gabriel could grow in influence a great deal. Especially since you could be an ideal go-between with House Atravain.

"Bishop Rundas could support bridging the gap between House De Chevlon and Gabriel. And Bishop Joffrey will have a say in who is chosen to be Lord of Ascorn. Actually, he already has several candidates. At this point, it is virtually inevitable without an outside presence."William said nothing. There really didn't seem to be anything to say.

"In time," said Tef, looking about. "We could even arrange a political marriage with Princess Ansara. We are quite influential, and she is in need of support.

"You could become King of Antion by your own hand."

William stared. "What is your Father's connection to all this?"

"Without having read what Mr. Artulkan had to say about all this," said Tef. "I can't know. But I know he has been a major supplier for the church.

"Cirithil has his own private docks for exclusive church use. They get high priority, so what is brought onto them comes in fast. I'm not allowed to be on those docks during operating hours. But I do know that several members of the Sorcerer's Guild came there.

"Rundas is usually the guy who handles shipments and stuff here. There was also this guy in black skull armor named Lamech, who was scary. A couple of the people who used to run the docks disappeared suddenly."

"You're new to this negotiation thing, aren't you?" asked William.

"Look," said Tef. "I just work here. I'm not allowed to pass judgment on anyone. We just want to maintain our profits. We don't plan to get involved in this internal dispute."

"But you are involved," said William. "You have made Cirithil very rich. And you have provided how the country has nearly been overrun. So just because you don't take responsibility does not mean you aren't responsible."

"...I'm sorry," said Tef, looking at a loss. "But there's nothing I can do about that.

"You could fix all that stuff if House Gabriel took power."

"No," said William. "I couldn't."

"Well, if being King means nothing to you, what does?" said Tef. "What is it that you want?"

William thought about all this. What, at present, would truly drive him? "I'd like my entrance into the Golden City to begin with seeing the corpse of Cirithil. I want to see him and all his cronies hanging from the gallows as birds turn up their beaks.

"I would gaze into their soulless eyes, and smile. Do you think the Demoration can set that up, Tef?"

"...I'll get back to you," said Tef, raising a paw.

"No, you will not," said William. "Because you're going to get out of Cirithil's company and somewhere safe. I don't know what he plans to do. But if you're around him, you'll either be a human sacrifice or go down with him."

Suddenly, a child screamed.

Arthur looked up to where it was coming from the brothel. It was crying and begging for mercy, and Arthur drew his sword and raced up the slope. "William, stay here!"

Tef halted and looked at William. "Where do I go?"

"Is there somewhere safe?" asked William. "Surely the Demoration must have some official safe house for you?"

"I'm an accident," said Tef. "My status as ambassador is thrown together on the fly."

William shook his head. "Alright, you give my Uncle these deeds when he returns. Then you ask him for sanctuary. He can protect you until the crisis is over.

"Do not go anywhere with a priest or an agent of any noble family. Especially not House Korlac; they are good, but they have a reputation for being ruthless. Now, you'll likely be called on to testify.

"Can you read and write?"

"Yes," said Tef.

"Do it then," said William. "Write out everything you can remember about your time with the High Priest and other events. After that, do not go back to the temple under any circumstances.

"Wait until you are called for. Then, my Uncle will know what to do."

"Right," said Tef.

Rundas and Cirithil raced out of the brother with Joffrey and their cronies. Arthur walked behind them, a bloodied sword and a walking stick in one hand. Vorn was holding a child in his arms of about eight. It looked like someone had been going at her wife with a knife with small cuts. But Cirithil was less in shape than the others. Cirithil's priests leaped into the ox cart. Driving off, they pushed Cirithil out of the door and left him to rot as they bolted off.Cirithil turned in terror to Arthur, who offered him the walking stick.

The High Priest snatched it and went off as fast as his legs could. Meanwhile, the woman came out with Coalmarsh. Immediately, they began being led toward them. One of them had to be healed of a cut above the brown.

Tef raced to Arthur while Vorn brought the child to William, who healed it.

"What was going on in there?" asked William.

"...One of the priests," said Vorn. "He paid extra to get to disassemble some of the cargo."

William was speechless. "Why would he..."

"He's dead," said Vorn. "Dad cut him to ribbons with two of his friends.

"The other priests didn't even notice. They didn't even hear the screams, but Cirithil did. He bolted only when Dad looked about to go at him with a blade.

"Don't know if anyone has thought of this," said Vorn. "But that path leads in sharp bends around a lagoon. If they go around it at the pace the oxen were driven at, they'll likely fall into it."

