Gail Arengeth departed, and there was time to catch up on things.

"Excuse me," said a voice at the door.

Clad in a frilly, long dress and white garb, a beautiful elven maid entered. Her hair was very long and tied up in a spiral ponytail. She was holding a tray of tea; with her were other, slightly less beautiful elves with water.

"Sir William Gabriel and Jehair," said the woman. "I am Alasa. We have awaited your arrival. Lady Atravain bids you refresh yourselves and go to meet them. Garments have been made available for you to choose from."

"Thank you," said William.

William drank the water and ate a swift meal. The bread was a bit hard, but he'd had worse. And the water was more apparent than anything he'd tasted in a long time. He'd learned to filter water using the right kinds of stones. Raynald had put together such techniques, but this was on a new level.

"We have it given by a water spirit as a gift," said Alasa.

This was something he had discussed at length with Father and Mother. They hadn't wanted him wearing any clothes from other lords. So they had given both of them sealed packages they'd kept in their packs. Tearing them at last, they drew out fine, crisp white tunics, well white for William. Felix's was black; he'd paid for the dye himself. With them were clean black pants.

As they dressed, William moved further from the door. He looked around for anyone listening. No flowers he could see.

"You have not used that tunic before," said Jehair.

"It is kept in case I must appear presentable," William admitted with a grin.

Alasa nodded. "We'll take you to the hall. You should know that one of Raynald De Chevlon's brothers is here."

"Rundas De Chevlon," said William, remembering things. "Alchive De Chevlon, and Octavian De Chevlon. Rundas owns a trade fleet, which operates with Duke Marn's approval, on the eastern shore. Alchive is involved in money lending. And Octavian is heavily invested in metalsmithing.

"Which one?"

"Rundas," said Alasa.

And so they walked.

As they did, William caught a glanced between the elves and then at him. He looked to Jehair, whose gaze was calculating momentarily before she looked away. In the next hall, William found many people dressed in finery and gold. They wore silken garments with leggings that clung to them and were drinking wine. Others were eating together, and many gave him a disdainful glance. Many seemed out of shape.

There were a great many flowers of the same sort used by Jehair in Ascorn. So Jehair was watching everyone. Or someone else with such a connection.

"What is this?" asked one another. "A gladiator ring?"

But some among them were obviously experienced at war. Or in other trades, these mostly spoke away from the tables. They looked at William with a keen eye, and one or two had a look of panic. They left at once, and several others noted it and began to discuss it. But those drinking the wine laughed and spoke in jeering whispers. Likely about William.

Jehair walked in and immediately turned everyone's heads in her dress. She moved her hips in a way meant to appeal, and the men with wine focused on it. However, those who were speaking were immediately concerned by her presence.

Something had changed.

Then William saw Dunmoore in the flesh and remembered every story he'd heard of his exploits. He was presently enduring the flattery of several finely dressed men. Then Jehair approached, and he smiled.

"Jehair, you are here at last," said Dunmoore. "I'm pleased we have you to help us with this."

"My only concern is keeping things balanced," said Jehair. "You know the Lord Dunmoore, of course, William."

"By reputation," said William with a smile. "You led the charge at Desora. And your battles against pirates and Calishan ships have often been retold often."

Dunmoore laughed and turned away from the dressed man. "Well, they were exaggerated. I remember your Father made a point to never be in the thick of the fighting after Desora. So we had to save him three times."

Laughter from the boys drinking together and from some of the men. William, however, saw no reason to flare up here.

"My Father knows well where his talents lie," said William. "I think I'd better greet some old allies."

"Of course," said Dunmoore.

William looked around and saw a wide variety of people with much more weight than any noble ought to. As he did, he realized he did not know anyone there. Not once had any of these nobles visited Carn Gable or Ran Telus or sent letters. He knew some of their symbols, but he'd never seen them in war. He saw three in the orange usually worn by House De Chevlon. There were three of them, and they were speaking together. They seemed pleased at something, and William recalled Raynald hated them.

They saw him and did not approach him.

Surely, he was a powerful political ally. Still, he would not bow and scrape to them if they did not want to acknowledge him. Looking over, William saw Suran standing to one side silently. Their eyes met, and William realized they had the same problem.

Both were shut out.

Eventually, a pretty blonde woman approached Suran, and they began to speak. She had a remarkable resemblance to Janice, with similar but younger features. The move was met with disapproving stares from many of the nobles. At the same time, no one approached William.

William decided he would just have to approach Raynald's brothers.

"I'm quite certain you can enjoy the festivities separately," said Jehair.

"Thank you," said William, and saw a different blonde woman. "Excuse me, is anyone from House De Chevlon or House Gabriel here?"

She paused. "Well, Rundas De Chevlon is over there representing his house and the church. But no one from House Gabriel was invited."

"Then my presence here is accidental," said William. "Gail Arengeth moved me here after I was injured on the roadside." He removed his hand. "Could you introduce me to them? I don't seem to be making any progress here."

"Of course," said the woman. "And you are?"

"I am William Gabriel," said William. "The son of Duke Vanion Gabriel."

"Oh, from the colony," said the woman. "I'm Jaina Atravain. Follow me."

"Am I to understand that Artarq is regarded as a minor matter?" said William.

"Well, trade has been going up and down Savior's Run for ages," said Jaina, halting and turning to him. "House Marn are the only ones who can traverse the river unmolested. So their transport has always been safe. They had a long and profitable relationship with the line of King Banir. House Gabriel's military victories are significant. However, they are largely symbolic to men of the mercantile class."

"And the nobility are of mercantile class?" asked William.

"Well, it is considered old-fashioned," said Jaina. "I help my Mother with my finances and often help in meetings. You had the uh..."

"I walked out of Seathorius with only a servant, befriended a chimera, and battled a demon," said William. "I fought in the Khasmir campaigns for months and dispelled numerous demonic infestations. I've also recently helped to restore Lord Rius to his rightful place. And I have driven the Babarassians out of Ascorn.

"Even as we speak, the slaves in Ascorn have all been freed."

Jaina halted a little nervously. "I see. I'll introduce you to Duke Marn right away. Don't tell anyone what you just said. Many people here lost a fortune in the riots in Ascorn."

"They were not riots," said William. "They were a war." He halted for a moment. "I feel it would be unbefitting to not at least speak to my allies first."

"I'll take you to them, then," said Jaina.

William moved with Jaina to where Raynald's brothers stood. Jaina approached the most prominent man with a black beard. "Lord Rundas De Chevlon, may I introduce William Gabriel, the son of Duke Vanion Gabriel."

"What of it?" asked Rundas, looking at William with irritation. "Why is he bothering me?"

"I saw him grab you," said another nearby noble. He had brown hair and wore fine clothes. But he was well in shape and had also taken a sword. "Are you alright?"

"He was simply trying to get my attention, Peter," said Jaina. "He doesn't understand local customs. I do not think he planned to be here and has no guide, save Jehair."

"Oh, sorry," said Peter. "I thought you were making advances."

"It's of no consequence," said William.

"Some guide to pick," said another, with a scar on his face. "Why has he come here?"

"Because plague is running rampant through Antion," said William. "I worked myself to exhaustion fighting it and was taken in here. I am a Paladin of Elranor, after all." Silence from most of them, looking away as though bored. He doubted any of these men had done nearly so well.

"Not very befitting a noble, is it," said Rundas. "Going around hitting other people with swords. Breaking up armor and being hailed as a hero for chopping off more heads than others."

"And what would you consider befitting a noble?" asked William.

"Becoming learned in refined manners. And, if you can manage it, coming to understand one's place in society," said Rundas. "That one does not intrude on important matters which you know nothing about and have no place in any way."

"Test me," said William, keeping his tone level.

Rundas looked at him. "Who are the three most important gods of Antion?"

"Elranor, Laevian, and Barden," said William.

Laughter, low at first, but a general laugh from other nobles around him. Louder than ever, though, Peter and the scarred one did not join in. Jaina winced. They were laughing at him. Rundas gave a snide smile. "The correct answer is all of them."

"I don't acknowledge you as a religious authority, Rundas," said William.

"Well, how unfortunate," said Rundas. "Since I am a Bishop. Has the church fallen since last morning?" More laughter was directed at him.

William looked around at the wine and saw several women who looked to be of loose morals. There were people drunk around them, and someone was beginning to sing. "...Recent events have made me concerned for it."

"Then I pray you find greater enlightenment," said Rundas. "But, I am done. I leave you to the student of a cripple who takes companionship with Calishan whores. One hopes his lessons at swordplay were better than manners." Laughter, louder. "Raynald De Chevlon is ten times the noble you'll ever be!" shouted William. And he grabbed a glass of wine from a nearby servant and splashed it over Rundas' face. There was a gasp from the aristocrats around them.