"Damn it, Vorn," said Gwendoven. "Now we have thought of it, so we must do something about it!"

"Gwendoven is right," said Arthur, coming back. "We cannot leave twenty men to drown simply because they are bad people. So are all of us, or might be had we have been born differently."

"They were trying to kill a child," said William, healing the girl.

"I won't deny they are nearly irredeemable," said Arthur. "But offering the hand of redemption at a late hour may bring them back. Or at least slow their descent into hell.

"Only one partook in that particular depravity. The others looked disturbed. And we must attempt to find their cure, even if it is beyond us. For any among us might have been them in other circumstances."

Jehair sighed. "Perhaps we could find some other group of twenty people who are better company."

"I'll go!" said Tef. "Who will go with me?!"

And a lot of people did go with them, quite abruptly. Uncle seemed to have a hold over people. Ropes and everything were gotten together, and they hurried after them. The air was crisp, and a brisk wind kept it from being too hot. The sight of Tef's bosom moving was nice, though William would never admit it. However, she seemed to move on all fours when going quickly, and her hands had a pawlike look to them.

If Tef had been created to tempt, she certainly fit the part.

Soon enough, they came around the bend and found the lagoon, as Vorn said. And just as Vorn had said, the priests were all languishing in the mud, scrambling to try and get out. Coalmarsh and Ata were trying to pull one out, and they succeeded. But he immediately ran off after Cirithil without giving them a look.

Ropes were thrown down, and the drivers were pulled out next with more oxen. But other priests, Rundas among them, were yelling for help.

"Leave the beasts!" said Rundas.

"I say we just kill the priests and take the money," said Auga, reading her book to one side. She had not taken any part in events. She had only followed to watch.

"How can you say that?" asked Tef, hauling something up with tail flicking.

"They are useless," said Auga. "They don't do their job, and they cause trouble." She blinked as she read another page. "Hmm, so that's how you make lemon chicken."

Saying this drove Tef into a frenzy. But everyone was working by now, trying to get everyone out. One or two priests did help, some out of shame, others because they noticed Arthur's gaze on them. Yet Tef seemed to find this infuriating. Jehair used her power over the land to help them get out. And little by little, they were succeeding, though some had to balance on the carriages.

Even so, William marveled at how her thighs strained to pull vast weights, and her arms did with them. Moreover, her outfit made the sight of her labor more appealing than it ought to have been.

Meanwhile, Jehair moved to pull the oxen away from the accident with Felix and some others. The labor was hard; one had a broken leg, but William healed it and several others. Others had bruises, and a few spat out blood and had to be tended to quickly.

Food was brought forth, the best anyone could get. The priests ate their fill miserably together. Some helped draw people out, but Rundas sat to one side, scowling. Cirithil was nowhere to be seen, and William almost hoped he was dead.

"Tef," said William. "What is the nature of these brothels that have been set up. I saw Goddesses within one."

"It was Maius' idea," said Tef. "She put me in charge of arranging shipments of alcohol. That and made rules about hurting the employees. But she and Cirithil had recently fallen out, and she pulled support.

"I guess that's why that priest tried to hurt that little girl.

"I don't understand how anyone could be so sick."

"Neither do I," said William. "Anyone else?"

"Well, Isriath usually helped with music and artistry," said Tef. "But she walked with Maius. There was also Chun Xi. She provided funding from Kadan and was always very professional. I think she wanted information on what Bretusians were doing.

"She spent a lot of time keeping track of mercenaries. I remember she hired many Khasmir Campaign veterans to return to Namina with her."

"Why?" asked William.

"Namina doesn't have a good military," said Tef. "Well, unless you count King Nagos."

"And how does he fit into this?" asked William.

"He doesn't," said Tef. "Nagos showed up and talked to a lot of people. Cirithil pretends they're friends, but I don't think they are. Nagos never uses our services, and while he does use Cirithil's ports, it's all legal.

"They've talked once or twice. I met King Nagos, though, and he's a really great person. He'd never be involved in any of this."

"Then why do you work here?" asked William.

"Well, I was given to the temple by Artulkan Karsif after I was rejected as a gift," said Tef. "And I kept my ears open and ran errands. Since I used to live in the Demoration, I know why it is doing things."

"I mean these brothels," said William.

"Well, Maius is really well-liked in Kadan," said Tef. "The basic idea was to create safe areas where girls who had been defiled could live and work. Then they gather information to prepare for what is coming."

"Well, that has nothing to do with me," said William. "Though, if you wish, I will record this in my book."