It might have been a mistake, but William was too angry to care. Rundas' fine silken clothes were soaked in wine and utterly ruined. He spluttered in humiliation. But William did not give a damn. He'd been on the road this entire time, only to be publicly humiliated like this. No one had approached him, and now his mentor was being scorned.

"William is right!" said Peter suddenly.

"Peter, be quiet," said his scarred friend as murmurs of dismay and outrage came forth.

"No, I will not be quiet, Rutger; this is outrageous!" said Peter. "What has the church been doing for the people or us all this time? We pay taxes to ensure the prosperous land is healed, and they delegate it all to the Healer's Guild. Is it humiliating war heroes that we pay these 'priests?'

"Raynald's crimes were horrible. Mother lost one of her brothers to him. But at least he earned his keep on the battlefield, and none of you would regret having him beside you. Savage he might be, but he's exactly the person you need in a war. My brother Rutger and I fought in the Khasmir Campaigns protecting the supply lines to Duke Vanion's. That was a nasty business, and we were on the outskirts. And I didn't see any priests from any church out there in the fighting.

"I remember they made a big deal about how it was a fool's errand and how Vanion was wasting resources. 'Let the satyrs handle their own war.' Only Vanion won handily."

"The bandits are all over the roads, and the Paladins have to fill in for these men," said a dwarf who had remained silent. "They are a military order and are not supposed to be sent off to deal with plagues. And if the plagues have spread, it's because your friends didn't keep the Healer's Guild in line."

"You know, I hear you and the other Bishops are favorite customers of every brothel in Antion," said a freckled woman near Peter. "There isn't a single decent family that would want a priest alone with its daughters because of you. I have a sister who was nearly defiled when she went to confession."

The merchants and nobles, by now, were shying away from Peter like he had the plague, fleeing for an exit. Jehair has also shied away from as well, while Felix observed. One of the other nobles, dressed in costly clothes, caught his breath; he was about forty.

"Peter, you are drunk!" he said. "This man is no true noble; he's a brute! Insulting the honorable Bishop simply for showing him his ignorance! It's an obscene outrage, and I, for one, shall have nothing more to do with him or any of his kind! I demand he be thrown out!"

Many calls of assent came from other men, and William looked to them. The party who had spoken up with Peter began to shout in return so that soon, a full uproar was going on. More and more of them were shouting at him, and their cries continued and continued. Most of them were young, about Peter or Ruther's age, and many seemed drunk.

William looked to Letan Marn, who was dressed in comparatively humble clothing. So was Dunmoore, who was completely disinterested. The two of them paid no heed to the uproar and continued speaking in private. Some looked up in irritation, shrugged, and looked back as it raised.

William looked to Jaina, who was observing much the same. Then he looked to Peter, who was speaking with Ruther in private. After a moment, Peter turned to William, nodded to him, and they both headed out. The freckled woman and dwarf went with them. On their way, they courteously said goodbye to Letan and went out. Some of the other noblemen, the fitter ones, went after them with their servants.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

That left only the least impressive people in the room. A thankfully diminished number. They seemed surprised that their demands still needed to be met. By now, they had yelled themselves hoarsely. William looked to Rundas, who snatched a glass.

William stepped aside as he splashed the wine, and it caught the nobility behind him. "The steel of Antion seems to have been tarnished of late."

Rundas scowled and marched out in disgust, and that got people into a positive panic.

Many others also left, walking away while turning up their noses or making snide comments.

"Borderline heretical," said one.

"Disgraceful," said another.

"A total lack of respect for his betters," said a third.

"You should find a better company, Jaina," said a fourth. "You've no reason to associate with a brute like this."

"I understand your concern," said Jaina. "But I am playing the role of his escort."

And they walked over to where Suran was speaking with interest and began loudly praising him. As though their approval was some sought-after resource. One that William desired and Suran had gained. It was very perplexing that they could be so blind.

"You know how to make enemies," said Jaina in amusement.

"It doesn't matter," said William. "None of them will ever be important."

Jaina considered it. "What makes you say that?"

"Felix, if you would," said William. He had a sense of things, but Felix was sharper.