"It might help," said Tef. "At this point, it's all in ruins.

"Everyone we set up has gone off and become priestesses of Elranor, Barden, and Laevian. Foreign gods."

"We?" asked Felix.

"I ran errands for Maius and Chun Xi and Isriath," said Tef weakly.

"I sincerely doubt it," said Felix.

"Felix, why have you been so unprofessional lately?" said William. "Is something wrong?"

"...We should have saved the oxen and the drivers," said Felix. "And leave the priests to drown. They are a disgrace by any standard, and the mere thought that they somehow represent a force of good is..."

"Felix," said William. "This is not the time. Have you ever met King Andoa?"

"Yes," said Tef. "He was really nice. But he seemed troubled, and he got weaker when bad things happened to the land. He said that as King, the land and he were one."

At that moment, Vorn got back looking very distressed. William guessed it had something to do with their status as a merchant. "What is it?"

"Sorry I wasn't here to help with the unloading," said Vorn, though William hadn't noticed his absence. "I had to do some talking with King Nagos.

"It seems that Cirithil sold a lot of his flocks to various places in the Islands of Power. The shipments are going to Sorn now. And we've got to stop them."

"That can't be legal," said William.

"It doesn't matter," said Vorn. "Those flocks are used in reserve in case of famine. Traditionally, they are slaughtered. You use them to feed the poor since they'd starve anyway. Cirithil probably doesn't know that, but we might have a bad harvest this year.

"And when you get a bad harvest, it sometimes takes a while to bounce back. Also, it takes much longer to raise livestock than crops. So now, I've gotten all the merchants to refuse to do anything. And if a message gets through to House Korlac, they'll lock things down.

"But sooner or later, he'll be able to sell it if he can."

"Couldn't we use the fallow land?" said Tef, adjusting her hair and pushing back an errant bang. It gave her a cute look William liked, especially with her red eyes. "To grow crops on instead?"

"Livestock grazes a lot," said Vorn. "It won't be useable. And even if it is, we can't do anything with it. And Cirithil is going to want a major bribe if we're going to do anything with it. Even if he gets one, he doesn't know a thing about cultivating anything.

"And I don't think he has the humility to delegate. His affairs have been well-minded because his predecessor did good work. Unfortunately, Cirithil never paid any attention to any of that.

"This isn't a business decision. He's just doing this to look decisive.

"The money he spent there he used to invest in the operations he did out here. It's like he's trying to start mass starvation."

"Could you buy them?" asked William.

"Well, not now," said Vorn. "No offense, but that scuffle you had with him will cause problems."

"I refuse to accept the desecration of all that is sacred," said William.

"That won't be any comfort if people start starving William," said Vorn.

"So what are we going to do?" asked William.

"You don't have to do anything. I've sent messages to Duke Marn," said Vorn. "And all the other lords. We're planning to buy them up, with an understanding that they only get used in famine."

"So," William halted. "Cirithil is selling his position as High Priest?"

"He has the position," said Vorn.

"His position is his duties," said William. "He's sold out the temples; he's sold out the priesthood. And now he's selling out the holdings of the church.

"The position as High Priest is effectively ceasing to exist. And the church with it.

"We can't let this happen. The old high priest was a longtime friend of King Andoa, and if we don't have a center of religion, what do we have left? He's destroying the church. If things go this way, all the nobles will set up their own cults. Grace, Janice, and Jaina are already almost doing it.

"Do you really want House Hawkthorne determining good and evil?

"I wouldn't want my own Father doing it. And once the church is destroyed, where does the Paladin Order take orders from? And what is its authority?"

Vorn considered it.

"You could try resorting to violence," said Tef.

Silence.

"What, that's what everyone does in this place," said Tef. "It's the standard procedure."

"I see," said Vorn. "You mean just smash Cirithil's head against a window and tell him to do nothing or die. There's gotta be a better angle; once you start killing people, everything gets nasty."

At that moment, the High Priest returned with armed guards, spears, and knives. They halted, bearing the emblem of the city guard, and William put a hand to his sword. Arthur did as well, and there was silence as William and Arthur's fighting men stood ready. Gwendoven watched with interest. The guards, spearmen in plain armor, looked at one another. Then at, a group of war veterans were looking for a fight. They saluted.

"High Priest Cirithil," said Arthur. "Hail and well met. I am pleased you have found such respectful and wise guardians."

"These men," said Cirithil, eyes filled with pure hatred. "Are here to arrest the traitor, William Gabriel."

William drew his sword, as did everyone else. Elranor was very quick these days.