"First," said Felix. "They publicly humiliated a potential ally who bore them no ill will. So they are reckless and have no sense of politics. Second, most drink excessively and are out of shape, so they aren't a physical threat. Third, when the schism happened, both sides made their move.

"One side decided to leave the party and take action. The other decided to try to prop up a rival to William as if he were their enemy. But Suran takes orders from Dunmoore, and there is no certainty he or William will ever be at cross-purposes. So, the truth is, praising Suran does not help them. If anything, it could alienate Dunmoore. He might not like them behaving in such a way toward his subordinates.

"One side in the schism has chosen to act. The other has decided to keep drinking."

"Not everyone was involved in that schism, though," said Jaina.

"Anyone who was anyone in this party has already been discussing their plans for some time," said Felix. "They took notice of us and immediately factored our presence into them. Some left, some stayed, others kept a low profile. And some decided to humiliate my master.

"True nobility do not have time to pillory their own; they have work to do. Important responsibilities that do not involve drinking. Dunmoore and Letan have not touched a glass."

Jaina laughed at that. It was a nice sort of laugh."I see your point. So why don't you tell me a little bit about Ascorn? That was why Mother wanted you here."

William did tell her, and Jaina asked many questions on the subject. She was particularly interested in which specific merchants did what. William felt his own ignorance on the subject. Yet he had a feeling that much was guessed in their conversation, which even he did not know. His description of Rius did not surprise her, and she listened with great concern to Aras.

"Do you think he has designs on Ascorn?" asked Jaina.

"I doubt it," said William. "Aras is an honorable man. And Haldren has more than enough problems with this Furbearer business. The real problem is that no one seems to be running the place."

Jaina nodded and smiled. "I see. I'd better introduce you to Lord Dunmoore before the sword fight, though."

"Thank you," said William.

Suran was getting much attention now, though the girl had excused herself from the nobility. She was looking at him with interest. There was a clear resemblance between her and Jaina and Janice, and he guessed they were sisters. Jaina's hair was a bit darker but went behind her head. The other had hair falling over her face and shoulder and had more innocent eyes.

Suran became very popular by being William's adversary. Their gaze met, and Suran shrugged and smiled in a longsuffering way.

"It might be better to avoid speaking highly of Raynald De Chevlon," said Jaina. "Many powerful people hate him."

"He is my mentor," said William as they approached. "And a friend to my Father and Mother. I will defend his honor if he is insulted. Otherwise, I shall avoid the subject."

"Well spoken," said Dunmoore. "Thank you, William. While poorly practiced, you at least earned my protege some respect. This is Duke Letan Marn."

The nobles by Suran seemed doubtful, and William did not know why.

Marn was a man of great dignity and moved forward to offer his hand. William took it respectfully and stepped back. Another boy came forward then, around William's age but small. Letan looked at him. "What do you learn from all this, Saul?"

"We are wealthy," said Saul. "And we have no security at all. The flow of power favors outsiders to our organization. Rundas ought to have won that skirmish."

"And why didn't he?" asked Letan.

"No one believed in him," said Saul. "Aside from forming a lynch mob, there was nothing they could do. William had a sword, legitimate achievements, and did not care about their opinion. They insisted on making him an enemy from the start so he had nothing to lose.

"Only a fool corners a rattlesnake."

"Do I understand that I am on display?" asked William.

"Indeed," said Letan with a nod. "Can you illustrate the failing in my son's logic?

William considered it. "What you say makes sense. But I was not thinking about any of that. I was angry and humiliated, and Rundas insulted my mentor and gods. So I responded in kind."

"And if he had thought of all that," said Jaina to one side. "Rundas would have already walked out of the room with victory. Timing is everything."

"Even so," said Saul. "It was a foolish move. Rundas could have gained much by bridging the divide. And he would have lost nothing."

"So what was his motive?" asked Letan.

"Barring outside factors I don't know about?" asked Saul. "Wounded pride."

"The same could be said of the entire Calishan-Harlenorian feud, however," said Letan. "And every conflict in history, for that matter. Most men could live 'good' lives if they did not stand for anything. Yet, our willingness to fight over things that do not matter is essential. Nothing is more disruptive to a functioning society than the existence of a hero. Yet without a hero, society will surely perish." He halted and looked at Lord Dunmoore. "Which reminds me, I've seen your knights in action every step of this journey."

"I know," said Dunmoore. "Suran spoke for it, and Tavish Kern expressed concerns. That finally got me enough political will to disperse the troops to handle the disease. I'd had concerns about it before, but Rius' need was pressing. Though the men are less than happy. Who can blame them?"

Saul was observing everything in the crowd. Letan and Dunmoore began speaking with several others who approached them.And into things walked the Baron Hawkthorne. He was a man of immense girth and weight, wearing a silver chain and a red doublet.

No one had any time for him at all, and they usually only had one or two words for him before they dismissed him. William had met him briefly and found him both terrifying and yet humorous. Now, he was walking here and there, talking to each person and making an impression. It was an odd thing that happened.

Baron Hawkthorne would introduce himself to a group of well-dressed nobles; they would sneer at him and walk away. Hawkthorne would laugh, move on to the next and repeat the process. It happened repeatedly until he eventually came to the crowd around Suran. Quite a few women as well.

They pretended to take no notice of Hawkthorne, but Suran pushed right past them to talk to him. Outraged, all of those who had been praising Suran immediately abandoned him. Hawkthorne was apparently a pariah. Except Hawkthorne and Suran soon began to get on quite well.

"Hawkthorne is good," said Saul. "You see, Suran isn't in the in-crowd. They only viewed Suran as a chance to shame you and were not providing any real opportunities. Suran has seen outside this castle and knows how delicate the nobilities position is. And he knows that those around him would serve poorly as masters.

"Hawkthorne saw him as an asset and was eyeing him this whole time."

"So where the others view Hawkthorne as beneath notice, Suran sees an opportunity," said Saul.

"Tell me about Reg Hawkthorne," said William. There didn't seem to be a better time to ask than now.

"He has undertaken a variety of failed business ventures," said Saul. "This gamble seems like it will be his last."

"I'm hoping to save his life," said William. "Wherever he is."

"Why?" asked Jaina. "The man is a perfect beast."

"Yes, but he's being used as a scapegoat," said William. "It isn't right."

"He could be of value," conceded Saul. "And, if he is killed, it sets a dangerous precedent."

The party continued, and now Suran was speaking with Hawkthorne at length, and both enjoyed the conversation. Soon, people were going to talk with Hawkthorne. Each one was given a piece of advice and sent on their way. William had no idea about the details, but it was clear he'd gained a lot of power. Hawkthorne looked up and smiled. William clapped for him, and several drunken people also began to clap.

Several more foolish people assumed some King or others had shown up and clapped. Jaina and the other blonde clapped as well, just out of amusement. Baron Hawkthorne bowed gracefully, and everyone went back to their business.

William paused and saw to one side Alasa eating with other elven maidens.

But nothing could be done here, and it was even possible this castle was a trap.

"Suran, I see you've found better companions already," said Duke Marn.

Suran came forward, and at his side was the beautiful, blonde-haired girl from before. She wore a blue dress that fitted around her nicely, and her skin had a perfect complexion. Tanith had a passing resemblance but with gentler and more curious eyes. She was almost a twin for Jaina and Janice, were it not for age and hairstyle.

That was right; Atravain and Telus were kin.

"We had a few disagreements," said Suran, offering a hand.

William took the hand. "By all means. I never held you in any ill will. Any conflict between us was purely a matter of nerves."

"It is a habit you would do well to break," said Dunmoore. "Erratic movement can be a powerful move in battle. But sooner or later, you trap yourself."

"Well, I shall soon enough enter into my own family's lands," said William. "Once I get there, I shall join my Uncle. But I forget the Lady of the group. I do not know your name, but I met another with similar features to yourself on the road. Are you the sister of Janice and Jaina?"

"Yes," she said, curtsying with a lack of confidence. "I am Grace. She went out to manage the plantations years ago. I uh... well, I never had the stomach for it."

Of course. The plantations were hell; she was a good person, so she waited here. Yet she had no responsibilities, so she was trapped. "I think you should tour the place when things are safer," said William. "The land could be a paradise with a bit of organization. Your sister seemed somewhat swamped."

"Yes, she's been under strain a lot," said Jaina. "We all trained in Magicora together."

What did that mean?

It did not matter. William was forgetting Kata and the others.

"Forgive me, Lord Dunmoore, but I took this to be a council of war," said William, realizing he must change the subject.

Dunmoore paused. "I have been saying that for years. No one has ever listened."

"Lord Dunmoore, there is someone I need to introduce you to," said Baron Hawkthorne. "May I present the Admiral of Atlan himself, Arkan Lantan?"

Everyone went silent and looked up.

Out of seemingly nowhere strode Arkan Lantan, clad all in black. His hair was dark and cut short, and his face was authoritative. There was an aura about him, and everyone paid full attention to him when he was there.

The worried William. And he doubted the appearance at this point was a coincidence.

"Ah yes, a name well known to all appropriate circles," said Suran too quickly. Dunmoore gave him a chiding look.

Jehair and William looked at one another. Suran tried to prove him ignorant so he'd do the same.

"He is not well-known to me," said William, moving past Suran with Jaina following. "I believe Atlan is in the Islands of Power, a defensible location. The small population makes it easy to maintain order. And out-of-the-way positioning means it is isolated from easy invasion. Chosen as a place to keep dangerous sorcerers contained. The Sorcerer's Guild has been fond of using it as a base. You have a great many responsibilities, then."

"You mean I am a small and unimportant monarch unworthy of the attention," said Lantan with a smile.

"It was not my intention to give offense, Admiral," said William. "I am simply trying to figure out your connection to Lord Dunmoore and Duke Marn." And he had already guessed it, and Arkan knew he'd guessed it. So Dunmoore and Marn had to work with him to keep things running.

"Nothing of consequence," said the Admiral before walking off while laughing. "I'll see you at the meeting, Dunmoore."

Jaina and Grace were now on either side of him. Mere inches away, William had to admit he liked the proximity. Numerous other people around his age looked on in anger and envy.

"Sir, if you don't need me, I'll observe from elsewhere," said Felix.

"Of course," said William. "You were named for a theme, I see."

Some sort of repentance? Dedication to righteousness or redemption? Penance for Kafka?

"Father was forced to do many ruthless things to break the hold of the criminals," said Grace. "And he did so with many foreign powers working against him. It was almost a civil war."

"We were named as a kind of penance for the blood spilled," said Jaina.

"I see," said William, looking to Marn and Dream, speaking to one side. It really didn't matter. "You could not ask for a better opportunity to find good work if you have not already."

"What do you mean?" asked Grace.

"Well, there are many important people here," said William. "You seem talented and intelligent and dutiful. Seek responsibilities, and you will find some; it was how I started. Sometimes, you have to do something reckless to get started."

Grace nodded demurely.

"I've heard you spend a lot of time healing people," said Grace. "That's very kind of you."

"More than I wish I had to," said William, noting Suran nearby, who also wore a sword. His presence was robbing Suran of his chance at glory. "The work is inglorious and unpleasant but has to be done."

Suran shrugged. "Believe me; I've received far better treatment in this place than back home. People judge you by your acts here."

"And where are you from?" asked William.

"Kadan," said Suran. "Antion sometimes recruits mercenaries from other worlds. It's a growing custom. I'm from Jashin, under occupation by an empire called Bretus. It's an Empire that rules a large part of it. They aren't exactly tolerant."

William stared. "With respect, Suran, foreigners in Harlenor are distrusted as well."

"You don't want to know," said Suran with a laugh.

"I suppose not," said William.

"This matter is irrelevant right now, Suran," said Marn quickly. "We have spent too long on matters of common courtesy. Bretus is a subject that requires extensive context, and we've no time for it now."

"Indeed, Duke Marn," said Dunmoore. "These formalities are useful in less trying times but should be handled quickly. Suran, take my place at the party; you've earned it."

"Thank you," said Suran.

Dunmoore, placing a hand on Suran's shoulder. "Enjoy the festivities."

And both went off. William, for his part, looked to Grace and Jaina. He told many of the stories of his and Felix's adventures. Jaina often asked questions about food supplies. Grace seemed more interested in people and hung on his words more.

Grace seemed fascinated by his account of Arraxia.

However, William focused on Suran, who spoke with Baron Hawkthorne. William found Hawkthorne's sheer weight odd. Gods above, they were a warrior culture; how did a Harlenorian get so fat?

"...Arkan looks worried," asked Grace.

"What is your connection to him?" asked William.

"He is a family friend," said Grace. "Father and he used to work together. They fought together with Dunmoore in the conquest of several islands."

Grace looked to William. "Don't you think you should try to be friends with Suran? You're on the same side."

"Why don't you talk to everyone in this room and ask that question about their enemies," said William. This was going to be good.

Grace halted. "Okay, sure."

Jaina looked at William in surprise. "You realize she'd embarrass us, don't you?"

"For all you know, it might help," said William. "I embarrassed my house in my first battle. That doesn't mean I was wrong to try and do it."

Then he saw Baron Hawkthorne.

"What is the Baron of anyway?" asked William.

"Well," said Jaina. "You know, I don't know. He has an extensive merchant empire. He has married into several domains. Even so, he has no direct lands to speak of. Though his niece, Fayn Benarus, is likely to inherit Gel Carn, she is a good fighter.

"Very intelligent."

William walked off toward Baron Hawkthorne and found him where he was, sipping wine. Then he turned to William, smiling as he. His hands were outraised; "Ah, and the King has come into his hall. What joyous company you bring to me.

"You would be William Gabriel, I take it?"

"Yes," said William. "And you are the illustrious Baron Hawkthorne. Your family history is quite extensive. Your mastery of social elites beyond compare."

"Well, one has to be," said Hawkthorne, looking to Alasa. "Such beautiful creatures, elves. How I wish I could start a menagerie."

William felt sick. Then, he remembered that he didn't have a problem with humans being enslaved. So, the feeling made no sense. "May I be plain, Baron Hawkthorne?"

"Of course," said Hawkthorne. "Plain as day."

"What are you planning, and will Reg get out of it alive?" asked William.

"Interesting thought," said Hawkthorne. "Make a note of this Suran. The value of brutal honesty as a political tool is not to be underestimated. You force them into shock when you say what everyone is thinking outright.

"Learn from this, and we shall discuss your benevolent plans later. As for what we are planning, I am, regrettably, entirely on the level. If this business disrupts the trade lanes, we're all going to lose a fortune." He paused. "Now, what of Reg?"

"I managed to convince him to turn himself in," said William. "Some spoke of killing him, though Lord Rius would not allow it. I don't know his fate now, but it might be wise to mend relations. He may hold a grudge if he must arrange for his release."

Hawkthorne laughed. "Ah, I see. Very nice. I shall now eat, and you shall go elsewhere. Nothing galls nobility like being confronted with their responsibilities."

A large number of people gasped in anger. William could not help but feel very pleased with the dismissal and quickly walked out of the halls.

There was no excuse for someone of such an illustrious bloodline to be fat. None. So he saw himself out and followed Dunmoore's path with Felix until he came to a door. There, someone was waiting, a man a little older than William. He had shoulder-length blonde hair and had a sword at his side. He was also wearing full armor and looked exasperated.

"I'm sorry, Sir Gabriel, but Mother is in a meeting," said the man, arms crossed.

"And why aren't you there?" asked William.

"She told me to wait out here," said the man. "I can't stand these events.

"This is technically my eighteenth birthday. But I'm not going anywhere."

"Why do you hold them?" asked William.

"Because we have nothing to do," said the man. "Everything outside of the party is someone else's responsibility."

"I believe you," said William. "Go into that room anyway."

"I don't think I can just walk into a meeting with so many important people," said Luke. "I'm never going to get out of this hall."

"Then get out of the castle," said William. "Perhaps I could get you into the door if you could introduce me. If I was allowed in, you could take your place quite naturally. Sit quietly, listen, and make a suggestion."

"Why would I allow you in?" asked the boy.

"I have seen much of the criminal networks of Ascorn and around it," said William. "I believe I have the information they might use."

He nodded. "I'm Luke Atravain, by the way."

"Very well, Sir Atravain, open the door," said William.

The door was opened as Luke smiled. "Just Luke." Then he opened the door. "Mother, William Gabriel has seen much of the situation on the ground. I think he could be of help."

Lady Atravain was a thin-faced woman who had once been very beautiful. Her hair was going silver, and her skin had several scars on it. Her face was strained by grief, and her eyes narrowed. "...You may enter."

Luke and William both sat down at a large, long table side by side. Luke looked very interested in the maps below.

"William Gabriel, to what do we owe the pleasure?" asked Atravain.

"He's been through all of Tavish Kern's operations," said Luke. "I know we have Jehair, but maybe we can get a second opinion." So Jehair was heading here anyway, or at least was welcome, and did not tell him.

She must take him for a child or a fool. William would be sure she knew better henceforth.